【 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
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.
▶ 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.
[He's gotten better at allowing himself to be touched, these days. It's a necessity in a place like this, and one he's had to adapt to in a hurry. But really, there are worse things than accepting the relative oddity of one of his Turks putting their arm around him; all things considered, Rufus reflects, it probably bothers Rude more than it does him.
Not that he's going to say as much, of course. But he thinks it, at least.]
Mm. Maybe that's the point of playing to begin with. To find out the "why".
[There's another useful bit about passing the time arm in arm in conversation; the resort staff tend to recognize Rufus for the high rank he is, and aren't likely to interrupt his conversation regardless of how long it keeps his partner away from their games.]
You'll be assigned a rank and suit soon, once they've finalized your arrival. Assuming they haven't already. That's when the fun really begins.
[It doesn't make sense to him at all, so he's sure to want to get to the bottom of that while he plays along with it all. Unless.]
What happens if I don't want to play?
[Rufus smells nice, he thinks, but doesn't mention it. Instead he listens to what he says, trying not to notice how many people seem to glance their way. All wanting to catch a glimpse of the President, he suspects, but Rude is happy to block their view as they walk around slowly as if they're shopping for their next game to try.]
Then they'll make sure you do. Whether you like it or not.
[He brings them to a halt for a moment, making a show of looking across the room as though he's just seen something interesting, all a perfect pretty show for the eyes that are on them so seems inconspicuous and charming when he leans close to Rude's ear as if to murmur a secret.
Such are the things one does to have a private word, amid spectacles like this. Rufus knows that better than anyone, and plays that game with the best of them.]
Abstain too long and they compel you, using your suit. But there are advantages to playing along. Wealth, power, status. We're stronger if you do it.
[We're stronger if you do it is only a few thinly-veiled steps off from do it for me, but, well. He's never been one not to use every tool at his disposal if it means arranging the outcomes he wants, really.
When he pulls back, though, he's smiling. Charming, bright. Worthy of a thousand photographs and a million words.]
[Whether he likes it or not. He doesn't like how that sounds, but he's done plenty of things in his line of work that he didn't particularly like, so it's not entirely so out of the norm that he would vocalize any complaints. Especially not to Rufus Shinra. Rude is a professional, after all.]
There is a very short list of people who can compel me to do anything.
[Rude says quietly, but with an edge of seriousness behind it. Still, he continues to listen, making mental notes regarding the advantages. Wealth, power, and status don't mean anything to him, but they do to their group as a whole. Rude understands what Rufus is trying to say, and offers a nod.]
I'll do what I can to contribute. [He can't help but think that this sort of thing was more up Reno's alley than his own, but he'll be damned if he'll allow himself to be useless. Still, he understands in those subtle words what his orders are. He thinks about what he's already had to do so far, and sighs.]
I'll be surprised if it's longer than two. [A fleeting pause.] Maybe three.
[And it's a list that he understands, purely rationally, that his name might not be at the top of. That had been his father's mistake, after all — assuming he knew where the Turks' loyalty landed, assuming money was enough to keep it. He's not the type to be so overconfident about his power, himself; if Tseng really wanted to take the Turks, he could, and that's why it matters all the more that Rufus knows he won't.
Besides, he's not opposed to reminding them why he deserves their loyalty, rather than just demands it. They're his, after all. Rude is no exception to that.]
We've built a fairly stable foundation to date. It won't take long to get you up and running.
[He pauses again, a little more careful this time.]
Unless you're interested in starting now. Not an order. Just an offer.
He's pleasantly surprised that Rufus knows him well enough to hit that nail on the head. Both he and Tseng (and occasionally Reno) have his unquestioning loyalty, yet his partner seems to abuse that power more often than the other two.]
Then I can participate in the little games. [And in the meanwhile make sure Rufus is safe and taken care of, and Tseng has back up should he ever need it. He's lucky the two of them arrived ahead of him to ease his adjustment period, but Rude stops abruptly when Rufus speaks again.]
Sir, I could never.. With you.. That would be..
[The wiring of his brain fails in an instant when he tries to process what he might mean. Rufus is luxury and decadence personified. Rude wouldn't even know how to climb that pedestal he's put him on. They're on completely different levels.]
[And this, maybe, is a testament to the time Rufus has already spent at the resort, and the evolution he's gone through himself in the months he's been here — the fact that Rude's refusal doesn't really come as a surprise, and he shakes his head slightly as if to motion for silence, relieving him of the obligation of finishing his stammered sentence.]
That's fine. I won't ask you to.
[But he doesn't step away from the arm around him, either, and surveys the room idly to make sure no one is within earshot to overhear them.]
But I do expect you to sort yourself out, once your registration goes through. Make connections and find someone you can tolerate for it. Understood?
[It's less of a no, and more an inability to bring himself to say yes. It's not like Rufus isn't attractive enough--no. In fact, he may be too attractive if that were even a valid complaint.
His eyes linger on the blond for a while longer, remembering when he mentioned the random sex dream he'd had a while back about Rufus to Tseng. Maybe one day he'll be less hesitant to indulge in those fantasies.]
Hold on. You think I can't tolerate you? [It sounds like a challenge, and that makes it a little harder to leave alone. He pulls Rufus closer, turning to trap him between himself and a wall nearby just to remind the other man who is stronger.] I'm sure it would be you who might not be able to tolerate me.
[Oh, well. It's hardly as though Rufus is any sort of pushover himself, but his weapon of choice is shotguns and not his actual arms themselves — and not that he'd be fast to admit it, but keeping up with his training has gone a little by the wayside around the resort in favor of a somewhat different variety of, ahem, athletic activity. Could he break Rude's hold if he really wanted to? Maybe.
Does he, in fact, really want to? Oh, no, this is much too interesting as it is.
And thus he finds himself cornered, the beginnings of a slow knowing smile starting to creep at the corners of his mouth, his gaze sharpening a fraction as he takes quick stock of his new set of circumstances.]
And what if that's what I require from you someday? If the resort decides that's its next game?
[He holds Rude's gaze, unwavering, unflinching, every bit as pristine and lovely as his press photographs.]
[Rude is keenly aware of Rufus' capabilities and knows he can more than take care of himself in most situations, but he does have the edge when the man is unarmed. Out of the blue he remembers the notorious wet dream where he's sparring with him and it devolves into something else entirely. His face reddens a little bit but he stands behind his words.
But Rufus responds with a smile which catches Rude off guard for a moment. He notes how there's no struggle or attempt to extricate himself from the situation.]
I'll do what's required of me.
[Rude looks directly at him, brown eyes scanning his features. The coolness of his eyes, his sharp nose, even those lips.]
And I'll enjoy every moment of it, Mr. President.
[He leans in a little more but seems to realize belatedly what he's doing, releasing Rufus and giving him enough space that he can move away if he wants to.]
[The innocent lilt in his tone is utterly incongruous with the look in his eyes — like that of a cat who's just sighted an unsuspecting bird. He tilts his head a little to the side, opening up the column of his neck a touch more and sending a lock of his hair cascading loose across his forehead, all the while never breaking Rude's gaze or taking the space he's been offered.]
Are you saying you wouldn't make sure I enjoyed it? I never knew you were so selfish.
[He raises his eyebrows just slightly, baiting response.]
[That feels like a loaded question. A lot of what Rufus says always seems to carry more weight than what's obvious. Rude can't quite pick up on a motive, he's always been a difficult read, like Tseng. Even with the intensity of the eye contact, Rude is clueless about what could be going on in his head. His eyes are so blue. Like ice.]
Because I'm sure you're used to...nicer things. [He sticks with honesty. For better or worse.] Mr. President, please. [Rude only realizes he's teasing him after the selfish part.] I'm sure you would enjoy it in the end. I just don't know what you're used to.
[If this conversation is anything to go by, Rude suspects he likes to get under the skin and into the head of the people he takes to bed, because he's so damn good at it. He leans in close to Rufus' ear to whisper, unsure of who is listening.] I'm sure a time will come where we have to do those things. And I apologize in advance.
[Yes, that's his Rude, all right — much like Tseng in his own way, correct to a fault, determined to put the job first. It's oddly pleasing to find him still so committed to his charge even when in a circumstance where, ostensibly, the company doesn't exist. It's a heady reminder that his loyalty isn't to the company, but to the people who've won it, regardless of the situation they might find themselves in.]
I don't want your apologies. What I want is to know you won't hesitate.
[And he works a hand surreptitiously up between them, using the press of Rude's body as a shield from prying eyes as his fingers climb from the other man's waist up to his chest, to curl and hold fast in one of his lapels.]
Even if it's me. Especially if it's me. Because I'm playing this game just as much as you are, understood?
[It stopped being about the company a long time ago. Even the money doesn't really matter in the end, it turns out. Rude isn't entirely sure where his sense of duty comes from, or what would actually happen if his objectives to keep Rufus safe came to conflict with what's demanded of them here.]
I.. [Oh, he's going to hesitate. He can't imagine a world where he doesn't stop and consider even for a second. Then he remembers something. Something that had gotten onto his skin and made him desperate enough to go too far--It's happened before. With someone else.] I won't hesitate.
[Rude makes eye contact for a moment, feeling more threatened than encouraged, but not disliking the unusual feeling in his stomach over it. Rufus wants to win whatever games they have to play, and Rude nods eventually, a quiet promise that he'll deliver nothing less.] I understand.
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
no subject
Not that he's going to say as much, of course. But he thinks it, at least.]
Mm. Maybe that's the point of playing to begin with. To find out the "why".
[There's another useful bit about passing the time arm in arm in conversation; the resort staff tend to recognize Rufus for the high rank he is, and aren't likely to interrupt his conversation regardless of how long it keeps his partner away from their games.]
You'll be assigned a rank and suit soon, once they've finalized your arrival. Assuming they haven't already. That's when the fun really begins.
no subject
What happens if I don't want to play?
[Rufus smells nice, he thinks, but doesn't mention it. Instead he listens to what he says, trying not to notice how many people seem to glance their way. All wanting to catch a glimpse of the President, he suspects, but Rude is happy to block their view as they walk around slowly as if they're shopping for their next game to try.]
And do you find it fun? Are you trying to win?
no subject
[He brings them to a halt for a moment, making a show of looking across the room as though he's just seen something interesting, all a perfect pretty show for the eyes that are on them so seems inconspicuous and charming when he leans close to Rude's ear as if to murmur a secret.
Such are the things one does to have a private word, amid spectacles like this. Rufus knows that better than anyone, and plays that game with the best of them.]
Abstain too long and they compel you, using your suit. But there are advantages to playing along. Wealth, power, status. We're stronger if you do it.
[We're stronger if you do it is only a few thinly-veiled steps off from do it for me, but, well. He's never been one not to use every tool at his disposal if it means arranging the outcomes he wants, really.
When he pulls back, though, he's smiling. Charming, bright. Worthy of a thousand photographs and a million words.]
What else is there to do, in a game? Lose?
no subject
There is a very short list of people who can compel me to do anything.
[Rude says quietly, but with an edge of seriousness behind it. Still, he continues to listen, making mental notes regarding the advantages. Wealth, power, and status don't mean anything to him, but they do to their group as a whole. Rude understands what Rufus is trying to say, and offers a nod.]
I'll do what I can to contribute. [He can't help but think that this sort of thing was more up Reno's alley than his own, but he'll be damned if he'll allow himself to be useless. Still, he understands in those subtle words what his orders are. He thinks about what he's already had to do so far, and sighs.]
Losing doesn't suit us.
no subject
[And it's a list that he understands, purely rationally, that his name might not be at the top of. That had been his father's mistake, after all — assuming he knew where the Turks' loyalty landed, assuming money was enough to keep it. He's not the type to be so overconfident about his power, himself; if Tseng really wanted to take the Turks, he could, and that's why it matters all the more that Rufus knows he won't.
Besides, he's not opposed to reminding them why he deserves their loyalty, rather than just demands it. They're his, after all. Rude is no exception to that.]
We've built a fairly stable foundation to date. It won't take long to get you up and running.
[He pauses again, a little more careful this time.]
Unless you're interested in starting now. Not an order. Just an offer.
rufus broke him
He's pleasantly surprised that Rufus knows him well enough to hit that nail on the head. Both he and Tseng (and occasionally Reno) have his unquestioning loyalty, yet his partner seems to abuse that power more often than the other two.]
Then I can participate in the little games. [And in the meanwhile make sure Rufus is safe and taken care of, and Tseng has back up should he ever need it. He's lucky the two of them arrived ahead of him to ease his adjustment period, but Rude stops abruptly when Rufus speaks again.]
Sir, I could never.. With you.. That would be..
[The wiring of his brain fails in an instant when he tries to process what he might mean. Rufus is luxury and decadence personified. Rude wouldn't even know how to climb that pedestal he's put him on. They're on completely different levels.]
lmaooooooo i'm sorry rude
That's fine. I won't ask you to.
[But he doesn't step away from the arm around him, either, and surveys the room idly to make sure no one is within earshot to overhear them.]
But I do expect you to sort yourself out, once your registration goes through. Make connections and find someone you can tolerate for it. Understood?
no subject
His eyes linger on the blond for a while longer, remembering when he mentioned the random sex dream he'd had a while back about Rufus to Tseng. Maybe one day he'll be less hesitant to indulge in those fantasies.]
Hold on. You think I can't tolerate you? [It sounds like a challenge, and that makes it a little harder to leave alone. He pulls Rufus closer, turning to trap him between himself and a wall nearby just to remind the other man who is stronger.] I'm sure it would be you who might not be able to tolerate me.
no subject
Does he, in fact, really want to? Oh, no, this is much too interesting as it is.
And thus he finds himself cornered, the beginnings of a slow knowing smile starting to creep at the corners of his mouth, his gaze sharpening a fraction as he takes quick stock of his new set of circumstances.]
And what if that's what I require from you someday? If the resort decides that's its next game?
[He holds Rude's gaze, unwavering, unflinching, every bit as pristine and lovely as his press photographs.]
What will you do, if I need you to handle me?
no subject
But Rufus responds with a smile which catches Rude off guard for a moment. He notes how there's no struggle or attempt to extricate himself from the situation.]
I'll do what's required of me.
[Rude looks directly at him, brown eyes scanning his features. The coolness of his eyes, his sharp nose, even those lips.]
And I'll enjoy every moment of it, Mr. President.
[He leans in a little more but seems to realize belatedly what he's doing, releasing Rufus and giving him enough space that he can move away if he wants to.]
no subject
[The innocent lilt in his tone is utterly incongruous with the look in his eyes — like that of a cat who's just sighted an unsuspecting bird. He tilts his head a little to the side, opening up the column of his neck a touch more and sending a lock of his hair cascading loose across his forehead, all the while never breaking Rude's gaze or taking the space he's been offered.]
Are you saying you wouldn't make sure I enjoyed it? I never knew you were so selfish.
[He raises his eyebrows just slightly, baiting response.]
no subject
Because I'm sure you're used to...nicer things. [He sticks with honesty. For better or worse.] Mr. President, please. [Rude only realizes he's teasing him after the selfish part.] I'm sure you would enjoy it in the end. I just don't know what you're used to.
[If this conversation is anything to go by, Rude suspects he likes to get under the skin and into the head of the people he takes to bed, because he's so damn good at it. He leans in close to Rufus' ear to whisper, unsure of who is listening.] I'm sure a time will come where we have to do those things. And I apologize in advance.
no subject
I don't want your apologies. What I want is to know you won't hesitate.
[And he works a hand surreptitiously up between them, using the press of Rude's body as a shield from prying eyes as his fingers climb from the other man's waist up to his chest, to curl and hold fast in one of his lapels.]
Even if it's me. Especially if it's me. Because I'm playing this game just as much as you are, understood?
no subject
I.. [Oh, he's going to hesitate. He can't imagine a world where he doesn't stop and consider even for a second. Then he remembers something. Something that had gotten onto his skin and made him desperate enough to go too far--It's happened before. With someone else.] I won't hesitate.
[Rude makes eye contact for a moment, feeling more threatened than encouraged, but not disliking the unusual feeling in his stomach over it. Rufus wants to win whatever games they have to play, and Rude nods eventually, a quiet promise that he'll deliver nothing less.] I understand.