it's time once again for a...test drive meme!

[herotypical]

the luceti test drive meme

Reserves have just opened and apps are right around the corner. But are you still on the fence about any of your would-be characters? Well -- here is your chance to take them out for a spin!

▣ TAG IN or reply to others with characters you would like to test drive for Luceti.
▣ ONLY add top-level comments for characters who are not yet in the game. You're free to reply to others with Luceti characters (because that's half the fun) but remember that the whole point of this meme is for potential characters.
▣ PLEASE do not post duplicates of characters already in Luceti.
▣ GO AHEAD and give us a brief description of your character in the top-level comment, along with one or two possible ways to run into your test-driven character around town.
▣ YOU MAY use these threads for your first person samples on your app -- just make sure that you link threads of a goodly length (i.e., threads with at least ten comments from your character).

Need a little help getting started? Remember, you needn't post here as though your character is still brand-spankin' new. It'll probably be more fun for all involved if this isn't a simple dress rehearsal for showing up. Here are a few scenario ideas:

o1. The grocery store is out of food. What do you do?
o2. Wing injury! Call for help or stagger your way to one of our fine clinics.
o3. It's a busy evening at Good Spirits, one of Luceti's local bars. Do you dare try the drink specials?
o4. Have a talent for playing music? Try Cloud Nine's open mic night!
o5. Beach party? Snow party? Leaf-raking party? Gardening party? YOU DECIDE.

Okay. So my examples are pretty non-exciting. But they're really just suggestions. I'm POSITIVE you kids can come up with more creative things.

Above all? HAVE FUN. Oh. And don't forget to RESERVE your characters.

Comments

[widows_kiss]

[The ice in her glass clinks as she slides onto one of the stools at the bar. Green eyes are alert and watchful as Natasha scans the interior of Good Spirits, taking in the unfamiliar faces as she does so. She hasn't been here in Luceti long, so the fact that most of the faces are still unfamiliar isn't a surprise.

Despite the careful observation she's giving the room, her posture is relaxed and comfortable as she leans back, legs crossed primly in front of her as she takes a sip of her drink. She doesn't try for being invisible - that's not going to accomplish anything, after all - so instead she settles for looking friendly and curious.

She'll wait and see who comes to her, instead.]

[neversurrender]

[The thing is, when Natasha wants to be noticeable, she's very noticeable and quite eye catching. So it's not a surprise that Steve's eyes land on her almost immediately when he walks into Good Spirits.

And he's surprised. But it's a good surprise. A very good surprise. The team is starting to come together. He crosses the room and takes the seat next to her, a grin blooming across his face.]

Fancy seeing you here, Agent Romanov.

[widows_kiss]

[She glances up when he sits down beside her, a smile curving over her lips. One that is honest, rather then forced, because its rather hard to be insincere with Steve Rogers.

That and there's genuine relief over the fact that here is a familiar face and one that is welcoming in return.]

Captain. I could say the same. I admit, I wasn't expecting to see you here. [Although it's evident that it's a pleasant surprise for her as well. She sets her glass down on the bar, swiveling to face him fully.]

I haven't been here long. It's been a bit of an... adjustment.

[neversurrender]

[The bartender comes around for his order and he asks for a glass of water. When it's once again just the two of them, he turns to face her fully as well.]

I wasn't expecting to be here myself. But we're not the one who decide who comes and goes. [There were a lot of things they didn't have a choice in here.]

That's understandable. I took me a couple of weeks to get settled. How much have you been told? Have you read the nifty handbook in the back of your journal?

[widows_kiss]

[Her lips quirk in wry amusement.] It was the only thing I woke up with, out in the woods. I suppose that's a good thing, since I took a moment to read it instead of using it to assault the first person I came across. [Which, granted, had been her other viable option before she'd opened it looking for notes or orders or something to explain how she'd gone from being asleep in her bunk to waking up in the middle of the woods.]

I wasn't sure how much to believe, to be honest. Of course, this isn't generally the sort of chaos the supervillains of the world get up to. Explosions, world domination, mutants, aliens... those are one thing. Waking up with wings? [She pauses and motions to the offending appendages in question, a look of skeptical exasperation crossing her face.] That's just crazy.

[neversurrender]

[He winces just thinking about it; pretty sure no one here, minus the Malnosso, deserve to go up against an irritated and confused Black Widow. He wouldn't even want to have to fight her.] That's, um, a good thing. The people stuck here, like us, are all really decent people. At least the ones I've met so far.

[He gives her wings a glance over, his own securely folded down beneath his shirt. They were pretty embarrassing really, even for the man that runs around in what's basically the American flag in suit form.] So what you're saying is an alien invasion isn't as crazy as waking up with wings?

[It's moments like this when he really does feel left behind in time because what. That just doesn't make sense to him.]

[widows_kiss]

[She doesn't miss his wince and it draws a soft chuckle from her as she leans carefully back in her chair, sipping from her tumbler as she watches him.] I'm afraid I'll have to take your word for that at the moment. I haven't met enough yet to make an accurate judgement.

[Then again, other people tended to be infinitely more trusting than she was, when it came to things like that.

Natasha didn't miss the glance he cast her wings - still visible behind her over the top of her dress, the feathers pitch black except for the very tips, which were stained a dark deep red, looking like they'd been dipped in blood. The first time she'd come across her reflection, she'd stopped and stared for a good ten minutes and she still wasn't quite sure what to think of them. Wings, for god's sake. At least she hadn't sprouted horns and a forked tail to match.

His were hidden, of course, but she could still see the outline of them, tucked under his shirt. It was a difference she noticed on everyone she'd encountered so far. Just visible enough to catch her off guard every time with the unexpectedness of it.]

Did I miss something in my history lessons where waking up one day with wings was a thing in your time? [There is gentle teasing in her tone as she peers up at him from beneath dark lashes.] War of the Worlds seemed real enough, or so I've heard.

[handing]

[Most faces, but not all: Pepper and Natasha have a bit of history, although most of that had come about while the agent had been masquerading as Natalie Rushman from Legal. Things have changed in the years since then, however, and Natasha is one of the ones who saved Manhattan with the newly formed Avengers. That's more than enough reason for Pepper to offer a genuine smile to the other woman.]

Good evening, Agent Romanov. Would you like some company?

[widows_kiss]

Ms. Potts.

[It's said with a smile, green eyes glinting with faint amusement. She'd seen the woman approach, had tensed for the briefest of moments, but Pepper was smiling and relaxed, so she takes that as a good sign. Sometimes she's not sure what to expect when dealing with Pepper, since their start was somewhat unusual. Not to mention layered in intrigues, cover stories, and aliases. Most people didn't take being lied to so magnanimously.

Then again, most people would have never survived working for Tony Stark as long as Pepper Potts had, either. Even in her short time undercover, Natasha had come to respect and admire the other woman.

Natasha waves a hand to the empty stool beside her in invitation.] I'd love some, actually.

[handing]

[Pepper's experience does give her something of an unusual perspective. Yes, Natasha had lied about her identity, and at one point Pepper blamed "Natalie" for Tony's bad choices. But all of it had been part of a greater plan, an assessment by SHIELD of Iron Man and Tony Stark--and more importantly, she had helped save Tony's life, and hers.

And that had been before the Avengers.

She settles into the stool Natasha indicates, and orders a drink for herself: scotch on the rocks. Tony's preference, usually, but Pepper wants something other than vodka tonight.]

How are you settling in so far?

[widows_kiss]

[She waits until Pepper is settled and comfortable, taking another sip of her own drink while the woman orders something for herself. Pepper's question is received with a faint incline of her head as she considers her answer before giving it.]

Well enough. Everything is just different enough to be strange. And I hate to say it, but I miss technology. [The confession is accompanied by a laugh as she tucks a curl behind one ear.] I can't imagine how Tony adjusted. Still, all things considered, it could be much worse.

[She pauses again, glancing around, as if making sure she's not being overheard. Perhaps she's overly paranoid, but she's in unfamiliar territory and that was always a very good reason to take extra care.] Perhaps I shouldn't say things like that. Clint would accuse me of tying to jinx things.

[handing]

You and me both. [Pepper finds the signs of her complacency amazing sometimes; even little things, like getting up to adjust the thermostat, remind her that back home she usually was in a building with an AI for that.

The mention of Tony gets a laugh, and Pepper shakes her head.] Well, hiring a fan to do his housework helped. [Her drink arrives, and Pepper nods her thanks to the bartender. She pauses long enough to take a sip, watching as Natasha looks around them. Old habits dying hard, probably.]

Unfortunately, there's not a lot we can do to prevent the worse. I'm sure you read the guide?

[widows_kiss]

[Natasha blinks a moment, then makes a quiet sound of amused derision.] Of course it did. What a terrifying thought. Whoever they are, they have my sympathy. Or perhaps pity.

[Or maybe both. But then again, she'd done the same for a while. She hopes he's easier to please when he's not busy dying and acting out accordingly.

Natasha dips her head faintly in an affirmative at the question.] I did. I think I got most of the gist of it. It's all sounding pretty far-fetched still, although it was very informative and thorough, at least. [She glances sideways at Pepper, her expression curious.] Have you been here long?

[jamesbarnes]

[Bucky's not opposed to drinking alone. Steve doesn't drink because there's no point in it for him, and the other commandos are - were - a bunch of lunatics anyway. But... well, he's not opposed to company either.

And he finds it pretty quickly, surprisingly enough. She's drop dead gorgeous, but what really strikes him is the way her gaze settles on him as he approaches the table. Like she knows him. But he knows that's a face he wouldn't forget.] 'Scuse me miss. [He nods at the chair across from her.] This seat taken?

[widows_kiss]

[For a moment, when she spots him across the bar, coming towards her, there is shock. An icy shudder slips down her spine, because of all the faces she expected to encounter here, his had not been numbered among them. There is no recognition in his gaze, and that hurts, squeezes around her lungs like a vice for a moment until she shakes herself, forcibly drags her composure back over her like a cloak.

This isn't the first time she's bumped into him somewhere when his gaze had flitted over her, past, as if they were strangers. She's lost count of how many times, but that never made it easier. Still, seeing him alive was better than nothing, because she'd given up on that. How long had it been? Decades? Long enough that whispers of the Winter Soldier had faded away, become myths, legends, either forgotten or dismissed entirely as fiction and propaganda. The Winter Soldier was a ghost.

She knows better, of course, but she isn't one to spread tales unless it suits her purpose.

When he pauses, asks to join her, she tips her head, a smile playing over her lips, sure and sultry, even if she doesn't entirely feel it.]

No, it's not taken. You're welcome to it, if you like.

[jamesbarnes]

Thanks. [Bucky nods and slides. He's still wondering what that look was for, but maybe she mistook him for someone he's not. Her smile says she's game anyway, so he'll go with it.

He leans his arms against the table, his own smile slow and easy.] The name's James, miss..?

[widows_kiss]

[Her smile is quick and just a hint coy as she holds her hand out in greeting, palm down. Its old-fashioned. It's also tradition, even if her answer has varied somewhat over the years.]

Romanoff. Natasha Romanoff. [She tilts her head, one copper curl falling loose down her cheek as she regards him with an intent gaze, meeting his flirtatious manner in kind.] A pleasure, James. I'm new here, I'm afraid. Still getting my bearings.

[jamesbarnes]

[He's a little surprised by the gesture, but after a moment's hesitation curls his fingers beneath hers and dutifully ducks his head to kiss her knuckles. She has callouses on her hands, and he wonders what from.] Pleasure's all mine ma'am.

[When he lets go of her hand he leans back, gaze following the motion of that curl and the curve of her lips that says she definitely noticed. She's confident, and he likes her already, even if he can't help but feel a little out of his league here.] Haven't been here that long myself, but I'd be happy to show you around, if you're interested.

[selfhelp]

[Billy had just come in for a shake; it's hot today, and he figured it would make a nice treat. He hadn't expected to see the Black Widow sitting at the bar counter.

Ohhhhh god.

He approaches the counter and makes his order, but while he waits he keeps casting glances in her direction, trying (and failing) not to stare in awe.]

[widows_kiss]

[Natasha smiled at the bartender when her glass was refilled without her even having to ask. The concept that there was no working currency here was still a little mind-boggling. Not that she normally had to worry about buying her own drinks, but that wasn't the point.

She shifted in her seat a moment, her thoughts drifting off on a tangent before she felt the familiar sensation of being watched. She let her gaze drift, finding the source with little trouble. He was young, and watching her with the obvious signs of recognition, even though she was pretty sure she didn't recognize him in return.

Then again, she'd been getting that a lot since the attack on New York. Which made her wonder how useful she was going to be in going under cover in the near future.

...Considering if she got home again, of course.

It didn't stop her from giving the boy an assessing look and then a faint smile, tilting her head to the side as she eyed him in return.]

Can I help you?

[selfhelp]

[She smiled at him. Asked him a question. It all seems very nice and polite.

He still feels like he's going to get himself killed here.]

O-oh... no, I just...

[...Idiot, she's a spy. She's like the spy. Is he seriously going to try to lie to her?]

...I think I recognize you, that's all. Sorry for staring.

[widows_kiss]

[Her smile deepens a little at his stammered answer, amused by it, but she has some sympathy on him as she inclines her head in acknowledgement.]

You don't need to apologize for that, it's not a crime. Have we met? I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I'm usually pretty good at remembering faces.

[selfhelp]

[He's just going to quietly hope to god that he's got it right, here. The enthusiasm he feels about meeting her is winning against his nerves, bit by bit.]

You're with the Avengers, right? I've saw you on TV.

[Which is still technically true, they were just kind of old documentaries.]

[somethingtoavenge]

[Coulson does not normally drink. At least as far as anyone really knows. Truth be told a good scotch every now and then is helpful when working for SHIELD. If he ever stopped working long enough to have a drink that it.

But since being in Luceti has given him free time, he indulges every now and then in one drink.

The familiar face at the bar was an interesting surprise. Also a good surprise. While the other Avengers and people form home are nice, another SHIELD agent is a relief.

So he heads on over and greets her with a small smile on his face.]

Agent Romanov, good to see you.

[widows_kiss]

[It is only proof of Natasha's control that she didn't just choke when that voice spoke up from behind her. She was getting a little used to people coming up to her - some familiar, some not, but this... She hadn't anticipated this and she looked a little like she was looking at a ghost.

Which she was. Because Coulson was dead. Or supposed to be dead. Or...]

You look pretty damn good for being dead, sir.

[The words are a little sharper than she intended, because Natasha's never been very good at emotions dealing her a punch in the gut like that. The sight of him has left her reeling with a wash of relief and giddy joy and a stab of fury at being lied to and manipulated all at once and it comes out in a dry quip as she scrambles to re-gather her composure.]