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TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE
| TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE |
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. Beach Episode Welcome to your beautiful and sunny island paradise, Erku! ...wait, it's sunny? That's right! For about two weeks, the Island will enjoy unusually warm and clear weather, just perfect for enjoying the cool waters of the beach. Don't swim out too far, however, lest you stray into hazardous choppy waters or get lost in the fog that still lingers beyond the peaceful cove. Just stay close, and you're golden! Once again, friendly robots have erected beachside food stalls for grilling fish and crabs, and encourage any enterprising Islanders to help hawk foods for credits. If gutting and cleaning fish isn't your forte, however, never fear. The robots are recruiting for a very important task! You see, they have very thoughtfully set up swimming and snorkeling lessons for any Islanders who are doubting their skills at staying afloat, or who just want to have some fun in the waves. There is only one complication: the robots are too heavy to swim. Enter, you! Earn credits by instructing your fellow Islanders in the marvels of the ocean. Not just swimming and snorkeling, but also fishing, clam digging, and sand castle art - among other things - are valuable skills you can sell. II. Sand Sport For the more competitive sort, the robots of Erku are happy to share a bit of culture from the planet's ancient past: wet sand wrestling! Volunteers (or any innocent Islander roped off the beach by an enthusiastic 'bot) don their skimpiest swimwear and duke it out for dominance in the wet sand by trying to throw their opponent outside of a ring. Knock-outs count as an automatic lose, so be careful! Oh, and no worries if you aren't particularly strong. Before the match, competitors are offered a a special drink - simply named "The Creamy" - an ancient recipe which is said to temporarily increase your strength and vitality. One shot of this, and anyone could take on Goliath! (And not just in a fight.) By the way… those who lose the competition are mysteriously compelled to accompany the victor for the day, waiting on them hand and foot, anticipating and fulfilling their needs before they are spoken. Did the 'bots forget to mention that? III. Graciously Given Gifts While swimming in the nude is completely acceptable on the Island, the robots know that many residents still (for some reason) value their modesty. That is why they are happy to encourage beachside revelry and communion by making sure scanty swimwear is readily available to Islanders who are in need of something to cover up with - while still showing off your assets, of course. Islanders may purchase for themselves, but they are especially encouraged to gift swimwear to their fellow Islanders... in fact, any swimwear to be given as a gift is free! Not only is it a lovely gesture to let a friend or lover know you appreciate their body, but also, swimwear received as a gift is said to be very good luck in wet sand wrestling competitions. Naturally, the robots are sensitive to the emotional needs of their organic charges, and thus they wouldn't want any new, recent, or less personable arrivals to the Island to feel left out for not receiving gifts. That's why some Islanders will find surprise swimsuits in pretty gift wrap sitting on their literal or metaphorical doorstep… addressed with love from a random Islander! With thoughtfully written messages included, of course, usually complimenting the recipient's figure in graphic and/or poetic terms. If you have any manners, surely you'll find these mystery admirers and thank them for the lovely gift! (If you're really a person of culture, maybe you'll even show it off for them.) N A V I G A T I O N |
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Ziyao nodded, leading him to the room furthest from the door It had a paeony painted on it with his name calligraphed onto it. It opened up to a master bedroom with an attached bathroom. There was an erhu sitting on the table as well as various books on horticulture and paintings neatly organized. Fresh peonies decorated the side tables.
He opened the door to the adjoining bathroom, that shared a similar aesthetic to the bedroom.
"The closet is over here, Do you have a preference in the kind of clothes you like wearing? There is a mix of Hanfu and modern clothing, Perhaps robes or looser clothing will be better considering the difference in our heights, I should have your clothing dried by the evening..."
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He himself had been still admiring the houses layout. The design, the overall feung shui, the florals, he wasn't a professional by any means but good god it was all like a dream. He was almost jealous to know that Guangyao was staying in a place like this. A soft sigh escaping him as he peaked into the small yet cozy looking bathroom. Yes, it was definitely a good decision to take a moment to bathe.
"Thank you by the way. I know my gratitude is apparent but I never once properly said as such," He smiled softly as he nodded his head in a slight bow. "As many people are implied to end up teleported to this world, I imagine most don't get such a good transitional experience. I'm grateful."
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"Of course. You are quite welcome. I'm afraid I am a busy body who likes making new friends when I can. So many of us are washed ashore here so far away from our homes. I was fairly homesick when I first arrived as well. I am going to go get our lunch ready, Do you know how to make the rainfall from the shower?" he still found the concept fascinating.
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It seemed that he was implying that he did things like this for people quite often.
"The... Rainfall?" What? Was it some fancy shower? Was it one of those cool ones that make it look like it was physically raining within the shower itself? It didn't look like anything so special at first glance-- If anything, it looked like a perfectly normal bathroom setup-- Ah.
Wait. Did he mean--?
"You mean if I know how to turn it on?"
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"Yes, the rain that comes from the shower. I can show you if you don't I struggled a lot with the technology when I first arrived," he said cheerfully.
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"Oh no, no. No need for that. Thankfully, although rare these days, showers like this do exist in my world," he smiled sweetly as he said that. Giving a quick wave of his hand as if to express that it would he fine. "I do appreciate the hospitality though. Really, you're quite kind to be so hospitable to all of us 'newbies' that you happen to run across."
From how Guangyao worded it, it did not seem uncommon for groups of people from new worlds to suddenly appear on the regular. Handling all of that must have grown tiring after a while.
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Ah not too often. I have been here about five months myself. I'll leave you to it and begin preparing our lunch then, call me if you need anything." with one last bow he was off.
While Hakkai took the time to shower and change Jin Guangyao, moved to prepare a meal. lightly seasoned tofu with eggplant, Steamed fish, some Char Siu he had made with some boar his brother had hunted for them, and a nice large helping of rice. This he set up in the small island in the kitchen as well as a nice pot of green tea.
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perfectcottage would somehow ruin the moment. He only made himself known as he peaked his head into the kitchen from the doorframe to watch Ziyao diligently get the meal for the both of them prepared.It was interesting, but despite being from completely different worlds, there was just something so very nostalgic about the sight before him.
"Goodness, you certainly got that prepared quickly," there was a soft chuckle that had left him as he made himself known. Stepping into the room to show off his new golden wardrobe. Sure enough, the pants didn't quite seem to reach his ankles. But at least the Hanfu was baggy enough so that it did not seem all too ill-fitting on him. His arms neatly folded into the leaves as he tilted his head with a curt smile.
"So? How do I look?"
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"I usually pre-prepare certain aspects of our meals so it is easier to throw together. The Char Siu is from yesterday.
That fish I caught earlier I'm going to fillet and salt and set it out outside to dry while we have the sun. That way I can toss it quickly into other dishes and we will have food for a while.
It makes things easier, especially if you are constrained on time."
Ziyao looked him over, humming softly. "Not bad, the color contrasts your eyes nicely. And your tone is similar to mine. We will have to find you some better-suited pants if you like you are welcome to come to 'Skin contact' a clothing shop I work at part-time and we can find some extra pairs that are more suited for you. They offer some nice store credits if you are comfortable doing some modeling work as well."
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"Ah," Oh, that was right. There were requirements to getting by in an entirely new world. "I suppose the first thing to do would be to look for work. I doubt I could get new clothes without an income."
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"Hmm. That is true. There are a few places that are hiring. Sometimes the robots also have certain jobs available as well." He chewed his lip thoughtfully serving himself.
"What are the types of things you are good at? I work part-time at the clothing shop and part-time at a maid cafe. They aren't too bad if you don't mind service work, I do some embroidery and consultations at the clothing shop as well."
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It was difficult for a man who loved to learn and do everything to simply stick to just one task.
"I used to teach in a youth center when I was younger. Various subjects to various groups and ages of children. I've also done some accounting, tutoring, cleaning and the occasional bout of physical labor," He was just going to casually leave out exactly what such physical labor entailed. "I know how to mend clothing as well as make minor adjustments, but I don't have much knowledge in embroidery. Although I would be absolutely willing to learn. I mean, I do know how to knit."
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"Ah, I can understand that deeply. A lot of different jobs to get by in different places from the sound of it. I find myself in much the same place. Housekeeping, embroidery, mending, Administration, accounting, and eventually moving into sect politics later in my life. There really is so much out there that one can just pick up. I continue to learn new things here as well.
Actually, perhaps we can help one another. I have a proposition. My brother and I have a replica of our ancestral home here. Due to some personal reasons, we are living here so I can rest a bit. I am paying a friend of mine to look after the gardens of our estate but I hate leaving our family residence empty and these days it feels as if I have less time to go to look after it, between my jobs and the community pantry project I volunteered at.
Would you be interested in a caretaking job? I can offer some credits, some fulfilled squares if you want as well as room and board in exchange."
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"I see, I can understand the willingness to help me out. And I must say I am absolutely grateful that you've done as much as you had already--" He went back to paying attention to his meal as he continued, sipping at his tea as he considered what to say next. "And truthfully having a job opportunity such as this would certainly make things quite a bit easier for me in my adjustment here but-- Are you sure?"
He didn't mean to sound rude or offput by the offer. In fact it was an amazing prospect, however he couldn't help but worry over Ziyao's level of trust.
"We've only just met after all. And I know I've stated my qualifications, but I could just as easily be lying about them. Are you sure its wise to just offer to pay me to look over something of yours?"
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I mostly do not really wish to have to go back to that place too often, if I can help it. As I said I have personal reasons for why I fled to this little haven but I cannot really leave that place neglected either.
And even if you are lying and make a wreck of the place, nothing is preventing me from utilizing a square to right it again." And anything that he could not bear to lose was in his hidden treasure room in any case. And the more distance he could put between himself and that place was for the better in his current mental state.
He poured some more tea for the two of them.
"However, if it is uncomfortable to do so outright, we can have a test period. You can have a place to stay and food and if we work out and are happy with things we can negotiate a proper price."
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Offering his cup out for the refill, he listened intently as Ziayo explained his situation with the house. Not quite getting all of what he was saying but understanding the overall gist of the situation.
"I suppose a test period would work well. That way, you always have an option to back out should my work not be sufficient to your needs," Speaking of, there were probably some important planning measures to start taking into consideration if that were the case. "Perhaps we should start with a simple contracted arrangement? We can fill out the terms and conditions, what you expect of me, the trial time, and matters of payment."
The ever-diligent man Hakkai is, he already seemed to be getting straight to work.
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"I can write up a simple trade agreement. Did you wish to have square trade in it as well as a form of currency? Are there stipulations you wish to add as well?"
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"Yes, credits are a digital form of currency here, they can usually be attained by jobs or doing tasks for the metal men. Oh.
Goodness. I think I have forgotten to explain squares to you." he took a breath, he was more used to explaining this stuff than he used to be but it was still always embarrassing.
"The diety has brought us here to produce a type of energy, they call it eros energy but it is the sort of energy that is made through dual cultivation. Instead of just cultivating ourselves we are cultivating the land, bringing back the natural flora and fauna.
This is achieved through sexual acts. On your wrist, there is a bracelet and on that is a square with things that will help generate more energy. Here is mine as an example. the ones with flowers are the ones that were filled. Each square you can request the diety for a boon. It took three to attain and furnish the home you see here. If you fill a line, you get bigger and better things.
I suppose it is an incentive to comply with their requests. As you move through here, you will notice that most things are geared towards sex. But those of us on the island try and help one another out in filling our cards as a trade."
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But the supposed requirements of the land...
"Ah, I see," Hakkais hands folded together on the table. The soft smile he held not once changing despite the drop he had felt deep in his gut.
Was this man serious? Or was he messing with him? There was no way he could be serious.
"So when you say you're willing to offer a square you're meaning to tell me that you wish to sleep with me."
Oh boy.
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"If you wish to, the offer is there. There is no real pressure in such a thing but we do tend to offer assistance when we can." it had taken him some time to learn to be more casual about sex. He pressed the end of the brush against his lips.
"Though if that is something you want, I usually request some negotiations beforehand. But you don't have to decide on that now, or anything. We can stick to credits if that is more comfortable, of course." he said casually. He had some plans for expansions that needed to be made to Koi tower as well as some assistance to the community pantry.
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He decided he'd just have to wait until this conversation was long over and Ziyao was gone before he'd run off and figure out how to access that.
"But credits alone are fine. I'd rather not wish to over complicate our contract with a back and forth of necessary clauses detailing each of our sexual requirements in order to set up such a payment system. I dont wish to give you any excess work after all."
And this in turn saves him from talking in embarrassment about his own awkward sexual hang-ups with a man he only just met. A man who's intentions were hard to read, especially considering all he was already lavishing Hakkai with.
"And the timeframe in which this initial contract period will last?"
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None of this showed on his face, however.
"Of course." He began drafting the final document, his hand moving in fine lines.
"I think two months should be reasonable as a trial period. It would give you enough time to gain your bearing and to see if this is an arrangement that you may wish to continue pursuing.
Is that amenable to you Master Cho?"
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But for Hakkai, sex was something sacred. A way to love and be one with a person. A way in which souls intermingled and collided to create something perfect and whole. For Hakkai, the thought of him being forced into a world where even he would be made to partake in such a thing so casually... Was somewhat horrifying.
Cho Hakkai was a romantic after all. A romantic who's only experience had been with someone he loved without question.
"Mnn, that sounds perfect," He did nothing to project his own inward struggles though. Instead nodding his head calmly as he watched Guangyao continue on with his writing. Focusing on the pen as it danced against parchment paper was a nice visual distraction from his thoughts. "The only other thing I can think of is matters of personal, physical, or property based damage should they arise."
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It was easier to view it as a transaction with most and saving the sweeter lovemaking with Nie Huaisang. Talk about the feeling of souls merging, he tried to not allow himself to be distracted by the thought of his lovely boyfriend. Trying to refocus on the conversation at hand instead.
"Hm, well property damage can be fixed with a quick request to the deity and a square trade. Personal and physical damage may be a bit harder to pin down. At least from what I have heard if one dies here, they only disappear for seven days. So there is that I suppose. I haven't experienced it myself yet."
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