【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-Star Resort and Casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to unprecedented high demand we are temporarily unable to check you in to your reserved room. We apologize for the inconvenience. We have arranged for a temporary room while we work on processing your reservation as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.
As a special wedding gift from us, we have arranged for you and your new spouse to stay in one of our junior penthouses while you wait. Congratulations on your new marriage. We are so pleased you have chosen our resort for your honeymoon.
You will be notified as soon as your official reservation has been processed. Your comfort and happiness are our utmost priority. We hope you enjoy the provided amenities and lose yourself in marital bliss. 】
EVENS
EVENS: NEW CHARACTERS
Music plays. Instrumental, the tune gentle enough not to disturb peaceful rest. The sudden insistent beep of the Watch is a cutting cacophony across an otherwise sweet lullaby. Upon opening their eyes, new arrivals will quickly discover that something is wrong. The quilt snug across their body is weighty. Crystals glint in a weave of embroidery and cotton shimmers with threads of silver. Dozens of decorative pillows surround the bed. The gauzy curtains of the canopied bed are drawn, obscuring the rest of the room.
Extravagant for a kidnapping. Too extravagent. What’s more, these new guests will find something even stranger than this new diamond-studded suite tucked into bed beside them. Someone else. Who are they, what are they wearing? What happened last night?!
Guests are encouraged to explore the resort from here! There are paper maps available for those who would like and staff are happy to recommend locations if they have any preferences. Enjoy your honeymoon, you lovebirds!
ODDS
ODDS: SPECIAL RE-ARRIVAL
Never trust a hallway in the Golden peacock.
Cross the wrong threshold and time begins to slow. A short hallway becomes long, sheds its doors, only leading to turns without end. Guests too eager to explore the resort have gotten lost before. For how long always varies, dependent upon capriciousness of the resort. Hours? Yes. Years? Yes. Every guest caught in the winding hallways has reported the same thing: time is different there and too difficult to discern.
Some wayward guests have been caught in the endless hallways since the FIRST TDM. Weeks pass before a single doorway appears in the distance. It creaks upon opening before everything goes topsy-turvy. These guests have been let out of a trap door in the depths of Crane's Respite.
All water corridors will eventually lead back to the populated areas of Crane's Respite. The waters are warm, the scent of bath salts returns, and staff are wild with joy at finally finding all of you. They have been beside themselves searching ever since you vanished!
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Because we love all of the new characters premiering on this TDM, we kindly request that our Evens prompt be top level exclusive for new characters. Current characters are encouraged to tag in to these prompts with the caveat that they’ve been picked up from their assigned suite (or wherever else they were before) and dumped into the new arrival’s bed. We would like for new characters to have this prompt unique to their top level comments!
▶ Players are welcome to have their current character riff off of these prompts in the log community with the exclusion of the new arrival element. This request is just for TDM top levels.
▶ Current characters and new characters are both welcome to freely mess around with the Odds prompt with the exclusion of the arrival element. For new characters, players may participate with the idea that their character is exploring Crane’s Respite after their unique arrival in the Evens prompt. The Odds arrival element may also be utilized by current player characters who may have been on an unofficial hiatus in January and did not tag as much as they would have liked, to explain any long IC absence.
▶ Octopi may be killed. If a character decides to eat one of the octopi they may find themselves taking on some of its traits. Which traits are up to player discretion.
ELEVATORS
ELEVATORS
The house has recently ordered a full changeout of art in all high traffic areas. The elevators in particular have received special attention with many different famous artworks and portraits studded to the walls for guests to admire. These artworks are treasures of the modern world that one would typically see behind glass at a museum. Guests may even find works from their own world hanging in the elevators. Even famous works that maybe have been lost to time. So this is where they ended up. Is that Vermeer's The Concert?
Guests may find their elevator suddenly stopping without warning. The portraits on the wall stir, curiously studying them, but there are three main portraits calling the shots. The portrait that controls that particular elevator will make their demands known with the threat that, if they are not obeyed, you will be trapped forever.
Elevators will function after the portrait's demands are met. Guests that hold out and refuse may find themselves trapped upwards of twelve hours. Guests with the ability to do so may crawl out of the top emergency door, free to go wherever they want from there.
GREAT TIT!
GREAT TIT!
Great Tit! is the Golden Peacock’s popular dessert bar and cafe. With its bright pops of color and whimsical treats, guests simply can’t resist stopping in for a butt shaped cookie and hazelnut coffee. After catching wind that the resort has decided to celebrate a dessert shop's most lucrative holiday, Great Tit! is ready to impress the masses. Advertisements for limited edition drinks and desserts rain the main lobby; one can’t go three steps without slipping on a neon pink coupon for 10 percent off nipple buns. Guests that decide to pass by the cafe will find themselves assaulted with confetti cannons and eager employees ushering them inside.
Guests will find a temporary communal shower room upon exiting Great Tit! where they can wash off after a fun day of rolling around in sugar. All guests will be gifted a tee branded with a, CHOCOLATE IS MY LOVER logo.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ This portraits prompt has been triggered by several characters expressing interest in and investigating the lore of the resort paintings. This is just dipping a beginning toe in, but congrats to all for poking around!
▶ Portraits in the elevator should not be destroyed, purely for continuity’s sake. If a character would go far enough to attack one of the portraits, the portrait will slap them back with ghostly power.
▶ Characters may also figure other ways out of the elevator if they have specific abilities to do so. While the portraits can control the elevators, they cannot control your character(s). Any destruction to the elevator itself is liable to result in a rush of security dragging the culprit(s) away to the Iron Net.
▶ Great Tit! is running a massive sale! Even characters who are on the broke end of the spectrum will be able to afford to join in on the fun and indulge in sugar at these prices.
▶ Players are encouraged to make up any other elements for the Hall of Chocolate. If it’s a dessert and edible, it’s there. Enjoy your sugar coma!
▶ While the chocolate boxes are ICly limited due to Alessandro’s skills as a chocolatier, this is only an IC mechanic. There is no OOC limitation on this prompt as far as chocolate rarity goes.
THE NEST
ALICE AND THE PARROTS
Fashion boutiques are a dime a dozen in the Nest. The shopping hub is massive, lined with stores all trying to aggressively appeal to guests. A challenge in itself — but the guests of the Golden Peacock are no ordinary people. Used to being pampered and fed excitement, if these boutiques don’t bust their bottoms to appeal to the fickle nature of their patrons, they won’t be in business for much longer! One particular boutique, Alice and the Parrots, is riding winds of romantic thrill and churning out a couple of brand new fashion lines sure to draw in loads of chips.
Guests are welcome to try on clothes in Alice and the Parrots' dressing rooms. These dressing rooms are small and can only accommodate two people sharing at a time. Such is the life of a small boutique store. Sharing is no big deal, right? And there’s no way you can buy clothing this expensive without giving it a test first.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Players are encouraged to make up whatever cute outfits they would like for this prompt.
▶ Wedding clothes do not have to be cute and frilly; this section accommodates tastes of everyone.
▶ Alice and the Parrots is more expensive than Love Dove. Their clothing quality is excellent but their price tags are high. Staff may watch low ranks extra diligently to cut off any stealing. Thieves will be chased by NPC security! Anyone caught gets a day in the Iron Net.
CASINO CHAPEL
CASINO FLOOR
A Pop up Chapel has appeared in the Phoenix Casino. Guests are delighting in playing out weddings and pretending to get married — and a few guests are even tying the knot for real. They aren't worried about the sanctity of marriage; they can divorce tomorrow if they get bored of each other. And everyone knows that getting married doesn't mean you can't fuck whoever you want!
Since the resort isn't keeping track of how many marriages a guest has, all guests are encouraged to marry as many people as they would like. The more the merrier!
Wild wedding events will continue all throughout the month of February, until the guests find it's gotten stale. A divorce rush will round out the fun at the end of the month.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Weddings are not legally binding. Birdvis is not registered as a real officiant, but he does have an excellent beak and pompadour.
▶ Prizes from easy mode slot machines are automatic and do not require mod thumbs up to claim.
▶ Chip prize from difficult mode slot machines is automatic. The special prize is 5 reward points to add to your bank on rewards. Players who wish to claim the special prize should link the finished thread (the kink in question has been completed) under their rewards header with the header, Wedding Slot Machine. If you do any combination of 6/6 (finger hand lol) we ask you somehow make this sexy or involve a climax in order to claim the points.
BLANKET CW: Aphrodisiac; Compulsion; Costumes; Dubcon; Entrapment; Foodplay; Gambling; Lingerie; Matrimony; Tentacles; NSFW Images and Language; NTR; Nudity; Roleplay; Sacrilegious Themes
▶ All new characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. The house is still observing and deciding. As rank and suits are assigned upon acceptance your new character's suit will not manifest until they are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's February event.
▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Please make sure to review the arrival prompt notes! Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.
▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are priority and receive attention!
▶ If you aren't satisfied with the prompts on this TDM please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort.
▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread anyway!
▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.
▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.
▶ Thank you for spending Valentine's Day with us! You're our sweetheart this year. 💕
[ooc: Sasuke is........ radiating emotion at the best of times, so feel free to have Kizuna pick up on that! Most likely a tangle of embarrassment/frustration/confusion in this scenario. I'll do my best to give u some juicy meta to work with as well. 🙏]
[This is not where he had intended to be. As much of the resort as he's explored to this point, the shopping area remains an impervious mystery — on account of the fact that he avoids it as much as he possibly can. There's no reason to spend his money on useless commodities, especially when he has so little of it as a rank two. What conservative pool of chips he's managed to earn are reserved almost strictly for food and daily necessities.
Yet, today Sasuke has made an exception. There is something he needs here, and he treats it like a mission — get in and get out without complication, without distractions, and avoid people.
Somewhere he's made a wrong turn. An open look of horror regards the interior of Alice and the Parrots' boutique, stopped short near a display of lingerie. It's enough opportunity for someone to approach him — sensed, belatedly, as Sasuke's hand flashes out to catch the offender's wrist. Don't just? tickle his cheek? Excuse me?]
What's wrong with you? [Point-blank accusation.] ... Why are you dressed like a woman?
[ Ah, tickle-blocked... but that's alright, there's more than one way to throw a wrench (or a feather duster, as you do) into someone's normal outing. Whatever "normal" might be in these circumstances. Not that Kizuna is trying to cause problems, necessarily — but the instantaneous spark of annoyance makes a smile bloom across his whole expression. Funny, how a sensation that holds his heart and grips with such unforgiving strength makes him smile like that. ]
Why not? They're just clothes. [ He gives his wrist a cheeky wiggle. ] It made the seamstresses here happy too. Without a rank to depend on, that's what I'd consider a win/win.
[ Kizuna's arm flexes back slightly, testing the waters. ]
[It is a moment where Sasuke is forced to contend with the cultural differences of unalike dimensions — and, more to the point, the flagrant perversion of this one specifically. Of course he's seen ridiculous outfits, but it's his first time finding a man made to look like a woman here, and it's an effort not to stare with disapproval at that... full, ruffled hem of a dress. It seems to have been tailored to his body; there is no denying the perfect fit. Even worse.
I'm so sorry, shinobiland is extremely conservative and kind of sexist.]
They're clothes not suited for a man. [Yet his attention is caught on those words.] You're new, then? If you don't have a rank.
[Get that hand away from him. Sasuke sidesteps, dropping his hold on that imprisoned wrist and unintentionally moving himself further into the store.]
You're taking this too lightly. It doesn't bother you?
Edited (oops when u forget what u were doing) 2024-02-15 17:22 (UTC)
[ It's okay, this is likely not the first and probably not the last time he will get microaggressed. ]
Brand new. What is it called — a wildcard? That's fitting. ☆
[ Kizuna notes the familiarity with which Sasuke moves to avoid something, even if that something is as inoffensive as a feather duster. He must have great control of his body, though maybe the situation is a tad overwhelming, if his trajectory is anything to go by. Deeper into the lair... ]
But no, it doesn't bother me. If I wanted to, I could just take it off, but that seems even more promiscuous, no? [ He steps in with a well-meaning hum. ] Unless there's something else you'd prefer to see me in.
Wildcard — a term he recognizes from his own initial arrival period, spent predominately in a cramped closet of a room and the dark, twisting maintenance tunnels beneath the basement. The stranger steps in; Sasuke edges back, though he mismanages the proximity to a lingerie display rack and nearly collides with it. Uncharacteristic clumsiness because... hello, is that flirting? A man he doesn't know is flirting with him?]
No. I don't want to see you in anything. [Kizuna will sense a flicker of acute embarrassment, schooled in his demeanor but certinaly not over an empathy channel, bleeding-heart that he is. Hold on—] ... I mean that you should change into your usual clothing.
[Surely this is an acceptable demand to make of someone.]
But he really hadn't meant to startle the young man currently in his crosshairs. Kizuna obliges that unspoken hiccup and stops softly menacing him when the spark of familiarity with his situation makes Sasuke nearly eat shit. It's also so endearing that it's really taking all his effort to not glom onto him and console him for nearly eating shit, but perhaps he's just projecting. He is pretty lonely, after all. ]
That seems a waste when there's so many choices. For free, even! [ Stance squaring back, Kizuna gives the feather duster a thoughtful spin. ] But if that's what the Young Master wants.
[ He at least reaches a hand out, come come, out of the feathers and lace before they eat you alive... ]
But what are you doing here if you dislike the clothes so much?
If only because he recalls the direness of his own monetary situation as a Wildcard, not so long ago now, Sasuke relents. Even if he would not go so far as to resort to clothing of this nature, he is too sort-hearted to berate someone else for their questionable choices. (Well, that isn't true. But it is clear this man is impervious to his criticism.)]
I took a wrong turn. [Humiliating to admit, but he does it anyway, refusing to balk. A sidestep ignores the hand for all its kindness — though he will follow where directed, extracting himself from those lace-and-feather surroundings. Yet is there anywhere safe, somewhere like this?] I was looking for... sweaters. Nothing so extravagant. I needed to purchase one for someone else.
Are you here on your own? You don't seem to be struggling to adjust.
If you don't count the way I arrived, then yes. I came here alone. I have a partner [ in the way detectives have a partner but 🤨🏳️🌈 ok ] back home, but it seems like he didn't follow me this time.
[ For all of his theatrics and willingness to be boisterous and annoying, he answers with an unreadable clarity this time, one facet to the acceptance he seems to have for the gravity of the situation. At his core though, he is still being honest when he continues on with that charged paused he'd let hang in the air: ]
But that's probably for the best, given his attitude. [ Gaze returning to Sasuke, he drops his hand in knowing defeat. ] How about I change and help you out?
[ 🤨🏳️🌈? Too bad Sasuke is not savvy enough with modern terms to pick up on this, although his exposure to certain others does allow him to reserve some judgment, even if he takes it to mean a more professional relationship than anything.]
You don't need to trouble yourself. [Refusal is his obvious default, even as he continues to linger in the store.] But you're right. This isn't a place you should want anyone you know to be brought along with you.
[He's already considered, multiple times, how awful it would be to see Naruto struggle with the resort's demands. Still — he's sensitive to that change of attitude in the stranger, giving one long and lingering look.]
[ He'll get the crash course someday. (Said with threatening intent.) ]
Ah! Kagami Kizuna. [ A wink. ] But Kizuna is fine.
[ He obliges bossiness without complaint, mitigating the comfortable, well-worn harshness with breezy finesse. Even his concessions are familiar in the way few things are, an echo too close to him to feel the breadth of its potential distance. At his core, he understands the subtleties. How is he supposed to not take advantage of it, even superficially? ]
Once you tell me yours, we can be on our way. [ As if Sasuke's refusal had gone in one ear and right out the other, speaking of breezy. ] Without my partner to look after, I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to be doing but socializing.
[ He's already bravely put himself behind the young man to usher him further away from the salacious options. Kizuna has no doubts Sasuke's wise to the bit by now, but it doesn't deter him any. ]
[Family name first, then given. It seems they may share some cultural similarities. Also, don't wink at him? Excuse me.]
Uchiha Sasuke. [Ah, a pushy type. Yet he does not verbally rebuff it, dissimilar eyes watching Kizuna as he's herded out of the — frankly put, erotic corner of costumes and into safer waters.] ... You can just call me Sasuke.
[To echo the sentiment.]
Go change your clothes, then. I'll wait here.
[There's no way he'll stand to be in the public presence of a man dressed as a woman, not for what it would imply. His sensibilities are too painfully (shy) conservative. So, instead, Sasuke will take to observing a rack of cat-eared headbands with some intensity until the other man returns.]
Of course, of course~ ♥ [ See, now he's on his best behavior, trading concession for concession. ] Wait here, okay?
[ And with that, he's off in a bustle of petticoats and ruffles, giving a sing-song call for the attention of the staff at Alice and Parrots, presumably the same ones who'd dressed him in the first place. It takes a fair few minutes for him to reemerge, adjusting the cuffs of an outfit much more suited to the marital bliss of the place.
Seeing that Sasuke waited, he offers a sterling smile. ]
By the time Kizuna makes his return, Sasuke has picked up several different cat-costume articles and put them down again, at war with a compulsory curiosity he just manages to defeat before he's caught red-handed. At the sound of that question, his head turns — and then he stares, an open look of judgment on his face once more.]
... Those aren't your ordinary clothes. [Hopefully? Sasuke's eyes fall to the man's throat, where a dangling leash(?) hangs as if in invitation to be snatched up. He's quick to look away.] You're overdressed. But I suppose it's better than what you were wearing before. Let's go.
[ There's a moment where Kizuna's gaze flickers knowingly between the nearby cat attire and Sasuke. He's sorely tempted, but doesn't test his luck. Just notes the proximity for later... ♥ ]
Eeh? But they're so comfortable! [ Much more flowy than the wedding tux he'd arrived in. To that end, he chances a comment as he trails along: ] Besides, with the way I woke up, I don't know where any of my actual clothes went.
[ Pressing on to match Sasuke's gait, Kizuna falls into step. ]
[He deigns to offer no further criticism, if only because he recalls those early days as well, scarce on resources including clothes to wear. He'd had to get by on donations similarly at first.]
I don't know. [Blunt and to the point. Once they're out of the boutique, Kizuna will sense some of his prickly discomfort abating, to be replaced with cooler caution and reserve.] I've never bought clothing for another person before. It just needs to be suitable. Something that will last.
[Malls do not exist in Shinobiland. However, realizing he's been somewhat insulated from the newer arrivals—]
[ Used to the human pressures of others bearing down on him, the atmosphere easing the farther they get from the more lurid areas comes as a quiet relief to him too. His gaze travels the storefronts with that criteria in mind, effort genuine. A hum sounds in his throat. ]
Ahah. Married, apparently. The suite was super luxurious! [ Chin tipping, he touches his fingers to it, measuring his next words. ] But if I'm being honest, it seemed more like an elaborate roleplay than a genuine offering. It feels like it could be taken away at any moment, you know? In addition to being different from how the first arrivals were treated...
[ Despite himself, he seems to be quite well informed already. Either he's not trying to conceal it or Sasuke's surly but acquiescent demeanor feels safe enough to confide in. ]
[It blurts out of him, uncharacteristically thoughtless — a wave of disbelief quickly overtaken by something more muted and unreadable. Of course, he's seen the nature of many of the decorations in the resort this month, even if it is culturally dissimilar to his own world's traditions surrounding marriage. The concept is the same. But Kizuna woke, married? To who? It would have been a stranger.
... Sasuke cannot say he envies those circumstances.]
You're correct, though. This place doesn't encourage any kind of permanent relationship such as that. [And here, his emotions are vividly undercut enough to suggest his intensity about how he feels for this fact if not what or why.] Most likely, it's for the game. They would have you marry one person today and then another tomorrow. Are you — aware of it? That game, '52'.
[ His smile curves deeper at the corners of his mouth to see such a reaction — even his schooled emotions and steady temper can't defer totally to a place like this, can it? Suddenly, sweaterquest in spite of these sexy odds begins to make a little more sense. ]
I'm lucky that my "bride" ended up being someone familiar with the game. Despite what it looks like, I'd rather not break anyone's heart.
[ After all, some only dream of the day they'll wake up to what he woke up to. ]
[The word bride earns a sharp tilt of eyes, but nothing else.]
Despite what it looks like... and what is that? [There's private gratitude, at least, that he won't need to explain the game.] Ah. Never mind, you don't need to tell me.
[Kizuna's easy playfulness while dressed in women's clothes is not so far behind them.]
And it is. Personally, I don't intend to play along. But if sexual intercourse with just anyone is no issue for you, then perhaps you'll fare well in this place. [So blunt.]
[ An equally knowing glance aside, gold-green shifting in an intelligent way mismatched to his mellow attitude; he's aware that they both know what he's talking about. He doesn't exactly hide his predilections, however honest they might actually be. Mirrors are meant to be attractive, even if accompanied by smoke. ]
[Some of that natural, ingrained precaution in him must be slipping — he is physically halted by the question, coming to stand outside a department store with shiny-white pillars and a display of swimwear right at the open entrance. The look he gives Kizuna is direct, expression cool in its dismissiveness. Yet he cannot knowingly conceal the spike of emotion in him inspired by those words; it will be felt like a hot lash of sentiment, confirmation enough to discount what he says next.]
Satisfaction unfurls regardless of his advantage, a warm resonance in the well of his chest. Instead of being dispirited by the lack of answer, it makes Kizuna follow along behind without asking for clarification, long strides allowing him to catch up without much more fuss. He leans in, still trying to catch hold of Sasuke's gaze. ]
So, are you looking for something more warm or more soft?
[It is not a yielding gaze, so Kizuna will have to work for it — for all of his bossiness and forthright, sharp-toned language, Sasuke avoids eye contact with a vengeance that may seem personal. It isn't; it is built out of defensiveness more than dislike, but many misread it.
Now, he does meet the man's auric-green eyes in a fleeting look before he faces forward, returned to his task.]
Soft would be better than warm. Temperature isn't much of a concern indoors here. [More to the truth, it's not a concern to the individual he's considering, but he won't discount it.] Preferably, either red or black.
[He begins to carefully zigzag through the nearest section, as if to put racks of clothing between them as a barrier.]
[ Sasuke gives him nothing and yet so much in the same glance, a lifetime's worth of history in that single gesture. That's just the broad stroke that illuminates across his heart — its intricacies are left where they are, respectfully unturned. He wants to know, but there's no reason to delve, to press his fingers into the seams.
With an appraising hum, Kizuna doesn't take the sudden distance personally. He branches off to the nearest stands of clothes, long fingers traversing the materials of the first sweaters he finds. He's diligent, if nothing else. Soft is the goal. ]
I'm familiar with a deck of cards. How does that translate here?
I didn't know about the cards until I arrived here. [Evidently, in a minority.] Two through ten — then Jack, Ace, Queen, and King. The lowest rank is two, and they earn the least amount of resources. A room on the bottom floor above the basement. Mostly, the resort ignores those of lower rank.
[With Kizuna's back turned, he finds leniency to observe the other man — watching pale hands sort through clothes, hangers clattering quietly. The store is playing an upbeat pop song that sounds distant and tinny in his ears; the lights feel too bright and glaring.]
As logic would follow, the higher your rank, the better off you are. You're also considered something of a celebrity in status in those upper positions. [Sasuke's mood has cooled further, focused on sharing information. He tells himself it is because any newcomer should know, but the truth is that it is done for concern.] ... So, you should be prepared. If you're on the lower end, currency will be more difficult come by. You will sooner be ignored than aided by the staff. And... the rooms are small.
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peacockstop2024-02-10 11:29 am
free love
[This is not where he had intended to be. As much of the resort as he's explored to this point, the shopping area remains an impervious mystery — on account of the fact that he avoids it as much as he possibly can. There's no reason to spend his money on useless commodities, especially when he has so little of it as a rank two. What conservative pool of chips he's managed to earn are reserved almost strictly for food and daily necessities.
Yet, today Sasuke has made an exception. There is something he needs here, and he treats it like a mission — get in and get out without complication, without distractions, and avoid people.
Somewhere he's made a wrong turn. An open look of horror regards the interior of Alice and the Parrots' boutique, stopped short near a display of lingerie. It's enough opportunity for someone to approach him — sensed, belatedly, as Sasuke's hand flashes out to catch the offender's wrist. Don't just? tickle his cheek? Excuse me?]
What's wrong with you? [Point-blank accusation.] ... Why are you dressed like a woman?
no subject
[ Ah, tickle-blocked... but that's alright, there's more than one way to throw a wrench (or a feather duster, as you do) into someone's normal outing. Whatever "normal" might be in these circumstances. Not that Kizuna is trying to cause problems, necessarily — but the instantaneous spark of annoyance makes a smile bloom across his whole expression. Funny, how a sensation that holds his heart and grips with such unforgiving strength makes him smile like that. ]
Why not? They're just clothes. [ He gives his wrist a cheeky wiggle. ] It made the seamstresses here happy too. Without a rank to depend on, that's what I'd consider a win/win.
[ Kizuna's arm flexes back slightly, testing the waters. ]
no subject
I'm so sorry, shinobiland is extremely conservative and kind of sexist.]
They're clothes not suited for a man. [Yet his attention is caught on those words.] You're new, then? If you don't have a rank.
[Get that hand away from him. Sasuke sidesteps, dropping his hold on that imprisoned wrist and unintentionally moving himself further into the store.]
You're taking this too lightly. It doesn't bother you?
no subject
Brand new. What is it called — a wildcard? That's fitting. ☆
[ Kizuna notes the familiarity with which Sasuke moves to avoid something, even if that something is as inoffensive as a feather duster. He must have great control of his body, though maybe the situation is a tad overwhelming, if his trajectory is anything to go by. Deeper into the lair... ]
But no, it doesn't bother me. If I wanted to, I could just take it off, but that seems even more promiscuous, no? [ He steps in with a well-meaning hum. ] Unless there's something else you'd prefer to see me in.
no subject
Wildcard — a term he recognizes from his own initial arrival period, spent predominately in a cramped closet of a room and the dark, twisting maintenance tunnels beneath the basement. The stranger steps in; Sasuke edges back, though he mismanages the proximity to a lingerie display rack and nearly collides with it. Uncharacteristic clumsiness because... hello, is that flirting? A man he doesn't know is flirting with him?]
No. I don't want to see you in anything. [Kizuna will sense a flicker of acute embarrassment, schooled in his demeanor but certinaly not over an empathy channel, bleeding-heart that he is. Hold on—] ... I mean that you should change into your usual clothing.
[Surely this is an acceptable demand to make of someone.]
Don't involve me.
no subject
But he really hadn't meant to startle the young man currently in his crosshairs. Kizuna obliges that unspoken hiccup and stops softly menacing him when the spark of familiarity with his situation makes Sasuke nearly eat shit. It's also so endearing that it's really taking all his effort to not glom onto him and console him for nearly eating shit, but perhaps he's just projecting. He is pretty lonely, after all. ]
That seems a waste when there's so many choices. For free, even! [ Stance squaring back, Kizuna gives the feather duster a thoughtful spin. ] But if that's what the Young Master wants.
[ He at least reaches a hand out, come come, out of the feathers and lace before they eat you alive... ]
But what are you doing here if you dislike the clothes so much?
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If only because he recalls the direness of his own monetary situation as a Wildcard, not so long ago now, Sasuke relents. Even if he would not go so far as to resort to clothing of this nature, he is too sort-hearted to berate someone else for their questionable choices. (Well, that isn't true. But it is clear this man is impervious to his criticism.)]
I took a wrong turn. [Humiliating to admit, but he does it anyway, refusing to balk. A sidestep ignores the hand for all its kindness — though he will follow where directed, extracting himself from those lace-and-feather surroundings. Yet is there anywhere safe, somewhere like this?] I was looking for... sweaters. Nothing so extravagant. I needed to purchase one for someone else.
Are you here on your own? You don't seem to be struggling to adjust.
[To sex HELL.]
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If you don't count the way I arrived, then yes. I came here alone. I have a partner [ in the way detectives have a partner but 🤨🏳️🌈 ok ] back home, but it seems like he didn't follow me this time.
[ For all of his theatrics and willingness to be boisterous and annoying, he answers with an unreadable clarity this time, one facet to the acceptance he seems to have for the gravity of the situation. At his core though, he is still being honest when he continues on with that charged paused he'd let hang in the air: ]
But that's probably for the best, given his attitude. [ Gaze returning to Sasuke, he drops his hand in knowing defeat. ] How about I change and help you out?
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You don't need to trouble yourself. [Refusal is his obvious default, even as he continues to linger in the store.] But you're right. This isn't a place you should want anyone you know to be brought along with you.
[He's already considered, multiple times, how awful it would be to see Naruto struggle with the resort's demands. Still — he's sensitive to that change of attitude in the stranger, giving one long and lingering look.]
Tell me your name.
[bossy bossy]
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Ah! Kagami Kizuna. [ A wink. ] But Kizuna is fine.
[ He obliges bossiness without complaint, mitigating the comfortable, well-worn harshness with breezy finesse. Even his concessions are familiar in the way few things are, an echo too close to him to feel the breadth of its potential distance. At his core, he understands the subtleties. How is he supposed to not take advantage of it, even superficially? ]
Once you tell me yours, we can be on our way. [ As if Sasuke's refusal had gone in one ear and right out the other, speaking of breezy. ] Without my partner to look after, I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to be doing but socializing.
[ He's already bravely put himself behind the young man to usher him further away from the salacious options. Kizuna has no doubts Sasuke's wise to the bit by now, but it doesn't deter him any. ]
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Uchiha Sasuke. [Ah, a pushy type. Yet he does not verbally rebuff it, dissimilar eyes watching Kizuna as he's herded out of the — frankly put, erotic corner of costumes and into safer waters.] ... You can just call me Sasuke.
[To echo the sentiment.]
Go change your clothes, then. I'll wait here.
[There's no way he'll stand to be in the public presence of a man dressed as a woman, not for what it would imply. His sensibilities are too painfully (shy) conservative. So, instead, Sasuke will take to observing a rack of cat-eared headbands with some intensity until the other man returns.]
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Of course, of course~ ♥ [ See, now he's on his best behavior, trading concession for concession. ] Wait here, okay?
[ And with that, he's off in a bustle of petticoats and ruffles, giving a sing-song call for the attention of the staff at Alice and Parrots, presumably the same ones who'd dressed him in the first place. It takes a fair few minutes for him to reemerge, adjusting the cuffs of an outfit much more suited to the marital bliss of the place.
Seeing that Sasuke waited, he offers a sterling smile. ]
Better?
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By the time Kizuna makes his return, Sasuke has picked up several different cat-costume articles and put them down again, at war with a compulsory curiosity he just manages to defeat before he's caught red-handed. At the sound of that question, his head turns — and then he stares, an open look of judgment on his face once more.]
... Those aren't your ordinary clothes. [Hopefully? Sasuke's eyes fall to the man's throat, where a dangling leash(?) hangs as if in invitation to be snatched up. He's quick to look away.] You're overdressed. But I suppose it's better than what you were wearing before. Let's go.
[He whips around, headed out.]
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Eeh? But they're so comfortable! [ Much more flowy than the wedding tux he'd arrived in. To that end, he chances a comment as he trails along: ] Besides, with the way I woke up, I don't know where any of my actual clothes went.
[ Pressing on to match Sasuke's gait, Kizuna falls into step. ]
So, what sort of sweater are you looking for?
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I don't know. [Blunt and to the point. Once they're out of the boutique, Kizuna will sense some of his prickly discomfort abating, to be replaced with cooler caution and reserve.] I've never bought clothing for another person before. It just needs to be suitable. Something that will last.
[Malls do not exist in Shinobiland. However, realizing he's been somewhat insulated from the newer arrivals—]
With the way you woke up... What way was that?
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Ahah. Married, apparently. The suite was super luxurious! [ Chin tipping, he touches his fingers to it, measuring his next words. ] But if I'm being honest, it seemed more like an elaborate roleplay than a genuine offering. It feels like it could be taken away at any moment, you know? In addition to being different from how the first arrivals were treated...
[ Despite himself, he seems to be quite well informed already. Either he's not trying to conceal it or Sasuke's surly but acquiescent demeanor feels safe enough to confide in. ]
Only time will tell, probably.
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[It blurts out of him, uncharacteristically thoughtless — a wave of disbelief quickly overtaken by something more muted and unreadable. Of course, he's seen the nature of many of the decorations in the resort this month, even if it is culturally dissimilar to his own world's traditions surrounding marriage. The concept is the same. But Kizuna woke, married? To who? It would have been a stranger.
... Sasuke cannot say he envies those circumstances.]
You're correct, though. This place doesn't encourage any kind of permanent relationship such as that. [And here, his emotions are vividly undercut enough to suggest his intensity about how he feels for this fact if not what or why.] Most likely, it's for the game. They would have you marry one person today and then another tomorrow. Are you — aware of it? That game, '52'.
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I'm lucky that my "bride" ended up being someone familiar with the game. Despite what it looks like, I'd rather not break anyone's heart.
[ After all, some only dream of the day they'll wake up to what he woke up to. ]
'52'... a lofty number, isn't it?
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Despite what it looks like... and what is that? [There's private gratitude, at least, that he won't need to explain the game.] Ah. Never mind, you don't need to tell me.
[Kizuna's easy playfulness while dressed in women's clothes is not so far behind them.]
And it is. Personally, I don't intend to play along. But if sexual intercourse with just anyone is no issue for you, then perhaps you'll fare well in this place. [So blunt.]
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So the sweater isn't for a lover?
[ Also blunt. ]
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I don't see how that's any of your business.
[A sharp turn, and Sasuke walks into the store.]
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Satisfaction unfurls regardless of his advantage, a warm resonance in the well of his chest. Instead of being dispirited by the lack of answer, it makes Kizuna follow along behind without asking for clarification, long strides allowing him to catch up without much more fuss. He leans in, still trying to catch hold of Sasuke's gaze. ]
So, are you looking for something more warm or more soft?
[ Sweater-wise. ]
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Now, he does meet the man's auric-green eyes in a fleeting look before he faces forward, returned to his task.]
Soft would be better than warm. Temperature isn't much of a concern indoors here. [More to the truth, it's not a concern to the individual he's considering, but he won't discount it.] Preferably, either red or black.
[He begins to carefully zigzag through the nearest section, as if to put racks of clothing between them as a barrier.]
Do you know about the ranking system?
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With an appraising hum, Kizuna doesn't take the sudden distance personally. He branches off to the nearest stands of clothes, long fingers traversing the materials of the first sweaters he finds. He's diligent, if nothing else. Soft is the goal. ]
I'm familiar with a deck of cards. How does that translate here?
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[With Kizuna's back turned, he finds leniency to observe the other man — watching pale hands sort through clothes, hangers clattering quietly. The store is playing an upbeat pop song that sounds distant and tinny in his ears; the lights feel too bright and glaring.]
As logic would follow, the higher your rank, the better off you are. You're also considered something of a celebrity in status in those upper positions. [Sasuke's mood has cooled further, focused on sharing information. He tells himself it is because any newcomer should know, but the truth is that it is done for concern.] ... So, you should be prepared. If you're on the lower end, currency will be more difficult come by. You will sooner be ignored than aided by the staff. And... the rooms are small.
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