[EVENT] Memory Tapes

[vrdr_mods]

On the morning of November 21st, denizens in the Velvet Room will awake to a message on their phones or by their bedsides in an envelope. Perhaps even on their computer screens.

Greetings! If you've received this message, then you've been selected as a participant in a new activity to strengthen bonds within this community.

In order to facilitate connections with your fellow residents, we advise you to watch this video. Watch it and return the tape to its rightful owner. If you lacked the means to watch VHS tapes before, we have provided you with the necessary equipment.

Failure to do so may put your own memories at risk. Do not be selfish, lest you find yourself struggling to recall crucial moments of your life. You have no way of knowing which memories have been shared, so ask yourself if it is worth the risk to selfishly hoard another's secrets.

They will soon find a VHS tape, with a case that gives off a soft, blue glow to symbolize its importance. If they lack a TV or VCR, they will find one in their living space.

What they do is up to them, but they should heed the warning, if they value their own memories.


[For links to characters' memories, please see this post in the OOC comm. Have fun!]

Comments

[willowandoak]

"South America," he mutters. "I guess we could do Brazil." He would miss Tokyo, but... he'll probably just have to deal with that.

He shifts, readjusting so he's closer to Goro. It is not snuggling, he would insist. There'll never be a time when all those people are gone, he would say. But he's tired. It's not even noon yet, but the fucking tapes have wiped him out.

"Did you know," he says, instead of going for the final one. "For the anonymous art threat bullshit. Shido had me go in the Metaverse with the info the public would have, to try to find people who matched that description. He didn't want you to find anyone and affect the plan somehow. I looked for ages, but it was all too... vague, and made up. So I told him it was good, and you wouldn't be able to do anything."

[lakebrat]

That's... not good. Goro goes still. "What happened?"

[willowandoak]

"You did something," Ren says flatly. "And he had me brought in.

"I'd either failed or lied. He didn't believe me when I said I hadn't lied, but I don't think it would've mattered that much anyway. He had his... his thugs there. You know, you've seen them. But more than usual."

He doesn't want to spell it out. "Remember when I wouldn't hang out with you for a couple weeks?"

[lakebrat]

There is a moment of perfect, silent stillness, as Goro freezes with Ren there in his arms; as the picture forms itself in his head. Then his hands knot into fists against Ren's back. He is going to tear Shido limb from limb. And then he's going to forcefeed him the pieces. And then—

His head drops, as he pulls himself back under control; he sighs. "I'm sorry, Ren. It was pointless, too. Nothing but vanity."

[willowandoak]

Ren's face goes slack with surprise. He stares wide-eyed at the line of Goro's neck, his mind empty, his body filled with a strange, unsteady emotion.

"It's cool," he says hoarsely, after a long, conspicuous moment. Gun to his head, he wouldn't be able to think of anything else to say. I'm sorry, Ren.

[lakebrat]

Maybe if he stares at nothing hard enough, his face won't crack. His fingers twist into Ren's hair, as he tries to think of something to say, other than Was it bad?

"... did that happen often?" he asks instead. He can feel Ren's pulse against him, his warmth. They're here and now. It's okay. It will never be okay.

[willowandoak]

"Not really. A few times when I was younger, but I hadn't fucked up in a while." His voice darkens with bitterness. "I learned better."

So it was worse than when he was younger. A reminder. But he doesn't tell Goro that.

[lakebrat]

The hand in Ren's hair tightens painfully. "You mean he trained you like an animal."

And then made you blame yourself for what he tortured into you.

[willowandoak]

...It's not that Goro is wrong, but. "You don't have to say it like that," he mumbles.

[lakebrat]

More gently, he presses a kiss to Ren's hairline, rocking him just a bit. "Sorry. It's just... one day you'll understand why I forgave you. I hope."

[willowandoak]

Ren has his doubts. But he doesn't want to argue about it, not when I'm sorry, Ren is still vibrating under his skin. "Maybe."

He is feeling an emotion, and he doesn't know what to do with it. He kisses Goro's shoulder to try to let it out.