sexyspace | TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

Introduction

The same siren that had sounded a couple weeks prior to signify the arrival of the portals that ripped through the island fills the air again. While Zenith had seemed to have taken care of these strange space-time anomalies, it appears that they didn't quite contain them all.

"Hello again, volunteers," R.Y.U.O. addresses the public again, thoroughly unimpressed. "It seems we have a second breach to be concerned about. Just as before: mind the edges and you should be fine." He doesn't say much more than that but anyone looking out the nearest window will see what he's referring to.

No matter where volunteers are, the giant triangular portal (approximately 1.75 miles tall and 1 mile wide) that suddenly splits reality off in the jungle faces them. No matter where they walk or what other angles they try to see it from, it faces them. That's only slightly unnerving.

It doesn't take long before the multiversal visitors start to pour through. While current volunteers can't leave, it seems that other people are able to come in through this portal that has converged from multiple access points in the multiverse on this tiny island. Say hello, volunteers, there are quite a few new unexpected faces to greet!

WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS

Professor Quintalian - who the newly displaced might have been informed already is the head of the volunteer program here on Zhautas - is quick to turn this potential PR nightmare into a daydream. People may be spilling through the portal and bringing forth any number of issues without the proper clearance but that's not their fault.

And it isn't Zenith's either, they're quick to say. It's actually because of a deranged space pirate named Hoshiko - here, have a picture for reference! - and you can blame her for your displacement in the multiverse. Please do. Of course, if anyone questions how one person is causing all this trouble Zenith representatives will be quick to say they need to go back to whatever task they had at hand and drop the topic.

Basically, it's not your fault and it's not their fault but you're still here now. So, why not be made to feel at home during your temporary stay? The professor is of the mind that showing these newcomers some good old-fashioned Zenith Corporation hospitality would be more beneficial in the long-term than trying to turn them all away immediately. You can't buy publicity like this! He wouldn't be in charge if he didn't know how to turn things to his corporation's advantage.

TEMPORARY LODGING

It's for this reason that the professor makes the call for the west wing, usually utilized primarily for research, to be turned into temporary lodging for their company. While the makeshift cots laid out aren't as private as the pods of the east wing or bungalows out on the beach, that's alright! It's still a nice, comfortable place to sleep until they figure the best way to get you back home.

They even got everyone who shows up a complementary gift basket. It's filled with cliche "aphrodisiac" foods such as chocolate, strawberries, but thankfully no oysters. They do have those if you're interested, of course, but you'd have to go to the food court for that request. The basket also contains lube (of random, assorted flavors and added effects!) as well as a cheap, plastic bullet vibrator that has the Zenith logo printed on it.

Unfortunately, due to the quality, it's a little finicky. Once you turn it on, you might not be able to turn it off. Don't worry! There's plenty of people around to help. Plenty of people to witness you fumbling with this bouncing, buzzing object and certainly plenty of embarrassment to be had by all. What a good bonding opportunity!

SEXATORIUM

Whatever research that was going on before people started arriving has been suspended for now. One wouldn't know though from how quickly the changed everything around from perhaps what veteran volunteers are used to. One minute there's regular, mundane scribbling onto clipboards and contemplative hums and nods. The next, there's sex on display in no shortage of ways.

The lab spaces have instead been converted to serve a different purpose. The lights are dimmed and tinted a hopefully soothing blue, music plays lightly, and there's the strong scent of sweat and salt permeating the place. The west wing has, for now, been converted into a sexatorium to showcase Zenith's finest attempts at curing this disease and enticing fresh faces to join their cause.

Volunteers and newcomers alike are welcome to peruse this section of the facility until everything gets sorted. Whether it be to watch or demonstrate themselves, Zenith staff is encouraging everyone to take part. They might be a little overly encouraging, honestly. It probably isn't surprising they're under quite a bit of pressure these days from HQ. Show all the multiversal visitors a good time the Zenith way, volunteers!

The glass walls of the research sector have become an exhibitionists' dream. Or perhaps a voyeur's, depending on perspective! Maybe you're taking time to walk through or scurrying to the other side and averting your eyes. If anyone was looking for the head of the program, they can find him here. Of course they can. If you're not into tentacles, that's your loss (according to him), but he's more than happy to talk about the program as well!

They also have plenty of other "experiments" that they'll be running that anyone is free to participate in. They are, but not limited to:

Sex Toy Demonstrations - Ever wondered what state of the art sexual technology is like? Check it out for yourself! If you want it, they likely have it. Not to worry if you don't exactly want to have everything on display, there are rooms that are more private with a black-out option on the glass. It can be toggled on and off or opacity may be changed and filters applied for those who might want the thrill of potentially being seen but not entirely.

Natural Aphrodisiacs - Stepping into one of these rooms will be like taking a step outside. They're full to the brim with plants both familiar and alien as a taste of the larger gardens that Zenith touts. Of note are the coitendrils; they're a pretty touchy-feely species! It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
Strip Trivia - How much do you know about sex? Maybe less than you think! Especially when you start throwing xenobiology into the mix. These rooms are staged like a game show (that outsiders can also view, if you so choose!) and with each wrong answer, you'll find yourself losing a piece of clothing. It could be as minor as a sock, your bracelet, or something as obvious as your entire shirt. Don't worry, your clothes are held in a containment unit just outside the room and it's all in good fun!
Cultural Exchange - It's no secret that many of the cultures and species on Zhautas are sex-positive. Most recently, volunteers visited the country of Nevrione whose specialty is leather BDSM gear with amazing hand craftsmanship. While there don't appear to be any natives to that country (which people are free to find suspicious) there is a sampling of what they have to offer for use. Also, just look at those cute feathers decorating some of the gear... What a nice touch!

AROUND THE FACILITY

The Gym
There is now a large gym after frequent volunteer requests for one. They've dedicated a lot more room recently to get a good work-out in. One of the best ways to relieve stress is exercise! Not that volunteers have any particular reason to be stressed. Everything is perfectly fine. It has a plethora of machines now rather than just a handful. In fact, it even features a rock wall, pool, and track now to suit almost every need imaginable.

A couple of the machines have an emphasis on vibrations. Not to worry, however, as there are plenty more options available that they're easily avoidable.

If the gym pool isn't your speed, you're always welcome to go for a nice swim out at the beach. The local mermaids have since returned back to their home waters, so there's no immediate threat to your well-being. At least, not anything obvious. Let them know if you find anything!
The Holo-Deck
The holo-deck is now up and fully operational. It's the size of a small gymnasium and quite sturdy! Don't worry if you do break anything, they'll fix it in a jiffy! They like to see the limits of their technology tested, after all.

The holo-deck can simulate basically anything your mind can come up with... if you have an implant. So, better make friends with someone who does if you want to experience this feature! Its main function is a relaxation mode that projects soothing landscapes and scenery. They look, smell, and sound so real you almost wouldn't believe that you aren't hiking through the mountains. And despite its limited size, the holo-deck does manipulate perception to make the space seem a lot larger than it really is.

Additionally, it has a combat mode to help keep the senses sharp of volunteers who might be more battle-inclined. They don't want you to lose your edge, after all, and especially not with Hoshiko still at large with no idea when she'll strike next. It's better to be prepared and it also gives the more restless volunteers a good way to work out all that excess energy.
Arcade
Attached to the holo-deck, there's another large room. This one is dimly lit and comes with the archaic colors and sounds that belong to a retro arcade. While the holo-deck can simulate games, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pinball beneath your fingers. Or maybe you just want to whack some moles in order to vent your frustration.

While you can win tickets here, they can't be exchanged for anything but minor trinkets. Most of the prizes to be gathered are sexual in nature (because of course, they are) like boxes of condoms or fancy flavored lubes. There's also the standard plush toys and inflatable contraptions.
Food Court & Vending Machines
This is a pristine, updated section of the facility that serves only the finest of meals thanks to the new cyborg chef in charge. He's a friendly older guy who uses his mechanical enhancements to make food faster than you can blink and, of course, it tastes incredible to boot.

Additionally, the vending area has been expanded and the machines have been fixed to no longer shoot out drinks at supersonic speeds. Of course, they still can if you so wish. Some people seemed to have fun making a game out of it so the feature is an option but only if someone selects it from the menu.

The Beach
The bungalows for more permanent residents of Zhautas are lined up along the island's south shore. It's only a short walk from the main facility, no more than five or ten minutes. If you'd rather stay out here instead of using the temporary lodging, that's also an option! They have tents available for use. Don't mind the way you may feel -- no, will feel more inclined to snuggle up - or more - with someone. That's just a standard 'light aphro' feature added to help prompt new volunteers to ease into the atmosphere of the facility.

At night, the beach lights up in beautiful blue luminescence where sand meets sea. Unfamiliar stars and constellations dot the sky as far as the eye can see. It's really rather peaceful. Well, it is if you ignore the giant foreboding portal off in the distance.

The Lounge
This is a begrudingly new addition to the main Zenith research facility, volunteers may have noticed supplies being gathered over the last week or heard whispers of the activity before the building popped up seemingly overnight near the outskirts of the jungle. While approved by the head of the program, it certainly doesn't look like anything that Zenith had a hand in constructing. (They didn't.) It sticks out from the sleek, smooth chrome surfaces by seemingly pulling together more natural elements reminiscent of the buildings in Nevrione, built from mostly wood with a stone foundation. The furniture inside is also crafted from wood, leather, and so on to create a... unique atmosphere full of tables, benches, a bar and stools. In fact, some of the decor seems to be decorated and reinforced with dragon scales.

While alcohol is served here, that's only if someone brings something that can be converted into alcohol via alchemy by resident volunteer Edward Elric. The lounge is advertised as being a place to hang out and get a break from the more modern and high tech setting that the facility has to offer, it is requested that sex does not happen within these walls.

While it touts a calm, unassuming front, with entertainment available such as darts, a pool table, card games and other typical bar games, it's quickly becoming an escape from Zenith's prying eyes and ever alert ears. This might be the place to go if you want to speak a little more freely about your suspicions regarding Zenith.

For volunteers that offer to help with construction or around the lounge once it's built - keeping order among others, cleaning, gathering supplies or various other tasks around the building - drinks will be free (unless another agreement is arranged) as means of payment for their time.

(For any questions about the lounge, please contact Remedy. Thanks for this idea goes to Amy, as it was Garrett's brainchild.)

THE UNDERBELLY

For as much as Zenith is pulling out all the stops, there's no denying that there is a faint sense of unrest teeming beneath the surface. While some veteran volunteers are friendly, there is still an undeniable undercurrent of dissatisfaction that Zenith can't quite completely overshadow. For all the fanfare and attentiveness of the staff, it probably won't be long before you run into at least a few people who aren't exactly shy about their dislike of the corporation.

Things that one might overhear and want to investigate are as follows:

Out in the jungle at night, you might have noticed- No, not the portal, everyone's noticed that. There are red eyes that light up the jungle at night. While they aren't exactly menacing, they are extremely unnerving. Ask anyone and they'll tell you those are demons and they're a product of Professor Quintalian's "personal research" apparently approved by Zenith. While they aren't actively aggressive, trying to infringe on their territory is ill-advised.

Being demon-touched is a terrible thing to experience. They're formless, tarry parasitic creatures that try to consume someone. There's even apparently a chance that you might turn into one. Being demon-touched comes with a host of negative side effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a desire to be "complete," fever, and more. And unfortunately for you, the process to expel any demon essence from the body is just as terrible.

Unfortunately, demons aren't the only concern you'll have if you traverse the jungle. This tiny island hosts a range of creatures both docile and deadly. It also seems like with the portal opening, even more are making their way and finding a space here at the Zenith Research Facility.
Despite initially volunteering, people's requests to leave are met with vague excuses as to why it isn't possible immediately. But then the professor will turn around and say Zenith sent someone home overnight without a word to anyone. While this appears to be highly suspicious, none of the staff seem to want to expound upon how Zenith operates with regards to terminating volunteer participation and, of course, Quintalian is nowhere to be found for any real serious discussion. Call him though! He'll be glad to talk to you over dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

Maybe talk to a resident volunteer about this since it should be worrying to someone who might want to sign-up.

Despite the way that the helperbot R.O.S.I.E. is described to watch the facility at all times, she's known to get distracted or glitch out from time to time. And with her trying to entertain all these new guests where she can as well as Zenith re-routing efforts to the sexatorium, there's a distinct lack of physical security present. Huh.

Recently, there's been a lot of thumping and bumping up in the ventilation shafts throughout the main facility. If you're foolhardy enough to find the cause, you'll actually be met with one of the resident defensive AIs that goes by the name R.Y.U.O. He's glad you're here, actually. Things were starting to get boring. If you wander too far through the vents into a restricted area (since the barriers in place won't stop those without an implant!), he'll be quick to throw something else to deter your exploration.

This might electric shocks, extreme heat, of even the classic of a swarm of spiders. It's nothing personal, of course, he just has a job to make sure people trying to snoop don't get too far.

EXTRA NOTES

Welcome to the Zhautas fourth wall event! We've added some extra links down below that might be helpful for newcomers.
As a reminder, the timeline is:

Fourth wall begins on Fromb 24th (March 24th).
The portal will close and the event will end on Fromb 39th (April 8th).
The arrival ship will land as scheduled on Fromb 40th (April 9th).
The intro log including this and theft of the arrival ship will be on Fromb 41st (April 10th).
The next OOC Event Announcement for April's event will be on April 15th.

In the case of an unfortunate run-in with R.Y.U.O.'s defense of the air vents, established volunteers, let us know here!
If you have any extra questions about anything in the game, please direct them to the FAQ!
If you have in character questions, those can be directed to R.O.S.I.E. here!

NAVIGATION ♦ FAQ ♦ TAKEN ♦ RESERVES ♦ APPLICATIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"S'really focken rude t'start a fight while a bloke's eating," John snaps, an accent a lot more melodic and distinct that someone else's around here, refusing to let up on the affront. There's no way he's getting out of the shithole he calls home alive if he can't at least not get his arse handed to him. Scott's attitude only serves to aggravate him further as he tries to grab onto Scott's shirt collar and give him a shove backwards.

"I wasn't trying to start a fight, I stopped one of the flying cans from hitting your head!" Scott barks back in annoyance after the shove. The accent was thick and it made him think of Eggsy more than John but there's something familiar in the other boy's eyes.

Standing his ground and frowning, Scott points to their left and then takes a step closer. No more cans were flying across the air now but some volunteers were seemingly wrestling one of the vending machines trying to turn it off.

"Getting wet was an unfortunate side effect, that thing could have blown your brains out if it hit you. You're fucking welcome. Go back to eating if that's what you want."

"I'll do whatever I want and I don't need your fucking permission mate," John retorts, raising his voice enough that they're drawing unwanted attention now. He doesn't seem to care that Scott had saved him from a serious injury or done him a favour. He's still stuck in a world where it's every man for himself and he doesn't trust, doesn't appreciate, doesn't want 'help'.

He takes another swing at Scott, avoiding the glasses if nothing else because he's pretty sure he's going to hurt his hand more than if he manages to clip Scott in the jaw.

Scott's eyes narrow behind his glasses. He's not unfamiliar with temperamental jackasses but he hadn't had to deal with a lot of those since he changed schools. And yet, something about that 'mate' sounded so awfully familiar that it's enough to distract him. John's punch connects with his shoulder, making Scott hiss and retaliate out of habit.

He doesn't punch back but he raises his fist into a practiced defensive stand as his posture changes. The teen goes for a foot sweep next, trying to unweight Constantine's foot and move it while pushing forward to cause him to fall.

The kitchen staff and other Zenith employees are starting to look at them with equal worry and annoyance but Scott can't spare them any attention now. They seem to be ready to interfere any moment or to kick them both out.

John doesn't get a chance to get up and tackle Scott to the ground. Two bigger guys have stepped in to pull him off Scott and hold the two of them apart.

This is how it usually goes, if there are witnesses. Usually he's lucky when they step in since he'd be limping off with bruises and fractures if no one was around to stop him getting beaten up on.

There's a lot of 'get off me' and 'fuck off' being yelled out before John gets thrown onto his ass out of the cafeteria, his schoolbag promptly following him soon after. He pats his bag around to make sure everything's still in it before scrambling onto his feet. It's fine, he decides. He'll find another place to eat. Or wait around where they dump food and try to grab something out of the rubbish if he can't come back in the middle of the night, help himself to something in the kitchen.

He starts heading back to the communal bathroom facilities and lingers around the entrance, hugging his bag close to his chest, eyes darting around for another shirt he could change into. A watch next to the sink catches his attention, but with so many people coming and going it's going to be hard to swipe what he wants.

This should have been expected, really. Unlike the other teen Scott doesn't yell or try to make the situation worse but he's still very annoyed when they're kicked out because ey, he came here to eat too. The fact that the other kid look familiar is still bugging him as if his brain knows he's missing something.

Besides, the blond's behaviors feel all wrong to him. Scott has never gotten violent when things didn't go well in his life but he knows a defensive mechanism when he sees one. He walks out of the cafeteria a few seconds after John, the staff didn't let him go immediately to stop the boys from resuming their fight once they saw each other again.

He knows he should just let it go, head back to his bungalow, forget whatever happened. And yet, he finds looking around for the blond because his stupid conscience feels bad. Ugh. It's almost by pure luck that he spots John lingering around the bathroom and follow him inside.

"Ey. I'm not here to fight..." He says it just in case, even if he's sure it will fall on deaf ears. "Did you just arrive through the portal?"

God damn it what is with the young people here following him around? John flashes an irritated look over at Scott but he doesn't start a fight this time - he doesn't want to be banned from the communal bathroom, it's the only place he can get clean. He misses his opportunity to swipe the watch but he does step inside and drops his bag close to his feet, taking his t-shirt off and swapping it with the one he'd been eyeing up. There's marks in familiar places on his torso, many of the burns from several years ago and already starting to fade, but no distinguishing tattoos. He's not old enough to get any.

It's slightly more fitting at least and John picks up his bag again, moving over to the sink. He uses the hand soap and his wet hand to get the little bit of coke out of his hair.

"I don't care what you're here for. We're not mates. Go away."

Scott would argue that nineteen isn't that young and they're close in age if he knew what John is thinking. He eyes the other boy for a second, enough to see the fading injuries, but politely looks to the ceiling to give the other man some privacy. Not like John cares much about polite but the last thing he needs is someone making him uncomfortable. The first thing he needs it's obviously a lot of food.

Those burns make an unpleasantly cold sinking feeling grown in the pit of his stomach, like an iced stone. First Constantine had to deal with it and now this kid, life really wasn't fair. When Scott looks back at the blond, he seem utterly unimpressed and yet he can't quite hide the slight concern in his voice.

"We both got kicked out from the cafeteria but there are other places to grab free food if you are still hungry." He's going to completely ignore that 'get out' order from before, his posture more casual now and hands in his pockets. "I was really only stopping that can with my powers but I do owe you a dinner, I suppose."

He might be a cocky arsehole but at some point people get too hungry to be proud. He glances over at Scott before swiping someone else's towel and scrunching it through his hair.

"...where else do you eat around here?" He puts the towel back vaguely where he'd taken it from and seems willing to follow Scott out of the bathroom to wherever he's going to lead. Nobody owes anyone anything but like hell he's going to turn down free food. With any luck he'll find a decent place to crash too, where he won't have to worry about some perverts touching his junk in the middle of the night.

Pride is for people who outs value into it, it doesn't always help. Scott certainly never gave it that much thought. Just like he doesn't seem to care that John is using other people's things. It's a communal bathroom, he's seen strangest things at the Mansion.

"There are some vending machines that give you sweets but the bungalows are the real deal. They all come with a kitchen and we are given food every week. I wasn't going to cook today but it's either doing that or not eating, so..." A shoulder shrug as they walk towards the nearest door in the direction of the beach. He might as well as cook for all his roommates again. Billy is often at his place now that a portal ruined his bungalow and both Eddie and Remy crash on his couch occasionally.

"Half the volunteers have eaten at my place at some point, our door is always open. Unless you feel like going fishing."

"Fuck that," John scoffs, trying to act like he's been out fishing before and is above it. (He hasn't.) He just knows it's a lot of sitting around waiting for a maybe and he wouldn't know how to reel it in if that maybe happened to turn into a yes.

He follows Scott down onto the beach and towards the bungalows, keeping his head lowered as he kicks up some sand while he walks.

"I'll eat whatever you make." Not so much of a cunt now that there's nice things being dangled in front of him.

"I'll take that as a no." Scott only snickers at the reaction because he had gone fishing with his family and some friends on a few occasions. It's fun if there are people you know well with you, otherwise it can get really boring.

"I've roomed with brits before, I can even make you English breakfast if you want." It was Peggy's favorite food and he cooked for her after the whole Lockdown fiasco in Nevrione when the woman had needed some cheering up. She even taught him how to make decent tea. "You're not allergic to anything, I hope? And my name's Scott Summers, what yours?"

"With bacon and eggs?" he asks almost too quickly. God he hasn't had bacon in... he doesn't want to think about how long. Maybe getting kicked out of the cafeteria was a blessing in disguise after all. (Or maybe he should have thought about asking for something more than a sandwich and a soup from the weird mechachef thing.)

"No. I'll eat that." He can skip the veg and just pile on the bacon and sausages. John will be happy either way.

"I'm John." A shaky breath. He hasn't given out his last name yet, much more of an identifier than 'John'. "Constantine. Nobody calls me- it's just John."

"Yup, we have both." With a teenager living in the bungalow and many more visiting, that kind of food is a must. Scott points to one of the houses in the distance, it's pretty far close to where they are already.

"Mine's number 6, one of the first you see. Usually, the new arrivals are paired together for a little while and share a room until Zenith reorganizes the situation but with that weird triangle in the sky everything is even messier than usual." Scott speaks with no love for the Corporation at all but the situation isn't terrible either. They have their own spaces and relative freedom, and he doesn't want to stress the other teen further.

At the name, he trips on his own feet. He curses under his breath, blames it on the sand and then eyes John... Constantine with something akin to a sudden realization. Of-fucking-course the universe decides to throw him this kind of curve-ball. Suddenly a whole lot of things make sense.

"Ah..okay then I'll call you that. Just John." Scott even gives him a small smile for good measure. NOTHING WEIRD TO SEE HERE, he's really not having a small mental breakdown over Constantine being a baby that has seen and suffered far too much shit in his life. Everything is fine. He knows there are two Kurts around and there was once two Lokis as well, young and older, so the situation isn't as weird to him as it is unexpected. Thankfully, they get to the bungalow and it's a good change of topic, Scott even opens the door for him.

"The kitchen is to the left but you can see it from the couch, feel free to crash there if you want to rest while I cook. I don't have any alcohol because that's hard to find around here but I do have coke and other drinks. Unless you want tea?"

He's pretty sure he came out of said weird triangle in the sky. John doesn't know yet if he's going to be stuck here indefinitely or if he'll get to go back. A part of him selfishly wants to stay. The idea of some big company putting him up somewhere isn't so different from state housing, and nobody's asked him to pay for anything so far.

But he's got to get back to his sister. He can't leave her there. And his band. He's got people to save. Money to make. Problems to fix. It's just one of him against the world but he thinks he can get it together, make it all work and help everybody out.

John quirks an eyebrow at the very obvious display of clumsiness, but he doesn't say anything. This guy's gonna feed him after all. Not his problem that Scott's been blessed with clumsiness and stupidity.

"Coke," he says quietly, knowing he's imposing but really if he's going to be given a handout he might as well make the most of it. Dropping his bag onto the corner of the couch, he goes to the fridge to help himself just to that can before slinking back to the couch. It's a nice place. Nicer than any place he's ever been to. He can tell someone else has made a home on this couch before, but he doesn't care, stretching out with a tired sigh after taking a sip from his can.

"How the other half lives, huh?" Huge fuckoff TV. House on a beach laid out like a showroom. Must be nice.

If Scott minded imposing, he wouldn't have asked John to come to his house to get food. He gets a drink for himself from the fridge and takes out the rest of the food he needs to make their breakfast.

"Gilded cages are pretty too." His smile is wry, without any happiness behind it. "Not everything here is as nice as it looks, be careful, and don't trust the staff. Especially Professor Quintalian."

The volunteers as a whole were relatively decent people but with John's natural tendency to piss off everyone he met, he could get in trouble with them as well. It's what prompts Scott to ask;

"Do you have a place to stay?"

He has no idea what a guild cage is but he just nods so as to not look stupid. He doesn't trust anyone anyway so it's fine, he can just stay on his toes.

"I'm finding couches to crash," he says with a sniffle. He knows he's not the easiest kid to live with but when people tell him not to insult them or clean up after himself or whatever, he's been good at holding his tongue and being tidy.

"Not staying in the building. It's full of perverts." Or people eating the chocolates and other things in the gift basket not realising what's in them. It's all the same to John, he doesn't want to wake up in the middle of the night with a seven inch surprise up his arse.

Eh, Scott wouldn't mind some arguing as long as Constantine doesn't get violent again. He can fight just fine but he really doesn't like it. He gives a small shake of his head at the 'perverts' comment. Can't blame the other boy for thinking that, he had a hard time himself getting used to Zhautas at first.

"You can crash in this one if you want." He turns towards the kitchen to start cooking, voice casual. Scott doesn't think he will hear a 'no, thanks' but he doesn't want John angry and thinking he's pitying him.

"My roommates won't mind, this house I practically a hotel. I'd offer my bed, it's big enough, but my b...friend's bungalow got split because of one of the portals. He sleeps here too, on occasion." He fidgets with the ingredients, pointedly not looking at John now. Billy and him are handling the whole boyfriend situation better these days, Kurt likes using the word, and it makes Scott forget that not everyone might be okay with the idea.

He might not have been given the full story of this place but he's had time to wander around the sexatorium and the gym and things. He might be younger than most of the people here but he's not fucking stupid. He knows what goes on in this place and no doubt he'll be hearing it tonight if he decides to go out for a walk.

"Yeah?" John steps out of the kitchen for a moment and looks around in the living room. No way he's sharing a bed with someone, as benign as they seem, but the couch looks really tempting. And there won't be any buttfucking surprises if it's just him on the couch.

"I'd. Take the couch. If it's free."

"It is." There's an edge to Scott's voice at that affirmation. He's not offended at the question as he's concerned about why John constantly seems to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. Just thinking about the reasons makes his feel sick.

"Most things here are. If anyone says otherwise they aren't worth your time. The Zenith corporation is shady but it does provide the basic necessities for all of us." Is the only semi-good thing going on for them. The food Scott was cooking was given to them by the staff. He still double checked to make sure nothing came laced with aphrodisiacs, just in case.

As they talk, John might start smelling something good, Scott has started cooking the bacon and the scrambled eggs. He had so many questions for John but doesn't seem to be able to come up with a way to voice them out without sounding like he was prying too much. Instead of asking about his home life, he goes for a safer subject.

"I think I recognize the accent but where are you from?"

He's in a foreign place with strangers trying to figure out a way back and make it in one piece. He's not going to let his pride get in the way or complain about handouts, shady as they might be.

The scent of bacon makes his stomach rumble and John averts his gaze, seemingly embarrassed. He's grateful for the conversation, tugging on his oversized shirt and clearing his throat.

"Uh. Liverpool." He's sick of being picked on as the poor kid from the government housing block, so he's not saying much more than that. "It's in England, next to Manchester. Maybe four or five hours from London." Everyone knows London, right?

Scott would rather go hungry and homeless that subject himself to anything Quintalian might throw at him but different people, different priorities. Other volunteers aren't so horrible, even if they might want some sort of trade.

If Scott hears his stomach rumbling, he gives no reaction but as he moves around the house the sliced bread is left closer to John in case he wants to munch on something as he waist. Scott does take a mental note to give the other boy some of his shirts, that thing he's wearing is way too big for him.

"I've never been there but I always wanted to visit. One of my teachers back home has a British family and taught at Oxford. He always thinks fondly of England." Scott finally looks up from the food he's making, smiling warmly at John. Thinking about a younger Xavier amuses him. "Good pubs and good music, he said."

Edited 2019-04-10 22:11 (UTC)

John eyes up the bread and when he thinks Scott isn't looking he grabs a slice, nibbling on it plain.

"There's nothing to see there," John says simply, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "Maybe there is in Oxford. Don't know." It's got a fancy school and some car factories, that's all John knows about it, and that's probably more than what most kids like John know about the place.

"He sounds like some rich fuck," John adds, not realising how callous that sounds and that maybe Scott likes teachers or something.

"I can't really tell you either. I grew up in Anchorage, what we have is a lot of natural parks and giant, scary moose." Scott misses it, he liked living there more than Salem Center but beggars couldn't be choosers. With his powers, it's safer if he stays with others mutants.

Scott busies himself with the sausages, turning them occasionally until golden. A soft chuckle is the reply John gets after the rude comment, he not too worried about it and he knows Xavier wouldn't be too offended.

"He is rich. But he uses his money to help people like me. Some mutant powers are very destructive and normal humans don't always like us." His eyebrows knit together and Scott focuses on the food he's making rather than looking over at John. "Some families turn on their kids when the powers first manifest, it's complicated."

He's not seen a moose before, but he knows vaguely what they look like, and John just nods without passing comment. They've got 'countryside' in England but it's probably quite different from pine trees and enormous four-legged beasts.

Nibbling on more bread to stave off the hunger pangs from the smell of food, John sniffles and wipes his nose with the back of his hand, trying not to insult them anymore. The only rich people who 'help' others have an agenda. Pay less tax or appear charitable so that people will buy more of their shit or whatever. There's no such thing as altruism.

"You're a what?"

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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