perfectmatch | week one

Entry tags:

week one | arrival

The characters will arrive one by one, in whatever vehicle suits them the best to the front of estate. It's a beautiful estate filled with plants and trees and little ponds and all kinds of little hideaways. But it all cumulates at the main house, where they will be dropped off and greeted by a familiar face who stands outside the house and welcomes them in. They will be able to bring one suitcase with items and clothes as well as their pet(s?).

The main thing to notice when you step into the house though is that cameras are everywhere. Despite the many little hideaways of this house, there's no privacy whatsoever. Oh well!

When everyone is gathered together, the host from earlier will greet everyone with a merry:

"Welcome, my affection seeking friends! This is where you'll be staying the next few weeks. Find a place to settle in and get to know each other! I'll be around, in case you need anything."

He genuinely seems to mean it, at least?! But that seems to be it, he'll slip away in the meantime and leave you all to it.

A few things to note, of course:

There is only one "bedroom" which is a large room, with a closet full of futons to roll out and use in said room. Sleepover time!

There is an extra, extra, extra, extra large futon for Messmer.

In one of the rooms of the estate, there is a lovely piano ready for use. Feel free to ask for more instruments, if you'd like.

The kitchen is filled with food of all kinds and modern appliances so folks can cook whatever they'd like! There is also a bar in the kitchen, stocked with alcohol.

In the living room, there is a screen showing everyone's profiles. It is touch screen, so feel free to swipe through!

There is, of course, a banner in the living room reading 有緣千里來相會 (which, for the keen-eyed, translates to "Fate brings together those that are a thousand miles apart"). This was definitely written by the host.

There is a welcome cake.

Boom Boom Room | Property Damage
Truth Booth Voting | Match Ceremony Voting

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Art reflects the soul. Even if Verso had chosen to play chopsticks, it would be impossible not to infuse a piece of himself into the melody. The same applies here; the melancholy mood is chosen purposefully. He gravitates towards it.

When he's done, he straightens. Hands on his lap. ...How nice to get to play again. How nice to move another heart with a song.]

You flatter me. But thank you.

[He finally looks over at him, and a moment passes before he plies a little more humor again.]

Stamp of approval, then?

Of course, but it is not flattery, it is the truth.

[ He motions to the empty spot on the bench next to Verso, seeking permission to sit. ]

Music is a window into the soul, non? Will you tell me why you chose to play that piece?

[He scoots over, giving him ample room to sit if he wants.]

Well... because it's beautiful. And a little melancholy. It feels like an old memory.

[ He sits, hands coming up to start playing a soft melody, something he's clearly making up on the fly, but he's curious to see if Verso will join him. ]

Ah, I felt it. Nostalgia, so bittersweet.

[He listens, parsing out the rhythm and quiet melody for a moment, his thoughts straying to both the music and the notion of memory.]

Yet welcome, from time to time.

[Finally, he places his hands on the keys and plays along, the bass notes adding chords and structure to what Nico’s coming up with. It isn’t hard for Verso — it comes to him naturally.]

But getting too lost in the past can be a bad thing, too. Maybe I’ll come up with something happier before these four weeks are over.

[ Oh, this is lovely. Verso is a natural, and Nico practically beams when they find a rhythm together. ]

Mm. I hope that you do, mon ami. Perhaps someone here will cause your heart to soar. I would love to hear your music when that happens.

Ha. We’ll see.

[There’s a sense, in those few short words, that he’s not betting on it.]

Is that what you’re hoping to find? While you’re here.

[ Why is no one here as excited about finding love as he is?? ]

It is my hope. But I am something of a romantic, personally. Not everyone here feels the same.

[Maybe some of us are jaded and tired, gosh.]

I doubt anyone's going to look down on you for being a romantic at heart, though. A game like this one was made for you.

[He should thrive. As opposed to Verso, who has to keep convincing himself he has a right to be here.]

So, what are you wanting in a partner?

[ Everyone has a right to be here! If not for love then for the wish. ]

Oh, my tastes are quite varied.

[ So like, everyone. ]

A fellow artiste would be a nice bonus. [ He leans over to bump shoulders with him. ] But it is not a must.

[He wobbles performatively with the bump, huffing, straightening and giving him a (well-natured) side-eye. Still playing all the while.]

Better get my old paints out, then. [Hahaha no] Maybe it would be easier to ask what would be an instant "no" from you, instead?

[ Wow music is art, too! But also— ]

You paint as well?

[ He'll get back to the other stuff eventually. ]

[NICO PLEASE 🫠🫠🫠🫠]

Ah... yes. I used to quite a bit when I was younger. My paint set, or my toy trains; you couldn't pull me away from either.

[ YOU DID THIS TO YOU VERSO. ]

Not so much now?

[help]

I mean, I also painted in my adult years. I still could. [All the memories of the many paintings hung up on those golden-amber walls. Points of pride for his parents.] I just prefer music.

There is nothing wrong with a preference. I just find it quite intriguing that you and I share so many interests.

[ He adds a little flourish to his melody, looking to see if Verso will do something of his own. ]

A likely basis for a match, non?

[His addition is... a big dramatic chord to anchor the start of that flourish.]

Mm. It could be a start. And of course I'd not be disappointed in someone who shares my interests, too.

[That chord continues to ring out, held down.]

But there has to be more to our perfect matches than shared hobbies.

[ Nico laughs, seemingly pleased with that as the end of their song. ]

I am sure there are. This is the first week, and we have precious little to go on, non? Still, I think someone I can make such lovely music with is a good pick.

[Ahh, it was a nice collab. It is a shame they can't utilize blank parchment to write music on.]

Who am I to disagree?

[He rolls his shoulders, raises his arms, and leans back with a streeeetch. It's only partly performative, and there's a sense that while he does agree, a part of Verso is hesitant to commit just yet. It's not a Nico problem, it's a him problem.]

I guess we should, er. Investigate it further? Outside of the music room?

[ He can definitely sense Verso's trepidation. He seems hesitant to form a connection, and Nico naturally has to wonder why.

He also cannot quite help but joke, ]

Oh? Is there another room you had in mind?

[A "ha!", and his instinct is to provide a rejoinder with an escalating joke, even if it's just throwaway.]

How bold, are you trying to suggest the bed-

[Bedroom. But he's still leaning back, and trying to waggle a finger at Nico while he twists to look at him, and misjudges his balance.

Falls backwards immediately.]

-ah!

[smooth]

[ There was a Verso here. He’s gone now.

Nico starts a little, whipping around to see poor Verso sprawled on the floor behind the piano bench. ]

Mon ami… [ Snicker. Nico lifts a hand to try and fail at covering his grin. ] Are you all right?

[He is sitting up immediately, as though that might it less, ah, embarrassing.]

I'm fine. I've had worse falls. I can't say the same about my pride.

[Hefting himself up to his feet. AHEMS]

I meant spending a bit more time together, by the way.

[When he said about investigating their match potential outside of the music room. Help.]

[ Nico stands to give Verso a hand if he needs it. ]

I know. I am sorry, but I had to tease. You took it well, until you suddenly hit the floor.

[ How cute though. Nico is so charmed. ]

[He will sigh (performatively again) and grasp Nico's hand, allowing himself to be helped up.]

I promise I'm usually more graceful.

[Maybe his nerves and uncertainty really are gnawing at his mind, blindsiding him when he least expects it. Get it together, Verso.]

So do me a favor and pretend you never saw that.

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