worldbent | GOLDEN PEACOCK: INBOX+OVERFLOW

Yes, however.......

[Matoba's lips twist into a nasty smile.] I don't think it had a choice.

When we discovered the 'heart' of the resort, there was quite a lot going on in the lead-up to that. In fact, we likely would not have been able to do so, otherwise. You see, the entire resort became unstable. First, a wave of illness that came over the ghouls on staff, and those guests who have lost themselves. And then, a blackout.

[Matoba isn't sure he should talk about the whispers, the voices that came up from the basement- not least because of the form his took, but also in order to not encourage the weak-hearted Natori to investigate on his own.]

And in the midst of the chaos: we had a chance. So, I took it.

[Should he have? That is another discussion he will not be having at this time.]

[Relaxing again onto his hands signals that Matoba has completed doling out the information he deems necessary, and that the rest is simply his whim.] Hum....... Not too long, unless the house is still recovering from the blackout, we are due for one of them to make an appearance. I wonder if it will be back to the top? Diamonds, was it...? Or one of the others....

[He turns his head to look at Natori directly, as much so as he could with him perpendicular, with his mischievous, dangerous, enticing smile.] And you, Natori? What is your plan for surviving?

[Natori already knows that Matoba will shut down any discussion about what, exactly, happened when he saw the heart. It's no surprise that he went looking for it, not when he was one of the people here most able to read the signs of what was going on, to try to comprehend it. It's annoying that he's playing so close to the chest, when he's the best source of information that Natori has about what's going on. Other guests here have tried describing it to him, but it's clear that it's their first time grappling with such an ayakashi; there's a lot to be learned from Matoba's description. But Natori knows better than anyone here (he assumes) about just how stubborn Matoba can get, so there's no point in pressing the matter. Matoba will either tell him or he won't.

He wants to know more about the attributes of the other suits, try to get a sense of what nonsense he might get roped into next, but more importantly: here comes Matoba trying to needle him again, with his stupid little questions like he's trying to goad Natori into reacting a particular way. He leans back himself, mimicking Matoba's pose.]

I wasn't aware I had a choice either, [he says bluntly, raising an eyebrow. (He knows what Matoba means, by asking this question; it's still extremely annoying.)] I'm going to have to play, aren't I?

Yes.

[And for a glimpse, Seiji is smiling, in the way he does when he is enjoying watching Shuichi squirm.]

Three of Spades, is it. [He turns away again, stretching on his hands.] A card I lack. How interesting.

Don't tell me that's your pickup line for everyone, [he says drily, though of course he wouldn't expect anything differently from Matoba. Of course Matoba would frame it that way, in terms of the benefit each party could give to him. (He wonders how many cards Matoba does have. If he's been here for eighteen months...)]

A lot of them, [He admits without an ounce of shame.] While there are many useful people about whose services I keep for other reasons, I am not going to turn down good business when it comes along.

But in particular, Spades are fickle creatures.

[There's a small pause. Then, quietly,] It would be my first.

[Carefully, not "you".]

Since I'm still more qualified to give you advice on your romantic dialogue, I'd suggest you not refer to it as business or services if you want to keep your options open.

[But there's that quiet admission, and Natori pauses in response. It would be... simpler, in many ways. It would certainly be a way to "survive," as Matoba had pointed out before. And, well. It might be their first like this, but it wouldn't be their first.

But, on the other hand. Matoba is the one who was saying, repeatedly, not to let his guard down. He sighs, glancing off to the side to look at the miserable little wall of his windowless little room.]

...Is this a good idea...?

Haha, isn't it better to be honest?

[Flippantly. They both know the inherent joke.]

[Matoba, too, is staring off into a corner of the ceiling, because he knew full well what saying that would incur in Natori- and indeed, in doing so, has confirmed that it would be a terrible idea.]

[Shuichi remains frustratingly incapable of devoting himself.]

If you want to get out of this pathetic little room, you are going to have to get used to it.

[Some motivation to get better at it, and quick.]

[Natori does snort at that, because it is a pathetic little room.]

So much for star power, huh... [He picks at a piece of clothing at random (it's a virgin killer sweater; he hasn't figured out what it's supposed to be yet) as if to encompass all of what he could have versus what he does have, then tosses it to the side to make enough room to... not really lie down, per se, but at least lean back with the same energy as if he'd flopped back onto his bed, gazing up at the ceiling.] Well, I'm sure you've been here long enough [and fucked enough other people!!!!] that you're in a room to put the Matoba estates to shame.

Hmmm.

[Matoba grunts thoughtfully.]

The room I reside in is more acceptable than this.

[Not a lie.]

That's not saying much, [Natori says, folding his arms behind his head.] Tell you what. If you want a Three of Spades, you're only going to get it in your room, not mine.

[ha ha, it's funny because he could be joking! just a joke. he hasn't committed to anything.]

[Matoba's head turns. His smile is calculating.]

Is that so?

[A beat, and then Matoba finally stands from the bed. Smoothing out his kimono, he tucks his arms away, smiling down at Natori with a glint in his eye.]

Very well. I hope that you will not make the mistake of many others, and underestimate the thrall of this place.

Pick your battles, Natori.

[Something feels weird in that reaction-- like Natori saying he wasn't down to fuck in this cramped little dorm bed was making a larger statement than he intended, had unintentionally revealed something that would make Matoba feel smug and superior. Then again, there were a lot of things that would make Matoba act smug and superior, whether or not they're reasonable. Or maybe Matoba's just salty that he didn't jump right to the two of them sleeping together at his immediate suggestion. It could truly be anything.]

I feel pretty comfortable with this one, [he says, crossing one leg over the other as if drawing attention to just how carefully he has to move to avoid bumping into a pile of assorted gifts.] Feel free to take anything that catches your eye.

[except for him. heh.]

[It could be aaaaaaanything!!]

[Matoba's eye disdainfully passes over the piles of trendy clothing and romance novels gifted him by the staff, ready to simply give a 'thanks but no thanks'. However, something catches it, and he stoops to draw up a silky black scarf, the sort that idols and aged rockstars would drape around their neck with a light cardigan.]

[He unfolds it, and then tries it, draped over the back of his head veil-like, and smiles as he folds it back in his hands and tucks it under his haori.]

This will do. [The smile turns onto Natori- knowing- as he turns for the door.] Until next time, Natori.

[Triggered by veil, Natori waits for Matoba to leave before he goes thumbing around this stupid watch to see if there's a-- yep.

Well.

None of his business, he supposes.]

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