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. ]

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 👍 ]

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.]

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!!! ]

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. ]

[unrequite]

A bit, love. Not too busy, though.

[ Midnight finally tears himself away from repairing a sign blocking off the rest of the back rooms, a roll of tape over his wrist, and looks back to find good heavens mother mercy holy saints of Laterano bYOINGOINGOING

His eyes go very round, his mouth drops open. No wonder Netzach mentioned he'd be a little late. (No wonder Kaveh mentioned that he had to leave their little backpainting session early, the fiend.) Exactly how does Netzach look the very picture of a morning of a shrine visit?

He clears his throat a tiny bit. Ahem. ]

Darling, you made it. Come here, let me look at you. My word...

[ Midnight tugs him in closer and catches a whiff of wisterias and old books and it feels very much like he's dreaming for a moment. Like he'll turn around and there will be snow, a bell, geta clattering down wet pavement. ]

[unrequite]

[ Watch out, Don... an arm will snake itself around her and tug her in closer, and Midnight's odd nap dreams will take on a particularly citrus flavor. Human contact... Good.

He opens an eye after he realizes that the warmth is still there through several layers of wooziness. Whew. ]

Oh, Miss Don... Mm.

[ He gives her a hug. Does he know what's happening? Not in the least! But Don cuddly. Don good. ]

You smell lovely. How are you, darling?

[icanfixer]

[ don cuddly, don good indeed. she stretches herself out more, comfortable, and buries her cheek against him to chatter on. ]

I thank thee, and I am doing well! Tonight has been much fun; I have always adored parties, for I am not fussed at when it comes to loudness and excitement, and being granted yet another opportunity to attend one delights me more than one can imagine.

[ especially given it's her new workplace, with friends old and coworkers who can certainly become more. ]

Thou hath kept thyself busy by far, my friend. [ which is fun, too. she understands better than most. ] Have the smiles and enjoyment of others satisfied thy heart tonight?

[unrequite]

[ Now that Midnight's waking up, delighted to see that he is not dreaming, that he is, in fact, having a lovely cuddle with what one might call "best girl material", he's subtly readjusting to make sure that her little cuddle against him is as comfortable as possible. He warms her arms by tucking them between them, warms her face by putting that cheek against his chest. They are both very warm people, but it's nice to have sort of a heat equilibrium going. ]

It has been a parade of delights, of dreams woven and unmade only to be knit into even more beautiful, glowing treasures. That you have spent your time here in a similarly blissful manner... Well, there's my objective achieved, mm?

[ He pets the back of her head. That's right, they're at a party. He planned this party, and it's a good one. Excellent. The next one is sure to be better... ]

What would you like for the new year, Miss Don? If it's within my power, I'd like to help you achieve it, whatever it is.

[ His hair does smell like oranges, after all. The gift of soft and well conditioned hair is lovely, one that Midnight has been remiss to leave unreturned. ]

[icanfixer]

[ ooooooh, head petting. don relaxes into it, humming happily as she breathes him in too. warm, fruity, and solid; it's a wonderful combination, and if she isn't careful she'll fall sleep herself in time. ]

I am not so sure, dear Midnight. I have been able to experience much since I settled here, and I am sure to experience much more in the future -- whether I wish to or not, for even the most delightful things have been a surprise I had not foreseen.

[ like falling for someone, falling for a few, and the varying degrees of rejection from both; one yet to be tested, and in no hurry for it. she's content, and that is the truth. ]

It is not so easy to feel as I do now whence I am from. [ the City, as he's surely come to know, is not forgiving. it ain't great. ] But I think I should like to continue to have lovely problems, though they are at times troubling and overwhelming.

[ it's an odd thing to wish for in the new year, maybe. but it is such a lovely problem, to be so full of love and wish to be returned. ]

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?

[unrequite]

More lovely problems... Perhaps best known as a wish for an interesting life.

[ Midnight hums, thinking about that for a moment. ]

Well, I do admit to a certain tendency to becoming a thorn in the side of my loved ones... Though I can't imagine I'd want to knowingly add myself to such a pile, mm? At least without asking for the same in return.

[ Midnight opens his eyes very slowly to a golden view of the inside of the coffee shop, the top of Miss Don's head. If he stays very still and doesn't blink, perhaps he can stretch this last bit of this year into the next... ]

It's a gift to live a life of surmountable problems... A gift to be well enough to then encounter them, undo them one by one.

[ ... Midnight smiles. ]

Shall I try to search for one, then? A small problem that can be solved between the two of us. If such thing doesn't already exist, surely I can create one...

[ ... Be gay, do crimes. ]

[unrequite]

No longer busy, darling. No line. Here, I'll join you —

[ And he'll pour himself a glass of water, drag a stool to Yesod's bit of counterspace, and sit himself down. It seems like the others are doing quite well in entertaining themselves... He doesn't mind sharing this time with Yesod for the time being. ]

Hm... Well, I did visit the establishment with Netzach. Saw a bit of the factory, the library. Nothing too pithy learned, just some names, some faces. Confirmation of a reality you and your compatriots shared once upon a time.

[ Midnight shrugs. ]

But... I don't mind chatting about something else. It's the eve of the new year, after all... The time of the year where everyone in the world looks to the future. An ideal time for an ideal exercise, in my opinion.

[icanfixer]

Oh, can thee?!

[ that sounds fun. she props her chin up on his chest to return the grin, bright and excited for a new experience -- the unknown is not all that scary, she has found. took a while to understand that though. ]

I should like to see what sort of problem that could be, my friend, found or created!!! I shall endeavor to return that kindness as well, for a life full of thorns also means that there are just as many roses, no?

[ though. being gay is fine... doing crimes is not... we have to ax one of those, bestie... ]

[unrequite]

Of course I am. I am unlimited in possibility, my darling, and that includes all of the fussy, thorny ones.

[ ... A little crime, maybe? A dash? Midnight's reached his crime threshold anyway, he just wants to be a lil silly goofy. (Gay is non-negotiable.)

Anyway, he gives her a snuggle, then another good pet to the head, brushing neatly through her floof of hair. Ah, bliss. She truly is a natural hostess. ]

I could come up with a prank... but I think the most trouble I'd give you outside of that would be a joint venture. I've finished work on the club, after all, so outside of running this place, I've a dearth of good problems to sink my teeth into...

[ ... Ah! Midnight blinks. ]

Well, there's still the issue of all these empty rooms we have surrounding us, you know. Did you ever give any more thought to filling one?

[ It's not as much of a problem as it is a funny little pastime, but at the same time, filling these rooms does require a solution of some sort... Same difference, perhaps? ]

[icanfixer]

[ same difference, especially since don's got a multitude of ideas. she tilts her head back in forth in thought, pleased with the affection she's receiving, and her face brightens as she speaks. ]

I do believe I should like something creative, where one may create and see the works of others if they are left behind! There are many words and feelings one can put into all things artful, as Young Kaveh has surely impressed upon thee by now, so I think something alike to that shall be satisfactory for me. Such a thing is enjoyable for all involved.

[ be they model, artist, or onlooker. ]

Whether it be paint, clay, charcoal, or any other material one may think to create with... Be they portraits or poems, or even small ventures such as gifts and the like, it shall be a welcoming environment for all who attend! I will do my duty as hostess to ensure their time is fun, and... to be frank, my dearest Midnight, my own residence has become something of a creative sty.

[ ...............

the girl has filled her room up so much it's honestly a little horrendous to look at, ]

What do thee think?

[abstractart]

Kaveh did a great job, didn't he. You like it?

[the light sound of geta against the floor as netzach steps closer probably only contributes to that image; he smiles, thoroughly pleased at that reaction, and turns briefly so that midnight can see all of him. the full styling of his hair, the full pattern of the furisode, the entire picture of him.

it's not something he's entirely familiar with, but he'd at least asked kaveh to share what he learned. midnight gets the benefits of that effort, and netzach in turn gets to see how it stopped him in his tracks.]

[unrequite]

I like it, Miss Don. A studio...

[ ... Young Kaveh? He's always thought of Kaveh as rather young himself, but he had considered Miss Don as a part of the same maturity bracket. Huh. Perhaps her species is rather youthful... Or perhaps she just has one of those faces.

Not that that matters much. He's thinking about Kaveh and Netzach enjoying that studio with Miss Don, teaching each other and having a lovely time painting birds, or whatever their visually talented selves can come up with. It's a nice image. ]

Bring your artwork along when we finish construction, then. I'd like to see your work up on the walls first... It will be your space, after all. Others should profess their wonder, strive to achieve as much as you have when they see it.

[ And, uh, it should make it a bit easier to find footspace in her place afterward... ]

[unrequite]

To say that I like it is to insinuate that words can capture what Kaveh's done...

[ This is probably some pointed aggressive exhortation on Kaveh's part for Midnight to be miserable in his happiness, but he can deal with Kaveh later. For now, he takes Netzach's hands when he's done spinning, spreads his arms a bit like a doll to see the way the sleeves fall, how lovely the obi looks around his waist. Kaveh, as usual, applies the sort of attention to detail in the same way people close their eyes when they duck underwater: instinctive, in a way he couldn't possibly help.

When he's done taking him in, he leans in and places a kiss on top of Netzach's head, where his bangs sprout from his crown. ]

You're perfect, my love. The very picture of the immaculacy of a new year. Is it comfortable? It suits you, but I've never seen you in any sort of kimono before...

[abstractart]

I wasn't sure how it'd be, either, but... turns out it's comfortable enough. Just more work than I'm used to.

[this is why he needed help dressing...

now that midnight's had a good look, netzach shifts close, links their arms, carefully pulling his sleeve out of the way.]

I don't think I'd wear it very often, but I like it.

[besides, this was for midnight. even if he were uncomfortable, that wouldn't be as important as it normally is to him.]

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. ]

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.]

[unrequite]

Heavens, darling, just once is enough to feed me for the rest of my life.

[ Not that Midnight is one to indulge in nostalgia, but Netzach looking and smelling like the very picture of home is something that will stick with him.

Speaking of smelling like home... Midnight lifts one of their linked arms, turns Netzach's wrist, and kisses him there, right below the palm of his hand. Yes... That's where that smell's coming from. How in the world did Kaveh manage to make this exact scent profile...? ]

If you like it, though... Perhaps you should call upon me if you ever feel the desire to dress up a bit more than usual, mm? Whatever you like, whenever you like. I'll wait on you hand and foot, love.