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

bubbly!

[izanagis]

[Ohhh someone definitely did see that.

Curiosity is king with events like this, and Yu has been doing a decent amount of people-watching, made more interesting by the sheer numbers of party-goers who seem to be floating. As much as he'd like to try it for himself...

Well. You're very distracting, Akira. Mostly with all the crashing.

Recognition flickers in his eyes for a moment -- something beyond the strange, familiar sensation of like recognizes like. The fact that Akira isn't sharing that familiarity speaks volumes.

So. They're strangers again. Can do. A smile tugs at his expression as he responds, first with a thoughtful hum.]

The entertainment is interesting. [BE PERCEIVED. Anyway, max courage lets him do stupid things, like reach around Akira's shoulder to wipe off some frosting with his index finger.] So is the decor.

[survivaltricks]

[god damn it. he doesn't want to be perceived like this!!! there goes all of his cool cred, washed down the drain because he fell stupidly from the sky. way to go, Akira!!! what a first impression to make in a room of extremely cool people!!]

[though. . . the blase, unflappable (lmao) Joker does falter a bit in the face of that stranger's smile. there's no recognition in his features, of course-- but the slight wrinkle in his brow, the small part of his lips, speaks of something going on underneath the surface. it's a familiar-yet-not sensation, something that tugs distantly at the ethereal parts of his mind. something that rings of Fool and World and--]

[and he barely has time to really put much thought into those feelings before this EXTREMELY COOL stranger walks over to clear a bit of frosting from his suit. oh my god]

Wha--

[that gesture breaks the trance, and Akira flusters for a single moment as he lifts a hand to scrub at his soiled garb. great. perfect. he must look so lame right now]

[EVENLY, an attempt at a silly joke to save face]

Thanks. . . but I'm not sure vanilla frosting is really my color.

[izanagis]

[It's Izanagi who stirs within him, and for a second, Yu is so surprised by the realization that he lets his thoughts get away with him. When he first arrived, it had been Kotone who clued him in to the existence of other Wildcards. They'd never gotten mixed up in any of that here; him and Akira, that is. Now he wonders...was he the Fool all along?

Ah. No time to worry about that.

He never intended to make Akira uncomfortable, and a faint shade of apologetic colors his expression for a moment because of it, melting away when the frosting-decorated teen cracks a joke.

Yu buys into it, because of course he does, he has to.]

Wanna try the strawberry instead? [He gestures at the dessert table, somewhat messy after Akira's...redecorating.] Or maybe chocolate. You strike me as more of a chocolate.

[survivaltricks]

[it was certainly not Yu who made Akira feel a bit awkward!! he has nothing to apologize for!! it was the stupid champagne, and Akira being. . . stupidly himself. but the continued bit puts him at ease, and Akira features relax in return as he lifts a hand for a thumbs up. thanks, cool stranger. he appreciates it]

[. . .]

[why does the banter feel strangely comfortable and familiar. . .? like he has been here before? hm. . .]

That's a pretty good guess. If I had to choose, it'd be chocolate, but in reality I'm not much of a sweets guy at all.

[occasionally is fine, but Akira prefers the spicy! and the savory]

[izanagis]

That's okay. Nobody's perfect.

[Wow, that's the stupidest joke yet, no less because Yu isn't super big on sweets either. Besides, they're all here for spicy anyway-- (ahem.)

A few things are simultaneously true, here. First, it's nice to see Akira again, and his sense of humor in an unusual situation feels like a balm. Second, there was a time when Yu was new, too, and people he didn't know seemed to recognize him. It felt awkward and uncomfortable. And third, in relation to the second, it's only a matter of time before Yu slips up and calls Akira by name, thus bringing on the aforementioned brand of awkward.

So, having thought about it for a moment, and in lieu of any other dialogue choices, he sticks out a hand for the other teen to shake.]

My name's Yu Narukami. Nice to meet you.

[survivaltricks]

[KAZUYA ALREADY BREACHED THAT AWKWARDNESS IT'S FINE!! besides—]

[. . . it's weird that a name Akira is certain he has never heard before (right. . ?) brings forth a wave of nostalgia. a gentle sort of wistfulness tinged with the scent of movie popcorn and the sound of flicking cinema reels. his nose wrinkles a bit as he lets those sensations sink in, brows furrowing. huh. . .]

[. . . ah, wait— he can't be rude]

Kurusu Akira. But just Akira is fine.

[no point in formalities in a place like this, right?]

[and after a pause to consider—]

. . . this is going to sound a bit weird, but have we met before—?

[izanagis]

[God dammit and here he was trying so hard--

Yu's first impulse is to just come out with it. Yeah, you were here before, it's a pretty common thing, by now. But something about the way Akira asks that makes him reconsider, reevaluate. Before this seems to be the implication, but that would be way too much of a coincidence, wouldn't it?]

I don't-- [think so, the words are on the tip of his tongue, but he pauses, his expression setting thoughtfully.

(A heady jungle, a sword clashing against a gun, a masked stranger...)

He rephrases,] ... I don't know. It doesn't seem possible, but...

[but this place does impossible pretty well.]

[survivaltricks]

[what a creepy thing to say to someone you just met, Kurusu, Akira finds himself thinking. . . and he is quick to stammer out an excuse, both hands raised, palms forward]

Ah-- haha, yeah, obviously.

[obviously!! what is he thinking? maybe the atmosphere of the casino is getting to him, because he finds himself wanting to say stupid things like, it's just that there's something about you that's so nostalgic and I feel like I'm meeting a friend again after a long time apart. and those lines are never nearly as slick and suave as those bodice-ripper romance novels would make one think!1]

[he shoves those thoughts aside and shakes his head, pulling up an easy smile]

Don't mind me. Too much to drink, probably. [he had like three sips before he started floating he's perfectly sober] It's nice to meet you, Yu.

[izanagis]

[The thing is, Akira's right. It's a weird thing to say. A weird thing to think, too, when it comes to a total stranger.

And yet, the thought is there now, stuck firmly at the front of his mind.

But he's not going to puzzle through this right now, either, so he reflects Akira's expression instead, pulling levity back into the conversation -- if for no other reason than to distract himself from the puzzle trying to nestle itself in his thoughts.]

Could've been the fall. [He points upward, lightly, at the floating party guests.] What do you think? Need to have your head checked?

[survivaltricks]

[somewhat relieved by the return to levity, Akira lets out an amused snort]

Nah. If my head's messed up, that one happened a long time ago.

[AKIRA. . .]

Also, you missed the chance to ask me if it hurt.

[. . . ??]

[izanagis]

[Oh, my god. Akira.

And yet Yu laughs, a short, amused chuckle abbreviated only out of curiosity at his next remark. Yu's eyebrows lift a bit.]

You dont mean like "did it hurt when you fell from heaven" or something, do you? Don't tell me you'd go for a like like that.

[... but so far he's not seeing a whole lot of evidence to the contrary.]

[survivaltricks]

[. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[like a cat who knocked over an expensive vase]

No. . .

[genuinely, not really, but he is the kind of guy who would at least be a little charmed by the dumb joke]

[GRUMBLING A LI'L NOW]

I guess I'd rather crawl up from the depths of hell, anyway. . .

ahdhdhd help they're so dumb LMFAO

[izanagis]

[... ... ...

The atmosphere feels a bit heavy...

How to proceed from here...?

>Change the subject
>Yeah, you know, changing the subject has to be the right move, here
>Or I guess we could say something dumb instead

Okay, apparently we're doing this.]

Want me to say it anyway?

I KNOOOOOW buries face in hands

[survivaltricks]

Nah. The moment has passed.

[and he feels a little lame about making the joke, too. god. he needs to figure out how to convey to Yu that he's a cool guy, too!!]

[. . . is this what it's like to feel like someone is out of your league. . .]

But I appreciate the offer. I'm sure another opportunity will present itself eventually.

[izanagis]

[Yeah. Lesson learned: should've gone with the other dialogue options. A faint smile tugs at his expression.]

You could always go up again. [A gesture at the floating party attendees.] ... was it fun?

[Because, falling part notwithstanding, he can't deny that he's curious.]

[survivaltricks]

Yeah, actually.

[that answer is immediate. it's silly, but. . . Akira has always felt at his most free when gliding through the air via grappling hook or parkour. he has never really flown, of course. . . that's impossible for him even in the Metaverse. but he bets it'd be amazing]

[the floating champagne is the closest he has come. with that thought in mind, he finally picks his way through the destroyed dessert table to meander back to the bubbling drinks]

Care to join me for round two?

[izanagis]

[That's a three-music-note response if ever I've heard one. Yu is already moving toward the drink table when he responds,]

Absolutely.

[Just like zero hesitation whatsoever, wow. Look, he's never had a chance to try flying, and the Midnight Channel wasn't the most welcoming of places for stuff like that, so he wants to try it!! First, though, he lifts a glass, tipping his head a bit.] Cheers?

[survivaltricks]

[Akira yoinks a drink for himself. despite his rough landing, he looks pretty eager to try again. maybe next time he'll dig deep into the cat within and land on his feet! a guy can hope!]

[with glass lifted, he clinks the drink lightly against Yu's, a small ding echoing in the air]

I feel so bougie, making toasts and drinking champagne like this.

[he says, right before he throws his head back to down the whole thing, which is not bougie at all. okay, Akira]

It's not really my scene, but trying new things isn't bad.

[izanagis]

It does feel pretty fancy, doesn't it?

[That's one thing that he's had to get used to. The way this place really goes all in on flashiness is...something, alright, and it's generally not to Yu's taste, so it. It can be a little overwhelming. Less so when you're doing something fun with it.

He suppresses a bit of a smile as Akira downs the whole champagne flute, but he's quick to follow anyway.]

I know what you mean, though. It's good to shake things up a bit.

[... I mean, maybe not this much a bit, if he could choose, but still.]

[survivaltricks]

[the levitation magic (or. . . whatever it is. the champagne bubbles??) kick in soon after the alcohol goes down. slowly, but surely, Akira's feet rise from the ground, heart lifting right along with them, until his entire body hovers in place. he isn't floating quite as high as before, but!! it's a start!! and he may be beaming a bit as he goes]

[with all of the dexterity that comes with being a Phantom Thief, he manages to twist mid-air until he is hanging upside down. with. . . the fancy suit tie draped across his face, messy curls bobbing in the air. hang on, let him push that aside]

How often do things get shaken up around here? Rough estimate.

[the inner rebel already wants to cause a scene]

[izanagis]

[To his credit, surprise only lasts for a second in his fac ase he floats off the ground as well. Look, this-- like, speaking of things being shaken up, Yu's never really...flown? floated? levitated?? before, and it's not like there's a "how to float" book just hanging around, so it hasn't been part of any one of his very nerdy library excursions.

Logically, he thinks maybe it's like floating in water...?? So he tries to sort of balance himself, and it ends up looking a bit like he's sitting in a chair. It's weird. Speaking of weird -- a smile curves in his expression as he watches Akira float the way he is. He seems almost at home.]

Every few months, I think, [but he sounds a little distracted by all of the everything, so the answer is a bit vague.] Sometimes it's things like this, with new people. Sometimes the resort will change peoples' ranks, move them around, things like that.

[survivaltricks]

[he feels very much at home! strangely inverted in the air as he may be. somehow, the silliness of the champagne cuts through the almost suffocating opulence of the party. it's. . . nice]

[don't mind him as he maneuvers into a casual mid-air flip. A gentle tumble!!]

Huh. . . sounds like a pain, keeping track of people's ranks.

[it's one way to fuck around with the game they're supposed to be playing, he supposes]

Do you think the powers that be like making things hard on us?

[izanagis]

[Yu makes a small, thoughtful sound.]

Only if you really want to play their game.

[It could be an answer to both of those thoughts, but he seems to say it offhandedly, a little incredulously, as if he's not totally on board with the game, himself. He has a lot of complicated thoughts about the ranking system, about the notion of collecting people like cards, about whether this "wish" they've been promised is even true, but he's not sure where to start with any of that.]

The resort wants something [--he can't help it, his cheeks pinken very slightly--] very specific. I think it's willing to do a lot to get it.

[survivaltricks]

[don't worry; Akira has his own set of complicated feelings, which show on his face when Yu talks about what it is the resort wants from them. he doesn't flush— not this time— but he does roll his eyes a bit, a small huff escaping from his lips]

[dumb hotel, not realizing how the human heart works. honestly!1]

Soooo I've heard. [another gentle tumble, and he slowly propels himself closer to the ceiling, until his feet touch solid sheetrock] Personally, I think mood lighting and music go a long way.

[it's way better than the other highly insistent methods he has been told about. but it's also a mild joke, because if he doesn't keep it light he'll get mad all over again]

[izanagis]

Hmm. [He exhales a bit of a laugh.] Sounds like you've got it all figured out.

[Not that he disagrees. This place messes with free will in a way that cuts deeply, to someone who fought so hard for it. But-- in terms of keeping the mood light, he adds,] floating included.

[More than Yu can say for himself; he's not nearly as agile in the air, rising more slowly and with less flourish. He's just a solidly on-the-ground guy, maybe. But it's still fun.]