happy new year! (party edition)

[unrequite]

WHO: Anyone who saw Midnight's network post about Seventh Hell's grand opening!
WHAT: Happy New Year! We survived! (At what cost!?)
WHERE: Seventh Hell
WHEN: New Year's Eve, starting at 6 pm.
WARNINGS: Alcohol! Maybe more, please mind individual thread warnings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SEVENTH HELL WELCOMES YOU!

It's been a rough half a year. Kidnappings, atmospheric horror, murder (technically), aesthetics, disappearances, reappearances, and the creeping sensation that you aren't alone...

Hey, at least there's drinks.

When you descend the stairs to the underground club, there's music playing, the lights are low, but boy, are there a lot of them. The bartender welcomes you in. Order something, make yourself comfortable! The booths along the mirrored walls, lined with chandeliers and discoballs, are decorated with a sprinkle of shining confetti and host a variety of simple party snacks. (In fact, if your character arrived with some food to share, a bartender will guide you to the tables to help you set it up. They'll get you a drink for your trouble. How thoughtful of them!)

Grab a snack and a drink! It's no planetarium, but there's a variety of party activities to engage in. (Or make up your own! Seriously, this is a pretty casual affair.)

Every guest will receive one ticket for a raffle. There will be three winners, and each winner can choose one out of 3 prizes:

1) One date with one participating host club staff member. (If your character is a current host club staff member who would volunteer for a blind date, please PM me so I can add their name to the list.) Current list of participants: Midnight, Don Quixote, Astarion, Armand
2) One specialty drink named in the winner's honor.
3) One 12 in x 12 in square on one of the mirrors of the Host Club to leave a permanent mark! The winner will be invited back at any time to take paint markers, paint, permanent markers, etc, to leave a short message, work of art, or anything that can fit in a square foot of mirror space in a discreet, aesthetically pleasing area of the host club. (Kaveh chooses where.)

Winners may choose prizes previously chosen by other winners. Winners may forfeit for others to have a chance at a prize, but may not give away their prize to someone else specifically. In the case that one chooses the third prize but lacks the requisite skill or confidence to create a permanent fixture, one can outsource the space to a willing artist or writer within reason.

!

OOC: RAFFLE DETAILS

I will be rolling the results of this raffle on January 2nd, before the start of Alba's player plot! Don't worry about keeping up with the results, I'll PM winners individually. The only requirement for entry is to participate in one thread on this post! If your character would forfeit their prize, please let me know via PM so I can remove their name from the pool! EDIT: All prizes have been claimed! Congratulations to Hob, Yi Sang, and Altria! 🎉

MAIN SEATING (PARTY GAMES)

The back booths of the establishment, along with the standard decorations, have been supplied with small cards. The rules of two different party games are written on each:

NEVER HAVE I EVER

A getting to know you game! For groups of 5 or fewer players, begin with 5 points. For any more than that, it is suggested to start with 10. The goal of the game is to be the last person with points remaining.
1) Everyone in the game starts with five points each. Keep track of your points with your fingers!
2) The first player describes a short scenario that they have never experienced.
3) The other players must put a finger down if they have experienced said scenario. If they, too, have never experienced the scenario, their points remain unaffected.
4) Move onto the next player and repeat steps 2 through 4. The last person with points remaining wins!
5) BONUS: Drinks may be substituted for points. Simply take a drink when you have experienced the scenario! (Please drink responsibly!)

KING'S GAME

This game requires straws, chopsticks or a deck of cards. Please ask a bartender for supplies!
1) For the amount of players in the game, arrange the same amount of straws or chopsticks. For the card version, please use one suit.
2) Assign one chopstick/straw as the "king". For the card version, use one King of your chosen suit. The rest of the cards, chopsticks, or straws should be numbered from 2 to 10 (or however players choose to play.)
3) All players choose a game marker at random. Do not show the other players your number.
4) The King must first reveal themselves. For that round, they must issue a dare to up to two numbered participants. (e.g. Numbers 2 and 5 must end their sentences with "meow" for the next two rounds. The King can choose themselves as one of the participants.)
5) Shuffle the game markers, choose a new King, and repeat!
6) For a challenge, add points for completed dares and drawing the King! The first player to 10 points wins the game. For this mode, it is suggested to add a punishment of a drink for anyone who refuses their dares.

(Please drink responsibly! For the sake of tonight's festivities, we ask that all time based dares end before midnight.)

!

OOC: THREAD SUGGESTIONS

For the purpose of these prompts, feel free to handwave other participants, or to use these prompts as jumping off points for any specific threads you want! For example, one might like to use the King's Game to get into a scenario where one's character has to hold hands with another character for a few minutes for a dare. Please be creative!

THE STAGE (PERFORMANCES)

Eddie Munson (thefreak) will be headlining, with Midnight as backup whenever he can wiggle free from his bartending duties. In between sets, anyone is free to pick up an instrument and a microphone and try their hand at ringing in the new year with a bit of song.

THE BACK ROOMS (NO, NOT LIKE THAT)

There are currently three rooms available for formal guest activities! The rest of the rooms are locked and will require permission for entry. (They're all empty!)

THE GREENHOUSE (featured host: Fearne)

You were... You were underground just a second ago, right? Pull up a seat, settle in, and enjoy being surrounded by plants, a mildly hydrated atmosphere, and light, friendly conversation between fellow guests. There are no activities here, but it does seem like people are free to start up their own round of party games in this somewhat quieter environment... It would be a nice place for a game where one might want to be heard over all that music. (Suggested games: Word Association, 2 Truths and a Lie, 20 Questions.)

THE COFFEE SHOP (featured host: Chesed)

For anyone who needs caffeination to start their new year right. Featuring nondescript coffee shop music, a mildly chill vibe, and comfortable seating, come grab an espresso and pretend you have some important project to deliver by some very specific deadline next year. For this occasion, board games and cards are available for those who want a little more involved with their gaming experience for the new year. (Suggested games: Poker, Uno, Jenga.)

THE PET STATION

Congrats, you printed yourself a dog! Or a cat! Or something! For the purposes of showing off one's pet and getting them some proper socialization, for one night only, there is a pet area monitored closely by one of the club's staff members where one can drop off their furry friend. Get that pet socialized! Get yourself socialized! Please, make a friend before the year ends. It's good for you.

code

[ ooc: If any part of this post is in error, PLEASE do let me know! I made this in like two days in between work and I barely know left from right. Also, host club members especially are encouraged to PM me with any details or updates about this event they'd like for me to add. Thank you, and please enjoy your IRL new year! ]

Comments

QUESTIONS

[unrequite]

midnight | arknights

[unrequite]

[ The host, friends and neighbors! He is wearing a more subdued, formal outfit than the glitzy thing he wore at prom... As long as you don't look at him from behind. Please, his back may be painted in fanciful designs courtesy of Kaveh, and his outfit's back may be cut low to show it off, but listen... He made an attempt. ]

a. the bar

And there's your drink, my love. Do have yourself a happy new year.

[ He pushes the drink to his guest, gives them a smile, and watches them leave fondly before returning his attention to the conversation he's having with this lonely heart at the counter. Well, not particularly lonely... Midnight's there! And he's topping off their drink now. As a good host does. ]

Sorry, darling, didn't expect to get caught up in that much to do. We were talking about... the museum, yes?

b. the coffee shop

[ As a good host does, Midnight has been pretty much everywhere for the past 6 hours when he hasn't been behind the bar, serving drinks and chatting with his guests. Which is probably why it's a bit strange to find him here, in this nook of the coffee shop, tucked on a couch (nearly folded, with the size of him)... sleeping. It's... It's pretty close to the new year, and as the host, he should probably make a speech or something a few minutes before the countdown. And someone should wake him up for that. Yes. Probably. ]

c. wildcard

[ not a lot of prompts this time, but i promise midnight will be socially butterflying his way around other top levels 👍 if you need a new top level, please reach out! i will be as slow as everyone else is for the holidays, but i'll do my best to plan aggressively for the new year. ]

wildcard (:

[abstractart]

[they had a date, right? so of course netzach is here near the beginning of the party. he might have managed to be early, were it not for getting ready.

kaveh's outdone himself with this outfit. c already described the furisode he's been dressed in beautifully right here; his hair is done up in a matching style, the pink and purple wisteria-laden hairstick accenting it, and a bit of wisteria perfume has been dabbed on him, with a little hint of vanilla to the scent (also kaveh's work, mixed from netzach's description.)

it's never hard to figure out where midnight is in any given room, whether it's crowded yet or not. netzach makes his way to him first, reaches for one of his hands.]

Busy yet?

[of course he is, he's hosting.]

coffee shop

[icanfixer]

[ mind her not. boss looks comfy, and boss needs to wake up too, but don is staring down at him for a moment before flopping on top to lay on him. ]

Dearest Midnight, thy hour is nigh! But I shall allow thee a necessary recharge.

[ it's fine, now. they've gotten to know each other. she likes to be close, and physically affectionate. let's cuddle a bit. ]

a

[wordchain]

[ True to his word, Yesod is here, and he is doing his utmost to act like he doesn't feel somewhat out of place in this type of setting even now. He has a few objectives before him, after all, and he remains conscious of Midnight finding him difficult to read. At least that might mean that no strange thoughts such as Midnight unwrapping Netzach — here for Midnight, to experience Midnight's world with Midnight, which is only fair — like a present sooner or later will become noticeable (but Netzach does look beautiful, in a way reminiscent of the stained glass lights at the gala — or rather, of Netzach himself observing the display)... Nor any contemplating the theme of the items that Kaveh has gifted to all three of them, including the tie pin fastening Yesod's necktie in place.

Shaking his head, Yesod glances up from his glass, at Midnight. ]

Again, I expected that you would be busy. Besides, discussing the museum seems off-topic. Unless there was something in particular there that has been on your mind?

wildcard, leading up to b.

[fussiest]

[ an hour before the end of the night proper, kaveh doesn't so much corner midnight at the bar as he remakes the bar into a corner. once kaveh lifts the little bar counter door and shuts it behind him with a click of finality, there really wasn't anywhere for midnight to run to. kaveh reaches around midnight for the bottle he is holding. he places it on the counter, then clicks his tongue for midnight to lower his head.

kaveh pats midnight's cheeks, once, twice, the way you would a sleepy dog. he says: ]

Look at me. What is the colour of the sky of the third painting on the wall from the left, the one just under the terrible stock picture of birds in flight that you refused to let me replace?

a.

[excaliburden]

[The fact of the matter is that Altria came because she was curious. She wasn't familiar with Host Clubs sans having seen them before in ritzy areas of Salisbury, unable to go in due to her social status.

But here someone's running a Host Club, and surely they won't mind if she shows up to check it out...!

.. ... .... It is immediately overwhelming the moment she steps in, which is why the moment she finds herself at the bar, a safe oasis in the middle of the glam, she plonks herself there and stays there, trying to catch her breath. She orders something non-alcoholic and simple, and then people watches with wide eyes.

It's a relief when Midnight gets distracted--but he comes back, and she jumps in her chair.]

Oh--! Um! We were! We don't have to though! We can talk about anything. Or nothing. Or--or whatever you want!

[She's Trying.]

the coffee shop.

[lupusintus]

[ Ethan does spy his newfound boss lounging on the couch but, rather than wake him immediately, he drapes the coat he's been toting around all night over him and crouches down in front of the couch. First, he trapezes through the gala while clearly intoxicated and now he's sleeping like a baby during his own event. Looking after this man is equal parts endearing and exasperating, he finds.

Deciding it's now or never, he reaches out with a gloved hand and rests it against Midnight's shoulder, giving it a gentle shake. His voice is a quiet murmur at best, not wanting to jar him too much when he's clearly in need of the rest. ]

Midnight. It's almost time.

for @worldexecute

[unrequite]

[ Kaveh has warned him that the sealant for the paint on his back would only dry perfectly waterproof if he doesn't touch it for the next handful of hours before bustling off to take care of something else of vital importance. So here Midnight is, in the entranceway of his club, letting cold air in through the front door so he doesn't sweat, carrying bits of doggy daycare play furniture inside in preparation for a very last minute pet station in one of the back rooms. He is, of course, shirtless, and his back is painted in lovely, vibrant colors and patterns, a wash of designs only Kaveh could have wrought with his all too finicky fingers. It's gorgeous, of course! But Midnight does have his damn shirt off. He doesn't even have the grace to feel all that chilly.

Sorry, Miss Angela. It's, uh, an eyeful! But this really does need to get done now, before the guests arrive. ]

wildcard

[numerouno]

[There's no fanfare when Scaramouche walks into the club, but there's an unmistakable spring in his step like he knows (believes, wrongly or rightly) that he's a VIP. Midnight has been feeding him bite-sized tidbits about this project for months now. Of course Scaramouche is swinging by for the occasion! He wouldn't miss opening night!

His steps only falter for a second when he stops to take everything in, appraising his surroundings with awe.

He lowers himself into one of the many booths, making sure to pick out a spot that gives him a clear view across to the bar, but not before viewing his own reflection in the mirrored wall. His optics seem to glow brighter in this low lighting. Perched by the end of the plush seat, one long leg folded over the other, he watches Midnight flit around the bar, mixing and serving drinks, and waits to catch his eye.

And waits.

And waits.

He's nothing if not persistent. When Midnight's gaze eventually finds his, Scaramouche lifts a hand and flutters his fingers in a playful wave. A metallic white grin splits across his face.]

FIVE MINUTES BEFORE NEW YEAR'S DAY (this is the kiss prompt)

[unrequite]

[ At 5 minutes before 12 am, Midnight stands on the stage, microphone in hand, clapping for Eddie as he plays his last song of the year. ]

Well done, love. Everyone, please give a warm round of applause to Eddie Munson, our musician for the evening. And another to yourselves, if you came up here at any point to relieve him of his duties. Heaven knows we all appreciate it.

[ Midnight doesn't seem to have any note cards on him. Just a microphone in one hand and a drink in the other. No matter how drunk he's been for the past evening, he seems quite sober now. ]

[ click me for the speech! ]

Fellow citizens of the City. My companions in an unwilling form of happy incarceration. Midnight stands before you. Currently in front of your eyes, and, ah, approximately four minutes from now.

Whether you arrived half a year ago or last month, I bid you welcome. Not only to Seventh Hell, not only to my own friendship, but to the empty streets and structures of this metroplex. In many ways, this place encapsulates a strange, unhappy emptiness in the same breath of its own welcome. An insincerity that rivals my own.

I don't imagine myself to be the sort of person to individually make everyone around me feel at home. Rather, I extend what I can to whom I can, as best as I can, in hopes that others do the same. In this place, forboding and uncharitable as it often can be, I've found that many of us are cut from the same cloth. It's been... reassuring to know that in this sentiment, I'm not alone.

[ He pauses, then smiles, lifts his drink. ]

So, here's to us and unity. Not the sort of unity that leaves us complacent with our circumstances, but the sort of unity that pushes us forward toward greater things. Brighter things. Toward a future glorious and indefatigable.

To us, the citizens. To us, only. To us, all. Thank you.

[ He grins, drinks, then takes his phone from his pocket and checks the time. ]

Now, I believe midnight is in, ah, a minute, everyone, do grab someone to kiss, I highly suggest the joys of a good kiss to celebrate a new year...

[ ooc: please use this top level to keep all new years smooches in the same place! please also feel free to put your damn kisses in your own top levels, whatever floats your boat 👍 ]

DON QUIXOTE | LIMBUS COMPANY

[icanfixer]

[ of course she's here, she's a host!!! and while she will never put something elegant on for her job here, don's at least looking nice in something a little more comfortable if cute for the celebration, star pins helping to keep her hair out of her face. she's ready to PAR-TAY okay. always ready to PAR-TAY. ]

a. IN WHICH DON QUIXOTE IS KEEN TO BECOME A FRIEND TO ALL PETS

[ in that she is on shift for taking care of the pet station, fearne's adorable little ferret being held like the wriggling noodle it wants to be in her hand. bring your own, don'll coo no matter what it is small or very small.

oh, but does she not have one of her own? of course. at home. but it isn't easy to socialize her little guy when it simply wants to eat others. ]

Hail and well met, esteemed guest~! Will thee not join me a moment to enjoy the presence of such delightful little fellows? I am to ensure their safety and care for the moment, and thus I should like to be introduced and to introduce as I may.

[ please she wants to be covered in critters it's like a dream come true ]

In return, I will tell thee much of the fauna in my own world, which is quite varied and rather thrilling!

b. THE TALE OF MANY TALES (OR: DON QUIXOTE'S SPECIALTY AS A STORYTELLER IS MAXIMIZED)

A-kehm!

[ ... akehm!!!!!!! you, you there. pay attention to her. she's Hosting. please she takes her third... fourth...? job very seriously. ]

I am fond of making up stories, and thus I shall offer the service to thee. Each shall be utterly original, for I have much a creative mind, and all I shall ask is a prompt on which to start. It may be as long or as short as thee wish, and as thou'rt my guest I shall allow thee to change the direction of our tale through way of questions, prompting, and so forth. If such a thing sounds serviceable and fun, do sit!!!!

[ patting the seat next to her excitedly. this might be one of the things she'd like to advertise in the long term so she wants to see how it goes for now. ]

c. AND OTHER SUCH MISCELLANEOUS THINGS DON QUIXOTE MAY GET UP TO

[ or the wildcard prompt. genuinely, don will be anywhere and everywhere, and can be requested as a proper host to be given some private conversation and whatnot as well. does she ever rest? maybe. not likely, given how energetic parties make her, so get her to sit for a spell.

the holidays are making me slow but i will!!! be doing my all!!! in the new year as well!!! ]

b. hi bestie

[yyds]

[ hong lu genuinely isn't sure why he's here, but that's not an unusual state of being for hong lu. don had mentioned something about a host club, however, and that had seemed like a fun place to be. so after checking to see if yi sang wants to come with to see what all the fuss is about, hong lu's meandered his way over, and then promptly has allowed himself to be swept into the festivities the way a leaf bobs pleasantly along churning waves.

right now, he's happily taking the seat next to don. he has a flute of something terribly alcoholic in one hand, what looks to be a party popper in another, and someone's seen fit to slip a happy new year headband onto his head that sheds sparkles whenever he so much as bobs his head. it's shedding now in great, golden flakes as he considers don's proposal with a beatific smile. ]

So is this what hosts do, Don? That seems like fun.

Astarion Ancunín | Baldur's Gate 3

[vampires_pawn]

[ As a host of this fine establishment, Astarion is naturally here to ring in the new year with the others, dressed in a crisp, high-collared white button-down and formal black vest. Nothing is as frilly or as embroidered as he'd otherwise like, but alas, allowances must be made for the prevailing tastes of this realm. He moves effortlessly through the crowd, confident, charming, and very much in his element.

When the guests begin to split off into groups to partake in the party's various games and activities, Astarion follows suit. It's his job to make sure their guests enjoy themselves, after all, and more than that, the games Midnight has selected are well-suited to learning about the party's other attendees. Really, Astarion couldn't have picked them better himself. ]

i. never have i ever

[ As it turns out, it’s easy to be the last one standing in this game when you don’t remember a good chunk of your life. Has Astarion ever skinny-dipped? Pulled an all-nighter? Gotten seasick? Your guess is as good as his! Of course, he decides that not remembering is more-or-less equivalent to not having done those things, and as a result, he easily stays in the game while his fellow players fold one by one.

Now, it’s just between him, with two fingers still up, and one other person. ]

Your move, darling, [ he says with a lazy smile, feeling quite confident in himself. Already, he’s eying his competitor up for any ammunition he can use on his turn... ]

ii. king’s game

[ Astarion finds that he doesn’t like this “King’s Game” as much as the others. There’s too much being ordered around, he finds, and he feels like he isn’t drawing the king card as often as the other players. Still, it’s only a game, and what kind of host would he be if he didn’t indulge a few harmless requests? ]

ii.a
[ There’s one round where he and another character are required to arm wrestle, with the loser finishing both contestants’ drinks. Astarion is less than impressed. ]

Really? [ he sighs. ] And I thought I was spending the evening with civilized company.

[ Even saying this, he gamely plants his elbow on the table and motions for his fellow conscript to do the same. ]

Come on, then. Let’s give these brutes what they want, shall we?

[ (And, because Astarion’s player just rolled a princely 3 on his STR check, this is almost certainly going to be the most one-sided, limp-wristed arm-wrestling competition of your character’s entire life.)

ii.b
[ Or perhaps your character and Astarion are provided with a much more delicate task: giving each other makeovers using a miscellany of random makeup items supplied from other contestants’ bags, pockets, and purses. Astarion insists on playing the artist first and, after a minute or so of fussing over the mismatched shades of lipstick and eyeshadow, and trying to figure out what a tube of mascara with a fiddly brush is even for, he sets about his task with surprising precision. He starts with the eyes, his hands rock-steady as he applies a thin layer of black to your character’s lash line. It rather feels like he’s done this before… ]

You do notice how careful I’m being not to stab you in the eye, yes? [ he says pleasantly. ] I expect you to return the favor later.

ii.c (18+ characters only)

[ Or maybe the king was feeling a bit spicy when assigning a task—which means now, your character’s got a whole-ass vampire spawn settling carefully onto their lap. Actually, Astarion doesn’t seem too fussed by this at all. He steadies himself with an arm draped familiarly around your character’s shoulders, the weight of it unnaturally cool against your back. ]

Well, isn’t this cozy? [ he says with a smirk. ] Tragically, it’ll only be for the next few minutes; do try not to get too comfortable.

iii. wildcard

[ Throughout the evening, Astarion can be found flitting around the club, making himself available to be pulled into conversations or games. Occasionally, he stands off to the side with a drink in hand, merely observing the festivities—and the guests. Sometimes, his attention seems almost calculating. At others, it’s more absent-minded, as if he’d been lost in thought when someone just happened into his field of view.

These spells never last long, however. Within minutes, he’s back among the guests, charming and chatting and teasing as if he’s been here a million times before. ]

iii. wildcard

[unrequite]

Thank you, I'm back — There's the mess, then.

[ Midnight gets on a knee with his dustpan and rags, both nabbed from behind the bar, and begins collecting the shattered remains of glasses from the floor. The two or three guests who had their little collision have been shuttled off to the greenhouse with another host, and now all there's left to do is to clean up the mess left behind. ]

I do apologize for keeping you, but would you mind standing there and warning guests not to come this way just yet? Shouldn't be but a moment.

[ They're in an awkward bend in the back hallways where the traffic from the main booths probably wouldn't be able to see the mess on the floor until they're right on top of it... Fortunately, it seems most everyone in the area's gotten the memo, but it doesn't hurt to have someone keep an eye out. ]

Lestat de Lioncourt | The Vampire Chronicles

[perfectdevil]

MAIN SEATING

[ As people file into the glittering bar, it’s no surprise that at this late hour the priority of most seems to be getting a drink and a snack. Except for Lestat and his handsome companion, Louis, of course; the two of them have already fed their share earlier in the evening, and the alcohol being passed around doesn’t interest them in the slightest. Lestat doesn’t miss out on the insistence of the bartenders, though, as they apparently recognise a man who enjoys a good time, and hastily push a delicate flute of something pale and bubbling into his hands. He accepts, because he supposes everyone has to make a living, but he quickly scans the crowd for someone to pass this drink onto.

He finds someone – a poor unsuspecting soul he’s spotted lingering near the entrance – and as he lifts their hand with one of his own, he pushes the glass into their grasp. ]

Here, mon ami. Enjoy yourself in my stead, won’t you?

NEVER HAVE I EVER

[ Lestat has three fingers up - alas, there aren’t many who can say that they haven’t cried at a movie, or that they haven’t been in love - but he’s confident that by the time his turn comes around he won’t be the only one suffering on the points front. ]

Let me see… [ He murmurs once the responsibility of the round falls on his shoulders, as if he hasn’t known exactly what he plans to say for multiple rounds now. Before he speaks, he shares a knowing look with his lover, then looks away in a way that would almost seem demure if it weren’t for the smirk playing around his lips. ] Never have I ever… gotten into a drunken brawl in a bar.

[ That one’s for you, Louis. He looks very self satisfied, even as he forces his attention anywhere other than Louis’ face.

Alternatively, later on, he uncrosses and then recrosses his legs, looking similarly smug as he tosses his curls over his shoulder and announces: ]

Never have I ever dyed my hair.

KING’S GAME

[ It’s not often that Lestat willingly takes part in any game where there’s a chance he might lose… but perhaps the City has had some kind of positive effect on him, or maybe he’s just feeling sentimental because of the season. He takes part willingly, not really learning the rules and instead opting to learn as he goes… and ultimately paying for it.

When he inevitably loses, he approaches a nearby innocent bystander with a politely disarming smile. ]

Pardonne moi, but would you mind switching outfits with me for a little while? I lost a game, you see.

[ Later on, continuing his unlucky streak but equally not terribly upset about it…. yet…. Lestat approaches another poor unsuspecting party goer, but this time with a request a little less mortifying. For them, at least. In his delicate hand he holds a tall glass of water. ]

Bonsoir. I need you to throw this water over me, if you don’t mind.

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

[ Toward the end of the night, the expected thrum of anticipation starts to build as the final hour approaches, and its then Lestat decides to pounce on the perfect moment, and take his date and eternal companion by the hand, lifting him from his seat and dragging him over to a nearby awning of red velvet curtains and dazzling decoration. He adjusts Louis’ hair a little, gives him a soft kiss, and then pulls a vintage camera from a nearby hiding place.

That’s when he turns to the nearest person – who doesn’t look too drunk, or distracted with their own entertainment this evening – and gestures to the camera. ]

Would you mind taking a photograph of us? I can repay you however you’d like. I haven’t quite got the hang of taking them myself yet, you see.

OOC INFO

feel free to wildcard me or hit me up at mirobug for plotting!! lestat is pretty much up for anything :) louis will also be piggy backing on a few of these thread ideas because they are a 2-for-1 deal, do not separate them.

ALSO HE’S WEARING THIS, SORRY

main seating.

[fussiest]

Ah, there's you.

[ kaveh looks up from where he isn't so much lingering at the front entrance so much as he is aggressively trying to hold it up. in the past fifteen minutes, one of the decorative lights at the front had been knocked loose from a guest's mistaking it for the handle of the staircase railing, and kaveh has just now finished finagling the fixture back into place. he looks up from where he's flicked the light back on to the flute of something alcoholic being slipped into his hands. there's a rueful tuck of his lips as he takes the flute, evidently unwilling to reject it, but also caught at the prospect of having to drink it, because: ] And thank you for this, Lestat, but I'm trying to stay as sober as I can tonight.

But is this not to your taste? I can have Midnight or Netzach make you another. [ and then, because he's kaveh, he takes a moment to look - that slow elevator crawl from lestat's head to toe as he takes in the make of his outfit. kaveh grins. ] Ah, by the by, the detailing on the roses is exquisite. That's hand-embroidered, isn't it?

hong lu / limbus company.

[yyds]

i.

[ thank god he's not wearing the juit today. though hong lu thinks, if he had known that this was another sort of party and that everyone's supposed to have dressed up, he'd have been happy to wear that juit here as well. everyone seemed to have a very good time when he wore it then, and it was quite comfortable to boot. however, hong lu, who's simply happy to be somewhere where everyone seems to be once more enjoying themselves, is happily sitting with a cat in his lap somewhere in the backrooms. whose cat is this? who knows. but the little black-and-orange creature has curled herself into a ball, and hong lu hasn't figured out how to move without waking her up.

he's still carefully running a hand through her fur as he looks up. hong lu beams: ]

You know, it's funny that my legs are number now than when I used to do air-chairs for my morning routine. Do you think cats have the power to cut off the nerves in your legs? They really are very powerful, aren't they?

ii.

[ having gone through some of the boardgames with great interest, hong lu has settled with a book emblazoned with the title 'mazes and minotaurs' (m&m for short). he is smiling as he goes through the pages, pulling out what looks to be four pre-made character sheets with a curious tilt of his head. how interesting... you can be all kinds of things, it seems. like a rogue, or a fighter, or even someone who seems to be able to cast magic. hong lu wonders if magic is merely commonplace everywhere, or if the dream of being able to do magic is what's the commonality between worlds.

when he notices your approach, he beckons you over to come take a seat next to him. hong lu holds out his book with a smile. ]

Have you heard of this game before? Mazes and Minotaurs.

wildcard.

[ wheezes blood sorry holiday brain's got me, but feel free to hit hong lu up wherever or whenever... he's chill and he's curious and he has so many questions for everything that's happening here. ]

i

[unrequite]

Powerful and mysterious. A potent combination, yes.

[ Midnight crouches next to this guest. He's just taking a quick peek in the pet playground, greeting guests and checking in with his staff. Hello! ]

You seem to have claimed this one's affections, though. You're quite fortunate in that.

fearne calloway ♡ critical role

[fauned]

( this month is so full of parties and guess who's thriving about it. especially when it's an excuse to wear another pretty dress? you'll see her around just about everywhere, honestly, being nosy and throwing her glove in every game there is to possibly play. with or without a long little guy. honeybun the sable! it's felt wrong being a druid without any creatures about. )

 — i.

( oh, but of course, the lady of the sunny greenhouse has to make sure that any guest that wander there are welcomed properly. she'd be a poor host otherwise!

a quiet spot away from the thrumming bass and high tempo music, this one isn't exactly fussy about anyone sneaking food or drinks here. in fact, she's probably nursing a flute of champagne herself for the occasion. knowing her, there are likely a few hiding spots around in the greenery if people don't feel like walking all the way back out for something with a bit more kick to it. )

Kaveh and Midnight did good, huh?

( maybe a little excessive, but she's kind of the leading advocate for excess so, )

I wouldn't blame you if you wanna take a nap somewhere. I sure have! I can come wake you up a bit before the countdown if you want.

 — ii.

( would you look at that. a possible (re?)introduction in a sort of meetcute situation? honeybun has ran off, and has deemed it fit to clamber on up her new friend. sorry she's a little wet though, apparently the offense was that she got a little of her champagne on the poor thing and spooked her from her nap and now refuses to even look at fearne for the grievous crime.

she looks more tickled than apologetic though.. )

Don't be rude. What if you poke holes in their outfit with your bitty claws? C'mon, baby, get down from there.

 — iii.

( barging into chesed's quaint little coffee shop, she has a few of the decks with her on the table (most of which she does not know the rules of, and frankly it is a miracle she hasn't shuffled the cards of different games together yet), and she's also got some dice? what's that about. )

C'mere! I haven't made people bet trinkets in awhile, and I got some nifty stuff last time so why not try again?

( if she sees someone question the dice with their eyes, though, she's quick enough to elaborate. they're simple d20s in all colors and sizes. it's a fun collection of math rocks. )

For rollies! ( for those that don't feel like losing to her in a game. :) ) It's simple, but I'm tweaking the rules a little anyway. We both roll a dice, and higher number gets to ask a question! Gotta be honest to the best of your abilities. Kind of a smaller version of Ashton's 'What the Fuck is Up With That'.

( and we are absolutely rolling dice for it. )

 — wildcard / notes.

i'm over at valentione if you wanna reach me, but pm is good too if you wanna hash something specific out! i'm doin my best. the holidays have been exhausting. i've stared at this for hours.................. i'll probably do something with a few others of the games as a separate thing below. short and sweet stuff for quick fire back and forths. you know the deal.

iii

[perfectdevil]

Alright, petit. Let's let luck take the reins on this one.

[ Lestat takes his seat, the jewellery he's always dripping with sounding off in a tinkling cacophony as he does. He is, as ever, so easily ensnared by Fearne's summons, but he's also quite interested in these math rocks she has displayed. ]

After all, it would be a little unfair for us to play any card game of deception when I can so easily read your thoughts, don't you think?

[ He prods a little at one of the little plastic dice. ]

Who goes first?

WORD ASSOCIATION

[fauned]

( figured the easiest/quickest way was to just let everyone post a word below to keep it together... )

[fauned]

( here! she'll even start off with one. )

Heart!

NEVER HAVE I EVER

[fauned]

( similar to the meme version on bakerstreet, post the prompt and just react around by drinkin to it, or give people questionable looks. yknow. real getting to know each other stuff. )

[fauned]

( starting off with a simple one: )

Never have I ever gotten arrested?

thancred waters | ffxiv

[onlythans]

[It's funny, in a way, how Thancred always sort of instinctively catalogues events like this as being for business, rather than for leisure — it's an old habit born of many, many years spent becoming every drunk's best friend in every tavern in Eorzea, accustomed to treating these types of social situations as ones where he should drink little and eavesdrop lots. Making the adjustment to just plain enjoying himself — or trying to, anyway — is...difficult, to say the least. Still, trying is trying, and it's not as though a little festivity for the onset of Heavensturn is an altogether unheard-of thing, anyway.

Anyway, he's here in black pants and a black shirt that's been left unbuttoned just far enough to be a party, and the places he can be found include:

• Hanging out by the bar, where he'll be just sort of lingering and nursing a drink while watching the festivities unfold; he's not particularly interested in playing any of the party games that are going around, but he'll definitely be an amused spectator, and even offer up a little applause if something particularly silly or crowd-pleasing happens.

• Occupying a booth, where he can be found with both a pack of tarot cards that he swiped from the psychic shop, as well as a set of hastily-crafted omikuji (that he probably made out of wooden stirrers he begged off the barkeep, let's be real). If you happen by his table, he might just ask you to pick one from the lot of them!

  There are five possible outcomes — great fortune, good fortune, average fortune, misfortune, and grave misfortune. Good luck!

• Dancing, maybe? If there's a little space and the music is right, he might be persuaded to do a little turn with a willing companion.

Also IDK if you want to kiss him at midnight just let me know. 👍]

[unrequite]

Omikuji? Haven't done this in years, let's see...

[ Midnight puts his stacked tray of empty glasses and dishware on a nearby stool, then walks over to the sticks. Well... There's no shaker or fortune slips to pick up, but the idea is the same, right? ]

Let me at one, darling.

[ He reaches out to accept a stick at random. Big money, big money... ]

[abit_ofboth]

Main Seating

If there’s a party happening, you better believe Loki wants to go. Even if he’s not sure he was actually invited. Much like with the party just before Christmas, Loki has every intention of spending a lot of it with Hob, but they both also planned to spend time apart. Loki doesn’t think he could ever get sick of spending time with Hob, but he’s hardly going to test the waters when it comes to the reverse.

Loki spends a few minutes wandering the area, taking note of the games some are playing. He’s rather intrigued by Never Have I Ever. It seems a game that he would be destined to lose considering his age and experience and yet he’s still tempted. “What’s to stop anyone from simply lying about their response to win?” He asks no one in particular. It seems rather innocuous (maybe), but really Loki doesn’t like losing at games and he wants to know if there’s some sort of trick to this one he doesn’t know yet.


The Stage

In Loki’s opinion, the set up for this party’s stage is even better than the last. He thinks it has something to do with the atmosphere of this club. It feels like a better space for listening to live music, and as he stands in the audience listening to Eddie play he knows he was right about that.

It’s good to see Eddie up there doing his thing and Loki can’t help but smile as he watches. He’s glad the man didn’t continue to be holed up in his apartment after all that has happened. When the set comes to an end, Loki considers going over to Eddie and letting him know how much he enjoyed the performance, but someone else comes up to perform and Loki finds he doesn’t want to leave the audience just yet.

“The acts tonight are rather good, aren’t they?” He says (or rather yells) at whoever is standing next to him as the music beats through the room again. Loki considers going up to sing again himself, but he’s unsure if he’s in the mood. Sometimes he prefers to just watch.

For Hob - Last Hour

[abit_ofboth]

The Greenhouse

Loki has always been a fan of nature. It started, he thinks, with his love of his mother’s garden on Asgard. She had the best garden in all the Nine and though this place will never hold a candle to that one for Loki, he does quite enjoy the atmosphere here. It’s quiet and full of chatter. People enjoying themselves away from the louder parts of the party.

Normally Loki would be all about the louder parts, but he’s feeling a bit quiet now. He’s feeling like he wants to go find Hob and bring him here. It’s after 11 and Loki wants to ring in the new year with only one person. With a smile on his face, he finds a seat off to the side, away from some of the other groups gathered there and sends Hob a text. I’m in the Greenhouse in one of the back rooms. If you are not otherwise engaged, I would very much like to ring in the New Year with you.

With the message sent, Loki looks down at the bracelet Hob got him for Christmas and runs a finger over it, smiling softly. With Hob by his side, there is nothing he can’t face in the coming year as they try to navigate the craziness of this city.

eddie munson — stranger things

[thefreak]

i. glowing in the dark

( Fashionably late is the way to be, but luckily even arriving a quarter past six still puts him with plenty of time to warm up and start up his set. He doesn't arrive, alone, though. Arriving with him is one (1) Steve Harrington, whose side Eddie will likely be beside all night when he's not performing.

Tonight's fit is a bit glitzier than prom, with Eddie sporting a black velvet suit with glitter accents, freshly applied black nail polish, and black eyeliner to really pull together the look. Those who saw him perform at prom might notice that the guitar case he's carrying around is very different, shaped like a coffin instead of the standard guitar-shaped case. Inside is a black guitar much more reminiscent of his Warlock back home.

Also accompanying Eddie is a borzoi named Samwise the Brave (yes, after Frodo's gardener from Lord of the Rings). Eddie is well aware Sam is probably getting more attention than he will (which, honestly? he gets it).

With his newly gifted guitar safely nestled up by the stage, it's time for the festivities to begin! While not performing, Eddie will spend much of his time at the bar, especially while Midnight is back there. He seems much more relaxed at this affair, and much more likely to mingle with those he hasn't yet introduced himself to.

Besides, what better time to make friends? )

Samwise, are you gonna behave while daddy's performing?

( ...ah yes, pet parent mode. Yes, it's embarrassing. No, he will not stop. Please make fun of him. )

ii. white noise white heat

( This setlist goes a little harder than at prom since this event is a little bit more casual. It's a mixture of the dancier metal and hard rock numbers that he knows. Once Midnight has had his fill of accompanying Eddie, he invites anyone else who wants to join. He might not know too many songs past March 1986, but by god, he's going to try.

He might even slip in a Raffi song somewhere in the middle, you know, for the animals. Though maybe next time they should invest in some of those noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones for the little guys.

When he retreats, the stage is anyone's to claim, though he does sneak his guitar back in its case and does his best to hide it where hopefully no one else will find it. This one's special, dammit. )

iii. the quotidian beasts

( Eddie looks kind of like he's in heaven right now. sO many animals, and while he is mostly there to make sure Samwise doesn't harass any of the smaller animals, he's definitely getting his fill of petting the other pets while he's around the Pet Station. Have a pet at the Pet Station? Eddie wants to know e v e r y t h i n g. And probably has asked to set up a playdate by the time they wrap up.

Wait, is the playdate for the animals or the humans? Both?? Eh, Eddie could probably use more friends, and by the looks of things he is most definitely not complaining. )

You know, I'm pretty sure this is what heaven is like, ( spoken while laying on the ground, letting his dog lick him (rather shamelessly, at that). ) If only those assholes who kept preaching that I was going to hell could see me now.

iv. (wildcard.)

( This just covers a few of the places people can find Eddie. While not performing, he is most likely going to be all over the place, and he's probably hanging around Steve more often than not. Come say hi, meet the dog, drag him to your party game, the world is your oyster! )

closed to steve

[thefreak]

Hey, you. ( No matter what Eddie has been getting up to, as soon as midnight approaches, he searches out Steve and slides up to him. ) Thanks for being my plus one.

( By now, Eddie has had a few drinks. It's enough to loosen him up without becoming too sloppy, though he certainly is not holding himself back now that his performance is behind him, and the only thing that's left is the countdown to the new year. He leans against Steve, not because he can't stand up straight, but because he doesn't want to spend a single moment from now until the official start of the new year without Steve by his side. )

You, uh. You look good, by the way. ( He's probably told Steve this a hundred times by now, even before Steve took one look at Eddie's getup and decided he needed ten more minutes. He'll probably keep saying it a hundred times more by the time the night is officially through. )

Reno | FFVII

[astraphilia]

TURN IT UP
⇢ at the bar;

[ for once, Reno is on good behavior. he's here to be employed as a bartender and so a bartender he will be, which means that's where he can be found for most of the night: pouring shots, mixing drinks (flairtending available upon request!), or taking people's empty glasses back to the kitchen.

that doesn't mean he can't be grabbed for a minute to talk or to take a request, of course, so feel free to stop him if you have something in mind!

alternately, anyone who lingers a little too close to the bar might wind up with Reno leaning against the bartop and grinning at them as he asks, ] You got somethin' in mind or you need a recommendation?

IT'S FIVE MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
⇢ never have i ever;

[ it took a second for Reno to figure out the rules of this game, but now that he's got them down he's here and ready. stupid party games are like his thing at this point and he's not going to miss an opportunity to win(?) at one, which is both possible and a normal thing to want, obviously.

he holds out his five fingers, or however many you're supposed to hold out, and says, ]

Never have I ever, uh... had a pet.

YOU'RE COMING HOME WITH ME TONIGHT
⇢ just outside the club;

[ it's so nice, the party. everybody dressed up, on dates, drinking and playing and making merry, the music and the liquor and the games and the laughter and the fun. it's so nice, so warm, such a buzz of manic energy that Reno should fucking love.

which is why it's a little weird that he's standing outside in the frigid near-midnight air smoking a cigarette instead, huh?

smoke and breath mingle as he exhales, and when he's joined by someone else he turns to catch a glimpse, then grins and offers a cigarette. seems polite. ]

It'll keep ya warm.

outside.

[burstmodes]

[ everything still feels incredibly surreal to him, sometimes. this place, the way things are when it thinks no one's looking and the people in it. maybe it's because it's always so quiet, and whenever he visits places like this, it just seems incredibly loud to him now. but he tries to make the best of it regardless, drinking a little and mostly people-watching. taking pictures.

memories seem more important these days than any other.

(not to mention the fact he's definitely snagged more than a few shots of reno working over at the bar.)

when he notices he's not there anymore – what time was it now anyway?? – he tucks his phone in his pocket and wanders around for a bit. it'd be easier to text him, see if he wants to hang out or whatever, but he is always so unsure of what they should be doing with each other. it's not like they've talked about anything. and that's entirely on his mind when he heads outside, following the smell of smoke and scrunching up his face with the offer of a cigarette. ]

Dude, ew. How's something that smells so bad supposed to keep you warm? [ it's a tease, of course. he doesn't think reno's actually noticed it's him yet. ]

Armand | Vampire Chronicles

[rescinded_vow]

i. the bar

[ Armand greets newcomers as they join the party, taking his role as seriously as he does almost everything else he takes an interest in. Would you like a drink? Interested in the parlour games? He's got you covered, with a welcoming smile and easy direction. His hair is cropped short for the evening, tumble of curls hardly tamed, but the russet colour is stark against the suit and cape he's wearing this evening. ]

ii. the stage

[ Inspired by his brief musical interlude with Rosella at the Gala, Armand takes to the stage between main acts. He's in no mood to sing this evening, but the piano calls to him the moment he mounts the steps and once seated, he begins to play. Light hearted jazz spills from the keys, perhaps unexpected from someone so young looking, but he'll be open to your greetings and questions once he's had his moment on the stage. ]

iii. moments before midnight

[ Surrounded by so many, with the rush of the countdown, Armand looks around, the pleasant expression on his face dropping for the barest moment. Automatically he counts with the others, mouth moving, but his mind is elsewhere, another New Year and the one that could have been.

He'd had plans for this particular New Year - something to make up for the distance and bitterness of their last one together. Of course they had kissed, watched the fireworks from a rooftop in Miami, but it had been after harsh words, after tears and not two months later, his Lover was gone for the longest stretch of time yet.

Things were different now however and Armand had wanted to mark the occasion properly - perhaps they are, back there, have already rung in the new year - side by side. Here though, he is alone in a crowd and forgetting himself, his purpose for the evening. The smile returns to his face, the countdown continues and Armand silently makes a wish on this new year. ]

[ ooc: Leaving this up to fate! Unless anyone wants a specific scenario or build up, I'm happy for someone to jump in a give Armand a smooch and shake off his lil maudlin mood :3 PM if you want to discuss or just go for it! (If multiple people reply we'll make it work!) ]

Wildcard.

[ ooc: Armand will be at the club the whole evening and most likely until closing! He's acting his most charming and affable self to be a good Host, so hmu if you want a starter or throw some hijinks his way! ]

iii.

[burstmodes]

[ there's something particularly sobering about being around a lot of other happy people when his thoughts aren't exactly focused on that. mostly, he still misses home, though he now has ignis there with him, and he misses his other friends. he wants so badly to talk to noct, to tell him everything that's been happening in his life in the city, but... it almost feels impossible.

he catches sight of armand while he's sitting and people-watching, less interested in taking more pictures for the moment, and for whatever reason (that he can't explain), he decides to follow after him. they've probably got about fifteen or twenty minutes before the clock rolls over into the new year, but something tells him this guy needs a friend.

the only thing is... he's not quite graceful enough to make a smooth introduction and practically stumbles right into him. ]

Oh, shit. I'm sorry. I was just gonna come over and say hi and – [ his smile is sheepish. ] Hey. How's it going?

[keepgodwaiting]

i. maybe it's much too early in the game (Never Have I Ever)

Compared to the last party, Johanna is less dressed up and less cheerful. The end of the month hit her hard. She couldn't miss this, though, and she couldn't let Midnight down by showing up looking less than good. So she's donned a black outfit with some sheer mesh, a set of hoop earrings, and is trying to not be a huge bummer despite her general aura being pretty dour.

But hey. There's always party games. And she likes this one, even though she tends to put fingers down and/or take drinks pretty fast. She's done a lot of things.

"Never have I ever eaten a turkey dinner."

Take that, Americans.

ii. but I thought I'd ask you just the same (smoke break)

Sometime before midnight, Johanna steps out to the street, swathed in a new white and black trench coat. She's not leaving, she just -- needs a few minutes. She brings her cocktail with her.

Out on the street, she leans against the wall next to the front door and sips her drink, looking up past the streetlights at the sky. If anyone approaches, she raises her eyebrows at them and toasts them with her half-empty glass.

"Got a smoke, by any chance? I'm dying to start my new year off wrong."

iii. what are you doing new year's, new year's eve (wildcard)

In general, you can find Johanna sitting towards the edge of the crowd, alternating between staring off into space, and watching the hosts circulate and chat with a small smile. Trust that if approached she has talked up how great this all looks and how well Midnight has done; she considers her job tonight to be Hype Woman.

iii.

[unrequite]

"Let me guess," Midnight says, sliding into the seat next to Miss Johanna. "This all looks great. Midnight's done well, hasn't he?"

He's setting a bottle of water in front of her hand and a small bowl of mixed nuts and chocolates on the low table in front of her knee, then ruffles her hair once his hand is free. (His other hand also has a bottle of water. Kaveh's fault.)

"Hello, darling. You look great, and you've done very well, mm?"

Midnight laughs. He's been eavesdropping on her a bit, it's true. Vampiric hearing has to be good for something, 20% capacity or not.

louis de pointe du lac (the vampire chronicles)

[deathoftheauthor]

➛ main seating (wildcard)

( Louis is relieved to be a mere guest at this party after spending most of the Gala on his feet. While he doesn't look exactly like he's in his element, the comparative lack of pressure means that he's feeling rather relaxed — he can wallflower as much as he'd like to, but mostly he stays near Lestat (in a shirt that Lestat clearly suggested, covered now and then by a solid black blazer), socializing and even letting himself be pulled into the occasional game. )


➛ party games

( The rules are simple enough, even for someone like Louis, who typically avoids anything that might be described as a "party game." Never Have I Ever is surprising — he's done a great deal in 200 years, even for someone who doesn't get out much. )

Never have I ever seen a ghost.

( Or perhaps you've caught him in a round of King's Game, and his number is about to be called. What kind of dare will you subject this poor vampire's dignity to? Come on, you might not get another chance. )


➛ greenhouse

( Parties are loud. In intervals throughout the night, Louis can be found in the greenhouse, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere in his own way: carefully stroking the broad leaves of some tropical plant with his fingertips, his green eyes wide and soft with fascination, or playing solitaire cross-legged on the stone floor with a deck of cards he lifted from the coffee shop. If he's approached, he'll offer a courteous nod. )

Good evening. Are you enjoying yourself? I didn't expect to find a place so peaceful here.

( How to care for your introvert. )

party games.

[fussiest]

[ kaveh considers the premise. he still has all his fingers up, but that's not for a lack of trying, and far more because when you've spent most of your formative years in school and then rehauling the architectural playbook for your entire nation, you don't have much time to do much else with your life.

a ghost, though? ]

Well, asserting that suggests there are people there who can see ghosts. [ kaveh thinks about this. ] Oh, but I suppose there must be. This place turned Netzach into a duck. I suppose anything can happen. [ kaveh makes a face, ] Do the apparitions from the mall count as a part of this game, or do those not fit the strict definition of what a ghost is?