TDM 04

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made on our brand new beachfront for new guests. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. Affected guests may convene with the nearest lifeguard or reception for a complimentary swimsuit, at their earliest convenience.

Please remember that beach-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking dress code may be escorted off the beach until they return in proper swimwear. We hope you enjoy your stay, and have a beachy keen experience. 】

BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

A BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT

As the resort moves into what it claims is summer, the days grow longer. The sun is projected well into the evening, the heat of its warmth dialed up to a level some guests complain is unreasonable. Then there’s the most excessive transformation of all – half the Cloud Dwelling Gardens have been transformed into a sparkling beach of white sands and blue waves, seemingly overnight. Statues nearby have been dressed up with wide hats and stylish sarongs. Upbeat music fills the air without any discernible source.

A section of the beach has been reserved for a collection of bungalows. These cute pastel homes open straight onto the sand, and are comparable in size and amenity to a rank 7 or 8 suite. All screens within these bungalows are fixed to a channel that airs reruns of Boobwatch around the clock, a classic TV series about blue-footed boobys running in slow-motion across the beach. Staff and long-standing guests all agree — there’s no better summer programming than this!

IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE

▷ Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to all this wondrous new property that’s just opened up. The catch? Why, characters are stuffed up to 4 in a room, of course. Don’t worry, that’s what the bunk beds are for!

▷ Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are a light and breezy linen, patterned with tropical flowers and colorful designs. Some of these robes are more sheer than others. Watch out that the gentle breeze on the beach doesn’t reveal more than you wanted.

▷ Existing characters are welcome to temporarily take up residence in any empty slots in these homes. The staff understand that sometimes you want to pretend to be a brand new guest again, all bright-eyed and ready for adventure. They can even lock you out of your real room for an extra bit of authenticity. No need to ask! It’s all taken care of already.

THOSE WHO POUND SAND

▷ Several lifeguards have been newly hired to protect the beach and its visitors. These burly fellows and lasses all have three things in common: skimpy swimwear, rippling muscles, and seagull heads. They spend most of their time hanging out in groups, flexing and gossiping loudly. If characters approach them for their complimentary swimwear, they will provide whatever they’re currently wearing for them to use... by force, if necessary.

▷ Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or are holding something particularly tasty may find themselves surrounded by these lifeguards out of nowhere. The seagulls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair until they get what they want. Hope you didn’t like your sand castle very much. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards, 2s, and 3s just for the heck of it.

▷ Being new hires and fairly low on the resort staff hierarchy, these troublemakers can be easily chased off by someone of a high enough rank, or an assertive enough presence to pass as one. T-they’re not scared! They just remembered they have a mandatory group cawing session to get to! Buzz off!

FUN IN THE SUN

DON'T FORGET TO OIL UP

What’s a beach without fun and games? Dreadfully boring! That’s why all of the beach classics have been expertly set up by staff, including strip volleyball nets, giant boob-shaped beach balls, and plenty of floaties for use in the shallower areas of the temporary ocean. A row of parasols with paired lounge chairs underneath them are placed in some prime viewing areas for festivities. Any time you get thirsty, there’s always a cooler full of canned drinks conveniently nearby, courtesy of Cock-a-Doodle-Doo’s. Sometimes you can hear the staff whispering to each other, “What if it’s too perfect? We won’t be able to deal with the ratings dip once the beach ends!”

Seashells have been arbitrarily scattered along the shoreline, coming in both natural shapes and ones a little more... erotic. The sexiest ones of all are conch shells that let you hear the moans of another guest when held up to your ear; supposedly, if you hook up with the person on the other end of the shell, you’ll be extra lucky in the casino for the rest of the summer. All in all, it’s a carefully tailored creation that can be called nothing short of paradise.

THE BEACH BUNNY BARBECUE BONANZA

▷ This booth constantly has smoke billowing out the top and is manned during the entire day by one man – Steve, formerly from reception. It seems this is his punishment duty for be-bathrooming all of the arrivals, last time. Those willing to lend Steve a sympathetic ear will be entreated to bring him water, since the sweltering heat of the booth dries him out like nobody’s business. No matter how characters try to help him, though, a tragedy always occurs and the water always ends up spilled across the sand. That curse really is something, huh?

▷ The signature item at this cookout are the Flamin’ Hop Skewers. Made due to the current overpopulation in the Conservatory, these spicy-sweet — emphasis on the spicy — glazed skewers temporarily grant those who consume them the soul of a rabbit, including their insatiable desire to mate. Any rabbits that resort-goers have formed an attachment with have not been culled, so don’t worry about your precious buns!

▷ The booth also boasts several other exotic meats and vegetables that are considerably safer to eat, for guests who find themselves unable to overcome their attachment. Some of these skewers also feature fruits, including the hybrid ones from the previous gardening collab with the Dizzy Pigeon. Characters are free to revisit any of the Orchard prompts under the Smoky Nectar section of our PREVIOUS TDM.

A SHOW OF STRENGTH

▷ When the projected sun is at its highest, staff members will start bringing out tarps and watermelons, fresh from the gardens. What’s that, you ask? Oh, of course these were donated willingly! What a strange question!

▷ The goal is to smash the watermelon the staff give you until the succulent red fruit inside is splattered all across the tarp, perfect for falling comically into or... eating, if you’re into that. The rules are that you must use your buttocks to do so, and you only get two tries. Successfully cracking open the watermelon on the first try will earn characters a large payout, and if it’s on the second try, a medium payout.

▷ Failing to bust a watermelon at all won’t have any penalties associated with it, and you can always try again tomorrow! In order to keep their watermelon supplies steady for the duration of the beach festivities, the staff do ask that guests attempt this no more than once per day.

DAYDREAM PARASOLS

▷ Every umbrella set up on the sands has two lounge chairs set up underneath it, with a shared table between them. The chairs are padded and oh-so-comfy — sitting in them for too long while another person is present will result in both characters falling into a deep sleep.

▷ While asleep, characters will discover they’re sharing a dream with their umbrella-mate. The dream is always set on the same beach as the waking world, but there are floating clouds and sparkles in a range of pastel colors. Other beachgoers are faceless, if not entirely absent. It’s just the two of you.

▷ Anything the characters think of can drift in and out of the dreamscape, including but not limited to items from home, scary monsters to dramatically rescue your partner from, and strange abilities to fly or float through the air. However, characters will also be at full suit activation in the dream. Once both characters orgasm or they naturally wake up from their naps, they’ll find things are entirely back to normal, as much as they ever are in the resort.

NOTES

▶ All new arrivals have been issued four food and four clothing vouchers. These vouchers are as good as money around the resort. The staff will strongly insist on characters picking out "summery" attire with it, though.

▶ Existing characters may be booted into the bungalows or locked out of their room against their will. We leave it up to player discretion if this happens and the degree to which they're removed from their normal suite.

▶ For the Daydream Parasols, wildcards may be afflicted by whichever suit their player prefers for the duration of the dream. This will have no bearing on their suit selection when applying, and suit effects should not manifest once back in the waking world. It's just a dream, after all!

▶ The dreamscape has no explicit time limit, so feel free to make them as long or as short as desired. Dreams should also be sexy first and foremost. While you can include your mom dying in the background if you'd like, you have to be horny about it too.

TWINKLING CURRENTS

THE PARTY NEVER STOPS

As the sun sets in a cascade of colors over the water, lamps are lit and floating lights surface from the depths. Stars twinkle in the sky, and Steve is finally released from his smoky shackles. Though the daytime amenities have gone to sleep, the night promises its own set of beachy wonders sure to please even the most distinguished of vacationers.

Flyers posted in the lobby and in the hallways promise of a bar ran by the most enchanting mermaids you could ever want to fuck, as well as a fireworks show in every color, including ones you’ve never heard of. With the seagulls gone to bed, peace settles across the sands, tinted blue, yellow, and pink from the myriad of lights. For those seeking a more subdued, romantic air — this is the beach for you.

SWIM UP TO THE BAR

▷ While the advertisements promised mermaids, they were careful not to include any photos or illustrations. Wading out into the sea to the floating bar quickly illustrates why: these merfolk are fish on top, not the bottom! If asked about this configuration or accused of being unsexy, they’ll lift their elegant legs out of the water and exclaim, “How else would you be able to fuck us if not for these!” Though a few guests seem unsatisfied by this clarification, there are no complaints about the drinks themselves.

▷ HOLDING ON TO SUMMER. This cocktail brings seaberry-gin, limoncello, white crème de cacao, and freshly squeezed lemon juice over pebbled ice, wrapping you in decadent flavors accenting the season. Drinking this cocktail can cause you to be overcome with the desire to lean back and sink into the ocean itself, but fret not! It also grants you the wonderful ability to breathe underwater, no gills required! And it’s topped with a yummy little ball of white chocolate.

▷ MANGO STAR. A delightfully bright drink in a highball glass, the combination of elderflower rose syrup and seaberry-gin floats a summery pink over the orange mixture of mango juice, lime juice and honey syrup on the bottom. On top are two cute little stars cut out of mango, accented with mint leaves. Guests who drink this cocktail report some confusion in the identity of other guests, as just one drink is enough to shift perception of others. Other characters may appear to be different guests of the resort, or familiar faces from home.

▷ SEABERRY FLORADORA. This is a vibrant cocktail made of seaberry-gin, ginger beer, lime juice and raspberry syrup, highlighted by floral ice cubes and edible flowers. Despite its bright pink color indicating a level of cheerfulness for the summer, this flavorful cocktail causes guests to be quickly overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. The longer this sensation goes on, the more guests will try to seek out company to aid in the ache, even if it means appearing quite desperate in the process. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ BLACKBERRY ROSEMARY GIMLET. Blackberries, rosemary sprigs, simple syrup, and a combination of seaberry-gin and lime juice make this aromatic cocktail. It’s double strained over ice and garnished with a blackberry on a pick, giving it a regal appearance. Drinking this cocktail causes obsessive and possessive behavior, however — sometimes to extreme levels. Should your partner choose this cocktail to drink, you may not want to mention anything that could make them jealous. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ JUST SOME SEAWATER? Questioning the mermaids and mermen on how they came to be the way that they are will result in them offering you an item off the sea-cret menu. Taking a glass from the bar, they dip it into the ocean and offer it right over to you. Drinking the seawater does, in fact, turn you into a very sexy reverse merman or mermaid. This occurs whether or not you drink it from the glass or take in a gulp while swimming, so watch out!

ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY

▷ Where else could you get a perfect view of the stars? Despite the sea of lights below, the artificial nature of the skies in the resort means that all guests get an unrivaled view of the galaxy. Which galaxy? Why, any of them — characters will see a shifting range of constellations from night to night, including ones they don’t recognize, ones shaped a bit like something you might find in Love Dove, and ones that are identical to those from their home. Happy gazing!

▷ A fireworks show is held every night, from 10PM until 1AM. The noises are just loud enough to block out a whispered confession timed correctly, but aren’t quite enough to inhibit conversation. Most of the fireworks are from a design series known as Matteo’s Masterpieces, and range from the standard burst to abstract shapes to... well, you know. Unlike the sloppy doodles found in the margins of books while Swan Lake was decaying, all of the boobs and dicks blasted across the sky are very well rendered. For fireworks.

SANDY SCAVENGING

A GAME OF BEACHES

It wouldn't be the Golden Peacock without a game for guests to play! All guests that wander into the beach area may find themselves receiving one of two Watch messages. Some very special guests may even receive both challenges — or continuously receive a new challenge when the last 24 hours is up. The resort just wants you to have the most fun possible!

SCAVENGER HUNT: EASY MODE (SFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our EASY MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Great Tit! Dessert Vouchers and a large payout.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down and then publicly spanked by a SEAGULL LIFEGUARD.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one unfinished drink.

2. Collect two kisses.

3. Collect three pairs of sunglasses.

4. Collect four sets of sandals.

5. Collect five feathers from a lifeguard.

SCAVENGER HUNT: HARD MODE (NSFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our HARD MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Naked Yolk Kink Vouchers and an extra-large payout. Winners will also be given a limited edition WINNER pin. Any guests wearing a WINNER pin will be treated as kings and queens of the beach, and be permitted to command any other guests as they see fit.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down, stripped, and then strapped into the fuck pillory by our SEAGULL LIFEGUARDS. Losers will be free game for other guests to use for their pleasure.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one cup of cum.

2. Collect two bite marks.

3. Collect three pubic hairs.

4. Collect four nudes (nude images).

5. Collect five bathing suit bottoms.

NOTES

▶ All effects from the swim-up bar last around 2-3 hours, but may be extended by having another drink.

INTO THE DEPTHS

IT'S HIGH TIDE WE GET OUT OF HERE

Though the beach experience is perfect on the surface, things are less elegant behind the scenes. Wave-making machines pulse and rattle down below, shaking the ceiling of the basement suites. Water leaks from pipes, streaking across walls and pooling on the uneven floors. The maintenance levels are abuzz with staff setting out buckets and pans, shooing lost guests away with a heightened level of urgency. Someone got a little too enthusiastic with mopping, they claim. Nothing to worry about at all!

Even the ocean itself isn’t without its issues. Despite appearing as a boundless expanse from the shore, the walls of the Golden Peacock are a very real factor. To avoid any undue damage to the screens that comprise the sky, the sea stops abruptly before it reaches them, cascading into a waterfall all the way down to the depths of the resort. Gentle currents become swirling vortexes and choppy waves, sure to pull down any guests that aren’t careful about where they swim. A few gull-guards patrol the line of buoys that mark the end of the safe swimming area, but the primary line of defense the resort relies on is the utter disinterest most of its guests have.

TUMBLING DOWN

▷ Characters who stray past the line of buoys out in the far sea will find themselves caught in a riptide that sucks them straight over the edge of the water. This applies both to characters swimming, or characters in some sort of vessel, such as a small rowboat borrowed from the staff.

▷ Feel free to make up any sort of vehicle rentals in general, as long as they’re reasonable in size — they should be able to accommodate 1-2 characters at most. A waverider would be okay, but a yacht would not.

▷ While falling down the waterfall, characters will temporarily black out before hitting anything solid. They will resurface anywhere there is standing water, whether that be a flooded hallway, in the Crane’s Respite, or even in someone’s open toilet bowl. There are no limitations on where in the resort the resurfacing can happen; even the bathrooms at Roost aren’t safe from this teleportation.

A RISING FLOOD

▷ Drainage is a difficult aspect to manage. Though the majority of the seawater is recycled to maintain the ocean above, enough of it is siphoned off for deeper filtration that the resort’s plumbing systems simply can’t handle the volume. Leaks are happening on all floors below ground, increasing in depth the further down into the basement characters go.

▷ Characters living in the rank 2, 3, and 4 suites may notice that in addition to having leaks in the hallway, their own rooms are also flooding. This can range anywhere from a constant, unpleasantly damp floor, to having an entire cascade of water blow them and any other unsuspecting guests down several hallways the moment their door is opened. Life vests are recommended.

▷ The flooding will intensify as the event goes on, culminating in some of the maintenance levels being entirely underwater towards the end of the event. Once the event is over, the flooding will recede within about a day, leaving only a few water stains here and there as evidence of their presence.

NOTES

▶ Any amount of standing water is a valid target for a character’s resurfacing, even something as minor as a glass of water. For situations where a character would not actively fit into the source of their arrival, they will be violently flung out of it, knocking over or spilling it in the process if that’s possible.

▶ As always, players are free to control the level to which their individual characters are affected, and being flooded out of their space is not mandatory.

---

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: alcohol; altered states; aphrodisiacs; breeding urge; delusions; forced clotheswearing; hallucinations; harassment and bullying; jealousy; thalassophobia; transformation; unreality

▶ All 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 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 June event. The beach will ICly be present from June 15th - June 30th.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. 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 prioritized and receive attention!

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort! There are recent additions to the locations page as well, for those who have yet to see them!

▶ 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 regardless!

▶ 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.

▶ Don't forget your sunscreen! We'd hate for any chicken wings to come out burnt.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[unionized]

[Now that's just a touch heavy-handed enough that he's able to read between the lines — however seemingly bizarre of lines they might be. Is she suggesting that she encountered him at some point during her adventures here, then? He'd remember that, surely. Unless there's something going on with this resort that's preventing him.

Curious. Not quite to the point of alarming, not yet; it might just be a mistake on the girl's part. But worth noting, anyway.]

Rufus Shinra.

[Never just Rufus. Not ever, not to anyone.]

...Certainly a new experience, to not be recognized when I say that.

[morarchon]

It's not hard for Childe to keep Zhongli's attention. He has a magnetic presence, and Zhongli's feelings about him are...

Well, complicated isn't really the right descriptor, but they are less straightforward than he would like. He enjoys Childe's presence, finds his personality and ability to make conversation pleasant and engaging. But there's a lingering, persistent inequity between them—an inequity further colored by the fact that while its presence doesn't bother Zhongli, he's absolutely certain it bothers Childe.

Trapped in this dream, with his suit crawling underneath his skin, is not an ideal time to try to address it. But it seems as though they have no choice. So, yes, it's quite easy for Childe to hold his attention right now.

But who's to say addressing it with words is their only option? They just agreed, in their own way, that neither of them is easily inclined to say what they mean or share their inner thoughts.

"I suppose it isn't."

He takes a step closer to Childe, still holding his gaze, shrinking the already narrow distance between them.

"Would you prefer to forego words entirely, in that case?"

He's well aware that there are multiple sorts of physical communication to choose from; Zhongli finds that, with both aggression and arousal stirring inside him, he doesn't particularly mind anyway.

[unionized]

[His eyes close halfway, unwilling to take his eyes off Sylvain altogether but affected enough that he can't quite keep them completely open. His fingers slide to the nape of Sylvain's neck before grasping for purchase again there, taking advantage of the way he moves closer to get a more intimate hold on him like it's compensation for the fact that his perch on the desk doesn't give him a whole lot of leverage to move back in return.]

Well. I won't dispute that.

[The praise, heavy-handed and rich, had made him smile, made him blush. Well, who wouldn't bask in attention and recognition, really? All the more reason to lean into it; he's delightfully responsive to it, all told.]

But the real question is, can you take a hint, or do I need to spell it out for you?

[broca]

[ Broca is squarely hole-neutral with digging as an as needed activity, though far be it from him to stop anyone else from crawling in whatever holes they want. He's just at least making a pretense of being more selective about which holes he enters. ]

I've been to the maintenance levels of this hotel already though...

[ He knows what's below, and he knows digging down isn't going to get them very far. ]

my secret agenda of completing the scavenger hunt lol ;;

[bedroll]

[ There's a level of reassurance when he sees the kid's body language change instantly. Of course not everyone is outdoorsy, even when it comes to the beach, and given what little he's learned so far he's not exactly surprised that Yusuke is more of an indoor cat. Still, it's nice to know that even at his most ruffled, there's some kind of calm that his presence brings, even if it's only temporary. Because...well, yeah, maybe he is getting a bit bold with the asks lately, but not without good cause. Or consideration for what might be something time-consuming. ]

No tab needed. Not for this, anyway. [ Said with a grin bordering on sheepish, as he shifts his weight in the sand. ] Wondering if you could spare any of these before the sun goes down. I can replace anything they confiscate.

[ The list is open on his Watch, hologram projected above it for easier perusal (and easier checking for over-large fingers). Aside from a final pair of sandals, he's still missing an unfinished drink, one pair of sunglasses, and one kiss. But that last one's not exactly the kind of thing he'd ask Yusuke for, particularly not after being playfully called out for asking too many favors in the first place. ]

[bedroll]

[ The loss is misery enough, but the gloating on top of it earns a soft groan of annoyance and disapproval. Not just the fanfare—one he's heard hummed a hundred times if he's heard it once—but the photoburst to commemorate this. One wide hand comes up to block his face, as if it won't be obvious enough from the tattoo scrawled along his arms and chest. At least it's over relatively quickly; small favors that come alongside Prompto's penchant for photography. Unfortunately, though, the relief is short-lived when his suspicions and, indeed, concerns are validated. ]

It's not poison.

[ His tone is dismissive, in lieu of hands that want to bury the skewer before shoving Prompto off in the other direction. It's also defeated in a way that becomes clearer as he elaborates, the explanation coming reluctantly. He's trying to find a delicate way of putting things since the last thing he wants to deal with is panic alongside the side effects, although he knows that's sort of a hair trigger for Prompto either way.

Instead of burying the skewer or rolling him into the sand, however, Gladio simply grabs his wandering hands at the wrists, holding his arms steady and aiming to lock eyes with him. ]

This isn't a normal resort. You can't trust the food and drink here without seeing what it does to other people first. [ A sigh, closed eyes, and a glance toward the water, behind Prompto, at a pair of guests without a care in the world. One on all-fours in the sand, the other behind her on his knees, neither of them with a lick of clothing or shame to be seen. ]

A couple months ago, there was some shitty "game" that had everyone running around acting like idiots because they were assigned different animals. Some of them were rabbits...and needed to do what rabbits do best.

[ He hopes the message is clear enough, though he's been a bit delicate with the explanation. Mostly because he'd been unfortunate enough to have been one of the rabbits, and isn't exactly keen to relive some of his most embarrassing moments. ]

[bedroll]

Sounds like my kinda place.

[ He manages a crooked smile, an attempt at boosting a mood that refuses to lift between the two of them. It's a strange feeling, not just for its abrupt onset but in general. He isn't like this, normally. He doesn't dwell on things, refuses to let others around him dwell, and so feeling as if they've managed to fall into some sort of pit that even he can't reach the top of is unsettling. It also puts things into perspective, here and there, particularly with relation to friends he hasn't seen in ages.

So he's equally grateful, then, for her company and her own attempts to boost their spirits with a weak joke and a rosy gaze that searches for a laugh in response to it. ]

The sea, sort of. The lifeguards, not exactly. [ She gets a laugh, soft but genuine, though he does break their eye contact briefly to scan the shore for any lingering gaggles of those gulls. They're unsettling too, in a way that other things that have happened in the last few months both have and haven't been. He's not sure whether he's grateful or not that this place still manages to surprise him. ]

Can't be sure about the mermaids either way. There's rumors of a giant fish back home. One of those legends where all the details get exaggerated. For all anyone knows it might just be one of those mermaids. [ A pause. ] I can't exactly say I'd be any more comfortable if they were the other way around though. Mermaids don't exist where I'm from, even as stories.

[bedroll]

[ He knows his approach is a bit overwrought, perhaps even somewhat comical in its delicacy and not simply due to his size and appearance. It is part of the angle, a near-perfect method that's garnered him more than simple kisses at bars back home and even here. Still, it isn't foolproof by any means, and charm only goes as far as the recipient will allow it. And, really, it's on him for trying the angle on someone not quite so differently built than he is, though the response is a bit more tongue-in-cheek than he's prepared to hear.

One might say it's a bit patronizing, really, though Gladio's certainly no stranger to being deflected with machismo either. It doesn't mean the joke lands any better, however, and that much shows in the way his smile slips, and his posture straightens. He makes no move to take advantage of the accepted offer. ]

Figured I'd gotten off easy, not getting the worst list, but you might have a point. Intimacy doesn't come easy.

[ Intimacy, in this case, hardly meaning the physical closeness this resort pushes on the daily. True intimacy, with vulnerability and a desire to know someone rather than simply meeting them. He's been lucky with his handful, especially since they aren't all sexual, but it's easy to recognize that not everyone might approach others as people rather than points first. And that maybe even in his own approach like this, he could be seen as one and the same despite his intentions. ]

If kisses aren't your thing, I'm happy to buy you a fresh drink instead, or offer chips for a trade. [ Said with a small gesture to the sandals around his neck, thumb hooking under the rope. ]

[bedroll]

[ Maybe it's a little foolish of him to think that anyone else might have a flush of red feathers on their back. Or maybe part of him was nervous that what he's heard others guessing at might be true, about people popping up from different points along the same timeline. So even when Hawks does turn, greeting him with a warm smile and the warm gold of his gaze, Gladio still holds his breath a little. It isn't abundantly clear that this is the man he'd met a few months ago, shared an impromptu tryst with back in his suite—hadn't seen again any time after that, until now. ]

I won't say no to that. [ Said with an easy laugh, rich and low, and a touch nervous. ] Don't wanna test the patience of those lifeguards though. Not sure if they'll count them separately, or if they have to be from separate people.

[ The suggestion does put another idea in his head, though, coupled with the sight of them practically mirroring each other with what they've gathered. No wonder they'd gotten along so well, so quickly, he thinks; great minds and all. ]

You know, if we combined resources, we could probably wrap up the hunt pretty quickly...

[bedroll]

[ He grasps at what little reassurance can be gleaned from the response, sardonic as it is. Three months, six months—he's pretty sure even a year's worth of time here wouldn't be enough to chip much away from a person's resolve. Something about this place manages to take all the fun out of flirting. Maybe because it feels more like a pressure cooker, or a watched pot.

Or maybe he just misses Ignis and his cooking a hell of a lot more than he wants to admit. ]

Can't imagine feeling at home in a place like this. It keeps you motivated to leave, at least. I guess. [ His thumb traces along the ridge of his cup, pondering. He takes the answer to be about the "Game," since it's what he'd meant from the question. And in that he takes just a bit more reassurance, since he's hardly made a dent in collecting his own deck. Not that he's particularly convinced that anything will actually come of it should anyone manage to finish one. ] Probably won't even hear about it when anyone manages to get outta here. Feels like people are coming and going all the time anyway.

[ The thought brings on another pang, consternation on his face as he considers even just the handful of people he's spoken with since arriving. The ones who've stayed, the one's who've suddenly deactivated their accounts, and the ones who seemed to have been more of a dream than a reality, when they were gone the day after he'd met them. ]

You come from somewhere really different, then? [ Keep talking, just keep talking, Gladio tells himself. He can't leave if you're in the middle of a conversation. ] No beaches, or just no bird people?

[factoring]

[ Figuring out what's going on is the absolute last thing on her mind right now. Only the chase of pleasure has any power going to it now. The feeling of Ragna's tongue in her mouth, the feeling of skin against skin. He man handles her, and the fact he does it at all has a thrill running down her body.

The pleasure of his cock pressing up against her ass, shifting, using a hand to shift the bikini bottoms just enough to take him in. Moaning out with pleasure as she's filled up.

What's there to question, when everything feels so good? ]

[sociallinks]

[ Not one, but two hotdogs? Oh my, Kazuya is really shelling out the big bucks...! ]

[ Minato follows along, saying nothing when he's being led straight to a hotdog stand. He's perfectly fine with getting some dog meat, so when they walk right up to order, he looks at Kazuya to do it for the both of them. It'd be impolite if he ordered on someone else's dime! So let's see if Kazuya really will break his wallet and get him those two doggies. ]

[sociallinks]

[ Minato does occasionally ignore questions so her misunderstanding isn't even out of character for him... it's also not out of character for him to not react at all even after seeing Weiss summon a tiny knight and watching it grow nearly to the size of a palm tree. He doesn't even bat an eye, simply craning his head back to look up the now-oversized knight. Wow, impressive. ]

[ He then lowers his head to look at Weiss so he can ask a very important question. ]

Is that as big as it grows?

[ It'd be cool if it could become even bigger.......... ]

no worries!

[keyeju]

[ The corner of Gen's mouth twitches in a way that seems torn between amusement and irritation. His own movements in battle tend to be heavily monitored by a whole team assessing everything from what they can glean through drone cameras to his vitals fed back to them through the suit he wears. He's pretty used to people monitoring situations from him.

From his own trusted team at least, and in situations that seem a lot more dangerous to him than currents. Though part of that is Gen underestimating how easy it is to get dragged under. ]

No need to waste your time here. I wouldn't wanna keep you floating there for too long.

[holeinwall]

[ She just laughs at all that. So sweet. So agreeable. Everything she loves about him, tucked away and buried deep in her heart where no one can find it. At his touches, she hums out sounds of appreciation at his touches, but she doesn't say anything just yet. Aside from indulging in the attention, she wants him to think she's actually listening to his requests.

It's been too long since she's been able to yank the rug from under someone's feet by doing the unexpected. ]

Typical you. So willing to give me exactly what I want.

[ Monika hums again, brushing a few grains of sand off of her cheeks, then almost playfully tickles him under his chin. From there, she trails down again, scooting her body lower until she's straddling his thighs. This leaves his erection free to be touched as it strains against his bikini bottom. Helpfully, she pulls the fabric aside, circling the head of his cock with featherlight touches. ]

Nothing would be better than making sure everyone can hear how much you've hurt me.

[ To be extra mean, she dips down and takes his cock into her mouth. Not very deep, but she sucks as hard as she can while drawing herself back up, leaving a line of spit that doesn't break until she's nearly halfway to standing. A quick treat! Or maybe more being horrible. Who knows.

Sand shifts around him, and she tilts her head once more when she's standing over his chest, staring from above. He's regarded like the lowliest being in the resort. Adding to that feeling? Her dragging one foot forward and pressing hard on his throat with her sandal. At least the view is nice for him? ]

But no. I don't think I will. [ She pouts with an obnoxious whimper. ] If you want it, then it's no fun!

[ She says this, but she follows it up with roughly pushing his jaw back. That little maneuver doesn't count, though, because she wanted to do it. Ultimately, the best part is...she's hurting him by doing nothing at all. The Player couldn't complain about her ingenuity! ]

Maybe lie there and think about what you did? This is a good place to do it, or that's what I've learned from books and movies, anyway.

[ With a wink, she blows him a kiss, then jauntily walks away. She has no intentions of abandoning him. It's more of another game to see how long it'd take for him to come running after her like some lost puppy. Nothing could be more satisfying than that. ]

[wolfssegen]

[Ches laughs softly when Vash says the day has been good enough, and nods.]

Seems to pretty often be the case in this place.

[He watches as Vash sits up, cross-legged, and smiles at him. The other man is still good-looking. Turns out it wasn't just the atmosphere at the Smoked Egg that really got him, but Vash is actually handsome. Sexy.]

Oh really? Got nothing like that back home? Then again, I guess I've only visited the ocean once in my life, myself, so I can't really say anything.

[A little shrug, almost mirroring the one Vash gives him, and he shakes his head.]

A little calm conversation counts as rest for me. What've you been up to today, anyhow?

[pyrolyzed]

Huh?

[ It's only when he hears the zipper pull up all the way that Fuuta finally dares to properly look at her, scrutinizing her for a moment before the pieces click into place. Right, right. Yet another person here who can't use technology. ]

Yeah, just -- [ A short sigh before he steps close, beckoning with a hand for her to hold forth the wrist where her Watch is latched into place. ] Lemme look at it real quick. I'm just gonna bring up the message, alright.

[ Clearly he's mentally pegged Yor as the equivalent of a hand grenade that's gonna blow up in his face unless he handles her delicately, i.e. warning her before he does anything. But once she does hold up her wrist, he leans in to fiddle with her watch, pressing a few buttons to bring up the House's message before pulling his hands away to signify he's done. ]

There. [ And then he's gonna back off a step. Just in case. ]

[counterblowing]

[Rahu's expression is likewise stern, not betraying any relief she might feel at finding that her bluff worked for the time being or too much unearned gentleness in the way she helps Ashiro drink.

The answer she receives sparks a sense of familiarity for Rahu. The whole world... is likely not worth saving, not for many people, though she knows plenty who have those ideals. It isn't difficult to imagine this woman serving in the FAC, stalwart against the same corruption she took into herself. Rahu's devotion has always been narrower, and yet it's no less intense. It's the locus of her obsession; it's already a bargaining chip.]

... I've already paid mine. My body and my mind, in pursuit of my goal. My life may be the next thing. [She speaks in a tone that reveals no regrets, speaking slowly so Mina has time to finish drinking more if she chooses. Or her own thoughts are difficult to untangle.]

Maybe it's a little hypocritical. I'm still hesitating, even though this is just another obstacle. [Too many perceived innocents, maybe - or the fear that there's something still within her control now that will corrupt even further if she indulges it. Rahu hasn't been immune to events on the beach already. There have been dreams that have wrested plenty of humiliation from her, substances that made her head swim. But those have been dreams, just temporary lapses.] I won't act like an authority on what you should compromise and what you shouldn't.

[But...]

[keyeju]

[ Actions really do speak louder than words, because Wriothesley is already accurately reading him for filth on his crummier behavior. At least Narumi has managed to steal from a more even-keeled guy.

Well... at least he managed to steal from someone who wouldn't try to punch him out on the spot, even if he's trying to get his revenge in other ways.

Narumi's hyper-competitive nature is currently at war with the fact that he has more brains than he looks like he possesses. His fingers drum on the table, cutting a contemplative look back at the stall. ]

They sure don't advertise the contest in that case.

[keyeju]

[ Whatever is making her see him as a different person must be fairly convincing then. He knows his personality isn't anything like Hibino Kafka's more amicable nature, and while Ashiro caught on quickly that his behavior was off for Kafka, it still took a moment.

He rests his elbow on the bar counter, and props his chin on top of his hand. ]

Try guessing.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[The tickle under his chin is nice. It causes him to purr and close his eyes in pure bliss. Such a simple gesture, and it pleases him. A soft whine leaves him when Monika pulls his bikini bottom, freeing his cock from the strain but in doing so, causing his cheeks to heat up. Not that he dislikes it, of course. Even when they're out in public, he... Doesn't seem to mind too much? Granted, there is not a single soul around this area to catch them in the act.

Regardless, his cock twitches from her lightest brush of her finger, and a moan tears out of him when Monika suddenly takes him in her mouth and sucks him hard. His entire body tenses and his hips juts forward, cock leaking pre. Alas, that was an extremely short-lived blowjob that leaves him wanting.

He has something to say but Monika prevents that when she steps down on his throat.]

A-ah...

[It hurts. It hurts so good. It has Soundwave wiggling under her, but yet again doesn't show much resistance. That look Monika is giving him, though? If it had been anyone else who gives him such a look, they would've gotten a rage-filled Soundwave, but Monika...? In his eyes, he's staring up a beautiful angel. No matter how demented her face is, she's beautiful. The silver lining is... It's certainly a nice view.


However, Monika has yet again surprise him.]

Wh... what...?

[She won't do it? He's given her free reign to do whatever she pleases, but she won't do it. Soundwave isn't.... Unhappy about the choice per say, but he certainly doesn't expect it. But oh... No, she's doing something way worse to him. Worse than anything physical harm she's done to him.

She's walking away.]

Monika...

[Perhaps surprisingly he doesn't give chase immediately. Don't get him wrong, his entire being is shaking to quickly chase Monika, but he does lie down there and stares up to the night sky, thinking about... Everything, really. Not just what he did to her.

It's given her plenty of time to put some considerable distance away from him.

But, eventually he pushes himself to sit upright, looking down at himself. He grimaces a little at his erect cock straining his bikini bottom. The damp patch from his pre leaking out. To have gotten this hard from the treatment she gave him... Thankfully for him, he has a coat to keep him covered at least, and so he zips it up. Nobody could see his shame. Good thing it's the night, also. If he had to do this in the sun, he might just mentally die from the heat. Shaking his head, he better hurry up. Monika's going to disappear soon.

He quickly gets up on his feet and, as she might expected, jogs to catch up to Monika like a lost attached puppy. He doesn't say anything when he's back to her side, but he avoids to catch her gaze. Though the back of his hand lightly brushes against Monika.]

[keyeju]

[ Don't ask him to do things like stop and think when his brain has good full rabbit horny! His expression screws up in agitation as he continues to circle her like a border collie trying to burn off an excessive of energy. ]

You seemed agreeable enough when I asked for something from you before.

[ Admittedly she'd also teased asking if she'd be allowed to pick it out, though her choice was also good in the end. ]

[factoring]

Didn't I tease you?

[ Just like she's doing right now.

Helping people is satisfying, but so is teasing them. Especially when she gets to watch a guy running around her so desperately. ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ It sure is a moodkiller, but hey, it works. Fuuta promptly gives a flustered sputtering noise, clearly at a loss for words. ]

Who said -- that's -- [ An awkward huff as he squirms in place a little bit. Because, like. How the hell is he supposed to respond to that? ] -- that's not what I was saying? S'not like ... I think bad things can't happen. It's just ... I meant thinking you gotta take advantage of everything is what's edgy ...

[ And vaguely, at the back of his mind, he thinks, 'How should I know what it's like to take care of your disabled mother. I barely even remember mine.' But for as tactless and brusque as he can be, even he knows better than to voice a thought like that out loud. Ultimately, he ends up averting his gaze, arms crossed over his chest in clear discomfort as he mumbles, ]

... s'not like I don't think you've had it rough.

[pyrolyzed]

[ The guy says it so casually that he totally mentally registered it as a 'I'll be fine' at first, letting his gaze slide off to follow the nearest passing merperson. Then he does a double-take and looks back to Kleken with brow scrunched in clear disbelief. ]

... you're joking, right.

[ His glass looks mostly full, still? ... he thinks? Who fucking knows when it comes to these sorts of drinks though. ]

Uh. Are you ... feeling alright?