TDM 007

[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 parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!

All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.

In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】

PARKING GARAGE

ANY CAR IN A STORM

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN PEA... CAR?

► Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals aren't being checked into rooms — the front desk and concierge have made an executive decision to temporarily house new arrivals in the parking garage. This may actually not be as bad as one may think! All of the vehicles in the Golden Peacock's garage are luxury; some are even bigger than the basement suites. There are, however, a limited number of cars available. Guests are booked into cars in pairs or sets of three.

► All vehicles in the Golden Peacock's parking garage are top of the line models. While the body style and year vary, their common denominator is that they are expensive. New arrivals may wake up in any kind of luxury vehicle from a zippy little Maserati to a SUV limousine. Guests waking up in larger, party-style vehicles may find the inside bar stocked with booze and snacks. Due to the nature of waking up in cars, they may wake up anywhere in their new ride. Even the trunk!

► New arrivals wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are dramatic sets bedazzled with precious gems. These robes are inspired by the 1920s. Some are silk, some are sheer, some are lined with fur. All are over the top. If it has the flavor of old Hollywood or wealth your character can wake up in it. Some lucky guests may even find old fashioned smoking pipes or extended cigarette holders in their robe pockets.

► After briefly being dumbfounded, the valet, who normally has nothing to do, will scurry down with a few racks of clothes. All articles on the racks have been dragged out of storage; the majority of the pieces are old-fashioned or mismatched. All he can do is continue to bow deeply and apologize for the lack of amenities in the parking garage. No one ever comes here!

SUITES DON'T DO THIS!

► The cars in the parking garage are temperamental. Guests may find doors locking and unlocking of their own accord when they're trying to exit the vehicle. When inside with someone else, the radio will change to a channel playing romantic music. The lights will flicker, dim, or turn off to create some sexy ambiance. They've been in the parking garage for a long time and haven't seen any action in decades. That famous car that starred in Titanic got people to have sex in it. Why can't they!

► Some of the cars may act strangely in other ways. The AC or heat will blast unexpectedly, the horn will go off at the least opportune moment, the engine will steam, the seats will spring back without anyone pressing the lever... if it can go wrong in a car, it can happen.

If asked, the valet will explain that over the past few months parts have gone mysteriously missing from some of the cars. Stolen, by no good dirty thieves! But what kind of ragamuffin would snatch car parts in the Golden Peacock? Regardless, he will apologize about the issues. They will continue until those missing parts are returned or replaced.

He will offer a monetary reward to anyone that can bring him any information about the guests that have been stealing car parts. It makes him look incompetent at his job, you see. All he has to do is watch these cars that don't go anywhere! If the house catches wind that they're needing repairs on his watch he's liable to lose his job. He's got four engaged daughters and he's got to pay for their weddings. He can't afford to get fired!

PHOENIX CASINO HALL

WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS

Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.

Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!

All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.

AT THE DOOR

► Guests must adhere to the black tie dress code to enter. Those that show up in less than their best won't be turned away — but they will be stuffed into a rental outfit provided by the staff. All provided outfits are gaudy, flashy, and encrusted with jewelry. Also — itchy. Too much starch.

► Guests that do not want to come will be "helped" to the party by the casino's favorite ghost hands. They will be dragged, levitated, and thrown across the resort until they've "joined" the party. Those that wish to opt out will be conveniently overlooked, completely forgotten by both the house and the hands because they, "lack presence." Ouch!

► Guests that wish to leave the party before it reaches its official end 168 hours later will find obstacles getting in the way of exiting. Staff pop out of nowhere to cheerfully guide them over to this new game they must try. Waiters stop them with trays of steaming food that they think they'll really enjoy. Long-standing guests stumble directly into their path and drag them into some drunken shenanigans. The doors will randomly get stuck. While guests can certainly escape the party, the forces that be are determined to make it difficult for them to call it a night.

REFRESHMENTS

► WHAT THE RICH FOLK EAT: A massive buffet table lines the back wall of the casino. This nod to overconsumption and gluttony features expensive and exquisite eats from land to sea. Everything on the table is decadent; only the best for guests of the Golden Peacock. The servers working the table encourage guests to eat and eat and eat, even going so far as to help them load up their 16 inch plates until they're overflowing. Less is more? Nonsense. More is more.

► IT'S GETTING BUBBLY: While there are plenty of libations to go around, there is one special champagne that's guaranteed sweep you off your feet. A few sips of the bubbly will have you floating in the air like you're the grandpa from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Guests that drink the bubbly will become like a bubble themselves, rising to the ceiling and swimming through the air. Unlike Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, however, burping isn't the answer to grounding safely. The bubbly wears off randomly and without warning, so be careful of falling on another guest or someone's game table.

► JUST A PUFF OR TWO: There's a new smoke that's captured the attention of party-goers. This popular new drug is called twig. Smoked from a very thin joint with an earthy taste. Need to add some pep to your step? Twig is the smoking equivalent of two hundred cups of coffee. Who needs sleep? With twig, it's possible to stay awake for upwards of three days without feeling tired. Guests report feeling "brilliantly energized" after smoking twig. However, reports also note that once the high wears off, the user might feel like a deflated balloon that's been run over by a truck. Long-standing guests will encourage newer guests to give it a try. You can sleep after the party, bro!

GAME ROOMS

TRY YOUR LUCK

DIRTY DICE: EVEN DIRTIER

A crowd favorite — Dirty Dice is BACK and now it's even dirtier. The creators put their heads together to come up with funnier and more dynamic dice options to keep things interesting for players. While the original game used a pair of standard six-sided dice, Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier debuts a pair of hefty twelve-sided dice.

► The rules for Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier remain the same as last year. Players will be seated at a two-top (though group Dirty Dice games are also encouraged!) with a set of dirty dice. The starting player rolls both dice. The action created with the dice must then be done to the opposing player — however, the rolling player does have the option to turn down the action if they're chicken. The second player will then roll the dice to create an action, similarly able to turn down the action if they're also chicken. Players continue to take turns until there is a winner.

► The first player to complete four actions will receive bragging rights, an extra large chip payout, and the resounding applause from the audience. For low rank guests, winning Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier may also come with an invitation to one of the exclusive lounges.

DIE A
1: TICKLE
2: FINGER
3: KISS
4: SUCK
5: CARESS
6: SLAP
7: FONDLE
8: PINCH
9: LICK
10: BITE
11: SNIFF
12: GRIND ON

DIE B
1: LIPS
2: THIGH
3: CHEST
4: ASS
5: MOUTH
6: ELBOW
7: NECK
8: EAR
9: NIPPLE
10: GENITALS
11: KNEE
12: NOSE

SEX TOY ROULETTE

Come one, come all, step right up and try your luck with Sex Toy Roulette! Several giant roulette wheels (an ode to our favorite morning TV show, The Price Is Right) are waiting for those brave enough to give them a spin. Sex Toy Roulette is a game of chance that comes with risks and rewards. Are you daring enough to give it a go?

► Sex Toy Roulette is very easy to play. The player steps up to the wheel, grabs the handle, and gives it their best spin. Whatever the needle lands on when the wheel stops is what the player wins! Lucky ducks might land on one of the fabulous instant prizes which can be claimed immediately. Less lucky ducks land on one of the sex toy options.

► If the needle lands on one of the sex toy options the roulette manager will give the player the corresponding sex toy. The toy will sync with the player's Watch and begin a countdown of 4 hours. The instructions for further steps are also transmitted to their Watch: Use this sex toy in a sex act with another guest within 4 hours.

► Players that complete the game and use the sex toy within 4 hours will receive no penalty. They also get to keep the sex toy. Yay!

► Players that do not complete the game and do not use the sex toy within 4 hours will be penalized. Not only will a substantial amount of chips be drained from their bank account, guests may experience a sudden and intense suit flare. Wildcards may randomly experience symptoms of ANY SUIT.

1: BLINDFOLD
2: CHOCOLATE SYRUP
3: PADDLE
4: DILDO
5: INSTA-PRIZE
6: G-STRING
7: CLIT SUCKER
8: ANAL BEADS
9: ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
10: INSTA-PRIZE
11: MAGIC WAND
12: GUN

13: A REGULAR SPOON
14: VIBRATOR
15: INSTA-PRIZE
16: ROPE
17: BALL GAG
18: FLESHLIGHT
19: BONDAGE TAPE
20: FLAVORED CONDOMS
21: INSTA-PRIZE
22: BUTT PLUG
23: GARTER BELT
24: KNIFE

25: NIPPLE CLAMPS
26: INSTA-PRIZE
27: LEASH & COLLAR
28: RIDING CROP
29: SEX DOLL
30: BEN WA BALLS
31: CHASTITY CAGE
32: ANKLE CUFFS
33: COCK RING
34: INSTA-PRIZE
35: CUCUMBER
36: HANDCUFFS

► Guests that land on INSTA-PRIZE may select from the following prizes:

An extra-large chip payout and money box experience. Stand inside a narrow box and enjoy being showered with the bills of different cultures across the multiverse! Dollars, yen, euros, yuan... you name it.

The royal experience. Travel around the party in the coveted Pure Gold Peacock Palanquin. Enjoy 24 hours of topless servants and constant hand-and-foot service. All of your commands will be obeyed.

Select from an assortment of luxury watches, necklaces, earrings, and other expensive articles of clothing. Cashmere, pure silk, Mongolian wool — high quality items for keeps. May also select from appliances that would not be normally found in low rank suites.

A brand new car or motorcycle!!! Yes, the car will have to live in the garage, but it's all yours. Winners who choose a motorcycle may ride it around the hallways of the resort.

► The specific details of the sex toy a character is given is left to OOC discretion. For example, if you choose to land on "vibrator", you may have your character given any kind of vibrator. Have fun!

1 or 11

Down the hall from the main hub guests may find a clandestine room with a silvery sign on the door — ARE YOU 1 OR 11? Crossing the threshold brings a different atmosphere from the card tables and slot machines. The game manager stops every person that comes inside, offering four cards and asking the new player to select one.

"This will be your role inside Lovers' Hideaway," she explains with a smile. After selecting a card, the player will be guided past the velvet curtains to join in the amorous atmosphere of a silver-studded lounge with several private bedrooms.

► 1 or 11 is a game of dominance and submission. The four hidden cards offered at the door are all Ace cards. The specific Ace card that the player draws indicates their role of either Dominant or Submissive. For the rest of their time inside Lover's Hideaway that is the dynamic they are expected to play. Players will win a large payout after any intimate D/s encounter.

► A player must redraw every time they leave and return to Lovers' Hideaway, so it is possible to play both dynamics.

A♦: ACE OF DIAMONDS — 1, Submissive.
A♥︎: ACE OF HEARTS — 11, Dominant.
A♣: ACE OF CLUBS — 1, Submissive.
A♠: ACE OF SPADES — 11, Dominant.

► The rules of 1 or 11 are otherwise very relaxed. Doms and Subs seek one another out inside Lovers' Hideaway and find mutual satisfaction together. The staff of Lovers' Hideaway are happy to provide any amenities that the couple would like to use in their play.

HOUSE OF CARDS

Ladies and gentleman! Do you dare to test how steady your hands are? Are you ready for a new challenge? Come play our new game, House of Cards. Step up to any table with a house of cards and prepare to go head-to-head with another guest in a game of strategy and luck.

► Players take turns removing one of the cards from a house of cards. Similarly to Jenga, players must be careful not to knock the house of cards over when removing a card. The player that causes the house to collapse is the loser. A large sum of chips will be transfered from the loser to the winner after the house falls.

► Each card has a question. After successfully pulling a card, the player must then answer the question honestly. Questions vary in intensity, ranging from simple inquiries such as, What is your favorite color? to more complicated, Would you betray a loved one for financial gain?

► Failure to answer the question or to answer it honestly will register as a loss on the player's Watch. The player will then be flagged as the loser and a large sum of chips will be transferred to the winning player.

EXCLUSIVE LOUNGES

ONLY FOR THE FEW

HIGH CLASS OASIS

Being a high rank in the Golden Peacock comes with perks. 168 hours is exhausting, so staff have arranged a luxurious respite for the high rank guests that need a break from the party. Guests ranked 10 - King are invited to come relax in the High Class Oasis. Suit-clad and sunglasses wearing security stand at the door and check each guest's credentials before they're allowed to enter.

Security are strict about monitoring who is allowed to come into the oasis. They won't even allow a high rank to bring a mid or low rank with them; they won't risk upsetting any of the other high ranks. However, while these security guards are loyal and diligent, they aren't especially smart. It is possible for low and mid rank guests to sneak into the oasis with a bit of ingenuity. But be careful — if you don't walk the high class walk, one of the royal long-term guests might call for security to drag the peasants away.

Private bedrooms and sleeping pods.

Bathroom featuring showers, bath tubs, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room.

Racks of complimentary clothing.

Top-shelf bottles of wine, champagne, and spirits.

Complimentary cigarettes and cigars.

Full body massages and masseuses on call.

Birdbucks baristas serving up any and all coffee drinks, on the house.

Peace and quiet away from the peasants!

HIGH ROLLER CLUB

Guests that are willing to bet high and gamble hard are invited to play in the High Roller Club. The High Roller Club isn't for the faint of wallet or heart; everything played inside this exclusive club is high risk and high reward. Guests that refuse to match the high risk energy of the club will be escorted out immediately. Entrance to the High Roller Club is dependent upon the means to bet high. If the dealers judge a guest to be broke and/or a coward, unable to put forth chips and unwilling to bet their bodies, they will be denied access.

Guests that have been denied access but are caught trying to sneak in will be conscripted into drink service. They will be dressed up in a sexy bird costume and made to serve drinks to high rollers. Think sexy casino bunny, bird edition. Hey, at least that gives them a bird's eye view of how the extremely wealthy (and gambling addicts) play?

All games require large bets, either monetary or bodily.

Sex acts may be offered in lieu of chips if the player has no chips left to bet.

All drinks are complementary when playing in the club.

Wins and losses must be large enough to be impactful on a player's daily life.

Players can end up in the red, which triggers instant conscription. Players in massive debt will be forced to work in other areas of the party to begin paying back the house.

Any kind of game may be played in the club, including games under the "Game Rooms" tab.

WOMEN'S PARLOR

A pair of eight foot Amazonian bouncers guard the doors to the Women's Parlor. Only guests that identify as women will be allowed to enter the parlor. Guests that identify as men will be blocked by the bouncers' crossed spears. This lounge is a private space for women to relax and refresh during the festivities.

Like the other lounges, it is not impossible for guests that identify as men to sneak into the Women's Parlor. However, these Amazonian bouncers won't move an inch from the door and refuse to engage with men, leaving little room for persuasion or sneaking. Men who wish to sneak into the Women's Parlor will have to crossdress as women in order to pass the bouncers. It's important to keep up the act, too, lest the long-standing guests inside the parlor realize that men have snuck into their haven and call the Amazons to come catch them.

Comfortable couches and sofas; blankets and pillows.

A few showers stocked with amenities.

Quick laundry service for gowns and pantsuits.

Exclusive dessert bar, featuring limited edition pastries.

High tea at all hours, featuring limited edition tea blends and mini sandwiches.

Running chocolate fountain and numerous dip-able foods such as fruits and marshmallows.

Numerous kittens and cats for cuddling.

Complimentary shoulder and/or foot massages.

HANGOVER AFTERCARE

DID YOU HAVE FUN?

A LITTLE AFTERCARE

► The morning after the party ends, characters will find themselves waking up with someone else in their bed. Did you go to bed with someone last night? Oops, looks like they got misplaced in the shuffle, but please enjoy this new person. No one should wake up alone after a party — or so the house thinks. Affection and intimacy have been reported to increase happiness in humans and semi-human individuals after an exhausting escapade. Plus, it's heard that hangovers can be torturous. Not that it would know.

► Guests won't just be waking up to each other. Waiting for them are trays with steaming hot breakfast and a large cloth bag labeled Hangover Kit. While you're enjoying some coffee and munching on bacon, feel free to dig into the bag and check out what the house has sent for you! Isn't it the best host?

Please enjoy your complimentary: water bottle; aspirin packs; Pepto-Bismol; Gas-X; Imodium; anal douche; enema kit; viagra; face masks; a box of Bon-Bons; and one (1) random sex toy.

Have a pleasant sleepy morning!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; altered states; BDSM dynamics; coercion; drug use; exhibitionism; food play; gambling; servitude

▶ 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 January event.

▶ 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. This month we also have an ongoing ATP / EMP where players can connect. Please feel free to utilize this for all of your peafowl needs!

▶ 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!

▶ 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.

▶ Happy New Year and 2025! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

texas ― arknights ― 9 of spades

[swordpour]

a. the party don't stop.

(seems like she always gets dragged into something, against her will by now included. the ghosts were rather pushy, more than their usual when cellinia finds herself brought into this party. her suit is nice, flourishing, and fancy for someone of her rank. rank nine meant that she gets more perks than some, but she isn't close enough to face cards just yet. maybe it's not that surprising she hasn't left rank nine yet because she prefers it that way. not too much trouble, unseen mostly for things without too many worries.

but, that's enough about that. what she's doing is trying to find a spot that she can be away from the crowd at. her cane taps the ground, and she almost feels like she's more out of place just wearing this. the stupid top hat included. while texas can say she knows these parties too well (being the sole daughter and child meant she must) they were never her kind of scene. not the way some could get in them. the expectation had been for her to find a future partner at another time and place, of course she hates the idea. she always would.

anyway, what she does is she looks rather apologetic for bumping into you while attempting to find a corner to hide in. that's her usual, even with alcohol and the like involved. she preferred club settings for heavier drinking, and she almost certainly would not be trying the drugs she sniffed around in the air.)

You get dragged here then too?

b. high rollers got that style.

(why was she in there? she's a rank below the number necessary for entering the oasis, but they didn't spot her coming in. seems like the guards missed it, but it did seem far better than what texas was dealing with downstairs. maybe not where she wound up at. she's in the parlor, the women there asking immediately to touch her tail, or her ears. texas of course tenses, and they got the idea to not be persistent. she's never done good on that without being eased into it, others were saying how cute they look while the wolf sits quietly with a thing of champagne.

and maybe a thing of chocolate that they pushed her way, that wasn't a surprise she took to it immediately in how her eyes lit up. the comments on her being adorable came back, but she's brushing those off as being people who didn't realize she's anything except for that. while she's eating her chocolate treats, she did look over in your direction next to her thoughtfully before:)

Did you want some? They pushed a lot on me and said I looked like I needed to eat more sweets.

(that or they really wanted her to stuff herself on chocolate and alcohol, for whatever reason they had in mind. any intentions can turn bad in this resort, she's learned this fast. never been her idea of a good time whenever they have to force something down their throats that screams trouble.)

c. world's unfriendliest alarm clock.

(having her own space meant that things were nice, the not so nice part is her immense confusion on the sorry ass state of her main bedroom. well. that, and feeling like her head was pounding before she catches the scent of someone else in there. someone who....was right beside her before immediately on instinct shoving you out of her bed. she reacted too quickly to tell if it's friend or stranger, but she's almost certainly embarrassed by being there and undressed with another person.

just. give her a second to calm down, she doesn't do this normally. not whenever it comes to having guests, visitors, or just about anyone staying over for the night. this just wasn't what she texas had expected to wake up to. not after that constant party, or after the alcohol that she was having shoved down her throat.)

Sorry.

(that's all that she could say about it, before she sees the "hangover cure" left on her nightstand with a brow raised. when did she get that? she doesn't remember seeing a paper bag before she crashed (hard at that) into her mattress. might as well not question it or dare to look at it.

she has a feeling this is anything other than a hangover aid.)

d. wildcard.

as always feel free to bring your own, like mentioned i'm open to most prompts in! general perms/kinks here. if you'd like to plot out something closed, feel free to also hit me up at entropist or pm me!

@reietta; closed

[swordpour]

(see, this isn't what she was liking. let's play catch up, shall we? earlier texas had been called down by the valets to the parking lot. they mentioned a guest was raising hell after awakening while saying her name, something about near crashing into other wildcards. the whole nine yards of trouble brewing. what had happened after was....well. first off, it was a reunion from hell. reuniting with lappland was not on her things to expect of the new year. not after it seems like she was going to be stuck there in the resort for quite some time.

the golden peacock is not one to let go of guests. the house makes sure of that from what she's learned of her time here; statues that seem lifelike and almost as if they were watching everyone. even the ones of people that were like them, players of this game they're trapped in. regardless, reunion, getting lappland clothes, and texas finding herself in the back seat of that truck the silver wolf had landed in for a time aside? she's attempted to fill her in. tried to, anyway. which lead into them now being outside the lover's hideaway and texas sighing about it.)

Okay, are you sure that you want to play this? You could easily pass me off as your plus one for the high roller's lounge, you know.

(no, she knows lappland. she'd want the options that could give texas trouble. the most trouble or even humiliate her if able to. that's going to be no different in the resort, which also means that cellinia would need to prepare herself for more to deal with.

....at the very least she might not have to worry about her spade mark. that was currently satisfied after earlier, even if it did seem to be amused that she could suffer so easily in the presence of lappland. like something could break through to her and cause more to be a problem for her nature now thanks to that. then again, if she was going to be stuck there with familiar faces, it's on texas to try and not do her usual stance of avoidance. not right now, not in the future, hopefully.)

[reietta]

[ she rolls with the punches, she's somewhat casual and blase even when it comes to bizarre or even exploitative scenarios like this. she likes to be the one dealing trouble rather than receiving it. and, for all that texas has told her about this place, it doesn't seem horrible so far. she's used to camping out in the wilderness. ... what really grates at her is if they're truly stuck here without freedom but, she thinks, maybe if she could get her paws on an even bigger vehicle or otherwise destroy an area of the resort, there surely could be a way to leave.

but in the meantime, she doesn't mind having fun or just causing trouble for texas. ]

Oh yes, I'm hell bent on trying this... whatever this is. [ her famiglia's in the winery business rather than gambling, she doesn't spend terribly much time playing cards or die. her hands are more suited for weaponry. anyway, she knows this surely isn't some ordinary casino game. this resort sure likes to fuck with people and to make people fuck. and also, she just wants to fuck with texas. ] Unless you want to be the eye-candy on my arm in the high roller's lounge so badly. You just can't get enough of me! I know I'm good but way to flatter a girl~!

[ she thinks she's so fucking funny. and if she laughs obnoxiously about it, she can decide it didn't mean much at all even through the tremor of her heart. ]

[swordpour]

(aside from having to replace her costume with a different suit, texas didn't seem to be too bothered for now. casual conversation and the like, but she knows that it's better to go with whatever is thrown at them on occasion. she's done that during the rank swap from an error in the system previously. still would be now. somehow cellinia thinks for the moment that she should explain. she was the one that paid attention during the explanations earlier on the games after asking a staff member for help. as usual (they lit up at the idea of getting to help her) knowing how close she is to being near the higher ranks. some perks can be helpful.

but since lappland didn't hear it, or maybe was more focused on texas rather than the person explaining the game itself, then it's on her.)

Doms or subs, from what I was told. Draw a card and what you get is your role. Guess as a warning, I haven't exactly experimented much with anything like this.... (no, she hasn't gone near anything bdsm related. she did have an interest in restraints, collars, leashes, and a few other entry level things. that did not mean, however, texas has tried it for herself any. her last time in the naked yolk was something she was sworn to secrecy on. that secrecy being she isn't allowed to talk about what happened during that for the sake of privacy. not because anything sexual happened, more because of the vampires and their blood pool.) Wouldn't it be the other way around, given you're the one in the dress?

(that. was a little too smooth, texas. but the words came out of her mouth before she could stop herself.)

[reietta]

[ wow. she's a little speechless because, huh, it's not as if texas doesn't ever return her sass, but she doesn't quite do so flirtily. if this counts as such, which she'll totally consider so, because the thought of being texas' date while she's in the opera dress is a little... interesting.

but still, ] Traditional gender roles are so... what do the kids call it. Cringe, right? [ she's not terribly online and maybe she's not old enough to say 'kids' unironically but. she's just saying. ] I could dom just as well in a dress than not.

But I suppose if you're such an amateur and beginner to the scene like this you might just want to lie back and be a cute subby little pillow princess for me~

[ a slap to texas' ass, as if in punishment for catching her off-guard just now. or simply to be a pest. ]

[swordpour]

(sass, maybe a little flirty. normally does doesn't do that, but that's nothing to mention. she's not even a decent flirt on her best days (though she somehow did good enough) but she got the idea. traditional gender roles can be stupid, stupid enough that texas would ignore them. she was in a suit for a reason and more prone to being masc on top of that for another, but they'll worry about that another time.

she's picked up on other slang from her time in the resort, funnily enough. cringe was one word. the rest came off conversation on the network when people were sending texts all over again.) Cringe, yes. I mean, I'm not doubting you. (no, texas knows lappland. she didn't need to be in a dress from the impression she's had this whole time. somehow the idea that she knows more also didn't surprise her, that sounded about right in how unfazed cellinia is in response at first. until the slap to her ass gets her to jolt (and a look gets sent in lappland's direction) for catching her off-guard next....that was normal. normal.

it's always felt weird to think of it that way, that they can have something normal between them.) I'm not being a pillow princess, it wouldn't satisfy you if I was just laying there, anyway. (she has that feeling it wouldn't have, but she won't elaborate on that. not this time. another time she might explain herself, but texas did have a feeling this was about to get interesting.

it's her turn to draw the first card, her card is....funnily enough ace of diamonds. submissive, then. but that's likely better if she's this new, not so much for her sanity with lappland's intentions were she to draw the dom role.)

[reietta]

[ one ear flicks, ] I've wondered sometimes if you've deliberately been trying to deny me satisfaction for my entire life. [ in... perhaps a twisted way, in maybe a rather bitter way, in the way that texas wouldn't kill her and would just about run from her for years. avoidance possibly too understandable, unavoidable in itself. she accepts it, and it's strange, year after year could build up to a breaking point to an extent of acceptance.

having texas in the car, she could compartmentalize, could simply be indulgence above anything else. having texas anywhere else could be indulgence. at this point she doesn't think true satisfaction exists for her anymore. she could have texas' body but might never truly capture her. she'll accept it with the slight disappointment that texas doesn't even snarl at her for spanking her but, oh well. even that much is dissatisfaction.

she takes her card; ace of hearts. ]

Why would you look at that. We match.

[ she bumps shoulders with texas, her tail moving to wag against texas' own. despite herself and her decision, she can't help it if she feels a little happy just being close. having this much of texas is already far more than she'd ever imagined or deserved. ]

[swordpour]

(one would think her glaring was counting as her almost snarling, she even did subtly but held back from growling. though maybe she did reach over and instead of a spank after thinking lappland had dropped her guard enough, it was a pinch to her ass while praying to whatever god is out there to just strike her down now for reacting like that. provoking her seems to have other interesting results now if she's unfazed by something like a spanking (blame the ghosts in the talon for that) but she will not be talking about how that happened. she'll keep blaming that bratty suit of hers until she's blue in the face for what she's doing. it almost surely was having fun with that. they didn't need to talk any further on that subject, so maybe this was texas deciding to just run with it.

figures, though. they both got the matching role. did it matter if they'd play by the rules? maybe not. but that's if they're going in together. she doesn't expect lappland to stick with her if she decides she wants to try testing the subs in the hideaway, texas herself might just avoid them or go out for a smoke. the parties been draining enough that she's had to deal with the urge being stronger. that and she wasn't able to bring her pocky with her since she was caught going to buy more originally.

she's not the one that knows bdsm exactly, or the one that knows everything to do around the subject. this isn't her sort of territory.)

....looks like it. So what now?

(as long as this isn't about to result in cellinia getting dragged into something else she might feel the urge to chain-smoke from. there's been too much of that lately. with her only break being during december, that does say plenty about what the resort does to people.)

[reietta]

[ texas always gives her the evil eye, even when she's literally trying to help her out in fun or hilarious or god awful ways. so, she's used to it. texas ever being obliging is what surprises her--

oh, and that pinch. she nearly yips like a puppy because that's definitely not something she'd actually ever expect from her; her tail swats as she claps a hand over her mouth. it's almost too embarrassing to admit she'd made a sound like that. there's definitely something up with texas, that she's been so obliging and touchy and affectionate and... if she thinks about it, it's still like a dream that something like this could be happening. she should distrust it, with all the skepticism and understanding and distance that's been between them for years and their entire lives.

but she likes it so much. heat goes to her cheeks as she resists another smack or anything. actually, that's juvenile. she could pay her back in-- ] Seems we select a room and... I could a hazard a guess there'll be some naughtiness expected of us in there.

Last chance to back out before I make you cry and squeal like a musbeast, Texas.

[ sure, she'd been the one wanting to do this, but she likes being a pest and a bastard. all things considered, she supposes if texas really hates the idea of this, she'll give her an out. ]

[swordpour]

(texas might never say anything about her differences (at least about the change in her demeanor) partially being from a combination of things. none of them good. but that in itself is a given from the house, and it's brand of sadism. sometimes it was easier to comply depending, other times? yeah, she rather stick her head in her bathroom sink and hope to god that it sends her off.

anyway, that yip was worth it. she doesn't always do these things to begin with, but that's what a little break in character does. not that texas would talk about hearing lappland make a sound like this, if anything this is more an amusement for herself. that and she almost wonders how exactly the other wolf seems to be handling this better than cellinia thought. thinking about it, there are a number of reasons that neither should get into whenever this is a party.

another glare, cry and squeal. right. as foreign as this would be, part of her might be easier to provoke. that can also be blamed on her lovely (no) suit. giving up control, the idea isn't one which texas could say she likes the sound of. especially not to someone beside her. still, it's a game. the pay-out might be nice, and she did need the chips. getting those christmas gifts was a bit of a pretty penny.

....and maybe there's enough morbid curiosity on what can happen.)

Do I look like I'd squeal? (staff seems to have caught on to her habits, since one of them brought over an ashtray for her to take in. that, or they assumed she might use those cigarettes for anything but her own consumption of them this time.)

[reietta]

[ well, no. ]

It's a joke, Texas. That being said, I'm sure I could pull one out of you if I put my mind to it.

But I'll be so gracious as to allow you to choose the room or even toys within if we're going to play this game. Play like this is usually a two-way street, you know. [ with the sub in control of setting the limits rather than the dom. not to talk herself up as some expert on kink, because she's not, and she usually likes things rough and hard and obscene and even dubconny. but if she has a soft spot or sentimentality or consideration for anyone, it's always always texas. ah, funny, if she had anything like feelings it really would always be for texas. she could think all she'd like in the privacy of her mind about how she'd sure like to make her cry, and she truthfully does, but whether she actually goes through with it is another story.

she raises an eyebrow at the ashtray offered. one ear flicks; she personally hasn't smoked since the old days, hasn't lapsed and doesn't plan to, but she supposes texas might be more stressed out than her. ]

I would've thought that you wouldn't want to submit to anyone at all, least of all me, regardless of whatever prize or money might be offered.

world's unfriendliest alarm clock

[quitsmoking]

[ shouko does recognize her actions from last night as selfishness, a means to an end, with that end being spending even just a single night away from the noise and chaos of the basement. yeah, yeah, she could just camp out in her office, but the medicinal chill there isn't much better than exposed water pipes and paper-thin walls. besides, it's not like she doesn't feel safe following texas back to her room, half-escorting her through the shared haze of a few too many drinks and probably not all of them unlaced. the encouragement of the staff to "buddy up" had only encouraged her, enabled her even into thinking it was only the right thing to do. she questions that now, rubbing her head where it had clonked into the bedside table on the way down to the floor, shivering a little from the unceremonious eviction from the blankets. ]

Good morning...

[ it's a more amiable greeting than the wake-up likely deserves, but she can hear the tinge of remorse. besides, she's not exactly keen to start the day with an argument, and it's not like a bump on the head isn't an easy enough fix for her.

dressed in a camisole and shorts, both satin and lace-trimmed but looking objectively cheap, shouko rises to her feet. ]

Nothing happened, if that's what you're worried about. [ reassurance, but more is seemingly desired, and she's hardly afraid of a cotton bag. not after what she'd gone through last night just to get into the high roller suites long enough to run into texas.

the bag is heavier than expected, but rattles with the telltale sign of blister packs. more than they probably need, to be honest, and all of them innocuous as she lays them out on the table, lined up as if in a makeshift pharmacy. while there's pairs of most everything including the face masks, there's just the one bottle of water—and...oddly, a mini-vibrator, its box boasting a quick charge and five different speeds. ]

See? Still in-box.

[ she waggles it a little before setting it among the other offerings, wearing a small smile in the hopes of smoothing out the morning. if she'd known she was in danger of being launched out of bed, she might have thought twice about tagging along, despite her genuinely harmless intentions. ]

[swordpour]

No, it's not that. I don't usually wake up beside people, because I'm prone to having nightmares.

(she's certainly sounding remorseful, that wasn't what she intended on doing to poor shouko. yes, her memories are slow to return. shouko had helped her through the last of that evening. apologetic as ever and back to cordial with an uncharacteristic flick of those ears down to show remorse. she must be that hungover if her training wasn't being considered; that didn't mean that she wasn't willing to allow the other girl to get back in bed for her transgressions of causing her to have a rude awakening. the hangover kit is a mostly normal one, then.

normal enough, aside from that....vibrator. they'll just pretend that wasn't there. for now. maybe if there was something to worry about, they'd find out later when texas reaches for a peace offering anyway. out of her discarded shorts, she got her cigarettes out. while shouko wore a camisole and shorts, texas wore her dress shirt from underneath that outfit she had on for the party and a pair of black panties. luckily the shirt itself was still buttoned up.

a toss of the pack is given in shouko's direction while the wolf considers what else could have happened last night. texas was definitely helping out by lying to keep some of the dirty looks away from her for that duration of their run-in.

with the peace offering given, she does take the chance to pat the bed if shouko wanted to get warm and comfortable again. texas can't say that she intends for her to be exiled from it, besides, she does assume that the other girl wants a chance to rest longer. they'll need to figure out how to split the kit (somehow) given there's only one water bottle. unless texas allows shouko to take half and she takes the rest? it's not sanitary if they drink it straight from the bottle, but that's maybe good enough.)

You still remember anything from the week? Most I can remember is that I was growling like I was your personal attack wolf when people got snobby near the end.

(a show of those wolf teeth in her snarling made things easier, frightening to those on the receiving end that she could be closer to her more animalistic side. while that drunk, anyway. the rest might come back to texas after enough time, but she didn't go anywhere near certain things throughout this week long party. the drugs were almost certainly avoided by her.

the alcohol sadly, not the case given their interest in making her drink and eat often. thankfully she didn't over eat, and managed to sneakily get in some of her usual cardio and other things. with or without going to the talon, she wasn't about to break habits.)

[quitsmoking]

[ there it is again, that curious but welcome glimpse of something softer beneath the tough veneer. the thing that keeps her following at texas's heels as if she were a puppy, ears perked and gaze vigilant for some sense of welcome in return. she doesn't ask about the nightmares, but she'll listen eagerly if any hints are dropped. she likes that she can't quite get past that first layer except in glimpses (she wouldn't have stuck around her classmates so long if she couldn't stand the mysterious), and this week had simply sealed the deal on that. the endless parade of food and beverage they probably had no business partaking in, especially shouko and her lowly basement ranking. the absence of her pretty dress, traded sometime in the swirling end of the final evening for the plain undergarments she wears now, leaving her feeling only all the more like cinderella as she, too, claws at half-remembered dreams from the last several days.

she's lucky, in some sense, that she can repair herself; it means the headaches and hangovers aren't so bad, even if the aching still lingers like a ghost's touch (or maybe that's just where she'd hit her head). but repairing her body doesn't do anything to sort out the exaggerated, fabricated memories from the real ones—flashes of laughter as her arms had slipped around a slender waist to keep texas from biting anyone; hazier moments from dark corners illuminated only by the warped flashes of light through shot glasses.

she slides back onto the edge of the bed, one leg bent while the other dangles over the side. it's easy enough to accept the pack of cigarettes, tap one out, reach for a lighter to ignite hers before offering to share. she suppresses a smile at the guilty pleasure that she indulges shouko with a smoke despite her saying she'd cut back, whether they trade off or not. ]

Bits and pieces. I'm trying to hang onto the good ones and let go of the...weirder ones. I feel like it would've been worse if you hadn't put up with me for so much of it. [ she takes a long drag and holds it, eyes roaming over bedhead, a shirt buttoned but askew, debating the pull of the blankets that beckon her to be reckless about this for just a little longer. she laughs instead, a little nervous, a little dismissive, genuinely grateful. ] I was starting to get used to the guard dog—wolf—bit, though.

sorry this took a min, i caught the flu x.x

[swordpour]

(that's always been the surprise, cellinia is often good at keeping these things close to her chest. the issue is that she also can start to show glimpses of herself as time goes on (maybe not past the first layer with ease) but she doesn't discriminate with this. some can find it hard to tell if they're even "cool" to talk with her on a daily basis, exusiai being one such person in her life that struggled with that during their time together at work. regardless, texas can appreciate these things. someone can find it easy to be drawn in and more than that with how she functions, she doesn't always overthink when it's easy to go by the vibes. follow those and think more later. which also meant doing whatever she could to ensure that the more snobby crowd kept their distance, she's at her core the least likely to be expected to do these things.

comes off as quiet, too stoic for her own good, and even not the sort of girl to loosen up. but she did all those things, she drank, and she got what fun she could from the games. laughter while they both went around the oasis, hazier moments cellinia couldn't quite remember herself and the recollection of shouko's arm around her waist. the wolf didn't mind that. physical contact had been something she was edging into acceptance of more thanks to friends she's made. people that wanted to hug her or be affectionate by other means; that still was a struggle, yet she's working on it which is something that can be said about texas for as cold as she can come off as.

for an ice queen, she cares a lot when she takes the offered cigarette and lights it with her own flip lighter. she was supposed to cut back, but sometimes it's not easy. sometimes, it was best to just go with the flow, as she's always done. that's all texas can do. all she'd really ever do while taking a drag of her own. the ashtray that was nearby is set between them to help a bit more. nicotine as much as it's her vice of choice serves as a decent reminder that texas is still here, still going.)

It was nothing, besides, I think we both deserved a break from whatever the House throws at us. (though she did reach to look around a little, what is she looking for? hair ties, she found one luckily to tie that messy bedhead of hers back into a high ponytail. to get it out the way while somewhat relieved, they both got out of their experiences at the party relatively unscathed. it was better that way, but maybe she did notice the nervousness. that didn't overwrite her noticing the gratitude, though.) ....sometimes people learn to stop when they see my teeth are different. Not everyone stops, unsurprisingly.

all good, but that sucks!! :( i hope you're feeling better

[quitsmoking]

[ if there were ever moments where it seemed like the smoking was something for her to ease up on when they were together, shouko would heed them. unlike others she knows, she has no real mind to encourage people to do things they don't want to, or that they've given up for their own sake. she deals with enough coercion and control at home, to say nothing of what she, a lowly 2, has to deal with here. but the ashtray between them is all but an invitation, she feels, enough that she ignores the way it could possibly be something of a wall in another light. shouko makes herself comfortable beside it, stretching out her legs and digging her toes into the blankets for just a little longer, pillows propped at the small of her back.

it's surely just a lingering effect of the drinks and the food and the atmosphere, but the way she watches texas is unabashed. gaze cool and focused, interested in the small movements of hands taming a mane of hair, the twitches of curiously soft looking ears, the thoughtful contemplation that even the subtle ways in which she differs from most of the others here can be such big assets in the right moments. ]

I'm sure there's plenty of people here who'd prefer them. [ said with a wrinkled nose and a small laugh. she's not judging, but it's not her taste, really; mouths are dangerous around an open bite. blades are cleaner, safer... but that's probably not a thought trail to follow so early in the morning. so she reaches for the breakfast tray—because surely nothing tastes better with a cigarette than a warm croissant. ]

How have you been handling that, anyway? The things the House gets up to. I don't know if I ever asked about your mark, or suit, whatever they're calling it. Have you found a way to make it easier to deal with besides the obvious?

high rollers

[icequeenly]

[ In contrast, as a queen rank Mitsuru had had no problem entering the Oasis. In fact she had been expected to come here. She's not going to complain about having the privilege, particularly with how 168 hours of party attendance is not surprisingly extremely tiring. Getting away from the noise and stimulation of the main casino was actually a welcome relief.

She thinks nothing of sitting beside the other young woman who seems to have picked out a quiet spot. Mitsuru wasn't intending to make much conversation, the stranger probably needs a break from socialisation too but then she speaks to her in between munching those chocolates and the redhead smiles a little. ]

That was exceptionally rude of them to say such a thing. [ Who does that?? ]

Thank you for the offer but... have you started to feel peculiar at all since you started eating them?

[ You know eating stuff offered directly by the house often doesn't end well... Or maybe it does, depends on your point of view she supposes. ]

[swordpour]

I know, but sometimes you have to ignore it.

(that's all texas could do, there is an air to her. something akin to refinement, she never did lose that part of herself. as an heiress, she has manners and other things that went into her educational process. the only thing that was not normal was....well, who would say the expectation of said heiress being mafiosi is considered normal. her father before her, her grandfather too. but that's nothing to think about it while she double-checks what she's eating. so far, the chocolate seemed nothing out of the ordinary.

she would have felt it by now if it were drugged, maybe a small saving grace for a resort so hellbent on forcing anything debauched on its residents. texas is being careful as always (even making sure a small black kitten that was patiently beside her got nowhere near this chocolate) from what she learned downstairs? she didn't dare go near most of the cooked food offered to her, given she can rely upon her senses to tell her a thing or two.

a small perk of having a predator's own for her use, all terran's have similar things in them. lupo just so happen to have senses on a level of wolves themselves.)

I haven't. There's a reason why I was avoiding that buffet and most things that seemed off. Can't pick up on all of it, but I do go with my gut if it seems off enough.

[icequeenly]

[ Mitsuru hadn't noticed the kitten until now and a small smile tugs at the corners of her lips at the sight of it. She might be more used to dogs due to her circumstances back home but she did consider herself more of a cat person at heart.

Still her attention is back on the other young woman soon enough when she takes in what the other is saying. The wording is a little odd. ]

Pick up on it? You mean you can sense it somehow?

[swordpour]

Nothing on that level, but I was meaning if it has a different scent or a different taste, I can notice it more easily. Lupo have senses similar to wolves, or dogs depending on how you look at it.

(though that also can not work on any sort of drugs that can be hidden by say scent and taste being gone from it. cellinia pushes the chocolate treats back, and an ashtray is brought over for her momentarily. the cigarette she pulls out from her case is lit up by another staff member before they leave. normally texas avoids smoking as often as she used to....issue is sometimes she can't help that more often from the environment. some things drive her to want to smoke, so she uses pocky and other things to avoid the urge by curbing it.

other times, well, now is one such time given the party is stressful enough. she didn't even want to be stuck down there (hell, she would love to be anywhere but the casino) yet there's not a means for escape. which leaves having to deal with it while also trying to avoid anything that so much as seems drugged, the drugs included that the guests were passing around to smoke.)

Obviously it doesn't work if it has no scent or taste to it, so for that I rely on my gut. If it seems too good to be true, I don't eat it or drink it. It's how I avoided the buffet mostly, the champagne and that drug Twig too.

[icequeenly]

[ Another non-human then? It shouldn't really be a surprise at this point, all sorts seem to end up here after all. ]

That seems like a very useful thing to have in this place. I'm afraid I haven't been so fortunate in the past.

[ Understatement of the year. Even if the results hadn't been unpleasant exactly... She looks contemplative for a moment, as if thinking something over before speaking again. ]

...Well, if you really do insist the chocolate is safe then perhaps I'll take you up on your offer if it still stands?

Truthfully I've been avoiding a lot of the food so I'm rather famished.

[swordpour]

Sadly, it won't always work, but it can have its uses.

(for that, it's always best to trust one's judgment when it comes to the house, and it's rather sadistic whims being their reality in the resort. she can offer up her services of being able to track and detect scent differences for the sake of providing more help. someone has to provide it, maybe not everyone would be grateful, but texas isn't going to complain about that. she can deal with anyone who does that on her own time once she reaches to hold out another bowl of chocolate desserts that she had been given.

the bowl cellinia herself had been eating from looks about half finished, she must have been starving as well. candy isn't the greatest of things to eat to help an appetite from being active, but they did have to make things work. somehow.)

I think anyone can agree they'd probably either be cooking themselves or going to see Jin Mingming. Chocolate and desserts isn't the best of meals, but if it's that or risking aphrodisiacs....

(the red cardinal did save texas a fair bit after receiving advice, until she started taking it on herself to learn to cook more. she couldn't just keep eating out to survive her stay in the resort. while they're talking, she did reach to scratch the mewing black cat behind its ears since it was demanding attention from her after noticing the wolf had stopped eating.)

[icequeenly]

Thank you. [ The redhead gratefully accepts the offered bowl with a smile. Sweet things it is tonight it seems. Although how she's going to last 168 hours total without consuming something a bit more substantial she isn't sure. ]

Unfortunately I'm really not much of a chef. [ She pauses to glance at the sweet looking feline again for a moment before continuing. ]

I've been fortunate enough to be allocated a personal chef who is reliable...

[ Way to reveal what sort of rank she is without actually coming out and saying that it's a high one. ]

They've yet to serve me anything questionable. I trust them as much as I am able to trust any member of staff in this place.

[swordpour]

....at least it works?

(an actual royal, then. not that texas hadn't thought otherwise, she can tell slightly whenever she's in the presence of someone that is above her pay grade in a sense. she hadn't been surprised to learn weiss was one, she also isn't surprised mitsuru seems to be. that is a detail to remember for herself eventually.

that she can also choose to were she to move up in ranks to get a more personal chef, but they did need to figure out what to do about the food situation. chocolate isn't filling. the overzealous guests at the banquet tables also seem to push too much food on any poor unfortunate soul that goes to try getting something, who knows what they can be stuffed with.)

Admittedly, I did have them when I was younger. After I went out on my own, I spent time trying to learn to cook, since I wanted to be independent more.

(former heiress privileges, but cellinia never truly used her station against others. she could have. being from a famous familiga meant she would have had the whole world in her hands, but she left for a reason. more than that, she'd never admit to anyone.)

[icequeenly]

[ She's pretty close to being royal back home too. "Modern day royalty" might be the term she'd seen in a trashy sort of magazine once. She had often felt embarrassed to admit things like that to people she met here but it seems she's not alone in having been privileged. ]

You did? [ She pauses. ] My family does have staff back home... So I'm not unused to have someone else cook for me. [ It's the norm for her in fact, hence why she has little clue in the kitchen. ] I think that's why I've struggled with learning so late.

That's admirable of you to want to do that for yourself. I often wish that I'd had the courage to be more independent in my past.