TDM 003

[erkumods]

TDM 003: #BEACHBUMS

I. BEACH Welcome arrivals, new and old! The skies on Erku may be perpetually gray, but the weather has taken a sudden turn to summertime heat. Fortunately, soaring temperatures have chased away more of the strange fog that conceals so much of the island, unveiling a charming, sandy cove dotted here and there with rustic love shacks. These shabby little lean-tos are dusty and sparse, but they provide everything one (or two, wink wink) might need for a little relief from the sun. Just don’t wander too far... that fog has memory-loss properties. II. DRINKS The 'bots are very apologetic about the whole fog incident, and they are trying to get on the new arrivals' good sides by giving out fancy drinks. Of course, they still haven't mastered the art of making things properly, so each drink has a little something... extra. Geloso: Has a slightly bitter, yet refreshing herbal taste... and it will make you feel inexplicably envious of virtually anything, to a petty degree! Be it someone else’s shoes or their incredibly muscular physique, you’re jealous enough to tell them about it! Colpito: Fruity and sweet like candy. If you drink this, you will feel hopelessly infatuated with the very next person who catches your eye! Vivace: Delightfully tart, with a flavor somewhere between citrus and raspberry. This summery drink will fill you with bubbly energy. Whether you’re feeling flirty or just mischievous and playful, you’ve never felt more alive! Verace: Creamy, earthy, and a little nutty - the flavor is hard to describe, but delicious. After drinking this, you’ll feel strangely compelled to spill something you’ve been keeping a secret, no matter how incriminating or embarrassing. Conoscere: The robots are especially excited about this flavor! They’ve heard organic beings enjoy chocolate, and hope you like their first attempt (it’s a little bitter, but it is chocolatey). Those who drink this will feel incredibly confident and sensual. Better yet, if you share it with a partner - which the 'bots encourage you to do - you’ll find that every touch is enhanced, and every sensation is shared between the two of you. A lucky few may even be able to sense one another’s thoughts! III. SNACKS Lo! As you ask, the Augur shall provide. Thanks to the efforts of your organic predecessors in restoring the planet’s Eros energy, edible fishes and seaweeds have returned to the ponds and the shores of Erku. If you fancy yourself savvy to basic survival skills, why not fashion up a fishing rod and catch yourself dinner? Just be careful if you happen to hook one of the octopus creatures from the deeper waters - they can be quite forward with their tentacles! Or, if primitive angling isn’t in your repertoire, you can always trade some credits for a tasty catch from one of the food stalls along the coast. Most stalls are manned by 'bots, but there’s nothing stopping an enterprising arrival from setting up shop. No credits? No problem! The robots have also provided a bit of entertainment, and any volunteers to man the kissing booth, get dunked in the wet t-shirt dunk tank, or grill up some fish - among other opportunities - will find credits automatically loaded onto the payment app of their bracelet devices. The 'bots are recruiting especially hard for participants to work in the gloryhole tent! IV. SPARKLES As dusk descends, the white sands of the beach suddenly come alive with glittering lights. It’s as if the darkened waters have carried a thousand shining stars from the depths of the sea to the shores of the cove. In actuality, each little twinkle is a bioluminescent plankton or jellyfish! Feel free to wade among them and admire their shine; even the sting of the jellies won’t hurt you... though they do pack a different punch. The tentacles of the jellyfish elicit a powerful aphrodisiac response, which gets the heart racing and the blood pumping for an intimate touch. The effects come on within a matter of minutes, and last for a few hours. Only time will relieve the symptoms, but a partner will help to make it more bearable. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

[711]

[Oh, the good news certainly did lighten the load on Suzaku's shoulders, but perhaps as a direct repercussion, he's feeling a touch lightheaded. Sitting down for a minute should fix that, sure, but Suzaku's not positive he'll be able to pick himself back up for a while.

Rocking forward, Suzaku sets an elbow on his knee, cradling his chin in his palm.]

We've been here for two months now, but it feels like it's been a year. [A restrained sigh.] And we've made plenty of "progress" as far as establishing a base of operations goes, but what we're really looking for is a way home.

[canceller]

Naturally. [Living once more but confined up to the shoreline all around them, Lelouch is undoubtedly among the most restless in that search. He'd be satisfied with doing nothing less.

The implications of both of them here, the things the bracelet on Suzaku's wrist signifies the same as they do on his own, loom in his mind. Jeremiah's jaw sets a little tighter.]

Any leads? Something is still better than nothing.

[711]

None.

[If he's being perfectly honest, and Suzaku is, there's no way out that he's managed to find. Turning his sights skyward, Suzaku leans back, the heels of his palms buried in the sand.]

We've scoured every inch of this island and taken Gawain as high as it'll go. Do you know what happened when we did?

[A whole bunch of fucking nothing, that's what. More importantly–]

We reached the edge of the island only to end up right back where we started, like an endless loop.

[canceller]

The Gawain?

[Sorry, he's just on pause briefly, for that. Well... if dead men's hearts can pump anew, so can those of machines, right? For his surprise, Jeremiah does continue on with the conversation. His voice sounds distant in his own ears, but there's a lot to take in, the implications overwhelming.]

Almost like time doesn't factor in... nor space.

[Wherever it is, he senses it's a long, long way from home.]

[711]

[Bullshit Island can outdo Lelouch in the miracle department, that's for sure. By all counts, Gawain should've arrived here as a heap of scrap metal, but it's seen plenty of use in the time they've been here.

Gawain's been good to them, unlike so many other things on this island. As of late, life on the island has been a bit easier, however.]

That's right. I have noticed that the weather seems to change with the passing months, though, so it's not as if time doesn't move here.

[Though the days do feel much longer without a sense of purpose. Boo hoo. Suzaku glances at Jeremiah.]

...you haven't been here long, but I can't imagine this is any easier for you than it was for me and Lelouch. I'm sorry.

[canceller]

[Jeremiah smiles, and shakes his head.]

What can be done? By whatever terrible force or will of the gods all this was caused, it doesn't change what is, I suppose.

[It comes out vague and callous, a little, but his smirk doesn't last long. Pointless. It's all difficult, of course it is. Where can he even begin? With Anya? Suzaku doesn't know what Jeremiah remembers, in a couple letters he's dared to pen and address to Zero.

He doesn't expect what comes forth in its stead.]

They altered me, at the hospital. My strength's been compromised. [The list of how that manifests isn't something he cares to recount.]

I also can't currently summon my Canceller.

[711]

[Why doesn't that surprise Suzaku in the least? Of course the hospital fucks with people– it brought Lelouch back to life when he'd certainly been dead, after all. It inspires a derisive click of Suzaku's tongue as he shakes his head.]

I'm not surprised. If this island can bring back the dead, it only makes sense that it can alter you in such a way.

[And Suzaku shouldn't be the least bit thankful for it – Lelouch's continued existence – and yet he very much is. The thought only sours Suzaku's expression further.]

Settle in quickly, Jeremiah. Through whatever means necessary, secure a safe haven for yourself and food to eat. Lelouch and I can provide you with some provisions, but we only have so much to spare, unfortunately.

[canceller]

I greatly appreciate that, Suzaku.

[And he does, the gravity of it not lost on him. It's all barely beginning to sink in, but he has to start somewhere to get to the grander scheme of things, as reluctant as he is to think on any of it for long.]

Securing a safehouse is on my list of things for the day. I stashed the belongings I came here with for the time being within the city, but I'll need to do better than that for myself.

[For whatever conditions he's going to find himself in. Jeremiah's been staring at the ocean for a while now, still much more decidedly beautiful than the city in the distance, to their backs. At least he knows he'll manage, one way or another. This place hasn't taken everything from him yet.]

[711]

Do you need any help?

[Offering really is the least Suzaku can do. He has, after all, nearly filled out the abomination that is his A5 card. Suzaku won't force a gift upon Jeremiah when he himself had been determined to stake his own claim on this island in the form of the reclaimed church, but it's his intent that matters. Leaving Jeremiah in a lurch wouldn't be very kind.]

In the event you do, you can find my number in the directory on your bracelet. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need me. [A slightly suspect pause.] For anything, really.

[canceller]

[It goes right over his head, but that's to be expected. He's just thinking about survival, not how it has to happen, coping but not adjusting longer-term, the steps that takes.

All in time.]

I'll be fine, for now. But I'll note that in case I need assistance. [Jeremiah lifts his wrist slightly to indicate.]

I'd like to do the same for you, in turn.

[711]

[Aha... ha... Much appreciated, Jeremiah, but don't worry about Suzaku too much. If he had the nerve to show the man his card right here and now, he would, but. Shamelessness can wait for a meeting that isn't their first after however many months apart.

Rising to his feet, Suzaku's got his eyes set on home. Jeremiah said he'd be alright, so Suzaku will take him at his word and get back home before Lelouch gets unduly concerned.]

I've gotten myself pretty well taken care of, but I appreciate the offer, Jeremiah. I'll see you later.

[canceller]

[Jeremiah rises as well at that, limbs a little lighter this time, a discerning smile forming on his face as he dusts the sand off his coat.]

Really, just like that?

[It's a tease. If he has somewhere else to be, fair enough. Jeremiah extends his hand outward, not to shake on any agreements but to at least see him off properly.]

In spite of the circumstances, it's been good to see you again.

[711]

Just like that.

[Tease him all you'd like, Jeremiah. Suzaku doesn't mind in the least, but he isn't so rude as to sprint off in place of offering a proper goodbye. That extended hand, however? Suzaku interprets it as a shake, so he'll reach out to take hold of it.]

Likewise. It may not be ideal, being on this island, but it's not so bad with more allies to rely on.

[canceller]

[He interpreted it correctly. Jeremiah's grip is firm as he shakes Suzaku's hand, trying to impress some of the sincerity of his words. Filling the space with more didn't often work, he'd just have to demonstrate it instead.

Suddenly, it feels inadequate. As their hands still, Jeremiah's smile shifts back out of place. There's not enough that he can impart, not after he's had the time to ruminate, in haunting detail, all they had done on their shared path. The things a few precious others could fully understand, just them against the world. Seeing Zero's mask didn't bring it bubbling up at the wedding, but seeing Suzaku Kururugi's face now does.

He doesn't let go of his hand until he leans himself forward and, chancing it, pulls Suzaku into a hug. Genuine but careful, not too tight, not knowing if it'll be accepted or rejected. Suzaku can decide that for himself. At least Jeremiah could walk away saying he'd been honest.]

[711]

[It catches Suzaku off-guard, that's for sure. Suzaku tenses, his shoulders stiff in the wake of that hug, and he looks up to seek out an explanation like there might be one hidden somewhere in Jeremiah's eyes. There isn't, naturally, because the reasoning behind a hug is rarely that complex and deep.

It's just– he isn't used to it, so give him a moment to loosen his shoulders and return that hug properly.]

...you're an odd man, Jeremiah.

[He really isn't, in all honesty. The odd one here is the boy who isn't used to receiving hugs. Suzaku lingers in it for a moment before withdrawing, his smile just that side of sheepish, but clearly, he's more glad for it than embarrassed by it.]

Thank you. It's been a while since someone hugged me.

[Excluding Lelouch, but ah. That's a little different.]

[canceller]

[It is odd, at first. But Jeremiah already doesn't regret it, bolstered when the younger man embraces back, the ache in his chest soothed before it could grow further. It's certainly due after everything, even if he imagined it would be longer yet before he would offer such a thing to Suzaku, if at all. Better terms didn't necessarily mean physical affection.

Or maybe Jeremiah had been needing it, in that moment. He's certainly smiling again as he withdraws, hands still framed on Suzaku's shoulders.]

Then I won't apologize for my outburst.

[He releases his hold, straightening once more.]

We'll meet again soon, Suzaku.