▶ ORIGINAL TEST DRIVE 2 POST IS LOCATED HERE ▶ ALL NEW TOP LEVELS SHOULD NOW BE POSTED ON TAKE 2
▶ ALL CARRIED OVER OLD TOP LEVELS SHOULD BE LINKED, NOT COPY AND PASTED
【 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. 💕
[Can he honestly say he expected Gojo to listen to him, just like that? Not really. Color him inconvenienced, but not surprised. Arguing with him about it would be a waste of time, so he doesn't.
As for the question, he's not even going to dignify it with a response. The thing is, Nanami hasn't considered whether having sex with Gojo would be terrible or not because he hasn't gotten as far as considering the possibility at all, for several reasons. The first reason being that, by now, he has a tendency to tune out or dismiss automatically any ridiculous, non-essential bullshit that comes out of Gojo's mouth. It saves him time and energy. The second reason, tying into the first, is that he doesn't believe there's anything to consider. It's obviously not a real question. So if he were to treat it like it was and put any amount of thought into an answer, he's certain Gojo would tease him about it forever. Then, of course, there's the fact that this Gojo is so much younger than he's used to.
He expels a quiet sigh through his nose.]
Fine, we'll both wait here.
[Taking up a position on the opposite side of the elevator once more, he sinks into a crouch with his back leaning against the wall for support. Without any way to alert the staff for immediate assistance, it could be a while before anyone notices that this particular elevator isn't moving and checks out the problem. Or maybe Gojo will eventually get bored and decide to find a way out after all. While Nanami doesn't relish the prospect of spending an undetermined amount of hours in here, he knows from experience working a desk job that he can spend all day sitting in one place. It's a battle of patience and wills. Someone or something else will give before he does.]
You might as well fill me in— [The painting makes a crude suggestion about how he should be the one filling "the pretty one" in and Nanami raises his voice to talk over it.] —on anything you've learned about how this place operates. How long have you been here?
( there's no pushing, as though nanami seems to have given up on the possibility already--his brows lift, but he doesn't say anything, watching as he seems to settle, getting as comfortable as he can on the opposite end of the elevator. he's not personally one that enjoys small spaces, though he's experienced plenty of them, and sure, it'll be annoying if they're stuck here for hours on end, but he's not going to get hungry, and he's not going to bend, either. the painting, of course, seems agitated with their choice; there's an immediate, scathing remark, but he pays it no mind.
hey, he'd been willing to go along with it up to a point--or at least the point where things stopped being playful and fun, and started being serious again. nanami's missing eye is something that's on his mind, something that's tugging at him, and he finds the lack of details there more aggravating than being trapped in the elevator.
his gaze goes, from the painting to nanami and back again--you should be the one filling the pretty one, here!--and he lets out a light laugh, a trill of it like a bell above a shop door. )
Me? About a month, maybe more. Suguru had his birthday, here, so now he's older than me somehow.
( the words tumble out nonchalant--it doesn't bother him, telling things to nanami, particularly because he knows that he can trust him. )
If there's a head of the house, I don't know who they are, and I haven't met them. I spoke with someone, a person named J? Who runs...something...here, but they wanted me to trade my eyes for information, and I wasn't going to do that.
( there's a soft, faint smile. ) Don't trade any more of yours, either. I'm already angry enough that you're missing one.
[A month. A month is much longer than he expected. If it's already been that long and Gojo hasn't been able to get free of this place, they really are in serious trouble. But he only has a moment to process that disquieting news before he's hit with more.
Geto is here.
Alive? Not only that, he's apparently as young as Gojo—well, older, but only just. Maybe young enough that he's still a student. Judging by the casual way Gojo speaks of him, he must be. If that's the case...
He can't ask any of the questions he wants to ask. No sense in instilling suspicion where there's currently none or introducing more questions about the future that he won't answer. He'll have to find Geto later and ascertain for himself where he stands and whether he can be counted as an ally. Nanami has never been able to bring himself to hate Geto, even after everything. Condemn his actions, yes, but that's not the same thing. He understands all too well at least some of the despair that drove him down that path. After all, he left too.]
You act like I did it on purpose.
[He closes his eye briefly, resting the back of his head against the wall. It's a reflexive show of tired irritation that gives him cover to steady his composure. When he opens it again, he's certain he won't give anything away.]
So whoever is responsible for this is hiding well, and this J person may or may not know anything. You haven't found any means of escape. There aren't any others plucked from our school days here, are there? The three of you are enough of a surprise.
( gnawing at the inside of his cheek, his teeth pinch at the skin there, which helps keep his smile tight--helps keep that pain there, lancing just slightly, just enough to temper his own outbursts. years and years later, he'll be much better at containing himself, and more than that, much better at smoothing over his emotions into a playfully poised mask; he's gotten better at it even now, after everything that happened that summer, but there are still moments where his first reaction is dive forward, jump in, lay everything out and rely on his pride and power.
three of you? three?
and what is he supposed to say? nanami would likely look at him with that tired expression, if he told him the last person that he knows from here; or is that the person that nanami means to refer to? how is he supposed to explain what happened, there? does he have to?
the painting scoffs at them, as though trying to get their attention again--his gaze jerks towards the painting, irritated, and that seems to shut it up for a moment longer. )
I don't know why or how it happened, because you aren't telling me, you know.
( just the slightest, slightest edge of disappointment, frustration, longing, there--but he's forcing a smile despite himself. )
Ah, ah~. 'Three' huh? Who's our lucky third, Na~namin? I only know of one other person, but I don't think you've ever met him before.
[While he's perceptive enough to note the faint dissonance marking that smile as not entirely carefree, there's nothing more he can say. He's made up his mind that the information would do more harm than good.]
Ieiri-san. I ran into her on the upper floor.
[He hadn't included Toji in his count because, despite recognizing him from the fight against that special grade, Nanami doesn't have a name for the face. He knows it—how could he not—but separately. Without that connection, there's no reason to assume Gojo would know that man. Either way, he certainly wouldn't include him as a peer from back then.
While he'd like to know about anyone else that's here, regardless of who it is, he'd especially appreciate some advance warning if they're from a different time. Gojo said him, so that eliminates some possibilities.]
Who is it you're thinking of then?
[Who wouldn't he know that a teenage Gojo would? From a decade ahead, the other way around should be more likely.]
[Edwin says with some feeling, as one of the pictures in the elevator shifts to feature a gaggle of women with whom is he is not unacquainted. Glancing over at the man sharing the elevator with him, he...sighs and then.....holds out a hand.
Because surly hand-holding is definitely going to free them from this predicament.]
[This again... Is it even possible to ride an elevator normally in this place? He can feel a vein pulsing in his temple.]
Not your first time either?
[He glances at the man's outstretched hand and then reaches for it with zero hesitation. His grip is firm. Not painfully so, but enough to demonstrate that he means business, however unenthusiastic he may be. If it will get them moving faster, fine. One of the painted trio blows a raspberry at them and the other two giggle.
[It was something of a desperate ploy anyway, the idea that they could simply hold hands and hope that it might be enough.
Edwin is just...awful, really, at being - ugh - "cute". He's certainly not good at flirting. He peers up at Nanami, trying to even imagine how he'd do it and beginning to feel himself grow flustered and embarrassed at the mere concept. He's sure to fuck that up spectacularly.]
Hardly.
[He says dryly, in response. He...doesn't let go of the man's hand yet, his brain cycling through ever romantic gesture he can think of...and recoiling from most of them as awfully presumptuous to even think of doing to - with - a perfect stranger.
To add insult to injury, he can feel his cheeks beginning to flush. Christ. This is awful.]
[Of course it isn't enough. He supposes they probably look more annoyed than cute. They're going to have to escalate, but the problem is how. Trading flirtatious lines might work for someone else, but the chance of simply making a fool of himself is much higher than pulling it off believably. It'll have to be physical then. Maybe they should stand closer, like a couple would.
He takes a step toward the man, so that their clasped hands hang more naturally between them. He's getting... an idea. Turning toward him, Nanami pitches his voice low with the slim hope of evading the painting's hearing,]
I'm going to try something.
[His companion is already going a bit red, which he can't help noticing, but there's no helping it.]
Please don't recoil, even if it's uncomfortable.
[With that potentially ominous warning, he shifts his grip and lifts the other man's hand to his mouth so he can kiss the back of it.]
[That...is extremely ominous. Edwin's brows furrow for a moment before he remembers the painting across from them and he makes himself relax. He's...willing to believe that Nanami won't hurt him. That 'uncomfortable' does not mean painful or dangerous, just...
Uncomfortable.
When the action does occur, it isn't necessarily uncomfortable, actually. But embarrassing, that's a different matter.
Edwin stares at Nanami as he kisses his hand. Edwin had thought of that, actually, of being awfully chivalrous but hadn't been able to bring himself to do it. Far from recoiling, he seems frozen for a moment.
But after a long, long pause he actually raises his free hand and...lifts it to rest on Nanami's cheek. Gently. Tenderly.
( ooc; happy to go with judgmental john or hard-up maiden! in both cases she would also opt for rescue/escape, but ofc happy to see where things go if you're up for it. )
--
There are usually panels up on the ceiling, aren't there?
[ truthfully, kayena had debated even speaking up. originally she had hoped the other person in the elevator would have made mention of some routes of escape, but when it seemed he was more than content to wait it out, she knew she had to do something lest they be made to rot here — or worse, forced to do the unsavory things the portrait was suggesting.
kayena hill of the eldyme empire would not know anything of elevators........ but the woman of her second life certainly does. and while she'd hate to reveal herself so suddenly, it matters a little less to her right now than potentially being stuck here any longer. she isn't claustrophobic, but she rather hates feeling trapped in any way. ]
hard-up maiden! open to a successful escape for once or staying trapped
[If he sounds tired, it's because he's been here before. In one instance, the panel was too narrow for him to easily fit through. In another, he'd boosted his fellow passenger up to the ceiling, but she'd been unable to open the hatch. Thus his resignation to a long wait. It just had to be this portrait, didn't it? While he might be willing to admit some of his failings, or make an attempt at light flirtation, the expectation to put on a graphic sexual display to get the elevator moving is taking things too far.
With that in mind, regardless of whether he believes it will get them anywhere, it does them no harm to try.]
It may not open from this side, but it's worth identifying all our options.
[Beating a man who hasn't attacked him or anyone else that he knows of, or really done anything to merit it, doesn't sit well with Nanami. It shows in the tightening of his expression before he answers,]
I refuse.
[The portrait begins to bluster and he cuts it off.]
I wasn't finished. As an alternative, will you accept a slap instead?
[The question is directed at both of them. He assumes that this man isn't any more eager to be hit in the face than he is to do it, but surely getting slapped is the preferable option. The painting hems and haws but, surprisingly, agrees—provided that he leaves a nice, red mark.]
[He would have requested that the man doesn't draw blood, but if it's simply a slap... Shalem won't bleed from that, he can simply cover his fangs up so they don't nick him, and if he bleeds inside, he can swallow.
Then he clasps his hands behind his back and leans in, presenting his face.]
My skin is thicker than you think, so don't worry.
[That's that then. He nods, then draws his arm back and delivers a ringing open-handed slap. It's not as hard as he possibly can—that would be excessive. He doesn't put any cursed energy into it either, so it's just a regular impact. Enough to probably sting, but nothing worse.
Hopefully it's sufficient to gain their release.]
Good enough?
[He glances at the portrait. Its painted eyes seem to be gleaming at the display, face a shade brighter than before as if flushed with interest.]
[However the man would have done it, Shalem's reaction would still be the same-- he knows he needs to play this up for the portrait's voyeuristic satisfaction. Isn't it good that he used to be a former actor?
When his companion's hand meets his face, he whips his head violently, as if the slap hit him harder than it actually did. To properly sell the act, he makes a soft noise of pain, cutting it short as he bites his lower lip. All in all, looking like someone who had to endure something he didn't want to, and worked to keep pathetic noises form leaving his mouth.
When he looks up at the portrait through his curtain of hair, he notes the eyes gleaming with interest, and has to suppress a smile. Shalem's still got it.]
[To go from assurances about his thick skin to a reaction like that... Nanami certainly hopes the man is exaggerating to make it look good and that he didn't actually hit him harder than he expected he could take. He can't exactly ask now. Not when it seems to be having the intended effect.]
We should be.
[The man in the portrait wets his lips, looking like he's about to suggest they do it again.]
A slap hard enough to leave a mark, that was the deal. You wouldn't want to break your word, right?
[At that pointed reminder, the portrait sulkily relents—"Of course, of course. I can see the mark forming, yes. That will do."—and the elevator begins moving again with a shudder that feels almost passive-aggressive.]
[None of that is objectionable to him and he relaxes marginally. If they can come to an agreement and work collaboratively, so much the better.]
I don't mind pooling information. That was my intention from the start. As for getting you drinks, I could deliver them but I'm not paying.
[He's not trying to be stingy; it's just that his wallet wasn't exactly on him when he woke up and he hasn't had the rundown about chips yet. If anything costs money, he's going to have to decline for now. Luxury suite that he didn't book aside, he's broke.]
So if it's something along those lines, we have a deal.
[ Could he ask for more? Perhaps. But he gets the sense this is the kind of man to just turn and walk away if he feels like he's being taken for a ride, and where's the fun in that? Toji would much rather figure out more about him, first. About what's ticking in his head.
And if he's a threat, mind you. One has to stay on top of that. ]
I guess if you're brand new, they left you pretty empty-handed, huh? Hmm. I can work with that, if you're fine playing errand boy.
[ Does the availability of room service make that a little pointless? Sure. Is it still a quiet little power game? Absolutely. ]
[He nods, the deal struck. It's a small enough favor. Not like he's never fetched something from a vending machine for a coworker, after all, and on a superficial level it's... about the same. As long as it isn't taken too far.
There's a large, tufted ottoman nearby and Nanami nudges it closer to the couch so that he can sit while collecting on his half of the bargain.]
So, about your arrival. What do you remember?
[Based on his questioning of others so far, he isn't expecting any massive revelations. But this man is... something of an exception and if he picked up on anything, even if it's small, it could be useful. He'd like to get his take on all this, at least.]
[Unpopular, but frequently called upon—reminds him of a certain special grade sorcerer. Beyond that, it's vague, but it provides a point to work from.]
I see. You must have some unique or necessary skill if people call on you so often. As for me, I returned to a job I hate because I thought it would make a difference.
[That isn't strictly the type of admission they're being pressed for either, but it's bordering on it. The guilt lies on either side—the leaving and the coming back. The conflict over both decisions is fresh in his mind after what happened in Shibuya and it feels like a problem with no right answer.
He isn't hoping to find one through this conversation. It's just the topic that seems most relevant.]
[ That's a kinder assessment than other humans would have given him. Even those that knew he was the country's top onmyouji during his younger days wouldn't have given him the grace of acknowledging his skills. Anyone can learn onmyoudou! He's not so special. They just didn't have a choice.
This stranger is true to his word in keeping to his fair assessment, and Seimei in return gives him a more thoughtful, serious look under the fox's sharp humor. ]
Did it make a difference?
[ It's because Nanami decided to treat him with that fair trade that the onmyouji returns his favor by addressing Nanami's statement. He can feel the weight behind it. It isn't like he's admitting to doing a crime, but he is admitting some painful feelings, whether he decides to be open or not, and Seimei focuses on that. Instead of arguing with John above them, he turns his focus on offering Nanami a way toward some kind of resolution with that weight. Because it's his duty as an onmyouji, and because he gets personal enjoyment out of thwarting the painting holding them captive. ]
[The answers to those questions may not be the same. He knows that on a micro level his actions have made a difference in individual people's lives. Those he's helped, saved, whose gratitude he has received. What he doesn't know is whether, on a macro level, any of it mattered. Did he tip the scales, even a fraction, away from needless suffering? Where do those sacrificed in the line of duty weigh in?
As for whether it gave him what he wanted, well, what is that? What did he want? That's something he's still wrestling with too.]
In some ways, maybe. It also took things away.
[Kept him from doing things for himself. If he can be a little selfish now, he resents that. Being a sorcerer took his free time, and his peace, and his eye, and—his life, though he's not fully ready to confront that yet, clinging to the possibility of some unexplained last second miracle.]
[ Despite his overall cheerful, mischievous attitude, Seimei listens to the man's answer honestly. The onmyouji has always dealt in information and valued the quality of the human heart, even if that heart could sometimes be cruel or unreasonable. Love and hate are born from the same place, and he respects both. So while he remains a little too bold and a lot of trouble, Seimei hums thoughtfully at Nanami's answer, hand raised to his chin. ]
Hmm... Well, the only way to know is to find out. And I suppose you won't do that if you're held back by someone else's judgment of you.
[ Standing straight, Seimei raises his hand, bringing two fingers pointing upwards in front of his lips as he begins murmuring an incantation. They are out of the reach of most gods and spirits, but even in the dreamlike resort realm, they still have some connection to the elements. He calls up a spell and points it sharply upward at the painting--at Judgmental John--and sends a spark flying at the figure like a tiny ball of foxfire. The figure shrieks outrage, extra furious at the offense, and Seimei lowers his arms. ]
Yes, yes. That makes me the worst offender.
[ As usual. He kneels down, still smiling playfully as he meets Nanami's eyes. ]
I accept the trade for a way out. You might as well humor him. He'll be positively insufferable until you do.
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peacockstop2024-02-19 10:08 pm
Nanami Kento | Jujutsu Kaisen
@oversize
[Can he honestly say he expected Gojo to listen to him, just like that? Not really. Color him inconvenienced, but not surprised. Arguing with him about it would be a waste of time, so he doesn't.
As for the question, he's not even going to dignify it with a response. The thing is, Nanami hasn't considered whether having sex with Gojo would be terrible or not because he hasn't gotten as far as considering the possibility at all, for several reasons. The first reason being that, by now, he has a tendency to tune out or dismiss automatically any ridiculous, non-essential bullshit that comes out of Gojo's mouth. It saves him time and energy. The second reason, tying into the first, is that he doesn't believe there's anything to consider. It's obviously not a real question. So if he were to treat it like it was and put any amount of thought into an answer, he's certain Gojo would tease him about it forever. Then, of course, there's the fact that this Gojo is so much younger than he's used to.
He expels a quiet sigh through his nose.]
Fine, we'll both wait here.
[Taking up a position on the opposite side of the elevator once more, he sinks into a crouch with his back leaning against the wall for support. Without any way to alert the staff for immediate assistance, it could be a while before anyone notices that this particular elevator isn't moving and checks out the problem. Or maybe Gojo will eventually get bored and decide to find a way out after all. While Nanami doesn't relish the prospect of spending an undetermined amount of hours in here, he knows from experience working a desk job that he can spend all day sitting in one place. It's a battle of patience and wills. Someone or something else will give before he does.]
You might as well fill me in— [The painting makes a crude suggestion about how he should be the one filling "the pretty one" in and Nanami raises his voice to talk over it.] —on anything you've learned about how this place operates. How long have you been here?
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hey, he'd been willing to go along with it up to a point--or at least the point where things stopped being playful and fun, and started being serious again. nanami's missing eye is something that's on his mind, something that's tugging at him, and he finds the lack of details there more aggravating than being trapped in the elevator.
his gaze goes, from the painting to nanami and back again--you should be the one filling the pretty one, here!--and he lets out a light laugh, a trill of it like a bell above a shop door. )
Me? About a month, maybe more. Suguru had his birthday, here, so now he's older than me somehow.
( the words tumble out nonchalant--it doesn't bother him, telling things to nanami, particularly because he knows that he can trust him. )
If there's a head of the house, I don't know who they are, and I haven't met them. I spoke with someone, a person named J? Who runs...something...here, but they wanted me to trade my eyes for information, and I wasn't going to do that.
( there's a soft, faint smile. ) Don't trade any more of yours, either. I'm already angry enough that you're missing one.
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Geto is here.
Alive? Not only that, he's apparently as young as Gojo—well, older, but only just. Maybe young enough that he's still a student. Judging by the casual way Gojo speaks of him, he must be. If that's the case...
He can't ask any of the questions he wants to ask. No sense in instilling suspicion where there's currently none or introducing more questions about the future that he won't answer. He'll have to find Geto later and ascertain for himself where he stands and whether he can be counted as an ally. Nanami has never been able to bring himself to hate Geto, even after everything. Condemn his actions, yes, but that's not the same thing. He understands all too well at least some of the despair that drove him down that path. After all, he left too.]
You act like I did it on purpose.
[He closes his eye briefly, resting the back of his head against the wall. It's a reflexive show of tired irritation that gives him cover to steady his composure. When he opens it again, he's certain he won't give anything away.]
So whoever is responsible for this is hiding well, and this J person may or may not know anything. You haven't found any means of escape. There aren't any others plucked from our school days here, are there? The three of you are enough of a surprise.
[He does not allow himself to imagine Haibara.]
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three of you? three?
and what is he supposed to say? nanami would likely look at him with that tired expression, if he told him the last person that he knows from here; or is that the person that nanami means to refer to? how is he supposed to explain what happened, there? does he have to?
the painting scoffs at them, as though trying to get their attention again--his gaze jerks towards the painting, irritated, and that seems to shut it up for a moment longer. )
I don't know why or how it happened, because you aren't telling me, you know.
( just the slightest, slightest edge of disappointment, frustration, longing, there--but he's forcing a smile despite himself. )
Ah, ah~. 'Three' huh? Who's our lucky third, Na~namin? I only know of one other person, but I don't think you've ever met him before.
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Ieiri-san. I ran into her on the upper floor.
[He hadn't included Toji in his count because, despite recognizing him from the fight against that special grade, Nanami doesn't have a name for the face. He knows it—how could he not—but separately. Without that connection, there's no reason to assume Gojo would know that man. Either way, he certainly wouldn't include him as a peer from back then.
While he'd like to know about anyone else that's here, regardless of who it is, he'd especially appreciate some advance warning if they're from a different time. Gojo said him, so that eliminates some possibilities.]
Who is it you're thinking of then?
[Who wouldn't he know that a teenage Gojo would? From a decade ahead, the other way around should be more likely.]
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elevators (teasing trio)
[Edwin says with some feeling, as one of the pictures in the elevator shifts to feature a gaggle of women with whom is he is not unacquainted. Glancing over at the man sharing the elevator with him, he...sighs and then.....holds out a hand.
Because surly hand-holding is definitely going to free them from this predicament.]
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Not your first time either?
[He glances at the man's outstretched hand and then reaches for it with zero hesitation. His grip is firm. Not painfully so, but enough to demonstrate that he means business, however unenthusiastic he may be. If it will get them moving faster, fine. One of the painted trio blows a raspberry at them and the other two giggle.
"Come on, come on, you can do better than that!"]
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Edwin is just...awful, really, at being - ugh - "cute". He's certainly not good at flirting. He peers up at Nanami, trying to even imagine how he'd do it and beginning to feel himself grow flustered and embarrassed at the mere concept. He's sure to fuck that up spectacularly.]
Hardly.
[He says dryly, in response. He...doesn't let go of the man's hand yet, his brain cycling through ever romantic gesture he can think of...and recoiling from most of them as awfully presumptuous to even think of doing to - with - a perfect stranger.
To add insult to injury, he can feel his cheeks beginning to flush. Christ. This is awful.]
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He takes a step toward the man, so that their clasped hands hang more naturally between them. He's getting... an idea. Turning toward him, Nanami pitches his voice low with the slim hope of evading the painting's hearing,]
I'm going to try something.
[His companion is already going a bit red, which he can't help noticing, but there's no helping it.]
Please don't recoil, even if it's uncomfortable.
[With that potentially ominous warning, he shifts his grip and lifts the other man's hand to his mouth so he can kiss the back of it.]
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Uncomfortable.
When the action does occur, it isn't necessarily uncomfortable, actually. But embarrassing, that's a different matter.
Edwin stares at Nanami as he kisses his hand. Edwin had thought of that, actually, of being awfully chivalrous but hadn't been able to bring himself to do it. Far from recoiling, he seems frozen for a moment.
But after a long, long pause he actually raises his free hand and...lifts it to rest on Nanami's cheek. Gently. Tenderly.
Blushing furiously the entire time of course.]
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elevators
--
There are usually panels up on the ceiling, aren't there?
[ truthfully, kayena had debated even speaking up. originally she had hoped the other person in the elevator would have made mention of some routes of escape, but when it seemed he was more than content to wait it out, she knew she had to do something lest they be made to rot here — or worse, forced to do the unsavory things the portrait was suggesting.
kayena hill of the eldyme empire would not know anything of elevators........ but the woman of her second life certainly does. and while she'd hate to reveal herself so suddenly, it matters a little less to her right now than potentially being stuck here any longer. she isn't claustrophobic, but she rather hates feeling trapped in any way. ]
hard-up maiden! open to a successful escape for once or staying trapped
[If he sounds tired, it's because he's been here before. In one instance, the panel was too narrow for him to easily fit through. In another, he'd boosted his fellow passenger up to the ceiling, but she'd been unable to open the hatch. Thus his resignation to a long wait. It just had to be this portrait, didn't it? While he might be willing to admit some of his failings, or make an attempt at light flirtation, the expectation to put on a graphic sexual display to get the elevator moving is taking things too far.
With that in mind, regardless of whether he believes it will get them anywhere, it does them no harm to try.]
It may not open from this side, but it's worth identifying all our options.
@prozaic
[Beating a man who hasn't attacked him or anyone else that he knows of, or really done anything to merit it, doesn't sit well with Nanami. It shows in the tightening of his expression before he answers,]
I refuse.
[The portrait begins to bluster and he cuts it off.]
I wasn't finished. As an alternative, will you accept a slap instead?
[The question is directed at both of them. He assumes that this man isn't any more eager to be hit in the face than he is to do it, but surely getting slapped is the preferable option. The painting hems and haws but, surprisingly, agrees—provided that he leaves a nice, red mark.]
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[He would have requested that the man doesn't draw blood, but if it's simply a slap... Shalem won't bleed from that, he can simply cover his fangs up so they don't nick him, and if he bleeds inside, he can swallow.
Then he clasps his hands behind his back and leans in, presenting his face.]
My skin is thicker than you think, so don't worry.
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Hopefully it's sufficient to gain their release.]
Good enough?
[He glances at the portrait. Its painted eyes seem to be gleaming at the display, face a shade brighter than before as if flushed with interest.]
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When his companion's hand meets his face, he whips his head violently, as if the slap hit him harder than it actually did. To properly sell the act, he makes a soft noise of pain, cutting it short as he bites his lower lip. All in all, looking like someone who had to endure something he didn't want to, and worked to keep pathetic noises form leaving his mouth.
When he looks up at the portrait through his curtain of hair, he notes the eyes gleaming with interest, and has to suppress a smile. Shalem's still got it.]
Are... are we done?
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We should be.
[The man in the portrait wets his lips, looking like he's about to suggest they do it again.]
A slap hard enough to leave a mark, that was the deal. You wouldn't want to break your word, right?
[At that pointed reminder, the portrait sulkily relents—"Of course, of course. I can see the mark forming, yes. That will do."—and the elevator begins moving again with a shudder that feels almost passive-aggressive.]
@jujutsugoroshi
[None of that is objectionable to him and he relaxes marginally. If they can come to an agreement and work collaboratively, so much the better.]
I don't mind pooling information. That was my intention from the start. As for getting you drinks, I could deliver them but I'm not paying.
[He's not trying to be stingy; it's just that his wallet wasn't exactly on him when he woke up and he hasn't had the rundown about chips yet. If anything costs money, he's going to have to decline for now. Luxury suite that he didn't book aside, he's broke.]
So if it's something along those lines, we have a deal.
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And if he's a threat, mind you. One has to stay on top of that. ]
I guess if you're brand new, they left you pretty empty-handed, huh? Hmm. I can work with that, if you're fine playing errand boy.
[ Does the availability of room service make that a little pointless? Sure. Is it still a quiet little power game? Absolutely. ]
Call it a deal, then.
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[He nods, the deal struck. It's a small enough favor. Not like he's never fetched something from a vending machine for a coworker, after all, and on a superficial level it's... about the same. As long as it isn't taken too far.
There's a large, tufted ottoman nearby and Nanami nudges it closer to the couch so that he can sit while collecting on his half of the bargain.]
So, about your arrival. What do you remember?
[Based on his questioning of others so far, he isn't expecting any massive revelations. But this man is... something of an exception and if he picked up on anything, even if it's small, it could be useful. He'd like to get his take on all this, at least.]
@emyoji
[Unpopular, but frequently called upon—reminds him of a certain special grade sorcerer. Beyond that, it's vague, but it provides a point to work from.]
I see. You must have some unique or necessary skill if people call on you so often. As for me, I returned to a job I hate because I thought it would make a difference.
[That isn't strictly the type of admission they're being pressed for either, but it's bordering on it. The guilt lies on either side—the leaving and the coming back. The conflict over both decisions is fresh in his mind after what happened in Shibuya and it feels like a problem with no right answer.
He isn't hoping to find one through this conversation. It's just the topic that seems most relevant.]
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This stranger is true to his word in keeping to his fair assessment, and Seimei in return gives him a more thoughtful, serious look under the fox's sharp humor. ]
Did it make a difference?
[ It's because Nanami decided to treat him with that fair trade that the onmyouji returns his favor by addressing Nanami's statement. He can feel the weight behind it. It isn't like he's admitting to doing a crime, but he is admitting some painful feelings, whether he decides to be open or not, and Seimei focuses on that. Instead of arguing with John above them, he turns his focus on offering Nanami a way toward some kind of resolution with that weight. Because it's his duty as an onmyouji, and because he gets personal enjoyment out of thwarting the painting holding them captive. ]
Do you feel like it gave you what you wanted?
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[The answers to those questions may not be the same. He knows that on a micro level his actions have made a difference in individual people's lives. Those he's helped, saved, whose gratitude he has received. What he doesn't know is whether, on a macro level, any of it mattered. Did he tip the scales, even a fraction, away from needless suffering? Where do those sacrificed in the line of duty weigh in?
As for whether it gave him what he wanted, well, what is that? What did he want? That's something he's still wrestling with too.]
In some ways, maybe. It also took things away.
[Kept him from doing things for himself. If he can be a little selfish now, he resents that. Being a sorcerer took his free time, and his peace, and his eye, and—his life, though he's not fully ready to confront that yet, clinging to the possibility of some unexplained last second miracle.]
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Hmm... Well, the only way to know is to find out. And I suppose you won't do that if you're held back by someone else's judgment of you.
[ Standing straight, Seimei raises his hand, bringing two fingers pointing upwards in front of his lips as he begins murmuring an incantation. They are out of the reach of most gods and spirits, but even in the dreamlike resort realm, they still have some connection to the elements. He calls up a spell and points it sharply upward at the painting--at Judgmental John--and sends a spark flying at the figure like a tiny ball of foxfire. The figure shrieks outrage, extra furious at the offense, and Seimei lowers his arms. ]
Yes, yes. That makes me the worst offender.
[ As usual. He kneels down, still smiling playfully as he meets Nanami's eyes. ]
I accept the trade for a way out. You might as well humor him. He'll be positively insufferable until you do.
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sealing his own fate...
Nanami no