voidtreckerooc | Test Drive Meme 013

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Test Drive Meme 013

Welcome to our Test Drive Meme! Here is the place to see how your character might fit the setting, grab some samples and start having fun!

1. Post with your character. I’ve written out some prompts but feel free to make up your own, you have a whole train to play with!

2. Assume they have been around long enough for threads to jump right into the action!

3. Have much fun!

Happy testing!

Training Gym

Fight club have finally gotten a gym to train in. Train carriages make strange gyms, long narrow spaces. But this has mats, balance beams, climbing apparatus. Pads and training dummies for punching. It also has large blocks that look a little like what you might find in a children's play centre but can be used to make obstacle courses or provide cover in training exercises.

Set up a course, practice fighting or try and learn how to throw a punch! There are plenty who will help, people who take training super seriously and let's face it, people who want to ambush others from behind oversized foam blocks.

Games

For those for whom fighting is not an idea of fun, or those wanting more relaxation, the games carriage has a whole collection of different games. Board games, card games, dice games. There are many games about trains but they aren't the only type.

There are low tables in the carriage to set a game up on and plenty of beanbags and cushions to sit on. Grab a game, grab a friend or a complete stranger and get playing!

Water Maze

The latest mission has taken the voidtreckers to an underwater maze. They have been given wet suits, helmets and breathing apparatus- lightweight boxes that strap to their back, connect to their helmet and filter air from the water. A powerful and dangerous artifact has been stolen and the race is on to get it back before it is used for ill.

Team One

Plenty of monsters and foes have been sent to try and retrieve the item. Giant crabs, strange eels. Even people with fish tails and the ability to breathe underwater. All are dangerous foes and fighting underwater is difficult.

But team one are the vanguard, keeping the monster levels low to allow team two to push on through the maze.

Team Two

Hopefully team one will deal with the monsters, but the odd one might sneak through. Team two's main job is to solve the maze, because the thief is in the centre in order to perform his ritual.

It's a race against time, the maze is made of coral and walls of seaweed that are impossible to cut through. Solving it requires a quick mind and some determined swimming.

Team Three

For those not wishing to brave the water, or those whose skills lie more in helping others. The island where the artefact was stolen from needs help. The temple was ransacked and some of the islanders were injured. Help them fix their homes, put the temple back to rights, tend to the injured.

Cleaning the temple is a big job, but hopefully by the time the artefact has been retrieved it will be able to be restored to it's rightful place.

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Out of sheer idle habit, Inigo reaches over to try and press down the head again - except that means that this time he's instead poking Gerome's hand. Granted, that's something Inigo might do to try and draw the other's attention or tease him under regular circumstances, but under these more serious and vulnerable ones, it makes a slight blush appear on his cheeks as he quickly pulls his hand back rather than letting it linger.

At least that surprise gets him to quickly speak up, completely snapping out of his thoughts for the moment.

"It's not against my wishes."

He thinks. It's hard. He's never had to think about all of this in this way. He's never been in any circumstances like the ones here on the train. And while he's gotten used to the circumstances by now - mostly, anyway - Gerome being here brings in an entirely new and unexpected factor. It throws everything off just slightly enough for Inigo to try to see everything in a new light.

"I.. would like to. Be more open, that is." He hates thinking of it as hiding, so he won't use that wording, but he means pretty much the same thing. "I just.."

His words trail off, and he briefly bites his lower lip as he thinks.

Wouldn't wanting to be more open mean being open now as well? Being honest about what's kept him from doing so so far?

"I am afraid of burdening you. You know the kind of pressure we had on our shoulders back home. And while we may not have to deal with Grima or any war while we're here.. It's still rough. Even moreso for you, since you haven't even had the time to get used to any of this yet." How could he throw his own problems on top of all of that? Surely Gerome had enough to deal with already without also having to deal with a whole slew of dumb, dumb emotional problems that Inigo has. It feels too unfair to just throw those onto Gerome's plate too.

Inigo might have pulled his hand back as if burned, but Gerome kept his hand where it was, and his expression deliberately neutral. He keeps quiet, just waiting for the other to come to his own conclusions.

Almost... Gerome feels bad. He didn't realise he was putting Inigo on the spot like this. It wasn't even that big a deal. At least, it wouldn't have been, if Inigo hadn't seemed like he was trying so hard to keep things hidden that it was almost comical. And strangely hurtful.

Normally it wouldn't have bothered Gerome in the slightest. He would have been able to put distance between them and it would have been put out of his mind the further away from Inigo he could get. There was no chance of that here though. So Inigo's deceptions were right there, in front of his face, every time they spoke. It was like the other tried to say something, he would start and then think better of it and change the subject. And slowly but surely it had started to bother Gerome.

Slowly, Gerome leaned forward. "What does any of that... have to do... with hiding things?" He asked, a single brow raised questioningly. "... I have no doubts these things you insist on keeping to yourself are not even of any great importance. But you have kept them to yourself for so long they seem that way." And didn't that just go double for himself? Though in all fairness, Gerome tended to avoid anything that could be an issue. He was also fairly certain that Inigo knew all of his own hidden thoughts already, as much as he would like to have kept them to himself, having grown up with the man it had been hard to do consistently. However there was, for Inigo at least, several months between them now. And Inigo was back to believing he should keep everything contained. It was ridiculous. People like him should not do that. It only made them unhappy...

"It's because the things I am hiding aren't secrets." Because Gerome is right. Most of them aren't of great importance - not to the world as a whole, anyway. They're not even things Inigo is really ashamed of, necessarily. It's not like he isn't telling the other things because he'd be mortified or ashamed of Gerome found out about them. He's a lot worse at hiding embarrassing things, after all.

"It's since everything I hide are all the things that make me miserable."

His throat feels dry as he says it. But he's telling the truth. That's why he's said he's afraid of burdening Gerome. Because there are so many things that weigh down on him so heavily, and there's no way he could be of any use to anyone if he would always look as miserable as he feels. At least with smiles and dumb idiocy he can cheer people up. Or at least not further drag others down in his misery.

Inigo actually looks up, eyes meeting Gerome's mask. He can feel his eyes start to water, but it's like he can't stop talking. Now he's admitted the first thing, it's like the dam has burst.

"Gerome, there was this guy here. I.. I liked him. I really, really liked him. Not like the way I usually talk about girls." Since Inigo himself knows that's fake most of the time. "I was serious about it. We were dating, and I loved him, but he.."

He chokes up as the tears finally start to spill from his eyes, rolling down his cheeks.

"Suddenly he.. he just walked away from me. Without giving any reason or explanation. After that he started avoiding me, and then right before you appeared on that platform, he left the train." At this point his brain is probably aware he should stop talking, and yet he somehow can't. It's like his mouth has been completely detached from his brain. "I have cried myself to sleep most days since then because it hurts so much, and because I truly feel like the biggest fool alive for thinking that anyone would be able to genuinely love me..!"

Well, Gerome, you wanted the truth. It just apparently comes with you now having a sobbing boy on your hands.

There had been no way that Gerome could have asked. Inigo needed to come to this on his own. He needed to open up on his own. And once he had, all Gerome could do was stare.

... He hadn't meant to cause Inigo to cry. For a moment he wondered if he could get away with walking out and informing one of Inigo's other friends to come and deal with the fall out. He'd done his part. Did he really have to deal with this as well? He shifted a little, seeming uncomfortable... He'd heard this already. That small man had explained this in much similar terms without all the tears.

But it was that last line that caused Gerome to stop being so ridiculous and take notice.

It was what caused him to stand up abruptly.

"Idiot." Did he sound harsh? He didn't really mean to be, but he was suddenly very angry. "Idiot..." He said it again as he reached out, grabbed the front of Inigo's shirt and yanked him up to his feet. "... You are such an idiot." And a third time... just before he yanked his childhood friend into his arms and a near crushing hug. Gerome was... maybe not the best for hugs. He felt he was awkward, he felt he was doing it wrong, but he wrapped his arms around Ingio as best he could because he knew that these were the kinds of things that Inigo seemed to respond to most.

"... You are a fool." He hissed into the others ear, sounding pretty damn annoyed now. "... And that man is lucky he left." Because if he could get his hands on him... Gerome couldn't remember ever being as angry for someone else as he was now. How dare this Yuki hurt Inigo? How dare he make him love him only to walk away from him, avoid and leave him? "... You are a fool to believe you do not deserve to... to be loved. If anyone does. It is people like you." It wasn't the easiest of things for him to say, and yes he still sounded angry, but somehow the anger helped him to say this things.

Inigo was so caught up in his confession that he had absolutely no expectations of what Gerome's reaction may be. He didn't even think about it. Which was probably for the better, considering he never would have been able to pour all of that out if he had been occupied with worrying about how Gerome may react to all of it.

So when Gerome does react, it's a total surprise. Inigo hardly knows what's going on when that word first leaves his friend's mouth, and then Gerome is suddenly over at his side, and then he's pulling him up and-- oh Naga. Inigo has absolutely no idea anymore what's going on, other than the worry he may somehow have angered Gerome slowly starting to creep up on him. He can only stare at the other with wide, tear-filled eyes as he's pulled up to his feet.

But rather than Gerome yelling at him, or punching him, or doing anything of the sort.. Gerome pulls him into a hug.

It stills Inigo for a moment in surprise. And confusion. He didn't expect to get a hug from Gerome of all things at a moment like this. But somehow it feels so comforting. Despite the other's anger - because it doesn't fully seem like it's aimed at him with how tight the hug is.

And especially not.. with those last words. Did Gerome really just say that?

"Gerome.." The other's name instinctively leaves Inigo's lips. It's the only thing he can say right now. What else can he say? He's never felt like he deserved it. And now Gerome of all people, the guy who never says anything sappy, who has trouble with letting the most basic of emotions show.. he's telling him he does deserve it.

Of course Inigo just keeps crying at that. But this time he moves his arms up to cling to Gerome just as tightly as the other is holding him. This isn't something he ever wanted to do with Gerome. Or anyone. He just wanted to always pretend to be okay. But it's happening now all the same - rather than hiding it like back when they left the platform, this time he is very openly crying in Gerome's arms.

"Oh, Gerome..!" His voice shakes as he cries. This feels so much like when they were much younger. Inigo can't recall the last time he's ever felt like that before Gerome popped up here again. "You have absolutely no idea how glad I am that you're here.."

This is what that small man had wanted, wasn't it? Trusting him to 'get it out of Inigo'. Was this the way he was supposed to do it? Gerome had no idea but it was the way things had happened and now he was there he was left just a little confused how it happened.

Oh yes, he knew he had been the one to yank Inigo up and hold him like this, that part was on him entirely. But it had only seemed to make the teen cry even more and that was not what he'd expected. Not that he knew what to expect at all. This was brand new territory for him. And the second hug he and Inigo had shared since his arrival. Gerome wasn't sure why or what that meant, it was something he would have to consider at a later date. His first task was to deal with the weeping man in his arms.

A little awkwardly he gave Inigo's back a pat in what he hoped was a gentle way, he didn't want to hurt him.

"... I know." Gerome had turned his head away and... it took him a second to realise that might not have been the correct thing to say. He wasn't sure what to say. His anger at the one who had hurt Inigo was fading a little and now he was feeling more than a little unsure of himself. "... I am... glad you aren't alone here now." Better? He thought it was better. Hoped it was.

It's definitely better. Even though it may be awkwardly said, Inigo knows that even awkward efforts like this take a lot out of Gerome. He's not the type to talk about feelings at all, after all. What he's afraid of, what he's glad for.. Gerome never mentions anything like that.

And sure, this one may just be meant to pacify him, but even that is Gerome making some effort for his sake, so Inigo appreciates it all the same.

He can't quite stop the tears that are rolling down his cheeks, but as he pulls his head back (but doesn't move out of the hug otherwise) to look at the other, Inigo is smiling even through the tears.

"I'm sorry. I am well aware it must be strange to be here with just me." Surely it would have suited Gerome more to be stuck here with any of the more serious types of their group. Maybe if he had been here with Lucina. There's no way Lucina would have been crying against him like a snottering baby. "But I.. I am sort of glad that it's you. Especially now."

Sure, they haven't been close in years upon years. They seem like polar opposites to anyone who would see them together. And it's really annoying just how shut off Gerome tries to be most of the time. But at the same time Inigo can't help but feel that having Gerome here out of everyone else - aside from his big sister, perhaps - feels the most comfortable. Maybe it's due to the way they interacted when they were much younger, but Gerome just has that special comforting effect on him even when all of his attempts are extremely awkward.

Unsure if he was supposed to let Inigo or not, Gerome just kept his arms around him until Inigo actually pulled away. When he lifted his head though... he couldn't deny it hurt a little to see. He'd never really liked to see Inigo cry, though he tried hard to push that feeling aside once they were older. Inigo had been able to look after himself then, hadn't needed him nearly as much as when they had been younger.

So to be needed now, even in a small way... made a part of Gerome feel... something. Good? He wasn't sure. But he knew it was a risk to feel anything. Connecting with others was always a risk. They always...

Gerome blinked. The word he'd been thinking made him feel a little sick inside.

Isn't that why Inigo was crying on his shoulder. People left... People always left. Always died. Always...

But Inigo had always been around. Always been a fixture in his life. It would be so strange to have not have him there, now he was thinking about it. Even when they travelled to the past he'd known that somewhere out there Inigo was, waiting for him, waiting for them all to find each other again.

Gerome was very still and very quiet, without realising he'd done it, his arms had tightened around Inigo, almost clutching the other man to him in case he suddenly disappeared as well.

The silence isn't unexpected. Honestly, Inigo was already surprised Gerome already said as much as he did so far - especially things that are relatively super sappy by Gerome standards.

But the silence makes it really, really hard to not notice the way those arms tighten around him slightly. Though Inigo isn't sure why it's happening. Maybe Gerome is worried because Inigo is still crying even now and doesn't know what to do about it other than that? It's not like Gerome has seen him cry often ever since they grew older, after all.

.. well, he hasn't seem him cry over actual serious things, anyway. Can you really count that time he cried because girls are more into Gerome than him...

Although the way those arms tighten around him does make him think of something. He's unsure if it'd be pushing his luck here, but Inigo feels that if he doesn't ask it right now, he'll never have a good moment to do so.

".. Gerome?" He waits a moment, like he's trying to make sure he has the other's attention first. "Erm.. Do you think I could ask for a hug like this.. sometimes? I swear I won't abuse it! It's just.. you know, this feels nice.."

It really does. Usually Inigo feels like crap after confessing something so dumb and personal, but somehow he doesn't feel as heavy now. And there's no way that isn't entirely the influence of having Gerome hug him.

"And I promise to be more open with you in return. Even if you might think me a crybaby."

Gerome hadn't been looking at Inigo, his head was turned, he was lost in his own thoughts. Until Inigo spoke again. Before he could think to open his mouth and speak, he could feel heat warming his cheeks.

Was Inigo serious? Surely not?

He turned his head to face the other man and saw in his eyes that yes, yes Inigo was very serious. That earnest expression of his was hard to deny. And yet Gerome wasn't entirely sure how to respond. If he said no, it would surely upset Inigo further. If he said yes... it would open him up to more of this. More of Inigo being close... of working his way under his guard and...

Gerome swallowed hard and looked away again.

"... You... are a fool." He muttered grumpily. "... But not a crybaby."

"..." He was quiet for a handful of seconds.

"... Sometimes. Only.... only sometimes..." Gerome gave in. He weighed his options and this was the only option he knew he could safely get away with. And if it helped Inigo as much as he said... Surely that was not a bad thing?

That response makes Inigo's eyes just light up.

It doesn't matter that Gerome made sure to repeat that it's meant to only be sometimes. That doesn't matter at all. The only thing that matters is that Gerome is agreeing with it to begin with. Inigo knows that can't be simple, since Gerome is exactly the opposite of him when it comes to hugs.. it's what made it so surprising that the other had embraced him just now out of the blue to begin with!

The surprise and joy that simple agreement bring Inigo make him squeeze the other. "Oh, thank you..!"

And he won't abuse it! Really. Honestly. He doesn't want to make Gerome uncomfortable, after all, despite how tempting it can be at times to tease the other. But Inigo is planning on being good about it.

"I bet one hug from you at time is enough for me to not feel sad anymore." He grins happily at the other. "I mean.. look at me, I already feel a whole lot better right now!" Which he's making sound like it's slightly more of a simple matter than it really is.. Inigo himself is well aware just how long his crappy moods can last, after all. Gerome's hugs really do have a huge effect on him, apparently. He just had no idea since it's been so long since he's had one.

When Gerome looked back at Inigo he could see that, yes, he did seem to have cheered some. Even if his cheeks were still wet and his eyes red... He didn't like that look. The tears. It didn't suit Inigo at all.

"... I'm... glad." He replied stiffly, not really sure how else to answer. Gerome was glad. He really was. That Inigo was feeling better and could smile so happily now was a very good thing. Though he had trouble believing that his hugs were the cure for that. He felt like the other was mocking him somehow, but there was none of that in Inigo's expression so Gerome was more than a little confused.

"If they help... ... When you're... sad..." Gerome hated this. Why was it so hard to say these things? It came so easily to Inigo but... near impossible to himself.

"They do," he admits. Though admitting as much does seem to make Inigo just a tad flustered too. Openly admitting to his weaknesses without first being driven into a corner over it is new for him, after all. But he wants to make sure Gerome knows how much these hugs are appreciated if he's actually letting Inigo have some. Just so he knows it's not for nothing. ".. surprisingly? I mean-- not that your hugs are bad, not at all! But it's just.. I..."

His voice trails off, and he bows his head, unable to say this and meet Gerome's gaze - even hidden behind a mask, he still knows it's there! - at the same time.

"I just.. thought I could do it by myself. Being strong."

Not that he necessarily wanted to. Inigo enjoys company. He hates being alone. But not relying on others felt like it was better - not for his sake, but for everyone else's.

"But I suppose I needed you more than I thought."

He wished Inigo would stop looking at him like that... The both of them couldn't be flustered! But... what was so good about his hugs over anyone elses? Surely there were better people to hug? If there was one thing Gerome had learned since joining this strange band of people it was that Inigo was very popular. He was sure that each and every one of those people would have been better suited to do this. And less awkward. Yet... somehow... he was still stood there. Still with his arms around Inigo... And very confused as to when he was supposed to let go. When was a hug too long? Inigo hadn't let go of him either and Gerome was, for the most part, taking his cues from him in this.

Gerome's attention focused back on Inigo when the others head lowered.

"... What?"

Inigo was being an idiot again and saying idiotic things. At least the first part. Before he could open his mouth and call him out on being so foolish, Inigo had to go and say that.

His cheeks flamed.

"... W-what...? Don't be ridiculous..." Need him? Why would anyone need him? Inigo was just being emotional, he wasn't aware of what he was saying, Gerome was certain of that!

And yet... there was no heat to his words, no anger... He hadn't pushed Inigo away or stormed off. Truthfully he wasn't sure what to do.

Poor Gerome. Inigo may just be one of the worst people to take cues from on this sort of thing. If not just because he's be perfectly content spending the entire day - or at the very least most of the day - like this. He's way too happy about hugs. Which means that he's still not letting go just yet.

And it also means that he's getting a very nice view of Gerome's red cheeks. It's impossible to miss from this close up, and even the mask can't cover that up.

And while yes, that means Inigo is aware Gerome is probably mostly just embarrassed or flustered, he can't help but worry the other might really think he's not being serious about it. Inigo knows the way he comes across to people in general most of the time, after all. With how much flattery he throws around, it's hard to tell what's entirely genuine and what's dramatic.

So he quickly shakes his head. "I'm not being ridiculous! And I am not saying that to make fun of you or joke around or anything of the sort.. I need you around, Gerome."

He's quiet for a moment. Even Inigo is still looking a tad bashful as he says it..

"Even if you may think it ridiculous, don't forget that."

He really hadn't needed Inigo to explain himself in more detail. That was the last thing Gerome had needed. If there had been any hope of him controlling the heat in his cheeks it was dashed once the other opened his mouth to speak again. And for all the assurances, Gerome couldn't help thinking Inigo was mistaken. Needed? Him? Of course not...

But he couldn't well call Inigo a liar. All he could do was try and take a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself.

"... I will... endeavour to remember." It was the best he could do. Of course he couldn't believe Inigo's words right then. But he hadn't yet moved away, so many there was a small part of Gerome that did believe... or wanted to believe.

For a moment Inigo still lingers in the hug. It's just.. so nice. Even though Gerome seems very flustered and Inigo himself still a little bashful, it still feels comfortable to him. Much more than anything has in a while now.

It's only a few quiet - and perhaps even slight long - moments later that Inigo seems to realise the full reality of their situation.

".. Ah." He finally moves out of the hug, laughing slightly. "I guess I got so caught up in that that I completely forgot I was supposed to be teaching you about this game instead."

When Inigo pulled away Gerome allowed his hands to drop down to his sides and tried not to think about how less warm it was now that there was space between them.

"... Yes... I had forgotten." Gerome looked down at the game that had caused all of this with a frown. Did he even care about it any more? No, not really. If anything he really wanted to go and sit somewhere and think. There was so much information to digest that he knew this strange game would just distract him from that.

"... Perhaps another time...?" he offered.

"Of course."

In any other situation, that sort of question might have made Inigo's worries go sky-high. Worries about whether he did something dumb to chase Gerome off and the like.. But he doesn't even think about that right now. Maybe it was something about that hug, about these odd but nice few moments they shared. It was so comfortable and weirdly natural at the same time that Inigo knows Gerome can't mean anything bad with those words.

So instead he just smiles.

"I have a few things to do," mostly because he's sure that Gerome wants some Gerome-solo-time, judging by him asking to do this another time in the first place, "but let's see each other again at dinner to eat together, alright?"

That seemed a reasonable request to Gerome. They have been taking their meals together since he had boarded the train, after all. Which was a good thing as Gerome now had a healthy dislike of the kitchens and did not like to go near there without someone as back up, should someone else attempt to murder him.

"I will meet you there." Gerome agreed, he was sure he could find his way without issue.

Just as he was sure he would be able to find his way to his cabin without a hand to hold. Slowly things were sinking in and he was learning where they were. Even knowing that there was still always something new he'd notice that he would need to question, but at the very least he was now able to identify most of the area's by name.

He took a step back and straightened his clothes, they had become a little rumpled and he was to find a wet patch on one shoulder where Inigo had cried on him. That would soon dry, he wasn't bothered by it as much as he might have been any other day. These tears had meant something, they weren't just Inigo being silly and dramatic as usual.

There was no goodbye nor a farewell, Gerome just lifted his hand as he turned and made his way out of that area and into the next. Why say farewell when he would see Inigo again soon?

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Test Drive Meme 013

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