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sinfucks2025-08-24 07:23 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-08-24 07:23 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE #12
TEST DRIVE MEME #12
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (NEO TOKYO BASE).
It happens in the blink of an eye, a dash of time – you're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important any more, and slowly, you give up the desire of your normal life. When you awaken, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do. Let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along with many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
Welcome to Neo Tokyo. Pods drain their stasis fluid, which wakes each Outsider and they emerge from their pod in only undergarments. Directed to a locker room in the medical bay, they find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here.
It's around this time they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. It might take some getting used to, but over time the sensation will become familiar. In the stasis pods, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download.
A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Outsiders will receive a quick debrief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer.
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
In the cafeteria area, food is being served. The kitchen can be seen, and a few robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are mostly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with a range of curries, rice and simple noodles. As most robotic staff have been directed to finish rebuilding parts of the base, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. Finding your own ingredients might be trickier, however, especially with the dubious nature of the meats.
"Yeah, this one will do. Let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along with many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
Welcome to Neo Tokyo. Pods drain their stasis fluid, which wakes each Outsider and they emerge from their pod in only undergarments. Directed to a locker room in the medical bay, they find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here.
It's around this time they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. It might take some getting used to, but over time the sensation will become familiar. In the stasis pods, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download.
A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Syndata File:
What’s the weirdest nickname someone has ever given you?
Outsiders will receive a quick debrief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer.
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
In the cafeteria area, food is being served. The kitchen can be seen, and a few robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are mostly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with a range of curries, rice and simple noodles. As most robotic staff have been directed to finish rebuilding parts of the base, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. Finding your own ingredients might be trickier, however, especially with the dubious nature of the meats.
"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."
▶ 002. FOLLOW THE RABBIT.
With the arrival of new allies and the return of experienced members from abroad, everyone is allowed some time to relax and settle in. The temperature outside cools down and offers everyone a break from the suffocating heat of summer. There is still some time before the official first day of the autumn season but that isn't going to stop Neo Tokyo from ditching summer. It's time to bring out the sweaters and get some artificially flavored pumpkin spice!
In particular, the city is preparing for the Autumn Equinox at the beginning of the month. Cafes and restaurants begin to launch seasonal items meant to evoke the image of the full moon like sugar cookies, egg sandwiches, dango filled with custard, and more. Meanwhile, department stores sell goods with full moon and rabbit motifs. These are all rare and exclusive treats that citizens look forward to every year.
If you look at the bright neon adverts of the city, you might suddenly see a pixelated white rabbit appear. It jumps from advertisement to advertisement. Sometimes the white rabbit even leaves the advertisements to hop across the holographic graffiti in the city. According to local urban legend, if you can follow the white rabbit long enough, it will take you to the moon and you'll learn a secret about the world. Others say the white rabbit is the AI assistant of an eccentric billionaire and if you follow the white rabbit, you'll win a million KRYPTOS. More jaded commenters on the net think it's just a publicity stunt for hacker artists.
Whatever the truth is, the city is gripped by rabbit mania and everyone is trying to chase the rabbit to learn what it is. News outlets, public officials, and even LILITH begin to issue statements about it. They warn people not to follow the white rabbit into dangerous places and advise against following suspicious bots.
If you decide to follow the white rabbit, it will lead you on a chase until the night of the first full moon. It will eventually lead you to a quiet, scenic place in the city like the top of a building or a park. You will receive a message from MOON_RABBIT.AI with an attachment link. Clicking on it will automatically download an accessory upgrade. All characters will receive a bunny ear headband. The message simply says, "Look at the beautiful moon. 🌕🐇"
No secrets are revealed, no money is found, and no coupons are earned. Maybe the real moon rabbit is the friends you made along the way. Enjoy the view!
In particular, the city is preparing for the Autumn Equinox at the beginning of the month. Cafes and restaurants begin to launch seasonal items meant to evoke the image of the full moon like sugar cookies, egg sandwiches, dango filled with custard, and more. Meanwhile, department stores sell goods with full moon and rabbit motifs. These are all rare and exclusive treats that citizens look forward to every year.
If you look at the bright neon adverts of the city, you might suddenly see a pixelated white rabbit appear. It jumps from advertisement to advertisement. Sometimes the white rabbit even leaves the advertisements to hop across the holographic graffiti in the city. According to local urban legend, if you can follow the white rabbit long enough, it will take you to the moon and you'll learn a secret about the world. Others say the white rabbit is the AI assistant of an eccentric billionaire and if you follow the white rabbit, you'll win a million KRYPTOS. More jaded commenters on the net think it's just a publicity stunt for hacker artists.
Whatever the truth is, the city is gripped by rabbit mania and everyone is trying to chase the rabbit to learn what it is. News outlets, public officials, and even LILITH begin to issue statements about it. They warn people not to follow the white rabbit into dangerous places and advise against following suspicious bots.
If you decide to follow the white rabbit, it will lead you on a chase until the night of the first full moon. It will eventually lead you to a quiet, scenic place in the city like the top of a building or a park. You will receive a message from MOON_RABBIT.AI with an attachment link. Clicking on it will automatically download an accessory upgrade. All characters will receive a bunny ear headband. The message simply says, "Look at the beautiful moon. 🌕🐇"
No secrets are revealed, no money is found, and no coupons are earned. Maybe the real moon rabbit is the friends you made along the way. Enjoy the view!
▶ 003. CUSTOMS CAN'T STOP ME.
The Outsiders were not the only things to arrive in Neo Tokyo on the return from Mexico City. LILITH has been given some intel from their sources across the city that a significant number of animals were smuggled into the city by various sources, and the black market (which might be familiar to some Outsiders) is rife with the creatures. The mission is simple: infiltrate the market once more and find the source of the smuggling. The exotic pet market is developing, and LILITH wants it stopped.
Things are a little more complicated than they have been in the past, however. Previous adventures into the market had found Outsiders chasing down kaiju and small animals that had been smuggled here and there and attempting to apprehend the criminals, but this time it is a mixture of the smaller kaiju from Mexico and some kind of genetically modified hybrid animals alongside them. Where these strange hybrids came from is unknown, but they look more grotesque and dangerous than their kaiju counterparts.
While the pet market had been filled with animals that were far less dangerous before, this time the creatures are on the more deadly side: wildcats and large birds that are angry at their captivity and prepared to lash out at whoever comes close, no matter who they might be. They don’t understand the difference between captor and savior, so it might be tricky to catch them without gaining yourself a few scars for it.
There’s also the risk of getting involved in a deal; funnily enough, smugglers don’t take too kindly to being found out, and the people buying aren’t interested in being caught. It can be hard to track down where the deals are being made and to intercept them, but LILITH will be glad to hear of anyone who is prevented from taking part in this shady business. LILITH will be doubly pleased with Outsiders who are able to find the source of the smuggling ring and report back to the with their findings.
As before, Outsiders can find a range of different services in the markets: recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabelled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and terrifying amount of junk.
Things are a little more complicated than they have been in the past, however. Previous adventures into the market had found Outsiders chasing down kaiju and small animals that had been smuggled here and there and attempting to apprehend the criminals, but this time it is a mixture of the smaller kaiju from Mexico and some kind of genetically modified hybrid animals alongside them. Where these strange hybrids came from is unknown, but they look more grotesque and dangerous than their kaiju counterparts.
While the pet market had been filled with animals that were far less dangerous before, this time the creatures are on the more deadly side: wildcats and large birds that are angry at their captivity and prepared to lash out at whoever comes close, no matter who they might be. They don’t understand the difference between captor and savior, so it might be tricky to catch them without gaining yourself a few scars for it.
There’s also the risk of getting involved in a deal; funnily enough, smugglers don’t take too kindly to being found out, and the people buying aren’t interested in being caught. It can be hard to track down where the deals are being made and to intercept them, but LILITH will be glad to hear of anyone who is prevented from taking part in this shady business. LILITH will be doubly pleased with Outsiders who are able to find the source of the smuggling ring and report back to the with their findings.
As before, Outsiders can find a range of different services in the markets: recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabelled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and terrifying amount of junk.
▶ 004. SIMULATION: KAIJUMANJI.
It's an ordinary day when the Outsiders are called in for regular training. Those who choose to arrive early will get to head into the room and mingle with each other. Once everyone has arrived, the room will light up and everyone will find themselves wearing the LILITH plugsuits and have options to download their personal inventory or borrow weapons from LILITH's weapons database. They will also be sorted into teams of various sizes.
The room begins to whirr as the system boots up. Usually, this would be the part where the entire room takes on the appearance and sounds of a new environment. Instead, the room maintains the same appearance. One might almost think the simulation hasn't started but the sound of music from the speakers hints that something is going on.
Each team will suddenly receive a virtual "map" and a die. The virtual "map" will have markers with their names at the starting point. Given how the "map" looks and the die, it's obvious this is some sort of board game they are all expected to play. Each player must take turns rolling the die and moving ahead on the board. Most of the spaces have an effect of some sort. Upon landing on an effect tile, an event will happen. While each team has a map, some teams may have alternate versions with different kaiju and events.
The game starts in the simulation room and everyone will be free to move around throughout the virtual base and Neo Tokyo as they play. If the game becomes too much, they can try to log out of the simulation but it won't work. Instead, they'll receive an error message and an ominous explanation. The game will continue until someone reaches the end and yells, "Kaijumanji"!
After someone reaches the end, the simulation (and music) will end and they will find themselves in the simulation room.
"Who is ready for something different? Can I get a HELL YEAH? Trust me, you guys are just gonna love this, but I also gotta ask.. WANNA PLAY A GAME?"
The room begins to whirr as the system boots up. Usually, this would be the part where the entire room takes on the appearance and sounds of a new environment. Instead, the room maintains the same appearance. One might almost think the simulation hasn't started but the sound of music from the speakers hints that something is going on.
Each team will suddenly receive a virtual "map" and a die. The virtual "map" will have markers with their names at the starting point. Given how the "map" looks and the die, it's obvious this is some sort of board game they are all expected to play. Each player must take turns rolling the die and moving ahead on the board. Most of the spaces have an effect of some sort. Upon landing on an effect tile, an event will happen. While each team has a map, some teams may have alternate versions with different kaiju and events.
The game starts in the simulation room and everyone will be free to move around throughout the virtual base and Neo Tokyo as they play. If the game becomes too much, they can try to log out of the simulation but it won't work. Instead, they'll receive an error message and an ominous explanation. The game will continue until someone reaches the end and yells, "Kaijumanji"!
After someone reaches the end, the simulation (and music) will end and they will find themselves in the simulation room.
▶ 005. TOUCH GRASS.
As with all simulations, the effects feel real so everyone can feel like they are being hurt or subjected to whatever elements occur. However, all effects should end with the simulation. It appears that the new software is a little too realistic and many Outsiders are left feeling a phantom pain called "simulated pain." Though they are physically unharmed, they still feel as though they were injured and experience pain, poison effects, or difficulty using their powers or equipment.
They will be taken to the Medical Bay to receive care. Since there is nothing physically wrong with them, the staff and Nurse Robots focus on treating the symptoms the best they can. Depending on the situation, some people may receive real medication while others receive placebos to help trick the mind into recovering. While they are being treated, they will run system diagnostics and try to debug their brain implants. It is a slow process given the sensitive nature of the issue. Unfortunately, debugging will only do so much while they are cooped up in the med bay.
The best way to cure simulated pain is to get out and experience the real world. So while it may be difficult, Outsiders will be asked to mingle around the base and go out into the city to eat a real meal and touch real grass. Holding hands also seems to produce effects similar to healing touch even if the other person does not have the upgrade. By feeling something real, the mind can recalibrate and debug itself.
Everyone recovers at different rates but over time, the simulated pain will pass and they will feel normal again. Finally, they will be advised to avoid going into the simulation room and anything related to virtual reality for about a week after recovery or else they might trigger another bout of simulated pain.
They will be taken to the Medical Bay to receive care. Since there is nothing physically wrong with them, the staff and Nurse Robots focus on treating the symptoms the best they can. Depending on the situation, some people may receive real medication while others receive placebos to help trick the mind into recovering. While they are being treated, they will run system diagnostics and try to debug their brain implants. It is a slow process given the sensitive nature of the issue. Unfortunately, debugging will only do so much while they are cooped up in the med bay.
The best way to cure simulated pain is to get out and experience the real world. So while it may be difficult, Outsiders will be asked to mingle around the base and go out into the city to eat a real meal and touch real grass. Holding hands also seems to produce effects similar to healing touch even if the other person does not have the upgrade. By feeling something real, the mind can recalibrate and debug itself.
Everyone recovers at different rates but over time, the simulated pain will pass and they will feel normal again. Finally, they will be advised to avoid going into the simulation room and anything related to virtual reality for about a week after recovery or else they might trigger another bout of simulated pain.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 12th TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.
There are currently ~13 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a Syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards September AC.
There are currently ~13 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a Syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards September AC.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (TOKYO BASE): Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. They will arrive in Neo Tokyo.
2. FOLLOW THE RABBIT: During the Autumn Equinox, a white rabbit can be found that Outsiders are able to chase. According to legend, you can learn a secret or money. Successfully finding the rabbit does not result in a reward beyond friendship.
3. CUSTOMS CAN'T STOP ME: The animal/kaiju trafficking has resurfaced after returning from Mexico and Outsiders are tasked with finding the creatures and the smugglers. There are various black market services Outsiders can "indulge" in if they wish.
4. SIMULATION: KAIJUMANJI: A new simulation has been set up in the SimRoom; a training program set up as a virtual map with dice rolls and events based on where they move. Escaping the room requires getting to the end and shouting the name of the game.
5. TOUCH GRASS: Consequences of the Simulation Room can be dire; phantom pain and poison effects. The best cure is to go out into nature and see the real world, eat real food and enjoy living. Eventually, the pain passes.
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[ And it is, if her smile is anything to go by. ]
It's understandable. [ She glances around as she talks, not quite as sheepish as she probably should be. ] I probably should be more careful, but something just told me to follow, you know?
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I get that; I probably couldn't help following it myself since it seemed to be trying to show you something.
Granted, I think it's a fake rabbit - like...digital or something, but hey, there's been nice rabbits around here too so it was a coin toss.
I, uh, haven't seen you around before though. You liking the city? *okay that might sound a bit weird, he isn't good at talking with people sometimes and rubs the back of his head sheepishly* Not that that's an issue or--well there's a lot of people here--I'm kind of newish still too--don't mind me, sorry.
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You did then? Okay, I wasn't sure--*hehs again*---oh wow, really? It's really different from where I'm from. I'm...still not really used to it yet. But I'm trying.
Are you settling in okay? *he thinks that's enough of a easy question - she might not be one of the people that LILITH summoned for all he knows*
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The place I'm staying is really nice. The food leaves something to be desired, but that's really it.
[ She's also not sure if this person is one of LILITH's... so she's trying to play it safe. ] But it's hard to beat my mom's cooking.
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*the base's food was meh!!!! Was she one of the others then and he just never saw her on base yet???*
Nice; I kind of got the same sort of situation myself. There's decent food out in the city though. S'problem with like, community foodstuffs. Like it's great to eat with your neighbors and everything but...like sometimes you just want a slice of pizza.
*mention of her mum makes him smile* Well, I can't blame you there. Nothin' beats a home cooked meal. *man he missed Mikey now*
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[ She trots up to him, hopeful, earnest. ] I haven't had one in forever!
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It's a bit of a walk but if you're okay with that, I can show you if you like! They got all sorts of options - a lot of them I never had before since I got here so I haven't tried all of them, but I'm sure if you have a favorite they probably got it!
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I'm not afraid of walking at all! It's how I got around back home. Unless I was riding a cho—ah.. A bike! Unless I was riding a bike.
[ nailed it ]
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Bless you. *he says, sweetly, and offers his arm if she'd like to take it. If not, he won't be insulted* I think there's a place you could get a new bike if you don't have one here.
If, you know, you needed a new one. Being in the city and all.
*totally nailed it*
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She does take his arm with no hesitation. ]
Oh! [ yes. ] I'll have to save up some, I think. I'm still looking for more steady work.
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*he nods when she mentions needing to save up, starting to lead her back the way they originally came so they could get to the main drag of the city. At least if she's seen with him, nobody'll bother her!*
Oh boy, I know that feeling. I work at a florist. *when, you know, not punching kaiju in the face* Credits take some time to save up with expenses and stuff here but it's doable!
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[ She pulls away enough to look up at him in awe. ] I didn't have a shop, but I used to have a little cart.
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Yeah! I like it a lot. It's not my shop though. I just work there.
*he smiles brightly when she mentions having a flower cart* Oh wow, that's awesome! Bring a little brightness to people who might not be able to get their own. Or grow their own.
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[ whoops ]
You know, like the saying! [ the saying everyone totally knows! ]
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*the saying is catchy but...well he doesn't know that one at all. But he still smiles*
Is that where you're from? I'm not familiar with the place, I'm afraid.
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Yeah. I'm actually from the slums of Midgard. It wasn't the best of places, but it was home, you know?
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Oh whoa. No wonder you're brave enough to wander around here.
*he glances around, then leans in like he's sharing a big secret* S'okay. I'm not from here either. *wink*
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Oh, thank goodness. I've never been good at pretending to be someone else.
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Me either. I'm terrible at this sort of stuff, but you know, not supposed to talk about it blah blah blah.
*a pause*
The food's still terrible at 'home' though. *he says with a chuckle*
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Home home has wayyyyy better food. Especially if my brother's cooking it. *man he's really missing Mikey lately...but he smiles* And I did say I'd take you to get some decent grub so it's at least available here.
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[ She's just teasing, promise. ] Alright then.
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W-well, yeah, if we like - knew each other before this - I wouldn't expect to move that fast without getting to know you first or anything. Pretty girls like you get harassed by people all the time and that's super rude and--*he's babbling now*