[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

[fullgauntlet]

[The song is slowly fading down to the ending... And Izuku can feel his lungs starting to hurt. He has to remember how to breathe.

He blinks. Looks at Katsuki and tries not to look away...]

Kacchan?

[Here it is. How Izuku will die. In a good or bad way? To be continued...]

[apshot]

[ His heart is beating fast. Too fast. Feels his face heating up. But it's now or never. If he backs out now, then he might regret it. ]

Guess you didn't step on my feet.

[ He's trying to come off as smooth, but his mouth is pretty dry. Rough even when he speaks. But his mind is racing. Then it goes blank because -

He leans forward and gives Izuku the most chaste of kisses. A peck on the lips. ]

1/2

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku didn't step on any toes. He did everything right. Right?

... Katsuki is so close. Katsuki is...

Kissing him.

Izuku's breath hitches a tiny bit. He doesn't dare move an inch. Letting those lips touch his in such a sweet little peck.]

2/2

[fullgauntlet]

[His cheeks flood with heat and his heart skips. It's so ... sweet. Nervous and unsure and chaste and inexperienced.

He smiles shyly and tries not to lose his nerve.]

T-That is ... my prize, Kacchan. My... first kiss.

[He squeezes Katsuki's hand. Gosh, he feels so awkward but happy???]

[apshot]

[ See, Katsuki pulling back like he is... His knees feel a little weak. Fingers are twitchy and he wants to pop the joints out of nervous energy. His face is red. Ears are red. Neck is red.

But Izuku isn't running. The nerd isn't screeching or trying to push him away. Instead he's gripping Katsuki's hand and - ]

My prize... Woulda been the same.

[ Meaning he was going to kiss Izuku regardless of foot stepping or not. That ensures that Izuku doesn't misunderstand his intentions, right? ]

S'my first too.

[fullgauntlet]

R-really?

[Izuku mutters that quickly almost like he doesn't believe it for half a second. It's just a natural reaction when Katsuki gives him any sort of positive attention. Second guessing it for a split second before realizing that it's okay or real. It's a bad habit he has.

But this is real and it's happened and Katsuki is not blowing his face up or stomping away. He initiated the kiss and ... that means the world to Izuku.]

Kacchan.

[He swallows back a nerve or two. He hovers a little closer with a tiny smile on his face.]

Can I kiss you again?

[apshot]

Do I really look like the sorta guy that runs around just kissing people?

[ Izuku has to know that Katsuki has never been interested in romantic overtures. Has never accepted a love letter. Chocolate. Valentine. Nothing.

So him kissing Izuku, being the one to initiate it... That's a big deal.

Almost a big of one as what Izuku says next. ]

Pretty sure you'd have to kiss me yourself before you can do it again.

[ Implying he had kissed Izuku. Not the other way around. ]

[fullgauntlet]

Eh-? I mean-

[Izuku flusters quietly, his cheeks getting impossibly more red.]

I want... to kiss...again.

[Please don't test him like that he's already so surprised and flustered.]

Because if you want to kiss me... It means you like me. Ne?

[apshot]

You do, huh...

[ Don't be mistaken. Katsuki is still red, but the uncertainty that he had been feeling is quickly evaporating. And that means it is being quickly replaced by tenacity. Which means he is going to surge forward. This is the path he has set himself on so he will keep walking it.

"It means you like me." ]

You got it wrong. I don't like you.

[ Katsuki has to set it straight. Has to say it plain as day. Leave no room for Izuku to misinterpret. ]

What I feel is to strong for just "like," Izuku.

[fullgauntlet]

[Katsuki surges forward so quickly that Izuku almost loses his balance. But he clutches hard to Katsuki's shoulder with his one hand. And then his heart is racing even faster.]

T-Too strong...?

[He stares at Katsuki. He isn't sure if he should let his imagination run wild because... He's had these sorts of feelings deep inside of him for years. Desperately wanting to burst out. When he's pinned for Katsuki for nearly his whole life...!!]

Kacchan... What are you saying...

[He wasn't expecting this. At all.]

You more than just like me...? But I- ... I do too.

[apshot]

[ The song is over. They're now just standing there, holding onto one another. Two awkward teens, blushing furiously and trying to finally come to terms with how they feel about one another.

Katsuki isn't sure that Izuku will believe it. Honestly... He had expected a much different response. ]

I dragged you to that carnival thing. Asked you to go to this dance thing. Just kissed you and you're asking me what I'm saying? Do I really need to do it again?

[ Because Katsuki will! And he already knows how Izuku feels about him. ]

[fullgauntlet]

[Somehow this all seems really backwards. Not in a bad way. Just not how Izuku expected this to go in the thousands of times that he's daydreamed about it. He thought for sure how this would go would be Izuku confessing his feelings for Katsuki, for him to be deeply rejected for having them, and for them to go their separate ways- all at High School Graduation underneath the sakura tree leaves. Yeah, he has it that planned out.

But this? In a strange backwards city where Katsuki is implying his own feelings first and Izuku is struggling to catch up? He never would have pictured this scenario...

He swallows back a nervous noise.]

The one thing I said I couldn't tell you about. Months ago, Kacchan... That one thing was... that I... I'm in love with you.

[Which Katsuki is implying he is too...??????]

Erm- I'm in love with you. Too?

[apshot]

[ Hah? The thing that Izuku couldn't tell him? That thing that made Katsuki feel like he must be failing if Izuku had felt like that? Of course he had been put out, but he had accepted it. He couldn't figure out what Izuku couldn't tell him - what secret the other had which would lead Katsuki to hate him.

Now that Izuku is speaking about it? Katsuki can see why Izuku might have thought that. But there's also a part of him that's still blaming himself for not having earned enough of Izuku's trust to change that viewpoint.

Yet Izuku loves him. Is in love with him, Bakugou Katsuki. Hearing it makes the tightness in his chest ease. The blood stops pumping for a brief moment, freezing and then thawing. And it's like he can breathe again.

Enough to say: ]

Yeah, I know.

[fullgauntlet]

[It's a complicated feeling, to be sure. Izuku's feelings for Katsuki have always been a maze in his heart. He can't help how he feels, including how he's terrified of not having Katsuki in his life. It leaves him spinning in circles constantly, overreacting in the worst moments and just plain assuming the worst.

But the way that Katsuki says those three words so simply? Katsuki's voice is quiet and accepting. The way he can see the tension ease out of Katsuki's shoulders, too... It makes Izuku's heart skip.

He looks down as he feels a wash of embarrassment. He must be so obvious all the time. Maybe it was silly for him to keep it to himself for so long.]

I'm... I'm sorry. [He mutters quietly and awkwardly.] I thought that you could never f-feel that way... about me too.

[He was scared and trying to accept that. But now? Izuku looks up again and comes in closer to gently and shyly kiss Katsuki again.]

I'm glad I'm wrong.

[apshot]

I mean... It's not like I've given you any reason to think any differently either. Given our past and shit. Though it's still funny to hear you say that because it's not like I could ever really permanently get rid of you. You never let that happen.

[ Despite everything too. No matter how badly Katsuki treated him. Izuku always had been there. Always had rushed forward to help him. To be that person to force Katsuki to look their way. So what could the blonde really do? ]

S'like. You never really left my mind, you know.

[ This time Izuku is the one to initiate the kiss. It's still something gentle. Shy. Sweet. But Katsuki has more confidence now. So that means he isn't going to let it go. It means that he is pressing lips back against Izuku's. Something just a little more assertive, but still so careful. ]

[fullgauntlet]

[Oh. Having Katsuki meet him there and return the kiss with that same warm confidence that Izuku loves about Katsuki so much has Izuku's heart bouncing around in his chest again. He almost yelps, a small weird laugh/sigh when it happens. And he gently continues with the same shyness that he was doing before. But he does tighten his arms around Katsuki a bit. And his eyes start to water with some tears of relief.

This has to be the most unexpected thing he could ever get for Christmas.

He mutters something quietly and opens his eyes, trying to blink the tears away. He has to slide his hands down to Katsuki's shoulders so he can put just a small piece of distance between them because WOW he is overwhelmed and happy in the way that he feels a little nauseated. Katsuki is too...good. Amazing.]

Erm. I guess if there's one thing that I am it's... persistent? This time it must have worked somehow.

[All of his annoying obsession with Katsuki worked??]

I had no idea you knew what I was thinking. Or that you were thinking about me too. Maybe I'm the one who's behind.

[apshot]

[ Katsuki... Had expected the tears. Izuku cries when he's happy. When he's surprised and overwhelmed. So of course something like this is going to make the metaphorical dam burst. That's why his fingers are already there, brushing away those tears. They are in fancy suits and the like. No need to get snot and tears all of them. ]

Maybe there's a little bit of truth to that. But I think I felt this way for a long time. Just didn't realize it because I was too fucking stupid. Not in-tune with myself or whatever. But I started to figure it out this last year and the last couple of months.

[ He's okay with talking about all of this now. They're still on the dance floor, but that's fine. He can do this here. With Izuku. ]

You're not behind, shitnerd. I wasn't one hundred percent sure until you walked me through your ideal date.

[fullgauntlet]

[This absolutely is a lot to process in one conversation. Izuku looks at Katsuki with wide eyes and he feels his heart banging around his chest. It's a little overwhelming to hear all of that explained to him so he reacts in the best way he can to deal with the flood of positive emotions. He quickly flusters and pushes at Katsuki's hand.]

I- I didn't know that Kacchan could be so... honest ... with me.

[Is this a dream come true? Is he dead? Is he in heaven? This is kind of super romantic...]

I think I started to realize you might feel the same way when you started doing different things I didn't think you would before. I was happy when we were at the carnival together. But I couldn't be sure. I was scared to say anything... Because if I was wrong about it...

[apshot]

What're you talking about? I've been nothing but fucking honest with you for a while.

[ Like... For a while. Maybe not the best kind of way with words, though. But Katsuki is thinking that a lot of his actions have spoken for themselves. Going out of his way to help train Izuku. Constantly reminding him and All Might about their secrecy. Joining them in their meetings from time to time to figure shit out. Shoving Izuku out of harm's way.

Chasing him down. Forcing him to come back. There's been so many things that Katsuki can't even really think of them all. But it all adds up to the fact that Katsuki cares a lot more than what he says. That he pays attention more than anyone else. He understands Izuku more than anyone else...

And there's no one that occupies his thoughts like izuku does. ]

If you were wrong about it then you thought I'd fly off of the handle and ruin whatever friendship we had started to build. I get it.

[fullgauntlet]

[In turn, Izuku takes the hand he pushes and he holds it with a squeeze.]

What I mean is- I didn't think you would be honest with me about these kinds of feelings. R-Romantic...

[He feels a little silly clarifying that. But he thinks back on all the times that Katsuki has cared about him in his own Katsuki ways and it really does show. All those times they chased each other. Reached for each other. Needed each other.]

I couldn't risk the chance of losing you in whatever way I could... have you. [He flustered MORE.] You saying these things first, helps.

[apshot]

[ Yeah... Okay. Izuku has a point. Katsuki isn't the smoothest person. Talking about his feelings isn't easy. They usually come out in an explosive fit. Just like the rest of him. ]

Tch. After apologizing to you in front of everyone and even in the rain... You think I'm really worried about things like that anymore?

[ Speaking freely, that is. But it is true it took him a while to figure out what he had wanted to say. Took him a bit longer to work up the nerve just because of the nature of this confession.

But man. Izuku's over here talking possessively. Like Katsuki is something he can have. Which, to be fair, this isn't the first time that he's heard Izuku be like that. ]

Izuku.

[ The most important thing hasn't been said yet. Hasn't been voiced: What now? ]

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku shyly tucks his head down again.]

No, it's true. You've grown a lot, Kacchan.

[He's surprised about all of this but maybe he shouldn't be. He's very proud of Katsuki.

And... He can't help it. He's wanted Katsuki for so long. Maybe something about this city has put something darker inside of Izuku. But still. He won't take back how possessive he feels about Katsuki. And now that he has Katsuki... He doesn't want to let go. Ever. He won't.]

Erm... I guess... We should enjoy the rest of our night, ne?

[What now?]

[apshot]

[ That's right! No one should be surprised by this any longer. Katsuki being more open and freer with his emotions.

Finally, he is starting to pull Izuku off to the side. Out of the way of the dance floor.

But there's one question: ]

Only the rest of the night?

[fullgauntlet]

W-what do you mean, Kacchan?

[Izuku is going to follow him, though!]

... More than just tonight?

[apshot]

You’re really gonna make me…

[ Well now he’s blushing again. Looking off to the side. Huffing because this nerd! ]

I’m asking if it’s only tonight or if you’re gonna date me!