TDM 009

[goldmods]

【 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

WELCOME TO THE LOT

► All of these new stars are being welcomed to the Peacock in style. The Nest, the resort's premier massive shopping complex, is now lined with dozens upon dozens of trailers, each with a glittering gold star on the door. While unassuming on the outside, the inside of these honeywagons are pockets of luxury in tiny square footage. The catch? Why, characters are stuffed up to 4 in a trailer, of course. We're sure you'll figure something out.

► Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are a mixed bag of gaudy glitz and old money velvet, reflecting the dual faces of Hollywood. Whether you're sporting some classic luxury with a pipe or draped in cheetah faux fur, these robes are skimpy, potentially giving a raunchy photoshoot to those pesky paparazzi!

► Existing characters are welcome to take up residence in any empty slots in these honeywagons. Just because you're not the newest ingenue on the block doesn't mean you're forgotten. Besides, we need you experienced actors close to set for quick costume changes and touch-ups. No need to ask to be moved! It’s all taken care of already.

HIRED HENS

► Several security guards have been newly hired to protect the actors from paparazzi and potential threats. These burly cocos and hens all have three things in common: tight black suits, rippling muscles, and owl heads. These heads aren't just for show; this elite group of guards can swivel their heads 360 degrees to provide the utmost level of surveillance.

► Unfortunately for actors, these owls are both nocturnal and way too into their jobs. They particularly like doing rounds during night hours and staring into the windows of the honeywagons to watch the actors sleep. Some owls will creep into the trailers to watch over their charges by sitting at their bedsides. An owl may be there, staring, where you least expect it. However, their diligence may not necessarily be a bad thing!

► Alongside owl security, actors may find themselves bombarded by paparazzi. These photo-hungry tabloid journalists are all after shots that will fetch a high price, willing to do anything for a scoop. The majority of these new paparazzi, in contrast to owl security, have hummingbird heads. They're just as quick too, zooming in and out of both backstage and the sets in search of a scandal.

► Be careful, because hummingbirds aren't the only paparazzi. That's right — guests, new or existing, may find themselves scouted to play ball with the tabloids. They may not be as obvious as those aggressive hummingbird reporters; some may even be working undercover in search of a scandal to sell to the highest bidder. All actors are at risk of embarrassing or defamatory photos being published in resort magazines or posted to the bulletin boards.

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

ROLE REGISTER

► What better way to get to know your colleagues than to check out their resume? All guests will have access to the actor registry, which provides an overview of actors and basic information about them.

► The registry, with the help of the Golden Peacock's AI, can also flag complementary resumes. An actor that may have good chemistry, match the requirements for a particular scene, or has unique experience relevant to an upcoming job may reappear at the top of the search several times.

► Actors can communicate through the registry. There is a general messaging board where everyone can see what is posted and personal inboxes for private correspondence with an actor. Actors are encouraged to collaberate because many of the scenes in the available movie projects involve intimacy.

COPYABLE CODE

<center><div style="width:100%; max-width:400px; margin:0 auto; border:2px solid #333; border-radius:8px; padding:0px; font-family:'Courier New', Courier, monospace; color: #1e1e1e;"><div style="text-align:center; font-size:35px; font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase; color:#333; border-bottom:1px solid #333;">STAGE NAME</div> <div style="margin-bottom:10px;"><img src="IMAGE-URL-HERE-150x150" style="width:150px; border:0px solid #333; border-radius:8px; display: inline-block;"><p style="width:200px; padding:10px; margin-right:10px; display:inline-block; text-align:left;"> <b>Height:</b> answer <b>Weight:</b> answer <b>Age:</b> answer <b>Eye color:</b> answer <b>Hair color:</b> answer </p><div style="text-align:left; font-size:20px; font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase; color:#333; border-bottom:1px solid #333; padding-left:5px;">TYPECAST & SUITABLE ROLES</div> <p style="text-align:left; padding-left:10px;">• • • </p><div style="text-align:left; font-size:20px; font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase; color:#333; border-bottom:1px solid #333; padding-left:5px;">KINKS & FETISHES</div> <p style="text-align:left; padding-left:10px;">• • • </p><div style="text-align:left; font-size:20px; font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase; color:#333; border-bottom:1px solid #333; padding-left:5px;">SPECIAL SKILLS</div> <p style="text-align:left; padding-left:10px;">• • • </p></div></center>

COSTUME DEPARTMENT

GET INTO CHARACTER

PICK OUT YOUR DUDS

► The trendy clothing boutiques of The Nest have been transformed. The walls between these small stores have vanished to create a vast costume warehouse divided by department, seemingly overnight. Actors may freely browse the racks to select suitable costumes for the roles they've been cast. The directors aren't picky about how their actors dress as long as it suits the part, allowing guests creative freedom as part of the process.

► Actors that choose costumes that are extremely unsuitable for their roles will be forced to change into something chosen by costuming staff. These mandated costumes will be on theme but will always be slutty, sexy, and enhance an actor's unique "assets". An actor blessed with a bountiful bosom may find themselves wearing a tight little lace bra while an actor with a thick ass may end up in assless chaps. It's all about giving the people what they want, you know?

► All articles in the warehouse run the risk of being possessed. There are no clear-cut signs as to which pieces are cursed and which are not before putting something on. Possessed costumes come in two flavors: Type A and Type B.

Type A possessions are straightforward. The actor wearing a Type A costume cannot remove it alone — they will find that no matter how many times they grab a button or tug on that zipper tab, nothing will unfasten. Someone else must remove the costume for them. Good thing there are a bunch of changing rooms just big enough to fit two people inside around, huh?

Type B possessions are unique. The actor wearing the costume will begin to feel influenced by it. They may feel inspired or compelled to act out the role it embodies. This possession will not be satisfied until some level of resonance between actor and role is achieved. While the possession isn't satisfied the costume cannot be removed. But hey, you're an actor headed to set, so surely this is only gravy for your performance!

DOLLED UP

► Done getting into costume? Head over to hair and makeup! After all, clothes are only half the battle. Whether you need to get glammed up or slapped into some monster makeup, the makeup artists are here to help. Mostly. Actually, they're super understaffed, and there aren't enough makeup artists to meet demand. Though they hate to ask, could you guys potentially help each other get ready?

► Actors confident in their makeup and hair styling skills (or just confident) will be allowed to use any tools to help get their fellow actors ready. However, any actors kind enough to jump in and assist will be warned that many of these products are made at home in the Golden Peacock. If not used with discretion, they can potentially make the actor being worked on ... extremely horny! Like a game of Russian roulette, one in five of all beauty products are created with aphrodisiacs. Ironically, this isn't even for the sake of getting guests into the Game 52 spirit — their supplies are just like that.

► Fill-in artists shouldn't fret too much. The majority of those products only have aphrodisiacs in minuscule amounts. When applied carefully they typically cause minor arousal or sensitivity. Artists that spray and paint with reckless abandon, however, may find a new problem on their hands!

GRAB A GIG

FIND YOUR BIG BREAK

GETTING TO SET

► The Golden Peacock is buzzing with excitement for two big blockbusters that are currently in production: LORD OF THE WINGS and STAR WARBLERS. Both of these films come from movie franchises that are adored resort-wide for their iconic blend of story, romance, porn, and action.

► Directors will be filming dozens of scenes with different actors in lead and supporting roles. Actors are given creative freedom on how to approach their roles, with barebones scripts that offer a general idea of where the scene should go and some spicy lines here and there. One actor’s take on a role may be different than another’s.

For example, three different actors portraying the Dragon Lord in Lord of the Wings may take their portrayals three different ways. A lonely Dragon Lord, a villainous Dragon Lord, and a misunderstood Dragon Lord are all fair game. Supporting characters such as the elves and faeries the warriors meet during their travels are completely free game within the bounds of “elf” and “fairy” in classic movie tropes.

► Two new floors have appeared in the ever-changing Peacock, each dedicated to one of the films, due to their massive and comprehensive sets. Guests will discover two new buttons on every elevator’s operating panel. Actors and fans are invited to enjoy these sets even when the camera isn’t rolling — this blend of high-tech VR and real world elements comes at a very high budget, so guests are encouraged get their fill while they’re available!

INDIE HITS

► In addition to the two massive blockbusters, several spin-off series and porn shorts currently casting and underway. The directors of these major motion pictures have kindly permitted the filming of smaller projects using these unique movie sets when they aren’t already in use. Smalltime directors and film enthusiasts are eagerly pitching their porn scripts in hopes that they’ll get made!

► Several smaller sets can be found around the Peacock for these homegrown productions. While some scripts utilize locations that can already be found in the Peacock, other long-standing guests have pooled their money together to establish a handful of sets not already available in the resort. These sets are open for use at any time.

► Unlike the large production crews of Lord of the Wings and Star Warblers, these smaller porn projects do not have a big budget for staff. Some projects utilize AI and drones to film, so actors that are shy about getting down and dirty around a physical cameraman need not worry! Both the producers and the Golden Peacock staff want their stars to be as comfortable as possible to fully enjoy the experience.

SPIN THE WHEEL

► It wouldn’t be the Golden Peacock if there weren’t some kind of game-like twist! While actors are encouraged to go out for any roles or films they find interesting, those looking to win large and extra-large chip payments can spin the fetish wheel to up the ante. Actors that spin the fetish wheel must incorporate what the ticker lands on into their next role.

► Can’t manage to work it into your scene? Those that fail their fetish task will find a huge chip deduction from their bank account and a punishment waiting for them. Any actors that fail the game must dress up in sexy costumes and go around the Golden Peacock handing out fliers for the premiere of Lord of the Wings and Star Warblers, with strict instructions to dance sexily for anyone that accepts a flier. Hey, the directors have spent tons of money on these movies, they’ll take free advertising however they can get it.

► SPIN THE WHEEL HERE!

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. 】

A FANTASTICAL SET

► Guests taking the elevator to the new floor labeled 'LORD OF THE WINGS SET' will are greeted with a cool, damp breeze as soon as the doors open. Unlike any other area of the resort, this set evokes a very real sensation of stepping out onto the earth to embrace snowcapped mountains, lush forests, and wide-open sky. The size of this set is massive with different climates depending upon where filming is happening. Towns, villages, and tribes can also be found.

► The set is teeming with background actors that have been instructed to stay in character at all times. Actors may encounter both friend and foe while exploring the set, regardless of whether or not the cameras are rolling. Lord of the Wings features a wide range of character types ranging from humans and elves to monsters and beasts.

► Key locations in The Lord of the Wings are: human villages; siren's cove; fairy's forest; Beastmen wilds; Elven mountains; and the dragon's crystal lair. But these are not the only locations in the set! Actors will find a fantastical range of areas to explore and enjoy.

MAGICAL DANGERS

When it comes to movie magic, the Golden Peacock is more magic than movie! While sets are generally safe and violence is simulated, there are elements of the film that can affect actors for real. If guests aren't careful, they may really find themselves in a sticky situation and need a clever Hollywood way to get out of it. Or maybe they'll need to live out a classic trope for real.

► LIEBERRIES: Found in the Elven mountains. Delicious but cursed: you can only lie for 20 minutes after consumption. Beware misunderstandings!

► SNUGGLEBLOSSOMS: Found in the Fairy forest. These charming blossoms produce an immense amount of pollen. Breathing in snuggleblossom pollen is lethal. The only cure is to fuck within two hours of inhaling.

► THERAPANGO: Found in the Siren's cove. Anyone eating it will spill their emotional baggage to the nearest object (tree, statue, enemy soldier). It's cathartic, if not dignified.

► RAINBOW CRYSTALS: Found in the dragon's crystal lair. Contact with a rainbow crystal will increase endurance but delay/deny orgasms. No wonder the dragon was so hard up!

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. 】

A TASTE OF OUTER SPACE

► Guests taking the elevator to the new floor labeled 'STAR WARBLERS' will greeted with the ethereal hue of stars and planets outside of crystal-clear windows. While the set of Star Warblers is smaller than Lord of the Wings, it's far more detailed, completely imitating a starship traveling through the vastness of space. All of the elements of the spaceship are dripping in high-tech science fiction.

► The set includes background actors that have been instructed to stay in character at all times. Actors may encounter both friend and foe while exploring the set, regardless of whether or not the cameras are rolling. The background actors of Star Warblers are primarily Warbler Troops wearing helmets, highly ranked Warblers in sharp military uniforms, and white-coat clad scientists.

► Key locations in Star Warblers are: the prison hold, the ship's bridge, the command deck, and the ship's research laboratory. But these are not the only locations in the set! Actors will find a range of futuristic areas to explore on the ship.

ALIEN THREATS

Why keep the science fiction fictional when the Peacock can provide the real thing? While sets are generally safe and violence is simulated, there are elements of the film that can affect actors for real. If guests aren't careful, they may really find themselves in a sticky situation and need a clever Hollywood way to get out of it. Or maybe they'll need to live out a classic trope for real.

► 'TORTURE' BOTS: Found in the prison hold. Robots programmed to 'torture' prisoners into revealing information. These bots are equipped with dildos, vibrators, pussy pocket hands, lube jets, feather ticklers, etc. These bots can be controlled by the wardens for more intimate 'torture' sessions.

► SPACE RATS: Found in various locations. Small, neon rats that run around the hallways and in cargo areas of the ship. If bitten by a space rat, their bite will continue to swell until the bitten person has sex.

► GREEN GOOP: Found in the research labs. In syringes and in massive bubbling pods. When not watched, the goop will move on its own and try to absorb anyone around into it.

► GEMSTONE EGG: Found in the research lab. The gemstone egg that the scientists are evaluating, important for the future of the Warbler race. Any physical contact with the gemstone egg will inspire the sudden urge to mate and breed.

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. 】

BOX OFFICE BOOM

► "And many, many, many more!" is no exaggeration. Smalltime directors and long-standing guests are producing dozens of pornos and these pornos are in need of actors. The above is not the extent of possibility. Players are encouraged to make up any kind of porno scene they want! Characters may take advantage of open sets to make videos or take photoshoots for their personal use, general public release not required.

► These pornos typically lack story and focus more on fetish and kink. The plots are loose, the lines are ad-libbed, and if there are any crew around it's one guy in a hoodie eating a donut. However, the cameras available for rent are just as high quality as the ones used on Lord of the Wings and Star Warblers. If that's not your style, all Watches have the capability to connect via bluetooth to film through standing cameras.

► Actors that participate in filming will receive a large payout per role. The more jobs you take, the more money you'll make! Alternatively, actors that don't fill any roles may find their bank accounts suddenly plunged deep into the red, no matter how rich they may have been before.

EXTRA SETS

Current Peacock locations and all of the Lord of the Wings and Star Warblers sets may be used for pornos. However, the world of kink is vast and variety is the spice of life. Several smaller open sets not usually available have appeared around the resort for actor use.

► CASTLE(S): Sets featuring the aesthetics of historical castles. Numerous versions are available, each influenced by a different culture (eg, English; French; Italian, Spanish; Russian; Chinese; Japanese; Korean; etc).

► CHURCH: A church stylized after Catholic/Christian aesthetics. Includes a confessional, pews, altar, and worship room.

► MANSION: A luxurious mansion designed to evoke high-class old money. Includes a servants' quarters for clandestine cross-class affairs.

► BEACH: An enclosed set with powdery sand and an artificial ocean. Includes grottos, a lifeguard station, and a large rubber shark.

► OFFICE: A plain work office lacking any particular unique qualities. Includes cubicles, copy machine, manager's office, and conference rooms. Smells like soul-sucking capitalism.

PREMIERE

YOUR BIG DEBUT

WALK THE RED CARPET

► We’re rolling out the red carpet! Lord of the Wings and Star Warblers open the same night. All actors that participated in any film, be it one of the blockbusters or a smaller project, are invited to dress to the nines and blow kisses to their adoring fans while strutting their stuff. Actors will have the chance to take fabulous glam photoshoots and share their thoughts about filming with reporters. Be careful, anything that happens on the red carpet can become tomorrow’s hot new gossip. Some of those pesky hummingbird journalists are so eager for a scandal that they’ll make something happen, sneakily!

► The Golden Peacock has upgraded its formerly dinky little theater into a grand multiplex for the occasion, so actors and audience can enjoy these films in delicious IMAX. The multiplex is lush in red velvet and fabulous “bed” seats — each seat is designed to couple two guests together. You won’t be lonely during the screening since cuddling up with someone else is mandatory to enjoy the movie(s).

► All premiere attendees will be gifted expensive swag bags upon entrance to the theater. Inside each bag guests will find a bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles, gourmet popcorn, trendy sodas, gummy candies … and one random sex toy. No harm in spicing up a special premiere, right?

The note included with the sex toy explains: 【 Get your seat partner off with this toy before the film ends for a special prize! 】 What’s the prize? Those that get their seat-partner off during the film will be given a Golden Globe. This exclusive gold statue comes in two styles: penis with balls or vagina with breasts. Congratulations!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ 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.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

iia

[ashioki]

[ the "help" vanitas finds is another young man, currently whittling away his time before he's called to the next set that requires additional lighting. how fortunate that, at least so far, oushi hasn't been tapped into doing any acting himself, though in his previous shift he'd been made to dress up like some am*zon delivery driver, just in case he happened to show up in the scene by accident. he's still in the clothes right now, feeling too lazy to change out, but that meant he'd been lingering by the dressing room long enough to loiter. ]

Uh, [ he says, rather elegantly. he eyes the other a little strangely; even though only vanitas' head had poked out of the dressing room, the door is cracked open enough that oushi can get a preview of what he's wearing.... and what he isn't. (does that even count as a top??) ] Sure .... I guess.

[ he slowly extricates himself from his slumped position on that fold-out chair, grabbing up the cap he'd been idly chewing on and has subsequently dropped over his chest once questioned. ]

What's up?

[maladie]

[It's at least a quarter of a top. A third of one if Vanitas is being generous. More straps and empty space than actual fabric. It definitely looks like something from a porno or the cover of a smutty romance novel. Although, it would probably look better on someone bigger and broader than Vanitas, but no one asked his opinion even once.]

I can't seem to get this off.

[He gestures to one of the straps, but he knows he's going to have to ask about the rest of it as well, and doesn't want his only volunteer to refuse. Vanitas takes a step back, holding the door open for the stranger to come inside. Normally he would not be okay with being undressed alone with a stranger, but the alternative is worse, and it's better than having to do it where anyone could see.]

I think the costume clothes might be cursed. Are you able to take yours off?

[ashioki]

[ oushi hesitates after taking a step into the trailer, back stiffening slightly at the word cursed. he's still trying to get used to this place, the circumstances in which he'd been put under... one would think, after coming from the place before this one, he might have stomached the idea of a curse far easier. and yet. ]

I haven't even tried.

[ cursed clothes..? it'd sounded annoying, at first, but the more oushi considers it, the more he thinks it's meant to be more than just an inconvenience... is it all some convoluted way to get people to start undressing each other? that's embarrassing as hell. ]

I'm gonna try one of the straps.

[ if it comes undone without any issue from him, then his suspicions will be more or less confirmed, wouldn't it? oushi studies the... "top" vanitas wears for a handful of seconds before he realizes he is more or less staring at this guy's half-naked chest. cheeks coloring, he settles for the top-most strap, the one closest to vanitas' collar and thus the one he deems the most innocuous one.

tentatively, he thumbs at the buckle... without even much effort, the painted metal gives way, and the equally-black cloth slips out.

goddammit. ]

[maladie]

[Vanitas nods, unwilling to be the one to volunteer to undress another man--a stranger. But considering the situation, he's not going to refuse if asked.]

Thank you. [Because of the nature of the costume, there's a lot of skin to skin contact when Oushi's fingers graze him occasionally. Vanitas lets out a an audible sigh of relief when the first buckle is undone, head tilted out of the way and holding his hair to be more helpful.] I know this is awkward and you must have other things you'd rather do with your time, but I do appreciate it.

[Otherwise, he'd be stuck in this restrictive thing for--he has no idea how long. For the same reason Oushi is blushing, Vanitas keeps his gaze averted to avoid that kind of reaction in return. He does silently slide his hands up Oushi's shirt just to see if the fabric will lift and not resist him the way his own clothes are currently making his life difficult.

After accidentally catching a glimpse of Oushi's abs he pulls his hands away abruptly.] My apologies. I was testing a theory.

[ashioki]

It's fine, [ come the inelegant mumble from oushi's lips, which seem to be doing their best not to move — an unfortunate side effect of oushi's own valiant attempts to keep his entire face impassive. he might have actually succeeded, too, if that bright blush of his hadn't already given everything away.

still, his hands are dutiful, working from one strap to the next. by the third he settles into something of an auto-pilot rhythm, but the lower he gets the more he starts to overthink things and falter—

and then he feels the brush of fingertips against his own lower abdomen, and a rush of cold air that signals his shirt's been lifted. dumbass had been so focused on his own work he hadn't even realized vanitas was moving. now he stumbles, fingers suddenly going dumb and fumbling with the very last strap, resting just an inch above where those tight pants cinch around a narrow waist. ]

Right.

[ it's not an accusatory thing, but rather something a little resigned. yeah, it was the same theory oushi himself had, and while the costume he'd been given isn't terrible, or even all that uncomfortable, he knows that there will eventually come a time he'll have to take it off, and right now he's figuring it makes far more sense to just get it over with than drag it on until it could potentially become even more awkward later.

he sighs, finishing up the last buckle before he reaches up to start to push the sleeve off a shoulder. ]

We'll do you first. Then me.

[ it's! fine! it's not awkward if you don't make it awkward, right? (it's so, so awkward.) ]

[maladie]

[This stranger at least has the decency to show that he has some notion of modesty. The longer Vanitas is here, the more he seems to forget what is and isn't socially acceptable. And when his whole personality is taking things just to the brink of almost too far, it can be difficult to navigate.

Not that he's an expert at navigating these situations. It's awkward enough that he's tempted to comment on it, maybe make light of the situation. But the words that come out of his mouth are always a dozen times more insufferable than he intends them to be. It's not that he can't control it, it's just that he doesn't.]

Not used to being naked and alone with someone else, hm? [The tone of his voice is teasing, definitely overcompensating for his own awkwardness at being undressed. And maybe a little bit of distraction so Oushi doesn't ask about the scars and markings on his skin.]

Or is it me? Do I make you nervous? [Vanitas would rather play the part of bully than victim, so why not shake up the dynamic to make things interesting? It helps to focus on someone else's nervousness rather than his own.]

[ashioki]

[ perhaps somewhat ironically, oushi knows a thing or two about making situations a lot worse by opening one's mouth. so it's a little fortunate he's more on the terse side naturally, with a situation like this only making him want to clam up even more.

certainly, he can now confidently say this experience is not the worst he's ever experienced.... but neither does that make it any more bearable in the moment. and it seems like he just so happens to have the misfortune of being caught in such a situation with someone who seemingly just can't help themselves. goodie. ]

It's not my first time being naked and alone with someone else, [ he is not sure why this is such an important thing to clarify, just that it is, ] so I guess it must be the other thing, huh?

[ the brusque way he says it is almost dismissive. certainly, he would prefer it if the other boy read it as such. but the truth of the matter is it's a messy combination of both. while this is hardly the first time he's found himself undressing someone, it's not like such a situation is something someone can ever really get used to — and more and more he's starting to realize that the other boy himself is someone who seems to enjoy pushing buttons... which means he must be quite good at it.

it's for that knowledge alone that oushi decides to be on the offensive, gesturing towards the markings on the other's hand. ]

What's that about?

[ oh, he of little tact. it's fine. even if it's a touchy subject, at least it gets the heat off of him for a while, right? besides, he's now left trying to figure out if the buttons on those pants are decorative or not. ]

[maladie]

[Well. He certainly walked right into that one. Vanitas was betting on Oushi growing more flustered with his antics, not have it turned around on him like that. He could count on one hand the amount of people he's been naked and alone with since getting here, and before that the number was closer to 0 than 1.

But he puts on a mask of indifference, trying not to react and just watching the other boy cautiously. He has no choice but to reassess the situation. Still, as long as he kept going with the undressing part, maybe the conversation would serve the purpose of passing that time. Vanitas inhales too suddenly when Oushi's fingers find that the buttons are nice but also very much functional.]

Sometimes when vampires bite humans that they really like, they'll leave marks on them like this. [Maybe that was too simple of an explanation, but the whole story is one he's resistant to go into under these circumstances.] Sometimes they don't have control over it, and other times it's intentional.

[Vanitas wraps his hands around Oushi's wrists, not pushing them away, but not letting go either. He can't decide.] Wait.. [He doesn't think he has underwear on underneath, and the pants aren't tight but they fit very snug. When he looks up at Oushi again his face is red and his blue eyes are glaring at him.]

Are you going to look?

[ashioki]

[ that expert swerving bought oushi all of ten seconds of reprieve. before too long, the topic of conversation swung right back around to the actual matter at hand (quite literally, as the case may be) and now that the pair of them are confronted with the inevitable, oushi is forced to address the very thing he'd been hoping to avoid even having to think about.

fortunately, vanitas addresses it in a way that oushi actually knows how to respond, and without any hesitation. ]

I'm not the kind of creep who'd look without permission.

[ which is truly a wild thing to say when one factors in everything that didn't beget permission about all of this, but. he is sincere in that, at least, and it helps to somewhat dull the intensity of his own blush.

he hopes, anyway.

of course, not looking at what his hands now carefully work at, it leaves him with little other option than to keep looking into vanitas' eyes........... honestly he isn't sure which would have been worse after all.

desperate, his mind scrambles onto the only other thing he can think of, apart from how soft and smooth the skin is when his fingers accidentally curl around a hip instead of another set of buttons. ]

...Don't vampires bite on the neck? Why's the mark on your hand?

[maladie]

[Even with the elephant in the room being given some spotlight, it doesn't make it any less awkward a situation to be in. And that response is a noble one, so Vanitas lets go of his wrists to allow him to continue. If Oushi responded any other way he might have tried to turn around for the rest of it, but he believes that the other boy doesn't think of himself as a creep.

That's good enough for him. The eye contact is...disarming, but Vanitas stubbornly holds his gaze like this is the boss fight at the end of an intense game of chicken. Oushi's hands ending up where they're unexpected almost breaks Vanitas' resolve, having to stifle the sound that comes out with his hand. He plays it off like he's showing the mark, but ends up breaking eye contact, and looking down.

It's fine, it's his own body, after all! But it sends a familiar and embarassingly unwelcome sensation through him. Shit.]

The vampire who bit me was like a.. [Mother? Father? It's hard to say. A little of both.] They rescued me from a difficult situation after I was orphaned. Neck biting seems a little bit intimate, don't you think. [His eyes dart back up to Oushi's, trying to think about anything but how close those hands are to other parts. Maybe Vanitas himself the true creep between them.]

[ashioki]

[ oushi is grateful for the break in eye contact. hopefully vanitas is distracted enough he doesn't notice the way oushi rushed out a relieved breath, as if he'd been holding it in this whole time. hopefully vanitas won't notice how oushi's hands have unconsciously begun to linger. ]

I don't know. You're the first vampire I've met.

[ oh. hold on, let him catch up on his knowledge of vampire lore (based entirely on media, to be fair, but.)— ]

Or were you just fed on?

[ he had met a great many different kind of people in The Other Place, the one before this, but he doesn't think he'd come across a vampire before.

...

no one who was originally a vampire, anyway.

but admittedly his knowledge on this kind of stuff is very limited and kind of conflated, at this point. ]

Taking off my shirt in front of you's not gonna make you hungry, will it?

[ it's funny, isn't it? how much easier it is to talk about things that should have been completely mind-blowing for him, when the alternative is to address the fact he's finished all those buttons and now the only thing left — the thing he's very clearly stalling on — is to peel those skin-snug pants off. ]

[maladie]

[He has noticed a lot of things in the past few minutes, a large portion of those things being how warm oushi's hands are, and how he doesn't know if he trusts himself to keep watching without making it a more dangerous situation. At least he seems to be doing well with the buttons...when his hands aren't just feeling around blindly.

Vanitas inhales slowly, resting his forehead against Oushi's shoulder for a moment, trying to appear at least a little bit composed.]

Just one time. The situation I was rescued from left me in a strange state. I'm not a vampire but.. [He looks up at that part, the seriousness in his gaze meant to be a sign that he's being honest, but the blush over his features gives away that his mind isn't fully on the conversation.] They wanted to make me part of their clan to save my life, but I wanted to die human. Or whatever the hell I am.

[It's strange how difficult conversations seem so much easier when he's so thoroughly focused on not pushing his hips forward when Oushi's hand accidentally slides down the front of his pants.]

I still have the fangs in, if you want to find out. [Vanitas uses the threat as an opening to move his own hands up the other boy's shirt, sliding the fabric further up to distract him at least for another moment. It's better if they're both shirtless, isn't it? Matching levels of exposure and vulnerability or something along those lines.]

Do you play any sports?

[ashioki]

[ he's close. when exactly did he get so close? oushi struggles to remember how they got from a foot away to less than a couple of inches, and — perhaps more importantly — who was the one to bridge the gap first. all he knows is suddenly vanitas is there, close enough to lean his head against his shoulder, close enough that oushi can tell the clear blue of those eyes are such a stark contrast to the muddy green of his. like comparing freshwater to the swamp.

he struggles to think up a proper response. not just because of how distracting vanitas and his eyes and his proximity are, but also because he simply cannot wrap his overly-stimulated mind around all that the other boy had just revealed.

he wishes he could conjure up something sympathetic, at the very least. something compassionate. anything but thinking about the sudden heat that crawls up his neck at the realization that vanitas' mouth is so very, very close to his neck right now. ]

...What?

[ that. that was definitely not where oushi thought this conversation was heading, but after the handful of seconds it takes for his mind to catch up he realizes maybe vanitas is coping with the rising tension far more similarly than he might have guessed — keeping the conversation going, no matter how nonsensical or inconsequential seems a far, far safer option than discussing whatever... this is. or could be. ]

Not regularly, no. [ his hands steady themselves over narrow hips, fingers slipping under the tight fabric — but only barely. ] Why? [ there's a pause. it seems a silly thing to inquire about a not-vampire, but then again, surely he has hobbies too? ] Do you?

[maladie]

[Vanitas doesn't know at what point he let his guard down enough to go from making sure this guy wasn't some kind of pervert to now fighting with his body to not to react to hands that were truly just trying to help him escape his costume.

And why was he revealing so much information about things that might be used against him. If this were a tactic to get information out of him he would have failed miserably. Oushi's eyes, swampy as he might have considered them, were fascinating. Some middle ground between true green and hazel that a person could really lose time trying to pinpoint.]

I mean.. you just seem like you're in good shape. [Vanitas slides his hands further up Oushi's torso to his chest, deliberate about what he touches on the route to pull that shirt off over his head. They're about the same height but the other boy probably has a couple of centimeters on him if he cared enough to compare. He appreciates not having to bend down or stand on the tips of his toes to complete the task, dropping the shirt onto the ground.]

I.. don't. [Physical activity is on his list of things to do more often, but he doesn't get a whole lot of it if his physique is any indicator. He stares at a spot on Oushi's neck just where it meets the start of his shoulder, swallowing hard, then looking elsewhere. He's not a vampire, but he's also not not a vampire either, and he bets anything Oushi has a strong pulse.]

[ashioki]

[ briefly and against his better judgment, oushi sweeps his gaze down along vanitas' exposed chest, his arms. he doesn't look particularly stringy or lanky, but instead a graceful sort of lithe that speaks to good genes more than upkeep.

(he wonders even more about those scars; he knows so little about scars in general, but he had already the assumption they weren't received through labor.)

and then there is his own body. a product of a healthy, 20 year old young man who has the good luck of being relatively active in his daily life. another byproduct of good genes, a hearty metabolism, and summers spent chasing after his active older sister's shadow picking up her latest obsession like bicycling and swimming. lean muscles on a solid frame, made to look even sturdier next to all of vanitas' softness and grace.

he looks up right as vanitas looks away — but by now he has more than enough context clues to figure out where the other boy had been staring. (he does, indeed, have a strong pulse. oushi can hear it thundering away in his own ears.) ]

I wouldn't recommend it, [ he says, addressing what the other doesn't seem to want to say. ] I'd probably taste really bland.

[ too normal, too boring. at this point, it feels almost merciful to finally shove those pants off vanitas' hips. if only to give them both something else to think about. ]

cw: minor blood

[maladie]

[There's usually a disconnect between the way Vanitas views himself and the way others perceive him. He has such a hard time imagining a world where anyone might have a favorable opinion of him (or his appearance). Experiments that changed his eye color from a normal hue of blue to a colder brighter shade with a supernatural glow. Even his skin has memories of each cut, scrape, and incision scarred into it permanently.

Even the muscle tone he does have is likely from having to run or fight for his life on more than one occasion. He wishes he could say his physique is cut from rigorous fencing lessons and not from his distaste for sweets and hectic lifestyle.

And all of that adds up to leave Vanitas with feelings of confusion when he catches the way Oushi looks at him in that quick moment. Perhaps he was being genuine when Vanitas teased him earlier about being the one to make him nervous. He forces himself from that line of thought, back to the words coming out of Oushi's mouth and away from the fabric pushing down his hips or the healthy pulse he must have.]

Don't be so sure. What one might call bland, someone else might consider refreshing. [These are conversations he never would have had before coming here. The implications of being a vampire or having vampiric tendencies would have cost him a lot of progress, and raised more questions than he would be willing to answer. He'll leave Oushi's neck alone, but once his pants are down, he'll catch the other boy's lips with his own, kissing him cautiously with plenty of opportunity to be stopped.

Vanitas bites down on Oushi's lip hard, but just once. The metallic taste spreading over his tongue when he passes it over that spot. What better distraction to his state of undress than this? At least he's free of the restrictive material where it matters.]

[ashioki]

[ there is a nagging part of oushi'a brain that snags at those words; something that feels a lot like desperation, the bitter beginnings of a growing inferiority complex after finding himself so constantly surrounded by the exceptional and extraordinary. he is just as quick to wave the feeling away, not exactly eager to let it manifest into anything like tenderness or hope, and instead decides to throw his full focus on the task at hand—

which probably wouldn't be quite so bad if it weren't literally attempting to fully disrobe an objectively attractive young man. there is a fragility to vanitas' beauty that feels both deceptive and vulnerable, but oushi isn't nearly sophisticated enough to distinguish between them, or comprehend much more than the fact that, at even the most unflattering angle, vanitas had the kind of looks that could easily captivate.

the kiss is both a welcome distraction, and completely unexpected. for a second, after he straightens back up, he stands stunned, unable to fully comprehend what just happened. had he done something to deserve that kiss...?

but then the sting of the bite finally registers, and oushi flinches back out of reflex. his hands come up to close around vanitas' arms, just to hold the boy a few inches away while also grounding him. blood pools at the little pinprick on his lower lip, but he doesn't actually look upset about it... frankly, it's a wonder there's any blood to bleed at all, considering how red his face is. ]

Ow, [ he says, quite inelegantly. his eyes are searching, and in the greens vanitas would be able to spot the obvious confusion. ] Were you just feeding or...

[ was the purpose the bite or the kiss? ]

[maladie]

[Not once has anyone ever plainly considered him captivating. Infuriating, yes. Irritating, often. Insufferable? Always. Maybe even pretty, but never in an affectionate way. He wouldn't understand Oushi's attraction, but it's possible that the other young man would be unlikely to see his own attractive traits too.

Vanitas is captivated in his own way. More by his physical responses than his words, in honesty. The way his reflexes and expression give so much away that Vanitas doesn't have to try to calculate his next move or chance of success. But then he's arms length away, staring at the dot of blood on Oushi's lip, face scrunching up in disapproval.

He's not a vampire. He's human. Vanitas was born human, to human parents. These are things he has to remind himself continuously in spite of the things done to him to make him question everything.]

Tch, I don't need your blood. [He rolls his eyes in overwhelming annoyance, hoping to mask the mild embarrassment he feels at thinking that tasting the other boy's blood and reassuring him that it was good might have been a reasonable solution in any reality.]

I just want you to kiss me.

[ashioki]

[ oushi recognizes his mistake the moment he catches that frown on vanitas' lips. (it didn't take long; he'd already been staring at them the second the other man had pulled away.) silently, he chides himself for it; yet again he is reminded of how much he needs to get better at realizing that just because someone brings something up, doesn't mean they're all that okay with discussing it.

he thinks to apologize, but decides against it at the last second. drawing further attention to it feels like just as much of a misstep. and by the time he starts to doubt himself again, too much time had already passed that trying for an apology now would just be even more awkward.

besides, there's something else he ought to address. ]

Are you sure?

[ he's slid his hands off of vanitas for now, but they're still only inches away from where they stand. oushi's pants are still firmly around his waist, and the cool air of the trailer prickles on every inch of his exposed skin. ]

Sometimes this place can make things... confusing.

[ he licks at his lip, tasting his own blood, and finds it's not as off-putting as he thought it'd be. maybe because vanitas put it there. maybe because oushi hasn't stopped thinking that he didn't really give the other a proper kiss back. ]

[maladie]

[Vanitas feels awkward suddenly. Being this level of undressed in front of someone who's essentially a stranger, but he tries not to show it. Even without the kiss to distract himself or the other boy, he pulls on a mask of indifference to hide behind.

This is just out of necessity, with no deeper meaning behind it. He tells himself that a few times over before making eye contact with Oushi again.]

You think I'm confused? [Vanitas narrows his eyes at him, shoving Oushi back harder than necessary. If he didn't want to kiss him, he could have said so sooner before he'd gotten so attached to the idea.] You're so annoying.

[ashioki]

[ oh... did he misread the situation? very likely, given his track record, but oushi still feels a little thrown off, regardless.

or maybe it's more like he was literally thrown off (alright, shoved, but he hadn't been expecting it so even if vanitas isn't all that strong he's knocked off-balance enough that he actually tumbles backward, tripping on their discarded clothing and falling right on his ass.

it knocks the wind out of him a little, and he looks up at vanitas with a mixture of irritation and confusion — but the expression quickly subsides when one look at the other man quickly reminds him of their separate states of undress. he clears his throat, slowly sitting back up — though he doesn't dare stand yet, lest the other man consider that some kind of aggressive move. ]

Don't get pissed off I was trying to do the right thing, [ he grumbles. ]

Anyway, I'm not gonna kiss you up there, where you can still push me again.

[maladie]

[Probably less of a misunderstanding and more of Vanitas' cat-like fickleness. One moment enraptured by Oushi's particular brand of care and affection, and then the moment he's questioned about it he chooses to disengage entirely.

It's not for lack of attraction to the other young man. Part of it is the courage he had to gather up to express directly what he wanted from the other boy only for it to be questioned. His rational mind knows where Oushi is coming from and understands that he just wants to be sure, but his reactive side is the stronger of the two and is already upset at himself for having been so vulnerable with a perfect stranger.]

I'm not pissed [He totally is, but at least now he's trying to act entirely unbothered, arms folding over his bare chest as he waits for the guy to get up. When it doesn't look like that's going to happen, Vanitas steps forward, a cold expression on his face as he lifts a foot to hover over Oushi's lap expectantly.]

My shoes. While I think about whether I even want you to kiss me anymore.

[ashioki]

[ with enough time, oushi would be far more sympathetic. empathetic, even, because there is certainly a particular kind of anguish in laying oneself out bare, only to be met with anything other than what one might have been hoping for...

true enough, oushi is getting there. he's no stranger to reacting strongly, after all. but for the moment he'll keep his focus on the now, just in case he fucks up again. ]

Just don't get any funny ideas about kicking me, [ he says, and though he's mostly joking (a meager attempt to lighten the mood) there is a small part of him that's serious... this position brings vanitas' foot awfully close to certain delicate parts of him, after all.

but after a scant glance upward to make sure there is only annoyance in the other's face and not actual malice, he readjusts himself so that he's seated cross-legged. with a hand around vanitas' lower calf, he slowly guides that waiting foot down to rest over his knee, where he can get to work on tugging free those laces.

once loosened enough, oushi will slowly ease the heeled boot off the other's foot, resting one hand around vanitas' calf again to hold the leg aloft. with a loud and dull thud the boot is dropped to the floor. he pats his knee again. ]

Gimme the other.

[maladie]

[Kicking Oushi wasn't on his radar until the words spoke it into existence, and now he considers just how easy it would be like this. Vanitas does need him to help get the last bits of the costume off, though. And he's not upset enough to resort to genuine violence.]

Well you don't want to kiss me, so I'm tempted to try different options until we find one that suits you.

[He's genuinely surprised that Oushi complies without complaint, and the way he's diligent about it just makes Vanitas feel...strange. Being cared for even in little stupid ways like this? He hasn't had anything like that since he was a child. When his father was still alive. Oushi reminds him of his life when it was simple. When all he had to worry about was his tutoring and what food he wanted for dinner.

But that Vanitas is dead. Once the shoe is off, he puts his foot against Oushi's crotch briefly to feel him over before pulling it away to switch his weight to his opposite leg, lifting the next one to rest on his knee.]

[ashioki]

[ it's... a little strange, looking up at the other from this vantage point. and with vanitas staring down at him like he is, lifting his leg — the positioning and the angle of it all is making oushi feel heated little prickles start along the back of his neck, so it's fortunate he's without a shirt to cool him off.

less fortunate, when that brief pass of a foot against his crotch starts stirring a reaction he had been valiantly hoping wouldn't come to pass throughout this entire process. his grip on vanitas' other foot is perhaps a little tighter than it has to be, his movements far stiffer than before. ]

...I didn't say that.

[ that he didn't want to kiss vanitas, that is. okay, true, he hadn't really considered it up until the very second it happened — but that wasn't because he didn't feel any attraction towards the other boy, and more because he did, which made him hyper-aware of all the things he shouldn't be thinking about, all while he was slowly undressing the guy... this is what he gets for trying not to be a creep!

his head is bowed low this time, trying to hide the way he blushes deep, but the tips of his ears have begun to turn a dark pink shade, easily giving him away. vanitas' second boot is dropped to the ground beside him. once he's finished, he pulls his hands away, pressing them flat against the ground behind him as he leans back. ]

Is that it? Were you wearing gloves or was that just make-up?

[ no, he is not daring to look up to check, tyvm. ]