TDM 012: SLINGING IN THE RAIN

[erkumods]

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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

[taintedpeony]

Guangyao gestured towards some lockers that they could put their clothes in, After settling his and Xichen's clothes in there he grabbed a few towels for the both of them.

"Oh. These are called 'Showers'. Here, if we turn these knobs, it's like controlled rain. We don't have to heat water or anything. It's like a miniature waterfall!" His eyes were wide and he was beaming. He loved the technology that was available here and showing it to Xichen was amazing.

[unimpeachable]

Xichen eyes them for a moment before he glances back at Guangyao, lifting a hand to his ribbon and then letting it drop back to his side. It's not ideal and not necessarily something he's considered before but Guangyao is the one person in the world he trusts most and considers his closest friend.

But he's still quiet for a few more moments before he finally speaks. "...Will you remove my ribbon and put it with the rest of our clothing?"

[1/2]

[taintedpeony]

.........

Re: [1/2]

[taintedpeony]

What?



Wait.......What? He knew what that meant to a Lan, only their parents or spouses were supposed to touch that sacred ribbon.


Why did his heart twist so painfully in his chest? His hands went over the scar.


"Xichen."


"What if I dirty it with my hands? It's sacred. You don't know who I am?! I'm dirty Xichen. Please..."

Re: [1/2]

[unimpeachable]

"I know you won't dirty it, A-Yao." Fingers catch his chin, Xichen leaning down to brush a kiss against his lips gently. "And given everything you've told me about this place, I'd choose you over anyone else. I want it to be you." Fingers skim down the line of his neck before dropping to catch one of Guangyao's hands, bringing it up to the ribbon's knot at the back of his head.

"I want it to be you." He repeats quietly.

[taintedpeony]

His eyes looked up at him, searching. How could he be so sweet so loving and patient. He had betrayed him. Stolen from his sect and killed their sworn brother. But the gods here brought him back...brought both of them back. Perhaps it was a chance to do things over. To be able to protect them both. He'll fight for them.

He took a deep breath, eyes not wavering from his.

"Okay." He said finally. "I'll do it for you. Would you lean down a little bit?"

[unimpeachable]

Xichen leans down, catching him in another kiss in the process, this one slow and lingering, Xichen taking the chance to practice proper kissing again, deepening it slowly. Although he's more confident than before, fingers stroking over the back of Guangyao's neck.

[taintedpeony]

In all truth, Xichen was a fast learner in this skill as well. Not that Guanyao would mind teaching him. He gave a soft hum against his lips his hands reaching behind him, with dextrous fingers, reverently untieing the ribbon and carefully holding it in his hands.

"Should I put this on our clothing?"

[unimpeachable]

"Please." His fingers brush along the ribbon briefly before he steps back, going to investigate one of these 'showers' A-Yao had told him about. He's just eyeing the taps before reaching to turn one carefully, watching how the water falls from the showerhead.

"...This is .." Xichen trails off, glancing over when Guangyao rejoins him. "Is it some form of spell or?"

[taintedpeony]

He moved to place it in Xichen's robes, folding it in properly before he returned. He watched him for a moment smiling. He was in awe himself when he had first worked the showers.

"I think it's a type of advanced technology. Someone told me they have things that heat the water up and they come out of that. Isn't it amazing?" He stepped in next to him and took his braid out.

[unimpeachable]

"It is." Xichen watches him for a moment before reaching a hand out to test the water and then adjust the other tap and find a good temperature. That done, he turns, reaching over to run a hand down Guangyao's side.

"Will you let me take care of you first?"

[taintedpeony]

Guangyao pushed the strands of wet hair away from his face and nodded. He still couldn't help the flush under his gaze. He knew that they already had sex but still, Xichen's gaze was always intense.

"Oh okay. You can take care of me if you want to Xichen."

[unimpeachable]

"I do want to." He steps in closer, fingers sliding along Guangyao's cheek before looking for soap. The bottle is odd, but he figures it out after a moment of poking at and then he's starting to run the cloth over Guangyao's skin, watching his face.

[taintedpeony]

"You are welcome to do as you wish Xichen." He smiled softly, it was strange to be cared for in this way. He decided that he loved the feeling. His face was soft and open as he was washed by him.

Sometimes he didn't understand what Xichen saw in him. How could this man who was amazing in every possible way look at someone like him with so much love and care?

"Xichen..."

[unimpeachable]

Xichen ends up on his knees, looking up at Guangyao when he hears his name, hands sliding the cloth up the inside of one leg. Maybe it's because of what they'd already done, but it feels different and he smiles slightly.

"Yes?"

[taintedpeony]

"You are so beautiful. I know I keep saying that but...I cannot help but feel unmoored every time I see you"

Really anything else he was going to say caught in his throat.

[unimpeachable]

Xichen's free hand settles against one of his hips, the other stilling high on his inner thigh. "You're the beautiful one, A-Yao." His voice is soft, his fingers skimming over wet skin.

"You do so much for everyone and never ask for yourself." Xichen smiles again before he leans forward, pressing a kiss against Guangyao's stomach.

[taintedpeony]

He couldn't help the flush that came over him as he had said that. His body already reacting to the soft gentle touches.

"That's not true... I... mmmm I greedily asked you to sleep with me today." that kiss just sent shivers through his body. He just wanted him so much. It was almost unbearable.

[unimpeachable]

"Is there anything else you'd ask of me?" The flush has him adding the slightest graze of teeth to his next kiss.

[taintedpeony]

"Only to tell me what makes you happy, so I can fulfill it..." Guangyao decided that he likes the teeth, and opened his mouth further so he could kiss him harder. His hands were on Xichen's shoulders. gripping tightly.

[unimpeachable]

"And if I said it was to see you happy?" His hand drops, head dipping down to kiss along Guangyao's neck, his hand wrapping around Guangyao to stroke him, even if his first stroke is tentative.

[taintedpeony]

He tilted his head back in order to allow for more kisses. A deep soft moan escaping him as he felt Xichen's delicate musician's hands, over his cock.

The truth was that even with him being greedy. He was happy right now. He was happy he had the long talk with Nie Huaisang and that they can focus on a shared goal instead of stabbing one another. He was happy Nie Mingjue was back and himself again. He was happy that Lan Xichen, was deigning to touch him and kiss him like this.

"I am happy right now."

[unimpeachable]

That gets him another kiss, Xichen's thumb rubbing over the head of his shaft tentatively, his gaze lingering on Guangyao's face when he pulls back before he smiles again. "You deserve to be happy."

And then he sinks to his knees again, settling in front of Guangyao, hand stilling in his stroking before he leans forward. "Let me do for you what you did for me." It's soft and then his lips close around the head of Guangyao's shaft, his tongue lightly stroking against the skin.

[taintedpeony]

"Xichen..."

He makes a soft noise against him. Heart pounding in his chest. How does this man make him feel this way? Just weak in the knees constantly?

He bit his lower lip, eyes heavy-lidded as he knelt down. He had to admit. Lan Xichen could suck cock and look so elegant doing it. He held onto the shower wall with a hand to steady himself as the waves of pleasure began to overtake him.

[unimpeachable]

"You're the beautiful one here." Xichen murmurs it when he draws back, eyes focusing on Guangyao's face, his hands smoothing over A-Yao's thighs before he's leaning forward again, taking more into his mouth this time, letting himself adjust to the weight and sensation. His tongue slides against Guangyao's shaft, tasting his skin as he starts to move slowly, working off his memory of Guangyao's mouth on his own shaft.