voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post April]

A New Platform [Intro Post April]

On the Train

Once again passengers are awoken by the morning announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day Sixteen of the month of Kazoo. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed, and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train for a while will also be expecting the second announcement that comes after lunch. A lunch that may be a bit sparse: between the big eaters and the stress bakers, the stores have been stretched thin the last two weeks.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform. The steam is thin, with blue skies seen above. The sun shines brightly down, warm light pooling on the platform.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Cassie Lang, Glorfindel, Jessie Custer, Olivia, Paddra Nsu-Yeul, S’reee, Thea Queen, Wei Wuxian.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours, in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam, billowing around them as they come to their senses. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, open, with a vine-covered wall stretching high either side of the barrier. In front of them is a single track extending both ways into thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze; then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large, and seems smaller with eighteen figures scattered around. All facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. To both the left and right, tracks disappear into the mist.

A roaring sound, and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out step a strange assortment of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple, though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles. The doors close behind them.

The Train

After a short time, the doors hiss open again. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there's anywhere else to go, and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would lead to something terrible. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, including plenty more tomatoes.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. There is a suitcase stocked with spare wash kit items, for those who are running low as well as a box labelled Do Not Use Yet that is full of small bags.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk! Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches full of spare blankets and pillows.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers who are making the most of the sunshine. The doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady itself. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

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[ Please, Sizhui, is it that odd of a question for a friend to ask what you're doing! (Not that Inigo realises that part of it is just internal astonishment when Sizhui is realising his answer to that question..)

Still, Inigo does note the surprise as he stares at the other for a moment before returning his attention to the cutting board with the food he's working on. Probably the better thing to focus on here, if not just to make sure he doesn't chop off his own fingers in the process. ]

Of course I'm alright too. [ He says, with a smile. Showing your vulnerability to others? Hah, please, he isn't going to drag down any of his important friends in his own terrible mood! ]

I never really like these platform days, but I guess that's the upside about them, huh? That they only last a day.

[for a split second, it's oh-so-tempting to just blurt it out: one of my fathers left on the platform today, but as he genuinely considers how it'd sound saying something without reason, sizhui bites his tongue instead. (except there was a reason! inigo had asked how he was doing and well, unsurprisingly, he didn't quite have a straight answer.)

sheepishly, he inclines his head after inigo turns away, directing his own attention back to the stockpot while he stirs.]

Of course, [he reaffirms, as if this surely couldn't be like the one platform day where they were hugging it out because someone inigo knew had left then, too. in this situation, however, sizhui's thinking maybe he shouldn't call it out right away; they can cook and both ignore their more distressing emotions.] Me either, but you are right. They do only last that long.

[a beat] And we're back on the train now, so... best to keep moving forward. If there is anything you'd like to talk about, please know I will listen, though.

Hmm, something I want to talk about?

[ He's going to ignore that emphasis on the is there. He won't be called out today!

.. or rather, more like he won't be called out right now. But Inigo will take any moment where he can push having to deal with his issues back for a bit longer, like right now as he keeps chopping up the vegetables. ]

How about the mission? Did you manage to get through that alright..?

If you want to. [more emphasis because it's if inigo wants! sizhui's going to be good and not immediately try to actively pry into his business while they're making food together, but should his friend share now, he'll do the same. otherwise, they will discuss it later.

he continues stirring for a couple minutes, leans to examine what the heat is on then reaches and lowers it ever-so-slightly.]

Considering I managed to avoid most of the battling, I think I did okay. What about you?

Quite the same, though for the opposite reason. [ Aka: he actually made sure to head straight into most of the battling, but still made it out okay.

Inigo lets out a laugh though, showing that he doesn't really mind. ]

It just made me glad I was able to do so much to help out during the mission. [ At least fighting is something he can do without screwing it up. Usually. ] Though I'm sure you've helped out lots in your own way! And really, I'm much more grateful for the fact that you came out of it alright. A guy like you shouldn't have to suffer in a place like that.

Ah? [though this isn't much of a reaction, the way sizhui's gaze sweeps over inigo like he's checking him for obvious injuries says far more than he lets on. from what he can tell, his friend seems alright, but now he has to wonder if there was a moment where he might've needed help and he wasn't there.

lan sizhui relaxes following inigo's laugh, his own lips quirked at the edges with relief at the fact he doesn't seem all that bothered by fighting. (which is good, considering they do a lot of it!)]

I'm glad if you are, [he encourages, placing the scallion onto the board for inigo to cut next then locating a smaller knife to use for chopping up the garlic and ginger.] Ordinarily, I would be out fighting as much as possible, but this mission was more about helping people. [sheepishly, his head dips, cheeks coloring faintly at the remark.] Thank you though, Inigo, that's kind of you to say.

[ Shoving some of the already cut up vegetables aside, he starts working on the new one. ]

Hmm, I imagine you're pretty good at helping people.

[ Maybe it helps if he keeps thinking about this. If he shoves all thoughts of his mother to the back of his head, instead thinking back on the mission, imagining Sizhui interacting with the people of the city. ]

There's something about you that puts people at ease, I think. Or at least, it has that kind of effect on me.

Helping people is what I do, [he explains plainly.] It's all part of being a cultivator. [but that doesn't mean he helps people just for that reason alone, obviously. lan sizhui does it because it's something he does truly like doing; when he's offering aid to people, seeing the way their expressions light up just... makes him feel really good.]

You think so? [pause, his lips faintly curving with mirth.] Are you sure you aren't biased?

[though he can't very well move and playfully elbow inigo while they're cutting their vegetables, the now outright grin and mischievous side-eye he gives should convey his teasing enough.] No complaints here, though.

I don't think it's me being biased, as much as it's just you having a lot of good points.

[ BAM. Take that one, Sizhui! Inigo does spot that teasing look, and he's clearly retaliating by throwing this into the ring. Especially since there's not nearly as much of a teasing edge to it on his side, not in his gaze, nor in his tone.

He just sounds genuine. Like he really means this. There's no doubt about it in his heart.

It just helps that it's a good way to counteract this teasing at times, just showering someone with compliments until they give in. ]

We can't all be as perfect as you are, you know.

[goodness gracious, inigo, you flatterer!] Mahhh, [he drawls with feigned irritation, the hand he's using to cut with setting the knife aside so he can reach up and cover his reddening face. why must you do this to him??? he really, truly doesn't think he's as great as people give him credit for.

inigo's more serious tone doesn't help matters any, given it shows just how sincere he is about this. sizhui's hand scrubs over his cheeks like it'll wipe the blush away despite his knowing better then he plucks up the knife to finish cutting.

alright, fine, he will accept that his goods outweigh his bads, but there is absolutely no way he's accepting that he's ‘perfect.’ nobody can be such a thing for one and, if there were ever a person worthy of being called it, he'd have to say lan wangji fits the bill; he isn't anywhere near hanguang-jun's level. sizhui has a whole lot more growing to do before he can say he's worthy of being compared to someone with a title like light-bearing lord.]

That's where you're wrong. I'm not perfect, by any means.

[ No matter how serious Inigo is about his compliments - and he is, entirely so! - he can't quite help but laugh when he glances over sideways and sees Sizhui's blushing face like that.

It's just so cute. Sizhui has a handsome face to begin with, but seeing him all flustered and trying to hide it.. that's just adorable. His laugh is therefore more happy than necessarily making fun of Sizhui. Just enjoying the moment, trying to focus on that rather than all the nasty feelings laying within himself. ]

You think so?

[ There's almost a challenging edge to the words, and Inigo moves a little closer to the other to drop off the cut up vegetables. ]

Name one thing about you that isn't perfect!

[it is cute, just the lightest splash of color across the apples of his cheeks and along his ears, but sizhui would fuss and insist he looks ridiculous. if there were ever a way to control such things as blushing, sign him up, please and thanks? because he would much prefer it. however, if it makes inigo laugh like this more often, perhaps it isn't nearly as bad as he's making it out to be.

a soft smile upticks his mouth at the corners and, despite his embarrassment, his posture straightens somewhat then he nods.]

I know so. [because ‘perfect’ means he would've been able to stop particular things from happening during mission times— that, of course, isn't anything he'll mention aloud right now... but don't worry, there is something.

sizhui spares a glance around them like someone might be listening, smiles a little wider and shifts closer so he can whisper between them,] Sometimes, I drool in my sleep.

[ Inigo leans in closer, eager to listen to the whisper.

But whatever he may have expected to hear - this sure wasn't it, because his eyes first go wide with surprise at the sudden admission, and then a moment later he burst out into very bright, genuine laughter.

At least he pulls back a little as he laughs, considering otherwise he may have laughed loudly directly into Sizhui's ear. ]

What? No way! You can't tell me that even your imperfections are just adorable. [ He's smiling so widely - practically from ear to ear at this point. ] I refuse to believe it!

[there's no way sizhui can resist smiling either, given how sincere and outrightly enthusiastic inigo's laughter is. while he's positive it's not at him, he can't help a soft snicker too, amused with how easy it was to admit to something like that when his perfectness came into question.

like see? he's not perfect, drooling is gross and messy and surely someone without flaw doesn't do that sort of thing— then inigo goes on to say it's adorable he does so, which earns an overdramatic, resigned sigh.]

Please, Inigo, you cannot tell me you actually think it's cute I drool. Do you know how awful that can be in the mornings? [he huffs an ugh! of revulsion, yet can't stifle his grin.] Thank goodness for the train's showers or else I'd have to start finding a way to keep my hair up out of the way at night and I've gotten quite used to leaving it down.

[back home, it was one of the only times he could have it that way, which is why he's taken advantage while on the train, both with having it down and experimenting with different hairstyles.]

I absolutely can tell you that!

[ Even if he may be cheating. It's very, very likely that Inigo would have claimed that what Sizhui said was adorable regardless of what sort of bad habit the other would bring up..

He may be a little biased. But that's not so bad when it means he's uplifting a friend, right? ]

Besides, don't you think it's nice to sleep together with someone? If we'd ever be sleeping together, I would let you drool all over me.

[ ...

Slowly the realisation of what that sounds like is hitting him. ]

Though.. I'd prefer if you'd not, of course. [ It may be a cute habit, but actual drool is gross!!! ]

[s i g h. inigo, please, you really cannot just say things like that! he also can't make a clear decision because he's quite obviously biased when it comes to this, but sizhui can't complain; for all he knows, inigo's being totally serious, even when admitting that he'd allow himself to be drooled on.

initially, sizhui's wide-eyed disbelieving gaze is simply locked on his friend, as if assessing him, trying to decide how sincere he's being.

once inigo's thought about it however, given the idea proper consideration, there's an amused smirk lifting his lips whenever he admits that he'd prefer not.] See? I knew you wouldn't think it so cute if it was happening to you.

Although... [he hums, momentarily presses his lips together then grins again before remarking,] Admittedly, it is nice sleeping with someone, so let's hope I don't drool on you. It would be unfortunate to ruin our rest, after all. [and they wouldn't want that now, would they?]

[ ...

There's something about what Sizhui is saying here. Not the part where he points out that even Inigo's bias can't beat the drooling, oh no. It's the part that comes after it. It makes a spark of hope awaken in Inigo's heart.

And while he's still shy, and definitely nervous about speaking up and asking this, he feels like there's technically no better time than right now, right after Sizhui says that. ]

Well, in that case.. [ His voice still trails off all the same, leaving a momentary awkward pause born from nerves. ]

.. why don't we do it sometime? You know, just.. napping together. It's very comfortable.. [ His cheeks may be turning red. He's just worried Sizhui will find it embarrassing! ]

[his attention has briefly flickered back to their boiling pot, examining the bubbles a long moment before redirecting back toward inigo once he suddenly goes quiet. did he say something wrong? sizhui thought they were having fun, teasing and joking with one another, yet perhaps he misstepped somewhere. (or inigo is really thinking too hard about being drooled on?)

turns out it isn't either, it's actually the whole thing about napping with someone, which doesn't surprise him nearly as much as it should.

while the other male may think it embarrassing, sizhui's napped enough with a-qing to not be all that fazed by it. still, he gives a considering hum, like it truly needs contemplation despite the indicative grin curving his mouth that's already given away his answer.]

Sure, why not? I wouldn't mind napping with you. [okay, so maybe admitting it makes him flush somewhat, but it doesn't deter him any.] Whenever you would like, Inigo.

R-Really?

[ That answer seems to completely surprise him. After all, no matter how much Inigo may like napping together with other people, he knows that not everyone readily agrees to the idea as much - especially since Inigo is practically an adult at this point, no longer a small child that could just climb into bed with people without anyone batting an eye at it.

But he does know that Sizhui wouldn't lie about it. He must really be okay with it, if he's suggesting it now. It makes Inigo's chest feel all warm and tingly. ]

.. Thanks. I.. erm, I really like the idea of that. Let's make sure to try it out sometime soon. [ Because Naga knows that Inigo could use it with his mother leaving. He needs all the comfort he can get, even though he's so bad at asking for it directly. ]

Really, really, [he confirms.

it's understandable, inigo probably wasn't expecting sizhui to say ‘yes’ to sleeping with him. such an odd request and all, surely no one would agree to it, but surprise— he's one-hundred-percent fine with it and is already considering how they'll go about meeting up for mutual naptime. besides, they're near the same age, it'd be like napping with a sibling, which he's done plenty of times with a-qing by now!

at the “thanks,” he gently shakes his head,] It's no problem, I like it, too. Is there a particular place you would be more comfortable sleeping? [whatever inigo wants, he'll do his best to provide, especially given the circumstances.]

[ This is clearly why Sizhui is just the best friend possible. I like it too, he even says. It feels like a small miracle to Inigo to meet someone who's so much like him. He's slowly increasing his number of cuddle buddies, and it's cranking his mood up by quite a bit today. ]

Anywhere is fine, as long as you're comfortable too. [ Look, he's so used to meeting in the middle, since he knows he's the greatest cuddle fiend.. Not realising he doesn't exactly have to meet in the middle when Sizhui likes it too. ]

But maybe it'd be best to cuddle in one of the bunks. It's a bit of a squeeze, but it's not even close to impossible. And I'm-- I'm not really picky about whether it's your bunk or mine.

[and that is why inigo's obviously biased, but it's alright, sizhui doesn't mind in the slightest when it comes to their current discussion; there's no shame in finding comfort within the arms of a friend and, any time it's possible, he's pleased to provide. particularly so if this means it's a mutual exchange.

he hmmms and hahhhs for a few minutes, stirring the noodles he's added into the boiling water. sizhui's other hand lifts while he does, thoughtfully tapping his chin, contemplating.]

First question: are you busy after this? And if not, then my following one is: once we've finished, whichever of our bunks is closest, would you like to go have a nap? [because if they're being honest here, he could truly use the extra rest.]

N-No, I'm not busy..

[ Look at Inigo. He's going full on blushing schoolgirl over here in the face of everything Sizhui is offering him. It's amazing. ]

So we should definitely do it once we're done. [ Time to just get rid of the nasty platform day feelings with a good, good teenage boy cuddle nap. ]

Perfect. [with that decided, he stirs the softening noodles a couple minutes longer, sets the spoon aside, hooks both handles of the pot and carries it off for draining.

which should hopefully give inigo the time he might need to get himself together. although, it isn't like sizhui will judge him, as he's just as rosy-cheeked and giddy about the idea, too.] Hot—! [comes a soft hiss, but he returns a moment later, pot in one hand, oil in the other.] It shouldn't be too much longer now.

[oil into the pot once he's back over the heat then in go the onions, ginger, and garlic.] Would you mind opening the can of tomatoes for me? [much as he'd hate admitting it, he does still struggle with those at times.]

[ Thankfully having been on the train for so incredibly long has made Inigo a master at the technology here.

Well, okay. Maybe not all the technology, but at the very least he has learned how to wield a can opener. It helps that it's not very complex, and has nothing to do with weird moving screens. So he takes the can and grabs the opener, getting to work without judgement. Everyone gets used to this stuff at their own pace, and considering how slow his own is, Inigo would never cast the first stone. ]

It's starting to smell pretty delicious already. [ Sizhui is good at this, he can't help but think. ]

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