neosapienooc | TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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TEST DRIVE MEME #1

JANUARY TEST DRIVE

1: SPRAWLING WASTELAND, GLOWING IN THE DARK

No sunlight reaches the Underground, but there is rain: grey, oily droplets that slowly trickle down from the city above, seeping through layers of concrete until they drip from broken light fixtures onto the aptly named black markets below. The glow of neon signs keeps the shadows at bay, just barely. What was once a system of utility tunnels and basement bunkers is now a warren of tiny shops offering reprogrammed ID chips and back-alley cybernetic upgrades, where hitmen and slave traders operate with lawless impunity. But someone is always watching... the eyes of Yakashbah, graffitied in bioluminescent paint, stare unblinking from the walls.

People come to this place for only two reasons: they're either looking for something, or they're trying not to be found. Whatever your reason, the Underground welcomes you.

2: A MIND OF DARKNESS, A HEART OF LIGHT

Outside of manicured parks and glass-enclosed vertical farms, green space is rare in New Gate City, so the elites flaunt their wealth in private rooftop gardens. Fragrant, exotic flowers bloom amidst strings of lanterns, and real grass - an extravagant luxury - carpets the ground beneath partygoers' feet as they sip champagne and admire the dark cityscape below. Tonight, one of the Douman Zaibatsu's myriad charity organizations hosts its annual fundraising gala... but this year, the special guests attract even more attention than the celebrities and fashionistas in attendance. Representatives from the Neo Sapien Organization have been invited to speak on the topic of Human/Meta-human relations, and to raise money on behalf of job placement programs for impoverished Metas in the Last Ward. Of course, most within the Douman Zaibatsu would prefer that these "job placement programs" send Metas to the farms far outside New Gate City (or better yet, to the lunar strip mines), but at least for tonight, members of both factions hide behind false smiles and false words.

3: AS FEAR'S REPLICATING, YOUR WORDS RESONATING

Someone gasps, and everyone looks up. Arcadia's central shopping district goes silent, save for the distant sound of pop tunes played over tinny speakers, as a massive black banner unfurls down the side of a building. A crudely drawn eye fills the banner, bisected by a line of white paint... the unofficial symbol of the Meta rights movement. People start to whisper, and somewhere, there's a cheer. Police drones buzz through the air above.

Meta rights protests aren't uncommon in this part of New Gate City, even though they're soon dispersed by local security forces. This banner, too, will be quickly taken down and destroyed, but the photos and videos of the event will be harder to suppress. Already, the bystanders are murmuring to each other, some in support and some in fear. Others keep their heads down, wary of expressing their true feelings about the rising numbers of Meta-humans. And as security forces move to block off the area, others are frantically trying to disappear.

4: A NEW HOPE GLISTENS OFF THE STREETS

The blocks surrounding the Neo Sapien Organization's headquarters in the Middle Ward are like an oasis at the center of an otherwise inhospitable city. Old buildings have been renovated into bright and cheerful apartments that accommodate a variety of Meta-human physiologies, Meta schools and Meta-owned businesses are flourishing, and Meta-friendly shops and cafes line the streets.

The best coffee in the Middle Ward can be found at The Mean Bean, just across from the NSO building, where the shop's fire-breathing Meta owner personally roasts every batch. NSO employees and and other patrons of the popular cafe congregate to discuss local news and gossip: a proposed Meta registration and identification law, rumors of vigilante gangs near the border with the Last Ward, and rivalries between NSO university sports teams. Arguments occasionally grow heated (especially when it comes to sports), but overall the atmosphere is friendly and congenial.

5: WITHIN THE CHAOS, I KNOW I'M NOT ALONE

The Last Ward's electrical grid is reliably unreliable, but blackouts on this scale are rare. Half the ward has been dark for the past three days, save for a few emergency generators and dwindling battery backups. As winter winds batter old, drafty concrete apartment blocks, the residents grow restless and frustrated. Police have already put down several riots, but there's no stopping the spike in looting and other petty crimes.

In the Parish, many people have opted to barricade themselves inside their homes until the blackout ends, but others are taking advantage of the chaos. Most, though, have chosen to band together to protect each other throughout the long nights. The people of the Parish may not have much, but at least they have a sense of community.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[yeah, there it is. there's the question they hoped Yang would keep dodging, but they can't be that lucky forever. at least the answer isn't too heavy... not the full answer, anyway, and the incomplete one is exactly what Yang will get.]

Everyone is buying the story the NSO wrote for me, and by this point I've said it enough times that I could do it without any prep work. I think someone saw me shooting off earlier [they need to come up with a better euphemism] and they looked interested, so I guess I'll need to follow up with them to keep up appearances.

[they shift their legs and jut out a hip to one side, and their head tilts while their eyes stay focused on Yang's face.]

My heart hasn't been beating double time for most of the night so far, if that's what you're worried about.

[ there absolutely needs to be another euphemism for that. to Yang's credit, the first part doesn't have her batting an eye... but "and they looked interested" absolutely got a raise of an eyebrow.

now's not the time or place for a thought like that, but she had it, and let it go just as fast. never let it be said Yang can't behave when she needs to. ]

It was. [ it's no secret to admit that. ] And I'm glad to hear it. But I'm guessing you came over this way to get some space, and some air, so I can leave you to it if you need me to.

[ an easy assumption for Yang to make given Levi didn't recognize her straight away. of course it does leave her wondering just who they thought they were coming over here for... ]

[see, a smarter person would see that as the opening it is. a smarter person would take the chance to get out of a situation that they know is only going to be bad for them (not by any fault of the other person in the situation) and walk away.]

I came out here to get some space away from all the Central Ward people. I don't mind spending time with you.

[but Leviathan Astrape is an idiot.]

I'm keeping my heart under control, but that's not stopping my brain from recognizing people in there who I don't really want to recognize. I could use some time away from all that with people I actually like seeing.

[ there's a subtle turn from "I don't mind" to the last bit, and Yang will readily take that mood change any day of the week. ]

Then you're welcome here. [ always. which is. part of the... "problem" is too harsh a word for Yang. it implies wrongness. "dynamic" works better. it has better energy.

she gestured down a pathway with her thumb. ] I was thinking of checking out that side of the gardens. Seems to be a lot less crowded.

[is it subtle? Levi hasn't felt subtle around Yang for a single minute, ever. but they'll take what they can get, and the idea of being welcome with Yang is. too comforting to be comfortable. god, they're a wreck sometimes. (and it's always with one particular person.)]

Sounds like a good plan to me. [and they... walk up to join Yang at her side. and they're smiling. do you think it's wrong of me to long for you despite how you taste? but it'll be nice. it doesn't have to be anything. they're just walking.] It's been a little bit, anyway. How have you been doing outside of all of... this stuff?

[ exactly. friends can just walk through a lush garden of immaculately kept exotic plantlife with soft music playing and it not mean anything. the fancy clothes, the drinks, the cool night air. it's all just incidental. no one planned this for these two. getting caught in the trappings is all within their control. ]

Oh, you know me. I don't stray too far from the norm. [ of course, Yang's "norm" has shifted pretty dramatically once before, and these days the environment around her - around all of them - has its own changes happening. ] I've been doing a lot of work in Last Ward on account of that big blackout recently. Winter's the worst time time for anyone to be left cold.

Oh, you've been down there too? [this is a good thing to focus on. it's hard to imagine any situations where Yang could put herself in danger just keeping people warm.] Whenever I haven't been preparing for all of this, I've been trying to head down and help keep generators topped off.

[they still haven't found an upper limit to the amount of electricity they can actually output, but this has been pushing them pretty far. still, it's important work, and they'll keep doing it for as long as they're needed. their eyes trace a line around the gardens while they talk as they take in the evening.]

It's been a good way to fine-tune my amperage. I really don't want to overload any of these generators with so many people's lives on the line. I guess you're handling the gas-powered places?

[ it's encouraging to hear that Levi was involved. she had no doubts that they would be, considering how uniquely qualified they were to offer assistance, but it's not something she specifically looked into. respecting privacy and all that.

Yang nodded. ] Yep. Portable generators, water heaters, boilers. I'm just glad it's not cold enough for pipes to start freezing up, or that'd be another headache. Heh. I'd have to hug a water main for hours.

[ that's supposed to be a joke. but sustained use of her power is always more of a drain than the odd flash in the pan, so it's the sort of selfless task that would be giving way, way too much of Yang's life energy to actually act on. (she tried something like that once. she slept for two days afterward.) ]

Yeah, you don't have hours to spend hugging a pipe.

[they do remember back, though. of how nice it felt to have a personal space heater underneath Yang's covers. even if it didn't happen especially often, even if it probably won't happen again anytime soon unless some really bad choices get made, it was nice. they smile and it's halfway towards Yang.]

Thanks. For helping out down there. [a pause. they're not sure of the best way to bring this up, but... they may as well just say it. for their heart's sake.] I knew you would. I didn't think you'd change who you are and stop helping people because of... you know.

[ when Yang bows her head slightly to look down toward the ground, toward the grass they're trampling on as they make their way, it does a pretty good job at hiding her eyes. her brows knit as she takes a few seconds to consider how to engage with the sentiment there. they've discussed this before. ]

Mmn. [ a noncommittal noise, a deep breath to buy her some time. a moment where echoes ring in her memory of one of the more intense arguments.

"people like us are in danger every day of our lives. that's not gonna stop if I stop, so don't you ask me to..."

it wasn't even with Levi. not with those words, but it would have been along those same lines. Yang's done a lot to shift her focus away from things that were outright reckless, but her passion for helping those in need didn't diminish an iota. she didn't think she had an obligation to put her powers to good use for the benefit and safety of others. no, she had the privilege of giving back to those that saved her.

when she felt the chill wind touch her cheek, she stopped walking and looked up. they were pretty close to the edge of the rooftop now. Yang turned away from it toward Levi and shrugged a shoulder. she smiled, though it looked a bit sideways still. ]

Well. You know me. I can't just help myself. [ which is a different phrasing and meaning to "I just can't help myself." but honestly that, too, applied. Yang has changed who she was over the years. the shifts were largely gradual, but they were there, and they would continue, but far as she was concerned she was still the same girl who arrived in New Gate City all those many years ago, with just one distinct, powerful difference:

she had purpose. ]

[up here, the whole world seemed different. in the Central Ward, and on the edge of the rooftop. and that was almost definitely because it was. it was different from anything and everything Levi had seen in the past ten years... but that didn't mean it was unfamiliar. maybe one day she would tell Yang where she'd actually come from. who she actually had been, instead of someone who had just lived in the city all their life and had some rough times with their mutation.]

[they plucked out glowing neon landmarks from their memory and, as their eyes scanned the Ward below, placed them into the world like pushpins. and it took less effort to recall it than they would've wanted. some things never really changed. some things never left them.]

[and then Yang spoke again, and Levi put on a weary look with their head turned away from her.]

I know. [and then their brain untangled the words, put them into the order that she'd actually spoken them instead of what they'd heard. and their face softened, and they stopped looking at the city below, and Yang was the only one she had eyes on.] I know you can't. And I'm proud of you for it.

It took me a really long time to know who I was. Who I wanted to be. [their hand moved almost to reach for Yang's, but they chickened out at the last moment and gripped the metal railing instead. electricity crackled along it and fizzled out.] But it feels like you've always known. And you should be proud of yourself for that, too.

[ metal fingers brushed against the rail and caught just the barest hint of that charge. Yang couldn't feel it outside of a few warning pulse of various readouts in the implant that gives her real-time feedback on the arm's systems, but she didn't need them to tell her it was safe. Levi's power could be dangerous, as many others' could. as her own. but she knew the lengths they went through to restrain it, to harness it and avoid the explosive outbursts.

Yang had no fear of that power. it was the least of what could hurt her in the long run. ]

If you think that way, then I've really got you fooled. [ she said with a self-deprecating sort of smile.

Yang put both hands on the rail now, leaned forward - not dangerous so, just wanting to get a bit of that breeze against her skin. in her hair. take in as much of "fresh" air as was possible. ] That's one of the last things my mom told me when I had to leave.

"You can change the world. You can change yourself. But don't you let the world change you, you hear?"

[ and you know Yang's feeling nostalgic when she brings her mama's subtle drawl out of the cupboard. ]

[the devil take that drawl. it was cute, and Levi didn't know what to do about it except deal with the fact that it was cute and try not to bring it up beyond that.]

Careful with all that reminiscing. You'll make me jealous.

[they tried to say that as a joke, but it was just the tiniest bit more serious than they wanted it to be. they leaned forward too, though, mirroring Yang's movements like it was natural to follow someone else like that.]

It's not a bad thing to live by. It's not easy, though. Not in a world like this where it feels like everything is trying so hard to shape you in some different way to fit... whatever new mold it can think of for you. [they scanned the horizon again while they talked, and they ended on Yang's face again.] If you've got me fooled, keep fooling me. It's nice to think there's someone out here who can actually stand the way you do.

[ it's gone as fast as it was ever there. Yang picked up very little of that growing up and the city has all but crushed it, but it's a clear sign that her mind's gone back home to roost for a hot minute.

Yang looks upward. high up as they were it would be possible to make out some stars if it wasn't for the sky being how it was, or the light bleed from the city around them. would be nice to see that kind of thing one day without having to go looking at archived pictures or space telescopes. be nice if past generations hadn't fucked up the planet beyond repair in general...

oh, but then Levi's done talking and in looking over at them, their eyes meet briefly. Yang chuckles. ]

You're basically flattering me for just being stubborn. [ in turning to face them better, she moves a bit closer. tilts her head to the side a bit. ] I thought you didn't like that side of me.

[that's a hell of a thing to remind Levi of, because right now it doesn't feel like there's a lot they don't like about Yang. they're already getting nostalgic, and for times that aren't even that old, at that. they're stupid. they're foolish. but they can handle themself better this time.]

[realizing it's been a few seconds of them looking and smiling politely, they reply.]

I don't like it when it's about to give me a heart attack. [they try to laugh like that's a joke, but there's not much there.] But when it comes to making sure that people are protected and you're not in any immediate danger because of it? It's damn near the best thing about you.

[ the concern flashes over her face instantly. no, that absolutely wasn't a think to joke about. Yang may not know all the nitty gritty details, but she knows enough to never find herself laughing about any such thing. even the odd off-hand comment about hearts or the like always leaves Yang feeling immediately uneasy.

then again, Yang will make jokes and puns about her arm situation without a second thought. to each their own, and only theirs. ]

Mm. [ she reaches up to straighten out her tie, suddenly aware of the pressure all this ill-fitting fabric is exerting on her figure. Yang then draws her fingers down that length of folded silk before settling her hand on her waist again. leans into the gesture with a cocky smirk. ] Good thing I have other traits to fall back on.

[that's. one way to get Levi's mind off things. their eyes follow the line of Yang's hand and their mouth feels a little drier when it lands on her hip. there's a thumping in their chest, and they open their palm; a small bolt arcs from their hand to the railing.]

Miss Xiao Long. [they cannot be this vulnerable to her. they're supposed to be smarter.] You're trying to seduce me. [it's. it would be fun. to play along. that's all they have to do. it doesn't have to be anything except that. their open palm touches their own cocked hip.] Right here in the middle of a fancy party.

In the middle of a boring party. [ Yang's eyes latch on to that glint of light, and follow the line right across to the other hand, all before rising back up to meet Levi's gaze. her expression doesn't shift. she shrugs a shoulder casually. ]

Can you blame me for trying to make it interesting? [ that's basically an admission, but Yang's always been open about expressing her interest in someone. this may not be the right time, or place, or even person for this, but sometimes just playing the game was as enjoyable as anything. in the middle of this uncommon, uncomfortable situation, it was just like Yang to seek out the comfort of something familiar. ]

[keep cool, Levi. nothing about this is right, but all you have to do is play along and fire back a little and it'll be. joking around. teasing. for fun. nothing will come of it. even if it is... comforting. familiar. warm.]

You think all of this is boring? [they take a couple steps closer so the two of them can have some semblance of privacy, and then their own hand starts to work. up towards the buttons of the shirt they're wearing, already with two of them open. with a healthy amount of skin showing. and they undo a third, and they tug the fabric aside and their cleavage is now clearly showing—it's wildly inappropriate, yes, but nobody with cameras should remotely be around to capture it.]

You're going to hurt my feelings, Yang. [listen to how they say it. are they listening to themself? they're almost smooth about it. their heart is beating a little heavier in their ears, under their ribs.]

[ oh, Yang's listening. having to remind herself that Levi's eyes are up where they are and not where her hand was moving. Yang's brain had already wiped the concept of two undone buttons from short term memory so seeing that third one pop open was the equivalent to going from 0-to-100 at a breakneck speed.

now this? this was more Yang's speed.

it's only inappropriate because of the setting, and that thought only strikes Yang because of how aware they are of both of their clothes and how much she would rather be out of them. how much she'd rather they both be out of them. Yang bites her lower lip. gods. if there's anything she falls hard for every time it's people who look good, know they look good, are confident in their actions, but don't like, spend a whole lot of time just talking about it or showing off. it's all about control. a little teasing.

she takes in a breath, puffing up inside the confines of that dress shirt and tight vest. Yang's sigh leaves her lips in stream of warm breath. which will be readily felt depending on how cold it was up here tonight, and just how close Levi moved. ] Hmm, maybe not everything.

I'd still rather be wearing anything else but all this... [ Yang tucks her finger in under her own belt. shifts it forward and back along between two of the loops of her slacks as if she needed to adjust something. ] If I'm gonna be all stuffy and hot, might as well do it in a way I enjoy, yeah?

[if Levi is exerting any control over the situation, it would be news to them. but they're playing along with confidence, and the things that Yang is suggesting are making them think that they would much rather not just be playing. coming back to the ward that raised them was already a mistake. one more wouldn't ruin them, would it?]

If I didn't know you any better. [they start carefully, and their face is warmed by Yang's breath, and they feel almost like they're blushing even though that's just got to be the residual heat coming from Yang. their hand reaches out and gingerly touches the back of Yang's left hand. their skin is warm, too.] I'd almost say you wanted me to get you out of those clothes. But that can't be what you mean, can it?

[ the touch doesn't have to be literally electrified to feel that way to her. Yang stretches her fingers back but can't make any better contact despite the effort. she slips her other hand along the railing with a dull scrape. uses that as an anchor point to pull her just a bit closer. ]

You know me better than anyone else here. [ if not in terms of time spent together, then certainly what happened during that time. ] Can't do much of what I want with it on. Wouldn't want to damage a rental.

[then maybe they shouldn't go through with this, if Yang is so worried about damaging things she'll have to give up by the end of the night. but that thought doesn't get voiced. instead, Levi lets their body get pulled, and the warmth between them feels like it's growing, but that might only be in temperature after what Levi says next.]

You know it would be a really bad idea. [it's the opposite of earlier; it's something that should be spoken seriously, but the look on their face is still playful. like they aren't worried, even though they should be.] You still want to try it?

[ objectively speaking, this was not the worst way the night could end. even if the idea is not the brightest from other perspectives, at least she's allowed to be honest in this? no more playing the silly games to the tune of those who set this whole fundraiser up in the first place. they've both played their parts. Yang's tired. itching in this suit, in her skin. she needs out.

and don't ever threaten Yang Xiao Long with a good time. ]

I brought my bike in tonight. [ Yang reaches both her hands up, oh so carefully reaching with the intent to do up that third button, eyes on the task. ] I figure it'll take me about ten minutes to get down to the garage, check out through security, and park myself in front of the lobby doors.

[ her eyes flick up to meet Levi's. ] If you want a ride out of here, I've always got a spare helmet for you. That can be to your room, or my place. Your call on all counts. [ the ball, so to speak, was now in Levi's court. Yang had her intent there but also gave options. three. either nothing happens at all, they share a quick ride back to the NSO where Levi's roommate will probably be waiting, or... well. anything could happen with the last item. things that can't be discussed in polite company. ]

[when Yang reaches up to button Levi's shirt, they immediately feel like their heartbeat is giving them away. whether they like the physical contact so much or they're getting so anxious about the options that it's got their heartbeat running away, not even they're sure. but. it's fine. they are smarter. and they're still human, aren't they? both of them are. they both have needs. wants.]

[Levi is going to regret this.]

I'll see you in ten. [they're certain in their words, and their eyes meet Yang's and even if their skin is warm and their heart is loud and they know they're going to have to burn out a lot of electricity to get back to normal in these ten minutes, they're not backing down.] Don't worry about my shirt unless you like making more work for yourself later.

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