ercookies | TDM 009: I'M IN LIKE WITH YOU

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TDM 009: I'M IN LIKE WITH YOU

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.

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I. STARGAZER

On the first night that new arrivals wash ashore, the moon rises. It's full and beautiful and surrounded by stars.

The robots quickly bring old, dusty telescopes out of storage and line them up on the beach to help people get a truly spectacular view.

"Look to the heavens! Behold, the chicken, the cat, the owl, the donkey!"

It's... the cock, the pussy, the hooters, and the ass. For the rest of the night, characters will become fixated on the specific asset associated with the constellation they've gotten an eyeful of.

Whether this leads to some body worship or just casual appreciation is up to you.

You can learn about the stars and constellations later this month in some of the rare, non-pornographic books in the library. (More info will go up soon, so please be patient!)

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II. STIMULATING CONVERSATION

An ancient courting ritual has been announced! It involves the give-and-take of candy hearts with slogans printed on them. Of course, since these hearts are being manufactured by robots, their sense of taste is a little... off? Or perhaps off-putting?

"You'll do."
"5/10."
"Acceptable."
"Sloppy Seconds."

Receiving a negative heart makes one feel insecure, jealous, and submissive.

"Be mine."
"Nicest ass."
"Swell bulge."
"They're good lays, Bront."

Receiving a positive heart will make one feel confident, boastful, and dominant.

Your friendly neighborhood 'bots will give them out to anyone who asks - and maybe even those who don't.
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III. Eat Or Dare

The robots have set up a stall by the beach with a banner that reads: Eat Or Dare. They have procured bigger candy hearts than ever before -- fist-sized and larger -- with actions written on them instead of derogatory slogans.

"Take a dive."
"Lick me."
"Get handsy."

The name of the game is to follow the instructions or forfeit the challenge by making the evidence disappear into your mouth. Delicious!

Those who eat the candy hearts will feel themselves getting giddy and unreasonably invested in the love affairs of others. They will feel compelled to play matchmaker to spread the cheer.

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N A V I G A T I O N

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"I'm never one to refuse a gift," he agreed with a smile and a small bow of his head. He'd admit that tea wasn't his favorite drink, but he enjoyed it plenty, and the mere gesture of having Caduceus forage leaves to gift him was very touching. He might want to be careful about which plants he goes with, however, given how so many around here were natural aphrodisiacs.

Jim looked around, chuckling when he noted a few people looking their way. "You're very striking," he said, looking back to Caduceus. "I can tell you right away you will be very popular around here. But whether or not you'll like it here might come down to how at ease you'll feel about various types of intimacy. It's very... ah, 'in your face', so to speak."

"Good! You should never refuse a gift. Even if it's something you don't want. You might upset the one giving the gift. You wouldn't want to do that." He wants to say something along the lines of there's no such thing as a bad gift but he knows that not to be true!

As for the special plants that grew here? They could be very interesting. Sure, Caduceus might pick and utilize some for himself, if he's struggling to fit in or participate. Something to help take the edge of nervousness from him, should he need it.

The compliment had Caduceus blinking those long, heavy lashes of his once more and a warm flush peaking out from under the thin velvet skin across his cheeks. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm sure they're just curious as to what I am." His eyes, scanning Jim's face as he spoke about the Cleric being popular. They seemed to be being genuine and Caduceus felt himself feeling more bashful at his growing curiosity. Curious as to what exactly the intimate things Jim was talking about.

"Oh, I have some very in your face kinda friends back home." Chuckling a little as he spoke. "Jester is such an adorable little thing, you wouldn't think it to look at her but she's constantly talking about dicks." He paused a moment, then added. "Oh and our Monk is always finding someone to sleep with. I'm more than happy enough to just watch... Not watch them like that! That came out wrong...Oh boy. That cafe is around here huh?" Having embarrassed himself Caduceus simply smiled and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"I agree," he nodded promptly. "Accepting all kinds of gifts often comes with my line of work. During diplomatic procedures it's often customary for many species to exchange gifts as a sign of good will. I've gotten far stranger things than tea leaves, believe me."

As for the local flora, Jim wasn't opposed to their use for whatever purposes either, so long as people knew about the effects. He hadn't shied away from the natural aphrodisiacs either, he'd actually been very curious about a few of them, he just didn't like it when those effects snuck up on unsuspecting people. They should definitely help Caduceus to participate a little more, at least.

While listening at first, Caduceus's little slip of the tongue was just too much for him to hold back. He burst out laughing, gently swatting a hand at his arm. "Oh, that's alright, Caduceus. Plenty of people prefer to just watch..."

His eyes alight with amusement, he stepped a little closer to Caduceus, shameless teasing in his tone. "I mean, personally I don't mind watching, but I vastly prefer participating." He certainly enjoyed being watched more than watching... but anyway.

He nodded down the street. "Just around the corner."

Well then, if Jim was used to receiving strange things, hopefully, should Caduceus ever get around to finding some decent dead people leaves, they shouldn't find it too bizarre.

The Cleric would be glad of the aphrodisiacs, even if the thought of them was rather embarrassing. He'd feel more confident, more comfortable at least for the first few times. Maybe, if he grew braver, he might ask Jim more about them? See if the Captian had any recommendations even? But it's still early days and the thought is honestly a brief one.

Swaying as his arm was swatted at, for a tall fellow Caduceus wasn't all that strong and considering he wasn't focused due to the turn their conversation took, it was safe to say the playful bump took him by surprise. Blinking as Jim spoke, his neck pulling back and eyes actually growing rather large and open in his awkwardness. "Oh? You do huh? That eh... Well, that sounds neat um..." Swallowing, a nervous smile and waving of his hand near his face to try and deflect the attention from his now heavy blush. "Think I'll just um... Yea, watching is... It's good." What do you even say when you're teased like this?!

Seeing Jim nod and confirm the cafe was near, Caduceus let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding in and smiled. "Oh good. I think I'll get an extra-large tea."

The struggle between letting the subject drop and further teasing Caduceus was real, particularly with that cute blush barely hidden by the soft fur. He really was cute, not that Jim was complaining. But for the sake of Caduceus's comfort, he took a step back and let him have just a bit of breathing room, letting the topic change for the time being.

"Need a lot of calming down, mm?" He winked. Okay, fine. Last one, promise. He walked them over to the cafe, opening the door and gesturing for Caduceus to go in first. "Here we are. Where do you want to sit?"

Caduceus was used to getting tested from time to time, so it wasn't exactly a new thing, just the topic of said teasing that was new. Still, it was fun and the cheeky glint in Jim's eyes as he playfully poked at him, well, it was worth it just to see that.

"Actually? No, not really, but also kinda yes?" He admitted, speaking honestly and freely as he so often did. It wasn't as if he truly needed calming but it sure as heck would help! Caduceus wasn't used to so much attention on just him, as nice as it was, it was also very new to him.

As Jim help open the door, Caduceus ducked down, to make sure there was no unexpected bump to his head, and looked around with a pleased smile. "Don't s'pose they have a garden?" If not, he'd gladly take a table with Jim by a window or maybe by some potted plants. Smiling as the few people inside looked over curiously, then back to their own business, Caduceus took in a deep breath and smiled wider, more relaxed. "It smells like a good feeling in here. I think their tea will be just fine."

There was no garden, but there was a small table by a window, with a few potted plants on the windowsill. Jim directed Caduceus to it, gesturing to the seats. "How's this? Next best thing."

Once Caduceus seemed pleased, Jim took a seat across from him, and not long before they were presented with the menus. They knew what they wanted, though, so he didn't bother looking. For good measure, he asked Caduceus before ordering. "Do you want a special kind of tea, or just any will do?"

Not that they had a vast list of choices to begin with, but there were still a few he could choose from.

No garden? Such a shame but nevermind, it can't be helped. The small table Jim gestured to looked just fine. Caduceus smiled, nodded and walked over, carefully taking his seat. Being such a tall fellow he had to be careful not to bump into anything or anyone but he was a lot lighter than he looked so at least the chair should take his slim weight.

As Jim to the seat across from him, Caduceus turned his attention to the plants in the windowsill. Lightly he stroked his soft fingers over them, before digging a little into the soil. "You seem well looked after, my name's Caduceus Clay but you can just call me Caduceus. If you need anything while I'm here, just let me know, alright?" As strange as it seemed, the plants almost looked as though they understood what he said, very slightly moving towards his voice and looking a little more vibrant in his presence.

Jim's voice snapped him from his little distraction, pulling his hands away from the greenery and going to hold the menu, albeit upside down. "Oh, I'll have a nice withered tea if you have any? If not, chamomile would be fine thank you." Smiling across the table towards Jim as he handed his menu back to the staff looking a little embarrassed, seeing as he couldn't exactly read everything that was written on it in the first place.

Jim made a mental note to show Caduceus the greenhouse. He'd like that. There were a few gardens around too, which Jim actually liked a lot, full of plants and flowers he liked to admire.

Jim watched Caduceus with a mild smile and a slightly arched eyebrow, asking for whatever passed as Earl Gray around here, then handing back the menus. Whether or not he noticed that Caduceus hadn't even held up the menu properly, he made no note of it, crossing his arms on the table and leaning over once they were alone again.

"You can talk to them?" He nodded to the plants. He'd seen so many strange things here, stuff that would be impossible in his reality, that he was actually very quick to accept that Caduceus might be capable of communicating with plants, and that they might actually understand him.

Plants and flowers just love being admired, Caduceus would be happy to learn that Jim was fond of them. After all, something so pretty as a flower should be looked at fondly and often.

Once their orders were in, Caduceus copied Jim's body language. Folding his arms and placing hem upon the tabletop, lent leaning over a little closer as he smiled and listened, always listening.

"Can't we all?" Answering Jim's question with a question of his own, taking a pause to see what the other man's reaction would be. "If you talk, they will listen. I like to think they know what I'm saying, I get a good vibe from them." There were special spells and items in Caduceus' world that would allow one to actually hear and understand the plans in return, but Caduceus didn't have anything like that on him at the moment, unfortunately. Just a gut feeling.

"You have a curiousness about you, Mr Jim. I can see questions and wonder in your eyes. It's a good trait. Don't lose it." Smiling with a nod after spending what felt like the longest moment, just looking at his new friends face.

Jim rose both eyebrows, lips curling upwards in amusement. Whether it was at Caduceus mirroring his boy language, or the answer he gave to his question, it was anyone's guess. (But actually it was a mix of both.)

"I guess we can. What I meant is— that they can understand you. That there's a level of communication and reciprocity to it," he explained. Plenty of people talked to their plants, after all, but it had felt different when Caduceus did it. It seemed almost as though the plant was reacting to the gentle words.

"I hope not to. If I ever stop being curious, then I may as well die," he said, then added with a finger pointed at Caduceus. "And it's Jim. I don't want any of that 'mister' crap."

Caduceus let out a little silent chuckle to himself, seeing the change in Jim's expression. He looked amused yet happy about being so and that was what the Firbolg wanted to see. His own smile, almost always permanently across his lips.

Nodding in agreement, tossing a casual look sidelong towards the plants then back towards Jim. "It's something my people can do naturally, among other things, isn't that right, bud?" Looking back across to the flowers, there in the middle of a bunch of them was a small bud that had yet to open. If you looked closely and just for a few moments, it almost looked like bud very slightly and slowly started to open up some.

Caduceus blinked as he was pointed at, putting his hands up, like as to surrender before he started to laugh, a lovely, low sounding octave that just rumbled out of his lips. "Alright, just Jim it is."

It was nice, feeling comfortable enough with someone he had only just met, being able to laugh and relax without any worries. Something the Cleric would have to adjust to. He was used to being in danger most days and sleeping in shifts to keep the other safe. So, letting his hair down like this, really was a treat! "I'm guessing you're a human?"

"That's really nice. I like plants, flowers especially. I wish I could communicate with them the way you do," he said. Well, he did still talk to them on occasion, more when he was on his own or tending to them, but it wasn't quite like what Caduceus was doing right now. This felt entirely different, and it clearly produced a different effect on the plants.

He looked amused at the question, eyes bright as he tilted his head to the side. "I wonder what gave me away," he teased, even though he'd met many different species and he of all people knew better than to just assume. So, he nodded. "I am Human, yes. What are your species called? I've never met anyone like you."

"Well, if you ever want me to pass on a message to them, just say the word." He meant it too! he really could communicate with the plants, the flowers, they would understand every word he said, so Jim's relayed message would properly be delivered! The idea that Jim liked flowers warmed Caduces a little. It was so nice to know that there were people out there, from all around the Universe or from different ones entirely, that enjoyed and cared for nature.

"I can't imagine you get many flowers out in the stars? Don't you miss beautiful things?" Just a passing thought that popped into his head, so the Cleric let it spill from his lips curiously. He'd never been up there, never knew of other beauties that could exist.

Caduceus shouldn't have been so rude and forward to assume Jim's species, it was just, he travelled with a couple of humans and while each of them seemed different there were similarities that he generalized they all had. He meant nothing rude by it. Chuckling as Jim asked what gave him away, then asked what Caduceus was. "Well, I'm a Clay to be specific but that's just my family name. I'm a Firbolg. Think of me as a mix of Giant kin and Fey creature."

"I will keep that in mind," he said. He wouldn't discard the possibility, really. It could even be useful at some point, he didn't know. Sometimes he really wished it were that easy. Not just talking to plants, but to be understood by any living being. Understanding often made very unlikely friends.

The question got a soft chuckle from him, and he tipped his head. "Space is full of beautiful things," he pointed out. "The stars themselves, massive nebulae. A multitude of worlds full of their own animals and plants. All kinds of different sentient species we get to meet. I don't miss beautiful things, I get to find new ones every day."

And no, he never really felt like he was missing something, at least not in terms of Earth and what he'd left behind. He loved his home world, but it had always felt... limiting.

Jim nodded and listened to Caduceus's explanation, looking him over and smiling. "I have... very little idea of what you just said, but I'm honored to be the first Starfleet officer to get to know you," he said. "Also, you are very cute. I like how soft your skin is. It was really nice, getting to touch it."

Caduceus couldn't even start to imagine what it must be like, to not be able to actually be understood by animals and plants. He had just always known how to talk to them, then again, nature was kind of his thing. Nature and death.

The smile that grew across the Firbolg's lips was wide and delighted. Jim made it all sound so wonderful. " Massive nebulae? Never heard of them. But wow, that's just neat, isn't it? Actually meeting new life. I can't even imagine it but I want to." He had something to ponder on, something to talk about with his Goddess later.

Caduceus could get being the feelings of home having limitations. After all, he was confined himself, sequestered away in the Graveyard of the Blooming Grove most of his life.

"Oh, well, that's alright, I say some strange stuff now and then so, it's understandable." He chuckled, relaxing in his seat, his tail snaking up behind him through the gap in his chair. "Hm? I am?" Blinking, pulling his head back a little in confusion. No one really called him cute he didn't know what to do with the compliment other than blush a little and smile. As to the other part, well... "Ah, that's my fur, it's pretty short and velvety so yea, I bet s'pose it feels nice." Reaching a hand out across the table for Jim to take if he wanted to touch it. "I like being touched, I'm just not used to it."

"It's pretty spectacular, yes," he agreed. Even in a universe and a time where it was so commonplace, it still blew Jim's mind sometimes, just thinking about it. All the planets out there, all the species and civilizations. He felt small and humbled and incredibly privileged for what he got to experience out there, see more than so many people couldn't even begin to hope.

"I'm used to people who say strange stuff all the time," he assured Caduceus. Which is to say, they'd do just fine, he was sure. He smiled across the table at him, enjoying that blush far too much, and when Caduceus stretched a hand out towards him, it took him barely a heartbeat to reach out for it in return.

"More than glad to make up for that," he said with a smile, carefully wrapping both his hands around Caduceus's own. Fingertips pressed gently into his palm, while his thumbs rubbed against the back of his hand and fingers, petting against the soft, warm fur against his touch.

They were so different like that, Jim and his travel, Caduceus and his sheltered life. It must have been exhilarating, being Jim, being able to see so much and so far, Caduceus liked to think he was seeing the world now, with the Mighty Nein but his journey seemed so small compared to Jim's.

There was a long moment of silence and stillness from the Firbolg as Jim took his offered hand and enveloped it in his own. He just sat there awhile, looking at their hands, enjoying the warmth and the sensation of skin against fur. The silence wasn't a bad thing! No, it was a deep appreciation. His long, floppy ears gave a twitch as he sat there before he sighed pleasantly and looked up at Jim, just as their tea was being set down for them.

He didn't want to pull his hand away just then but they had to make room for the tea. His new friend was a curious one, Caduceus smiled as he watched him for a moment longer before insisting on pouring both their tea. "Oh, no, no, please." Nodding to the waiter as he took the trays himself. "I insist." Carefully and gracefully, the Cleric began to pour them their drinks.

It was exciting for the most part. At times it got monotonous, other times it was dangerous, overwhelming, exhausting, but it was the life that Jim chose, and honestly he wouldn't change a thing about it. Comparing it to Caduceus's own journey just wasn't right, though; different worlds, different reach, different resources. Both were just as grand, just as meaningful, neither worth more than the other.

And in all honesty, for all that Jim had visited of other planets, he never really did spend much time exploring his own.

He pulled back, albeit reluctantly, when their tea was brought over, eyebrows raising and smile wider on his face. "Thank you," he offered to Caduceus, and once the tea was poured, he reached out to take his own. "I gotta be honest with you, I don't often drink tea, so my knowledge here is limited. I'm more of a coffee guy."

"Oh, then you really must try some I brew myself some time." Smiling as he sat back down, cupping his teacup in both hands, happily watching Jim take his. "Coffee? Oh, yea, the rest of the Nein drink it now and then. I'm more of a leaf than a bean guy, y'know?" Chuckling as he pressed the cup to his lips, taking a small drink and closing his eyes.

There was something almost ritualistic, the way he took his drink. His posture, expression, the calmness of it all. Caduceus was a very serious tea drinker. After a mouthful, he set the cup back on the table and smiled. "First familiar drink in an unfamiliar place." Watching Jim curiously as he drank his own drink.

"I'd like that a lot," he agreed with a smile, whether or not Caduceus managed the means to produce his own brew here. Just because he preferred coffee that didn't mean he didn't like tea, all the more so when, as far as drinks were concerned, tea was something that was much more easily found all across the galaxy, curiously a very common trait among most sentient species, no matter how their evolution process went or how long ago it had started.

Jim didn't have much of a ritual so far as drinking tea went. He had participated in a number of ceremonies during his duties as Captain and diplomat, after some study and practice, but this was more lax, he felt like. He took a couple of sips, but when he noticed how Caduceus drank his tea, he tried to mimic the way he held his mug, particularly when he made it seem almost like a ritual. "Hopefully you'll find other familiar things. And a few unfamiliar ones, just to spice things up."

Caduceus possessed a rather strange magical ability. He was able to help decompose matter into mulch, the rot he accelerated was then magically used to help things grow, so there shouldn't be much trouble in him being able to grow something he could make tea from, so long as he had his magic.

Tea was possibly the oldest form of communication, no matter the world or planet or culture, Caduceus would be fascinated to know of all the places Jim had been that had tea in it! Shame there was no way to leave this place or he'd respectfully ask him to fetch some for him next time he was off-planet.

"Oh, I eh, I have a little bag of spice with me already." Total misunderstanding but hopefully one they can laugh off together when explained. The Cleric noticed hos Jim tried to copy him in his tea drinking and honestly, it warmed him. A kind smile offered as he took his cup again and just drank it normally this time, he wanted his new friend to just be comfortable and be himself around him. There was no need to impress with Caduceus.

They'd probably find a few plants here that could be used to make tea, provided that Caduceus did his research beforehand. Wouldn't want to make tea that ended up being an accidental aphrodisiac. Then again, that might just be fun, provided all parties were informed and willing.

"That's not what I meant," he chuckled nevertheless, amused that Caduceus took him that literally. But anyway, that could be a whole other conversation about linguistic expressions and turns of phrase. Right now he was happy to drink his tea, and as Caduceus seemed to relax, so did he, leaning on his elbows a little as he sipped from his mug. "This is nice. Invite me for tea another time, I'd love to do it again."

Hopefully, next time, with tea that Caduceus grew and prepared himself.

It's one of the things the Cleric intends to spend his square's on when he comes around to the idea of them and isn't terrified by just the thought of them, that is. An aphrodisiac tea? You know, there's probably already a tea like that out there, when put in that kind of context, maybe he could get behind something like that?

Watching his new friend seem to easy and enjoy his drink, warmed Caduceus' heart. If there were two things he loved more than anything else, it was good tea and good company, this was the perfect day all in all. At Jim's comment, the Firbolg's ears picked up and he smiled with a nod of his head. " Oh! I'll gladly invite you for tea again, Jim! You're a most pleasant man indeed."

Hopefully next time, Cadcues has a wide range of teas for Jim to try too!

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TDM 009: I'M IN LIKE WITH YOU

00. Arrival

I. STARGAZER

II. STIMULATING CONVERSATION

III. Eat Or Dare

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