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

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.

[100more]

Hob mingled a bit and explored on his own, but when he receives the text to meet Loki in the garden area, Hob heads right in that direction. He was going to find Loki again before midnight, so he's glad to know where Loki is waiting for him.

Dressed in a black suit, Hob approaches the back area where Loki said he would be and when he lays eyes on his date, Hob smiles and moves to join him, carrying two flutes of champagne. One is offered to Loki before he sits.

"This place is deceptively bigger on the inside," he notes with amusement about their environment.

[abit_ofboth]

It doesn’t take long for Hob to arrive, but Loki feels like it takes an eternity. He loves that they do things separately, but has to admit that he misses him whenever they are not together.

The moment Hob arrives, Loki can’t keep the wide grin from his face. He stands briefly to take the offered glass and kiss Hob gently on the mouth before sitting again. “I do hope I did not pull you away from anything too fun, but I am a bit selfish and wanted you all to myself at midnight.”

Loki laughs then. “You are quite right. I am actually quite impressed with the layout. It feels like something I might design myself”

[100more]

"I always have the most fun with you."

The kiss is returned with a pleased smile and Hob takes his seat next to Loki while having a look at their surroundings again. It's funny to think this may all be the work of magic. How else could it and so many other areas exist in one place?

"I'm sure you could. This or something even better." He knows Loki's magic must be incredible. "It must bother you sometimes; not being able to do all you could before." Hob knows it bothers Dream a great deal, who has not stopped trying to expand upon the limits this place has imposed upon him.

[abit_ofboth]

“I am glad to hear it.” Loki can’t ever seem to stop smiling when Hob’s around. Even when things aren’t going well, he feels better when Hob is around. When he and Jo had pressed that stupid button in the exhibit, he had selfishly wished that Hob was around, and then had fervently been relieved that he wasn’t there to experience all that craziness. What had happened that day scared him more than he wants to admit so he hasn’t really brought it up with Hob yet. He wants to, knows that if he needs to talk, Hob is the one he wants to go to, but even just thinking about it right now is more than he wants to deal with.

Besides, they are about to celebrate the coming of the new year. That doesn’t seem like the time, and this doesn’t seem like the place, for such conversation.

Loki hums in agreement as he pulls his seat up as close to Hobs as he can manage and wraps and arm around his waist. He probably could have done a better job. “It does,” he admits after a long pause. “Sometimes I’m fine, I barely notice. After all, it’s not completely gone. I am still able to do some things. It’s when I stop and think about it. Or when I try to do something and it does not work. It feels like I have lost one of my senses.” He can hear the sadness seeping into his own voice and he forces himself to chuckle. “But these are not the sorts of things we should think of during a celebration. I want to think of the positive tonight. Celebrating the coming of a new year with my favourite person.”

[100more]

Any time Loki wishes to talk, Hob will be there for him, of course. He'll want to know if something happened, especially if it affected Loki in some way. There will be time to talk in the future, though. It is New Years night, though Hob approaches the milestone with some apprehension. They've already been in this city for half a year. God. Will they be here for the rest of their lives? This is not how he wanted to spend eternity, and yet, there is Loki, as a result, and Hob is so grateful for him.

Although it might be easy to fall into unpleasant thoughts, Hob appreciates how Loki tries to keep things positive. Hob smiles warmly at the closeness and the feel of Loki's arm around him. He nods in agreement and raises his champagne glass. "Cheers, darling. I'm so thankful to have you here with me."

[abit_ofboth]

Loki appreciates that sentiment more than he could ever express. To have someone to talk to about all the good and bad things in his life, that he trusts and knows will have his back... it's more than he ever could have hoped for. Hob is a true blessing in his life and he will do anything to make him happy.

It probably isn't how any of them expected to spend the rest of their lives, though Loki has the unique perspective of it being an extension of his lifespan. Still, he will do what he can to make sure Hob is as content as possible while they are stuck here. And if he has anything to do with it, he'll figure out a way to get them both out, unscathed. There is a doubt in the back of his head, especially after what he's seen in the exhibit with Jo, that he'll be able to manage, but that never stopped him from doing everything in his power to prevent something before.

Positivity is something new Loki is trying on. All the negativity he's felt in his life hasn't gotten him anywhere, and so he's been trying a new tact. Of course, having Hob at his side has made that an easier feat to accomplish. And as such, he pushes all his worries of the moment down deep and smiles, a real and true smile at Hob and clinks his glass in cheers. "Cheers. I hope that wherever this life takes us, it is an adventure we can face together."

[100more]

Hob smiles at the words. He thinks that's the best new year's wish he's ever heard. Hob lifts his glass to drink to that, hoping it will come true. Whatever happens, he intends to stand by Loki's side, and with a little luck, perhaps they'll be able to escape this place together. If possible, he would love to take Loki home with him.

"Tell me about an adventure you've been on." If they're going to pass the time before midnight, perhaps he can hear a little more about Loki's life. A good memory rather than a troubling one.

[abit_ofboth]

There is nothing that Loki wants more than to have their toast be true. One thing became very clear to him when he and Jo had messed around with the photos at the exhibit and that is that he will do anything to keep Hob safe and happy. He wants nothing more than to be able to live out whatever extra life has been granted to him with Hob at his side and he will do whatever he can to make that happen.

A smile crosses his face at the request. Much of his most recent years were filled with less than happy memories, but there were many from when he was young he would gladly share. “When I was young and first showing signs of being really strong with magic, my mother Frigga used to take me on trips to Alfheim to see the elves. They are the most magical beings and had so much to teach. I absolutely adored going there to learn new tricks.

One time, when I was first learning to teleport, I got a little overzealous and tried to teleport to the top of one of the highest trees in the forest of the light elf I was learning from. I simply had to see the view. Of course, I only made it a few feet off the ground and ended up falling through the awning over the porch of his house. I do not believe he ever opted to try and teach me again. Probably a good idea as I only got worse.”

[100more]

Hob listens attentively as Loki relates the story from his childhood. He can picture it all in his mind as Loki describes it, and he can't help but laugh at the outcome. Loki was a very rambunctious child, without a doubt.

"Teleportation? I can't imagine it's easy." Even if Dream seems to come and go as he pleases back home, Hob isn't sure that's really the same thing. "But you seem very skilled in other kinds of magic." Even if teleporting did not come naturally.

[abit_ofboth]

The entire time he’s telling the story, he’s smiling at Hob, not only enjoying telling the story, but Hob’s reactions to it.

“I am quite good at it now. Or I was before coming here. Now it seems I am only able to travel a few feet at most. It’s really a good thing I enjoy going on walks as it is now my primary mode of transportation. You are correct though, as much as I did master teleportation, my strengths do lie elsewhere.

Now, enough about me. Tell me a story of yourself?” Loki always wants to know more about Hob. He wants to get to know him as well as anyone could know another.

[100more]

Hob imagines Loki's magic must be incredible where he comes from. This places puts limits on those who are powerful, so Hob can only imagine just how strong Loki's magic really is. Maybe one day he'll be able to see it for himself.

When he's asked to share a story in return, Hob chuckles. "Well, let me think.." He doesn't want to pick anything that might change the happy mood.

"I got into a bit of trouble, as well, when I was a boy. I didn't have much growing up, so sometimes I would pinch an apple or something from the market. Since I was small, I would always take one off the bottom corner of the cart. Well, the merchant pegged me, and arranged the apples so one day when I took it, every damn one of them toppled me to the ground. I was never much of a thief."

[abit_ofboth]

And if Loki has any say in it, he'll be able to show Hob everything he's capable of, one day. He just needs to get them out of here. Even in Hob's world, which he would absolutely love to see, he's sure he'll have all his abilities back. It's just this cursed place that has him under wraps.

Loki watches Hob as he considers what story to tell. He can't help but think how handsome he is, and charming and just everything Loki could ever hope for. He wants to be a better person for Hob, to make the world a better place for him. To make sure he's safe and happy for the rest of his life. So, you know, forever.

Not that he's about to say as much. Even Loki is aware that he might be feeling too much too soon, but he thinks if he just keeps it quiet, he can do all of this without having to admit anything.

He can picture it all, as Hob tells his story. He feels bad that young Hob had to resort to stealing for extra food, but there's still something innocent and charming about the story. He can't help but chuckle, thinking of him standing in a pile of apples. "I am sorry, but you must have been adorable."

[100more]

Hob smiles gently and touches Loki's forearm, giving it an affectionate squeeze. "Plenty had it much harder than I did." Sure, things were tough, but he managed. And he had the chance to change his life dramatically, thanks to Dream and Dream's sister.

"I'm not sure the merchant would agree with how adorable I was, but he only thrashed me a bit and made me clean it all up, so I got off easy. I even earned a bit of coin running some errands for him, after that."

"I have a feeling we would've been good friends if we met back then." The two of them would've probably caused all sorts of trouble, too.

[abit_ofboth]

“Oh, I am sure. That does not mean I like the idea of you wanting for anything.” He wishes he had known him then, so he could’ve swooped in and helped. Though really, he’s rather happy that they met when they did. It feels like he was in the right place in his life to accept someone into his life the way he has Hob. Another other time and it might not have worked. Loki doesn’t like that idea at all.

Loki chuckles at that. “Well, then the merchant would be wrong. Or blind. Either way, I cannot imagine you being anything but. However I do like that he helped you. Too many people would have stuck to the thrashing and nothing more. Trust me, I know.” Loki may not have needed to steal, but that never stopped him. Not when he was young anyway.

“I believe we were always meant to know each other, someway, somehow. I am glad I have you like this though. I only wish we were somewhere else.” Somewhere free, he means, but he suspects Hob understands.

[100more]

Hob has the same sort of thought. If he had not lived the life he did, surviving the way he did at times, he probably would've turned out differently or been like an entirely different person all together. But Loki's sentiment is sweet.

"Someone would have the nerve to thrash a prince? I'm sure they regretted it later." Loki is probably creative enough to see to that. Hob smiles and touches Loki's wrist, his fingers caressing the skin under his sleeve. Dream told him there's no such thing as luck. More like a convergence. Whatever it is, Hob is so glad to have met Loki.

"If we could be anywhere together, where would we go? Where would you take me?"

[abit_ofboth]

“Only if they knew who I was. I often disguised myself when out and about, if only to keep my whereabouts hidden from my parents. The times they did find out about my mischief making, it wasn’t the shopkeep I needed to worry about when it came to thrashings.” Loki smiles then, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He wonders sometimes if it hadn’t just been because he had misbehaved but because they were trying to teach him to not be like his people.

“You are right though. Once someone raised a hand to me when they knew who I was. It did not end well for them. No one would shop at their store anymore and they soon went out of business. I do not know what happened to them after that.”

Now that is an interesting question. Loki smiles again, but this time it is real. “There are so many places I would like you to see. I do wish I could take you to Asgard as I knew it as a child, but in lieu of that, perhaps Alfheim? The elves are a fascinating people. Of course, I wouldn’t mind seeing your home either.”

[100more]

Hob smiles gently as Loki seems to remember a less than fond part of his past. He must’ve been a very spirited child; sometimes others sought to temper and control ones who are too spirited. Hob thinks Loki still has a lot of that in him, though, and he likes that about Loki.

“Elves? That sounds exciting.” Hob has never met an elf. “My world is probably less interesting by comparison. I was living in London before I arrived here.” He knows Loki has been to Earth in his own universe, but the circumstances did not lend themselves to sight-seeing.

[abit_ofboth]

Spirited would be an understatement. Loki has always had a wild streak that he mostly never bothered to try and keep in check. He thinks maybe his mother thought that teaching him to control his magic might help with that, but likely it just gave him more tools to work with. It really wasn’t until recently that Loki truly began to reign himself in at all.

“Oh yes, they are wonderful. It was my favourite place to visit when I was young. I felt, I don’t know, more accepted there? I think maybe elves are a little more mischievous than anyone from Asgard.” Loki smiles at that. “I don’t know, I wouldn’t mind seeing any place that could produce someone like you. I really have not given your realm enough credit in the past. I would like to see it anew.”

[100more]

Hob doesn't think Earth can compare to the marvels Loki must have seen, but the sentiment given is appreciated and warms his heart. He doubts Loki would be impressed at all if he saw the place Hob really came from, as it was when he was a boy, but maybe London will have something good to offer.

"Then I hope we can visit both together, someday." Noting the time and how close it's getting to midnight, he raises his glass again. "It's almost midnight. A toast, then? Here's to you, Loki. The most charming, handsome, and giving man I've ever known. Thank you, for being such a special part of my life."

[abit_ofboth]

And Loki thinks that maybe Earth has more to offer than he ever gave it credit for. Of course, he was bested by a bunch of humans there, even if some did have super powers, but really some of the most impressive of them were, as he would’ve said then, mere mortals. Now that he is of sound mind and has matured a bit, he’s curious to see what else that realm is capable of. But really, he’ll happily go wherever Hob is. As much as he would like to see his brother again one day, there really isn’t much left for him in his world.

“I would like that very much.” Loki smiles and raises his glass as well, though before he can even think of a toast, Hob’s words have him blushing. He’s starting to believe Hob when he says these things, but it still takes him by surprise when he hears it. “And to you, my dear Robert. You are truly the most wonderful person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Thank you for enriching my life in ways I dared not dream.”

Around them, people start to countdown the last few seconds of the year, but all Loki can see or hear is the man in front of him. He smiles as the numbers get smaller and small, leaning in to kiss him the moment the clock strikes 12.

[100more]

It sounds as though the Earth Loki has seen is pretty extraordinary if there were people capable of stopping him, so Hob is all the more amazed that someone as ordinary as himself would be considered at all unique or wonderful. However, he's truly glad Loki thinks so if he was somehow able to catch Loki's attention.

Dream had suggested there was something about Hob that drew other beings to him; Hob didn't really consider the idea plausible, but who knows? So long as Loki is drawn to him, that's all Hob really needs.

After hearing those touching words, Hob is already leaning closer, and he's in time for that kiss as the clock rings out a new year in this city.

[abit_ofboth]

Mostly, Loki is rather hesitant around Dream, but on that topic they very much agree. He doesn’t really know what it is, but from the first moment he’d met Hob in the laundromat, he’s felt drawn to him. He wants to make him happy, keep him safe, be a better person, all for Hob. He thinks there must be something magical about him. There is no other explanation.

People cheer around them as their lips meet. Loki’s hand finds its way into Hob’s hair even as he keeps the kiss chaste. He just means to hold him close, cherish him as the new year begins. And if he has anything to say about it, it will end with them in much a similar position. Just hopefully with them somewhere where they are free.

[100more]

Even as the kiss ends, Hob's face remains close, lingering near Loki's lips. He smiles softly at the feel of Loki's long fingers drawn through his hair. Every touch always makes him feel wonderful.

With his face kept close, his eyes continue to gaze at Loki, a deep adoration expressed there. Sure, people are cheering in the new year and there's a lot of hope for what's to come, maybe a chance at going home, but none of that really registers with Loki so near. Hob just wants to stay by him.

Hob certainly won't object to ending the evening in Loki's arms.

[abit_ofboth]

Loki has a matching smile on his face, also unwilling to pull away. His hand strokes through Hob’s soft hair as he watches him, affection clear in his eyes. Loki hasn’t often wanted to celebrate the new year, and though he’s not overly fond of this city, he very much wants to celebrate being with Hob and starting this new year together.

The rest of the room melts away, no one else around them matters as Loki sees affection much like his own reflected in Hob’s eyes. He’s struck again by how much he cares for him, how much he wants to keep him safe and happy. It’s all so new and wonderful and Loki wants it to be like this forever.

“Come home with me.” His words are soft, quiet and full of hope, even though he’s sure if he can, Hob will want to. It seems they had the same thought in mind.