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

[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?

If you're sure.

[A little shrug, and he wiggles his hand beneath Kaoru's.]

This isn't draping.

[He's not saying anything to the second bit, because who's he to judge who's attractive and who's not? He's confident in his own sex appeal, or something like that. Definitely attractive enough.]

It's totally draping. There are millions of fans out there who'd die to be in your position, Dino. Take more advantage of it. [ He's definitely teasing, and Dino can tell that from the broad smirk on his face. ]

That is not draping.

[He sits up, narrowly avoiding a face-to-face collision in his wobbly still half-asleep state, and winds both arms around Kaoru. Then he shifts his weight slightly, and sandwiches his bandmate between himself and the arm of the couch, though playfully and not uncomfortably. He is, in fact, draping on him irreverently now.]

This is draping. I can hear all your fans crying right now.

[ Yeah, that smirk is gone, and for a moment, his face is caught in an expression of shock and shyness. When Dino settles on top of him, Kaoru can feel his cheeks burn, but he can't help smiling up at him, something more honest than his usual beaming grin. ]

Yeah, well, sucks for them. [ Very eloquent, Kaoru Hitachiin. ] I prefer this anyway. [ Very casual, well done. ]

[That smile is worth every ounce of the silliness. He's a little sorry that he made Kaoru blush, but he's not moving yet. After all, he said he'd be more helpful when he woke up, and a real smile might well be a reward for him keeping his promise.]

I'm better than fans? All of them? Even the really cute ones?

[Because his own expression is just as genuine, curious, and gentle. His work here is done. He kept his word.]

[ Kaoru lifts his fingers to Dino's face almost without thinking, running them through his hair and letting his knuckles rest against his cheek. It takes effort to scoff casually, and when he speaks, his voice is more honest than teasing. ] Please. You're my cutest fan. They couldn't compare.

[ JUST GUYS BEING BROS ]

[SUPER BROS.]

You know--

[Alright it's Dino's turn to flush a bit, and for a moment he looks like he might say something ridiculous...

And then he says it, which is fine, too.]

So, what? One-way street? You're my fan too, right? [Teasingly, he tugs at the end of the hair over his bandmate's temple.] Pictures of me up on the wall and everything.

[ Do you hear that very loud sound? That's Kaoru's heart beating out of his chest at all of this. The proximity, the touches, the words. He can't stop himself from looking up at Dino, vaguely starry-eyed. ] Nah. I mean- yes. Total fan. Number one fan.

But pictures up on the wall can't compare. [ He laughs a little, his eyes glancing down at how close they really are before looking back up at him. ] No point in those with you here, right?

[He chuckles, low and soft, and bites at his lower lip for a moment. He isn't always smooth, or clever, so what he says next might come off as odd. He worries about that, even as he says it, even though he means it.]

If you're not my fan, I'll just have to work harder to impress you.

[The band has to be impressed with him, after all. They have to think he's worthy of being there. More than that right now, he's just... Holding his breath for some reason. And he lets it out really slowly, carefully, so it isn't a sigh.]

Let's support each other, alright?

[ Okay so is Kaoru, the extremely queer, romantic teenager, not supposed to look at Dino's lip when he bites it? Because that's definitely happening. It'll take a couple moments before his attention comes back up to Dino's eyes, and even then, he's glancing between the two as he says: ] Don't- I mean, you can if you want to, but you're... kind of impressive just by yourself.

[ His breath is a little shaky when it comes out, but in such a good way. ] Definitely. I'm- always here for that. [ And for maybe leaning in closer when he says it, trying to pass it off as casual earnestness. ]

What if I want to impress you?

[It only takes a small shift for him to press his forehead to Kaoru's, careful to push that perfect hair out of the way so it won't get messed up. His heart's at peace, he's calm, he feels as at home as he ever has in this building. Maybe it's just the pleasant warmth of waking up in good company, but he's content. And unchecked. Words tumble out before he notes how they sound.]

You look... really cute when you're impressed. You sort of light up a little. Your eyes.

[Maybe he wants to be looked at like that. Unwise to say it, though. Dino's eyes close tightly for a moment, and he wonders if he ought to pull away.]

I mean, you're... just really... something. [Reel it in, Cavallone.] You're really talented, too. Singing and piano and everything. [Or babble.]

[ Kaoru's breath leaves him for a moment, when Dino presses their foreheads together. And then he's talking, so close that Kaoru can practically feel the individual words against his skin - like 'cute', and 'light', and 'talented'. Those are good things. Dino's so warm.

Before he can think too much about it, Kaoru takes in a deep breath, then leans in, fumbling a soft kiss against the corner of Dino's lips.

It doesn't last long. It's not a particularly good kiss. The only thing Kaoru can think to say when he pulls back is a strangled: ] Sorry.

[Holy.

Dino freezes at the contact, blinking his eyes open in surprise. But he wonders if he should be surprised. All this closeness... it was really asking for one of them to make that move, like it was inevitable. He's close with his bandmates, as much as he's able to be, and he'll hug them or sit with them, anything, whenever. It's family, or something.

In no way was he the one who backed off. He chokes out a quiet reply:]

Why are you apologizing?

☆TRACK VII: IN REACHING OUT PT. 1

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

precious babies ;;

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/unleashes this icon

/little 'nooo' sounds for life

djsajkfajka

oh dear lord in heaven above

THROWS HANDS UP

THIS IS THE END I'M OUT

BYE

i'm ascending 2 heaven at this moment jsyk

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baby i'm back /strums guitar

uwu

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