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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[Oh Goddess he's never been on the other end of this? Of being able to scandalize and fluster someone else? It's... sort of thrilling, honestly. Being able to make someone else as uncomfortable as he usually is.

Of course it probably helps that Lin is also still at his feet.

He doesn't quite have it in him to make a sly remark about his own ah... company. But the question about Dimitri earns a wistful little sigh.]

I've considered it, probably it does...

[But the question has Lorenz just pulling up Edelgard's Sexscape profile with her name still hyphenated, even if it is struck out.]

There was a little bit of nudging from the Augur but, in the end, whether they want to acknowledge it there's still quite a bit of complication there.

[The surprise has caused Linhardt to sit back on his haunches. Could he have gotten up? Yes, but he's thinking, though at Lorenz's admittance that he'd wondered about Dimitri's... prowess, Linhardt flushes more, because, well. At one point, Hubert had mentioned Linhardt's 'unfettered imagination'. At this point, it would be useful if it were fettered, particularly given his focus on certain points of anatomy at the moment.

Augur. Yes. That's right. This is an unnatural situation. Linhardt looks up at Lorenz.]

Still? From when Edelgard was in the Kingdom?

[Had they met, back then?]

I. I apologize. This is- these are surprising situations.

[He's not particularly prone to apologizing, but it is one way to diffuse awkwardness, and Linhardt isn't certain how he is supposed to conduct himself right now. Inspecting the behind of a stranger who has clearly put it out for inspection is one thing, but he knows Lorenz, Edelgard, and even Dimitri a small amount, and those two circles of Linhardt's life have not overlapped before.]

[Lin would you like to join Lorenz and Hilda in watching Dimitri work with horses from Lorenz' balcony, complete with sunhats and mimosas? He can get another lounge chair.]

It's a lot to take in at first, you're right. Especially for someone as... detail oriented as yourself.

[A cocked brow again and a pointed shift to lift one heel demonstrably. Yes. Details.]

Though if you're still determined that I should remove the heels, do be a dear and unzip me?

[He's already down there, after all. And if he's going to force Lorenz to be barefoot the least he can do is unzip his boots. Of course that also involves putting his hands awfully high up on the inside of Lorenz' thigh. ]

[Introducing Linhardt to chairs meant for sleeping in would be dangerous. Nothing would ever be accomplished again.]

Yes, I do tend to notice things.

[There. That's a neutral answer. Linhardt isn't stupid, or as socially oblivious as he acts sometimes. He's well aware what Lorenz is implying about the reason for his attention. It isn't that Lorenz is wrong, precisely, but like hell is Linhardt going to give him the satisfaction of knowing his preening absurdity in presentation has an effect.]

You are absurd, Gloucester. I hope you're aware of that.

[Linhardt shifts on the ground, rising up to his knees and arranging his hair so that he doesn't end up sitting on it. Lorenz may have meant the invitation as a challenge, but Linhardt is a healer; his role leads little room for discomfort with the human body. The hands that reach for the boot are surprisingly steady, with Linhardt hooking a finger in the top of the boot to make sure Lorenz's skin isn't caught in the zipper. He unzips the boot in a fluid motion, taking the opportunity to run a finger down the back of Lorenz's leg to feel how the muscles flexed in the shoe. ]

Other leg?

[He looks back up at Lorenz, cocking a green eyebrow at him. Linhardt continues speaking in a conversational tone.]

Are you expanding your tastes, then? Is that a result of this place, or have you always found Dimitri attractive?

[Absurdly gorgeous, you mean sir.

He expects the comment to come along with Linhardt standing or telling him he's mad and not worth the trouble. So when the other man's hands come up to his thigh he's clearly surprised, a soft little "oh!" escaping as he shifts to make it a little easier for the other man to remove his boot. It's a little awkward, standing flatfooted when he still had the tall heel on the other foot.

He ends up resting one hand on Linhardt's shoulder to maintain his balance a little more neatly and the question finally brings that familiar vibrant blush to his cheeks.]

Ah... Allowing indulgences my position would not allow for at home. [He could hardly pursue a male partner when he needed to take a wife to produce an heir. Never mind what might be said of him courting anyone that was not a politically gainful match. Which is entirely unfair because he's quite fond of handsome men. In fact his partners here have been male, almost exclusively.]

When he's in control of his facilities and not trying to enact violence upon my person he's always been quite dashing. Do you not agree?

[Linhardt can't help it; he laughs slightly at the other man's surprise. It's unwise to issue challenges and not expect people to take them up. Still, that is a very nice little 'oh' that Lorenz makes. He wouldn't mind hearing more of it. He doesn't react to Lorenz's hand on his shoulder, instead, he leans forward and gets to work on the other boot, this time keeping eye contact with Lorenz and unzipping it more slowly. Shoe's on the other foot, Lorenz.

The man hmms in the back of his throat, considering the question of Dimitri. He tilts his head a bit.]

Why not? I certainly do.

[Indulge himself, that is. He admits it without batting an eyelash. He doesn't exactly hide it; that's why even Linhardt has noticed people gossiping about him. ]

I suppose he is. Like something out of a storybook, in a way.

[Lorenz holds the eye contact but his cheeks do flush a bit darker. He's determined not to let Linhardt set him too off kilter, even if he does make a lovely image there, on his knees at Lorenz' feet. Ah but he hasn't been on the island long enough to say something so forward, certainly not. No he'd done more than enough of that at the ball.

Which comes to mind as well because of the discussion of Dimitri and Lorenz can't help the sly, satisfied smile that comes with it. Ah it's a pity he didn't get to do more than just pet the lion while he was at his most assertive.]

It's a shame he is, despite the nature of this place, rather devoted it seems.

[It's interesting. That's not a reaction Linhardt is used to. Linhardt is aware that he isn't unattractive, and he does care for his appearance, but being examined - being the focus of attention rather than the giver of it - is at once mortifying and pleasing. So it's Linhardt that breaks the eye contract, clearing his throat as he examines the musculature in Lorenz's legs, hands reaching out to feel how the heels change his stance. The touch is assertive, Linhardt's hands moving with a healer's professionalism.]

I'm sure Her Majesty appreciates that.

[Despite his disagreements with Edelgard, Linhardt does want her to be happy. That's what he wants for all of them.]

Interesting, though, I would have assumed you were the same. You certainly seemed to take this sort of thing quite seriously.

[The young man realizes that could be taken multiple ways, so he dips his head to hide his embarrassment.]

Erotic or amorous actions in general, that is. Not this.

[Linhardt removes one of his hands from a leg to gesture vaguely.]

How often do you wear these? You are stretching more often, aren't you?

[When in doubt, ignore the issue and indulge some other aspect of your curiosity. One of Linhardt's rules for life.]

[Oh wow okay just call him out Linhardt.

Lorenz stumbles back into old habits with that, eyes going wide and looking absolutely scandalized.]

I- you- I beg your pardon?!

[He actually takes a step back, pulling his leg away from Linhardt's hands, one arm crossed over his chest to support the other when he brings a hand up over his face. Flames, Linhardt! HOW DARE?!]

I'll have you know I do my absolute best to keep my affections focused on- well who is none of your business, now is it? Even the best of intentions can be foiled by this place. Goddess, I cannot believe you!

[And Lorenz considers himself socially adept. Way to avoid the opening Linhardt left to orient the conversation towards less awkward areas. The mage sighs and rises to his feet, being petty enough not to zip up the man's boots.]

I was asking for a reason. Or do you believe that I'm ordinarily inclined to ogle my comrades?

[Yes, he's admitting to it.]

If your inclinations or methods of erotic expression have changed here out of more than sheer practicality, that is good information to have.

[And then, just because he's feeling petty and defensive.]

Some of my spellwork focuses on removing unwanted bodily effects, in case you've forgotten.

[Like most people, Lorenz is attractive... but ugh, people. There's a reason he prefers strangers.]

[If he wasn't horrified before, the fact that he's utterly overreacted for something that was meant to be a practical question would certainly have him absolutely flustered beyond belief.]

Contrary to whatever you might recall, we have not spoken in years Linhardt. How am I to know what your habits are or the specifics of your abilities?!

[The last time they uh... "spoke" was Linhardt's death excluding that? back in academy. He can be as petty and defensive as he wants, no one is more petty than Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. ]

You could hardly be blamed for making an exception when you have such a fine example of beauty and perfection before you!

[Sothis save him, he sounds like Constance.]

[Ah yes. The different Fodlans that Ferdinand and Constance mentioned. Interesting. So this Lorenz is... not his Lorenz. Maybe he's been here long enough that he's not surprised at being approached by people he hasn't seen in years; Linhardt isn't sure he would've reacted so well.]

So you're from a different Fodlan. In my Fodlan, you joined us. We don't speak often, but it certainly hasn't been years.

[He's not judging the differences, just making note of them.]

Yes, Lorenz, you are attractive. By looks alone, I would certainly take you to bed.

[The green-haired Adrestian seems to have no compunctions about admitting it, his voice and tone as breezy as though he were discussing his favorite meals.]

Is the intention to be looked at but not approached then? That isn't an intense departure... you've always been conscious of your presentation to others. Much in the same way I'm inclined towards exploring and experimenting.

Interesting...

[Look he has threatened Dimitri's life over Mercedes at this point. Dead people is par for the course, okay. As far as he's aware the only people here that aren't dead are Hilda, Seteth, and Flayn... And maybe? Annette? He's not sure, they never fought her.

And y'know they had to kill Nemesis so really it's not even here that's the issue.

Not that it helps him deal with the blase statement like it's perfectly natural to discuss taking sworn enemies to bed. Ah. But they're not as far as Linhardt recalls. How many people think Lorenz turned his back on Claude and the Alliance? The thought makes his heart ache... which is precisely why he doesn't acknowledge it.]

That's hardly the sort of thing you're meant to just say to people!

[But he does have a point. Lorenz is... rather fond of being appreciated for his beauty and aesthetic sensibilities.]

As I said earlier, I do my best to keep the particulars of this place restricted to a select few. [Even if those few are now even fewer after losing Claude and Constantin.]

[That is fine and understandable. Linhardt also has a strong preference for not addressing things that concern him. At least until the questions and mental chatter build up in his mind until he explodes them all over someone. Usually Caspar. Whose solutions always seem to involve hitting something.]

You were upset when you thought I was ogling you and upset when I wasn't. Do make up your mind.

[He accepts Lorenz's explanation. Because yes, Lorenz is attractive and yes, he has a nice behind, but many people do.]

Well then I hope your select few appreciate your efforts. It seems like entirely too much work to me.

But you really should stretch your calf muscles more if you're wearing those.

[Lorenz gives him a sharp look. The only part he was upset about was the bit where he accused him of being.... too free with his affections. Of course, after the ball he had to wonder at himself a little as well which only made his reaction worse. Fawning all over Ferdinand and Dimitri like that, never mind Peter.]

Well, no one is asking you to put such efforts into your appearance. Of course should you ever be interested in such a thing I'm certain Hilda or I would be more than happy to assist your endeavors.

[At least the Golden Deer have a sense of style, goodness.]

And I assure you I am keeping up with my training perfectly well enough to account for a slight change in footwear.

[Of course, to Linhardt he hasn't made such an accusation. For something to be an accusation, it has to be something that he would consider scandalizing. If he claims you're stupid, or you have no curiosity, or you're a hypocritical detriment to your beliefs, those are accusations. How many bed partners someone has is an entirely neutral characteristic. It would be like accusing Lorenz of having purple hair. So he is completely bewildered by Lorenz's reaction.

People are exhausting.]

That may be necessary, depending on how many of these squares I need to do to obtain a satisfactory amount of research materials and bedding.

[Which are, of course, of equal importance. Linhardt doesn't seem to be struggling with the requirements either, he's seemed to accept the Augur as easily as he does most things.

Lorenz's last sentence makes Linhardt actually laugh a bit.]

Of course. I apologize. I've been spending too much time around Caspar. He's always wanting to jump into things without preparation and then he's surprised when he ends up with muscle cramps.

[Linhardt sighs and rubs his forehead thinking about it.]

[If Lorenz looks a bit pleased it isn't as though he's... looking forward to an opportunity to help dress someone else up for once. And maybe do something fancy with Linhardt's hair. It's lovely, it's a shame he doesn't do more with it.]

A single square should be enough to improve your housing satisfactorily. Perhaps a second given that we are all rather accustomed to much finer accommodations than are available here.

[He'd only used two because he had to convert his apartment and the one beneath it into something of a carriage house so he could keep Darby nearby. He... didn't like her being so far away.]

You know... I suspect Caspar would rather enjoy the extra height.

[He can't help laughing as well at that, though. Poor Caspar is so short compared to his fellows the idea of him wearing heels to compensate is somehow adorable. Hush.]

So if a single square will improve my entire quarters, do you suppose I could use one for a better bed? I don't particularly mind the state of things, but I have this lovely down comforter from Sreng, and I miss my silk sheets from Dagda. Sleep isn't the same without them.

[Linhardt is, as far as Fodlan's nobles go, one of the ones least inclined towards ostentatious displays of luxury, but there are two areas that are exceptions: His bedding and his library. He can handle rickety tables and dirty floors. But that mattress is a crime against humanity.]

You're right.

[The man's purple-blue eyes twinkle with a mischievousness that seems more like it belongs on Claude's face than Linhardt's.]

I told him about the height advantage that exists in combat. He took it so personally. It's clearly not the only thing that matters or else we would all ride wyverns or pegasi into battle, but you really should see him wracking his brains to figure out the solution. It's amazing. Truly.

[And fair turnabout for all the times Linhardt has had to extricate his friend from trouble.]

I'm certain if you asked the Augur for a bed in exchange for a square it would absolutely be the most absurdly comfortable thing you've ever felt. You know they have all sorts of materials here that are far superior to what we have in Fodlan. That said we do have a rather infuriating goose population so it would hardly be difficult to get down.

[But seeing Linhardt so pleased with himself over pulling one over on Caspar is adorable and he can't help smiling in return. It's... nice to see. It helps ease the weight of their deaths from his shoulders a little more. But because of that weight he doesn't dare encourage too much discussion of those that are not here.]

Oh? That sounds quite promising.

[And in that sentence everyone is reminded Linhardt is in fact a spoiled noble. He smiles back, enjoying the fact that the tension is easing. He's also enjoying the memory of Caspar. He misses him, but still, it doesn't do to dwell on it.]

Well, thank you for indulging me and sharing some very important information with me at the very least. I'm going to go find a tree to nap under.

[Lorenz huffs a little breath of exasperation and cocks a brow in the other man's direction.]

Honestly, you're not even going to zip me back up? [But he just rolls his eyes, leaning down to gather his boots in hand instead of fussing with them here. He'll find somewhere out of the way to sit down and fix them.]

Go on. Just be aware that napping in public is a good way to ah... invite the Augur's particular brand of interference.

I was, but now I'm standing up.

[And he's not leaning back down without sufficient curiosity to spur him into work or being uncomfortable. Linhardt's answer to Lorenz's exasperation is to just yawn. He really could use a nap. Still, the warning is appreciated.]

Really? That's good to know. Well, I'm certainly not changing my habits for the Augur's sake, so I'll make sure to nap without other people around.

Goodbye, Lorenz.

[And, in true Linhardt fashion, the scholar walks off without looking back, his mind having already moved on to its next topic: Finding a suitable napping spot. Is he still considering Lorenz's behind and those shoes? Possibly. But there's no need for the conversation to continue.]

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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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