【 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. 💕
[ yeah, probably not. sorry, hiyori, you're just not his type! though, he knows a couple of people who would be very excited by the prospect of an idol performance, who wouldn't hesitate to drag him along. so there was always a chance.
he extricates his hands carefully from the Four Hand Stack™, keeping one to himself and letting to other come to rest lightly on hiyori's wrist. ]
I could show you, but much like seeing a performance, I'd have to know who I'm speaking with first.
[ if the tips of his ears are red, that's just a coincidence, okay. he's making a lot of shit up on the fly here, trying to call on impressions of people he knew, exaggerate the little experience he had.
this one was. hm. unfortunate, but since hiyori was a couple of inches taller than him... raika leans forward slightly, peering up through his lashes. ]
You can be more honest, if you like. It's just us here.
Excellent ♪ And I'll buy front-row seats to one of your card games!
[... or not. He actually wouldn't be opposed, since he's always game for seeing new sights and trying new things. And the world of competitive card games does sound unusual enough to be intriguing (if also super nerdy). But watching other people play card games does seem like it could get tedious pretty fast, and either way, he's so busy that it's basically an empty promise.
But not in their world of make-believe. In their world of make-believe, they're both enthralled with each other, so they'll find a way to make it happen. That's the illusion they need to sell!
He has no problem with Raika grasping his wrist lightly, or with leaning up a bit. Still, watching him basically flutter his eyelashes is sort of funny. His lips twitch—this kid is really giving it his all, and that's commendable. But then, he's not really sure what that first comment meant...
It takes a second, but in the end it clicks. Once the meaning dawns on him, he gets right back into things.]
All that, and we haven't introduced ourselves, huh? Alright, since you insist, I'll go first! My name is Hiyori—that's Hi-yo-ri ♪ It has quite the lovely ring to it, wouldn't you say?
[No need for his family name; using given names will seem more intimate. And just to really drive home that intimacy, he brushes a hand against Raika's jaw, grasping his chin lightly between two fingers. His thumb slides just under Raika's bottom lip; if Raika moves those lips (to say his name, for instance), he'll feel as well as hear it.]
Now, why don't you try it? ♪ I'd just love to hear my name said in that cute voice of yours.
[ getting a front-row seat to a day of deluxe matches was probably about as hard as getting concert tickets, so the comparison worked logically. their mutual expectation of tedium seemed about right, too, though raika hadn't lied about his admiration of individual work ethic among idols. perhaps there really was an understanding here, a balanced back-and-forth they could play on.
but, unfortunately, the little flash of bemusement on hiyori's lips does not go unnoticed. instantly, raika's underlying expression turns from faux-gentle to a genuine, steely irritation - it would be a mistake to continue to approach this as if they were equals, when he wasn't being afforded the same respect. he was being looked down upon as if he really was just some tittering tween fan! completely underestimated! by this flashy, unserious guy who couldn't possibly be all that much older than him!
and then hiyori makes the extra unfortunate choice to treat him like some kind of damsel, call his voice cute, as if he's a little thing to be charmed and manipulated. it was a sound choice in the context of what they were trying to achieve, but regrettably, raika is Already Mad.
fuck the professionalism. fuck this guy! ]
It's good manners... [ there's a growl to his voice as he tips his chin up and out of hiyori's hand, grabbing his wrist much more forcefully this time and stepping right into his personal space so they're practically chest-to-chest. ] ...to ask for someone else's name before expecting them to whimper out yours.
[ they could agree on one thing at least - given names only. ]
[Needless to say, that chin-in-hand move wouldn't ever be permitted at a meet-and-greet. Touching fans outside the standard handshake is strictly verboten. It's something his admirers can only ever dream about, in other words.
Not this admirer, apparently. Hiyori isn't sure what set him off—whether it was the overly familiar touching, the being called cute, or what. He seemed to already be frowning before Hiyori laid a hand on him, so it's not clear what it was. But well, if he had to guess what he was thinking based on his behavior, then...
Something like "don't get too cocky," perhaps?
He's about to be proven right. His brows shoot up when the other boy growls, eyes flashing with alarm. Wait, wait, wait—what's happening here? All he can do is blink and look stupefied. But now isn't the time for that! He doesn't like fighting to start with, and he needs to salvage the mood somehow. Sure, the Trio probably approves of the lack of space between them, but this isn't "sweet" or "cute" at all! So, he'll paste a smile back on and roll with it, having plenty of experience smoothing over hiccups on variety shows.
Though no one on a variety show has ever done this to him.]
Saying I want you to "whimper" is going a bit too far... That just makes it sound like I'm out to hurt you. I was hoping for more of a sweet whisper. Like you're saying the name of someone precious ♪
[He bows just a little, tipping their heads together, staring directly into the other boy's eyes. He might not appreciate the personal space invasion, but he won't be cowed.]
But Raika-kun doesn't seem to mind my bad manners too much, hmm? Otherwise he wouldn't have pressed s~o close to me.
[ two things raika had quickly realised: one, he'd been trying too hard to play a part, fit in some role as a flirtatious crowd-pleaser with only a bunch of stereotypes he'd picked up from people he barely tolerated. why do that, when he could just do the thing he always did when cornered and turn into a prickly ball of repressed anger instead? works great most of the time! clearly already appealed to some people!!
two: this guy was frustratingly far more persistent than he was at keeping up the act, and he hated it here.
even so, he felt a flicker of pride when he noticed the momentary uncertainty cross his unfortunate elevatormate's expression. he'd managed to throw him off-guard, if just for a moment - it wasn't all easy, was it!! huh!! it cut through his rage a little, a squeaky nerdy voice in his brain reminding him helpfully of the game aspect again. right. hiyori was attacking back, in his own way.
the portrait's resident three thankfully seem to be caught up in the drama, supplying a sitcom audience-appropriate soundtrack of "oooh"s at each development. so raika takes hold of hiyori's other wrist, and doesn't back down an inch. ]
Maybe this is where I've decided to drag you down. [ he presses forward, eyes narrowed. their noses brush. the trio gasp in anticipation. ] Hiyori-san.
[ not sweet in the slightest, but a whisper. request half-fulfilled?? ]
[What is an idol if not someone skilled at keeping up an act? Although CosPro idols are encouraged to create personas, drawing firm boundaries between their onstage and offstage selves, it's hard to tell where that boundary lies for Hiyori. The principles he lives by as "the idol called Hiyori Tomoe" are ones he strives to follow in all aspects of life. And he's always seeking attention, always "performing"—two tendencies he picked up from being around his family, long before he ever became an idol.
And now this act is really heating up. The question is, does he want it to? He doesn't exactly appreciate being growled at or manhandled, but the boy's attitude piques his interest. It's like he's desperate to assert himself. Or maybe to prove himself? And that's sort of endearing, calling to mind someone else he knows.
As for the Trio, well, they seem to be riveted, even though things aren't so "sweet" and "cute" anymore. Perhaps they've given them something even more thrilling than what they imagined! In which case that's just wonderful.
But Raika-kun is awfully close now, really giving it his all. Has he gotten in the mood for real? Is this what tickles his fancy? There's no way to tell for sure, and now it's on him to decide how far to escalate. From an audience standpoint, the next step is obvious. Should he do that for real?
Nope. He doesn't know for sure that Raika is into this and he's not in the mood to get slapped. Besides, he's got plenty of practice doing that without really doing it. He and Jun-kun used to rely on that kind of fanservice all the time.
He laughs softly, a hot breath of air, and makes absolutely no effort to get away.]
Aha, well, if that's what you want ♪
[He moves abruptly, arms wrapping around Raika's shoulders. That part isn't feigned, but the next part is: the one where he leans in, eyelids fluttering closed, and presses his lips right next to Raika's. It's not a "real" kiss, but it should look like one. Enjoy that, painting trio!]
[ good choice, hiyori. raika isn't actually looking for angry makeouts while stuck in an elevator front of a sentient painting, thanks, no matter how much the resort was determined to throw them all into these situations. later there would be situations he had no control over whatsoever, so maintaining what little influence he had now seemed extra important.
the theatre kiss was what he had been aiming for, but he didn't actually know how to initiate one properly. good thing he was dealing with a tried and true performer! it was a little surprising that he'd gone along with it, put up with raika's annoyance without so much as a complaint - perhaps they were in a similar state of mind, after all. maybe he was just used to this kind of attitude. that's not to say it didn't still feel weird, having hiyori's lips so close to his.
raika's hands that had been yanked from their grip on hiyori's wrists move to the front of his clothes, fisting into the fabric to increase the authenticity of the illusion. he pulls hiyori a bit further down for good measure. their height difference was fairly small, but it was still annoying to have to crane his neck upward to meet this non-kiss.
"ohoho! what an unexpected turn of events!" one of the trio pipes up, with light applause. "a clash of personalities erupting in a moment of passion! well played!" says another. the third seems less convinced, perhaps hoping for something softer.
he pushes away roughly after a few long moments, eyes opening in a glare that seems a little less intense than it had going into the stage kiss. with an odd tilt of his head at hiyori - not quite a nod or a shake, perhaps a motion of acknowledgement? - he rounds on the trio hanging in their frame. ]
[Hey, hey, easy on the clothes! ... is what he'd say if his mouth wasn't occupied (or pretending to be). No point in kicking up a fuss, though, when he's got an illusion to maintain, and this will surely all be over soon anyway.
The trio announces their approval, save for one, and after holding the "kiss" a moment, his partner shoves him off. Which seems unnecessarily rude, quite frankly. He retracts his arms and smooths the front of his wrinkled shirt down, happy to put some distance between them.
In response to Raika, the portrait trio reiterates their views: "It was thrilling!" says one. "Riveting!" chimes another. "I couldn't take my eyes off you!"
The third, however, who's sandwiched between the curly-haired blonde and the brunette, is once again more lukewarm: "It seemed a bit harsh. Why so angry?"
To be honest, Hiyori and his wrinkled shirt don't disagree! But he's prepared to argue, albeit gently. First, because Raika did try hard to put on a good show, and his efforts shouldn't be disparaged. And two, because he'd like to leave the elevator and move on with his life now!]
Why, indeed? But you said you wanted something cute, and I think it's very cute when serious types get all passionate ♪
[Armed with a cheerful smile, he pokes his elevator buddy on the shoulder. A gentle tease, and a small bit of payback for the manhandling. There's no ill will between them; that's the message he's trying to convey. But as the third portrait girl continues to look unsure, he helpfully adds,]
Anyway, that's two out of three. Majority rules! You'll let us go now, won't you?
[A moment passes, and the portrait girls exchange looks. There's some mumbling, and then it turns to yes, fine, alright. Perhaps their act wouldn't have been enough for a more hard-up maiden, but these three "aren't taking this trapping thing too seriously," so they're in luck. The elevator starts to move, and they're back in business!]
[ even though the kiss had been false, raika finds himself having to catch his breath after they separate. okay, yes, pushing hiyori away had been rude, but it would have been stranger still to have suddenly gone soft at the goal, right?
praises from the portrait seemed initially promising, thank goodness. however the unconvinced voice of the third trio member was a definite concern, making raika's stony expression flicker to regret for a moment. if he'd messed up their chances by getting too realistic with his feelings, he'd actually feel pretty guilty about it. he opens his mouth, prepared to defend himself, but finds himself surprisingly cut off by Hiyori's defense.
there's no way to tell how honest hiyori is being with his reasoning, how much is just being said to placate the painting and get them moving. either way, raika does find himself remarkably put at ease by it, even meeting the poke to his shoulder with a matching lean into it.
he waits until they're moving again, the teasing trio murmuring animatedly about their next targets, to address the question the painting had poised himself. ]
I just thought honesty would be more convincing. Playing a character isn't really for me. And...
[ he had warned from the start... that wasn't his kind of fanservice!!
removing his glasses from the robe's pocket, he slips them on with a sigh. ]
I think you worked out the rest. Thankyou for your help, Hiyori-san.
[Going all soft when Hiyori Tomoe is (fake) kissing you wouldn't be strange at all. It's called "melting into it!" "Getting lost in the heat of the moment!" You know, all that good stuff. But what's done is done, and both of them played their parts until the end.
And now Raika's prior anger, or whatever it was, seems to have evaporated. He makes no fuss about being called cute or about being poked. Was it something else that set him off earlier, then? Or was the whole angry thing an act somehow...? Well, no point in wondering about that now.
But he gets his answer, anyway, as the other boy sees fit to explain his approach. Apparently he wasn't playing any part, not at the end there. Hiyori glances away from the art on the wall, which he'd gone back to admiring, and smiles appraisingly.]
So that was your true self, huh?
[Passionate and aggressive, with something to prove. He might have gotten too rough for Hiyori's liking, and it didn't please one of the portrait girls, but the idea wasn't wrong; an act is only convincing if you really commit to it, to the point where it feels as natural as breathing. Otherwise, you're better off letting your honest self shine through. And Raika-kun's "honest self" was pretty interesting.
Though he goes back to being polite and respectful at the end, so... maybe the glasses were a nerf??
Well, either way, the elevator just stopped! So, time to move onto the next thing. Right before the doors open, he waves a hand.]
No problem. I don't usually let people grab me, but I'll make an exception this time ♪ ... Good luck getting back to your fans, if that's what you're aiming for.
[ from another perspective, "getting lost in the heat of the moment" was exactly what raika had done!! said heat had been turned down now, and his frustration had cooled with it - from the boiling-over pot it had peaked at back to the low simmer on the backburner, where it usually sat. it had done its job spitting and drawing the consideration it needed to.
hiyori had been willing to accept it, roll with it, and push back in his own way. that had been enough to assuage raika's annoyance with being underestimated - he'd sort of put himself in that position by pretending in the first place. the ebb and flow of a game was much more enjoyable when both participants were able to understand each other properly. ]
It's not like I'm showing anything false right now.
[ which was true. he didn't like being disingenuous with how he approached things! there was just a time and place for extreme emotion to all come out. he meets hiyori's appraisal with a carefully neutral expression, albeit one that seemed to carry a hint of challenge within it. if they met under pressured circumstances again, at least hiyori would know what to expect.
oh, they're stopping. raika kind of forgot what floor he'd intended to go to, but whatever it was, hiyori was getting off first. raika raises his hand in not-quite-a-wave, decidedly not apologising for any of the grabbing, not does he correct him about returning to his fans. priorities lay elsewhere. ]
I'll remember that. [ "i'd do it again no question." ] To you, as well. Your fans must be missing you.
[And he raises his hand in actually-a-wave, stepping forward to leave when the door opens. Does he know where he's going? Not a clue! He's the type to get hopelessly lost in places that are much smaller. But sitting in that suite won't bring him any closer to escape.]
It would be unforgiveable to make them worry, so I simply must find my way back to them. Even if it means destroying this whole place ♪
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
goldmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
peacockstop2024-02-10 11:29 am
no subject
[ yeah, probably not. sorry, hiyori, you're just not his type! though, he knows a couple of people who would be very excited by the prospect of an idol performance, who wouldn't hesitate to drag him along. so there was always a chance.
he extricates his hands carefully from the Four Hand Stack™, keeping one to himself and letting to other come to rest lightly on hiyori's wrist. ]
I could show you, but much like seeing a performance, I'd have to know who I'm speaking with first.
[ if the tips of his ears are red, that's just a coincidence, okay. he's making a lot of shit up on the fly here, trying to call on impressions of people he knew, exaggerate the little experience he had.
this one was. hm. unfortunate, but since hiyori was a couple of inches taller than him... raika leans forward slightly, peering up through his lashes. ]
You can be more honest, if you like. It's just us here.
no subject
[... or not. He actually wouldn't be opposed, since he's always game for seeing new sights and trying new things. And the world of competitive card games does sound unusual enough to be intriguing (if also super nerdy). But watching other people play card games does seem like it could get tedious pretty fast, and either way, he's so busy that it's basically an empty promise.
But not in their world of make-believe. In their world of make-believe, they're both enthralled with each other, so they'll find a way to make it happen. That's the illusion they need to sell!
He has no problem with Raika grasping his wrist lightly, or with leaning up a bit. Still, watching him basically flutter his eyelashes is sort of funny. His lips twitch—this kid is really giving it his all, and that's commendable. But then, he's not really sure what that first comment meant...
It takes a second, but in the end it clicks. Once the meaning dawns on him, he gets right back into things.]
All that, and we haven't introduced ourselves, huh? Alright, since you insist, I'll go first! My name is Hiyori—that's Hi-yo-ri ♪ It has quite the lovely ring to it, wouldn't you say?
[No need for his family name; using given names will seem more intimate. And just to really drive home that intimacy, he brushes a hand against Raika's jaw, grasping his chin lightly between two fingers. His thumb slides just under Raika's bottom lip; if Raika moves those lips (to say his name, for instance), he'll feel as well as hear it.]
Now, why don't you try it? ♪ I'd just love to hear my name said in that cute voice of yours.
no subject
but, unfortunately, the little flash of bemusement on hiyori's lips does not go unnoticed. instantly, raika's underlying expression turns from faux-gentle to a genuine, steely irritation - it would be a mistake to continue to approach this as if they were equals, when he wasn't being afforded the same respect. he was being looked down upon as if he really was just some tittering tween fan! completely underestimated! by this flashy, unserious guy who couldn't possibly be all that much older than him!
and then hiyori makes the extra unfortunate choice to treat him like some kind of damsel, call his voice cute, as if he's a little thing to be charmed and manipulated. it was a sound choice in the context of what they were trying to achieve, but regrettably, raika is Already Mad.
fuck the professionalism. fuck this guy! ]
It's good manners... [ there's a growl to his voice as he tips his chin up and out of hiyori's hand, grabbing his wrist much more forcefully this time and stepping right into his personal space so they're practically chest-to-chest. ] ...to ask for someone else's name before expecting them to whimper out yours.
[ they could agree on one thing at least - given names only. ]
I'm Raika.
no subject
Not this admirer, apparently. Hiyori isn't sure what set him off—whether it was the overly familiar touching, the being called cute, or what. He seemed to already be frowning before Hiyori laid a hand on him, so it's not clear what it was. But well, if he had to guess what he was thinking based on his behavior, then...
Something like "don't get too cocky," perhaps?
He's about to be proven right. His brows shoot up when the other boy growls, eyes flashing with alarm. Wait, wait, wait—what's happening here? All he can do is blink and look stupefied. But now isn't the time for that! He doesn't like fighting to start with, and he needs to salvage the mood somehow. Sure, the Trio probably approves of the lack of space between them, but this isn't "sweet" or "cute" at all! So, he'll paste a smile back on and roll with it, having plenty of experience smoothing over hiccups on variety shows.
Though no one on a variety show has ever done this to him.]
Saying I want you to "whimper" is going a bit too far... That just makes it sound like I'm out to hurt you. I was hoping for more of a sweet whisper. Like you're saying the name of someone precious ♪
[He bows just a little, tipping their heads together, staring directly into the other boy's eyes. He might not appreciate the personal space invasion, but he won't be cowed.]
But Raika-kun doesn't seem to mind my bad manners too much, hmm? Otherwise he wouldn't have pressed s~o close to me.
no subject
two: this guy was frustratingly far more persistent than he was at keeping up the act, and he hated it here.
even so, he felt a flicker of pride when he noticed the momentary uncertainty cross his unfortunate elevatormate's expression. he'd managed to throw him off-guard, if just for a moment - it wasn't all easy, was it!! huh!! it cut through his rage a little, a squeaky nerdy voice in his brain reminding him helpfully of the game aspect again. right. hiyori was attacking back, in his own way.
the portrait's resident three thankfully seem to be caught up in the drama, supplying a sitcom audience-appropriate soundtrack of "oooh"s at each development. so raika takes hold of hiyori's other wrist, and doesn't back down an inch. ]
Maybe this is where I've decided to drag you down. [ he presses forward, eyes narrowed. their noses brush. the trio gasp in anticipation. ] Hiyori-san.
[ not sweet in the slightest, but a whisper. request half-fulfilled?? ]
no subject
And now this act is really heating up. The question is, does he want it to? He doesn't exactly appreciate being growled at or manhandled, but the boy's attitude piques his interest. It's like he's desperate to assert himself. Or maybe to prove himself? And that's sort of endearing, calling to mind someone else he knows.
As for the Trio, well, they seem to be riveted, even though things aren't so "sweet" and "cute" anymore. Perhaps they've given them something even more thrilling than what they imagined! In which case that's just wonderful.
But Raika-kun is awfully close now, really giving it his all. Has he gotten in the mood for real? Is this what tickles his fancy? There's no way to tell for sure, and now it's on him to decide how far to escalate. From an audience standpoint, the next step is obvious. Should he do that for real?
Nope. He doesn't know for sure that Raika is into this and he's not in the mood to get slapped. Besides, he's got plenty of practice doing that without really doing it. He and Jun-kun used to rely on that kind of fanservice all the time.
He laughs softly, a hot breath of air, and makes absolutely no effort to get away.]
Aha, well, if that's what you want ♪
[He moves abruptly, arms wrapping around Raika's shoulders. That part isn't feigned, but the next part is: the one where he leans in, eyelids fluttering closed, and presses his lips right next to Raika's. It's not a "real" kiss, but it should look like one. Enjoy that, painting trio!]
no subject
the theatre kiss was what he had been aiming for, but he didn't actually know how to initiate one properly. good thing he was dealing with a tried and true performer! it was a little surprising that he'd gone along with it, put up with raika's annoyance without so much as a complaint - perhaps they were in a similar state of mind, after all. maybe he was just used to this kind of attitude. that's not to say it didn't still feel weird, having hiyori's lips so close to his.
raika's hands that had been yanked from their grip on hiyori's wrists move to the front of his clothes, fisting into the fabric to increase the authenticity of the illusion. he pulls hiyori a bit further down for good measure. their height difference was fairly small, but it was still annoying to have to crane his neck upward to meet this non-kiss.
"ohoho! what an unexpected turn of events!" one of the trio pipes up, with light applause. "a clash of personalities erupting in a moment of passion! well played!" says another. the third seems less convinced, perhaps hoping for something softer.
he pushes away roughly after a few long moments, eyes opening in a glare that seems a little less intense than it had going into the stage kiss. with an odd tilt of his head at hiyori - not quite a nod or a shake, perhaps a motion of acknowledgement? - he rounds on the trio hanging in their frame. ]
Well?
no subject
The trio announces their approval, save for one, and after holding the "kiss" a moment, his partner shoves him off. Which seems unnecessarily rude, quite frankly. He retracts his arms and smooths the front of his wrinkled shirt down, happy to put some distance between them.
In response to Raika, the portrait trio reiterates their views: "It was thrilling!" says one. "Riveting!" chimes another. "I couldn't take my eyes off you!"
The third, however, who's sandwiched between the curly-haired blonde and the brunette, is once again more lukewarm: "It seemed a bit harsh. Why so angry?"
To be honest, Hiyori and his wrinkled shirt don't disagree! But he's prepared to argue, albeit gently. First, because Raika did try hard to put on a good show, and his efforts shouldn't be disparaged. And two, because he'd like to leave the elevator and move on with his life now!]
Why, indeed? But you said you wanted something cute, and I think it's very cute when serious types get all passionate ♪
[Armed with a cheerful smile, he pokes his elevator buddy on the shoulder. A gentle tease, and a small bit of payback for the manhandling. There's no ill will between them; that's the message he's trying to convey. But as the third portrait girl continues to look unsure, he helpfully adds,]
Anyway, that's two out of three. Majority rules! You'll let us go now, won't you?
[A moment passes, and the portrait girls exchange looks. There's some mumbling, and then it turns to yes, fine, alright. Perhaps their act wouldn't have been enough for a more hard-up maiden, but these three "aren't taking this trapping thing too seriously," so they're in luck. The elevator starts to move, and they're back in business!]
no subject
praises from the portrait seemed initially promising, thank goodness. however the unconvinced voice of the third trio member was a definite concern, making raika's stony expression flicker to regret for a moment. if he'd messed up their chances by getting too realistic with his feelings, he'd actually feel pretty guilty about it. he opens his mouth, prepared to defend himself, but finds himself surprisingly cut off by Hiyori's defense.
there's no way to tell how honest hiyori is being with his reasoning, how much is just being said to placate the painting and get them moving. either way, raika does find himself remarkably put at ease by it, even meeting the poke to his shoulder with a matching lean into it.
he waits until they're moving again, the teasing trio murmuring animatedly about their next targets, to address the question the painting had poised himself. ]
I just thought honesty would be more convincing. Playing a character isn't really for me. And...
[ he had warned from the start... that wasn't his kind of fanservice!!
removing his glasses from the robe's pocket, he slips them on with a sigh. ]
I think you worked out the rest. Thankyou for your help, Hiyori-san.
no subject
And now Raika's prior anger, or whatever it was, seems to have evaporated. He makes no fuss about being called cute or about being poked. Was it something else that set him off earlier, then? Or was the whole angry thing an act somehow...? Well, no point in wondering about that now.
But he gets his answer, anyway, as the other boy sees fit to explain his approach. Apparently he wasn't playing any part, not at the end there. Hiyori glances away from the art on the wall, which he'd gone back to admiring, and smiles appraisingly.]
So that was your true self, huh?
[Passionate and aggressive, with something to prove. He might have gotten too rough for Hiyori's liking, and it didn't please one of the portrait girls, but the idea wasn't wrong; an act is only convincing if you really commit to it, to the point where it feels as natural as breathing. Otherwise, you're better off letting your honest self shine through. And Raika-kun's "honest self" was pretty interesting.
Though he goes back to being polite and respectful at the end, so... maybe the glasses were a nerf??
Well, either way, the elevator just stopped! So, time to move onto the next thing. Right before the doors open, he waves a hand.]
No problem. I don't usually let people grab me, but I'll make an exception this time ♪ ... Good luck getting back to your fans, if that's what you're aiming for.
[That's certainly his goal.]
no subject
hiyori had been willing to accept it, roll with it, and push back in his own way. that had been enough to assuage raika's annoyance with being underestimated - he'd sort of put himself in that position by pretending in the first place. the ebb and flow of a game was much more enjoyable when both participants were able to understand each other properly. ]
It's not like I'm showing anything false right now.
[ which was true. he didn't like being disingenuous with how he approached things! there was just a time and place for extreme emotion to all come out. he meets hiyori's appraisal with a carefully neutral expression, albeit one that seemed to carry a hint of challenge within it. if they met under pressured circumstances again, at least hiyori would know what to expect.
oh, they're stopping. raika kind of forgot what floor he'd intended to go to, but whatever it was, hiyori was getting off first. raika raises his hand in not-quite-a-wave, decidedly not apologising for any of the grabbing, not does he correct him about returning to his fans. priorities lay elsewhere. ]
I'll remember that. [ "i'd do it again no question." ] To you, as well. Your fans must be missing you.
no subject
Yep.
[And he raises his hand in actually-a-wave, stepping forward to leave when the door opens. Does he know where he's going? Not a clue! He's the type to get hopelessly lost in places that are much smaller. But sitting in that suite won't bring him any closer to escape.]
It would be unforgiveable to make them worry, so I simply must find my way back to them. Even if it means destroying this whole place ♪
[And with that deranged statement, he's off.]
no subject