funnyhearts | TEST DRIVE MEME 001 (#2)

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TEST DRIVE MEME 001 (#2)

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 for our grand opening gala. 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. THE CASINO FLOOR

As you pass through the entrance to the casino floor, an attendant passes you a small bag of chips. The casino is loud and bright and filled with games of every kind — you want to play poker? They've got a table for that. Sabacc? There's a table for that, too. Slots, pachinko, and bingo are just a few of the other games on offer. The attendant in the lobby wasn't lying, either — everyone who plays wins. Everyone, every time.

Servers wander the floor with trays of shotglasses full of multi-coloured liquids, offering them to every Oyster "Compliments of Her Royal Highness." If you're expecting alcohol, though, you'll be surprised — these drinks are teas made of the distilled emotions of every Oyster in the hotel. Each colour of tea corresponds to a different emotion, and as soon as you take a sip, you feel overcome with that emotion.

JOY — the distilled essence of happiness, this tea makes even the most rough and tumble of Oysters giddy with happiness — for a moment. The effect fades into a general sense of contentment and affability after a few seconds, and that itself fades away slowly over the course of twenty minutes.

ANGER — this tea, anger in liquid form, can make the most even-tempered of Oysters ready to absolutely blow a gasket. For twenty minutes, anyone who drinks this tea will find themselves much more easily annoyed, frustrated, and all around irritable and snappy.

SADNESS — distilled sadness is a potent tea, capable of turning a stoic, stalwart Oyster into a blubbering mess in moments. Events that may have previously only been a minor disappointment become the end of the world, every repressed unhappiness comes to the fore, and for twenty minutes, any Oyster who drinks a sadness tea can hardly keep themselves together.

II. MAKING WAVES

If gambling isn't to your interest, there are many other areas of the hotel to explore! For the moment, only The Pool Of Tears and the Pig & Pepper Buffet are available for Oysters to peruse, but the staff assure anyone who asks that the other facilities will be open by the next day. Unfortunately, that means no one can buy any swimsuits from This Elegant Thimble, but the staff aren't going to kick anyone out of the pool for jumping in in their clothes!

There are four main attractions to The Pool of Tears: the pool, the jacuzzi, the wave pool, and the lazy river. The water is always just the right temperature, clean and clear and refreshing. It feels as if the sun shines down from above you, warm and comforting. Scattered through the pool area are clusters of modern lounge chairs, just waiting for someone to come relax in them. The Pool is, in a word, serene.

But not for long. The waves generated by the wave pool begin to get choppier, and larger, until it becomes clear that the generator itself is malfunctioning — too late, however, to avoid the tsunami that crashes through the whole Pool and leaves it flooded. Thankfully, no water escapes into the rest of the hotel, and the hotel staff work quickly to rescue those trapped in the Pool and drain the flooding — but you better hope you can tread water until they get to you!

III. EAT ME, DRINK ME

The Pig & Pepper buffet serves lunch foods from across all different cultures, offering something for everyone, and some things you've never even heard of.

On offer with these lunchtime dishes are cookies and biscuits and scones of all kinds, held on tiered trays with signs that proclaim Eat Me! in delightfully whimsical calligraphy. Nearby, hotel staff man a small booth for doling out cups of fruit waters from large pitchers, which have Drink Me! painted playfully on their sides.

It takes a while to feel the effects — perhaps you've even left the Pig & Pepper by the time it happens — but those who eat the cookies and scones inevitably end up growing in size, whether a few inches or feet, and those who drank the fruity water similarly shrink. Eat enough and you might strain the ceiling; drink enough and you'll be the size of a thimble! It's not permanent — if no one else can help you figure out how to get back to normal, the staff certainly will — but it's definitely inconvenient!

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?

Welcome to the (second!) first TDM of Happy Hearts, a new panfandom roleplaying game here on DW! If you have any questions, please direct them to the first comment on this page. Happy playing, Oysters!

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

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[That sinister, cold but amused smirk of Mukuro's spreads across his lips. Even as smart as he is, he feel victim to the dangers of the food and drink not once..but twice. It makes him bitter and a touch annoyed at his own stupidity. But he will just treat it like a test that needed to be taken. One can't be fully prepared to deal with a foe without testing the waters a little.]

Let's just say I'm under the influence right now.

[But Mukuro is as cool as ever, even as he reaches up and grabs that arm with one of his gloved hands. Collected and hard to read by anyone, even those that know him. He has managed to keep the needs of the chocolate well stifled for now. Oddly enough it seems satisfied with just being around another person, and the contact made it even more so.]

Have you been to your given room yet?

[Why is he smiling like that? It just puts Gokudera even more on edge.]

You seem... normal?

[What was he like not under the influence? Gokudera looks at the gloves hand holding his arm, but doesn't think anything of it. Under normal circumstances, the silver-haired man would bristle at the physical contact. But... these aren't normal circumstances. He has no idea what's going on, but that apparently, the Vongola Mist Guardian is under the influence of... food? drink?

His peridot-gray eyes narrow as the seconds tick by that Mukuro is holding is arm. He hasn't lowered it, and wonders if he should.]

Yes. I just left it a few minutes ago. [Should he invite Mukuro in? Give him some water to help flush out whatever he's under the influence of? Well, shit...

Maybe he'll regret it later.]

Want to come back with me? [This is purely out of concern for a member of the family. He doesn't care whether Mukuro will appreciate his offer or not, but -and as much as he hates to admit it to himself- this man is... trustworthy? Maybe it's just that he's familiar. Gokudera will cross that bridge when and if he gets to it.]

Inviting me to a room could be dangerous.

[He releases that arm finally, turning more fully to the other man. Even he doesn't know the full extend of what that chocolate wants him to do. He might not be afraid of the affects but that doesn't mean he necessarily wants to carry them out.]

Did you happen to find a piece of chocolate?

[Mukuro is a master at controlling his mind and body so of course on the outward he wouldn't reveal anything odd going on with the inside of his body. ]

It's just as dangerous standing right here next to you.

[Gokudera releases a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding once Mukuro drops his hand from his arm.]

Yes. I have it with me. Think maybe some water will help? I'd rather help you in a [hesitation, since it's not really something he believes even as he says it] more controlled environment.

[Gokudera is not a master at controlling much of anything.]

Kufufu..[low laughter as he looks at the other in amusement.]

Lead the way then. I don't know that water will help anything but it can be tried.

[Mukuro is going to resist asking for that chocolate. It has already betrayed him once despite his desire for it.]

But I wouldn't eat the chocolate. I'm still trying to determine exactly what it wants of me.

[They are here without their abilities. Gokudera feels safe knowing that, but also, Mukuro's health doesn't seem effected. Turning around, he leads them back towards his room.]

What kind of influence are you under? I mean...[That's not how he means to say that, changes his language, since they're both well versed in different kinds. Whatever works best to describe what he's getting at. Idly, Gokudera wonders if their rooms are on the same floor, or if he merely encountered Mukuro by chance.]

How do you feel? [Having poisoned so many times, Gokudera has a fairly good immunity, and he does appreciate the warning, but he may be able to better monitor what the chocolate does if he were to try it on his own. If Mukuro can give him more answers, that will be more than helpful and he could likely avoid putting himself under the influence.]

Lightheaded?

[A glance in the illusionist's direction shows that he really can't make out any symptoms. He's proud, but for the benefit of others, would be willing to admit how something like that would make him feel.]

[He stares at the other. They are both adults after all so it isn't like he is afraid to tell the other. Perhaps he should let the other eat it just to see how well he handles its effects. But also Mukuro likes to play so he will explain the symptoms in time.]

I'll explain when we reach your room.

[It is more fun that way. But seeing how Mukuro likes to hear himself talk, he isn't going to just stay quiet for the rest of the walk.

Earlier there were teas that altered mood. Anger, sadness, or happiness depending on the color of the drink. This is similar in what it does, but different in the overall effect.

Fine.

[He honestly assumed that was the plan. But he'd like more information about the chocolate. Gokudera can avoid teas just fine. Are they being drugged in public spaces?

Gokudera doesn't like to hear himself talk, so he's just quietly mulling it over while opening the door to his room. He walks in, and monitors Mukuro. This room seems cold, like an office. Strictly business. The walls are an off-white, the floor hardwood with a faux fur rug. All the furniture is either warm wood with white, or just shining metal. Organization appears to be a theme, with nearly each piece of furniture having a secondary use. The chairs are storage, with lifting seats that have enough room to conceal magazines, the bedframe looks to be made of bookshelf pieces. It's a wonder that the vase bearing orange carnations on his desk isn't part aquarium.]

So it's more of a mental effect?

[Gokudera moves to shut the door behind Mukuro before fetching a glass of water for him.]

The teas yes. This one is more physical.

[Oddly enough he had more trouble with the tea then the chocolate. Of course with those he had been caught off-guard. Not realizing it had taken affect until he had already been bothered by it. With the chocolate, the physical effect is one he can handle. It just takes self control.]

This one will be far harder to control for someone who lacks it.

[He follows the other almost like a beast following his prey.]

This one creates a warmth inside your body that desires..company.

[Take that statement as you may]

Physical?

[It's not physically visible. Gokudera sets out the water for Mukuro, then turns to make coffee. Before that, though, he takes the chocolate out of his pocket and stares at it.]

Lonely chocolate? Sadness tea...

[He sets the chocolate down.]

So whoever abducted us wants everyone to have some mood swings? [A chuckle. It's not funny.] It only seems dangerous if you're unaware. [Or if you have an addictive personality.]

Wonder what the coffee will do...

[This is a nice hotel room, he thinks. At least the coffee and the machine don't seem like the cheap kind he's had to use at other hotels.]

Not just sadness. Anger and Joy as well. Surprisingly difficult to quell.

[He stares at the chocolate. When your favorite food betrays you, it is particularly painful.]

The best I can surmise is that the chocolate make it so you desire company in order to keep you from hiding alone in the room versus being out in the elements. It is encouraging social interaction.

[He picks up the water and stares at it. Not sure he even trusts this. He takes a sip though, deciding to start with a small amount just in case.]

It wants all the players out on the field as much as possible.

[Call it his competitive spirit, but he wonders what would happen if he had a bunch of joy tea. Like... what's too much? The anger one and he feels like that's dangerous. Sadness would be embarrassing. But this chocolate...

Mukuro wanted company. He's got it.]

Do you feel better, then? Is it a proximity thing? [They did receive some communicator-things. Why drug them?]

Because you have my company? Or... do you still want to be on the field?

There doesn't seem to be a rule as to how many need to be in the area. One appears to please it.

[At least there is that small favor. Mukuro is not exactly a social butterfly. He much prefers his solitude or a small group of trusted companions. But there hadn't been anyone here that fell into that category.]

It's not a matter of want. It is a need. I certainly don't want to be down in that hideous casino any more then I need to be.

Then I'm happy I can help.

[He sounds insincere, but that's just because he doesn't like Mukuro. However, he looks out for every Guardian in the family, despite how well they can manage themselves. He feels a small bit responsible for them.

Gokudera looks at his chocolate and decides that well... might as well have it while he's got company over. He picks it up and looks it over. It's not a big piece of chocolate.]

Less players on the field. You don't need to be down there. [Not if he said one person is enough. He unwraps the piece of chocolate and takes a small bite of it, wondering how much and how soon will be enough for him to need. He'll eat the whole thing, though, instead of leaving it, forgetting about it and then putting himself in something of a compromising position.]

[He tilts his head quirking one eyebrow as he watches the other ingest the chocolate.]

You do realize I could be lying about the effect, don't you? It could be far worse then what I am describing. I could be lying about having eaten it all just to make you consume it and see what kind of effect it has.

[His expression becomes more sinister as he watches the other.]

Or it could affect everyone differently. Yet you still chose to consume it?

[He knew the other guardians were not the sharpest crayons in the box but this is like proof of it in living color.]

Better me than someone else.

[Mukuro must not realize just how many poisonous things he's tested. How much his sister had practically force-fed him in his youth just to see what she was capable of creating. He eats the rest, and thankfully, it just tastes like chocolate.]

Yeah you could have been. I expect it to affect me differently. [A shrug and he picks up the carafe of coffee to pour himself some.] So then you could be tricking me just to get in my room.

[He waves a dismissive hand, then takes a sip of his coffee. Ah, scalding. Just how he likes it.] Coffee?

The rest of the casino should thank you then. Since it made you into my plaything versus any of them.

[He mirrors that dismissive hand motion for the coffee. He prefers sweet things.]

And why would I want to trick you into coming back to your room?

[He seems genuinely curious about this answer as he taps the side of his glass with a finger.]

Don't know what you mean by plaything [a scoff, then he moves further into the room with an acknowledging hum. There's sugar Mukuro could put in the coffee, but whatever.]

You probably wouldn't, so you probably weren't lying. Or I don't know, to fuckin... give me some false sense of security, or something.

[He moves over to the office chair, and it is far more comfortable than it looks. Gokudera even gives a comfortable sigh at the back support. Too many years of poor posture had done a number on him, and he's not even that old.]

I feel fine, by the way. Thanks for asking. [He gives Mukuro a thumbs up, a bit of a smirk to his lips. Gokudera is calm, content, but maybe that's because Mukuro is here. He feels oddly satisfied having him around. Probably the chocolate's fault.]

Why would I ever want you to feel secure, even falsely? [Making people feel uncomfortable is kind of his forte. He prefers to continue standing, walking around the room a little.]

Fine, you say? [Mukuro knows what fine looks like and based on how the other usually behaves, especially in his presence, he knows that this fine is certainly chocolate based even if the other man doesn't want to admit it.] If you say so.

Because. It's like setting a trap. Not that I know what kind of trap, but usually a false sense of security makes the spring of it more rewarding. [He's seen it with Uri. She likes to toy with small rodents or bugs, or whatever the hell else she can find. He's seen her turn and walk away, giving her prey a chance to get far enough, to feel secure, right before she pounces on it and destroys it.]

[He's watching Mukuro, just like he normally would. But there's nerves in him that scream that he can't and won't let the other leave. Good thing the illusionist doesn't seem to be trying to.]

Okay, more than fine. Comfortable? I mean, I still don't like this, but you're more dangerous than the chocolate. [Compliments? Sure. Whatever.]

How flattering. [He does like to make sure people know he isn't just your friendly neighborhood illusionist.]

My traps don't need to involve people feeling secure. They get caught no matter what state of mind they are in. And the more frenzied they feel, the harder they fall. [It's a fun game either way, watching people try so hard to stay out of his grasp only to realize too late that their efforts were wasted.]

I didn't set this trap however. This time we are playing someone else's game. At least it's more interesting then being in prison.

[Which means he gets to play with all the toys just as much as the game masters. He might be without his abilities, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still have ways to make people squirm.]

[Gokudera starts rummaging in his desk, pulling out a small vape mod, and then he lifts it to his mouth, humming] You're so welcome.

[This has got to be probably the best person to have around right now. This is interesting. He can't really recall the last time he'd had Mukuro in his space.]

Is that where you came from? Any idea how long you were there? [He can't ever be too certain of what Mukuro has been doing, or where he is, or has been. Obviously, he knows the illusionist is real in front of him. He'd felt him. Kind of wants to again, but that makes him feel uncomfortably... needy? Like, for some reason, he wants to be back by his shoulder.

The urge to be close has tugged his expression into a bit of a frown.]

[Mukuro is always the observant one. You need to be in his line of work and he has been watching the other closely while appearing to not have any interest. He can see him starting to unravel so he goes to stand as far away as this room will allow him to.]

I'm always locked up in some way. People seem to think I'm dangerous. [And they are all very correct in that belief.] What they don't seem to understand is that no matter what they do, I still have ways of being outside.

[this prison is a little more tricky but that's half the fun.]

You can sit down, you know. [Gokudera offers, gesturing to one of the chairs at the table, or even the loveseat. There's the bed, but he's not offering that because... well... while Gokudera usually enjoys the company of other men. This is Mukuro so... no thank you.

He looks down at the vape while he listens to Mukuro, wondering if he needed to replenish the juice in it, and would it be dangerous too?]

Yeah, you're kind of the ace up our sleeve. [As long as they've got Chrome, they've got something of a connection to Mukuro.] You seem well, though. [Eyeing him up and down again.]

I'll sit when I'm ready. [He's testing his own theory on this little chocolate drug and continues to pace like the cat after the canary]

You're just full of compliments today. [Mukuro finds that fascinating considering he may tolerate the other guardians but that didn't necessarily mean he liked them. He still didn't like the mafioso but some members have become more tolerable then others.]

HAPPY HEARTS HOTEL

I. THE CASINO FLOOR

II. MAKING WAVES

III. EAT ME, DRINK ME

IV. WELCOME HOME

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