Tsuruno "all fired up" Yui (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
fanstheflames) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
citylogs2023-10-20 08:45 am
fanstheflames) wrote in citylogs2023-10-20 08:45 am
[OPEN] Residential Halloween Party
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!
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....
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.
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.
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?
“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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
.. thank you.
[ Daniel's tone is warm, filled with nothing but genuine gratitude. It's not like Midnight had to do this, after all.
But he's doing it all the same. ]
It means a lot to me. I'm really worried about what these kids might be calling out over themselves by trying this. [ Which makes having more than one responsible adult around - because, yes, Midnight is filed away in that category in Daniel's mind, sue him - feel like a gift. A bit of relief, really. ]
no subject
You aren't alone in that, to be sure. Really, it's us adults who should be bearing the weight of all this...
[ ... Midnight snorts, more in shame than any sort of disdain for others. ]
They're quite brave. Whatever you've taught Robby, it seems he's taken to the lessons quite well.
no subject
No, the shake of his head is much more intended for what Midnight says after that. It doesn't seem to be a very negative headshake though, since Daniel still smiles a little as his head moves. ]
That isn't my influence. Robby has always been that way.
[ And it's not like Daniel is ever going to take away from the kids' spotlight. Especially not Robby's. ]
He's always had an amazing personality. All he needed was the right circumstances to allow it to show.
no subject
Credit where it's due, then. But if one is forced to admit that children already have all they need, then what need is there for a teacher.
[ Midnight nods, a very oddly solemn gesture for a full grown man wearing pink bunny ears. ]
Children rarely get far without someone to protect them, at least at the beginning. Without proper guidance, a child may never find the means to get where they'd like to be. Teachers do that. I'd be far from the sort of person to do the same myself. Too much ego. You've done well, even if it feels as though you haven't done anything.
no subject
[ Please, sage man with pink bunny ears, did you really think Daniel wouldn't take the conversation in this sort of direction?
Because-- of course he does. He's even smiling at Midnight as he's saying it. Daniel may not be so shameless with all things in life, but.. complimenting others? That's always a good idea, in his opinion. ]
For example, even if one might not necessarily be a good teacher, they could be great at making the people around them feel appreciated. [ Three guesses as to who he's talking about, Midnight! ]
no subject
Midnight grins. Oh, this is going to be fun. Midnight, despite the things in life he's avoiding, loves a compliment, especially about that which he knows to be true. ]
Of course. It's part of the job description, and I loved being good at it. I still miss it, really... I do wish people would accept my affections as they are, for what they are. Well... I don't particularly do it for validation, anyway. I simply like to let others know how much I like them. If not now, then when?
no subject
It's not something a whole lot of people do.
[ Well, some people might call the way Midnight uses his ability excessive..
But Daniel, who loves seeing the people around him happy, can't really feel like it's a bad thing. ]
Besides.. I think that some people attending this party might feel a little uncertain about their choice. [ If is being thrown in open defiance of the city, after all.. ] So you just being you to them might help put them at ease. You're providing a great service just being here and talking to people tonight.
no subject
Now this is a terrible pickle, isn't it? A conversation made of platitudes, no matter how true, no matter how deeply appreciated, does not a true conversation make. Or at the very least it's the sort of thing that makes one wonder if there are any other dry beds for this river to run.
Take this, for example.
[ Midnight finishes the drink with a pineapple slice and a cherry, then pushes it over for Daniel's perusal, already in the process of tidying his station with his other hand. ]
What do you think? The good doctor Daan fought me on a few of the ingredients, but I rather think the concoction goes down well.
[ It does, but at least partially because Daan fought Midnight and won on the most important particulars. ]
no subject
[ There's a bit of surprise to that question. Not a whole lot, it's just-- Daniel didn't imagine Daan to be the type of person who would care so much about something like this.
On the other hand, between Daniel's initial wounds upon first showing up here, and then learning something very painful about Daan, and then the entire possession incident..
Well, there hasn't exactly been a whole lot of time to discuss casual topics with Daan. ]
Are you hoping I'll side with you on this one?
[ He'll definitely taste it though! He just had to say that first before pulling the drink closer to sip from it. ]
no subject
[ Midnight loves him some feedback! Any opportunity for casual conversation is a good one, as far as he's concerned. ]
no subject
Still, not wanting to disappoint Midnight, Daniel does take an actual sip of the drink. There's a quiet moment, like he's evaluating it, but then he nods, a slightly impressed look on his face. ]
Although, so without bias-- this is pretty good. You've got talent for it. But I already assumed as much, after you volunteered to take care of the bar for this.
[ Or it could've been hubris, or bluffing, but Daniel doesn't think Midnight is one to lie about his abilities. ]
no subject
I worked hard enough to pass muster with regard to Daan's approval... But I do appreciate your saying so. It is nice, isn't it? The original drink is such a treat for the eyes and the palate, so I had no business trying to improve on its formula... Sidestepping into an equally pleasing alternate version was my only goal.
[ He does talk big, but he only talks big about everything he can actually back up. For the rest, he's equally as pleased to say he doesn't know things, or that he has a lot to work on. Midnight's surprisingly grounded for someone so deeply self-interested.
... Which is why he does continue to worry about Mr. LaRusso. He's so kind, but more and more, it's clear to Midnight that Mr. LaRusso tends to keep his weaker points even more closely to himself than Midnight himself does, and that's a feat. ]