player-suggested mini-event: A STRANGER'S BED

[riverviewmod]

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Player-Suggested Mini-Event
when: August 26th - August 31st
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

a stranger's bed

As a lead in to September, Riverview's ♥ Month of Romance, this is a completely optional mingle that will cause affected characters to end up in each other's beds. There are various options for both established and new CR. While it's easiest for characters still living in Communal Housing, anyone who has moved to their own homes can be affected and end up finding their way to Communal Housing, or within their own housing.

Residents of the Quarantine may notice that various businesses selling food and drink - cafés, diners, bakeries, restaurants, and other such establishments - are heavily advertising a new flavor that's supposed to be the biggest thing since pumpkin spice. A flavor additive that's said to subtly change the flavor of whatever the diner is eating or drinking to optimize the dish, drink, dessert, or any other food item it is added to for each person's individual taste, it's been selling like wildfire and is the latest trend.

After the cause of the rash of amnesia was revealed to be plant-related, sellers are keeping the origin of the secret ingredient very close to their chests, since it is a derivative of a recently-discovered plant dubbed chameleonis. Depending on the method of ingestion, this additive can have a variety of unexpected side effects, but only once the person who has ingested it becomes sleepy. Methods of ingestion include:

● Ingestion: Beverage: When ingested as a flavor shot to drinks ranging from sodas to coffee to alcoholic beverages, it can cause a desire for closeness to a particular other person. Affected characters end up crawling into bed with that specific other character when they become sleepy.

● Ingestion: Food: When ingested as a flavoring added to a baked good or other meal, it can cause an intense desire for body heat when the character becomes drowsy. It won't matter to an affected character who is providing the body heat, so long as it's someone, and they will end up sleepily crawling into someone else's bed for warmth.

● Inhalation: When inhaled ether from a steaming hot beverage or soup, or as an essential oil or aroma from a bakery, it can cause disorientation when a character becomes sleepy. Affected characters either aren't sure which bed is theirs and simply crawl into the closest one, occupied or not, or become convinced that another character's bed is their own.

Feel free to post up a top-level for your own character either affected and invading a random bed or unaffected but open to having their bed invaded by affected characters, or tag around to other people's top-levels.

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steve trevor » so open

[rightly]

OPTION A ▹ HIS BED

[ It might be the first time that happens, or maybe this isn't the first strange visitor Steve gets in his room this week. The notion of sharing a living space isn't entirely foreign to him, but sharing a bed is a whole other matter entirely.

Though not often a heavy sleeper, he might not notice there's someone coming into his bedroom while he's asleep until the mattress starts to sink next to him, or his new company gets a little too close for comfort. However, his reaction will be more immediate if he steps into the room to find someone else fast asleep in his bed, having already made themselves comfortable there. ]

OPTION B ▹ YOUR BED...?

[ Not that he's paranoid or anything— Steve would rather call it a healthy dose of suspicion towards foods and strange condiments and additives he's never heard of before. At most he'll try a small bite of some food or a sip of a drink, which may end up with him crawling back into someone else's bed in search of body heat once he heads back to communal housing, or looking for one specific person for no good reason at all. But more often than not, it's through inhaling the additive that he gets affected the most.

So really, it's a whole lot more harmless when he simply gets confused and makes his way to a completely different bedroom, crawling into someone else's bed while perfectly convinced it's his own. The actual occupant of said bed is free to walk in on him fast asleep in nothing but his underwear (which, to be fair, at least consists of boxers and a sleeveless shirt), or already be in there by the time he crawls underneath the covers.

Welcome him, shove him over the edge, kick him in the face... really, everything is fair game. ]

A!

[realimperfect]

[ How she managed to get there is something Re-L will have to figure out later. Maybe in her oddly disoriented state she's managed to wander in to a space that's clearly not her own and laid down anyway for the sake of body heat -

No matter how she managed to get there, Re-L seems to be under the impression it's Kirk, come to find some reprieve from Bones (probably said something foolish) - she frowns at his back, for a moment, upon waking, a low grumble rumbling through her as she debates what to do with him. On on hand, it's not the worst thing in the world. On the other, she likes her space quite a bit and this definitely isn't the first time this week she's woken up not by her lonesome. It's with this in mind that Re-L places her foot against Steve and.. promptly pushes him toward the edge of the bed with a fairly steady pressure and pace.

That'll teach him. ]

[rightly]

[ It's one of the rare few times when Steve is sound asleep. Peaceful though it is, there's so much that's different in this place, so much he's yet to get used to, that he finds himself particularly tired at the end of each day, and tonight he passed out the moment his head hit the pillow.

It's a wonder he didn't feel someone else crawl into the bed afterwards —maybe she was quiet and sneaky or something like it, who knows— but the point is, he has no idea there's someone else in there with him until there's a foot on his back and he's unceremoniously kicked over the edge of the bed.

He startles awake suddenly, body jerking as he tries unsuccessfully to cling to the bed, a yelp escaping him as he falls to the floor. He sits up, disoriented and mind still half-asleep, as he looks around and stares wide-eyed and confused at the woman sitting on his bed. ]

The hell, lady? Who are you?!

[realimperfect]

You're taking up too much room. [ She says it with such finality that one would think this is her bed, her space entirely, and in a way... now that she's here it is so far as she's concerned. Her gaze is almost bored, mostly irritated as she moves to lay back down, definitely stripped of most of her usual clothes for this moment of sleep. She's been without it fairly often, lately, and so the threat to her leg room was quite the personal offense.

(She needs a lot of it, after all.) ]

Did you hit your head on the way down? I don't need Bones bitching.

[rightly]

It's my bed, I can take— [ He trails off halfway when he gets a good look at her state of undress. Then he promptly makes it a point to not get a good look at all, his gaze pointedly shifting away from her and focusing elsewhere in the room. ] I can take as much space as I like.

[ He almost huffs, frowning deeply but still not moving, nor daring to climb back up on the bed where she is. Even if, technically, it is his bed, and she's the one in the wrong. She's still a mostly undressed woman, and it's just... not proper. ]

What's that? Bones bitching? [ He doesn't know she means 'bones' as a name here, and he certainly doesn't know the meaning to the way she's using the word 'bitch'. ]

[realimperfect]

Problem being I don't really care. [ Well.. at least she isn't lying. Still, he looks away and her head tips slightly in confusion - for one, she's still thinking he's another person, and for two.. well, she's not that shy about showing skin anyways. Being created perfect and told as such most every day of your life previously has a way with that believe it or not. She takes a moment to gather her hair up and pull it over her shoulder, sighing softly to herself about her interrupted sleep.

The question, though, gives her a better tip that maybe things aren't all what they seem, crossing her legs under herself -

And blazing ahead anyway. ]

Are you being dense on purpose? I mean McCoy, complaining about head injury.

[rightly]

[ It really isn't about how shy she might or might not be, for him. He's not used to dealing with complete strangers being half-naked in his bed, even with all the small and revealing clothes that a lot of women seem to wear in this place. Which, mind, Steve doesn't judge or think it's wrong. It just takes some adjustment. ]

McCoy? [ There's a trace of familiarity in the name, and after a few moments it clicks in his mind. ] You mean Dr. McCoy? What about him?

[ He'd only spent a short time with the man, as he checked up on him to see if he was ready to be released. And... that was about it, really. ]

[realimperfect]

[ A moment passes, she takes in a breath to get ready to speak - but then decides to lean forward to scrutinize him a little more closely. They're small, but there's differences, mainly in the way he behaves, and suddenly a dark brow raises and she leans back, pushes her hair back over her shoulder with a bit of a surprised sound. ]

Oh, nothing. Looks like I should've avoided that damn market a little better, though. [ No need to throw anything out there regarding Jim or Bones, really. She's not the type. Still... she doesn't seem to be moving anytime soon, still sort of... analyzing him. ]

You're like a doppelgänger, though. It's bizarre.

[rightly]

[ There are differences, though Steve of course has no idea, but Re-L might notice. His hair's shorter, less well-kept, shaved short around the sides and near the nape. He also happens to be a little bulkier in build, and he definitely has more marks and scars on his skin than the other captain. ]

What market? [ Lady, you're confusing him so damn much right now. ] Well, I'm sorry, but whoever you think I am, I'm not. My name's Steve Trevor, and I am still very certain that this was the room I was given when I first arrived here.

[ Which is to say, you're still on his bed. ]

b.

[ikols]

[ This is the second man she has found in her bed lately and Loki is just grateful that she isn't the one pillow-wandering this time. It looks like Jim even though she's drunk enough to have to squint, so without prelude she climbs onto the edge of her bed in a strappy black nightie and shakes his shoulder, trying not to spill her Green Mile in its appletini glass. ]

Jim. Jimmmm. This is a little forward, even for you.

[ Haha. ]

Wake up, Captain, crash-landing imminent.

[rightly]

[ This is his bed. At least, he's fairly convinced of that, apparently. Granted, he's gotten an accidental visitor a few days ago but he would almost swear that he'd never be affected the same way, not without even being aware of it. As it is, it's obvious he's made himself comfortable, clothes taken off and resting over a chair, while he's sound asleep in only his boxers and a sleeveless shirt.

Being nudged awake should produce more of an effect, but he still feels lazy and warm and tired, and he hums sleepily, not opening his eyes right away. But then a voice registers, even if he doesn't quite process the words, and he all but startles awake, eyes opening wide to—

Holy hell. Now, he's sure she wasn't there when he climbed into bed. He'd remember. First instinctive reaction is to lift his hands up and cover his own eyes, then he's wiggling away from her somewhat awkwardly, trying to climb out of the bed and away from her. ]

What— who are you? [ He didn't have that much to drink, honest to God. ]

[ikols]

[ An arm plants beside his head with the unmovable strength of a mountain, refusing to let him crawl away that easily. ]

If you've been drinking, Jim, you might have told me. We could have done it together. [ The clothes draped on a nearby chair look ... weird, not altogether his usual style, and Loki peers down at him with narrowed eyes. ] I mean, I know I'm wasted, but are you okay?

[rightly]

[ Oh, great. That's just perfect. Why is she so intent on forcing him to stay in place, anyway? He doesn't struggle at least, though he keeps his eyes covered, even though he can already feel his face heat up with a blush that's crawling up his neck and cheeks. ]

Lady, I don't know who you think I am, but my name's Steve. Uh, Trevor. Sorry to tell you, but I don't know any Jim, and I'm not drunk. Not this drunk.

[ikols]

Why are you covering your eyes, Steve Trevor? Can you not look me in mine, since you're bold enough to have wandered into my bed? Oh, the irony.

[ He probably lost track of his surroundings, as she has many times this week, but she isn't about to let him off lightly. Mischief curls the corner of her lips, her accent slurring a little with all the alcohol. ]

Look at me and I'll let you have your pants back, bold adventurer.

[rightly]

[ She could at least be ugly. The superficial thought flickers through his mind and he wants to kick himself for it, but truth is he'd likely be handling this a whole lot better if she weren't so attractive and so... unclothed. She promptly reminds him of how unclothed he himself is when she mentions his pants, and he all but wants to crawl into a hole and hide away in there. ]

This isn't my bed? [ He falls silent, the thought sinking in. ] This isn't my bed.

[ Finally he lowers his hands, still keeping them on his cheeks, blue eyes peering up into hers— pointedly avoiding all the almost-naked parts. ] ... sorry.

[ikols]

[ Oh dear, it looks like breasts have the power to cause spontaneous human combustion in Steve, son of Trevor. Loki makes it momentarily worse with her last bit of revenge for the unexpected drop-in and leans down to peck him on the tip of his nose. ]

Forgiven.

[ Sliding off the bed, she tosses his clothes to him and wanders to Freyja's tank, tapping it to see if the snake is up. ]

You have blue eyes like Jim, a lot of people may pick up on that. You're the captain's spitting image.

[rightly]

[ Well at least they're mostly covered breasts. Steve doesn't even want to think about how he would react if she were naked.

Actually, it's a very good thing that the thought (and mental image) doesn't cross his mind, because he'd have a whole other set of problems that would go beyond just being flustered up to his ears. As it is it's the only problem he has to deal with, even when she leans down and kisses the tip of his nose.

He breathes quietly in relief when she finally slides off the bed and tosses him his clothes, and immediately starts wiggling himself into his trousers. ]

I'm, uh... I'm a captain too. Just not that captain. [ He glances briefly over his shoulder at her. ] Funny coincidence, I reckon.

b.

[eusebeia]

[ everything considered, diana of themyscira has handled her arrival well. even in this strange realm that is vastly different from her own world, where her search for ares must abruptly halt, there is slight solace in the promise of a new adventure.

she's explored quite a bit, and while some of her questions have been answered, many more have taken their place. after she finds her assigned room, she enters, her inquisitive nature taking control. the curiosity soon turns into caution, once she realizes that she's not alone. armed and prepared for danger, she approaches her bed. her eyes widen, focusing on the identity of the occupant. it's him — the man she saved on her island, the same one who will accompany diana on her quest. placing her sword and shield to the side, she leans down, and her gaze softens as she watches him sleep. brushing a stray strand of hair from his face, she calls out to him gently: ]

Steve Trevor?

[rightly]

[ It's not the first time this week he's had this happen to him. He's tried to avoid the strange additive that's been causing the disorientation, but at times a simple sniff seems to do the trick, and he's not even aware that it's not his bedroom he steps into, but another empty one right on the same floor. Not that there's much in there that gives it away; so far an unoccupied room, it's as nondescript as Steve's own looks so far.

He doesn't rouse immediately when someone else comes in. Actually it's not until that ghost of a touch to his forehead that he shifts, and only when the woman's voice says his name does he wake up. Though if he is to be honest, it's more like he's yanked back into consciousness. Her voice does have the unique ability to do that to him. ]

Diana? [ His voice is cautious and light, like he can't quite tell if it's just a dream or a hallucination. A hand rests on her forearm, and it's warm and solid— and he's sure it can't possibly be a dream. God, he hopes this place could not be so cruel. ] Diana, oh my God. You're— you're here!

[ As if he doesn't need to explain himself at all to her (he doesn't think he does, anyway), he sits up, arms wrapping around her and pulling her into a tight embrace. ]

[eusebeia]

[ she's here, yes. and so is he. diana merely presumes that his surprise is a consequence of appearing here. it required time for her to adjust as well, though she doesn't anticipate the sudden display of affection. she can't claim that she minds it, as steve swiftly wraps his arms around her, but it's odd. unexpected. a far cry from the captain who was hesitant to sleep next to her. ]

Yes. [ she speaks softly and, after a moment, reciprocates the embrace. then, she moves back from his reach to stare at him directly. ] So are you.

[ a thought slips into her mind. in spite of the information she's received about the portal, diana is not willing to surrender the idea of finding a way home. and with steve here now, that sense of determination burns just as bright. ]

Come. We must leave.

[rightly]

[ Her answer is so... simple. The words are so clear and direct, the tone so even, that it leaves Steve feeling unbalanced. Something feels strange, downright wrong when she's leaning away from him. It's almost like having the ground being pulled from under his feet. He'd struggle with balance if he were on his feet right now. ]

Leave? Where to? [ His hands rest on her arms, near her wrists. Not holding tight, but lingering there, needing any kind of contact. Her reaction to seeing him is not what he expected, but he's fine with that. He will be fine with that— maybe he was just expecting too much. Assuming too much. That's his mistake. ] Please, Diana. I don't want to go anywhere.

[ There's nowhere else for him to go, either. ]

[eusebeia]

[ it's not difficult to discern that something's amiss. not anymore. he's close, much closer than he ever has been in the past. steve's hands hover over her metal bracelets, his fingers acting as a constant presence that lingers. and the passion in his voice, coupled with the intensity of his expression, is palpable. ]

To Ares. To the war. [ diana continues to look at him, both curiosity and concern shining in her eyes, though she still doesn't move away. not fully. ] You promised you would take me there.

[rightly]

I did. [ He frowns, his mind racing furiously to make sense of her words, her actions. The distance, too. Technically speaking, she led the way, particularly once they got to No Man's Land, but that's a detail that doesn't seem important to clarify at the moment. There are far too many questions in his mind for him to point that out. ]

We went to the war. We fought together, we— you saved people. You fought Ares. [ He sits a little more upright, hands pulling from her. His heart sinks in his chest, and it's all too sudden and too fresh for him to be able to hide the pain in his eyes so easily. ] You don't remember that?

[eusebeia]

[ steve pulls away, his posture straightening, and she almost asks if he's alright. however, his response distracts her, and the greater shock comes from the revelation he offers. perplexed, she shakes her head, waves of dark hair swaying from the motion. ]

What do you mean, remember? [ her brow furrows, and then diana narrows her gaze. ] None of that has happened.

[rightly]

[ That answer tells Steve everything he needs to know. He heaves a soft, quiet breath, closing his eyes a moment. It's the moment he needs to gather his thoughts, or to at least pick up his scrambled feelings and shove them in a box, lock them up so they won't be spilling all over whenever he so much as looks at her. It'll still hurt, but if nothing else he's always been good at lying. He'll just have to make an added effort in this particular case. ]

It did, to me. And it will, to you. [ Or it would, if she hadn't been brought here. Immediately he knows what that means— that one day she at least will have to go back, or else nothing of what they've lived through will have happened. ] The war is over. You won.

[ The first part is true, he's come to learn here— the second part is only his unwavering belief in her. Funny thing, really. Steve can't remember the last time he believed in anything or anyone this strongly. ] What's the last thing you remember?