quaranmeme | MISTLEGLOW: a kissing meme

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!mod meme: holiday

MISTLEGLOW: a kissing meme

mistleglow: a kissing meme

Some residents may remember that back in September, a love-drunk and confusion-spell-addled newlywed mage from Gramarye Magic Research let loose some pretty little fairy lights that trapped people in the city in little invisible bubbles until they kissed (and any kind of kiss would do). Well, the same slightly-less-newlywed but no less romantically-inclined mage happens to really, really enjoy the winter season, and thinks it's totally romantic. That particular sentiment is pretty common in the Quarantine - while Hygge is the celebration of familial love, the residents of the Quarantine all agree that that family often includes partners and lovers. Besides that, the folklore of mistletoe as being representative of love and friendship is something that the Quarantine has in common with the universes many residents inhabit.

So, as the last week and a half of December rolls around, residents around the Quarantine will see the result of the resident romantic trying to share a bit of Hygge love - small, glowing sprigs of mistletoe will be floating around the Quarantine, ready to trap people up and make them share a bit of affection.

how it works

● Two or more characters walking under one of these glowing, floating sprigs will get stuck for one hour, trapped inside an invisible enclosure with an approximate three foot radius. The only options are to either wait out the hour, or to kiss! Characters will know they're meant to kiss, because part of the magic spell is the sudden and intense knowledge that they should kiss in order to break free. There is no compulsion to kiss, just the knowledge that that's how to get free. This time, instead of any kind of kiss working, there will be different types of kisses that will work to release the trapped residents depending on the color of mistleglow:

RED: MOUTH ● ORANGE: NECK ● YELLOW: CHEEK
GREEN: FOREHEAD ● BLUE: HAND ● VIOLET: BUTTERFLY

Trapped residents will not know what kind of kiss will work for each color and may have to experiment before finding the right one.

● Post up a top-level for your character with the types of kisses you're interested in threading out, and then go forth and have your character kiss (or refuse to kiss) others!
● This meme is for characters already accepted into the game to play with the mistleglow prompt from this month's test drive meme. If your character is not yet accepted into the game, please use the TDM post!
● This meme is GAME CANON, so any threads played out in this meme can be carried through into the actual canon of the game.
● Much like the TDM, threads on this meme can count for Activity Points, but not the monthly Activity Check.

header image is from santa's factory by Clement Danveau

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[Ragnar definitely looked confused. The two had just happened to walk by one another at a very inopportune moment. For Ragnar, this sort of thing is brand new. He glanced around expecting some sort of explanation as to what was going on and when he got none aside from feeling like he should absolutely kiss the man in front of him, he got a little suspicious of the only other person trapped with him.]

What are you-[He stopped, there was a more important question.] How did you do that?

[He took a step closer aggressively, looking less like he was about to kiss the man and more like he was ready to choke him out.]

[Dodger doesn't move; being a general asshole eventually gets you very used to people making threats, and despite how much the man bears a striking and disturbing resemblance to Ivar, he figures he could take him in a fight.

He glances up then, and spies the orange sprig floating above them. Of course, it's exactly like the ones from before.]

It's not me. You'll get used to this bullshit eventually - magic pranks are pretty common here.

[Amazing how a couple months here have gotten him from not quite believing in magic to just being generally annoyed by it. Still, it's then that he glances down and studies the man more carefully. Those eyes are definitely Ivar's, and he looks like he stumbled out of a viking movie...]

...You didn't answer my question.

[His instinct was to look up when the stranger did, but he resisted, instead opting to watch him like a hawk. A surprise attack seemed unlikely, but he wasn't taking any chances, after all, the only thing he knew for sure is that he hadn't trapped them in this place. The stranger also denied responsibility and Ragnar very quickly chanced a glance upwards.]

Whose magic? [He squinted slightly, tilting his head to try and get a better look at what was emitting the orange glow.] What is that? Mistletoe?

[His gaze moved back to the other man when he pointed out he hadn't answered him.] What did you ask?

Something like that, and god knows. No one really cracks down on magical mischief around here, you get used to it.

[And here he is having been arrested three times in the last year. It's a record for him, and he's not sure how to feel about that.]

I asked how long you'd been here. [He speaks evenly.] But by the sounds of it, you probably came in a couple weeks ago, right? New folks tend to pop up at the beginning of the month. You're a Viki- shit, a Norseman, yeah?

[You know, because he can tell from the everything about him. And Dodger's just...
lighting up a cigarette while he speaks because it looks like they'll be here a while. Interesting that he doesn't use a lighter, but instead simply snaps his fingers and lights it off the flames that light on his fingertips.]

So, there is no way to know who is responsible?

[He glanced back up at the mistletoe and then to Dodger, his eyes lingering on the other man's lips, once again unable to think of anything but kissing him.]

A few weeks sounds right. [He smirks a bit as the stranger seems to try to correct himself.] I am Viking. I've heard Northmen as well or Norsemen. Well. Those are the polite ones. [He smirk widened.

Naturally, Ragnar kept a keen eye on what Dodger was doing. His curiosity was piqued by the cigarette alone before he'd even started with the useful little fire trick.] You do have magic. [He stepped closer, though this time the invasion of Dodger's space was far from aggressive.] Are you sure you're not responsible? [He pointed up at the mistletoe, raising an eyebrow.]

It's not magic. [As if that will clear it up, he holds his hand out with the palm up and the fire spreads to occupy his palm. Not that he's about to waste their time explaining what little he knows about his own biology.] Trust me, if I could trap people for my own whims I wouldn't stop at playing seven minutes in heaven.

[He's definitely not objecting to the invasion of his space; in fact, he moves just a little bit forward in turn. With a flick of his wrist the fire disappears, but the hand remains in the air for a moment as if weighing the idea of touching the Viking; in the end he just takes out his cigarette to slowly let the smoke billow from his mouth as he speaks.]

Anyway, whether I'm responsible or not, that doesn't change the rules. We can either sit here swapping notes for an hour, or we can get this over with. Yeah?

[Ragnar looked suspicious of the claim and no more convinced when Dodger once again created fire.] That is your argument that you're not using magic? [At this point though, he just looked amused.

He momentarily eyed Dodger's hand and then gave the man a look as if challenging him to make the first move. In reality, he had no idea what they were supposed to be doing, but the smoke seeping out from between Dodger's lips was incredibly distracting.]

Rules? What is it that we are meant to do? [His eyes ended up back on the stranger's lips. He didn't seem to have any shame when it came to looking, at least.]

Either you kiss me, or we'll be stuck under this thing for an hour.

[He speaks evenly, as if explaining to a child. It hasn't escaped his notice that Ragnar is watching his lips; he's always been distinctly aware of his own good looks, more so than is good for him. He knows that look, and it's so very satisfying to see it on a man that he's interested in himself.

He moves a bit closer, taking another drag from his cigarette and breathing his smoke slowly into the man's face. By the time the action is done, their faces are meer inches apart and there's a spark of mischief in his eyes.]

So, what'll it be?

Just an hour? [He feigned weighing out his options.] Maybe that is the wiser thing to do. I wouldn't want to be tricked into kissing an eldþursar.

[Dodger likely would've sealed the deal if it hadn't been for the smoke. He couldn't help but breathe it in, which was no worse than sage or smoke from a fire, though it did smell slightly different, acrid. It was enough to start to make his eyes sting and a definite distraction. He shifted his weight, putting just another inch or two of space between them.]

What is that? [He was sure he'd never seen anything like it before. Perhaps the smoke was part of the ritual the man may or may not have been performing on him.]

[There's a hint of annoyance when the distraction comes up, but it isn't the first time he's had to explain cigarettes. He'd offer him to try it, but the man's suspicious enough already he'd likely think he was trying to kill him when he inevitably choked on it.]

It's called a cigarette. It's for, ah... recreational smoke-breathing. [He shrugs, taking another drag and being kind enough to blow it to the side this time.] Is it really that important right now?

[Well, if he didn't want it to be a distraction, he should try to refrain from blowing it in peoples' faces.]

It's important if I'm going to start seeing things that aren't there. [Recreational smoke-breathing?] Will you taste like it smells? [He hadn't decided yet whether that would be a good or a bad thing. There were likely worst tastes than ash.

At least they were back on track and focused again on possibly kissing.]

Edited 2017-12-23 00:06 (UTC)

Nah, not this type... but, if you play your cards right i might show you the type that does do that to you.

[That topic is over with, though. For now. Instead he leans closer again, lazily crushing the half of his cigarette that's left in his palm and letting the dust scatter in the breeze.]

Are you gonna sit there asking questions, or do you want to find out?

[Ragnar rolled his eyes in annoyance and before Dodger had even finished his question, he grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged him forward, kissing him hard.

He did taste like ash, but it wasn't terrible.

What was terrible is how they were still in the same predicament when he broke the kiss. He glanced around, still holding onto a fistful of Dodger's shirt, and then turned back to the stranger.]

You lied. [He practically growled the words.]

[Something about the blend of ash and whiskey make Dodger's taste oddly alluring, and he tends to use that to his advantage.

There's a grin on his face that works itself into the kiss, as he eagerly presses back into it, even slips his fingers along the rim of the man's pants as he really gets into it.

And then he's shoved back, and the bubble hasn't burst. He figured it wouldn't, he's already broken free from red mistletoe. They're the easiest ones to get through. Still, it takes him a moment to notice Ragnar's accusation, as he's a bit dazzled by the moment they just shared.]

Fucking christ... [He moves to push Ragnar's hand off of him; he'll notice that trying to fight Dodger's movement is a bit like fighting against a steel door. He's far stronger than a man should be even at peek fitness.] ...Not still blaming me for this, are you? These things are finicky - I've run into a few of 'em, they don't always unlock on the first try. Like a shitty key, yeah?

[Ragnar snarled, but let go of Dodger, giving him another little shove as he did so.]

Blaming you for trapping us? No. [His eyes narrowed.] Blaming you for tricking me? Yes. [He was easily as angry at himself for falling for it as he was at Dodger for having the balls to do it.] Clever. And I fell for it. It will not happen again. [His accent thickened with anger, each word terse and clipped, though on the surface his expression remained an icy, annoyed calm.

As much as he hated that he'd just been tricked, he took a step back, resisting the urge to strangle the man in front of him.] It is just an hour. We wait.

[It really isn't just the appearance... that temper reminds him of starkly of Ivar. It makes him wonder if there's some deeper connection there, or if Vikings are just shitty party guests. Either way, he almost looks disappointed when Ragnar backs off - but that's just an excuse to push his luck.]

Seriously? Didn't get free, so we're just gonna freeze our asses off out here for an hour and not touch each other. [He pauses, considering smoking again but that'll just lessen the chances of getting another kiss. Instead he just approaches Ragnar again, either to press their bodies together or trap him against the edge of the bubble.] You seemed pretty eager before, you gonna give up that easy?

[Dodger earns himself an icy glare.]

Are you cold? [Ragnar feigned sympathy, but it mostly just came out sounding smug. He felt rather comfortable at the moment. Dodger stepped forward and Ragnar stood his ground, staring him down.] Eager? Or trying to make you shut up?

The kiss didn't work. Why do you think a second one will? [Even as he asked, it was difficult to deny that same subliminal push to kiss the other man again. He caught himself staring at Dodger's lips again. His gaze flickered up to meet Dodger's, giving him a goading, challenging look. If he wanted to kiss so badly, then he could make the next move.]

[If anything, the sarcasm just makes him snicker. He's very used to people just trying to make him shut up, get things over with, give him what he wants so he'll stop whining. It stopped bothering him a long time ago; the important thing is that he'll get what he wants.]

Like I said, magic is finicky... and don't act like you weren't into it.

[That challenge in his eyes, though, is something Dodger absolutely can't resist. His eyes spark with excitement, as he tugs Ragnar a bit closer by his beltloops and presses kisses to his lips that feel almost a bit like being licked by a dog - rapid, light, trying to earn affection. Though before long he'll try to deepen it into another proper kiss.]

[His smirk turned predatory and heated as Dodger pulled him forward by his hips. The rest of his body seemed to follow with a slight delay so their hips met fist. He parted his lips, but didn't move to reciprocate immediately.

When Dodger moved to deepen it, his hand went to the man's throat. It was just shy of threatening, enough pressure to keep him from pressing in for the kiss.

There was a glint of something in Ragnar's bright eyes, an enjoyment that stemmed from the sense of control alone. What he was waiting for wasn't clear, but he was keenly watching Dodger's face, looking for some minute, undefinable change. Whatever he was looking for, waiting for, he apparently got and smirked as he closed the distance between them. The kiss felt more like an invasion, violent and rough, his hand still wrapped around the front of Dodger's neck.

He took a half step forward, half stumbling as he basically moved into the space Dodger was already occupying.]

[The hand on his throat makes him grin, that sick little grin that haunts every man that tries to deny his advances with violence. For a moment he strains against the hand, playful if anything, before letting Ragnar hold him back and watching him with a fire of lust in his eyes.

When the Viking kisses him, it's like he's suddenly remembered how to breathe - like the world had turned gray months ago, when Eichi had left, and suddenly it was back in vibrant color as soon as Ragnar's lips crushed against his.

He stumbles backward, but keeps pressing back into him, gripping his shirt sloppily and shifting his hips just slightly out of habit. God, he could drown in this moment, and die happily.]

[They stumbled back and, if anyone were watching, they might've thought the two were locked in a fight if they could not see they were also kissing. Dodger's back thudded against a wall, jolting them to a sudden halt. The jarring stop drove Ragnar's teeth into the shorter man's lip, filling the kiss with the faint taste of blood.

Dodger's hips pressed against his hard enough to earn a sharp inhale as he ground back shamelessly. With less space between them, he moved his arm, his hand sliding up from Dodger's neck to bury roughly in his hair. Without hesitation, he gave the handful of hair in his hand an insistent tug, trying to force Dodger's head back, already pressing lips and teeth to the exposed skin hungrily.

Without warning, he suddenly stopped, completely freezing, breath panting against Dodger's neck as he peered around. With a soft chuckle, he let Dodger's hair go and started to untangle himself from the other man, lips still parted and swollen from the kiss, pupils blown.]

You were right. [He exhaled the words breathlessly, smirking; they were no longer trapped. He wanted to stop as much as Dodger did, which was to say, not at all, that much was painfully obvious, but it was an important show of control, a nonverbal reminder that he, not Dodger, was calling the shots.]

[The feeling of his back hitting the wall shocks him, if only because he'd forgotten anything existed other than their two bodies. He lets out a hiss as his hair is pulled and his fingers dig into the wall behind them, chipping and warping the wood under his superhuman grip.

And then that intense pleasure is gone, and he's left panting and staring up at the larger man with an expression of betrayal and confusion he just can't hide from him.

Just like Augustine, he thinks, with a prickle of absolute arousal.]

See? Told you. [He pants quietly, his eyes half-glazed and pleading.] We had a good thing there... We gonna keep going, or what?

[The look of confusion is met by one of absolute smugness.]

You did. I did not believe you. [It wasn't a direct confession, but if Dodger was clever he would understand that Ragnar had just admitted that he hadn't kissed him a second time because he thought it would free them.

He raised his eyebrows at the question, a hint of a smirk trying to tug at the corner of his mouth.] What, here? I thought you were worried about freezing.

[So... that definitely wasn't a 'no'.]

[Well, Dodger is fluent in subtext. His eyes sharpen a bit at the hint, and that cloaked offer has him taking a shaky breath. He stands up a bit straighter, and glances around to reassess his surroundings. It is cold, but Dodger can't feel it. He's never really been able to feel the cold. But that doesn't make this a good place to get laid.]

My place is a couple blocks away. [He offers him a hand.] You take my hand, and I'll get us there. If you don't mind a little more... magic.

[Ragnar looked deeply skeptical, wary to give anyone permission to use magic on him. It seemed like asking for trouble.]

What are you going to do? [He pressed his lips together, not liking this at all.] Do not turn me into anything. [He swore, by all the gods, if he was turned into a goat he would find a way to murder Dodger. Somehow. Reluctantly, he put his hand in the other man's though.]

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