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

Yusuke Kitagawa | Persona 5 R | 7 of Diamonds | current player

[artcritic]

1. Evening at Bungalows

[Despite not having the real sun in here, Yusuke feels completely drained from everything that's going on with this beach excursion. He never thought he'd crave to go back to his suite and drop dead onto the bed and sleep for hours on end.

That being said- the evening is nice. Very nice. It was hard to believe they were still inside the Hotel, but whatever magic was in play, it was doing a great job at deceiving and convincing it was the open world outside.

He's made his way back to the bungalow where he was told to remain with two or three other people. It was empty when he stepped inside; he figured the others that were supposed to be here were still somewhere on the beach. He picks up something to cover himself up, but with how sheer it is, one can ask why even bother?

He comes out and finds a spot nearby, under palm trees, a couple of lounge chairs, and a table, to finally sit down and unwind. It's quite a beautiful sight from here, and he's sad he doesn't have his sketchbook with him. When he hears footsteps coming closer, he looks over and offers a nod of greeting, whether he recognizes the person or not.]

Are you staying at this place as well? They are doing wonderful work of cramming as many people as possible in one room. [Please note the sarcasm.]

2. Fireworks by the Sea

[He had heard that there were to be fireworks at one point, and he couldn't help but reminisce about the rainy fireworks he got to experience with the others. A very fond memory.

With hands crossed, he's taking a walk through shallow water, loving the feeling of the soft sand on his bare feet as he does so. A loud cheer a few feet away, the loud explosion and lights in the sky signal that it had started. There are people running up from behind him, and he makes sure to step to the side to make way. Everyone should have a chance to watch this.

A person or two that remain behind, he stops by them because he's in no rush and they don't seem to be either.]

One almost forgets we are still in a building while watching this spectacle, [he makes an off-handed comment, but there's a very rare smile as he watches multi-colored fireworks light up the "sky".]

3. The Night
(aimed to be NSFW, doesn't have to be)

[Yusuke doesn't drink, but it's hard not to when the cocktails taste so good. However, he's not drunk to the point of stumbling around and not knowing what he's doing. He is more... approachable, however, his stoic, stern demeanor loosened up a little. He even laughs at poorly-timed jokes, things he barely understands and sarcastic comments!

He manages to leave the crowd that was getting more and more rowdy, and makes his way back to his bungalow, trying to be as silent as he can. It's hard, really, when there's still screaming and running in the background. He closes the door carefully behind him, making the music and loud voices muffle down, and toes off his sandals. He ponders on undressing, but he's wearing barely anything- someone stole his robe and gave him a new one when he insisted he needed to wear something.

When he hears someone turning around in bed and sitting up, he stops, hands on the buttons, and clumsily tries to button back up.] My apologies, didn't mean to wake you...

[ooc: Feel free to add me at Syndra if you want to plot something as a wildcard or PM me! All prompts are ota, m/m or m/f]

fireworks

[schmisse]

It's easy to forget, isn't it?

[ Weiss has slowed down too, not really to admire the view, but she can see that more and more people are congregating to one area. She doesn't want to be part of a crowd. The view looks fine from here! ]

I think that's what the resort wants you to do. Forget about everything else.

[ Which is... sad and frustrating. The small smile on Weiss' lips disappear momentarily, if only because she realises that she shouldn't be trying to scare someone off with what she said. So she shakes her head. ]

Please, ignore what I said.

[artcritic]

Too easy, [Yusuke sighs. He's seriously lamenting the fact that they cannot go outside and are stuck in this hotel indefinitely. Sure, they have everything they need, but he is going a bit crazy. This 'outing' helps, but there's only so much it can replace. With how things were going, who knows what the Hotel did to DO this.]

There are moments, yes. Especially when the Hotel likes to push its agenda onto us. [The drugs, the aphrodisiacs, drinks without any of them asking for it.] But on normal, slow days- well. I think a lot. Perhaps too much.

[He shakes his head and smiles,] It's fine. I share the sentiment.

[He looks around,] Would like to go for a walk? Might as well take the opportunity to enjoy the evening.

[schmisse]

With all the free time we have here, there's lots of time to think, huh?

[ Weiss definitely isn't judging there. It's very understandable.

As for the invitation to walk, it does come as a bit of a surprise considering she's only just met the person. She's unaware that this person is someone she chatted with once before and even talked about art with! Maybe with introductions out of the way, they'll be able to find that connection.

She isn't going to refuse the invitation, after all. Most—sadly not all—people she's met have been nice enough. Maybe she'll be able to make a friend. ]

Sure. The fireworks are nice and all, but going around during a show is just as fun as sitting down and watching it.

[ A small smile and a nod. Her hand goes over her heart as she gives a light bow of her head. ]

My name is Weiss Schnee, by the way.

3

[arsenist]

[Akira quickly shakes his head, something soft and a little amused.]

It's fine. I wasn't asleep yet.

[Just resting, really. He'd had fun earlier, enjoying all that the "beach" had to offer, and now... He isn't quite tired, he does like sort of flitting from thing to thing, but at the end of the day it's nice to have a little quiet to come back to. Yusuke hasn't disturbed that, though; he's simply a part of what makes Akira able to relax and rest.

He swings his legs over the side - and stops, really looking at Yusuke for the first time since he's come back. That robe...]

Looks like you decided to switch up the wardrobe a little.

[artcritic]

[Ah, it's Akira. He shouldn't be surprised that he's not asleep, there's so much noise outside that it's probably hard to fully relax. Yusuke is happy that he gets to share the cabin with him. It's someone he knows and that's always a good thing.

He takes a seat on the bunk bed opposite Akira, sighing softly, and rubbing the back of his neck. When Akira brings up his attire, his entire face heats up, and he glances away a bit shyly; it's hard to notice as the only light coming in is through the windows from lamps, lanterns, and other lights outside.]

I can't access my clothes, rooms are off-limits. [He tried, day one. Is it bad? He can't tell from Akira's voice.]

[arsenist]

[Akira glances at him curiously as he watches him look away. Did he make him nervous...? Yusuke's bringing up the fact he can't put on his own clothes, so it's not impossible. The best thing to do would be to say something that would put his mind at ease, just in case.]

Is it in bad taste if I say that it flatters you? I know it's really sheer, but...

[His neck's a little hot. Uh oh, maybe he was a little too honest.]

I think it still flatters you.

[That heat didn't turn into a blush... Or at least, Akira thinks it didn't. He should be in the clear.]

[artcritic]

[It's just a bit unexpected! ...and yes it did make him just a tad bit nervous because this situation is kind of, well- he can't really put it to words and not be explicit.

They are in the same situation, with Yusuke's ears and high cheekbones burning. Hopefully, it's not too visible in this dim light.]

Ah, no that's not it. [He gets compliments at times, but it is somehow different when it comes from Akira. Is that weird? It's probably weird, he's being weird.]

Thank you, [Yusuke smiles, and pushes hair out of his face again. He needs to stop getting this flustered.]

[arsenist]

You're welcome.

[It's easy to get lost in the feeling that spreads through his chest upon seeing Yusuke's smile, a warm and gentle thing that he can't quite put a name to. The shape of it is there, the outline of it- but that's one thing Akira tries not to look at too closely.

It's not just from being here. He never did back home, either.]

You know- [He pauses for just a moment, unsure of what he actually wants to say. The urge is there to wrap himself up in that smile, but there's just as strong of an urge to pull the conversation in a different direction so he doesn't embarrass himself too bad.] I haven't given up on going home at all, but... It's nice to be able to see you enjoy yourself here, too.

[...Well. Maybe that's a slight failure of a plan, because he definitely feels embarrassed now. But it isn't like he doesn't feel that way, so... maybe it's still fine like this.]

wildcarding a sfw scavenger hunt quest~ (to push my own agenda lol sorry)

[bedroll]

[ While others seem to be all but withering under the heat of the "sun," Gladio's thriving. He's more than willing to ignore the way the sky still repeats like a screensaver, and the way he's gone almost a whole day without so much as a hint of sunscreen without feeling any kind of burn, for the sheer enjoyment of something that almost (almost) truly feels like being outdoors again. He's not exactly a beach person most of the time, but the smell of the sea and the hiss of the dune brush at the merger of beach and gardens brings him back to a simpler time. A sadder time, if he lets himself dwell...

Which is why he's actually sort of grateful for the stupid scavenger hunt. It keeps his body and his mind busy with goals, a purpose, and an excuse to chat up anyone he sees with an easy, surely non-creepy ice breaker. Sunglasses and sandals are easy enough to ask for from just about anyone, though getting a pair has proven a bit more difficult than anticipated. Probably because everyone else is looking for them too. Still, as the day wanes and the sun sinks below the uncanny horizon, pinks and oranges streaking through the encroaching deep blue, he's very nearly completed the list.

Who better, then, to chase down towards one of the bungalows than an old friend? The kid owes him nothing at all really, but Gladio can't help wondering if the request might be an easy sell. Even if he's dressed somewhat more modestly than Yusuke at the moment. ]

Fox! Fox! Don't go in yet. I got a favor to ask you.

/o/ ooo secret agenda 8D

[artcritic]

[Yusuke had managed to dodge the people for the biggest part of the day. Once the scavenger hunt was announced, it was like hell broke loose, the birdman and women somehow got increasingly annoying, things started disappearing all around and if he didn't look, he'd be stuck out here with nothing on him (yes, he's witnessed people stealing swimwear and running off). He wasn't PART of the scavenger hunt, but he could be regarded as an 'easy target'. His combat abilities are still limited only to Metaverse.

He was currently grumbling under his breath, taking off his sandals to walk better on the soft sand, about "stupid Hotel locking him out of his room" and "...what am I to do for clothes!?" The evening was drawing in and it had a wonderful view over the 'ocean', which just added to the irritability - all of his drawing equipment is in his room! He's missing out on such opportunities to draw wonderful sceneries!

He was several feet away from the bungalow where he was staying when a familiar voice reached him, and most of the annoyance slipped away. It's been a while since he saw Gladio and he's quite happy to see him!]

Another one? Honestly, I should open a tab on your name, [his lips curl in a smile. Pushing hair out of his face, he closes the distance to Gladio.] How can I help you?

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. ]

:D

[artcritic]

[It's not that he isn't outdoorsy, he is! But this can't be considered actual "outdoor" and people are being unhinged- how can he stand in the shade of a palm tree and people watch and sketch when everyone's bugging him and trying to get something from him? There ARE some exceptions that Yusuke doesn't mind talking to, however. Gladio is one of them.

...he hopes his attempt at a joke actually passed as a joke because he can't tell.]

Let me see- [he walks over and leans to inspect the list of "items" on the watch. The usual list of "suspects" is on it so it's not that surprising, but Gladio's almost done with the dare. Impressive. The -kiss-, whether Gladio wanted it or not, gets his cheekbones rosy for a second and he leans back,] I see you're almost done.

I do not have drinks, but I do have other items. [And it's true... including the kiss, though he won't offer it unless asked. He's never pushy about stuff like that (unless Diamond suite is active, that's a special can of worms). He strides back to where he ditched his sandals, picks them up, and hands them over.] I have sunglasses in the cabin.

[bedroll]

[ Beyond the joke (which had landed, gently), there is something a little comical between them here. Yusuke is almost too stern in his analysis, the flush to his cheek neatly cloaked by the ruddy light of sunset. Meanwhile Gladio might as well be a child, waiting for confirmation that he's allowed to go play for just a bit longer, with the way he stands, quiet and patient and at the art student's mercy. ]

I'm a hard worker when I set my mind to something. [ As if there's any doubt of that, just from a look at his physique.

But he's still grateful for the consideration, the quick fetch of that last pair of sandals—and an offer for more than that, too. His brows lift in surprise and soft gratitude as he starts to tie them alongside the others around his neck. ]

You sure? I don't wanna put you out if you're stuck here for awhile. [ A nod at the cabana, breezy but nothing at all like the main resort. He'd trade places, honestly, if there were any way to spoof his Watch. ]

[artcritic]

I never doubted that, [Yusuke smiles.]

[It is a "beach day" so they can both slide around without people actually paying much attention to them. Well, unless they are tangled into a game like Gladio is. Yusuke's not mean, he's not going to hold back on his friend and not help out.]

Nonsense. It's just a pair of sunglasses, [it's no skin off his back. He turns to the cabana and leads the way in. He does take care to open the door slowly and peer inside first, just in case his "roommates" are back and busy. Seeing no one, he opens the door wide for Gladio to step in, while he makes his way to one of the bunk beds.]

They should be here, if others didn't steal them, [he adds, but eventually finds a pair of funny, red, lobster sunglasses (the handles look like lobster pincers and over the lenses are the lobster "mustaches" imitating eyebrows) .] I got them because I thought they were fun, [he places them on his face and looks absolutely ridiculous, but he doesn't seem to care.]

[bedroll]

[ For all that it's worth, he's at least glad to see the cabanas are relatively comparable to the nicer floors of the resort; a trend, for new arrivals, just as it's seemingly a trend for current guests to fall victim to clerical errors. Outdoors aside, he feels a bit of relief that Yusuke probably isn't having to deal with much in the way of discomfort.

Unless he's got a thing about bunk beds, maybe. ]

I'm already stealing your shoes, though. [ Said with a small laugh that halts briefly in surprise at the sight of the sunglasses. Then it's back again, rumbling amiably and with a genuineness Yusuke hasn't yet seen from him. For all his own sincerity, he likes to think he, too, has a decent sense of humor, though it doesn't exactly border on the absurd like this. Still, he can appreciate the levity—moments like this tend to be all they get sometimes. It's also good to see that the kid has a lighter side too. ]

They're hideous. [ Offered with a smile, honest but not really at all judgemental. The kitsch is, after all, 100% of the charm. ] I dunno if I can accept them though. Feels kinda shellfish.

[ He pauses, not for an imagined laugh track at a bad pun, but in hesitation, since he's about to ask something arguably more embarrassing. ] Might take the other thing instead though. If you're insisting on checking off two for me.

[artcritic]

[He doesn't mind bunkbeds. He's lived in a shack with his mentor since his childhood, and then after the shit that went down, he's living in dorms now. One can argue which one is worse. These accommodations beat anything he's ever had. He has zero complaints (well he has one, and it's that he's not allowed to access his assigned room here and art materials he has there).]

It is not stealing if it is freely given, [Yusuke adds- he knows a thing or ten about stealing and such. It's, again... complicated. And this is definitively not the place to explain it either. But he stands behind what he said; besides, there's literally a heap of beach sandals and crocks lined by the wall- he'll be just fine.]

How dare you, lobsters are superior species, [he's imitating a huff of indignation and while he's off the firmest of beliefs that lobsters have wonderful patterns and colors- they are not superior. Especially not as gag-glasses. There's a clear smile behind that sentence; he's perfectly aware of how ridiculous the glasses are.

But before he can "defend his honor" further, that subtle implication doesn't slip past him. Once upon a time it probably could've but- he's been here long enough to catch these things now. He slowly removes the glasses and puts them back on the little bedside table, then pushes the hair out of his face slowly.]

...I wouldn't be against it, [he says, looking up at him. He'd be a liar if he didn't think about it in the interim, but breaching the subject, even in this place, is complicated for him. He's not so open. More often than not he makes things just more awkward.]

[bedroll]

[ This feels so normal that for a moment it's easy to forget where and when they are. That this isn't a real beach or even a real resort, or that he and Yusuke are from completely different planets, maybe even different universes. That they aren't just on some silly vacation with each other, goofing off after a trip to some touristy knickknack shop. For just a second, it almost feels like home again, and that makes his chest ache all the more when he remembers that it isn't. That's part of the joke, then: to liven things up to keep them from crashing.

Especially when he chooses right after to creep towards a ledge he thinks they both spend a lot of time looking over. Maybe not necessarily with each other, but for that similar resolve they have when it comes to playing by the House's rules. ]

Rules didn't specify what kind it had to be. First one I got was on the cheek, so we could just balance it out and call it a day.

[ He realizes it's a forward thing to be asking, at least in this instance. They hadn't broached that kind of topic beyond their first meeting, in that art stall. More than that, Gladio recognizes that he is older in a way that makes him responsible here. But then, that's part of why he'd checked in on him. To make sure he's taking care of himself, or has good people around him who are.

He really hates that anyone around his sister's age is here. ]

[artcritic]

[Some people have it easier (or harder) to go along with all of this. Yusuke, with the way he is, with things that happened to him back home (that still didn't wrap up), feels like he's in some kind of whirlwind of things he cannot properly respond to. He could probably find excuses in how he was raised by his mentor, but in the end, it was him who let himself be blinded for so long.

And now, with shades off (literal AND metaphorical), there's a lot to take in. An onslaught of people and relationships, lows and highs. Gladio falls under that one category which he can't decipher with what he knows. Which makes things so much more exciting from his perspective.

The 'unknown' part of everything is thrilling to him. Oddly. He loves peering over the edge and not knowing what to expect.

He takes a step forward, and feels as if breath is stuck in his throat for a second.]

Whichever one you like. [Those are some guts. But he can't help a smile,] In either case, you need to come down to me, tall guy. [Yusuke's tall for his age, standing at 5'11', but Gladio is still towering over him.]

[bedroll]

[ To have the ball immediately bounced back into his court feels...wrong. It makes it feel like, in trying to do everything right, he's managing to fumble it all instead. It doesn't help either that, even in the soft lighting of the cabana, there's a flush to Yusuke's cheeks that's unmistakable. He's not trying to set expectations; he's not trying to drop hints about anything. It's all just part of the game they're both caught up in playing, and offering things like this—well, it's unavoidable. Besides, he acknowledges, it's better to be him than someone with potentially ulterior motives. ]

Right.

[ He's awkward, more so than he ever is doing things like this with people his own age. It's unbecoming at best, he knows, and anything but enticing at worst. But he shrugs that off with a roll of his shoulders and leans down a little. It doesn't take all that much, really, with the way Yusuke's built like a sapling, willowy and tall. And he offers his cheek, with a turn of his head and tap with a finger.

He's still not sure if he's supposed to be getting photos for proof or if the resort will just somehow know. But taking a photo of this moment doesn't quite feel right. ]

[artcritic]

[At one point, they will talk about these things, and Yusuke will point out that his own personality is way too sharp cut for him to not express something he doesn't wanna do. If he didn't like any of this, Gladio would've known from the star. For example- Yusuke wouldn't have even offered for him to step inside, instead to wait outside while he gets him things.

But there will be a moment where he'll point that out. It's not now. He's flustered to think about that.

His lips twitch into a small smile and he rests a hand on Gladio's shoulder for supper and leans up to press a soft kiss on his cheek. It lingers, perhaps, for a second longer than a kiss on the cheek usually does, but Yusuke doesn't overdo it either. He pulls back and can't actually wipe away the smile he has on his face right now.]

[bedroll]

[ It's a surprisingly gentle sort of intimacy, chaste and maybe a little overdue all things considered. The hand that braces itself against his shoulder is surprisingly strong, leaving him to wonder whether it's just artwork that Yusuke spends his time on, or if there's a lot more simmering beneath the surface. Probably the latter, and that's on him, for never asking. It never really feels like the right time for just smalltalk in this place.

When they separate, he dutifully checks off number two on the list, then checks that the donated sandals are still tied securely. And a look at the expression on the kid's face can't help bringing a smile out of Gladio, amused and maybe just a little bit charmed despite himself. ]

I'll get outta your hair for now. Thanks for the help.

[ He nearly turns to leave before something else occurs to him. Not another favor, but maybe just that first step towards actually getting to know one another instead of just counting off the things that bother him. ]

For my own curiosity, you got a name you go by besides Fox? I realized I never asked, but noticed most people have been making up usernames for the network.

[artcritic]

[There will be a time where they'll stop and talk without hurry of being somewhere else. And he will probably explain the most confusing part about himself, along with the event that made him that way. He's stayed away from telling anyone for various reasons, mostly judgment. After all, Japan doesn't approve of how Phantom Thieves work, even if their cause is just.

For now, he chuckles lightly and shakes his head.]

I'm happy to be of any help.

[The question makes him pause for a second because he's a bit bewildered that he didn't introduce himself properly to this man! Was he THAT rude!? There's a flash of embarrassed flush in his face,]

My sincerest apologies, I don't know how it slipped past me to introduce myself. I am Yusuke Kitagawa. Fox is a nickname my friends gave me. [It's more than a nickname, but that ties into the aforementioned history and incidents.]

[bedroll]

[ While the theme of his brief visit seems to be an ever-escalating series of embarrassments, it's clear enough that his question begets a wholly different one, between the consternation on the kid's face, and the flowery speech he gets for an answer. Still, he repeats it to himself, in an effort to re-associate the face with a new name. ]

Gladio still works just fine for me. But in the interest of a trade, the last name's Amicitia. [ He pauses, the teasing nickname of a completely different teen coming immediately to mind. ] Don't worry about trying to pronounce that.

[ The sun is completely gone at this point, and he's got more or less what he'd come for, but he lingers just long enough to add. ] You prefer Fox or Yusuke from me? [ Or Kitagawa, he supposes, though there's a measure of seniority and friendliness that feels like they're past family names. ]

[artcritic]

[It's the usual speech pattern he uses when he doesn't feel relaxed around people. That being said, he slips into it now because he feels he's been rude for not properly introducing himself! He's glad Gladio doesn't take it to heart, some people know to be very touchy about it.]

It's not that complex, Japanese people tend to have complicated surnames. [That is to say- he's practiced to pick up on difficult names overall. Especially because his "mentor" was very famous and had famous clients.]

Hmm, [Yusuke shakes his head and smiles a bit,] I don't mind either way. [But Gladio calling him 'Fox' rings so good to him.] If you are used to the nickname, feel free to continue using it.