【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
We are pleased to announce that several films have begun production in the resort! All guests are encouraged to participate as actors and crew during this time. Two highly anticipated blockbusters are part of the filming block and will have an opening night premiere at the newly renovated Hatchbox Theater.
We would also like to extend a gentle warning to all actors. New tabloids and journalists have snuck into the Peacock alongside production, so please be cautious of aggressive reporters. We would hate to see our beloved guests embroiled in public scandal.
Please look forward to your debut on the silver screen and all of the new artistic content soon available for your viewing pleasure! 】
HONEYWAGONS
A STAR'S WELCOME
ACTOR RESUME
WELLA WARBLER
Height: 4 inches Weight: 5 oz Age: 3 years (24 in bird years!) Eye color: black Hair color: yellow
TYPECAST & SUITABLE ROLES
• animal sidekick • emotional guide • damsel in distress
KINKS & FETISHES
• berry licking • mating dances • hardcore bdsm
SPECIAL SKILLS
• singing • flying fast • speed sudoku
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
GET INTO CHARACTER
GRAB A GIG
FIND YOUR BIG BREAK
LORD OF THE WINGS
AN EPIC (AND SEXY) JOURNEY
【 Once upon a time, in a magical land far, far away...
The Lord of the Wings, a massive dragon with no equal, demanded a bride tribute from all of the kingdoms across the continent. Every month each province was required to send their most beautiful men and women to become the dragon's next bride(s). Ever greedy, the dragon was not satisfied with having one bride. Not with twelve brides, nor two hundred brides. The dragon always demanded more. The number of hot people around to bang dwindled. Things were looking grim.
Soon, a group of brave warriors gathered to travel the lands and slay this dragon. They enjoyed adventures of fucking their way through sirens, fucking their way though the faeries, and fucking their way through the mage school and beastmen tribes. They reached the dragon's crystal lair where the dragon, who took beautiful humanoid form, approached them.
The dragon promised that if any warrior could satisfy them sexually, they would return all of the brides to their homes. Each warrior took a turn trying to satisfy the dragon — but only with their efforts combined in one massive orgy was the dragon finally satisfied.
All of the brides were released and the warriors moved into the crystal lair to live a loving polyamorous relationship with the dragon. All was well. The end. 】
STAR WARBLERS
A THRILLING (AND SEXY) SPACE OPERA
【 Once upon a time, in a galaxy, far away...
The Palm Warblers and the Pine Warblers, two different legions of the massive Warbler fleet, began to battle. Whenever their ships would meet in space they would fight with the winner taking prisoners of war. After one such battle, a captured Captain of the Palm Warbler legion held in prison met a Lieutenant of the Pine Warbler tribe. After some rivalry, the two fell deeply in love.
They had a ton of kinky prison sex. However, the two were not satisfied with fucking between prison bars. They wanted to properly marry. But how could they with their two legions at war?
They each gathered friends and more sex was had between all. More matches between the Palms and the Pines happened, leading to even more kinky space sex. Bolstered by friendship and newfound fetishes, they gripped their laser guns and seized the science lab where some important keystone gemstone was being examined and researched by space scientists. This stone was very important for the future breeding of the Warbler race.
By holding the lab hostage, the ship's Commander put down their weapons and handed over the keys. The Palm Captain and the Pine Lieutenant held hands as they steered the ship off to find a new planet where they could live in peace together. The war between the two tribes ended because of good sex. All was well. The end. 】
SHORT FILMS
THE GOLDEN PEACOCK SUPPORTS THE ARTS
【 Ladies and Gentlemen!
Peacock Productions is pleased to announce the following short erotic films. Actors interested in participating in filming are welcome to arrive on set to shoot at any time. Various accommodations are available depending upon actor comfort.
FILMS • ALIENS PROBED ME!
• ARRANGED MARRIAGE WEDDING NIGHT
• BIG TIDDY NUN NEEDS PUNISHING
• BIRD IN THE BUSH
• EXORCIST KIDNAPPED BY DEMON LOVER
• FELINE ATTRACTION
• GUARD TOPS MASTER IN BED
• HORNY NERD CREAMPIE
• HOT FOR TEACHER
• INCUBUS SEDUCES SLUTTY PRIEST
FILMS • JEALOUS SPOUSE DISCIPLINES LOVER
• LONELY TENTACLES WANT LOVE
• MAGES GONE WILD
• PIZZA DELIVERY BOY IS HOT
• PLANTS HUNGER FOR SEX
• SAMURAI PLEDGES AND SERVES
• THEY WERE BOTH BOTTOMS
• TOP ON TOP ACTION
• VAMPIRE’S AROUSING BITE
• VIRGIN’S FIRST TIME
• WHOLESOME COUPLE MAKING LOVE
• WOLFMAN TAKES A MATE
… and many, many, many more! We look forward to working with you. 】
▶ BLANKET CW: cameras; compulsion; costumes; dubcon; nudes; pornography; roleplaying; recording; sex tropes; stalking; video
▶ 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 May event. Since April's event was a bit serious, we're leaning in the opposite direction and going full camp for this meme.
▶ 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 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 takes a lot for Natori to get genuinely distracted on set-- after all, he has a lot of experience ignoring the distracting things that are sitting right in front of his nose-- but this would do it. He turns completely away from his scene partner to stare off to the sidelines, his mask slipping just for a heartbeat as it always does in these moments.
Matoba was here? Here, when they're filming a dirty movie (some portion of Natori's brain is exceedingly grateful that he's been dragging this out and that Matoba spoke up before they got to the main event, because he really can't compartmentalize his two jobs when Matoba is around) in some sort of strange ayakashi realm? He suppose he shouldn't be surprised-- there were enough people here that this incident had to be on the exorcist community's radar-- it's just that... it's very hard to square the idea of Matoba Seiji, of all people, with their gratuitous sexual surroundings.
That's probably why he looks so dangerous, honestly. Natori pities whatever ayakashi had been foolish enough to try to engage with him before now.
Natori has long since dropped his poor partner's hands and tuned out the director; he tosses out a matter-of-fact] Taking five-- [and just walks off the set towards Matoba. This production is so low-rent that Natori doesn't even have a lav mic to worry about, so all he has to do to keep this conversation somewhat contained is pitch his voice low.]
Very funny, [he says, gracefully ignoring that jab (because he's the older, more mature one (haha)). He never usually gets embarrassed at the sort of nonsense he spouts when filming, but then again, he's not usually caught filming a ridiculous porno movie while he should be doing his exorcist work like Matoba must have been.] What is-- you're alone?
[At least Nanase wasn't here also watching this-- he can spare a second to be grateful that Matoba will still insist on going off on his own.]
[Matoba doesn't move from the spot as Natori approaches. His usual, faux-casual stance of arms-folded in his sleeves endures unmoved, a gesture any outsider would take as relaxed. Natori surely knows better. An exorcist's tools must always be at the ready.]
[But oh, it's so easy to knock him off his guard just by existing, isn't it? And so the moment that the other man is in range, voice pitched low for privacy and thus a little too close, Matoba's hand darts out lightning-quick, a catpunch that twists fingers into hair and pulls him even closer--]
[(--He's used to this, too--)]
[--And bites his lower lip on the way in, a swirl of tongue into Natori's mouth to take a taste of his own. Like hell he's letting anyone else get first dibs.]
[Considering the taste for a fraction of a second, Matoba whispers on the edge of his lips:] If I was an ayakashi, you would already be finished. Tsk.
[He releases the other man again with a small shove disentangling his hand from blond, staring after him half-lidded with the typical sort of disappointment that his encounters with Natori now brought.] So Natori has been captured? How interesting.
'Unexpected' isn't really the right word, because they have done this before-- this exact thing with Seiji ambushing him and then negging him, though it's been a while (for the former, anyway). Still, Natori isn't expecting it, because he's still thinking of this as an exorcist job first and foremost, and Matoba has never, ever been the sort who would put their dalliances before the work. That was always one of the things that came between them.
Natori's mouth opens in surprise, so Matoba doesn't meet any resistance, but neither is he actively participating-- truthfully, it's probably a more nostalgic kiss than any they've had since Natori started getting coached in exactly how to sell a kiss for an audience. And all Matoba had to do was spend a year in a horny ayakashi hotel to get the authentic reactions back.
It's when Matoba scolds him for his inattentiveness that Natori also shoves back to get some distance between the two of them, heedless of the hand still in his hair.] What are you doing?
[--well, no, he knows that Matoba will say to that.] Besides complaining that I didn't attack you on sight.
[The thing is: he's not just mildly annoyed at Matoba deciding to give him a lecture on #trust no bitch ayakashi. Matoba's pressed on a bruise that he would have no reason to suspect was there: Natori has been taken in by an ayakashi like this in the past two days. He let his guard down for a heartbeat, and he spent a day playing pretend in his uncle's house as a result. He doesn't need Matoba to tell him how stupid he's been; he already knows.] Shouldn't we be figuring out what the cause of all this is?
[So easily poked through. Surely, the jokes have all been made about the cowardly paper-users. Matoba hardly needs to do much to look satisfied with his results when Natori stumbles about like this, already knowing that he's lost this trade.]
[Unfortunately, he has to go and dig himself a little deeper. The first question doesn't need an answer; he already surely knows what Matoba is after, or some approximation of why he would make such an unexpected move, if he thought about it a little. This is merely the sputtering of a delicate heart. But it's the second one that has Matoba's brow gently lofting, a motion that speaks volumes.]
Oh, dear.
[It's murmured, but clear enough- just another stinging reprimand. But it wouldn't be Matoba to just explain. He has to twist the ropes a little tighter.] Natori, have you read the rules of this game yet?
[Predictably, Natori bristles at that quiet little oh dear. They're in something close enough to private (the beleagured ayakashi director doesn't count; if he wants a chance to have his very hot star return to the shoot, he's just going to have to deal with whatever this is) that Natori doesn't need to put on the polite face and swallow all of Matoba's little barbs, like he would if the entire contingent of the Matoba clan were in the room with them. That doesn't mean he doesn't have to swallow them anyway; he just has the wiggle room to bite back a little.]
The-- [He gestures vaguely with his left hand, the one sporting the watch; he'd tried to take it off before to no avail. (Honestly, he was surprised the director didn't insist he take it off, but-- look, there were a lot of half-assed things about this shoot.)] --with the trump cards? About collecting the...
[Matoba's head inclines just enough when Natori exasperatedly raises his Watch to confirm-- yes, that is exactly what he means. But he isn't surprised when the other man's disbelief comes. After all, it is so like him to have not considered the end-game, the implications of those absurd rules.]
[Still, his derision is absorbed easily by Matoba's immovable gaze. He holds Natori's, conveying the natural obviousness of the answer.]
You will play, [He says, unwavering,] As all who are brought here. That is this realm's "law".
[Men did not choose whether or not to engage with the games of ayakashi. Like Ten Loony Nights, like shadow tag, like any other- humans might outsmart them, they may win by their rules, but no matter what, men were beholden to the whims of those unknowable beings called ayakashi.]
[The "Peacock", the "house", and all the trumps, too.]
[Natori's disbelieving look shifts to something more pensive, calculating, as Matoba drops that pronouncement. It's not as though Natori is a stranger to the idea of the little games that ayakashi become obsessed with-- this sort of thing is par for the course, if a little more... salacious than the sort that usually lands in his lap.
(Even Mitsuru, the one the Matoba clan had insisted would be perfect for Natori to track down and eliminate, was merely said to 'lure in young men' with the end goal left unstated.)
But Natori can see the contours of it. Like the Omibashira scam on a grand scale: lure in a bunch of weaker creatures, then feed off them. Why not a more parasitic relationship, something that could be devoured more slowly than a single feast? Sex was perfect for generating the sort of emotions that a particularly pernicious ayakashi could live off of for a long time. It's not the fact of the game that surprises him; it's that Matoba has resigned himself to playing it.
A creature powerful enough that the Matoba would bend along to their whims... it would be a god, or something strong enough as to be indistinguishable. Natori knows it could happen. What he doesn't know is why Matoba has already made the determination that they must play. Either this place is giving off some sign that Matoba can pick up that Natori can't, or he's had more time to investigate it, or both.
Instead of replying to either the explicit or implied statement that Matoba makes, Natori tilts his head to the side, considering.]
[Sometimes, all Shuichi needed was that nudge to focus him. Spite-motivated, Seiji had very early discovered that the best way to bring out his talents was by igniting that competitive spirit. A charmpoint, certainly. But at this point in their adulthoods, it was a chore. When, oh when was he ever going to improve past the point of these needless distractions...?]
[The acting. It was definitely the acting's fault. Of course he ran off trying to investigate with these wasteful parlor tricks of his, instead of his true skills.]
[At least it sinks in quickly. As to all it implies, Matoba doesn't offer anything. It's obvious enough, he thinks. They are all trapped here. He has information to offer- details that will paint a clearer picture of their opponent- but none of that is important until the big picture is understood. The question Natori finally settles on brings a small smile to Matoba's face, at last something a little more approving than impatience.]
Time is said to pass differently in ayakashi realms. I suppose that means that no one has noticed anything amiss, hm? I thought that perhaps I would be like Urashima-san, and return home after a century.
[But, going by the timekeeping in the resort... After a moment's consideration,] A little longer than a year, I suppose. One and a half?
[As annoying as it is to have Matoba condescend to him about something as basic as the weird flow of time in ayakashi realms, as if he's still a green teenager showing up to an exorcism with his school bag stuffed full of supplies from the storehouse, it's at least confirmation of what he had suspected. So Matoba has been playing this "game" for quite a while...
He keeps his face at dismissive exorcist neutral, but he can't stop his eyes from widening in surprise once Matoba explains just how long 'a while' it's been. There's no point in asking if he's sure, or if he's serious; Natori knows that he is, and besides-- what exactly is there to say about it? Matoba has been... having sex with a bunch of normal human beings trapped in an ayakashi realm for over a year? So it would seem. It would explain the way he approached Natori, at least.]
...I can confirm that the head of the Matoba clan has not been missing for a year and a half. [Even if the clan were covering it up (they would, obviously.), they would never be able to hide it for that long. Putting aside the fact that he had seen Matoba in person fairly recently, with the whole mess with Ban and Natsume in the pottery village.] Though I have no doubt that Nanase-san and the others could cover for you for quite a while if they needed to.
[Truthfully, it is a relief. While he does have faith that Nanase would hold down the fort for a while, complications would arise soon enough, and word would travel. And inevitably, when that person found out, moves would be made...]
[Really. For the best that neither of them explain too much right off the bat. Things like this should be absorbed at a healthy pace.]
Haha, yes, well I am not worried about it...
[A bald faced lie. They both know that. But he also predicts that Natori is not so cruel as to take aim at that target. Anyway, speaking of absorbing the atmosphere...]
Of course, I would like to return as quickly as possible, so I am doing all that I can in the meantime. [Fucking. Sucking. Wheeling and dealing.] Given current trends, I suppose that you, with your [slut! harlot!!] talents, may do so as well.
[They both know it's a lie, and yet as Matoba predicted, Natori doesn't call him on it. Partly it's because they're both professional exorcists in an environment designed to be emotionally compromising, and there's no point weakening either of their armor any more than they have to. Partly it's because Natori knows exactly how sore a subject it is. And partly, honestly, because the conundrum of Matoba needing to debase himself for some ayakashi game is a way more interesting line of conversation than getting an easy shot in.
Natori raises an eyebrow at that gentle euphemism for Matoba's own activities. (Honestly, he's still picturing more of Matoba's traditional wheeling and dealing over the other options; he won't look at it too deeply, but he finds it hard to picture Matoba doing that sort of thing with... just anybody.)]
Why, Matoba-san, are you jealous? [Of the possibility of Natori getting to return quickly, thanks to the work that Seiji has always hated, he means; it doesn't occur to Natori that there could be another strain of jealousy involved. Not even with the almost possessive kiss Matoba gave him on meeting him.] I wouldn't worry. I don't even have a "suit" or "rank" at all, so I didn't realize I was actually meant to play.
[In order to debase oneself, one must have set certain standards in the first place. Not that Seiji has no standards (despite what many have implied), but the thing about being willing to do just about anything to get what you want is that floor is very, very low.]
[Surely, Natori already knows that deep down, but needs it hammered home. Like many things about the Matoba, it simply came with the territory. Literally and figuratively.]
[It's because he couldn't accept that baseline in the first place, that they are like this now.]
Haha. [He reacts like it's a joke, like everything Natori says always seems to be, to him. But he isn't thinking of it in the same way as Shuichi. He's been here long enough to not even consider the possibility of Natori being allowed to leave so easily.] Yes, you're too new to have been claimed just yet. But that is a curse that you will come to know very soon.
I wonder which one will claim you? I'd like to say I have my guesses, but I don't know if you could survive that one for long. [Too soft-hearted, he dangles it like a threat, but he is already thinking ahead of how to maneuver Shuichi so as to counteract it. This is really a problem.]
'Claimed...' ['Curse,' too. The way Matoba is talking about it doesn't sound like it's something merely assigned, like handing out numbers along with the room keys. That makes it sound like something sentient is choosing them. Multiple sentient somethings.
That's not particularly surprising, he supposes. Wherever and whatever this hotel is, the ones in control of it must be extremely powerful. To have trapped so many people for so long, and grown the space to something this size... whatever this is, it's deeply entrenched. And thus the "game" rules: a self-sustaining power source, feeding... what, exactly?
Anyway, that's the sort of vague statement Matoba would say without elaboration: something knowing and a little backhanded about the circumstances they're trapped in. He also knows Matoba isn't likely to say more even if asked, but he might as well try.] No hints? I won't get mad. [now, is the unstated part of that sentence; they're mature adults now, so Matoba can feel free to stop throwing his behavior as a teen in his face any time.] ...Or hold it against you if you're wrong.
[Natori can also stop acting like a teen at any time in exchange.]
[It always takes some grounding to ensure that Natori focuses in on the real problems. Too easily riled up, too easily distracted. It was one of the many nuisances of his always-wavering nature.]
[To accuse him of being the one holding grudges, Matoba thinks, is pretty laughable.]
Don't let your guard down, [Is how he answers simply. That is what it comes down to: if Shuichi cannot steel himself, he will not go unscathed. The many weaknesses that he never could quite shave off will be picked at, peeled away, and corrupted.]
[He isn't smiling when he says it. He looks at Natori for a long moment in silence after that, and then finally passes it back over the "production" that Natori had been engaged with. Moment passed, the smugness cracks over him again.]
Couldn't land a better role than this? Now that's really a shame.
[It's serious advice, and Natori recognizes it as such. He doesn't like the advice, but at least it's something. They always had to guard their hearts around ayakashi, but to stress it now is something important to keep in mind: the inherent ridiculousness of this place isn't all there is to it. He knows better than anyone the usefulness of a flighty, facetious mask.
They hold the moment of understanding for a beat, and Natori gives the smallest of nods in acknowledgment-- and thanks, truthfully, because again. Matoba did answer.
Of course, then Matoba had to bring up the idiotic film production. Natori looks over at the poor director with a wry look; the guy obviously can't do anything about one of his stars taking an extended break in the middle of the shoot to catch up with a colleague from home. What was he going to do, fire Natori? It's clear he's desperate to hold onto the commodity he managed to snag, and that means putting up with Natori's whims.]
Mm, I don't know. I'm bringing a lot of pathos to the character. 'There are no small parts,' as my senpais always say. [He turns back to Matoba with an eyebrow raised.] How long were you standing around watching, anyway?
Oh? A lesson you've gained from your true work, no doubt.
[Matoba's shining, bitchy smile is back in rare form.] Long enough to know that you are wasting an inordinate amount of time on something that will gain you absolutely nothing of worth.
Or do you plan to follow through with production?
[Matoba's eye lids silkily, knowing. Their relationship may have been torrid, it may be on ice, but Seiji knows his hangups (and his tastes) better than anyone. Was he really going to bare it all so quickly for a few pennies from the ayakashi?]
[Ouch. Again, prodding against a bruise that's particularly tender in the wake of discovering his uncle's planned betrayal, of having to explain to Natsume exactly where the Natori clan falls in the exorcist hierarchy. Matoba might have just meant it as an every day sort of jab, but it lands a little harder today. 'No small parts' indeed.
That informs his response more than anything else, shapes the direction that their usual push and pull goes: Natori leans into the self-deprecation.]
Well. It's just my fake work, after all. Who cares how I waste it?
[Of course he wasn't. (Director-san is frantically trying to overhear what Matoba is saying, suddenly nervous with the way the energy between them has shifted.) Natori can't even keep his eyes open when he kisses unless a scene explicitly calls for it; he's not going to create a record of him going so much further and leave it behind in an ayakashi's hands. The honest truth of how he ended up in this production is: he was snooping around the set when the crew showed up and the director desperately latched onto having Natori in his production. Natori played along to get a closer look at the equipment, because it struck him as deeply unusual for a bunch of ayakashi to have access to such expensive cameras and gear, and he wanted to see how they'd interact. And, of course, it took very little effort on his part, so long as he kept being a tease.]
[There he goes again. So easily shaken, so easily checked. That makes his words no less true. Wandering about and wasting time on useless things as always, Shuichi had been in this state for all the time Seiji has known him. And, stubbornly, no matter how he prods and teases, no matter how he tries to coax and entice him into usefulness, or even to be frank of his wastefulness, the other man remained as stubbornly stuck in place as ever.]
[Endlessly frustrating. It was what had, ultimately, diverted their paths in the end.]
[And it shall be no different here, Matoba expects. A slight sigh escapes through his nose with a quiet air of finality. The director has already become suspicious, so Matoba turns slightly, indicating that he won't keep this pointless production any longer.]
That is so.
[He gazes back at Natori with one of his slight smiles, always knowing something he doesn't voice. Always seeing something. Then his head turns, leaving the other man with only his hidden right.]
[What really pisses him off, Natori decides as he's left smolderingly, self-loathingly mad, is that for all Matoba complains nonstop about Natori's acting work, he's the one who's been sleeping with ayakashi for a year and a half. Surely that's more intimate than Natori's on-screen romances with beautiful human women, and yet Matoba takes every possible chance he gets to needle at Natori for them, even when he's apparently been doing... whatever.
But then again, Natori doesn't know why he expected any differently.
He tilts his head back towards the poor director, knowing that his smile isn't right and not being able to do anything about it, per usual.] I'll be getting back to it, then.
[he says, immediately lying. because once Matoba walks himself out of the set, Natori runs a hand through his hair and then declares]
the curse of the bottoms separatist commune!!!
It takes a lot for Natori to get genuinely distracted on set-- after all, he has a lot of experience ignoring the distracting things that are sitting right in front of his nose-- but this would do it. He turns completely away from his scene partner to stare off to the sidelines, his mask slipping just for a heartbeat as it always does in these moments.
Matoba was here? Here, when they're filming a dirty movie (some portion of Natori's brain is exceedingly grateful that he's been dragging this out and that Matoba spoke up before they got to the main event, because he really can't compartmentalize his two jobs when Matoba is around) in some sort of strange ayakashi realm? He suppose he shouldn't be surprised-- there were enough people here that this incident had to be on the exorcist community's radar-- it's just that... it's very hard to square the idea of Matoba Seiji, of all people, with their gratuitous sexual surroundings.
That's probably why he looks so dangerous, honestly. Natori pities whatever ayakashi had been foolish enough to try to engage with him before now.
Natori has long since dropped his poor partner's hands and tuned out the director; he tosses out a matter-of-fact] Taking five-- [and just walks off the set towards Matoba. This production is so low-rent that Natori doesn't even have a lav mic to worry about, so all he has to do to keep this conversation somewhat contained is pitch his voice low.]
Very funny, [he says, gracefully ignoring that jab (because he's the older, more mature one (haha)). He never usually gets embarrassed at the sort of nonsense he spouts when filming, but then again, he's not usually caught filming a ridiculous porno movie while he should be doing his exorcist work like Matoba must have been.] What is-- you're alone?
[At least Nanase wasn't here also watching this-- he can spare a second to be grateful that Matoba will still insist on going off on his own.]
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[But oh, it's so easy to knock him off his guard just by existing, isn't it? And so the moment that the other man is in range, voice pitched low for privacy and thus a little too close, Matoba's hand darts out lightning-quick, a catpunch that twists fingers into hair and pulls him even closer--]
[(--He's used to this, too--)]
[--And bites his lower lip on the way in, a swirl of tongue into Natori's mouth to take a taste of his own.
Like hell he's letting anyone else get first dibs.][Considering the taste for a fraction of a second, Matoba whispers on the edge of his lips:] If I was an ayakashi, you would already be finished. Tsk.
[He releases the other man again with a small shove disentangling his hand from blond, staring after him half-lidded with the typical sort of disappointment that his encounters with Natori now brought.] So Natori has been captured? How interesting.
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'Unexpected' isn't really the right word, because they have done this before-- this exact thing with Seiji ambushing him and then negging him, though it's been a while (for the former, anyway). Still, Natori isn't expecting it, because he's still thinking of this as an exorcist job first and foremost, and Matoba has never, ever been the sort who would put their dalliances before the work. That was always one of the things that came between them.
Natori's mouth opens in surprise, so Matoba doesn't meet any resistance, but neither is he actively participating-- truthfully, it's probably a more nostalgic kiss than any they've had since Natori started getting coached in exactly how to sell a kiss for an audience. And all Matoba had to do was spend a year in a horny ayakashi hotel to get the authentic reactions back.
It's when Matoba scolds him for his inattentiveness that Natori also shoves back to get some distance between the two of them, heedless of the hand still in his hair.] What are you doing?
[--well, no, he knows that Matoba will say to that.] Besides complaining that I didn't attack you on sight.
[The thing is: he's not just mildly annoyed at Matoba deciding to give him a lecture on #trust no bitch ayakashi. Matoba's pressed on a bruise that he would have no reason to suspect was there: Natori has been taken in by an ayakashi like this in the past two days. He let his guard down for a heartbeat, and he spent a day playing pretend in his uncle's house as a result. He doesn't need Matoba to tell him how stupid he's been; he already knows.] Shouldn't we be figuring out what the cause of all this is?
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[Unfortunately, he has to go and dig himself a little deeper. The first question doesn't need an answer; he already surely knows what Matoba is after, or some approximation of why he would make such an unexpected move, if he thought about it a little. This is merely the sputtering of a delicate heart. But it's the second one that has Matoba's brow gently lofting, a motion that speaks volumes.]
Oh, dear.
[It's murmured, but clear enough- just another stinging reprimand. But it wouldn't be Matoba to just explain. He has to twist the ropes a little tighter.] Natori, have you read the rules of this game yet?
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The-- [He gestures vaguely with his left hand, the one sporting the watch; he'd tried to take it off before to no avail. (Honestly, he was surprised the director didn't insist he take it off, but-- look, there were a lot of half-assed things about this shoot.)] --with the trump cards? About collecting the...
--You're not actually playing it?
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[Still, his derision is absorbed easily by Matoba's immovable gaze. He holds Natori's, conveying the natural obviousness of the answer.]
You will play, [He says, unwavering,] As all who are brought here. That is this realm's "law".
[Men did not choose whether or not to engage with the games of ayakashi. Like Ten Loony Nights, like shadow tag, like any other- humans might outsmart them, they may win by their rules, but no matter what, men were beholden to the whims of those unknowable beings called ayakashi.]
[The "Peacock", the "house", and all the trumps, too.]
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(Even Mitsuru, the one the Matoba clan had insisted would be perfect for Natori to track down and eliminate, was merely said to 'lure in young men' with the end goal left unstated.)
But Natori can see the contours of it. Like the Omibashira scam on a grand scale: lure in a bunch of weaker creatures, then feed off them. Why not a more parasitic relationship, something that could be devoured more slowly than a single feast? Sex was perfect for generating the sort of emotions that a particularly pernicious ayakashi could live off of for a long time. It's not the fact of the game that surprises him; it's that Matoba has resigned himself to playing it.
A creature powerful enough that the Matoba would bend along to their whims... it would be a god, or something strong enough as to be indistinguishable. Natori knows it could happen. What he doesn't know is why Matoba has already made the determination that they must play. Either this place is giving off some sign that Matoba can pick up that Natori can't, or he's had more time to investigate it, or both.
Instead of replying to either the explicit or implied statement that Matoba makes, Natori tilts his head to the side, considering.]
...How long have you been here, Matoba-san?
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[The acting. It was definitely the acting's fault. Of course he ran off trying to investigate with these wasteful parlor tricks of his, instead of his true skills.]
[At least it sinks in quickly. As to all it implies, Matoba doesn't offer anything. It's obvious enough, he thinks. They are all trapped here. He has information to offer- details that will paint a clearer picture of their opponent- but none of that is important until the big picture is understood. The question Natori finally settles on brings a small smile to Matoba's face, at last something a little more approving than impatience.]
Time is said to pass differently in ayakashi realms. I suppose that means that no one has noticed anything amiss, hm? I thought that perhaps I would be like Urashima-san, and return home after a century.
[But, going by the timekeeping in the resort... After a moment's consideration,] A little longer than a year, I suppose. One and a half?
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He keeps his face at dismissive exorcist neutral, but he can't stop his eyes from widening in surprise once Matoba explains just how long 'a while' it's been. There's no point in asking if he's sure, or if he's serious; Natori knows that he is, and besides-- what exactly is there to say about it? Matoba has been... having sex with a bunch of normal human beings trapped in an ayakashi realm for over a year? So it would seem. It would explain the way he approached Natori, at least.]
...I can confirm that the head of the Matoba clan has not been missing for a year and a half. [Even if the clan were covering it up (they would, obviously.), they would never be able to hide it for that long. Putting aside the fact that he had seen Matoba in person fairly recently, with the whole mess with Ban and Natsume in the pottery village.] Though I have no doubt that Nanase-san and the others could cover for you for quite a while if they needed to.
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[Really. For the best that neither of them explain too much right off the bat. Things like this should be absorbed at a healthy pace.]
Haha, yes, well I am not worried about it...
[A bald faced lie. They both know that. But he also predicts that Natori is not so cruel as to take aim at that target. Anyway, speaking of absorbing the atmosphere...]
Of course, I would like to return as quickly as possible, so I am doing all that I can in the meantime. [Fucking. Sucking. Wheeling and dealing.] Given current trends, I suppose that you, with your [slut! harlot!!] talents, may do so as well.
How convenient for you, hm?
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Natori raises an eyebrow at that gentle euphemism for Matoba's own activities. (Honestly, he's still picturing more of Matoba's traditional wheeling and dealing over the other options; he won't look at it too deeply, but he finds it hard to picture Matoba doing that sort of thing with... just anybody.)]
Why, Matoba-san, are you jealous? [Of the possibility of Natori getting to return quickly, thanks to the work that Seiji has always hated, he means; it doesn't occur to Natori that there could be another strain of jealousy involved. Not even with the almost possessive kiss Matoba gave him on meeting him.] I wouldn't worry. I don't even have a "suit" or "rank" at all, so I didn't realize I was actually meant to play.
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[Surely, Natori already knows that deep down, but needs it hammered home. Like many things about the Matoba, it simply came with the territory. Literally and figuratively.]
[It's because he couldn't accept that baseline in the first place, that they are like this now.]
Haha. [He reacts like it's a joke, like everything Natori says always seems to be, to him. But he isn't thinking of it in the same way as Shuichi. He's been here long enough to not even consider the possibility of Natori being allowed to leave so easily.] Yes, you're too new to have been claimed just yet. But that is a curse that you will come to know very soon.
I wonder which one will claim you? I'd like to say I have my guesses, but I don't know if you could survive that one for long. [Too soft-hearted, he dangles it like a threat, but he is already thinking ahead of how to maneuver Shuichi so as to counteract it. This is really a problem.]
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That's not particularly surprising, he supposes. Wherever and whatever this hotel is, the ones in control of it must be extremely powerful. To have trapped so many people for so long, and grown the space to something this size... whatever this is, it's deeply entrenched. And thus the "game" rules: a self-sustaining power source, feeding... what, exactly?
Anyway, that's the sort of vague statement Matoba would say without elaboration: something knowing and a little backhanded about the circumstances they're trapped in. He also knows Matoba isn't likely to say more even if asked, but he might as well try.] No hints? I won't get mad. [now, is the unstated part of that sentence; they're mature adults now, so Matoba can feel free to stop throwing his behavior as a teen in his face any time.] ...Or hold it against you if you're wrong.
[Natori can also stop acting like a teen at any time in exchange.]
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[To accuse him of being the one holding grudges, Matoba thinks, is pretty laughable.]
Don't let your guard down, [Is how he answers simply. That is what it comes down to: if Shuichi cannot steel himself, he will not go unscathed. The many weaknesses that he never could quite shave off will be picked at, peeled away, and corrupted.]
[He isn't smiling when he says it. He looks at Natori for a long moment in silence after that, and then finally passes it back over the "production" that Natori had been engaged with. Moment passed, the smugness cracks over him again.]
Couldn't land a better role than this? Now that's really a shame.
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They hold the moment of understanding for a beat, and Natori gives the smallest of nods in acknowledgment-- and thanks, truthfully, because again. Matoba did answer.
Of course, then Matoba had to bring up the idiotic film production. Natori looks over at the poor director with a wry look; the guy obviously can't do anything about one of his stars taking an extended break in the middle of the shoot to catch up with a colleague from home. What was he going to do, fire Natori? It's clear he's desperate to hold onto the commodity he managed to snag, and that means putting up with Natori's whims.]
Mm, I don't know. I'm bringing a lot of pathos to the character. 'There are no small parts,' as my senpais always say. [He turns back to Matoba with an eyebrow raised.] How long were you standing around watching, anyway?
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[Matoba's shining, bitchy smile is back in rare form.] Long enough to know that you are wasting an inordinate amount of time on something that will gain you absolutely nothing of worth.
Or do you plan to follow through with production?
[Matoba's eye lids silkily, knowing. Their relationship may have been torrid, it may be on ice, but Seiji knows his hangups (and his tastes) better than anyone. Was he really going to bare it all so quickly for a few pennies from the ayakashi?]
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That informs his response more than anything else, shapes the direction that their usual push and pull goes: Natori leans into the self-deprecation.]
Well. It's just my fake work, after all. Who cares how I waste it?
[Of course he wasn't. (Director-san is frantically trying to overhear what Matoba is saying, suddenly nervous with the way the energy between them has shifted.) Natori can't even keep his eyes open when he kisses unless a scene explicitly calls for it; he's not going to create a record of him going so much further and leave it behind in an ayakashi's hands. The honest truth of how he ended up in this production is: he was snooping around the set when the crew showed up and the director desperately latched onto having Natori in his production. Natori played along to get a closer look at the equipment, because it struck him as deeply unusual for a bunch of ayakashi to have access to such expensive cameras and gear, and he wanted to see how they'd interact. And, of course, it took very little effort on his part, so long as he kept being a tease.]
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[Endlessly frustrating. It was what had, ultimately, diverted their paths in the end.]
[And it shall be no different here, Matoba expects. A slight sigh escapes through his nose with a quiet air of finality. The director has already become suspicious, so Matoba turns slightly, indicating that he won't keep this pointless production any longer.]
That is so.
[He gazes back at Natori with one of his slight smiles, always knowing something he doesn't voice. Always seeing something. Then his head turns, leaving the other man with only his hidden right.]
Let me know when you are checked in, Natori.
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But then again, Natori doesn't know why he expected any differently.
He tilts his head back towards the poor director, knowing that his smile isn't right and not being able to do anything about it, per usual.] I'll be getting back to it, then.
[he says, immediately lying. because once Matoba walks himself out of the set, Natori runs a hand through his hair and then declares]
This isn't working out. Sorry.
[Director-san's dreams, squashed in five words.]