【 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.
I've heard of people earning enough points to get items back from their home, [ he muses, just as his eyes catch on the drawer placed right across the bed, shoved up against the wall. after a moment's deliberation, he stands, in his birthday suit and all, and wanders over to begin poking into the drawers in hopes they were left with something more substantial than the complementary robes hanging off the door.
he continues, ] But you're probably better off saving those points for something more worthwhile, and use what little currency you've been given as a new player to get yourself a new set of clothes.
[ in the drawer he's opened are some miscellaneous garments — half of a pajama set, a feather boa, a sequined vest. he finds a pair of sweats and half-turns, offering it to the other. they're made for someone slighter, and thus would be far too small on him anyway. ]
I don't know if anyone can ever get used to the bullshit. [ the words had meant to be a comforting thing, reassuring and validating of reno's frustrations, but it's said so wryly it probably isn't comforting at all. ]
Ah right, points you get for playin' the game and having sex with others, right? [He rolls his eyes, but he also watches as the other gets up and rummages through the drawers, clearly checking him out. Hey, if one is in such a situation, peaking isn't a crime, right? And not like he is being subtle or trying to hide it.]
Yeah, not trying to get my own stuff back, but what's the point in spending currency for new ones, when I just wake up randomly without them anyway? Or is that part of how they'll keep ya playing?
[He takes the sweatpants and looks at them, pulling a face. Not quite his style, but they'll do for now, he thinks as he slips into them.]
Sounds like you've been here for a while. Got a name, by the way?
I think, [ marco intones, his voice mildly wry, ] the house won't hesitate to do anything to get us to play. Messing with us with little inconveniences like this is pretty small stuff, compared to other tricks up its sleeve.
[ sorry to be the bearer of bad news, reno. marco tries to soften the blow as much as he can, but he doesn't see any point in hiding the fact the house can be pretty fucked up when it wants to be. and it seems to consistently want to be.
in the drawer he finds himself a pair of jeans that look like they wouldn't immediately suffocate his legs or slide down his waist, so he hastily gets into that just as reno fixes him with another look. ]
Ah, yes — Marco. [ he looks mildly sheepish about it. ] Sorry, I should have introduced myself first. [ you'd think being here for over a month would have knocked him out of feeling so rattled every time the house decides to fling him somewhere, at someone, naked. alas, that's not the case, and so he winds up forgetting his manners anyway. ]
If you've got any other questions about the hotel, I'd be happy to tell you what I know. But I guess I should warn you that I've only been here a month or two myself, so I'm still learning things.
Yeah, I already heard that the place is a bit iffy 'bout consent from time to time. Like, "it's you're choice, but we still gonna play and push till ya do it", kinda thing. Kinda takes the fun outta the whole sex resort thing, if ya asking me. I mean, I don't mind wakin' up naked next to hot dudes, [Another appreciative scan of The guy's body] but I still like to think that they liked what they were gettin' in the first place, ya know? Do I even wanna know what other bullshit gets pulled here?
[Reno craves a cigarette, but searching through the hangover basket doesn't come up with anything, and for a moment, a horrible thought crosses his mind.]
This place does have cigarettes, right?? [He shake his head and waves Marco off.] All good. My name's Reno. Got a pretty good introduction of what to expect already from a guy named Bakugo. Guess the rest is up to me to figure out for myself.
[ the scan and the implication therein has marco looking mildly flustered, gaze skittering away in search of something else to focus on other than the redhead's own objective attractiveness. it's been a few months now, and marco has more or less gotten used to now having every one of his interactions here colored by the implication of inevitable intimacy, but when someone is a lot more blatant about it he can't help but feel almost bashful in response. ]
There is... a lot of bullshit, [ he confirms, and fortunately he doesn't sound so grave about it. ] I've only been here for a few months, but I don't think there's really a limit to how low the house will go just to see its players get intimate.
[ his overly formal way of speaking and conducting himself is really only further highlighted by reno's frank casualness, and so he attempts to relax a little. loosen his shoulders some. ]
There are a number of shops here that carry cigarettes, so you'd probably have your pick of them. Since you're new, and haven't been assigned a rank yet, you get a stipend. More than enough to get you a few packs, I'm sure.
[Reno's not one to hold back with his opinions, no matter their nature, so when he finds someone attractive, he's going to say so. Especially in a place where it's apparently even encouraged to do so. And at least this way, he can sort the wheat from the chaff and see which other members are willing or not. Cause Reno might not exactly be a good guy, but there are lines that even he is unwilling to cross.]
Huh. Yeah, I mean the whole kidnappin' thing's already pretty bad, and while I totally don't mind a place like this, I doubt it's like that for everyone. That's what I don't like. 'specially not if the implication is that there's not really a lot of choice whether to participate or not.
[He throws himself back on the bed with a bottle of water and sips on it, one hand behind his head]
Cool, how long does it usually take for one to get a rank? Or to get kicked out again, if that's an option. Just curious to know how long I need to stay in this vague state of bein' here but not quite. [He tilts his head a little as he watches Marco] You're not really an extroverted people person, are ya.
[ as reno moves to make himself comfortable on the bed again, marco turns back to face him, coming to lean back against the drawer. he folds his arms in afterthought — not because he's particularly bashful about his toplessness, but more in contemplation. the watch affixed to his left wrist looks a little bulkier than what reno himself might have — a thick leather band wraps around the metal face, looking customized. ]
"Reserved," is what people usually call me.
[ there's an amused quirk of his mouth at that. among other things, of course, and "reserved" is one of the tamer ones. ]
It might be a few weeks, [ he answers, recalling his own experience. ] If you find some way to get kicked out, let me know. As far as I can tell, we're stuck here unless we wish it out. [ and, as reno might already know thanks to bakugo, the only "wish" powerful enough for that is the one they're granted once they win the game.
he quiets a little though, regarding the other man. he can certainly commiserate with the frustration of knowing so may of the experiences here are forced on others. truthfully, it infuriates him every day. but he's made a living of hiding those kind of emotions fairly well. ]
There are people here who don't mind doing what needs to be done. I'm sure you'll find them soon enough. It's not really a solution, and it doesn't change anything about those who hate every second of it, but if you stick to those you trust, your own experience may not be so miserable.
[ a pause. ]
And I've found that goes a long way to helping others get a little more comfortble, too.
[Reno still enjoys the view, but his eyes do linger on the watch for a moment. So there are ways to customize that thing, that's good to know, and something he might look into later. Maybe a nice leather wrist brand like the one he uses for his baton from time to time would be nice. His own shirtlessness doesn't bother him either and if it hadn't been for Marco handing him the pair of sweatpants, he would have remained naked, too. He isn't shy, but if Marco prefers to keep this somewhat decent, then fine, Reno will play along.]
Yeah, that's what I heard. Makes me wonder then why people aren't given a rank right from the start. Why wait and see first? [He shrugs] Eh, why am I even tryin' to make sense of a place that kidnaps people to make them fuck.
[Reno himself also has those moments of having to put on a mask for his work, but here, he isn't on a clock. He isn't paid to do anything, he is forced to fuck or else he'll turn to stone, according to Bakugo, so ... Well, he's sure he'd make a pretty statue, but he prefers not to turn into one himself. But that only means that he will not hide or hold anything back.]
Yeah, trust is kind of a thing, [There is less than a handful of people that he trusts, and only one that he trust with his whole life, so he doubts that it will come easy in a place like this.] So you're keeping an eye out on those that don't wanna be here? Make sure they're doin' okay?
[ marco shrugs his shoulders in response, but reno has the right idea about it — trying to assign logic to the minds of their captors seems simply an exercise in frustration. ]
I haven't met every player here, [ he amends, ] but there are a few I know of who aren't okay with any of this... I try to offer them support where I can, but it'a tough to know how much is too much.
[ some prefer to merely not think about it at all, if they don't have to. ]
Yeah, I wonder why some wouldn't be happy to be here, [He rolls his eyes to underline the sarcasm in his voice, eventually popping the elid back onto the bottle and sitting up a bit more.]
Well, what am I supposed to do? I'm here now, so I can't change that. Can't deny that I'm also someone who likes sex quite a lot, so I don't mind that aspect all too much. What bothers me are the ones that might not dive I to the whole thing as willingly as I do. No one should be here against their will, but that's just a whole 'nother level of fucked up.
However, [He gives a little shrug] I'll gladly welcome whoever is willing and interested.
That's where communication can be very important. Obviously, the fact we're all forced to be here against our will makes even the choices we do make for ourselves questionable... but I think we're all just trying to make the best of what we're given.
[ he pauses, glancing off to the side. it's never great to be the bearer of bad news... but he wouldn't feel good about leaving reno in the dark either. ]
There will be times where even talking about it beforehand might be difficult. Food and drinks could be spiked, your suit could activate... any number of things could keep you from being completely sensible.
[ a sigh. ]
I hate to say it, but it seems like the safest way to keep your wits about you is to simply comply, and make the best of the situation while you can.
[Those are new ones that Reno hasn't heard before, and one sharp eyebrow quirks up while his whole face turns into a deep frown.]
The food can be spiked? Don't tell me they put some shit into the food and drink that make you willin', even though you actually don't wanna? Cause that's .. that's just so fucked up, [He groans and shakes his head, slowly starting to wonder how to trust anything in this fucking place. But then there was something else that Marco said.] Whaddaya mean, my suit could activate?
[ ah, well. glancing down, marco lifts a hand and draws reno's attention to the stamped ink on his chest — a spades symbol, no bitter than two inches. ]
Once you get checked in, you'll be given a suit. Either hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades. Each of them have their own unique effects that the hotel uses to... punish you, persuade you, whatever you want to call it.
The longer you go without having sex, the darker your suit will become. The closer you get to having it activated.
[ .......it should be noted, then, that marco's spades is already quite saturated. not quite fully black, but a dark, murky gray. ]
[His eyebrow doesn't seem to want to sink down again while Marco speaks, clearly no fan of what he is hearing.]
Guess I don't wanna know what happens if it activates? That the hotel's way of sayin' "do it or get turned to stone"?
6[His eyes narrow at how dark Marco's spade symbol already is.]
You're testing that theory right now? Or didn't find anyone willing yet that matches your taste? Since it was you who said himself that playing along would make it easier for everyone, so why dontcha?
[ marco's hand falls as reno blatantly calls him out, but rather than admit to his own perceived hypocrisy, he merely shakes his head. ]
I have some time yet. [ a week, maybe. two if he's lucky. ] I'll sort it out by then.
[ it seems, for all marco's candor and willingness to be frank about their situations, he is one of the ones who objects to the overall premise of the game. ]
[ he's silent a moment, watching the redhead with an unreadable expression. eventually, he lets out a soft sigh, shoulders lower faintly as if in some kind of defeat. ]
The longer you're here, the more you'll find there are plenty of people willing to help you out when it comes to the demands of this place.
[ he's only been here three months, but the kindness and generosity of the other players were made evident to him from day one. ]
Does that make it okay?
[ it's a genuine question. he has wrestled with his conscious on this over many a sleepless night. he still can't seem to come to a conclusion. ]
Yes, you have their consent, and you might even have their blessing. Does that completely erase the fact the only reason it's happening is because it has to?
[ is a choice made when there is no real alternative still a choice? ]
I won't let myself go so long this place will make me lose my mind and turn me dangerous, [ —ah? ] but I don't want to abuse the people's generosity there than I already have.
[ of course, this is his own feeling. he hadn't wanted to give too much of his opinion, earlier, because he doesn't hold it against anyone else how they sort their own feelings out on this matter just to survive this place. ]
[Of course Reno picks up on that word, years of training and survival making him pay attention to what's most important.
However, he still gives Marco's concerns a thought, weighing what the other just said.]
Yeah, kinda get your point. Guess it's a matter of picking out the ones that really don't care. I mean, for example, I would've picked ya out of a bar of strangers for a night of fun outside of this place, too. If that's any help. [He shrugs, picking at the label of the water bottle, just to give his hands something to do] And it wouldn't be generosity in that case, but plain curiosity 'n my own desire for fun that day.
[ reno's question gets a brief nod of marco's head. ]
I've heard it can happen, where the house can alter your mind so much you forget reason. Where you aren't even yourself anymore. When that happens, it's safe to assume anyone who possesses any kind of superior strength or skill can pose a threat to more common people.
[ he's speaking generally, but it's obvious he's also referring to himself in that vein.
and it might not have been reno's intent, but that comment has marco ducking his head a little, suddenly feeling... shy? bashful, for sure. three months, and he still isn't used to being propositioned, let alone receiving compliments. after almost 30 years spent convinced he didn't belong anywhere but the bottom of someone's shoe, it's been a hard shift to have people respond to him so positively...
he's not entirely sure what it says about the people here that the garish scar on his face doesn't scare them off. ]
I — thank you, [ he says stiffly, awkwardly. yes, he clearly doesn't know how to take a compliment, jfc. ] You are also...
[ ahhh. ]
A-Anyway. You see where it gets complicated, don't you? Even if outside of this place we wouldn't fallen into bed together, the simple fact of being here, knowing what's expected of us... It's hard not to think of that coloring every interaction.
Edited (oops forgot a whole ass section) 2025-01-30 16:22 (UTC)
[Yeah, that's definitely something that doesn't sit right with Reno. This sound like something that could escalate quite quickly and in ways that Reno doesn't even want to think about it. He makes a silent note that that's something that should not happen under any circumstances.]
Heard, hm? So it has happened before? Or is it just a case of people talkin'? But do I see it right that first it only gets uncomfortable, then your suit kicks in and if ya still don't act on it, ya go insane and then turn to stone? That's... Quite the journey. An y idea what time frames we're talking here?
[He notices the hesitation, the awkwardness, and that Marco doesn't finish his sentence. With a grin, Reno puts the bottle away and tilts his head ever so slightly.]
Yeah. I see where else it gets complicated. You're not really comfortable with the attention, huh? Don't think you'd get it outside of this place, so here ya think it's all just 'cause of the game itself?
Well, again, let me tell ya, I'm not part of it all just yet, and I wouldn't have pushed you out of my bed. Well, except maybe to continue on the floor, [He grins even wider] And again, even if we'd met in a bar or wherever outside. Feel like it would've been possible for our ways to cross at some point, if it would've been the same world o' course. So maybe see it that way: you're meetin' people that you would've otherwise never been possible to run into?
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
no subject
he continues, ] But you're probably better off saving those points for something more worthwhile, and use what little currency you've been given as a new player to get yourself a new set of clothes.
[ in the drawer he's opened are some miscellaneous garments — half of a pajama set, a feather boa, a sequined vest. he finds a pair of sweats and half-turns, offering it to the other. they're made for someone slighter, and thus would be far too small on him anyway. ]
I don't know if anyone can ever get used to the bullshit. [ the words had meant to be a comforting thing, reassuring and validating of reno's frustrations, but it's said so wryly it probably isn't comforting at all. ]
no subject
[He rolls his eyes, but he also watches as the other gets up and rummages through the drawers, clearly checking him out.
Hey, if one is in such a situation, peaking isn't a crime, right? And not like he is being subtle or trying to hide it.]
Yeah, not trying to get my own stuff back, but what's the point in spending currency for new ones, when I just wake up randomly without them anyway? Or is that part of how they'll keep ya playing?
[He takes the sweatpants and looks at them, pulling a face. Not quite his style, but they'll do for now, he thinks as he slips into them.]
Sounds like you've been here for a while. Got a name, by the way?
no subject
[ sorry to be the bearer of bad news, reno. marco tries to soften the blow as much as he can, but he doesn't see any point in hiding the fact the house can be pretty fucked up when it wants to be. and it seems to consistently want to be.
in the drawer he finds himself a pair of jeans that look like they wouldn't immediately suffocate his legs or slide down his waist, so he hastily gets into that just as reno fixes him with another look. ]
Ah, yes — Marco. [ he looks mildly sheepish about it. ] Sorry, I should have introduced myself first. [ you'd think being here for over a month would have knocked him out of feeling so rattled every time the house decides to fling him somewhere, at someone, naked. alas, that's not the case, and so he winds up forgetting his manners anyway. ]
If you've got any other questions about the hotel, I'd be happy to tell you what I know. But I guess I should warn you that I've only been here a month or two myself, so I'm still learning things.
no subject
Kinda takes the fun outta the whole sex resort thing, if ya asking me. I mean, I don't mind wakin' up naked next to hot dudes, [Another appreciative scan of The guy's body] but I still like to think that they liked what they were gettin' in the first place, ya know?
Do I even wanna know what other bullshit gets pulled here?
[Reno craves a cigarette, but searching through the hangover basket doesn't come up with anything, and for a moment, a horrible thought crosses his mind.]
This place does have cigarettes, right??
[He shake his head and waves Marco off.]
All good. My name's Reno.
Got a pretty good introduction of what to expect already from a guy named Bakugo. Guess the rest is up to me to figure out for myself.
no subject
There is... a lot of bullshit, [ he confirms, and fortunately he doesn't sound so grave about it. ] I've only been here for a few months, but I don't think there's really a limit to how low the house will go just to see its players get intimate.
[ his overly formal way of speaking and conducting himself is really only further highlighted by reno's frank casualness, and so he attempts to relax a little. loosen his shoulders some. ]
There are a number of shops here that carry cigarettes, so you'd probably have your pick of them. Since you're new, and haven't been assigned a rank yet, you get a stipend. More than enough to get you a few packs, I'm sure.
no subject
Huh. Yeah, I mean the whole kidnappin' thing's already pretty bad, and while I totally don't mind a place like this, I doubt it's like that for everyone. That's what I don't like. 'specially not if the implication is that there's not really a lot of choice whether to participate or not.
[He throws himself back on the bed with a bottle of water and sips on it, one hand behind his head]
Cool, how long does it usually take for one to get a rank? Or to get kicked out again, if that's an option.
Just curious to know how long I need to stay in this vague state of bein' here but not quite.
[He tilts his head a little as he watches Marco]
You're not really an extroverted people person, are ya.
no subject
"Reserved," is what people usually call me.
[ there's an amused quirk of his mouth at that. among other things, of course, and "reserved" is one of the tamer ones. ]
It might be a few weeks, [ he answers, recalling his own experience. ] If you find some way to get kicked out, let me know. As far as I can tell, we're stuck here unless we wish it out. [ and, as reno might already know thanks to bakugo, the only "wish" powerful enough for that is the one they're granted once they win the game.
he quiets a little though, regarding the other man. he can certainly commiserate with the frustration of knowing so may of the experiences here are forced on others. truthfully, it infuriates him every day. but he's made a living of hiding those kind of emotions fairly well. ]
There are people here who don't mind doing what needs to be done. I'm sure you'll find them soon enough. It's not really a solution, and it doesn't change anything about those who hate every second of it, but if you stick to those you trust, your own experience may not be so miserable.
[ a pause. ]
And I've found that goes a long way to helping others get a little more comfortble, too.
no subject
His own shirtlessness doesn't bother him either and if it hadn't been for Marco handing him the pair of sweatpants, he would have remained naked, too. He isn't shy, but if Marco prefers to keep this somewhat decent, then fine, Reno will play along.]
Yeah, that's what I heard. Makes me wonder then why people aren't given a rank right from the start. Why wait and see first?
[He shrugs]
Eh, why am I even tryin' to make sense of a place that kidnaps people to make them fuck.
[Reno himself also has those moments of having to put on a mask for his work, but here, he isn't on a clock. He isn't paid to do anything, he is forced to fuck or else he'll turn to stone, according to Bakugo, so ... Well, he's sure he'd make a pretty statue, but he prefers not to turn into one himself. But that only means that he will not hide or hold anything back.]
Yeah, trust is kind of a thing, [There is less than a handful of people that he trusts, and only one that he trust with his whole life, so he doubts that it will come easy in a place like this.]
So you're keeping an eye out on those that don't wanna be here? Make sure they're doin' okay?
no subject
I haven't met every player here, [ he amends, ] but there are a few I know of who aren't okay with any of this... I try to offer them support where I can, but it'a tough to know how much is too much.
[ some prefer to merely not think about it at all, if they don't have to. ]
You're taking it all in stride, though.
no subject
Well, what am I supposed to do? I'm here now, so I can't change that. Can't deny that I'm also someone who likes sex quite a lot, so I don't mind that aspect all too much.
What bothers me are the ones that might not dive I to the whole thing as willingly as I do. No one should be here against their will, but that's just a whole 'nother level of fucked up.
However, [He gives a little shrug] I'll gladly welcome whoever is willing and interested.
no subject
[ he pauses, glancing off to the side. it's never great to be the bearer of bad news... but he wouldn't feel good about leaving reno in the dark either. ]
There will be times where even talking about it beforehand might be difficult. Food and drinks could be spiked, your suit could activate... any number of things could keep you from being completely sensible.
[ a sigh. ]
I hate to say it, but it seems like the safest way to keep your wits about you is to simply comply, and make the best of the situation while you can.
no subject
The food can be spiked? Don't tell me they put some shit into the food and drink that make you willin', even though you actually don't wanna? Cause that's .. that's just so fucked up,
[He groans and shakes his head, slowly starting to wonder how to trust anything in this fucking place.
But then there was something else that Marco said.]
Whaddaya mean, my suit could activate?
no subject
Once you get checked in, you'll be given a suit. Either hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades. Each of them have their own unique effects that the hotel uses to... punish you, persuade you, whatever you want to call it.
The longer you go without having sex, the darker your suit will become. The closer you get to having it activated.
[ .......it should be noted, then, that marco's spades is already quite saturated. not quite fully black, but a dark, murky gray. ]
no subject
Guess I don't wanna know what happens if it activates? That the hotel's way of sayin' "do it or get turned to stone"?
6[His eyes narrow at how dark Marco's spade symbol already is.]
You're testing that theory right now? Or didn't find anyone willing yet that matches your taste? Since it was you who said himself that playing along would make it easier for everyone, so why dontcha?
no subject
I have some time yet. [ a week, maybe. two if he's lucky. ] I'll sort it out by then.
[ it seems, for all marco's candor and willingness to be frank about their situations, he is one of the ones who objects to the overall premise of the game. ]
no subject
[Reno doesn't even try to sound convinced, and his whole face says as much.]
So, what is it? Don't wanna play the game after all? Conviction the issue, or something else, like bein' too shy, or sex just not bein' your thing?
[Quite personal questions, but honestly, in a place like this, is there anything truly still personal left?]
no subject
The longer you're here, the more you'll find there are plenty of people willing to help you out when it comes to the demands of this place.
[ he's only been here three months, but the kindness and generosity of the other players were made evident to him from day one. ]
Does that make it okay?
[ it's a genuine question. he has wrestled with his conscious on this over many a sleepless night. he still can't seem to come to a conclusion. ]
Yes, you have their consent, and you might even have their blessing. Does that completely erase the fact the only reason it's happening is because it has to?
[ is a choice made when there is no real alternative still a choice? ]
I won't let myself go so long this place will make me lose my mind and turn me dangerous, [ —ah? ] but I don't want to abuse the people's generosity there than I already have.
[ of course, this is his own feeling. he hadn't wanted to give too much of his opinion, earlier, because he doesn't hold it against anyone else how they sort their own feelings out on this matter just to survive this place. ]
no subject
[Of course Reno picks up on that word, years of training and survival making him pay attention to what's most important.
However, he still gives Marco's concerns a thought, weighing what the other just said.]
Yeah, kinda get your point. Guess it's a matter of picking out the ones that really don't care.
I mean, for example, I would've picked ya out of a bar of strangers for a night of fun outside of this place, too. If that's any help.
[He shrugs, picking at the label of the water bottle, just to give his hands something to do]
And it wouldn't be generosity in that case, but plain curiosity 'n my own desire for fun that day.
no subject
I've heard it can happen, where the house can alter your mind so much you forget reason. Where you aren't even yourself anymore. When that happens, it's safe to assume anyone who possesses any kind of superior strength or skill can pose a threat to more common people.
[ he's speaking generally, but it's obvious he's also referring to himself in that vein.
and it might not have been reno's intent, but that comment has marco ducking his head a little, suddenly feeling... shy? bashful, for sure. three months, and he still isn't used to being propositioned, let alone receiving compliments. after almost 30 years spent convinced he didn't belong anywhere but the bottom of someone's shoe, it's been a hard shift to have people respond to him so positively...
he's not entirely sure what it says about the people here that the garish scar on his face doesn't scare them off. ]
I — thank you, [ he says stiffly, awkwardly. yes, he clearly doesn't know how to take a compliment, jfc. ] You are also...
[ ahhh. ]
A-Anyway. You see where it gets complicated, don't you? Even if outside of this place we wouldn't fallen into bed together, the simple fact of being here, knowing what's expected of us... It's hard not to think of that coloring every interaction.
no subject
He makes a silent note that that's something that should not happen under any circumstances.]
Heard, hm? So it has happened before? Or is it just a case of people talkin'?
But do I see it right that first it only gets uncomfortable, then your suit kicks in and if ya still don't act on it, ya go insane and then turn to stone? That's... Quite the journey. An y idea what time frames we're talking here?
[He notices the hesitation, the awkwardness, and that Marco doesn't finish his sentence.
With a grin, Reno puts the bottle away and tilts his head ever so slightly.]
Yeah. I see where else it gets complicated. You're not really comfortable with the attention, huh?
Don't think you'd get it outside of this place, so here ya think it's all just 'cause of the game itself?
Well, again, let me tell ya, I'm not part of it all just yet, and I wouldn't have pushed you out of my bed. Well, except maybe to continue on the floor, [He grins even wider]
And again, even if we'd met in a bar or wherever outside. Feel like it would've been possible for our ways to cross at some point, if it would've been the same world o' course.
So maybe see it that way: you're meetin' people that you would've otherwise never been possible to run into?