[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

[limbical]

Of course.

Turns out I like holding you. So, it's a great arrangement between us, I like to think.

[He can bear to wait, he thinks. Especially for Vergilius' sake.]

But if you can think of anything else, I doubt I would say no to you. So tell me if it comes to mind.

[immortalpoet]

Mm. We're making it work.

[It seems like a light joke of a statement, but he means it. Them, coming with broken hearts and broken minds, somehow scrabbling this relationship together. He's grateful for it, but it surprises him, day in and day out.]

[A low exhale whistles out his lips.]

I suppose. [A pause.] You know, I haven't...wanted much, before.

[limbical]

We are.

[And he does agree with that. Somehow, in their fucked up situations respectively, they are finding a way to make this work with them. Even if the future will be bittersweet, he's trying to focus on all the things they can do before then.

A brow is raised at that last statement.]

That so? Though... I guess you've just been plugging away at your job as a Fixer. Something like that?

[immortalpoet]

...Yes. I had the children, and my Office, but...anything for myself seemed like a dream.

[He takes a hand up to thread through his own bangs, self-conscious.]

I mean, I had wants, but nothing I would say out loud. And nothing I even understood myself. I think I just punished myself further by not looking into them.

[limbical]

[The urge again. To reach out, to comfort in some way, but his hands curl into fists, tightening, restraining himself. It sucks.]

...That doesn't surprise me, knowing you.

You have all that guilt on your shoulders. That weight you've been bearing for years, and probably more to come. I don't expect it to slip off of you in an instant.

I won't tell you what you want, or what I think you should want. But I'll do my best to do right by you, Vergilius.

[immortalpoet]

...And I to you.

[It's so kind.]

[Daan is so kind to him. It's a gentleness that feels as piercing as a finally found key into a lock once deemed impossible to open. His bleeding heart, and Daan cradles it with hands that seem so smooth compared with all the cruelty he witnessed before. Daan, the doctor, always making things right.]

[The feeling comes over him with an overwhelming wave, now impossible to resist. He used to be so good at keeping it at bay. Now, his cup spilleth over.]

[He shifts to stand, lips trembling.]

Can we... [He starts, stops, his voice a hoarse whisper.] I'm going to the bathroom, I...

[And another pause, bending down to lower his voice more, the tips of his ears a vivid red against dark grey.]

I mean. Not like before. But I need to kiss you now. Okay.

[And he's turning and beelining to the nearest bathroom, pace quickened with clear desperation.]

[limbical]

[Maybe cute isn't quite the word, but it is certain endearing to watch how Vergilius reacts. The tips of his ears bright red, the way he whispers, his lips, and how he desperately pleads for a kiss.

Understandable. Daan is utterly charmed, and who is he to deny him?

So he follows, keeping his pace more casual, slipping through the crowd with little issue, like he belongs there. That, too, is well practiced.

Daan tries to not keep him waiting for much longer. It would be fun to tease him, but he understands the raw emotion following this. So he doesn't, and keeps himself honest as he goes into the bathroom after him.]

[immortalpoet]

[The few minutes he's waiting feel like hours, burning in his own skin. And then Daan arrives, and its like the sight of an oasis in the middle of a soaring desert.]

[A look to make sure no one is here or is coming, and he steps forward, hands moving to gently hold him by his face. He can only spare himself a second before he dives over into his own desire, and he's closing the distance. He could make this a quick and chaste affair, but he can't - his kiss is filled to the brim with everything. Yearning, gratitude, happiness, love - as if he only has this one kiss to last him a lifetime.]

[limbical]

[Though he'd been expecting some variation of this, he's still swiftly drowning in the affection bestowed upon him. The way hands carefully cradle his face, and the force behind the kiss. It speaks to how much he's fought with his entire being trying to resist being at Vergilius' side, and now the dam is gone for them both.

So his fingers clutch at the lapels of his jacket, and he tips his head to press back fiercely. Teeth lightly test at the other's lips, but not enough pressure to actually do anything other than a bit of roughness. He shudders against Vergilius, trying to convey everything he's held back tonight until now. How much he loves, adores, and has wanted him all evening.]

[immortalpoet]

[It's intoxicating. If Daan is a poison, he'd get sick on him again and again, too addicted to think about the consequences.]

[He can feel the desire through Daan's insistent kiss in return - he gasps against his lips, grip a little tighter as he continues his onslaught with a little added pleased groan. He can't help it. He can't simply have a little bit of this man. He needs a lot. He wants a lot. He despairs that he wants so much.]

[But Daan deserves everything, doesn't he?]

[limbical]

[Daan can never have enough of him. Of this.

It doesn't matter how many times they've come together, even with just kissing and sweet touches. It's never enough, and he's always wanting more. More of Vergilius' gasps and groans against his mouth, his little smiles, and his warmth. If he's addicted, then he wouldn't look for a way to cut himself off.

Gently, he rubs his tongue against Vergilius' lower lip. Not seeking anything else, just wanting to give him every indication of what's burning in his heart.]

[immortalpoet]

[Daan's tongue rests against his lip - he touches it gently with his own in reply. The kiss feels like a horse he is doing his very best to keep the reins yanked back. He needs to stay under control.]

[It is so easy to lose control, because the intensity of it with Daan is enough to immolate them.]

[He pulls back only a smidge, voice rough as he whispers.]

I wish we were back in the apartment already. I miss you.

[limbical]

[A soft, adoring smile forms on his face, and he steals another kiss, just a quick one. Because he truly does not ever get enough of it.]

I know.

[A hand settles to Vergilius' hip, but not looking to instigate anything further. Just touching, as he has been starving for it.]

30 more minutes? Just so I can make my rounds. Then we can go back.

Okay?

[immortalpoet]

[A long pause....and then a relenting nod. Daan is really the only person to get to see this side of him, a longing being who simply wants to love and be loved, regardless of the circumstances.[

[His thumb makes a circle on his cheek, unwilling to completely step back just yet.]

Okay. [He allows the mildest tilt of his mouth to the side in a smile.] I want this to be a night to remember.

[limbical]

It will be, as long as you're with me.

[He finds himself instinctually leaning into the hand on his cheek, chasing after the way the thumb traces over his skin.]

I'll try to not keep you waiting long.

[immortalpoet]

Alright.

[He bends down to kiss his forehead, gently.]

Be free. Mingle away. Come back to me.

[limbical]

[It's such a sweet kiss, and it makes his heart flutter. Daan leans in for a half-embrace, murmuring:]

Always.

I'll come find you when I'm done, promise.

[It is a strange feeling to even consider, that he does have people to see, even briefly. People he wants to see. Something he's never had to be particularly concerned about before back at the baron's various parties.

Reluctantly, he slips away, to make his rounds. As swiftly as he can.

There's a dance waiting for him back at the apartment after all.]