hearthebell: will credit if found (The ashtrays have retired)
hearthebell ([personal profile] hearthebell) wrote in [community profile] middaeg2019-08-09 02:13 pm

I'm a Binary Code that You Cracked Long Ago [Open]

Who: L Lawliet and YOU
When: August 8- August 16
Where: Around various places; the Coven, the bakery, etc.
What: Catchall! There are a couple of open prompts and a couple of closed ones. This Witch is Bonded and taking a break from quests to continue working at Runetchers and honing his craft. Meeting new people is a headache, but arguably necessary.
Warnings: To be updated. ALSO, because L is Bonded with the SQUIP and they have a psychic connection, there's a possibility for threadjacking depending on how your talks with L go!



A. Runetchers

[L has gotten all he can out of this job, really... but his life is in a state of flux with a new Bond and the challenges that accompany Rich's arrival in Geardagas. They have a lot to deal with, and so for now, a set of familiar duties and a reliable income are boons that L isn't going to take for granted. It's a blessing, really, that he can expend his mental energy on the things that require it most.

If you're someone who has known him for a little while, whether you're a coworker or just an acquaintance, you might notice something is subtly different about him. He lives his life now like there's a guidebook behind his eyes telling him how to behave for maximum social benefit, and that's more or less the case. L, after all, is Bonded to only being in Geardagas who exists for the sole purpose of guiding humans toward social success, and neither of them have squandered opportunities for it to fulfill just that function. Little things like his improved grooming habits, clothes that fit his skinny frame more accurately, and generally more "correct" mannerisms all hint toward something being afoot.

If you're new, though, it's a chance for him to test his ability to make a first impression.]


Welcome to Runetchers... is there something I can help you find?

[He's odd, certainly staring too long and seeming a little too intense... but his effort is earnest, and the longer you talk, the more that will ease off, because there is literally someone unseen whispering tweaks and advice into his ear about how to specifically approach his encounter with you.]

B. The Bakery

[Just about every bakery in Geardagas is frequented at least weekly by the wan detective, who, in spite of his very angular and hungry appearance, takes in a fair amount of sugary food. The SQUIP discourages it, of course, encouraging him towards the kinds of nutrients and activities that could build a more impressive and masculine physique... but there are changes he isn't ready or willing to make at this point, and his diet is one of the few things in life he's taken consistent comfort in over the years. He is going to get his baker's dozen of cupcakes, in other words, whether or not the voice in his head wants him to.

In spite of being largely cooperative with his partner, there are little ways he likes to assert his independence, and this is the one that is the most immediately satisfying to him. They know him, here, but... there's an issue, and they're immediately kind of apologetic and sheepish. The cupcakes are about to sell out, and he isn't first in line. Maybe you're the one purchasing them, or just witnessing this, but either way, he seems fairly disappointed. No, it's safe to say that this is actually day-ruining for him.

"Have a nice day," the baker says in a tempered, cautious tone to the customer who purchased the last of them.

L mumbles something that sounds suspiciously like]


Because you clearly need them so much...

[And it's absolutely heard. He made sure of it.]

C. The Coven

[L is practicing spells today in the courtyard. Divination, as always, is a strong point he almost doesn't need to work on... but other branches of magic don't give him quite as much of an advantage.

Conjuration, for instance, is one that is a little bit tricky. He's only made significant headway with one spell in this branch of magic, and it sure is a random one. He sits reading, squinting at the pages to see if he missed something that explains the coffee cup full of ink sitting in front of him. A large white duck wanders around his legs, occasionally taking a blunt-beaked snap at one of the untied laces of his boots.

Whether you're just passing quietly by or you're actively approaching him, he seems a little tetchy when he jerks his head up and asks]


Yes?

[Notably, his teeth and tongue are stained dark blue.]

D. The Apartment (Backdated to just after this thread, Closed to the SQUIP)

[L slips his bare feet out of his boots, sliding them into place by the door as he drapes his jacket over the couch. Little disheveled indicators of his existence are the "human" touches in this dwelling, typically, because while he's generally a clean person, somewhat germaphobic and avoiding dirt and grime, he can be a bit sloppy in terms of organization. His way of distributing his possessions makes a great deal of sense to him, and that's what matters, even if it might be a bit of a headache for any roommate who prefers uncluttered and neat spaces.]

You're here, aren't you? It goes without saying that we need a game plan.

[He's brisk and businesslike when he speaks, going to the kitchen to root around in the freezer for ice cream, but there's a kind of manic energy to his movements. While this is certainly going to be a wrench in their goals' machinery... it's kind of exciting, in a way. It gets his blood going, and gives his intelligence and creativity a pleasurable direction to be deployed. He is famously always onboard for this kind of thing.

The ice cream hasn't turned up, yet. If it's thrown it all away, again...

He raises his voice, and it rings through the apartment that has so far been quiet.]


Trick or treat, SQUIP, I'm peckish.

E. Wildcard

[Don't see it? Want it? Hit me up via PM or on Plurk or Discord and we'll figure something better out!]

plasticasshole: (✦ my regrets are few)

[personal profile] plasticasshole 2019-08-11 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
[Connor shakes his head, a small smile on his face.]

No, it's because I'm an android. I've always been one. Do you know what that is?

[Some people don't, so he's willing to explain if he needs to.]
bleedinghare: worry (Default)

[personal profile] bleedinghare 2019-08-11 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
"Android," Ada repeats softly, fully lacking the innate grace in her warm voice― moreso spilling off her tongue rather than rolling, weighted by unfamiliarity. "why, no!"

Her brows knit together in worry, her expression one of near-heartbreak. "Is it a curse? You poor dear― is it quite awful?"
plasticasshole: (✦ cut yourself free)

[personal profile] plasticasshole 2019-08-11 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
It isn't a curse, no. I was built, not born. I'm a machine, made of plastic and wires. I just happen to be very easily mistaken for human.

[He moves out of the line so they're not holding up the queue of people.]

Of course, machines can't eat.
bleedinghare: worry (Default)

sparkly eyes!!

[personal profile] bleedinghare 2019-08-11 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
"Built!" Ada exclaimed excitably, the urge to draw nearer and study him more closely irrepressible. "How convincing you are! Why― do you run on coal, or steam? Or are you magical? Certainly you must be― I've never encountered a machine so special!"

"Isn't that something, ser? A machine with charm― a machine that can smile!" She turns to the more lithe, taller man near to her; noting his neutrality, Adeline reaches out to press her gloved fingertips into his sleeve encouragingly before turning back to the extraordinary machine in question. "You must be capable of incredible feats!"

She took a step back. If a machine had proven capable of charm, it could certainly be capable of offense. "―but I forget myself! Did they give you a name, too? I would like to know it, if you might give it."
plasticasshole: (✧ raise your voice)

[personal profile] plasticasshole 2019-08-13 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Connor is actually very flattered by Ada's response to him. When you come from a world where people mostly just see androids as lesser beings, having someone react so positively is refreshing.]

You're very kind. My name is Connor. I do have a model name and serial number, but I don't think they're relevant here.
bleedinghare: worry (Default)

[personal profile] bleedinghare 2019-08-13 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
"A number isn't a name, is it?" Ada replies, someplace between matter-of-fact and teasing. "It's wonderful to meet you, Connor― I'm Adeline. I apologize for being so bold, but― oh, this place is so full of new, strange, wonderful things! I couldn't help myself, but I meant no offense, I promise."

Her smile keeps its warmth as she turns to the other man, bringing her blue eyes up his lanky form as she spoke. "And yourself? Oh, I hadn't meant to neglect you. I've just― why, there are so many things and people unlike anything in my world here!"
bleedinghare: worry (curious)

[personal profile] bleedinghare 2019-08-16 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Ada furrows her brow, however light-heartedly; she gives a coy roll of her eyes as she shifts her shoulders to face those wide eyes more fully.

"Neglected socially," she corrects matter-of-factly, a playful dimple pressed into her cheek. "―that is, I wanted to know your name! Unless you would keep it from me, ser."
Edited 2019-08-16 12:59 (UTC)
bleedinghare: wan (wan)

[personal profile] bleedinghare 2019-09-03 07:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm― the effort is one she notices, though the effort it takes her to keep from raising a curious brow is relatively minor in comparison. Instead, she smiles; it's something bright and seemingly effortless, offering a glove out of societal memory from a place much different than this.

"Linden," Adeline replies in curiosity, features light as ever. "excuse me― ser Tailor! What pleasure, sers."

In conclusion, she offers the same smile to Connor, giving a polite little bob of her curls. Strange folk, perhaps, but their company is greatly preferred over solitude.