funnyhearts | TEST DRIVE MEME 002

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TEST DRIVE MEME 002

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

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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."

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.

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."

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...

"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."

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.

He finally slides out from under the blanket and picks up the clothing that Lan Wangji laid out for him. He gets dressed quickly and pulls his ponytail out after it tries to get caught under the clothing. He wonders how he managed to keep the ribbon when he couldn't even keep anything else.

"All done, Lan Zhan! You don't have to hide any longer."

He comes back out and is surprised to see he still has the ears. They make Wei Ying look all the shorter, since they take up so much of his height.

"Do you still have a tail?" he asks, because Wei Ying is adorable and apparently the illustrious Hanguang-jun is a glutton for punishment.

But we already knew that.

Wei Wuxian smirks a little as he sidles up to the other man. The fact he is asking about the tail is rather amusing and he can't resist being able to tease him about it.

"You can't exactly see it when I'm wearing clothes."

He does still have the tail and he looks over his shoulder as if he could see it if he did. One ear flops over as he tilts his head.

"I'm sure it's just as soft as the ears."

He gives Wei Ying another exasperated look. He knows how he feels, and they've already talked about this.

"I will take your word for it."

Then, as long as Wei Ying is here, he goes to make him tea.

He practically hops after him. Okay..he needs to figure out how to break out of the bunny habits now. He keeps a couple feet away though as he watches the other man.

"I thought you were going to leave me here to go downstairs."

He thinks of something and shuffles up to the others back and reaches out, drawing the heart he owes him on his back instead of sending it through the empathy that he has unfortunately left in his room.

"To find you. I have." He heats up the water, and gets the tea leaves out.

"I thought I might tell you- the both of you, that I had found a rabbit, so you wouldn't be surprised."

So thoughtful, and so incorrect.

"Are you disappointed now? Because the rabbit is only me?"

Those ears droop just a little as he takes that step back again, wondering if maybe he made him sad since he isn't a real rabbit.

He knows his expression can't be seen since he's behind him, which means Wei Wuxian also can't read Lan wangji's expressions.

"No," he answers. "I would never be disappointed to spend time with Wei Ying." He has noticed that this Wei Ying gets a bit sad when seeking his approval, and he offhandedly wonders if the other one leaves that impression to those he talks to who are not Lan Wangji.

He resolves to make an effort to make both of them feel more appreciated.

And so, he walks over with the tea, and then he goes and pets Wei Ying's ears again. "I only wish you would have told me."

"But if I told you, I wouldn't have gotten to see first hand how you behave around rabbits. And it was so cute...though I could have lived without the lettuce." He wrinkles his nose a little at the thought of his rather bland breakfast.

"Plus I got to nuzzle you and accept your kisses without any worries or hesitations." He might look a little smug about that.

He looks down, shy at that. He should probably tell the other Wei Ying, and he won't tell the other Lan Wangji, but he does believe that Wei Ying should.

They can worry about that later.

"Rabbits don't eat spicy food, or meat." So how would he have known to feed him such things for breakfast?

"So I didn't exactly think the plan through..but I also didn't expect you to feed me."

Wei Wuxian doesn't have to really tell the other Lan Wangji anything since he got his permission to like this Lan Wangji. He's conscious is in the clear.

"If you knew it was me, would you still have acted the same way? Or would you have acted the same as you do now that I'm human?"

What a loaded question. "Wei Ying... We've talked about this." He reaches over and caresses his cheek with the back of his hand.

"This is unfair." He draws in a breath, and for a brief second his guard drops and he looks on, sadly. It's gone in a flash.

He reaches up and places his hand against that one, holding it against his cheek. "I told my Lan Zhan that I liked both of you. And that I would never lie to them. Just like I said I would never lie to you. But now I feel like being the rabbit was kind of like lying.."

And he promised their brother that he wouldn't hurt either of them. So why does it feel like his presence is hurting this one?

Being the rabbit wasn't really lying, unless he was only that way for the sole purpose of getting Lan Wangji to hold him and kiss him without reservation, and then it was sort of lying.

Lan Wangji forgives him, anyway.

"You told him?" is what he asks, because, why are they so much better at communicating than he is with his Wei Ying...

"Of course! It's not good to keep hiding it and being sad anytime we do something we don't think the other will like. I was hurt and I told him you took care of me. And so I told him how I felt."

He didn't do it just to get Lan Wangji's attention. He wanted to be a rabbit for the fun. Getting to enjoy the man's affections was a bonus. He's going to enjoy trying out this power for as long as he can. Plus..the ears are cute.

He lets that hands go and smiles, "And since he is fine with it, it makes me feel much lighter. You need to stop worrying so much too and talk more."

Stop worrying so much and talk more, as if that's something so easily done when one is Lan Wangji, man who would communicate entirely with his eyes if humanly possible.

But... things are more complicated than just a simple talk. "I will tell Wei Ying," he answers, but adds: "but I think he needs time." And he doesn't know if that's a luxury they have, or maybe they'll all go home tomorrow and he will never see this Wei Ying again.

At the same time, he does not want to rush anything. Therein lies his predicament.

He knows he is asking a lot with the talking but..he waves a finger at him.

"Don't make me be the one to do it." There is a threat. How hard could it possibly be to talk to himself? Of course he doesn't even know if they finally at least know each other's feelings yet. Why are these other versions of themselves so..timid?

There is only so long that Wei Wuxian can behave himself. Or perhaps they did figure out their feelings which is why this Lan Wangji seems to want to keep him at arm's length all of a sudden. His eyes narrow slightly as he tries to work it all out in his head.

"Time is exactly why I said something so soon. I've already gotten injured here..what this place could do next is hurt us more or tear us all apart, or send one of us home and not the others..or separate us into those rooms for even longer. I don't want to waste precious minutes when I don't even know what might happen tomorrow."

He knows it's hard to ask Wei Ying to be patient - apparently he's already spoken to the other Lan Wangji, who may have given his blessings but honestly Lan Wangji is skeptical that what he says is what he can accept in his heart. Though in knowing how he feels for Wei Ying, how the other one probably feels, perhaps the other one has also come to the conclusion that he loves both Wei Ying as well.

How is this not less confusing than it had been at the start?

"I told you, I will speak to him," he says, more firmly. But Lan Wangji doesn't know what's in his heart, and rushing that would be the worst thing he could do. Does he want to accept this Wei Ying's love and affections? Yes, a thousand times yes; it physically pains him to keep him at a distance. He would rather carve more scars on his back. But he doesn't want any of it at the cost of scaring away the other Wei Ying. It's why he didn't say anything, even after he'd come back to life, even after getting a second chance. He would die slowly to keep this charade, but he would die quickly to lose Wei Ying's trust and friendship.

He takes Wei Ying's hand, and holds it in his. "Please let me take some time."

He intertwines his fingers with Lan Wangji's and gives a little sigh, but there is a smile on his face as he looks at him. "Okay okay. But it's no fun for me either when you act all hesitant. You're not allowed to toss a heart at me every day and then ignore me."

He likes the contact just like this, an occasional hug or a surprise kiss on the cheek. He's not asking to be ravaged in a closet whenever they see each other. He just wants to know that his feelings aren't getting brushed aside as well. Because he knows what he feels even if the other version of himself doesn't yet. And if in time he has to let those feelings go because they can't all agree..it will hurt but he will do what has to be done. It's the same thing he promised his Lan Wangji. He didn't want either of them to be hurt because of what his heart felt. He'd rather be the one suffering.

"I messed up all our chances for adventuring because I got hurt. But look.." He sticks out his leg and shows the now bandage-less ankle. "No more excuses." It still aches a little if he does too much but nothing he can't handle.

HAPPY HEARTS HOTEL

I. THIS IS OUR GET ALONG SHIRT

II. HONORARY STAFF FOR A DAY

III. TIME TO UNWIND

IV. WELCOME HOME

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