TDM 008

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

It has recently come to our attention that many of our guests have not been focusing on their health and wellness. In an effort to encourage healthy living and help our beloved guests get in shape, a grand sports festival will be held in the Golden Peacock. This sports festival will include many small games and four large games.

Prior to the festival, guests will have the opportunity to train and prepare for the games with our expert coaches.

We hope you are as excited as we are! And, as always, we hope you enjoy your stay. 】

BEAK

MEET THE TEAM

WAKING UP IN THE BARRACK

► For the first time in months the Golden Peacock hasn't run into an overbooking issue. There's plenty of room for everyone inside of Beak's training barrack. This barrack is one large room lined with dozens of bunk beds and wall pods. Guests will wake to sleek concrete walls, polished metal accents, and raw, industrial finishes. All guests waking up inside the barrack will find that, instead of their usual clothes, they're wearing revealing athletic wear. Tight, elastic, sheer, mesh... those that aren't squeezed into crop tops and tiny shorts are dolled up in various sport uniforms instead.

► In antithesis to the Golden Peacock's usual belief that more is always more, Beak's training barrack is designed to focus on basic needs without luxury or excess. Each bed comes with a simple curtain for each bunk, offering basic privacy while also keeping the space functional. They will also be provided with cotton sheets, blankets, and pillows that are easy to maintain.

► There's so much available room that current guests may also find themselves temporary moved into the barrack. During this time, their Watches will not connect to their room’s lock pads and they will not be able to enter their normal suite. Don't worry! Your possessions and room are safe. Access will be reinstated after sufficient team bonding.

HIT THE TRAINING FIELD

► The coaches will blow their whistles at 0600 hours every day. Be ready to wake up and get your gear on! Guests that don't make it out onto the field before roll call at 0615 hours will be the day's gophers. Gophers are guests tasked with cleaning up equipment, collecting balls from the fields, resetting obstacle courses, and getting water for other guests. Training ends at 1800 hours. Between 0615 and 1800, guests are expected to train in Beak and build their relationship as a team.

► Guests may plan their own training schedule and work at their own pace. They have access to a variety of sports equipment and courts, so they can go wherever their heart leads them! Basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, running, swimming, batting cages — we've got it all! Don't miss the general fitness areas, either. Guests have access to every tool to reach their wellness goals.

► Meals in Beak are simple. All guests are entitled to three nutrition pouches per day. Nutrition pouches contain a jello-like substance designed to provide all the dietary requirements a human needs per meal. Snacks and desserts are given to VIP players. If those hard workers want to trade or sell those delicious temptations to other guests during their downtime, the coaches will look the other way.

♦ DIAMONDS GAME ♦

OMEGADOME: HUNTING GAME

A cheerful pair of game managers stand outside the conservatory doors and block all guests that try to enter. They quickly explain that a special Diamonds game is taking place inside and only guests that agree to participate may enter. This game is a physical exercise that riffs on "Hunting", which is a popular sport in many different countries and civilizations. Of course, it is one hundred percent safe, and all guests that play are eligible to win massive chip prizes, store vouchers, fabulous prizes, and more.

Details about the game? Those can't be shared outside of the conservatory. Only the brave and those willing to risks will reap the benefits of this Diamonds game. So step right up, dear guests, and sign this waiver before stepping into the flourishing beauty of the conservatory for a brand new adventure.

WELCOME TO THE OMEGADOME

► Guests that agree to participate in this Diamonds game and will be asked to sign a game waiver and, upon completion, will have the back of their hand stamped with a Diamond stamp. They will be advised that every round of the game lasts 24 hours. They will not be allowed to leave the dome until these 24 hours have been completed. Guests may enter a new round anytime after their previous round has ended. The more you play the more you can win, with all rounds cumulative when claiming rewards. Enticing, isn't it?

► Given their stamp, guests are then allowed to enter the conservatory. A massive dome now covers the entire conservatory, blocking all exits and pathways to the gardens and vale. The only way to leave is through the doors monitored by the game managers, who are also available for questions. The 24-hour countdown begins as soon as a guest crosses the threshold.

► The conservatory is blooming in verdant greens and pastel pinks. Cherry blossom trees are blossoming, streams are babbling, and the brush are thick with leafage. Guests will find that numerous small cabins have been installed amongst the flora for their use. Comfortably furnished patios and courtyards can also be found throughout the groves.

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome, new player! You have entered the OMEGADOME.

The OMEGADOME is a 24-hour high contact sex game that will indulge your physical senses on a whole new level.

The Diamond stamp you received will assess your body and select a designation within 30 minutes. This designation will alter your physical chemistry to heighten pleasure derived from sexual encounters. Three designations are available in the OMEGADOME.

Every sexual encounter in the OMEGADOME is worth 1 point. Collect as many points as you can. These points can be exchanged for chips and prizes.

Good luck and happy hunting! 】

DESIGNATIONS

► ALPHA: The highest rank in the dominance hierarchy. Alphas may exhibit "dominant" behavior or have other temperamental quirks, such as aggression and possessiveness over their mates. Alphas may have a knot when in rut. Female alphas may temporarily grow a penis or their vulva may grow into one when they present. Both are able to “knot” themselves to their mates during intercourse when rutting. Alphas also have the ability to emit pheromones to dominate or subjugate others. The pheromone scent is unique to the alpha. They can mark both betas and omegas with their scent or through biting.

► BETA: Subordinate to alphas in the dominance hierarchy. Betas have typical human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of alphas or omegas. They do not have a rut or heat period. Betas typically have no sense of pheromones and do not produce them. However, some betas may be able to smell pheromones and be mildly affected by them. They do not possess the ability to mark but can be marked by alphas and omegas. Betas may experience submissive impulses toward alphas and dominant impulses toward omegas.

► OMEGA: The lowest rank in the dominance hierarchy. Omegas are the most fragile of the three designations, with frailer bodies compared to alphas and betas. They can go into heat, which may trigger desperation to be bred or mated. During their heat, omegas biologically produce a sweet scent to arouse alphas in order to breed. Male omegas may be self-lubricating. Omegas may have nesting impulses or become depressed when separated from their mate. They can mark both betas and alphas with their scent. Omegas can easily become pregnant, but while in the Omegadome, the Diamonds suit acts as a natural birth control.

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► Rules within the Omegadome are straightforward. Players are not allowed to kill or otherwise seriously injure one another while inside the conservatory. Guests may not leave the conservatory until their 24-hour round has ended. Guests are also asked not to destroy the conservatory grounds, if possible.

► The goal of the OMEGADOME is to get fucking and collect points. Each time a guest has sex they collect a point. Point collection is based solely on frequency. Six points can be collected by fucking six different guests one time or fucking one guest six times. Otherwise, guests may freely enjoy the conservatory however they like during their stay in the dome.

► Guests may cash in their points for chip payouts, prizes, or vouchers. The more points a guest has to exchange, the better the selection of payouts and prizes.

DIAMONDS' INFLUENCE

► The Diamond stamp changes every guest that enters the Omegadome into an alpha, beta, or omega. Each guest is unique and the way that the Diamond stamp interacts with their body chemistry is similarly unique. No two alphas are the same. One alpha may have the full body experience and have manifested all of the qualities of an alpha while another may only experience ruts and emit pheromones. Guests that experience a stronger change are considered dominant. Guests with subtle changes are considered recessive.

► The Diamond stamp allows Wildcards and other non-Diamond suit guests to enjoy any effects of the DIAMONDS SUIT. Many guests will find that, at baseline, they are aroused and more sensitive upon entering the Omegadome.

► Guests that already fall under the Diamonds umbrella may find the strength of their usual suit symptoms doubled. They may also suffer from Double-Diamonds phenomenon. Reports of Double-Diamonds phenomenon include, but are not limited to: a frustrating degree of stamina; difficulty climaxing; excessive chafing and dry skin; erections that exceed 4 hours; swollen nipples; deflated scrotum; nosebleeds; excessive bodily fluids; etc.

♥ HEARTS GAME ♥

DOUBLES' THERMO: SURVIVAL GAME

Chickadees is sparing no expense on advertising their e-sport games over the course of the sports festival. Posters, notifications, stickers, fliers! Come one, come all. Sports don't need to be physical. Guests that duck into the arcade will find a variety of e-sport games to enjoy, but the real showstopper that every single employee is aggressively promoting is the new immersive VR game, DOUBLES' THERMO.

A large swath of egg-shaped pods have been installed in the back half of Chickadees. Any guest that shows an iota of interest will be assaulted by employees encouraging them to give it a try. They will offer vouchers for a free session, encourage with mentions of prizes that can be won from the arcade's coveted prize wall, and persuade by praising how high tech and immersive the experience is. Some employees are desperate enough to trick or push guests into the pods if they aren't willing to go in themselves.

However they've ended up inside the VR egg, guests will find themselves submerged in strange fluid as the lid closes. Everything fades away into darkness as the game loads...

WELCOME TO THERMO ISLAND!

► When they open their eyes again, guests will find themselves waking up on the shore of a remote island beach. This VR game is hyper-realistic, beyond what anything the Peacock has offered before, even compared to the VR in high rank suites. The sand is coarse, the sun is beating, and the flavor of salt is thick in the air. Thermo Island is a small island, uninhabited and overgrown with vegetation.

► Guests will wake up on the beach wearing an outfit that has some kind of significance to them. While the Hearts suit leans toward positive associations, it might select an outfit that a guest has a negative association with. It may even load the guest with an appearance reflective of a different point in their life — be it past or future. Above all, this suit likes to elicit an emotional response.

► Other than lightly furnished huts that line the beach and spot through the jungle, this island offers none of the luxury provided by the Peacock. Guests are stranded on this island with no tools, food, or weapons. While it is completely virtual, guests still experience hunger and exhaustion as they normally would. And that sun? It's strong. Watch out for sunburn!

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome to DOUBLES' THERMO! You have been marooned on this remote island. In order to survive you must cook your own food, collect water, and survive with limited resources. Thermo Island is dangerous at night so please take care when the sun goes down.

Your mission is to leave this island. In order to leave, you must "double up" with another player by making a significant emotional connection with them. You will not be able to leave Thermo Island until you double up with another player.

DOUBLES' THERMO'S artificial intelligence will gauge emotional connections and notify guests when they have met the threshold for doubling up with another player. All of our guests in the Golden Peacock are unique; this threshold is dependent upon the individual. Both players must meet the emotional threshold before doubling up.

Good luck and enjoy surviving this little taste of paradise! 】

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The name of the game is to survive and make a mutual emotional connection with another guest in order to log off. After the initial welcome message is sent, guests are completely left to their own devices on the island. The only way to log off is to make that connection, so characters can end up spending virtual weeks or months on the island if they're not diligent in reaching out to their peers! If they do spend an extended amount of time on the island before making a connection, they'll find that only a few hours have passed back in the Peacock when they finally do log off.

► The emotional connection guests make do not have to be objectively significant. The connection need only be significant for them. However, the game does have a fail-safe function in case of a particularly helpless guest. If too much time passes it will automatically trigger the emotional connection notification with someone that they've worked to survive the island with. Surviving harsh conditions together naturally creates some kind of bond, right?

► Being able to log off can be considered a prize itself. After completing the game, guests may choose one of the fun prizes off of Chickadees' prize wall. Stuffies, erasers, finger traps, plastic toys, pencils... absolutely worth fighting for your life in VR!

HEARTS' INFLUENCE

► Hearts would never really leave its players alone. It knows that the guests of the Golden Peacock need a few extra shoves when it comes to matters of the heart. Another fail-safe programmed into the game, called Romantic Scenario Pusher, can be triggered at anytime.

► Romantic Scenario Pusher is exactly what it sounds like: the game's AI randomly creates a situation and throws a guest into it in hopes of forcing an emotional connection. The AI has no restraint and is not tied to moral compunctions, so it may end up pushing characters into dangerous or awkward situations. Giant spiders might suddenly appear and attack, twenty hungry lions could manifest out of nowhere, a random pit appearing in the ground where someone is walking... this AI is willing to do anything for the sake of emotional growth.

► Romantic Scenario Pusher can be triggered in rapid succession. There is no limit on how many times a guest might be victim to the AI's whims.

♣ CLUBS GAME ♣

QUACK AND COVER: SHOOTING GAME

Cloaca & Dagger has temporarily outfitted itself as a neon-bright paintball course. Gone are the wild sex setups in exchange for series of obstacles and obstructions for guests to navigate while in pursuit of paintball championship. This high intensity game of strategy and physical fitness promises to exhilarate! Welcome to Quack and Cover, a game where your shooting skills and ingenuity will be put to the test.

So say the game managers at the door before following up with a few disclaimers. Cloaca & Dagger is not responsible for any physical or psychological trauma guests may incur while inside. Guests that join the game will then be outfitted in tight black underarmor and supplied with a paintball gun and protective mask before being let loose on the course.

WELCOME TO QUACK AND COVER

► Cloaca & Dagger offers a massive paintball course that spans across twelve different rooms. Every room has obstacles and blockades for guests to utilize, but there are also stretches of empty space that force shooters into the open to move locations. The club is dimly lit, offering both additional coverage and challenge for guests.

► Guests are given a few paint canisters at the beginning of the game. However, these canisters don’t last forever. In order to reload on paint during the game, guests will have to restock by heading to the pile of cans left in wide open sections of the course.

► The paint used in Quack and Cover is very unique. This spectral paint makes clothing vanish. A clean hit on a target’s shirt will make the shirt disappear. Splatter from the hit may or may not make additional pieces disappear too, depending on how much transfers. The spectral paint is otherwise completely harmless and has no special effects on anything except fabric/clothing.

A MESSAGE TO PLAYER WATCHES

【 Welcome to QUACK AND COVER, a paintball game designed to challenge both your body and mind. Unlike standard paintball, there are no teams in this game. QUACK AND COVER is every man for himself.

Your goal is to collect points. Every hit on another player is 1 point. The more points, the higher your ranking in QUACK AND COVER. The leaderboard can be monitored on screens provided on the wall in every room.

Our paint, SPECTRAL PAINT, is designed to eliminate an article of clothing with a clean hit to the corresponding piece. Any players that loses all of their clothing has lost the game and will be removed from the rankings. As long as a single sock remains on your body, you may continue playing.

Fully eliminating another player from the game adds 20 points to your score.

Go forth and take aim! 】

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The main goals of Quack and Cover are to rack up points and to eliminate other players. Each body hit earns 1 point. Elimination earns 20 points. Every room on the course has a large screen where points are calculated and rankings are updated in real-time. The more hits you get the higher your ranking on the board; eliminated guests will be dropped from the board completely.

► As long as you have some article of clothing left on your body, you’re still in the game. The spectral paint will remove clothing, generally one piece at a time — unless a particularly good shot hits a seam and knocks out two. Guests stripped completely naked will receive an alert that they lost. They will then have to do the walk of shame off the course.

► The main prize of Quack and Cover is bragging rights. Guests that score highly will be paid out for winning and their picture will be forever enshrined in Cloaca & Dagger’s hall of fame.

CLUBS’ INFLUENCE

► Guests aren’t safe from the Clubs suit’s mischievous nature. Clubs will focus on two particular tricks that have proven to be very effective in the past: hallucinations and delusions.

► The first trick is based in hallucination. Guests may see a familiar person, someone they’ve loved or hated, in the midst of the course. No matter how hard they try to chase this figment, it will always manage to keep a safe distance and turn corners before it can be caught.

► The second trick is based in delusion. Guests may see another guest as someone they’ve loved or hated. Though their “loved/hated one” may be acting kind of strange, it definitely looks like them! From head to toe! It even sounds like them.

Guests perceived as someone else are not actually changed in any way. They’re still themselves; it’s all in the affected guest’s mind. However, telling that to the person with crazy eyes and a loaded paintball gun may not go so well… good luck!

♠ SPADES GAME ♠

PECKING ORDER: MMA GAME

During night hours, many long-standing guests make their way through Talon toward the gym’s creaky basement stairs. Three floors down and then through a desolate hallway with littered with abandoned equipment. Double doors wait at the end, unassuming until they’ve been opened…

Flashing lights, jeers, and the thick odor of sweat. You’ve found the Pecking Order, a late-night mixed martial arts event where guests show their prowess in the ring. Spectating guests shout and messily eat snacks on make-shift bleachers while fighters clash inches away, using only their bodies to fight for dominance and win. Pecking Order is very informal; guests only need to sign up in order to get added to the docket. Anyone can watch, though they will be vaguely warned at the door that even spectating comes with risks.

WELCOME TO THE PECKING ORDER

► The basement level of Talon has been overtaken by fight fanatics. Everything in the Pecking Order is rudimentary, lacking the glitz and glam of the Golden Peacock. The ring is grimy and stained with blood. Cages are rusted. Gloves and tape are dingy. Even the seating for guests is lackluster, slapped together with old exercise equipment and boxes. Nobody cares about any of this because the Pecking Order is all about the love of battle.

► Guests can either fight or spectate. Guests who enter to fight are randomly paired up with no consideration to size, age, or weight class. Those spectating are encouraged to bet on who they think will win. They’ve also somehow managed to make a “bar” where warm beer and greasy nuts are sold.

► Game runners consider fighters eligible to enter the ring as long as they’re conscious, no matter how battered and bloodied from previous fights. There is no official first aid at the Pecking Order. The closest they have is Creepy Jim, who carries around a box of bandages and strokes the muscles of his “patients” while patching them up.

A MESSAGE SCRAWLED ON THE CRAPPY BASEMENT WALL

PECKING ORDER RULES
1. Respect the strong
2. The strong get to do what they want
3. The weak belong to the strong
4. Cowards get out
5. No supernatural or magical shit
6. Match ends when someone yields or KO
7. Fights to the death OK

GAME RULES & PRIZES

► The rules of the Pecking Order can be referenced at any time from where they’re written on the wall. The group takes these rules very seriously. Those found breaking the rules will be thrown out.

► All fighters must wear the provided wristband that blocks supernatural and magical abilities. The ring is all about physical strength with no additional fluff. Fighters are expected to go fist-to-fist without assistance from tools or magic. The wristband won’t impact passive supernatural/magical abilities.

► As a prize, the winner of the match may take anything from the loser. This can be money, their clothes, their date, or even the loser themselves. Many fights end with the winner fucking the loser into the mat while the audience cheers.

SPADES’ INFLUENCE

► Thought you were safe in the audience? Think again. Spectators may be randomly picked out from the benches and thrown into the ring to fight. On the surface, there isn’t a clear reason why — but the game runners will be drawn to guests that have a taste for violence in their heart. Or, alternatively, they will select guests that they recognize as being too cowardly.

► Those that win multiple matches are considered strong. The strong may choose anyone from the audience to claim for themselves. They can do this at any time and as many times as they want. Anyone not considered strong is considered weak and the weak are not allowed to deny the strong anything.

► Those that do not submit to the strong will be dubbed cowards. They will be swarmed, tied up, and then strung from the rafters for the remainder of the night.

LOCKER ROOMS

YOU WASH MY BACK, I'LL WASH YOURS

Every training and game location has a door labeled LOCKER ROOM right outside the entrance. These doors all connect to the same massive locker room. The magic of these locker room doors goes one way. Trying to go back to the place you just were by backtracking will not work — you’ll just end up in Beak! All guests will be advised to finish their games before hitting the showers.

The Golden Peacock is proud to present our upgraded and extended locker room. Please come in and enjoy the facilities, catch-up with your teammates, and enjoy some healthy drinks provided by our favorite resort convenience store, Cock-a-doodle-doo’s!

AMENITIES TO ENJOY

► RAINFALL SHOWERS: High-pressure, overhead rainfall showerheads mimic the sensation of standing under a gentle cascade of rain, providing a soothing experience. Adjustable settings allow guests to switch between a relaxing rainfall effect and more intense water pressure for a revitalizing cleanse.

► MASSAGE SHOWERS WITH JET OPTIONS: Showers equipped with various body jets positioned strategically to target different muscle groups. These jets can be customized to deliver a pulsating, massaging effect for tension relief, which is perfect for post-workout recovery.

► STEAM ROOM: These rooms offer a gentle mist of soothing steam, with the added benefit of aromatherapy. Customizable essential oil dispensers release calming scents like eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus, turning the steam room into a rejuvenating sensory experience.

► CEDAR SAUNA: A luxury cedar sauna that transforms the traditional sauna experience into an indulgent, spa-like retreat with a focus on relaxation and sophistication. Cedar wood, with its natural beauty and therapeutic properties, offers a rich, aromatic environment that is perfect for enhancing overall wellness.

► GIANT SHARE JACUZZI: A high-tech pool that seamlessly blends relaxation, elegance, and advanced technology. This indulgent oasis provides a rejuvenating retreat after a workout, a soothing escape for relaxation, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Essential oils can be added to the water to enhance the experience.

► ICE PLUNGE: The ice plunge offers guests a rejuvenating and invigorating contrast to the warmth of the sauna and jacuzzi. Step inside the igloo room and enjoy a shock to the system. An ice plunge promotes recovery, circulation, and muscle relaxation.

► DRYING PODS: After enjoying the amenities, guest can step into a high-end drying pod, which uses gentle warm air to dry the body. These pods are equipped with adjustable settings to suit different preferences, such as a light, cool breeze or a warmer, more intense dry.

► BEVERAGE BAR: The beverage bar offers a curated selection of drinks for guest enjoyment. These selections are healthy to promote hydration, relaxation, and overall well-being. Guests can find infused water, herbal teas, cold-pressed juice, protein shakes, smoothies, cold brew, and kombucha.

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: altered states; aphrodisiac; blood; body modifications; breeding; coercion; competition; dangerous situations; delusions; dominance themes; dubcon; emotions; exhibitionism; gambling; guns; hallucinations; hierarchical themes; injuries; mind games; omegaverse; pheromones; sports; survival themes; violence; virtual reality

▶ 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 March 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.

▶ 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.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[memori3s]

[ Hey now don't test him because... he would. ]

Not yet.

[ The water looks fine to his untrained eye. Minato cups both hands to scoop some of it into his palms, raising them to eye level as he allows the water to slowly trickle out from the bottom. Seems fine. Legit, even. ]

If something happens, at least you'll know to go look somewhere else for water.

[ And with that, he'll dip his hands into the water again, drinking all of it without any hesitation. It's fine! Probably! ]

[laserguy]

I'm filled with confidence now.

[This guy just drinking more of the water after saying something like that. Wow. Honestly though, he kind of respects it. Just going straight in. Scott will just have to hope that he doesn't die of dysentery or whatever. He's not going to emotionally connect with a corpse. Not his kink thanks--

Either way, Scott plops himself down next to Minato, still with the coconut in hand since his partner is busy testing the water and everything. He still plans on giving this to him as a gift, because... that's how these things work. He's an expert.]

You like coconuts, right? [MAYBE... he should've thought about that first before offering a coconut in the first place.]

[memori3s]

[ It tastes... fine. Refreshing, even! Minato lowers a hand back into the water to scoop some more up for one last sip. ]

...tastes fine.

[ Seems legit. Water source: secured! That's one less thing they need to take care of.

He looks back at Scott as he's being addressed. Luckily for his partner, Minato isn't a very picky eater. ]

They're okay.

[ He doesn't feel particularly strongly about them, but it's rare for Minato to have strong feelings about anything.

...oh. ]

For me?

[ His brows lift at the offering. Is that why Scott took so long? ]

[laserguy]

[Success! Thanks for potentially taking one for the team, Minato. This is why you're the great Seal--

But oh, hm. Not quite a roaring endorsement for coconuts. Maybe he should take back the offer, but then that would be even more weird and uncomfortable and really, that isn't really what he's going for. No, he just has to go all in with the coconuts now. Be confident about them.]

Uh yeah? [Is it better or worse that he's also teasing him? GOING ALL IN...] That's why I'm holding it out for you. [...] But it's okay if you don't really want it.

[So much for going all in.]

SO MEAN TO HIM

[memori3s]

[ Wow. Way to commit and then backpedal in nearly the same breath...

Once he'd recovered from the initial surprise, Minato's expression shifts into a small smile. Scott went looking for a gift of goodwill? If that's the case, there's one thing that can immediately improve an offering of coconuts.

He accepts the fruit and takes it into his own hands. ]

Thanks. ...it's better if we share it though.

[ Could he finish a whole coconut alone? Easily. But is he about to leave Scott going hungry alone? Never. ]

...

[ He's never eaten a coconut in whole though, completely intact within its shell. Coconut was usually sold pre-cracked or with the meat of the fruit scooped out of it in advance. ]

...after we find something to open it.

BULLYING

[laserguy]

[Coconut officially given and accepted. Nice. Oh, and he's even offering to share it... that's pretty nice of him. Guess he can start forgiving Minato for making him search all over the island for him. Maybe.]

Sure, if you want. [A small huff leaves Scott, but something about him seems amused. Not quite how he imagined this to go, but it's really not so bad. The other teen seems kind of quiet, but he can work with that.] You're still getting first taste though.

[Because it's Minato's present!! First dibs and all that. Of course, as he just pointed out, they need to find a way to open it first and hmm... he has a couple of ideas. Maybe. He didn't say they were good ones]

We can bash it against a rock. [...] Unless you think there's something in the hut that we'll be able to use. I haven't checked it out yet.

[memori3s]

[ The thought of repeatedly bashing a coconut against a rock does not appeal to Minato at all. Surely there are better solutions out there!! ]

Then let's check the hut first.

[ He'd caught a glimpse of them earlier but hadn't stopped to really peek inside. From their tiny windows, he'd seen a few pieces of humble furniture. Maybe if they're lucky the place would come equipped with some basic tools.

Minato tucks the coconut under one arm before heading off in the hut's direction. Doesn't look like he'll be waiting for Scott to follow though. You snooze you lose! ]

[laserguy]

[Oh okay, Minato's just getting up and already heading out!! Scott doesn't exactly scramble to get up, since he was mostly on his feet when Minato decided to turn, but he's definitely jogging a few paces so that he can walk with the other teen side by side.]

Wow, just leave me out there. Abandoning your companion without a second thought must be like a drop of five points.

[Or however those otome games score things, this is definitely Akira's fault. Not that Scott always thinks about relationships like that video game, or at all really, but they're in a VR setting and stuff... so the thought has crossed his mind a couple of times.

At least Scott doesn't actually look mad? Just. This guy feeling in human form.]

Not even asking what my name is either. Seriously man?

[memori3s]

[ A drop of five points...? Oh. It's just like some of the arcade games that were down at Game Parade. ]

Like an otome game?

[ Minato surveys his companion with an inquisitive look. This guy didn't seem like the sort who'd be interested in those types of games, but far be it for Minato to judge a book by its cover or a video game by its box art.

If that was the case, who, between the two of them, was the love interest route?

Minato nods to acknowledge Scott's point though. ]

It's Arisato. Arisato Minato.

[ Which is in fact his way of asking for Scott's name. After all, one should offer their own before requesting it from the other person. ]

[laserguy]

Yeah, pretty much. Didn't think you'd catch the reference. Congratulations.

[...Although, Minato seems like the type that would play a lot of otome games. Maybe??? His only real frame of reference is Akira and he's pretty different from him. WELL, whatever. Moving on.

...

So Arisato, huh? Arisato Minato. No, Scott doesn't really realize that he gave him his last name first. How long is it going to take him to figure that out?? The world may never know--]

Scott Summers. [There's a light tilt of his head, like he's examining, making a couple of assumptions about the other teen before a small laugh leaves him.] You really are pretty quiet, huh? Well, it's nice to meet you, Arisato.

[He slows to a stop next to Minato, before offering a hand to him.]

[memori3s]

[ Didn't think he'd catch the reference? What was that supposed to mean... Did this guy think Minato's never touched an otome game in his life?

In spite of those questions, all Scott receives is a single blink. It seems his partner possesses an unparalleled skill of observation considering he did, in fact, receive a silent response to his earlier comment. Minato's gaze drops to the floor. Having things pointed out about him means he's being perceived and that's weird...

But because he's not trying to be rude at all, his gaze flickers back up at Scott as he grasps onto the other teen's hand and gives it a friendly shake. ]

Yeah. Looks like you're stuck with me, Scott.

[ A small smile accompanies the comment, a surefire sign that it's one made with lightheartedness. And because he's absolutely about to foist responsibility onto Scott's shoulders, he says: ]

Do you want to pick the hut?

[laserguy]

Or maybe you're stuck with me.

[Okay, so Arisato really isn't bad at all. Quiet, and somehow a little rude and kind at the same time. Maybe it's because of the nature of what they're doing, but Scott really finds himself wanting to actually talk with him more. Just see what he's all about. And then, of course, endlessly tease him because he still hasn't forgotten the whole 'searching him for an hour' thing.

Yeah, still blaming him for that.

Scott doesn't think twice about taking the lead though, because half the time he just sort of appoints himself that position anyway. Something something kind of bossy--] Sure, follow me. Then we can break open that coconut and go fishing. You like fish, right?

[Not Scott making an assumption here....]

[memori3s]

[ Oh good. He's paired with a "take charge" sort of person, someone who won't mind having Minato foist all decision-making responsibility onto him. They'll find a hut, crack open the coconut, then catch some fish. Great!

True to Scott's observations, Minato responds to the question with a nod. ]

They're okay.

[ He doesn't particularly like fish, nor does he particularly loathe it. It's a perfectly acceptable source of protein, and it sure beats going hungry in this virtual reality game. Did virtual food fill a real person's stomach? Did androids dream of electric sheep?

He'll trail slightly behind Scott as they search for an adequate hut. ]

...do you know how to fish?

[ Because he sure doesn't. ]

[laserguy]

[Not a roaring endorsement of fish, but good enough. Basically how Scott feels about them. Maybe not his first pick, but he'll eat them if he has to. Maybe Minato is more of a burger guy like him??

Nonetheless, Scott leads them without missing a beat. A hut by the stream Minato found is probably a good idea, or should they stick closer to the ocean? Maybe just the first hut he finds--]

Well, no, but I can... probably disrupt the water and make it easier to catch the fish. I'll just find the right angle.

[This might be one of the worst ideas he's ever had. Hopefully they can sustain off coconuts and other fruit they find here. A part of Scott really wants to make this work though, even if he has to blast the ocean a few times. It's not like he'll ever run out of energy. IT'LL BE FINE...

He briefly looks back at Minato and--] Don't worry, I won't let you starve.

[memori3s]

[ Minato's never fished before, but... wouldn't disrupting the water make it more difficult to catch the fish? Unless Scott meant he'd be spooking the fish in a specific direction? That could work, but they don't have a net or a crate to capture the shepherded catch.

But hey, he's not the guy in charge around these parts. So Minato merely nods. He'll leave it all up to Scott.

He averts his gaze though as Scott looks back at him. What kind of a line was that? ]

...are you an avid otome game player?

[ Because that glance paired with that line's delivery -- they almost sounded like things taken right out of them. Cheesy... ]

[laserguy]

[Scott blanches. While managing to avoid running into a tree branch, just barely.]

Huh-- what kind of question is that? [He sounds just a little defensive despite himself, because it felt out of the blue for him! He'll still continue to lead them to the first hut they find that's off in the distance, but half of his attention is definitely on Arisato now because he feels like he's being vaguely insulted. That's so rude.

Really not beating the 'rude' allegations he's assessed about him--]

I mean, I've played a few. [A 'few.' Whatever Akira got for him. Yeah he 100% all of them but that's because having a video game system in his suite is kind of neat.] But why the sudden question?

[memori3s]

[ Whoa. Defensive, much? Nothing wrong with otome games. They're a valuable part of increasing Charm in a Persona 3 protagonist's life!

Minato's still trailing a bit behind Scott even after the vaguely indignant response. Had the question really been that out of the blue...?

He shakes his head. ]

"Don't worry, I won't let you starve."

[ An echo of Scott's earlier words. Minato huffs a bit, the equivalent of a small laugh from him. ]

Sounds like a line you'd find in them.

[laserguy]

[Scott's definitely not pouting because he thought he sounded kind of cool and vaguely heroic when he rattled off that line to Arisato. To make matters worse, he's right. Shit, has his brain been infected by those bad lines in those games? He's had a lot of fun with them, yeah, but the writing in them was definitely questionable at times...

The mutant isn't blushing, ignore that. Thanks. Maybe the fact that he's leading the other teen will help hide that.]

What, do you want me to let you starve? I heard that's like one of the worst ways to die.

[SO DEFENSIVE. Arisato here is really giving him a mixture of emotions, and he doesn't even talk all that much. How does he do it--] Wait, are you admitting that you've played those games too?

[memori3s]

[ The blush on Scott's face is hidden; his back is turned while acting as their fearless leader. However, perhaps the backs of his ears are a little pink from the flush? Or maybe it's just a little bit of sunburn. This VR game sure is realistic.

In any event, Scott's right. Starving to death would probably feel terrible. ]

...mm?

[ A thoughtful noise upon hearing Scott's question. "Admitting"? That makes it sound like he should feel ashamed to be an otome game player...

Minato cants his head at Scott. ]

Yeah. Why?

[ That charm stat isn't going to level itself, you know! ]

[laserguy]

[Definitely blame the sunburn!!

At least they're nearing the hut? It's right by the ocean too. A nice little hut by the beach... truly a beach episode or special out of a tv show or something. But Scott is honestly glad to see it, if just to get out of the sun for a bit. He's not expecting air conditioning, but still.]

You brought it up earlier, so I thought you might've played a few. [...] Then you sounded a little judgmental about it, but I guess it just takes one to know one.

[An otome player to another otome player. This really is just all Akira's fault.]

[memori3s]

[ A quaint little hut by the shore: the perfect backdrop for sparking a connection between two strangers. Now that there's some common ground discovered between the two of them, surely it'll be easier for them to hit it off? ]

Oh.

[ Well... as Scott knows, some of that writing can get a little cheesy and heavy-handed. Trying to use those lines in real life likely ended up as hit or miss scenarios. ]

The arcade near my school used to have a couple.

[ What was it called again... Tokimeki Remembrance? ]

[laserguy]

[The only thing missing is them skipping down the beach in slow motion. It's not too late right--]

So, you went to the arcade a lot too? [That actually sparks Scott's interest, his head tilting towards him with a more easygoing smile as they near closer to the hut. Truly the perfect place to strengthen their bond, with their camaraderie already built on arcades and otome games. What a friendship. Honestly though? Sitting around in some hut and chatting with another teen about games feels so normal and simple he's kind of looking forward to it.]

Same here. Although, the stuff I'm used to is more... Pacman. Galaga. It really surprised me to see some of the games here with their graphics and gameplay.

[...] I mean, we are also technically in a video game right now, huh?

[Truly fitting for them meeting like this....]

[memori3s]

[ Minato nods because, yep, he sure was at the arcade a lot. Crane games to play, social stats to level, it just happened to be the one spot that offered the most variety.

He takes note of the open smile on Scott's face too. It seems this is a line of conversation the other teen enjoys. Time to pursue further topics closely aligned to make sure he doesn't lose those carefully-netted heart levels... ]

I don't think I saw any of the games I used to play.

[ He'd only squeezed in a cursory look around Chickadee's before getting accosted into playing the virtual reality game, so it's possible some of them were here... Doesn't seem likely though. Call it a hunch. ]

...yeah. But I've never seen a game like this before. Nothing realistic like this.