WEEK ONE: MINGLE

[retellers]

WEEK ONE: MINGLE (40 remain) Rise and shine, gremlins. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it's the start of a new week. To the participants, yesterday's events may seem distant now—albeit not as distant as their life before this. Whether or not they notice, they will have lost a memory upon waking up. The barrier to the north is down, and beyond the bridge lies new areas to explore. Strangely, what was there last week seems to have been replaced overnight. That's not the only thing that's different, either. The participants will find that their lodgings have changed. Finally, should anyone check their PHS, Hajime, Pikachu, and Virid's profiles have been removed. Three Leaders can be found around the area, open (?) to approach. If participants want to speak to them more privately, or to an absent Leader, it looks like they'll have to go through another channel. Furthermore, it looks as though the rules have updated. Finally, this week, the participants will find themselves drawn to one person in particular. Whoever that is, they will find themselves compelled to be close to them physically. The longer they attempt to resist this, the more compelled they will be... and the closer they will want to be, to the point that it might be emotionally and physically draining to not be holding hands or hugging them for several hours because you've ignored them too long. That's fun.

NAVIGATION locations ₓ˚. statuses *+:｡ ic profiles :ₓo ic rules ･ﾟﾟ･｡ audience requests murder proposals ｡✧o private conversations ･ﾟo｡ curfew ･ﾟ✧ memories

Comments

[discernments]

Eh? What?

I-It's not everywhere!

[ Is she mortified? Is she confused? It's both. ]

This isn't—

[ She's no where near to being in tears, but her voice is wavering like she can't believe this.

Please help. ]

[misstrust]

...

[ Dorothy is probably the last person to ask for help in a situation like this, but Jeanne looks so pitiful that she can't help but just-- pat her on the head. ]

It's all right, Ruler. For now, Rufus prefers to have a clear escape route, so you could try maybe three steps apart and see how that feels?

[ She's not blind, she's noticed some unexpected duos lately. And it's not as though she hasn't felt it herself.

But this is still kind of funny. ]

[soulus]

[Who said anything about escape? He makes a face, but doesn't say anything. Dorothy's suggestion isn't unsound, at least.]

[discernments]

[ When Dorothy pats her head, Jeanne's hand flies up to touch her head. It's not often someone does that to her. It's kind of novel each time.

At least Rufus is free now. ]

But I am three steps away from hi—

[ Oh, she's not. She turns bright red and takes fifty steps back. (It's more like ten.)]

[misstrust]

That's-- a little more than expected, but I suppose I can't fault you for enthusiasm? Really, you're surprisingly passionate.

[ Way to go, Jeanne?? ]

[soulus]

[The metaphorical fifty steps are too much. Wordlessly, Rufus moves across the bridge to wrap his arms around Jeanne.

It's been a while.]

[discernments]

I-I'm not—

[ Jeanne lets out a small scream, as surprised as she is scandalized by this hug.

I'm sorry. ]

[misstrust]

[ Pardon.

Dorothy is just going to be laughing into one hand. Her voice is a little strangled when next she speaks, like she's still struggling a bit. ]

Should I leave you two be to work this out?

[soulus]

[She's so noisy.

His demon arms are still wrapped around Jeanne.]

There's nothing to work out.

[discernments]

No! Please stay.

[ Calm down, Jeanne. ]

It's fine. You don't need to go.

[ But she does need to get out of this hug, so she's going to try and throw Rufus over her shoulder. ]

[misstrust]

[ Oh dear god. ]

I really think you should talk about this--

[ But she stays put, at least? This isn't anything scandalizing. Unlike to some people. ]

[soulus]

[Her throw is successful, and Rufus goes sailing over Jeanne's shoulder. The second he makes contact with the bridge floor, he uses the angular momentum to roll onto his feet and straightens.]

What is there to talk about?

[discernments]

[ Oh. That's not bad. She can appreciate that sort of movement. ]

There isn't really anything to sort out.

[ She's pretty sure about that that(?). ]

[misstrust]

Well, as I think you two understand by now... or so I'd hope, this might continue for a while. So you might want to--

[ And she staggers a little, grimacing. ]

[soulus]

[His head snaps in Dorothy's direction. What's wrong with her?]

[discernments]

[ Jeanne dashes to Dorothy's side, worried, reaching out to help her keep balance, if she needs it. ]

Are you all right? Do we need to bring you to someone?

[misstrust]

[ Rufus, don't give yourself whiplash...

But Dorothy shakes her head, smiling reassuringly-- even as her stance isn't the steadiest right now, so thanks Jeanne. ]

I'm all right, just a momentary bit of dizziness. It hasn't been all that long.

[soulus]

[If he does, he'll charge her for damages.

He continues to watch in silence from a short distance. It's fairly obvious what Dorothy means. Jeanne will probably be all over this.]

[discernments]

... But it's been long enough.

[ She frowns. ]

I don't want you to be faint, Dorothy.

[misstrust]

[ Excuse you, she didn't ask Rufus to turn his head so sharply?? Or at all?? She'll contest that fee! ]

Really, it's fine. I promise I'll make my way there soon enough.

And I can just pay Rufus to prop me up if I need it.

[ Probably a joke but who actually knows ]

[soulus]

[Rufus doesn't miss a beat.]

How much?