synflux | ( open; ) summer episode part 2?

( open; ) summer episode part 2?

WHO: Any Outsider is more than welcome!
WHAT: Dating shows... I was bullied.
WHERE: Between Okinawa & Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: Throughout the remainder of July (listen, it's a production)!
WARNINGS: Partial nudity, alcohol, potential suggestive topics, and will update 'em as I see 'em!

Throughout the city of Neo Tokyo and even Okinawa, there will be advertisements posted by the hundreds (and spam mail to your oculars by an equal number), desiring candidates for a show. While the aftermath of vegas and other bleak instances might have led way for people practicing some semblance of moderation— opposite to that, the people also need their entertainment, don't they?

Fortunately, there will be an influx of dating shows looking for people to appear. They are offering a fairly decent amount of money and are even offering luxury experiences for free for participants. In this economy and food shortage??? Okay, the food may be lacking, but they do make up for it in various activities they have planned, where people can kick back, relax, and romance?

While there will be any number of shows looking for interested parties, these are the main shows/premises:

SPEED DATING

As the label suggests. People will be expected to sit down and switch through several partners. In their hands will be a card labeling who they encounter and a place to leave a check mark. They will also be given a list of questions that can be answered.

PARTNER SWAP

People can be on a show and swap partners. This doesn't necessarily need to be romantic, either. Have a friend you want to show up with, cool. The only rules are that the pairs who enter together cannot stay together during the duration of the show.

SINGLES INFERNO

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped on a deserted island with other hot singles? Well, now you no longer have to wonder. They will need to cook and fend for themselves here with minimal activities or distraction— but, isn't that the point? All you need to focus on is each other! (* They will be ferried to an outer island by Okinawa). While on the island, which they label as inferno, it's also a rule that one cannot speak about their age, occupation, or any such personal details. All of this will be reserved for "paradise." To go to paradise, two individuals will need to pick one another, and if they do — they are able to go on to completed various luxury experiences together.

For those who would rather find paradise in inferno together, you can presume there are tents that act as shared dormitory quarters where contestants will stay together.

DATE ME

People are free to use this for just general dates. Maybe, you just want to finesse the system and enjoy a fun all-expense-paid for date in which you get to eat like relative kings and enjoy various experiences. Feel free to use anything in the setting to your desire.

SKINSHIP STARTER

... a show where you get paid the more skinship you do. Don't do anything you wouldn't do in a Wendy's though. (That's not how the saying actually goes).

COMMENTARY PANEL

Every good dating show needs those who simply sit and commentate, right?

* It can be assumed any of this is just open to general CR you want to spend time with, too. This is just supposed to be a silly log for chances for characters to get to know one another! Characters are more than welcome to assume they stumble upon this by accident, think it's just a basic job and can't leave, film or unfilmed (minus the commentary prompt), and whatever else! Feel free to tag freely, threadjack, etc!

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[ Tezcatlipoca takes a seat opposite Taryon with a "hey" that definitely exudes cool. He has the style to match it with an aesthetic that's stylish. He's even swapped out his usual combat boots for loafers! Wow!

However, even if he's looking polished, the question does throw him for a bit of a loop. In average circumstances, he'd just be honest, but... Is he supposed to? Like, when chatting with Ereshkigal, she'd started it, but that conversation could have also just been interpreted as two weirdos. Answering this one is a little more complicated, since, well. It just generally doesn't apply in any way to a deity.

...So. He'll just try a very roundabout truth, essentially. He might be a trickster, but he doesn't actually like lying. ]

Hm... Kind of a shit answer, but I dunno if I really had one? Kind of went into the family biz, so to speak, so never really thought of doin' anything but what I ended up doin'.

[Taryon straightens up. Now that he's facing someone who is matching his level of style, surely the cameras will be trained on the two of them. The question seems innocuous enough - there are plenty of mundane jobs to pick from, and kids come up with fantastical occupations. Tary thinks his answer of being a dragon-slaying hero would be charming enough.

Unfortunately, the answer he's given is not as cool as he hyped himself up for. It's boring, a bit fatalistic, and a bit depressing from Taryon's view.] Oh. [It's not a good point to pivot off of. What is he supposed to say to that? "I have a complicated relationship with my family's business, no I won't elaborate because they aren't rich and powerful in this world?"]

Do you like that job? [He may be shit at reading people, but he's watching Tezcatlipoca just in case he can tell if he's telling the truth.]

[ Tezcatlipoca laughs and ducks his head slightly, since again, perfectly reasonable question. At least this one has a more reasonable answer that he doesn’t have to dance around. ]

Eh, more or less. It’s got its ups and downs, so it’s not like you love every day of work, but I’ve got more good days than bad. I get to meet people and chat with ‘em, and they’re usually folks that have had a rough time of it.

[ His smile is soft for a moment, maybe even fond, and it’s sincere. But, it’s brief, since with a wave of his hand, he brightens again. ]

But, yeah, real fuckin’ bummer of an answer, so my bad. What about you? Hope you had more fun ambitions than I did.

Compared to you, it feels a bit...well. When I was a boy, I wanted to be like the adventurers from the stories I read. It didn't matter what kind, or if it even took place in reality, but if I could fight monsters and save people for a living, then I'd be happy.

[That's vague enough to hide that Taryon is from a fantasy world where people regularly go out and earn money by accepting quests from random people. There novels that take place in a universe where magic works differently, and there are those that take place in a world where it works the same but the history is different. It's a good thing that a similar genre exists here.]

You're rather lucky to be born into a job that works for you. [He props his chin on his hand.]

[ please know I was thinking I was going to have tezca prop his chin in his hand while I was reading this tag so I laughed when taryon beat him to it

Tezcatlipoca listens seriously, though the cool smile stays in place. That’s a much better answer, and much more, well. Normal. The experience of youth is just one he’s never had, since he’s very much a “sprung fully formed” kind of deal, so far as deities go. But even if his domains tilt towards destructive, he’s still a god of people. So, hearing the experience makes him feel a little fondness too. ]

Hey, it’s a good one. I’m the weird one here, since I’d at least hope most people had that kinda dream when they were kids.

[ He nods, and he makes a mental note to track the guy down and explain it later, since it’s not like he hides his divinity, but. For now, they’ll keep vaguing past each other. ]

And can’t lie, some of it was makin’ the job into more of what I wanted. Took a while, since honestly, started out with way too much responsibility. But once my siblings started to get involved, got to take more of a load off. For better or worse, it’s a big family biz.

[It sounds like a better version of Taryon's prescribed life path: a job that he was expected to have and given, helpful siblings, work that involves talking with people having a hard time...that sounds almost perfect. Taryon's eyes drift downward as he imagines the wonderful career that Tezcatlipoca has. He's also pretty rich, if he is so busy...no one could be inheriting a craftsman's shop and look this elegant.

He snaps back into reality after he catches himself wonders for a few seconds too long.] Hm? That's really nice. You sound like you're...living the dream! You have a great job, and your family sounds nice. I imagine you're looking for someone who can help out at home?

[Taryon tilts his head and raises his eyebrow. The cameras are going to love this.]

You must be popular, having such a vast...business to look after.

[ He gives a little shrug at first, since he’s not sure about the family being nice, but to be fair, he thinks every pantheon is just a mess so far as concepts of family go. At least his is less messy than, say, Ereshkigal’s or Set’s, so far as what he’s heard of both. But still. It seems like a low bar. It’s a thought that’s quickly dismissed, though, since after a brief look of surprise, Tezcatlipoca laughs. ]

—Right. Hell, with some of the questions getting’ asked, practically forgot this was a dating game.

[ Which, to be fair, he is also one of the people asking questions that aren’t quite for dates… But he’d also argue that a good story is a great lead in. But even though he had to be reminded of this in the first place, he still smiles confidently. ]

Y’know, wouldn’t be bad. [ If he had a home but like. Don’t worry about that part. He’s playing along. ] Been kinda doin’ the eternal bachelor thing for, I dunno, ever. Since, yeah, it’s a high demand field.

[Taryon laughs - it's not genuinely funny that his date partner forgot what show he was on, but it seems like the right thing to do in this situation. He quickly quiets down.]

Eternal bachelor? Some would think that's tragic. Pessimistic, even. I'm certain there are millions out there who would fall in love with you instead of your money. [It sounds like Tezcatlipoca's family has money, unless there was something going on with his homeworld where that wouldn't be the case. Still, important business, family history, lots of fans, usually those types of people are rich.] But, if I can ask you another question, what sort of lover are you looking for, in the long term?

[Taryon has his own answer, if he's asked, but it seems like he's learning more about Tezcatlipoca than the other man is learning about him. It's not all too bad, this quiet nature combined with the vague answers creates and air of mystery about him. So far, an excellent date prospect out of this small pool.]

[ He gives a little nod as Taryon points out it’s pessimistic that implies a “fair enough”. It isn’t necessarily in this arena, but as a whole, he’d call himself a pessimist, after all… ]

Not so tragic, I just keep busy. But I do appreciate the vote of confidence.

[ The question, though… He hums out a note as he considers it. It’s not like he doesn’t have answers to it, it’s just one detail that’s a tripping point if he answers honestly: long term. It’s just a vast difference in scale of what “long” means, but if he were to just make it simple and imagine a human lifetime— ]

Hm… Gotta be someone with ambition, I think is the best way to put it. Doesn’t strictly matter what the ambition is, but I respect people that put their all into a goal or a dream. I like supporting people like that. Takin’ care of ‘em, sometimes. But also not so serious that they can’t have fun. I like someone that’s down to try new things, since I’m all about novelty. But— Ha, I’ve been rambling.

[ Maybe finally he remembers this is a two-way conversation, but it’s partially because sentiment is something he doesn’t like to speak of as much. He shrugs with a little bit of an apologetic expression, then nods to Taryon. ]

What about you?

[Taryon nods at each statement. Ambition, that's a good trait. It makes sense for someone with...a "business" to take care of. Anyone would - who doesn't love someone self-motivated and with a big dream? You can't help but notice someone striving to be excellent.]

Hm? No, no you haven't. [He shakes his head.] You brought up some reasonable points. There's something...alluring about ambition. Some people say it's a bad thing, but there's nothing wrong with doing whatever you can to reach your goal. [He adds quickly:] If your goal doesn't involve hurting a lot of people, I mean.

So, someone supporting me sounds nice, and vice versa. It'll be a true partnership, hm?

[As for the question, Taryon has to think about it. Tezcatlipoca had an eloquent answer, something concrete and certain, and Taryon can only think of a vague collection of traits that he likes.]

Someone I can have a deep conversation with. I think what I love most is having someone whose brain I can pick all night, even if it doesn't result in...other stuff. [He grins, briefly. His eyes stare into the distance for a few seconds, recalling the few times he was so lucky to find someone matching this description.]

Right. [His head snaps back into attention.] I...think there's one question left? Yes. Um. So...what is your idea of a perfect date?

[Something easier for now, he thinks.]

[ “If your goal doesn't involve hurting a lot of people” is actually a big ask, as it turns out… Though technically, there aren’t exactly many people left to hurt in his world. Or so he would argue, even if it would be more for the sake of arguing rather than actual defense. For now, though, he just doesn’t mention it, and his expression doesn’t change to indicate that there’s any problem with that caveat. ]

Exactly. Hierarchy is important, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to romance? Gotta be more equal than that.

[ Which is why he’s never pursued it, logistical complications aside. You don’t get much more unequal than an almighty god and… anyone else. But Taryon’s answer in turn gets his slightly enigmatic smile to brighten, and he nods in agreement. ]

—Ah, yeah. Wasn’t the first thing that came to mind, but yeah, that kinda shit’s important too. Even with all the ambition in the world, doesn’t mean much if your head’s empty.

[ He taps the side of his head playfully to emphasize it, but it ends with a mischievous smile, since the last question is actually much easier. ]

But that said, my ideal date’s somethin’ exciting. Something that gets your heart pounding, yeah? Like, never been to one, but amusement parks with roller coasters, that seems like a great time. Anything with a thrill you can experience together, since I figure the quieter moments are just, y’know, the rest of the time.

[Can't hurt a lot of people if there aren't a lot of people!]

I mean... [He makes a good point: nothing gets your heart pumping like danger, and accelerated heartbeats can lead to other partnered activities, and thrilling moments are the best time for a surprise kiss or confession, but that's more common in books than in reality. Usually, Taryon is too tired to do think of much but rest. But roller coasters? An arduous hike? That sounds interesting. He's learning so much about dating techniques.]

...If every day is full of work to do, I would think the opposite is true. So during the day, we're out, dealing with danger, handling difficult customers, and on special days we do something relaxing. [He waves a hand.] It could be just me. It's difficult to talk about old philosophy if you're having an adventure.

...Which is to say, my ideal date is one where we spend some time alone, and...just talk. Go visit someplace beautiful. [A pause.] Which could be an amusement park, of course, and end that with your roller coaster idea. And you say you've never ridden on one? They don't take long to finish.

[ It’s a sensible answer, and probably a very normal one, which is why Tezcatlipoca nods agreeably. It’s not like he’d dislike that either, but if the planning was left to him? Well… ]

Can call that a personal failing of mine. I’m gonna guess you’ve already gotten the impression that I’m an active guy. Like, workaholic kinda active.

[ It feels funny to put it that way, but it’s true. He figures that all gods are probably workaholics, really, since their dedication to their duties was practically hardwired. He does secretly have more of an appreciation for leisure, but only because he’s closer to humanity than a lot of gods. It just doesn’t feel like something that’s “for” him, to put it simply. ]

Don’t got coasters where I’m from. Know about ‘em, obviously, but never had a chance to partake. Considering my schedule’s a little freer here, hell, I’ll have to see if there’s any.

[ His smile quirks a little, and it could definitely be interpreted as flirtatious. ]

If so, want to come with? Plenty of time to talk about old philosophy while checking that out.

Then I will have to correct my impression of you. You must be better at managing your personal life with your business life pretty well. I could learn a from things from you.

[He was shut out of his father's work after he named his younger sister the heir, but the moment Taryon started a new life with his friends, he immediately took on multiple projects for multiple clients at the same time, even working two part-time jobs. Earning a wage was a new experience, and Taryon is one to leap into the unknown without thinking it through. At least he was dragged away from the workbench to go on a vacation by his friends.]

Are you asking me out? [Taryon leans back, arms folded, eyebrows raised, one leg rested atop the other. He's certain he's reading the situation correctly. It's a very good development: good-looking guy, interesting, and willing to try out the same things as Taryon...but he would like an explicit promise.]

Sure am.

[ He responds confidently and easily, since if there’s something that gods especially have an excess of, it’s confidence. But just as much, Tezcatlipoca is just laid back in matters like this. His outlook isn’t exactly what people would like to hear, since he doesn’t take it fully seriously…

But he likes to have fun, and he likes people. He figures that’s plenty, at least when he’s destined to be a fleeting encounter. ]

If you’re interested, of course. Wouldn’t impose.

You aren't imposing! [Taryon adds a hearty laugh.] I would be happy to learn more about you.

[He winks — it's directed at one of the cameras — before he leans toward Tezca.]

And perhaps find a true connection in each other, which is what we all want, don't we?

[Taryon is playing it up for the showrunners, but he's genuine in his hopes that this date will turn out well. Even if it doesn't lead to a deeper relationship, it should become something he will remember fondly. That's the best he can hope for in his short love life.]

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( open; ) summer episode part 2?

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they are on the same wavelength

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