prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .017

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You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. After an hour or two of wandering through the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. Because of the strange phenomena during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay. You will then be escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the Iris moon and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals.

The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ Welcome to the Jungle
07/08 - 07/15 | Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

▶ You’re as Cold as Ice
07/08 - 07/15 | Level 2, Crystal Beach | top

Summer strikes Lunatia with record high temperatures as the city is wracked by an unnatural heatwave. Residents will feel the burn the moment they head outdoors, kissing their skin pink as it drenches them in sweat. For a hot and sticky day like this, it's the perfect time to head to Crystal Beach for a refreshing dip in the water. All sorts of new stands have popped up by the shore, selling icy treats and frozen cocktails.

The morning news recommends befriending those blessed by Cordis, who can keep people cool with their magic touch. They also warn of overheating machinery and electronics! Establishments and residences may end up dealing with broken air-modulating units if they use them too much.

Having cleared their names, Suzaku and Kaya of former *BTSB fame have decided to reform as a rock band duo called The Nine Tails after leaving their boyband roots. They will be performing their most chill new summer jam, “Fox Girl Summer,” while incorporating Cordis magic of their own to keep the listeners feeling cool and refreshed.

B Those listening to Kaya and Suzaku’s summer anthem might find their beats too chill to relax and party to. And by that, we mean literally. Ice may start to form around the limbs of happy local beachgoers, filling them with unfortunate shivers that will send them running into the arms of another Prismal to thaw. Even more troubling is that some portions of the oceanfront may also start to freeze, trapping some unsuspecting swimmers inside and leaving them in need of rescue. If anyone goes unnoticed, a Prismal lifeguard will be quick to rescue them.

In a panic, Kaya winks at Suzaku, who reassures his worried partner and ends their performance by summoning a mighty phoenix above the stage. Of course, it is only an illusion for the audience as Kaya thaws the partygoers and the ocean with his magic. Suzaku might have gotten carried away with their debut...

▶ Boom, Badoom, Boom, You Got that Super Bass
07/08 - 07/15 | top

The heated beach waters have brought a large onslaught of aggressive super bass close to the shore. Needless to say, the boys with the booming system were not ready for the sudden and alarming increase in population of this particular fish. In response, the beach committee is hosting a fishing competition to see who can catch the largest super bass. They will be providing extremely durable fishing gear and sufficient bait to all worthy competitors, so come to the Crystal Pier with your best fishing know-how and try and break a record or two!

Due to the competition, job openings for lifeguards have become available. Their main task is to keep an eye on participants and the audience. They should be ready to pull them out in case they have trouble swimming back to the pier. Lifeguards will be provided official beach committee high-tech swimsuits (in the form of tankinis and speedos of your choice) that enhance their performance by allowing them to swim faster and breathe more easily underwater. In the dark ocean depths, they glow with patterns easily recognizable to the Prismal eye. They also accentuate the Moonblesseds’ assets very nicely.

C Although they are no different from sea bass in appearance, super bass are known for their monstrous strength and penchant for mischief. They like to fly in the air and slap whoever tries to catch them and their fellow fish with their tail fins. You think you like them better when they dolo? Think again. These fish will purposely grab a hold of something eye-catching such as rainbow-colored sea pearl or other treasures from the ocean and pull the unsuspecting fishers into the watery depths.

▶ Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues
07/08 - 07/23 | City of Amegahara | top

The city of Amegahara is in preparation for the annual Vulpus Astra Celebration which is coming up in a few weeks. This year is special as the foxes of Amegahara have never celebrated this occasion with the dragons of Lyestellus, making it the first time all three cities in the alliance will be celebrating together. This is all thanks to the Moonblessed, who not only healed their lands but also brought the Prismals closer.

And so for this special year, the upcoming event promises to be an even larger and more extravagant affair. In order to address the extremely high demand for traditional dress and other materials needed for the celebration, many job openings become available in Amegahara. Among these are tailors, glassblowers, florists, and dancers.

D The tailors will be sewing traditional clothes, such as lovely-patterned yukata, kimono, haori, and obi. Glassblowers will create pearl glass plates, cups, and trinkets such as hair accessories and festive souvenirs. Florists will be heading to work at Inari Highway’s greenhouses, caring for flowers and putting together flower crowns, colorful bouquets, and floral arrangements to use for street and interior decorations. It is encouraged to make use of pearl glass vases!

Lastly, dancers will be auditioning for a group of strict Amegaharan foxes who will not shy away from hurling insults if you underperform. The traditional Amegaharan dance features many layers of intricate fan work that is difficult to master, or dancers can choose to take part in the more uproarious Amegaharan drum dance. Be prepared for long and grueling rehearsals after passing auditions, where you will be forced to partner up with one another to bend each other’s bodies as flexibly as it could then dance until every single person in the room has the movements and timings memorized perfectly. Moonlacing will keep one another from collapsing in exhaustion, but your bruised ego may require more tender care.

▶ Questions

If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

WHO CAN POST? ▶ Test drive memes are for new characters only. Existing players may not post starter threads in the test drime meme. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!

IS THIS CANON? ▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The arms take him in close, and there's not a shred of resistance from Louis. While he does need a brief moment to blink away the surprise, he sinks into the embrace with ease, his own hands coming up mildly to return the gesture: one hooking lightly onto Ayer's shoulder, with the other cupping the small of his back. Once again, he can feel the utter strength in the young man's form... compounded with the swelling emotions just beneath Louis' fingertips.

Ayer says he hadn't been waiting, and Louis knows that was for the best. But he wonders still, what it had been like for him. What they had shared once before, and what they never got the chance to. Whether Ayer had held it in all this time, or if this was their second "first." He's not yet fully absolved of that guilt of leaving him behind... but right now, all he can manage to feel is thankful, for the arms that had welcomed him back and would hold him like in this moment.

Louis' body sighs into him, reveling in a sense of safety he almost doesn't recognize. He's known the feeling of being supported, or watched out for... but this is something else entirely. This is being protected, and it's just as foreign to Louis as it is something he didn't know he needed.]

But I'm back, now, and I'm glad you'll have me again.

[He's said it countless times already, and it's on the tip of his tongue once more: Thank you. For everything.]

Mm.

[ It's a very light confirmation, a short sound that leaves Ayer as he silently sinks into Louis' own arms, eyes closing. This too, he never thought he'd catch scent again. Mysterious, dark, but sweet — the revenant's body has a lingering gentle fragrance, one which is tempting and pleasing. The image of a higanbana comes to mind — crimson, otherworldly, and so beautiful. He could drown himself in it again, as faint images from last winter fleet in him. Yes, they've actually kissed back then… in that same log cabin.

Louis' gorgeous expressions, Ayer doesn't need to close his eyes like this to see it again. Burying his face against Louis' shoulder, Ayer hides away his second smile underneath. Ah, what should he do to contain himself? Selfishly, he still doesn't want to let go. But he rids of that smile soon enough and reminds himself of their positions. Louis still has to properly adjust to this world, and Ayer shouldn't neglect the fact they've only met today. He hasn't forgotten his initial stance of taking everything step by step, he never will, because he wants to treat this cherished person properly.

But at least, they've managed to preciously reconnect. That in mind, Ayer lets go now, moving back to return Louis' personal space. ]

I've kept you too long. Don't let me hold you back from anything.

[They pull apart once more, but Louis is still buzzing with warmth in the places Ayer had touched. It's a little mortifying, how well his body had responded to it—and even now, he feels the loss, indicating he had wanted it more than he had thought—but even if he hadn't gotten so utterly swept away, he still suspects he wouldn't have been able to reject the other's sincerity.

Ayer sets a distance again, and he wants to deny it. To shake his head and insist that it's fine, when he wants to indulge more in this time together and they still have so much to talk about... but Ayer is right to pull back now. They don't need to rush any more than this, and it would be better to proceed slowly. Small steps though they may be, they can enjoy taking them together.

Louis lowers his gaze, a tiny smile blooming again.]

You aren't, but... I suppose I have overstayed. I'm sure you have things to be doing, too. It's alright, I'll always be right down the hall.

[He lifts his eyes to Ayer once more, crinkling fondly at the corners.]

We have time.

[He says this more as reminder to himself than Ayer.]

[ What the hell. The impact of that little adorable curl at Louis' lips instantly destroys whatever composure Ayer had. He's holding himself back here, but if the other says powerful words like that while looking at him so endearingly, then he's going to break. He's always been consistently weak in sentimental moments, but he somehow manages through self-discipline and a sound mind. His cheeks are back to an unmistakably heated state, blossoming a color that compliments the reflection of Louis' red eyes within his.

Reflexively, Ayer wouldn't help but reach out to gently hit Louis' arm. It doesn't hurt — a silly action only done for the sake of letting out that growing steam again. In short, he's embarrassed. Fuck, he's going to die at this rate — overheated by his own body and racing heart, sourcing from this horribly cute revenant. The hit doubles as punishment for attempting to assume things that Ayer doesn't think at all! ]

You're not a bother, idiot.

[ Translation: You're always welcome to stay, for as long as you'd like. Because it's true that they have time now, Ayer will make sure that Louis understands this small but important fact. Whenever the other needs anything, no matter how trivial, he shouldn't hold back and approach him about it. ]

[And so Ayer's face is set aflame once again. It makes him wonder just how easily that sort of reaction is drawn from this person before him, and how honored he should feel to have experienced so much of it in just this one day. Louis' cheeks too tint pink to match, a quiet laugh on his breath when the other swats at him.

Just who allowed this person to be so endearing...? Every single thing he does only sparks joy, and makes Louis' heart throb like it's become too full and is trying to grow three sizes bigger just to accommodate. Even the names he's calling him—that's already the second time within the hour, probably—have no barbs on them, and Louis can only accept it smilingly, because this is a kind of idiocy he can't seem to mind having.]

Do you want me to stay or not?

[It's said on a sigh, but an affectionate one. And it's mostly rhetorical, but... he has a feeling he knows the answer, anyway.]

Y, you!

[ Argh!! That does it. Ayer gave Louis a chance to dismiss himself if he wanted to, but he blew that chance. Since it's come to this, Ayer would be a fool to deny the warm-natured invitation despite that teasing tone. If this feeling of aching to stay is mutual, he might as well fully accept it. Louis' further adjustment and exploration of this world might as well wait in favor of satisfying this shared longing first, it's not as if there's a hurry for anything now…

Before moving in though, Ayer picks up a soft pillow on the couch to weakly hit Louis with once more. And right after that, he entirely leans in against the revenant's arm, resting against this treasured person with a softening pair of furrowed eyes. He's mad, but he's happy. He uses the pillow to cover half his flushed face, directing his non-threatening frown nowhere in particular. If his warm weight against Louis isn't obvious already, then he'll say it just in case. ]

Do… whatever you want.

[ Well, close enough. ]

[Louis is perfectly content to deny that opportunity, and even if he had wanted to leave—which he doesn't—there wasn't a chance he could bring himself to move Ayer when he's tucked against his side like this. He shows no signs of moving, which should be answer enough that this is what he wants to do. For all of Ayer's huffing and frustrated chides in the form of mock-violence, Louis can tell by now that it's just another way the younger man's affection manifests. It's flustered and confused and terribly, terribly cute.

Louis bites down on his grin before it can spread, and instead lifts his hand to rest on Ayer's head comfortingly... then gently ruffles those soft brown locks. This should be fine, he thinks. Rather than exploring more of the world outside, he can spend his time inside exploring more of this newfound bond. His venturing is patient and careful, but he feels no fear for what he might find.]

You know so much about me, already... but won't you tell me about yourself?

[His voice is low, and mild, like he's ready to stay awhile longer. Louis would not begrudge the other if he denied this invitation, but he does hope, after all, that he would indulge his curious mind.]

[ It's a fair question, so Ayer takes no issue with it. But he wonders what to specifically talk about while remaining in that comfy position with Louis. He personally doesn't think he's interesting… Ah, but his world is a different story. When the idea clicks, he proceeds with the topic. ]

I'm from a world called the Sky Realm. It's a skydom filled with floating islands, each unique with their own culture depending on the island's environment.

[ It's a beautiful, yet dangerous world in the open blue skies. Nevertheless, Ayer and many others immensely treasure this spectacular world that may leave many breathless. There's never a day that he doesn't miss it… But he makes do with what he has in this world. His books from the Sky Realm, his precious crew members, Sandalphon's cafe which houses coffee trees from their world — just a few of what he luckily has here. ]

For example, Auguste Isles contains incredible bodies of water unlike anywhere else, so it's known for that and prides itself as a tourist destination.

[Louis allows his head to roll back onto the couch, gaze drifting up to the ceiling while his mind's eye paints pictures of the world Ayer describes to him. A skydom itself sounded grand, based on endless, open airs and vast flights. Something completely foreign to Louis, whose sky had always been majestically above him rather than encompassing and enveloping.]

That sounds incredible. Is it easy to travel between islands?

[As if the apocalypse hadn't already taken enough of his home planet, Louis' world became even smaller yet after returning from death. He'd been confined to the inside of one city for so long, he'd nearly forgotten that horizons can be pursued, and aren't just symbols of everything beyond reach.

... But he isn't asking just to compare. He genuinely wants to know more about Ayer, and that includes where he came from. If anything he's glad their worlds were so different, as he wouldn't wish his own situation on anyone else's.]

Which did you frequent? Was there anywhere you wanted to go, but couldn't?

Yes. There are various air transportations available. Single persons tend to travel in sky skimmers or speedships. Larger groups such as crews travel in airships. Still, our technology can't compare to this world's.

[ Louis' curiosity isn't lost on Ayer. He's been aware of the revenant's pursuit of knowledge after all, since that's how they earlier bonded. Sometimes with food… It's likely to happen all over again, and it makes him subtly smile underneath the pillow covering his face. Seconds later, the thought connects, and Ayer is reminded of something. ]

Oh. I could show you sometime… I have some books from home, but they're at another house.

[ It's over at Amehagara, which is a good opportunity for Louis to see that city. Ayer sits up, deciding to offer. ]

Do you want me to tour you around? It can be anytime you want.

You have books from your home world?

[Maybe Louis' voice lilts with more excitement than it has any business to, but he can only imagine the fountain of knowledge that could be if everyone might submit even a single tome of literature from where they called home. It's enough to make him overlook the subject of another house, so he forgets to ask after that.]

Of course I'd like that... but if you're busy, don't worry about me. I'm sure I could manage.

[He tilts his head to look at Ayer again with a smile, who's still a warm and comfortable weight against him, holding a pillow close. He's ever appreciative, but he can't help feeling a need for restraint, lest he grow too spoiled by his attentions.]

Not many, but I do. They were among my possessions when I came here.

[ Those books are incredibly precious to Ayer, so he always makes sure to keep them somewhere safe. He doesn't reveal them to anyone that easily either, considering their rarity and sentimental value, indicating his deep trust for Louis. The way the revenant's voice perks up is simply charming, further proving to Ayer that Louis will treat the books well. But he knew that for a while. To reassure the other, he takes hold of his hand once more. ]

I wouldn't be offering if I was.

[ While it's true that Ayer has busy days, it's not as if he's so inflexible to not be able to work his way around it. Besides, he has a bit of free time too depending on the day. They just have to find something that is convenient for the two of them. ]

… Unless this is your way to shake me off. You can tell me, you know.

[ Ayer's mature enough to get it! He wouldn't be upset if Louis would prefer to explore by himself. Especially the fact that if Ayer was in that position, he would've said he'd be okay alone. ]

[The hand in his is both steadying and convincing, as it is meant to be. Try as he might to contain his emotion, the curl of Louis' mouth only deepens as he turns his wrist to gently squeeze Ayer's hand back.]

Hardly. Why should I turn down the chance at another day with you? I can go out on my own any time I want, so it only makes sense to take you up on what may be a rare opportunity.

[Once again, it's said so earnestly that it lacks the sense to be embarrassed. While he doesn't want to rely on Ayer so much that he'll steal away ample amounts of the other's precious time... he's glad for what Ayer is willing to give. It's better to be modest, he thinks.]

In fact, I'm already looking forward to it.

[ Ugh. Cute. Cute!! No, Ayer refuses to look at Louis' eyes when he's smiling so purely like that!! That's asking for an instant doom. Instead, he returns a squeeze as their fingers once again lace gently. ]

Don't expect too much from me.

[ Ayer's self-confidence when it comes to socialization is pretty bad. He's trying to be better at it to make the people that matter to him happy, but it's still a work in progress. He appreciates everyone who's been so patient with him until now. Louis will soon be joining that beloved list. Or rather, rejoining it. ]

In that case, how about tomorrow?

[ It's likely been a long day for Louis, so Ayer wants him to take some time to rest first. He has a lot to catch up on, especially if the revenant intends on continuing to write on his journal. ]

I don't think you could disappoint me if you tried.

[While he presently means it with Ayer's tour guidance in mind, it could be said for the broadest sense, too. Ayer has already made himself important to Louis, with the efforts of their first instance and this reunion combined... In turn, Louis has immense loyalty to those he's decided to hold dear. And that is not something easily shaken.]

So soon? That's perfect, actually. Here I was thinking you might schedule me out a few days. You still could, really, if that's more convenient...

[Oh, who's he kidding. They probably both know Louis would want to get out there immediately. Just... not now immediately. Because now he's here, and tonight he still has plenty of reading to do. The past Louis still has much to teach him.]

A, all right…

[ Tomorrow, then. Since they're neighbors, they don't have to worry about setting up a meeting place. They can simply go whenever the two of them are ready. Ayer doesn't want to set a specific time, knowing it'll unconsciously pressure Louis. It's a ~~date~~ casual outing and not a formal meeting, after all! This way, Louis can have some spare time if he wants to take care of anything the next day (groceries or supply checking? getting to know his other neighbors?) before they head out together. ]

It's been really hot lately. If you don't have lighter clothes around, I can help you get some tomorrow too.

[ Might as well since they're going out, it's a good chance to do a little shopping along the way. ]

Ah...

[Ayer makes a good point, and Louis reflexively looks down at his clothing. His cuffs may be rolled up, but it's still a long-sleeved shirt... and though the vest is comfortable now, it might be overkill for the outdoors of summer. It was easy to forget, though, since after being transported to an entirely new planet, wardrobe wasn't high on his list of concerns.]

I wasn't even thinking about that. Just... don't make fun of me for wearing the same clothes tomorrow.

[Absolutely mortifying. He knows, he knows he just arrived so it can't be helped that he has nothing to wear, but it's embarrassing all the same. His expression furrows, sighing.]

No, maybe I can find something before then...

Would you be okay wearing mine?

[ Though they have an obvious difference in height, Ayer's loose-fitting or large-sized tops would likely fit Louis perfectly. It can be a temporary solution until the revenant has his own set of clothes. Before Ayer leaves the couch to find some though, he stays where he is and waits for an answer. Louis might want to pass on that offer if he insists on purchasing some today. ]

I've been here long enough to have a sizable amount.

[ Some of it, Ayer doesn't even get to wear that much. He keeps a number of extras in case he needs it. It works out for scenarios like this one. ]

[He hears the offer for what it is, and while it shouldn't be a big deal, he can't help feeling a little strange about it... Maybe because they've only just met? But that isn't saying much when they've already— well—

Ultimately... it's probably in his best interests to accept Ayer's goodwill. Realistically it's the easiest for him, and it bothers him to even imagine being stuck in the same clothes unless he really had no other options.

But he does. This is an option, and one he'll hesitantly accept.]

Honestly, that'd be a great help... I'm sorry. It'll only be temporary, so I promise to return them as soon as possible.

Don't worry about it.

[ Unless, of course, Louis thinks Ayer's taste in clothes is crap. Ayer will accept that and take his clothes back then… For now, he stands up, putting the pillow on Louis' lap as he heads to the bedroom to find something the revenant can wear comfortably. That probably took longer than he intended, as he heavily considers what might actually look good on the other too. He's not about to toss any random shirt on someone so cherished.

Around five minutes later, Ayer finally decided on something. He returns holding several clothes, setting them on the tea table in front of the couch. He unfolds the set, showing them to Louis at an appropriate distance in case the revenant wants to touch the material to see how they feel against his skin. There's also a sleeveless one here. ]

You have a nice figure, and you're pretty cute. Anything would fit you.

[ …

Five seconds later, Ayer realizes what he just said. His face predictably explodes again, hastily setting the clothes down the tea table and turning around. ]

Uh. You can change in the bathroom, it's over there—

[ Please excuse him as he runs away to the kitchen for the second time today. ]

[ ...

...?!

Well, clearly he didn't mishear that, or else Ayer wouldn't have felt the need to escape again. Probably. It's one thing to be told his figure's nice, but another entirely to be called—

Actually! He's not going to think about it, Louis decides. Too dangerous. For now he's content to act as though there was nothing to hear in the first place, and he scoops the offered clothing into his arms before standing and heading towards the bathroom as directed.

He can't be sure of the last time he's worn clothes like these, if ever. He was never much one for sweats, even in college, and though it's not as if he'd never worn a hoodie, they were always much simpler, plainer. Not a brand name in sight. But... he's not about to be picky or ungrateful when Ayer is allowing him to borrow these. He'll just have to make it work, even if he thinks it won't suit him...

Thankfully, they do fit. Likely because they were on the looser side for the smaller man. Louis appraises himself for a few moments in the bathroom mirror, and... doesn't quite feel like himself this way, but again—it'll have to do.

He's changed back into his own clothes when he returns, the borrowed ones folded neatly in his arms. Is Ayer still off in another room...? He might as well try calling.]

Er, they fit just fine, so I'll be borrowing these. Thanks again.

[Ayer will just have to wait until tomorrow to see the results.]

[ Those were the words Ayer was constantly echoing in his mind while he was picking out something, he didn't mean to say them out loud! When a person picks out clothes for someone, it's natural to consider their physical appearance — the color of their hair, their leg height or arm length, and so on — to make sure the clothes would compliment these features well. He might've been a little too absorbed in this task, so the reflex to logically explain himself kicked in… He just wanted everything perfect!!

Once Louis is finished trying the clothes out, Ayer reluctantly shows himself. He takes careful steps forward in case the revenant is already wearing them, unsure how to react upon seeing the clothes on the other altogether. Thankfully, Ayer can breathe a temporary sigh of relief upon seeing Louis looking like the usual. … Or that's what he thinks for the first few seconds. Unfortunately, this means the thought will haunt him until tomorrow when he finally sees everything. Will it look good? Did he estimate wrongly!?

No, no. Ayer reminds himself that he couldn't have been wrong. It's not like he lied! Uh, not this time anyway!! Louis does have a nice figure! And… is very cute…

Fuck. Ayer's going to dunk his head in cold water later. ]

Y, yeah. As I said, don't worry about it.

[ … Let's turn on the television. That will rid of some of the tension, right. Ayer does just that, setting the volume at low to make sure it's comfortable. He also takes the chance to hand back Louis' half-finished milk tea. ]

[Louis' hand accepts it automatically, and quickly finds that it's been long enough that the ice has melted and watered down the tea... It's still a touch cold, and the outside of the glass is covered in condensation even if mostly lukewarm. Well, it's not like he minds all that much. He pads back over to where he had been sitting on the couch and places the folded clothes on top of the leather bag, while his eyes drift back to the television.

... Huh. If that isn't nostalgic.]

It's been years since I've seen a working TV.

[It was never his favorite pastime, as he'd always preferred reading, but he'd been fond of historical programs and documentaries of so many different kinds. It was one of those things that he'd taken for granted as well, having grown used to it in the background of daily life, until it was no longer there. One of the countless things the apocalypse had rendered silent.]

That reminds me. I should see if I can get a computer here...

[He's just thinking aloud, really. Not much more than a muttering. He's got the comm device, yeah, but for as much as it's capable of, it still won't compare to the feeling of a full computer in his hands.]

How long ago was the Great Collapse?

[ Despite being aware of this topic, Ayer never really pursued further detail. When he first heard of it, he wanted to accommodate for Louis' comfort, considering it's not exactly pleasant. Today, he'll test the waters and take one step forward, to see how the other would react to speaking about this.

While waiting for a response, Ayer follows Louis back to the couch and once again takes a seat next to him. Ayer has a similar preference with Louis — despite having access to the internet and e-books, he can't forget about traditional books at all. They feel much better in more ways than one — the nostalgic sensation of running one's fingers across paper pages, the rustic aura of the entire book itself which is timeless — small details like these heighten the reading experience.

But this doesn't mean Ayer doesn't know how to appreciate technology. He's fascinated by them and he often wonders how they work. Sometimes, he does read some articles or novels through his phone. Living here for a year, he can understand the convenience. So when Louis brings up his wish to have a personal computer, Ayer perks up quietly. ]

I don't see a reason why you couldn't.

[ Except chroma issues. But Ayer can easily remedy that anytime… ]

[He's surprised to hear the name of the tragedy off of Ayer's lips—but it's only for a moment. Louis blinks back that reaction quickly enough... If he had told the other previously about what it is to be a revenant, it makes sense to bring up the catastrophe that brought about their existence, as well.

Louis watches his reflection on the tea as he swirls the drink in hand, then quickly downs the rest of it, setting the glass back on the table before he speaks.]

It's hard to say. By the time I had reawakened as a revenant, the world was much changed from how I had known it. There's no telling how long it takes for the parasite to revive a person; some are near instant, and others sleep for years more. I had been part of the latter group.

[He had awoken on a gurney in that collapsed research facility, with not a soul in sight, and immediately knew he was no longer human. There was no trace of his sister, nor did he have any idea of how to find her... Though at the time he had worried about leaving her alone, perhaps he had been the one who needed her.

And yet, he managed. He had to, until he found her again. The necklace with her ring on it that he hadn't been wearing before their deaths was most likely proof that she had returned to life, too—and he's kept it with him ever since, as though a charm that would one day unite them. Perhaps, then, he could return it to her.

Once more, Louis unconsciously rubs at the ring between thumb and forefinger.]

... Keeping time even after awakening was difficult, too. It passes both quickly with so much to do, and slowly when we don't need to sleep or mind the sun. But if I had to estimate, it'd been maybe two or three years since my revival, totaling to perhaps four or five since the Great Collapse itself. I wish I had a better answer for you, though.

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