ercookies | TDM 012: SLINGING IN THE RAIN

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TDM 012: SLINGING IN THE RAIN

00. Arrival

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. If you don’t manage to get away from them quickly enough, they may even usher you toward the Laid Bare Spa, where new arrivals will be offered free massages, a sauna, hairstyling, and their clothing may come up permanently missing. But you will be given a complimentary towel to leave with if needed!

Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see beyond what arrivals before you have helped to rebuild. 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 place to live in the now, whether a rundown apartment in the City, a tent on the beach, a bed in the barracks, or your own space at the House of Worship. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home.

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I. THUNDERBOLTS AND LIGHTNING

Erku's new arrivals may not be the only residents left dripping wet. Although the weather on the Island is almost always dreary, clouds begin to multiply and darken over the days before that first arrival, turning ominous shades of purple and blue which may look familiar to Islanders who have been around since Erku's beginnings. Perhaps robots will advise Islanders to fortify their shelters and get ready to accept refugees, and they hope their charges take the warnings to heart! When the rain finally falls, it is a non-stop torrent. Even though the weather is warm, the rain itself chills to the bone.

Shacks and beach tents won't stand up to the downpour for long, and the shabby apartments may leak and flood. New arrivals who aren't handy enough to make quick repairs may be forced to take shelter in the homes of current Island residents, or else huddle together in the 12 rooms of the barracks for the full week that rain falls on the Island. Cats, dogs, and little dragons will also be begging Islanders for a warm place to stay!

Beware of lightning strikes, too, because the skies rumble with thunder throughout the storm. Buildings and residences are frequently damaged by strikes. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that's very true on Erku - Islanders who are struck by the lightning might find themselves temporarily blessed with god-like super strength.

Such power might not always be a good thing for those who aren't used to wielding it, so please be careful not to damage your friends or property! Islanders may choose to keep their new powers, but a bingo square can be used to wish them away.

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II. A TASTE OF ERKU

In need of shelter and credits? Then the robots have a task for you! Erku's robot population has taken note of how much Islanders seem to love the humble potato, and they want to contribute! Ready as always to please, the robots have filled the hospital cafeteria with mountains of potatoes in every imaginable variety and color: russet, red, gold, purple, chartreuse, sweet, savory, spicy, and so many more! But wait, there's more: they have provided knives, cutting boards, and peelers too, and are eager to see Islanders work their magic in their open cafeteria kitchen! Robots will monitor every dish produced, as they are eager to improve their food replication repertoire.

No worries if you aren't culinarily skilled, however. Islanders will be rewarded in credits for whatever they can contribute, whether it's a gourmet meal or simply a basket of peeled potatoes. Robot-provided potato preparations are also freely available to snack on while you work, though as always, they're liable to be spiked with something to encourage Islanders to get more "friendly" with one another. Of particular note is an invention the 'bots are quite proud of, sure to delight your organic tastebuds: the potato cocktail, which packs quite a punch and - strangely enough - tastes just like a hearty steak dinner?

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III. NOSTALGIA FOODS

Seeking a bit of refuge and some comforting food to warm you up? Signs and flyers are out informing residents of the Straight From Home Special going on right now at the Flashbang diner! Come In For All The House Favorites! For the next few days anyone can walk in and receive a free meal (or two if you’re really nice) from the robot cooks behind the counter!

And it just so happens that they know exactly what you want. You will be served a meal of your favorite foods from home just the way you like them. Did you tell them? No. How did they know? Don’t bother asking, they’ll just say that the Cook Always Knows. The robot waitresses will make sure your drinks are topped up and you have everything you need, just like any hometown diner or pub you may have heard of.

Eating any of the foods will bring out such nostalgia. Feelings of fondness, sadness, longing, anything when you think about the memories of your past and even of recent events. You won’t be able to stop yourself from sharing those thoughts and feelings with those around you. You’ll want to talk about your life, your opinions on the weather, the sex you just had last night and in great detail. The waitresses are listening and so is everyone else nearby.

When you leave the diner you might just have to keep on sharing your thoughts about anything that comes to mind. Walk by someone you think is attractive? You’ll have to tell them. Don’t like someone’s outfit? Definitely have to tell them. Suddenly remembering having sex on the beach? Maybe the person next to you on the trolley won’t mind hearing all about it!

The effects of the nostalgia will last for half a day or until the completion of an auspicious act.

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N A V I G A T I O N

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The offer has him moving to his feet, his smile soft. "I have another set of robes in my pouch so you can keep yours for later." His gaze drops to Guangyao's bracelet and he nods after a moment.

"Energy generation is likely useful in a place like this." His footsteps bring him closer to Guangyao, Xichen lifting a hand to brush some of his hair back into place. "If it's embarrassing for you, I can find someone else to explain, A-Yao. I don't want to upset you more than I have already." He's quiet for a moment before changing the subject.

"Where is this room I can use to change?"

"Ah yes of course er-ge is prepared."

Oh.

His face colored even more fully at the gentle touch of his hand. He was always weak to his almost gentle thoughtful touches. He looked at him through long lashes, his eyes wide while gazing at him. Lan Xichen was definitely the most beautiful man he had ever met.

"I'm not upset at all. It is just a bit embarrassing.

As thoughtful as that is of you if I cannot prepare you for this what kind of brother would I be? They are all sexual acts, Er-ge. The island can bloom off sexual energy. And the squares on our cards are particular things that will be helpful should we complete them.

Er, yes let me take you to the dressing room."

Admittedly, he hadn't quite expected that information although his expression turns a little thoughtful, glancing at Guangyao's wrist again, brow furrowing more.

"...I am sorry you've been pulled into a place like this then, A-Yao. I know it must be difficult for you." Given everything he knows about Guangyao and his family.

"

His eyes were cast downwards. Of course, if anyone knew that part of him it was Lan Xichen. He gestured to Xichen to follow.

What he couldn't say to him was that he would rather be here in a place where he whores himself frequently than back home where he was dead and had hurt and betrayed everyone who had ever deigned to love him.

At least he can get more respect as a whore than he ever did as a chief cultivator.

"It is not bad as all of that. It is, difficult I'll admit it. And there are situations that happen here that I had no idea could happen to anyone. But I can adjust. I know I am good at that."

He stopped in front of a room and opened the door. It was a small dressing room with a rack of maid dresses on one side and a mirror and vanity with an array of makeup on top of it.

"I'm glad you're not suffering unduly then, over the demands this place is making on you." Xichen murjmurs the words, following him and then moving around him to enter the room before turning to face him.

"If I can help, please don't hesitate to ask. I would prefer you at least have aid from people you can trust over strangers." Xichen offers another smile before reaching to close the door, fingers loosening the ties on his robes as he turns his back.

"That is kind of you to say Er-ge." He squished to the side of the door frame to allow him through to the dressing room.

Then he just stopped.

....?!

D-did he just say what he thought he just said? He looked away suddenly very shy and very aware of himself. The flush colored his face a beet red.

"Are you certain about that Ze-wu jun? Y-You know what you're saying, right?" he was really proposing something like that with someone like him.

Quietly he replied, "I certainly don't deserve that kind regard..."

"A-Yao, I wouldn't have said it if I didn't." His voice is still calm, the only sounds from the room the rustling of fabric as he discards layer after layer before pulling on the dry clothes. When he comes out, his wet things are folded, dry robes in place and his ribbon perfectly tied back into his place, although his hair is loose, the fabric he used to wrap it lying on top of his clothing.

"I don't think offering aid will break any rules and I think you do. I know how hard you work and how difficult this situation may become for you, even if you're managing now."

"I know but..." He leaned against the wall, straighten out his skirt, he hoped the frills of his poofy dress hid how very much that idea had intrigued him, or his traitorous body at least. And seeing him with wet certainly didn't help matters from escalating in his mind.

"I don't know if this is the kind of aid the Lan elders had meant... I know you do. I just. Would you be comfortable in that kind of arrangement? I don't want your regard for my past to push past what you want."

He's quiet for a moment, gaze focusing on Jin Guangyao before he steps closer. "If it's a requirement of this place, I believe they may be willing to accept the necessity of such actions. And I trust you, A-Yao. It would be logical to reach for the familiar in a situation of this nature, don't you think?" And while it may fall beyond the rules he follows, the elders likely never expected a situation like this.

"Would you like to sit with me? You do seem rather flushed."

He nodded, at a loss for words.

I trust you A-Yao. But he shouldn't that terrible part of his brain said. He shouldn't have trusted him because when he found out how terrible he was, he... His hand pressed up against the scar on his chest, the only reminder of that terrible night. But he hated himself still. How could he not want to bask in his regard? Bask in his adoration and affection. He was so greedy. He was greedy for it and now that it seems that he was with a Xichen who still looked at him as he used to.

Without repulsion.

Without betrayal and horror.

He couldn't himself. The greedy pathetic creature he was. He wanted to be in a reality when Xichen still looked at him like this. He was afraid if he touched him he would disappear.

"I know. It makes logical sense. I would rather sleep with people I know than strangers."

"It would be simpler, even if it's not my first choice under normal circumstances." But at least having some attachment makes it a far less touchy issue in regards to the rules of his sect. Promiscuity isn't allowed, but...

He lifts a hand again, resting the back against Guangyao's forehead since he does seem rather flushed. "Will you have tea with me and explain more of this place since you do seem more familiar with how it operates."

"You're right. I would want to help you as well Er-ge." He closed his eyes against the cool touch. His hand felt so good against his warm skin. It sent little shivers of electricity through his skin. He bit his lower lips, looking at him through his thick lashes. he was so close to him he would just reach out and touch him.

"Alright. I would be happy to explain anything you want to know. Let's sit out front and have some tea." Feeling braver he reached out and taking his hand in his own.

Xichen's fingers curl around Jin Guangyao's, squeezing them briefly before he turns to walk back into the cafe properly,although he pauses for a moment.

"Where should I put my clothes?"

"Ah, of course, Let me take those. Why don't you go sit at the table and I'll put them up to dry and get some snacks to go along with the tea." He took the robes from him and made his way to wring out the extra moisture from them over a sink and hanging it up to dry in a spot in the dressing room in the dressing room.

He returns A few minutes later, with a small plate of western pastries, and another pot of hot tea. He sets them down with a smile.

"You know, something about hanging up your clothes to dry felt so wonderfully familiar to me."

The plate of pastries does catch his attention briefly once Jin Guangyao returns to the table, although his gaze shifts back to A-Yao when he speaks, his smile flickering back into place.

"It was rather a habit of yours for a while, so I'm not surprised." Back before everything had gotten complicated.

Smiling, he straightened out his skirt and sat down on the chair adjacent to him, pouring out the new tea. He smiled amicably.

"Well if my memory serves me correctly, a certain someone had kept tearing his when he tried." It was a good memory despite escaping. They were just two youths on the run.

"These are western dishes by the way. They are called pastries Most of them are sweet and baked like bread from home. If you want something more substantial, Xiao Xingchen has allowed me to use the kitchen to prepare things, not on the menu."

"I didn't know what I was doing." He protests quietly before just relaxing a little, reaching for one of the pastries to try it and chewing thoughtfully. Sweeter than the desserts he was used to, but not bad, Xichen mused before setting it down to try the tea.

"I wouldn't want to put you out more than I already have given I can't pay for anything right now."

"I know. I'm sorry for teasing you Er-ge. Your efforts were quite endearing. And really it is no trouble at all. I can cover the costs, myself." There were other ways he could pay for services rendered but he was not ready to broach that with him, not when it would feel like a transaction.

"Please allow me to take care of you since you want to take care of me," he said as he took a pastry and some tea as well. The lighting of the cafe was really flattering on his sworn brother as well, not that Lan Xichen ever needed any help in that regard.

"If you insist. I'll have to pay you back later or find another way to return the favor." Given he has almost no idea how currency works in this strange place, his fingers curling around his cup.

"Well, you already offered. Most things are bought and sold with how much of that type of energy we generate anyway. We get credits for work, but it seems almost secondary sometimes."

It was odd that he had already managed to get parts of Koi Tower. The last time he had earned it was with blood. There was an irony of earning it again but on his back this time considering that he was shamed for the price his mother paid to earn their keep on hers.

"If you ever did want to assist in a square, I can perhaps ask the Augur to finish Koi Tower. I managed to get the courtyard and gardens but the buildings are all empty." this had been his main goal these days, even though he was at home in the Unclean Realm, it always had an edge of fear involved. He can not see the result of his crimes when he was living where they were committed.

He wanted his home back.

"You were able to bring your residence here?" That was news and Xichen was quiet for a moment, considering his options before continuing "I could do some more paintings for you if I can find the proper materials and that could be repayment for the food and care. The other is just an offer of aid if you need it."

"I was. Part of it. Apparently, a Nie in the past had already brought the Unclean Realms as well, the current caretaker had allowed me to reside there if I help care for the estate. But as nice as a roof over my head is, I want to be where I belong." That statement had so many layers to it.

A sad laugh. "Even art supplies are going to have to be a sexual trade. I can't even get a change of clothing without filling an auspicious act. The only reason I can do my laundry is that I have a uniform to switch into.

I see." That was dangerous. What if he had wanted the aid even if he could technically survive.

"And hypothetically what would you say if I did?" he didn't mean to be coy but he couldn't help ask the question.

"That's useful to know." Having a familiar place would make adjusting to the situation simpler, especially if it was something he could obtain himself. The mention of the Unclean realm though, has his grip tightening on the cup before it shatters and he murmurs a soft apology.

"I..see." He manages after a moment, his gaze dropping to the pastries before returning to Jin Guangyao's face as he picks up the pieces of the cup to put them on the tray.

"I offered, didn't I?"

Jin Guangyao looked at the shattered cup, and it was right after he had mentioned the Unclean Realm. Interesting. He must be from after a time that it was no longer comfortable for him to go there. He remembered the months after Da-ge's death... More often than not he was the one who went to care for the day-to-day tasks in the beginning.

That certainly gave him a time reference to when Lan Xichen was from.

He wondered if he noticed that he himself looks older, a bit more tired than he used to.

He stood up. The least he could do was distract him. He moved over to the side of the table that his sworn brother was, and looked down through his lashes.

"Do you want to sleep with me, Xichen?" calling him Er-ge felt weird for this...

Xichen watches him move, head turning to look up at him when Jin Guangyao stopped and the question had him still, his eyes closing after a moment. He'd always tried to follow the Lan precepts, even if he wasn't as strict as Wangji but the last several months had been difficult in more ways than he'd ever admit to and it made him weaker.

Less certain of his choices and when Jin Guangyao spoke, made that offer, he wanted. Wanted to feel more than the loss he'd been facing every day, the demands on his time and the role he had to play. Not that he'd have willingly given any of that up, but here?

Right now? He could choose for himself. "A-Yao.." He breathes the name, looks up at him again before reaching for one of his hands. "Yes."

00. Arrival

I. THUNDERBOLTS AND LIGHTNING

II. A TASTE OF ERKU

III. NOSTALGIA FOODS

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