TEST DRIVE MEME 002

[happyheartsstaff]

HAPPY HEARTS HOTEL

You wake up in a padded box. It rocks, gently, as though suspended in mid-air. You begin to stir, confusion or distress pushing you to try to sit up — and then the air begins to smell sweet, and you fall back asleep.

You wake up in a padded box. For a moment, you are beatifically calm. You don't know how you got here, or why, but that isn't really all that important. You don't need to know where you are. You're just... here. And here is a wonderful place to be.

But there is a niggling suspicion growing in the back of your mind. A suspicion that here is not somewhere you wanted to be. That it is not where you're supposed to be. You remember... chasing a white rabbit (or was it a person)? A mirror? Bright light, and green ivy crawling over your skin... Before you can worry too much, the box jolts, and then settles, and after a long moment the walls fall from around you to reveal —

A hotel lobby?

"Welcome to the Happy Hearts Hotel and Casino," says an attendant behind a desk. "We're so pleased you could join us. We have your room keys and Empathies here, please make an orderly line and we'll hand them out once we've confirmed identities. After that, feel free to explore the hotel! We highly recommend starting with the casino. Everyone's a winner here in Happy Hearts!"

Is this normal? It doesn't feel normal. And hey — you could swear you had shoes before!

I. THIS IS OUR GET ALONG SHIRT

You haven't been at the hotel long when you run into another Oyster. Hardly unusual for the hotel, after all. But there's something about this person, something that draws you in. Do you know them? Perhaps they're from your world, perhaps you've seen them around the hotel before, or perhaps you've never met at all?

No matter. Hopefully you enjoy this person's company, because suddenly you're unable to go more than a few feet away from each other. Maybe it's like a cord that snaps you both back together when you try, invisible but somehow there all the same. Maybe it's a feeling, a desire to stay together, a fear of being apart. Maybe it's physical pain when you're separated, and the sensation of comfort or pleasure when you're together. Maybe it's any combination of the above.

Whatever it is, looks like you'll be getting to know each other very well. The connection doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.

II. HONORARY STAFF FOR A DAY

It seems the hotel is a little short-handed at the moment. Why? Oh, no particular reason. These things happen to every establishment, of course. But since you're here, would you mind lending a hand? It's a two person job, and the staff member giving out assignments is just far too busy to help. Find a partner and report to your assigned area! They're preparing for something very exciting the Queen is putting on for guests. And of course, you'll be rewarded for your assistance.

There are a number of possible tasks that you could be assigned to.

Perhaps you'll be asked to assist with food preparation. You and your partner will be granted temporary access to the back area of the buffet to work with the kitchen staff — you can cook, can't you? Well. Perhaps you can put together some sandwiches. It will soon be clear that the food you're helping to prepare is all things that would be perfect for a picnic. Staff members will cheerfully inform anyone asking questions that the food is for the Queen's special surprise.

Or perhaps you'll be put to work sorting and cataloging a large inventory of items. Sleeping bags, tarps, pillows, toiletries, first aid kits, fire starting materials; all must be counted and sorted. A staff member will hand out a number of backpacks, and request that each be packed with one of every item. Not to worry about the size — each pack will have exactly enough room to store all the items.

Still others may be placed in a room lined with bookcases overflowing with books and loose leaf pamphlets. Examination of these will find that all are related to identifying native Wonderland plant life. Some are about edible plants, some discuss those that are medicinal, or poisonous, or likely to try to eat you should you get too close. Buried in all of that, you may even stumble across a particular poem. You will be given heavy card paper, pens and water colors, and tasked with condensing the information into portable, easy to read info packets.

At the end of the work shift, anyone who assists will have the expressed gratitude of the staff members they supported. They will also find an additional item from home, aside from what they were carrying with them, waiting for them in their room.

III. TIME TO UNWIND

What better way to unwind after a long day of work than with a massage? A staff member will hand you a token for the hotel spa. Yes, yes, all services are free, but this is an enhanced service. Premium massage oils, access to a relaxing tea, the devoted attention of the most skilled massage therapist, all for you.

When you arrive to take advantage of the offer, you'll find another Oyster waiting there as well. Did the staff member not mention it was a couple's massage? Oh dear, it must have slipped their mind. Or perhaps they just assumed, given how so many of you Oysters seem to be in pairs. Well, you're both here, you might as well take advantage of it.

Or perhaps something that gets the heart pumping is more to your speed than relaxation. A staff member may excitedly tell you about a rave occurring at the The Rabbit Hole nightclub. Invitation only, of course, but the staff member is happy to tell you the code to get in.

There is indeed a party in full swing at the club that night. Live music, flashing lights, alcohol flowing freely, the works. You may find that the alcohol packs more of a punch than you're used to. You may even find that drinks that are supposed to be nonalcoholic, ones that you've had before in other parts of the hotel, suddenly pack quite a punch as well.

It's all in the name of enjoying yourself, right? Hopefully you won't be too hungover in the morning.

IV. WELCOME HOME

Maybe you just want to be alone — well, that's what you have your room key for! Oysters room on the second and third floors of the hotel, one to a room. You were assured your room would be exactly what you'd always wished for — and for some, that's right! It's exactly as you would have decorated it yourself. But for others, their rooms are totally wrong. A grizzled cowboy can't have a pink room! Hotel staff are firm, though: every room is exactly as its owner wants it to be. Search your feelings, Oyster. You know it to be true.

On each bed are the Oysters' personal effects, minus weapons, as well as a towel folded in the shape of a heart, and a single foil-wrapped chocolate. If eaten, the chocolate is delicious, and incites a feeling of tender warmth in Oysters — not lust, but a desire for closeness. Why spend time in your room, when you could go find a new friend in the casino?

For purposes of the TDM, you're welcome to play with having more than one linked partner! If you choose to app in the next round after playing on the TDM, there will be an extra add on to the application for you to claim your additional item from home. Please direct any questions to the first comment on this page, and happy playing, Oysters!

PREMISE RULES FAQ TAKEN RESERVES APPLICATION MOD CONTACT HIATUS & DROPS WORLD INFO NPCS CALENDAR AC REWARDS

© tessisamess

Comments

[billowing]

He pulls away when Wei Ying gives him a gentle headbutt, and looks down at him. Did he ... is he trying to communicate with him?

"Do you know who your owner is?" he asks, not really expecting an answer.

What a cute rabbit.

He'll sit and wait for it to finish its snack, staying close to watch over it. He had, after all, seen a big snake around here the other day.

[scaredofdogs]

I could answer you but that ends all my fun. Looks like our adventure today is you trying to figure it out.

It's hard to believe a carrot can be so filling...his stomach must be tiny.

He finishes the carrot and hops over to the water bowl. He dips his head into it and it takes a few seconds of trying to figure out the best way to go about this. His neck is almost too short so he puts both front feet on the bowl to try and get to the water easier. Unfortunately that makes the bowl rather unbalanced and the longer he drinks, the more the other side of the bowl lifts into the air. A spill is almost inevitable.

[billowing]

"Ah, careful," Lan Wangji says, watching this display. He moves the vegetables to one side of the plate and then pours the cup of water into it, making a shallow pool impossible to topple over.

He gives Gui Bei a little pat on the rump and leaves him to it, content to be taking time to take care of the little rabbit for now.

[scaredofdogs]

That little pat makes his ears flick.

Getting handsy with a rabbit, Lan Zhan? Shame on you.

He hops over to the water and finishes his drink. Much easier now that it is on the plate. He's starting to get the hang of this rabbit thing. Once finished he hops back over to Lan wangji, putting his front paws on his leg.

Hold me again, Lan Zhan. I know you want to.

He likes being in his arms. It's warm and comfortable there.

[billowing]

If he didn't know better, he'd think the rabbit was asking to be held. Well, alright. He scoops the little ghostly gray bun into his arms and picks up the plate to be left outside the dining hall on a spare cater table.

"I'll have to find something soft for you to nest on," he muses, in case he doesn't find its owner by the end of the day. He'll need somewhere to sleep, a little rabbit's den.

"Don't be upset if you need to stay with me awhile." It seems that when he's alone with rabbits, he has no reason to put up the usual cold demeanor that he puts up for humans.

[scaredofdogs]

I definitely won't be upset by that.

He settles in his arms again. He wonders how long he can do this before he starts to feel guilty about how much Lan Wangji is getting attached to his bunny form.

You are very nice to rabbits, Lan Zhan. I'm not that surprised. I always knew you had a softer side.

He shoves his little bunny noise against him affectionately nuzzling against his chest.

[billowing]

Does he want to go back into the folds of his shirt?

Lan Wangji loosens his robes a little in case the rabbit would like to go sit inside. It seems that as difficult as it is for him to get to know other people, rabbits can easily bypass that barrier.

"You must be tired now. You should sleep." He pets the little rabbit and rises to take it upstairs.

[scaredofdogs]

He wiggles his way back inside the robes, nesting in there. He likes being able to hear his heartbeat and it's comforting inside those robes.

I'm not tired Lan Zhan. I just woke up!

He isn't ashamed of his sleeping in tendencies. It does mean less time where he gets to be with Lan Wangji because of his early bedtime, but he still can't get used to the Lan sect's sleeping habits.

[billowing]

He doesn't know that, but he'd also be willing to play with his bunny for a little while longer.

Once he gets up to his room, he takes a seat on his bed, thinking that he could just let the rabbit sleep like this.

Hmm. No, still awake.

He checks his empathy and looks a little disappointed that he doesn't have texts, but then focuses his attention on his new friend. As long as no one is trying to get in touch with him and he's not going to sleep, he withdraws Gui Bei from his shirt folds and places him on his pillow.

"It seems no one has asked after you." He scratches him behind the ear. "It's alright."

[scaredofdogs]

He leans into the scratching. He wouldn't have thought having his head scratched would feel good but in this bunny form it certainly is enjoyable. He walks very slowly and carefully on the pillow, finding it difficult to move with those tiny feet just sinking into it.

Should I reveal myself to you? You look so happy to have a rabbit though..

He noticed him looking at the empathy and he realizes that he did not send his normal heart this morning..a little distracted by his new found ability. He also realizes that the heart will have to wait because he has no way to get back into his room since he has no pockets and therefore no key.

I think you are stuck with me for awhile.

[billowing]

He is, in fact, happy to have a pet rabbit. He is happy to have two Wei Yings, of course, but there are things he doesn't tell Wei Ying.

He lies on the pillow, head next to the rabbit, and looks over at him. He wonders then, what rabbits think. He reaches over to pet his little rabbit cheeks.

"I will have to move you to another pillow later," he warns. "This one is claimed." He states this calmly, and almost with a little pride. To a rabbit! So silly of him.

[scaredofdogs]

He scoots closer and flattens onto the pillow with his back legs sticking out behind him. His ears flop down to frame his face as he gets comfortable. He nudge's Lan Wangji's nose with his own.

As if you would kick this adorable body out of your bed...

He isn't going to be able to resist this much longer. But at least he still gets to admire Lan Wangji's handsome features up close this way. How can anyone, human or animal, resist this man? All the rabbits at Gusu are probably in love with their proud father.

[billowing]

He wouldn't want to, but Wei Ying might, and Lan Wangji would not want to stop him.

He wonders if Gui Bei is trying to sniff him out and lets him do so, come invade his space and get used to his smell to see if he's safe, trustworthy, or just to remember who he is.

As Gui Bei comes closer, he lifts his chin just a little bit, and pecks his cute twitching nose. But then goes back to letting him nuzzle into his nose and get a good feel for him.

[scaredofdogs]

...you just kissed a rabbit. I'm going to become a bunny puddle.

He does resume nuzzling him, enjoying that for a few moments before gathering his body back up. His ears perk back up as he slides off the pillow. This little action doesn't go particularly well for him as he ends up going for a tumble with his back legs flipping over his front legs. He lands on his back on the bed and quickly rolls over onto his belly.

That was graceful...

He shakes it off, shaking his head and making those big ears wobble back and forth. Apparently he needs a little more practice with maneuvering over non-flat surfaces.

[billowing]

Oh yes, but how cute. Lan Wangji carefully places him somewhere safer on the bed, not on the pillow. Pulling the blankets over, he fits Gui Bei on the comforter.

"Be good," he commands, brushing his fur a little bit.

"I think I will head downstairs," he says, once Gui Bei is settled. "Do you think you can handle yourself?"

He can't just carry a rabbit around with him all day, can he?

[scaredofdogs]

Handle myself..wait..

What the hell is he going to do all alone in this room? He's been left alone at Gusu before but at least then he was able to find hidden alcohol in the floor boards. He's not going to have that much luck in the hotel. He could just leave but he can't get back into his own room without a key and he's..well..the clothing is in his room.

"You're going to leave me here?!"

He doesn't even realize he has spoken as he tries to hop himself back up to the top of the bed.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji freezes in his tracks, and slowly looks over to the rabbit, who he is sure is the only other living creature in this room because the other explanation is that Wei Ying somehow snuck into his room and decided to hide here the entire time.

"Is this a curse? What happened?" he asks, slight panic in his voice.

[scaredofdogs]

Well crap..so much for the secret.

He scrambles to the edge of the blanket in an attempt to hide. He shoves his head under the blanket and pulls himself under it.

"It's not a curse..it's a tea." Nothing to panic over. Not really anyway since he can simply undo it. He hasn't quite perfected the shape shifting but he feels rather proud of himself for being able to fool Lan Wangji for a little while.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji can feel deep within his soul right now why Jiang Cheng always rolled his eyes at Wei Ying.

He takes a deep breath.

"Show yourself," he commands. He won't go over to fish Wei Ying out.

[scaredofdogs]

Suddenly the lump beneath the blankets grows back to his normal size. Laying on his stomach, he pops his head out from under the blanket. Those long ears still on the top of his head.

There is a playful smile on his face as he looks at Lan Wangji.

"I knew you really liked rabbits, Lan Zhan."

[billowing]

This is rather unfair of Wei Ying, but Lan Wangji takes a breath and tries to gather himself.

"I did not say I did not like rabbits," he counters, and then goes over to tug on an ear.

"These remain." They're so soft. Why did he do this.

[scaredofdogs]

They move just like the did on his rabbit body. He leans into that tug.

"Easy Lan Zhan. Don't pull too hard." It is an odd sensation, like someone is tugging playfully on his hair. But it's also a nice feeling when they get touched. It's so strange.

"I'm still playing with the ability a little. I've not gotten all the specifics of it down but I thought keeping these might be cute. Wasn't sure if it would actually work."

[billowing]

He reaches over to where they reach Wei Ying's hair and then gives them a little scratch.

"It looks like they do. What will you do now?"

And why is he still under Lan Wangji's blankets...

[scaredofdogs]

"Well..I'm not sure. I think I can change into anything I want to but I have a small problem I didn't quite figure out how to fix yet."

His reason for staying under the blankets. He closes his eyes as he enjoys that scratching. Why does his body still appreciate the touching even when he isn't fully a rabbit? It's interesting...

"I'm..naked."

[billowing]

Lan Wangji gives him a look of such utter exasperation, heavily filtered onto his face by virtue of him being Lan Wangji.

He goes to his closet, and pulls out some articles of clothing for Wei Ying to put on, and then heads over behind a dressing panel to give him privacy.