A New Platform [Intro Post December]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

It's only been a couple of days since the Voidtrecker Express took to the void once more, and many of the passengers are still recovering and recuperating after a very hectic end to their latest mission. Nevertheless, they are awoken by a familiar message.

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Imagination. 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 be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"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. It is warm outside with a pleasant breeze that flows down the platform, rustling the light spread of leaves that litter the floor.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Akemi Homura, Alfred the Poisoner, Donatello Versus, Chie Satonaka, Joscelin Fitzthomas, Ronan Lynch, Rose Tyler, Tangle the Lemur, Trowa Barton, Wester Mazaki and Whisper the Wolf all pass through the platform, not looking back before they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

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. The second thing they will notice is the swirling leaves at their feet, moving in flurries and rattling against each other softly. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, cement and packed earth forming a very practical, plain-looking shelter. Behind them is a set of barriers, and 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 but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large and it holds eight figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is 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 into the gloom step a selection 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 Train

The doors hiss open. 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 more jars of honey, the ingredient of the month of Imagination, as well as sundries.

A new carriage has been added right next to the luggage carriage. It is a second medical carriage, or triage carriage. Downstairs is more open with beds and chairs, upstairs are two surgical bays for those that need immediate attention.

For those intrigued by the claim of a parcel for every passenger they will find several large boxes filled with small blue bags. Inside each bag is ten dark blue coins imprinted on each side with a silver snowflake. Each bag has a small label with a passengers name. On the other side of the label it reads: Keep these safe for now.

Of course for any passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage as well.

New passengers will find their tickets allow 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 and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers taking advantage of the pleasant weather and 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. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

[subcircuits]

"...You haven't?" That brings Devero's eyes back to Koumyou's face, his expression startled. His needy heart lurches in his chest and he tries to set the iron bands of his control around it, but they've been warped and weak since he first met Koumyou. His effort doesn't do very much.

That word considerations makes him withdraw a little. Considerations. The priest may answer to no one but Devero doesn't even know what vows he's taken, or how closely he holds to them. Just because no one else could enforce his rules doesn't mean he won't enforce them for himself.

He nods, to show he's listening and understanding, and tries to brace himself for the demurral he knows is going to follow that statement--

But Koumyou startles him again. Devero had drawn up in his head a list of all the reasons Koumyou might refuse him-- religious commitment, heterosexuality, asexuality, plain disinterest, and more-- and 'inexperience' hadn't even made the bottom of it. Sexual activity is so normalized where he comes from that he'd just assumed-- surely Koumyou hadn't been born a priest--

He takes a moment to process that, and then slowly lowers himself to sit seiza on the floor in front of him. "If you're worried that would matter to me, it doesn't," he says. If he sounds a little uncertain himself, it's only because he's not 100% positive that Koumyou just admitting to being a virgin. "No one knows what they're doing their f... first time?"

[its_dad_sanzo]

The fact that they've switched positions isn't lost on Koumyou. There's an effortless... symmetry to their interactions, in general, like it's all one very slow dance. They'd switched positions in the pool, too, and probably other times he can't even recall now.

"I suppose it's a little embarrassing, at my age."

Another long draw from his cigarette, burned almost down to the filter, now. He regards Devero steadily through the smoke.

[subcircuits]

Devero regards him back. "I don't think it has to be," he says. "Where I come from, we understand that everyone's sexual journey is unique and deeply personal. Shaming or judging someone for the shape or length of that path is cruel, and I won't do it to you."

[its_dad_sanzo]

"Yes, well, in a temple..."

Things are a lot different. He doesn't bother to elaborate.

"Your letter made it sound like you want more than... that."

Why yes, it is hard for him to address it directly. Any of it. Koumyou's natural inclination is to be aloof, distant, never touching on things directly unless he has to.

But he doesn't look away, despite that.

[subcircuits]

Devero does, though. He looks off to the side, his expression going a little... grim. It's not that he's ashamed of this, exactly, but-- well, just because sex and sexuality are open and embraced in his world doesn't mean people go around talking so directly about it every day.

"Sex is important to me," he says. "I really enjoy it. And I've had a-- a lot of sex. With a lot of people. I-in a lot of different ways." Oh, his cheeks are starting to heat and there's no more of that plausible deniability of being in the hot pool.

"A-and it's not like I expect just one partner to meet that need-- or that I need it! And sex isn't just about what I want--" He's getting flustered now, worried he sounds like an addict. He drops his face into his hands with a frustrated groan. "I'm making a right hash of this, aren't I?"

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou can't help but be amused at the poor guy getting so flustered, smiling faintly as he watches. He's not much better, internally, but his composure is hard to beat.

"I meant, more than sex," he finally says it directly, with only the tinniest hesitation before that final word.

"I'm just as inexperienced in the rest of it. If that's your intention."

[subcircuits]

Devero's eyes dart back to Koumyou, and then away again. He hunches a little, as if wanting an intimate relationship is shameful. "I-- I'm needy," he says. How often has Valdana told him that? "I'm sorry. I wouldn't expect anything of you, if that's not what you're looking for. Sex isn't just for partners and partners don't have to have sex to be but I-- but--"

He shrinks even further, fingers digging into his knees. His voice is very small when he says, "It'd be nice to have both."

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou's free hand moves almost of its own volition, callused fingertips sliding under Devero's chin. It's a gentle attempt to tip Devero's face up, if it's down, or to at least to get him to look directly at him.

"I haven't said 'no'," the priest reminds him, and puts out his cigarette against the frame of the lounger he's seated on.

[subcircuits]

Devero freezes when Koumyou leans toward him, not even breathing as the priest turns his face up to him. He licks his lips. "--You also haven't said yes," he says. "If you need some time to-- t-to think about it, some space, I understand. You just have to let me know what you want, and you'll have it."

Such a good hound. So eager to please.

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou's gaze drifts down to Devero's lips when he licks them, the movement deliberately slow, then back up to meet his eyes.

"Alright, then," he takes a deep breath, like this is going to plunge him into something -- some dark waters he doesn't know the depths of. And it is, isn't it? Almost exactly that? "'Yes.'"

[subcircuits]

He's said yes. He's said yes. Devero inhales sharply and holds for a moment, just staring, as if he's not sure he heard that right-- or perhaps waiting for the cruelty to come into Koumyou's eyes, the smirk to twist his lips, the laugh at Devero's expense.

But that moment passes and Koumyou doesn't yank back the word and Devero rises on his knees, lifting his hands towards the priest's face. "Sanzo," he breathes reverently. "May I kiss you?"

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou doesn't shy away from the hands reaching for his face, or from Devero moving up, closer. He holds very still, except to nod ever-so-slightly. "Whenever you like."

Blanket permission.

[subcircuits]

"Thank you," he says, a smile breaking across his lips. Devero cups the priest's lean face in his big hands and rises to close the distance between them. He closes his eyes, and presses his lips gently to Koumyou's.

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou just... holds still. He doesn't know what else to do, not really, one hand lifting toward Devero's head-- and then dropping again.

This is so far out of his area of expertise! But he lets his eyes slip shut, too, and his lips are soft, and pliant, and even just slightly parted. Relaxed instead of tense, even though he can feel his heart hammering in his chest.

[subcircuits]

Devero's determined to do right by Koumyou, to respect his uncertainty and inexperience and go slow. So as badly as he kind of just wants to dive into Sanzo's lap and kiss him breathless, he restrains himself. He actually breaks the kiss and pulls back, just far enough to look up at him. "All right?" he asks softly.

[its_dad_sanzo]

Koumyou blinks his eyes back open, looking slightly dazed. And there's a faint smile before he confirms, "...Yeah."

[subcircuits]

Devero positively beams up at him. Still holding Koumyou's face, his thumbs trace the arcs of his cheekbones. "If I ever do anything you don't like, or if I push you too fast, or if you need a moment to process anything, let me know, all right?" Despite his smile, his words are intent and earnest. "All you have to do is speak up and I'll stop."

[its_dad_sanzo]

"The same goes for you, Devero," Koumyou says gently, lifting his hands to the other man's shoulders, finally. He looks him directly in the eye. "But first, there's something very important that must happen."

[subcircuits]

"O-oh. Of course." Is it really that shocking, Devero, that your comfort and consent might mean something too? Well, yes.

He tilts his head curiously, still a little aback. "Hm? And what's that?"

[its_dad_sanzo]

"...We must..." and he gives Devero's shoulders the slightest shake for emphasis, "go..." shake, "get..." shake, "ice cream."

Complete with a pout.

"Can we please go get ice cream now?"

[subcircuits]

That delighted smile breaks across his face again. And, what's this? His hands are still cradling Koumyou's face?

Make that smooshing. "Yes."

He shoots to his feet and pulls Koumyou up with him. "Let's go!"

[its_dad_sanzo]

"Okay, good!" Koumyou is smooshed! And laughing. He's easily dragged to his feet, and then the priest reaches up to pry one of Dev's hands off his face.

But only to hold it when he turns to lead the way off toward the dining car. "I'm sure you've had lots of ice cream, but it's kind of rare when you don't have a freezer! So it's still really novel to me."

[subcircuits]

Koumyou's bony fingers wrapping around his feel electric, and there's a goofy smile on Dev's face as he trots after him.

"I guess you wouldn't have, huh?" he asks. "I wouldn't even have thought about that." He squeezes the hand in his. "It must be a real treat for you."

[its_dad_sanzo]

"I really do like it, that and the spa car have been my favorite parts of being here," Koumyou agrees.

And yes, past tense.

He's got a third favorite part of being here now.

Even though he hadn't meant to form any attachments.

[subcircuits]

"I quite like the spa car," Devero agrees, grinning crookedly. "Maybe a little more now than before." And this despite all the tears and Feelings and anxiety attacks from just the past-- what has it been, an hour? Maybe?

So little time, and yet his life has so profoundly shifted.

Maybe being stuck on the interdimensional abduction train won't be so bad after all.