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

[philancer]

[ He gives a snort of laughter at that, quiet and abrupt, even as he shoots her a wicked look. ]

Sweetheart. Not all their differences are visible outside of their clothes.

[ You did read the welcome memos, right> You should be aware what this place is all about by now. And if not, he's really starting this talk on the wrong topic. ]

[philancer]

[ That grin is infections, and he wonders if he's ever seen so genuine an expression on Wriothesley's face before now.

He lets himself be tugged through the water, even if he has to struggle a bit to keep up at times. But he follows along, unsure where the other man is taking him but content to be led all the same.

Although he does wish they could talk down here. Although he supposes that's pretty difficult without air. but he gives Wriothesley's hand a squeeze as he grins down at him, fondness in his gaze. ]

[comfypillow]

[ Seven months? That is troublesome. So troublesome that Quincy is distracted from distracting thoughts, closing his eyes for a moment and sighing. The fact that he had seen the priest within the past few months isn’t much of a matter—they are somewhere that time flows differently (or so he presumes). Not unheard of… but annoying.

Olivine’s touch is much less of a problem. Quincy’s eyes open with his gaze steadfast on those fine fingers resting on his arm. A spark of electricity that stirs the hulking forest guardian; his fingers twitch slightly. After a lengthy moment, he reaches across to take that hand—he doesn’t want to share Olivine with even himself—holding it in the other. ]

Come with me.

[ He says nothing more for now. Keeping their hands clasped, Quincy leads the other man away from the chattering gull that’s been glaring daggers and puffing the entire time.

Only when they’re alone toward the sand, with several large rocks acting as cover, does the forest guardian stop and turn around. With a step forward, he wraps his arms around the priest. A gesture that quells the fire in his heart by only a small amount. ]

… it’s not enough.

[pyrolyzed]

[ His nerves are still on edge, and Fuuta gives a startled squeak when Yor first stomps forth from the bungalow's entrance, flinching back a little. It's not until he sees her at the edge of his field of vision putting on the hoodie, and he processes what she's saying, that he finally lowers his hands from where they're raised in a meager attempt to protect himself. ]

Yeah, well ... just don't do it again. That could've been real bad, y'know.

[ There's the scuff of sand when he eases back another half-step before awkwardly getting to his feet, slapping sand off his swim trunks and brushing it off his legs. It admittedly feels weird being without his hoodie; his T-shirt's plastered to his body, damp with sweat, and it leaves him feeling weirdly exposed. Fuuta tries not to think about it as he regards Yor. ]

You just woke up here, huh. [ Pause. ] You should probably, uh, read the whole message they sent you. It has some important information.

[ Read: 'I really don't wanna have to explain it to you in my own words.' ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ ... is that a threat?

Fuuta just stares warily across the table for a moment before shrinking back just a fraction, expression tightening with a hint of caution. What the hell. He wasn't disrespecting the guy or anything? (He totally was.) Just saying it like it is ... why does nobody here react to things in a normal way. ]

I'm saying that's what's pissing me off. People poking fun at shit that isn't even my fault. -- doesn't it annoy you? It's not like you asked to get saddled with that stupid rabbit role, either. It's annoying.

[ Though it's followed by a narrowing of the eyes, then Fuuta looks aside with a soft huff. His voice is a notch lower when he mutters, ]

Guess it's easier to say that kinda shit doesn't matter when you look like you do, though. Must be nice.

[pyrolyzed]

[ Who the fuck is 'we.' Is this a magic thing, since he's pretty sure this isn't the first time she's gotten all uppity about magic or whatever. Or does she have a little posse of fellow weirdos who get all uptight about this kind of shit.

A very reasonable question, honestly! One he's not going to ask, because he's promptly distracted by that accusation Rin hurls his way. ]

H -- haa?! Don't go talking like you know me! Who said I need any attention?! [ He doesn't need to say it when it comes through so clearly in his attitude, huh. Fuuta, in denial, feels his face heat up in embarrassment, even as he snaps, ] And I'm not ... indebted to people!

[ He is, actually. An awareness of it has him shriveling back a touch before he regroups, trying to keep his words firm as he growls, ]

Besides -- you know it's kinda messed up thinking of everything like that, right? Everything being debts, or whatever. S'normal for people to help other people who need it. It's the right thing to do. And especially since you're, like ... a pretty girl. [ That's how it works, isn't it? Pretty girls like Rin should be swimming in no-strings-attached offers of help. ]

[pyrolyzed]

Seriously? Ugh ...

[ It's not that he'd always just believe everything people tell him. For real, honestly. But like -- after a few months of being stuck in this dumb sex resort, could he be blamed for thinking sex-hungry mermaids trying to kidnap people with free drinks is totally plausible?

Fuuta shoots the nearest merperson a wary stare. Then, noticing something, he leans in a little closer to Kleken. ]

Uh, should you be drinking that, then? [ Pointing at Kleken's drink. ] Isn't that kinda risky too?

[ This guy’s not, like, roofie-ing himself or something, is he. He’s not gonna suddenly drop to the floor unconscious, right. ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ What is with the girls here being weirdly haughty and uppity? Things weren't like this back home? Most girls'd shut up or leave him alone the moment he raised his voice at them? Not that he meant to yell at them or anything, but ... the girls here are all freaks, is the only conclusion he can reach.

Which is to say, Fuuta just gawps at Mona for a moment or two following that display of magic(?), before snapping, ]

What, was all that just so you had an excuse to show off what a genius you are?!

[ Said even as he needs to put visible effort into tearing his eyes away from that water-disk(???) she's summoned. It's fucking unfair, honestly, how so many people here seem to come from places with all sorts of fantastical magical bullshit. He needs a second to try and process that namedrop before he manages to find words, muttering grumpily: ]

... and who told you my name? I bet you're just trying to spook me pretending you figured it out with your magic, or whatever it is.

[ Even as he yaps, though, Fuuta shows no sign of wanting to leave; if anything, he uses the excuse of trying to squint at that weird water disk to scoot in just a little closer. Weird, how the thought doesn't even come to mind. In this moment, being around anyone is preferable to having to be alone. ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ Okay, first of all, Fuuta has to contend with the dirty look the bartender shoots him for coming to a bar and having both people request waters. After a sigh, he orders a beer. What, is this girl worried he's gonna do something scuzzy with her drink even through a bartender? Whatever.

That aside -- ]

... what.

[ Furina is treated to a flat stare for a solid moment because, like. Where the hell did that come from. ]

That's not what I was -- [ A short huff. ] Like -- I'm twenty, I'm from Tokyo, Japan, I was a college student. I meant what's your deal like that.

[ He hadn't asked something weird, had he? Wasn't that a perfectly normal thing to ask someone? Like, an introduction? He's definitely starting to feel like something's extremely off, and Fuuta massages at his temple with a hand to try and get his vision to stop fritzing at the edges when he squints at her. ]

And what d'you mean you've never had the chance to do anything like this. You mean ending up in a freak resort where people are supposed to -- [ a vague gesture of the hand at the rest of the beach, to indicate all the horndogs doing their thing. ] -- or, like, getting a drink.

[pyrolyzed]

[ At least Aak isn't alone in that sentiment.

Even seen in profile, Fuuta's face scrunches up into an obvious grimace of discomfort at that question because -- yeah, he hadn't wanted to imagine any of his fellow Milgram prisoners stuck in this place, either? Even if it's not like he's close to them or anything, it still feels weird to think too hard about any of them having sex. Or having them know what he's been up to in this dumb sex resort. ]

S'none of your business.

[ Those snippy words leave him before he can stop them, and Fuuta immediately regrets it. He's quick to squeeze tighter at Aak's wrist afterwards, as if to prevent him from pulling away and fleeing, and he huffs a short sigh before looking back and adding a little more evenly -- ]

I mean, it's just what you gotta do to survive here, alright. And I can fend for myself. You should worry about yourself, instead. ... I'll do what I can to help you, but you're still a man, so you gotta watch your own back, alright?

[pyrolyzed]

[ It's almost exactly what he wanted to hear. Only those first few words -- 'you reap what you sow' -- send a cold shiver down his spine at first. They're not untrue, after all. It's not like he's blind to the fact that he holds some responsibility for what happened. It's not his fault, he hadn't meant for it to happen, but cause and effect still dictate that he played a part in that girl dying. Even having to think about that again, about the awful messages he'd seen on his phone before ending up in Milgram, has an acrid spike of tension spearing through his gut.

None of that matters once he hears the rest of what Dabi has to say, though.

Fuuta's expression lights up right before Dabi's eyes, brow slowly relaxing and the tension draining from the clench of his jaw. There's no room for even a shred of doubt -- it's relief that has Fuuta giving a long exhale, shoulders slumping and hands loosening from that pale-knuckled grip into Dabi's shirt to something laxer. There's a moment's pause before he nods, swallows thickly, then nods once more, a little more firmly the second time. ]

... yeah. Yeah, it's not like I made her do anything. [ His next breath comes hoarse, edged with a low laugh. ] You get it. It's real messed up that I ended up there, you know? That I ended up like this. You get it.

[ It's weeks and months that he's spent here now, terrified that the first person to learn that he was a prisoner and alleged 'murderer' would rat him out to the population and turn him into a pariah. Someone to be avoided and shunned and punished once more. A gut-churning level of tension and anxiety that's built up over time, only to dissipate in one fell swoop, and the relief that follows is dizzying, like a rush of blood to the head. He feels simultaneously dazed and giddy, and Fuuta has no real complaint when Dabi takes his hand and eases him from the barstool. It's only a vague, lingering awareness of their surroundings that has him making a grab for that third cocktail with his free hand, hurriedly throwing back as much of it as he can in one go so it isn't wasted; he's spilled a little, tracks of sugary-sweet cocktail tracking down from the corner of his mouth, but it's hard to care in the moment.

He barely takes a moment to swipe at his mouth with the back of his hand before slipping away from the barstools to plaster against Dabi's side, like it's the most obvious place for him to be. ]

Yeah? Of course.

[ Maybe that's an insane thing to say. Mortifyingly earnest, and disgustingly clingy. It sort of is gross, he knows, in some distant corner of his mind. But between the alcohol, the drink's influence, and the exhilarating sense of relief that he's swimming in at the moment, the words come easy. Fuuta tucks himself up against Dabi's side almost to a degree that makes it hard to walk, like a cat weaving between its chosen target's legs, keeping his hand entwined closely with Dabi's. And it's from that arrangement, practically glued to Dabi's side that he glances up to slur, ]

I knew you'd be the one I could count on, you know? [ It's a bald-faced lie, said like he hadn't fretted and dodged and skirted around every previous chance to be honest. But drunk, and further intoxicated off the validation that Dabi's so obligingly fed him, Fuuta can't stop himself -- he breathes a wobbly laugh, leaning his head against Dabi's shoulder as they leave the bar. He probably could walk by himself if necessary, but he's tipsy enough that leaning against Dabi makes it a lot easier, and he's glad to have the excuse to stick so close to him. (Not that he should need the excuse? This is right where he should be, isn't it? Who else deserves this spot?) ] Figured if anyone here'd get it and wouldn't give me shit over all of that, it might be you.

[pyrolyzed]

[ Atsushi's consideration is so kind and sweet, and utterly wasted in this moment because there really isn't a deeper reason for Fuuta slowly steam-baking himself in the sun other than that he doesn't like feeling exposed any more than absolutely necessary.

And he's stubborn about it, too. The offer of water just earns a dismissive wave of the hand. Fuuta's focus is instead on the benches up ahead, and he rolls into the first one they come across. ]

Yeah? S'good, I guess.

[ A low groan as he stretches out, then gives a sigh of relief. Man, even just being in the shade helps a ton; already, he sounds a little drowsy as he drapes himself over the comfy padding. ]

First birthday, first beach outing ... S'good if you at least get to enjoy some stuff like this in between all the other bullshit this place makes you go through. And at least you don't gotta work while you're here.

III.

[armwriostle]

[Wriothesley is headed towards the water and he almost keeps going if not for the fact that there's no one else in ear shot. Her words were obviously directed towards him. He turns to look at her before folding his arms over his chest. Unfortunately, Wriothesley isn't really one to take orders from a stranger.]

Hm? Sorry, I don't have a queen I take orders from. You'll have to try a different line.

[schmisse]

Is that how it works? Surely you aren't all digital inside?

[ It's... so hard to tell. Weiss gives Hyun-ae's arm a poke. ]

Hungry, but not funny.

[ Though maybe it's because she hasn't had a lot of the skewers yet. The feeling of loneliness is nicely combatted by the company of another, so she feels mostly fine so far! And because's hungry, she does take a few more bites of the meat, downing it with her drink soon after. ]

What are you feeling?

[comfypillow]

[ Considering that Quincy had figured Topper went off to make friends with some beach babes before he woke up, that little quip sure puts a funny image of the owl in his head. Maybe he likes to do that kind of thing after all? Well, he can make his own decisions. The forest guardian accepts it with a soft noise. Good luck getting the owl back from the beach babes.

He watches the researcher munch down on watermelon. Though his expression isn’t much changed from normal, there’s certainly a sense of satisfaction. Maybe he can get him to eat the whole thing?

But the mention of aphro gives him pause. Quincy cocks his head at the third and fourth quarters, gives one a sniff, and then helps himself to a bite as well. A bead of juice trails down from the corner of his mouth as he chews, brow etched with some thoughtfulness until he swallows. ]

Tastes normal. [ his tongue darts out to lick away the juice, ] Why would anything be in it?

[ He’s been here for like 6 hours and slept for 4 of them… ]

[softstoneheart]

[ Topaz and Aventurine casually bicker amongst themselves (or in front of the Trailblazer), but even someone as honest as Topaz knows that outsiders would be all too eager to exploit discord. Besides, the tea is lukewarm at best. Room temperature, really.

And to the public eye, they have to retain a united front. The Marketing Development Department is the only one who has their open disdain.

And those lifeguards. ]

I'm pretty sure the lifeguards aren't getting paid to harass people. Unless they fail the scavenger hunt.

[ And they are talking about the same thing. Even if that's the question she's been asking herself, it hits different coming from the outside. She ponders it as she eats more of her parfait. ]

That's my problem: I don't really know. It's not like I had any experience with sex before I came here. I should be thankful that Aventurine hasn't pushed or even teased me about how little I've done in terms of playing the game or earning rewards. I'm sure he's being honest when he says not to worry too much and let him handle it. I'm not worried about owing him anything. But...

[ she's unsure of her feelings. ]

b. i.

[armwriostle]

It's quite the sight, is it not?

[Wriothesley is quite fond of seeing sunsets and sunrises. It's a rare sight for him, usually only up on the surface to run errands in the day or to linger outside in the twilight when wanting a breath of fresh air. He so rarely gets to see the sky though, always tucked deep under the water for many hours to days. on end.

Still, he was fond of the changing of the sky, enjoyed what it meant for the next day to come and end. It might be simulated in the hotel, but he won't complain about being able to see it happen.] It's the simple things that have the strongest impact.

[dreamunchained]

[Firefly leads them along, eventually identifying an empty tented area set up on the beach with cooling fans and places to sit that weren't sand, sand, and more sand. She leads them inside, collapsing onto a weird bean bag sofa directly under the path of one of the fans and navigating Stelle down along with her. She tosses her silly sun hat off next to them once she sits, running a hand through her bangs and ruffling them a bit to get rid of her hat hair as she lets out a satisfied sigh at the cold air hitting her face.]

There. This is better, right?

[comfypillow]

[ The fact that Baizhu doesn’t scream and squirm is a relief. That had been a headache Quincy was dreading. Now, the walk along the beach is peaceful, the artificial wind a pleasant tickle as be begins to climb one of the massive boulders on the edge of the shore. Scaling a rocky slope with someone affixed to their back may be a challenge for most, but this man doesn’t seem too put out.

The rock juts out into the sea, a point where the guardian gently places Baizhu down on and joins him right after. He sits, one knee bent, gazing out toward the false horizon. ]

How is this?

[emyoji]

[ It feels like he's being pinned, wrapped in a rope of thick muscle until Quincy finally permits him to move, gradually waking up enough to loosen his grasp. Seimei shivers a little at the potential that strength has, but he takes advantage of the freedom to sit up, stretching as he looks at his new bed partner. ]

Well, you would be a rather large catch... I suppose it would be difficult to eat you all at once. But what if you ran into someone more dangerous? You were holding onto me without knowing what I was.

[ Although now that he says that, it probably sounds a little ridiculous. He's not as big or imposing as Quincy at all, and while he does have some air of a predator, it's a small one. ]

Ah. [ But Seimei is also noticing those dark circles now. ]

Did I interrupt you? You must have needed that rest.

[wholefoods]

I want not for flattery, but thank you.

[In fact the reception of praise has only ever been followed the annoying, petty antics of a fellow division captain since she gained public notoriety and "stole the spotlight from him".

Ashiro settles herself at the bar and begins peeking at the menu.]

Would you rather pick what we get?

["We," she says because it would be awkward to drink alone. That, and she's not quite sure what kind of budget Kleken may have.]

[wholefoods]

Well... it was a bit difficult for me to understand too. I think the gist of it is that we have been kidnapped and encouraged to play a game in exchange for a wish.

[Ashiro decides that she'll start with the basics and work up from there. It would be unfortunate to dump everything on this energetic woman at once, and have her lose it all again in a tizzy.

There seems to be a cabana with a wide variety of swimsuits, sarongs, and other fashionable beachwear. A lot of it shows skin, but... that's the nature of things here.]

[wholefoods]

[Ashiro closes her eyes. She can tell that Rahu's intent isn't at all salacious, so instead of getting upset she simply has to endure the other woman's gaze while she inspects the pillory.]

I have had some food, but the only drinks I have been offered had been alcoholic. I'm willing to bet that is intentional.

[Loosening someone's grip on their self control, softening their concerns and inhibitions... it's all quite dastardly, but Mina does have to admit she did fail the challenge. Not even on purpose. She was just so uncomfortable with the demands she procrastinated until the final second.]

[dispassioned]

[He hums his acknowledgment and sighs.]

Refreshments are often laced with something to lower inhibitions in some form or another. After you’ve been around awhile you learn to be picky.

[Some do anyway. Chishiya supposes there are always a few who don’t care or like to take risks. And being careful can only take you so far. The house will find a way to mess with everyone sooner or later, but caution can help you feel like you have some control, at least.]

[briarthorns]

[ As Yor listens, the corners of her mouth pull lower and lower. ]

The.. elevators...??

[ Was there no way to climb out of the maintenance panel in the ceiling, pull the emergency door release on the next floor up, and escape out of automatic doors? Yor is already picturing every elevator she's ever been in, and recalling the ones where she'd sneakily gotten out in that exact same way — usually to avoid security cameras. Huh... maybe the elevators here are different from the ones in Ostania... and, well, she guesses most people wouldn't know how to escape from an elevator like that, probably...

After zoning out for a moment, she takes another bite of skewered vegetable, his cheeks slightly pink. ]

So... not really forced, but still forced, basically. [ While she's clearly concerned to hear this, she's not as scandalized as her ditzy and innocent personality might've suggested she would be. ]