duplicitymods: (Default)
Duplicity Game Mods ([personal profile] duplicitymods) wrote in [community profile] duplicitymemes2025-03-10 04:55 pm
Entry tags:

TDM #41


« « « 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 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. Large piles of snow still linger, but precipitation has turned to rain and the breeze gets a little warmer every day. It's time to swap out wool coats for umbrellas and turtlenecks for tea dresses!



» » » 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.



« « « NEW CITY NEW ME



(cw: cockwarming, lap sitting, frottage, edging, public sexual acts, public displays, public transport)

Far too many people can’t seem to follow directions. Reading a map shouldn’t be that hard, so LIES has taken it upon themselves to update their usual city tour to refresh newcomers and graduates alike. This month’s orientation includes a more in-depth tour than the usual train ride, coupling it with bus routes that lead groups through various stations and stops that show off some of the city’s most notable landmarks. To your left you will see Fiddler's Square, and over on the right you will see the greenhouse, opened just last year. Enjoy this drive along the coast! The beach looks lovely and the lighthouse stands proud and watchful, but the city recommends against visiting either one. Isn't the business district much lovelier, with all the fancy hotels and lively dance clubs?

Dominants and Submissives both new and old are required to take or give the tour at least once, depending on how long they have been in the city. Those who have lived in the city for over six months will find themselves given maps to follow and brochures that describe various places in town; they are paired with newcomers who haven't been here quite as long, and are still learning what the city has to offer them.

Whether a tour guide or a member of the tour group, Dominants will be given priority seating, while Submissives are expected to either kneel at their feet, sit on their laps, or even stay standing in trains and buses that, curiously, are always packed. Everyone’s taking these tours, so it's no wonder these carriages are so crowded.

Something strange happens on these tours, though. It starts small and faint, but the longer you spend in these crowded buses and trains, the hotter you feel - and the people surrounding you look more and more attractive. But this is Duplicity, and no one will bat an eye if the Submissive on a Dominant’s lap starts humping them in front of everyone else… After all, it seems like everyone else is already also doing the same.

The strange part? No one can get off. No matter how far you take it, or how long you try to climax - you just can't. No one can. No one's getting off on this tour, not until the bus or train makes it to each pre-planned stop. Please mind the gap as you disembark, and try not to come all over the concrete the minute you step out of the vehicle!



» » » STAMP AND GO


(cw: randomized kinks, exhibitionism, transactional sex)

The tours aren't all about sex on the go. While the tour guides are given maps and brochures to study up on, the tour-takers are given little stamp cards and instructions to complete a fun stamp rally. Visiting each of the locations on your card can get you an adorable stamp, and completing the stamps will get you a fun and useful prize! Participating locations include:
▪️ The Aquarium
▪️ The Library
▪️ Cupid's Castle
▪️ PUSSY Academy
▪️ The Obelisk
▪️ Riddler's Square
...and more! Every card is different, and will take you all around the Up and the Down.

The catch - you don't get a stamp until you use your device to scan an official code found in stamp stands at each stop. Doing so brings up a pose to be done with at least one other person. Make sure to pose quickly, a camera somewhere in the area will flash in a few moments to take your photo. Some photos are fairly straightforward - a kiss to the cheek, or a slap to the ass. Others are a bit more involved - giving a blowjob, or getting pegged. Don't complain, some unlucky people might get something convoluted (can anyone truly bend that way? Time to find out!). You get unlimited tries to take the perfect picture - so if you don't manage it the first time, simply scan again and strike another pose. Unfortunately the pose won't change with any additional scans, so make sure to do your best with what you’ve been given!

Completed stamp cards can be exchanged at the Orientation Center for a loaded money pass! Particularly valuable to Submissives (uncontracted ones, or ones who want to buy things by themselves), money passes are honored all over the city, and can be used to purchase necessities without a Dominant’s signature. The pass is valid for a whole month, and has enough to cover a month’s worth of decent warm meals, a few indulgences, and maybe some appropriate clothes for the season. Buy whatever you need to impress the Dominant of your dreams and secure a contract that suits your needs.



« « « DRESS ME UP, ADORE ME


(cw: clothes play, optional crossdressing, optional transactional sex, public sex, mirror sex, exhibitionism)

In a bid to attract new customers, the boutique Delicate Desires has partnered with LIES to advertise their shops as a one-stop-shop for new arrivals to get their hands on necessities they’ll need to make their lives easier and more enriched. With every completed stamp card, Submissives will also receive a coupon for 40% off anything in the store. Get a frilly, lacy outfit for every occasion!

If you don’t have any cash or failed to complete your stamp card - don’t fret! Find another Submissive who is willing to spend money on you from their own pass, or find a Dominant to spoil you - with the outfit being one of their choice, of course.

There are changing rooms available for customers to try on outfits and one may find that when they look at themselves in the mirrors of the store, their self-confidence spikes. It doesn’t matter how good or bad they may objectively look, they’ll feel like the hottest person to ever grace Duplicity’s streets. If said boost in confidence comes with feeling hot and bothered, well, the clerks won’t mind if the rooms are used for a quickie, so long as you’re, well, quick about it. They're expecting a lot of customers!

A competing store next door, Allure & Adorn, has decided to use this opportunity to try and lure customers into their own shop, boasting that their clothes are just as good - if not better! - than the ones offered next door. They will also accept the money passes that Submissives may have earned during the stamp rally, but their prices are a little less favorable than the boutique's. Their outfits, instead of their mirrors, seem to make those that wear them feel prone to showing off and indulging in exhibitionist activities. No fucking in the changing rooms here though - this store has class! Go out on the streets if you wish to indulge in that sort of behaviour.



» » » 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 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:

All new arrivals on this TDM are 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 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!!




» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

boyscoutking: (07)

[personal profile] boyscoutking 2025-03-28 08:21 am (UTC)(link)
Their biotics are something they'd bonded over, especially after Kaidan had opened up about BAaT. Sometimes Shepard wonders, if things had been different, if their paths might have crossed earlier. A few years younger than the Major but not so much that crossing over in education would have been impossible. He's barely thinking about that - or anything - now. Not when the two of them are sinking to the ground gracefully, guided by Kaidan's steady hands. There's a twinge in his hip as he goes, something he fully ignores in favor of a few more kisses peppered against the other man's lips.

The outpour of Kaidan's feelings notch deep in his chest, warm and almost not quite believing they get a moment like this despite their surroundings. He's always been less forthcoming with his feelings, too used to keeping them fenced behind what needed to be done. But this moment inspires a quick smile, his own crows feet ageing his already weathered face briefly.

"I love you, too. And I'm in your hands." I trust you.
cryfrustration: (35)

[personal profile] cryfrustration 2025-03-28 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
If it's any consolation, folks do get sent home. [Not that anyone can control when, which makes it something of a poisoned chalice at times, but for new arrivals he knows that can be a reassuring thought.

So far as unwritten rules go, he smiles.]
LIES lies and Duplicity's duplicitous. Makes a lotta stuff almost too obvious to seem real and other stuff tricksy. You gotta be careful what you say and where--they punish 'sedition' hard and they got a real low bar for 'guilt.'

LIERs do stick together though 'cause we gotta do to survive. On the surface, I'm meant to have all the power and privilege and you got none. Reality's a lot more messy. Us-lot [he gestures to his own unmarked neck] need you [a gesture to Sanji's neck--the line, the city-mandated collar] as much as you need us.
musicalheart: (02)

i. new city

[personal profile] musicalheart 2025-03-28 03:54 pm (UTC)(link)
( She doesn't actually notice him, not right away, mainly because Kimiko is typing on her device and smiling about whatever conversation she is currently having on the bus, as she stands. Then she hears him. )

( It's not even the first time he's been there, and her emotions in regards to Butcher are complicated, at best. They bonded, after all, then he was just gone. Then she went home to disappointment and confusion. Then came back to the city and she's still not sure how she even feels about Duplicity. Safer than home, in some regards, still obnoxious with the forced labels. )

( Her emotions in regards to Butcher are about the same. She wants to both hug him and kick him in the balls. Possibly at the same time. She doesn't care if he is, or was sick, and she certainly doesn't care if this particular version even knows what he did back home from the time she's from, she's going to do what he probably deserved two years ago, anyway. After all, it's not like this current mess was the first one, or there weren't signs of where they were headed, prior. It's just easier to see them for what they were, now. )

( So she puts her device away, puts out a gentle hand for the person Butcher was speaking to, indicating she is stepping in. After all, she isn't just a Dom, but a slightly dangerous person, and she doesn't care if she's being rude by interfering. Then, she does hold back and makes sure to be careful about it, but she pulls her foot back and aims for one of Butcher's shins. )
youtian: (31)

[personal profile] youtian 2025-03-28 06:50 pm (UTC)(link)
You can tell he's new because he didn't even realize it'd probably be easier to get their hands on a dildo around here. Zhao snorts. "Probably could back home too, but only if you know where to look."

He lowers his hand, sunglasses sliding back into place, head tilting to the side as he considers all that Vrenille is offering. "And you said you weren't a hero." He teases, knocking a knee against the other man's leg. "You'd be my hero if you helped me out with it. I'll cook you dinner as thanks."

Having to be accompanied just to shop leaves a bitter taste in his mouth but maybe that's just the years of being monitored by bodyguards any time he went out in public. It wouldn't be the same as that-- but the feeling of being surveilled, of being handled sticks, and it's unpleasant. "Long-term income is something I'm thinkin' about too, trust me. You wouldn't happen to know someone lookin' for a chef? I want my own place again but that'd take money and time to build up to from scratch even if it weren't for the whole 'submissive' second-class-citizen bullshit."
bennetdiction: (Pensive)

[personal profile] bennetdiction 2025-03-28 07:13 pm (UTC)(link)
She is dismayed to learn that some outdoor areas of this place are dangerous and of the lack of livestock in the woods... where livestock is not usually found, so...

"Is there any livestock in this place? Oh, thank you." She smiles when he opens the door for her. Despite the... incident... on the bus, which was beyond both of their control, he is quite the gentleman. Stepping into the café, she leaves it to him to take the lead, as she is not familiar with the establishment. There may be different requirements to be served, as well, especially since she has been designated a submissive and he is a dominant.
rayneskeeper: (pic#)

max land | mashle | submissive

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-28 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
A. Stamp and Go


ooc: any spice level is a-ok

"I'm not so sure about this," Max mutters to himself as he glances at his device and then at the scanner near the aquarium. He, of course, would need to find a partner but he's seen a few go through the process and the poses had ranged from innocent to extremely vulgar. He's not sure he's up to it.

"Why can't you decide the level you're comfortable with," the muttering continues and he rubs his cheek.

B. Wildcard


[ I'll match tenses and styles! Feel free to hit me with your best shot or hit me up via PM or on plurk at [plurk.com profile] guessmonster if you want to plot something or want a specific starter. ]
cryfrustration: (59)

[personal profile] cryfrustration 2025-03-28 08:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Vrenille just smiles at the hero comment, giving Zhao's knee a companionable nudge back with his own. "Gotta stick together in this place, have each others's backs." It's a simple gloss on a fundamental cornerstone of his life, his background, his historic means of survival--something an old friend here once called unit cohesion on a mass scale. The reasons for it are particular, but the premise is a generalisable one. And while he'll happily accept a cooked meal, it's not really necessary for the exchange. What matters more is that something happens when people break bread together--it changes things.

In counterpoint, being handled is one of those things about this place that tends to stick in the craw for a lot of people. He wouldn't blame Zhao for balking at it much more directly, but then the pragmatism of taking it in stride tells him a fair bit about the man sitting across from him. Vrenille makes it a point not to judge anyone for anything when they first arrive here--it would be pretty small and mean to judge a person on what's probably the worst and most shocking day of their life. Sometimes people do impress him though.

So Zhao asks about anyone looking for a chef and Vrenille's smile broadens to a grin as he spells out where his thoughts have been heading all along. "Just so happens I do. That's what I wanna hire you for."
bakudan_bambino: (Studious smile)

[personal profile] bakudan_bambino 2025-03-28 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Hayato's familiar with hunting in the woods, but he only states that the livestock is not in the woods because, "Not seen any livestock in all of Duplicity. I've seen horses, though, for some weird reason or another." Where the horses come from, he hasn't a clue.

"There's a desert up North, but it's not easy to get into, and with enough walking, you'll find yourself back in the city." So it's odd, and he has no idea how to explain it further.

"Here, have a seat, and I'll see if I can get us a menu." There is also one on the wall, but he'd rather have Elizabeth take a seat and wait comfortably. Hayato pulls out a chair at an open table and smiles at her, eager to show her about, to get her a drink. There's all manner of tea and coffee beverages, and the technology in Duplicity is advanced enough that with a scan of his device of a code up front, he doesn't have to linger about awkwardly at the register.

"Ah, here. Look over what they have," He says while returning and offering his device to her.

It's probably not very Dominant-like behavior to be so willing to help her, but she's new, and he doesn't care who sees him being accomodating.
bennetdiction: (Sitting Pretty)

[personal profile] bennetdiction 2025-03-28 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Elizabeth listens attentively, absently wondering if she should be taking notes. No livestock but horses, dangerous ocean and beaches but the deserts haven't been presented as such, only that they lead back to the city. Alas, she has nothing to write with or to write upon. Fortunately, she has an excellent memory.

"Thank you," she says when he pulls out a chair and she sits. As with the bench outside, she is happy to be off her feet. She removes her coat and let's it fall open to drape over the back of the chair. It is too warm to keep it on, though she does wish she had a shawl. She is a bit chilly across her shoulders and the low neckline of her dress makes her feel rather... exposed.

The silver-haired man leaves but soon returns and offers her his device. She doesn't know if she will ever become used to staring at the window on these contraptions.

"There is so much to choose from," she murmurs, and that is likely an understatement. She finds she is hungry and doesn't recall when she last ate, but she wishes to not impose on Mr. Gokudera's kindness any more than she already has.

"Might I have some tea, please? A Darjeeling would be nice, if that is a choice and perhaps..."

The roast chicken with potatoes and fresh vegetables and the mushroom soup to start and maybe some warm bread -

"A biscuit?"
bakudan_bambino: (Super affectionate)

Cw: mentions of past character death

[personal profile] bakudan_bambino 2025-03-28 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Hayato feels a little hungry, but mostly a bit chilly. It hadn’t been too long ago that he passed away in a blizzard.

So he wants something hot to drink, and at her mentioning a biscuit he feels his hunger grow.

“Ah, yeah, hang on.” He gets up and walks around the table to stand behind Elizabeth so he can look at his device from over her shoulder.

“You sure that’s all?” He leans forward and scrolls on the screen to select the tea she wants, then a coffee for him, and mushroom soup.

“Pick whatever you like, and then I’ll place the order.” He puts a warm hand on her shoulder before he’s looking away, over at the counter.
usatarou: (70)

you know what I'm here for; new city new me

[personal profile] usatarou 2025-03-28 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
The Dominant sits in one of the seats of the small bus, somewhere near the back, where it was less crowded. Where he could lean against the side of the bus, look out the window, and watch the city pass by. Technically speaking, he'd already done this tour once, but he somehow got roped into doing it all over again. He knows how this bus works, the heat that it brings... he can only hope that by sitting back here, he wouldn't be accosted by other other person.

His eyes are focused out on the street, so much so that, when a familiar head of hair begins to board the bus, he blinks. Doing a double take. Pushing himself up from the seat he'd taken, shoving his way to the front.

Could it be?
Was it really him?

--Rayne pushes and shoves, until he's standing in front of Max. His eyes showcasing the slightest bit of shock, surprise. That mark on his neck, that pleather collar. His hand reaches out, grabbing onto Max's. Silently staking claim onto him. "Follow me."
rayneskeeper: (Default)

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-28 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Max is... overwhelmed by the city to say the least. It's not even the unfamiliar technology or the amount of people. It's the complete moral shift from everything he's ever known that has him feeling like his world is upended and then there's no one that he recognizes -- given it's only been a couple days but... maybe he should be relieved. This sort of place would be awful for a lot of people he knows... Rayne... would have such a hard time he's sure of it.

His mind is on Rayne as he got on he bus and for a moment it hardly registers that the Rayne in front of him is Rayne. His eyes widen, surprised and relieved though it turned into shock when grabbed.

"Okay," he says and he would always follow him without question.
usatarou: (Default)

[personal profile] usatarou 2025-03-28 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
When he first arrived, just over a year ago, Rayne was overwhelmed, unable to understand some of the stranger rules. Now that he'd been here long enough, he'd gotten a grip, understood enough to keep himself sane. But, somehow, seeing the one person who had always been there for him? That was a relief he didn't know he needed, a relief he didn't know he was grasping for for months on end.

He tugs Max along with him until they get to the back of the bus. He sits himself down, and--

"This city's rules are rather... different." Rayne murmurs to him, with a small scowl. "You'll need to be in my lap. Unless you'd prefer to be kneeling."
Edited 2025-03-28 23:40 (UTC)
rayneskeeper: (pic#)

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-29 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
Max doesn't waste a moment. He'd have rather sat beside him but given the option between sitting in his lap or kneeling... He immediately sits down on his lap, glancing around before deciding to ignore the other's in the bus a focus his gaze on Rayne.

"I can't believe you're here." He's so relieved and he feels a bit guilty about that.
usatarou: (38)

[personal profile] usatarou 2025-03-29 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
Rayne releases Max's hand then, both of his hands moving down to settle against his waist. More in a 'trying to look the part' way than actually trying to touch him in any way that might be weird between them. He can't help the slight breath he lets out, the form of which could be seen as the slightest of laughs.

"That's my line." Rayne states, and--
He might surprise Max with his next move. The way his hands slip from his waist to let him wrap his arms around him, his head leaning in to let him rest his forehead against his shoulder.
rayneskeeper: (pic#)

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-29 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
Max doesn't mind the touch. It feels natural, like his hips were made for Rayne to touch. Well, that's definitely a weird thought to have... It must be the effects of this place.

"Rayne," he whispers as the other wraps his arms around him and he feels the weight of his head on his shoulder. He turns his own slightly, eyes closing. Yeah... that feels a lot better than it should... "How long?"
usatarou: (81)

[personal profile] usatarou 2025-03-29 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
The bus was moving, but he doesn't care. Rayne was both happy and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread having Max here, having him so close. The things he'd needed to do-- the things Max might need to do, here. It's all so much.

For now, he'll just focus on the good. On the fact he's real, and he's here in his lap, pressed so close. --Hm.. Maybe not the most. Non-sexual thought to have, now that he thinks more, but....

"About a year." Rayne breathes out, "... How long...?"
rayneskeeper: (Default)

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-29 12:55 am (UTC)(link)

"Just a couple days," Max answers softly, he can't imagine Rayne being here a year already. He hadn't been alone right? yet, he didn't want to ask about anyone else at the moment. He... was enjoying this closeness with Rayne too much and well.. he didn't want to think about anyone else. That's definitely not where his thoughts should be and yet, they are.

"Are you okay? Have you been okay?" his head is turned, the words coming out near Rayne's ear, his lips almost close enough to graze them.

usatarou: (7)

[personal profile] usatarou 2025-03-29 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
Only a couple of days. Then, he wasn't here for months all alone, with the two of them never crossing paths. That somewhat feels better, less worrying about what Max might've gone through. The question has him lifting his head, looking to Max.

"..." How does he answer this... "There have been good days and bad. I've put in the time, made it work." Rayne puts it simply, his arms finally releasing Max, if only to let one slip back to his waist, his hip.

"Nothing I couldn't handle. Would've been easier to adjust with you here, but even that sounds selfish to say, having experienced all I have."
rayneskeeper: (Default)

[personal profile] rayneskeeper 2025-03-29 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
"No, I understand" Max says quickly, leaning back into him a bit more, closing his eyes. Is this bus getting warmer? Is it just Rayne's body heat?

"I didn't know how I was going to manage...and then I saw you and now I know everything will be okay."
bennetdiction: (Listening Smile)

Re: Cw: mentions of past character death

[personal profile] bennetdiction 2025-03-29 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
She doesn't expect him to be quite so generous with his money or his time, but will gladly accept what is being so graciously offered.

"Mmm, perhaps I am hungrier than I thought." She hesitates, then uses the index finger of her right hand to scroll back a bit. Pointing at the roast chicken meal she had noticed a moment before, she says, "I would like this, please, and the mushroom soup sounds like a splendid idea for a first course."

She also doesn't expect him to stand behind her quite so close. She can feel the warmth of his arm as he leans over to look at the selections on his device. Then he places his hand on her shoulder. It feels warmer than his arm, for there is not material between his hand and the part of her shoulder that is not covered by her dress. It is not as intimate as they were on the bus, and yet...

Elizabeth glances up at him, but he is looking in the direction of the counter, unaffected by this contact.

"Might I also have some water, please?"
bakudan_bambino: (Looks like we've got ourselves a cowboy.)

[personal profile] bakudan_bambino 2025-03-29 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
Hayato is well paid and works two full time jobs. His time is valuable, but while he should be spending it on the tour, it feels better to make someone’s new experience to Duplicity feel easier.

It’s his place as a Dominant to provide financially for his marked partners, but given they all work, the best he can do is to leave them their own money.

Hayato hums, listening and committing what she orders to memory so he can repeat it back at the counter. While the kitchen makes their food and drinks, he returns with water and sits on his side of the table across from her.

“I’m eager to learn more about you,” he says softly, gazing at her thoughtfully as their drinks are brought out.
bennetdiction: (Fine Eyes)

[personal profile] bennetdiction 2025-03-29 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
She has no knowledge as to his employment, though she may inquire at some point, and certainly no awareness of his partners. She paid attention during 'orientation' and understands the basics of the Dominant and Submissive roles in this society.

Frankly, she is still reeling on some level at the news that the city might not be on Earth.

Mr. Gokudera places their order and returns to their table. She doesn't watch him while he is away, but instead takes in the furniture and colours used by the establishment, noting a few of the other patrons as they pass; what they wear, the colour of their skin, how happy or relaxed they seem, what drinks or dishes they are carrying while they choose a table.

As his coffee and her tea and water are placed before them, she is a bit surprised by the use of the word 'eager' when he says he wants to learn more about her.

Elizabeth's lips curve slightly before she says, "I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Gokudera, but there really is not much to know."

youtian: (28)

[personal profile] youtian 2025-03-29 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
Zhao giggles at the wry reply, tipping his glass to Lucanis in acknowledgement before taking a sip. What he says about cooking could have come from Zhao's own lips, and between that and the open offer, it's not the wine that's giving him such a warm feeling inside.

"I feel the same way... I've always loved to cook. And to cook for others. That's why I opened my restaurant, back home." Maybe half a glass in, he'll be up to gushing about it more. Drinking always makes him nostalgic. "I appreciate the offer. You sure your, uh. Contract partner won't mind? Promise I'll leave it cleaner than I found it."
youtian: (1)

[personal profile] youtian 2025-03-29 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
The offer isn't really about settling up so much as just... making it easier for Zhao to accept the help in the first place. And, well, it's one of the few ways he knows to express gratitude. Cooking a meal for someone has always been a safe outlet for affection of any kind for him. It's also something to look forward to, other than having the stamp card itself, when they've finished this.

Likely the handling will grate over time, the way it did while he was heading the Liumang. And pragmatism will win out most of the time, most of the time he'll be able to handle it. Most of the time. It's a concern for later.

Right now, Zhao meets that grin with his own. "Oh ho! Now that I know it's a job interview, I've really gotta knock dinner outta the park."
Edited 2025-03-29 03:21 (UTC)