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

[unrequite]

[ So spaketh the spaghetti noodle. Midnight nods, setting a stool up for Netzach and motioning for him to sit. ]

We'll throw out what's already in the rubbish bins and leave it at that, then. You spent so much of the day getting so lovely for me, after all. I'd be remiss in making you wait any longer.

[ Midnight acknowledges that he's probably being played. It doesn't matter. Netzach comes first. ]

[abstractart]

Sounds like a plan to me.

[he's not really going to pretend that he isn't playing him... netzach is sure midnight knows he'll be far more interested in going back to the apartment than doing chores. it's an excuse for them, really.

netzach takes a seat carefully, avoiding sitting on his sleeves, arranging the fabric of his outfit.]

I'm definitely going to be looking forward to heading out by then, but we'll have a good time before that, right?

[unrequite]

[ ... Cute. Like a little doll. Midnight wheezes internally. He will forever cherish this gift...

Externally, he is a full grown adult who is doing a last minute inventory check. He'll peer into cabinets and the fridge and attempt to not go perfectly feral. ]

Of course. Plenty of games to play, food to eat, drinks to sample... If you win the raffle, you could even take me on a date. Imagine that.

[ The reality is that anyone could ask him on a date and he'd simply make it happen no matter the cost... but to be very fair, he is an excellent date. ]

[abstractart]

I'm already on a date with you, though?

[like he'd turn down more. he's content to sit here for the moment, reaching out to help open and close cabinets when they're nearby enough, but otherwise perching here on the barstool so midnight can continue getting a good look.]

... but I'm not giving that one up if I win it, anyway.

[unrequite]

[ A very pleased "oh", followed by a low laugh. He is looking... respectfully.............. ]

Greedy. Well... Kaveh would implore me to indulge you, so I suppose I must. Though I must also, of course, remind you that there are two other prizes, both entirely worthy in themselves. For posterity, you know.

[abstractart]

They are good.

[he doesn't deny being a little greedy, though, reaching out to catch one of midnight's hands in his own.]

... but even if you'd take me on a date anyway, why wouldn't I want you more than any of the other options?

[unrequite]

[ Midnight says nothing for a moment, watching Netzach's hand, then his face. He then walks a pace forward, tugs Netzach back gently, and kisses him on the mouth. It's a very slow, unhurried thing; Midnight closes his eyes, savors Netzach's mouth, and tries very hard to be brave. When he opens his eyes, he stares at Netzach, sober. ]

You drive me mad, my darling...

[abstractart]

[he breathes a contented little sigh against midnight's mouth, leaning easily into that unhurried kiss-- he's always perfectly happy to take his time, to enjoy midnight just as he knows he's being savored, meeting him with that same indulgent energy.]

So do you.

[he's still holding midnight's hand in his, keeping him here just a little longer.]

But I guess that comes along with loving you, right?

[unrequite]

Madness? Mm. I'd like for you to be madly happy with me. Always.

[ In Higashinese, there is an idiom for this. Hands come from my throat. When the need for something so great that the urge to seize it, swallow it, is palpable.

Midnight sighs in one large, slow exhalation, then smiles and kisses Netzach's hand before dropping it, turning his attention back to the bar and tidying up. ]

If that's the case, then a bit of madness can't be all bad, mm? I'm perfectly happy with my lot, at least.

[abstractart]

It's a kind of madness I like, anyway, so I don't care if it's good or not... but I think it is.

[he very reluctantly lets midnight's hand go, accepting for the moment that he does in fact have work to do to keep the night running and can't just pay attention to netzach... that's fine. he likes the view from here too. (he likes seeing midnight pull together something like this, drawing people in all around him like a magnet.)]

I think you've been good for me.

[good for his heart, like he said before.]

[unrequite]

All things in moderation, my love. Ah, if only I could take my own advice...

[ He laughs a little to himself, shakes his head, bends to finally nudge the last of the cabinets shut. He's worked hard, is very gratified that people seem to have come out in force to make the end of the year so warm and festive.

(Also, his painted back is just, like out there. Netzach's probably had an eyeful for the past few minutes. Thanks, Kaveh.) ]

No notes, then? Ah. [ Midnight shakes his head. ] To think that I've reached perfection so soon... Well, it's to be expected, but I do wonder what I can work on in the meantime. That song, of course, for one.

[ And it's here where Midnight's thoughts turn to Yesod. Awkward, earnest Yesod, trying his best to take him in with Netzach, part and parcel. That's... something he could work on. It's something he wants to work on, he realizes. His heart is there, too. ]

[abstractart]

This is the first time I've done this. I don't know what notes I could give you, Midnight.

[he's happy, midnight seems happy, they're talking arrangements out and getting everything settled... isn't that enough? it's not that there's no room for improvement, but more that netzach doesn't have the picture of what that might look like. where else it might go.

(his painted back sure is out there, meanwhile, and sure is distracting. he's going to plaintively ask kaveh later how he could do this to him when he'd asked for help taking out midnight with his own look, how could you but also thank you...)]

Mm... I'd like to spend time with you both together this year, though. I think that's all.

[unrequite]

Mmm. I'd like that too...

[ Midnight frowns, though, tilts his head to the side. ]

Ah... You mean Mr. Yesod, don't you? In terms of new goals, that is. We spend quite a bit of time with Kaveh.

[ Because that will never change. He simply loves Kaveh far too much.

(Yes. Seriously. Still. After all this time. Mr. Yesod.) ]

[abstractart]

We do, yeah, and I like that too. But...

[that definitely doesn't go unnoticed.]

It'd be nice if you both got more comfortable with each other. Enough to not feel like you should call him 'Mr. Yesod', at least.

[unrequite]

[ Midnight inclines his head, reflects on that for a moment. ]

I know he intends on growing closer with me. And I'd like for him to do so.

[ He says nothing about this for a moment, fiddling with a dishtowel for a moment. ]

... It will simply take some time, as much as I regret to say so. I'm not a terribly familiar person, my darling. Welcoming, yes; I would go as far to say congenial. Cordial. Friendly. But familiar...

[ He shakes his head. He has a hard time connecting with people in a truly meaningful way. He knows this. That people have gotten as far as Netzach has has been a fluke. ]

[abstractart]

I know. I don't mind that-- and me and Yesod both are pretty used to things taking time.

[how long had they known each other, after all, before they were able to act on anything? to think about their feelings at all?]

So all I really want is to just... let him have that time, I guess. If you're okay with it.

[to let him try. however that works out.]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight looks at Netzach in a measured way, wonders... But no. The gala was a month ago, and if Yesod was upset then, he certainly isn't now. The result of time, of waiting.

Cautious, patient steps. Getting closer a little each day. A prince taming a fox. ]

I'll do my best to be gentle, my darling. But I've teeth. You know that.

[ It's a joke, but it's meant in earnest. There is something very watchful in Midnight's personality, and it's hard to simply let it go, even if he's quite sure Yesod means no harm. ]

[abstractart]

Yeah. I do.

[after another moment of watching midnight work:]

I like you with teeth, too. All of you.

[unrequite]

[ Snakes, feathers, bones and flowers twist up Midnight's back, his spine, as he works. Dead things, things with teeth. Things that grow. Things that fade. Things that are left behind.

He looks back at Netzach after he straightens. His expression is quiet; he settles the dishtowel at the sink. ]

I believe that, if only because I understand how such love works.

[ Midnight knows Netzach doesn't know all of him. Not yet. But for this kind of love, it doesn't matter. It never mattered.

And yet, even in the midst of such understanding, Midnight thinks: I must earn this. He's never figured out how to stop that voice. He will. Netzach asked him to. It will simply take time. Same as always. ]

[abstractart]

Keep believing it then.

[it isn't something that he thinks will change; yes, there's enough of midnight that he doesn't know, but he can't think of anything he would learn at this point that would really alter his response. not after what he's seen of midnight here, and what he's done for netzach.

those designs are going to be etched into his memory, after this, remembered and preserved. kaveh has an eye for more than just design; he'll recall what he wanted to represent.]

Let me know if you need me to take over the bar for a little bit tonight, 'kay?

[unrequite]

[ A suspended state of belief in things he cannot see, hoping that they exist. It's how he's lived his life. He can do that for Netzach. He nods. ]

I will. I'll have to make my rounds every now and then. I'll leave the bar to you when I do.

[ He walks forward, tilts Netzach's chin up, and presses another kiss on his lips. When they part, Midnight stays there, eyes closed. Soaking up the warmth of him for as long as he can so he can leave with the imprint of him under his skin. ]

I love you dearly, Netzach. I love you.

[abstractart]

[maybe the party was a mistake, actually. the more he gets kissed, the more he kind of wants to just curl up with him with a drink or two...

netzach's hands rest on his shoulders rather than wrapping around midnight properly. doubtless kaveh has sealed his artwork, but he still doesn't want to risk disturbing it (for now); this is still comfortable enough.]

...love you too.

[another thing he doesn't doubt-- but it's still reassuring to hear, always.

he gives midnight a little grin as he adds-]

It's your party. Go ahead and go mingle before I start trying to talk you into leaving early, I'll cover the drinks.

[unrequite]

[ A smile. From the eyes, from the mouth, a small, pleased smile. Private, tucked where only Netzach can see it. ]

Mm. One more for the road, my love? I'll be back for more. Promise.

[ Midnight tilts in for another kiss, this one a pepper of three in a row, followed by a hug. He really wants to see his party, but he also really wants to stay here. He's only one man... What a struggle.

But he breaks away, his hands slipping from his face, and trots off, stretching, already calling out to someone else at the party... He'll be back. Of course he will. ]