duplicitymemes | TDM #4 ( revised )

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TDM #4 ( revised )

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « HERE WE ARE AGAIN

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.

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.

Oh, and one more thing. It's fucking cold. Better bundle up.

» » » LIES TRAVEL IN COMPANY

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.

« « « END IN THE DISCORD

While the societal climate between Dominants and Submissives remains somewhat neutral throughout Duplicity, there has been the occasional whisper of defiance and call for equality. Yet, demonstrations and visible proof of this unhappiness spreads faster by word of mouth on a day exactly when you need it most.

Welcome to Autonomy, a "traveling" nightclub that is never in the same place twice. People wanting to attend only learn of its lucrative location and password hours before it opens for business. Tonight, I choose the third door will get you inside and into the temporary freedom club Autonomy has to offer. In this circle, there are no assigned designations and no consequences for taking a role that isn't the one given by society. So, a Dominant may become the Submissive they've always wanted to be—or vice versa. Dominants and Submissives alike are able to mingle without repercussion and be themselves. Food, drinks, and private areas for more intimate – or if your preference is sexual – encounters are provided. Donations are accepted at any point during the night to further Autonomy's attempts of spreading the fulfillment that comes from being untitled.

On the night you choose to visit, Autonomy is holding a random lottery for temporary connections. When entering, you have the choice of submitting your name into this drawing to be paired with someone else in the club regardless of designation. A short while later, a message will pop up on your device with the name and information of your partner, and whether or not you choose to meet them is purely at your discretion. Having more than one connection isn't completely unusual either.

» » » TABLE IT FOR LATER

Gratification of being a successful Dominant or Submissive isn't necessarily simple. Learning curves are to be made, and mistakes will happen. Led by a Dominant and Submissive couple – Miriam and Victoria, who have been paired for twenty-two years – a monthly meeting for unattached Dominants and Submissives is held in the conference room of Morning Wood motel in the Down. The meeting starts a few minutes after nine and has no designated end time. The couple introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the meeting: learn the proper method for a new kink and possibly find your perfect partner. The space is intimate and well-stocked with refreshments.

To begin, Victoria, while blindfolded, balances on her hands and knees with her back perfectly level. Her partner, when ready, places various items on the level surface–a full cup, a plate. The Submissive is meant to hold the items until the Dominant believes she's reached her limit. The exercise is one of trust and understanding. The demonstration is a short one, followed by Miriam removing the blindfold and soothing her Submissive. The words are whispered low and with care, clearly a method that is specific to this couple. The process is concluded with the pair handing out workups, videos, and answering questions. Anyone wishing to practice Purposeful Submission can do so in the open room with a random volunteer, aided by the couple, or can find someone to take to one of the rented rooms. Sex may follow any scene but is not necessarily included. Experimenting with unattached Dominants and Submissives allows for new relationships to form.

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

Please read carefully.

On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles based on birthdays; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, character 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 chose "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 characters who have blue eyes or one blue eye and another color are Submissives. All characters who have brown eyes or one brown eye and another color are Dominants. Characters with any other color eyes are Dominants. To use this TDM as a door pass please link this on your app and place whether it is Dominant or Submissive.

Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

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[Well, Gaku should have known he was obvious. He doesn't react negatively to basically being called out, but his back straightens and he drops the fake warmth to a lower temperature. This one... well, it's his first time seeing a Submissive close up, and it's unsettling. Strange. He hesitates before extending his hand and offering a firm handshake.]

I'll keep that in mind, Asra. I'm Gaku. You don't stand too much on ceremony, do you?

[Gaku's eyes cast around at the other Submissives, who seem far less bold.]

[ Asra's fingers are kept together, his nails short and neat. So close, he smells of jasmine and agarwood, soft floral topnotes against something smoky, earthy, like a desert oasis at night. His grip was faintly feminine-- fingers together, grip modest-- but firm.

The cooler tone doesn't bother him. The corners of his eyes crinkle with an earnest smile. ]

I like ceremony well enough! I'm just not a wilting lickspittle who'll sit, stay, and heel all because some sex-obsessed madmen wanted to give me a tattoo.

[Okay, first of all, this guy is music to Gaku's ears. He won't let them push him around? Good. Gaku's laying low for the moment, or rather keeping to himself, but he won't let the system work him. He's not an idol for nothing, not the son of an industry giant for nothing.

But being close to someone who's an oddly sensual experience, visually stimulating, scented finely... Gaku in his expensive aftershave and cologne feels utterly basic. It's kind of refreshing. But he doesn't let it get to him, of course. He's not that much of a wilting flower himself.]

Good. I was worried someone was going to come up and try to lick my shoes or something. I don't think I'd be able to handle that.

[Half a joke, half actual disinterest in the whole thing.]

Have you been here long?

[ Asra laughed, the sound warm and velvety soft, just a low, luxurious purr as he leaned back into his seat, one hand smoothing his coat. ]

Someone will probably try. Don't blame them: Submissives can't so much as buy food without a Dominant's permission. You'll need to contract, unless you want to be reduced to their station: keep your eyes open. You'll learn more about the most of them in this first week than whole months that follow.

[ His chin lifted a little at the second question; the light caught the rolled edge of his golden choker, making it glint. ]

Almost half a year.

[Honestly Gaku hopes no one tries. He would like to be left alone and only put forth the barest minimum effort to get by on the... weirdly sexual front. It's just not something he's used to and he's not quite ready to take up the challenge. Someone just let him be an idol again, it's easier and it makes more sense.

Also, he can't help thinking Asra would make a magnificent idol. Who knows if he can sing or dance, but he's certainly got a raw kind of charisma simmering that Gaku notes and maybe even admires.]

Ah, right. The contract. They're really strict about that. I'm not even sure where to start. It's a damn--[He catches himself cursing and pauses, then restarts.] It's confusing. For people like me. I don't know how you've navigated it for that long. I'm guessing it gets easier?

[ Asra smiles, tilting his head a little as he shifted the cant of his body to face Gaku a little more pointedly, hips swiveled in his seat, the ankle of one foot set over the opposite knee. His elbow is set on the outer arm of his seat, cheek lain on the loose curve his knuckles make.

There's a delighted amusement shimmering in the quicksilver-shine of his eyes, his mouth pursing slowly into a delighted smile, tightly furled and catlike. ]

It's fucked.

[ He says it with relish, the small phrase rich and low and warm. He's clearly deeply delighted with Gaku's self-moderation. ]

Some things get easier. Others get harder. Most of that depends on you. What you're willing to do to get by, how much stake you have in your own pride. As a Dominant, you have less questions to ask yourself.

In fact, where contracts are concerned, I'd narrow it down to two:

[ He lifted a hand, to tick them off. ]

Do you want a contract just for the convenience of having one and getting it off your back? If that's all, then you're easy. It's not uncommon for people to offer such an arrangement on the phone network. There's no money involved, you don't live together, might not even have to see each other... but it's on the record, and that's all LIES cares about.

And two... Do you want your Submissive to also be someone that you meet your quota with? Not everyone does. Some insist that the opposite be the case.

The answers to those questions inform how you start your hunt.

[Gaku's posture stays casual, though he does run a hand through his charmingly perpetually tousled silver hair. This person speaks his language, and he won't have to even try to check himself. He forgets he's not really an idol on the hot seat, here. Well... it'll be nice to act normal. Taking a breath, he slouches back into his seat.]

I mean, I don't want either. I'm not... usually interested in this kind of thing.

[He dares say he can't recall the last time he had any sort of intimate relations, and warmest feelings for anyone other than a certain blonde, beautiful manager, forever out of his reach. His heart thuds dully as he thinks of her. God, she'd never look at him again if she knew about this. But what chance did he have in the first place? And who's to say he'll ever see her again? He doesn't know. He has to conform to this bullshit first.]

People just do it casually? It's a contract, for fuck's sake. Or do the terms not even matter? Your second example... if people really stipulate that they don't... help with the quota...

[He pauses for a second, hating all this new terminology for all the foreign stuff it brings and the absolutely weird shit it references. Can they just. Not?]

They're really going to make us do this. There's no way this is some fucked up dream I'm gonna wake up from tomorrow and wonder if I need therapy because my brain came up with it?

[ Asra laughs, the sound soft and silvery, and nudges their shoulders together with an honestly happy levity. ]

If this is the worst of your dreams, I'd say you're doing alright.

But... yes people contract casually. You're right on the money: there are... really no minimum standards, for a contract. It can say virtually anything you want. But it is important to have one, just to avoid the consequences of... not.

Same thing with the quota. Just grit your teeth and do it: because it will be done whether you like it or not. LIES will see to that. Better to do it yourself, that way... you at least have control over the situation. Your partners.

Which... is why some people refuse to meet their quotas with their contract-partner. It's usually meant to be a gesture of respect, not to manipulate that position of power.

[Now, now, he never said this was the worst, but it's kind of fucked up for an idol to be thinking about such things.... especially since they're essentially beyond forbidden if he wants his reputation intact. The most he could do at home was flirt with the girl of his dreams, and that went... wrong. Hideously. And now he has to be rather forcibly promiscuous after doing nothing with his life but idol activities for the last few years? He's not ready for this.

The shoulder nudge makes Gaku pull back a bit, not quite accustomed to the jostling, but taking it in stride. His lips turn down into a frown briefly, then he schools his expression.]

It makes sense, then. It's like you're protecting someone with the contract. I guess if I have to deal with it, I'll do it. I'd rather make a beneficial contract than just wander around aimlessly.

[It's good that he's used to having half his life finely controlled.]

What do you mean it'll be done whether I like it or not? This quota thing. I'm not really into hooking up with random people.

At the end of the time limit, if you don't meet it? They'll capture you. Hunt you down like a stag in the forest, if they need to. Drag you off to a faciltiy that scrambles your mind, so you come back... different.

[ Asra looks at the other man, expression pinching into something... tense, even a little guarded. Worried. ]

Often, those people will... take anything. The first person they see. Or... worse... things. So...

[ He shook his head a little, ]

Just... do it on your terms. Trust me, on that.

[Gaku falls silent, his already pale skin shading a bit lighter.]

They'll really do that?

[And it's made the other man uncomfortable, so Gaku waves a hand dismissively.]

I'm sorry for bringing it up. Thanks for letting me know. I'll... be careful. And try to help someone, for that matter. If it doesn't have to be something weird, I'll do it my own way, and help someone.

[ Asra's surprise is briefly obvious... and his expression melts, very softly and arund the edges, so that he's left studying Gaku with a quiet, but fond appreciation. ]

... I'm... glad. I... hope that isn't strange to say.

[ His voice is quieter; halting with its earnestness, so soft that it's little better than a whisper. ]

There are people who need that. A lot of them, to be honest. Plenty of people were brought to this world with... I mean, who... who already have their own scars. Who want to refuse all of it not just because it's distasteful, or embarrassing, but because... of fears, or hurts.

None of us had a choice. If we cant save each other at least a little pain... we have no one else to turn to.

No one.

It's a little strange. But it's fine.

[It's Gaku's turn to look surprised, because he doesn't think such logic should be rare or exceptional. If all it takes to help someone is a small act like that, why not do it? Maybe he's a little softer at heart than he appears on the outside, but it's a good thing. Gaku truly wants to give others a better life, whether through entertaining them or something else.]

Do you know someone who needs help? I... can't say I've had the hardest life. All my biggest decisions were made for me, for the most part. So I guess I'm fine with making someone else's easier. No, actually I'm happy to. So if you know someone, I'll talk to them and see if we can agree on it.

[He pauses, looking thoughtful, and there's something in his personality that shines through, idol-like, the way it does when he's on stage. His presence elevates and he seems somehow a little brighter. Confident. Sure.]

It's the least I can do. And it's not like they'll be forced to interact with me beyond the contract, so there's always a way to make it mutually beneficial. I see no way to lose, here.

[ Someone who needs help.

Yes. He knows a few. More than a few. The breath trickled out of him slowly, and he restrained the urge to touch the other man's arm, to make his gratitude more real with touch.

Instead he closed his eyes a moment, smiling... and opened them again, reaching for his communicator. ]

I'll... that's very generous. I'll... I do know of people fitting that description. I'll ask, as delicately as I can. And give you my contact information, too. If you find that there's anything you need, or any questions you have...

I'm at your disposal, okay?

[Gaku pulls his communicator out with more than a little enthusiasm and nods.]

Yeah. I'll take it. I don't know what else I can do here other than just go forward, but if...

[He takes a breath.]

Look, if it turns out I'm not alone here, I'll talk to the other members of my group and give them a nudge the same way. I'll probably have a lot of questions once I figure out what I don't know. It's still a blur.

[ Asra smiled and shook his head, tapping his screen twice, and then turning it toward Gaku so the other man could see his details. ]

No; if there are more of you... I'm happy to speak to you all together. Privately and discreetly. Some might think of questions that others might not, and it's the best way to make sure that everyone's on the same page.

When I say that I'm at your disposal? I mean it. Anything you need.

People... all from a place should stay together. It's the best network you have, for... for weathering things a little better. I wasn't alone, and even though I... even though things were really tense with some of the people from home, I've been lucky to have them with me.

Anything, huh?

[Gaku fumbles with the device, trying to figure out how to take down Asra's contact info.]

Sorry, this thing... I don't really know how to use it yet. Anyway, I hope I won't need to ask anything much of anyone, but if I do, I'll remember your offer. It's kind. If there's anything I can do for you, I'm sure we can come up with some kind of agreement.

[For a moment, he puts the device down on his lap and leans in, speaking low. He's thought of something, and his gray eyes dull a bit to even ask. He doesn't want them to be here, but...]

Tenn Kujo and Ryunosuke Tsunashi. If you see them, I'm looking for them. They're my group members. That's all I can think to ask for right now.

[ Asra smiled softly, and moved a hand to indicate an icon on the surface of the device. ] This one, here.

It took me a long time to get the hang of it; most of a month, so... don't worry.

I... I'll look for them, and send them your way, if I find them.

[ He offered his hand between them again. ]

We don't need an agreement. Friends... help friends, right?

[continued here]

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TDM #4 ( revised )

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