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

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?

[ Kaoru thinks a little, then says with a laugh that's still a little sleepy- ] I think I was looking in a mirror? I was talking to myself in a mirror. It was weird.

[ ~~No, Kaoru, you have an identical twin brother~~-- ] Really weird.

That one sounds like it means something. Mine seriously was a turtle eating a boat.

[Dino hums thoughtfully.]

Maybe you're reflecting on who you are. Giving yourself a pep talk.

[ Kaoru has to chuckle at that, reaching to tug on a lock of Dino's hair lightly. ] What are you, a dream specialist now or something? Can you tell my fortune too?

[He squirms a little at the tug, and reaches up to nudge Kaoru's cheek slightly.]

Yes, I can. Your fortune is to make amazing music with really cool guys, including some blonde with a great smile, who's going to be your lucky charm. And your wingman. Definitely.

[ Kaoru can feel his cheeks heat up a little at the gentle touch, but he hopes it isn't that noticeable. It's just - with a pretty boy halfway in his lap paying him attention like this, who needs romance or a wingman? He doesn't say that out loud, though. Just teases lightly- ] My lucky charm, huh.

Guess I better stick close to you, then.

[He's beaming now, though for him, that means a smooth, genuine smile that could win a room in no time flat. The world would follow that smile, that much he somehow knew. He was beloved by the people who mattered.]

Darn right.

[Still refusing to move from Kaoru's lap, Dino stretches his hands out in front of his chest, then lets one flop back down near Kaoru's shoulder.]

You can't go wrong with me. Promise.

Edited 2016-02-05 01:10 (UTC)

[ Kaoru lifts one of his hands without thinking, setting it gently over Dino's, and he can't stop the bright smile in response to the other boy's words. ] Well, if you're so sure. I must be pretty lucky to have you, then.

You bet. It's mutual, obviously.

[He's convincing himself as much as anyone of his own value, but he's so focused on the fortune of their meeting--not just Kaoru, but the whole band--that he doesn't bother to realize what's coming from within, and what's coming from without. Instead, he tucks his other hand behind his head briefly.]

How is your leg not falling asleep?

It's probably been asleep for ages at this point, honestly. I don't mind. [ And he's surprised to find that he doesn't, really. He can handle his foot being asleep if it means getting to stay like this. ] Unless you're done draping yourself over the most attractive man in Hue & Cry?

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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

truly amazing

where are the tabloids

probably a good thing for them that there are not photogs in their living room, but still o9

darn good thing

sorry not sorry for this tag's ridiculous cuteness

oh looooooooord have mercy on us

kaoru has too fragile of a heart for this nonsense

SOS THIS IS KILLING ME

i'm straight up really emotional about these two