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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

After a few more fidgeting, giggly moments, his tank top is back in place, though he's still laying on the floor, grinning foolishly as the room tilts.

"All done! Time for round two!" he announces, tugging on Lan Zhan's sleeve.

"Do you want to hide? Or seek this time?"

With his tank top in place, already dressed, he stops wiggling and squirming at least.

With a heavy sigh, "Wei Ying, no more. It's way past nine and it's late. I tire. I want to sleep."

However, looking into his eyes. "But I want to seek and hide." Placing a hand over his chest where his heart is. "Right here."

How late is it? He has trouble keeping track of time here on the best of days. But he's certain it is well past Lan Zhan's bedtime. Nine was way too early to sleep, anyway. He lets out a disappointed sigh, but doesn't try to get away.

"M'not sleepy yet..."

The hand on his chest is all the distraction he needs though, and he grins, putting his hands over Lan Zhan's to hold it there, the steady, but rabbit-quick heartbeat thrumming under their joined fingers.

"You found me again!"

"Mn. I found you." Lan Wangji was tense at first when he feels his heart beating beneath his hands, then gradually he felt calm, as if something clicks into place and felt right.

Their fingers laced together and at that moment, he realized he feels lonely. Very lonely. He feels this place is cursed, but there's a blessing. Very gingerly, he slides his arms beneath him to pick him up, lifting him up and have him sitting on the loveseat.

Once he's comfortable, "And you...you found me." Call it instinct, but his own heart is a maze, a labyrinth of emotions trying to find it's way between right and wrong, a dark place where the only light at the end is the source of his compass. The needle pointing straight at him.

Gently, he lay Wei Wuxian's head on his chest above his heart.

"So rest here if you need to. When you want to. In here, you seek and hide as well."

It's a warm weight on his chest, and even if he's a little dizzy, it's a nice feeling. He squeezes the hand between his fingers for a moment before they slip away, and he's lifted again, the room tilting for a moment before it rights itself and he can feel the soft, steady beat of another heart.

Even Lan Zhan's scent is familiar, this close. It's impossible not to feel safe, at ease. He has to crane his neck up to see Lan Zhan, and he reaches up to pat his cheek softly.

"Found you."

Upclose, there's a scent of cool sandalwood and incense, along with the leaves of tea he handled on his white robes. This is too warm and too close for his own comfort. He thought about his soul twin and knowing himself, he can imagine his grave impression if he ever walks in and sees them both together. No, he has respect for these two. He has his own Wei Ying, and this one is a friend who guides him in the dark...

"Indeed you have. You have found me." And that's...quite enough for him. He waited for a few moments. Wei Ying's eyes doesn't look right. Perhaps, a little delirious to him.

"Wei Ying, your keycard. Do you have it on you? I'll take you to your room."

He gives another short laugh. That means he's won the game, doesn't it? He has to think for a moment, fumbling in his pockets before he holds it up, beaming proudly. His face falls a bit, a moment later.

"Do I have t'sleep there?" he swallows, looking a little worried. He doesn't usually stay there, preferring to sleep on Lan Wangji's floor rather than stay alone in the replica of the Burial Mounds.

"I don't like it."

Noticing his expression of sadness and anxiety, he considered his decision. "You don't like your room? Do you preferred to rest in mine?"

He did promise him that he can rest and hide wherever he wishes. He's a man of his word.

"If Wei Ying wishes, he can sleep and rest in my place."

"I don't like to be alone there," he tries to clarify. There's too many painful memories, waking up in that cave alone, only to find the rest of their tiny village completely empty, all of the remnants of the Wen clan gone.

He gives a somewhat sleepy nod, blinking a few times now that he's gotten cozy and warm.

"Mm, I always sleep with Lan Zhan."

It is warm and cozy, and when he noticed he is finally sleepy, tired out from playing their game, hopefully the medicine is kicking in.

Softly, "Ah. Wei Ying." Not wanting to hurt him, but it must be said. "Wei Ying. No, just..." He swallows nervously. This one doesn't belong to him and will never will be and shouldn't be. Correcting him, "Just the bed where you sleep. I want you to be comfortable"

Gently, he scoops him up in his arms, carrying him princess style, and walks him toward to the elevator to go back up and back to his floor.

He doesn't understand why Lan Zhan is telling him no, of course he sleeps with Lan Zhan. There's plenty of room for two on the bed. Wasn't he there just before? When they were getting ready to play?

"Lan Zhan's bed," he clarifies, as if it's any more helpful.

As he's picked up, he holds tightly once more, the vertigo of sudden movement making his head spin

Up the metal box goes until they reached the floor. Eventually, he carries him down the hall and back into his familiar bedroom.

Gently, he lays Wei Ying on the bed with its scent of sandalwood and lavender on the sheets and pillows. He pulls the blanket over to keep him warm.

"Wei Ying, you can sleep here. You're safe."

He might slip in and out as they walked back to Lan Wangji's room, dozing lightly only to startle slightly and blink back into bleary wakefulness. When he feels the bed beneath him though, and the comforting scent of cool incense, he feels at home. There's just one thing missing.

He reaches out sleepily after Lan Zhan's arms, attempting to grab hold of wrist or hand and pull him back to bed.

"You too Lan Zhan."

Just when he thought Wei Ying is going to sleep, right then and there, he halts when he caught his arm, and he froze as he's being lured into the bed.

He doesn't make this easier.

"No, we could not. I'm going to sleep on the sofa. You rest here and use my bed. Don't worry about me and mind me. Your rest matters."

"There's room," he mumbles into the blankets, lashes fluttering in weak protest, "you said..."

He and Lan Zhan had sidestepped around it for days; Wei Wuxian could sleep just about anywhere unbothered, but he couldn't just take Lan Zhan's bed. But there was room enough for both. It was fine, he wouldn't take up that much space.

"Or I c'n... take the floor," is the last thing he manages before his arm falls slack and slips down to the mattress.

He remembered what he said. Seeing how stubborn he is and he won't go to sleep until he gives into his demands. Taking in a deep sigh, "Wei Ying, would you stay in the bed if I join you by your side?"

At that, he slips on the space on the bed beside him. Taking care to leave a space between them for some wiggle room.

"No, don't sleep on the floor. I'm here. Now would you sleep...?"

"Mm," he agrees, grinning at his victory. Part of him should probably remember that this is a different Lan Wangji, but all he can really think is how yes, he can fall asleep now, because Lan Zhan is next to him.

He waits for the man to join him, ignoring the deliberate space left between them in order to take advantage of his favorite pillow, Lan Zhan's shoulder. He crawls over before dropping deliberately down beside him.

"I'll sleep," he yawns, feeling rather content.

Lan Wangji was tensed at first. He felt Wei Ying planted his face right on his shoulder. His warmth, his weight, it felt as if his warm energy is flowing through him, melting away whatever doubt and uncertainly he has about himself.

Breath in, breath out. His breathing becomes steady as tension lowers and relaxes, trying not to panic. In his line of vision, the familiar ponytail and his red ribbon, and seeing his friend's eye closed, resting as if he have never truly rested for a long time.

"Good." He murmured softly. Although he is powerless, and without his powers and his instrument, he won't be able to play a lullaby, this closeness will do.

Intuitively, he brought a hand to place on his back, to gently stroke and rub to comfort him, and assured him he is welcome to sleep and stay.

"Good night, Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian has no such tension. The excitement of the evening seems to catch up with him as soon as he's no longer vertical, and it's only a handful of minutes before his breath evens out in sleep, body going soft and slack. He doesn't so much as flinch as the hand brushes his back, only rubs his cheek lethargically against Lan Zhan's shoulder, hands clutching lightly at his clothing.

"Mm," is the last burbled response before sleep takes him.

Eventually, he relaxes completely. Feeling this is quite surreal to have the other Wei Wuxian resting on the bed with him.

It was dark in the room, and eventually, the sound of his breathing puts him at ease and the peaceful sleep follows in suit. All is quiet in the room.

When he finally wakes, it's a groggy, slow thing. The bed is comfortable, the scent like he remembers, and the one next to him is the usual size and shape. There's no reason to think anything might be amiss. His head is pounding though, with the remnants of his hangover, something he rarely suffers from despite how much he loves his drink. He must've really hit the bottle hard last night.

Opening his eyes feels too much, and too bright, so he just taps Lan Zhan's chest a couple times.

"Head hurts," he mumbles, "c'n you get me some water, Lan Zhan?"

In Wonderland, days are meaningless. Outside the window, it is eternal twilight, a fixed scenario so it's hard to tell whether it's night or day.

But for Lan Wangji, it felt like it's early morning. He was still asleep when Wei Wuxian who lies next to him gently stir him awake. He opens his eyes and rose.

He figured where he was and already, with a sense of defeat, he must endure another monotonous day of doing almost nothing in the hotel again. Slowly, opening his eyes and sees it's Wei Wuxian, he relaxes, his expression soft.

"Wei Ying? All right." Very slowly, he rose to fetch a glass of water from the cold metal box, and then when he returns, offering the glass close to his lips.

"Wei Ying, here. It's water. You can drink."

Things are enough like they should be that he doesn't realize anything is amiss, at least not right away. The voice sounds the same, the bed just as comfortable, the hands that offer water are familiar.

"M'thanks..."

He takes the offered glass, barely propping himself up enough to drink it, and even then, a good portion of the water ends up running down the sides of his mouth and chin. There's a headache that throbs dully around his temples and behind his eyes that speaks of a night spent drinking far too much. He hasn't hit his limit like that for a while, the drinks at that strange dance party were powerful indeed.

Water helps, even if it's not right away. It's cool and refreshing, like a soothing balm, and he rubs at his sleepy eyes, trying to focus. As he does, there's a subtle feeling that something isn't quite right. The room looks different, for one, have they updated the interiors? Maybe his room is less of a nightmare now.

Still, he sets the glass aside, rubbing at his temples and trying to will the headache away. It doesn't click for a few moments. The rave. Running into Lan Zhan. Hide and seek. And...

He finally looks up, studying the other man's face as recognition dawns on him. He's stayed the night in the other Lan Wangji's room, apparently. At least he's still fully dressed in last night's clothing, so things hadn't gotten too crazy.

"Ooooh no," he grumbles, fumbling out of bed and immediately toward the door. Before he gets more than a dozen feet away though, his wrist is tugged, like there's an invisible wire around it, connecting vaguely in Lan Zhan's direction. Wei Wuxian makes a startled noise, immediately off-balanced, and tumbles to the floor.

Lan Wangji becomes alarmed as the water drips down his mouth and chin, so he helps to tip the glass so that the water goes down correctly. Silently, he reaches for the tissues from the bedside table and with it, wipes him dry, taking care of him with great care. He realized Wei Ying is ill and is too weak from the hangover, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes.

He waited dutifully by his bedside, waiting on him. Maybe he needs to make another hangover tea for medicine? Yes, he should do that, make another medicine tea, so that Wei Ying can get better.

When Wei Ying came to, becoming gradually alert to his surroundings, he becomes alarmed. "Wei Ying? Where are you running off to?"

It was then he felt a sudden tug, an invisible force that made Lan Wangji loses his balance, stumbling over on the floor at the same time when Wei Ying came tumbling down. "Wei Ying?!" What's going on?

Once Lan Wangji collects him and regains his balance, he goes over to Wei Ying. "Wei Ying, are you all right? Where are you running off to?"

The questions go largely unanswered, as the only thing running through his head is how many messages he's probably missed already from Lan Wangji, and how he'd somehow been too drunk to tell the difference and ended up in the room of the other Lan Zhan.

It doesn't catch up to him until he's looking up from the floor, head still pounding. He groans softly, eyes closed and brows knit.

"Ah, that... I've caused you some trouble Lan Zhan, I thought this was-" he tries a few times to start explaining, mind running ahead of his tongue.

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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