bumfuckidaho | test drive meme, june 2017

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test drive meme, june 2017

TEST DRIVE MEME

There was an accident. The details are hazy and obscure, but it's still the first thing you remember. Maybe a car wreck — metal and broken glass everywhere, and the sirens and the screaming. Maybe your bike hit a rock and you careened uncontrollably off a mountain path. Maybe something less mundane, even impossible seems to have happened to you. You can't quite make out the details, not who was at fault or why. Try as you might, the chaos is all you can truly remember.

It's also the last thing you remember from before waking up.

When you open your eyes, the accident is gone. Instead, you're in a hospital bed, and the nursing staff greet you with cheerful smiles.

Don't worry, they tell you. You'll make a full recovery here. Where is here? Why, home in Wayward Pines, of course!

option one
WELCOME TO WAYWARD PINES

The hospital staff had seemed very friendly, but ultimately unhelpful when it came to answering your questions, insisting you shouldn't worry about such things, and that it was smarter to just rest until you'd fully recovered.

That was some time ago. You've since managed to leave the hospital – either via escape, or simply by waiting patiently and filling out paperwork until they finally agreed to release you. Now you've found yourself in the small but hearty town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. It's a charming little place, and the people there are all friendly enough, more than willing to greet you on the street, or give you directions if you need them.

Unless you're asking for directions out of town, of course.

Some will simply smile and give you a hearty pat on the shoulder and ask why you'd ever want to do a thing like that? Others will get quiet for a moment, and direct you to the nearest sign posted near the doorway of every building.

Don't bother taking the road, either. Whether you walk or get your hands on a vehicle, you won't get anywhere. The road simply takes you away from town for a short while before looping around and bringing you right back in.

There's no use questioning things, and it seems pretty useless to try to leave. So really, why not stay a while? Everyone's convinced that you'll find something to love in Wayward Pines.

(For the purposes of this test drive, you're welcome to handwave the existence of basically any local business or activity.)

option two
INTO THE WOODS

You've just heard a scream from the woods.

I mean, it could've been an animal. There's bound to be some kind of wildlife amongst the trees, right? But then again, it did sound awfully... human.

Though all of the locals nearby conceal a flinch at the sound, they'll assure you it's nothing, if you ask them. Why, you're probably just hearing things! (But with an anxious undertone of stop asking questions.) If you're curious, though, and brave enough to go see, they won't make any move to stop you from going into the wooded area surrounding the town.

The trees are tall, and their branches are thick enough to block out a significant amount of sunlight from breaking through the canopy, leaving the forest floor a little dimmer and cooler than the streets of town.

Whatever the source of the scream was, you won't be able to find it out here. An experienced hunter might notice some signs of a struggle, and a few faint boot prints, but they don't really seem to lead anywhere in particular.

What you will find, if you walk far enough, is a fence. A big one - at least 30 feet tall, made of metal and concrete. It goes on quite a ways in either direction as well; follow the wall far enough, and you'll see that it connects with the steep, sheer cliffs that surround the rest of Wayward Pines, effectively boxing the town in.

In actuality, you'll probably feel it before you see it. A full 500 yards from the wall, when it's hardly a shadowy smudge through the trees, you start to feel a little bit tired, a little bit weak. Trouble is, the closer you get, the weaker you feel - like the wall itself is sapping the strength out of you, and the closer you get, the worse it feels. Any powers you may have had grow weaker in kind as you make your way to the fence, but even ordinary humans will find their strength sapping away. By the time you're close enough to read the signs and to feel the crackle of electricity radiating from the thick wires criss-crossing the wall's metal surface, you're too weak to stand.

Do you crawl closer still and risk electrocution, or do you crawl away and assess the situation once you're far enough from the fence to be able to stand?

option three
FOURTH OF JULY

If there's one thing to be said for Wayward Pines it's the town's resilience and staunch refusal to give up on the image of a picturesque little town, and July 4th this year has the community putting it's best foot forward in this regard with its annual 4th of July picnic and fireworks spectacular.

To hear anyone (Linda) familiar with the town talk (complain), this year is a much more sedate affair than any of the years prior, but in a lot of ways today is a very good opportunity for people to reconnect with their neighbors; chat quietly at a table, share a recipe, play some catch, or argue with Jerry over the proper way too cook a burger. Jerry never listens, of course, but thankfully the whole event is a pot luck so there are plenty of other, far more edible options for those with a more... discerning palate.

The day passes pleasantly, and the night? The night brings the fireworks. A beautiful cascade of bright colors and lights in the sky. Sparklers are handed out like party favors while everyone is strongly encouraged to play safe by a long-suffering and weary looking sheriff. After all, the town has had quite enough excitement by this point, don't you think?

option four
ON THE NETWORK

Though it's not as high-tech as you might be used to (or hell, maybe you're ren faire and it's centuries beyond anything you've seen), Wayward Pines does in fact have a network to accommodate its citizens.

Go ahead, post a network post! Just note that the network currently has two basic functions. The first is audio-only and can be accessed from the telephones in each character's home. If an audio-based medium doesn't suit your needs (or aesthetics), be sure to take advantage of the Wayward Pines Message Board from your brand new laptop for the chance to communicate with your fellow townspeople!

( a few notes )

Welcome to our fifth test drive here in The Pines! Just one important thing to note:

Upon arrival in Wayward Pines, characters find themselves struggling to remember entirely who they were or where they came from. Memories return progressively over the next two weeks. You're welcome to play with this mechanic in any of these prompts, but it's definitely not mandatory! For more details on this temporary memory loss, see our FAQ.

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Fourth of July!

[Jace isn't much for social gatherings. He'd rather be training. Or...no, there isn't an or. Training is fun. Especially when training with Alec. His brother makes things interesting and challenging. Which is rare. Not many can keep up with him.

Somehow he's found himself wandering the big Fourth of July celebration despite his reservations, but how could he say no when Alec asked him? Honestly, he'd do anything for Alec even when he didn't feel like being around a bunch of over-zealous Mundanes.

At least the food smelled good enough to eat and he was tempted by some medium rare tri-tip and a bag of salty chips. And he was wearing the perfect outfit to help him blend in: white t-shirt with blue jeans and boots. He was the perfect holiday Mundane. Alec should be so proud.

Wherever Alec was.]

Edited 2017-06-18 02:31 (UTC)

[Considering how well he was adapting to Mundane life, Alec is not trying to look like a Mundane. Black for hunting through the night. Even if that hadn't been drilled into him as a child, Alec preferred the color. Even if it does make him look like he was one of those 'goth kids' Sherman told him about or like he should be a biker... Maybe he should think about that.

Noticing Jace, he heads over to his parabatai, arching an eyebrow at how 'cheerful' he looke]

Your face will freeze that way.

[Sitting down next to him, he takes a drink of his iced tea while watching the crowd.]

Do you still have your motorcycle?

[Jace reached for Alec's tea while munching loudly on a mouth full of chips in his brothers ear. He didn't smile, but the amusement could be seen in his eyes if someone knew him well enough. He took a quick drink before passing it back to Alec.]

I hope I wasn't riding my motorcycle when I crashed.

[That would explain some of his injuries when he woke up in the hospital. And the memory loss. He wouldn't have been wearing a helmet. Vampire motorcycles were wicked fast. No pun intended.]

[Scowling at Jace, he sighs when his tea is confiscated and waits for its return. He should be used to this now and he did start it when they were kids, giving his siblings his food to try to make up for the lack of parental supervision around the Institute.]

I don't think you were. I'm not even sure if you had it. There's no spot for it in the garage and no helmets at home.

I'm not even sure I understand what that means. Of course I had it. I remember having it.

[Not really. He did, but he didn't. Like the rest of his head, his memories were scattered, broken, and left him with vague connections and emotions. Like the absolute fear that Alec had died and the memory that he had died, but having him here at his side as if they'd always been this way together. No death.

He still had nightmares.]

[Looking around to make sure that no one will notice them, Alec leans in close enough so that only Jace can hear.]

You had it in New York. I don't remember it being here.

[Would that count as breaking the rules? Hopefully no one heard him or they'd assume that it was related to the present since they're trying to figure out if they should be looking for a missing motorcycle.]

If you weren't keeping it in the garage, where would you keep it?

[The motorcycle...he remembered having it. But when he tried to remember past that one thought he couldn't visualize it. He couldn't remember....anything. He knew who he was. He knew who Alec was. He knew things, important things.]

I honestly don't know, Alec.

[The food wasn't as appetizing as it had been a moment ago.]

I haven't exactly been home. Maybe it's there.

[It was Jace's turn to covertly check for potential eavesdroppers.]

We'll figure it out. The three of us got through the amnesia. In a few weeks, you'll be better.

[He hoped that was true and if it isn't, then Magnus can take a look at Jace and figure out what's wrong.

Grabbing one of the chips, he munched on it while giving his iced tea to Jace. He might complain about sharing food but he always ended up giving things from his plate to Izzy and Jace. Or stealing them.]

It was never home.

[Not in the ways that either one of them needed or the way that Wayward Pines is becoming home to Alec.]

Maybe we should get one since we can't find yours.

Don't you think it's more than a little strange?

[Not just the amnesia. Everything. They all woke up here with amnesia and can't actually remember the accident that put them in the hospital. Their entire lives suddenly broken into tiny pieces separated by giant holes.

And Jace is thinking he might be going a little crazy because sometimes it feels like he belongs here in this little town.]

I doubt we can find a Vampire here willing to part with a demonic motorcycle.

[As if the last Vampire had simply handed over his to Jace.]

[Alec shrugs, seeming to act as if it seems normal to him, but he tips his head in a way that he's hopes is familiar with Jace, giving him a look that would normally be an entire conversation when they were on a hunt. Yes, it's weird but it isn't safe to discuss that at the moment.

It's strange but Alec also likes the town. It's one of the few places where he isn't constantly under scrutiny and he can be with his family.]

It doesn't have to be demonic even if I'd like one that flies.

[He might be a little pouting a little over it... at least he might seem that way to someone who knows him well.]

I've always wanted a motorcycle.

[Jace knows that look and everything Alec isn't saying outloud. So he simply goes back to drinking Alec's tea and eating a chip as if everything is normal. The really odd thing is this is the kind of normal he never imagined they would have. This was Mundane normal, not Shadowhunter normal, and Alec seemed to be enjoying it.

Especially the part where he was married to Magnus. But that was also not a subject for a public party in the park.

He licked the salt off his lip and gave Alec a small smirk.]

Then we should find a motorcycle. And a bar. And a leather jacket because I miss mine.

[To anyone else it would seem like his look had been completely lost on Jace, but Alec knows that his parabatai understands what he meant and they'd discuss the 'not for Mundane' subjects at home. Looking around, he realizes how much he's become like the people they'd sworn to protect...

Or as much like one as he could be when he still trains every day, lives in a house full of magic, and is married to a warlock. It feels good, like he's finally free, but Alec knows eventually Jace is going to start getting twitchy over it.

Which is why he winces slightly before snagging a piece of steak.]

Two of those I agree with. The third depends on if you're planning on another brawl. I do not want to end up in a cell or trying to explain to Magnus and Izzy how we got beat up.

I do not start bar brawls. They just...happen.

[Smiling and then laughing lightly. He remembers far too many fights where Alec had his back despite who started the fight. But they're fond memories he didn't even realize he had until that moment. What he remembers is Alec and the two of them walking back to the Institute in the middle of the night.

And then he remembered something else he'd been trying to forget.]

No bars then.

[He looked away and grabbed another chip.]

Sure they do. You never said anything about the bartender having fleas.

[Noticing the smile, Alec realizes that the strange ache in his side that focused on the parabatai rune is almost gone. There's a faint hollowness but not the loss that he'd grown to accept. Even when Jace's expression turns to something Alec doesn't quite understand the sense of distances doesn't return the way it had in the past.

The idea of not bothering with bars is actually a relief since he knows that the two of them shouldn't drink. Not when Jace has a tendency to snark uncontrollably and Alec usually becomes maudlin if he's drunk.]

If you want a drink, Magnus' liquor cabinet's probably got the best stuff in town. And we'll be planning a party at the shop soon.

Wolves make the best fighters. Pure emotion and power.

[Which made them easy targets when he needed a good fight. But the last fight nearly killed him and it wasn't a fun fight. Not one he wanted or started and he did deserve the beating.

But he'd nearly lost Alec. No. He had lost Alec. At least, that was what he remembered. Looking at his parabatai now he doubted his own memories even if the emotions were just as strong.

It's probably best I stay out of the liquor cabinet right now, but I may need a few shots if I'm going to a party.

So obviously you need to take on an entire bar full of them.

[Despite the complaint, his tone is fond and exasperated. Where one goes, the other will follow... while complaining about how stupid Jace's idea is.

The comment about Magnus' supply of alcohol causes Alec to pause, studying his parabatai thoughtfully. They'd never really drank seriously. The only time Alec had ever lapsed had been because of nearly losing Magnus and Jace never had never needed that particular coping mechanism.]

Are you going to eventually tell me why you're a danger to Magnus' liquor supply or am I going to have to guess.

There'll be more than just shots for one of the shop parties. I didn't know there was that many types of mixed drinks until then. Or that people spiked milkshakes.

[Which Alec, technically, wasn't supposed to have but there are perks to having a magical husband.]

[Emotions were always a difficult thing for Jace. Feeling them and sharing them. His past was always at war with his present and everyone was always trying to get into his head and heart. Letting them was the hardest thing he'd ever done. Nothing in his training ever hurt as much or scared him as deeply.

Jace frowned and took a deep breath, working up the courage. He. Jace Wayland. Trying to find the courage to speak. It was laughable if it didn't make his chest ache.]

A bar full of werewolves nearly killed me. And I deserved it. But it nearly killed you, too. Drinking an entire liquor cabinet is far easier than facing my own demons.

[Alec had been expecting a joke about the party since he isn't usually the sociable one of the group or some comment about him drinking. Jace actually admitting his emotions while they were out in public isn't normal, but then the accidents they all had seem to change what is considered as typical for them all.

Twisting the glass between his hands, he considers how to respond to that his parabatai doesn't lash out or push him away, focusing on that instead of not remembering almost being killed in a werewolf bar.]

You could never do something that made you deserve that.

[Brushing his shoulder against Jace's as a sign of silent support, Alec keeps his tone low so no one nearby will hear.]

It doesn't work, Jace. I tried it once. It dulled the pain. It made it tolerable. I could deal with my fears, but it didn't make it go away. It made it worse when I finally had to stop and accept the past.

[What else had he forgotten? Alec in pain, suffering, and where the hell was he? Jace's first thought was that he had left behind everyone to be the son of a traitor, but he knew he couldn't say that to Alec. Alec wouldn't let him get away with thinking the worst of himself.

Even if it was true.]

Alec. [He shook his head.] I promise not to drink Magnus's liquor cabinet. [He leaned against Alec's shoulder and lowered his voice.] I'm sorry.

Jace. [His tone is fond, amused despite the memories of nearly losing Magnus. Alcohol had only helped for so long and Jace had been there for him... once he realized how deeply Alec was hurting.] I'm going to hold you to that promise.

[The apology causes him to go still, eyes wide as he tries to process what Jace had said. Apologies are rare for Jace. It was one of those 'weaknesses' that Shadowhunters were taught and those lessons had been even more strict for Jace. He almost says 'apologies are for Mundies' since his parabatai had reminded him of that so many times but instead he gives Jace a small smile.]

For what?

[Jace would keep his word. It was more important now than it had ever been. He'd almost lost Alec. He would never make that mistake again.]

For being me. For leaving. For not listening. For not being there when you were hurting. You've never not been there for me. Even now when you're married and have a real home.

[Alec has always been the better half.]

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wayfaring_stranger - 2017-06-27 04:57 (UTC) - Expand

Though Magnus knows that Alec is in town, he hasn't actually talked to him yet. With the aftermath of the attack, it's been all he can do to recover his strength and not stay in bed all day. But even though he's older than the United States, he thinks Fourth of July is a quaint enough celebration to attend. And no, it totally had nothing to do with Alec dragging him along for the barbecue.

But even though he's been living here a while now, and he's started making some friends, Magnus can't help feeling rather bored partway through. When he spots Jace wearing an expression that matches Magnus' current emotion, he walks over and offers him a beer. Where did it come from? Probably one of the personal coolers dotting the area populated with lawn chairs and blankets where families are sitting. Don't tell Alec, but it's most likely stolen.

"The only worthwhile part of this holiday is drinking in public," he says once Jace has taken the bottle; if he doesn't, Magnus will drink it himself. "And the fireworks."

There had been a time when Jace didn't drink. That time had passed, despite not knowing how or why, and he didn't hesitate to take the bottle. He was happy to feel cool condensation dripping between his fingers and only vaguely wondered where Magnus had found an ice cold beer that wasn't in a red cup.

It's half gone before Jace manages a response and slides over a bit to give Magnus more space if he wants to join him.

"We hope the fireworks are worth it."

The beer isn't bad, but it's not nearly strong enough.

Please to see Jace taking the beer and seeming to enjoy it, he conjured himself one of the same. he didn't drink beer often, but there was something about eating grilled meat and making small talk with neighbors that gave him a craving for the stuff. He drank at a slower pace, though, and only hesitates a moment before taking the offered space. Though they'd lived together for a while, not to mentioned bonded over their protectiveness for Alec, Magnus is still learning how to behave around Jace.

"I'm sure something can be arranged," he said with a grin, snapping his fingers and sending off a miniature firework that sparked in the air between them.

The little firework display gets a small secretive smile out of Jace. The most important part of this mess of memories and nightmares is that Magnus truly does love Alec and he makes Alec very happy. And he's been accepting of Jace invading their space.

"Thank you." He looked down at his beer, but that was not what he was thanking Magnus for at the moment. "For being okay with...me. I know I'm not the easiest person to live with." He finished off the beer and wondered where he could find another.

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