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

[lieabilities]

Oh, I'm quite pleased to meet you.

[ He says it so plainly and warmly that if he hadn't been so suspicious thusfar, it'd seem incredibly sincere. It might still be?? It's hard to tell with a man of whims like Kleken has. ]

Something like charity work then?

[ Something he has an unfortunate amount of experience with, since while Kleken himself may lack a bleeding heart, his superior certainly seems to have one at times. And whatever the boss wants... ]

[massochism]

It is volunteer work, yes. The church operates largely on donations, and their co-operation with the Kleinster Kingdom.

[that's... not going to help Kleken understand the actual situation there, but it's enough to work with in general, especially for him.

by now he's also comfortable enough to not... really think much about the drink, lifting it to his lips to take a sip. what is it? he wouldn't know by the taste anyway, drinking as infrequently as he does. (to that end, I'm up for whatever you're feeling, or random chance!)]

It pays enough that I can take care of anything I need to on my own time, at least.

[lieabilities]

[ Though knowledge about the specifics elude him, he's absorbing just enough to tuck it into his information bank for the potential future. Where and how that information could be useful though... well, he'll see. ]

[ RNG has selected Seaberry Floradora as Olivine's drink, and since it's one that Kleken hasn't seen the effects of nor tried for himself, a few tentacles are perking with interest to watch the effects on the other man while Kleken himself remains calm and focused on their conversation. ]

It's wonderful that you're able to support yourself and pursue such a charitable cause. I've heard managing funds can be quite difficult in such situations.

[ More like he's seen it himself in the few bleeding hearts he's associated with in the past, and while he's never fully understood why someone would willing live in such a precarious financial situation, he's found himself curious about it all the same. ]

[massochism]

[unlucky for Olivine, the drink is delicious, further sips taken in even measure to slowly savour. it'll be a moment before the loneliness hits any level that is... well, beyond his normal, but if he notices Kleken's quiet interest, he doesn't indicate it in any way.]

The God of Klein teaches us to be frugal and giving, and we have been endlessly lucky that the people care so deeply for us. It's...

[his expression shifts a little, warm comfort giving way to the familiar twitch of loneliness. it's only been six months, he reminds himself, and he'll get back. that should be enough.

it really should.]

... I miss it, I have to admit. The smiles of the townspeople, the ability to ease their burdens.

[lieabilities]

[ Knowing as little as he did about Olivine, it's tricky to tell if it's the effects of the drink that have him this way or he's simply a homesick sort who has gotten start on a path of depression. Either way, it's an emotion he can't say he's ever experienced before, which has him all the more intrigued to follow this development. ]

Could you not continue some of that work here?

[massochism]

Oh—I could find some of it, I'm sure. I don't know if it would feel the same here though.

[As he speaks, he continues to fuss with his drink.]

I knew so many people at home, after all. [fingers tap, tap, tap the glass as he goes quiet.] ... sorry, I shouldn't be getting lost in thought with a conversation happening, haha.

[lieabilities]

You needn't apologize. Rather, it sounds as if this is something that's been wearing away at you. Perhaps sharing more of your thoughts will help in shaking off the feeling.

[ Compared to the composed man he'd spoken to just earlier, Kleken is starting to get a bit of an idea of what the drink may be doing, but it was always better to be sure. ]

Shall I order you another drink?

[massochism]

That's what makes it sort of strange, actually. It hadn't been bothering me much at all, before now.

[now it's getting worse altogether, in fact. how upsettingly familiar.]

Ah... I don't usually drink much... [then again, he has almost finished this one, and he doesn't care to be alone at the moment.] Maybe one more of something else. I'm... enjoying having a conversation partner, after all.

[lieabilities]

[ Ah, that's a wonderful bit of confirmation for his suspicions then. The mental note of the drink's effects is stored away as he sends off a tentacle to bring around another drink for his gracious test subject associate. Holding On To Summer is one he knows the effects of, at least, and one that will blend well enough with the effects Olivine is already under to be inconspicuous. ]

[ At least as inconspicuous as suddenly being able to breathe underwater and ocean diving desires could be. ]

[ The new drink and a glass of water (non-sea) are set down by Kleken, letting him slide them over toward the other man at his leisure as he continues to offer reassuring smiles. ]

Here, but do be sure to drink some water as well. I'm quite enjoying our talk as well, and it'd be a shame if I didn't do my part to help keep my newfound friend hydrated.

[massochism]

[truthfully, Olivine is quietly relieved to have a little water too. the drinks are delicious, basically without exception, but he does have some sort of sense of reason (not to mention he's fully aware he doesn't drink much or have a high tolerance for it).]

Thank you, I will. It would be terrible to have to end conversation early because I drank too much at once. [it coils relief in his senses, being offered both. loneliness is definitely not a new sensation to the priest, but this... well, it really is something that's just not giving up, isn't it.] Can I ask what drew you to your... occupation?

[alleged occupation, he supposes. it's both earnest curiosity and just wanting to keep some thread of conversation going, so that he doesn't have to risk being alone again too soon. not that Kleken had said he'd answered all of the questions he had for Olivine, either.]

[lieabilities]

[ An unconscious partner is just as bad for Kleken as it would be for his company, they'd hardly provide for a good conversation at that point, after all. He wants Olivine loose and relaxed, not asleep on the bar. Just enough to have stripped away whatever pretenses the man may be keeping. ]

[ He wouldn't offer the same in turn though, spinning a new lie as easily as he breathed. ]

It was my only way to repay the debt that my family owed.

[massochism]

[it's a remarkably hard thing, deciding how much of Kleken's words are truths and lies. this particular one... well, it seems a bit out of place given his evident bemusement with being a swindler, and with everything slowed down a little by the alcohol his thought process is somewhat visible now.

notably, there's a sad sort of familiarity there in his gaze. certainly, it wasn't his own circumstance, but as someone taking confessions...]

Mm... is that something you'll have an end point to, then? I find that... most people who are stuck in those situations rarely get the chance, once they've begun.

[lieabilities]

[ Unlike most looking to deceive others, Kleken seems all the more pleased at having his lies scrutinized and Olivine's visible pensiveness. To see someone thinking through his words, rather than dismissing them... it tickled at a part of Kleken he quite liked when indulged. ]

That would be the hope, wouldn't it? Do you think I might be the type to be able to pull myself out someday?

[massochism]

I think you're the type who would have a good chance at it, yes. You don't strike me as someone who can be swayed easily, even if something is difficult.

[granted, the priest knows full well that he gives his trust too easily sometimes—but men who intend to deceive usually aren't so blatant about it, he finds. There's a fine line between doing "bad" for a discernible reason and doing it simply because you feel like it, no matter who it hurts, and Kleken... well, he straddles the line delicately enough that Olivine has no idea if he's right or not yet, but that's not the point. Sometimes, you're just an idiot who makes strong assumptions and gets lucky enough to get out alive if they're wrong.]

[lieabilities]

You seem to have quite the high opinion of me, when we've only just met.

[ It's a lightly made comment, a temptation Kleken couldn't resist touching upon for a moment before promptly sweeping past with charming smile. If someone wants to have a high opinion of him, well, that was their own decision to make and one he wouldn't care to correct himself. It's certainly better than the opposite. ]

I'll be certain to live up to your expectations then. It's the least I could ddo for a man of faith putting faith in me.

[massochism]

[that comment earns a little laugh, head tilting absently.]

Not at all. I simply don't think it's worthwhile to prejudge someone negatively, no matter their circumstances. As a man of God, it's my duty and hope to help as many people who wish for help.

[to be honest, he doesn't know where Kleken sits on that scale... and indeed, he knows exceptionally little about him altogether. but this is how he is, and it hasn't ruined his life yet, so why change?]

I'm flattered that you would even offer, hehe. I'll simply have to keep an eye on you to see if you mean it, I suppose?

[okay, he's not completely oblivious to being teased. just mostly.]

[lieabilities]

[ That's a very dangerous 'yet,' Olivine. One that a good number of men could take advantage of. But Kleken won't judge. He's the man who would tempt a person into more dubious decisions over judging them for it, after all. ]

[ But he's far from being a man who wouldn't tease someone a little bit. He reaches out with a light touch, fingers just brushing over the back of Olivine's hand before pulling back. ]

I do hope it's a very close eye.

[massochism]

[Olivine is eternally saved by the number of people who would murder anyone who really hurt him, probably. but honestly, he's proven himself someone who forgives even people who actually do take advantage of him.

right here and now, though he's definitely feeling nice and light and loose, the priest is at least still completely aware. the light touch leaves a pleasant tingle over his hand even when it's pulled back, and he's plainly pleased at being able to initiate... or reciprocate, maybe? it's so hard for him to tell, still. anyway, he likes flirting, he's found.]

I'm sure you can find a way to make it closer if you find my observations lacking. But I would be lying to say I'm not terribly curious about you.

[lieabilities]

[ The man is too kind. Kleken hasn't yet worked out how he might like to take advantage of that kindness, still unsure of what actually living in the hotel might require, but it's certainly something he's noted for the hopeful future. Presently, well. ]

[ Presently, he'd like to fully enjoy his time spent with such charming company. Flirting was a favored way of spending time with a person, and it's quite nice that Olivine seems open to it, even more so in his inebriated state. ]

Oh? Do you have a question you'd like answered about me?

[massochism]

Nothing particularly specific, no. Ah—actually, if it isn't troublesome, could you tell me about where you're from? You look very unique, Mr. Kleken.

[it's the ears more than the nigh zombie-white, but that's not making him less curious either. unfortunately for Olivine, explaining Aurorians is almost as hard as explaining Klein's essence bullshit.]

[lieabilities]

[ The particulars of Aurorians is certainly troublesome, but luckily for them both, Kleken has a much simpler explanation to satisfy the earnest curiosity Olivine has for him. ]

That would be because I come from the deepest ocean in my homeland.

[ Lying his face off. ]

[massochism]

[... and that is where Olivine's cautiousness sort of breaks off a bit. as someone from a waterside home, who's had both a loneliness and a water-obsession drink now and who also happens to be a goddamned nerd, he's quick to lean forward a little precariously in his abrupt curiosity.

Kleken is saved the notetaking he often does because they had to swim here.]

Really? Is that a common thing? Would that make it difficult to live on land for long periods?

[ah. there he goes. have fun with your lies, Kleken.]

[lieabilities]

[ The most difficult thing about maintaining a lie was having to build upon it. When a person started to add details, it was all too easy to unwittingly start creating holes and contradictions in their lie. It's how a great many conmen would get tripped up and exposed, from what Kleken's heard. ]

[ But in Kleken's unique case, he had never cared for the consistency of a lie, not when it was one told for fun. Rather, he found it more interesting to have those inconsistencies and see what his partner would accept as a lie or a truth. The added difficulty of being from different sorts of worlds just made it all the easier to blend the two together. ]

Not many care for the bright lands, I'm afraid. It's too blinding for them. But I've found myself like a moth to the flame, and worked quite a bit to adjust to the life.

[massochism]

[cont. here]