【 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
♦ 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.
♥ 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...
♣ 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.
♠ 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.
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!
▶ 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.
[It's always so difficult for Scott to tell if someone is blushing or not, his red lens blocking the way for him to fully appreciate their appearance and their reactions. Kind of frustrating and if he really wants to delve into it, upset with himself with his inability to fully control his powers, but that's far from his mind now. Because even if he can't see the way her cheeks turn pink, the clear trust she's giving him now is more than enough.
He keeps their hands together, one combined grip on her chest, the other on his. His smile small, but genuine, maybe even comforting. Feels like they're both alive to him, right?]
Didn't know that a pulse check was flirting to you. [He laughs, lightly teasing her as he keeps this position for just a few seconds longer.]
[She looks deliberately down at their joined hands, so close to her breasts, then quirks an eyebrow back at him.] You don't think so?
[She's teasing, too, but there is an element of truth to it, too. Isn't checking if someone is alive, isn't affirming that belief, one of the most important things someone can do for another person? Isn't wanting someone you've met to continuing clinging to life one of the most powerful emotions there is?
None of that gets voiced, though, as she just laughs and tries to extract her hand, taking a step back.] C'mon. We probably gotta do more stuff on the island, right?
[Although if their goal is an emotional connection... isn't this one?]
[There's a light covering up pink that crosses his cheeks when she points out how close his hand are to her breasts and look. LOOK!! He didn't actually think about touching her without permission-- and definitely not there! He just wanted to mimic the whole feeling on his chest and.
Yeah, he's blushing. It still doesn't make him move though, not until she takes a step back and he raises his now free hand to rub the back of his head. Okay, that got a little awkward!! But... at least she's still smiling at him, so it's clear she's not actually upset.
Scott will take it.]
We were on the way to the hut. Did you already forget? [He teases, but he soon cocks his head to the side.] I imagine that you suddenly didn't get warmer from all that, so maybe we can find something in there to start a fire. Maybe blankets if we're lucky.
[If anything, his blush only makes her laugh more. It's good to know that in spite of how charming he is, she can still fluster him when she needs to. Now that she's further away from him, though, the warmth from his hands is starting to fade away. Her skin still feels kind of warm from the sun, but inside feels cold, and she's sure she probably still feels cold to the touch, too. She'd felt it before the VR also, but it had gone away on its own, so... it's probably fine!]
I just thought we won the game already! [she calls back over her shoulder, clearly expecting him to keep following behind her as she starts walking again.] But a fire sounds like fun! Like a campfire, or a bonfire... maybe we can find something to roast, too!
[And just ignoring the idea of getting her blankets, because, like, she doesn't expect him to worry too much about her. She'll be alright, as long as they're both safe and comfortable.]
[Truly a menace. He sees that he can't let his guard down around her!! He'll have to be extra focused by smiling back and feeling like he's just teasing another teen out at the beach and feeling normal about all that. Yes, that's what not letting his guard down means. Feeling just a little more okay in this place, despite the odds. Or maybe it's what it wanted in the first place.
Nah, he ain't giving shit to the people in charge. They can suck his dick--]
Wouldn't there be some flashing lights or a victory noise if we won? You know. [He tries to mimic some sort of level complete noise to... some success. He's had his fair share of arcade games at this point and a good variety of them! Still, he catches up with her, until he's walking by her side.]
Hoping to find a giant boar running out in the wild here? What would you do to even fight it? [...He's mean and kind of wants to hear what she'd do.]
Oh. Does it have to rank 10...? [Their social link, that is, before they're able to leave this place. Hmm, that could mean they'd be here for a while. Like, at least a few days? Pharos had been able to skip ranks, but Pharos had been really special. Nothing against Scott, but he doesn't seem like the Death arcana!
Anyway. No, she's not going to explain what she'd meant by "rank 10," that had been intended for her alone. She continues without missing a beat,] Get a big pointy stick and--
[She jumps, miming the same kind of slashing and slicing motion she'd use with her naginata. Never mind that she's never killed an animal and wouldn't know what to do with a freshly killed one.]
I thought maybe we could find like... a conbini, though.
[Rank 10...? Huh, is she someone that plays a lot of otome games? Guess he can see it. Maybe these games are popular among Japanese teenagers or something. That's going to be his assumption for the time being, Kotone 'Otome Enjoyer' Shiomi.]
Oh yeah, you'd definitely show a giant boar with that. [...He's definitely teasing her again. Scott isn't even going to ask where she's going to get a big pointy stick, just kind of amused as he watches her slash the air with a pretend stick. She's really not the type to run away, huh? Even if they probably should in normal circumstances. Like aren't big pigs kind of awful to deal with??
Luckily he has something that can deal with it no problem.]
Hm, conbini? [He looks at her with a questioning look, the word obviously flying above his head.] What's what?
How would you do it, then? [she demands, though it's with a laugh rather than any kind of heat. Listen, he'd asked! And without her Evoker, her Personas are literally just kind of along for the ride. If she'd been able to take one of the hockey sticks away from the sports area, then she'd be in better shape!
But oh, right. With a name like Scott, he's probably not Japanese, right? Wait, but he speaks Japanese. Did he never learn the word "conbini"...?]
Conbini! [she says again, as if that explains everything. But at least she adds,] You know, a convenience store. Beaches always have stuff like that.
[He sounds like he's just joking back and it may very well be easy to assume that he's not serious at all, because what lasers?? But there's a hint of something in his voice, despite his laugh, that there's something more to this than just a simple joke. However, it doesn't look like he's going to elaborate more on it yet, he has to keep some of his mysterious aura, right?
Girls like the mysterious guy in shades.
Even if he's smiling next to her, not even trying to hide his amusement or how much he's just enjoying her company already.]
I've never heard of that phrase being used before. [But more importantly...] You really think we'll find a convenience store here? Just selling us sunscreen, snacks, and really tacky touristy items?
["Lasers," huh? She laughs reflexively, but still glances toward him with evident curiosity. There had been something in his voice that piqued her interest -- could he really have some kind of cool laser hidden in the pocket of his swim trunks? Her eyes flick toward said trunks, checking to see if she can see any kind of laser pointer -- but no. Hmmm... alright then, keep your secrets.]
We use it in Japan! [she answers the second bit instead, continuing to skip along.] And yeah, why not? It's a computer world, right? So why wouldn't there be a convenience store? The place is supposed to be a resort, right?
[From the way she says "computer world," it seems like she doesn't entirely get the concept, but as with most things, is simply rolling with it.]
[Another teen from Japan... like he got that when she introduced herself to him, but he can't help but be reminded of it again. It's kind of funny that nearly all of his teen friends are Japanese and most of the adults that he knows aren't. Well, whatever. He's cool with it. Guess that's just how it goes sometimes.
Doesn't seem like an important thing to think about in the long run. He's far more interested in keeping pace with her, his strides longer so that he can follow along with her skipping.]
They also called this place a 'remote island.' If it's supposed to be realistic, I doubt it would have a convenience store on the other side of the trees here. Unless you're calling Japan a remote island. [He arches an eyebrow at her, but something about Scott seems amused still.]
Suddenly feeling worried about surviving here? [Or is she still feeling cold? She's doing a really good job hiding it if so...]
Well, Japan is an island. Technically my school was also on Tatsumi Port Island -- I had to take the monorail across the ocean to get to school every day.
[There's a certain wistful nostalgia in her voice when she speaks about the monorail, undercutting the bright cheer and drawing her smile away from her eyes. She doesn't miss her classes or anything, but she misses her friends and all the bonds she'd made there. She doesn't regret her decision at all, but it's okay to miss them, right?
But she still laughs, her smile brightening once again as she glances toward him.] Why would I be worried when I've got you and your lasers?
[He huffs, but he hears that subtle tone in her voice. A sense of longing? That's what it sounded like. Huh, imagine missing school that much, couldn't be him. Although, she's speaking about it in the past tense... did she graduate already? She looks around to be his age, but what does he know? It's definitely possible that he's just looking too much into it.
But he keeps the feeling in the back of his mind. Instead, he continues with their banter, Scott making an affirmative noise towards her question.]
That's right, you got nothing to worry about. Glad you're finally catching on. [No store necessary!] We're going to make it to the hut, crack this coconut, and gather more food later. Got our plan all sorted out.
[Although... he slows to a stop before holding his hand out to her.] So, wanna hold hands the rest of the way?
[She can't help but laugh when he lays out his plan. The simplest plans are usually the best ones, she's pretty sure, so no arguments from her! Though she's admittedly curious about what exactly he does plan to do for more food (not to mention his lasers!), she's willing to just put it in his hands.
The plan, that is, not the coconut. She's still holding onto it like the gift it was.]
Huh? [A blink, because why...? Does he want to hold her hand? Of course, she's already taking it, even as she makes that small noise of confusion, her chilled fingers finding warmth in his grip.] Oh, okay!
[The whole point is emotional connection, right? So yeah, why not!]
[100% teasing her now... but he curls his fingers around hers, especially since that cold is still seeping from her hand. She hasn't gotten better and she doesn't really seem to understand it herself. Not just a glitch or whatever from this video game, but something else that the casino placed on her. Maybe it's the similar to the double suits that he had initially? But that didn't happen until he was actually assigned one.
Maybe they're starting early with her. He just has to continue keeping track of this. Not just because of the emotional connection, but because he cares. Anyone would, that's something simple.
He smiles at her though, nodding before he resumes their walk back to the hut. They're almost there now, he can see it on the horizon.] ...Does this still feel better?
Oooh, is that the reason? [she teases back, though she doesn't draw her hand away. If anything, she twines their fingers together, just to make sure they don't "get lost." The warmth of his hand does something to ease the chill deep in her bones and the goal is an emotional connection, so why not hold his hand?
She looks into the distance, shading her eyes with her free hand to get a better look at the hut they're approaching. It doesn't look bad for a deserted island, honestly! Sure, it's not convenience store, but some kind of shelter is better than none. Walking through the trees like this reminds her of when they'd found Aigis on Yakushima; the memory brings a small, wistful smile to her face, like the tone that had been in her voice when she'd talked about the monorail.]
Hm? [She looks up at Scott again, taking a moment to process his question before giving him a smile.] Yeah! Your hand is warm.
Something wistful, almost like she's thinking deeply about something and getting lost in her head. It's a little more noticeable now that there's a few moments of silence between them, noting how her eyes seem to stare off into nothing. Well, he'll just leave her to her thoughts for a bit! He could probably ask what she's thinking about, but it's fine. And it's not like he has anything too pressing to say, he just wanted to keep her cooling hand warm. Warmer?? Honestly, he's fine with this companiable silence between them. It's nice, comforting in its own way.
Still, his mouth quirks up at her response. Yeah, she was definitely spacing out.]
Had deep thoughts in there? [Teasing a girl like this so much. Well, he did it with Jean.] But good, we can just keep holding hands then. I like it.
Yep! [she confirms cheerfully without missing a beat. Deep thoughts galore, though of course she doesn't think to share a single one. Like, why would Scott be interested in hearing about Yakushima? He wouldn't!
But o-oh, he really just comes out and says stuff like that, huh? Usually just bold statements are what she does to throw people off-balance because it's funny to watch them get flustered. Is that what he's trying to do? Because it's working, another little laugh making her way through her lips.]
You're funny, [she teases back, even as a light splattering of pink dusts her cheeks again.] It's kind of cute!
[And she squeezes his hand for good measure before quickening her pace. What's in this hut!!]
['Funny' isn't what he was entirely going for, but whatever. She's still smiling and still holding his hand, so he'll count that as a win. Her cooler grip entangled in his. He squeezes her hand back before following along, making sure that he doesn't lag behind as they get to the hut. It looks pretty nice, honestly, those thoughts increasing as they make it to the entrance.
It's as simple as just opening the door, revealing a mostly sparse area, but there's still tables and couches?? Somehow?? No fridge and probably no bathroom, but it's not entirely barren. A knife can probably be found to start opening the coconut.]
[Don't worry, Scott, "funny" is right behind "tragic" as a turn-on for her--
But as soon as they're inside, she's worming her hand free of his so she can explore more easily, opening every drawer (the knife! yes!! don't be alarmed by her brandishing it triumphantly before setting it and the coconut down with clear expectation that Scott will take care of it) and checking around the rest of the hut. Not the nicest place in the world, and certainly not as nice as Mitsuru's summer house in Yakushima, but it's better than nothing!]
Not bad! [she decides after her investigation, peeking out a shutterless window and letting out a little noise of excitement.] There's a firepit outside! Once the sun goes down, we should make a fire!
He reluctantly releases her hand, still kind of worried about the whole cold thing, but also just sort of enjoying the feeling of holding hands with her. But it's okay, because she's like a hurricane right now, going through all the drawers with Scott lifting an eyebrow when she shows the knife off to him. Like uh, that sure is a knife, ma'am. And yet she doesn't stop there, exploring the rest of the hut as she opens various shelves and just about anything that can be opened.
Honestly, Scott's surprised that she didn't turn the couch cushions over.
He'll just leave that to her, so that he can focus on finally cutting open the coconut. It takes a couple of tries, but he finally gets the knife wedged into the top, and it's not long before he starts cutting it.]
Oh, a firepit? That would be nice. I haven't sat next to one in years.[Maybe it will help her too?? Although, if the sun starts going down, he's going to start freezing too. It will be useful for the both of them.] We'll just gather some wood and make a fire. Do you know how to make one?
I don't! [she answers cheerfully from elsewhere in the hut, her voice echoing a bit like she's entered another room. Don't worry, she's back in short order, pumping a triumphant fist in the air.] There's a bathroom! With a tub!!
[Sure, it's kind of rustic, but at least she won't have to worry about stinking up the place next to a cute boy. A bathtub is nicer than a shower, even, she's pretty sure...? Even if she didn't check to make sure anything is connected to water. Like, the thought didn't even occur to her that water might have to be brought in from outside.
Luckily, it means she misses his more fumbling attempts with the coconut, bouncing back over and plopping a set of matches on the counter next to him.] I found these in a drawer, though. So it should be pretty easy!
Wait seriously? Does this place even have plumbing?
[That would be a surprise to him! Still, it's weird enough to hear that the hut has a bathroom with a full on tub in it. This 'isolated island' VR experience sure is something. Maybe she wasn't wrong about finding a convenience store somewhere on this island, but Scott doesn't feel like looking right now. They've got their home base, a place to rest until they've made enough of a connection and can leave.]
Good, then we'll just need wood. That will be easy enough.
[With a few careful slices, however, Scott manages to cut open the top of the coconut without hurting himself. A true miracle. Really, he's not sure if he'd be able to live it down if he injured himself in front of her like that. He might have to sleep outside just for that alone. Luckily, he can just offer the open coconut to her with a small smile.]
[She hums and shrugs in the universal sound and symbol of "I dunno!" But like, it has to, right...? How did people take baths before plumbing...? (There is definitely no plumbing.)
But she has full confidence in him when he says it'll be "easy enough," which she takes to mean "don't worry about it, Kotone, I'll handle it." The coconut, though, she accepts with both hands, lips curving into an almost silly little smile.]
I didn't forget. It almost seems like a shame to eat a gift, you know!
[It doesn't stop her from sipping some of the water out of it, though. It's... fine. Not great, honestly, but it's the thought that counts. Being given a gift is one of the kindest gestures someone could offer her, honestly.]
[It really is kind of funny that she spotted a bathtub and didn't try to turn on the water before reporting to him about it. Well, they can always figure that out later, maybe before the sun goes down and after they collected enough wood for the firepit. To Scott, keeping warm is the far more important thing, even if a bath in a deserted island sounds kind of nice. Survival first!! And that includes staying warm.
But with those thoughts settling in his mind...
He watches as she tries the coconut and it's clearly not a slam dunk, if judging by her face. Just a sort of 'it's okay' reaction, and dang, he trusted you, coconut!! Maybe just a little disappointed, mostly in just the situation though. Scott offers a small smile, trying to just play it off.]
Hey, it's okay if you don't like it. Coconuts are kind of weird, right?
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peacockstop2025-03-15 09:00 pm
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He keeps their hands together, one combined grip on her chest, the other on his. His smile small, but genuine, maybe even comforting. Feels like they're both alive to him, right?]
Didn't know that a pulse check was flirting to you. [He laughs, lightly teasing her as he keeps this position for just a few seconds longer.]
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[She's teasing, too, but there is an element of truth to it, too. Isn't checking if someone is alive, isn't affirming that belief, one of the most important things someone can do for another person? Isn't wanting someone you've met to continuing clinging to life one of the most powerful emotions there is?
None of that gets voiced, though, as she just laughs and tries to extract her hand, taking a step back.] C'mon. We probably gotta do more stuff on the island, right?
[Although if their goal is an emotional connection... isn't this one?]
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[There's a light covering up pink that crosses his cheeks when she points out how close his hand are to her breasts and look. LOOK!! He didn't actually think about touching her without permission-- and definitely not there! He just wanted to mimic the whole feeling on his chest and.
Yeah, he's blushing. It still doesn't make him move though, not until she takes a step back and he raises his now free hand to rub the back of his head. Okay, that got a little awkward!! But... at least she's still smiling at him, so it's clear she's not actually upset.
Scott will take it.]
We were on the way to the hut. Did you already forget? [He teases, but he soon cocks his head to the side.] I imagine that you suddenly didn't get warmer from all that, so maybe we can find something in there to start a fire. Maybe blankets if we're lucky.
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I just thought we won the game already! [she calls back over her shoulder, clearly expecting him to keep following behind her as she starts walking again.] But a fire sounds like fun! Like a campfire, or a bonfire... maybe we can find something to roast, too!
[And just ignoring the idea of getting her blankets, because, like, she doesn't expect him to worry too much about her. She'll be alright, as long as they're both safe and comfortable.]
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Nah, he ain't giving shit to the people in charge. They can suck his dick--]
Wouldn't there be some flashing lights or a victory noise if we won? You know. [He tries to mimic some sort of level complete noise to... some success. He's had his fair share of arcade games at this point and a good variety of them! Still, he catches up with her, until he's walking by her side.]
Hoping to find a giant boar running out in the wild here? What would you do to even fight it? [...He's mean and kind of wants to hear what she'd do.]
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Anyway. No, she's not going to explain what she'd meant by "rank 10," that had been intended for her alone. She continues without missing a beat,] Get a big pointy stick and--
[She jumps, miming the same kind of slashing and slicing motion she'd use with her naginata. Never mind that she's never killed an animal and wouldn't know what to do with a freshly killed one.]
I thought maybe we could find like... a conbini, though.
[Why... would there be a convenience store...]
no subject
Oh yeah, you'd definitely show a giant boar with that. [...He's definitely teasing her again. Scott isn't even going to ask where she's going to get a big pointy stick, just kind of amused as he watches her slash the air with a pretend stick. She's really not the type to run away, huh? Even if they probably should in normal circumstances. Like aren't big pigs kind of awful to deal with??
Luckily he has something that can deal with it no problem.]
Hm, conbini? [He looks at her with a questioning look, the word obviously flying above his head.] What's what?
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But oh, right. With a name like Scott, he's probably not Japanese, right? Wait, but he speaks Japanese. Did he never learn the word "conbini"...?]
Conbini! [she says again, as if that explains everything. But at least she adds,] You know, a convenience store. Beaches always have stuff like that.
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[He sounds like he's just joking back and it may very well be easy to assume that he's not serious at all, because what lasers?? But there's a hint of something in his voice, despite his laugh, that there's something more to this than just a simple joke. However, it doesn't look like he's going to elaborate more on it yet, he has to keep some of his mysterious aura, right?
Girls like the mysterious guy in shades.
Even if he's smiling next to her, not even trying to hide his amusement or how much he's just enjoying her company already.]
I've never heard of that phrase being used before. [But more importantly...] You really think we'll find a convenience store here? Just selling us sunscreen, snacks, and really tacky touristy items?
no subject
We use it in Japan! [she answers the second bit instead, continuing to skip along.] And yeah, why not? It's a computer world, right? So why wouldn't there be a convenience store? The place is supposed to be a resort, right?
[From the way she says "computer world," it seems like she doesn't entirely get the concept, but as with most things, is simply rolling with it.]
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Doesn't seem like an important thing to think about in the long run. He's far more interested in keeping pace with her, his strides longer so that he can follow along with her skipping.]
They also called this place a 'remote island.' If it's supposed to be realistic, I doubt it would have a convenience store on the other side of the trees here. Unless you're calling Japan a remote island. [He arches an eyebrow at her, but something about Scott seems amused still.]
Suddenly feeling worried about surviving here? [Or is she still feeling cold? She's doing a really good job hiding it if so...]
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Well, Japan is an island. Technically my school was also on Tatsumi Port Island -- I had to take the monorail across the ocean to get to school every day.
[There's a certain wistful nostalgia in her voice when she speaks about the monorail, undercutting the bright cheer and drawing her smile away from her eyes. She doesn't miss her classes or anything, but she misses her friends and all the bonds she'd made there. She doesn't regret her decision at all, but it's okay to miss them, right?
But she still laughs, her smile brightening once again as she glances toward him.] Why would I be worried when I've got you and your lasers?
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[He huffs, but he hears that subtle tone in her voice. A sense of longing? That's what it sounded like. Huh, imagine missing school that much, couldn't be him. Although, she's speaking about it in the past tense... did she graduate already? She looks around to be his age, but what does he know? It's definitely possible that he's just looking too much into it.
But he keeps the feeling in the back of his mind. Instead, he continues with their banter, Scott making an affirmative noise towards her question.]
That's right, you got nothing to worry about. Glad you're finally catching on. [No store necessary!] We're going to make it to the hut, crack this coconut, and gather more food later. Got our plan all sorted out.
[Although... he slows to a stop before holding his hand out to her.] So, wanna hold hands the rest of the way?
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The plan, that is, not the coconut. She's still holding onto it like the gift it was.]
Huh? [A blink, because why...? Does he want to hold her hand? Of course, she's already taking it, even as she makes that small noise of confusion, her chilled fingers finding warmth in his grip.] Oh, okay!
[The whole point is emotional connection, right? So yeah, why not!]
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[100% teasing her now... but he curls his fingers around hers, especially since that cold is still seeping from her hand. She hasn't gotten better and she doesn't really seem to understand it herself. Not just a glitch or whatever from this video game, but something else that the casino placed on her. Maybe it's the similar to the double suits that he had initially? But that didn't happen until he was actually assigned one.
Maybe they're starting early with her. He just has to continue keeping track of this. Not just because of the emotional connection, but because he cares. Anyone would, that's something simple.
He smiles at her though, nodding before he resumes their walk back to the hut. They're almost there now, he can see it on the horizon.] ...Does this still feel better?
[Holding hands like this.]
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She looks into the distance, shading her eyes with her free hand to get a better look at the hut they're approaching. It doesn't look bad for a deserted island, honestly! Sure, it's not convenience store, but some kind of shelter is better than none. Walking through the trees like this reminds her of when they'd found Aigis on Yakushima; the memory brings a small, wistful smile to her face, like the tone that had been in her voice when she'd talked about the monorail.]
Hm? [She looks up at Scott again, taking a moment to process his question before giving him a smile.] Yeah! Your hand is warm.
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Something wistful, almost like she's thinking deeply about something and getting lost in her head. It's a little more noticeable now that there's a few moments of silence between them, noting how her eyes seem to stare off into nothing. Well, he'll just leave her to her thoughts for a bit! He could probably ask what she's thinking about, but it's fine. And it's not like he has anything too pressing to say, he just wanted to keep her cooling hand warm. Warmer?? Honestly, he's fine with this companiable silence between them. It's nice, comforting in its own way.
Still, his mouth quirks up at her response. Yeah, she was definitely spacing out.]
Had deep thoughts in there? [Teasing a girl like this so much. Well, he did it with Jean.] But good, we can just keep holding hands then. I like it.
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But o-oh, he really just comes out and says stuff like that, huh? Usually just bold statements are what she does to throw people off-balance because it's funny to watch them get flustered. Is that what he's trying to do? Because it's working, another little laugh making her way through her lips.]
You're funny, [she teases back, even as a light splattering of pink dusts her cheeks again.] It's kind of cute!
[And she squeezes his hand for good measure before quickening her pace. What's in this hut!!]
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['Funny' isn't what he was entirely going for, but whatever. She's still smiling and still holding his hand, so he'll count that as a win. Her cooler grip entangled in his. He squeezes her hand back before following along, making sure that he doesn't lag behind as they get to the hut. It looks pretty nice, honestly, those thoughts increasing as they make it to the entrance.
It's as simple as just opening the door, revealing a mostly sparse area, but there's still tables and couches?? Somehow?? No fridge and probably no bathroom, but it's not entirely barren. A knife can probably be found to start opening the coconut.]
Uh, home sweet home?
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But as soon as they're inside, she's worming her hand free of his so she can explore more easily, opening every drawer (the knife! yes!! don't be alarmed by her brandishing it triumphantly before setting it and the coconut down with clear expectation that Scott will take care of it) and checking around the rest of the hut. Not the nicest place in the world, and certainly not as nice as Mitsuru's summer house in Yakushima, but it's better than nothing!]
Not bad! [she decides after her investigation, peeking out a shutterless window and letting out a little noise of excitement.] There's a firepit outside! Once the sun goes down, we should make a fire!
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He reluctantly releases her hand, still kind of worried about the whole cold thing, but also just sort of enjoying the feeling of holding hands with her. But it's okay, because she's like a hurricane right now, going through all the drawers with Scott lifting an eyebrow when she shows the knife off to him. Like uh, that sure is a knife, ma'am. And yet she doesn't stop there, exploring the rest of the hut as she opens various shelves and just about anything that can be opened.
Honestly, Scott's surprised that she didn't turn the couch cushions over.
He'll just leave that to her, so that he can focus on finally cutting open the coconut. It takes a couple of tries, but he finally gets the knife wedged into the top, and it's not long before he starts cutting it.]
Oh, a firepit? That would be nice. I haven't sat next to one in years.[Maybe it will help her too?? Although, if the sun starts going down, he's going to start freezing too. It will be useful for the both of them.] We'll just gather some wood and make a fire. Do you know how to make one?
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[Sure, it's kind of rustic, but at least she won't have to worry about stinking up the place next to a cute boy. A bathtub is nicer than a shower, even, she's pretty sure...? Even if she didn't check to make sure anything is connected to water. Like, the thought didn't even occur to her that water might have to be brought in from outside.
Luckily, it means she misses his more fumbling attempts with the coconut, bouncing back over and plopping a set of matches on the counter next to him.] I found these in a drawer, though. So it should be pretty easy!
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[That would be a surprise to him! Still, it's weird enough to hear that the hut has a bathroom with a full on tub in it. This 'isolated island' VR experience sure is something. Maybe she wasn't wrong about finding a convenience store somewhere on this island, but Scott doesn't feel like looking right now. They've got their home base, a place to rest until they've made enough of a connection and can leave.]
Good, then we'll just need wood. That will be easy enough.
[With a few careful slices, however, Scott manages to cut open the top of the coconut without hurting himself. A true miracle. Really, he's not sure if he'd be able to live it down if he injured himself in front of her like that. He might have to sleep outside just for that alone. Luckily, he can just offer the open coconut to her with a small smile.]
Here. It was my present to you, remember?
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But she has full confidence in him when he says it'll be "easy enough," which she takes to mean "don't worry about it, Kotone, I'll handle it." The coconut, though, she accepts with both hands, lips curving into an almost silly little smile.]
I didn't forget. It almost seems like a shame to eat a gift, you know!
[It doesn't stop her from sipping some of the water out of it, though. It's... fine. Not great, honestly, but it's the thought that counts. Being given a gift is one of the kindest gestures someone could offer her, honestly.]
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But with those thoughts settling in his mind...
He watches as she tries the coconut and it's clearly not a slam dunk, if judging by her face. Just a sort of 'it's okay' reaction, and dang, he trusted you, coconut!! Maybe just a little disappointed, mostly in just the situation though. Scott offers a small smile, trying to just play it off.]
Hey, it's okay if you don't like it. Coconuts are kind of weird, right?
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