Test Drive Meme!

[rekindlemods]

Welcome to the Rekindle Test Drive! Trying to see if a character will fit or work in the setting? Need some interaction samples? Well this meme is for you! Make a post, tag around, and most importantly, have fun! Here's the setting page for those who want to learn a little more about the city itself. Then don't forget to go reserve your character in a week when they open. Here's some prompts to help you get started, if you need it: Option 1 [While the days grow longer and warmer and the older, oriental-style of the city would normally make one think that the interiors would not be much in the way of relief from the hot sun, it may surprise the guest to see that the apartments the natives have allocated for them are surprisingly comfortable. In fact, the only modern convenience they may be missing is a television set! At least, outside the media floor on the first floor of Building One - the first of four inter-connected buildings. In fact, each apartment building seems to have at least one different amenity on the first floor. In Building Two they seemed to even spare a library in another that seems to have the basics and some information packets that are otherwise found in the Welcome Center in District 2. There are even a few restaurants and common dining areas in the Building Three that are open until late at night, and meeting areas and a ballroom on the first floor in Building Four, perfect for setting up small parties or big events. With the locals gone save those who work in the restaurants and the one librarian, leaving you to your own devices, what will you do? What mysteries could be left to discover in this place?] Option 2 [With summer coming, the water level in the river is starting to go down, exposing some of the beach. The Riverside Shack is open late, and its restaurant is pulling out all the stops and offering seafood specials (even though a river is a far cry from an ocean). The rental store, meanwhile, is finally bringing out more of its swimming supplies, inner tubes and pool noodles, and a calmer stretch of the river has been roped off with buoys for swimming. They even have lifeguards chairs set up. Clearly this sort of thing used to be an annual event. It's not quite an ocean beach (quite different actually), but there's still plenty of chance to have fun in the water. Or teach someone to swim, perhaps.] Option 3 [If you're more inclined to explore or learn, the City's Learning Center might be more to your tastes. There certainly seems to be a lot going on here - there's laboratories and libraries and workshops, and plenty of communal areas where you can meet and talk with people. The natives seem pretty absorbed with their studies and work, though they're polite in brushing you off, at least. Perhaps you'll have more luck seeing what other Guests such as yourself have discovered?] Option 4 [Whoops. Looks like you haven't taken the cautionary words of the other NPCs to heart, or maybe you just wanted to take your chances. Either way, the withdrawal symptoms have started and you need to find someone to hug quickly before you get even more sick.] Option 5 [If there's something else you wanted to play with, that you didn't see here, then have fun with that. You've just arrived in a strange city, after all. There's got to be plenty to explore out and about, not to mention people to meet.]

Comments

Jack Vessalius | Pandora Hearts

[fixated]

[ Option 4 ]

[ A casual touch on the hand or a bump of the shoulder in passing. A baseless smile as he traded trivial greetings with the natives as they gave him knowing looks at the slight pallor of his skin and the sheen of sweat on his brow.

It wasn't that he cared for challenging the system. He just didn't care. What was it to him if he died or lived because he couldnn't be bothered to find a victim to hug? He's embraced many before. He could do it again.

No, that wasn't the issue here, it was much more base then that. What reason did he have for living when she was no longer here? There was none and so Jack stumbled through the City, searching, aching, wondering how many more days and weeks before sweet oblivion took him. ]

[ Option 5 ]

[ Jack still wasn't keen on living, but he knew the futility of not trying so well now. Someone always got in the way. And so today, he's standing in the public gardens staring at a tree. His braid swung slightly as he tilted his head. ]

Yes, yes you will do.

[ and with a smile almost akin to pleasure, he placed one hand on a low hanging branch and his foot on the trunk. And then he pulled himself up. Mmhmm. That's right. He's climbing the tree and if you happen to miss his trek up, well... if you happen to hear some undignified snoring from above, well... watch out. He may just fall on you.

Opps? ]

is this ok?

[kimlascanpride]

[May fall?

Well, Jack has made a fine breaking pillow out of this princess, whose face is firmly placed into the ground now. Ow, he's heavy!]

Perfectly fine and just what I hoped for!

[fixated]

[ he blinks a few moments before he looks down, suddenly bemused. ]

Oh, I think I may have fallen.

[ he stands, brushing off his hands first before extending one to help the little princess up ]

Are you hurt?

[kimlascanpride]

[He may have fallen on her but he does have manners at least.]

No, I'm alright thank you. I should be the one asking if you are hurt.

[fixated]

[ Only when it served his purpose. Manners after all, were but a tool among many. ]

I'm perfectly fine. The fall wasn't all that great. [ he smiles, eyes half hidden as he responds, but his face immediately loosens as he gives her a brief once over, his gaze appearing critical. ]

Eh.... are you sure you aren't injured? The nearest hospital isn't too far; I could carry you.

[ and sneak in one of those dratted hugs he's required to indulge in. Life was difficult for an apathetic man. ]

[kimlascanpride]

It's alright, I'm not injured at all.

[But the mention of a hospital gets her interest. There was no need for any diplomacy in the city and her skills as a healer could help. Ah, Natalia would look into it later.]

oops 4 that'd probably help wouldn't it

[fraternize]

[oswald wonders the same thing, but in a different sort of sense: how long can he go before things blow up in his face? a long week of course, and there's raven showing up once or twice, dodo in the bathroom, his toothbrush hid, owl putting threads on things that shouldn't have threads on them, gryphon's feathers all over the couch-- and he can't do anything to prevent it, it's weird and feels weird too.

fortunately, oswald isn't stupid. unfortunately, being touched isn't something he wants so he spends even longer going without, walking through the city and avoiding the shit out of natives until- until--

he spots that braid a mile away, all sorts of relieved and horrified he's here dragging himself through the streets and, he didn't seem the type.

and so oswald, in all his infinite wisdom (ha), calls out to him from where he is.] --Jack...?

oh, I'm sure I would have figured it out.

[fixated]

[ his feet stumbled and his heart immediately began to beat beneath the chest that had sworn to beat no more. What hark! Who goes? It was not the voice he'd choose to hear, but...

He stilled as only still water can be stilled, drudging up from the darkest murk of his soul the proper response, the right smile of absolute surprise. And with it firmly in place, he turned, pivoting on a heel that was dusty from the road and scuffed from where he's dragged his feet. His braid swayed and if it was a little duller then usual, well... Perhaps he's just been sleeping in a favored tree again. Not the streets and the alleys. Those memories were buried least they add to the pain of loss. He lived with that for too many years. This newest addition was far too cruel.

But, smiling, he swayed and then took a step forward and then two, his feet picking up as he hastened toward the brother of his love, his hope, his damnation. ]

Oswald!

[ he stopped a bear breath from that slender figure, his voice thin and whispy as he gave Oswald the once over before drawing him close. ]

I thought I was the only one here. Since when...

I WAS JUST MAKING SURE....

[fraternize]

[ah, well, jack's star of idolization as far as oswald could see isn't here (...as far as he could see, he'd be playing guard instead of trying to keep raven and jabberwock and dodo and gryphon and owl steady inside of his body), but this person is - definitely not. looking okay. and stumbling towards him, oswald already reaching out to prepare to catch him if he should fall but there jack goes, grabbing onto him and bringing him in close.

not... as expected from him, not really, and oswald is a couple different kinds of tense, body going rigged from the physical contact of someone who he does vaguely remember clinging. his arms kind of freeze in the air, hands locked in place, and he looks like the immovable statue he acts like.]

...a while. [simple answer, easy answer.] I didn't realize you were here either.

[but he definitely isn't wrapping his arms around jack, just sort of... letting them hang limply, what's going on, why—]

Are you all right?

[fixated]

[ he just leaned against that deceptive body, drawing strength, drawing comfort. It wasn't quite a hug, but his body craved it, the facsimile that almost was.

But he pulled back after a moment, drawing in a calm breath, feeling lighter then he had in a moment and cursing the feeling. But this was Oswald; he would take what he could get. ]

I'm fine. It must be the heat.

[ Or the chill or simply this place. But no worries. He'll adapt; he always did. Taking a step back, he gave Oswald a brief glance and then cleared his throat, seemingly amused. ] You look exactly as I remember. [ calm and in control. He hated that look. ]

[fraternize]

[jack takes his step back, but, ah, oswald's moving now and stepping forward to gently slide his hand over jack's face, squinting, looking jack in the eye and slowly unwrapping him soul and all like a birthday present— this man who had the audacity to call him cute of all things, this man who makes his skin crawl (this man to whom he is inseparable and to he that jack cannot be separated)...

how. dumb. what are feelings, how does one coherently deal with them? (spoilers: by not dealing with them at all!) and so, finally:] ...or you could have been ignoring what you need to do to stay healthy.

[DID HE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD OR DID HE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD? it's not like he hasn't been doing the same thing though.]

Were you expecting me to look different?

[he's not as sick as jack, but he's. there. no half-assed hug on his part is going to help him with that, unfortunately.]

option 5

[sleepingstar]

[When you've grown up in a warzone, when you've been raised as a weapon, it's almost impossible to adjust to simple civilian life. Things like "paying rent" and "getting a job." Pai understands the concept of work, of course, but she can't imagine herself as a fry-cook or a cashier.

She's a killer. And every city has its seedy underbelly. It's not hard to find work that's suited to her skills. Of course, without her brother here to protect her, she has to be careful when and how she uses her powers; she has to make sure she has somewhere safe to fall asleep before making the kill. Today's victim is a few blocks away from the gardens, apparently dozing on a public bench. Pai made it to the gardens before her contract demanded its payment.

Jack may be surprised to find a young girl, already sleeping in the branches of the tree. She'll wake soon enough.]

[fixated]

[ his nose twitched the second he came head level with the girl in the tree and his mirth trickled out as he wedged himself into a branch just opposite of her. ]

You've stolen my perch, fair lady. Do you mind if I join you?

[ but he didn't mind either way. Not really. To mind meant he'd have to care and he was far past that feeling lost as he was in this city of cuddles and feelings. How dull, but he knew how to play the part and play it well.

It was far too much trouble if she fell and blamed him for it. He would wait. ]

[sleepingstar]

[He gets no response; she's too deeply asleep. It's a very quiet sleep. She doesn't move, doesn't make a noise, hardly even seems to breathe. She could easily be mistaken for dead.

She wakes up slowly, in stages. First she feels herself crawl out of pitch black nothingness; then she feels her surroundings. Finally she opens her eyes, and sees man perched on the branch across from her. She remains absolutely still, like a raptor debating whether to strike. When she finally determines that he is not an immediate threat, she smiles faintly.]

Hello.

[fixated]

[ and he had watched her wake in slow degrees with an absentminded cataloging of intellect, not desire and he stifles a yawn as she finally wakes up enough to notice him. ]

Hello.

[ he cocked his head to the right, smiling ] Did you sleep well?

[ perhaps the formalities were the best route to take. And this tree was just about the perfect napping tree. ]

[sleepingstar]

All right. [Small talk isn't something she's made....ever. It's a novelty.]

Do you spend a lot of time in trees?

option 4

[devoue]

[ Wandering, always wandering. Well, not entirely in this situation. groceries were in arm when she happened to catch sight of a certain blond in the distance. He stands out way too much for his own good, way too much.

Holstering up the bag in her arms she continues walking, it isn't until she gets closer that she notices... he really isn't doing so awesome.

Once she's close enough she stops. ]

What are you doing out in the street like this?! You need to be in bed! [ Oops, was that a little harsh? ]

fjdks excuse my rusty muse. I haven't had a chance to review yet!

[fixated]

[ he barely turned his head in her direction as she came abreast of him, but something sparked in that soul that had never been. A memory or a glimpse of...

Ah yes... His smile turned bright as he stepped to the side, using it to pivot in her direction. ]

Ah...! If it isn't the Lady Charlotte. I... didn't mean to worry you.

[ his voice says he repents but his smile says otherwise. To have Lottie worry... Well, that certainly was a bit strange. Perhaps he should start to worry for her health instead. His, after all, was but a formality. ]

It's very much alright *^*

[devoue]

[ ... This idiot, always the same. She couldn't help but fluster as she looked right into his eyes. ]

Idiot. Don't act like that, [ Another step in, lowering that bag as she moved to hold it with one arm. With her free hand she reached in, hand to his face.

Frustrating man, it's not like she really cares about his well-being--it's just harder to abuse him while he's in such a state. ]

You should be resting, and not going around to pick up on women. [ This is obviously the reason he was out and about, this is a Jack thing afterall ]

[fixated]

[ he had meant to move away, but the heat of her hand called to him and without thought, without care, he moved towards it, nuzzling his cheek against her palm. Be it this place or his years of sleeping around, it was calculated instinct, and he almost purred as he spoke. ]

Ah... to feel your gentle touch; I think I may end up in heaven. Perhaps if you'd like to join me in resting...

[ he smiled innocently, waiting. Surely she wouldn't disappoint him. ]

[devoue]

[ jack. jack. as those words flowed out, that heat definitely rose. groceries be damned, they were dropped in an instant as she gave the other a good fine slap.

he isn't too sick to be spouting such nonsense. ]

You scoundrel! Cad! Absolute flounderer! You're not too sick to say such words!

[ pulling away, she held her hand close. glaring at him all the while. ]

let's call it 5, and also the ruin of your inbox. 8)

[misfortunes]

[ deep breaths. deep breaths, and minutes cannot span the length he stands at a distance, eyes fixed on a figure measuring a tree against his arms and legs, his hands and hold. it's not the sort of sight he's ever seen, but it's understandable. it fits.

but he goes forward, in the end -- at an easy pace, dusting unseen leaves off his coat, tugging his gloves tight against his fingers. he lays a hand at the trunk, he looks up -- he smiles, and it's a Vessalius smile, Jack's old smile. as it might have been a hundred years ago.

how Vincent loathes the unexpected. ]

You do climb as well as any boy. Don't you?

This is Thorn. I expect these things.

[fixated]

[ Jack's eyes light up as he peers down between the foliage, his favorite pupil sitting beneath him. Oh, the plans he had for that boy...

Although he nearly lost his grip as he swing lower, easing himself out of the tree he had just moments before climbed. ]

Vincent! Is it really you?

[ his tone is incredulous, but only because the boy he once knew was nearly as tall as he had been. Was this some fools errand or perhaps his plans... He swallowed his questions and lightly reached for Vincent's sleeves, wanting to feel this being that so reminded him of himself. That was good for Jack but so very ill for Vincent.

He should repent, but that's far beyond his means. ]

are you calling me predictable. :(

[misfortunes]

[ and Vincent --

jerks out of reach, steps back, one and two and three, shying away like a colt badly broken, a spooking child --

only he isn't, is he.

at his sides, his hands still again. it's a moment more before he recovers enough to make his smile steady again, but that, at least, is the sort of habit Vincent's used to overriding. his brows twitch, but he breathes his laughter in a little exhale. his hands slacken and he stands his ground, and his eyes never stray from Jack quite enough. ]

You aren't really surprised, are you? It is a strange sort of place!

I am calling you the destroyer of my inbox. Nothing more, nothing less.

[fixated]

[ Jack tilted his head and frowned, looking momentarily sad at the rebuff. ]

Of course I'm surprised, but you're still Vincent, aren't you? You look just like you did as a child...