duplicitymemes | TDM #4 ( revised )

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«tdm

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 « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's good. ...I think if you hadn't I would be obligated to drag you off to go find them.

[Asra's one thing, but he really does not want to see what Portia looks like when she's mad at you for not getting her brother to come see her.

He hesitates for a moment, before adding.] I know the whole thing can be a lot, so... if you need help, with anything, I can try? ...That includes getting you a drink, if you still want that.

[he never has been the best at accepting help, is, in fact, quite terrible at it, and so whilst there are myriad things that currently seem difficult but which he'll try his best to surmount on his own...there is one thing he will, at this point in time, accept.]

Darling, if you get me that drink I'll consider you the man of the hour. I'll make it up to you some other time.

[Or other way, if necessary.]

[Phillip didn't expect anything else, at least not at the moment. He is, essentially, a stranger in a new city and no more or less trustworthy than any of the other nameless faces in the bar. But at least there's one thing he can do.]

I know you will. [And he can't help but make that sound like a flirtation as he leans over the bar, waving the barkeep over to get Julian whatever he wants.]

[It's a response that has him flashing his very best salacious grin, one brow raised in overt suggestion and when the barkeep approaches he leans over to rest one elbow on the bar, drops his chiseled chin into the open palm of his hand.]

Something good and strong, if you'd be so kind.

[The barkeep obliges, and Phillip orders another of his own drink- even if he went along with the explanation easily, he still feels like he needs a bit more alcohol to properly deal with the situation at hand. Especially with Julian shooting him a look that is so very familiar to him.

He leans against the bar, looking over the other man.] Do you want to talk more about this place, or do you want to switch the topic? I completely understand wanting either. [One to understand what the fuck is happening, the other to pretend none of it exists long enough to maybe get a chance to process it.]

Oh, the latter. Most definitely. If I have to hear anymore about it I might just expire from mental exhaustion.

[He's spoken about it, of course, has been given a good deal of information and it's all so overwhelming that pretending none of it exists long enough to try and process it is certainly the way he wants to go, at this stage in the day. A point he not-so-subtly punctuates when his drink arrives, knocking half it back in one deep pull.

It's been that kind of a day.]

[Yeah. Phillip definitely gets that. He'll just take a sip of his drink when it comes, watching Julian with his head tilted ever so slightly, taking him in as if he's never really seen him before. Which, in a way, he really hasn't.

The problem, unfortunately, is reaching for topics that aren't about the city, and sound reasonably natural. There is one that comes to mind, but it's mostly brought up by some prior knowledge.]

Are you into theater at all? [The other Julian was, but again, double checking.]

[Double checking that pays off, as some of the tension held high in his broad shoulders seems to melt out of him at the mention of it. It's something familiar, something known, and in this moment the familiar and the known are in short supply and so feel very much needed.

Something brightens around the angles of his face, and he turns a little more fully to face the man beside him.]

I am as it happens. I've even dabbled a little, myself.

[Phillip grins in return, pleased to see a bit of that tension fading. It's a start.]

Oh, good, that means my chosen topic might actually be relevant. [He laughs a little, shooting Julian a charming smile.] You don't happen to remember any of the plays from your world, do you? One of my friends and I are starting up our own theater in the Down, and part of the idea is to put on shows that would have appeared in the worlds we come from. [Most of the idea is to stick it to the man and use Art to question the status quo, but.]

[A charming smile that leaves Julian charmed, and warming to the topic now, he takes another swig of his drink.]

What a splendid idea! The place looks as though it could use a proper introduction to the arts. I'm sure I could think of a few. And uh, well. If you're in need of any actors, I could always lend you my skills. If I'm going to be here indefinitely, I suppose I'll need something to pass the time.

[You know, besides being fucked into oblivion.]

[Oh good, Phillip didn't even have to try and bully him into it. Not that he thinks either of them would have minded the bullying.]

You'd be welcome, if you wanted. It's pretty much just me and Syeira right now, and we're good, but we could probably use some help covering some roles. Doubling up on parts kind of gets ridiculous at a certain point.

[No need for bullying in this particular instance it seems, but no doubt there will be plenty of time for that later.]

Just as well I arrived, then. I'm fairly decent at it, if I do say so myself.

[Phillip grins, raising his glass in something of a toast.]

Cheers, then. I look forward to seeing what you can do. [That's definitely not a double entendre. Not at all. He'll just oh so innocently take a long sip of his drink.]

[Julian raises his glass in turn, takes another, smaller swig of his drink as he eyes the other man speculatively over the rim of his glass. Given the nature of this place, the nature of him, he doesn't really have to wonder in what capacity they knew each other, but the thought insinuates itself into his mind, nonetheless. He considers asking regardless, because even if the Julian the man had known wasn't precisely him, the two of them must be alike enough as to be physically interchangeable.

And that's a strange thought, isn't it? To wonder - to know - that someone may have intimate knowledge of you whilst you have no knowledge at all of them.

After a moment he clears his throat, sets the glass down on the sticky bar top.]

So, um, I suppose I ought to just get it out of the way. I'm assuming, and I apologise if I have it horribly wrong, but I'm assuming you knew me...or some version of me...rather well?

[Well, that is definitely the question of the hour right in the open, isn't it? Phillip doesn't mind- it's not exactly a secret, but also not really the kind of thing you bring up. Hi, nice to meet you, another version of you used to get turned on by seeing Death in my eyes and I got really good at putting on a commanding voice around him since he liked it so much.

But it's out there now, so Phillip nods.]

Pretty well, yeah. We spent a... decent amount of time together. [In bed and out, though Phillip was considerably less... rough than a lot of Julian's other partners.]

[Unless your name is Julian Devorak, and then you throw yourself headlong into situations that should have required more thought, you push at things that are better left alone and then pull yourself apart over them later. So here they are, and whilst he manages to appear calm enough as he reaches for another swig of his drink after all (because on second thoughts he needs it), there's the tell-tale colour in his cheeks and across the tips of his ears that denotes his flustered state.]

Oh, uh...I see, I see. I suppose this is the place for it, isn't it?

[After a moment he looks up from his glass though, manufactures a rakish smile.]

Though there seems something unfair in that, doesn't there? You knowing so much about me whilst I know so little about you...

[Phillip has seen that look on a face very much like Julian's before, and it makes it all the easier to lean with his elbows on the bar, conveniently putting him a little bit closer to the other man with bright blue eyes looking up at him over the rim of his glass as he takes another sip.]

Yeah, I can see how it might be. You're free to ask me questions, if you want... unless you have a better idea of learning more about me?

[And this is...easier. Falling into familiar patterns, giving himself over to flirtation-- it's better than dwelling on things too deeply, of thinking and fretting and wondering and driving himself half-mad with it all. That can wait for the depths of his sleepless nights, where it usually belongs. And so the smile remains, one auburn brow rising higher.]

My dear, I always have ideas. The question is whether they're good ones.

[It is easier, in so many ways. Phillip is notoriously bad at talking about himself, at giving up any of his secrets, no matter how many times it's proven to him that people don't care as much about it here, or if they do care it's not the way that will ruin his life and relationships the way he's used to. The other Julian knew some of it, probably could have known more and been fine with it, if only because he was such a goddamn glutton for punishment. But even though in a way he knows parts of this Julian, it's also like starting over.

Beginning once again from scratch.

He cocks his head, playful with that sweet and mischievous smile on his lips.] Well... if we don't try your ideas, how will we know if they're good or not?

Oh, they rarely are. But as you say, there's no way of telling until one tries.

[And he thinks of it now, of the possibility of just giving in to his own nature, of finding the obliteration he's craving in something besides getting horribly drunk. He's not even sure who he's sharing a room with, has yet to meet them. Doesn't know whether they'd be there or whether they'd walk into something that would alarm them, isn't sure whether he cares.]

[Hey, Phillip's apartment might have someone in it, but his room does not. If they don't want to risk a lack of privacy, there are easy options.

Assuming, of course, that this is going the way Phillip thinks it is. He's a little loathe to make the first move right now, not sure if Julian is in more or less of a vulnerable position than normal- not that he thinks the man would have a problem with that. But he'll at least an initiate a touch, bringing up a finger to gently brush over Julian's chin, testing the waters.]

Well then... are you planning on sharing?

[His eye goes heavy-lidded at the brush of fingertip to skin, and he tilts his chin obligingly, lips still curved in a smile intended to be inviting. Where they go doesn't matter ultimately, and he wouldn't be opposed to something quick and rough and dirty in any old location, perhaps with his face pressed up against the wall, harsh brick against cool skin but--

--but. No use getting ahead of oneself, and perhaps it isn't very gentlemanly to suggest something like that to someone he hardly knows...even if they've known some version of him...he shakes his head, auburn curls bouncing. It's too confusing to think about and so for the moment he won't.]

Depends. How rowdy are you feeling?

[Phillip smiles, his own blue eyes scanning the man’s face as he slowly drags the finger down, past the crest of his chin and over his Adam’s apple. It’s a weird situation, to be sure, because he looks and acts so much like the other Julian and it would be easy to lean on that knowledge, assume things of him that he would never assume of someone he just met. But he refuses to do that.

He leans in, so their lips are barely apart, almost brushing against Julian’s as he speaks.]

Rowdy enough.

[He closes the small gap between them, kissing the other man firmly and nipping at his lower lip.]

[The answer comes in a featherlight brush of air over lips and Julian's eye falls closed in anticipation, an anticipation that is rewarded in the next moment by the press of the other man's mouth over his. Teeth to skin and his breath catches hard and he realises that perhaps he needs this now, a kind of grounding back into his body, letting the physical take over so his overloaded mind can rest.

And he's vulnerable in this moment, sure, but to be taken advantage of is exactly what he wants. He leans in closer, long fingers curling over the other man's shoulder as he kisses him back, deep and full of urgency.]

[Phillip raises a hand, clasping it gently behind Julian's neck and threading his fingers into the base of his hair. This is always so much easier than talking, even though maybe it would be better if he took the harder path slightly more often. Now, though, he's reasonably sure this is the better decision, part distraction from the insane forces that brought them here and part time to process.

He grips Julian's hair and uses that hold to separate them, eyes trailing over the man's features. He's still trying to avoid eye contact, but if Julian wants to he can meet his gaze long enough to figure out why that might be the case. Looking into Phillip's eyes is, very literally, staring down Death, and looking into them for more than a second or so begins to feel the sense of creeping understanding, the overwhelming knowledge that death is unescapable, that even if they'd evaded it in the past that one day it will come for them and not let go.

He's never entirely figured out why some people seem to like it.]

What do you want? [He's not going to presume to know, even though he's pretty sure he does.]

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