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

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Soundwave avoids to her look at her general direction, lest the urge to touch her will just keep poking at him, over and over. Her joke doesn't get much of a reaction from Soundwave. Not even a amused huff anymore. The uncomfortable and awkward air makes it nearly impossible for him to find any amusement from Monika.]

You make it sound as if I know when I am going to be kicked out by the resort.

[He chides. He actually stuck around for two days. However, two days wasn't enough to heal the wound. Even now, the wound is still there for him to be over with. But that's not his actual reason for not seeing her again.

He's hesitant to add, griping his own arms harder. Then:]

I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me, anyway. .... Those stuff I left in your room. That was my way of saying goodbye.

[Though it's supposed to end in a happier note when he disappears, but... Look, how it turned out at the end. Reality often doesn't play out how any one person could envisioned.]

[holeinwall]

I know you don't know that! That's not the point!

[ Her teeth are grinding together so hard, those words almost didn't make it out. She's upset that he can't know exactly what she wants, that he can't seem to stay permanently, that he can't laugh at her jokes anymore, that there's so much he can't. Why does it feel impossible to go back to the way things were? ]

Before you walked away, you could've said it. I can't hear your voice on a piece of paper. [ Her hands drop to her sides to dig into the sand. It'll hide how hard they're shaking. ] The last thing I got to hear you say was an apology. Like...all of this was a mistake.

[ As if she hadn't implied that it was. Everything went downhill because of her. She ruined everything. She's so good at breaking things, after all. ]

I'm glad you left everything you did. It was better than nothing. But...

[ He could've done better. He could've hurt her less. He could've stopped wanting her. He could've never said he wanted to marry her. ]

Never mind. Forget it. I don't even know why I came over here.

[ Having faith and waiting for him seems to have left her with nothing in the end. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[As if you didn't make it sound like it was all a mistake. That's what would've come out if he hadn't but down his tongue.

Why couldn't she ever admit that she was the cause? Why does she keep initiating all those moments they had together, and then made it all out as if he's the one at fault? Misery leaks out on his face and voice, along with frustration.]

If I had said my goodbye to you, I fear that... It might be permanent.

[Or, is that what she wanted? For him to be permanently gone. To no longer be some sort of obstacle in her life. He couldn't even tell what she wanted from him. He thought he knew, but clearly he interpreted wrong.

Maybe he should've just read her mind? Shouldn't that be easier for him to know what she wanted? His own morals and principles get in the way of him doing exactly that.

And it seems that he's upset Monika again. Perhaps.... He isn't a good a friend as he'd thought.]

I wish to go back to how things were for us. For us to be friends again. [Not even as lovers. Just a friend is enough.] I just... Do not know how.

[If she wants to leave him still, then he won't stop her.]

[holeinwall]

[ She scoffs, then fully turns her face away. Before she can stop herself, her meaner, deeply selfish side becomes more apparent than it ever has before. ]

So what? At least I would've gotten what I wanted.

[ The moment that's left her lips, regret swiftly sinks in. Bitterness has been building up in her for so long, it was only a matter of time before she involuntarily spit it out. Normally, she'd be quite shameless about that. Her needs have always come first.

Her face dips down, pressing against her legs. Why can't she be that shameless with him? ]

Sorry. I didn't mean that. [ Well, she did in the moment, but not now. Not as much, anyway. ] I don't know if things can be like they were. I don't know how to fix this.

[ Being a friend is so tempting, but she knows she'd want more. She always wants more. ]

All I know is...I can't control myself around you. Being together is only going to make things worse. [ She slightly lifts her head, wearily looking over to him. ] Not when I know you wanted to be more than friends.

[ Just like she does. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Even if she doesn't mean it, he winces. After everything, it hurts to hear that Monika doesn't care if he's gone for good. Yet it hurts the worse when she said she doesn't know how to fix this, either.]

I... Admit that I did. Though I tried to deny myself, I did want to be more than friends with you. But you are already in love with someone else... If you have no place for two people in your heart, then I do not wish to get in between you and that other person.

[Will it upset him? Possibly. But at least Monika would be happy, being with the person she wanted more than him. He could deal with them just being close friends again. Hell, they could just stop doing all of those intimate moments they shared, so long as they remain friends

However, when Monika admits that she can't control herself around him, he frowns. The chances of them being friends again, returning to how things were is becoming slimmer.]

But I do not want to leave you as well, Monika.

[He cringes internally when the words leave his mouth. His dependency on Monika is flaring up again.]

Neither can I control myself around you. Perhaps, it might be best for us to not be together, if it's to not make it worse for you. [And for him.] I... Am aware I have become dependent on you. Too attached. But--

[His eyes tentatively shift back to Monika, meeting with hers.]

For better or worse, I still want to be your friend again, Monika. But if you do not think even that is possible....

[holeinwall]

[ Did. He did want her. Does that mean he doesn't now? Anger and hurt rage through her in a violent rush, and she has to fight to contain it. Who is he to say something like that to her? If anything, he should be begging to continue having the privilege of her presence. He should want her as much as she wants him! Who cares about the Player!

For the second time tonight, there's the sensation of a wave crashing over her, washing away her mind's unhinged discord and leaving a different kind behind. How could she think such a thing about the Player? She's horrified at herself. Anything she'd wanted to say to Soundwave drifts out with the waves, leaving her in silent shock.

With her silence, every word he speaks can settle in deep and cling to her mind. He doesn't want to leave. He can't control himself. He's dependent. He's...too attached...

They...want the same things.

There's the quiet sound of shifting sand, a spray of it hitting their legs as she gives in. Her hand clamps onto one of his, gripping it tightly. She exhales shakily, almost like she's just had the best hit of a terrible vice. Maybe she has. He's so terrible for her, but he feeds her desires in the best ways.

She doesn't reply. Not yet. She needs this--to simply feel his hand, the grains of sand scratching softly against her palm every time she shifts her fingers. Though maybe...

Maybe she's wordlessly saying everything she wants to. Everything she knows she shouldn't. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Silence stretches between them with only the gentle waves crashing onto them to fill the silent void. That was the most he's ever admitted his feelings to Monika. After those words came out of his mouth, regret starts to creep into his being. His nails sink into the synthetic flesh, as he thinks about running away. To hide somewhere he couldn't ever be found until he was gone from this place for good. But his legs wouldn't move.

After Monika made it clear to him that he was unwanted, the desire to want her isn't as strong as before. He's accepted he likely doesn't have a chance with her anymore... Why bother pursuing something he knows he won't get? That is, until he senses the needs coming from her. Another surprise flits across his face when she grips tightly on his hand. After everything, does she still--

He's speechless. Eyes wide in surprise as he flicks them back and forth between her hand and her face. Isn't this terrible? They both recognized that it would be terrible for her, and that they shouldn't be back together. They both admitted that they can't control themselves in each other's presence. If anyone here who should have better self control, it should be him! But...

Could... Could he have more? He should be satisfied with just her hand holding his, just like before, and their legs touching.

Yet, he wants more.

He wants to lean against her shoulder, to rest his head on her. But wouldn't that be too much? Regardless of the consequences, he gently tugs her hand, wordlessly asking for her to come closer. Before he even realizes it, he shifts on the sand and moves closer towards Monika, but doesn't quite fully commit just yet. Still hesitant. Their shoulders are mere inches away from touching.]

[holeinwall]

[ Monika doesn't hesitate. That probably won't surprise him. She's the queen of snatching up the things she craves, a side of her that's constantly made worse by her Spade. The moment their bodies fully touch, leg to leg, shoulder to shoulder, her body relaxes all at once. All at once, everything feels right again.

She won't steal a kiss like she had during their burst of passion in a stairwell, but she'll say the same words. ]

I missed you, Soundwave.

[ Who knows where things will go from here. But she's as good at ignoring problems as she is with being greedy. You can't give a damn about consequences when they don't exist! ]

And...I'm sorry.

[ Unlike the last apology, this one's completely sincere. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Whatever part of him that made him second guess himself about this soft and sweet moment they're sharing is silenced when Monika body immediately relaxes all at once, on him. The consequences don't matter. All he cares about is being able to be with Monika in this way again.

Just holding hands and sitting together. Anything more is a bonus, but he isn't exactly craving for those right now.]

I am truly sorry for making you feel all we had was a mistake.

[She isn't the only one being sincere with the apology. His other hand reaches for her head. Still hesitant, but he rests his palm atop her head, patting her lightly.]

I missed you too, Monika. [Resisting the urge to nuzzle her cheek, he tilts his head to rest on her shoulder.] Will you keep me company, Monika? Watching the stars and ocean with me.

[holeinwall]

[ What a jerk! Headpats right out the gate should be outlawed! As if she's going to stop him, though. They're so deliciously bad for her, so of course she wants every single bit of contact she gets from his hand. She leans in closer, letting out soft noises of contentment. ]

I didn't help with the things I said...

[ She should've known better. How many novels has she read where a similar scenario happened? The whole "pushing someone away for their own good" only ends in tragedy. Their situation had been no exception to the rule. Spending ages crying herself to sleep was all it netted her. Idiot.

Her eyes close. She relaxes against him further. As long as they keep their physical contact at this level, they'll be fine. ]

Mm, we can talk about it later. Or never. I'd rather have this moment with you. [ A giggle. ] Like you said, we don't have the sunset, but we've got the ocean. And we've got stars, too.

[ We've got each other. It'd be too much to say that out loud, so she keeps it in her head. ]

I'll stay with you as long as you want.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Please, he's done a lot of illegal stuff before. As if some dumb made up law is going to stop him from headpatting her anyway! Her contentment only serves him to give her more gentle headpats and hair ruffles so he could those soft noises she makes. Noises he missed more than he thinks he did.]

Perhaps. It's up to you... [Though he has a feeling it'll probably be never in that case. But he doesn't care, really. There's nothing in the air that will nudge them towards turning their current physical contact into something more. He's similarly as content about this as Monika.

Somehow, the bridge between them is repaired. How sturdy it is, who knows really, but he's just glad that they're able to go back to how things were- as friends.]

Thank you...

[And that are the last words to come out of his mouth before falling back to silence, simply watching the waves. As expected with Soundwave, really. He doesn't have much to say anymore, but he doesn't need to say anymore. Just sitting on the sand with Monika by his side is all he needs.

For however long the silence lasts.... Eventually though, he's the first to break their close contact all of sudden. Surprisingly enough. Though he doesn't intent to move anywhere from their peaceful spot. He simply falls onto the sand on his back while still holding Monika's hand, tugging her to join him to watch the simulated starry night sky.]

Do you recognize any constellations up there?

[holeinwall]

[ He'll get plenty of noises out of her. Going a few months without his brand of headpatting has made these feel ten times better than they usually do. Needless to say, she's enjoying herself. And he's right to assume she's choosing the "never" option for discussing their kerfuffle. Communicating in a healthy way, like anyone would in a normal relationship, is the dumbest thing they could possibly do. Therefore, they won't! She simply makes a noncommittal noise at his suggestion, and that's that. Their problems have completely disappeared. There's something more important to say, anyway. ]

Thank you for coming back to me again.

[ The silence that follows is comfortable and familiar, though her usual urges to fill that silence don't come. Despite all the details not being exactly as she'd have wanted, one of her dreams of sitting on a beach with him has come true. She'll eventually thank him for that too, when the time is right.

...Or they'll lie back? After a squeak of surprise and confusion, she giggles at him flopping back into the sand. This would be a great time to bring up the coarse sand meme again, but she'll refrain. ]

Oh my gosh, noooo! I'm going to get sand in my hair!

[ Such is life. Being around Soundwave means having to inevitably wash her hair. So, with a carefree sigh, she drops down next to him, automatically resting her head on his shoulder while she gazes up at the sky. ]

It's funny. I know what constellations are. I've seen them in books. But if you asked me to pick out something like Orion or Gemini right now, I'd get so lost. Even if this sky's fake, I can't take them all in. There are so many stars. It's overwhelming...

[ She nearly voices her thoughts about that making her life feel even more small and insignificant, but that's too depressing. Not now. ]

Do you see any?

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Good, because Soundwave isn't going to bring the topic up himself. Communicating in a healthy way like a normal person? Nah, that's too awkward and uncomfortable. Just ignoring the problem and letting it fester inside is a viable and better alternative, clearly. Surely, it won't blow up on their faces.

But right now, their relationship is healing steadily. It's nice being able to smile again around Monika, and she certainly earns a permanent smile on his face when she thanks him. So silly, she didn't need to thank him there. He promised he'll return to her.

Her playful protest earns a light chuckle from Soundwave. Oh well, too bad for her hair because he's still tugging her hand to join him lying down on the sand. Having her head resting on his shoulder feels better than ever before, he couldn't help a pleased sigh from escaping his lips.

His head tilts to the side until his cheek gently rests on her head and his hand gives her a light squeeze. The urge to want more is getting quieter in Soundwave, especially with the conversational topic to distract him. He's never heard of Orion or Gemini before, but that's hardly surprising.]

Simply looking at the stars, fake as the sky is, it makes space looks so crowded with this many stars. [He gets her that it's overwhelming.] I recognized some.

[He points a finger up to the sky with his free hand and tries his best to trace the stars connecting together to create the constellation.]

Chronarchitect, the sign of time. The shape makes up a tanuki. [Don't ask why an alien species knows what a tanuki is.] The Core, the sign of unity, and the constellation is a spiral. The Key, the sign of secrets, and the constellation is... well, a key.

[holeinwall]

[ He's smiling. Even laughing a little, which in Soundwave terms is basically guffawing. As he speaks, she takes a tiny moment to glance at his face. What she sees is blurred from being so up close, but it sends her heart rate into overdrive, regardless. How lucky she is, getting to see him like this, after worrying so long that she never would again...

Her gaze returns to the sky, watching as he traces shapes as unfamiliar to her as the constellations she mentioned to him. ]

I just had to remind myself why we'd know different constellations. You had a totally different view of the sky than I did. [ Wait. ] Er, than I...would've had. You know, if I had ever been able to see it.

[ She's being depressing out loud now. Bad bad bad! At least it distracts her away from asking how he knows what a tanuki is. ]

Ahaha, anyway...I had to take a minute to figure out why you'd think the view is crowded, too. [ Her head comes up a little to look at him, intrigue clear on her face. ] You've actually been in space, haven't you?

[ Just imagining the views he would've seen gives her shivers. Space is, well, full of space. It has her feeling even more like an ant, especially knowing his kind had been capable of transcending barriers that humans had only begun to touch. In her time, anyway. Is he from a different time? So many questions...

She shivers a bit more, then glances back up. ]

It's so wild to me. The idea of touching the stars is only a dream for most people. You probably could've flown to the stars in these constellations! Have you actually done that?

[peacewithouttyranny]

One day, I hope you get to see it..... [Of course, that would mean being able to leave this resort, however that may work. He doesn't trust that by playing the House's game would give them what they wanted.] If it is... Possible, I would like to accompany you when you get the chance the see the real sky.

[He pauses, catching himself from saying anything more. Is that considered too intimate to say now? Sure, Monika resting her head on him feels intimately... friendly, but now he isn't so sure if he could say things like that to Monika. He's gotten somewhat comfortable with Monika, but after their small fight, he's back to being careful with his words.

At least Monika resting on him is nice and he gives her hand another light nuzzle. The topic about space travel helps to distract him from overthinking.]

I have. It's nothing that special.

[Much like driving a care or flying the sky in a airplane, it's super mundane for Cybertronians. Sometimes he has to remind himself that what's common for him isn't all that common for humans. But at least the humans he's met here, including Monika, seems to be on the same tech level as the humans from his galaxy.]

Not even the humans from my galaxy has mastered interstellar travel yet. [Granted, with Cybertronian tech they could sooner than later, but he doesn't know what the future hold for them.] It may be wild for you and all other humans for that matter, but interstellar travel is quite common for my kind. It's mundane....

[holeinwall]

[ Monika has to hold her tongue, too. She'd been automatically about to gush over how perfect it'd be to experience something like that with him. Sitting together, his arms encapsulating her--or maybe he'd be full size and it'd be his hands? Either way, she'd be on him somewhere. It'd be a soft moment. So intimate. And...!

Nooooo. No! She already established that can't be a thing. At least she can still dream about it. Dreams aren't illegal, thankfully. ]

That'd be nice.

[ That's a safe, neutral statement. Perfect! So, she'll move on. He makes that pretty easy by acting as if space travel is about as interesting as watching paint dry. She sits up slightly, giving him an incredulous stare. ]

Ohhhh, okay. I guess we're going to pretend something that cool is [ She mocks his voice and monotone: ] "nothing that special" and "mundane."

[ He gets a conk on the forehead for that. This is the kind of thing that has people primed to hate aliens! ]

Don't act so superior! Yeah, of course it's wild to me! Sure, it'd be scary and I'd probably freak out a little, but being in space? Experiencing things only a few humans have? [ She glances upward. ] I'd love to do it, at least once. Just to...see the things I wasn't meant to.

[ Dorothy had it right. She could leave a lot behind way above, over the rainbow. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

Ow.

[It doesn't hurt at all, but he rubs his forehead where he gets conked regardless. It's hard to see human perspective when that is such a mundane fact for him!]

Fine, I deserve that.

[Though it's not his own desires, he wants Monika to see and feel things she wasn't able or meant to experience before. It's a shame that the only way to experience the sky is through a simulation. Another awkward pause, as he has to consider his next words carefully.

Right, right. Keep things neutral between them! It... shouldn't be difficult, really, as he's been neutral to her before and yet....]

If we are able to see the real sky of this world and I have my spaceship with me, I could... give you a ride. Travel through space together? [....] We could bring your friends, too.

[He adds the last part hastily, just so there isn't a misunderstanding that it'll be a date. Which.... Would be nice to think about despite their disastrous friend date previously, but they've already established they can't.]

[holeinwall]

[ She laughs, then goes back to her comfortable position at his side. ] So dramatic...

[ And, for once, he's willing to admit to being a jerk. That feels great. He should do that more often.

Then he goes and drops another bomb. A spaceship? With him? A ride! (No, not that kind of a ride.) A ride in a ship! (Again, not that kind of ride. Stop thinking about that kind!) Anyway...space travel! Being alone with him! Then there's a loud record scratch in her head.

With...friends? Why would they do that--oh.

Well, then. Things are awkward again, just in a different way. She doesn't sit up to stare at him. For one, she's too comfortable, but mainly, she figures if he saw her face, he'd have no trouble reading how awkward she's feeling. ]

That'd be nice. [ Safe! Neutral! ] I don't know if any of my friends would want to come, though. None of them seem like the spacefaring type.

[ He's talking about all the friends she's made here, right? She's going to keep assuming that. She never had friends before coming here! ]

Maybe you could find some?

[ She says to the mech that doesn't leave her side every time he shows up... ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

Oh, I see.

[Awkward.... He doesn't even need to see the awkwardness on her face. The air is terribly awkward but at the same time terribly sweet. He could almost taste it on his tongue.]

I should.... Try to make some, hm. [He pauses as a realization finally hits him.] I realize most of my time I've spent here is with you.

[Which he doesn't have a problem with! He's perfectly content with just being by Monika's side and stay as friend. But he realizes that maybe he should try to reach out instead of staying comfortable in his lane. Even when he's by himself and meet up with other guests, sooner or later he'll find himself back to Monika's side. Even after their fight he's here, back to her side, lying on the sand together.

Perhaps that ought to change now.

A sigh escapes him.]

You are... correct that I should find some. But, I am not certain I am good with making friends. [Is it any surprise that Soundwave is terrible at befriending people? She's seen how aloof, mean, and awkward he is during their first meeting.]

[holeinwall]

[ Now she sits up completely, whipping her head in his direction so quickly that sand goes flying. Hold your horses there, bucko! This is going in a direction she doesn't like! ]

I didn't say you have to do that! I said find people to go with us! They don't have to be friends! Just passengers!

[ Would that make their hypothetical trip less of a date? Who the hell knows. But if they weren't friends of his, she wouldn't have to worry about competition!

...No, she still would. Everyone's potential competition. ]

We all have our flaws. Not all of them are bad! [ She crosses her arms, fighting down her intense jealousy and failing. So, she'll keep "subtly" steering him away from his objectively dumb idea. ] It's okay to be a loner. Or, you know, find one friend and be satisfied with that. Like, do you know how hard it can be to have a lot of friends? It's not easy! The number of texts I have to send every day can be exhausting!

[ Jury's out on if any of the people she sends them to actually want her texting them that much, but it's safe to assume most people don't. This doesn't stop her at all. ]

I'm looking out for you, okay? Don't overwhelm yourself. Worry about that some other time!

[ Like never. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[If there's ever a reaction he'd expect out of her, it certainly isn't that. Soundwave isn't expecting her to be angry about him making friends. Wouldn't that be good, though? Him trying to get out of his comfort zone and genuinely meet people.

If he didn't know better, he'd think Monika wants to keep him all to herself (haha).]

Why would I want to bring passengers into my spaceship? I'd rather a friend, or a friend of a friend.

[It'll just makes thing awkward if it's just them two and a bunch of people he doesn't know riding in the spaceship with them, he'd imagined! Hell, it might make it seem sort of a date than a trip with friends. Of course, these hypothetical scenario probably won't ever come true, so it's not worth arguing about anyway.

What is strange that Monika seems to be arguing against him making friends? At least it sounds that way to him, or is he just projecting his own possessiveness onto Monika, here?]

I... suppose I could worry about that later. But I believe I can be satisfied with three or five friends and no more. Or... just one can be enough for me. [He pushes himself up to sit up and turns his eyes back to Monika, flushing pink slightly.] For now, just one is enough. Thank you for looking out for me.

[holeinwall]

They can be temporary friends! And who knows...maybe one of my friends would actually be willing to go along with us. Then you can't complain!

[ It'd be someone she knows doesn't have a thing for giant alien mechs, so it'd be fine. Not to say she won't be keeping a close eye on this hypothetical friend, though. And maybe kissing them here and there, but that's mainly because most of her friends are people she's had (and continues having) sex with...

But no need to worry! He's agreeing with her! Her jealousy fades, and she smiles cheerfully. It's always so satisfying when he does what she wants without objecting! ]

See, though? You don't need to be thinking about stuff like that. You only just got back! One friend's perfectly fine for a newbie. You can graduate up to a second when the time's right.

[ Again. Never. ]

Besides. I'm always looking out for my bestie~ [ That's still safe and neutral! There's nothing wrong with saying that! And there's nothing wrong with wrapping her arm around his shoulders to give him a quick hug. ] You're welcome, Waveypoo~

[peacewithouttyranny]

[That was certainly odd. The jealousy radiating from her fades away and she's back to herself again. If anything, she seems.... Happier? Maybe he's just overthinking things.]

I suppose I'll know when the time is right.

[Though he wouldn't be able to know when that time is if he's not actively going out there to meet people. Hm.... A rare surprise squeak manages to escape his lips. His face flushes bright red when Monika suddenly wraps him in a hug. A dumbfounded surprised face flits through his face, before he awkwardly attempts to hug back before she breaks the embrace.]

Hah... [Look at that, he almost lets out a laugh.] You are still using that dumb nickname..... Moni Muffins.

[He internally cringes at his own attempt to fire back at her. Somebody kill him please.]

[holeinwall]

[ You won't know, Monika thinks, still smiling cheerfully, because I won't let you get that far. Normal, not-unhinged thoughts!

Returning the hug has her feeling the warm, happy feelings she's missed so dearly. And for being a mostly faceless grump, he can be so dang adorable sometimes. His avatar is especially adorable, especially with how it contrasts with the real him. Everything about him is adorable!

She giggles up a storm at his attempt to fire back. So adorable!! ]

And you're still trying to call me Moni Muffins, huh~? You silly robot...

[ It's only then that she realizes she's reached up to hold his cheek. Not only that, she's been leaning in for a kiss. She freezes halfway to his lips, letting out a tiny squeak of her own. That'd been such a normal thing for them in the past, it became muscle memory. Without even thinking, she'd begun to do it.

Her hand's yanked back as if she'd just dipped it in lava, then she scoots away enough to leave plenty of space between them. Look at that, she suddenly finds picking sand out of her ponytail very important. ]

So. Ah-Ahaha! Any other constellations you recognize? I think I recognize Cygnus, now that I'm looking closer! It's a swan!

[ Focus on the sky with her, because nothing happened. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[At first, he doesn't think much when Monika holds his cheeks. The warmth of her palms almost makes him want to nuzzle against them, before he notices Monika's face is leaning in close. Way too close that his automatic response is to purse his lips to meet with her.

But it seems that Soundwave realizes what they are doing at the same time as Monika. His eyes are wide, and as soon as Monika yanks her hand away, Soundwave immediately shifts away from her, blinking rapidly, face flushing redder than before.

Part of him is relieved that she didn't go through with it... Primus knows he wouldn't be satisfy with just one, and he... likes her too much to stop when she's given him a taste again. Another part of him is disappointed she didn't, because he missed having their lips pressed together and return to their normal. He could feel something aching within his chest. No no, he shouldn't be thinking their relationship is like that or can it be returned to how it was before.

He has to remind himself that Monika already has someone. And it isn't him. They can't go back, no matter how much he'd like for them to.

Soundwave awkwardly fidgets in place and turns his head away, avoiding any eye contact with Monika.]

Oh... [He looks back up at the sky.] I, ah... I see Aquarius. The constellation is a star.

[Literally the shape of a star. But gosh.... The atmosphere is even more awkward than before. Soundwave doesn't know what to say anymore other than awkwardly pointing out a constellation he recognized.]