[OPEN] Residential Halloween Party

[fanstheflames]

WHO: EVERYONE.
WHAT: Resident run Halloween Party, as well as after party!
WHERE: District 2 restaurant, and also around the city.
WHEN: October 22 to October 31
WARNINGS: To be warned in character threads!

FLIERS GO OUT with the announcement of the university's Halloween Party, and the final preparations for the resident Halloween Party are put into motion. Word is put out that they'll start their party on the exact day of the university's, and on that day, fliers are put around today with a location and time, and message.

THEY'RE TESTING YOU. STAY AT HOME.
IF YOU WANT TO TEST THEM BACK, COME TO OUR PARTY. SEE WHAT THEY DO.
STAYING BACK IS ALWAYS SAFER.
People will do what people will, and in this place, intentions matter most.

But it's just a little party, right? What's the worst that could happen?

... AT THE PARTY.

The Halloween Party takes place at a restaurant with an open courtyard, a high wall to give some privacy, but the sky above is clearly visible, every door opened wide. Precautions even taken, with cinder blocks by the courtyard's double doors leading in and out, with a blanket and pumpkin on top for decoration, of course.

Your typical Halloween decor covers every inch, inside and out, and even on the outer wall to make clear you've found the right place: fake cobwebs cover the walls, there are glowing orange lanterns strung from the ceiling, dotted every now and then by hanging bats (yes, these are also fake) and there are jack-o-lanterns making all sorts of weird and delightful faces at you on countertops and on top of some of the tables. There’s even a skeleton in one of the corners gesturing to the bar! He’s got a cool top hat! He also has a sign propped up against him that reads PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

There’s food! There’s drinks! There’s merriment!

It should be the most inoffensive Halloween Party, by all accounts. And for some--who intend to go to the university's event--it will be. But for those who intend to stay away....

1. COMPULSION. It starts out small: you think about what's happening at the university. Sure, you may wonder what's happening and about the other people there, that's normal, but sometimes, you find your mind drifting: why aren't you there? It would be good to go, wouldn't it? You're not even sure why you wouldn't want to go, and you may even find yourself abruptly bringing it up in the middle of another subject to the person you happen to be talking to. Hey, why don't we go to the university? Don't they have a party going?

But then, you may catch yourself, or need another person to snap you out of it. And then you might become more aware of how insistent the thought is becoming...and how you're talking about what's happening at the university, even while trying to watch out for it.

2. IN COSTUME. You've come in costume--what's a Halloween Party without one? From your zombie outfits to your vampires (um, rude? Call the local vampires), maids to cats, there's nothing too serious nor silly for Halloween. You could even just have something simple for the mood--a pair of ears on, or a pumpkin pin.

Whatever you're wearing, over time you start to feel...let's say in character with your outfit. Are you just feeling giddy from the drink? But small instances start to become more insistent: This isn't just a costume, this is who you are. And maybe a person or encounter can make you snap out of it...

But what will happen before then? And how long will you be your regular you?

3. TRICK OF THE EYE. It's reasonable to be worried. There's an expectation that the city will find some way to screw with this party, but is it just your anxiety making you see things out of the corner of your eyes, or is something playing tricks on you? These visual tricks can continue through the night, either staying as small scares to catch you off-guard, or...

...they can become more than tiny glimpses: where you start to see people, figures science-like in nature, faces that appear to be watching you. People who aren't there when you try to approach them, or are gone when you blink. Or are they there? Is it other residents staring at you? Though they might insist they don't have a clue what you're talking about--or accuse you of doing the same.

4. PARANOIA. Slowly but perhaps inevitably, you feel a prickling on the back of your neck. And you can’t shake the insistent feeling that something terrible will happen if you stay here. But where is that feeling coming from? Did Robby put something in your drink when he handed it to you? Is Tsuruno’s smile concealing something more sinister? Can your hosts really be trusted? They might be throwing you under the bus here. Or maybe they were working for the City all along…

In that case, maybe it’s best to distance yourself as quickly as possible?

5. HAUNTINGS. It’s a nice party, you’re enjoying yourself, maybe bobbing for apples, maybe making out with that cute vampire in the corner (contain yourself, Midnight). Or you could be a killjoy and you’re just waiting to see what will go wrong, in which case you might be able to duck the caramel apple that comes soaring at you. Or the plate. Or a chair? While you won’t be able to pick up on anything supernatural beyond a chills and the distinct feeling that Someone is watching you…

It’s a little hard to ignore when things keep getting tossed at you with increasing regularity with no real source behind it. And you may find yourself being tossed–

Right out of the party. Wow, maybe the university party has bouncers that are a little more polite.

... IN THE CITY.

The party has ended! The one at the university is, apparently, going strong for multiple days! But you’ve resisted! You decided to go along with this experimental idea and made it through thus far! But the horrors persist, don’t they?

And maybe they’re a little more stubborn than you are.

1. COMPULSION. You went to the party, or you never did--it doesn't matter. For some reason, you can’t get the thought of going to the university party out of your head. And maybe it’s light, at first. Just a passing thought. Or maybe you find yourself unconsciously heading in the direction of the university, or even start having it come up in conversation.

“Hey how are you” totally sounds like “Halloween party at the university”, right? Doesn’t this actually sound like a good idea, the more you think about it?

2. DISORIENTATION. Something feels… off. You only paused for a few seconds, so why has it been an hour? Despite your best efforts, your focus keeps slipping away in increasing intervals, and the more frequently this happens, the more time you feel like you’ve lost, even if that person you’re with helps you fill in the blanks. And if no one’s there to assist? Well, you felt like getting lost today, surely!

3. TRICKS. As the day drags on, you may find yourself turning on your heel at the sound of… a familiar voice or a bit of nostalgic conversation, the joyful sounds of a party. But no matter which direction you hear it from, when you turn around, there’s no one there.

It gets worse. You start to see things, flickering across your line of vision, suddenly there. But it’s nothing friendly or warmly nostalgic. They’re flashes of your worst fears, more and more insistent, and these will only increase in frequency the longer you hold off on going to the university party. Is it really worth being stubborn over? This could all be resolved so very quickly.

4. IN COSTUME. If you were at the party, you find it difficult or even undesirable to take off the costume. If you weren’t at the party, you’ll still find yourself dressing up to get into the Halloween spirit, which maybe you didn’t actually give a damn about before? Such is the magic of the holidays.

But it’s more than just a different outfit. You’re starting to acquire characteristics of that outfit. And maybe you can feel those fake vampire fangs digging into your lip with increasing sharpness. Wow, that face paint for your zombie costume is starting to look alarmingly legit! That growl that just came out of your throat might have been wolfish and convincing, but surely you’re not actually turning into a wolf–right?

Don’t worry, it’s not actually real. But you should really go check out the university! Haven’t you been through enough?

Comments

bartender, halloween edition [open]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight's repertoire is unfortunately not as expansive as Daan's, but there's a card on the counter that happily announces five of his specialties — an Old-fashioned, a Screwdriver, a Margarita, a Cosmopolitan, and a Mojito — and a Halloween special: something aptly named Welcome To Hell, which, as he'll happily explain, is a slightly modified Sex on the Beach. (He'll also make virgin versions of all applicable drinks, attempt a custom order with a little guidance, or serve water to those in need of hydration.)

And because there are children at this party, he's opted for a more formal vest and bowtie combo, with the cuffs on his white pressed shirt rolled to his elbows, as befitting a bartender. However, in the spirit of the night, he's also acquired a pair of pink bunny ears and a tail... So given the tone of the night, he might get a little playful. (Not like that. Seriously! He'll wait until the end of the night!!!) ]

Hello, love, what can I get you?

[fanstheflames]

I mean, "Welcome to Hell" sounds pretty exciting?

[ Look at this girl, popped up onto her toes to say hello to this buntender. She's all decked out like a pirate captain, hat included. ]

[unrequite]

[ That'll be a "Welcome to Heck" for her! He leans under the bar to grab the peach nectar from its cooler. ]

Coming right up. With that outfit, I daresay you'd cut quite the figure at those particular gates. Planning on swashbuckling your way out?

[fanstheflames]

[ Sir, please. She's 17, not 10. ]

And taking all their treasure with me!

[ With a saucy wink. Wow, the audacity. ]

[unrequite]

[ Gasp! Do you mean to say that she's uttered the fuck word??? Thousand years dungeon!!!!! ]

Good lord. With that attitude, you'd surely succeed.

[ He happily begins pouring ingredients, leaving the cherry and pomegranate grenadines for last. ]

Well, considering this party, I haven't any doubt about your nerve, at least. It's about how one persists after that.

[fanstheflames]

[ Canon lines from Tsuruno-- "I don't use this kind of language very often, but I'm really pissed off right now." Be in awe. ]

I think the only thing I can do about that is just persist and help where I can. It'd be nice if we could get away with it, but at the same time, I don't think that's what's going to happen.

[unrequite]

[ YOUNG LADY!!!! ]

Mm. I wouldn't have gone along with you and Robby if you weren't conscious of the possible consequences, but it's good to hear you acknowledge such things aloud.

[ His eyes flick up to look at her. Well... His promise was to Mr. LaRusso with regards to Robby, but at this point, Miss Tsuruno seems like she comes with the package. And there's Daan's investment in her to consider as well. ]

How are you feeling, then? Prepared?

[miyagimagic]

[ One should probably wear a Halloween costume at a Halloween party and all, but.. well, there's just certain things you can't force a man to do, especially when he's got enough Halloween party trauma and feels a little too old to put on a silly costume at this point.

B-Besides, he isn't here to party! He's here to supervise, okay, someone's got to watch the kids..

Except it seems that someone else did come to watch the kids and wear a little silly costume at the same time, huh. Because even though Daniel is very much dressed the same as always, he does spot Midnight there at the bar.. with bunny ears..

Well, maybe it shouldn't be entirely surprising, given Midnight's natural extravagance, but still. It makes Daniel really try to not smile too much as he approaches the counter. ]

I'll take whatever your speciality is.

[ He knows Midnight is probably here to supervise the kids too, given what Daniel asked from him - and there's something definitely heartwarming about seeing the other guy living up to the request - but Daniel still can't help but ask, lightly playful: ]

Are you having fun?

[unrequite]

Welcome to Hell, then, Mr. LaRusso.

[ He'll get the vodkas and the grenadines out, humming cheerfully to himself. Honestly, this guy is a service industry natural... What a people pleaser. ]

Having a delightful time, the odd accident aside.

[ And the rampant emotional manipulation, but he's never liked being told what to feel, so his natural stubbornness is carrying him through that particular discomfort. He loves a conversation, he loves serving drinks. That's enough. ]

And you? I see you're taking your chaperoning duties quite seriously.

[ Midnight gestures at the good ol' dad casual there. He's grinning, though. Getting dressed up at his own age takes some confidence himself, he's quite aware. He's Just Built Different... or, uh, really has no shame, honestly. ]

[miyagimagic]

[ Midnight really is a natural at this. Even Daniel can think so as he sees the other going at it - though it kind of makes sense. They did talk about Midnight's work before - and job history - which means Daniel knows the other worked in.. well, technically it is the service industry. There's common points with this.

And judging by the fact the other usually does seem honest, coupled with his demeanour right now, Daniel thinks Midnight at least is genuinely enjoying himself.

Which is good. Someone here has to enjoy themselves while Daniel actually feels increasingly paranoid in ways he doesn't dare express-- ]

Ah.. Well, someone has to. [ He replies, managing an easy smile despite the worry crawling right underneath his skin.

But Daniel is good enough at forcing that stuff down by now to even crack a light joke, like: ]

Besides, I don't think I could quite pull off the bunny ears. [ Truer words have never been said..

Though they really don't look too out of place on Midnight. Maybe it's since it's Midnight, huh. He's flamboyant enough to pull it off somehow.. ]

[unrequite]

[ Honestly, Midnight's always seen himself as the service-oriented sort... Not that he imagined himself going into escorting as a child, but it had been close enough for him to learn the job well, at least. This, too, is his element; he hasn't been bartending long enough to be fancy, but there's a sort of cheer to the way he knows he's being watched, and in that he knows what he's doing well enough to show what he's got. ]

Ah, well, I do suppose I'll have to get around to keeping my promise to you sometime, ears or no. And it does seem like your Robby is quite safe for now.

[ ... Safe enough that he'll look up from pouring his drink and tap Mr. LaRusso on the nose. Oddly playful. ]

You never know. A dot for a nose there, and some whiskers... You wouldn't look out of place where I'm from, you know.

[ He blinks. He's very grabby, but doesn't usually just touch others like that... but he shakes it off. It's the tone of the night, right? Parties are meant to be fun. ]

[miyagimagic]

[ .. ah.

That is oddly playful, even by Midnight standards. Because no matter how much Midnight has been, well, Midnight around Daniel, he's never booped his nose like that. Let alone practically out of the blue.

Apparently it catches the man by surprise too, since Daniel seems to freeze in shock for a moment, the faint fluster that comes with embarrassment only setting in a moment later. Please, let none of the kids see an old man blushing because he's embarrassed over a nose boop at the bar-- ]

I'm-- [ Hold on, he's still recovering. He even holds up a hand as if to say 'give me a moment', then sucks in a deep breath to sound a little more normal when he talks again. ] I'm pretty sure you're just being too nice again to me now. [ Nose boop or not!! ] I'm definitely too old to pull that off.

[ And he also has way more shame than Midnight would ever have, which doesn't help.. ]

But forget the animal outfits. [ Yes. Please. Let's. ] Instead, what you said before that-- I have to thank you. When the kids mentioned you offered to help be the barkeeper, I figured it was since you remembered me asking you to keep an eye out for Robby. I really appreciate it.

[unrequite]

Too old? Well, everyone ages, Cautuses included...

[ Midnight frowns, shakes his head one more time, then goes back to preparing Mr. LaRusso's drink. When one lives in a world with actual bunny people, these things really don't come down to age...

Midnight laughs. He doesn't have any qualms about being touched, normally, but he knows others can be rather cagey about it. It's why one must always ease into these sorts of gestures... ]

Well, it was that and Daan mentioning that he wouldn't be able to attend himself this time. And I love a good party, and I can't bear a party without someone to serve libations. It just seems terribly unfortunate, you know. Refreshments always are a part of any good welcome.

But... [ Midnight hums, a small smile on his face. ] I can't say that the opportunity to fulfill my promise wasn't a large part of my decision.

[reposing]

[There's a dog.

Well, no, it's a giant white wolf. Someone seems to have dressed him up with a fur-collared cape and a whip, as if he's a dog, but it's definitely a wolf. He approaches the bar and sits.

Then lets out a huff.

Well, it's not like he can communicate with people words now, can he?]

[unrequite]

[ ... bork?

Midnight, for his part, looks at the wolf rather amicably, head tilted. How very dapper. He's about the size Midnight would expect of a Lupo back home, so he simply nods, grinning. ]

I can't rightly get you your order if you insist on that attitude, you know. Did you want something on the menu?

[reposing]

[Wolfly grumbles. He can't really talk like this, but he looks at the menu. His tail thumps on the floor.

Getting up onto his hind legs, he leans on the counter to boop his wet nose on an item.

Welcome to Hell.]

[unrequite]

[ Oh! That wet doot is very evocative. (Also, this poor Lupo does not seem to be vocal... yes and no questions it is.)

Midnight gets those grenadines and juices together, then, humming happily. ]

You'll have to forgive me if the cups we have aren't particularly sized for your snout... I would serve you your welcome in a bowl, but the gradient rather loses its effect if it isn't served in a glass. It's the colors, you see; it's a rather fiery confection. Unless you're not the type to mind aesthetics...?

[reposing]

[There is a distinct tilt of the wolf's head as he watches Midnight work and speak. It seems as if this man is truly just going to talk to him like he's a person.

...Which is fair. Midnight isn't wrong, and it's not like Alucard is trying very hard to keep up the act in front of him.

At the question of aesthetics, he shakes his head. No, he doesn't mind. If anything, he does value it.]

[unrequite]

Ah. Then, let's see...

[ Midnight bends behind the bar, frowns a tiny bit, then pulls a small glass bowl from a shelf. ]

We were thinking about a punch bowl, but we didn't want any funny business happening with it... Well, that should do for your nose, at least.

[ And he gets started with making a drink for the dog. Well, he's done stranger things! ]

Although, now that I think about it, I don't know if you meant to say you don't mind it looking rather uncomely... Ah, well. Yes or no questions do tend to lose nuance, don't they? And I do like pretty things. Say, do you think you'll drink this whole thing? I'll fill it to half if you prefer.

[ ... It's not exactly a large punch bowl, but a whole bowl of liquor IS a bit much, even for a proper wolf like this... ]

[worldexecute]

( Wow, he looks presentable. Angela's not dressed any different than usual... is what would the narration would say if not for the fact her usual librarian director digs were recently-this-month torn up thanks to her transformation. If she can find an able tailor, she could probably get them fixed, but for now—

...but for now, she's still not in costume at all, just in Regular People Wear. Something like this and a plain white blouse, which will still be a nice surprise for Midnight and anyone else who knows her.

Anyway, she's glancing at his list of drinks and... well... none of them are particularly descriptive, now are they? So. )

Make me one you think I'd like.

[unrequite]

[ Just presentable!? 🥺

Anyway, his nonsense about his vanity aside, he is not at all subtle about what he thinks about her look. That is, he won't make more than a few comments about it, considering his half-remembered conversation with her about her lack of passion about her looks, but he will boost himself onto the bar counter, taking the look in, nodding approvingly when he's done, pink ears wiggling. ]

Your colormatching is impeccable... You really have a good eye for a comfortable silhouette. Anyway, for you...

[ He hums. ]

A screwdriver, I think. Apologies for not being particularly adventurous, but you do strike me as the type to enjoy an orange juice.

[worldexecute]

( JUST PRESENTABLE!!! THIS IS HER HIGHEST COMPLIMENT, TAKE IT— )

No, that's fine. I'm actually relieved you didn't name off some wild or fantastically complicated drink. ( she's still not a fan of drinking, simple is perfect... ) And thank you for the compliment. I've had to learn quickly... or, well, more quickly than I would've liked.

( she misses her COAT. )

You... also look nice. ( though she's staring at his ears. hm. ) Is that part of your costume, or did you just feel like being a silly little rabbit?

[unrequite]

Why can't it be both, hmm?

[ 8^( someday he's going to look fingerlickin' good and then she will be sorry (no i will be sorry what the fuck)

Anyway, he laughs, ears wiggling with his laughter, and he gets out the orange juice and vodka. It will be very light on the vodka. ]

If the goal is to get you accustomed to that which you haven't tried yourself yet, one must take slow, cautious steps. There are so many lovely things in the world, you know, and experiencing them for the first time is a rare pleasure. If you have a knack for choosing colors and textures, perhaps you have more of an artist in you than you might expect... And those things deserve to be cultivated properly.

[worldexecute]

( Please don't mention art... She shakes her head, thinking about her attempts and how clumsy the utensils felt in her hands. No, writing suits her well enough. It's fine.

It does feel kind of nice to just throw paint on things though. Maybe they should have that as an employee venting party. Water balloon fight but with paint. How messy. How... fun. )

I'll just stick to writing and dressing myself, thank you... and I'll heed your advice on new experiences, though I've been thrown into the deep end several times now. ( A small sigh. ) I haven't minded it, considering whose company it was in—it's essentially what I'd expect of them.

( ... )

Fearne and Don Quixote, before you ask, Nosy.

[unrequite]

[ :( not very netzach-core of her... But he Understands. One must pursue one's true passions, after all. And more chances for fun mean more happiness. Delightful, honestly.

He grins, leans on the table and puts his chin on his hand. ]

Oh? I wouldn't have asked, but now I most certainly am. What adventures have you been on with them, hmm? Do tell.