badfeyth: (📚 and saying that's the way)
Ghost ([personal profile] badfeyth) wrote in [community profile] citylogs2023-12-02 12:30 am

[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

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 ([personal profile] badfeyth) and Kaveh ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] 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 ([personal profile] nomoresharks) and EMET-SELCH ([personal profile] recreator): Jazz piano bops along with some ragtime arrangements.
• EDDIE ([personal profile] 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.

astraphilia: (when i was 16 my senses fooled me)

fashion lair;

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-03 07:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ being as the so-called fashion lair is only two doors (so to speak) down from where Reno's been stationed on food duty, it's not a surprise that eventually his breaktime walkabouts take him past the flurry of fabric and accessories. he catches sight of Lestat and grins, changing direction so that instead of passing it by, he takes a couple of steps into what's clearly Lestat's domain entirely. ]

You've got a real nice setup, hey? [ he looks around, impressed. Reno himself isn't particularly fashion-forward—having spent most of his life in uniform, he doesn't know how to style anything else, and frankly he's considering it a minor miracle that he looks good how he's dressed. it's nothing fancy—black slacks and shirt, white vest, ruby-accented lapel pins connected by a delicate silver chain—but at least he wears it well. ] Having fun making the masses presentable?

[ who better for the job, really. Lestat is always beautiful, always fashionable. Reno can't think of anyone more suited. ]
perfectdevil: (lestat-58)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-03 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ By this point, Lestat is well into the process of keeping the various racks of clothes appropriately organised; he's taken off his suit jacket to leave him only in his shining silver pants and embroidered waistcoat, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows to make it easier to wrangle the large dresses on the rail he's sorting into some semblance of order. Somehow, though, he doesn't look even a little bit out of breath. Stupid unfair vampire blessings.

At the sound of Reno's voice he turns, and his expression becomes something almost playful. ]


Oh, I'm in my element, as I'm sure you can imagine.

[ He finishes wrestling with the dress in his arms, and slides his hands into his back pockets as he approaches. ]

You must forgive me for not coming to investigate your little food stand; it's been quite non-stop in here all evening... [ A little laugh. More a snicker. ] That, and… well, I don't think you stock anything that caters to my particular appetite.

[ Hee hee. ]
astraphilia: (and the place you need to reach)

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-03 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think I have to imagine. [ just looking at Lestat is enough to make it obvious, after all. Reno gives him a shameless, lingering once-over to appreciate the outfit. ] You look incredible.

[ of course Lestat knows that already, but if there's one thing Reno has picked up about him, it's that Lestat doesn't mind being told anyway—and Reno's not the type to hold back on compliments just for fear of giving an ego boost. he takes a step forward, ostensibly so he can lean back against something solid enough to hold his weight, and certainly not at all just to be in closer proximity to Lestat. ]

Is that so? [ he lifts an eyebrow. ] Not a single thing that caters to your appetites, hm?

[ because Reno can think of at least one thing at that stand that Lestat might like to eat... ]
perfectdevil: (lestat-67)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-04 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, I'm sure you say that to all the vampires, monsieur.

[ He can play modest, but the way he bristles at the compliment is impossible to ignore.

As Reno comes nearer and pays him such honeyed words, Lestat can't help but share in a similar indulgence to get a little closer. Just a step, keeping himself at arms length, but not for any reason other than the fact that it feels so good to tease. How he'd like to play with that chain between his lapel pins, watch it glitter in the spotlights illuminating the rows of dresses and shirts, and let both their minds wander back to when it had been Reno's hand twisting in the chains pinned to Lestat's belt instead. ]


But hmm… I admit I haven't looked at your menu, but I don't think you stock anything applicable to my diet. Even if it could, technically, be called street food.

[ Hilarious. He'll be here all week. As he comes closer, he brings an arm up, unable to resist leaning it against the wall right by the side of Reno's head while his tongue plays idly with the tip of a fang as if in thought. When he speaks, he dips his voice conspiratorially quiet. ]

... Unless you have some secret menu I don't know about?
astraphilia: (all you have is your fire)

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-04 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Only the vampires I like, monsieur.

[ of course Reno doesn't speak a word of French, but he does have a bit of an ear for the cadence of languages. he watches Lestat move with an appreciative eye, his own gaze roving briefly downward and then up again as Lestat presses in close and rests his arm against the wall.

the temptation, of course, is to reach out and touch—the same temptation that had made Reno twist his fingers in the chains of Lestat's belt, so many weeks ago—but the teasing is even more delicious, so Reno holds himself back. he can't do anything about the way his body thrills at Lestat's proximity, of course, but he manages to keep his hands to himself, thumbs hooked casually in the pockets of his slacks. ]


Maybe I do. [ he tilts his head just very slightly to the side. Reno's collar is unbuttoned enough to give Lestat a view of the column of his throat. ] But however will you know my secrets if you ain't gonna ask?
perfectdevil: (50 - michelletolo)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-06 08:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Lestat loves to see Reno's eyes study him like that, as if he's unable to resist getting a peek even though Lestat has been quite entirely on show up until now. He can practically taste the temptation in the air between them, can hear the shift of fine fabric against his limbs as he settles under Lestat's intense attention, not backing away nor squaring up, simply waiting to see what will happen. That wicked and irresponsible lust for danger again. Lestat didn't realize he was such a sucker for humans throwing themselves into his awaiting lion's jaws, having always thought the chase and the mystery was half the fun, but he can't really be that surprised; it has been quite a month for self discovery so far, after all.

And that opened collar, unbuttoned so sweet it's all but a written invitation. This little tease.

Lestat throws back his head to laugh at Reno's response, fangs flashing quite purposefully as he does. ]


Oh, I see - I'm to do all the work again, is it? [ It's fast becoming his favourite kind of jab to imply that Reno is some kind of pillow princess, despite how reasonably unjustified it is. It isn't exactly like Reno hadn't done as he'd asked and done it well the last time they'd careened together in this way, it's just that Lestat is a brat even when he demands to hold the reins.

That much is more than evident when Lestat raises a delicate hand to swiftly unfasten another button, revealing even more of the low V of skin between the folds of Reno's shirt, the way his skin flexes all the way up to his throat with each pump of his powerful heart. Then he uses that hand to cup Reno's chin, fingertips pressing intently into his warm flesh, angling his face up ever so slightly as if he's trying to get a better view of the way the flush of warmth spreads slowly down Reno's neck and chest. ]
Well, mon pétard, tell me then. What can you offer that might satisfy my insatiable appetite?

[ He lets his tongue loll out of his mouth, and for a moment it would be easy to assume he's about to lick a stripe of salty sweat off of Reno's neck, but he stays resolute. He exists purely in intention, in suggestion, and when he catches Reno's eyes, he presses his tongue between his own teeth and grins; a challenge. ]
astraphilia: (when i was 16 my senses fooled me)

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-07 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh, that firm hand against Reno's jaw is more than enough to have him exhaling a sharp breath, heat rolling through him like an incipient thunderstorm. he has to look up to meet Lestat's eyes, and the amusement and arousal in Reno's is no doubt obvious; he brings his own hand up to trace over the fine bones of Lestat's wrist, making no move to pull himself out of Lestat's grip.

Reno's not sure what needs to happen in order for Lestat to see his thoughts. does he need to be trying, or if Reno thinks loud enough will he see them anyway? at any rate, it's worth a shot. he envisions a series of images: the two of them kissing, needy and sharp; Reno moving almost languidly as he grinds their hips together; Lestat's fangs buried in his neck, the pleasure of biting and being bitten.

and just in case, he adds aloud, ]
Myself, of course. Tell me you didn't think I was delicious last time.

[ well, Lestat could say it but Reno would know he was lying. he reaches out to trace his fingertips along the strong line of Lestat's jaw, refusing to shy away in the least. ]
perfectdevil: (lestat-31)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-07 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Each point of pressure where Reno’s fingertips press against his chill flesh is like a flicker of flame, hot and alive and thrumming with that familiar starting creep of arousal he’s felt so many times in so many humans, and is thoroughly enjoying being the cause of it in this one. Reno looks so good when he wants something, after all.

Lestat doesn’t really need to try too hard to see Reno’s thoughts at this proximity, so Reno’s intention for him to see it alone is more than enough to have his sweet little visions worming their way into his mind. In fact, he closes his eyes for a moment to let the sensation fully overtake him, to let each imagined brush of contact zing along his nerves. The bite especially has him particularly rapt, so much so that he barely wants to open his eyes once it fades… but he does, to look once more at this strange human who doesn’t fear putting his hand in the bear trap.

When Reno’s finger runs along his jaw Lestat grins and playfully snaps his teeth at his retreating finger— and then a thought strikes him, and he quickly snatches Reno’s hand by his fingers, cold digits between warm ones, pulling the hand back so that the tendons stretch and bulge beneath taut skin, the blue and green of his veins so vibrant this close to the surface. ]


Oh, I couldn’t lie to you like that. [ He absolutely could, but not this romantic gentleman he’s making himself out to be. The display is somewhat ruined, however, by what Lestat does next when he opens his mouth and laps his tongue out again; only this time he submits to temptation and runs the flat of it in a slow - achingly slow- drag up against the prominent artery just below Reno’s thumb. He lets himself feel the strong pulse there for a moment, then two, before taking his thumb into his mouth too and giving it a hard suckle of pressure, skin pressed against his fangs with juuuust enough force for it to almost hurt, then letting it out. ] You were entirely to my taste.
astraphilia: (don't you ever tame your demons)

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-08 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Reno watches this process with rapt attention, arousal and fascination buzzing headily just beneath his skin. the flat of his tongue pressed to Reno's pulse, the pressure of suction around his thumb—Reno presses his thumb down into the soft muscle of Lestat's tongue and makes a little breathless sound that's almost, but not quite, a moan. when he draws his hand back his thumb drags enough to nearly catch on one of Lestat's fangs and that, too, sends a little jolt of lazy pleasure threading through Reno's nerves.

he's half-hard and a little flushed, but for once (and in a truly shocking display of self-restraint) Reno is content to leave this where it is. he needs his wits about him tonight, after all, and anyway he's seen Louis around the gala and doesn't want to give him another reason to turn down the offer that's still sitting on the table.

instead of giving in to his base desire to pull Lestat with him into one of the more storage rooms, Reno instead lets his hands drop and smooths an invisible wrinkle out of the fabric of Lestat's waistcoat, then leans in to kiss his cheek before pulling away entirely. ]


Behave, monsieur, [ he says, his voice low and his grin teasing. ]
perfectdevil: (lestat-27)

[personal profile] perfectdevil 2023-12-08 08:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Surprised doesn’t cover the feeling that overwhelms Lestat’s body when he both feels and sees Reno retract from him. The kiss to his cheek is the final straw, and then he actually tells him to behave, and Lestat can’t control himself.

Lestat snatches up the hand that had just smoothed his waistcoat so considerately, pulling it to the opposite side with preternatural speed so that Reno’s body twists in place, and Lestat can forcefully press him into the wall face-first. His fingers close tight on that wrist to keep him there, while his other makes quick work of winding the long trail of Reno’s hair around his hand – round and round until it’s wrapped around his fist like a weapon, and he uses the tight hold to keep Reno’s head tilted to one side, his neck bared, Lestat’s mouth hovering over the tender flesh there. ]


Behave. [ Lestat repeats like it’s a dirty word, his breath as cold as his body is, his thigh between Reno’s legs to make retaliation difficult (not that he thinks there will be any) and to feel Reno’s interest for himself. ] You forget who you’re speaking to.

[ And then Lestat’s mouth opens wide, wider, his fangs cutting the air, his mouth closing down. But not on Reno’s throat – oh no, he doesn’t deserve a reward, not yet at least. A fang sinks into the lobe of Reno’s ear, hard but precise in that way that causes pain only for as long as Lestat wants it to. He sucks the few droplets that blossom to the surface, grinding his hard body into Reno’s back for a moment that seems to spiral outwards… until suddenly, as if it never happened, he moves away.

When Reno turns, he’ll be standing there as casually as ever, wiping a little something from the corner of his mouth. He didn’t bother to heal Reno’s wound, so his eyes linger on it with a playful smile. ]


Alright. Don’t you have a food stall to be running?
astraphilia: (i learned the voices died with me)

[personal profile] astraphilia 2023-12-08 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Reno had expected that it would earn some kind of reaction, telling a man as proud and strong-willed as Lestat to behave—but he didn't expect this turn of events. Lestat has him pressed to the wall practically in the space between breaths, his wrist pinned by Lestat's grip and his cheekbone grinding against the hard surface; his other hand is free, but Reno's not stupid enough to try anything with it, least of all when Lestat's grip on his hair yanks his head to the side, exposing the curve of his neck and the delicate veins therein.

it's violent and punishing, and it hurts, the grind of bones in his wrist and what he's sure will be a bruise on his face in the morning. but it feels good, too—like a victory, to know that he broke Lestat's patience so thoroughly that he would treat Reno like this.

he flexes his wrist in Lestat's grip and hisses under his breath at the thigh pressed harshly between his legs. between the adrenaline and the yank to his hair Reno is noticeably hard, his pulse rabbit-quick in his throat, and he moans low at the jolt of pain in his ear, a hot bolt of sensation that travels down his neck before fizzling out somewhere near his shoulder. he feels Lestat push up against him, the cold, hard shape of his body pressed against Reno's back—

—and then he's gone, his weight vanishing like it was never even there. Reno stays where he is for a second, panting softly, and then slowly turns around to level a blank stare at Lestat. he touches his cheekbone first, right over his tattoo, and then his ear, where his fingers come away sticky and red with blood. ]


Fuck. [ after a second, the blankess shifts out of his expression, giving way to a sharp grin, his eyes too bright with the potent combination of arousal and adrenaline. it's an expression Lestat might recognize, from that first time they met on the front steps of his apartment. ] You know, it is about time I should get back.

[ and with a wink, Reno does just that, backing away from Lestat's fashion lair to make his way back toward his own station. ]