peacockstop | TDM 011

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TDM 011

【 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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[No one can put to rest the worries in Esikko's head except for himself. Even if evidence after evidence, proof after proof, is shoved into his face and shoveled down his throat, he's the one who decides for himself what to believe. Self-worth and value are his demons to face, and unfortunately, he'll have to do so on his own. No one else can jump in there and slay them for him.

Bakugo crouches beside another bush, careful not to touch its irritating leaves. For as picture perfect as the Vale wants to appear, shit like thistles and poison ivy exist. He pushes up and begins wandering the area, exploring trees and bushes amongst falling autumn foliage. Esikko's pretty damn thorough in his extraction.]

Someone in this fucking place has probably tested it. [Straight up killed themselves over and over to find the resort's limits. Out of boredom, defiance, or spite. Who knows what state they're in now...

If there was a chance of this shithole breaking, Bakugo intends to gamble it all on their attempt to break free of it. He won't push his personal luck until that time. All in. Nothing held back.]

How many times do you have to ask me the same question?

[He glares down at the man's crouched figure, un-pocketed hand curling and igniting an irritated explosion. Will you stay with me. Will you help me? Will you support me? Would you like me? He's asked and asked and asked, with variations of each one all the fucking time! Even now, when he asked to stay in the tent and sleep over! He's stuck with him up until now. Why the hell does he keep doubting his willingness to stay? Does all preceding times vanish from his brain?]

If you don't trust me, then stop asking, because apparently my answers means shit.

[Esikko knows his limitations. Bakugo's not going to murder innocent people or torture them for their blood or any other wretched activities for his sake. If he intends to blanket cover such actions under "support" then he'll find out what happens when someone tries duping the hero with vague wording!]

( The harshness earns a glance up from what Esikko is doing, eyes focusing in on Bakugo like he's trying to understand something. It's short, anyway, before he's back to collecting what feels worthwhile and stacking them nearly. )

I do trust you. Is it so wrong to think that this is a little more involved than the usual? How should I know what might be too much?

( He shakes off a little dirt from the roots, though he's going to want to rinse them in the lake either way. )

...Besides, it was more that I was asking "do you think it's a good idea."

( Without it sounding so stupid, he thought. )

Even if I weren't, there are times when I just like to hear it, your agreement.

( He knows it's annoying, at least. )

What the hell's gonna be worse than I've already seen? [From digging roots out of Esikko's bleeding back and ribs, to dealing with his charred corpse and emotional gut rip afterwards, to facing off against his evil god-swallowed persona from a distant future, if the man has shit topping even those instances... Bakugo hasn't backed down from any before.

He begins searching through the surrounding plant life, looking for potential root vegetables. They can't survive on pure meat for long. Not gonna be digging out potatoes and carrots from a pretty ass field nearby either. Berries and the like will also be useful.

Does he think it's a good idea? A scoff puffs between his lips.] Unless the curse is keeping your ass alive and existing, break the fucking thing.

[Esikko knows more than him about what might happen if he breaks it.]

I've been told my perception of what's "worse" may be skewed.

( So. He wasn't sure. But now, he can at least refer back to this in moments of uncertainty, he thinks. At least, it feels better in the moment, especially when Bakugo continues on to say that he should try, as he was thinking. He gathers a few more of the valerian plants, covering up where he'd dug them out and gathering up his pile as he stands. )

I need to rinse these, so the lake should work well enough for that. We can dry them outside your tent. ( The smell gets to be a bit much, so outdoors seems easier, though they might have to make sure they're covered with how the weather seems to be turning. )

That's my decision, not yours.

[He'll decide for himself what his limits and tolerances are. And if a limit gets in the way, he'll break through it if he thinks it's helpful for himself. Bakugo's been through plenty in his own life and his existence in this shitty place. He isn't going to break over something like Esikko sprouting flowers or turning into a damn monster. Just beat him back into his normal self and continue going forward. Breaking his curse should be a goal Esikko was always striving for the moment he decided to do so.

He heads back to the path leading out of the clearing, direction aimed for the lake glittering off in the distance between backlit tree trunks.] Lake's this way. I've got a firepit we can dry them by or you can hang them on the tent's frame. [Bakugo kept an eye on the weather and atmosphere all this time; nothing seems aiming towards bad weather...]

The firepit should do nicely. I can separate the leaves from the roots.

( For their separate uses, and then dry them accordingly. He follows along, eyes drifting up to the false sun that's been mimicking daylight hours all this time, and then back down to Bakugo, watching the focused way he moves forward. Esikko can't help but be concerned the more he watches him tread on on quiet, the more he recognizes the small shifts in his behavior, in his mood, in his words. He knows he's dealing with a lot, and he recognizes how much he's keeping it all in.

But he also knows that getting that out feels nearly impossible. )

Despite everything else... ( He speaks up after a moment regardless, shaking some of the dirt from the valerian as he walks. ) It is a nice view, isn't it? The lake, and this forest. I suppose I just appreciate not having to constantly fight the snow.

All right. [Esikko know more about drying and utilizing plants than he does, so whatever the guy needs to use and do for his results, Bakugo's following along. Even if he's the one taking the lead otherwise. Rather than stick on the path, he tromps into the woods themselves, booted feet kicking through leaves as he progresses between trunks and branches. At least it clears somewhat of a path behind him for Esikko to step through rather than leaving the prince to step around stones and keep himself above roots.

It'd be easier to slam an explosion and clear the fucking gouge to the lake. The resort would heal its damages soon enough. He shouldn't give a shit. And yet, he walks without explosions, occasionally pressing his foot to a stone and shoving it aside for a mix of safety and wanting to do something active. No cans around to kick...]

How many months was it winter weather your world?

[His Japan was an easy average of three's through the year. Likely not so in Esikko's.]

Mm... Six or seven.

( Esikko follows in Bakugo's footsteps, using his stomped out sections to make his steps easier. His hands work to more properly align the valerian as he goes, muddied fingers fussing over alignment of leaves and roots just to have something to busy himself with as they move. )

There are a couple of months of summer where it gets quite hot, as well... around how hot it was here, when they had us out on the boat? ( A disgusting sort of whiplash, if you ask him. Extreme temperatures in either direction are annoying, but the winters are especially harsh, with how low they can get. He moves to rest a hand on a tree as he steps around the roots like Bakugo has. )

If you're in winter weather half the year, how the hell can it get that hot for a couple months? [Most place that far north would have no chance of "tropical" weather thanks to their altitude on the globe. Unless Esikko's planet had a much more dynamic axis tilt pattern than Earth...

Bakugo skids down an embankment and bounces off the small gully carving its bottom. A fallen trunk flies to the side after he swats it with an explosion. More and more steps, closer and closer the glittering waters under a setting sun. They aren't too far away from his campsite either.]

How should I know? It's not as if my land is some ideal place to live.

( Though it's true Esikko's not from anything quite like Earth, the closest comparison would probably be somewhere like Siberia... Not that he knows that, of course. He just knows his kingdom is terrible and no one lives there because they want to. Only because there's some resources in high demand that everyone is politically gunning for. One of those situations. )

Maybe you'll be able to visit it, in one of those dreams of mine. Would you believe me then? ( He's only a tiny bit huffy over Bakugo's skepticism, as he follows carefully along after him. It's become something of a game to follow in his literal footsteps whenever he takes a more normal path, stepping pointedly in any tracks or remnants of squished grass. )

Right. [Esikko's world is more medieval in nature compared to other more modern worlds. He wouldn't know why the seasons change due to planetary tilt and orbit. Pressuring him more about it is pointless. Bakugo would argue people who stick around because of the resources still make the choice to live there because they want to. Want the resources, not the weather. Their choice. Sucks to be them.

Yeah he knows you can't uproot a kingdom and truck it down to the equator. But the idea of being forced to live somewhere you don't want to is alien for someone growing up in modern worlds.]

I never said you lied. [All he asked was "how the fuck" questions. Then realized Esikko can't tell him. Besides, it's another world, from another universe, in another dimension. Nothing says it has to obey Earth rules of physics and reality. He passes between two trees and shoves aside another rock down a flanking embankment. The trees are quickly clearing as the lake approaches.]

...The point was on me hoping you'd be able to see it, you know.

( He doesn't clarify what he means by that, though, instead preparing the valerian in his hands for his approach to the lake. By the time the trees give way completely, he can see there are a number of people on the opposite side of the lake getting up to...

All sorts of things.

But he doesn't spare them more than a quick glance, puffing out a breath as he steps into the shallow water at the lake's edge, and crouches to begin rinsing the dirt from the roots. )

I wonder what sort of plants might be living beneath the water, too...

Hmph. [How many different ways can he take that comment? A few. One of them isn't going to happen. They can wish it all they want, but such a future isn't possible. He won't comment on it, stepping to the side and letting Esikko have full access to the water. Bakugo crouches on a stone nearby, watching the man wash plants in the water while he keeps an eye on the lake for any danger.

Decidedly not looking towards the "fun" happening on the far shore. At this point, Bakugo's used to seeing shit like that. He picks up a rock from the shore and with a notch of his arm, slings it forward and sends the stone skipping rippling circles across the lake's surface.] Reeds, algae, lily pads. Gonna harvest some too?

No way~ There's some large creature in there, I've heard, and I don't want to get felt up where I can barely keep my head above water.

( He's still working on learning how to swim, and even if he wasn't... It sounds embarrassing to deal with. Imagine getting caught having that happen to you?

With the roots thoroughly rinsed from dirt and his hands washed the same, he stands back up, reaching into his pockets to pull out a proper satchel for carrying them. He packs them up, shakes his hands dry, and steps carefully through the shallow water towards Bakugo. )

Do you want to see where that cave was next?

Hmph. Should've known it'd be perverted.

[Bakugo hadn't heard anything about a creature, but he's not surprised with Esikko's comments. The guy's making some progress in swimming if he can at least tread water enough not to drown. Once the other man finishes with rinsing, he steps off the rock he'd perched on and walks a few paces along the short. The cave?]

Nah. Let's take that back; I have to get dinner started.

[It'll take a while to cook some of their vegetables (root ones in particular) and he has some meat to skewer for roasting. With only another hour or so of light, he doesn't want to deal with a strange cave at dusk.]

( Though he had been the one to ask it, Esikko seems visibly relieved at that decision. With a smile, he steps closer through the last parts of the water, one hand stretching out to grab onto Bakugo's shoulder so that he can step out properly over an assortment of rocks and soil. With that same step, he pauses to brush a kiss against Bakugo's cheek, quick and chaste. )

Hmm, that's true. I'm looking forward to your dinner.

( He lets his hand slip back away to give Bakugo his freedom again, stepping along with him and folding his arms, once more, behind himself. It's a nice day, a nice "sunset", even if it's fake. )

Let's go back, then. I'll follow you closely.

[Bakugo hardens his body and braces his legs instinctively when Esikko catches his shoulder, knowing instantly what he's using him for. A quick "pole vault" over the water and crap to land on proper shore without getting himself logged in the grimier demarcation line between surf and san-]

Ngh?! Oy! [No one said he could steal a damn kiss though! His face heats up instantly and he rubs at the offending cheeks with a bristling grumble.] Prick...

[Grumble grumble. But once Esikko's ready, he heads across the beach towards a better forest path rather than walking through untrodden territory on the way back to the campsites.]

You're in charge of getting the vegetables ready.

( His flustered, grumpy expressions are always so cute... If only it were easier to snap a photo, he'd have snagged one right then. Alas, he'll have to hope it's one that stays in his memory for good! With a little giggle, he continues along the path Bakugo leads them on, mood apparently fairly improved as of now. )

I can handle vegetables just fine. ♪ ( He'll separate the valerian roots from leaves, let the roots dry, and get to whatever veggie prep Bakugo needs for the dinner easily enough. It's funny, though, to think back on how far he's come— he definitely would have complained about such a small task when he first arrived in this place.

Now? It sounds kind of fun. Homey. )

[He would've gotten an explosive flash if he tried aiming his watch for a damn photo. Bakugo steps up onto the path, clearing the chunked break separating woods from shore. Leaves crunch underfoot for a few feet, then fade into a trodden dirt path. He'll be taking that for the remainder of their trek back to the campsites.]

Good. [He doesn't let just anyone work in the kitchen with him. Camping's a separate beast; he has to focus on the meat and cooking, so Esikko can handle vegetable prep and whether he wants a salad, cooked greens, or raw. Passing the firepit, he glances to the coals inside, frowning at their bare heat. Tch, gonna need to stoke and replenish it. Whatever. It's not hard. They can focus on getting dinner together.]

( The journey back is relaxing, just as the journey itself had been, and Esikko feels loads better for it alone. He's not sure if it's more the help of being able to locate things in nature, or Bakugo's company... but it feels a bit embarrassing to admit to the ladder, so he's going to just assume that it's that warm feeling of being at least somewhat useful. Now, with a small selection of additional herbs, he can head in and stick to his own out-of-the-way section of the kitchen for prepping greens, separating that valerian, and leaving out the roots to dry where they can get more air.

He's a little tired, in his movements, in his glances, but nowhere near how he'd been in the clinic. In fact, little motions towards helping with something like dinner seem to be lifting his spirits. )

This is much nicer when you have an actual tent to stay in. ( With everything he needs cleaned, he can move on to chopping some things, seemingly going for the salad route... Not adding heat seems to be the solution to his cooking struggles. )

Everyone gets so noisy out there.

[He spent the first day mainly focused on getting his campground set up and exploring the area looking for available food and mapping out the surrounding areas. Esikko arrived later, so he doesn't have to worry about going out hunting with Bakugo and handling the gory bits of food prep.

Bakugo returns inside the tent after a few minutes, carrying the scent of smoke and wood with him as he pulls open the small fridge door. A quick scan through bags and bags of red and pink meat and he pulls out a packet of venison chunks. Esikko's handling salad and Bakugo swipes a few metal skewers from the wall nearby before turning to the tent entrance.]

This place isn't gonna make people rough it. [It's far too encouraging of people getting together, so of course it would make sure top guests are well stocked, and thus bring others to them for care and bonding. Fucking place.]

Do you want your meat rare, medium, or well done?

It certainly felt like roughing it to me, until now...

( Granted, that was the whole point, right? To force him to either snuggle up with Kirma, or find someone with better materials, or wait until he couldn't take it anymore and had to crawl to Bakugo for help. He frowns to himself as he thinks about it, and answers that meat question without really thinking about it. )

Medium rare?

( That's changed over time for reasons he should be suspicious of, but he's not thinking about that at all. Right now, all he can think is that it sounds good as he chops some parsley. )

Then ask around faster next time.

[He pushes open the tent flap and leaves before its corner's able to snap his heel on the swing back. Cool air breathes into the tent from its entrance, left open for the time being so they can talk while separated. Esikko was probably shved into the shit campsite so he'd have to get with someone else. He could choose not to snuggle up, enabling the hotel to keep its illusion of free choice, but they both knew the reason for this social hierarchy.

Medium rare. Bakugo takes a seat beside the campfire and feeds it more wood. Flames lick and crawl across the logs, taking time to catch and begin feeding. More than enough time for him to start running small chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots down the skewer's length. Once full, he shoves the end into the ground and anchors it with stones, angling the stick of food over the fire to cook.]

If you want tea, there's a kettle under the sink!

...I was trying to handle it myself.

( He mutters it, a little, as he swipes some of the parsley to the side and works on some carrots. Stubbornly, yes, and stupidly, yes, but he wanted to try all the same. Still, he ended up here in the end, so he can only frown down at the vegetables and try to focus on at least giving genuine effort into this.

It's a little like the effort he put into those not-great chocolates he made. Still rather new for him, to try so hard for others.

The call from outside gets him to glance over and then down, and he ducks to find the kettle and get it set up with some water. Tea sounds great with how cold it feels outside, even if the inner part of the tent itself is warmer. )

Do you want some, too?

Yeah? What'd you do to handle your campsite?

[Genuinely curious to know how Esikko attempted to make things work for him. He's not asking interpersonal issues; he's asking if Esikko tried to make a fire, reinforce his shitty tent, hunt for food by himself. If he's gonna be stubborn and attempt to go solo, then he should expect to tell people about it. Bakugo would've given Esikko room and board anyways, but he's curious.

Once he has all the shishkebabs set up around the fire, he takes a quick soujurn to the lake to wash out the bag of meat juice. Then heads back inside the tent and gets to washing the bag in the sink quickly with a tiny bead of soap. Esikko's already started on the tea. Figures.]

Yeah, I'll have some. Don't over-steep it.

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