TEST DRIVE

[calloperators]

> Hello, you have reached the 1-800-HOTLINE Test Drive. We are currently unable to take your call. Whilst we put you on hold, feel free to play around for a while...

***

Waking up
Where the hell were you last night? Maybe waking up in an unfamiliar bed with a blacked-out memory isn't so unusual for you, but that buzzing in your head is. The phone beside you rings with a 7:00 AM wake-up call, and a message left behind:

Go downstairs, to the lobby. Meet the others. Don't get attached, and don't mention this call.

The AC is busted and in this hot summer, you probably won't want to stay in your room forever.

What's new, Pussycat?
Of course, there's much more around here than just the motel. Stepping out and hitting the town will give you plenty to do. There's stores aplenty, but that's nothing to say of the good residents of the stores; your friendly neighborhood bodega cats. They're content to laze around the aisles, though the more playful sorts may swat at your wayward accessories as you pass by.

Don't mind that they seem to disappear - and reappear - with a blink. That's just something cats can do.

Hungry?
Of course you are! There's plenty of places to eat here, but why go to some no-name joint when you can go to McDonalds? They've got burgers, they've got fries, they've got McPizza, and they even have a playplace! ...Though you're probably too old for the ball pit.

Regardless of what you order, if you even order, the cashier presses a small toy into the palm of your hand. Don't you feel a pair of tiny eyes on you?

McMurder
For fuck's sake, someone only went and killed a guy in the McDonald's parking lot. Maybe his head is smashed in under that chicken mask, or maybe you'll want to check? You could do the right thing and work out who did this, or you could make off with his baseball bat. The choice is yours.


Night life
What good's a city that goes to sleep? When the sun goes down, the lights go up. The city becomes aglow with every colour of the neon rainbow, with bowling alleys, nightclubs, karaoke bars, arcades and soon-to-be-extinct roller discos competing for your attention until the sun comes up. You're here, there's no curfew, it's time to make the most of it.

Wildcard
Have something else in mind? Go wild, and party like it's 1989.

Comments

[neverstudied]

Yeah, that's right. Just keep breathing, ok? You're alright. I'm right here, buddy.

[It occurs to Venkman, not for the first time, that he's a little bit in over his head. ... And that he actually still doesn't know their name.

He nods approvingly when they pull out the new lighter- look, whatever works at this point. If staring at fire keeps them from going ballistic and chopping him up, sure, stare to your heart's content.

... Oh.

Well. Venkman's not stupid enough to refuse a hug from Pyro.]

C'mere, kid. Bring it in.

[rainblower]

[Pyro hugs Venkman tightly--a little too tightly, actually, but it's not unpleasant, all things considered. Could definitely be worse given the fact that this person is wearing a full asbestos suit and now Venkman can definitely hear them wheezing closer to his ear than ever. Not like that's disarming in the slightest. But at least they seem to be calming down.

After holding it for a few seconds, they pull away. After staring at him for a moment, they pat him on the shoulder and incline their head ever so slightly towards him, as if in a silent thanks. Dropping their arm at their side, they start slowly walking to their room. They take out the key in their pocket and unlock the door. They push it open a little before glancing back at Venkman. Watching him. Waiting for him to go back into his room safely.

If...Venkman looks closely past the door, he might see a neat pile of warped and mangled looking plastic toys right on top of the immaculate, untouched bed. A few of these toys have had their eyes removed.

Don't think too much about it.]

[neverstudied]

[Honestly, its not the worst hug Venkman's ever gotten. At least neither of them are covered in slime. ... Plus, the tightness of the hug just reminds him of Ray.

When Pyro lets go, Venkman wonders why he kind of wishes they'd hug him again.

Venkman digs out his own key as he walks over to his own door, glancing back to meet[?] Pyro's eyes again- and, uh, well. That's a room full of nightmares, and he ain't going in there unless you paid him. And gave him a proton pack, PKE Meter, and at least one of his teammates.

Still, he manages a sort of strained grin.]

Good night.