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empatheias_ooc2018-01-19 07:55 am
empevents) wrote in empatheias_ooc2018-01-19 07:55 am
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TEST DRIVE: February
Welcome to
empatheias' test drive meme. This test drive is to help interested players test their characters in the game's environment. We've included a few prompts that incorporate specific elements of the game, though you'll find all of them have a lot of leeway for players to get as creative as necessary. Before diving in, here are a few things we'd like to remind everyone about the game in general:- Date reminders. Reserves open January 25th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on February 1st. Apps will only be open for four days!
- OC Reminder! Just a quick reminder that original characters are allowed. Those interested can also use the test drive. OCs do not need to be reserved.
- Emotions are key! Empatheias' premise focuses on how anyone's emotions can affect their environment, be it big or small. While not every emotion will cause a reaction, significant ones definitely will. How much effect a character will have will ultimately be up to you, the player. Also, while we're giving a lot of leeway for the test drive, keep in mind that there will be some limits in the actual game.
- Everyone has an amulet. All characters have a unique amulet that is specialized for them. It will contain all of their emotion drops and it serves as the network device. Remember, communication is telepathic. Otherwise, it works basically the same.
- Assume the character is already in the game. Because "OMG WHERE AM I IS THIS REAL LIFE" threads aren't going to be very helpful in this test drive! Plus, those are going to happen in-game, anyway. So to make things easier, just assume that they've been around at least a week or so. Still learning the ropes, but not a complete "first day" experience.
- First or third person allowed. Your threads can be in either first or third, but we'd advise being flexible about it. Remember, these threads can also be used in your application for samples! Reminder: We only require one sample and it can be done in either format. We have also made a change to our sample requirements, so look over the Applications page!
- Transfer to in-game. If accepted, you can assume threads made on the Test Drive happen in-game if the scenario can reasonably fit. These threads do not count toward AC.
Now with that out of the way, here are some prompts you guys can work from!
• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try?
• Prompt B: Refer to the Task Board and choose a task your character may be interested in taking up. For this prompt, you could have your character ask for help, already be in the middle of the job, or react to it in some way. Perhaps they were an unfortunate victim or want to create a job countering an existing one. You could even have a prompt making a job request. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.
• Prompt C: How about giving the amulets a go? Start a telepathic conversation and see how it works. Remember, the amulets are sending out the owner's thoughts so might want to be careful about how the stream of consciousness goes...
• Prompt D: The trade agreement between Verens and Briarlan is in full swing, with the opening of Verens’ very first radio station! As an amplitude moderation (AM) only radio station, it will focus more on news and talk shows than music. That doesn’t mean it’ll lack for education or entertainment, as home radio sets begin to be sold throughout the city. Speaking of which, as a new entertainment business installed in the city’s economy, it can offer something else to the Otherworlders: employment! And a party! Enjoy.
• Prompt E: A necessary industry of any society is beekeeping, and Verens is no different. Giant bee skeps for equally giant bees need their honey and comb collected, too. Typically, this task is handled by beekeepers and their assistants. It’s a little different this month, however; due to a significant increase in the amount of honey the bees are producing, they’ve recruited outside help. Volunteers get 70 sylvs per day of work as payment and a jar of honey as a goodwill gift.
• Prompt F: Selenium, the holiday to commemorate and remember lost and loved ones is coming up soon. It will be held in Theasthai, which requires some travel for those in Verens, but with teleporters, it should be easy to get there and get back to the city. It's not the most cheerful of events, but it seems that some of the organisers are more eccentric than traditional. It must have been why they were hired!
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include sunflowers and/or bear cubs.
• Prompt B: Refer to the Task Board and choose a task your character may be interested in taking up. For this prompt, you could have your character ask for help, already be in the middle of the job, or react to it in some way. Perhaps they were an unfortunate victim or want to create a job countering an existing one. You could even have a prompt making a job request. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.
• Prompt C: How about giving the amulets a go? Start a telepathic conversation and see how it works. Remember, the amulets are sending out the owner's thoughts so might want to be careful about how the stream of consciousness goes...
• Prompt D: The trade agreement between Verens and Briarlan is in full swing, with the opening of Verens’ very first radio station! As an amplitude moderation (AM) only radio station, it will focus more on news and talk shows than music. That doesn’t mean it’ll lack for education or entertainment, as home radio sets begin to be sold throughout the city. Speaking of which, as a new entertainment business installed in the city’s economy, it can offer something else to the Otherworlders: employment! And a party! Enjoy.
- Open Invitation: As soon as the new technology is installed and tested to perfection, the station organises a party to celebrate its grand opening. Invitations are distributed like fliers; in the eyes of the new station, the more party attendees, the better. Held both inside the station and on the block outside of it, there are tables upon tables of cake, cookies, passe horderves, and non-alcoholic beverages. Go ahead and mingle! Every half hour or so, the radio talk show hosts will invite someone on the outside podium to try and entertain the crowd.
- What’s Your Favourite Colour?: So, you would like to work as a radio talk show host! It’s open auditions and you’re either the person demonstrating your interviewing acumen as a potential radio jockey, or you're the person being paid 50 sylvs to allow yourself to be interviews on-air. Either way, the day certainly won’t be wasted. Feel free to improvise to your heart’s content or use a handy list of interview questions and suggestions provided by the people proctoring the auditions. There’s also cookies and juice boxes available but try not to talk with your mouth full on air.
- Five Nights at Radio Shack: Didn’t cut it as a potential radio personality? Not to worry, the station needs janitors too! Because they hire on week-long contracts, it can be considered more of a temp gig than anything--which is for the best, because the basement underneath the station is dark, vast and labyrinthine. The tasks required are mopping, dusting, taking out the garbage and bringing any equipment from the basement to the ground floor. If there are creaking noises, whispers, giggles, faint voices, all of it can be explained by natural phenomenon or radio interference piping through the walls. Those footsteps, on the other hand...
• Prompt E: A necessary industry of any society is beekeeping, and Verens is no different. Giant bee skeps for equally giant bees need their honey and comb collected, too. Typically, this task is handled by beekeepers and their assistants. It’s a little different this month, however; due to a significant increase in the amount of honey the bees are producing, they’ve recruited outside help. Volunteers get 70 sylvs per day of work as payment and a jar of honey as a goodwill gift.
- Honey and Gather: Honey gathering! Due to the unorthodox bees, the skeps are the size of large houses with many twisting corridors and convenient openings for volunteers to enter. The task is simple: in groups of two, wander the hives, collect the comb, and let the honey drain into the buckets provided. Once the bucket is full, bring it back to the closest beekeeper’s household. Get a new bucket, rinse and repeat. Easy, right? A typical large bee is about the size of a person, with the queen being the size of a midsize car. They are friendly enough, although quite curious and prone to brief fits of territorial displays if they feel their home is being intruded upon. Good thing they’re susceptible to Dunamis!
- A Queen Imperiled: Unfortunately, opening the skeps to volunteers also makes the beekeeping industry susceptible to mischief and theft. While the worker bees were distracted by the presence of people, a group of poachers managed to get in and steal away the queen bee. Getting her back before she’s sold is imperative, and the beekeepers are willing to pay a hefty reward. Track the poachers to their hideout several few miles away, dispatch them as best you can, and bring the queen back to her people. They need her.
- Let Me Be Your Wings: Good news! Now that the queen has been rescued, she is grateful and accommodating to her saviours -- enough so that she is willing to give people a ride back to her home. There’s no need to be afraid, she’s twice as sturdy as a horse. The bad news? Her wing took an unfortunate hit during her capture and she can only make part of the journey. Hopefully whoever rescued her has a plan to transport her the rest of the way back. Ever gone bee walking? It’s a bit less agreeable than dog walking.
• Prompt F: Selenium, the holiday to commemorate and remember lost and loved ones is coming up soon. It will be held in Theasthai, which requires some travel for those in Verens, but with teleporters, it should be easy to get there and get back to the city. It's not the most cheerful of events, but it seems that some of the organisers are more eccentric than traditional. It must have been why they were hired!
- The Ring: A few months ago, children (and people who looked like children) received unsigned letters and were found at a bottom of a well in the forest three days later. Investigations led Enforcers to believe that this strange phenomenon was caused by a girl named "Samantha" who passed away in the hospital years ago. In order to let Samantha's spirit enter the realm of the dead properly, the eccentric organiser for Selenium is hosting a wrestling competition at the city square. Samantha's dream was to be a pro-wrestler, and a small festival that shows sportsmanship and competition might help her find peace. Put on a body suit, enter the ring, and tackle your opponent to the ground! Of course, this may or may not be a voluntary thing. . . said organiser can be rather pushy and just shove the suit onto anybody nearby. It's for the sake of the spirits, she says!
- Wishing Stairs: One of the temples in Verens has now become a festival attraction. Booths serving small Arehtei-related trinkets can be found at the top of the stairs, and they're lined up leading to the bell at the centre of the temple. Ringing the bell will send a message to the dead, wherever they may be. It's a calling of sorts to them—a means of telling them that Selenium is coming soon and that their loved ones will be connecting with them soon. There is a catch, though. . . going up the staircase up to the temple is a bit challenging. Salt is spread on each step with only two small circular spots for someone to step on. It's said that making it to the top of the staircase without getting any salt on one's shoes means that their wish will come true. Why don't you give it a try?
- Shutter: Photographs in Empatheias are still sepia toned, compared to the more modern and futuristic worlds some Otherworlders are from. One of Selenium's organisers got wind of how photos are important to the dead—even more so to those of the living—as it's how they remain alive. One of the halls in the city is now occupied by some Thespian organisers and their Verens counterparts, and they are requesting for assistance in gluing, piecing together, and repairing photographs. The photos are scattered all over the tables in the hall: some are torn, some have ink blots or food stains which need to be cleaned, and some have been folded too much that the creases have deformed the faces in the photograph. Those who wish to assist in this endeavour will receive a plateful of warm butter cookies, hot chocolate, and 200 sylvs. Just watch out, though, because sometimes, the subjects of the photos seem to move when no one's looking.
• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include sunflowers and/or bear cubs.
For your threads, put the Character Name and the Canon in the subject line to help readily identify them. You're also welcome to use more than one prompt for respondents to choose from. If you have any questions or want to brush up on the game information, refer to the Game Information entry. Otherwise, tag around and have fun!
[2/2]
He gave their lax grip a gentle, almost experimental shake. No, that wasn't a hand with firm muscle, and he saw how their nails glinted under the lights.]
Nice to meet you, Diamond. I'm Dazai. [Then, in a lighter tone,] It doesn't seem like losing a leg's bothered you too much, if you're this cheerful.
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Nailed it!! They're so proud.] Nice to meet you as well! [That comment makes them shake their head, tilting it in mild confusion before a look of understanding blooms on their face]
Oh! That's right... Something like that is usually permanent or even... Ah, what's the word... 'Fatal'? That means they'll 'die' right? [The words are said like using them in general is wholly unfamiliar to them.]
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His amusement, however, took on a sombre undertone at her next words, and his smile became one of contemplation.
A being apparently unused to even the concepts of permanent injury or death - well. One more thing to mull over in depth later.]
It really depends. If their condition's severe enough, yes, a person can die. If they don't bleed out and are able to get medical attention, maybe they'll live.
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'Live,' 'die,' 'bleed out'... [Concepts they're vaguely aware of. Organic creatures would 'live' or 'die'-- And all eventually 'died' right?] Like a permanent sleep... I think. Only eventually, nothing of the person will remain.
[They've seen the bones of birds in passing and would vaguely notice that after a couple hundred years they'd disappear completely. No trace.] They're gone for good and you can't find them again, unlike with us... Even if we're shattered, if enough pieces are recovered, we'll come back with maybe only a few memories lost.
[Diamond goes quiet, trying to parse through it, but it's such an alien concept. They can't truly understand it and they shake their head.] I'm sorry. It's hard for me to imagine. What is 'bleeding out,' if I can ask? Or is this type of topic too morbid?
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[The description was perhaps more apt than Diamond realized, spanning the moments of physical death, burial, and forgetfulness. How ephemeral and strange the human life span might seem to them in contrast to losing only memories, and never their physical forms.
Dazai couldn't imagine an existence such as theirs.
Or, to be more accurate: he could maybe, if he really wanted to, imagine an approximation of eternal unchanging life. He just didn't want to think of himself in such a situation of perpetual limbo.]
Asking for clarification isn't something to apologize for. And no, it's not too morbid a topic - for me, at least. [He paused, absently biting the corner of his lower lip as he tried figuring out the best explanation. Exanguination was far from his top ten list of things to be enthusiastic of but, considering his past, he wasn't about to lose lunch over it, either.] First things first - do you know what blood is?
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The question has them tilting their head and then shaking it, sending little rainbows scattering over the table.] No, I can't say I really do... [A pause and they add, hesitant and uncertain] Is it that stuff that leaks sometimes? Not from the eyes, I think, but it can leak elsewhere?
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[He took a handkerchief from his pocket and pair of scissors from the table. Dazai wiped off the scissor blades with his coat tail before making a shallow cut on his little finger, ignoring the sting with experience. A drop of blood welled up, and he held up his hand long enough for Diamond to inspect before wiping it off with the handkerchief.]
That's blood. "Bleeding out" means we've lost too much of it from our bodies, and it's only one out of many ways we can die. A small cut like this [he wiggled his little finger] usually isn't a problem, but larger wounds need to be treated.
[This wasn't a demonstration he'd normally do. On the other hand, there were more advantages in showing this to Diamond, moreso when they were now surrounded with bodies prone to irreversible injuries.]
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They eyes widen in a mix of alarm and intrigue, watching with open fascination as the blood wells up from the cut. Their gaze shifts from his hand to his face, listening carefully. 'Usually' isn't a problem means 'sometimes' it is. Organic beings were so fragile. How in the world did they get by on the daily? Dia isn't sure if they're impressed or incredibly concerned.]
And the blood can't just be put back? [They keep their voice hushed, like asking about a secret, since they noticed how Dazai didn't seem to want to draw attention. But they shift on their knees on the chair, half-laying over the table as they rest on their forearms to get closer]
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No. Not now.
He tucked his handkerchief back in his pocket and made an absent gesture with his free hand.]
We have to wait to heal up.
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Ah. Death is inevitable, right? It's likely he's lost someone permanently too. Diamond imagines many humans have gone through something like that, so they simply nod in understanding and rest their chin in their hand.]
It's not like that for my kind... I've lost limbs before, my head, parts of my face or my eyes... As long as the pieces are recovered, we'll come back. [There's a giggle that probably shouldn't be there and Diamond smiles] Phos always shatters so easily, but even when their body is in pieces, if their mouth is intact, they still complain! [Trying to put some levity into the situation...]
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no, certainly not mechanical) he could appreciate her amusement in this Phos' spirited nature.
The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly as he chuckled.]
That's certainly convenient, yes. You seem quite sturdy though. What would cause you or Phos to break?
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They sit back and hold out their arm, studying themselves for a moment with a passive expression. They draw back, running their free hand over their arm, remembering the moments of arrows and things piercing through them.]
Hmm... [How do they explain without giving it away outright?] All of us have different classes of hardness. For Phos, just being put down or picked up too quickly might break them. For me, I'm hard, but fragile under impact. I'm still fairly durable and I'm strong, but... [They can still break easily at times. Dammit.] The maximum hardness level is 10--which I have. Phos is a 3.5.
All of us in the 'diamond class' have the maximum hardness, but durability is a bit different. My partner is in the same class as me, but they're special. [Their smile turns a tad bitter.] Even if hit at a weak angle, the shock doesn't travel through their body, so they can withstand anything. I don't think I've ever seen them break in combat.
[They put their arms down on the table to lean on them again and continues to smile, forcing the bitterness away.] Very strong emotions will cause us to break too sometimes. Hmm...And the salt water can be rough on us; I know some of us can't venture out too far because the pressure will shatter us too...
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Looking back, he's had one clue too many. Knowing their name after seeing their hair should've been a giveaway. He'd focused on their humanoid appearance, and then they got into a discussion on mortality and blood.
There was also another thing that still puzzled him. His brow wrinkled as he tapped his chin, taking into consideration their loaded mention of a partner (bitterness - jealousy?), combat, and strong emotions.]
Are you saying you're an actual diamond? [He couldn't keep the disbelief out of his voice, unable to decide what was odder - that he might be talking to a sentient gemstone, or that there was something used in combat that could break diamonds.] In my world, diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance! Sadly, I don't have one on me right now to compare, but - are you really?
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Yes, that's it exactly! You got it! For the record, Phos's full name is Phosphophyllite. There's also Rutile, Jade, Yellow Diamond, Zircon, the twin Amethysts... [A few people give their table aggravate glares from Diamond's sudden laughter, and they wave a hand in sheepish apology]
Ah, sorry, sorry! [Still looking pleased and amused when they turn their attention back to Dazai, they explain] It's true. After our master, Bortz, Yellow Diamond, and I are the hardest. But we're still constructed a little differently. Bortz isn't a monocrystal like I am-- Their body is made up of a synthesis of microcrystals which makes them much more durable in battle. They're the hardest and most perfect of all of us, after Master.
[If Dazai is at all familiar with gems he might recognize that Bortz = Bort/boart. And despite Diamond's praise, their voice holds an edge to it again when speaking of them.] I suppose, compared to most things in this world, I'd fare a little better then I had in my world though. The weapons of our enemies were designed to break us, after all.
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If 'Bortz' was 'bort' (ah, there it was again, that change in inflection - was this Bortz their partner, or another disliked person?), it was a familiar term from his days in the Mafia through his knowledge of the blood diamond trade. As far as he was aware, however, they were diamonds classified as non-gem grade. Diamond's description of Bortz, on the other hand, made them sound like a synthetic crystal.
Two other things caught his attention: the mention of a Master and enemies. So. An active combatant in their world's conflict. One of the hardiest in their force. Has already experienced debilitating injury versus some other group that possessed military technology dissimilar to anything in Verens. Still retained such a cheerful and trusting nature.
It made Dazai wonder if Diamond's nature was more the exception or the rule, and what that fight's stakes were for them.
He laced his fingers in front of him.]
Knowing that, would you return to your world?
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There's a slow, thoughtful hum and they stretch their arms out in front of them as if actually stretching and examine their hands.] Hmm... I miss Master, and I miss all of my friends, of course. I love them all very, very much.
[From someone else this might have sounded practiced or rehearsed, parroting back phrases they had learned to say, but Diamond is nothing but genuine. They've always been honest--there's been little reason to ever lie to each other and it had always been pointless to try in regards to everyone's interpersonal relationships. There was only a couple handfuls of them, after all and when you live together for hundreds and hundreds of years you learn quickly that all sorts of gossip spreads fast.]
But I wanted for a long time to go somewhere where Bortz wouldn't be around. [They bring their hands p and rest their chin on the back of their folded hands, smiling in a way that's sweet, but genuinely sheepish and a little embarrassed] Hahah, does that sound terrible? I wonder... Here, I'm very useful. I have no one to be compared to anymore. So I think... I would like to stay here for a little while longer. My kind don't change, or, at least, not easily. It's almost impossible to really get stronger or move beyond what you're capable of from the start. But... Here, maybe... I can find something that will allow me to change and improve and move forward, so I'm no longer getting left behind.
I only know their canon from ep01 but can I just hug diamond?
He had no doubt Diamond was honest even now, with how sincere they've been throughout their conversation. What interested Dazai, in fact, was that they still openly admitted to a relative stranger something that might not have been looked upon favorably.
In any case, their description of wanting to avoid comparison to another brought a cryptic smile to his lips, partially hidden as they were by his fingers. It sounded like a rivalry of sorts. He was also curious to see how they'd put their desire to better themselves into action.]
My. Well, those are good goals if you're simply catching up to someone's shadow. [Dazai's expression was politely inquisitive as he waited for Diamond's response. He wanted to check just how much this Bortz' perceived superiority hung over their head, and why it mattered.] Not getting along with certain people does happen from time to time, you know.
[Here, the corners of his eyes tightened faintly, and he diverted his thoughts to his former and current proteges instead. There definitely wasn't a need for him to remember his own rival at this point in time.]
asdfg AN UNDERSTANDABLE REACTION pls do hug the rock
Mm, that's true. We've all lived together for hundreds of years--thousands, in some cases, so it's also natural for these sorts of things to be forgotten about eventually. There's no real use in holding on to them... But despite that... [Their feelings still linger. Dia hums thoughtfully.] But, you know, I really do love them too. [That's said genuinely too. They love Bortz and they also hate them enough to want to get away from them. 'If only Bortz wasn't around...' Diamond brings their shoulders up, all sheepish again] It's all a very complicated mix! I'm afraid I don't have a word for this sort of feeling.
[They perk up a little, suddenly looking eager] Maybe humans have a word for it?
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His brow furrowed as he pressed his thumbs together while he thought about Diamond's question.] Something more specific? I can't think of anything at the moment for my native language. On the other hand, isn't "complicated" fine as it is?
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[A rather stagnant existence, the monotony broken up mostly by the attacks of their enemies and whatever shenanigans they can get up to.
Suddenly they press their hand to their mouth with a startled look and squirms in their seat, apologetic.] Oh, I'm sorry! I've been talking on and on about myself... That was really rude, huh? I should be asking more about you! I've never seen a human before. You're so... Cute!
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'Cute,' hmm? Dazai chuckled in amusement. Had it been a colleague from the Agency, he would've effected exaggerated embarrassment in jest. With Diamond, he questioned if that description was solely about his appearance, and that line was preceded with a thought about humans.]
I don't believe I've been called that before! In what sense?
[No, he wasn't fishing for compliments, though he was aware that's what it sounded like.]
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[They move now so that they can sit directly beside him, making a move as if to reach for his face, to cup it with both their hands. But they pause halfway through the gesture, hesitating. This wasn't an animal they could just pick up and handle, nor one of the other gems.]
May I? I promise to be gentle.
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Diamond had no reason to intentionally harm him. There was no need to anticipate any hidden agendas, and this world didn't have anything remotely similar to the armed conflict back in Yokohama.
Those were also not why he gave an easy smile and shrugged in feigned nonchalance, even as he slightly detached himself from the situation in his mind.] Up to you.
[In a light tone, gently teasing:] You know, most would consider touching another's face an intimate act.
[At the end of it, really, Diamond was like a naive child, unfamiliar with human customs.
He wondered if they'd concentrate solely on his facial features (nothing unusual about his brown hair or hazel eyes, to begin with), or if they'd go so far as to notice and ask about the bandages peeking out of his shirt collar.]
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[They wave their hands in a warding gesture and-- Blush? Somehow?
Don't ask idk how the fuck that works either. Anime bullshitBut hey, he gave perission and they're not about to squander it!Their fingers are sooth and cool against Dazai's face, gently touching at his jaw. They tilt his head slightly, moving it from side to side and watching how the light does and doesn't react. The dullness of his hair and eyes is just as fascinating as the brilliant sheen of their own might be to others.]
You're so soft. [Dia laughs softly, under their breath if they actually could breathe (though they still sigh and all so ??).] Sorry, sorry, is that weird? But your-- skin? [That was the right word, right?] And your hair... [One hand moves up to touch his hair, curling some of the ends around their fingers and there's another giggle before their gaze travels downward and yes, catch sight of the bandages.
It takes a moment to make the right connections, hand traveling down to meet where the bandages begin.] Are you hurt? That's what those mean, don't they?
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His eyes fluttered half-shut when Diamond's fingers touched his face, partly to avoid the reflection of light on their nails, and he felt once again how cold and solid their hands were. He relaxed and allowed them to tip his head, imagining himself as a mannequin in that moment.
With how human Diamond's appearance was, seeing them up close and noting the differences between their hair, eyes and skin was uncanny.
He effected a sheepish smile when they commented on the bandages.] Not right now. There was a time I got injured a lot, so I guess you could say I got used to wearing them.
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