TDM 05

[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 in our KING SUITES for all new arrivals. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.

As a token of our gratitude for your understanding, front reception has arranged for a GRAND FEAST to welcome our newest guests. The attendance of all guests is required. The house will enforce compliance.

Please note that rank-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking social code may be disciplined. We hope you enjoy your stay! 】

ARRIVAL

DIVINE AWAKENING

A cool breeze lofts across the room. Gentle, soothing. Cotton sheets and silken covers slip with the tired stretch of limbs. New arrivals dozing in the comfort of their king-sized beds wake to the balmy warmth of a hazy sun and the rhythmic lap of waves on the shore. Clouds mist around the floor, granting ethereal ambiance. Gauzy curtains flutter, revealing a majestic stretch of sky in all directions. This temple is nestled at the top of a mountain, one where the sea somehow meets its edge.

All King suites have been set to the Heavenly setting for the comfort of these new Wildcards. To call this place a room feels like a misnomer; all of the senses scream that this is a real temple at the top of a crisp oceanside mountain. The only clue that this place isn't what it seems is the door in the distance. It stands dark against light, a stark rectangle distinctly out of place.

New arrivals aren't waking up alone. Reception would never expect their guests to wake up in a cold bed. All new guests will be waking up next to another Wildcard or a current guest snatched up from the hallways. Guests waking up in these heavenly King suites will wake dressed in sheer white tunics and togas that leave very little to the imagination.

MARK OF THE GODS

None of the traditional suits have manifested on these Wildcards. Instead, all new arrivals will discover intricate patterns winding their arms and legs, each one different from the next. Thorns, vines, stars, or moons — the commonality of these marks is that they come in either glittering gold or shimmering silver.

► BENEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of gold running along their skin have been identified as benevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the kind spirit within. All benevolent Wildcards may experience the effects of any RED SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

► MALEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of silver running along their skin have been identified as malevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the muck that lurks beneath the surface. All malevolent deities may experience the effects of any BLACK SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

MADDENING HUNGER

Itchy throat, dry mouth. Headache. Hungry. It comes on slow, at first nothing of note. But, surely, it begins to deepen. Grapes don't feel filling. Water barely quenches thirst. All new arrivals will wake up in a state of hunger. They will find that despite the complimentary snacks left in their room by room service, nothing hits the spot.

No matter how much food they eat, these new arrivals, who have been dubbed as divines, won't find any satiation from food or wine. This gnawing hunger is exhausting; as it increases, their strength decreases. They cannot continue on like this for long.

All Wildcards, regardless of divine differentiation, will need to be worshipped for sustenance. Otherwise, they risk falling into a frenzied state.

There are many ways they can be worshipped. While having their bodies worshiped through sex is the most effective, they can find minor relief in acts of praise, affection, offerings, service, and so on. The longer a Wildcard goes without being worshiped, the more their god mark will leech their energy, and the faster they will lose their sanity. Loss of sanity can result in any kind of frenzy, from general mania to breaking from reality.

GILDED CAGE

AN ENDLESS FEAST

Doors to the grand banquet hall of Gilded Cage have been opened. A singular massive table stretches throughout the entirety of the restaurant, every available inch loaded with trays of food and goblets of wine. Waiters seamlessly dip in and out of the kitchens with platters over their shoulders, bringing delectable cuisine from all avenues of every earth around for guests to enjoy. Vibrant fruits, roasted meats, and decadent desserts funnel into the hall without end.

Rugs and cushions have been laid out for low rank guests. All high rank guests have thrones and benches covered in crushed velvet and delicate linens. Wildcards have a seat of honor amongst it all, each fresh new divine lead to the grand dais for their own semi-private tent with daybed and eager servants.

Low ranks are carefully watched by security and wait staff. Some low rank guests may even be dragged in by resort staff to assist serving high rank guests and Wildcards. All high rank guests and Wildcards are revered and catered to during the feast. Low rank guests are expected to feed them, rub their feet, and comply with any whimsical demands. Any low rank guest that defies a higher ranked guest is at risk of being shackled, forced to scrub chamber pots, and other humiliating punishments.

ROYALS

► Royal cards are King, Queen, and Jack ranks. All ranks beneath them must comply with their demands, no matter how whimsical or stupid. They are waited on hand and foot, with low ranks throwing themselves forward for the honor of pleasing them. Royals do not need to obey the commands of anyone aside from Wildcards. While it is good manners for a lower royal card to defer to a higher royal card they will not be punished if they decline.

► Royal cards are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. Be selfish! Be greedy! Take everything you want! There is no end to the pampering and indulgence offered to royals. Long-standing guests line up to flatter them and give them gifts. Resort staff are desperate to make them laugh or smile. A royal card frowning strikes terror every servant. Resort staff will insist that they seek their own pleasures and not worry about the feelings of those lowly cards. All numbered cards exist to satisfy the royals; being concerned about their peasant feelings is unnecessary.

► Royals can command any numbered rank. If they find a numbered rank they particularly like they may monopolize them for their exclusive use. The word no does not exist. Whatever a royal wants, a royal gets. They can also issue punishments to numbered ranks that do not please them. There are guards prepared to discipline servants at their command. They may also dominate unruly servants with their own hands if that pleases them.

SERVANTS

► Servant cards are ranks A - 10. Hierarchy exists within the servants as well. While a rank 10 servant must flatter and please the royals, they may issue orders to any servant rank beneath them. This continues down the line — a rank 6 servant must obey and adore any rank above them but may command and bully any rank below them.

► The Ace rank shows its fickle nature. All Ace cards are bottom-barrel servants sitting at Rank 1 that anyone can bully. They are automatically ordered to clean up trash, scrub sticky floors, and dance provocatively for any rank that demands a show.

► Servants must obey anyone that outranks them. There are guards standing along the walls waiting to discipline any servant that defies the hierarchy. However, the guards are mostly for show — suits enforce real compliance. Any servant that disobeys an individual who outranks them is at risk of their suit flaring. If their suit does flare, submitting and obeying or an orgasm can abate suit effects.

WILDCARDS

► Wildcards are akin to deities. There is no greater honor than to serve or possess a Wildcard. Royals want to own them and servants want to please them. All Wildcards are showered with endless adoration. Fights break out for the chance to feed them grapes or rub their calves. Wildcards may do whatever they want without consequences, even toward royal ranks.

► Wildcards are encouraged to indulge in the finest of everything. Servants must tend to them and obey their commands. While royals do not need to obey them, there is great prestige in claiming a Wildcard’s affection. Wildcards are encouraged to be selfish and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

► Any royal or servant that satisfies a Wildcard can collect a Wildcard token. This is an electronic token that appears in their bank account once a Wildcard has climaxed during sex. Physically pleasing two Wildcards bring about great blessings. Players may submit two Wildcard tokens under their rewards thread to collect a small item voucher.

PHOENIX CASINO

ALEA IACTA EST

Phoenix Casino has been reborn in antiquity. Stone pillars line the aisles and embroidered linens cast a gauzy filter over every corner of the gambling center. The number of statues has increased, with every corner decorated with marble figures in provocative poses. The feast continues into even here; scantily clad servants and waiters carry around platters of succulent fruits and pitchers of wine.

The game tables are abuzz. Special games have kicked off in honor of the new godlings that are waiting to check in. Even here, those of different ranks are distinct from one another. The lowest ranks wear small slips of clothing. Some are even collared to show they belong to a particular royal or Wildcard. Royals and Wildcards dress luxuriously in thick robes and golden jewelry.

Game managers clap and encourage guests of all ranks to join in on the fun. While there are numerous card games, slot machines, and raffles happening around the casino, staff are promoting three events in particular.

WILDCARD AUCTION

► All shiny new Wildcards have a unique number pinned to their robes. Early in the night these nubile virgin Wildcards will be paraded across the stage and asked to introduce themselves to the crowd. After, the bidding will commence. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a resort virgin and beloved divine!

► Bidding for a Wildcard can get intense! Numerous long-standing guests are already obsessed with these stunning new arrivals and are quick to bid high. Bidding wars can break out at any time. Some very eager long-standing guests are willing to get violent if it means they get to monopolize one of these Wildcards. Security is on stand-by for cases of Wildcard theft; some guests are so desperate for these Wildcards that they'll even try to kidnap them if they see the chance.

► The hierarchy is temporarily set aside for auction purchases. Any rank can dominate a Wildcard if they have the means to bid high enough and buy. In the case of Wildcard purchases, their god marks will force compliance to whoever buys them during the auction.

CASTING LOTS

► This special game of lots is designed for a high rank and a low rank to play together. In the case of guests of the same rank playing together, a coin flip will decide who plays the "low" rank for this game.

► The high rank guest will roll a six-sided die. The number rolled will reflect the game rule by which the low rank guest must try to satisfy the high rank guest. If the low rank guest manages to satisfy the high rank guest they will receive a large payout. If the high rank guest is not satisfied they may discipline the low-rank guest in any way they see fit.

ONE: Without using hands.

TWO: Using only mouth.

THREE: While blindfolded.

FOUR: Using only butt cheeks.

FIVE: Using only legs.

SIX: While remaining on knees.

► The high rank decides if and when they have been satisfied. Work hard, low rank!

HEADS OR TAILS

► What's a casino without a bit of risk? There's a special game of Heads or Tails happening at the game tables. All guests must bet their rank in order to play. Winners of the game will have the option to either swap ranks with the loser, or keep their rank as is and move on to another game. With a little bit of luck, even a Rank 2 can experience living the high life.

► All rank swaps are temporary. Winners that choose to swap ranks with the loser of their game will have 24 hours with their new rank before they revert back to normal. They may continue playing on with their "new" rank if they want to test their luck.

► Heads or Tails is played with a physical Golden Peacock coin. Players will take turns as the coin flipper, with their opponent guessing if the outcome will be heads or tails. The first guest to reach three correct guesses is the winner.

BEAK

ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS

A massive circular arena has been erected in the middle of Beak. Staggered seats rise up to the ceiling, where royals lounge in luxury viewing boxes. The gaping mouth of the arena is wide and desolate. An assortment of weapons, such as spears and shields, hang along stone walls. It waits for the taste of blood and stench of battle. The sound of the audience cheering and booing echoes throughout the Wellness Quarter.

Beneath the open arena is a smaller closed arena and the warrior’s bunk. Warriors will find cold showers, rustic wooden benches, and training weapons available for their use. Deep in the earth is a grimy prison where servants who refuse to battle are thrown to wait for their turn. There are also cages where the hungry “animals” wait to go out and entertain the masses.

A long track rings around the perimeter of the arena. Gone is the standard green fuzz and white lines, replaced with stone and dust to elicit the real feeling of running beneath the hot Grecian sun. Foot and chariot races take place throughout the day.

BATTLE ROYALE

► Numbered ranks have been conscripted into battle for the amusement of the Wildcards and royals. While high ranked servants may be able to wiggle their way out of a fight, low ranked servants will be thrown into the arena without mercy. Warriors that win their battles will be showered in accolades and payouts while losers will be mocked and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Warriors that try to forfeit their match will be stripped naked, strung up on a pole, and mocked for 24 hours.

► Battle rules are simple. Any means and methods of fighting are acceptable when in the arena. The arena’s overseer will decide if a battle will end when first blood is drawn or if it will continue until one side can no longer continue. There are rare instances of battle to the death, typically reserved for warriors who have deeply offended a Wildcard or royal.

► Royals and Wildcards are welcome to join in the royale if they wish. They will not be forced and they will be given any armor they want before stepping into the arena. Low rank warriors are given no armor — some may even be forced to fight nude.

SUBDUE THE BEAST

► Any numbered ranks that have displeased a Wildcard or royal will be thrown into the arena to fight barehanded against hungry tigers and lions. If there are no troublemakers on hand to throw into the arena for entertainment, low rank servants will be forcibly volunteered instead.

► Those alleged hungry tigers and lions? They are other servants dressed up in sexy animal costumes. While staff will take genuine volunteers for this role first, they will forcibly volunteer low rank servants into the role if needed. All costumes are revealing and offer little protection. There is an assortment of looks to choose from, not just tigers and lions, though whether or not a servant gets to pick their outfit depends on how charitable the arena master is feeling.

► Matches will end when one party can no longer continue or the audience is sufficiently amused. Royals and Wildcards are permitted to partake if they please, and there will be no consequences if they decide to withdraw.

RACE TRACK

► Royals and Wildcards are invited to participate in horse racing. Only, there are no horses to be found — all the “horses” are servants! Any chosen servant must carry their master over the finish line. While piggyback rides may make the most sense for a race like this, many of the high class prefer more elegant positions, so anything goes. Horses are required to wear a bridle at all times during the race.

Servants are also allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. Servants may ride any servant of a lower rank. Aces are ordered to walk around with a poop shovel and bag, even if there won’t be any real horse poop lining the track (probably).

► Royals and Wildcards are also invited to participate in private horse racing. These races involve no track, taking place in the back of Beak in private rooms furnished with cushions and silks. Like with the public races, royals and Wildcards may select any servant that catches their eye. Unlike the public races, the goal here is to make their ‘horse’ orgasm as quickly as possible. Times will be saved on their Watches. The faster a master makes their horse come the more bragging rights they have.

Servants are once again allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. The higher ranked servant must make the lower ranked servant orgasm as quickly as they can. While the ‘horse’ may offer mutual comfort they will receive no accolades for their skills.

TALON

SHOW OF STRENGTH

Talon is bustling with warriors training for the arena. Several strength building stations have been set up, including benches for royals to perch on while warriors bench press them. Additions have been made to Talon as well; multiple mud pits have been dug for warriors to participate in some mud wrestling between arena battles.

Servants that appear too fragile to handle mud wrestling have been conscripted into the oil bearer role. Their job is to slather the warriors in oil from head to toe, and otherwise prepare them for their matches in either the arena or in the pit. This includes styling their hair, tending to their wounds, and wiping the sweat off of their bodies if so desired.

The locker rooms that connect Beak and Talon have been fully stocked with first aid kits and luxury bathing supplies. Warriors that have won their matches get first pick, leaving the dirty towels and shampoo that smells like ass for the losers to sift through. Those sneaky ghost hands are having a field day, snapping rat tails at unsuspecting bathers and locking naked warriors together in the supply closet. Guests lacking vigilance may find their bottoms unexpectedly pinched.

MUSCLE CONTEST

► Who can appeal to the royals and Wildcards most? It’s a competition based on aesthetics! Strip down, oil up, and flex your muscles to earn a high score from the judges. Royals and Wildcards may issue a score between 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

Wildcards and royals are welcome to join in the competition. For some reason, their scores always end up being 10 no matter how skinny or noodly they may be! The flattery and praise for their stunning looks and bodies is endless. No need to work out, my lord, my lady. You’re stunning as is! Truly no body is more perfect!

► Servants are not only allowed, but encouraged, to bribe royals and Wildcards into giving them a high score. While chips and gifts can certainly be offered, isn’t the most compelling argument some hands on experience? Staff will hint to competing warriors that offering sexual favors to the judges may help improve their scores. What better way to prove their physique is the most superior than to put it to work?

► Royals and Wildcards may purchase warriors for their exclusive entertainment if they so desire. Staff are eager to impress these nobles and make a pretty penny in the process. While this isn’t an official auction, these sneaky staff aren’t above making sure the elite and their requested warrior are left alone in a locked room. You grease my palms, I’ll make sure that sexy warrior greases yours.

WRESTLING MATCHES

► Guests will find that a deep mud pit has been added to the front hub of Talon. Servants are stripped and oiled down before being thrown into the pit to wrestle for the entertainment of the nobles. While staff will take volunteers for wrestling matches, they will also grab whoever looks good, even if they’re just passing by! On-lookers place bets during the matches. The winner of the match will receive a small cut of the prize money.

► Wildcards and royals may enter as well. Servants are expected to throw their matches if they’re facing a noble… and if they don’t, they may be facing some unexpected consequences! All suits are sensitive to the hierarchy and will suddenly flare if a servant starts thrashing a noble.

► During a match-up of nobles, it is expected that the lower ranked noble will throw the match in favor of the higher ranked noble. While royal suits will not flare if this isn’t adhered to, discipline between royals isn’t unheard of!

► Some matches are held under “Special House Rules” — which means that the winner of the match gets to claim and fuck the loser. On-lookers will jeer and demand that the winner publicly fuck the loser where they can watch, but private rooms are available for the winner to claim their spoils of war without sharing.

WAYWARD ARROWS

► An archery range with targets has been established for warriors to show off their shooting skills. Like the arena, there are benches and boxes for the audience to admire this graceful art — or to throw tomatoes from when a warrior misses the mark! Both servants and nobles are welcome to participate as archers.

► Servants have been conscripted to act as moving targets across the range. They are told to heckle the archers while avoiding their arrows, and only advised that the arrows won’t pierce their bodies if they get hit. It’s all fun and games. We can’t have all of our servants dying en masse!

During this portion of the games, archers will be given an assortment of charmed arrows with chalk tips that elicit different effects:

RED ARROW: Chalk powder from red arrows will trigger an intense need for physical release by grinding, humping, or frotting.

BLUE ARROW: Chalk powder from blue arrows is pure aphrodisiac. Inhaling this powder will cause close spike to near-orgasm, one that the target will find that cannot be completed by their own hand.

GREEN ARROW: Chalk powder from green arrows will stir neediness. The hit target will suffer cravings to be sticky and hug, climb, and generally latch on to another person.

PURPLE ARROW: Chalk powder from purple arrows will cause a bad case of loose lips. This may manifest in a compulsion to loudly speak in pretentious purple prose, dirty talk, or say otherwise hilarious things for the amusement of the audience.

► Effects from the arrows will wear off within the hour. Multiple hits from differently colored arrows can create fun new effects so feel free to get creative!

INDULGENCE

DESIRES FROM THE VOID

The spirit of the festivities rouses something primal. With emotions heightened, the core of the Golden Peacock responds in kind. It drinks in the sweat of the warriors in the arena. Inhales the laughter of the royals using servants as furniture. Basks in the brilliant glow of fresh Wildcards. The portraits in the elevators are rowdier than usual and the chandeliers lining the hallways gleam with new vibrance. Energy is palpable.

Things begin to move around the resort. The forgotten and the old exhale a dusty breath. Like the hunger that the Wildcards woke up with upon arrival, as its heart begins to beat quicker, there is a tension in the air of those things hungering to feed. To join in, and indulge. To get what they want.

And they’re coming out.

GALATEA

► Statues around the resort begin to stir. First it’s with a hazy blink, moving to the slow creak of their stiff mouths. Eventually they break off of their pedestals and out of their poses before clumsily making their way down the hallways, stone feet an emphasized thump with every step. They tremble, their cold stone bodies aching for warmth and human embrace.

► Statues around the resort have begun trying to kidnap guests for themselves. Once they’ve spotted a guest they want, they will stop at nothing to try and drag them back to their pedestal to spend forever locked in love’s embrace with them. They do not need food, drink, or rest.

► There are two ways to put a statue to rest. One is to engage the statue in battle and break off its head. Once the head is broken off, it will cease to have a spirit and crumble to dust. The second is to involve the statue in a physical act of intimacy — have a threesome with it! Or twosome, if someone is willing to watch. In the case of the second, statues will return to their pedestals satisfied upon completion.

► Statues that end up destroyed may drop a small lore hint. They will wheeze as their stone begins to disintegrate, their stone eyes dripping liquid gold tears. “I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole,” will slip past their marble lips before they crumble away.

NARCISSUS

► Gaze into the water. Admire your pretty face, the curve of your lips, the squint of your eyes... wait, are you winking at yourself?! Over the next few weeks, water-based reflections will begin acting of their own free will. They have the ability to move within the scope of the water and speak, their voices muddled but understandable.

► These reflections are extremely flirtatious and charming. They smile and bat their lashes, pretending to be innocent while drawing the original owner in closer. How about a smooch? How about more than a smooch? Their whispered promises are sweet. Salacious. Loving. Anything to get closer to you. Leaning in too close to the water is dangerous — these reflections will reach out and try to drag unsuspecting guests in. Whether this is out of malice or affection is unclear, but how can they possibly make love to you unless you join them in the water?

► Once caught, it is challenging to escape from their phantom limbs in the water alone. Several long-standing guests need to be saved from The Nest’s decorative fountain because they keep coming close to drowning after trying to kiss their reflections. Unfortunately, not every location with water is as prepared to save unsuspecting would-be lovers. No body of water is safe — not even a cup of it!

► Reflections will become increasingly indignant if they're ignored. Their sweet words will take a sharp turn into insults similar to, "I'm the better looking one between us anyway!" They may also let slip some personal secrets like, "This is why Johnny will never love you back! You're so cold, ignoring even yourself!"

Any mention of the fact that they'll end up drowning the character in question will earn a scoff and another small lore hint along the lines of, "Why are you being such a baby? Only the resort can really kill you anyhow. It's not like you'll die forever if I fuck you in here for a while!"

PANDORA’S BOX

► A spider's web threads through the resort. Invisible, but audible to those that are willing to listen. One of the Punishment Rooms on the maintenance levels is unlocked. Without the padlock on the door to keep them silent, silvery whispers drift up from the basement. A brush of thought, a tickle of an idea that won't quite go away — come down… come down and see… what is inside… don't you want to know?

► Those that heed the call and explore the maintenance levels will find the unlocked Punishment Room. The closer one comes to this door, the stronger these voices grow. They will continue calling, eagerly encouraging whoever stops in front of the door to step inside.

► The inside of this Punishment Room is plain. White walls, a single card table, and two plastic chairs. A single lightbulb offers a dusty glow. There is nothing particularly interesting upon first glance. Slowly, the door behind will creak closed until it is closed, locking itself in the process. That small lightbulb will begin to dim until everything inside the room is plunged into darkness.

► This Punishment Room senses the worst memories and fears of one of the captives inside and forces them to experience them in real time. The manifestation of memories or fears inside this room are realistic, to the point that it's impossible to discern whether or not this takes place in reality or the mind. The Punishment Room will randomly select which prisoner to dig from if there is more than one, but all guests inside will experience the room's effects.

► The door cannot be unlocked from the inside. Someone must either open it from the outside or captives must wait until the punishment is over and the door unlocks itself. How long that takes is random, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. That’s what you get for listening to disembodied voices!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; aphrodisiacs; battle; blood; bondage; compulsion; costumes; discipline; dominance; drowning; dubcon; fears; fighting; food; hierarchy; humiliation; indulgence; kidnapping; noncon; paranormal; power imbalance; roleplay; servitude; stalking; submission; supernatural; terror; violence; weapons

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's August event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from August 15th - September 1st.

▶ 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 would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

▶ 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!

▶ Wildcard tokens from the GILDED CAGE prompt may be redeemed even if the newbie(s) in question do not join the game, but only for the small item reward; the token does not carry over to Game 52.

▶ 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 to relax and enjoy the end of your summer! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[holeinwall]

[ It's fine that he says nothing. Each step increases her anger and indignation to the point she only lets out growls or the occasional grunt. Sometimes, the resort really sucked. Separating her from the Player? Killing Soundwave's memories? What bullshit!

It's not until they reach her room that she says something. Mostly because she's sure she has to, considering he thinks this is their "first" second meeting. ]

I'm not in the room I was in before when we first met. I'm a Nine now. Moving on!

[ Once the door's open, it's her turn to gesture for him to move along. Bratty as ever, she crosses her arms, pursing her lips up at him. ]

Get in there. And bring out your avatar. I don't feel like breaking my neck while trying to talk to you. You've already hurt me enough for one day!

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Soundwave keeps to his stride, not making any remarks on her angry growling and grunting. If what she said is true, then he feels her anger is justified. Well, so long as she isn't directing that anger towards him as if he deserves any when he's just as confused.... She can express her anger in any other way she wants.]

I see.

[And so, he steps inside her suite. Hm, this room is certainly less spacious than the previous one they shared. Less space for him to walk around, but still comfortable enough to find a corner for himself and powers down. At least bringing out his avatar is preferable for this space, and of course, so Monika doesn't have to keep cranking her neck up just to talk to him.

It's the same avatar. The same bodysuit, the same oversized puffy jacket, and the same mask. He takes another look around while he finds himself a comfortable place to sit. Is that a broken couch...? Huh, wonder what happened there.

Oh.

From the corner of his eyes, he sees a little white fuzz jumping out from the corner. A rabbit, and its jumping excitedly towards his direction. The rabbit first comes up to his real body, sniff, realize that he's powered down, and then jumps towards the avatar, hopping around like a fuzzy ball of energy.

Sorry if Soundwave is temporarily distracted, but he's blinking in surprise behind the visor at the sight. This thing sure loves to be around him. It only stops the hopping when Soundwave crouches down to give her a light petting on the head.]

Your pet, I'm assuming? What is its name?

[holeinwall]

[ The door shuts, and she takes a small moment to lightly press her forehead against it. She can be strong. She'll show him the truth without crumbling. Slowly, she inhales and turns.

Shit. Stampy.

In all her anger, she forgot about her suite not being entirely empty. Watching her reactions has Monika frozen in place. Her usual jealousy at that doesn't come to be. There's only more hurt. It's another part of their puzzle torn away, its piece lost. Something else he doesn't know.

Her head hangs, and she's speaking quietly, her tone nearly as flat as his usually is. Maybe it'll keep the tremors out of her voice. ]

That's Stampy. She's...

[ The sentence fades with a sigh, then she gently moves Stampy back into her pen. As much as she'd love to let her wander and greet her co-parent, not yet. It'd break her heart even more to see him unable to enjoy what should be a happy reunion. ]

Never mind. I'll be back.

[ Monika heads to her room, holding in a pained noise as she passes him. If things were like normal, she'd be glancing at his red eyes, not a blank face. Five minutes pass, then she returns with a lock box and its key. With that in hand, she sits next to him stiffly, though she unconsciously sits as close to him as she's used to. ]

Just...give me a minute. It's kind of buried in here.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[His attention to Monika's pet comes to an abrupt end. Stampy's reluctant of going at first, but ultimately moves along with Monika after being ushered to enough. His face- not that Monika could see it anyway -remains the stoic as ever, as he watches her lead Stampy back to her pen.

Much as she tries to hide her voice behind a flat tone, it's not difficult for him to sense the hurt she's hiding. His eyes glance down, still unsure of how to take in this situation.

While he waits for Monika to return, he sits down on a non-broken sofa and takes stock of his current situation, how he seemingly returned to the resort, and... Apparently this now. He doesn't have much time to think things over when he hears her footsteps preceding the door clicking open.

His blank face turns to Monika, but when she sits, his body involuntarily twitches at the too close a contact. First instinct is too move away and give space, but... Much as he prefers to not be touched unless needed to, he forces himself to stay. Monika's hurt. She is a friend. The most he could do for her, even if he has no memories of them ever being close together, is to comfort her.

Then, his leg presses lightly against Monika's. It's subtle enough. Comforting words is never his strong suit and what could he ever say to her, really? At least physical comfort is something he knows.]

... Take your time.

[An empathetic side of him has taken over. And besides... It's not like he has anywhere he needed to be.]

[holeinwall]

[ She felt that twitch. It hurts more. She knows he can probably hear the wild beating of her heart when that next stab of pain hits it. No matter how much she tries to control it, she knows she can't.

There's a soft gasp when he moves his leg closer. Her head jerks in his direction, eyes wide. As much as she'd love that any other day, it too hurts. Ultimately, she makes the decision for him and scoots away, returning her focus to the box. That taste of normalcy is too much, and she's not going to allow herself to read into that action any further. ]

You left this for me. The second time you came back. [ Don't cry, don't cry. ] You said it to me before, but...this kept me strong the most.

[ She hands over a blue rose, dried and preserved, sealed in a glass case, a smooth stone, then a crumpled piece of paper. The promise he made is written on it. ]

If you didn't care for me, why would you leave me this?

[peacewithouttyranny]

[The attempt of comfort seems to have hurt Monika more than he intended to. Guess he's just terrible at comfort in general. But regardless, he stays where he is and turns his attention to her when she takes out the content of the box.

Blue rose? A stone? Then, the crumpled piece of paper. The two items don't hold much meaning to Soundwave, surely it must've meant something if he truly did give them to Monika, but as it is, he doesn't find meaning in them. However, the paper. He looks at the writing. The promise.]

... I wrote this.

[It's a question, or asking for confirmation. He knows this to be ture. It's not Cybertronian language clearly, but this does appear to be his austere handwriting. 'Wait for me'

He has no recollection of any of these. None of his records shows he's ever owed these items or wrote them, let alone what meaning they hold to him. However, Monika is not lying to him.]

I do not... recall any of this, Monika.

[He knows it's difficult for her to hear it, but he can't lie to her face, as well. His head turns away as he lowers the paper down to his lap, gaze staring the floor. Then, after a moment of silence...]

Tell me, Monika.... Is your faith in the other- no, let me rephrase. [He turns his head to face her.] Is your faith in me still strong?

[holeinwall]

You did.

[ Quickly, almost possessively, she takes each item back and carefully puts them back into place. They join some other items in the box, random things of his and trinkets that remind her of him. Once the box is locked, she can tuck away the extra pain that came from his lack of recognition. It's not as if she thought he'd have a sudden magical moment and remember everything, but she'd rather not have them out any longer than necessary. ]

My faith's never died. [ She sets the box aside, looking up to his visor. ] You come back, each and every time.

[ A small touch of her anger returns in her next sentence. ] If you ever think my faith in you will die, I'll punch you in your face and your faceplate until you stop being stupid.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[He blows an amused huff at her angry threat, there. He can't say he knows Monika well enough to determine if she could truly stay that strong. But he can see it clearly now. Even in the face of this odd situation, her faith in him is still strong. ]

I was simply making sure, idiot. [Don't call him stupid. But his next words are sincere.] You are strong, then. I... may not be able to recall anything we've ever done. But wait for me, Monika.

[Wait until their normal return one day, that is. Might be soon. Might be later. He can't say for certain, but he isn't entirely opposed to bonding with Monika in any way, especially so when he has no other friends here.]

I can tell that I mean a lot to you. And same for me, if I've given those items to you. I do not... gift people, normally.

[holeinwall]

[ He somehow manages it. He gets a laugh out of her. It's small and more of a huff than anything, but being called an idiot has always been a constant. What a small comfort. ]

Whatever, jerk. You don't have to tell me that. I've dealt with you leaving and returning for months. You coming down with a sudden case of amnesia isn't going to stop me.

[ She leans back in the chair, about to sigh and stare up at the ceiling to be properly emo and mull over her misfortunes...but Stampy, the little asshole scamp that she is, has once again escaped her pen and has hopped up onto the chair with them. Immediately, Soundwave gets all the pleas for attention. It's subtle, but Monika scowls. Just a little. ]

There are a lot of things you didn't normally do. [ She sounds somewhat smug. ] I got you to do tons. I'd share some of that stuff, but you'd probably go full tsundere and tell me I'm lying.

[ Her fingers wiggle mockingly. ] The Great Grump Soundwave would neverrrr smile!

[peacewithouttyranny]

[A laugh? That's definitely a good sign, even though he isn't sure what made her huff out a small laugh.]

Are you telling me I relied on you to go out and do things? Or perhaps more likely, you probably annoyed me enough to go along with you.

[As if he wasn't planning to lie around and do nothing once people stopped worshipping him or yknow not be put up on an auction. Oh, he's just so purposeless, here. Soundwave startles and tenses up when something fuzzy just jumped near his peripheral, and then relaxes when he realizes it's just Monika's fuzzy pet. Stampy's back.

He's not sure why she chose to be on his lap rather than Monika's, but maybe it's a very friendly rabbit who enjoys meeting new people? Whatever, he doesn't mind the added weight on his lap, and he does enjoy the feeling her fur on his hands.]

If you do not lie, I won't call you a liar. Share me some of what we've done, then.

[He gives her a Look under the mask after her mocking. She can't see it, but there's certainly a sense that he's staring at her with the hardest lineface ever known in the entire galaxy.]

I do not smile. You've said it yourself... I am a- [Here comes the finger airquotes.] "Great Grump".

[And his hands are back to gently stroke Stampy.]

[holeinwall]

[ Her eyes roll. Go figure. By using the word "grump", she invoked the grumpy spirit in him. Not that it's too difficult to do, but after some time of being around Ctrl+Z'd Soundwave, his cool indifference was easier to handle than full-power grump. If only the grumpiness was like the mellowed version she had gotten used to.

More than that, she wishes he'd stop petting that damn rabbit. ]

I could show you some pictures that would fry your brain. Thankfully, I'm not going to do that!

[ Yet. That's only if he annoys her enough, which he most likely will. ]

For starters. [ She leans in and quickly prods the tip of his nose before he can move away. ] You stopped wearing this around me. The only time you kept it on was in public.

[ Before preparing her next doozy, she subtly tries to shove Stampy away while she's close. Go get lost in her toilet or something, stupid furball! ]

Also? [ Her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper, as if she's about to share classified information. ] You smiled.

[ Wait for it... ]

More than once.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Nope, he won't stop petting the rabbit. Stampy is definitely enjoying the attention she's getting. That aside, Soundwave is honestly indecisive between wanting to see those pictures and not seeing them. Although it could be undeniable proof but it could also be faked, if they have access to an image editing software.

Somehow though, he's leaning towards them not being faked and he may likely have his brain fried.]

My mask? I suppose if we've bonded enough to be that close....

[Hm. Then maybe it makes reasonable sense that he'd lower his guard around her and takes off the mask. At least he's relieved to know that he'd still wear it in public because he can't ever find himself be comfortable without a mask to hide his face behind.

Now the next doozy?

Yeah, no. He finds that one hard to believe. He smiled? More than once, even? Her voice dropping into a whisper only makes him think that she's just messing with him.

Soundwave doesn't notice her attempt to shove Stampy away, fortunately(?). Though she seems stubborn about leaving Soundwave's lap, however. Now back to Soundwave, his eyes are narrowed behind the visor.]

You're lying.

[holeinwall]

[ She almost doesn't hear his accusation. She's too preoccupied with glaring down at Stampy. What a stubborn little jerk! Even when the guy's clueless about her, this rabbit can't resist soaking up all his affection! They've had an agreement to be civil to one another, seeing as she's Monika's only consistent cry buddy company when he's away. Maybe she needs to rethink that!

Her next attempt to shove Stampy is more obvious. Monika bristles as her foe crawls her furry butt back into Soundwave's lap. No, never mind rethinking the agreement. Maybe the resort needs a new helping of flamin' hop skewers...!

Wait. Soundwave said she's lying. Nothing distracts her from violence better than being told she's wrong about something. ]

Oh, am I?

[ Her eyes narrow along with his, and she leans in closer to make sure he can see it through his visor. ]

Then why do I know the color of your optics?

[peacewithouttyranny]

[... Are these two fighting? His eyes are still narrowed at Monika, but it's kinda difficult not to notice her attempt to push Stampy away, only to hop right back into his laps. Be nice to your pet, Monika! His head tilts down to Stampy as she settles her big furry butt firmly on his laps.

Seriously, are these two beefing over something? Ignorant that these two are fighting for his attention, Soundwave rests his hand on Stampy and turns to look back at Monika, only to be met with her face up close.

Whenever someone leans in close to him like that, a similar strategy he'd employ to terrify someone, he'll stand on his ground... Or rather, stay firmly in his seat without leaning away.

He's not certain how this segue into her knowing the color of his optics. Did she mix up on what he's calling her a liar for?]

... What color are my optics then? [Then, he adds.] And I do not smile, Monika.

[Just to make sure she knows that.]

[holeinwall]

[ Her answer's immediate. ] Bright yellow. Just like sunshine.

[ Just as she'd said to him when he treated her to something incredibly rare. Granted, she took advantage of his offer for anything she wanted, but hey, he kept his word. That means the world to her.

For now, she's going to put aside her eternal battle with her dumb, mech-stealing pet. There's a method to her madness here. If he'd let her in enough to see part of his real face, wouldn't it stand to reason that he'd grant her a gift more precious? Something like a smile? ]

Oh, but sure. Grumpywave would never smile. [ She coos like a baby. ] He's way too sewious!

[ There's a laugh and she leans away--not as a show of submission, but rather to search around on her Watch. She won't obliterate him with a picture of his smile until it's necessary. That needs to remain tucked away until the moment's just right. Instead, after finding the picture she was seeking, she projects it for him to see. Just the tiniest bit, she smirks as his avatar's face comes into view. ]

You're way better at doing this~

[peacewithouttyranny]

I wouldn't say my optics are like sunshine.

[But... Huh. So he really did show his face to her, then.

He's still not certain on what to think of this revelation that they've been close friends, but hopefully she doesn't expect him to take off his mask anytime soon. He'd probably sooner show the avatar's face than his own real face. At least the avatar's is technically fake, though he'd still rather not show emotions.

He still finds it difficult to believe that he'd smile willingly. Well, there were moments in his life where he had smiled, but those were so rare that he could probably count on one hand how many times he's smiled. She must've been really special and precious to even get a smile out of him.

His shoulders relax when Monika leans away. Finally, some room to "breathe". A rise of his eyebrow when she's playing around with her watch, then he turns to the projected picture of... Is that his avatar? No, that is definitely his avatar, but... Why is he making that face?

His head turns back to Monika.]

What... Why. I do not make that kind of face.

[She doesn't see it and he's not acknowledging it himself, but he is making the exact pouty face under the mask.]

[holeinwall]

[ She obnoxiously wags a finger. ] Too bad your opinion doesn't matter on that! Your eyes--excuse me, your optics--are sunshine!

[ And unless he calls fake news on her very real picture, she's considering this her first victory of many. As always, she can't merely settle with winning. She has to rub it in the loser's face. Why shouldn't she? She's earned the right from working so hard!

Her smirk worsens as she sneaks in a shove at Stampy. No luck. This little shit! ]

Ahhh, right. We've established you don't smile, you don't make faces like this... [ She's yet to close the picture. He has to stare at his shame until she says he's done. ] You definitely didn't allow me to put that flower in your avatar's hair, and we definitely didn't spend hours together in the maze that flower came from.

[ If only he knew just how often he's seen the crafty look she's about to give him. The definitive sign that he was expected to bow his head and submit to her whims. ]

Most importantly, we definitely didn't make love in front of a bunch of people once we reached the center~

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Yeah, no. He isn't going to call fake news on her picture there, as much as he wants to pretend that it isn't real. Also why is she smirking at him like that? What, she's going to gloat about how he made dumb silly faces to her?

There's no way he's going to be anything like the Soundwave in that picture.

His hand is getting tired from stroking Stampy's fur, so he settles with wrapping his arms around her and hefts her up into a hug. Good luck shoving her now.

His pout turns into a lineface when she reveals about the flower and how they spend hours together in a maze. Ok, the latter isn't entirely surprising because he did basically hung out with Monika for an entire day or two when they first met. But still... Those things sound too cutesy for him to be doing, so that just adds to the confusion about his past friendship with Monika.]

Are you sure you aren't mistaking me with someone else?

[What she reveled last gives him a pause.]

......... Excuse me?

[holeinwall]

[ One moment. She has to glare her eyes out at the rabbit skank being such a bold asshole, right in front of her salad. To make things worse, she swears Stampy gives her a smug stare. Monika's hands ball up into fists. Is she about to try to punch a rabbit? Maybe.

Sense returns to her before she can attempt to be a shithead to an innocent creature. If she does that, Soundwave is going to leave and most likely completely avoid her. Worse yet, he'll like Stampy even more. Ughhh, this is such bullshit!

Monika huffs to herself. Stampy: 1, Monika: 0. Back to taunting Soundwave with the truth while quietly seething over wishing she was in his arms instead of what's supposed to be their pet. ]

Oh, sure. There's tonnnns of giant mechs wandering around here, and they aaaall have cute avatars. How could I everrrr think it was you?

[ The sarcasm's dripping from every word. He should be proud of her matching his usual energy so well.

Anyway, time to lie. She pulls down the top of her skimpy party outfit, just enough to reveal the top of one breast. There's a thin scar there, barely visible. ]

Why would you leave this on me if you hadn't had such a good time, then?

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Don't be mean to the innocent creature, Monika.

Soundwave continues to be unaware of the intense (one-sided?) rivalry between Monika and Stampy, unconsciously hugging Stampy closer. Gradually, he finds himself liking Monika's pet bunny... not that he'll ever say as much, no matter how obvious it is when he hasn't released Stampy yet. ... Hm,. he's just going to get more fur on him, isn't he? He'll have to re-materialize his avatar later or change into a new set of clothes.

Later, because someone here in the room is taunting him over truths that he asked for but couldn't believe.]

Enough with the sarcasm, Monika.

[Sheesh, he doesn't like it when she used his flat tone against him.

His brows curve up in mild surprise when Monika suddenly pulls down her outfit. What is she-- oh?]

That... [Without thinking, a hand reaches towards her, a finger faintly brushing along the thin scar atop her breast.] What do you mean I leave this on you? Did I... hurt you?

[holeinwall]

[ Let's just say someone's getting pelted with their food tonight. She'll name no names for said victim, but it's happening. As long as he's not looking, anyway. ]

Shut up. I do what I want.

[ But before she can sass him further, he has her eyes widening. He's touching her. He's touching the scar. Instantly, she's shivering at the touch, craving more of it. It's the first time he's voluntarily touched her since they reunited, and there's no doubt that her want for him still exists.

She breathes out. Subtly, her thighs press together, but then she pushes his hand away, pulling her top back into place. For once, she's going to resist temptation. Their relationship remains too precarious. ]

It's not hurting me if I wanted it.

[ Her smile's a bit wan. ] It was one of the best moments of my life.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[His hand is pulled back when she pushes it away, resting it on his side, palm side down. He's not hugging Stampy anymore, so she's free to leave or stay on his laps. Probably unsurprisingly, she chooses the later but at least she seems satisfied with her "true" owner's attention.

He head tilts quizzically when she said that. One of the best moments of her life? He assumed he must've hurt her or something, but he still doesn't quite understand how or why he'd given her a cut, he'd presume, on her chest.

Curiosity is getting the better of him.]

I have to ask... What happened, exactly? During that, ah..... "lovemaking" and made me gave you that scar.

[Saying lovemaking is so embarrassing...]

[holeinwall]

[ Her smile fades, and she looks away. Her expression's hard to read, but he'll be able to sense a wild mix of emotions coming from her. Anger. Hurt. Happiness. Sadness. Yearning. Maybe even something like...love.

Eventually, she sighs. Her arms cross while she mentally debates on her words. ]

I'm not sure I want to say. It'll just make me want you more.

[ The truth? Say it ain't so! Then again, it's not like he knows how secretive she normally is. It'll be easy enough to pretend she's always been open with him, seeing as she's been that way with him many, many times. In fact, that'll probably make him see her in a better light. A nice bonus. ]

At least you got your best sleep ever beforehand. Not on purpose, but it was nice to let you have that. [ There's fondness in her words as she recalls that part of her memories. ] It's the most peaceful I've ever seen you.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[He senses the wild storm of emotions in her. Confusion. He's confused by some of the emotions he's sensing from her. But what can be said about wild mix, it is that she truly feels strongly towards him.

Meanwhile... He sees her, as a friend.

It's... sort of easy for him to empathize with her situation, all thanks to his empath powers. However, that power of his is still a closely guarded secret. Does Monika knows it? So far, she hasn't allude to anything of that sort, or that she tries to guard her emotions inward. Ultimately, it's best for him to not say anything about what she just felt from her.]

I see. If it's not easy for you, then you do not have to tell me now. Later, perhaps? [He can't force her to say more, if she doesn't want to. Although hearing her say it'll make her want him? Surprising. Even if he hadn't felt her emotions, it's surprising that she'd... straight up says he wants him. He doesn't think he's deserving of anyone attention or want, especially of that level.

He isn't sure what to say to that.

The next part certainly sounds nice, at least. The fondness in her voice sounds nice to his ears.]

Is that so.... I never thought I'll be able to know a peaceful sleep ever again. [Even after the war was over, it's difficult for him to have a normal sleep and never not be alert at the slightest movement or sound.] Was it thanks to you?

[holeinwall]

[ Isn't it so lucky for him that he never revealed the true scope of his powers? The worst she has to worry about is him hearing her do things she'd rather keep private. She'd be freaking out if she knew he's aware of what she was feeling. Even more so if it was clear he could easily dig through her mind.

So much of their relationship's foundation was shakier than they realized. Shakier now. It's a miracle she hasn't freaked out from that alone. ]

Yeah. Maybe later.

[ Probably not. Not unless he's showing signs of seeing her as more than a friend. ]

I wish I could say I gave you that rest, but no. [ She snorts quietly in amusement. ] Some of the roses had thorns that put us to sleep, so we got to play our best Sleeping Beauty roles.

[ There's a thoughtful noise. ] Then again, maybe I helped a little? I let you sleep as long as I could. As much as you've told me about your life...I felt like you deserved it.

[ Mostly because she spent so much time living in her delusions, but he doesn't need to know that part. ]