TEST DRIVE MEME #3

[expiationmods]

TEST DRIVE MEME #3

Welcome to the TDM for Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with fantasy, science fiction, and some horror elements. We ask that top-level comments are reserved for new characters and players looking to experience a taste of the world and overarching storyline. Characters already in the game, however, are free to use TDM prompts in their own catch-alls and logs. Feel free to submit any TDM / prompt-related questions to the corresponding comment below.

New players / characters looking to app are free to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Preexisting players / characters may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs (with the stated limitations).

You may find the below links helpful in getting to know themes of the world, locations, the people, and so on.

info | world

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...

BRAVE NEW WORLD (ARRIVALS)

     

After receiving the paper with your sentence, the whole world quickly becomes dark and you find yourself falling through what seems to be an infinite void. You lose track of time after a while, but as soon as your focus seems to waver, your vision clears and you find yourself resting rather unceremoniously in a pile of seeds used for chicken feed.

Once you make your way out of the grain silo (and we of the moderator team wish you good luck in finding a fun way out of it), you may find that several other people have been dropped into the world just like you have. Some are disoriented, others are panicked, and others yet are simply angry about being brought somewhere against their will. Amidst the chaos of new arrivals to the world of Expiation, the newcomers will find that there are some people in the crowd who seem a little more familiar with what’s going on.

These people will tell you that you find yourself in a strange new world, and that it’s best to make your way to a nearby town called Aldrip to get settled down there. It’s a few hours by foot away from this area, but it’s the only place in the nearby area that can accommodate newcomers like you.

---

WE LIKE TO PARTY (WE LIKE, WE LIKE TO PARTY)

     

Recently, many Chosen have emerged victorious from a hard-fought battle, taking out a gargantuan creature that threatened to suck the energy from the whole area surrounding Aldrip if it had not been stopped. Such efforts do not go unrecognised, and in the aftermath, the locals all decided to band together to celebrate their saviours’ heroics. Nothing less than a village-wide party and parade would be fitting for such an occasion.

This is an undertaking that will likely take a significant amount of effort. While the locals wanted to make this into a surprise, many of them lack skills to put the thing together properly. Chosen who want to get involved in the preparation process can put their organisation and culinary skills to the test to create fixtures and food for the event. Better yet, your efforts over the past months have improved supply routes into Aldrip, meaning that the food shortage has passed, and you’ll have just about anything your heart desires for the occasion.

Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy the spoils of your efforts! Once the day of the party arrives, Aldrip will erupt into a full-scale celebration, and all Chosen are encouraged to party as hard as possible. Good food, good drinks and good times will be in no short supply for the occasion. Additionally, those who took to the front lines in the previous event will be revered as heroes and likely spoiled rotten.

THIS IS HOW YOU GET ANTS

PLEASE PARTY RESPONSIBLY

     

It’s no understatement to say that some of the Chosen like to party hard- and that’s quite alright! A few days ago, the people of Aldrip had already set aside a few rooms in the inn to act as an infirmary for those who had been injured during the battle with the Branded. It took little effort for them to expand this project into a full medical wing for those who would undoubtedly be acting irresponsibly during the festivities.

It’s up to you to decide what circumstances brought you here. Perhaps you were injured in the previous battle, and have been stuck in bed as you recover from your wounds. Maybe you had just a little too much to drink, and you decided to come by while you collect yourself. Regardless of what your reason for being there may be, the people of Aldrip have guaranteed that you will receive the best of care.

With that said, the place is terminally understaffed. Aldrip’s locals will certainly appreciate any assistance they can get- even if your character might not have the best training or bedside manner. Medicine can’t be that hard- what’s the worst that can happen?

---

MR. MAGNIFI'S MAGNIFICENT MIXTURES

     

Once word of the upcoming celebration spread, several individuals from outside town came in to offer their services or goods in Aldrip. One such individual came into town riding on a rickety cart with the words “Miraculous Magnifi’s Medicine! Guaranteed to heal what ails ye!” emblazoned in gold on its side. The thing smells a bit off, with a strong chemical scent coming from the back, but the moustachioed man who emerges from the back assures you that all of his “mixes are made with meticulous ministrations!”

Those who buy and consume the potion might find themselves feeling strange over the next few days as symptoms emerge. Some people wake up to find that their hair has taken on a rainbow of colours during the night, that rats cuddle up to them for no reason, or that their irises have been replaced with strange spiral shapes. Feel free to come up with inventive but harmless side effects for the miracle elixir- it’s meant for some good fun.

They’re strange symptoms for sure, and certainly not the advertised cure-all. However, Magnifi is already gone by the next dawn, meaning that no one can get a refund. Thankfully, the symptoms will go away after a few days, but the chaos that ensues in the meanwhile will certainly make for some fun stories.

IT'S NOT OVER

♪♫ LET IT GROW ♫♪ ► (FUTURE EVENT TIE-IN)

     

The party celebrating the dread beast’s defeat can be heard from miles outside of Aldrip, but the situation is not quite yet resolved. Much of the once-lush forest outside of Aldrip had its life force absorbed from it, leaving little more than profaned ground and an overwhelming scent of rot. Worse yet, there are reports that some of the beast’s severed golden tendrils have taken on a life of their own, creating snake-monsters that threaten the local wildlife.

However, the monsters are not the only new arrivals in Pessiria Forest. Those who go to investigate the area will find that fairy-like creatures have gathered in the profaned land and are trying their best to help bring the area back to its former glory. At first, they seem to keep their distance or ignore you entirely, but after determining that you mean well, they inform you that they can temporarily bless the Chosen with the power to make full-sized plants burst forth from the seeds they plant into the ground.

It’s still going to be hard work. Even with the power to bring plants to life, planting seeds in the miles of dead forest will likely take a very long time. Still, these strange fairies could use the help, and tough jobs can be better if you bring a little help from your own friends. (Or enemies. No one’s going to judge you for who you bring.)

---

WHAT'S THAT MYSTERIOUS LAUGHING SOUND?

     

The process of regrowing the devastated part of Pessiria forest is well underway, but the process does not go entirely smoothly. Partway through the process, locals start to report that they can hear a strange girl laughing in the forest in the middle of the night, but no one seems able to track down its source. Curious Chosen can patrol around the forest at night to try and figure out the mystery.

Those who are particularly sharp-eyed might see a faint spectre of a little girl wearing a straw hat dancing about, but she never seems to stay in sight for more than a few seconds. One blink is all it takes for her to vanish.

You probably won’t be able to catch this strange spectre, but it’s become something of a game among the villagers to go looking for her anyways. Some say that seeing her is a sign of good luck, and wave to her before she disappears. Others say that if you see her while holding hands, it will bless you with a lifetime of good love. Almost all of these assertions are probably nonsense- but what will you do about it?

Comments

Shinichi Izumi 👁️ Parasyte: The Maxim

[kiseijuu]

CW: This character comes with some body horror in the form of a parasitic alien entity living in his arm / hand. Mostly this just means that his hand will commonly have an eye and a mouth in it. Any ookier transformations will have specific content warnings!


BRAVE NEW WORLD

I. IN THE SILO

( There's barely time to process anything before Shinichi feels himself pulled into a nightmare. But— no, this isn't a nightmare, this is very real, even if it all feels impossible. Then again, Shinichi Izumi is no stranger to impossible things.

This is certainly a new one, though. The young man blinks widely, eyes struggling to adjust to the space he's so abruptly found himself trapped in, to make sense of it. He realises that he's having a hard time moving and his heart gives a panicked jolt, limbs thrashing a bit, but each movement is weirdly slow, like he's fighting against sand. No.... not sand, the strange little objects sifting around his body and that his hands uselessly scoop against are a bit bigger than that..... Seeds?! )

Migi—! ( Shinichi immediately cries out the name, but there's no response, no grotesque shift of his right arm into something that can help save him from this. His heart's skipping beats now; is the alien sleeping? Or..... maybe he's not here at all? How's he going to survive this on his own?

Suddenly Shinichi hears movement from somewhere that sounds close (is it someone else trapped in here, too? Or maybe someone who's managed to escape, peering in?) and the boy's calling out for them, coughing against grain dust and a few rogue seeds that make their way into his mouth as he struggles. Each shove of his arms and legs only seems to push him further downwards.... the mental image is of quicksand, and there's something desperate to his tone. )

Is someone else there??

II. ON THE WAY TO ALDRIP

( Shinichi has survived the bowels of the grain silo....... and has found himself in the center of a whole new confusion. It's all decidedly overwhelming, and although he spends a bit listening in to people's conversations and asking a few questions to those who seem to know what they're doing, he soon enough needs to Take A Moment. The boy finds a quiet spot a bit off and away from the chaos of things, moving to sit down right on the ground, long legs folded inwards and crossed.

This is.... insane. He's been brought to a new world? But how...? Why? (He hasn't examined that parchment yet, doesn't know what it says, which for the moment is likely a mercy. Reading what it says will change everything.)

Shinichi sits there quietly. He was told he should head to a town — Aldrip — but it's not a name he recognises, doesn't sound anything like where he comes from. Fear tightens his throat, and he's starting to feel overwhelmed again when suddenly a soft voice stirs awake and pipes up from his hand. It's robotic, feminine, devoid of emotion or much nuance. Usually that voice makes him cringe a little, but right now Shinichi's feeling a sweep of relief. Migi.

He sits there for a few moments, explaining to the alien what exactly has happened up until now, the both of them chatting quietly to each other. Shinichi's always careful, keeping his hand tucked close to his lap as he leans over it — if you amble up, you might see what looks like a young man... talking to himself. To his palm? He's probably fine.

Or, if you're quiet enough to draw near before he can take notice of you, you might actually see what it is that the young man's talking to. You might catch a glimpse of it — a round, golden eye peering up from the palm of that hand, and a mouth. Of course, as soon as you spot the Thing, the Thing will also spot you— and that eye will swivel to stare widely in your direction. )

WE LIKE TO PARTY

( Shinichi's method for dealing with all of this is just to kind of, go along with it. A mindset that's certainly encouraged by Migi, who's wanting to observe and learn as much about this world as he possibly can, the analytical parasite making notes on everything and everyone. And so while parties of any sort are hardly Shinichi's choice of environment even back in his own world, here he finds himself forced from the safety of the inn and standing awkwardly around the festivities.... Migi guides him where to go and what to do — mostly hovering around watching people so he can get closer to what's going on and give the parasite plenty to observe.

Throughout the evening, Shinichi can be found doing just that, at several times with his hand cupped gently to his ear so that Migi can speak to him like that (pay no attention to the boy wandering around whispering like he's on an invisible cellphone....) Or maybe you encounter him ambling up to sample some food or drink (once again, this is for Migi's Observation Purposes). Shinichi looks nervous and a little nauseated, but he'll offer shy smiles nonetheless, and speak up to people along the way — "What world do you come from?" or "How long have you been here?" as conversation starters.

Or maybe you become the victim of a Migi Crime..... The alien's careful, sneaky, but you might catch him in the act regardless. A hand deftly reaching its way into your coat pocket to steal an item, or trying to gently swipe jewelry or other such things that might be on your person..... Anything remotely interesting or simply shiny is at risk, here. )

PLEASE PARTY RESPONSIBLY

( It's Migi's Curiosity that led Shinichi here, too — carefully poking around whatever spaces he can, nervous but perpetually led around by the one who really wears the pants in this relationship.... Certainly medical care and what exactly may be offered here would appeal to the alien's interests. It's also a prime environment for learning more about the residents of this place.

Inevitably, it means Shinichi ends up helping out around the place, suddenly roped in to playing nurse for a few hours. And so he's bustling around carrying supplies or helping administer medicines for various purposes — and he does have the added advantage of housing an entity who has an extensive knowledge of human anatomy. The thing is, not everyone here might actually be human.... Oh, there's plenty for a curious alien to wonder about.

Maybe you're also helping out and Shinichi keeps gently bumping into you as he hurries here and there, or maybe you're a patient here for some reason. In which case, the boy will make his way to your bedside, wearing a shy but warm smile as he asks you what's going on and offers to help. )

---

WILDCARD / ETC

^{Feel free to shoot me a pm if you have any questions or want to do something else!}

BRAVE NEW WORLD, II

[himbomb]

[The concept of portals, or wormholes, sort of becomes old hat after you've had your fair share of interdimensional alien invasions, but this is the first time Rex finds himself on the other side of that particular situation, and he's clearly not doing well processing any of said information. Thankfully, this seems a little too far-fetched to be the result of some supervillain's contrived plot, and seeing as he's an unruly bastard with the alias Rex Splode, it'd be a little strange for someone to kidnap one of the multiverse's least likable superheroes when they could've done ganked literally anyone else.]

Adultery?! You've gotta be fucking kiddin' me. We weren't even married!

[He yells to nobody in particular, flicking a piece parchment with his fingers a little ways off from where Shinichi stands.]

You have oooone insanely ill-advised triplet gangbang, and suddenly everything else you've ever done goes out the window. Like, what about all the times I kept the city of Chicago from oooh, I dunno, being burnt to the ground?!

[There's a number of things that could've caught the little parasite's gaze, whether it be the supersuit in obnoxiously neon hues or the raspy voice. Honestly, it's a surprise that the crime listed wasn't "noise pollution." Either way, he wouldn't have been able to survive the business of breaking heads for this long if he didn't have a keen sense of perception, so immediately, he catches sight of the glaring palm from the corner of his eye, scowling in the mousier boy's direction.]

Did that thing just fucking wink at me?

[kiseijuu]

( Shinichi's focus is so fixed on his palm (and he's already prone to zoning out of what's going on around him, a "dangerous" and "dumb" propensity, according to Migi), that he's oblivious to the person ambling up closer for a good few moments. It's only when the shouting starts that something in his demeanour flinches a little, looking glossily upwards as though brought out of some stun.

Only to see...... someone standing there (someone weird!), staring right at him. At his hand. Shinichi reacts an odd beat or two too late, like it's taking him a moment to process, and then he's scrambling — body fidgeting abruptly, hand quickly and awkwardly shoved into his coat pocket. Oh no no no no, this is bad, this is so bad!!! )

Uhhhhh—! Wh-what thing?

( .....Just play dumb! Of course, he's never been good at hiding his emotions, and right now the emotion is Fear and Horror, eyes wide, mouth tipped open, staring at the stranger like he's about to die.

Migi, meanwhile, is kind of shifting around to try and poke out of his pocket and get a good look at this guy..... he's wearing Strange Clothing, which is very interesting. )

[himbomb]

[The look in Shinichi’s eyes is an all too familiar one. Rex has seen it so many times by now he’s practically numb to it, so his surly expression hardly wavers as the other young man denies the obvious. If anything, the pathetic attempt at a ruse only appears to fan the flames of Rex’s ever-simmering irritation, because in his mind the anxiety is unwarranted.

He does not answer immediately, instead taking this time to do a brief full-body scan of the other teenager’s body with his eyes. Other than whatever the hell is up with this kid’s icky eyeball hand, nothing else looks particularly out of the ordinary.]

Don’t play dumb with me, dickhead.

[Here, Rex raises his own gloved hand and waggles a few fingers.]

I mean your creepy little friend.

[Rex re-focuses on the creature, eyeing the way it pokes out of Shinichi’s pocket.]

My eyes are up here, asshole.

[kiseijuu]

( In response to the other's reaction, Shinichi's just balking harder — flinching almost like he's afraid he might get hit. (It wouldn't be the first time he got beat up a little.... He seems to have a propensity for that, too.)

To his absolute horror, however, Migi isn't flinching back at all. In fact, the teen's gasping out loud as his hand suddenly frees itself again, the alien plenty strong enough to force his host into submission. Migi lifts his arm right up into the air, palm facing outwards, that eye blinking widely and curiously at the other person. After a moment, the soft, robotic voice pipes up to him. )

What is a "dickhead"?

( .......The question, coupled with the fact Migi's so suddenly revealing himself at all, leaves Shinichi completely speechless. He just stands there, ogling down at his hand in horror.

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here. )

if this is too out of pocket... i can edit it dw (cw: nsfw)

[himbomb]

[The question, coupled with the bizarre, clearly otherworldly physicality, is enough to make Rex break out into a mirthy chuckle. There's so much texture to the sound of it, it may be hard to believe that he and Shinichi are actually around the same age. Coupled with the staggeringly angular, muscular physique and costume that seems to only highly the razor-sharp squareness of his jaw, it's unsurprising that onlookers who don't know any better often mistake Rex for an actual adult- That is, until he opens his immature mouth.]

What, so you haven't seen his?

[Rex quirks a well-manicured eyebrow upwards behind a pair of orange goggles. He addresses Migi in a calm and collected manner, as this is far from the strangest thing he's ever seen, clearly a lot more interested in the freaky limb than its tepid host, who he's quickly decided is a bit of a bore.]

Then again, with the way this shitstain's yammerin' on, I wouldn't be surprised if his junk was inverted.

Or maybe it's so teeny-tiny, ya just about missed it.

[It helps that Migi shares so many traits with one of the few close friends Rex has ever had, right down to the robotic voice and hilariously overly-analytical questioning.]

You two don't shower together? You seem pretty permanently... Attached.

( cw: nsfw, rest in pieces Shinichi )

[kiseijuu]

( Shinichi has had zero time to process much about this situation — or this guy — but there's certainly a lot of weirdness going on. (.....Like he can say anything, considering his hand is currently talking to someone.)

But he's managing to at least get a good look at the other guy for those few seconds, and it's all.... this is all so strange. Is he some kind of... superhero? (Maybe a cosplayer???) Maybe Shinichi really has hit his head somewhere along the lines and is hallucinating everything.

Of course, any thoughts are immediately yanked back into the conversation going on with Migi and the other guy, and Shinichi's just staring, stunned, balking at the words that follow suit. Sweating bullets. Is this— Hey, what's happening right now? Can someone literally kill him now, thanks!

Migi, alternatively, is lapping all this up. His guard's not let down so easily, he's ready to strike out if he has to, but right now the person is simply providing some answers and asking him some questions all in the same vein, and the parasite's very here for this as he puts two and two together. )

I see. You are referring to his reproductive organ.

Yes, I have seen and examined it. However, I do not understand why you said "dickhead" in this situation. Unless..... is it exposed?

( With that, the palm turns and tilts downwards, lips pursed thoughtfully, to look at his unfortunate host's groin. Shinichi immediately yelps and swats at it with his non-possessed hand, ears flushed. )

What— what the hell? Stop it! ( His eyes snap back up to the stranger, and Shinichi finally manages to address him again. He still feels pretty threatened by this guy, embarrassing talk aside.... )

Look, we don't want any trouble....!

1/2

[himbomb]

[sorry excuse him he's going to thrust his head backwards and laugh almost maniacally for a minute or so, etc etc]

2/2 NSFW STILL, shinichi deserves better

[himbomb]

[Once he's done laughing, Rex continues to look in Shinichi's direction with an air of wicked glee.]

Ohhhh.

[Another breathy, raspy laugh follows.]

So you-

[Meaning Shinichi!

Rex makes it a point to single out the poor boy's embarrassed face at present.]

Definitely don't know what that mouth do.

[He circles the bespectacled schoolboy like a cat toying with a mouse, finally re-fixating his attention on Migi.]

Got it, got it, got it.

[From the get-go, every single one of Rex's motions is a dead giveaway that he is not the average human. For starters, he moves with a contradictory sort of agility and poise, like a cat or a panther, and is relatively light on his feet. It's an almost eerie-quality for someone so solidly built to have, but there is no question that each ridiculous gesture, from the wanton lift of a brow to the flick of a wrist, is meticulously controlled.]

So, for starters-

[He chooses to ignore the kid, instead more interested in the creepy weird thing, as its bold nature and ugly appearance strike him as oddly adorable-]

A dickhead is sort of the non-scientific term for the mushroom-shaped tip, of, well...

A dick. It's basically one of the many, many colorful ways to call someone an idiot. That's one of the great beauties of the English language! There's just so many different things you can say to somebody that's along the lines of, "Fuck you!"

But better!

[With an air of... Affection? Mean-spirited fondness? Rex's green-eyed gaze meets Migi's eye and remarks:]

You seem pretty sharp, though.

drags Shinichi to filth

[kiseijuu]

( Shinichi stands there, completely flabbergasted, as he watches the other teen laughing at his misery. YES GO RIGHT AHEAD, THAT'S VERY HELPFUL, SIR. REALLY.

Of course..... it only gets worse.

'don't know what that mouth do'

The reference is (fortunately) mostly lost on him, but he understands that he doesn't like it, at all, or the way the guy's circling him, eyes nervously following the movements, pupils all big and blown from distress. SIR, HE HAS ANXIETY.

....There's something about the way the guy moves, too. It unsettles something in Shinichi enough to actually make him shudder, like a set of claws raking down his spine. He's seen things that don't Move Quite Right, things that are too quiet and stealthy and quick, things that look human until they don't anymore. There's a brief, weird moment when he thinks the guy might be one of them, and it feels like a flash bomb in his head, makes his vision go a little weird for a few moments. Is he in danger—

But Migi's continuing to converse with the guy quite easily, attention captivated by the conversation. Shinichi never answers his questions about this kind of stuff, gets too embarrassed.... but it's just Human Anatomy, and it's Important. And now he's also learning some things about language, too.... The parasite's hanging onto every word with severe interest, lips tugging to the side. )

I see. I have observed that humans have many different meanings associated with their vocabulary. However, I was not aware that a reproductive organ could be slang for an insult.

( He pauses to tilt back and look at Shinichi's crotch again, thoughtfully, before meeting the other man's gaze. He's also noticed how the guy moves, but unlike Shinichi, he isn't afraid — guarded, sure, but majorly curious. It doesn't seem like this person wants to hurt them. )

You are meaning sharp as in 'intelligent'. ( He's learned that one! ) Compared to the human species, my own is extremely advanced, both physiologically and intellectually. I would not consider myself a dickhead.

My host, however, may possibly be considered one. There are many things considered quite simplistic that he struggles to comprehend.

[himbomb]

[Rex flashes the pair a lop-sided, toothy smile, revealing rows of perfectly white teeth. In all fairness, they've been knocked out and put back in so many times, he couldn't tell you which (if any) were a part of the original set.

The young Guardian is excited by two things about the duo- Something about Shinichi's fear makes him feel both alive and so very superior, and Migi? Well, he's just a fucking hoot. It's obvious by the way Rex addresses the alien that he has far more respect for him than the human whose body he's currently hijacked.]

Nah!

You're more of a cocky little shit than a dickhead, my freaky friend. But, then again? Most brainy types are.

[Despite the onslaught of insults, Rex is clearly delighted. He too is intrigued by this conversation, as it's a lot more interesting than thinking about the relationship he so recently ruined as a result of his own poor decision-making.]

Physiologically superior, huh? Then why do you need this guy? You basically said he's a useless turd just a few shakes back. A, uh-whuh, a "simple-minded peon," to put it in terms closer to yours, but I'm assuming you can't get by without him, am I right?

[On a day to day basis, it could safely be said that Rex does a little thinking as possible, mostly because he's lazy and would rather indulge in more hedonistic vices than use his brain. Unfortunately, that makes him even more deceptively non-threatening- When he puts his mind to it and actively pays attention, he's actually quite quick-witted.]

And no matter how smart you are, a body like that and a lily-livered conscience of that... That fragility?

It's a major liability.

And also? You're fugly.

[poor migi!!!]

That's at least two whoppin' design flaws, but, hey.

We can't all be winners, right?

[Here comes another horrible snicker.]

Can you even get off by yourself, little guy? Or do you have to use this bonehead's shoddy set of equipment?

[kiseijuu]

( Migi, at least, doesn't seem to realise that half of this is technically insults. This stranger says many new words and phrases that he's never heard before, and the parasite's mentally storing them all in the archives of his memory. "Cocky little shit." "Fugly." "Whoppin." He'll definitely want to ask about these later on. )

Correct. I require his body in order to survive.

It is true that my situation is flawed. My kind are not meant to co-exist with our hosts, but to overtake them fully. However, there is no other alternative. We are stuck together.

( He does keep a few things concealed — namely that he and Shinichi have made quite the formidable pair because of their "flawed" existence together. It's given them an advantage in fights against the others of his kind who want to kill them. But perhaps better not to reveal too much about what they're capable of; he's still making observations about the residents of this place and their fellow "Chosen," and what they're capable of.

....Including this young man. There's something about him that the parasite is attentive to — something.... atypical of a human. (Is he fully human at all...?) Given the way he moves, quick and fluid despite his build, Migi also has the inclination to believe that he would be capable of quite a bit of prowess in a combative situation. It's reminiscent of his kind in ways, but he doesn't sense any of their brainwaves here.... Best to keep an eye on him and learn as much as he can; his curiosity's certainly piqued by the colourful stranger and his equally colourful vocabulary.

Speaking of— )

What does "get off" mean?

Okay, let's not—! ( Shinichi finally interjects, sweeping his free hand through the air. Enough of... of that! He's looking warily up at the other, not at all sure what to expect from this guy, but very much wanting Migi to stop talking to him now, thanks. )

We were told to go to some town called.... Aldrop or something. ( Aldrip ) Is that what you heard...? Are you new here, too?

[himbomb]

[As soon as Shinichi interjects, every sign of impish joy is lost from Rex’s chiseled features which contort back into their unfriendly default state.]

And I’ll Aldrip-you a new one if you don’t get the hell away from me…!!!

[He mutters, signaling for Shinichi to back off. So the little guy is most definitely a parasite, something like the creepy crawlies on Mars, which Rex knows full-well that he isn’t at all resistant to. In fact, it’s the one thing that keeps him from shoving the other boy away entirely, since avoiding physical contact is now a necessary precaution. As far as a choice for a host, Rex haughtily considers himself to be a great candidate, being at such a peak physical fitness. It also helps that in spite of his downright awful personality, his looks help him get away with a lot, especially when he isn’t wearing his supersuit.]

It’s slang for “masturbate.”

[EVIL?????]

Yeah I’m new! I was just on the job. A job that nearly killed two of my teammates and some other guy!

[He means in Invincible. Rex may not like the guy, and he’s not showing it now, but wow. Watching him go down like that was harrowing.

Hopefully he’ll survive.]

If that giant hairball from space also made it on it’s way over?

We are. So. FUCKED!

we like to party

[euthyme]

[ at the outskirts of the festivities, looking somewhat out of place in appearance (dressed in a very beautiful if very… leg-baring kimono) and in vibes (the air of possibly nobility, though she’d be on a level higher than that) is a woman with a long dark braid holding a small dish of sweets. actually on a table behind her would be several more plates, one could make the fair and accurate assumption that they’d also contained plenty of appetizers before she’d cleaned them out.

she doesn’t appear to have a bag or anything in the way of belongings, her dress doesn’t appear to have pockets (sad) but the regality of her might just invite thievery. there’s a purple jeweled ornament at her obi and pauldron, and the flowered kanzashi in her hair looks priceless for instance. does the alien try to steal yes/no?? ]

[kiseijuu]

( It'd likely be hard for anyone to miss the elegantly-dressed woman; her appearance certainly commands attention, especially to grabby-handed aliens looking for interesting bits and bobbles to swipe. When Shinichi ends up standing near the woman (wide-eyed and looking around the place, overwhelmed and zoning out a bit, as he has been doing for most of this evening), Migi is immediately perking up. What delightful trinkets..... He needs these.....

It's the jeweled ornament that catches his focus first. That one may be easier to steal first, and then he can attempt to go for the one in the woman's hair. He waits until Shinichi's turned to face away a little, and then he makes his move.

Lifting Shinichi's right arm slowly, the alien snakes closer, giving his human only the smallest tug. It's enough that Shinichi hardly even notices, subconsciously used to Migi moving around here and there, and he lets himself be tugged a little closer to where the woman stands, still oblivious to the attempted thievery in action.

Fingers twitching like spider legs, Migi reaches for the ornament, closing around it with an inhuman gentleness and stealth. If he's successful, he'll go ahead and start slipping it into Shinichi's coat pocket. )

PLEASE PARTY RESPONSIBLY

[fatalism]

[ a creature of habits he is not but touching even accidentally bumping into someone always sends dostoevsky into overdrive; annoyed, irritable, and very conscious of the ability that lurks beneath his flesh. its call is muted, he doesn't intend to use it, much less let it slip the careful leash he's learned to keep it from causing havoc.

however, it is still careless to have someone touch him without warning, especially in this place. dostoevsky clears his throat when shinichi for the fourth time brushes past and dostoesvsky tries to lean out of the way to avoid contact and fails. ]

Pardon me, but could you not?

[kiseijuu]

( Shinichi's currently toting a bundle of neatly-folded towels in his arms, bustling quickly along when he feels his shoulder make contact with something that speaks up, and he's immediately jumping in response, flinching back like he's touched something hot.

It's... probably a somewhat extreme reaction, but there's something almost instinctive in Shinichi now, that jerks back from physical contact too quickly. Spending so much time trying so hard not to get physically close to people has prooooobably worn on his mental state a bit, and for a moment he looks close to panic, eyes wide and glasses slightly askew. )

Woah—! Sorry!

( He's clutching the towels closer to his chest, feeling the rapid pace of his own heartbeat, and gives a quick exhale — a shaky sound that's some attempt at a laugh. )

Guess I got kind of zoned out.... Are you okay?

[fatalism]

[ the overreaction is observed, categorized and filed away for future reference; it's not surprising that someone has an adverse reaction to physical contact with him but dostoevsky is fairly certain this man is a stranger unless he's some unknown equation from their world and is familiar with fyodor's face from the news.

no—that is unlikely given the apology that follows.

he's reminded of sigma's nervous mannerisms before the little one grew a spine out of nowhere and shot him.

dostoevsky raises an eyebrow. ] I am fine but that is the fourth time you bump into me as you scurry past, may I ask what is it that has you in such a [ a meaningful pause as he gestures at shinichi ] state?

[kiseijuu]

The fourth....? I'm so sorry. ( Shinichi winces sharply, embarrassment flushing the tips of his ears. Some of it may be that he genuinely tends to zone out...... but a large part of it is thanks to roaming around after anyone that catches Migi's creepy little alien eye. Trying to merge that agenda with the duties that get assigned to him by medical staff workers and other fellow volunteers..... Shinichi is kind of all over the place.

The thought of putting all that into an answer seems to fluster him all over again, and the teen hesitates, mouth parting for a long, awkward pause. He is also, horrifically, aware of his right hand tensing against its grip on the towels pushed against his chest, fingers kind of moving around a little like the curious tips of a proboscis; Migi's definitely taken notice of this stranger. )

Um— just.... just really busy! Going back and forth playing Errand Boy, haha....

( The boy re-adjusts the towels, trying to slide his fingers into them a little. You stop that right now. )

Are you.... here to help too, or do you need help? There's more cots in the next room if you need a place to rest.

[fatalism]

[ there seems to be something off about this young man, the way he seems to adjust and readjust the towels as if grappling on for dear life. fyodor takes note of it, then of himself—no, he should still be unassuming enough not to cause fear. but— ]

I was directed here to help. [ though, frankly, no one should allow this man near a scalpel. ever. ] Perhaps, you should take a break. You seem exhausted.

[ jumpy. odd. ]

[kiseijuu]

A break...? ( Shinichi pauses at the thought — it might actually be good for him, that's true.... but more importantly, it might alleviate some of the suspicious air about him.... (Probably not, Shinichi.)

In any case, he's nodding almost obediently, though doesn't relinquish his hold on the towels just yet. )

A break for water or something might be nice, actually.... I guess I have been working for a few hours.

Um... ( Awkwardly, stiff, unsure how to excuse himself. Peopling was hard for him even before he became infected with a whole-ass alien. )

Would you like some water, too...?

[fatalism]

[ no, not suspicious at all.......rip. fyodor tilts his head trying to seem as unassuming as possible because he's now interested in schinichi (run child, run). ]

Mm, actually, I could use a break too. [ he extends his hand as if to take the towels from the other's grasp. ] I will put these away for you, yes?

[kiseijuu]

( Shinichi blinks down at the other man's hands when they come forwards to take the towels, anxiety prickling up under his skin for a moment. But refusing the offer would seem really weird, right.... )

Oh— sure. Thank you. ( He says politely, tipping his head forwards slightly as he reaches to slowly hand the towels over. Everything's fine. Everything's fine. He's successfully transferring these towels. It's cool.

And then he's watching in silent horror as his right hand takes this opportunity to grab one of Fyodor's hands. Not harshly, but definitely with intention — fingers wrapped around the other's, and a couple of them give the other's skin a soft tap. Examining.

Shinichi balks and flinches, but doesn't immediately jerk away because that would probably make him look crazy!! Instead he stands there staring down at his own right hand, the left one coming up to gently wrap around his wrist to pry it off. )

Sorry about that— accidentally grabbing onto people, so stupid!

[fatalism]

[ an aborted motion to keep from being touched but shinichi's hand is strong and certain; he freezes, eyes wide for a brief moment as he feels not just a touch but a particular type. that tap, that—


—exploration?

fyodor stares at shinichi because this is Something. ] Are you...alright? [ and the question and tone could be interpreted as concerned but really fyodor is just being polite because: ] Do you normally...grab onto strangers so enthusiastically?

[kiseijuu]

( It's a question that Shinichi isn't unfamiliar with, at all. 'Are you alright?'

It's the question he's been unable to answer honestly for the past several months of his life. Whether it's to those who know him the closest, who can tell something's wrong with him, or to those whom are strangers to him and simply reacting to his abnormal behaviours. )

Um— I'm just a little on edge, I think. ( Technically it's not a lie... Shinichi's flustered, embarrassed, and keeps the fingers of his left hand gently but firmly wrapped around his right wrist as he draws both to his chest. What the hell, Migi?! )

No—! Just.... sometimes my hand gets a little jumpy. Maybe something about you caught its interest, ahahaha....

( Maybe if he jokes about it, it will seem nonchalant..... or maybe he just sounds completely unhinged. That. That might be it. )