[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

[badfeyth]

WHO: Anyone attending the Sunlight at Midnight gala!
WHAT: KISS PEOPLE AND DANCE IDK
WHERE: The freshly-renovated Planetarium in District 4!
WHEN: Saturday, December 2
WARNINGS: None for the log itself; please warn responsibly in individual top-levels!

THE VENUE

Upon entry to the newly-renovated venue space that was once a planetarium, guests will quickly notice that the space has been transformed into a three-layered affair, ranging from the very well-lit upper level down to the more romantic ambiance of the dance floor and performance space, with a comfortable tier of seating and standing tables in the middle.


Not intended by Ghost (badfeyth) and Kaveh (fussiest), yet still mysteriously appearing at random places throughout the venue, are sprigs of magical kissing mistletoe!

The mistletoe will cause characters to at least pause underneath it, and will give them a mild compulsion to kiss whoever they're with, but the compulsion will not be unavoidable and characters can easily break free of the "hold" the mistletoe has on them. Even so, partygoers will quickly learn to be mindful of what's overhead — or not!

UPPER TIER

On the well-lit upper tier, guests will find plenty of generalized mingle room, including two patios with casual seating on either side of the space. Throughout the center are a variety of stations and attractions, as well as some helpful resources for the discerning partygoer.

For the fashionably un-forward, you may wish to visit (or find yourselves forcibly dragged into) Lestat's on-site fashion consulting lair, which boasts a small and curtained-off space where partygoers in need can receive last-minute fashion advice, do wardrobe finishing touches, and address any other aesthetic concerns under the discerning eye of LESTAT DE LIONCOURT (perfectdevil). This is also where a selection of basic cosmetics and beauty supplies can be found, in case of a need for an emergency touch-up, safety pin, or spot removal!

Continuing onward, guests will find four individual food stations, each with their own set of color-coded disposable dishware! Perhaps they'd like to take a sampling of:

• STATION #1 — TSURUNO (fanstheflames): Fried rice in the shape of Christmas trees, dumplings with carrot reindeer antlers and red pepper noses, and fortune cookies that tell you to go dance with somebody already!
• STATION #2 — ROLAND (gradenine): Hotpot with mild and spicy soup bases plus a variety of vegetables and meats, and KBBQ with chicken, pork, and beef cuts, plus sides!
• STATION #3 — RENO (astraphilia): Whipped goat cheese figs, brie and prosciutto stuffed dates, and sprouting cauliflower with brown butter and lemon — paired with a couple of simple cocktails (a negroni and a Bombay mule)!
• STATION #4 — WANDERER (featheradrift): Samosas, panipuri, Japanese-style sandwiches, and a lot of sweets and desserts like chocolate truffles, pâte de fruit, candied nuts, madeleines, and custards!

Champagne (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is also circulating around the venue under the watchful eye of KANEKI (anthropophagite), and a small selection of coffee is available at a nearby station as well!

Finally, at the far end of the upper concourse, one can find a partitioned-off space for photo opportunities featuring a black-and-gold backdrop, an arch aglow with fairy lights, and a few idle props like chairs and small movable tables that partygoers can use to coordinate their souvenir photos. PROMPTO (burstmodes) will be around to do formal event photography, but there'll also be a Polaroid available so that people can take their own photos and develop them instantly!

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

         

MIDDLE TIER

On the mid-tier halfway down the stairs that flank the venue on either side, partygoers will find a landing with an assortment of standing tables covered in black tablecloths and tied with gold bows, where guests can enjoy their refreshments, engage in conversation, and people-watch the goings-on taking place below them on the dance floor! To prevent any mischief or accidental spilling of food onto hapless dancers below, each landing is lined with a courtesy railing, and immediately below the railing is an arrangement of tasteful decor.

Between the two landings, guests can find the remnants of the planetarium seating — fold-down auditorium chairs with comfortable cushions arranged in gently circular rows, giving the people relaxing there a perfect view of the dance floor and the spectacle of lights taking place below it.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

LOWER TIER

The lowest level of the venue, at the very bottom of the stairs, is the most dimly-lit of the three levels and is mostly comprised of the dance floor. Along the back wall and parts of the sides runs a slightly-raised platform stage upon which are arranged a piano, an electric guitar, a stereo system, and a few microphones for the convenience of any vocalists in the house. The stage is wide enough for one or two people to walk around comfortably, but generally is fairly modest to leave the majority of the room for the dance floor.

It's on the dance floor that the real "sunlight at midnight" theme takes its shape, as this is where the bulk of Kaveh's artificial lighting technology has been put into play. Along with standard party enhancements like a few spotlights and an overhead disco ball, the perimeter is also dotted with round arrays of stained glass with light fixtures behind them, causing panels of colored light to cast onto the hardwood of the dance floor. These arrays can also be rotated like kaleidoscopes, allowing for the patterns of light to change throughout the course of the evening — adding an element of renewable interest in the continuing aesthetic.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

ENTERTAINMENT

Throughout the course of the evening, music will be provided by a rotating set list of performers, interspersed with prearranged playlists courtesy of the new media store. Entertainers will be informed of their set lengths, obligations, and timeslots well in advance of the venue by Ghost, and any necessary instruments or microphone hookups will be ready and available at the time of the performance.

Performers on deck include:

• HYTHLODAEUS (nomoresharks) and EMET-SELCH (recreator): Jazz piano bops along with some ragtime arrangements.
• EDDIE (thefreak): A mix of slow rock ballads and hard rock dance numbers, on electric guitar!

In addition to the live performances, the venue will also be treated to some traditional mid-2000s party favorites such as:

• BLORBOLICIOUS, by Gurgi (feat. Bill.i.was)
• HIPS SOMETIMES LIE, by The Kira
• SANDSQUALL, by DaNice
• MAYBE GONNA GIVE YOU UP, by Rickard Dastley
• MAMBO NO. 4 AND A HALF, by Stu Vega
• THE CHA-CHA HUSTLE, by DJ FriendlyGhost
• VIRUS, by Boo Boo Dolls

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.

    

LIVEBLOG

Looking to add some network spam to your gala experience? Check out our dedicated IC NETWORK POST!

credit.

Comments

[apshot]

[ Does that mean Izuku wins? Katsuki wants to immediate bark out "of course not." But you know what? He can use that to his advantage. Can use that to make it a little easier on himself for something that he really, really wants to do.

So that small smirk returns to his features. ]

If you don't then I'll give you a reward, yeah.

[cupperty]

We could come up with more acronyms! I have a notepad and everything!

[ They really do! One is suddenly in their hand, even though their outfit doesn't seem to have pockets, or anywhere to carry stationary supplies.

If possible, Muriel somehow lights up even more at the thought of someone liking their idea. That enthusiasm dims slightly at the mention of anything going wrong, though; they can't forget that it's still a possibility. ]

... I've heard that things can go pretty horribly around here. I've missed the worst of it, I think, but I'm very glad that no evil mannequins have shown up, and that the walls haven't grown teeth or something.

[astraphilia]

Huh. [ that same thoughtful noise again, and then Reno nods a little. ] Yeah, makes sense.

[ it makes enough sense in theory for him to accept it at face value, anyway. further research required to decide whether Reno agrees, but that's a long ways off, surely—probably being irrevocably fucked up in the head disqualifies you from a lot of the romance stuff, he would assume. ]

Well, glad you found your personal sunshine. [ he grins, winks playfully. ] Love in the big city! Who'da thought.

not exactly here

[keepgodwaiting]

[ THAT'S RIGHT BABY YOU FLAUNT THOSE SPARKLES

EVERYONE LOOK AT HER DATE'S ASS ]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight hums a negative, but stops in the middle of this flight of stairs. ]

... I came here with Miss Johanna. Oh... I should find her. Let her know that... But...

[ ... He suddenly sits on the stair he's on, hand still on the railing. The problem is that he was definitely planning on giving her the last dance, then walking her home, but not only would telling her he's leaving early fly in the face of that commitment, it would alert her to the idea that something bad could happen to Midnight, which absolutely cannot happen. Telling as much as he has to Netzach and Kaveh has already been an ordeal; he told Miss Gebura too much and he hasn't seen her in days. Untenable. But what does he do, then? What's the plan?

... There is no plan. Midnight continues to sit, head leaning on the stair divider, trying his best to feel less miserable. Oh, this is why he shouldn't get drunk alone... ]

[astraphilia]

Now where'd that come from... [ it's not the first time Reno's seen someone do something magical, but at least back home, magic is mostly elemental—ice and fire and thunder and all that. not so much the pulling of notebooks from unspecified pockets of the universe, although it is a very cool skill to have.

it's a lucky thing that they missed the worst of the things that have happened around this place. Reno missed some of it too, but what he caught was pretty brutal—not the kind of thing he'd wish on anyone else. ]

Whew, you and me both. If I never see a mannequin again it'll be too soon. [ he shudders, the gesture exaggerated to hide the very real shiver inside. ] If it got this late without anything goin' weird, that probably means we're safe, though.

—Oh, but keep an eye out for little green plants on the ceiling. [ Reno grins. ] If ya get stuck under one, ya might have to kiss somebody to get out.

ii-ish???, YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM FROM THE COOKIE GOLEM, THAT'S HIS BEST FRIEND

[fussiest]

[ midnight kisses kaveh. this is such an largely common occurrence that kaveh merely kisses back. and then, because he is kaveh, the red of his eyes narrow into a hunting look as he immediately looks up into the rafters. there, kaveh thinks, that's the fucker. the mistletoe hangs there gleaming in gossamer-spun light, reds and greens painted with the kind of precision found only in the high-quality glass and the carefully-laid foil that kaveh himself had picked out.

with startling practise, kaveh's hand reaches for midnight's shoulder. ]

Of course, they're everywhere. Give me a boost up, would you?

[ one can imagine the ominous music that plays in conjunction with the way kaveh is reaching for the pair of boltcutters he'd set down against the railing. it may be music in a minor key. ]

Re: not exactly here

[fussiest]

[ PLEASE THAT IS TOO MUCH ASS ]

[keepgodwaiting]

[ IF THE ASS IS TOO MUCH WE RECOMMEND YOU REDIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO THE TITS, WHICH ARE ALSO WORTH A LOOK ]

[unrequite]

[ kaveh why are you so mad she's telling the truth ]

[unrequite]

[ It's a fine-ass ass. Miss Johanna's arm candy must look perfect, just like her. ]

[justscribing]

[Midnight stops and sits and it's honestly a relief. Alhaitham stops beside him on the step.] It would be best for you to either sit down somewhere in the venue and sober up or have someone take you home. Do you want Miss Johanna?

[fussiest]

[ WHO IS GOING TO INVENT THE IRL CENSOR BAR ]

[fussiest]

[ if this is the truth please lie to him. as in, let the truth lie him down in his grave, so the truth can let him down one last time. ]

ii. ur not my real dad u can't tell me what to do

[unrequite]

[ Midnight slips his arms under Kaveh and forklifts him upward, gently pulling him away from his pastry pal. ]

Let's be off, my darling.

<3

[entwinedfate]

[ It's somewhat into the night; the later this goes on, the longer they stay and linger, the more Argalia feels the familiar wear on his energy and mood. But he hasn't danced with Fearne just yet, and he owes her that much. She's been a wonderful partner in many senses of the word.

So he offers a hand, head inclined slightly with the tease of a smile. ]

If I may have this next dance?

[ As if she'd say no. There's always the chance, the choice, but he doesn't think he's been too ill-behaved tonight. ]

[playing_human]

['N then that city fell, he says, casually describing millions of people getting pancaked due to poor urban planning.

Dorian immediately decides he likes this guy.

He tilts his head, his stance becoming more relaxed as he leans on the table with both hands.]

I wonder what made them build the city like that. It makes me think a little of a city I used to live in--Paris. It was built partially atop a great many quarries. Therefore, the city has networks of tunnels beneath it. Midgar must have a fascinating history, to be built the way it was.

[playing_human]

[He tries. He really does.

It's just, Louis looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.

Dorian curls in on himself with a shudder of his shoulders and a desperately suppressed smile.

Really, he didn't mean to laugh.]

Forgive me. I'm having an impossible time imagining you sinning.

[To his credit, there's no malice in it. There's even a sort of fondness, the sort he immediately had for Ethan when they first met.]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight simply nods, bends down and holds his hands out for Kaveh's foot, and hauls him up in one easy lift. Easiest deadlift of his life.

He looks up, curious. ]

What is that?

[ ... He also might be hovering somewhere in that comfortable alcoholic space where sobriety and inebriation are easily accessible. Jury's out on whether he'll remember this though. ]

[wordchain]

[ Yesod continues to regard Reno for some moments, contemplative. Whether these are genuine reasons — which would be surprising, admittedly — or there is something else behind Reno's decision, there must be a reason why he's choosing to make conversation by bringing up this particular subject, too. ]

No, there are no rules against dancing multiple times. Nor are there any to discourage inexperienced dancers or dissuade people from approaching individuals who may not necessarily be their date.

[ Pausing, Yesod glances back towards the dance floor and the patterns of light landing upon it. ]

I learned to dance only recently in preparation to do so with one person, but I've also enjoyed moments in the company of others who requested a dance. I must say, I'm surprised if no one has approached you.

oh its that time huh... new icons too... a treat

[fauned]

Mm?

( as if she could've possibly missed what he'd said when this has been one of her promised dances from the start. but it gives her a moments pause, peeking over to that familiar smile to cast him one of her own before she finally places her hand carefully over his. )

And here I thought you forgot.

( not that she thinks he actually did, but she would've reminded him eventually either way. the initiative is nice though. she's clearly been waiting to finally dance with the one she came here with, so, a tug. off to the appropriate floor. )

I think I'm owed several dances with some of the things you pulled tonight. But I'll settle with one for now.

[unrequite]

[ Midnight does not respond to this. Actually, he shakes his head, makes a strange, strangled noise, as though the idea exiting his mouth hit a glass window trying to escape, and then he does not respond. Which is a response, but not the one Midnight wanted to let out.

He wants to leave!! He'd also like to scoop out his brain, but a lobotomy is not in the cards at the moment. Alhaitham isn't that kind. ]

[fussiest]

[ yellow spicebush blossoms? kaveh thinks - he has never seen a spicebush before. but the word itself is evocative. it's a name of a plant that reminds one of something lightly scented with the sharp prickle of spice, of an autumn day amidst golden, falling leaves. it's romantic. kaveh looks. he hadn't expected the young man to say such a thing. he's not certain if the yellow would complement his complexion, is the thing.

... but that doesn't mean there isn't a way. kaveh's hands plunge back into the pile. ]

Certainly, I hope nobody's made a suit that shade. At least not out of any of this material, and certainly not out anything more reflective. Something too yellow would eclipse the sun itself if you were walking about, and that isn't conducive to anything. Ah - [ kaveh pulls out the suit jacket he had been searching for. dark, neat lines - and with a lining the colour of raw pyrite. kaveh holds it up to the young man with a smile. ] How about this, though? It's subtle, but the lining brings out a bit of the gold. You won't blind anyone, but it'll be as if you were wearing the yellow that you like.

[astraphilia]

[ whether it would make Dorian like him more or less to know that it was Reno who pancaked many of them is an interesting quandary for future Reno to consider. right now, though, he's got the full force of his attention turned on Dorian, head tilted a little. it's always interesting to hear about other worlds, the ones he'll likely never see. ]

Oh, Paris. [ even the name tastes exotic. ] Tunnels beneath a city sounds exciting. You ever go explorin' down there, see what people might've left behind?

[ no Reno haven't you ever seen As Above So Below

alas. he wrinkles his nose a little and shakes his head at the description of Midgar's history as interesting—although maybe it is, depending on your proximity to it. ]

Y'know, you'd think, but it really ain't all that. It was built to hold a fuckoff big mako reactor—source of energy for the whole city, that is. The city ain't even that old, I was born before it was. Just barely, but still. [ he winks. ]

[fauned]

( it's less fun if he knew, but more challenging if he did........ gee, the choices she must make. )

Hm.. I guess you did kinda win at tag. I'll give you that.

( being the one chased or being the one doing the chasing - it'd come to the same conclusion when it comes to a game hinged entirely on speed. not that she wouldn't want to try it again someday. it could be kind of fun. would it be a quick loss? sure! but she doesn't know that. )

You're counting this as part of the party then? Kind of missing drinks if you ask me.