dualisooc | TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

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!tdm

TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

» 01. WELCOME WAGON

Wow, what a bunch of new faces! The city of Dualis hasn't seen anything like this in a long time, and they've seen some pretty crazy things. Chances are you're seeing some pretty crazy things, too, unless you're used to a lot of neon, robots, weird-ass technology, magic, and an omnipresent police force...and hey, if you are, congrats, you're gonna settle in juuuuust fine. But for the rest of you, the Head knows this has gotta be pretty overwhelming, right?

Well, since your quaint individual processing units are probably having a hard time, why not link up with another one? By which the Head means...

Hello, new citizens of Dualis, and welcome to your first monthly Network Adjacency Protocol~!

NAPs are a monthly community networking event similar to the Earth concept of speed dating! Two citizens (new arrivals and old hands alike) are placed at a table together with a handy cue card of queries to help break the proverbial ice. Ask queries and receive results, or ignore the card and yeet yourself straight into a brand new friendship! But don't be too shy, you've only got ten minutes together, and if you just sit in silence for the whole ten, then the Network Admins are likely to come supervise and try to repair the uplink through a mild shock to the ol' central nervous system. You might find yourself saying all sorts of unintended facts about yourself if that happens...probably better to just make friends, right?

» 02. A BUG IN THE CODE

Remember how the Head mentioned that whole plague thing? Well, don't worry, this isn't that.

It is, however, a really, really terrible flu circulating through the residents of Dualis. Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, hallucinations and even in some cases seizures. Bad news, all around. Luckily, this is something the Head knows how to deal with! Time for vaccinations, everyone~

The vaccination process is pretty straightforward: just head to your local clinic and get innoculated! You'll be in and out in less than ten minutes, MedDualis is pretty efficient that way. There isn't even a copay. The MedDroids will tell you, however, that there might be some minor side effects** to watch out for, including physical reactions and odd dreams, but don't worry--those will wear off within forty-eight hours. Nothing to concern yourself about! Of course, if that worries you, you could always run the risk of getting the flu--or passing it on to your loved ones...

**Possible side effects include: Gender or sex change, positive or negative size change, appearance alterations, shared dreams, and mild telepathic links, among others. Please contact your local MedDroid if these symptoms become too severe, or other side effects such as death occur.

» 03. TANSTAAFL

Well, you're settling in just fine, and the basic accommodations and amenities are okay, but maybe you've got a hankering to see that new VR Film: SHARKS IN SPACE 85: BLACK HOLE SHARK DO DO DO DO DO DO DO. Or maybe you want some sweet new duds to wear around town, or even just an actual slab of steak. Sorry, those cost extra, pal, which means it's time for...

JOB HUNTING.

Fortunately, Dualis makes this pretty easy! There's a job fair on this week, down at the Central Hub! Plug your certifications and skills into any of the EmployMe terminals in the Dualis Central Hub, and the computer will auto-generate a currently open job that it feels you'd be best suited for. No resume writing or lengthy application process required! Of course, whether or not this job sounds like the right job for you is another matter...but hey, how could an AI with millions of years of learning be wrong? Time to get started, or try and switch waivers with another unhappy new employee--but be warned, some unforeseen consequences may occur if you try swapping identities with someone else...

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[ charles smiles brightly. ]

That would be lovely.

[ Even after all these years, Erik still feels his heart lift when Charles smiles at him. The back of his neck grows hot as he answers with his own, bashful smile. ]

Might as well see if we can share an apartment. It would make that easier.

[ his heart stutters at that because it's been years, years of charles dreaming of possibilities, hoping and to hear it so plainly has him a bit agog, as if he didn't quite hear that correctly. it takes him a very visible moment to collect himself. ]

I — Yes. Absolutely. That would be. Ideal.

[ Erik isn't entirely sure about that. He hasn't had a roommate in some time. He almost mentions his habit of casual nudity in his private quarters but then realizes that probably wouldn't count as a "con" in Charles' book.

He'd find out soon enough, anyway. ]

If it's not, they don't seem to be too fussy about leases.

[ charles hums. ]

That's true. I'm sure we can find something that works for us.

[ Erik can't help but laugh. ]

You're downsizing. Considerably. And gaining a roommate. Do you ever carry an umbrella or do you just expect to walk in eternal sunshine.

[ the last time he held an umbrella, it was during raven's funeral. his fingers twitch against his arm-rest, but other than that, charles lets nothing else show. ]

That's fine. I imagine it'll be good for me. Broaden my horizons somewhat.

[ Erik doesn't know about that, because he wasn't invited. ]

Not too far, I hope. You have old friends here, after all.

[ He's teasing. And not at all keenly aware of how much more personable and charismatic Charles is than he could ever hope to be. ]

[ do you even have phone service in genosha. charles keeps his smile up, albeit tremulous. ]

That depends on them, I think.

[ Erik pauses, and looks at him, frowning. ]

They brought us here. They know what we are. Do you think we'll be facing the same prejudices as we do at home?

[ Is he the more optimistic on this point? What a strange and unusual feeling. ]

[ he starts. ]

What? No, no, of course not. This place seems like a healthy mix of individuals and unique properties.

[ Erik hums quietly, not quite satisfied, and almost starts walking again but stops himself before he takes a step. ]

So then why are you so off-balance all of a sudden.

[ See? He pays attention. ]

[ charles purses his lips tightly before letting some of the tension slip from his shoulders. ]

I — left the school. I'm not sure what else of myself I left behind. I suppose I am still working that out. My own balance.

[ In the chaos of their unexpected arrival in this alien place, and then Erik's happiness at seeing his friend, it had slipped his mind why he was going to Paris to seek him out in the first place. Of course Charles had to remind him. ]

Rebuilding is possible.

[ If anybody should know, it's Erik. He's had to do it enough times. ]

[ his expression softens. ]

Of course it is. I'm just . . . dwelling a little.

[ Erik dwelled in hatred and violence for decades. He doesn't judge. Of course Charles would be dwelling in a different sort of prison. One made of self-recrimination and shame. ]

In my experience, it is best not to drown in it. [ These are not empty words. He did just that, for a long time. ] But to clarify what your actual goal is, and find some other way to make progress toward it.

[ charles nods slowly. ]

A new goal would certainly help.

[ but it would be the hardest one to reach. ]

[ He swallows quietly, suddenly gripped by nerves. ]

We could determine one together. You could come to Genosha with me.

I — I could.

[ he glances at erik, softer. ]

You . . . truly want that?

[ His heart is so full he thinks it might burst in his chest. Maybe this is how he dies. His one true love, finally both ready to take that step and be truly together. And then he dies of a heart attack.

It would be in keeping with everything else. ]

I want... [ What to say. ] I want to return the kindness you gave to me. You saved me. I would have died in my pursuit of Shaw if you hadn't given me a reason to live. You offered me something I thought I would never have again. Home. A family.

[ He offers his hand, wanting to feel the touch of his skin. Make this feel more real. ]

I wasn't ready to accept it, then. But I can offer it to you, now.

[ his own heart is in his throat, lodged deep. it does not seem real and it is hard to shake off the old fear, of reading too much into things. of getting his hopes up. his fingers dig into the armrests for a brief wild moment, as if to ground charles in reality.

but this is reality, isn't it?

without thinking, charles finds himself reaching out to curl his fingers around erik's hand. ]

You truly want this?

[ do you truly want me? ]

[ Erik turns to face him. And then lowers to one knee so they're on more even footing. ]

I do. I have, for some time. It just never...

[ He looks down and strokes the back of Charles' hand with his thumb. ]

There was a time when the school was everything to me. But that time ended very quickly, and I knew I couldn't stay there. I also knew I couldn't ask you to leave it. But that's changed.[ He meets his eye again. ] I just want you to know that if you choose it, you don't have to be alone.

[ it's not even charles' school anymore. he doesn't mind the change, but it makes him a little heartsore. but this — this could be it. charles has wanted this for so long. what reason did he have to hesitate?

none. he had none. carefully, charles moves erik's hand so that it rests upon his cheek. he blinks a few tears from his eyes. ]

I don't want to be alone.

[ Erik blinks away the sudden rush of tears and smiles. There's something overwhelming about it. Because he's sure this time. More sure than he's ever been about anything. And if it falls apart again. If he destroys it all again.

Better not to think about that right now. Instead, he strokes Charles' cheekbone with his thumb. ]

You're not alone.

[ He leans forward and kisses him softly. ]

[ charles kisses back, salt on his lips as the tears fall. but his expression smooths over as he grasps onto erik's shirt to keep him there. ]

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