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TDM #1
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you died and so did the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling in the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
WHAT
The first Amani TDM!
WHEN
January 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Phone Sex
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming to the tune of Happy Birthday can be heard. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "This is so exciting! It's my birthday. I'm today years old!" There's the sound of a single party blower that echoes through the halls and sad, small spattering of confetti fall from holes in the ceiling.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
- ★ Spice Cake » After eating a piece of this cake, you might feel a bit spicier than usual! Your character will be more inclined to take risks and care less about what others around them might think of public displays of affection. Why not make-out with that attractive person at the bar? You can't seem to think of many reasons to stop you anymore!
★ Lemon Cake » Despite the situation being perhaps a bit grim, eating a piece of lemon cake will cheer you right up. You'll feel as bright as sunshine and nothing can seem to get you down! Characters will also experience an increase in luck thanks to their good mood. Perhaps now's the time to try and shoot your shot with someone you've had your eye on for a while. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you won't be feeling dejected! ...Well, for now. That'll probably still happen later once the effects wear off.
★ Chocolate Cake » Dark and rich, this cake will have your thoughts taking a similar turn. Consuming this cake comes with an inclination to indulge in darker fantasies. Perhaps you've always wondered what your partner looks like tied up or with a knife against their skin. The red raspberries decorating the top of the cake's frosting suddenly call forth images of blood and you may have a sudden desire to taste that on your tongue instead.
★ Vanilla Cake » Eating this vanilla cake won't have you feeling plain. Instead, you'll feel softer around the edges than usual. Even if it's normally not your thing, cuddles and tender kisses sound amazing right now. All you want is affection and to be affectionate in return. Nuzzle that person's neck, take in their scent, and just enjoy the warmth of them being close. Do you know them? Who cares! You will before all this is over and, hey, now you know they're a great hugger (or not).
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Once the celebration has concluded, characters are encouraged to head out of the main hub to either explore the city or take a ride on the railway. It's time to truly begin your new reality! Whatever they choose, The Peacekeeper will explain to them that they are free to take up any housing they so wish. Most dwellings are at least habitable but it's likely that characters will want for more before long.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
ALL FLUFFED UP
Whether in the city or out in the wilds, the first night will see an abundance of living dandelions. While they appear to be nothing but regular dandelion tufts, get too close and a pair of bright yellow eyes opens to stare at you.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
NAVIGATION
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Finishing the piece of cake by the time Dedue reaches him, Dimitri turns to greet him still beaming. While he wouldn't mind a hug, he also has old ways ingrained in him that prevent him from allowing much more than this.
For now. Just give that spice cake some time. ] Relieved am I, as well, to see you made it here with us. [ He says 'us,' but means more the collective than familiar. Unfortunately, he's yet to come across anyone else but Felix thus far. The man had gone to scout for others while Dimitri stay here in case of this very situation. ] Hopefully, you're correct and we'll see more familiar faces than not.
Of course, that is assuming that any of what this Peacekeeper says is actually true.
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Others have arrived before me, then?
[That's encouraging. It's bad enough to be spirited off into this strange new realm. It would be worse to be there alone.]
There are few ways to determine the veracity of the Peacekeeper's claims. However, it has provided some compelling evidence.
[This is the second time in his life that Dedue has watched everything that he's known and loved be turned into ash. Perhaps that's why he's taking it so calmly-- he's had practice at being taken from his familiar home and dumped unceremoniously into a new land. Old hat at it, one might say.]
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Is that so? It offered proof for me to view, but I declined. [ He's been better the past year; that kind of stress though would undoubtedly cause the dead to haunt him worse than they're bound to at this rate. He understands the desire for Dedue to see for himself but imagines it wasn't easy to see everything lost once more. ] It seems optimistic for our chance to right things, at least.
Although these 'peaceful interactions' are rather vaguely defined.
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[He frowns at the mention of the Peacekeeper and its... unusual requests. Peaceful interactions are required of them, with little instruction as to what that encompasses.]
They are vague, indeed. [Things Dedue Doesn't Like for 1000, Fantasy Dragon Trebek.] Please be careful, Your Majesty. I do not know what to make of this Peacekeeper, but I do not trust it.
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Though I suppose standing around and worrying won't do much good either, will it? [ Even though, as Dedue knows better than most, Dimitri is very good at that. ]
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[But Dimitri's suggestion that they take some kind of proactive steps is a welcome one. Dedue far prefers being able to do something to obsessive worrying or
standing around in the cathedral like a gargoyle, menacing the rubbledoing nothing.]It will not. If I may, I would suggest that we find as many of our friends as we can and secure suitable lodgings. It will be in our best interests to remain together, at least for the time being.
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Yes, of course. The professor might be a good place to start since I imagine he'd be hard to miss, even among the eclectic individuals who have awoken here thus far. And who knows what state anything is in if this hub is what we have to go by. [ The algae-ridden pool, the horrible instruments, the terrible drinks at the bar...
All bad omens.
Either way, Dimitri begins to lead their way as is natural to him. As he passes Dedue to walk a pace ahead, he feels compelled to give the man a pat on the shoulder. Only- ]
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What? is? happening?
He feels almost flustered all of a sudden and it actually halts him, which- That probably is already concerning since he only took like two steps. But how can he focus on walking when it's far too warm from his now colored cheeks down through his person.
WHAT? IS? HAPPENING? ]
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[Usually, it did not cause Dimitri to freeze in his tracks as though he had just been struck with Thoron. His pale complexion betrays him immediately when his cheeks begin to color, as though he's developed a sudden fever in just these few moments.]
Your Majesty? [There is concern creeping into his tone.] Is something the matter?
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At least, not until now. He wonders, briefly, what might have changed in such a short span of time. What-? Oh. ]
I think there was something in the cake. [ He realizes. His hand still hasn't left Dedue's shoulder and now he almost needs to keep in contact with the man, it feels like. Danger, Will Robison. ] I'll be fine, I think, just-
[ 'Stay near,' he thinks but doesn't say and turns somehow even more red in embarrassment at the turn his mind is insistent on taking. ]
Perhaps we should go somewhere safer. [ """safer""" ]
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[It's an unhelpful train of thought. What he could have theoretically done doesn't matter now; what matters is that he takes care of His Majesty promptly.]
There are rooms in the back. The doors lock, and you will be away from the crowd.
[He puts a hand on Dimitri's back to usher him towards those rooms while shouldering his way through the crowd, parting it like an icebreaker ship through floes.]
Do you feel feverish?
[He isn't an expert on poisons, but he knows that it is important to have an idea of how quickly the symptoms present and how severe they are.]
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In his effort to try and cooperate with this 'Peacekeeper,' he had inadvertently fallen right into what might be one of its schemes. ]
I-in a sense, [ he manages to sputter out. The hand against his back sends another rush of strange, stray thoughts through his mind that he wouldn't even begin to know how to articulate. ]
Perhaps warm is a better descriptor than feverish. Or that- I want to be warm? It's hard to discern. [ He's making no sense, is he? He's probably not.
It doesn't make a lot of sense, unless- Oh. Is this what the AI had meant? ]
I may have an idea what's happening although it is a bit... embarrassing.
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[With that completed, Dedue approaches Dimitri again and puts his hands against his face, the back of his neck, trying to feel for an actual fever. It's a little concerning that he isn't sure if he's hot or cold at the moment.]
You do not feel as though you have a fever...
[For what that's worth. It may be that the fever is very mild right now, or Dimitri simply feels warm out of embarrassment or from the effects of the drug without actually raising his body temperature.]
Please, tell me. Even if it is embarrassing, nothing could make me think ill of you.
[He's known Dimitri for nearly a decade, now. He's seen him at his worst and his best; surely nothing now could surprise him.]
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Fever or not, he is still certainly at least a bit red in the face as his thoughts continually turn towards... improper. In a way, it's all Dimitri can do but give an amused huff at the situation he inadvertently put himself in. ]
I had wondered if, [ he starts ] as I mentioned, these 'peaceful interactions' and how vague they seemed to be... Perhaps it was just a politer way of putting things. It would make sense, really, if they wanted us to get along but- Ah, forgive me. [ Even turned on to an nth degree, his majesty still tends to ramble on when in thought. ] All that to say, I think whatever was in that cake is making me want to be... closer to others. Intimately. Not necessarily in a, ah. A carnal way, exactly, but- Well, I...
[ There he goes, losing his nerve. He at some point also stopped being able to look Dedue in the eye but it's fine! He's fine! This is all fine! A clearing of his throat and: ] I suppose, in an odd sense, it is one way to establish better relations between individuals.
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[His Majesty rambles through his thoughts, though this isn't exactly unusual and Dedue can't blame it on mental confusion caused by the adulterated cake. Pinpointing what might be symptoms of poisoning and what are simply Dimitri's behavioral quirks is a more challenging task than anticipated. The intensity at which Dedue is scrutinizing His Majesty may also not make it any easier for him to respond normally.]
[It takes a moment for Dedue to put together Dimitri's scattered attempts at phrasing things delicately.]
Ah.
[To be closer to others, intimately. Not carnally, though-- well. Those are thoughts that Dedue had long since relegated to the foolish and inappropriate, two highly unacceptable things. And he is reminded of what Byleth told him, the poisons that he'd encountered on that terrible island that had driven him to do regrettable things. Dedue refuses to be a regrettable thing for Dimitri.]
[He moves his hands from Dimitri's face to his shoulders-- a more neutral location for them.]
Do you believe that satisfying this compulsion will alleviate your symptoms?
[If all that is required is some form of chaste intimacy, than surely he could provide that to ease Dimitri's discomfort in a manner that isn't distasteful.]
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Yes, [ he answers, too immediate for even him to try and hide the undercurrent of eagerness at the sensation. Don't mind him, he's just going to turn somehow even more red at the fact he's a flustered, turned-on mess around one of his oldest and best friends. ] It, ah. That is to say, it seems like the only logical conclusion.
[ Smooth as crunchy peanut butter, this one. ]
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[He has more self-control than that. He must.]
I will help you however I am able. [Of course he will, is there anything that he wouldn't do for Dimitri?] However, I... do not wish to hurt you. Can you instruct me as to what you need?
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I- [ His thoughts are racing faster now than his mouth can supply. It feels like it's trying to outdo his heart, also thumping faster than he's sure is healthy but only makes him feel butterflies instead of any sort of concern. ] Yes, of course. And you... Trust me, Dedue. I don't think you could hurt me if you tried and I sincerely doubt you ever would truly try. [ Genuine as always. ] But what I need is-
[ Too much for him to express, too much to try and say in this moment, and a desire growing all the while. Instead, it's Dimitri's turn to reach for his longtime companion and pull him close with that trademark Blaiddyd strength to put hands to his face and press their lips together in a heated kiss. ]
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[But what he needs-- Dedue waits for words, for Dimitri to tell him what kind of closeness would satisfy him, and he doesn't expect His Majesty to show him with actions instead. Those hands reach for him and press against his face, that inexorable strength draws him down. Dedue had long ago learned not to fight against the power of the Blaiddyd crest, so he goes into the kiss with little resistance. Dimitri's lips are warm against his own.]
[He had once entertained foolish little daydreams of things like this, back when they were boys at Garreg Mach. Sweet stolen kisses, the warmth of Dimitri's hands upon him, the gentleness of young love. And here he is, with Dimitri's lips against his own as though he is not a man damned in the eyes of his countrymen by the simple fact of his birth.]
[It's weakness that compels him to savor these moments, stretch them out a little longer than he should. For all that he has made himself stoic and unyielding, he is only a man. How could he resist this?]
[But he does, after those moments that he should not have indulged in, resist. He pulls back from Dimitri's warmth, from the temptation of him. The urge to fall back into his embrace is terrible, terrifying. Even were Dimitri to never touch him again, he will bear the searing mark of that kiss for the rest of his days.]
Is this... [He must remember, Dimitri is under the effects of a drug. Dedue cannot take advantage of him; there would be no forgiveness for him if he were to do something while Dimitri isn't in his right mind that disgusts him later.] Are you certain that this will help you?
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His. That's right, isn't it? He wants it to be. Perhaps he just hadn't recognized all that meant until now. While true the cake is driving him to act on desires that he might not otherwise, the fact that he had those desires in the first place doesn't change. Even if he never realized, he does now. It's no wonder he was oblivious, really, with his mind full of nothing but vengeance and warped by war. But now that he has the time to consider, that the veil of all that is stripped away, he can entertain such daydreams and desires. He can entertain the notion of Dedue being his, well and truly, and what that means to him.
When he feels the other man pull away, there's a hint of hurt followed by worry that maybe he has crossed a line. That maybe, despite all the things he's turning over in his head, it isn't... There's hesitancy in Dedue's voice as well but that actually drives Dimitri to be more confident in his decision than less. ]
I am certain. [ he says, at first, giving his vassal the smallest, softest of smiles reserved only for those closest to him. ] I actually... don't think I've ever been more certain of anything, really. [ He won't regret this, he's sure. How could he? ]
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[Perhaps, though, what His Majesty asks of him will not be so terrible a thing. Even if he awakes later to find that he feels differently about this whole thing, is a kiss too high a price to pay if it means easing his discomfort? Of course, it isn't his place to kiss Dimitri, but perhaps this could be considered an extenuating circumstance. Like providing treatment to an injured man. He is simply... treating a different kind of injury.]
If you are certain. [And he hopes, truly, that Dimitri is certain, and that this is not some terrible mistake.] Then please, Your Majesty, allow me to aid you.
[Dedue leans in to return his kiss, lips tentative against Dimitri's own.]
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But what is the saying? Better late than never? He'll go with that if nothing else.]
I could ask for no better assistance. [ Fucking dork.
The press of lips to his own is so soft, fond, and maddeningly chaste for what he actually craves thanks to that spice cake. While Dedue may still have his reservations, Dimitri's are absolutely thrown out the window by now. He returns the kiss with no shortage of passion and grips onto the front of Dedue's armor(? clothes? Pudding doesn't remember so whatever) with a strong undercurrent of need. ]
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[There is a spicy taste left in Dimitri's mouth. Something about the taste of it warms Dedue's blood like strong wine.]
[He lets Dimitri lead the kiss, matching the intensity that he brings to it. His hands come to rest on Dimitri's waist, and he marvels for a moment at how narrow it is, even in armor. He thinks he might be able to get his entire hands around it, if he tried. Something about that makes him heat further, the idea that there is such delicacy even in a man as strong as His Majesty.]
[When he pulls back from the kiss, he's breathless.]
Your Majesty--
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The hands to his waist get an approving, contented noise drawn passed his lips and against Dedue's. If anyone could make Dimitri feel small, it would certainly be his stalwart companion. Not that he minds any, really. In a way, it's nice to be on the opposite end of things in that regard.
This boy is a bottom, truly.It's a good look on him, Dimitri thinks, out of breath and want plain in his gaze. And that isn't just the spice cake talking either. ] Yes, my friend? Tell me, what do you desire of me?
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[Meeting Dimitri's gaze may have been a mistake-- there is naked desire there, and though Dedue's resolve is strong, he is but a man. He isn't made of stone, regardless of what some have said of him.]
Whatever you will give to me.
[It slips out before he can stop it, this admission of too much. Too close to the truth of it-- that Dedue would want anything and everything, so long as it came from Dimitri's hand.]
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