TDM 011

[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 thrilled to announce that the Golden Peacock will be embracing autumn with a special outing. Current and new guests are invited to join us for a refreshing outdoor experience where participants can unplug, unwind, and connect with nature. During this time, all Watches will be disabled to the most basic functions (texting, calls, checking chip account) in order to encourage guests to disconnect.

Please look forward to two weeks of finding yourself amongst the trees. We hope you enjoy your stay, and have a fan-CAMP-stic time. 】

CAMPING

GETTING OFF THE GRID

As the resort moves into what it claims is autumn, the days grow shorter. The projected sun in the Vale sets in the afternoon, after which a faint chill falls. Then there’s the most excessive transformation of all – a portion of the Vale has transformed into a campground complete with a scenic lake, seemingly overnight. Statues nearby have been dressed up with flannel jackets and suspenders. Folksy banjo fills the air without any discernible source.

A section of the campgrounds have been reserved for tents. These tents vary in size, shape, and supplies. All tents, regardless of quality, are supplied with sex toys and lube. Staff and long-standing guests all agree — pretending to live in the wilderness and 'rough it' for a while is thrilling. This is what the peasants feel like all the time!

NOT ALL TENTS ARE EQUAL

► High-rank guests are allocated spacious and luxurious tents. These elaborate mini-homes come with TVs, beds, heaters, and plenty of supplies. Provided camping gear is high quality, ranging from state of the art flashlights to designer backpacks. It can't quite be considered roughing it in these tents, but glamping is camping too!

► Mid-rank guests are allocated moderate tents that comfortably fit up to three guests. These tents come with cots or sleeping bags, as well as standard camping gear to make their time living off the land fairly comfortable. While these tents lack the bells and whistles of the high-rank accommodations, they are more than enough for a comfortable but realistic camping experience.

► Low-rank guests are allocated the shabbiest tents. These sagging accommodations can shield one guest comfortably, but that doesn't stop staff from pairing low-ranking guests together in order to save space. Their 'sleeping bags' are a single blanket and hay bale pillow. There are no other included amenities aside from sex toys and a single lantern.

► Last but certainly not least: our Wildcards! All Wildcards have been randomly assigned. Whether they end up in a glamping tent or sleeping beneath a propped up sheet is left to chance. Wildcards also may find themselves waking up beside a current guest or another new arrival.

► Guests that "go camping" will discover that the door connecting the Vale to the rest of the resort has mysteriously vanished. Uh oh! Looks like there's no going back to the comfortable life anytime soon. Don't worry, the door will return when it's time to pack up and head home.

LET'S GET CRAFTY

► New characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are flannel gingham to embrace camping and autumn aesthetic. Some of these robes are much shorter than others; watch out that the lake breeze doesn’t reveal more than you wanted.

► Unlike the standard, there are no racks of clothes waiting for new arrivals outside of their tents. You're roughing it out in the woods, remember? Instead of clothing, Wildcards will find an assortment of raw materials to make clothes.

Fabric rolls, hemp, buckets of leaves, leather, and other assorted goods are waiting to be cobbled into something new. The staff have been kind enough to leave some small hunting knives and wooden needles to make crafting a bit easier. Of course, they won't stop anyone that wants to embrace the wild side and strut around naked.

HOME ON THE RANGE

Welcome to the Peacock Campgrounds! Nicknamed the Stomping Grounds by long-standing guests. Rustic and right off a sparkling lake, guests will find everything they need to live in the wilderness. Staff have expertly set up fire pits, benches, hammocks, and a wooden shed to act as a tool depository. There's even an outhouse, which is a real novelty to many of the long-standing guests. Do they just... squat over that hole and do their business? How wild!

Unlike previous resort-sponsored excursions, guests are expected to manage without the help of staff. That pile of wood won't be replenished once used; guests will have to go chop down trees and split their own. Food won't magically appear in their tents regardless of rank. Camping is all about living off the land. Though staff make themselves scarce to make the experience feel real, they lurk in the shadows, discreetly providing necessary tools and fixing broken equipment so guests won't struggle too much. It isn't fun if it's real hardship, after all!

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO COOK?

► On the first camp morning, guests will find barrels of ingredients and cooking utensils left beside the central fire pit. These barrels are stocked with fruits and vegetables that won't spoil quickly, many of which are seasonal to autumn. They have also been left a few protein options like eggs, jerky, and canned ham. These ingredients are communal and limited. Once they run out, guests will have to hunt and gather in the Vale to collect more.

► Guests must prepare their own meals while camping. Not even the high-ranks are given any special treatment on this! While oil and firestarter are included in the initial supply, these too are limited and won't be replenished after use.

► Staff would never let their precious guests go without a sweet treat. A generous supply of hot cocoa and all the fixings for s'mores has been left behind as well. While none of the other food will be replenished, the hot cocoa and s'mores goodies seemingly never run out. A night around a campfire without roasting marshmallows or sipping cocoa would be too cruel to subject guests to.

SUPPLIES RUNNING LOW

► Guests will have to hunt and gather once ingredients dwindle if they want to eat. The wooden shed is home to a selection of tools that can be used to hunt: bows and arrows, hatchets, axes, fishing poles and line, etc. All tools are rudimentary and can break if not taken care of.

► The Vale is lush with wild fruits and vegetables. However, much like in reality, not all vegetation in the Vale is safe to eat. While some berries and mushrooms are consumable, others are toxic or psychedelics. One must also not forget that they're in the Golden Peacock: some unusual plants that grow in the vale may trigger arousal. Watch out that you don't eat something funky by accident!

► Before 'leaving', staff will explain that guests can fish or hunt small game running throughout the Vale. One particularly enthusiastic staff member will suggest guests track down the snoggleboffs, as they're extremely delicious after roasting on an open fire.

ACTIVITIES

TWO WEEKS OF ROUGHING IT

Camping can't be all about survival. Where's the fun in that? Before 'leaving', the staff arrange activities and events for guests to enjoy. A wooden bulletin board outlines times for group hikes, camping experiences, and wilderness delights. Adirondack chairs line the edge of the lake and a few tire swings hang over the water, tied to strong tree branches. For the first week and a half the weather is pleasant and sunny. Perfect for camping.

At night, acoustic guitars and other wooden instruments come out so that guests can make music around the bonfire. Projected stars dapple the night sky, forming various constellations sourced from guest worlds. The moon enters a different phase each night, shining a gentle silver across the campgrounds. Why not pull your sweetheart in and cuddle beneath the night sky? It's so romantic.

IN CAMP

► Guests that don't want a cold shower should make their way over to the shower stalls quickly. These outdoor showers hold very little hot water and run cold after about five minutes. First-come first-serve!

► A wood-chopping competition begins around lunchtime. There are two goals: to split as much wood as possible and looking sexy while doing it. Guests that chop wood unsexily immediately fail! Alternatively, sexiness with a pathetic number of chunks is more acceptable, but still a loss. Those that achieve both goals will instantly win a large payout. Failing to sexily cut wood won’t have any penalties associated with it, and you can always try again tomorrow!

► Bear hunting is a popular activity that even the spoiled long-standing guests are getting in on! No, not hunting real bears. That would be insane. Peacock's version of bear hunting involves hunting down bear-like guests and capturing them! Any guest that fits the criteria of big, thick, and strong may potentially be assigned the role of bear. Hunters who manage to tie up, handcuff, net, or otherwise 'capture' a 'bear' will instantly receive a large payout.

THE LAKE

► This sparkling lake is rich with fish. Enjoy sitting back on the long pier with a fishing rod or take one of the wooden boats out for a row around the lake. It's also safe to swim in, for guests that would like to take a dip and rinse off the sweat of camp living! Don't mind the random swim trunks or drink umbrellas that pop up now and then. This water is definitely fresh and not recycled from the summer beach extravaganza.

► Guests that do decide to take a dip may encounter a familiar friend. Fernando the tentacle monster is camping too! This randy tentacle monster is as horny as ever, eager to embrace guests and stick slippery tentacles into any reachable orifice.

► Once the sun goes down, many of the long-standing guests strip off their shoddily crafted clothes and sprint into the water for skinny dipping by moonlight! What's a camping excursion without a lake-side orgy? The best way to drown out those erotic moans from the lake is to head to the central fire pit and join in on some campfire songs.

OUTSIDE CAMP

► Those that head out of camp for a hike or hunt can enjoy any of the Vale's usual wonders. With autumn, shiny apples dangle from the trees and pumpkins pepper beneath their protruding roots. Along with autumnal fruits and vegetables, canned beef and ham have been mysteriously left in pockets close to the campgrounds. A little act of kindness from the staff; not everyone is cut out to hunt their own game!

► For those interested in hunting down some fresh game, walking around the forest in the morning may come with a stroke of luck. Strange little creatures the size of an adult's fist are active during this time. These hairy beasts come in brown and white, and screech, "Scrun scrun screeee!" when agitated.

Yes, these are the alleged snoggleboffs! Don't feel bad about hunting them, they're an invasive species that are unfriendly and eager to steal from unsuspecting guests. Their main strength is their speed, but once caught, they don't put up much of a fight.

► Guests that explore deep into the Vale may find a dark cave mouth that leads downward into a damp chamber. The ceiling glitters with stalactites and, along the wall, they'll find a horizontal crease with what seems to be... hair? If touched, this crease will creak open, revealing a large eye that darts back and forth before focusing on whoever woke it. Black pupils and iris bleed into one endless abyss.

Those that gaze directly into the eye will freeze. Their mind will remain active while their body locks in place, not unlike sleep paralysis. This trance will break once the eye blinks, which it will do after some time... but it can also be forced into blinking by force if there's someone who hasn't made eye-contact around to help. Frozen guests will be overwhelmed with the fear of abandonment for the duration of their paralysis. This fear will fade after the connection is broken, as if it wasn't their fear at all.

Like a regular eye, dirt or debris can force a blink. If this route is taken, the eye will go bloodshot and shut, refusing to open again. Any guest that inflicts damage to the eye may find that their suite, upon return, has been trashed. As if someone or something threw a big tantrum in there while they were gone. Wonder why that happened...?

HOWLING

CALL OF THE WILD

Temperatures drop drastically at night as the camping excursion nears its end. Nights become so chilly that morning dew frosts over, crunching beneath guest feet. Every day the light and its warmth set a little bit earlier. Staff remain elusive and do not provide warmer blankets or clothes for guests, leaving them to cuddle for warmth or find other ways to sleep comfortably during nightly cold snaps.

The moon hits its apex on the final night of camping. Unlike the other nights, this full moon shines blood red. The Vale stills under this ominous sign, silent. Snowflakes begins to fall, spreading an endless clean sheet across the campgrounds. That reflected pink hue is inescapable.

THE WEATHER TURNS

► Along with chilly nights, the last few days of camping feature inclement weather conditions. Clouds overtake the sun and rain falls, alternating between light mist and heavy downpour.

► Winds pick up, with speeds threatening to whip away the less stable tents. Guests that don't hunker down and add additional support to their tents may end up chasing them into the storm. Other loose items around the campgrounds may end up blown away as well.

BLOOD MOON

► Wild instinct rises with the blood moon. As crimson moonlight beckons, some guests may begin to feel ... strange. As if they need to claw their true selves free. Those that answer the call to bathe in the light of the blood moon will undergo a transformation.

► Basking in the light of the blood moon triggers a were-transformation. While the standard were that the blood moon inspires is the classic werewolf, guests may transform into any kind of were. Along with hybrid transformation, the blood moon stirs mating and sex impulses in these new weres. Remaining humans are at risk of being eaten... in the sexy way.

► Transformation into a were is not mandatory. Other guests may step into the blood moon's light and not experience any kind of transformation or impulse. These guests are now actors in a sexy horror scene, given the task of surviving the night surrounded by monsters! At least they're sexy monsters? Giving in and fucking on the wild side may be more fun.

PACKING UP

► After the crazy weather and horny werewolves, the staff judge that it's high time to wrap this excursion up. Guests will once again openly see these diligent workers the morning after the blood moon. They come flooding into the site with clothing, snacks, and other comforts while praising everyone for surviving for so long without the resort's usual luxuries.

► A first aid tent and cleaning station are swiftly erected. All guests that volunteer to treat injuries sustained over the course of the camping experience or help clean up the site will be compensated with a large payout.

► Every guest that participated in the camping event, regardless of whether they help wrap things up, will be issued a spa voucher. Go relax, you've earned some pampering after all of that hard living!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: altered states; eyes (descriptions only, incl. eye injury); exhibitionism; hunting (incl. hunting fantasy creatures); orgies; public sex; survival; temperature play; tentacles; transformation; violence

▶ 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 September event. Camping will ICly begin September 15th and end October 3rd.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.

▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ 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

[loosestrifes]

( ...Hmmm. His pride can't be injured if he does it over the top like he's about to, so you know what? He wipes his pout away, and leans in a little towards him, enough that their shoulders bump, both hands moving forward to clutch together like he's desperate. )

Pleaaaaaase, mister hero~? Won't you make some delicious s'mores for a poor prince who's recently come back from the dead~?

( He... mentions the last part as like, a joke, because he doesn't think about how it's kind of a mood killer. In the moment, it's just "this will make him want to help me more, right?" )

[laserguy]

[This guy really is so much. Scott snorts and despite the teen rolling his eyes behind his sunglasses, he's nothing but amused and maybe even a little fond. Look, it's hard to actually be annoyed or pissy in a situation like this, plus maybe it is just a bit nice to be needed and called a hero, even if it's just a full exaggeration.

Although... there's a flicker of something tense in his face, something so serious, that it erases all prior amusement in a flash. Is that a joke...? It was framed as one, but something uneasy settles in his stomach even as he starts to prepare the s'more for him. It's hard to fully pull up that more easygoing mood after hearing that.]

Dude, your jokes suck.

[Except he doesn't think it's a joke, and it swirls in his mind even as he continues to roast the marshmallow with a more pensive face. He wonders...] What happened?

[loosestrifes]

...Not a joke.

( Even if he worded it so lightly, even if he expected it to be written off as one. The fact that Scott locks onto it and expresses worry surprises him a little, and so he slides his gaze away from him to look at the fire itself. Esikko separates his hands, holding them out a little to warm from the fire. )

It's strange, that the sight of fire doesn't bother me even now. The scent of gasoline is far worse. ( He can still warm himself on this, still feel like it's something safe without it swallowing him up. Too many people he knows that have fire. ) Right after that gala, I got dragged away and blown up in the... garage, I think it's called?

I burned alive. ( Scott is a hero, though, and the more he reveals about this, the more Esikko feels anxious, worried, nervous about the little truce he'd worked out. So he speaks again, quickly: ) It's not something you have to look into. People I care about were already hurt enough by it, so we've worked out a truce, if it stops here.

[laserguy]

[Not a joke.

That confirmation alone really gets Scott to snap his attention away from the campfire and straight to Esikko. No, he really doesn't care if the marshmallow becomes burnt or falls off, because this is way more fucking important. He stares at the other with a slightly upset face, not hidden at all by his shades, but there's something turning his mind because someone pieces are clicking together and.

.....Is Esikko the one that Bakugo killed?

Gasoline. Blown up. Whose powers match those? Combined with how utterly fucking guilty the blonde was when he found out that he killed someone. For a moment, he finds it hard to say anything, really do anything, stuck with this realization. So, not only did he not stop Bakugo, he didn't prevent Esikko from dying. And right, sure, he didn't know any of this shit was going on. But it doesn't feel good, that isn't right and--]

Bakugo killed you, didn't he?

[That blunt comment comes out before anything else, but that upset look doesn't vanish at all.]

[loosestrifes]

No!

( The answer is immediate and uncharacteristically worried, as both hands reach up to wave away the idea, almost frantic. )

No, none of it was his fault! He hasn't been saying that, has he? Someone else kidnapped me, I called K... Bakugo for help, and he...

( Err, Esikko lowers his hands again, planting them firmly on his own knees as a frown curves into place. )

He wasn't himself. But he still came when I called for him, and even if his intentions were being twisted, he did try to save me. The trap that killed me was made for someone like him to set off, since they knew I had friends with fire-aligned abilities. That's all it was.

It wasn't his fault.

[laserguy]

[The instant denial surprises him, enough that some of that tension that's been riding on his shoulder dissipates. Not all of it, given the subject of the matter, not to mention finally finding out some information about what happened back then. ...Still, it's nice to see someone obviously caring about Bakugo this much, even after getting killed.

Esikko is stronger than he thought.]

...I know that it wasn't his fault, but it happened, right? That he was the one that ended up killing you, even if something fucked up caused it to happen. He mentioned that he wasn't fully himself at the time.

[A really bad suit flare, to the point that Bakugo was barely himself. Destructive, dangerous, without his usual morals holding him back. And then it ended and Bakugo had to deal with the consequences, and he was there to see that much. His destroyed suite, him needing Scott to help take care of him. He doesn't plan to bring any of that up, but that guilt was obvious and so real and... it really sucked seeing him like that.

Although...]

It really was just a trap that killed you? Set by your kidnapper? [Definitely different than his initial assumption.]

[loosestrifes]

It's not even a matter of perspective.

( Esikko sounds so serious about this that it's unlike anything Scott has heard in his tone before. Desperate, frantic almost, trying to convince him of something and chase away that first idea however possible. The marshmallows have long since fallen into the fire and burned away, but Esi reaches to grip at Scott's arm, determined to make him listen. His voice lowers so no one else can overhear. )

That guy, the one who kidnapped me... He tortured me, stabbed me, stitched my mouth shut, covered me in gasoline... He had a lighter in his pocket the whole time. It wasn't until Bakugo and Dabi showed up that he flicked the lighter on, but even if Bakugo hadn't lunged for him, he would have lit it up, you know? Even if he hadn't, I was bleeding out terribly.

I caught fire after the explosion. ( His eyes dart down, like he's struggling with the memory of this part, but he continues, because if Scott knows enough to bring Bakugo up, he needs to know the full story, to clear Bakugo's name, to clear misunderstandings. ) There wasn't anything that could be done. Bakugo said some cold things, then, when I was begging not to be left alone...

But he did not cause my death. That man just arranged it to feel that way, to trouble me further. Please understand.

[laserguy]

[He really hasn't seen Esikko like this before. He's associated the other as someone that's a little whiny, but also sort of easy to be around and tease, with the other teasing him back just as much. But now? All of that is gone, eyes nearly begging Scott to understand and he wants to simply reassure him, but he's already leaning closer and grabbing his arm, stopping him from speaking and doubling down what he's trying to convey.

Okay, for one, who is this guy that kidnapped him? Because Scott wants to kick his ass. Not the point right now, but yeah that feeling is there and strong because why should they let someone like that go unpunished? Unless he's been dealt with already. The only reason why he doesn't ask immediately is because they're still talking about Bakugo.

And because Esikko is defending his friend with... everything, it feels like. It's strange how he seems to be more upset by that than actually getting killed. He cares about his friend that much?? He waits until the other is fully done speaking before he responds, a small breath leaving him that's hard to interpret.

Luckily, he doesn't keep him in suspense. Or pull away. He looks straight at him.]

...I came to Bakugo in the aftermath. He really blamed himself for everything that happened. I really thought he was driven to hurt you because of a suit flare; I didn't know about any of this. I didn't blame him then and I'm definitely not blaming him now, okay? You don't have to convince me.

[...] I just know that with him, it's not enough. Because he thinks he should've saved you, period. That's what superheroes are supposed to do.

[loosestrifes]

( Thank god he doesn't need convincing. Those words alone get Esikko's grip to relax on Scott's arm, his hand slipping down further along the length of it as his shoulders sink. It's hard— it's weird, how just talking about this makes him feel winded, like he's been punched in the gut. Hearing that Bakugo had someone in the aftermath is a relief, but revisiting his blame, thinking about how he must have spoken about that whole day— it makes him feel sick. It makes him furious at the House. And it makes him feel... like an added burden.

He doesn't know Scott well enough to feel open to the idea of being so vulnerable in front of him, but his body is fighting him despite that. It feels like a heavy rock is embedded at the top of his throat, like he has to blink extra to keep back the idea of tears. His hand is trembling a little when he finally withdraws it, and so he clutches at it with his other, trying to hold it together.

But he hasn't done a lot of talking about this, and he's done a lot of feeling about this that he's not used to. And the guilt is unbearable and new. He really feels like he's going to be sick, and his head ducks a little further for it. )

He may have hurt others, that day, since he came looking so rough. ( Quietly, Esikko exhales those words like a pained sigh. ) I don't know.

But he didn't hurt me, not like that. I let my pride get me into this, by trying to act tough when I couldn't back it up. ( He stops himself there, though his mind is still filled with things like I dragged him into this and it feels selfish to even want to spend time with him now. He's trying not to think that way, but it's all the same, isn't it? Everyone involved except the stupid guy who did all of this has some sort of guilt.

Esikko, still hunched over himself, presses the heel of his palm to his face, focusing on breathing. )

I do get it. I just... wish I could put a stop to his guilt myself. That's all.

[laserguy]

[He may not be super close to Esikko yet, but he still catches the way in which he withdraws from him, taking hold of his own shaking hand and trying to keep himself together. It's an admirable attempt, really, and Scott considers just letting him care for himself like this. Let him have his pride. However, that thought only lasts for a moment, before Scott reaches forward with his hand before gripping it around Esikko's shoulder, trying to offer some sort of comfort because of how shit the situation is.

Feels kind of right? Hopefully. It feels better than just letting him sit there on his own while talking about his own guilt.]

Don't blame yourself for what happened either, alright? Bakugo wouldn't want that and neither would I. The only one that's really at fault here is the guy that kidnapped you.

[To Scott, there's an easy villain in this whole situation. Someone that is easy to blame. It's simple and uncomplicated, at least he thinks so.] But. I get it, wanting to stop him from blaming himself. It sucks, but, I guess I'd feel the same way as he would even if it wasn't entirely my fault. It's like letting someone you care about die right in front of you.

[loosestrifes]

( For a long moment, Esikko is quiet, listening to those words, feeling the grip at his shoulder. It's grounding, even if every voice in his own head is telling him to yank away from it— he doesn't, because he's trying to be a little more open to these things, because he's trying to allow difficult moments. But it's hard, to feel so vulnerable.

Especially with someone he doesn't know as well.

But Scott seems like a good guy, and if he knows Bakugo well enough to have been there for him in the aftermath, then he'll trust him. It only makes sense to trust someone Bakugo does, right? He's incredibly observant... And so Esikko drops his hand away from his face with another heavy exhale, leaning forward just enough to allow his own forehead to touch against Scott's shoulder. A lean, an attempt at support without it being a hug. )

Right. I know. ( It doesn't make it easier, doesn't make him feel any less guilty, but... that's just part of it, right? Otherwise, he could go in circles forever, thinking of what-ifs. )

Thank you. I apologize, for that coming up out of nowhere. I just... it wasn't long ago, and part of the payment for being revived is taking its toll on my sleep, I think.

[laserguy]

[A spark of open vulnerability, even if Scott doesn't necessarily view it as such. He's just working with a guy that's dealing with his own guilt, that was recently killed and brought back to life, and like, that alone is all fucked up. Anyone would feel fucked up from that. So as Esikko leans his forehead against his shoulder, the mutant goes with that extra step to wrap his arm around his shoulders-- accepting and quietly telling him that it's okay if he wants to just lean in like this. Take in his own warmth in this simple way.

He doesn't mind at all, far from it. He's learned that he actually likes supporting people, helping them when they need it, or maybe it was always just a little intrinsic. Whatever. Any half-decent person would do the same thing in his shoes.]

Good. Hate seeing the guy that only got hurt blaming himself for shit.

[Even though he knows that things aren't just easily swept away.]

It's fine. [...] You lost your rank and everything too, right? How else is this place punishing you? Which, by the way, is bullshit. You'd think the guy that kidnapped you and set that trap would be the only being tossed in some prison cell.

[A twinge of anger. It's a small reminder of how this place really is screwed up.]

[loosestrifes]

The House encourages all intense emotions, in the end. He did end up in a "cell", for the record, but they're nicer rooms than the basement rooms, so it's not really a punishment, is it?

Anyway, yes, I'm a 2 now.

( He also shifts, even if he does enjoy that warm hug he's been sinking into a bit. It feels like something he should only allow himself a small amount of, and now that he's a little more calm, he can pull back— just enough to lift his arm and pull his sleeve up to show the LOSER brand on his wrist. )

It gave me this, first of all, purely because it takes issue with me after what I've done to try and get us home. And...

( Pulling his hoodie sleeve back down, he sighs, eyes still on the sleeve cuffs as he messes with them. )

The doctor said something about things leaking out of my head, or things getting in... Rather vague, you know? And now my sleep is even more messed up than it used to be. I've been falling asleep out of nowhere, without warning, even in the middle of things, and my dreams have been odd. Beyond that, if I can't sleep at night, I feel...

( There's a long pause here, because he feels like the love mania is so stupid. It's embarrassing. But... Scott, at least, he talked with on the boat, and Scott had admitted to his own loneliness, right? So maybe it's fine. )

...Extra lonely, I guess?

[laserguy]

[It really doesn't feel like a punishment, it doesn't feel enough, especially if he killed Esikko and drove Bakugo to be at his absolute lowest. Scott doesn't really want to exact revenge, not exactly, but he doesn't think this other guy should be let off so easily. It's hard to let it go, his focus only shifting as Esikko reveals the brand that's on his wrist.

And what the hell? Are they in fucking middle school? BIG FROWN.

But as Esikko continues to talk about the side effects that now ails him... he briefly tightens his arm around his shoulders, pulling him a little closer. If he wants to lean against him, it's cool. It's hard to gauge how much contact the prince really wants, but he figures to offer it in that quiet way. The main thing is making sure that he doesn't feel alone in all this.]

So, this place is extra fucking with you. Making sure that you're miserable even though you're the one that got hurt. [He sounds so indignant, pissed in that almost quiet way. It just... isn't right and it's frustrating.] Always knew this place was bullshit.

[An irritated sigh, though Scott tries to keep his emotions under control. Mostly so he can ask the prince a question that doesn't sound irritated or angry, because he's not at him.] So, do you need someone by you at night?

[Still asking that so bluntly though.]

[loosestrifes]

That—

( So bluntly... It's enough to throw Esikko off guard, face turning a little pink. Because he wants someone beside him at night, with all of this going on, but the truth is that it's a risk, right? He hasn't explained thoroughly, but if his dreams cause others to get pulled in, it's then disrupting more sleep than just his own. )

I... mean, I suppose I find myself wanting the company more, but I don't know that I'd call it a need. With the way my dreams are disrupting things, too, I'm afraid it would only cause trouble.

( A little vague, but it feels weird, having worry pointed at him too much. He almost wants to keep it from increasing. )

It makes me feel so antsy, you know?

[laserguy]

Yeah? Well everyone is a pain in the ass in their own way.

[Except for him, but okay, he is thinking a little bit about how Bakugo sort of reached out to him. Maybe it wasn't all voluntary at first, but he definitely embraced-- almost needed his help during that entire time. Dealing with all those emotions after killing someone, even if it wasn't his fault, hurting himself in the process... it was rough. Yeah, of course it wasn't a good time, but he was glad to be there for the other teen.

The thought of him being alone in all that unsettles him. No one should have to face that sort of shit alone, right?]

If you need someone by you, you should get that. And considering that you died, it's for a pretty good reason.