zap that thirst!

[smormon]

spin the Nuka Cola

We at Nuka Cola are proud to welcome you to our new Nuka Teen! activities workshop! Please take your seat and wait for the game to begin.




uh-oh! somehow, you've trapped yourself in an old Pre-War game room, and the only way out is to complete a game of Spin The Bottle with your fellow prisoners. unfortunately for you, the last group to play had a sick sense of humour; the bottle in question has been replaced by a Nuka Grenade, which will explode should you refuse to comply. the rules are simple:

1. spin the Nuka Cola grenade
2. kiss whoever it lands on, or agree to a forfeit
3. try not to die

refreshing!

Comments

Sole Survivor (Evaris) & John Hancock

[chem_break]

(( ooc: I drive both of these assholes and, let's be real, they would get trapped in here together! Threads can be with Hancock, Evaris, or both! Just specify somewhere who you're interested in interacting with and I will leave the other aside based on player preference!

**You can go ahead and assume anyone was in the room when this happened, and are therefor part of the round!**

Or make your own rounds/threads as well! ))

... I'm going to spin the Grenade

'Var, Do not spin the Grenade

I just think it's how we start the game!

What-- No, we're not engaging the Pre-War Game Room. It ain't happening

Hancock, babe, all we have to do is kiss. Cheek and forehead kisses are valid, probably! It's better than sitting here trying nothing and honestly, I'm getting dehydrated. I'm starting the game.

[ And before Hancock can stop his capricious boyfriend, Evaris leans forward and spins the Nuka Grenade in the center of the room. Around and around and around it goes...]

Great. Now whoever it lands on has gotta kiss you. Maybe they'd rather not. Ever think of that? [ Hancock is vaguely disproving, but leisurely in his total lack of jealousy about his partner potentially smooching someone on here so they can all A) avoid getting blown up and B) progress the game to a point where it will let them out. ]

That is a fair and decent point my good ghoul so, you know what? If that's the case, I'll be very gracious and give the first spin to you [ Evaris flutters his fucking eyelashes, all too self-satisfied with his gracious plan. ]

Uh-huh. Or we could just not do it. Not progress the game. And keep looking for a way out ourselves.

[ Only now the Nuka Grenade has finally stopped. It's pointing at you, and if that isn't ominous enough, once about 5 innocuous seconds go by, a little timer blips to life and starts counting down from thirty seconds. ]

... Hm. Well that's mildly concerning [ Evaris. ]

Fucking fantastic [ Hancock storms over, glancing at the Grenade and the timer and growling at his impatient, chaotic partner. ]

Fine. Guess we're doin' this. So we don't all blow up in the next thirty seconds... who'd you rather kiss, this jack-ass or me?

[smormon]

[In the cavalcade of horror, sin and wickedness that composes Joshua's past, an infantile party game doesn't even register as more than unfortunate. It is, however, deeply embarrassing.

There's no way to maintain any sort of dignity under these circumstances. With a thunder in his eyes that could cow a deathclaw, Joshua yields.]

Better the devil you know. [He can't recall the last time he was physically close to someone with anything other than a killing intent, but close he must get as he crosses the circle to perch next to Hancock.]

Come here. [why does it sound like he's about to break Hancock's arm]

[chem_break]

[ Hancock is a little less attached to his own dignity, in some instances; waking up in a ditch will do that to a person. This is hardly the most horrifying day he's ever had, but really, considering the other people trapped in the room with them, he would have much preferred his idiot partner not activate the fucking bomb.

He might be able to survive a bomb, maybe, if he found something extremely irradiated to curl up and somehow managed not to go Feral, again. Var? He's less sure. These other people? Even less sure.

Joshua? The guy might survive off Aura alone. Still, not a risk Hancock wants to take. ]

Heh. Can't tell ya how often that works in my favor...

[ He tries to climb back into his typical bravado. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Var is watching him and he looks far, far too pleased with himself for initiating this chaos. ]

Pushy. I like it.

[ He's joking. But also, the jest is a defense mechanism. This guy is intense-- and it kind of works for him, if Hancock is being honest with himself. Resigned from looking for another exit, for the moment, Hancock casually drops onto a seated position on his knees and shuffles closer to Joshua, trying to ignore-- shit, everything else.

Be cool, Hancock. Be cool. Don't wanna Eternally Damn this guy or anything. He stops shuffling closer, placing a somewhat clumsy leather-and-scar hand on Joshua's shoulder, and narrows his hematite-black eyes in contemplation. ]

So, uh... where am I aiming, exactly? Don't wanna sign you up for any of those... Problematic Temptations

[ With seconds literally diminishing before them, he still finds time to be a tease and a smart-ass.]

[smormon]

[Joshua just about curbs the urge to roll his eyes. While he knows next to nothing about his companion, Hancock himself strikes him as one of those insouciant types who forgets more of their indulgences than they remember; he doubts this will come back to haunt him as anything more than a little dig.

It helps, perhaps, that he can sense just a hint of nerves on the ghoul's part. Something in the way he moves, perhaps, or the quickness of his tongue.

... hm. If they're going to get this done, maybe tongues aren't what he wants to think about right now.]

Just be quiet.

[With the weight of that hand anchoring him in place, Joshua leans in and presses his mouth- or, more accurately, the bandages that cover it- to the corner of Hancock's. It's dry and chaste, but, once he's sure the pressure won't set his skin burning, his lips do move almost imperceptibly beneath the gauze.

Beep.]

[chem_break]

[ Some indulgences get forgotten, a few get saved in pristine detail; it's yet to be determined which this will be, but probably the former... right?

Honestly Joshua's clipped cold aggression is already making Hancock question himself deeply, and the feeling only doubles when he's told to be quiet. It's a. Not Terrible Command. And what's more amazing is Hancock actually listens, despite the powerful urge to be disobedient for the sake of disobedience. There is a fucking bomb, still.

He doesn't know what to expect and the sensation of warmth beneath bandages is different than anything he has a frame for; it makes him curious, even as he (mostly) stifles the instinct to cant his head and correct the slightly misaligned angles of their mouths.

Dry and chaste is not the ghoul's usual wheelhouse. Maybe that's why it feels so different. Maybe he's just shook from the other man's unflinching aura. Somehow the odd textures, seams and bolts of scar-tissue at the corner of his mouth, catch the almost imperceptible shift beneath the bandages.

The motion spawns spawns a sound almost equally imperceptible; a savoring thrum in his throat that is mostly but not completely swallowed.

Beep... Beep? Oh right, right-- the bomb.

Hancock cracks an eye-- when did he close them? Christ man, keep you cool. Looks like the timer isn't counting down anymore at least? Okay, good. Now he's got time to cut this tension: ]

Heh. Guess I should be callin' you Cassanova and not Curious

[smormon]

[At the moment of contact he's fully anticipating a twist of the head or a second hand on his the back of his head, anything to deepen the touch from practicality to passion...

Amazing indeed. The very last thing Joshua expected was for Hancock to behave himself (in spite of his claims to the contrary when they last spoke) but behave he does.

It feels wrong to call the ghoul truly submissive under any circumstances. Yet, in the moment before he speaks, there is a certain tractability on his face that intrigues Joshua when he pulls back far enough to read it, and no amount of sassing will make him forget.]

There is always "Joshua". [For a moment his eyes flicker to the man beside Hancock, as if in sympathy- this is what you live with?- but then they're back on impenetrable black, and sharper than ever.] Thank you. That was painless.

[chem_break]

[ Hancock talks a big game and he likes to flirt, but he doesn't take consent issues very lightly. That isn't the only factor at play here though. Something about Joshua's presence (combined with the threat of a close-quarters explosion) is just enough to make him sit at attention and heel. He did claim he can behave, and he wasn't lying about that.

Submissive is probably the wrong word; Hancock likes to think he's being respectful but he's also probably deferring to Joshua's boundaries-- which he can swallow a lot easier than thinking about it like following any kind of command. Hancock is an excellent wing man when he wants to be; he knows how to take and follow cues.

Ghoul-skin does not flush and for that Hancock is grateful; he's grinning and languid, not at all a shy coquette, but his face sure does feel warm. ]

Kinky. I only use full first names under the covers. [ What did you just say about painless??? ] You're welcome. Told ya I know how to behave. Were you surprised? Hoping I wasn't so gentlemanly with ya?

[ The Grenade isn't ticking right now, but that doesn't mean the torture is necessarily over, Josh. ]

[smormon]

[That doesn't count. Hancock is the kind of man who delights in misbehavior, the only extenuating circumstance being the level of respect he has for his target of the moment. It's hardly the first time he's tried to get under Joshua's skin, and, frankly, he'd feel he'd offended the ghoul somehow if it were the last.

He's about to sit back, comment on Hancock's manners or lack thereof. But there is another option wiggling its way through his thoughts that stays his tongue.

It's not exactly civil. He can't remember the last time he took such a tone. But in this moment, with this particular man, he knows it will land with the efficacy of a grenade in a broom cupboard.

Joshua squares his shoulders, fixes Hancock in place with his most penetrating gaze, and intones:]

Down, John.

aries

[sheepsquatch]

[ ARIES SPINS THE NUKA GRENADE! ]

[smormon]

[Even without the questionable innovation of armed explosives, Joshua has never until now played this game. If he had, he might have been able to answer the question that crosses his mind when the neck of the "bottle" comes to a grinding halt in front of him: is it better or worse to know your partner?

Slowly, Joshua looks up from the grenade. In the periphery of his vision he can see the flicker of red on the timer's face, ticking away, but he can't look away from Aries. Forget the tension, there's something more obvious to consider here.]

Are you going to leave your mask on?

[Would it still count? Who knows how this ridiculous game has been rigged to work?]

I still have a mouth- [he taps a finger to his lips, covered though they are, in demonstration]- but do you?

[Practically speaking, not philosophically.]

[sheepsquatch]

[Aries inhaled deeply, and the mask amplified the sound. It was more of a sigh, more of a, "how the hell did I get into this shit?" Going to explode if he doesn't bump his stupid face to Joshua's face.

Joshua! His face! The one Aries tries to not look at!]

Just give me a little peck on the respirator and we'll be on our ways.

[He realized that was a bit of a bark. He has to lighten it up,]

Or dip me and give me the kiss of a lifetime! We won the war, boys!

[smormon]

[That's the reaction Joshua had expected, more or less, though his eyes still flicker with obvious interest at the shift in Aries' tone. He's not sure he's ever seen the man uncomfortable before.

Whatever the case, he can work with this. He gives a small hum, a sort of verbal shrug, then pitches forward onto his knees.]

Don't move.

[Underneath that enormous coat and hood there's not much between them in terms of size. All it takes is a little tilt of the head to avoid mashing his nose into the mask and Joshua can put his mouth to the center of its respirator, quick and light, before making his retreat.]

[sheepsquatch]

[He felt the back of his neck tingle, even if it was swaddled in between a hood and a mask.

Kind... of ... uh, interesting, the way that they were so contained in their own places but the gentle intimacy. Joshua's Jesus Christ, he really needed to get laid. The most basic closeness was turning him into some sort of pervert.]

Hm. Thanks.

[For what? He isn't really sure what else to say.]

[smormon]

[There's a fraction of a moment in which Joshua finds himself hesitating, suspended between the acts as if preparing for a dive- and then Aries says something.]

Thanks? [Why does he sound so irritated? That in itself is even more irritating than Aries' response, and he cannot entirely pinpoint what about that irritated him in the first place. The hum? The awkward silence?

He sits back, arms folded.] The timer stopped. That's all that matters.

what have you started, nuka cola

[sheepsquatch]

[Oh, Joshua, if you could only see Aries' face. The reaction to the reaction was far more interesting. He cocked his head, the way a confused dog might.]

Is... that all that matters?

[Once again, he hid the true meaning of those words with ambiguous silliness.]

I do have a mouth, for what it's worth.

[And then he mirrors Joshua's movements, sitting back and folding his arms over his chest.]

i blame the sugar

[smormon]

[Of all the ways in which Joshua has been shamed for his actions, this is the first time he has been made to feel like he's kicking a puppy. Why should he be short with Aries when he cannot even explain what he is being short about?

(Can't he? No, he isn't doing this now.)

Joshua's shoulders sink. In one of only a few shows of mercy in his entire life, he relents.]

No. As ridiculous as it may sound under the circumstances, your comfort matters, too. [His voice softens, apologetic.] And I know you do. You did ask me to be quick.

[chem_break]

[ Looks like, even though Evaris kindly handed his first spin to Hancock, the ghoul himself still has to make a spin to progress the game. Great. He's thrilled, totally. He'd absolutely rather be playing this batshit bar game with an explosive, than looking for another way out.

At least it doesn't land on Joshua, again. It narrowly misses, and lands on Aries instead. ]

Hey there Stranger. Guess we're gettin mildly acquainted to settle down that grenade.

[ There's only a fleck of fatigue in his well-worn bravado; Hancock stands, saunters towards Aries slow, pronouncing the click of his heeled boots (historical accuracy, right here) as he moves, like there isn't a dwindling timer attached to a bomb between them. ]

There a particular way you wanna do this? I take requests

[sheepsquatch]

[ Aries was sitting on the floor, shoulders slumped. When it landed on Hancock, well, not just anyone gets to kiss the mayor! He looked up at Hancock-- gosh, what a view. ]

I don't suppose you'll dip me in a forceful but welcome victory kiss?

[ Joshua and Aries had a very tense relationship, as Aries just learned. It was time to do something much less tense. Muuuch less. ]

[chem_break]

[ He offers a rumbling chuckle to the query, allowing the tip of his head to show the otherwise invisible trek of his gaze, moving from Aries toes to his mask and back again. ]

May-be. [ He rolls the word slow off his tongue, like he's promising something. ] You gunna request another kiss on the mask? Pretty sure a Mayor deserves better than the same as Preacher Man other there

[ Honorable mention Joshua, and a teasing wink in his direction. It's not a valid concern at all, Hancock just likes to make a show of being a Brat Lord. It doesn't seem like he's concerned at all about that grenade (even if he is), ready to take his time bargaining specifics of the kiss they must share or risk killing everyone in the room. ]

You got a reason I should pull out the decent theatrics, friend?

[ Hancock does not need a reason to pull out the decent theatrics, making this a trick question. He also offers his hand to help Aries up onto his feet, a with a slow, almost goading smile curling his mouth. ]

not here

[smormon]

[what's that feeling? did the grenade go off already? is Hancock being wrapped up into the glowing embrace of explosive Nuka-branded radiation?

no, that's just Joshua Graham glaring across the circle.]

get in the cuck chair, mormon man

[sheepsquatch]

[sheepsquatch]

[Hancock mentioned the mask, but not his mouth. You have to be careful how you word your feelings with Aries, he's like a genie or a faerie.

You also have to woo a man! He might die!

Aries sighs, dreamily, but it's a little much. He does love that dramatic crap.]

Mr. Mayor, if you want my vote, you need to... how much time do we have?

[Every time they had spoke or crossed paths in the past, Hancock had flirted with Aries pretty shamelessly. That ghoul had fun, but he also seemed so sincere. Not a lot of self-confidence on this one, which is why he was always putting on a funny voice or starting wild rumors. So when someone showed interest in him, he ate it up. Hancock was honest, so it wasn't just that feeling of 'omg he thinks i'm cuuuute!' It was paired with a more tingly feeling. Yeah, tingly.

It's not frantic, the way he moves to untuck his scarf, or how he shoves his left hand under his mask and against the side of his throat. There is a moment where he struggles slightly, and let's be real, it smells gross in there.

Behold: Aries, maskless. The right side of his face and body seemed to have taken the brunt of his Assaultron attack. His earlobe once hung down slight, and one could tell it was lopped off. A few scars dash his lips, chipping his teeth. Other than that, he has a goofy grin on his face.]

Lay it on me, your honor.

[chem_break]

We still bein' timed? Think I'm getting distracted...

[ It's a complimentary little lie because Hancock is dutiful in watching the seconds dwindle, but he's not going to skip a chance to butter up a fan, is he? Big time nope.

He's also pretty curious to see what Aries really looks like, to start to guess why he's more comfortable hiding his face (and see how far that preference runs through him). Not far enough to derail the ghoul's request, apparently. His ink-stain eyes roam over the path of every scar, observe the missing ear and the chipped teeth beneath his playful grin. ]

Oh, I see it now. You're just afraid of making the rest of us look bad. Mighty considerate of ya

[ He's laying it on kind of thick but he's being equally impish about it, grabbing Aries firmly by the wrist and hauling him to his feet. He's strong, stronger than a human could be, and uses the spare momentum to send Aries through a spin before catching him hard on the hip, halting him all at once. ]

Your Honor is kinda shameless, isn't it? [ It's not a complaint in the least, nor does his tone really specify if it's meant to be Aries' shamelessness or his own. Honestly Hancock's ego is a weakness even he's aware of, but appealing to it like this does nothing but win Aries approval points.

According to that, according to the man's encouraging vibe, Hancock dips him low; low enough that most of Aries weight is resting on the leathered hand at the small of his back, instead of on his own feet. The kiss he presses directly across Aries' mouth seals their scars together and creates a brief burst of fizzling friction. ]

thank you for writing the part i forgot (the hand being offered! pay attention, me!)

[sheepsquatch]

[No one treats Aries like he's small and cute anymore. It was such a bummer and he was constantly trying to chase that feeling. That or maybe he was traumatized first by the death of his parents. The human mind was a minefield.

The human mind also wasn't working correctly at the moment. Actually getting dipped by a man with that ghoul-strength and kissed like he meant it-- oh crap, did his rads just go up?

Not forcefully, just enough to show he was done, Aries pushes on Hancock's shoulders and untangles himself, nearly losing his balance.]

Woo. You are right, your honor doesn't work. [He bows slightly,] Your majesty.

No worries I gochu~

[chem_break]

[ Hey, Hancock gets the appeal of feeling small and cute; it's a feeling he's more than happy to inflict upon Aries for their mutual enjoyment. Minefield Brain is a common trait of the freaks and misfits this ghoul treks with, Aries is in good company with him.

As much as he loves to play Ring leader Hancock is also quite adept at taking cues from his partner, so the moment that push starts on his shoulder, Hancock is drawing back and setting the man's weight back upon his own feet. The hand on Aries waist retreats, but hovers in the near-by empty air for those seconds the typically masked man wobbles, off-balance. ]

That's a generous promotion. I'll allow it. But only cuz I like the feel of your mouth.

[ He's leaning kind of hard into his showman's persona, but also, he's just having a lot of fun. ]

Guess a bow is appropriate, since I'm your King now. Could bend a little lower, if ya really wanna flatter me.