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Duplicity Game Mods ([personal profile] duplicitymods) wrote in [community profile] duplicitymemes2020-01-12 10:22 pm
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TDM #10


« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »


« « « LIFE WILL GO ON


It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy.

This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses.

To counteract the discovery of the Deceit Gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues.

... and you’re here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity.

After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a paper gown to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation.

If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You’re a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your highrise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You’re a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you’ll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms.

Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals.

The weather is a brisk negative seven during the warmest parts of the day.



» » » BLINDLY WE'LL FOLLOW




It's time for the monthly Duplicity train tour. 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.



« « « ASK ME ABOUT X




Along with the usual Dom and Sub seminars and demonstrations, the powers that be have decided to try something a little more friendly. After attending the mandatory classes, all characters are invited to a (mandatory) social mixer! There are beverages and light snacks, and mingling is highly encouraged.

Also, all participants have had their clothes removed and replaced with long shirts ( they are allowed to keep their undergarments, but nothing else is allowed ). Said shirts have the phrase “Ask me about _____!” plastered loudly and proudly on the front. It could be a character’s deepest, darkest secret, their most negative trait, or something embarrassing they had happen to them. Each participant is given a clipboard, pen and a piece of paper and are tasked with “asking” three others about what’s written on their chests. Once they’ve completed the task and handed in the assignment they’ll receive their clothes back. Of course, the long shirts can be removed, but that means you’ll be stuck in the nude or in your undergarments until you cooperate.



« « « ON A FLIP CHART




Not into your long shirts? Want to complain or refuse to participate? There’s another option! Unruly Dominants and Submissives will find themselves locked in a private room with a bed, stuffed together into a get-along-shirt. There’s no escaping the garment either, until certain conditions have been met. Written on a flip chart in the corner of the room are the tasks that need to be accomplished to “get along.” Are the two supposed to share a kiss? Sing a romantic duet together? Say the alphabet backwards in sync? The whole point of the exercise is to find that synergy a Dom and Sub pair are supposed to have. Maybe this isn’t the best way to find it, though…

When the conditions are met the shirt is removable or rippable. Otherwise no matter how hard the characters struggle they’ll find themselves unable to get the pesky thing off.



« « « THE LONG WAY AROUND




Many local businesses have adapted to the timing of newcomers, and take advantage of the incoming crowds to do a little marketing. Stationed throughout Duplicity in LIEr-adjacent places such as the train station, the Up Apartments, the Down Motel, and the orientation center are representatives for local businesses and companies handing out free samples and hoping to attract business later.

This month, there’s a particular presence by Harbroken Industries, a cosmetic and beauty company. They’re pushing free samples of their new pheromone perfume sprays, delicately scented and guaranteed to work. Sample bottles are freely available, but some overeager volunteers are taking the department store approach and spritzing unwitting passersby.

The citrus scent is energizing and bright, inducing a talkative state where users cannot get enough conversation, and lose any internal filter for their words. The strawberry-vanilla scent is sweet and comforting, like a warm hug, which users will get a lot of with their new obsession with physical affection. Cedar-sandalwood makes those who use it tough as nails, angry and ready to pick a fight over the smallest slights. The cinnamon-pear scent makes its users feel adventurous and curious, and maybe a little TOO bold about trying new things. And predictably, the patchouli spray inspires “free love,” with an aphrodisiac effect that gets worse over time, unless taken care of quickly.

The scents will wane and the effects will fade after six hours, or after the urges they cause are fulfilled. These volunteers are so eager to make a sale that it’s entirely possible to be hit with more than one spray at a time, so maybe take the long way around these areas if you’re looking to avoid them.



« « « MOD & OOC NOTES



Please read carefully.

On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right". When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass". This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice.

To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide: Count the letters in your character's full name ( first, last, middle or whatever combo that they have ). If it totals twelve letters and below they are a Dominant. If it's thirteen and higher they are Submissive.

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




» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

dramamama: <user name=easycompany> (you see me on tv)

[personal profile] dramamama 2020-01-20 09:49 am (UTC)(link)
Well, Bucky, my compliment stands.
I’m Ransom.

Your friend wouldn’t happen to be a Steve would he?
Some little guy with a crush on him thought I was a Steve.
arkfall: (Default)

blindly we follow

[personal profile] arkfall 2020-01-20 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's done her crying, has she? There's at least one person on the train with her who might think she could do with a bit more.

No, he tells himself. He's not supposed to be like that anymore. He's not supposed to wish death on his brother's friends just because they know him. His fingers aren't supposed to itch with the desire to tear her apart.

Still, he finds himself moving closer to her and sits in a seat he wasn't assigned that is close enough she can hear him when he speaks.
]

Silly human girl. If my brother and I can't manage to find a way off the world, what makes you think that you can?

[The man who speaks looks near identical to Vash, with some notable differences: the beauty mark is on the opposite side, the eyes are a different color, and his hair is pitch black. He looks at her with an expression of pure apathy.]
Edited 2020-01-20 12:57 (UTC)
saintguillotine: (my heart is ready; my heart is ready God)

[personal profile] saintguillotine 2020-01-20 01:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thank God for that. Validation of an angel is high on his list of things he wants.]

Does it? That wouldn't have been my guess. I haven't the vaguest idea what it could be derived from.

[The English are strange, but he already knew that.]

And yes, thankfully. I received help with retrieving them both times. You get the occasional ba- [He bites the tip of his tongue before continuing.] Unpleasant person among the LIERs, but most will help out if you're in a difficult situation. Just so you're aware. If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to ask for it.

[If the angel's trapped here, they're probably just as susceptible to Duplicity's quirks as everyone else.]
demonicmiracle: (104)

[personal profile] demonicmiracle 2020-01-20 01:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Or maybe it wouldn't have been too bold.

Crowley hasn't spent millennia watching Aziraphale like a starving man watches a bloody buffet to miss that distress. He waits for a half-second, watching the angel let go of his hand, wondering if he's going to say anything, but... clearly Crowley has to be the adult here.

He's grateful for the last few months of practice he's had being vulnerable and talking about his feelings, even if it's been in very small doses, and never as terrifying as this. Still, he asked Aziraphale to run away with him and that was one of the scariest things that he's ever done. Crowley can manage this. It's worth it.]


Aziraphale. [Careful, but firm, and he tucks his fingers gently under Aziraphale jaw to make him meet Crowley's gaze.] I want everything, alright? Everything you'd like to do, everything you'd like to give me, I want it. I know neither of our lot much go for any of this, the — the touching and all that business, so I'm telling you that I do. I want it. But it's alright if you don't, or if you're not sure yet, and I don't wanna presume everything's changed just 'cause some things have. The ball's in your court on this one, just talk to me. Ask me if you want me to stay.
resistingly: (pic#12685060)

[personal profile] resistingly 2020-01-20 03:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, it's strange, actually. Some of the tech here seems pretty advanced, like the devices they give us, and they have the train system, but then other things — [ He gestures vaguely with the hand that isn't currently clasping onto hers, sort of to imply that the rest of it is more antiquated, older, not necessarily reliant on anti-grav systems or anything that would point to being able to even so much as mimic their speeders from back home, let alone their ships. ] Poe and I have been trying to hold on to anything that seems like it could be useful, you know. For building purposes.

[ And it's the implication around that particular word, as well as the way he meets her gaze and holds it, that attempts to communicate to her without saying it out loud — at least, not while they're still relatively out in the open — that the two of them have already been working on trying to assemble something that could fly, maybe even fly them all out of here eventually with enough time and patience. But if anyone's more qualified than either of them to make it happen, it's the girl whose hand he's holding as though he doesn't plan to let it go any time soon.

He hadn't gotten very far from the garage before running into her, so it's a short walk back, and eventually they round a corner to the building itself, advertised as The G-Spot with a somewhat garish neon sign, a fenced-off salvage yard visible from the street, but he fishes in the pocket of a very recognizable leather jacket before coming up with his keys to let them in through the front door of a tiny waiting area. It's a straight walk to the office in the back, but the door on the right leads to the garage and the junkyard, and that's the one he leads her to before letting her step through ahead of him, slipping his fingers from hers. ]


Here. It's — well, all of it, it's yours. Or I guess ours now, if that's okay. [ He's looking to her face rather than their surroundings, the strands of hair that have escaped her buns to grace the edge of her cheek. ]
beshenaya: (« as they infect us »)

[personal profile] beshenaya 2020-01-20 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
It may come as a surprise to some that knew Cain's more promiscuous nature that he was not a very touchy person. His thirst for things more lascivious too often came with a hunger for power; a greed to dominate, sometimes manipulate. To get what he wanted or simply a physical release and nothing more. Rarely did his hands seem soft to the touch lest that got the man closer to his end goal, but in this moment? Mm... the man found his hands craved to feel skin with such intense ferocity. His entire body was alight with this need, this desire to touch and be touched. Craved it more than anything in the world. More than the act of sex itself, although he'd be fine with that.

Eyes dusted over those full lips, down chest, arms-- he was curious to see what lied beneath it all. Another pretty little blond for Cain to devour. Jim had some muscle to him, too. More than some. Made him wonder about the blond's line of work. Was he important in any way; was there something that could be useful here? Would forging some sort of friendship or bond be beneficial? Thoughts that rummaged through his mine as the fighter unashamedly allowed his wandering hands to discover just how pronounced those muscles were. Cain really didn't seem to give a damn about the people around them -- that, at least, was character to the man. Yes, he was just going to take one of the other man's hands and place it on his own hip. Snap to it, Jim. Get your hands on.

"Uhuh," the fighter wasn't even sure he completely registered what Jim had said. He was too busy edging his body closer, letting his hands wander. One finger found its way back up and over the metal pin at the captain's breast. Insignia Cain didn't recognize, but he did know it as what it was. So, what organization did this man work with? He did have the body of a soldier.

"And now I got you." The smile that came on Cain's lips wasn't a warm one, but perhaps a daring one.
Edited (cause it was shit and now it isn't LMAO) 2020-01-20 16:32 (UTC)
aprettysight: (I want you ever)

[personal profile] aprettysight 2020-01-20 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[no, she's not going to let herself cry, as much as she'd want to. she has a feeling that few here would be moved by tears. somehow, she must find it in herself to be strong, but she doesn't know how. she's always had Merricat to be strong for her]

All right. I'm very grateful to you for your kindness. Thank you.
aprettysight: (many times I've whispered)

[personal profile] aprettysight 2020-01-20 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[she hears that tone of voice and it makes her mad. anger isn't an emotion she's too familiar with and she doesn't know quite what to do with it, but it's there]

Surely you can't be that bad.
reborningreen: (green arrow)

Kicks the damned door down

[personal profile] reborningreen 2020-01-20 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
There is a soft hum, and through the door, as one man exits, running from that fight, an arrow flies, green and long, and slams into the hand of one of the men behind her, pinning him to the wall. The next moment, the door slams inward, and Oliver stalks in, bow drawn, arrow knocked. And his voice, when he speaks is livid, low, and dark.

"The next man who makes a move toward her becomes a soprano for life."

Normally, not his kind of threat. Today? He is on his last nerve. He had just been walking through the Down, trying to think, and well, this was not what he had expected to find when he had heard the ruckus. Finding his daughter is awesome. Finding his daughter in this city? Not his idea of a good time.

He wears his green leathers and a mask, and the mark of a submissive slides down his throat. Not that you could tell from his actioons or attiotude, mind you.
castle: (𝟺𝟹𝟽 ᵇᵃᵗᶜʰˑ)

[personal profile] castle 2020-01-20 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ she doesn't know what she means by "alliance" or "imperial bases", but he doesn't ask because that part doesn't really matter. it's about the way she's processing it, choices she'd had to make, what comes after the loss. this is the exact part he struggles with, because the way he responds is in rage, it's in blood, in bruised knuckles and a shower of bullets. he only knows it in revenge, not in moving on. ]

No. [ his voice is quiet, barely even a whisper as he looks to her, taking in a shaky breath as he sees the dampness of her eyes. ] My family's been lost for years and I ... I still don't know what to do with myself. If I'm supposed to move on or — or keep doing something about it. I don't know what comes next.

[ he raises his hand slowly, carefully as runs his thumb soft beneath her eye, gently wiping the threat of tears that haven't quite fallen. ]

But it sounds like you're working at it. Trying to do right by him and that's — that's something, y'know. Ain't gonna erase it, but it's a start. A start to figuring out the rest of the life you got.
compellingstatement: art by <user name=everchased site=tumblr.com> (scared | nervous)

[personal profile] compellingstatement 2020-01-20 05:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's not feeling very kind, just worried. And... he's going to try not to think about the number of people who might come knocking at his door because of that letter. Maybe he can ask security to deal with them. Yes. Yes, he might do that.]

You're welcome. Goodbye.

[The Archivist absconds to try to find someone to finish out this blasted form thing with.]
uncurbed: (✗ in a pair of cuffs)

[personal profile] uncurbed 2020-01-20 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Jim Kirk has and always will be a tactile sort of person — and that isn't even coming from the fact that he sometimes doesn't remember what personal space is, and doesn't care much when he does — and he's always moving, fidgeting with whatever he can get his hands on because he'll never be made of anything but kinetic energy, thrumming through him as it does.

It makes it difficult to keep his hands to himself.

It makes it even more difficult to keep his hands to himself when he's been sprayed with hippie-flower-aphro bullshit and even though Cain beats him to the punch to get the ball rolling, letting those hands wander, he would have reached for him anyway just to get an idea of what the lines of him feel like. ( Because he looks dangerous, beautiful, all sharp angles and a sharper smirk and he doesn't realize his breath has caught in the back of his throat until he has to let it out, chest aching with holding it in. )

Fingers curl over the rise of bone, thumb brushing back and forth and back again as a low sound of something lingers in the back of his throat, stepping infinitesimally closer, bridging some of that gap between them, eyes trained on the spread of that smile across the line of his mouth. It isn't warm, no, but he's never turned down a dare, and he isn't about to start now. "Guess you do," he finally says, voice dropping low and intimate, and he inches closer still.

His free hand slips up to smooth over the curve of a shoulder, again, seeking out to memorize the lines of him and he isn't disappointed by any means. Not even close. "What do you plan on doing with me?"

Oh. Is that a loaded question.
occultatum: (Default)

[personal profile] occultatum 2020-01-20 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well," he says with a consideration. "Probably not everyone," he adds, a moment later, with a kind of sweet, bright smile that makes Nick so dangerous.
uncurbed: (✗ if i needed someone to control me ..)

sorry for the delay! i had company this weekend, oof

[personal profile] uncurbed 2020-01-20 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
( it goes without saying — or have we mentioned this already? — that he's been shoved into more than his fair share of situations in which he finds himself with the need to figure things out for himself. the way things work, or how they're supposed to work and this place isn't about to be any different. it's going to take some time, sure, but he's never been anything but adaptive, innovative.

he's going to make this work, even if he's not all that pleased about being saddled with the title of submissive. have we mentioned that, too? maybe? he ain't about that life, but he doesn't have a choice, so it doesn't really matter, now does it?

( that orientation was absolute bullshit, though. let that just go on record. )

his brows go up just a bit when she turns to give him her full attention, when she speaks up again.
) Oh, yeah? Seen or heard anything interesting? ( and here, interesting, of course, means useful. )
reborningreen: (solemn)

[personal profile] reborningreen 2020-01-20 06:57 pm (UTC)(link)
No, this is... mild.

[ His smile is rueful, but he is grateful for that as he looks at her. ] Still, I am sorry you got caught in it.

[ But that doesn't stop him from hugging her close and one hand gently stroking along her back, in a slow rhythm, a gentle contact. ]
reborningreen: (Oh Hell)

[personal profile] reborningreen 2020-01-20 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't want to go, either. I don't know what to say. I wish I could say that I wouldn't judge, but you know that would be a lie. And I am trying... [ He sighs, shaking his head, and flails internally for a moment, but gently squeezes her hand. ]

I can't promise anything, and I won't. Except this. This I can promise. Whatever happens, I will love you, Felicity. Nothing in this world or a thousand others will change that.

[ He nods. that much he is sure of. He has loved her for years, even when they were not together, even when they were separated. It sucks, if they do get separated again and it will make him sad and angry, yes, but... even then, he will love her until he dies. And beyond. A small smile slides over his lips, then fades. ]

I have a lot to tell you, too. Not all of it golden.
reborningreen: (Oh Hell)

[personal profile] reborningreen 2020-01-20 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)
This pale is... it messes with us.

[ This is not the first time, even today, that this sort of thing has happened to him, and he grimaces. Apparently this place is trying to really make sure he hates it. ]

Are you... okay? [ He does not let go, mind you, the warmth of her makes him shiver, and not just with it. Looking at her, the way she reacts, his thumb, almost as if with a mind of its own, strokes over those open lips, smelling and tasting, if she does, of mint and a touch of leather as well. ]
aprettysight: (and let forever begin tonight)

[personal profile] aprettysight 2020-01-20 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[she swallows hard] Then I take it you have experience with the...less than mild?

[she tries to smile back] I suppose such things are normal?

[this is the closest she's been to a man since she and Charles danced. Charles had eventually shown his true colors, but this man seems (seems, at least to her in her limited experience with men) different]
superweaponized: (d r o p)

[personal profile] superweaponized 2020-01-20 07:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[She falls quiet, unused to this kind of vulnerability. It’s been so long since she’s been able to feel things, but the last thing she wants to appear as is weak. What he says isn’t hopeful either, but she would rather the truth. This place doesn’t seem like a second chance, and she probably isn’t going to change much herself, but it’s something at least.

It’s an existence.

His finger wipes below her eye, and she looks up with a kinder smile. She’s put a lot on him, more than she even intended to. Jyn tries put up a stiff upper lip, brushing her hair back like she’s okay, that this is okay when it still really isn’t.]


I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put this on you. [Even though she has had no choice being stuck in this shirt with him. She’s just aware of his own tragedies.] You have your own losses.
aprettysight: (can't you tell I care)

un: text; preserves

[personal profile] aprettysight 2020-01-20 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Constance disapproves of the rather flippant nature of his post]

"Sex buddies?" Surely there's a better way to put things.
ultra_boy: (Shirtless 1)

Re: Dominant (cw: underage)

[personal profile] ultra_boy 2020-01-20 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Rimbor's purple sector.

[ He chuckles as he follows her, eyes on that lovely ass, and pokes the harness. His other hand slides down to cup over her ass. ]

That is a sex swing, it looks like. someone gets in it and is fucked by the other one. We could take turns... [ he reaches over to another shelf and lifts a harness and dildo set. ]
Think you would wanna use this on me?
lovesuwithknives: (grey faraway)

follow

[personal profile] lovesuwithknives 2020-01-20 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Usually Azwel walks to get where he's going, but nowadays he's just too damn tired. Still, he has to buy food, so onto the train he goes. He finds a space in Submissive seating to sort of wedge himself into and is about to wait out the ride in peace when he notices this small woman talking to herself.

He tilts his head.
]

Are you all right?
unphase: ('cause I can't always be around)

Re: Dominant (cw: underage)

[personal profile] unphase 2020-01-20 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm almost afraid to ask how big that one was.

[she grins as he cups her ass and wiggles a little in his grasp]

We could...I especially like the bindings. Knowing that I could phase out of them any second and not doing it. And we could. [and she follows, eyeing the harness and dildo set] I think so. Especially if it had a little something on my side, like something to rub up against my clit or fit inside me.
singinghuntress: (serious)

Flip Chart

[personal profile] singinghuntress 2020-01-20 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Normally Rip went along with the crazy escapades the city threw at them. But, this time? All it took was the first person asking her the question on her shirt to decide that this was one of those times she refuses to play along.

...Until she's shoved in a short with a woman she doesn't know and can't get out of it. Rip's 6'2 height definitely plays into her partner drowning in the shirt as she stares blankly at the suggestions on the way. She's really... just so done with this shit today.]


Zhe same thing zhey are alvays trying to prove.

Submissives need to be subservient und Dominants need to take charge.

[Even the tone of her voice just screamed 'done'.]
aurebesh: (x6WcZlH)

[personal profile] aurebesh 2020-01-20 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ there's pressure on either side of her — the countertop, sharp and firm, and poe's body pressed snug against her own — and there's heat too, his skin and their breaths and the unmistakably encouraging warmth that comes from the perfume, getting stronger with each moment they stay embraced. even without the perfume, the sheer temptation that comes from how eagerly he responds to her would have been encouragement enough, and so when poe's hand cups against her jaw and his teeth catch against her bottom lip, rey can't help but give in to that swell of want, two hands dropping from around his neck to palm the edge of the countertop and push

until she's seated, in one swift motion, her legs dangling over the edge and split, her hands lifting to curl into the fabric of his shirt and tug until he's brought back. closer this time, close enough that she can swan hot air and the words that come with them over his open mouth, a response that's far more confident than she really has any right to be draping between them. ]


I said what I said, Poe.

[ which is half a challenge, half defensive, but entirely the brand of reckless obstinance that has defined so many of their interactions in the time they've known each other.

and really, rey thinks — what's the harm? she's gone through orientation, she's heard the spiels. they have quotas and expectations to meet. and even if she thinks they're stupid, even if she's less willing to let some mysterious council demand she do things with her body with people she's never met, poe isn't a stranger. he's — he's more than a friend, isn't he. he's infuriating and difficult and always frustrating, but he's always met her point for point, space for space, and this is no different. not really.

the only difference she can find is that they're building each other up rather than driving each other up a wall. and that, she guesses, has to be worth something. ]