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

[madnessreturns]

( Alice has always been perceptive, mostly to her detriment. She notices the small shift in his body language after she speaks, and then feels the warmth of a joke not landing creep up the sides of her neck. Her gaze falls away from him and she lifts her shoulder in a shrug, allowing her attention to be stolen by the rest of the room in an attempt to seem less interested in him. It also affords her the ability to locate her clothing, which conveniently sits nearby. She doesn't move, though. )

It is true. But I was also just trying to be funny. ( Admitting it makes her almost want to gag, or maybe it's something else coming up from the several days of no sleep and too much alcohol. Either way, she's readily moving along with him, her attention returning to him as she nods in solidarity with his cheers.

The motion makes her face fall as realization hits. ) Shit, I'm sorry. I could've gotten you a drink.

( She looks back towards the table stacked with plenty to drink and even more to eat. The pathetic grumbling of her stomach gives away her real desires. Orgasms were great, but she could have one of those quite literally when or wherever she wanted. A buffet of food? Some she had never seen before in her life? Fruit juice? )

Are you hungry?

( The sheet is dragged along with her as Alice clambers back out of the bed, heading first towards her clothing and the robe that was laid next to it, over one of the ornate chairs in the room. She'd had sense to be clean about how she set things down, which meant she'd been intentional about undressing. Curious.

She manoeuvres herself into the robe while covered by the sheet and then deposits the latter back onto the bed, her eyes finally ready to meet his again. Her breath comes to a halt, lingering on his gaze. He mirrors her in a way that feels familiar. Dark hair, green eyes. Cautious. )

I'm going to have a shower before I eat, I think.

[flagrant]

[ Lighter shakes his head, the tousled mess of his hair sweeping every-which way but naturally coming to fall over the shadow of his brow, across his right eye. Reality settles in, but only so much — "reality" as a concept has slipped through his fingers on more than one occasion over the last 168 hours. Desert sand felt less treacherous. Fingertips poised at the bottlecap's rim, he deposits it back on the nightstand quietly, a halting gentleness to the way he carries himself despite his appearance.

It could have a little something to do with how (presumably) likewise hungover he is, but also seems ingrained, measured too much as a matter of instinct rather than conscious effort. Rolling over, his arm steeples to pinch his brow, massaging some of the ache away with the pads of his fingers. ]

Don't worry about it. I'm just causing a fuss on account of how terrible I feel. [ He flashes a weak thumbs up from the mess of blankets. ] As for food...

[ Its scent does drift in among the skin musk of the bedding and it doesn't immediately turn his stomach. ]

I could go for some. How — [ lifting his gaze in what he'd intended to be amiable despite the many questions he has, he finds himself quieting again, at the heart of her focus. His pupils are red, a fluttering thing, like something once injured, or a creature caught unaware by the light. Clearing his throat, he looks away in deference and finally continues. ] ...how about I wait here, and we can eat together when you're done.

[ It seems about the least he could offer, all things considered. ]

[madnessreturns]

( Alice’s gaze lingers on him, a mix of curiosity and something else in her eyes. She gives a quiet exhale, her shoulders sagging just slightly as the reality of the situation starts to settle in again and her mind begins to swirl with questions. )

Yeah, sure. ( The edge in her voice has softened by his understanding. ) I’ll make it quick. Don’t get too comfy in my absence though... ( She adds with a small, sarcastic tilt of her head and a playful narrow of her eyes, though there’s no real bite to either. ) I don't want to come back to find you eating half the food on that table, leaving me with the scraps.

( She gives one more curious glance in his direction, then turns toward the bathroom, her bare feet silent on the floor as she moves away. But her mind stays with him for a moment longer, thinking of things she doesn’t quite know how to voice yet. She shakes it off before stepping into the shower, the cold air hitting her skin as she lets the water take over, hoping it’ll clear her head. )

Good news... ( She says with slight emphasis as she returns, her voice a bit clearer now that she's woken up, as she looks toward wherever Lighter has found himself in the interim. She's back in her robe, hesitant about putting her own clothes on again when they still stink of Twig. Her Watch has told her she's got a suite of her own to get to, and she wonders if that includes laundry services. She doesn't seem eager to find that out yet, though. ) You're not curled up with all the fruit juice and hoarding the bacon.

[flagrant]

Better news, [ he intones with a slightly distracted cant of his head from his seated position in bed. ] There's fresh clothes in the closet over there.

[ Which he'd dutifully made use of as soon as she'd slipped into the shower, dressing himself in a plain black t-shirt and a pair of sleep shorts. ...There were things other than pajamas, but as far as he can tell, it's still early wherever they are, and having breakfast in bed fully dressed would defeat some of the charm surrounding it. It seems he's taking the term "breakfast" with a grain of salt, if the box of bon-bons in his lap is anything to judge by.

Otherwise, his attention is largely on his watch as he scrolls with a keen eye, trying to get the lay of the land now that he feels less like he got run over by a big rig. ]

Bacon's all yours. How are you feeling?

[ Probably like hell, much the same as him, but he wonders if she'll elaborate beyond that. ]

[madnessreturns]

( Alice's attention is stolen immediately, her head twisting to locate the closet and she let out an audibly relieved sigh once she had. )

Oh, that is better news, ( she agrees, wisp of a frame practically floating towards the doors in search of something to wear. The boy had opted for comfortable, something he likely wouldn't wear outside of a suite. So Alice did the same, carefully touching over fabrics to make the best choice. She was overwhelmed with options here, and everything she had to choose felt brand new, right down to the fabric of her clothing.

With her back to him, she carefully slips one arm after the other out of her robe and into the oversized, jersey cotton shirt that fell around her frame like a nightie. )

The shower helped. I'm still not used to it being so hot... ( she trails off as she stops by the table to grab some yogurt and a slice of bacon on her way back to the bed, joining him on his side. She sits near the end, one leg pulled up and crossed while the other dangles over the edge.

Her big, green, curious eyes are on him again, blinking as she cleans her spoon, holding it between her lips for a moment before she lowers it to speak again. ) It's all very strange, isn't it? Like the shift of chrome... It glistens from one angle and is muted from another.

( Her head tilts, pondering her own words, before she becomes self conscious that she's speaking too much. Her cheeks barely color this time, but she ignores it better, taking small bites of food between her words. She isn't sure what to make of it yet. )

How do you feel?

[flagrant]

[ A hoarse chuckle sounds in his throat at her mention of hot water, genuine. He may not know her, but he can take an educated guess when someone's experienced a life bereft of kindnesses. As if to punctuate what he's going to say next, he picks up the box of chocolates from his lap and leans to offer her one, a single row of them already picked clean by his sweet tooth. His gaze sweeps the suite, the closet, the food. Assessing and thoughtful, but also somewhat shrewd and a little...

— awkward, almost, with how he wants to make eye contact but instinctively shies from it without his shades. ]

They don't skimp on the amenities, that's for sure. [ A beat. ] Which is the least our gracious hosts could do for us, given the strange circumstances. Like you said... once I think I've got one thing figured out, it's like it's all slipping through my fingers again. Chrome, sand, a mirage...

[ Lighter isn't a man who wants for luxury or excess, the marks of hardship still adorning him even when clothed. But he is someone who commands honor, and all of this surreptitious glamor under a power that whispers just trust me is grating on what few principles he has left.

He sighs to dissipate some of the tension he feels building in his chest again, quelling the thought. A half-smile tips the corner of his mouth. ]

All things considered, though. I feel alright. You've been a pretty easy suitemate for how we woke up.

[madnessreturns]

( Alice offers him some reprieve from her gaze when she notices him struggling to meet it. She usually goes between two extremes: Either she can't bare to look someone in the eye or she can't bare to look away. He's making it difficult to choose one or the other; There's something magnetic about him. Luckily, having that thought alone is enough to embarrass Alice into staring anywhere but his face for the next five minutes.

She quietly thanks him as she selects a chocolate thoughtfully, curious about what sort it was. Sweets were uncommon place in her life nowadays, but Alice knew there was a childhood somewhere inside of her that had been abundant with them. She lets out a soft, intimate sound as it melts in her mouth before she falls over onto the bed in dramatic fashion, all sighs of happiness, deceased by hand of chocolate and gooey caramel.

Alice grins playfully, finally looking over at him from her horizontal view on the mattress as she pops the rest of the truffle into her mouth. She'd missed half of what he'd said with her antics, but certainly catches the compliment he ends it all with. And his simmering tension as she notices his shoulders fall and his smile soften.

She props herself up on her palm again, jet black hair tousled by he fall, and reaches forward into his lap to steal another chocolate, eating the second all in one bite this time. )

Well, you're not so difficult to wake up beside either. To be fair.

( Bashful, Alice isn't making eye contact when she says it and instead finds interest in her watch, licking the residual melted chocolate from the tips of her fingers as she reads over this morning's message, her lips and brows set in matching frowns. ) Do you think you could help me find my suite?

[flagrant]

[ It's an expression he's seen any number of times, living in the ramshackle camaraderie of the desert where nothing sweet was ever guaranteed — pure bliss in the wake of an otherwise unattainable luxury. There's a comfort in it, like holding the shape of something he knows up to the light to trace its silhouette.

Popping another chocolate in his mouth, he then sets the box aside and leans over to try and also get a look at her watch's face. ]

Oh? Finally assigned after all that, huh? [ What a primer it was. ] Let see it. I haven't been on many of the floors yet, but if this really is some fancy resort, I can't imagine it'll be hard to find.

[ Granted, their surroundings, for all the ways reality has seeped in after the last few hours, do seem amorphous and difficult to grasp in a meaningful way. ]