ercookies | TDM 010: PARTNER UP, PARTNER

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!tdm

TDM 010: PARTNER UP, PARTNER

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” 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. Laid Bare Basics

There is a new addition to the scenery at the beach, and everyone is welcome! Especially new arrivals, who will be ushered to the recently-established Laid Bare Spa, where (provided they don't slip away from the bots' helpful grasp) their uncomfortably wet, sandy clothing will be stripped away and they will be lovingly pampered by the cold metal hands of the resident robots. Long-time Islanders and newbies alike are welcome to enjoy such amenities as hot and cold baths, sauna rooms, scrub-downs, thorough whippings with birch brooms, skin treatments, massage and energy work, and more! All rooms are thoughtfully decorated with tasteful murals of naked and disrobing bodies.

Maybe you'll see someone you recognize?! (Maybe you'll see... you?)

Islanders who happen to find their clothing mysteriously missing are welcome to borrow a Laid Bare branded towel to cover up with on their way home.

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II. Tattoo to You, Too

The Augur understands that sometimes, it's difficult to find a partner to indulge you in those favorite Auspicious Acts - especially for new arrivals, but surely even long-time residents could benefit from a little assistance now and then. That is why ever-benevolent entity has gifted Her precious Islanders with tattoos which feature their most secret, urgent, and/or shameful of desires! (Even if that desire is to simply complete a Bingo.)

The tattoo may be a picture or a word, and it can appear anywhere on the body. At first it is pleasantly warm to the touch, like a soft glow of light on your skin. It soon becomes apparent - through either robot advice or a notification on your communication device - that your task is to find a match for your tattoo and complete the depicted act with that person. The longer one goes without completing the act, the more the tattoo seems to heat up, until it feels like it is burning into your skin.

Take too long, and the tattoo may become permanent. Otherwise, the tattoo will fade within hours of completing the Auspicious Act.

[ For TDMers: feel free to select any favorite kink for this prompt! If you complete a kink that doesn't appear on your card, you may switch one square for the completed kink. For current players: by participating on (tagging into) this TDM, you may switch one kink into your card (it must be the kink in the toplevel prompt you responded to). ]

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III. Creepy Crawly Caterpillar Crawl

Are you on the hunt for credits? Then have the robots got a task for you! The 'bots of the Nameless Island are recruiting Islanders to go bug collecting in the caves, crevices, and hollowed-out logs of the wilderness. The quarry? The (shudder - literally, the robots will shudder) doom-summoning harbinger bug. They describe these creepy creatures as fat, fuzzy, and rainbow-colored, with long, fluffy antennae that look like rabbit's ears.

The robots describe these critters as so dangerous that Islanders should only hunt them in pairs. Should your team return successful, you both will be rewarded very handsomely for every caterpillar caught!

The bugs are typically very docile and seem to enjoy soft pets, judging by the cooing and squeaking noises they make (especially to scritches behind their "ears"). Poke or disturb them however, and they may bite! Body parts bitten by angry caterpillars will swell up cartoonishly, and can only be treated by having someone else suck the venom out. Good thing you're traveling with a partner!

The 'bots strongly recommend against keeping these little buggies as pets, but they're not your dad.

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N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Caleb Widogast." Shaun rolled the name around for a moment then nodded. He would remember this one. Terribly polite with a very interesting accent that Shaun felt like he could almost place. Almost.

He reads the words with mild interest though mostly he's concerned by how nervous Caleb seems to show them off. "The words do look lovely on your skin. But... you seem rather unsettled by them instead of pleased. Would you like to wait with me until you find a match who makes you feel comfortable?"

Because while intrigued by Caleb and both of them were compelled to find a match Shaun would not impose that on anyone. If Caleb wasn't interested well they should simply wait around until he did find someone.

It is probably impossible, Caleb would guess, to not feel at least a little flattered by such a compliment from a man like Shaun, even in a situation like this one. Still, he shakes his head, immediately dismissing the idea of waiting. "No, I--" I did not put this here, I need it gone, he wants to say, even as he tugs his robe back up to cover himself again.

In all honesty, Shaun's offer does bring him some comfort, even if he doesn't intend to accept it. A little of the tension drops from his shoulders. Shaun Gilmore is at the very least someone who cares about the wellbeing of a total stranger, and that counts for something.

"That is very kind of you," he amends more gently, "but I am not likely to find anyone else who will make me comfortable before this begins to feel uncomfortable." Caleb manages a thin, wry smile, turning fully back toward Shaun as he admits, "Neither the words or you yourself are an issue. It is only that I...don't do this very often." He means more picking up strangers than having sex, though the latter is also not strictly untrue. In concession to his life these last few months, though, he has had a lot more sex than he's used to, but it isn't as though it takes a lot to beat a sixteen year long dry spell. His time on the island has been full of new experiences, to say the least.

"None of my typical partners are an option in this instance. If you are not opposed to my company, I would feel more at ease if we could spend a little time talking. Perhaps if we were more familiar..."

It's something to try, at least. A short talk with Vax'ildan had, after all, led to a wonderful experience and the beginning of a friendship he has quickly started to treasure.

"I realize that this is a lot to ask of you," he adds, somewhat chagrinned, "and we have only just met."

Caleb didn't have to explain himself for Shaun to know that. His confidence had quickly seemed to fade once they touched on the more intimate issue of the tattoos. His shyness is slightly endearing. Shaun typically enjoys a more playful, confident partner but well, he can't help but wonder what praise might do to Caleb.

"Ah, you're a man of refined taste then. Clearly you wanted the best." Shaun offers Caleb his arm. "Why don't we find a private room to talk? I believe I saw some private baths back along this way."

He didn't have to take Shaun's arm. It's a gesture he's comfortable with, one to show that Caleb can touch him if he feels so inclined. If he curious and wants to know what Shaun's skin feels like.

"You're welcome to ask me anything you'd like," he offers as they walk. "I'm a man who loves to talk about himself." Now there's an understatement. He'd be happy to tell Caleb how glorious he is.

What an incredible man. Shaun takes Caleb's awkwardness in stride with barely a hitch, manages to turn the entire exchange into a flirtation. He's both suave and genuinely kind, and Caleb is momentarily struck dumb by his own good fortune. If he was going to be set up with someone, the Augur certainly could have chosen much, much worse than a kind, good-looking man who seems forthcoming, open-minded, and willing to indulge Caleb's idiosyncrasies. The best indeed.

Though his touch is tentative, he takes Shaun's arm when it's offered, curling his own through it and settling his hand near the crook of his elbow. That's a solid first step. He's acutely aware of the thin fabric separating them as he presses closer to the other man's side. "Ja, that sounds good." His smile is more than a flicker this time, and far more genuine.

"Perhaps we are intentionally matched," he suggests, bemused, "as I am a man who hates to talk about himself. But I would like to hear about you. Where do you come from, Shaun?"

"Well, I enjoy a good mystery now and then." He winks at Caleb before he straightens up a bit to puff out his chest. Ah, a very simple request, easy enough to follow through.

"I live in Emon though I original come from Marquet. A lovely place but very dry and not quite suited to my aspirations growing up." There's obvious fondness in Shaun's tone as he talks about his home though. He adores his adopted home. "You see, I run a business. Gilmore's Glorious Goods. One store for all your magical trinket needs. Potions as well. Quite successful."

He wiggles his eyebrows in a clearly ridiculous flirtation. He's given himself a bit of a challenge to see if he can draw out that genuine smile again. It looked rather sweet on Caleb.

From the moment he says Emon, Caleb's attention shifts from casual bordering on friendly to far more intent. So Shaun is the owner of a magical item shop in Tal'dorei. That is both fascinating and uncanny. How strange to have now met someone else from their home world coincidentally here not once, but twice.

"You come from Exandria as well," he observes aloud, interest clearly piqued. "Outside of my friends and I, that is rare here. I am from the northern part of the Dwendalian Empire in Wildemount." That might help Shaun place his accent a little better. His curiosity only grows as he asks, "Are you an enchanter yourself?"

That's a subject Caleb could become very invested in.

"I do." Shaun's expression brightens. Someone from home. Well, almost home but it's close enough to make him feel much more welcome in this strange island and this strange spa with the tasteful art.

"I wanted to expand my business into Wildemount but I never got around to it after having to rebuild," Shaun explains with a little smile. It would have been good business. Maybe once he gets back... if he gets back. Who knows?

He nods at Caleb's question. "Yes, born with magic in my veins. And used that magic very well. What about yourself? Do you know the beauty of magic?"

Born with magic in my veins, he says. Caleb's always found that concept fascinating--and by extension, Shaun is now even more intriguing than he'd already proved himself to be.

"It is a particular interest of mine." That's an understatement, of course, which is perhaps reflected in the more genuine curl of his lips and his bright-eyed focus. "I have had a talent for picking it up since I was young, though it was not a natural inclination like yours. But I always learned quickly, whether from books or by example. I had a short formal arcane education, but I am mostly self-taught."

It's the half-truth he tells everyone, glossing over the Academy intentionally. But he really has advanced much further on his own, or with the occasional help of other independent teachers such as Essek or Yussa.

They reach a private bath and Shaun opens the door, ushering Caleb in first. He dismissed any warforged lingering around with a casual wave of his hand. "Self-taught is very admirable. It's not easy learning what you can from trial and error. I would know. My early days were comical to say the least."

Once they were alone Shaun undid his towel and stepped into the steaming waters of the bath. He held out a hand to help Caleb in if he wanted it. "I can also turn around if you would like some privacy."

Caleb didn't seem as confident in himself as Shaun was, standing there completely nude and comfortable in front of a perfect stranger.

In some ways, Caleb envies Shaun his obvious confidence with himself and the way he interacts with the world around him. He seems so at ease, so in control. Whereas practically the moment the door to the private bathing chamber closes behind them, whatever had bolstered Caleb during their brief discussion in the hall seems to evaporate, dissipating like so much steam.

It isn't really his body itself that Caleb is shy about, anyway; while he's aware there isn't anything particularly impressive about it, for anyone interested in average-looking human men, it's adequate enough. The network of raised scars covering his forearms are what he is most reluctant to reveal, but he hadn't bothered to actively cover them in months, even before arriving here. No, what bothers him most is the inherent vulnerability in baring himself for someone else. But what else is he here for? There is a great deal more vulnerability involved in the act inked into his skin than in showing his body. And if he wants that tattoo removed, he is going to have to stop being so precious about this.

So Caleb shakes his head when Shaun offers to turn, and with long, deft fingers, unties the soft cloth sash holding his robe closed. "That isn't necessary." The robe slips from his shoulders, then off his arms. He's entirely bare beneath, slender and pale, dotted with freckles and a few other scars, mementos of his time with the Nein. He drapes the robe across the bench beside the bath, but doesn't keep Shaun waiting. His hand slides into Shaun's waiting one, and he allows him to help him into the water.

"Thank you," he murmurs, and he is genuinely grateful for Shaun's patience. Caleb lingers a moment like that without taking his hand back, standing close in the warm water, just to see how it feels. Testing. He quickly concludes that it's not bad. Shaun is both handsome and considerate, and he's definitely piqued Caleb's interest already, being from Exandria and also with a seemingly extensive knowledge of magic. The wizard offers a tentative smile as he asks, "Will you tell me more? About your early days."

There's something to be said for average-looking human men. Caleb might not see his appeal but Shaun certainly does. His body is lean, pale, and those freckles of his simply beg to be kissed. Slowly to make sure not a single one is missed. And that red hair... well, it's quite fetching. Shaun takes a moment to admire his form before he leads him over to built in seating under the water.

"Of course," he says as he coaxes him to sit next to him. "My favorite subject to talk about is myself." He laughs softly and winks at Caleb. He drapes an arm behind him, and gently brushes his fingers against his arm.

"I was born in Marquet. Have you ever been? It's beautiful. The sands glitter at dawn. And mountains? They stretch to the sky like dragon backs." His voice is warm with fondness. He does so love his home. "The first time I cast magic was entirely on accident. I was laughing and clapping and suddenly..."

He snaps his fingers and golden sparks like a firework dance from his fingers. "I immediately ran to my mother crying afraid I'd hurt myself or done something wrong. The most right thing I've ever done... magic, I mean."

It's so easy to allow Shaun to lead him, to settle beside him in the water. He's grateful to be at least partially concealed again for now, covering him nearly up to his sternum after they're seated. Though he knows very well they're both both bare beneath it, can feel the brush of Shaun's skin against his side, it's a welcome intermediate step. And if that wink and the fingers trailing over his arm make his breath catch for a moment, that's encouraging, too.

Having never left Wildemount, he has to shake his head in response to that question. Until recently he'd never even been away from the Empire, so Marquet seems very far indeed. But as Shaun describes it with such obvious affection, he decides that it also sounds like a place I would like to see someday, should circumstances allow.

And though the spell Shaun casts to demonstrate his very first experience with magic is a simple one, Caleb's eyes light up seeing it anyway. It's flashy, stylistic--fitting for a man like Shaun, from what he can tell. "It's beautiful," he says, a little more quietly. "But it must have been quite startling, seeming to appear from nowhere. Mine was a little more deliberate." Caleb raises a hand from the water, weaves his fingers through the air, and murmurs a word in Zemnian. Like a spark igniting, he's suddenly cupping a flickering flame in his palm. "I was able to replicate this quickly from a basic manual. My parents were very proud." He swallows hard and dismisses the flame almost as quickly as he'd summoned it. Time to talk about something else.

"How did you go from discovering your magical abilities to owning a business selling magical items?"

The purpose here is for both of them to enjoy themselves which won't happen if Caleb isn't relaxed and comfortable around him. Shaun wants him to have fun with this situation. He can ignore the tingling pressure of the tattoo on his arm in favor of good conversation about one of his favorite things: magic.

"Haven't you noticed? I'm very charming." He leans and nuzzles Caleb's hair gently. Just to test the waters and see how relaxed Caleb felt. "I'm very good at selling and I'm terribly ambitious. I taught myself mostly with magic. Later, after my business was successful I started reading books the same ones you might read because I wanted to understand this part of myself better."

Shaun leans back slightly with a slow smile. "Would you like to play a game with me, Caleb? I will draw an arcane symbol on you..."

And he demonstrates by drawing the alchemical symbol for fire on Caleb's arm. "And if you guess right... I can tell you how good you are and perhaps a little bit more about myself."

Shaun thought why not? They could play a little game, perhaps change the mood a little and see how Caleb reacts. He would like to touch a bit more of the lovely wizard sitting next to him. "Feel free to say no."

That nuzzle is a little startling, though Caleb doesn't move away. Just tips his head up to look at Shaun slightly wide-eyed before he settles again, telling himself that this is exactly what he needs. Simple touch with some degree of affection or interest behind it. That will help him acclimate, like his body adjusting to the temperature of the water. His skin flushes a softer pink the longer they remain, both from heat and Shaun's proximity.

"You are," Caleb agrees, slightly bemused. "And there are few things so interesting as a man who is charming, intelligent, and shrewd." As a successful businessman--especially one who is also an enchanter--must be.

Of course, he recognizes the symbol for fire as soon as Shaun finishes tracing it. It seems Caleb should add insightful to his estimation of Shaun. It seems like he knows exactly what to do to put him more at ease. "No, that...sounds enjoyable, actually," he agrees. There's even something bordering on flirtatious about the warm curve of his smile and the way he adds, "Though your first one was a little too easy."

"Careful, flattery will get you everywhere." Which is true to a certain point with Shaun. He could only be charmed so much though with Caleb's bashful smiles and clear intelligence he would let the charming get much farther than he would with a customer.

There's something lovely about taking his time with this. It's more like a date than an obligation. It's fun as well. He has already decided he likes this red-headed wizard with confidence in his magic but not himself. A fascinating puzzle to say the least.

"Of course it was easy. There's no fun in a game you lose on the first move," he says with a laugh. He trails his finger up Caleb's arm to his shoulder and draws an equation to transmute copper to silver.

"Now, what was that?" He raises an eyebrow at Caleb. If he gets it right he'll give him perhaps a bit more than an affectionate nuzzle and hints of his past.

Caleb's eyes slide closed as he feels Shaun's finger begin to trace again over his shoulder, the better to concentrate on the shapes being drawn against his skin. He knows this one before it's even finished, though he politely waits until the final line has been drawn to answer. He'd never been so patient in class.

"Transmutation. Copper to silver."

He briefly debates informing Shaun that transmutation is his specialty, but decides against it. No doubt he'll be able to figure that out himself soon enough with the speed and accuracy of his responses.

"Very good," Shaun murmurs softly close to Caleb's ear so that his breath would tickle his hair. "I can't transmute things. It's not really where a sorcerer's talents lie but I find the process very interesting to study. And it's very handy to know the signs if some foolish adventurer wants to cheat me."

He chuckles and cannot resist the temptation to nuzzle against Caleb's hair again. It's surprisingly soft.

His finger makes its way to the back of Caleb's neck. This time he draws a symbol that would be used in a teleportation circle to anchor the location. It should be easy for Caleb to recognize if he's talented enough. "And that one, darling?"

"That is savvy of you," Caleb murmurs, half to disguise how inordinately pleased he is by Shaun's praise. Honestly it's a little silly, especially for such a simple question. But his heart is lodged somewhere closer to his throat, and the positive reinforcement is at least serving to mitigate his nerves with excitement. The way his breath catches when he feels Shaun lean close again is definitely audible, and the tightness in his chest doesn't dissipate as he trails a touch to the back of his neck, beneath the dampening strands of his hair.

Thankfully, he knows this one very well, even distracted as he is. "The--the anchoring rune of a teleportation circle."

There's really just something about being called darling by this man that feels both reassuring and thrilling. Caleb hasn't opened his eyes yet, anticipating the next touch.

"Very good. You are as talented as I thought." There is a distinct note of pride and affection in his voice. Caleb Widogast is definitely a very talented wizard and hopefully enjoying this.

He slides his fingers into Caleb's hair, petting him gently. The next symbol he draws on the inside of Caleb's thigh under the water. He goes slowly as he draws a ward enchantment very similar to the alarm spell.

"You see, I made some very foolish mistakes when I was younger. Let myself get cheated but that doesn't happen anymore." Shaun would very much like to kiss Caleb at the moment but he is still easing the man into more intimate actions. "I manage my business very carefully."

Caleb tries, genuinely tries to find some trace of duplicity or mockery in that low, purring voice, in the approval that falls so freely from Shaun's lips. But he detects only a genuine, earnest fondness, the sort of sweetness he would never have expected from someone he barely knows. This is no more and no less than what it seems: a very smart, very attractive man telling him how talented he is, appreciating what little of his magical knowledge he's displayed here. And that is...appealing.

His hair is mostly loose already, dislodged and tumbling around his face when Shaun's fingers card into it, but Caleb reaches up to remove the tie to free it completely. It spreads around his neck and over his shoulders, the very tips of some strands just long enough to brush the surface of the water. And it's then that Shaun's other hand slips between his legs, the brush of his fingers against the sensitive skin of his inner thigh startling and immediately, intensely arousing. Caleb makes a definite sound, almost a whimper, though muffled by the way he presses his lips together. It takes him longer to scrape together an answer this time, only half listening to the soothing lilt of Shaun's voice as he continues talking.

"That is...Alarm?" His familiarity with that particular spell leads him to assume, though some of the lines he feels Shaun drawing seem wrong. "No, something similar."

It's perplexing enough that he can almost ignore where it's been traced. His eyes slide open, darker than when he closed them, his pupils wide enough to swallow some of the blue. His body language opens up gradually. A knee shifts beneath the water, spreading his thighs that much wider and nudging deliberately against Shaun's. Caleb's hand follows that same path, fingertips coming to rest gently against water-warm skin. "A ward of some sort. Perhaps one you would place on an item?"

Oh, he's so much more clever than Shaun first thought. Caleb doesn't just know the symbols for magic, he understands how one arcane aspect can flow into another for a different use.

"We should talk magic when I'm not trying to seduce you," he says with a little chuckle. "You must be a wonder to talk to."

Shaun genuinely loves magic, not just as a tool for his business but as one would a friend or lifelong companion. He imagines they could have such deep, intense conversations and friendly arguments as well.

"You're very right, darling. It's a ward. Something I would put on a door or a talisman one could hang on a door." And not a spell a sorcerer should be able to cast, hence the modification so that he could. "I sell a lot of the talismans."

He leans in and barely brushes his lips against Caleb's. "Well done."

His hand slips higher along Caleb's thigh and he very deliberately ignores his cock for now. He traces right along the flat of his stomach the symbol for mercury, the chemical, used in some alchemical solutions.

It's nice to know that Shaun's regard for him extends beyond the immediate circumstances. Caleb finds himself smiling softly, pleased by the idea of getting to discuss magic more thoroughly together at a later time, and with fewer distractions.

Not that he minds the distractions so much now. In fact, he's beginning to enjoy them. Shaun's voice flows over him, through him, bringing a sense of warmth and accomplishment. The brush of his lips is perfectly timed, though there is a distinct sting of disappointment that it doesn't last longer. He wants it now.

He isn't surprised that Shaun opts to skirt past his cock, though it's already started to stiffen. His stomach goes tight under Shaun's touch, an involuntary reaction. He wills himself to concentrate, feels the shape he's drawing: a circle, a flipped arch on top, a line down--of course. "Mercury."

Caleb's hand moves to cover Shaun's as he asks, rather boldly, "Will you kiss me again?"

"So quick!" Shaun hadn't even finished before Caleb knew it. What a mind. It's a mind worth engaging, it truly is. He's pleased to know someone he can talk with not just arouse.

The request makes him smile. It's the first time Caleb has asked for something physical and not a bit of information from his past. He brushes his thumb across Caleb's stomach because touching him is enjoyable.

"Of course, darling. Especially when you ask so nicely." With his other hand he cups Caleb's cheek and draws him into a kiss. Shaun makes it slow and aching, making sure Caleb feels it. He adores kissing.

Caleb only has time to feel foolish for a moment thankfully before Shaun graciously rescues him by agreeing, and shortly follows with the promised kiss. Eyes fluttering closed again, Caleb leans into the cradle of Shaun's palm. It's unhurried, but deliberate, and that controlled intensity has him drawing in a slow, shaky breath through his nose as his lips part, yielding and soft.

Curling closer feels natural, and Caleb picks up his hand to rest it instead against Shaun's chest. He feels a thumb stroking intimately against his stomach over the very spot he'd traced the alchemical symbol moments ago, and allows himself to enjoy the touch rather than flinching away. Their game has helped a great deal with acclimating him to more intimacy, making him eager to feel Shaun's hands against his body.

Provided he's found the right partner, he also enjoys kissing a great deal. It's easy to lose himself in it once he starts, thoughts becoming foggier with arousal.

There. There it is.

Caleb has reached out and relaxed into this. Shaun feels it in the way he kisses. He's eager for it and so wonderfully willing. The touch isn't meant to seduce or arouse but Caleb's hand is warm and a little rough but in a nice way. He wouldn't mind that hand exploring more of his body.

Shaun gently slides his tongue out and touches it gently against Caleb's bottom lip asking him for entry, giving Caleb the choice. His hand slips a little lower fingers now teasing very close to the base of his cock.

00. Arrival

I. Laid Bare Basics

II. Tattoo to You, Too

III. Creepy Crawly Caterpillar Crawl

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