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duplicitymemes2024-03-10 04:51 pm
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2024-03-10 04:51 pm
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TDM #35
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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 LIEs 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 LIEs 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 high-rise. 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. Submissives are provided with a plain black pleather collar to wear and Dominants are given bracelets made of the same black pleather. The simple design is an immediate visual indicator that they have not yet signed a contract and they will be informed that more elaborate or personalized styles are a privilege reserved for those who do. Enjoy your free time until Orientation! Participation is mandatory for all new and past arrivals. The first hints of spring are in the air. |
 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. |
 (cw: bondage/shibari) The featured workshop at this month's Orientation is a trust-building "ropes course." Deepen your bond with your partner and explore the balance between restraint and freedom, as well as the power dynamics inherent in this hands-on learning opportunity. You'll discover the beauty of patience, communication, and connection as you weave intricate patterns of rope around each other's bodies. The class portion of the workshop is brief, featuring demonstrations by NPC Dominants and Submissives, after which characters of opposite designations will be paired up and expected to replicate what was shown. Printed handouts from LIEs will be passed around with step by step instructions for their reference—though some may be less than clear, or only include pictures and diagrams without written directions. Do your best! |
 (cw: sexual fluids and other body fluids, sexual art, body paint) Want to escape the unpleasantness of the Down? Arrivals are encouraged to partner up and participate in an ongoing public art installation in the Up where they will be invited to shed inhibitions and embrace the raw essense of self-expression through a unique medium: their stained bed sheets. The exhibition is being held in Fiddler's Square's very own Stay & Play Hotel where pairs may rent time in a special reserved block of rooms to work on their intimate canvases. Uncontracted pairs may get a steep discount, or even a free room if they are convincingly passionate. All sheets in these rooms are reactive to moisture of any kind, and each room is stocked with complimentary lubricants and body paints. Through tactile engagement and artistic interpretation, attendees redefine the unity and celebration of their designations coming together and celebrate the complexity and beauty of their experience. Unleash your creativity, and join in defining the art of expression. |
 (cw: gas leak, aphrodisiacs, altered mental states, hallucinations) The Down isn't a very pleasant place to be, especially for newcomer Submissives who are forced to live in public housing. While the state of the building complex is nothing to phone home about at the best of times, this particular month it's abysmal. Much needed repairs on the plumbing have been ignored for far too long and, after a particularly chilly winter, the hot water heaters are bust. They need replacing, but who is going to pay for that? It'll take some time and a bunch of bureaucratic red tape before the water in the city-provided housing turns warm again. Enjoy your cold showers for the foreseeable future! Or, y'know, suck up to a Dominant and ask them to use their shower. But wait! There's more! As if the plumbing problems aren't bad enough, there is also some kind of gas leak, and a nasty one at that. It doesn't seem to be flammable and no one will be dying in their sleep, but that's the only good news. The fumes from the gas are invisible and also odorless, leaving unsuspecting Submissives (and anyone else who visits the building, for that matter) at the mercy of the effects. In the common areas of the building the exposure is the strongest, but it still seeps into character's rooms as well. Inhaling the gas will leave characters feeling loopy and more open to interacting with others. Some may find that they're feeling extra cuddly and needy, if not outright horny because of it. The rarest—and one of the least pleasant—side effects are the hallucinations some characters may experience, causing them to mistake others for people they may know. After a few days the leak will be repaired, but it'll take a few more days following the fix for the building to be aired out completely. |
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 the assignments are OOCly 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 is more lawful, they are a Submissive. If your character is more chaotic, they are a Dominant. 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 tag on 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!! |
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And a friend who is even closer than ever!
...oh.
Oh no. They were now in the same city. Not the remote islands they were both on somewhere in Twisted Wonderland. That were impossible to get to. Or a real hassle to. This is...
Idia's not sure! He's almost made the mistake once of offering irl meet up! Got too caught up in the joy of their connection via gaming and chatting! But the fact they are both in Duplicity is... IT'S TOO CLOSE NOW! Idia just got MuscleRed back! He doesn't want to ruin it by the other learning what he's like! Idia would ruin everything! This can't happen! It has to stay online! Just behind screens! Nothing more!]
its ah been over a year for me
[Idia scrambling out some sort of answer as he has his own little mental freak out at the fact they are both so close now! WHAT DOES HE DO ABOUT THIS?! He can't just reject MuscleRed if he asks to meet up, can he?! Idia can't just drop him in the deep end without some support! He's his brother in arms! He can't do that to the fellow gamer!
WHAT DOES HE DO!?]
u gud tho? like u like [AAAAAHHH THIS IS SO MUCH HARDER THAN ANYONE ELSE WHO COULD HAD TURNED UP!] u like in up? [Or is he stuck in the crappy situation that is a Sub in the Down?]
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After all, to him, it was all trivial. Working with the comfort zone of his friend was the best way to deal with this. That's why... the only time he'd ever offered to visit was when Gloomurai brought it up on their own.
He does wonder: would they still want to meet up? To see who the other was, to push their friendship to new levels. It's an intriguing thought - one that comes with several caveats and little problems of its own. The messages he receives seem a little more sloppy, shaky, as if the person on the other end wasn't sure at all how to communicate with this new realization. He might be feeling the same, if he was a few hundred years younger.
Instead, all it does is bring a small smile to his face. ]
Over a year? That's a long time, for sure. [ Was... Gloomurai asking about whether or not he was a Dominant or a Submissive, there? That care was just what he'd expect from such a friend. ]
Dominant. That's what the city has decided I am. Not that I don't agree. I've never been quite the 'Submissive' type.[ Okay, now he's struggling a little. How do you go about a conversation like this?! ]
I'm doing alright thus far. Just as I'm adaptable in our gaming sessions, I'm able to adapt to this as well. Don't waste time worrying about me at all, alright?
Hm.
There is one thing on my mind, however.
We're no longer an impossible distance apart. I recall you mentioning before how 'cool' it could be to meet up offline. Not that this is the ideal place whatsoever.
What is your preference, Gloomurai? To keep this online or meet up sometime offline? My offer to visit still stands.
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And to also respect MuscleRed's request to trust him.] kk good it a lot safer as a dom [He able to find a moment of humor between his panic and worry.] lols means i dont gotta boost u this way as u all set up
[And then that question comes up. Yet... MuscleRed is still being so kind to him, so considerate. To allow Idia to choose. And Idia knows he would accept the answer, that he wouldn't push one way or another. They have both shared so much over their time together, but also left a lot more unspoken. So Idia doesn't answer right away, maybe for a length of time that MuscleRed may consider that he's not going to.
Yet eventually...]
idk. i [Ehh...] i think ill just be a disappointment for u to meet
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At least, it shouldn't be too long until they cross paths, Lilia figures. Besides, Cater had reassured him that Silver was just fine. No need to panic there, even with Gloomurai mentioning the safety Dominants had compared to Submissives.
It's a while before he gets a reply from Gloomurai. Long enough that Lilia's set his device aside, moved to lean back in the plush bed. It wasn't like he was waiting for a response. He knew good and well that question might never get a reply. And yet, he found himself waiting.
When the small beep comes through, he picks his device back up, sliding the messages open.
Oh, Gloomurai...]
My friend, what kind of nonsense is that?
As you know, I've experienced quite a lot.
Nothing has ever disappointed me, even the negative experiences.
As I said before, it will remain your choice. There's no need to answer that question tonight, even, if you cannot.
For now, you could recommend me something fun to play on my device for the time being, before I'm able to buy something else to play games on, in the event that this will become an extended stay for me as well.
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All for this fake freedom he believed he was getting for himself and his brother.
Not that it mattered here. In Duplicity.
...he wonders if the MuscleRed of his universe was still alive or if he had somehow caused his death as well.
No. Idia is not a good person. But... maybe... he can try and be a good friend. Here. To make up for that.]
but if we gonna game i need to make u a rig. the perfect gaming computer. let me know ur colors n any symbols or designs u like and i'll customize it for u
[Hm...]
idk if i wanna meet just yet. it feels almost too much. bet the cityw ill force it sooner or later but...i still wanna be ur friend. oncei built it i can send it to u. get one of my subs to deliver it. we can start there? like was b4?
[It's also accompanied a few moments later with a list of device games, at least ten options for MuscleRed to pick from. Even little stars by the ones Idia really likes or thinks MuscleRed would.]
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[ Gloomurai was sure to come to the same conclusion about him: that he isn't a good person. Not in the slightest. It's only when Gloomurai 'voices' that concern that the thought even comes to Lilia's mind, that the fear creeps into his head too, infecting him with that same worry.
What if, if they ever met...
Gloomurai didn't like this person?
Lilia only realizes he's thinking too hard on it when he hears a small unnatural noise from his device. The strain he was putting on it with just his hands would crack the screen if he didn't stop. Letting up on it, he stares for a second up at the ceiling of his apartment.
No, whatever happened, would be up to his friend, on the other end. ]
This plan sounds fantastic to me, Gloomurai. We'll keep things how they were, then.
I still wish to be your friend, that has not changed one bit.
As for the setup.
You really are the best. I'll take you up on the offer, absolutely. I'm fond of the color combination of red and black. Bats tend to be a symbol I have related to myself often.
[ Then, the list of games is sent in. He inspects each title, already beginning to download each onto his device. He had to try them all! After all, his forever gaming buddy was the only one he trusted to give him an honest review of each game in existence. ]
I am going to try a few of these out now.
Keep yourself close by, if I have trouble in any of the ones that draw me in, you know exactly who I'm going to come to.
[ There's a half-minute between this text and the next one. He isn't even sure whether he should send it... but he does. ]
Thank you.
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im gonna make u the coolest build ever. will blow ur old one out of the water. guaranteed [Idia already picturing the accessories he could make for it as well! He could do a whole set up! His 3D printers are going to be working overtime on this.]
let me know when u in so can add u to friendlist on them n will throw through boosts i got if u want them or at least the worse mats and currencies u gotta grind for
[Idia pausing in his gaming rambling and mental checklist of items he would race out to shop for to put together a build with that last reply. A soft smile forming as he lets out a light 'heh' to himself.]
u no i didnt get it before. when others here or the place i was taken to before this said they happy to see ppl they know show up but also regret seeing them here. im real happy u showed up. it sucks u dragged into this but im real happy to see u again. i thought i never would get to chat or game with u again. which i get. OL friends never stay and i kenw would end sometime but it still sucked it was over. i donno how long either of us will be here but wanna make the most of it [Idia's... lost a lot of people over his time in both Duplicity and the Train before it. He's... better at letting go now. Had to be.]
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Got it. I'll send over my friend code for each as soon as I'm able.
[ At the longer message, Lilia's eyes widen. Such honesty... was expected, from the other person. He couldn't remember a time where Gloomurai hadn't been sincere with their words, offering only the truth of how he felt whenever they spoke.
Right, of course Gloomurai would feel that way, that they'd never talk or game ever again, especially after the goodbye he'd offered, the way that 'OL friends never stay'. It stung, deep in his chest. Oh, how he wished to explain, to all the people who mattered, how he felt.
Much like those close to him offline, Lilia felt he couldn't divulge his true feelings, even here. Not about that. Still, he could offer an inch. ]
Even if this world is strange, confusing, and utterly insane in its own right, I'm happy I've been brought here. For the extra time it allows me, to spend with you. For as long as we have, I want to make the absolute most of it too.
Let's not allow anything to get in the way of that, my friend.
I, for one, promise that no matter what I experience here, no matter how our friendship shall change due to our circumstances here, if it does, that these memories will be ones I cherish for all time. [ Okay, okay, okay, this was getting too mushy. ]
Oh, the first one is done downloading.
I'm going to open it up now. [ A smooth, casual transition...! ]
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And look at how cool MuscleRed was being again! OMG if only Idia had a fraction of his CHA. And his WIS. Heehee~ this is the best. He's missed it so much! More than he realized he had.]
rite!? lets make up for lost time! u gonna be sick of me by the end of all my game suggestions lol!
kk enjoy it! im got so many ideas for the build i gotta go out and get parts to get started! gimme a yell whenever, i'll be around (*^.^*)
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Eventually, a question comes through. ]
I've become fond of one of these games. The one called Our Blood.
I don't understand two things, however.
Not a game mechanic exactly, the mechanics are quite straightforward when it comes to collecting new characters to use in battle, as well as leveling up each of their cards. Standard gacha mechanics, with the pity system that matches what I'm used to.
What I'm curious about is the 'Intimacy' mode. Are there any ways to grind for the materials faster than replaying the same missions? I want to view some of those cutscenes faster, for the boys I am particularly invested in. It's difficult to choose whether to use my stamina on grabbing 'Gifts' for them or progressing further in the story or collecting upgrade materials first.
Another thing: since when did people begin to form an interest in vampires? I understand the desire of wanting to be bitten and perhaps the fascination and intimacy of allowing someone to feed off of you, but frankly I'm not sure the appeal is there. It doesn't help that the two vampire characters we see the most of aren't very endearing.
Ah, I suppose I should also ask.
Would you recommend spending my Gems on doing single pulls or wait until I have enough for a collective 10? Does the pity work better one way of the other? I'm interested in the current event gacha, featuring Minko, the boy with the rockstar-esque style.
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Idia's busy doodling away at several design options on his computer, scrunched up in his chair and the occasional sip of energy drink to keep the brain juices flowing as that wall of text comes in to him, a glance over before grabbing his device once he sees who it is. It had been rather cringe to send those game recommendations, even with MuscleRed's reassurance he would be fine with the typical media of this place. Idia can't help but be embarrassed still! His mental image of MuscleRed is of a cool, calm, collected older man, only for someone who just barely out of his teens sharing sex games with him.
Ughh, Idia could just die already from knowing he's done this.
At least they were good games.
A few minutes to read through the text, a few more to cover his face at the idea of MuscleRed wanting to see certain scenes faster, before Idia collects himself with a few deep breaths to text back.]
oh ah yeah so like at first it really only grinding the areas they drop from when u get started. as u play longer there will be events and birthdays for teh cahracters going on so u can get items as part of those events, just come naturally from doing event stuff and spending our stamina during gameplay on those areas. or of course throwing madol at the game. well Dup currency. i dont think it hurts to grind those out since u will hit a bottleneck for the story at some point and wont be able to get through battles so will have to powergrind cards up to be able to do that. also some of the SR cards are so good despite not being SSRs when they leveled so dont look down on them www
i mean if one calling to u go for it. the event % for the card ranks bout the same as normal just u got the normal cards in the pool as well as always so u risk pulling for all of them. sadly the individual/10s dont make better odds. sad. annoying. how it is. even here. guess even dup games wants to milk u dry for madol in their gachas. that also such an interesting choice i never would had guessed but u also heard me ramble on about my idols b4 but i never asked what music u liked
i guess... i donno? vampires are just a really strong trope u no? across all media. like they always sexy and mysterious and i guess the 'i can fix him' side of it ppl like. and every1 likes a tsun www even if they dont always like the trope there is always 1 they end up liking in some show or manga or game or something www. idk media vampires much more appealing than irl i guess. i try n avoid the ones here. tho know a few. but they just idk scary? not as individuals but as what they are
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Sure, the majority of the game was porn, and all of the 'Intimacy' scenes were of that type of content, but that wasn't the main draw of the game. The mechanics of the battles actually caught his eye, there was a sense of strategy to them that reminded him of a few turn based combat games from back home. ]
I suppose I'll need to find a job here, now that you mention currency. [ Right, this was a whole new place... one that he didn't have any currency for. Back to the conversation at hand...]
That is unfortunate, truly. I wish there was a way to view the individual stories without spending so much stamina. That does tend to be how mobile games work, so I shouldn't be too surprised. Still, I will have to be patient and wait for my gauge to refill. At the very least, I should be thankful there's an event going on currently. I keep receiving items to restore stamina, thankfully. It's bound to run out soon, unfortunately, but... well, we shall see.
Oh, yes, I guess I never mentioned my own music taste. It's very eclectic. I enjoy music from all over the place, without discrimination between genres or cultures. Music is one of those languages that seems to transcend boundaries between people, no matter what race they are. One of the great enjoyments of life is to experience the different stylings of different races. Your own recommendations have always been a delight to listen to, Gloomurai. Music taste has nothing to do with my interest in this character, however. His stern attitude and his commanding presence seem to contrast very well with the meekness of the Main Character. I'm curious how their interactions will continue on. His fashion sense is a plus, too.
Hm.
I can agree with that assessment.
I do enjoy a good 'tsun' type character. That's actually my second favorite within the game. Ryouta is too cute, so shy around each character aside from his childhood friend. Their friendship is refreshing, they practically already see one another as family, protecting each other from the 'dangers' of this world. I do wonder if Ryouta's dear friend is too protective. Hovering around Ryouta all the time and enabling his habits as a shut in isn't going to do anything for his anxieties.
Oh, oh, but I did think it was a big step for Ryouta to proposition the Main Character. His character arc has been very intriguing so far.
[ He rambles on, almost forgetting to take a break to let Gloomurai add something. This felt just like old times, except... it was a game that centered around boys kissing and banging instead of the games they normally discuss. Still, he was enjoying getting back into the swing of rambling at his friend with his own thoughts, listening and reading the rambles he'd get in return. ]
Which characters are your favorites? Not based on stats or gameplay, but their personalities and stories.
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It's why Idia started, then deleted his next message, an offer to just rip those scenes from the game for MuscleRed to see. It a bit too much right now, that conflict between Idia happy MuscleRed liked the game, but also that he did like the game. It's certainly another side of their friendship Idia never dreamed of talking about with him. It's so awkward!
Instead lets focus on the rest,]
a wide taste is good even if have favs like to focus on. it really comes down to the mood right? like u gotta have the right feeling and setting be enhanced by music 4 different things. like different stages in a game. or different moods to work to. www im glad u liked what i sent u and u let me rant on about my stuff. most dont get it. u always surprise me how well versed u r with media and how wide your tastes r. its so great! more ppl should b like that and ready to try different things!
yeah he looks real sharp
um idk they all got their appeal in own ways. i do like my moe characters but also having like a dark mysterious one that ends up having a soft side is so good too. one u gotta wait to see the reveal but it gotta be paced right to not get boring. soooo hmmmmmmmm oh i like that elite solider who is like all stuck up at first but find out hes super moe is so cute when flustered wwwwwww make wanna mess with him. plus pretty design as all the noble wear. he got a good mix of stand offishness, and duty, but also wanting good for ppl. i like a good hero character but not a squeaky clean goodie good types
one that does the job even if gotta get hands dirty at times but able to keep your morals
right?!?! omg that was a big step for Ryouta it was great! I cant wait to see where the story goes! I hope they expand out into a manga or something too some of the other games i suggested to u has extra media on teh side that fleshes out the stories more
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Geeking out was so much easier when he could forget they were so close. ]
Precisely! You're one of the only people who ever understands the true way to enjoy everything that life has to offer when it comes to all forms of media. Learning from each other is the only way people can expand their knowledge. Trying new things, even if we're unsure if we'll like it; that's what I hope I inspire others to do by being open in my own right.
So that's the type of character Gloomurai enjoys. I see, I see.
I understand the appeal completely. Mystery provides intrigue, but it has to be drawn out for just long enough while not being dragged on for too long or too little. The ones who tend to be utterly adorable without even trying after being so stuck up. Watching them be pushed until they get flustered, like the soldier boy, is one of the greatest joys. Then watching them open up, finally learning about them. What could be better?
In a way, I suspect we'll see Ryouta's growth in this same way. He holds so many mysteries within him, behind that shy smile of his. I can't help but wonder what sort of secrets he holds.
Goodness, the writing for this game is truly magnificent. Do you know if there are any sources of fanmade content out there like there tends to be back home for games like this? I wonder what other fans think about some of these characters.
[ Pause. ]
On second thought, I realize I really don't care what anyone else thinks, aside from you.
Back to the vampire character I mentioned before. What is with his attitude towards the Main Character? He's a complete tsun and yet... Every time the Main Character lets him bite him, there's this chemistry that's unmistakable. It's a closeness I can't begin to describe. It's infuriating in a way!!! [ As Lilia rambles more, he loses some of his controlled typing style, quickly typing away and refusing to reread his own words as he rambles on. ]
He's allowed to get so close without even trying. The Main Character trusts him, allows him to feed off him, for reasons we don't even know yet, how's that fair?? someone trusting you so quickly like that, it's impossible. I'm jealous of him!!!! Especially when you consider he's the most suspicious out of any of them, hiding something behind his stupidly adorable smile.
But he is super cute. Maybe that's why???????????
But you can't just trust someone bc they're CUTE! Can you?? Vampires are supposed to be scary, threatening, terrible creatures of the night. No matter how cute they are! [ He takes a second to BREATHE, it's just a came, don't get heated -- then he gets back to it. ]
My apologies. I didn't realize I was so passionate about him.
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But by the time he reaches the end of it all, those doubts and other thoughts wash away, instead Idia finding himself amused as he can recognize this type of happy rambling on a topic. After all, he does this himself. Doesn't realize at the time either. Just really gets into a topic he loves and keeps going. Heh, it's kind of cute to see MuscleRed do it. And because of a game Idia suggested.
Maybe... this was a good place for them, for Idia to get to see another side of his friend. There's just such joy that comes through in those texted words, Idia can feel it from his side of the screen.]
wwwwwwwww i dont think ive ever seen u so passionate about piece of media MuscleRed. its like im seeing a whole new side of u wwww
im glad u like it. i look really forward being able to talk to u about these all going forward!
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But, well, that's just how Lilia was. ]
Have I really never shown this much passion to you before? I suppose I tend to keep my thoughts more to myself unless the topic was weapon builds for our old game, hm?
It isn't a bad side, is it?
[ What a silly thought. He'd never tell Gloomurai that his rambles were bad, annoying, or frustrating to listen to. The shameless rambles were some of his most adored messages in their old chat histories. So, why, then, was he even embarrassed?
He'll blame it on the game's content and their pasts and call it a day. ]
I look forward to it as well. You will receive more passionate messages like that in the future, I'm sure.
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not at all! its surprising but i dont think its bad [Idia reassuring MuscleRed. Was certainly a shock, but that's because of the mental image Idia had built up about his friend in his head. Which... he should know now isn't always true. He's learned a lot over his time here, seen other sides of those he knew at NRC. Just what lay beneath their surfaces.
So that's the least he can do with his friend. MuscleRed deserves a chance to be himself without Idia policing his words.]
great! cant wait! lololol expect a lot more from me then. i got like 2 years of non ranting at someone stored up lololol
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[ He meant it, in so many more ways than the one. Spending more time together, in a place like this, meant that the two of them would eventually come to know so many things about the other. Things they'd possibly never have wished to learn, things that would shock them to their cores to know.
Nothing would break the bond they've created, though. Even when Lilia was breaking up their friendship back in their world, he felt this to be true: Gloomurai and him would be friends for all time, friends that would stay in his heart and his memory until the end of his time. ]
Goodness. Look at the time. I should be logging off for the night now, my friend.
Get some rest. I'll message you again come morning.
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good to c u again MuscleRed o7
[And with that Idia will leave MuscleRed to get used to both Duplicity and the games he has passed on, as tempted as it is to try and talk more, he makes himself stop. Several times, going to reach out for his device but stopping himself. Until it gets further and further between with him working on the rig, so caught up in his work, only thinking about it when his Sub makes him take a break for snacks and water. Yet even with that Idia will work hard on it, he can turn around builds super fast.
Fast enough that he's got it built, completed, and tested within a day. At the cost of his sleep, but he can sleep later. Sleep when you're dead! Idia's got stuff to build right now! All it would take is time for him to send it to MuscleRed!
...and something came up. Idia needed his Subs help with something, so their original plan fell through. Instead MuscleRed will get a text on the network.]
hey something came up sorry! i got a delivery company nstead to bring it to u! its all ready to go but have a play around with it to get how u want it. i set up some games on there too! see if u like them. if u got any issues with stuff let me know, i left a backdoor in it so i can patch stuff remotely if u got issues
[MuscleRed finding a very sleek red and black tower, very large curved monitor, and a matching red and black keyboard and mouse. And all the wires of course, carefully labeled. Everything MuscleRed would need to set up. Idia also didn't want to presume... but in case MuscleRed doesn't understand the tech side as well as Idia does, he also added a set of instructions for the physical set up of wires and parts of what to go where. A quick note scribbled on it in font that could almost look like it was computer text itself, 'sry donno how good u with set ups so instructions if needed! ignore if dont need! Gloomurai']
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So, when the delivery arrives, Lilia was relieved. It meant he had an excuse to stay inside, to set up this computer at his desk and to go through all those games that'd been pre-downloaded for him. ]
Goodness!
[ A message comes through soon after Lilia manages to open the box. ]
This is absolutely perfect. You went above and beyond to get me set up here.
How ever will I pay you back, my friend? Ah, but, I shall thank you more in a few moments. I want to take some time to set everything up before I get too distracted thanking you.
[ The instructions are set aside easily. Unlike Malleus, who struggled with technology (whoops, Lilia failed him somewhat there), Lilia was capable enough to set up his own area. Without using his magic it was a little more of a struggle to make everything look perfect, such as dragging the wires through small spaces to keep up with the organization of all the wires. It wouldn't be right if he set everything up all pretty only for the wires to show in such an ugly manner, would it be?
With a sigh, Lilia grasps his magipen, using the smallest amount of magic he can to assist himself. At last, he'd gotten everything where it needed to be, and without exhausting himself too much!
Slipping into his desk chair, he presses the 'on' switch, watching everything boot up. The first thing he did was open up a few different pieces of software to see what Gloomurai had set him up with hardware wise. ]
I've managed to set everything up properly, I believe.
As respectful as my previous statement was, I really am wondering now: how can I repay you? I cannot leave you with a simple 'thanks' for what you've done for me. This piece of equipment and each piece that goes along with it are marvelous. It easily outpaces any of my previous setups.
I am eternally grateful.
Please let me know if you think of something I can do for you in return.
Maybe I can send you some snacks...
Hm. We should figure out a place to send things for one another. I'm thinking about getting a job at this place called 'Fangtasy'. I could leave things for you there and you could have one of your Submissives pick them up, if that would work.
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dont worry about it! i didnt do it expecting payment. other than lots of hours of games!omg its been too long since ive done day long gaming! or late night raid runs! ive missed it so much! tho wont lie i will totally take snacks any time lol
fangtasy? i wouldnt have considered that for u. then again i gues we never talked about ur work before. only the travels u have done. [Idia about to ask more. Then reconsidering it.
Then deciding to. MuscleRed has talked about his past before, just never in regards to work. And, well, even if they are still keeping some distance... Idia does want to get to know his friend more. They were stuck here in Duplicity together for awhile, right? May as well start considering the chance they would meet up. Eventually.]
have u done that kind of work before?
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I will, however, be forming little 'mystery boxes' filled with snacks to get to you one way or another. Imagine, your own gacha IRL, except instead of characters or weapons it's snacks.
[ Right, he had never really told Gloomurai about his work. Not that Lilia worked an actual sort of job anymore, aside from his role as Guardian. It takes a moment for him to think. Had he ever done work like Fangtasy would require him to do? It really depended on the position he applied for, of course... ]
It depends.
If I were to apply for a Security position, I believe that would be best suited to my past experience. I was actually eyeing a different sort of position, though, that I have little to no experience with. I think it would be fun to play the role of a Host. I can easily pass for a 'vampire', although I am not one, and I find the idea of dressing to play the part fun. In a way, I'd be able to see firsthand what people see in vampires.
An excuse to possibly wear a suit, at the very least. [ Several small jokes, comments relating to a previous conversation of theirs - all in the spirit of keeping this lighthearted. It was IRL talk after all, and they both were always so careful to avoid the majority of it.
Hm. Should he ask... ]
What about you? Have you done work like that before?
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And that description is not helping Idia from assuming MuscleRed is some older, suave gentleman, maybe now with an element of toughness behind him with that security answer. Is that why he traveled so much? Idia's mental image now picturing someone close to the classical older vampire characters, perfectly groomed and charming.
Which only makes Idia wonder once again why such a guy like MuscleRed is his friend; an idiot, just past teens, shut in, who rambled about the weirdest things.
Idia's so lucky.
He'll even take that little jab at the whole suit thing.]
oh ah not really. i was trained to take over my family business but doesnt really matter here now. so kinda learning as i go. some stuff actually works like some of the anime ive watched that were based around business operations tho! so thats helped a bit. the rest i just try and think what i would want as a customer and go by that
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[ It isn't like Lilia is trying to put this image into Gloomurai's mind, of a distinguished older gentleman. He could fit the bill when he dressed up, sure, but no one would ever say he looked like the classical older vampire type, not with how young Lilia looked.
Thankfully, he had that boyish charm that made him charming in a whole other way. With how easily he could play the part, he's confident in himself.
Not that any of this would be vocalized in the messages to Gloomurai, to make sure that the man on the other end got a better idea of who he was. It's what made their friendship so interesting - never quite knowing exactly who the other person was, what they did, or anything about their lives aside from what times they might log on.]
At the very least, it sounds like you've found something you're capable of doing here. That is the best way to focus on business operations, to focus on what you yourself would want. If you wouldn't have fun or enjoy your time in a space, why would anyone else?
[ What kind of business would Gloomurai run? Part of him wants to ask. The other part refuses to - that would be too far, would allow him to possibly figure out who he was. The risk was too great. ]
Do you have any allergies? What are your preferences food and drink wise. How good are you with handling caffeine? Is there anything I should avoid putting in?
For example, I tend to be a fan of sweets and energy drinks.
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[Maybe one day they will talk about locations. Just not today.]
ah no tho i can be a bit weird with textures but also thats fine to send whatever. if i dont like it will give to subs. and i doubt u will send the food i hate lolol wouldnt be safe to send so its fine lololol
i like energy drinks and both savory and sweet snacks. i like gummies a lot, or stuff in can crunch through with my teeth. candies that can melt in your mouth.