interstellar5555 | ☆TRACK VII: IN REACHING OUT PT. 1

Entry tags:

☆TRACK VII: IN REACHING OUT PT. 1

Who: Everyone in Pride and Virgo HQ.
What: Ghosts need your help.
When: The evening of January 30th, 2055
Where: Pride and Virgo HQ.
Warnings: Phantasmal violence, possibly some real violence.

“Hold your colours against the wall,
When they take everything away,
Hold your colours against the wall,
With me (soaking through)”

☆IN REACHING OUT

Starting around the 20th of January, the heavy lockdown and supervision of the musicians of both labels will begin to fade. While they still require escorts to be out and about, the guards that have been routinely stalking them around their own homes and HQs will be gradually phased out, until it is just the regular managers and security remaining. Sweet deal, right? Over a month after the hysteria of the ill-fated solstice party, things seem to be finally letting up a little. Whether because you've played nice for long enough, or whether their attentions are being directed elsewhere, it isn't clear.

Either way, this is the also the start of some increasingly familiar paranormal activity. All the way back to the first tour of this generation of musicians, members of both Pride and Virgo have found themselves haunted by strange and inexplicable happenings. Starting on the 23rd, these happenings begin to flare up again - lights switching on and off, TVs starting on their own, and even things falling off of shelves unprovoked. (These minor happenings can be made up by you and don't need to be mod designated - however, they should not be anything that would be threatening or dangerous to the characters.) For some people this will be completely new, and for others it may even be faintly nostalgic.

This will continue until the night of the 30th, when things finally seem to come into swing. The hauntings will become more pointed and explicit. The details are specific to each HQ, and there and you can make yourself open to an NPC haunting down below.

☆PRIDE RECORDS

About halfway through the evening on the 30th, Predator will begin prowling the halls of Pride HQ. At first it won't be clear for what, but after catching a few snippets of conversation (this can be handwaved) characters will have a change to realize that they are looking for the ghosts that have been causing a fuss recently. How crazy this will sound to you will probably depend on how new you are. They will actively shake down random musicians they meet for information about what they've seen the last couple days. As usual, Jenny is leading the pack, with Cass and Donny (nsfw) providing back up muscle.

Provided you lie well or tell them the truth, they will move along fairly quickly. If you start shit with them, they will probably rough you up a little. Any major confrontations with them will be handled on the companion OOC post, and a few top levels may appear over here that can be tagged into in limited amounts.

Beyond those activities, Pride members will feel various effects based on their EMOTIONAL ALIGNMENTS:

► ALL: Their connection and desire to create music will be especially heightened. They will find themselves subconsciously beginning to tap out rhythms, hum, peck at instruments, or straight up sing things even when it would otherwise be totally inappropriate. Strong emotions will cause them to want to sing and play to each other. They may also feel very strongly that they want to dance, to a particularly addictive beat that seems to emanate from the air. It may shift and change as the night goes on, but at any given moment everyone will hear the same rhythm. It sounds like particularly great percussion.

► LOVE & DUTY: They will have no extra special effects, but they will feel this urge to create music even more strongly than the rest, as it seems to be focused on them as they are not being directly targeted by any other sensations. When Hope and Passion musicians hear music made by these characters, they will feel stronger, like energy is being gifted to them.

► HOPE: Characters of this alignment will feel increasingly like they are being drawn somewhere, or like someone is calling for them, but they can't quite make out the direction it's coming from. The aspect of hope will be empowered within them, and they will find themselves unusually trusting towards the other characters, as if they only have the most optimistic outcomes in mind. Beyond this, they may feel dazed or confused by the sensations they are feeling. They may also experience strange visions, or the sensation of being another person they are not (and not just their true self this time, someone else completely).

► PASSION: Characters of passion will be targeted by the 'hauntings' much more directly than the others. More than random acts, the hauntings around them seem like someone is actively trying to communicate with them. Sometimes it will even feel like someone is trying to speak in their heads, though they won't quite be able to make it out. Passion characters who request haunting instances will get the most major effects.

☆VIRGO ENTERTAINMENT

Soon after things start to get extra weird on the 30th, Juno and a couple Virgo veterans (Anansi and a man you recognize as a popular folk artist named Brett Hogan) will start wandering the halls. They will pull individuals aside for questioning in private rooms, asking about the strange occurrences. They will not attempt to rough anyone up, but excessively resistance or attempts at violence towards them may result in characters being locked in their rooms for the rest of the night.

All three of them seem particularly hard to lie to for some reason, tonight. It's possible, but while you make the effort to do so, the words seem to be on the verge of falling out of your mouth. Juno seems to have something very particular in mind as she searches the HQ, like she can see something you can't. There will also be top levels for these guys appearing.

Beyond those activities, Pride members will feel various effects based on their EMOTIONAL ALIGNMENTS:

► ALL: Their connection and desire to create music will be especially heightened. They will find themselves subconsciously beginning to tap out rhythms, hum, peck at instruments, or straight up sing things even when it would otherwise be totally inappropriate. Strong emotions will cause them to want to sing and play to each other. They may also feel very strongly that they want to dance, to a particularly addictive tune that seems to emanate from the air. It may shift and change as the night goes on, but at any given moment everyone will hear the same song. It sounds like someone riffing expertly on a guitar.

► HOPE & PASSION: They will have no extra special effects, but they will feel this urge to create music even more strongly than the rest, as it seems to be focused on them as they are not being directly targeted by any other sensations. When Love and Duty musicians hear music made by these characters, they will feel stronger, like energy is being gifted to them.

► LOVE: Characters of this alignment will feel increasingly like they are being drawn somewhere, or like someone is calling for them, but they can't quite make out the direction it's coming from. The aspect of love will be empowered within them, and they will find themselves unusually loving, connected, and emotionally open to others, even if this would usually be out of character. (This can also mean they are more inclined to get physically intimate, if you want to.) Beyond this, they may feel dazed or confused by the sensations they are feeling. They may also experience strange visions, or the sensation of being another person they are not (and not just their true self this time, someone else completely).

► DUTY: Characters of duty will be targeted by the 'hauntings' much more directly than the others. More than random acts, the hauntings around them seem like someone is actively trying to communicate with them. Sometimes it will even feel like someone is trying to speak in their heads, though they won't quite be able to make it out. Duty characters who request haunting instances will get the most major effects.

☆PLOT NOTE

This will be a two part event, and the second part will be posted in a few days and will only include those that choose to help the spirits. This can be discussed OOC. Any alignment can assist, though the Passions from Pride and the Duties from Virgo will be the most directly pursued because they will be the easiest for the spirits to communicate with. Realize that participating is serious business, though: there are good odds the characters will be caught eventually, and there will be consequences. Do not volunteer your characters for this plot if you don't want them to suffer potential physical or mental trauma.

“Fading gently, soaking through,
And starting not to show at all.
In reaching out and into you, 
nothing else could touch me.”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Dino laughs at the affirmation and lack of humility, because in all honesty he doesn't expect it from anyone. They're setting up to be superstars and there's no point in holding back, is there?]

Keep saying I'm pretty and I'll go on an ego trip. Nobody wants that. [He takes a rather pensive breath.] I swear I slept this time. I'm being better about that. So I guess somebody's doing something dumb. Messing with acoustics maybe?

Don't worry. No one's ego looks that bad compared to mine. [ Kaoru laughs, shaking his head. ] It could be something like that. I wouldn't be surprised. Or maybe you're being possessed by a vengeful spirit! [ ... Kaoru, stop reading trashy comic books. He seems to be aware of how stupid the idea is, at least, judging by his grin. ]

Anyway, I'm sure it won't bother you for much longer. Whoever's behind it will get bored eventually. And in the meanwhile, I can keep you company. My voice is way louder than anything else you might hear.

Oh, okay. You win the ego game. Got it. [Dino offers a little lazy wink. Kaoru, stop with the cuteness. It's gonna kill your cellist.]

If I'm possessed I'm going to freak out a little bit, so let's not even go there. You're not hearing anything?

[ He hesitates a little at that, but when he answers, it's definitive. ] No. At least... I haven't heard any voices. I've been hearing more music than usual, but it's probably just some guitarist around headquarters getting really into it or something.

[ Then, in a smaller voice, he adds on without looking at Dino: ] I've been feeling kind of weird too, but that's... different.

[Hrm.] More music is good music, but feeling weird's not so good. [Bandmates in any kind of distress are not cool, and Dino moves away slightly to try to get his attention back.]

Tell me what's up? You can trust me not to tell a soul.

[ Kaoru will let him move away, but instinct tells him to trail his fingers down to hold Dino's hand, and for a couple moments, he doesn't realize he's done it.

Then, when it does hit him, he pulls his hand away immediately, a little flustered. ] Um, sorry, I- I don't know why I-- sorry, I was distracted! [ Good save, Kaoru. ]

And you don't want to hear me talk about this. Trust me. No one needs more teenage angst in their lives than is strictly necessary.

[Dino blinks at his hand. That's different. Hrm. Closeness to bandmates is a thing buuuut... Well, whatever.]

No big deal! I just want to make sure you're okay. We're supposed to be working together, and like I said, you're a good guy. If you need something, you have to be able to rely on us. I mean me specifically, right now, but you know what I'm getting at.

[ Kaoru swallows, then raises one hand, waving it in the air almost dismissively. ] It's not serious. And it's not, like... exclusive to me, or whatever. [ And usually, he'd leave it at that. But today, he goes on in a rush: ] Everyone goes through that period where you're casually super terrified of dying alone and never finding someone for you, right? Whatever. It's stupid.

[...that is not okay. For some reason that hits Dino hard, like he gets the sentiment in a highly personal way, even though he's never really been overly concerned about that. As long as people love him, he doesn't care who or how many...]

It's not stupid. [It's kind of sad.] If it's something you're scared of, it is what it is. Like, me? Irrationally scared of falling off a stage and into a scary fangirl with grabby hands. [Point being...] You'll find it, though. You're great, and someone's going to get that on the deepest, best level.

Yeah, but when? [ He swallows, then tries to brush it off with humor. ] Like, what if I get old and gross without finding anyone and I have to rely on my personality or something? [ The horror. ]

Probably not too soon, since we're going to be busy, but sooner than later. Come on.

[He pats Kaoru on the shoulder and smiles generously.]

You've got a great shot! You're young and yeah, you have the looks going, so don't worry about it.

[ Kaoru takes a breath, then smiles, but he's definitely feeling happier after that pat on the shoulder. ] Well, if you're going to refreshingly suggest just not worrying about it, I guess I should at least try to take your advice.

That being said, you should definitely follow my advice and come watch a movie or something with me now so you can ignore your voices. It can even be your pick as long as it isn't super lame.

I never said I was good at giving advice. I'm probably cheerleader level at best when I'm like this.

[Dino taps his chin thoughtfully, then purses his lips. What can he honestly say that will help? Because he wants to help. The band is family, and family takes care of their own. They complete the picture for him, and he's gotta give back tenfold.]

Tomorrow. I'll come up with something better tomorrow. For now... [YAWNING.] You pick a movie I won't fall asleep during, how's that?

Fine. Tomorrow. I'll hold you to that. [ He's definitely amused, not really meaning his words. The fact that Dino wants to help out means more to him, anyway. ]

Why don't you fall asleep? I'll put on Planet Tera. It's the world's best lullaby. And if you fall asleep, the voices shouldn't bother you, right?

Good. I'll get cleverer overnight. Promise. [Have a wink. A very confident one, if sleepy. That's Dino. The charmer.]

You're gonna let me fall asleep on you? Voices or not, isn't that pretty rude? [Even if he adores the idea, given that the movie should drown out the voices... Damn, he has the best bandmates forever.]

[ HE'S NOT GOING TO BLUSH AT THE WINK. That would be silly. But he does look pretty delighted. ]

It's not rude! It's a privilege. I have the most comfortable shoulder in the universe, y'know. And I honestly don't mind. [ In fact, he's... actually looking forward to it. Huh. ]

[Delight delights Dino. Everyone is hereby happy, and he couldn't ask for more. It's already chasing off the eerie feelings, shoving all the odd, continuing occurrences out of his consciousness.]

I'll be the judge of that... apparently. [Tapping Kaoru on the arm jovially now.] Alright, you're the fearless leader for the evening. Lead on.

I can do that. [ And he will. It's not difficult, really, to start up a movie once they get back to their penthouse, drag over some blankets to the couch and make a bowl of popcorn. And when all's said and done, he'll nestle in next to Dino comfortably and press play. ]

I chose the rainforest one. [ He says, a little more softly as the movie starts. ] It has the best ambient noises. [ And if Dino doesn't mind... Kaoru might tug him down to lean on his shoulder. Just so that he can be comfortable!! ]

[Dino tries to help, the operative word being try, but after the first mishap he just hangs out a few feet back from Kaoru and watches the master at work. Or rather watches everything shape up to a relaxing next bit of time. Popcorn, blankets, the whole nine yards. He can't help but give a content little sigh as he settles in, eyes on the shoulder as he's being tugged down. Willingly, he accepts that comfortable position, shifting a bit to curl up.]

I'm going to knock out so hard in a little bit. But I don't snore! Not really... Usually.

[The blanket is pulled up so he's fairly cocooned in it.]

Hey, if you fall asleep, I don't mind. Kick me off the couch if you need to. But until then, the soothing sights and sounds of the rainforest.

[ Kaoru just pulls Dino in even closer in response, his own eyes already drooping as he hums softly to himself. It's just a really comfortable set up, okay!! It probably won't be long until they're dozing together in front of the TV, wrapped up in a pile of cuddles. ]

[Not long at all until Dino's got his arm around his dear bandmate with his face pressed right up against Kaoru's shoulder. One might mistake it for nuzzling, if one gets creative. Slowly but surely he gets more comfortable, eventually wriggling down to curl up on his half of the couch with his head resting on Kaoru's leg, mumbling something about somebody named "Enzo". But his breath evens right back out as he snuggles up.]

[ For his part, Kaoru will reach with his hand to run his fingers through Dino's hair, rest a hand on his shoulder, anything that keeps the connection there. Sandwiched between a warm body and the couch arm feels right, in a weirdly familiar way.

Surely they don't need to move from this comfy position until it's really, really required. Surely. ]

[They're going to be there a while, because Dino is too comfortable and he needs sleep more than he'll let on. His eyes open only slightly at the hand in his hair, but it doesn't properly process, and he simply makes a quiet noise of contentment before snuggling up more. It doesn't seem possible, but he manages.

Eventually, long after the film ends, and well into the night, Dino stirs again and shifts to lay on his back, finally blinking awake. He says nothing, only looking up at the oddly heartening sight of Kaoru's resting face.]

[ It only takes a couple seconds after Dino shifts for Kaoru to wake up, acutely aware of somebody near him having moved. Rubbing at his eyes, he whines groggily- ] Hikaru...

[ And then he looks down at Dino and seems to realize what he's said. ] Um. I mean. Dino. [ And he laughs sleepily, flopping back on the couch cushions. ] Dunno where that came from. Must've had weird dreams.

[Well, that's interesting. Dino runs a hand over his own face, brushing tousled hair back so it's not so bothersome. He's still not moving, though. Why do so when he's super comfortable?

Maybe he'll nudge the topic a little.]

I had a dream about a turtle. What about you?

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this is disgustingly cute aslkdfj

so gross so gross

ughhh honestly

boys pls

this is like.... really gay nbd

H&C man they bring it