TDM #22

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

---

It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy. This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses. To counteract the discovery of the Deceit Gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues. ... and you’re here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity. After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a paper gown to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation. If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You’re a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your highrise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You’re a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you’ll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms. Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals. Winter is here and snow flurries are common in the Up while the slush collects in the Down.

» » » ALL ABOARD

---

After stepping through the door and participating in orientation, LIERS are assembled together in the Up for a tour of Duplicity in its entirety. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. Traveling from Fiddler's Square, the train journeys through various parts of the Up, showcasing society and examples of lifestyle. Along the way, frequent stops are made; a variety of passengers can be seen exiting and entering the doors. A Dominant with a kneeling Submissive takes a seat near the front of the train at one stop. A small group of Submissives board and sit closer to the LIERS at another, all seemingly content in their roles. As the tour continues through the Up, the train passes close to the Market and White Wall Bridge and zips by North Park before heading into the Down and bypassing Red Wall Bridge and South Park. The train makes a "final" stop at Riddler's Square, where inhabitants of the Down are instructed to return to their temporary housing. Those who live in the Up are permitted to stay on the train and revisit the same locations while returning.

« « « WINTER WONDERLAND

---

As a particularly heavy snowstorm blows across the city, Duplicity finds itself blanketed in white. The morning after the storm, many citizens seem to be in a particularly mischievous mood and snowballs are a common sight flying through the air. A projectile meant for someone else may hit you square in the face if you're not careful — and then it's on. Joining these impromptu snow battles is encouraged, no matter a person's designation, and even Submissives teaming up to pelt unsuspecting Dominants with snowballs is generally taken in the spirit of good fun. Not everyone is throwing snow, of course — some are rolling much larger balls and shaping them into lewd snow figures. Those feeling chilled after playing in the snow may experience the urge to warm up with someone else, skin to skin. Whether they're a stranger or a familiar face, holding hands, kissing, or getting down and dirty with the nearest willing partner is invigorating. It might even be the only way to really feel warm again.

« « « DUBIOUS DELIVERIES

---

(cw: aphro, humiliation kink) Want to make some quick cash? After exiting the train in the Down, there seems to be a questionable character hanging about the station. Dressed in a trenchcoat and looking more like a flasher than the businessman he claims to be, this shady recruiter offers easy money in exchange for a simple delivery. Just take a package and drop it off at the address on the label. Really, that's it! Stop asking questions. Should characters decide to open the package themselves instead, they'll discover one of the following: glitter — so much glitter, lube (appears normal, but actually contains hot pepper and will cause more than a mild tingling sensation if used anywhere sensitive), a package of flavored condoms mysteriously labeled "every flavor" (none of them taste good), candy or perfume containing an aphrodisiac that, in addition to the usual libido-boosting effect, will also cause an intense craving for humiliation. It seems to be one of those services that allows one to send anonymous prank gifts, and they're hiding behind LIERs as couriers. There's no return address or company information on or inside the package, except for a card marked Encoded Sin Corp — which does not seem to be a real company if the name is searched. Whether characters end up delivering the package — maybe even to a fellow LIER — or get into some trouble along the way, someone is getting a nasty surprise.

« « « SURPRISES FOR SALE

---

(cw: aphro, dubcon, excessive fluids, exhibitionism, public use) A small winter market has been set up along one of the major streets in the Up with stalls selling a variety of goods ranging from knitted hats and scarves, soaps, scented lotions, candles, jewelry, artwork and assorted crafts to hand-dyed bondage rope and kinky leather accessories. Food and drink stands are plentiful as well. Strings of lights crisscross the street between the roofs of the shops, providing a cheerful glow, and there are tables set up in the street itself for people to sit and chat while having a snack — if they can stand the cold. Some of the most popular treats being sold are hot chocolate, eggnog, marshmallow snowmen, and sugar cookies decorated like snowflakes. Of course, their popularity may have something to do with the effects they produce when consumed. • The hot chocolate simply gets one all hot and bothered. • The eggnog may cause heavy production of sexual fluids, a desire to be filled or covered with someone else's cream, or all of the above. • The marshmallow snowmen will make those who eat them want to invite others to use them as they please, desiring nothing more than to be molded into the perfect fucktoy. • The sugar cookies seem to induce all sorts of different cravings — after all, no two snowflakes are alike! These effects tend to last at least an hour and may, in some cases, last up to a full day. One of the jewelry shops sells an unusual selection of compass pendants and bracelets. The compass arrows spin round and round lazily while the pieces are on display. Once worn, however, that changes. The arrow will settle on a direction, but instead of pointing north it will lead directly to another person. Perhaps you should speak to them? You may even begin to feel magnetically drawn to them yourself… In the event that two people have compasses that point them at each other, the attraction will be even stronger — nearly impossible to deny. There is another shop which sells intricately designed pocket watches and small clocks. When these timepieces are stared at for an extended length of time or picked up and handled, characters will feel a brief but strong connection to their past and experience a vivid flashback to some moment that was, in whatever way, meaningful for them. After reliving the memory, they will feel compelled to speak about it to whoever is nearby.

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

---

Please read carefully. On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right." When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass." This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice. To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide: If your character likes it hot, they are a Dominant. If your character prefers the cold, they are a Submissive. To Note: Characters can only swap their designation for one of the following reasons: an event occurs that allows it or there are OOC reasons that make it a necessity. Any swap always requires mod approval and each character can only ever switch once. Characters that are being reapped will keep their previous designation but players can choose to use new TDMs with different designations for fun! Test Drive threads can be used as activity proofs for characters currently in-game. Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!!

---

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

ryunosuke akutagawa | bungo stray dogs | submissive

[aheartlessdog]

« « « DUBIOUS DELIVERIES

The city is a familiar one. Akutagawa has been here before, and, just like last time, he's sporting a single line bisecting his throat. It's covered, mostly, by his cravat, but even hidden, it seems the locals are well aware of the mark.

Getting a job his first time here had not been an easy task, so when he's offered with the opportunity to deliver a package, he takes it without question. Making shady deliveries is all part of a day's work as a mafioso, and so, he feels no qualms about accepting the job. He's not even particularly curious about what's in the package. His only goal is to deliver it safely.

The task proves more challenging than he'd originally thought. Try as he might, he cannot find the location on the box. By the time the sky is growing dark, Akutagawa is getting frustrated. It's only when the streetlights start to shine that he gives up, approaching the first person who crosses his path.

"Excuse me. Do you happen to know the layout of this city?"

« « « SURPRISES FOR SALE

Akutagawa stands out among the stalls, a man dressed in all black with skin almost as pale as the snow itself. He's taken particular interest in examining the various wares, focusing most heavily on the artwork and ropes. Despite his apparent fascination, he makes no move to purchase anything.

It's only when he approaches a food stall that he takes out his coin purse, only to be reminded that he can't actually purchase anything without a Dominant's permission. Instinct tells him that he should just kill and take it, but he manages to keep his composure, nodding his head and starting to move on from the booth.

Without a contract, it seems like he's out of luck until he notices someone at his side make a purchase easily without struggling over pesky things like legalities. He seems to hesitate before speaking, as if he's trying to swallow his pride. It's humiliating to have to ask for help on a task so simple.

"Could I trouble you for a favor?" It's almost as though he's gritting his teeth when he talks. "I have the money, but it seems I'm not allowed to make a purchase for myself."

« « « WILDCARD

[ Hit me with whatever you want! If you want to plot or want a custom starter, feel free to contact me through PM or on plurk @ spectrophile. ♥ ]

Sale

[colorature]

"Sure. What do you want?"

Diva herself has been eyeing the cookies on sale, doing her best not to drool all over the place. She'd just been about to approach Akutagawa when he ended up talking to her first - how convenient. The question though was whether or not he'd remember her.

"I'll get it for you."

[aheartlessdog]

Akutagawa points a slender finger at the hot cocoa and then the marshmallow snowmen. He's been in Duplicity before and knows better than to trust the food and drink, but right now, he's just so cold and hungry. Living back in the Down again meant having little more than scraps to eat and while marshmallows were hardly a meal, they were right in front of him when his stomach started growling.

"Thank you, Diva-san."

It's clear when he says her name that he remembers her. Diva had been his boss on his previous stay in the city, and as such, he owed a debt to her for her kindness. He'd owe her even more, now, for her aid in this matter as well.

The man at the stall is much more eager to help now that he has a Submissive who's been granted permission to buy things assisting him, and it takes no time at all for Akutagawa to get his drink and treat.

"Have I been gone long?"

[colorature]

Ah! So he does remember her! The recognition has her beaming at him, eagerly ordering them what he'd requested. She does the same for herself because why not? It all looks delicious. With treats in hand she gives him his drink and snack, happily sipping at her own.

"You have, you have...it's been quite a few months." Not that she knows just how many. It could've been a year for all she knows - she hadn't been keeping track. "I have to say I was surprised to see you again."

But not displeased. A friendly face is a friendly face.

[aheartlessdog]

Akutagawa cannot say that he's glad to see her, too, though it has less to do with Diva herself and everything to do with the fact that he's displeased he wound up in the city again.

"I must say I'm surprised to find myself here again as well."

Quite a few months... and yet, no time had passed for him at home. He'd heard of such a thing happening, but he'd never thought that he would experience it. Holding his marshmallow snowmen in one hand and his cocoa in another, he took a small sip, wrinkling his nose as the hot liquid burnt his tongue.

"Shall we take a seat?" He didn't care for small chit-chat normally, but there were things to catch up on. For one, he needed to find out if he could return to his old place of employment.

[colorature]

"Mm, sure." She sees no reason not to sit and get comfortable. Drink and treat in hand she gestures with her head toward one of the open benches not far from them. "Let's go over there."

With little hesitation she moves to take a seat, scooting over to one side so he has enough room to get comfortable beside her. Setting her drink in her lap she pats the bench with a mitten covered hand, happy when he does finally sit.

"These snowmen look pretty good, huh?"

Dubious Deliveries

[terrariums]

Despite being approached so boldly in the dark, the younger man doesn't so much as flinch when Ryunosuke speaks.

"Unfortunately, I am newly arrived here." As much as he would have been happy to point some lost person in the right direction. From the breast pocket of his suit, he produces a neatly folded map free from any speck of dirt. Jade is a man clearly meticulous and careful with his belongings.

"However, I may still be able to assist you. What street are you looking for?"

[aheartlessdog]

A map. How practical. Had they been given such a thing at Orientation? As it had been his second time going through it, Akutagawa had only barely paid attention. The lessons were the same as they had been, a run through of everything they could and could not do, as well as the distasteful things that were expected of them. Hearing it once had been more than enough.

Akutagawa glances down at the package in hand. "1423 Cockburn Street." The name is ridiculous, but he says it with a straight face. He would have thought it to be a prank were he anywhere other than Duplicity. As it is, the street name fits the licentious nature of the city.

"I would welcome you, but welcome and this place," it's said with disdain, "don't really go together, particularly for people in our predicament."

[terrariums]

All human street names felt strange to him, so he doesn't even bat an eye when it's spoken. A gloved hand carefully opens up the map to look quickly across the page.

"Our predicament...? Oh, you mean this mark." The mark of a Submissive--something the both of them seemed to share. Jade hadn't had much time to dwell on that thought what with all of the notes he'd been making during orientation. He'd half expected there to be a test of some sort after it was all over with. "Yes, I suppose that does put a damper on an otherwise lovely place."

The beautiful smell of the sea, the cold and brisk air... it was hard not to enjoy the location even if the situation was far from ideal. "Ah, here we are. Cockburn street is crossed by--" His lips press slightly together before he taps the spot with his finger. "'Sex Drive'."

[aheartlessdog]

An otherwise lovely place? Akutagawa's dubious gaze settles on the man beside him, studying his form under the dim lights of the street lamps. What kind of person would like a place like this? Especially when they're also bearing a mark on their throat. He had said he was new, though, so perhaps he would learn with time.

It isn't Akutagawa's concern to break him in.

"Sex Drive," he repeats, still sounding just as serious as he had when he'd spoken the first street name. "I understand. Thank you for your assistance." He starts to walk away without waiting for a response, only to trip over something in the dark. While he catches his own balance, the package goes tumbling on the ground and pours open, revealing the contents inside. The glitter and condoms spill everywhere, along with the lube and perfume bottle toppling out of the box. Akutagawa stares at it in only mild disbelief. Why couldn't he have just been running drugs or a bomb or something?

"I was just a courier." This is very much not his box.

[terrariums]

For the moment he doesn't even consider how his words could be taken. It's true that the city had barely shown him a glimpse of what it had to 'offer' the new Submissives that just arrived.

Not that he would have had the time to dwell on it even if he wanted to. When Akutagawa's foot catches and he stumbles, the eel with legs hurries forward to extend a hand to offer assistance... until his eyes fall down onto the contents of the box. He at least has the decency to bring his own hand up to cover the slight pull of his lips. "Yes... of course. If they were your own I am sure you would hardly need to stop for directions. Though I suppose that could be part of the 'scene'."

surprises!

[wantingmore]

Claudia's eyes slide over toward Akutagawa as he speaks up. "Yes, of course," she assures him. "It isn't any trouble."

She's not a particularly charitable person, but it is in her best benefit to show her submissive counterparts with a particular amount of kindness. A part of her understands, too, that she was once in such a state of powerlessness, forced dependency upon others.

"What is it you're looking to buy?"

[aheartlessdog]

"Just a hot cocoa," he responds to what winds up being a familiar face. He doesn't know Claudia well, has just seen her from when he worked at Fangtasy, but as she's a former boss of his, he regards her with a heightened level of respect.

Reaching into his coat pocket, he withdraws a small coin purse, opening it and fishing through until he has the correct amount of money. Instead of simply handing it over to the cashier, he hands it to Claudia. What a stupid chain of command this city had.

"Thank you, Miss Claudia."

[wantingmore]

"No thanks necessary," she assures him as she finishes the transaction. It would have been simpler, perhaps, to offer to pay for him--it isn't that she's unwilling to let go of the money so much as she figures he might at least wish to feel as if he at least has that much agency in the situation.

Once the hot cocoa exchanges hands, she turns away from the stall to give him her full attention. She can't eat or drink, after all.

"It's been some time since I've seen you in the city. Have you only just returned?"

[aheartlessdog]

Akutagawa is relieved to have the cocoa in hand, the hot drink warming his cold fingers. It's too hot to sip right away, so he lets it cool, holding it close.

He's grateful to have been allowed to pay. Fewer things grated on his nerves quite like being useless. Being a Submissive in Duplicity felt similar to being back on the street again. While he is slightly better off here than he had been in his youth, it really isn't by much. Having his rights stripped away from him felt like tumbling back down to square one, so even something as minor as being able to pay for his drink played a part in keeping him from completely losing his mind. He didn't need a dead SIN Guard to his name. Not so quickly, at least.

"Yes. I arrived again yesterday. Miss Diva says it's been several months since I was here last."

[wantingmore]

Claudia nods as he explains. The two, of course, didn't really know one another, but she remembered him to be a quiet and diligent worker. His efficiency is something that she could appreciate, and so she considers it a decent stroke of luck to see him.

"Yes, that sounds about right. It must be terribly disorienting--and how are you faring in the current conditions of the city?"

dubious deliveries

[indensity]

Chuuya has been wandering the city for a while now. He's annoyed to be back, angry to be branded as a submissive again, and a bit worried that he doesn't know anyone here anymore. He'll be fine, he doesn't actually need anyone, but he doesn't really know where to start this time. He refuses to find himself some random Dominant just so he can have a little freedom in the city.

He's considering turning back and heading to the shitty housing that submissives are stuck in, when he spots a familiar black coat in the distance. He's not completely sure until he gets closer, but Akutagawa is difficult to confuse for someone else. He's too thin, too sickly, too murderous. And seeing him is a relief - Having a subordinate here means Chuuya has a sense of purpose. There's someone for him to protect.

"Akutagawa," he calls out, once he's close enough he's sure he'll be heard. "You're still here?"

[aheartlessdog]

The familiar voice has Akutagawa turning around instantly. "Nakahara-san." A sense of relief washes through him at seeing someone he knows. While he knew he could survive on his own, there's no denying that he's lost without the Port Mafia. Chuuya is a welcome sight, more so than many from his world would have been.

The question he poses, though, catches Akutagawa off guard. Though he's been here twice before, he only remembers one time, the time without Chuuya. Things were different now, namely the line, identical to Chuuya's own, centering his throat.

"I just re-arrived," he answers. "It seems I was gone for a few months." His brow furrows. "Were you here as well, sir?"

[indensity]

Chuuya stops once he's caught up with Akutagawa, hands in his pockets. He looks relaxed, but anyone that knows him would know that he's on guard, just in case. He's not really expecting to be attacked out of the blue here, but there's no way he's letting anyone catch him by surprise.

He tilts his head slightly. "I was. So were you," he says. He did know this place can mess with your memories, but it still feels wrong. Even if it might be for the better if Akutagawa forgot. "It's been a couple of years, apparently."

The way time moves here is strange as well. Barely any time passed back in Yokohama. It's better not to think about it.

[aheartlessdog]

"It's only been a few months for me." At least, that's what Akutagawa has gathered from talking to a former acquaintance. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how long it's been. As far as time at home though, none had passed. The last thing he remembers is making his deal with Atsushi.

It's inconvenient timing considering Akutagawa feels desperate to rip apart every single one of their captors. He'd cracked on his last time in the city, murdering a SIN guard, but that would remain his dirty little secret. Without his former Dominant, no one would have to find out -- especially not Atsushi or Dazai.

"I'm..." He's not good at expressing any sort of emotion, but respect is one that he understands. It's the only thing that makes what he says next possible at all. "I'm grateful that you're here."

[indensity]

Chuuya looks a little surprised at those words, but he quickly turns it into a smile, one that he saves for his subordinates. "The Organization looks after its members," he says. And what he means is, of course: Chuuya will protect Akutagawa. He will always take care of his subordinates. It's a relief to him, too, to have someone else here, someone he can work with, because he thrives on that responsibility.

It's making it easier to ignore the fact that he hates that he's back here. Immediately he's starting to think about what they might need to establish themselves here, though unfortunately most of it requires at least a dominant. They'll have to find someone they can use.

For now, though: "Why are you carrying that package?"

pack yo shit and yatsugare out of here

[gekkajuu]

Unbeknownst to Akutagawa, Atsushi has arrived at much the same time, and has found himself in the same position as impromptu package deliverer - and he, too, takes it Very Seriously™. He's never been here before, though, so he has an even harder time finding the address on the package. Clutching the package against his chest with both arms to make sure he doesn't drop it, he's constantly looking around, but his gaze is aimed high as if he's looking for street names, or other traffic signs that might give him a clue which direction to go.

So, really, it's not the least bit surprising when he turns a corner and bumps rather roughly into another person, the package he'd held so carefully dropped in spite of his best intentions. Checking it comes first - it seems to not be damaged too badly, fortunately - but a split second later he turns his attention to the person he bumped into. Argh, he can't believe he was so rude..!

"I'm sorry!" The words definitely come out at too high a volume, as if that's the only way to convey how sorry he truly is. "I'm really sorry. Are you al-..."

And then he sees who it is. No way. No, no, no, no, no way...

"Akutagawa?!" All apologies forgotten, he can't help but make a face. What on earth is someone like Akutagawa doing in a place like this?! (Well, the same could be asked of Atsushi, but...)

[aheartlessdog]

Akutagawa has finally settled on where he's meant to go. With intent focus, he rounds the corner only to be bumped into. The package in his arms goes flying, hitting the pavement with a decently loud thud. Like Atsushi, his first priority is checking the package, picking it up and examining the outside carefully. It wouldn't do to damage the parcel he's meant to be delivering.

The package seems to be fine, though, so he turns his attention back on the person he crossed paths with. On his best behavior, he starts to say, "Pardon me," but the words stop the instant he recognizes who he's bumped into. His gaze goes from neutral to angry in a flash, and his grip on the package tightens. It may have been fine from the fall, but it's seriously at risk from being crushed now.

"Weretiger?!" There's no shortage of venom in the word as Akutagawa's expression twists into a nasty glare.

How? Here? Why? When he'd been here before, he'd been the only one from their world, and now, of all people, he's here? They're even in the same predicament, judging from the line down Atsushi's neck.

"Why are you here?" The question is spat as though they have any control over their arrival and aren't just victims of very odd circumstance.

[gekkajuu]

Atsushi doesn't want to be intimidated, but a small part of him still is. Maybe it's because of his deal with Akutagawa, rather than in spite of it: the pressure is on, now, and he wasn't sure he'd be able to beat Akutagawa in the first place. Being stuck here, he has no chance of turning to his superiors for help in training, either.

But it's fine. He's stood up to Akutagawa before, and he came out -... if not on top, then at least on equal footing. He just has to ignore the way his heart has started pounding out of reflex. It's just Akutagawa. They've clashed before, and Atsushi has mostly managed to keep up with him... so it's fine.

"I could ask you the same question!" His voice is overcompensating for his fear a bit, trying too hard to be assertive. His body language, meanwhile, doesn't quite manage to follow suit, shoulders hunching a bit as he dusts off his package and holds it extra carefully against his chest all over again, as if it's a baby... or a safety blanket. "I'm trying to work, here. There's no need for you to get in my way."

[aheartlessdog]

Something about being sent on the same task grates against Akutagawa's nerves. Had the same man sent them? How dare he look at Akutagawa and Atsushi as though they were on the same level. Were it not for their deal, Akutagawa would have most likely tracked that man back down and made him pay for his mistake.

"You got in my way," Akutagawa corrects. "If you'd been paying attention, you would never have run into me." Never mind that it goes both ways; Akutagawa isn't going to admit to making a mistake. "Are you so useless that you can't deliver a simple package without inconveniencing someone else?"

To his credit, he hasn't completely lashed out -- not yet, at least. It's boiling up in him, threatening to reach the surface. He can practically feel Rashoumon's hunger on his back.