cuddlecity | EVENT: SHAKE THINGS UP.

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EVENT: SHAKE THINGS UP.

It starts with a roll of thunder.

At least, that’s what you think it is—a low growl through the atmosphere that seems to echo deep and low in your chest—as you turn over in bed, or perhaps as you’re finishing your last drink at a local pub with some new acquaintances, or even as you’re walking home on otherwise safe streets, lamps and moonlight guiding your path. All’s well that ends well: the city is your haven, it’s been sold to you as such, and a little stormy weather never did much harm.

You close your eyes. You take a drink. You turn the corner.

But the sound continues, the vibration grows more oppressive, and you may think to yourself:

Thunder shouldn’t shake my nightstand.
Thunder doesn’t send a pulse through the tequila in a shot glass.
Thunder wouldn’t compel the asphalt to rumble and churn beneath my boots.

It all happens very quickly after that; things fall apart.

The cheers of late-night partygoers tumble into a minor chord, sliding into screams—a party of five has just lost sight of two of its members as Main Street splits itself in zigzags rippling out from the city’s center. One side surges into the air as the other half plummets several feet down, small ravines forming along the thoroughfare. The damage replicates itself like dominoes, and citizens new and old alike cry for help into the empty night.

Someone is hanging onto the edge of one jagged, yellow-striped mound of asphalt, fingers slipping, grip temporary.

Do you know them?
Do you help?

Within minutes, buildings begin to buckle under the stress of the earth shifting. Metal and concrete siding, roof tiles, window panes—what first sounds like cannon fire clearly presents itself as establishments crumbling while panicked citizens race to covered positions or out into the chaos of the openly shaking streets for any semblance of safety.

“Earthquake!” You hear. “Cover your head!”

The tallest buildings suffer the most damage (the bigger they are, the harder they fall). At the city’s heart, the clock tower sinks almost gently down as if feeling faint, seeking solace in the skirts of its foundation. People blink in shock as the dust rolls over them moments later.

Victims covered in soot and debris, looking for all intents and purposes as if they’d been disturbed from their graves, disperse across the city, trying to reach the authorities, to find their loved ones. It’s clear that amidst the rubble, both formed and newly falling, some of these loved ones are trapped. You hear desperate, muffled calls, buried beneath layers of shattered stone and cement. Voices struggling to be heard through the ongoing shriek and groan of the earth… still… shaking. One of these voices may even be your own.

Are you near? Can you lead someone to safety?
Can you pull victims from the rubble? Are you, yourself, in trouble?

The city bank’s vault is loose, no doubt. The shops are in trouble, security gates destroyed.

Do you take advantage while you can?

Whatever you decide, watch for the emergency vehicles and fire trucks barreling their way toward the center of destruction, rescue crews ready to spot those in need. Perhaps you can help them. Perhaps they can help you, instead. (Perhaps they can apprehend you, too, if you misbehave and don’t cover your tracks.)

The rumble continues, curls its way like a fist further out towards the city limits, losing ferocity as it does, but it takes the temporary housing district for its final victim. The city’s newest arrivals won’t get much sleep tonight. Rifts in concrete walls crawl their way from the ground floors, up, all vine and sinew and spider web. Some are more severe than others. While the first floor rooms may find more damage to their walls, bedroom windows bursting as foundations tilt, the upper floors will see things end up just a hair off in balance—askew. Put a glass of water on the table, and it may not stay in one place for long.

Surely the building isn’t safe enough to sleep in, not now.

Can you make it safe? Can you reach out to your neighbors? How do you manage?

Three hours after the initial disturbance, long after earlier news programs had urgently advised all city dwellers to take due cover during the apparent earthquake, a crackling message filters through across television screens, electronic billboards, and on your city-issued devices. Mayor Drake sits in full view in front of the Energem, the symbol of the city, its life force. It is in one piece, from the looks of it, and so is she (if understandably haggard and dark around the eyes).

“Citizens of Cadelle, as you know, we’ve suffered quite the seismic anomaly this evening. Tectonic plate shifting is not abnormal in a city so near the coast, but we had yet to experience an earthquake of this magnitude in all our recorded history. Although most of the damage was focused towards the city’s center, that center was hit hard.”

The side of her mouth twitches minutely, as though she is biting back further words, and instead, she plasters on a smile of pure grit.

“Our top tier seismology center is already on the case, and the administration will keep you informed of any significant findings. In the meantime, we wish to thank all our rescue workers and volunteer citizens who helped our loved ones find shelter and safety. Please be advised we will begin reconstruction of our Community Housing Facility immediately. Volunteers to assist with this project, and with the restoration of privately owned establishments along Main Street, are welcomed, even encouraged. After a more in-depth assessment, we may be able to create paying job opportunities for the duration of this project. Please stay tuned.”

A constructive spin on this tale couldn’t hurt, could it?

“For now, we wish for you to stay safe. Food and shelter accommodations at the public gymnasium are being made ready for those of you currently left without rooms. We apologize for the communal nature of these accommodations, but it is the best we can provide on emergency notice. We appreciate your patience, and your help.”

And with that closing remark, the feed cuts.

Mayor Drake’s shoulders slide out of their poised position, and she bows her head, hand over her brow.

Behind her, unbeknownst to anyone, the Energem flickers—just once.

On the far side, beneath the cover of the protective wall, a small fissure has formed in the crystal surface.

A kinetic rift.

For more in-depth information about this event and how it affects your character, to ask event-specific questions, and to plot with your fellow players, please visit the event's OOC PLOTTING POST.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( she wasn't technically looking for him specifically. really, there was a laundry list of people at this point that kimberly hart could have sought out for this particular mission. she'd just gotten thirsty, and a helpful volunteer had pointed her in the direction of a cooler where water was being kept under ice, which just so happened to also be the location where one familiar face is putting on quite the show. and, you know, holding up the line.

she watches with bemusement as he hands off a water bottle to a disgruntled girl rocking admittedly amazing pink hair, who seems less than thrilled with the performance piece and more desperate for water. not that kimberly blames her; it's probably a billion degrees outside. her hair is clinging to the back of her neck, thick with sweat and dust and lord knows what else; her requisite tank top sticks to her skin, jean shorts offering little in the way of airflow as she stomps all around the rebuilding sites. suffice it to say kimberly's a little disgruntled herself with this whole thing.

when he steps away, presumably to head back to whatever area he'd been working on, she darts out, a hand wrapping around one arm to pull him with her, just out of the way. there are plenty of people milling around, and though no one seems particularly interested in whatever she has to say, she makes it a point to lower her voice, to stand just a little closer to him to avoid the sound carrying any farther than necessary. )

I need your help. ( which doesn't exactly convey the urgency to the situation, so kimberly adds: ) Like, now. Energy emergency.

[robbie's ready for round two of manual labor once he's had the chance to thoroughly rehydrate. ain't nobody gonna slow him down, ain't nobody gonna — well there goes that idea out the window as he feels his arm get tugged and he's pulled away from the path back to the area he'd been working in to come face to face with maybe one of the last people he'd expected to see here.

kim looks good in her tank top, the jean shorts are a nice touch too, baring more leg than the form-fitting lycra capris that she wore the last time he'd seen her did. he has to shake his head as memories of the evening come to the forefront of his thoughts as soon as she says something about an energy emergency.]

Uh. Pretty sure that fulfilling your cuddle quota is a little low on the priorities here, Kim. Not saying no, but can't it wait a few hours for me to be done for the day?

Shut up, ( a little snippy, maybe, but she's hot and cranky and possibly a little bit paranoid. ) I'm not — okay, I am, but it's for a good reason.

( fingertips press into her scalp for a moment as she runs her hands through her hair, sticky locks tangling together as she tries to figure out how to explain this particular scenario. as far as robbie reyes knows, kimberly hart is your average age-not-disclosed young adult, perhaps a little on the stronger side thanks to hours in the gym, but average in all other ways. she's been pretty good about honoring zordon's rules, even here. you must never tell anyone your identity, yada yada yada, or doom and gloom and misery and probably death, who knows. she wasn't really sure what telling somebody here would do, all things considered, but she was at least trying to honor the rulebook.

so her explanation is a little bit on the disjointed side as she finally continues, letting out a slow breath through pursed lips and trying not to look too embarrassed in the process. ) I, uh. May have broken a guy's arm yesterday... and I'm trying to avoid the whole 'going into the red' thing on my first month here. Apparently this whole rebuilding thing doesn't count since they're, you know. Paying us.

( said payment is, mostly, why she's agreed to come slave out here in the billion degree heat, helping haul supplies or patch walls or whatever task the powers that be deem fit to give her. mostly. she might also really kind of like this place, but that sounds like feelings, and she's not doing those right now. so paycheck it is. )

Listen, if you're not interested, it's fine, I'll figure it out.

[he's not sure why she's looking so worried at first. it's as though she feels super guilty about something but isn't saying what. it seems a little strange until she's talking about breaking a guy's arm and he blinks.

exactly what kind of freaky shit is she getting into that involves broken arms, huh? still he has to admire her commitment to wanting to make things right, to be a good person.]

Didn't say I wasn't interested. [if the way that he's checking her out in her daisy dukes is any indication, mr. reyes is definitely down to help with this energy dilemma.] Just that you have really bad timing.

[he pauses, tilting his head toward the makeshift parking lot a few hundred feet away.] Car's over here if you wanna go somewhere private. Personally not really wanting to put on any more performances for the day.

( he stares at her for a moment like she has three heads, and kimberly blurts out, ) I was trying to get him unstuck, but I may have pulled too hard. ( obviously a strong explanation, but at least he doesn't look entirely freaked out by her reply.

not completely, anyway. it's just really bad timing. this entire thing is really bad timing. the earthquake, the accidental arm breaking, the water bottle shower show — it's throwing kimberly's entire calendar of events off, and being thrown off isn't exactly her favorite way to feel. but he's right, too. they're getting paid to help out. as hot as it is outside, how tempting the grin on his face might be, that rational voice in the back of her head echoes his words. bad timing. not right now. )

Come find me when you're done, then.

( because even though that car is very tempting... she really should get back to work. trini's waiting for her over at their work site near the common buildings, and she's pretty sure clary will have a heart attack if she doesn't come back from her "water break" soon. )

[the real story behind just why she managed to break a guy's arm is sadly less juicy than what he'd envisioned. she'd been trying to help someone. he nods in understanding. sometimes, even the best of intentions result in unwelcome consequences. if robbie hadn't been sure that he was going to offer already, the admission that she'd been responsible and the why behind it was more than enough to seal the deal.

though he offers up his car for an immediate solve, she's seems to be okay with waiting, okay with letting the effects of too much strengh applied incur that debt to their city. robbie figures they'll more than make up for it. but first there's the matter of getting paid.]

Yeah, alright. Figure should probably just be another two hours or so. [and with that, robbie waves her off, watching as she most definitely sways her hips from side to side, a reminder of just how flexible she is.

he mutters aloud to no one in particular.]

It's gonna be a long day.

[two hours later, true to his word, robbie goes toward where he'd seen kim walk off to earlier in the day. he hasn't had another impromptu water bottle shower, but his tank clings to his skin regardless, and it's still just as oppressively hot as it was earlier in the day. the sun's still high in the sky bearing down on them with little sign of stoppage. robbie sneaks up behind her, grabs her arm and gives her a tug around the corner where it's quiet.]

All done. What about you?

( she's in the process of saying her goodbyes — more like see you laters — when he comes up from behind her, loops a hand around her arm and pulls her into the alleyway around the corner where it's quiet and, thankfully, a little cooler. all done, robbie
explains, grinning wide like the cat that just got the canary, and she can't help but laugh, peeking over her shoulder to see if anyone's followed them out of curiosity.

the coast looks clear, though, so kimberly lets the worry go by for now, choosing instead to reach out and let her fingers curl around his hip, tugging him in a little closer. it's a practical thing, obviously, just so she doesn't have to shout and potentially attract attention. nothing to do with how the cotton of his shirt sticks to his skin, outlines his abdominal muscles and the dip along his chest. nope. definitely not. )

If I wasn't, I am now.

[robbie doesn't look the least bit surprised as his personal space bubble shrinks with one swift motion. he could close that hair's breadth of space between them, drag their mouths together in the middle of this alley and robbie has a feeling kimberly might not mind too much. he could.

instead, he leans in, hovering temptingly out of reach. if kimberly huffs frustratedly, well, that'll just make the payoff that much better.]

Afraid my bed's not really an option for your little energy emergency.

( does she huff a little? of course she does, but it's good-natured, no bite to the hot exhale between her lips as she grins up at him, drums her fingertips along the waistband of his jeans. his bed's probably worse for wear than her own, being on the ground floor; kimberly's third floor apartment had seen a little bit of damage, small items tossed around, but it was mostly the uneven floor that had her room out of commission. she had no plans to abandon that once the repairs were done.

but for now, neither room was really an option, and she'd yet to hear anything about private accommodations being offered in the community center. which left... well, exactly where kimberly wanted to be. )

How do you feel about taking a drive?

Depends on who's driving.

[he replies, a lopsided smirk suggesting that he may or may not be talking about who' will be behind the wheel.

robbie closes the gap between them before the can get in a no doubt smart reply, fingers hooking into the belt loops of her tiny denim shorts as his mouth moves over hers, hinting at more to come before he draws back.]

Edited 2017-08-17 03:25 (UTC)

( it's a kiss that ends as soon as it begins, just a brief press of warmth against her lips before he's leaning back, tugging her a step away from the wall by the loops of her shorts. kimberly only rolls her eyes, lets her hand drop to his and squeezes, a green light if there ever was one. )

Are you offering to let me drive?

( would she? maybe. she's capable of driving a stick shift, the benefit of growing up under an overbearing father figure in a small town. but she has a feeling that's not exactly what he had in mind... or that the drive itself is really the main attraction here. )

[he licks his lips as he pulls back, shaking his head once she's asked to drive.]

Not my car, no. [he's definitely less concerned about the destination than he is about what they'll do once they're there. he worries his lip between his teeth as he mulls over telling her where the cogs in his brain are headed.] But I wouldn't mind you telling me what you need me to do. It's hot.

Bummer.

( a slight pout, mostly for show, as she tangles their fingers together, nudges him backwards with a push of her shoulder against his, until they're walking out of the alley towards the makeshift parking lot, where his car sits a few spaces apart from the others. it's somehow managed to remain clean amidst all the mess and rubble in the air, which earns a bemused grin as they approach. )

Did I not do enough of that for you last time?

[a peal of laughter follows as she fake pouts and nudges them out of the alley. they reach his car, which looks just as he's left it: pristine. robbie feels a little bit of guilt over that fact when most other cars look covered in dust and have little dings and dents. but inexplicably self-healing cars will do that.]

That was then. It's not like you hit my buttons for one night and then I'm set for good. [cue the smirk aimed right at her as he walks her backward. it's only a few short steps before her back hits the side of his car. robbie leans right on in,] Or are you saying you don't like the idea of shoving my head down between your legs right now?

I don't know... ( a contemplative hum slips through her lips, trails off into something much more appreciative as her back presses flush against the driver side door, as his body leans into hers, hands finding purchase on either side of her waist. ) Seems like that's something you want right now.

( what does she want? not to quite let their little game of back-and-forth end right here in a parking lot, for one thing. )

Let me sit in your lap and drive.

[he offers a shrug of his shoulders, rocking his hips against her. it's a hint, a promise, an IOU.] You're not wrong. At least I'm honest about what I want.

[he brings a hand up to his mouth, taps his index finger against his lips, pretending to have to think about it.]

Mmm. Right here where anyone can see?

( there's no question what he's thinking about, especially not with the eager way his hips press against hers, that quick close of any space between them. but it may not be what she's thinking of... )

Of course right here. ( a grin, and her hand slides down, fingers curving around the handle and tugging until the door clicks open behind her. )

Unless you don't think I can handle it...

[her suggestion is a bold one. surprising enough, one thing he hasn't done before. robbie slips past her into the driver seat, hooks his fingers into the waistband of her shorts and pulls her in on top of him.]

I think I've already proved I know just how to handle you. But if you'd like a reminder, babe, I definitely up for the task.

[and with that announcement, robbie crashes their mouths together, dragging his tongue along the seam between her lips until she parts them so that he can deepen the kiss.]

( no, he's definitely not on the same wavelength. kimberly's not complaining, though. settling with her knees straddling his lap, she's more than happy to lean in, to let him coax her mouth open and kiss her until she's breathless and a little light headed, hands draped along the warm black leather of the headrest. at least at first.

eventually though, kimberly's more interested in getting what she had in mind than lingering here in the parking lot; her hands slide down along the seatback, down to his waist where they dip into his pockets, fishing out a plain steel ring with a dozen or so silver keys hanging from it. the set makes a soft jingle as she spins the ring around her finger, a sound that earns a satisfied smile against his mouth as she offers a slow, teasing kiss. maybe it's ranger reflexes, maybe it's just how distracting the sweep of her tongue along his lower lip serves to be, but somehow, she manages to pull herself around, nestling in his lap and sliding the right key into the ignition, a flick of practiced fingers bringing the engine to life. )

Come on, babe, ( murmured as her head tilts back, pressing another kiss just under the lobe of his ear, ) I told you I wanted to drive your car, but I think this is a little more fun.

Don't you?

[what's that book? men are from mars women are from venus? they definitely aren't speaking the same language, if the fact that she's pumping the brakes on what he'd hoped would be the start of a very healthy makeout session to make his car roar to life.

kim practically purrs her desire, breath hot in his ear. robbie wants to shake his head no, but kim's all determination in a sweet little package. ]

You're making it real hard to say no to you. [a beat passes and robbie releases the parking brake. worse case he'll just steer them out of harms way.]

That, ( chimed out with a pointed grin as she shifts, hands curving over the wheel with ill-disguised excitement, ) Was kind of the whole point.

( to be fair, she doesn't exactly plan to do all the driving. the gas and brake, the shift — she leaves the technical parts to robbie's experienced hands as his arms rest on either side of her, content to simply enjoy the loud roar of the engine as it rumbles through the driver's seat, and focuses her attention on the rush of steering the car through pintight curves and along wide stretches of practically abandoned roadways, until they've cleared the busier stretches of the city center and found the quieter sections of road near the mountains. )

Are you complaining?

No, but this isn't exactly anything like the last time I went for a joyride.

[he's hardly opened up thus far, has been keeping things relatively easygoing in case she wasn't able to handle the steering. now that they're out of the busier parts of cadelle, he floors the gas pedal, watches as the needle on the speedometer moves further and further right.

he grins from behind her, nips playfully at her ear.]

How about I show you what this thing's really capable of?

( a wriggle of anticipation, fingers drumming against the spokes of the wheel, and kimberly nods giddily. ) Yes, please, ( whispered as her eyes dart from the road only for a moment, long enough to press her mouth to his cheek with fleeting warmth. )

I don't think you have to worry about speeding tickets out here, either.

( or anybody else on the road, for that matter. )

Never gotten a speeding ticket before. [he says with a laugh as they near a corner.]

Just trust me for a second. [he murmurs, taking the wheel from her for a moment as they approach and he carefully drifts around the curve. once they clear that bend in the road, there's nothing but a straightaway for miles.]

Not bad, eh?

( just trust me, he tells her, and she almost parrots the words back to him. i do, she almost says, i do trust you. they don't come out, though; they get stuck in her throat, heavy and meaningful and too much for an afternoon joyride that's intended to blow off steam, a quick refresh of her cuddle quota before the administration notices her dip into the negatives.

no, this is just two people coming together for convenience's sake. it's not anything that involves anything quite so damning as trust or feelings, and she's honestly a little annoyed at herself for even thinking it. what, does she want to be some high school sweetheart with a crush? no thanks. she's kimberly hart. she's a freakin' power ranger. she doesn't need any of it.

instead, she lets her gaze linger on the road as it fans out before them, the horizon hazy in the distance over the stretch of pavement, and her body settle against his as she lets go of the wheel, content to linger without the pretense of driving now. ) No, it's great, ( she finally admits, that part at least refreshingly straightforward. honest. )

Not quite ready for Fast and the Furious, but still pretty great.

( what, did he think a little genuine appreciation wouldn't come with extra teasing? )

▸dos, papi.

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