Sweeter than the First Time [Open to All]

[applesaucemod]

Hello, dreamers of Manhattan. The Rift knows that things have been kind of rough, lately. The last dream didn't go as well as it had hoped. Consider this an apology of sorts, and a hearkening back to the good times you've shared.

It's a grand old (and potentially familiar) cabin house that the dreamers will find themselves wandering. The furniture is plentiful and comfortable, the floors are strewn with cushions and blankets, and there are cheerful fires burning in the grates. It seems a little odd that the house still manages to be on the chilly side despite looking so warm, yet it is.

Oh, well. You'll just have to find another dreamer or two and spoon up and fall asleep like little baby cats get cozy. It shouldn't be difficult; most of the dreamers (excepting those with strong telepathic defenses or deeply ingrained cuddle-averse personalities) will find themselves feeling friendlier than usual, along with an almost overwhelming desire to snuggle up to someone. How convenient that the house seems designed for that very purpose!

And if some of the cushions are Hello Kitty themed, well, that's just coincidence.


[OOC: Standard dream party rules apply. Characters will be affected by the dream-whammy to whatever degree makes the most sense for them, and will remember or forget the events of the dream at the player's discretion. Backtag into infinity.]

Comments

[wildmage_daine]

And speaking of little baby cats…

Careful with that pile of wildlife-patterned blankets and cushions heaped in front of one of the fireplaces: it may contain traces of actual wildlife.

Daine is there, in snow leopard shape - it seems fitting for reasons she can't quite pin down, and the air is on the chilly side. She's twisted into some boneless configuration, half-hidden under a blanket, most of her furry belly exposed to soak up the warmth of the fire. The most noticeable part of her is her incredibly fluffy tail, which extends out across the floor and curls idly back and forth, demonstrating that she's actually awake despite all other outward appearances.

She might not be accosting anyone - seems rude, in this shape - but she definitely wouldn't mind company.

[johnny_truant]

He recognizes the snow leopard - I mean who else would it be - and grins loosely as he ambles over.

"Hey," he says, settlng down beside her. "I don't know about you, but I am enjoying this a lot more than the last one."

Feeling a curious lack of shyness, he goes ahead and sticks a hand right into her warm, fluffy fur and starts petting almost dutifully.

[wildmage_daine]

Hullo, Johnny! It's good to see him again, especially looking so well. She rolls onto her back and stretches out a forepaw, aiming to boop his nose. This is nice. Especially after last time.

Nose boops are insufficient. Daine wriggles around until the crown of her furry head is pressed against Johnny's leg and stretches luxuriously, her forelegs ending up sprawled over his lap. Much better. Her paws curl and flex in mid-air, kneading at nothing in particular.

[johnny_truant]

He giggles - actually giggles - softly when she baps at his face, and shuffles a bit so his back is braced against a nearby armchair, allowing him to rest while she flops on top of him. This is nice. He watches her paws flex vacantly for a while.

"Did you make it out okay?" he asks, not really meaning to turn onto unpleasant subjects, but he thinks it'll be hard to get too bummed out in this environment.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine shifts a little to look up at him, her cheek resting against his leg. Sort of, she replies. It hadn't been pleasant, and it seems like a dark topic for such a light dream. I lost sight of you, she says, rather than elaborate on what she went through. Did you wake up?

[johnny_truant]

"Yeah," he murmurs. "I sort of- took myself out with all the effort." He shrugs, an easy dismissal of an unpleasant memory. In another situation he might press the issue, apologize for not being able to stay and fight, or something, but right now it just doesn't feel right.

"I'll take this house over that one any day," he says with a small smile. He runs his hands through her fur contentedly.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine looks up at him, her feline gaze solemn. We felt what you did. You were very brave. Not all are suited to battle; and she knows many who take to it only out of necessity, because their skills are needed (herself included). Johnny's efforts weren't wasted or unappreciated.

But she doesn't much want to dwell on it. She hooks her paws around Johnny's waist and pulls herself more fully into his lap, nuzzling into his stomach and squinting her eyes shut. A little to the right, she requests.

[johnny_truant]

Johnny feels a little catch at that, maybe shy or wanting to deny it, or maybe just complimented. Glad it made some kind of difference. He smiles as she pulls herself closer and moves his hands as requested.

"Thanks," he murmurs.