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TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK
| TDM 008: A WALK IN THE THEME PARK |
00. Arrival This time, you come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased. With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a rundown apartment, a tent on the beach, or a bed in the “comfortable” new barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. I. SIX FLAGELLANTS Welcome, one and all, to a thrilling new location! Robots have worked tirelessly to build, from the ground up, what can only be recognizable as an amusement park. You are just in time for the grand opening of Six Flagellants: Great Advagtures! The Ferris Wheel routinely stops when lovebirds reach the top, waiting for a kiss - or something more daring! - before it starts up again. Robots warn of the scary Haunted House: a dark building with wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills. Flickering ghosts roam the halls, and you may find an eerily realistic Headless Horseman -- who bids you, "Come closer. Give me head," while pointing to yours. Hey, get your mind out of the... Nevermind. The Carousel is a two-story affair. Nude figures with familiar faces lounge about, waiting to be ridden, and closer inspection proves that they have the faces of your fellow islanders. Hop on your favorite person and take them for a spin! There are even Bumper Cars, which have the interesting effect of making one feel more aroused with every bump and impact. (It's randomized each time, so don't try to guess based on car color!) What should be a similar ride, the Teacups, has the robots' madness written all over it instead. They have misunderstood the gentle spin-cycles for dangerous, dizzying loop-the-loops across a wide track. Some would swear that the ride has a supernatural invocation for fear. Others are simply man enough to admit they're afraid. Lastly, the Tunnel of Love is not what you expect. Although flavored lube and guides to cunnilingus are on each fleshy-log-shaped boat, the motion of the ocean is quite soothing, and there's a pleasant floral scent in the air that causes a light intoxication. Don't forget to try the food! Similar to the Street Kiosks, there's a ton of faire food: cotton candy, corn dogs, and the like. Mascot outfits are available and those who wear them will be rewarded generously with credits. II. LIKE A FIREWORK The next morning, you receive a message on your device: You are cordially invited to a celebration of skinship at the House of Worship. Please do not dress for the occasion. If asked about it, the robots will confirm that is not a specific holiday, but a simple joyous event. If you pry, they may even say that the Old Ones often made merry and partook in the pleasures of the flesh - and so too should you. For an hour, there will be food and drink - alcoholic and aphrodisiac. Then, at the designated time, once the sun has gone down, clothes will be shed and a revelry begun. As fireworks explode overhead, the different colors send the naked senses reeling:
A group shower will be provided after the festivities wind down. III. MISTLETOE Many cherub dragons can be found gathering together in the Greenhouse, working together to finish the cultivation of a new plant. They spend an exhaustive night decorating the island with the new greenery, which can soon be identified as mistletoe. You may think it's sweet of them, but don't get caught underneath one of these sprigs! Standing under the dragon's mistletoe will cause sensory deprivation - and of course, the only way to regain what was lost is to indulge in an Auspicious Act. (You may choose whichever sense you like, or even choose to be figurative, such as "the sense of reason" or "a sense of purpose.") N A V I G A T I O N |
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[ Though the words carry a different weight in them. Laurent does truly believe that Makoto's heart doesn't really have a commitment to a 'normal' life. He feels pretty confident about the idea that Makoto wants a normal life because he has to want it. The world tells him he has to want normalcy. A 9-5 in an office with unpaid overtime. Nomikai once or twice a week, garbage and recyclables separated out on time, pouring tea for a boss that doesn't appreciate him.
The idea of it saddens him. What a waste, really. Laurent believes in the idea that Makoto would also feel saddened by it... bored by it. He's capable of so much more.
His heart isn't in it. He's just trying to get back on a set of rails the rest of the world will follow... but how long will he abide by that? How long until the eventual dissatisfaction?
Still, he smiles for him. It's not like he hates the idea of Makoto being happy. He does want him to be happy, even if he's bad at helping him get there. Even if he's got bigger expectations for him. He's seen that light in his eyes when he really gets into step with the rest of them. He thinks he can find happiness in their world just as well.
But, he won't shun that happiness he has for the time being. ]
Glad to hear you're doing well, then, Edamame. I suppose that means you're deciding to step out of the ring again?
[ He lets out a soft snort, shaking his head. ]
Me? It hasn't been that long, Edamame. Of course I still am. Just taking a short break after Nice to enjoy myself.
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[ Makoto throws it at him, thought it only proves Laurent's point. It's spoken like it's memorized more than he actually feels the meaning of the words. He always did have a hard time getting his mouth to move the right way for French, it always made him feel like he was mumbling. Though he probably could've learned it if he'd really tried. Being drunk also isn't doing him any favors, his pronunciation is still laughable but even moreso since it is slurred. He's much better at sounding more sober in English. The only reason he even remembers it from back then is that it the spelling was so close to con. He'd meant to use it at some point, anyway, but never got the chance with everything that happened.
He fixes Laurent with a serious look, though it might look a little ridiculous considering how flushed he is. Makoto tenses like he is going to make a Very Serious point. ]
Yes, I quit for good this time. I told you, I don't want to end up dead. Being a con artist is dangerous. We're honestly lucky that we all lived through some of those plans.
[ He means it. His whole adult life has been tumultuous, just one rollercoaster after another. Admittedly that was true even before Laurent's involvement, as far as he's aware, but some part of him always misses those peaceful days as a kid with a mom and a dad. Stability. Makoto sighs, shoulders dropping. ]
... Man, the company that hired me seemed like a really great place to work too.
Guess I'll never know if I'd been good at it or not.
At least you know what you want to do with your life.
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[ He places a hand to his chest, jolly smile contrasting the dramatics of his voice. Makoto might have loved Nice, but he had the heart of a tourist. 'How do I find the bathroom' and 'how to insult someone on the subway' was about all he ended up grabbing, it seems. Not everyone had Laurent's love for language. That was fine, it was cute to hear him snipe so confidently even if his accent was as lousy as ever. ]
La mignonne, you will simply had to focus all your efforts on your English. It's worth your while in the future. Trust me.
[ I told you.
His humor drops and confusion comes over him. For sure, he had said it before, but this feels like some solid event Makoto is pulling from. They all floated too and fro from the lifestyle - one could not maintain a life of back to back con games and it would make one too obvious - but something feels off. As dizzy as he's feeling, he can hold himself together well enough to understand that. ]
Told me? When did you tell me, Edamame? Something feels... mm...
[ He can't put his finger on it. Something doesn't match. There hadn't been another 'big break up' between him and the team again, had there? Is he just too drunk? He presses his remaining glass to the side of his head and looks thoughtful.
At least you know what you want to do with your life.
It crosses his ears despite his focus. He tucks his free hand into his pocket. He isn't wrong in the immediate sense. He knew what he wanted to a point in time, but... ]
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Hmph. My English is fine.
[ When it genuinely doesn't seem like Laurent remembers, he blinks at him, confusion written all over his face. But the next moment he's narrowing his eyes at him, like he's trying to tell if Laurent is lying. Not that he's ever been great at telling, but it just seems like a pointless thing to lie about. Then again, maybe he was just trying to mess with him? Doesn't seem like it.
He's crossing his arms again, turning to face Laurent completely and leaning a little heavier to the side. Does he really not remember? The only thing that would make sense is that they were pulled from different times. Yesterday, he wouldn't have believed it. But this wouldn't even be the strangest thing about being on this island.
Makoto's expression isn't angry necessarily, some heady mix of confusion, frustration. The alcohol makes him feel even more lost, like he's not even sure what to feel. It's almost like the wind's been knocked out of him, harder to breathe but not really that intense. If they're both really here from different times, then what happened to his Toyotomi Hideyoshi figure? That last conversation on the beach doesn't actually seem that long ago. It had meant something to him, having that closure. ]
At the island. Ours--I mean, Cynthia's.
.... You really don't remember?
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[ A last little tease. He is infected with a need to get a last word in edgewise. They are mutual bearers of this unfortunate malady. For Laurent, it's part of what makes him unbearable to a person like Makoto.
Laurent's puzzled expression doesn't fade as Makoto stares at him, trying to gauge his honesty. The idea of different times crosses his mind, as well, as he tries to figure out the disconnect between them.
He shakes his head as Makoto mentions the island. ]
Island? I haven't stop by since before Nice. I was planning to next week. We were going to convene again, celebrate a little.
No, I don't remember. Honestly.
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[ Only a little huffy. There are some things that he just can't help but take the bait on. When he feels like Laurent is looking down him, which is most of the time, it gets on his nerves more than anyone else, like he knows just how to get under his skin. What's his problem, anyway?
And well, that settles it. Laurent really doesn't remember. Makoto tries earnestly to not look like that's a big deal for him, relaxing his arms again and shrugging. ]
Whatever. I just told you I was leaving for good. Went back to Japan.
I wasn't sure I'd ever see you again after that, to be honest.
Wouldn't put it past you to try roping me in again.
But I'm not as easy a mark as I used to be.
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He looks a bit too serious for a moment before finishing the drink he has in his hand in a swift and decisive motion. He lets out a heavy breath and takes a moment to wash it out of his head. He lets his easy expression slide back, though maybe not as steady as before. He's tempted to go find a seat on the steps but he knows Makoto isn't about to follow him. ]
I can't promise I won't try it. I know I'm not an honest man, but I am honest about some things. I truly do think you're a brilliant con man and with just a little more experience, you'd go on to do great things. You've already exceeded my expectations, you know.
But -- [ He shrugs his shoulders, appearing amicable. ] I can only hope you trust your gut and find the right path. I know that you will, in the end. You're that kind of man.
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No thanks. I don't want that kind of life.
You, honest? Do you think that complimenting me will make me want to come back?
[ He tilts his head a fraction at Laurent. It's a little too close to what he said to him back on the island and he can't help but drunkenly smirk at him. ]
That's sort of what you said on the island.
"Keep heading the way that feels right! Trust your instincts!" [ He's doing a very sloppy, slurred impersonation of Laurent, which really doesn't help his pronunciation. Followed by a laugh. ]
... You were right, though.
As much as I hate to admit it, I don't think I would've applied for the job at Scarlet Company without your advice. [ And his new figure, but whatever. ]
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[ Because he knows he won't. Because he knows Makoto always stays to play the game whenever he's been pulled onto the field. He could leave. He could sabotage them all, if he wanted to. Still, he stayed and played along, well beyond his necessary involvement. It's all because Laurent knows he will. It's why he can gamble on him every time, because Makoto's reliable and has a fire in him he can't yet understand. ]
Heh, I compliment you because it's the truth... and also because you might just come back if I'm honest about that much. You just can't convince me you aren't one of us.
[ He smirks right back, arms crossing in kind as he keeps hold of his glass and clinks the melting ice around inside of it. ]
Is it? Then my mind hasn't changed by then, it looks like. Ah-- I don't really sound like that, do I? My voice is definitely smoother than that, Edamame, don't you think?
[ Oh. That company name. He doesn't let the recognition pass over his drunken face. Rather, he hides it with a forced yawn. Things are falling into place now. The time gap makes no sense, but the job and the location of Makoto during the time he's come from make sense.
Things are in gear then, for better or worse. Early, but moving. ]
I see. Good for you, Edamame! You'll have something good waiting for you, then.
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[ Makoto sounds very sure of himself but then his expression softens just a fraction despite what he said, thinking back on everything again. "One of us"? He really did have a fun time, didn't he? Makoto's never been able to resist getting caught up in things with everyone. It was always so exciting, that much he will admit. And he doesn't regret it, not really, though he also isn't proud of it either. At times, it was also terrifying, and not just from how many times he thought he was going to die.
And that's why the only way to stop was to cut ties. Makoto frowns. If he had stayed, he's convinced that he just would've lost himself at some point. But then he's considering, maybe, if he explains it like he did back then, Laurent will understand just like he did on the island. ]
It's not just that I'm afraid of dying.
I just kept thinking that we come up with such convincing lies, what happens if one day we start believing them too? I didn't want to forget who I really am.
[ But then he's rolling his eyes at Laurent in the next moment. Maybe that smooth voice works with others, but not with him. Makoto thinks he sees right through that. It's just another tool in Laurent's manipulation kit. ]
And your voice is annoying.
[ But it lacks its usual spite, blunted by his current mood. He feels so hot and it's sort of getting worse. Makoto moves to stop leaning against whatever he was leaning against but he wobbles, only a little. It feels like his legs almost forgot what it's like to take his full weight. ]
Maybe, but I'm not really counting on it.
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[ He's heard that before, though Makoto does seem more serious this time. What's coming up might very well be Makoto's last hurrah but he hopes it isn't. He just needs him to make it through one more effort. If he doesn't, there are plan Bs and plan Cs, but none of them have the structure of this one and if he can just... keep him alive through it, it'll be fixed.
Everything will be settled, finally. Corrected. After that, anything can happen, even his own demise. He just has to make it that far and he needs to hope Makoto is along with them, hell or high water. ]
You're becoming more profound, aren't you? I understand though... getting lost in the rush, losing yourself. It's a fair concern. You have to keep yourself in check in all of this and stick to your personal codes. All I'm saying is I know you can handle it... but you'll figure things out for yourself, one way or another.
[ He lets out a short laugh at the insult, letting it roll off his shoulders. It's the kind of Makoto Jab he's come to appreciate. ]
Oh, don't be so sure, y--
[ He hears a loud pop overhead, somewhere above the rising walls of the amphitheater, and he turns quickly, stumbling and nearly dropping his glass. He can hear the sounds of others, little ohs and wows, and he notices the sparkling remnants of a firework fading out in the sky before the whizz of another shoots up into the air. ]
Ah! There--
[ He turns his eyes back to Makoto, grinning sloppily. ]
Here, I nearly forgot we're at a party. Let's set aside all the sad break up talk for now and enjoy ourselves a little bit. You've just arrived.
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... You might've crossed that bridge ages ago, but I'm not sure I can. Why risk it?
[ Makoto jumps when the fireworks start, but then he catches Laurent stumbling out of the corner of his eye. It's just instinct the way he moves to try and stop him from falling. He ends up looking a little stupid having taken a few steps closer with his arms outstretched like he's ready to grab Laurent by the arm to steady him... only for Laurent to be fine. Honestly, he would've done it for anyone, but only with Laurent does he feel like such an idiot for it. Makoto recovers by crossing his arms and pretending like it didn't happen, face heated and set in a frown. If Laurent falls again, he's on his own and deserves to eat the ground for drinking so much. He stubbornly turns himself completely away to stare at the fireworks instead. ]
Some party. I ended up wasting most of it talking to you.
[ He's just going to ignore that he could've walked away at any moment. And he could walk away now, but he doesn't. Instead he just stands beside him, watching the fireworks. ]
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M'alright. Thank you, though, Edamame. I drank that last one a little too quickly, I guess. Feels like being eighteen again, haha!
[ He lets out a short laugh again before raising a brow at Makoto's comment, smirking. He turns his face towards the sky, yellow sparks reflecting off the blue of his eyes as the show really starts to kick off with coordinated, and questionable, fireworks bursting overhead. He puts his free hand in his pocket and shifts his feet to get his balance again. His words are getting more slurred and distinctly more French-sounding as he quips again. ]
You can always go mingle, Edamame. You'll find plenty of fascinating people here.
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[ Makoto mumbles, his eyes still trained upward on the fireworks. These will be safe to look at since there's not much they mess with when it comes to fireworks, he thinks. Safer than looking at all the naked people running around, at least. He's still tense, even as he tries to enjoy the fireworks show. ]
No thanks, at least you aren't naked.
[ And then the yellow bursts hit and his expression slackens. It's probably one of the most beautiful things he's ever seen. He doesn't know how long he stares, feeling a sudden and deep respect for this place. Makoto blinks, looking away from the fireworks to look around at the people. He's still hot but he's not even looking at all the nakedness around him like that, like he's suddenly at peace with it all. Then he remembers Laurent is still there, and turns to him with what is probably the most genuinely peaceful smile that's ever been directed at him. ]
Hey, do you wanna go sit down?
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[ Laurent doesn't mind keeping an eye on the sky, though he would not deny he'd been scoping people out all evening for his own amusement. This is not the first time he's been at an event full of naked bodies and it probably will not be the last. ]
I thought I would refrain at least until you decided to wander off on your own.
[ He has no issue with nudity and has proven himself to have no shame in this place.
Between the alcohol and the aphrodisiacs blooming together in his body, he can barely tell there's any kind of shift in his own body, let alone Makoto's. Not until he sees that smile on his face which is almost a little frightening, even to his addled brain.
Oh boy.
Still, he feels particularly amicable right now. It's like a wave of understanding has washed over him, though the truth of it all is swimming around in liquor inside his skull. He stumbles to talk, thoughts spun round by that smile and posture on his 'assistant'.
He smiles and sets the empty glass he's been holding down on a tray as a robot host passes by to be free of it. ]
Ah, that's probably for the best, isn't it? Sure, let's find a spot.
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[ Makoto shrugs, hands on his hips like he is in his element all of a sudden. He tilts his head at Laurent though. Even drunk as he is, he picks up on how much drunker Laurent is. Makoto doesn't question why that doesn't particularly bother him. Before, it was annoying. Now, he feels compelled to help him just because he's a reveler, even if he's fully dressed.
With a word, he offers Laurent his elbow just in case he needs it like it's the most natural thing in the world. He's already looking away, his other hand on his chin like he is determined to pick the best spot for them. ]
Actually, I checked out the area earlier.
[ And now he's rambling off all the information the robots were willing to provide to him about this place and all the little things he finds interesting, even though Laurent probably already knows a lot of it. Of course, he finds almost everything about this place interesting now. ]
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[ He does feel rather... obligated to strip, in a way, now but he's still trying to hold off. For now.
But he's otherwise drawn right into it, smile sneaking its way back in as he uses Makoto's elbow for support. There's some waviness to his posture, but he's hanging in there and everything comes for his motor skills. ]
Oh, did you? And what did ya-- did you find? Edamama-- me?
[ He didn't even need to ask. Off goes Makoto, rambling on. He knows most of what he's saying, but he's still drawn in to listen to it. He wants to hear about this place and he wants to hear about it in Makoto's now overly pleasant voice. ]
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He'll try and guide Laurent as best he can through the crowd. The blond is his responsibility right now and he plans to respect that obligation to the utmost. Whether that means slowing down, supporting him, or just generally trying not to let him fall, he's planning to handle it all while being generally pleasant and maybe a little awestruck in response to all the naked people around them. ]
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He follows along, smiling as well as ever though his weight leans against Makoto and his stride is almost a serpentine shape as he wobbles along. It has been a long, long time since he's felt this intoxicated. Mistakes were made and lessons were learned. Do not down a double shot of anything to try and shake off the threat of a depression session. He should have learned that years ago and clearly did not. ]
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It's too hot and since he already feels so at peace with everything, Makoto just automatically starts taking his vest and dress shirt off after sitting down. He haphazardly folds them and sets them aside to enjoy looking out at everyone. After some deliberation, he also decides he can lose his shoes. It's as far as he goes, but it's as far as he wants to go and for once it doesn't feel like he's forcing himself, he's just comfortable in his own skin like this. What a great feeling. It's like he can feel the energy in the air and it makes him feel like he's actually part of something bigger than himself.
Makoto leans back, resting on his elbows with a sigh. ]
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While Makoto casts his gaze outward in reverence of the 'holy' place around them, Laurent casts his quiet, confused but encompassing appreciation for Makoto and his shift in mood.
The desire to 'reward' him is strong, but tamped down by sheer willpower. He will, for his own sake, chock up his adoration for him, for this place, in this moment to his intoxication and to the fact that Makoto has decided to go even more with the flow of the occasion and lose his shirt.
He tears his eyes away so he can look down at his own shirt. He's been overheating for long enough. He fumbles to pluck the buttons of his silk shirt free, shrugging the shirt off and pulling it into his lap for safety soon after. It's a good shield, as well, so win-win. ]
Feeling better than before, Edamame?
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Of course. It was too hot. [ Though he's still noticeably flushed, from his ears down. And then he's looking back out on everyone again. ]
Everyone looks so happy. Isn't it nice?
[ There's another sigh, followed by some peaceful, slow paced rambling, slurring slightly as he stops caring about trying to sound more sober than he is. ]
This celebration makes me feel like... I don't know. Like it will all be okay, somehow.
I mean, I've already done so many things for the first time here,
This is the best one so far, I think.
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He gives him an amicable pat on the knee before resting his elbows on his own thighs and his head on his curled fists bent forward in some attempt to support his heavy head. He just needs some time to process everything and this place is just so wonderful right now, he is in no rush to run out just yet. ]
Yes, they are, aren't they? Sometimes, you need to accept things a little and enjoy yourself in the moment like this. You'll miss out on a lot less fun that way.
[ he smiles without looking over at him, listening to Makoto's voice blend with the ambient sounds of revelery and the ongoing fireworks overhead. ]
It will be ok once you've got your sea legs. You worry far too much , Edamame. Otherwise, all the 'things you try' won't be nearly as fun.
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Then he seems fine, pulling his legs up to sit cross-legged and resting his head in one hand lazily. He's looking over at Laurent, more thoughtfully than he has any right to while also looking that dazed. ]
Maybe you're right. But I can still do things at my own pace.
An experience is only fun if you actually enjoy it.
Right now, this is enough.
[ As he gestures at pretty much everything around them. ]
By the way, do celebrations always make you less of a connard?
[ But he's smiling like what he just said is the funniest thing in the world. ]
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He glances over at Makoto, letting out an amused sound as he huffs out a breath through his nose. ]
You should take it all at your pace. You have the time to. For better or worse, there's not much that's rushed in this place and people will help you out if you're still getting your feet wet, so to speak.
[ Feet wet, dick wet... same thing in this place.
He chuckles, shrugging his thin shoulders. ]
I would hope most would be less up un connard when at a party.
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