open & closed ( catch-all )

[burstmodes]

WHO: prompto argentum (burstmodes) & OPEN
WHAT: event things, random things. just a catch-all.
WHERE: various places throughout the city
WHEN: august to september
WARNINGS: creepy vibes, idk it's a mystery (will update as necessary)


random exploring.

( i. laundromat )

[ the quiet of the city is still pretty unnerving.

it's taken him far too long to realize that bothers him more than anything else, trekking down the city streets and only occasionally stopping to eye some of the buildings. no real signs, nothing that jumps out at him. by the time he reaches his destination, he's probably humming a little louder than is necessary, tugging the door open and peering inside. there's no one, which isn't surprising, but it takes him far too long to figure out how to operate the washing machines and get stuff going. not that he can't clean stains out of his own clothes, but ignis had sort of taken responsibility for all those things during their trip; prompto had just been on standby to help.

once it seems like it's going and isn't going to explode, he leans back and sighs. loudly. taps his fingers against his thigh, then against the top of the washer. then on one of the folding tables. when prompto turns, it's only to realize he's not actually alone, and the surprise on his face is cancelled out by how quickly the color drains from his face. ]

Geez! [ the sound that comes out of his mouth next is a partial laugh. ] You scared me! I thought I was the only one in here.

( ii. the subway )

[ after the first few days, prompto's made it a habit to start checking things off on a list he's began to compile. the map he'd found didn't really do much to explain anything, so he's been exploring slowly off and on—whenever he gathers up the nerve. taking the railway has helped, but it can still get pretty confusing for him if he isn't paying attention to where he's going or when he needs to gets off or where. it's probably why he's standing in the middle of one of the transfer stations now, looking at all the possible routes to take.

if anyone happens to join him, he'll be both relieved and somewhat anxious. he makes a gesture at one of the lines. ]

Have you ever taken this one before?

the mall.

( i. no exit )

[ he tries the door again just to be sure, but... no. yeah, he's stuck inside.

what had once been a leisurely jaunt through the empty mall had undoubtedly turned worse, watching as some of the lights down one of the corridors flickers, blinks out and then flips on again. every direction he looks feels the same, wandering over to plop down on a bench and set the bag he'd planned to leave with sitting at his feet. prompto tugs out his phone and fiddles with it for a few minutes, considers texting someone to see if they can open the door from the outside and then just... puts it away to sit on his hands. would it be better to wait it out? explore more and try to find another way to leave?

he debates this for a rather long time, turning his head towards the sounds of footsteps and whoever it might be that approaches the front doors to try to test them out. before they can make it that far, he walks after them in an attempt to get their attention. ]

I think they're locked, [ he starts, frowning and then running both hands through his hair. ] I dunno. I tried all of 'em, but they don't seem to want to budge.

[ is it possible for doors to lock themselves??? ]

wildcard.

[ any other location available for exploration is totally a possibility for prompto to be running around in! for the event prompt of "hide and seek", let me know if you want a starter for that since it'd be a more in-depth dive into his backstory and character, and though i'm not opposed, he hasn't built up enough CR for it to be absolutely crucial or important to others quite yet. other event things: checking out the random stores in the mall, running from that "something that's always watching but you can't see it" vibe, having a sleepover tucked away somewhere to stay safe, or whatever else might be interesting! let's have fun c: hit me up via pm or over @ overcasts to plot. or hit up his plotting comment! ]

Comments

laundromat.

[appendages]

[ it isn't surprising that yoshida traverses through the city quite silently, especially after he trails behind a familiar face. he did have a habit of appearing at odd times. opportune, perhaps, to no one but himself. hence, it isn't completely out of pocket for him to just be there. the epitome of standing man emoji.

all the same, he doesn't appear the least apologetic for startling him. his expression unwavering. also while some may have yelled in mutual shock, he just meets him with a steady gaze, his arms crossing over his chest. ] That was a nice tune.

[ referencing back to his humming several blocks ago. how long was he following him for? who knows. ] But, you act like you've seen a ghost.

[ ghosts don't seem that farfetched... this was the clone guy after all. ]

[burstmodes]

[ prompto is, indeed, going to wonder how long he's been following him. at least, after his brain settles down and it doesn't feel like stuff's going to vibrate out of him. he makes an attempt at taking a breath, pushing his hands through his hair so that it's even more chaotic than usual. ]

It's just really quiet here, [ he explains, decidedly not going to talk about ghosts. he would rather NOT, thank you. ] Uh... how's it going?

[ there's an obvious pause, looking over the other before following up with: ] How long were you there anyway?

1/2

[appendages]

[ if it's weird to stalk someone before appearing and actually saying hi... he doesn't seem to notice. instead, he just sort of stares blankly for a few seconds. ] ...

[ he doesn't exactly answer the question, no, but sometimes wasn't it better to live in blissful ignorance? ]

[appendages]

Anyway, I wasn't up to anything, really. I just saw you and thought you looked familiar, and what do you know, you were the clone guy.

[burstmodes]

[ wow, way to slam him with the memory of their first encounter. ]

It's Prompto, [ he supplies all too quickly, hating how much "clone guy" makes him feel uncomfortable. ] My name. Sorry about before. I guess I didn't really explain anything clearly.

[ not that he wants to now, but he's trying to make friends here. if he's cool, then it'll be fine. ]

[appendages]

[ he seems to tilt his head a little at the sudden declaration of "prompto"— but he seems to accept it easily enough. it's fine, he wasn't exactly attached to calling him a clone forever. ]

Does that mean you're willing to explain now? [ ... ] I'm just kidding. But, if you ever find yourself wanting to discuss theories... [ well, he figures it wouldn't hurt to indulge in. as long as he could drop a few of his own prophecies in there. ]

You can call me Yoshida.

[burstmodes]

[ yoshida, huh? strange name, but he's met a lot of different people with peculiar names recently. ]

It's a long story. [ probably not that long, but prompto isn't sure he wants to explain it all to a stranger. ] Unless you think I meant that everybody in this place is a clone. Then...

[ he shrugs. ] I'm not sure what other theories you'd wanna discuss.

the mall

[codenametesla]

[Althea didn't really have high hopes for the front door, considering previous building openings for the city, but it would be irresponsible not to try the front door regardless. Or she was telling herself something like that, at least.

Which is why she had been headed that way, stopping only at a voice and what looked like a person moving towards her.]

Ah. Damn it, so it's like the bank.

[After a moment of thought, she sighed and started for the doors again, waving the other person over as well.]

Well, I'll see if there's anything I can do, but we might have to try and find another door. Or some sort of hint somewhere on how to get out.

[burstmodes]

[ the bank? robby had mentioned the bank, if ever so briefly, but he doesn't question it. instead, prompto moves a little closer, clearly relieved because he's not going to be one-hundred percent alone in this. it makes things easier when you have someone to talk to, that's for sure. ]

I've tried all these doors here. [ they're all locked. ] I guess there'd be a basement or whatever, right? Um, where they bring things into the mall? We could try there.

[ not that he wants to go to the loading dock either, but it's an option. ]

[codenametesla]

[She nods at his explanation, seeming glad to not be alone as well, as she moves and crouches slightly by the door, placing a hand over the lock to inspect it. She had no doubt that the blonde was telling the truth, but she hoped she'd be able to affect it somehow, or at least figure out what was happening, but...]

It's... like something is holding it there, but I have no idea what.

[She stood up straight again, frustrated at the situation and annoyed with herself now, that she couldn't do anything or offer something for the person she found herself with, but trying to hold herself together.]

A.. loading bay, or something? That.. could definitely work. Either that or an emergency door? Those aren't supposed to have locks on them at all, so unless something is magically holding everything shut...

[She probably just jinxed them, but she didn't want to get their hopes up for nothing.]

[burstmodes]

You can tell that just by looking?

[ not that he's questioning her methods or anything. it's definitely better than having tried several times to push and pull on the door without it budging. and anyway, prompto is not about to look like a fool in front of this girl he's just met, so he'll do what he does best and try to be helpful in any way that he can be.

he nods at her logical next steps. ]

Yeah. Better than sitting around waiting, right? [ because who knows what would happen. ] At least we're together.

[ gotta look on the bright side after all. ]

[codenametesla]

[She had a moment of panic at his question, her first instinct to hide it with how stressed she was, so she blurted out the first thing she could think of.]

Oh, Um... yeah. Magnets?

[Smooooothe.]

Yeah, definitely better than doing nothing, if only so we can learn more about what's going on.

[But she does manage a smile and nod at his last comment, glad she wasn't the only one thinking that.]

Yeah, we've got this.

[burstmodes]

[ magnets? well!!! as someone who has Seen Some Stuff^TM, prompto isn't really going to question that. besides, the doors aren't budging, and they're just wasting time lingering around at the front of the mall. and in an attempt to relax them both, he gives her a thumbs up. ]

We've so got this, [ he agrees, making his way over to the map to take a look at where they might need to go. ] I'm Prompto, by the way.

[ introductions seem like a necessity in these trying times. ]

Looks like we should, um. Head that way? [ and he points to his left. ]

the mall, wildcard (starting with voice, brng brng)

[strongroots]

[ Know who didn't hurry to go to the mall? This bore.

Because when a bank opens up and then locks people inside, it turns into a 'fool me twice' situation to fall for the same thing. Except when people are going in, calls are bouncing, or just turning into static before dropping--yeah, a worry starts to grow.

And while there's little Robby can imagine doing for anyone stuck inside, does he like to think of certain parties in there and him not??

Might as well, right?

Which is why after some time that I can't be bothered to decide on, Prompto will get a call through his phone--hopefully, it doesn't spook him too bad, or he hasn't become so suspicious of everything to ignore it.

Because if he does answer it: ]

Prompto?

[ A concerned and familiar voice will be on the other end. ]

[burstmodes]

[ honestly, of all the things he's expecting, it's not his phone ringing in the middle of a super quiet, eerily dark mall. but it doesn't spook him enough to ignore it, parking himself on a bench near some abandoned kiosks before answering.

the fact that he knows this voice and that voice knows his name is sort of a relief. ]

Robby! Hey – [ he sounds relieved even as he trips over his own words. ] Not sure how long I've got until it cuts out, but I'm stuck in the mall.

[ does he need to explain further? probably not, and yet... ]

I wouldn't risk coming in here unless you think you can get out again.

[strongroots]

[ Well, it's good to hear from Prompto. But, uh, about that last point... ]

Too late. [ He at least sounds amused about it, even if, honestly, there isn't anything to be amused about. ] That all that's happened? The doors aren't opening?

[ Which...is pretty strange, considering what's just happened, but-- one thing at a time. ]

[burstmodes]

[ there's definitely a little drama in the way he groans at his 'too late' comment. ]

Damn. I was tryin' to send you a text, but I guess it didn't go through. But yeah. Nothing's budging at all. [ and he's absolutely tried every single embarrassing thing he can think of to try to get it open—short of throwing something at the doors. ] Where are you?

[ because who knows how long this call is going to last. ]

[strongroots]

[ Where is he? Shit, let him look around in the dark... ]

I'm in the first wide opening from the front doors? Uh, on the side coming from the apartments. There's some escalators, no lights...

[ Wait, speaking of: ] Was it always this dark?

[ Or did it just decide to go creepy. ]

[burstmodes]

[ prompto isn't sure he knows exactly where that's at, but thanks to his trusty little flashlight he always carries around (in case they happen into a tomb or something back home), he's able to find his way to a mall map. his location is starred, which sort of helps. ]

I think I know where you might be, [ he says after a minute of studying what he can see. even with his light, it's pretty dim. ] And um. Not at first? I dunno.

[ he's trying really hard not to think about it. ]

I'll make my way towards you. Don't go too far, okay?

closed to reno.

[burstmodes]

[ in an attempt to be absolutely one-hundred percent chill about the stuff that's gone down between them, prompto reaches out to reno occasionally with a few texts here and there. mostly to chat, mostly to see where he should mentally draw some lines, and once to invite him to explore more of the city. (it's not like they've got jobs to do, so what else is there?)

and by the time they wind up in the sauna, he's somehow managed to relax to the point of not stumbling over his words or acting like a school girl with a crush. maybe just a crush, which he tries to squash as he settles against the wood of the seat and breathes in slowly. the heat isn't so bad, especially since he's used to much worse trekking around eos and stumbling into all sorts of terrain, and the scent of the steam is sort of relaxing. he might have been a pile of skin and bones had it not been for the fact he isn't alone.

reno is right there with him, and prompto finds himself staring at just how red his hair is. ]

Do you have stuff like this back in Midgar?

[ he knows reno had told him about all the restoration going on, but people needed something to relax, right? to not think about how miserable life actually is without all its distractions? and as he sits, his fingers toy with the edge of the towel wrapped around his waist for something to do with his hands. he'd left his phone in the locker room with his clothes, so they just have to rely on good ol' conversation to pass the time. ]

[astraphilia]

[ to Prompto's credit, he really has been extremely chill about it—chill to the point that a part of Reno sort of wonders whether he'd woken up the next morning and decided that one night was enough for him. (maybe ideas number three through ten will never see the light of day?) which is fine, really—after all, Prompto still lets Reno flirt with him, and all the texting they do tells him Prompto at least wants to be friends, so it's cool, it really is.

getting to be friends with someone for reasons other than work or sex is kind of a new thing for Reno, after all.

and now here they are, sitting on opposite sides of the sauna and letting the steam and essential oils work their magic. Reno has his hair up, tied off into a bun to keep the length of it off his neck, and he's leaning back against the cedar wall, the picture of relaxation. ]

Saunas? [ he offers Prompto a lazy grin. ] Sure y'could. Before the calamity you could find just about anything you wanted in Midgar, especially above the plate. After... [ a moment of thought as Reno idly thumbs over a scar along his collarbone, a memento of Meteorfall. ] Not as much. But there were a couple, medical centers, spas. Mostly to treat geostigma.

What about you?

[burstmodes]

[ there hasn't been much opportunity to repeat the events of That Night^TM because prompto hasn't allowed it to happen. he thinks he wants to, but now isn't exactly the time to bring up thoughts and certain ideas when they're sitting around mostly naked with just a couple towels between them.

skin already flushed from the heat, he shifts again where he sits and tries not to slouch. maybe it'd be fine if he hadn't been thinking about the night he'd spent at reno's and all the things that could have happened, twisting his fingers harder into the fabric as he listens to him. there's a whole lot of questions to the things he says. like what a plate is and what geostigma is. that one sounds particularly wild, eyes focused on every movement reno makes like he's trying to capture it himself without his camera present. ]

Um, yeah. I guess? Not that I ever really did stuff like this. Usually couldn't scratch the gil together, and anyway, if I had it, I'd wanna spend it on something else. [ like snacks and video games and comics. ] So...

[ he tugs a hand free to push it through his hair, a few wayward bangs flopping over his forehead. ]

What's geostigma?

[astraphilia]

Something else? Like what?

[ to be perfectly honest, Reno has been letting his gaze wander, not exactly subtle about how his eyes travel along the lines of Prompto's collarbones or trace a drop of sweat down the center of his chest. maybe right now isn't the best time to be entertaining such thoughts, but the fact of them being mostly naked except for their towels makes it difficult not to let his mind wander—

at least until Prompto's question pulls his mind straight out of the gutter. Reno's brow furrows as he considers how to answer. ]

Remember how I told you we almost ended the world? [ the aforementioned calamity, which Reno had also briefly mentioned at the rooftop party. although at the time Reno hadn't gotten into the gruesome details of it—nor does he necessarily plan to now, especially as it relates to geostigma. it was a brutal illness. ] Afterwards there was an outbreak of a disease we called geostigma. It's been cured now, but it was... wasn't great, while it was around.

[burstmodes]

[ ah —

prompto's expression falls very noticeably at that, wondering if it's something similar to what plagues eos. it's why daemons are much more rampant in the dark, why it's not a smart idea to wander around at night—even if they sometimes did to push through to the next town or a campsite. without making an effort to consciously think about what he's doing, prompto gets up to pour some water on the hot stones and then takes a seat closer to reno. ]

That reminds me of something back home called Starscourge. I dunno if it's the same, but... [ just saying the word makes him think of ardyn and verstael, and a familiar dread begins to sink into his chest. ] It's not good. It doesn't really have a cure unless you can reach the Oracle, but even that's a shot in the dark at best.

[ heh. it's a morbid joke, one reno definitely won't get so he just shrugs and returns to toying with his towel. ]

I guess every place has its ups and downs, huh?

[astraphilia]

[ it might not be exactly the same, considering Jenova and the Sephiroth genes and the calamity that had preceded the stigma's appearance on Gaia—but it's definitely similar enough, in that it's apparent Prompto also knows what it's like to be plagued by something you can neither root out nor cure. like recognizes like, and Reno recognizes that hollow look of almost-desperation in the corners of Prompto's eyes. ]

Yeah, guess so. [ now that they're sitting on the same bench, Reno reaches out to catch Prompto's wrist, then slides his hand down to loosely lace their fingers together and squeeze. it's too hot in the sauna for this, really, but he does it anyway. ] I'm sorry you know what it's like.

[ finding similarities between their respective worlds is fun, sure, but this is one similarity Reno wishes they didn't share. hopefully Eos has an Aerith of their own, or some kind of force who can combat the darkness. ]