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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.
no subject
It is a test, but not the way Shoto fears.Is Shoto getting flustered? She flustered him? So maybe he isn't quite so stoic as he comes across.Jessica can work with that. She smiles brightly at him.]
Of course it's okay. I offered!
[She'll figure out how to take a picture of herself with her ocular implant later.]
But first, where are you headed?
no subject
She's asking something and he has to replay it a little in his head. He stutters only a moment as he gathers himself, and the mask starts to fall back on in routine more than measure.]
I was patrolling. Usually when there's a mass celebration a lot of people take advantage of it. What... what were you doing?
no subject
Oh, ha ha, I was taking a walk to clear my head. I might have lost my temper earlier and yelled at some people about the glitch. And then I saw the stuff about the white rabbit out here, and I got distracted.
[Thus barreling into the Wall of Shoto.]
We could... walk together, if you want company while you patrol.
[You know, what could be more professional than a policeman walking around with a bunny girl?]
no subject
Hey that's a good distraction reaction.]Ah, the rabbit. I've seen it throughout the town.
[That makes sense, she was chasing it. Shoto almost wears something akin to a 'me?' look on his face, but he's nodding well before it melts off of his expression.]
I'd like that, I want to finish at least this block just to be sure... It would be nice to have your company.
no subject
She nods back.]
Great. Now, are you patrols usually dangerous? Do I need to keep an eye out for hooligans?
[She's teasing a little, but also trying to gauge how serious she needs to be about not being in the way and distracting Shoto from his job.]
no subject
Hooligans?
[It's rhetorical, he just likes the interesting way she says things. It's so straight forward and so far she hasn't really said anything that's confused him. ...ish. She's already distracting him pleasantly. He's offering his arm because she wanted it when they went through the gateway and he assumes that's what she wants all the time.]
It can be dangerous in a few places, but nothing as dangerous as a Kaiju. You handled that, this should be fine. But aside that you don't have to worry, no one will hurt you while I'm here.
[They already know that the guy with the red and white hair will whomp their ass and then sit them down to talk and people aren't sure what's more annoying.]
no subject
She loops her arm around his. He's not wrong.]
You'll protect me?
[She's contradictory- if you imply she can't protect herself, Jessica rankles against it, but when a cute boy wants to be her knight in shining armor, her heart melts a little. She doesn't need to be taken care of... but that doesn't mean she can't like it.]
My hero.
no subject
Shoto's hand settles over hers, he's escorted people before and though he glances up to take a cursory look in front of them, his eyes are back on her- he's about to answer 'yes' to protecting her and then she say something that almost makes him pause.]
I will be, I won't let you down.
[Declaring something like that may be common to them, but not to Shoto. It's a phrase that he takes incredibly seriously.]
I'll always come to help. Even if it's not catastrophic, you can count on me.
no subject
I will. If I ever need help, you're the one I'll call.
no subject
That doesn't stop the odd thump in his chest, the way that he wants to sidelong glance at her as they walk. It may be quiet, and it almost looks like he's going to say something, but he doesn't seem to have whatever it is down enough that he follows through. What is he supposed to say when every time he glances over she seems to make him forget what to say?]
Those ears are... they look comfortable.
[Naildn't.]
no subject
What's he mean by that? They don't really feel comfortable or uncomfortable, because they're not really there. Is he saying he wants her to wear things like this more often?
...that would be a little embarrassing, but if he asked, she might.]
Are you... a fan of rabbits, Shoto?
no subject
The question catches him off guard, but in the best ways. As usual she knows what to say even if he doesn't, ultimately. But the question itself is something he has to consider.]
In a way. I like cats, they like me too. Midoriya's hero uniform looked a little like a rabbit, at least the first couple of iterations. In that way I think I like rabbits, too.
[Little does he know that in the future, it evens out, he tells Midoriya about his encounter with her in a rabbit outfit. But in this moment, his eyes tick over, this time holding their position looking at her.]
Do... do you like them? Or other kinds of animals?
no subject
[Now she needs to see Shoto cuddling with a kitten, it's too cute for that image to only exist in her imagination.]
Of course, rabbits are really cute. And I like cats, too. One of my friends had a flying, talking cat, and we got along alright.
[Well, she and Nall the
flying catbaby dragon get along when they're not teasing one another. But that's because Nall's snarky, and he needs someone to keep him in check.]I hear there's a cat cafe. Have you been there before?
no subject
[The cats are, too, he is a sucker for them and he wishes he could bring some of them home. He lives alone so it wouldn't be hard, but his work would keep him so far from his furry friends.
They have cats and rabbits in common, and Shoto is filing that information away when she hits him with talking cat. He's heard the cats meow and sound like they're saying "Hello" to which he always responds, but, never a talking cat.]
Oh.
[A talking cat, right yes. Well, he's seen weirder things and someone on the police force that he saw on and off just so happens to be a cat, too. Maybe she means more akin to a quirk than he thought at first. But. The idea of her asking if he's gone and that she's only heard of it, gives him an idea.]
I haven't. I didn't know there was one, but I'd like to go. Would you like to go with me? I'd rather go with you.
[He could ask Midoriya, or Bakugo, but... maybe another time.]
no subject
[Such a smooth save. Nice going, Jessica. Just two friends, one dressed as a bunny girl, walking arm and arm around town and planning a nice, platonic outing.]
no subject
We are, you know. Friends. It's alright to say it. I liked you when I first saw you, it's alright to like your friends.
[Even if said friend sometimes leave him tongue tied, despite how he doesn't say too much. Even if said friend leaves his heart thumping in odd ways. Even if-- A lot of things.]
I like you a lot.
[You like friends, right? Right.]
I enjoy spending time with you. I like hearing what you have to say. I think you talk about engaging and passionate things and even when it's just quiet, I still have fun. When we add cats to that, it'll be even more fun.
[Is that what she's worried about?]
no subject
She takes a deep breath. Jessica's used to boys who are very vocal about finding her attractive, but who won't show her basic affection or attention. Shoto is the opposite, and she doesn't know how to interpret that.
But nobody would accuse her of being a coward, and she's not going to start chickening out now.]
I like you too. And I want us to go to the cafe together, just the two of us. [There, she can't be much clearer than that, right? Except, she's worried Shoto will be confused, so she adds,] Except for the cats, they're invited too.
no subject
Neither of them will know for now and he will continue to keep her arm in his, cover her hand on his arm with the free one and keep walking with her as they plan on Cat Date. A cat date that it's good that she clarifies, because he's opening his mouth to insist at least the cats be a little involved. But nope. She's learned that, too.
While his smiles are never wide-- this one is. It's near toothy, hearing that she likes him, too. If only he realized what sort of like it is, it'd sure make it easier to understand his own feelings.]
Then that's what we'll do. I can come pick you up sometime in the afternoon?
[The rabbit they were chasing is long forgotten, at least to him. He pauses in thought, thought, because there's something that may be fun for them to get there.]
Are you afraid of heights?
no subject
Yes, any time is fine.
[Rabbit, what rabbit? She's not thinking about that, or the fact that she's going to still be in this stupid outfit when they go to the cafe. Her mind is fully focused on dissecting every word of that previous exchange, trying to weigh if the scale is tipped to 'friendly outing' or 'date'.]
No, I'm okay with heights.... Wait, why?
[Did she miss something?]
no subject
For now walking with her as they are-- isn't he supposed to be patrolling, too? Maybe he should stop looking at her and maybe look for at least a little crime, as a treat. Well. He's sure he'll hear the crime.]
The fastest way anywhere is my quirk for me. I've never found a reason to have any other kind of transport, and usually I don't get scolded for it.
[Other than by Bakugo. He doesn't count.]
If you trust me, I can get us anywhere. The cat cafe won't be a problem. I promise I won't drop you, you'll just have to hold on tightly.
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I trust you, and I can hold on very tight.
[She may still be struggling to get a read on Shoto's interest in her, but she sure can recognize an opportunity for cozying up to a boy when she sees one.]
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Good, I'd catch you if you fell, but I'd rather avoid it at all costs.
[He's forgotten he's on patrol, he's forgotten they were supposed to maybe look for rabbits, he's forgotten it all to stand there and look back at her. The idea of her that close is a kindly thought. Her hand on his arm is warm, even if he's regulating the temperatures for her.]
I...
[--am not sure what to say. Forgot how to speak.]
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See? I can be clingy as a koala when I want to.
[Is she being way too obvious in public? Yeah, she is. But Shoto’s too huggable to resist.]
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Huh, so this is it. This is how he dies?Scantily clad women are not the issue in his world, he has seen some costumes even growing up but never, obviously, have the abilities of those costumes been turned against him. Right up against him, his arm to be exact, and when she does it his eyes turn down to look at the application of his arm against her body and he instantly realizes he's looked down. For much more than just a second, and then looks back up at her face. His eyes a little wider, and a small ripple of fire ignites and flashes out momentarily along his hair as fast as it came along with the small surprise on his face. This is almost exactly what he was thinking of, and he has to try to get the words out. Words that'll totally indicate he's into it, right?]
Y-...yes, you can.
[Nailed it. She sure can be and his heart is already thumping in his chest. His next big adventure is 'how to respect a lady when she's pressed up against your arm' on the network.
However, he doesn't pull his arm away. Is she looking for something in kind?]
You should be safe.
[He's almost convinced that she's trying to entice him, and if he's wrong-- well if he's wrong he's not sure how he's going to ever recover from it. Alright, if he's wrong, he's wrong, but if he's a coward he has to live with that, too. But what is he supposed to do? She's hugging onto his arm, so it doesn't seem like he couldn't set that hand on her waist and bring the other one under her legs to pick her up in a bridal style.]
If not, I can carry you.
[His eyes stay on her as he walks a few steps forward, despite looks they may be getting from a passerby or two. It brings her closer to him and he's certainly curled his arms a little tighter to do so.]
I can hold on tightly, too.
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And then he talks about literally sweeping her off her feet, and yes, she is being swept. She leans her head against his shoulder, and his heart isn't the only one that's racing.]
You can. You're so strong.
[Jessica doesn't want to be a burden, and she can definitely carry her own weight, but she can't help but want to bask in this princess treatment.
Hopefully there's no crimes in this area, because this patrol has gotten completely off track.]
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