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seasonsgreetings2025-02-14 02:04 am
seasonshelpers) wrote in seasonsgreetings2025-02-14 02:04 am
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme #13
Test Drive Meme #13
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION
You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.
The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:
An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.
All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.
Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.
And it looks like you're not alone.
After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.
Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa. The staff nearby tells them that the message has finally been properly updated from the original one that can still be found from the records.
The Message [ Click to Expand ]
Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.
Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here. We wouldn't have resorted to it if we weren't desperate. Our world has lost the majority of power holders who kept the balance in our world and dealt with the dangers of the Segments. Just having one power holder for each Season isn't enough. That's why we have summoned you to become the new Seasonal Power Holders.
This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes. We have recently managed to regain some footing in the segments and made them safer, but there is still a lot of work to be done. The Darkness still plagues our world, but we are constantly finding ways to fight back.
Otherworlders like you have already made great differences to the world. They have managed to find and free the dragons who in turn helped us expand the area we live in. They also managed to find the Fairy Queen and even the Mermaids and Sirens of the Great Ocean Lake are at peace due to the efforts of a few otherworlders. All of these things we couldn't have accomplished with just four power holders.
My sincere wish is that you would join us in working towards saving this world. We promise to send you home afterwards, or enable a way to travel to your world and back, as a compensation for your efforts here. You're even free to stay here, if that suits you better. This world can also be yours.
I know we're asking you a lot and that it might be hard to trust someone who just talks as a hologram, but you are always free to approach us at our guilds to talk in person.
The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sized companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.
In the arrival's hall there are also several stands with information pamphlets.
First type of stand is for the local Guilds and about the benefits of joining one.
Second type of stand is for the Welcome Center that aim to show otherworlders what the world is like and help guide people in the beginning of the journey and helps in getting settled into the new world. They even have people to help if you're unfamiliar with the new phones.
Third type of a stand has various pamphlets about businesses opened by otherworlders.
Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.
The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.
All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you a room of your own. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
Part 3
The locals have taken upon themselves to advertise the Welcome Center that is run mostly by otherworlders. Newcomers are encouraged to visit it, but sometimes the people might think someone who has been a while is new.
Inside one finds a modern Japanese style lobby with plenty of sofas, soft seats and cushions to sit on. Anyone is welcome to just sit around and eat some home-made snacks. There are also computers for searching information and practicing technology skills. There's usually someone behind the front desk, but if no one seems to be there they might be in the kitchen behind the front desk area.
Upstairs there are many rooms that can be into familiar places for characters (not exactly the same, but similar) with futuristic technology. It's set up to help fight any homesickness and provide a quiet place to relax.
One bonus the Welcome Center provides is a gift basket with some treats, basic ingredients for making meals and some gift cards for the Underground Mall, to possibly shop for new clothes or other necessary items. All of these have been donated by volunteers to help newcomers settle in.
Of course the people working here are always looking for new volunteers to help around! There are plenty of things to do, all in the name of making otherwolders' arrival to a new world more comfortable.
In the arrival's hall there are also several stands with information pamphlets.
First type of stand is for the local Guilds and about the benefits of joining one.
Second type of stand is for the Welcome Center that aim to show otherworlders what the world is like and help guide people in the beginning of the journey and helps in getting settled into the new world. They even have people to help if you're unfamiliar with the new phones.
Third type of a stand has various pamphlets about businesses opened by otherworlders.
Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.
The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.
All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you a room of your own. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
The locals have taken upon themselves to advertise the Welcome Center that is run mostly by otherworlders. Newcomers are encouraged to visit it, but sometimes the people might think someone who has been a while is new.
Inside one finds a modern Japanese style lobby with plenty of sofas, soft seats and cushions to sit on. Anyone is welcome to just sit around and eat some home-made snacks. There are also computers for searching information and practicing technology skills. There's usually someone behind the front desk, but if no one seems to be there they might be in the kitchen behind the front desk area.
Upstairs there are many rooms that can be into familiar places for characters (not exactly the same, but similar) with futuristic technology. It's set up to help fight any homesickness and provide a quiet place to relax.
One bonus the Welcome Center provides is a gift basket with some treats, basic ingredients for making meals and some gift cards for the Underground Mall, to possibly shop for new clothes or other necessary items. All of these have been donated by volunteers to help newcomers settle in.
Of course the people working here are always looking for new volunteers to help around! There are plenty of things to do, all in the name of making otherwolders' arrival to a new world more comfortable.
Local news stations report that there's been a spike in stray animals found on the street lately needing homes. In the face of hitting capacity, the Nightwake City animal shelter is running some fundraisers in town!
First up is a petting zoo. Fenced areas have been set up in an open space in Blossomcrown Central Park. For a small donation, characters can come in and pet and feed treats to any animal found in the animal shelter, from ordinary pets to Pegasus Dogs, Trash Pandas, and elemental animals.
Of course, since the animal shelter is running this, all the animals appearing in the petting zoo are up for adoption themselves. If the visitors to the petting zoo get attached, they can always take one home! Taking their time to decide is encouraged to make sure every animal finds the right home.
The event also has a Valentine's confession wall set up outside the petting zoo. Attendees are encouraged to anonymously write seasonal confessions and post them to the wall, whether it's a love confession, a silly gripe about their partner, or a serious worry about romance. Volunteers are watching carefully to remove any inappropriate ones as soon as they go up, so don't try!
The second fundraiser is a Valentine's Day charity ball, for all you romantics out there! Ballroom dancing is the order of the day, and lessons are available if you doubt your skills. The decorations are pink, the string quartet is live, and the atmosphere is fancy. Come in your nicest clothes (or at least the nicest ones you have here) and celebrate!
There's also a dinner provided, and since it's Valentine's Day, emphasis is on the dessert. There's as much chocolate as they could harvest from the Summer Segment, but that's not all. The ongoing Delicious Syrup quest is bringing in barrels of maple syrup, and while this is mainly a Valentine's Day party, the end-of-winter festival and its customary pancake stacks are just as seasonal this time of year! We've got pancakes, maple candies, salad with maple dressing, maple-sugared sweet potatoes, and some snow and ice have been trucked in from Frostreign for frozen maple syrup on a stick.
Later in the night, the atmosphere seems to have relaxed a little, and the MCs come up to announce a change in the program. The organizers have been doing some research and decided to bring in music and dance styles to make the otherworlders feel at home! They begin to demonstrate some different dances, and the musicians start to play the songs... wait, is that Caramelldansen? Wait, they're all meme songs and dances from various times. Seems what Ellipsans catch onto is still unpredictable.
There's a rumor floating around that small wishes are being granted in Amberfall with enchanted locks. Following up on this rumor will lead everyone to a recently set up stall not far from a statue in town. Everyone who approaches the stall will be given one lock for free, though they can purchase additional ones if they'd like. These locks come in various shapes, sizes, and colors; however, they are all a padlock style lock so that they can easily attach to the fence. They're encouraged to make a wish on the lock then put it on the fence surrounding the statue. They're told that simple wishes are best - things like love, money, and luck. These wishes will be filled in the smallest, most random of ways.
Such as, if someone is wishing for love, they may encounter the person on their mind on the street and share a meaningful glance. If they wished for money, they may find some moon coins on the ground, if they wish for luck - they could get a free meal at their favorite restaurant as part of a promotion! It can manifest in so many different ways, but whatever it is - it seems like your wish was granted in such a way that it improves your day. While the wish may not be fulfilled instantly, it is fulfilled within 24 hours of it being made.
And don't worry, the locks can't be removed by anyone other than who made the wish and the one who set up the enchanted locks.
A mage wants to grant the wishes in bigger ways as he doesn't feel the smaller grants are enough. He has decided that he is going to try to layer another spell on top of the one that's already present within the locks to enhance what's been done already. However, these locks are not meant to be used like this and it overloads the capabilities of everything. Rather than one wish for everyone being granted in a little bit of a bigger way, one wish gets applied to everyone in a very big way - whether they initially put a lock on the fence or not.
People will wake up throughout this with a magical red thread attached to one of their fingers. This thread connects them to one other person that they need to find. Don't worry - no one will have any trouble finding that person, as they'll be inexplicably drawn together. Only the people who are attached to the string are going to be able to see it, as well. This string cannot be broken, removed, or cut by any means. The only way that seems to work to remove it is generating touch energy - whether it's from something as simple as holding hands to a kiss.
Some people may find, after one is removed and resolved, they could end up with another string attached to someone else, whether it's after a few hours or the following day.
At least until they find the culprit of the spell and have it undone - sending out their apologies and dismantling the stall and fence.
Summary of the prompts [ Click to Expand ]
Arrival• Characters appear in one of the four seasonal spaces, depending on what season they are
• After half an hour they are teleported to the Research Center lobby and given information
• Hologram of Olwen (Winter Guild Leader) plays, explaining the situation
• They're given their smartphone-like device and told about the Starter Apartments next door
• Possibility of finding a roommate!
• Welcome Center welcomes newcomers and those who have been here for a while alike
SECTION 2
• After an influx of animals, the animal shelter holds Valentine's Day fundraisers
• Petting zoo event where you can pet or adopt any domestic animal or companion creature
• There's also a Valentine's Day-themed anonymous confession wall
• A fancy-dress fundraising gala is also held to celebrate both Valentine's Day and the End-of-Winter Festival
• Dinner and dessert are served, with many items including chocolate and/or maple, as well as pancakes
• Later on, the atmosphere relaxes and the hosts teach meme dances
SECTION 3
• Characters are given the chance to put an enchanted wishing lock on a fence.
• Their wishes will be granted in small ways to help improve their day.
• Magic goes awry; they will wake up with a red thread connecting them to someone else, where they must use touch energy to rid themselves of the thread.
• Only the people connected to the string can see it, it can't be cut, broken, or taken off.
• It can happen as many times as you want - with different people, the same people, or any combination of that.
• The spell is finally undone and everything is dismantled in a hurry.
- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.
- The TDM is available only to friends of the mods and their friends. If you want to play in the TDM, please leave a note here to inform us who invited you over. We will get to you as soon as possible.
- Test Drive is open for current characters to make a top level as well. New characters can add TDM on their subject line to indicate they're new!
- Current characters cannot access the starting area again to meet new arrivals. They can, however, be at the Research Center when the newbies are teleported in.
- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.
- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!
- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open.
- Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.
- You can find monsters to encounter on the Bestiary.
- FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.
2. A dance 🥺
But he also might have come because Jayce offered or maybe insisted?? Either way, he is here now, and while he's still rather reserved as he finally makes his appearance, opting to sit way in the back of the place because he still doesn't appreciate any sort of attention being directed his way he does seem to relax a bit.
It's after a while that he might be sipping on a drink he procured from the refreshments table when Jayce approached him, with that question??? His expression goes through a dozen emotions before resting on incredulous. ] Your confidence in my ability to do so is astounding.
[ But he does feel his ears starting to hot even as he looks away from Jayce from his seated position. What is this feeling in his chest...ridiculous, really. ] I wouldn't want to embarrass either of us.
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Hm. He doesn't say anything about it. He doesn't want to embarrass Viktor, or make him reluctant to allow Jayce to see it. So he'll treasure the small blush he caught for himself. He offers his hand, tilting his head. ]
You wouldn't embarrass me. And don't worry, I'm here to support you if you need it.
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But this place is different and he doesn't have to remain in the shadows if he didn't want to. He wasn't expecting Jayce to ask him to dance, however, and his mind is still trying to keep up with all of that. He looks at the extended hand, takes it tentatively, and gets to his feet a bit awkwardly. He will wobble in place slightly as he gives Jayce a look. ]
Don't blame my leg if we wind up tripping over one another. You have been warned. [ It's said in both a teasing and chiding tone but honestly Viktor doesn't seem to mind it. He knows Jayce will support him and that's also one of the reasons why he's blushing so much?? If anything his heart is currently racing in his chest and he's more then aware of the heat licking at his ears and cheeks. He will leave his crutch to the side as he lightly touches Jayce's forearm with his gloved hand. ]
You...may start whenever you'd like. [ Ah. For some reason, it is incredibly difficult to look his partner in his face right now...hm. ]
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His eyes brighten and he smiles that Viktor has accepted his offer and has already made the step to join him, despite a little resistance. ]
I'm not worried about it.
[ He never touched or supported Viktor because he thought of him as weak or incapable. He did it to ensure Viktor knew that Jayce was always there to support him. And truly, he didn't really care if they tripped over each other. Viktor's gloved hand on his left arm, he moves it underneath to rest firmly on the other's back and takes Viktor's other hand in his right. Certainly, he doesn't doubt his ability to support Viktor thoroughly through a dance. And with the other securely held onto, he starts to take slow steps. ]
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He tries to match Jayce's movements though it's more or less just him swaying with the music as he finally looks back up at the other. A strange pair they must make but at least the eyes that are staring at them aren't prospective sponsors or council members so that makes it infinitely easier to brush off. His eyes linger on Jayce's before they stray to his lips and then Viktor looks away again. Flustered ever so slightly again. The look that Jayce is giving him is...well it's a lot and Viktor doesn't know what to do with it. Adoration, devotion, affection he doesn't know what to do with it. Still isn't sure he deserves it either with this strange and failing body of his.
But he doesn't let himself get lost in his thoughts. They were supposed to be enjoying this moment of reprieve. ] I never even thought to give dancing a try. So you have my gratitude for allowing me this. It's not as hard as I expected.
[ It's true. Who would ever want to dance with someone like him to begin with? But it helps that they're also not doing anything crazy right now either. ]
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It would have been different at home, he knows it. Piltover proper society was unkind, and as much as he tried to shed himself of their ways of thought, they still crept into him sometimes. He made a lot of mistakes in the way he engaged with Viktor, but he was ever willing to learn.
Still, if a stray eye or ill-meaning look landed on Viktor, Jayce knew that he'd only feel anger. He has no issue moving to stand between Viktor and the cruel proprieties of Piltover society. He experiences zero hesitation in standing up for the man. How dare they give Councillor Talis' guest, his partner, his friend a look that meant anything other than the admiration that Jayce felt.
He's kind of disappointed that it's taken nearly a decade for him to dance like this with Viktor. It's comfortable for him. The way his hand settles on Viktor's back gentle, but strong - it calls to attention how slender Viktor really is. Sometimes Jayce doesn't think about it. The natural warmth of two bodies, close as they move about on a dance floor - slowly, easy steps as Jayce makes a careful effort to keep a pace that won't throw Viktor off balance. ]
Of course I'm glad to show you. Consider this making up for some lost time.
[ A small chance to get what they wouldn't have at home. ]
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Lost time and perhaps lost chances. If I had not been so...difficult- [ they might've been able to have done this sooner rather than now. But the past is the past and his reasons were sound and logical back then. Hextech and their dream was always the priority and Viktor would give up everything to make sure nothing came between that.
He will continue to stare back at Jayce with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as they continue to dance. ]
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But this touch is not for any of those reasons. It's there to hold Viktor close to him. Jayce has hugged the man more times than he can count, but this still feels so different. His mind is spinning with a few thoughts, all leading to him feeling confused. He considers he may be thinking too hard about this, but he can hear his heartbeat in his ears.
He tries to not worry about the cough, the reminder that this man is dying and how much he hates that fact. What sort of world is a good place if Viktor's not there, anyway?
There's a slightest pout. ]
No matter how much I'd like you there, you were always within your right to tell me no.
[ To the parties, to dancing now. Jayce was persistent, but if Viktor didn't want to - he could decline at any time. And Jayce would pout, he'd be disappointed, but he'd still accept the answer.
Viktor's watching him, he realizes. And it's his turn to have a blush settle on his cheeks and spread all the way to his ears. He is certain why it's there and those confusing thoughts he has had about everything since the day they dealt with those bunnies -- are on repeat. He quietly enjoys the dance for a few more moments, before he speaks again -- ]
Vik... I -- [ A pause. He scoffs at himself. ] I mean, can -- [ can he find the words already. He's lost what he wanted to say. Well, sort of. ] Nevermind.
[ He's fumbling this, he thinks. ]
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[ He's just teasing the other now as a smile touches his lips. ]
You should say whatever it is that's on your mind, Jayce. [ They had this conversation already! ] That was one of the points of our talk, no?
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It's nothing like that...
[ Besides, this isn't some big confession about regrets they have from home. ]
It's --
[ Easier to show, but he lingers and falls just short of saying it out loud. Instead, he leans in and with no prompting or warning, places a kiss on Viktor's lips. This is what it was about. ]
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This is a quandary that Viktor is not at all prepared to even tackle at the moment. His eyes immediately go elsewhere and he stiffens ever so slightly into Jayce's touch. He can't...he doesn't understand this at all. ] Jayce... [ what was that for...is the unasked question that is very clearly written into Viktor's eyes.
Some part of him wants to reciprocate so badly that it hurts his chest. This was something out of a fantasy, not a dream, those were attainable at least, but this was not something he ever thought would be within his reach, so he categorized it exactly as what it was, a fantasy. Jayce's gaze and the affection he always directed towards him was nothing unusual, but this intensity of it was...overwhelming, almost suffocating. Viktor did not consider himself worthy of either thing, yet he was at the very center of it right now. It is all too much for him to consider and accept at the moment. Does he even want to acknowledge it, absolutely not, and so he will retreat a little as he gives the other man a worried look. ]
Are you feeling alright?
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Maybe in part, it was an experiment to cave to his impulses and see what he felt afterwards. And he felt better than he thought he would. The confusion isn't gone, his heart still was beating aggressively against his chest, his face and cheeks were still warm - and he was flushed all the way up to his ears. But he still kept his attention locked onto Viktor despite it.
An attempt to show that there was no shame or bashfulness regarding his decision to cave here while they were dancing. This is the closest he's ever felt to Viktor, he thinks. Not simply by merit of their proximity, but because he had dropped more guards than he thought he had up around himself. Fears of failure and rejection vanished. In part, because Viktor hadn't split immediately. Jayce would have let him. He doesn't know if he would have had a right to feel hurt if Viktor had.
But he's -- really happy that he didn't, though he still doesn't know what that means. If it means anything. Hell, how would he be able to comprehend what it means for Viktor when he doesn't know it himself.
He looks at Viktor, perplexed by the other's concern. ]
I feel perfect. Why wouldn't I?
[ Looking at Viktor like this makes him have to put sincere effort into not caving to his impulse to kiss him again and again. He mentally tells himself to get it together. ]
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[ Why else would Jayce kiss him if not to accomplish getting them out of another situation like when they had first arrived? ]
It would only seem appropriate for you to do this then. Otherwise... [ he doesn't know how to deal with this otherwise, actually. ]
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I'm not being compelled.
[ Because at the least, he doesn't want Viktor to think that something is making him be here, or kiss him, or anything like that. ]
Otherwise, Viktor?
[ He sighs. What could possibly be going on in this guy's head? ]
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But Viktor has always been one to keep his feelings close, his expressions closed off to most, except with Jayce. There is a sigh as his shoulders slump ever so slightly. ]
Otherwise, the implication of such an action would be...rather obvious I would think? [ Please. Don't make him say it. ]
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Sorry.
[ Said kind of pathetically because he doesn't know what he's apologizing for and he isn't really feeling sorry for it, either. But for some he feels the need to soothe Viktor over something. ]
I think it only implies that I did it because I wanted to. And that's less implied and more -- well, explicitly fact.
[ Sure, it doesn't touch on everything - or really much of anything. It doesn't touch on his feelings, just what he wanted. But he felt was important to make a distinction between feeling like doing something and wanting to do something. He hopes that's at least a little understood. ]
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[ But, well, Viktor did say that Jayce should do things he likes and wants to genuinely do, to please and reward himself... ] At least you are keeping your promise.
[ He is saying that with some amusement, but he's also still so embarrassed about this that he might look awkwardly away again. ]
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He supposes he is. ]
I am keeping it. [ A smile and a soft laugh as he presses his hand on Viktor's back in so he can pull him close for only a moment before he settles them back to how they had been dancing. He notices the other continuing to look away from him, and he lets out a hm. ]
Hey Viktor -- ?
[ There's curiosity in his voice, though the words were mostly just to get him to look back at him. He ponders asking permission this time, but instead - the moment Viktor's attention is on his, he leans in for another kiss. This time, he'll linger, for as long as Viktor allows ]
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He's...starting to realize that he really enjoys it when Jayce kisses him. First with the mistletoe and now this? It's electrifying and he'd be lying if he said he didn't want it. But he never thought he'd be able to have it so freely here, like this, so unexpected and out of the blue. Jayce continues to surprise him with these random little acts of spontaneity that he finds himself unable to keep up, or focus on the task at hand. The task being dancing, which he has promptly stopped doing once that kiss happens and he unconsciously brings his other hand up to curl at the base of Jayce's hair, tugging ever so slightly. What was he doing?
He flusters immediately, face going hot, as the lingering kiss is broken with a soft gasp from Viktor. He looks away briefly before looking back at Jayce. ] I...apologize. I got a bit carried away... [ for a silly little kiss that surely meant nothing at all. ]
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He can feel the way Viktor breathes when they stand this close. The sound of his own heartbeat in his ears, faster than the one of the music.
Before Viktor has even pulled away, he thinks about doing this again. He's going to have to dissect this later. He knows for sure that he's blushing, too. His face is one of pleasant surprise. Okay, Jayce. Words. Think of words. ]
Wow -- no apologies.
[ He manages to find a few. If Viktor apologized,then Jayce probably owed him one, too. And he just wasn't feeling sorry for it. ]
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He would say he doesn't know what got into him, but, he knows very well what has. There is that underlying want and desire that Viktor has always kept in check in front of Jayce. Kept in check for their partnership, their dream, his fears of rejection, his fears of being viewed with disgust, and his inadequacy. He has known and held this desire for over 7 years in check, and this was just a small setback to his otherwise strictly enforced rules he has placed upon himself.
He's unsure if they should continue their dance or not, but Viktor's attention is so far elsewhere that he's not sure he'll make for an appropriate partner right now. ] It was...a bit too forward of me.
[ Jayce doesn't seem to mind but he still feels the need to explain himself. ] The dance. The song... [ he realizes that the song they were dancing to ended however long ago and a new one has taken its place. ]
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But he does know something. And he knows that Viktor has nothing to apologize for. He knows Viktor has nothing to feel sorry for. He knows that he liked the attention. He knows that for a long time he's always liked it when Viktor looked his way when they accomplished something new in a project. It made Jayce feel proud to have worked with Viktor. Like he could only be so lucky to work beside someone like him. ]
It's good.
[ It's really okay. He's beyond okay with it. ]
Do you want to stop dancing?
[ The offer is up, but Jayce is fine staying around here holding Viktor like this. But, he wanted to give the other an out for now. Jayce will join him sitting somewhere, if he wants. ]
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Would you...be disappointed, if I said yes? [ He needs to calm down and get ahold of himself but how is he meant to do that when Jayce just kissed him because he wanted to? Why? Why would he willingly want to do that? There's no logical explanation that he can find for it. ] You're free to stay. I just need to sit for a little while.
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He has the smallest pout when Viktor asks. Of course he's a little disappointed. It's nice and warm to be this close. It's comfortable to hold onto Viktor - and fun to kiss him without any reason beyond wanting to. ]
Only a little. But you should sit. I don't want to cause you any stress.
[ Too late for that, probably. But he knows he should stop dancing like this, anyway. He needs time to clear his head, think. But he likes being like this and it's not exactly how he had expected to feel. ]
I'll help you to your cane. Then we can sit. [ We. Sorry, Viktor. ]
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[ Jayce knows better than anyone how much Viktor hates crowds and the overly analytical looks he always gets at them. It was different here, true, but that didn't mean those habits would change so quickly.
His smile is a little strained. ] You can continue, to dance, if you'd like. I wouldn't want to interrupt. [ Though he would be lying if he said he wasn't a bit jealous of whoever Jayce might pull into another round or two of it. But that was his own failings creeping up and nothing concerning Jayce himself. ]
You don't have to deny yourself for my sake, Jayce. [ His tone is a little bit biting as he says that. ] I'll be fine. Not participating at galas and parties isn't anything new to me.
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