memewara | 「 TDM 03 」

Entry tags:

* tdm

「 TDM 03 」

i. Arrival

There isn't any strange feeling or sudden blackout to warn someone of what's to come - it simply happens. One moment they're in their own world attending to their own business, and the next they're underwater. Specifically, the dark, cold waters of the Sumida River. With the final days of spring having already given way to the summer heat the water is actually quite refreshing, but the sudden shock leaves new arrivals at risk of drowning.

Luckily, they aren't alone. The crews that constantly patrol the river are quick to fish the newcomers out, dry them off, and explain the situation. Maybe the words and names mean something to said newcomers, and maybe they don't. No matter the case, they're the same for everyone: you're in Yoshiwara, near the city of Tokyo in the country of Japan, and you're here to stay. If your surroundings aren't familiar, that's to be expected; this world isn't the one you know.

New arrivals that feel up to the task are encouraged to help with retrieving other newcomers. Those that don't welcome to sit quietly out of the way until the boats return to docks. Once there everyone is given directions to a nearby dormitory, where they can find temporary housing - and maybe a change of clothes - before their faction assignments are finalized. Those that still feel overwhelmed are permitted to mingle on the docks. There's not much to do but sit around and drip dry, but at least there are friendly locals that are willing to answer any questions for them.

ii. Humidity Is Rising

The onset of summer hasn't just brought high temperatures. The rainy season is in full swing and this week in particular has been plagued with heavy downpours. Hopefully everyone has an umbrella!

But even those that don't aren't out of luck.

Ougai, the old man that runs an oden cart in the west district, has some spare umbrellas, left behind by previous customers. Anyone who happens to pass by and is in need of an umbrella will be given one for free. It's a simple act of kindness, but it's one that inspires a warmth in the heart, and the desire to spread that warmth to others.

Anyone who accepts one of the umbrellas will feel compelled to share it with other people, inviting even strangers into the dry space beneath. It seems that even the shy and antisocial are drawn in by this compulsion. It doesn't stop there, of course. Once two people step beneath the same umbrella to share it, they'll be overcome with romantic feelings for one another. It's not unusual to feel symptoms similar to a school girl with a crush, hearts beating faster, each brush of shoulders causing a rush of ecstasy, the risk of rain bringing the couples closer together with each step. However those feelings might show is up to each individual, of course, but one thing is for certain: this is love.

At least for now, anyway. These feelings certainly seem real, and they can last for up to a few hours after the umbrella has been set aside. They do eventually fade, however, leaving behind nothing but confusion and, perhaps, a faint longing for what was just lost.

iii. No Sun Up In The Sky

Unfortunately, lovey dovey umbrellas aren't the only ones being passed around. On occasion, someone may pick up or be handed an umbrella that's not so nice. Some begin to fight the user, closing over their head while they're walking, pinching fingers, or smacking any passerby to instigate violence. Others sprout legs and take off, leaving you soaking in the rain. Some might even stretch out subtly above you and create holes for the rain to fall through anyway.

These tricky umbrellas love to catch people off guard, so it could be a good while into your stroll before they pull a fast one on you. Hopefully there are some kind souls around to lend you a hand, since sometimes even ditching the umbrella and heading indoors doesn't solve the problem. Some people will find themselves stuck with an unfortunate case of bad luck that can last up to a few hours after leaving (or being abandoned by) the umbrella. Bad luck can manifest in a number of different ways, such as horrible butterfingers (especially when it comes to handling fragile items), tripping over your own feet (and into others, most of the time), and standing under the wrong portion of roof just before it collapses from the rain and pours all over you.

Though the umbrellas look quite normal, something about them may seem distinctly odd or unusual to those that are exceptionally perceptive or sensitive to the supernatural. These individuals have a chance to avoid these pesky umbrellas or even warn other people away from them, provided they're present when said umbrellas are being passed out.

iv. Just Play For The Fun

The heat and the rain are both driving residents inside, which means that certain indoor-only businesses are booming. One of said businesses happens to be an arcade! With big posters advertising a discount on tokens and a special tournament, word gets out fast, and people of all ages are making their way inside for a break from the rain with some fun. Tokens give you access to plenty of games, so try your hand at anything from crane games, side-scrollers, platformers, puzzle games, and rhythm games. It's easy to get pulled in to spending more and more tokens, but with the discounts, what harm is there?

In addition to the average arcade games that can be accessed, there are posters and signs all over announcing a special tournament for some kind of shooting game called LOST CONFLICT: DREADHUNT, the title of which is written in letters that drip blood. The game is played in teams of two, and centers around killing demons that have overrun a resort town. It's over-the-top gory, liberal in its use of nudity, and seems to be something of a classic. To enter, players simply fill out a form at any of the various locations throughout the arcade and wait for the announcements later on in the evening. Characters will be paired off and have the very simple rules explained to them: shoot everything you can, and earn points doing it! The team with the most points advances.

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right? Unlike normal tournaments where only one main winner gets a reward, competitors are rewarded with each battle won. Vouchers for food, drinks and prizes within the cafe are handed out to each winner of each round, meaning that it's a tournament focused on getting the most wins. Have fun!

v. Cafe Lazy

But don't think that the rain, arcade games, and umbrella-related mishaps are enough to make Yoshiwara give up on its true nature. The cafe Lazy is running another one of their special promotions, offering a free full serving of an iced (on sunny days) or hot (on rainy days) drink to any passersby who look appropriately warm and sweaty, wet and cold, or just plain unoccupied.

Anyone who accepts will find themselves whisked into the cafe, seated at one of several kotatsu (which are all partitioned off with thick curtains), and presented with a tall glass of the drink of their choice. They won't be alone, either. Everyone is seated with at least one partner and encouraged to make idle chatter while they drink. The socially awkward might find the small book labeled 'conversations starters' helpful, and if that doesn't work there's also a small box of goodies on each table. It sure is a friendly atmosphere.

Perhaps too friendly, which may be familiar to some established residents. It turns out that some, but not all, of the drinks are laced with aphro, a variety that causes both arousal and mild giddiness. The thick, nearly soundproof curtains might make more sense now; they're clearly meant to muffle the sounds of lovemaking from other patrons. Visitors don't have to mingle so extensively, of course. Again, some of the drinks are just regular drinks, and there's no discernable pattern behind which are spiked and which aren't. Still, the 'conversation starters' book goes from fairly innocent prompts (like 'if you could have any one animal as a loyal pet, which would you choose?') to more risque ones ('describe your ideal sexual encounter') in a hurry, and the box's goodies consist of lubricant, sexual position guides, and bullet vibrators. Sex is clearly the intent here.

On the way out customers will be told that the whole process is an advertisement for the cafe's 'couples service', thanked for their participation, and sent on their way with a smile. Maybe it's a good idea to accept Yoshiwara's generosity with caution from now on.

Wildcard

As always, there are plenty of other things to do. Perhaps some newcomers will want to poke around the town's various locations, check out its assorted businesses, or even visit a legitimately haunted house. There's plenty of things to see and very few limitations to exploration, so there's no reason someone has to stay near the docks and temporary dorms if they don't want to.

OOC

Hello, and welcome to the Yoshiwara Nights TDM! Use this post to voice test characters, decide who you want to app, and get a feel for the game and your fellow potential players.

Events of the TDM may be kept as game canon. Once you've been accepted you can submit a thread of your character pulling people out of the river (Arrival) to gain bonus reputation with your starting faction. You can only submit one thread, and it must have five comments from you to qualify. Both new and current characters may submit reputation threads.

Reserves will open on June 3rd (that's tonight)! Our monthly schedule can be found here. If you haven't already please make yourself familiar with our information pages.

Due to this TDM being a last minute change in the schedule and going up so late, we will be allowing 10 comments required for applications to come from as many individual threads as needed. If you’re still unable to reach 10 comments, you may also provide a standalone written sample. This applies to this application round only.

If you have any questions about the TDM prompts please direct them here. You can also follow us on Plurk at

yoshiwara for further updates.

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Perhaps we could get food together.

[ Ushijima has no idea what drives him to this offer. He would never offer this to a stranger at home. But something about this one is attracting him to want to spend time...? How very odd.

It may be that smile. It's very... irresistible. ]

I am. I am still getting used to this place.

[Normally, when a suggestion to get food is presented to the revolutionary, he'd just agree to it without any spectacle. But for some reason, the man in front of him is captivating, and he can't help but giggle softly before placing a hand to his chin in thought.]

That sounds like a great idea. What are you in the mood for?

[Introductions might be a good move, right about now.]

My name is Sabo, by the way. You?

[ Ushijima does not know much about the businesses around here yet. He feels like stating that would be just stating the obvious. But he pauses over the introduction, first, before he answers about the restaurants. He looks a little shy to give his name? ]

Wakatoshi Ushijima.

[ The fact he feels so shy about it is odd. He can't even place the feeling. Perhaps it's because he knows his reputation couldn't have followed him here, so for once he's starting a conversation off without being well known. ]

You... can call me Wakatoshi.

[ He startles himself with that. For some reason he feels very drawn to this person. Enough to give permission to use his first name. ]

I'm in the mood for your favorite.

[He opens his mouth slightly to respond to that name, as it's a bit complicated and potentially difficult to pronounce. But then, he's told to just call him by his first name, and that's easier. He can handle it.]

Well, it's very nice to meet you.

[He admits this with a flush across his cheeks, to which he isn't sure why.]

My favorite food is ramen, so --

[With a light giggle:]

How about sharing a very big bowl with me?

[Normally, he'd offer to just eat a bowl of his own while his companion had something separate. But he wants to be close now. Intimately so, for some reason.]

There's a ramen place close by.

[He'll start walking in the direction of the restaurant, slowly enough so the umbrella remains over his head.]

[ That giggle earns a slight smile back. What a rare occurrence from Ushijima! ]

That sounds wonderful.

[ He follows along, careful to make sure to keep the same pace. He draws as close as he can, bumping shoulders with Sabo.

Normally he does not seek touch, but something feels different about the moment. ]

[When their shoulders touch, Sabo feels a strong pulse of warmth overtake his body. It's not that hot out, especially with the heavy downpour, but he feels as if it is.

Thankfully, as he'd said, the restaurant is close. He stops in front of the door to hold it open for the other man.]

Here we go. After you.

[ Normally, in such a situation, Ushijima thinks that he might insist on going second. But in this case he finds himself conceding and steps in first. He even blushes a little as he does so. ]

Thank you...

[Ooh, did Sabo catch a glimpse of a blush?

He can't tell, but he thinks he has.

With a polite nod, he follows his companion into the restaurant, immediately requesting a table for two from the host. There are plenty available, so they're seated quickly.

He hands over a menu.]

Anything in particular you'd like?

Hmm.

[ Ushijima finds himself looking at Sabo more than he looks at the menu. ]

Something with beef?

[ He sounds distracted. That's because he is. Now that they're sitting, he can study the other man's face, and he's finding himself endeared to it. ]

[And as soon as he hears that answer, he tilts his head affectionately, beaming.]

I'll choose the same. A man as attractive as yourself should have great taste.

[Did he just -- blurt that out? He blinks and quickly tries to hide his face with the menu.]

Drink -- drink. Tea. Going for tea.

[ Ushijima... is attractive? He is surprised at such an idea, but he doesn't object to it. In fact, he'll play in kind. ]

If we're basing it off looks then I will order two of the same kind of drink as you.

[ He's not sure that actually makes sense. He. Tried? ]

[That makes no sense at all, but Sabo still giggles anyway, gesturing for a server to come by. He'll then order his food and a tea, handing the menu over so he can prop his elbows on the table.]

I shouldn't have ordered tea.

[He admits.]

I'd much rather drink you, instead.

[He jolts upright after that slips out from his lips and laughs again, this time with a strong tone of awkwardness.]

[ Ushijima ordered as well when the server came by, ordering two tea as he stated. He felt kind of expected two, though it was rather silly. He probably wasn't going to manage to drink even half of it. What a waste.

But he's not thinking about that transgression when Sabo speaks. ]

You...

[ He looks somewhere between stunned and confused. Oh, a poor innocent. ]

You'd rather drink me?

[ He raises an eyebrow. ]

What part of me?

[ He really has no idea what he's asking. We promise. ]

[A part of him wishes he would just stop with the overly flirtatious comments, but a bigger part of him wants to keep going with them. This man is very, very captivating, and he doesn't want to let him slip away.

So, he responds while fluttering his eyelashes.]

Have you ever received a blowjob before?

[As if his brain has given up, he doesn't flinch after asking this.]

[ Okay, even he would not be too innocent to perceive the statement when it's said as boldly as that. ]

I have not...

[ He blushes far more heavily than the last time. The combined effect of fluttering eyelashes and the question itself is getting to him. He's suddenly noticing more than ever how attractive Sabo is. ]

Never anything near that sort of thing.

Really?

[He gasps at that, taking his ordered drink into his gloved hand. He brings it to his lips, takes a sip, and then:]

I'd love to change that. If you'd like.

You'd bother with a virgin like me?

[ He seems surprised by this concept. Taking a sip of his own drink, he settles his stomach down, as it seems to be stirring up with a mix of excitement and nerves. What an odd feeling he's never had outside volleyball before.

He likes it. ]

Edited 2019-06-08 22:37 (UTC)

[He takes another sip, the corner of his lips curving into a smile.]

Why wouldn't I? I don't mind either way.

[After all, before arriving to this city, he hadn't been with a man; he's almost a virgin, himself.]

But is it proper? If we only just met?

[ His voice is very hesitant. He doesn't actually have a clue about the protocol here. All he knows has a swell of feelings for the other. ]

It is if we both have strong feelings for each other.

[He takes a few more sips from his drink, and then sets the mug back down.]

Do you want to take our food to-go?

...

[ Ushijima picks up one of his drinks and downs the entire thing in one, long gulp. The better to fuel for physical activity? ]

Can we try one thing first?

[He blinks, unaware of what the other man may possibly suggest.]

Sure. What are you thinking?

[As he waits for an answer, he shifts to look for a server to wave down.]

Kiss me.

[ Ushijima places his hand on Sabo's face as he says this, trying to get the other to look at him again. ]

I want to make sure this is real.

[The server rushes over and Sabo asks if their food can be packaged to-go. There's no issue with his request, so he turns back to face his companion. That answer is really cute, actually, and he grins widely, nodding. Standing up, he takes a few steps over to the other side of the table, bending over just a bit so that he can gently hold one side of the other man's face.]

This is real. I promise.

[With that, he closes the space between them and presses their lips together. He'll keep the kiss simple for now, opting not to deepen it just in case it's received poorly.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

「 TDM 03 」

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