OPEN💗 LATE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

[peoplewatch]

WHO: Newbies, oldbies, everyone is welcome!
WHAT: A Late Valentine’s Party mingle, since Valentines’ Day was over Kaiju month…
WHERE: “MANTRA”, an underground, alternative club in Neo Toyko
WHEN: March 10th
WARNINGS: Romance and shippy things, alcohol, hookah, suggestive things. Anything NSFW is to be appropriately labelled.

Around the 10th of March, Outsiders will receive a message in their ocular inbox from Kabru, the Outsider also known as @ rasgulla. The message reads:

“To my dearest friends and teammates,

If we haven’t met before, call me Kabru. When not on missions as an Outsider, I work as a freelance event planner for various businesses and private organizations within Neo Tokyo.

Valentines’ Day is a popular holiday in Japan that was sadly interrupted last month by the kaiju. My current client is holding a belated Valentines’ Day event and they would really like the Outsiders to come. There will be plenty of food and things to do. Even if you're not looking for a romantic time, I'd encourage you to come!

Please wear something comfortable. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,

Kabru.”



A location pin comes attached with the invitation. It looks like Kabru’s become more adept at technology over the months.

Follow the location pin and you’ll find yourself in front of ‘Mantra’ in metro Tokyo, an underground, alternative club making waves for its uniqueness in the club scene. Outsiders will all be allowed in without much fuss. The owner of the club is a gentle woman who kindly requests that all guests take their shoes off and leave them at the side. There is a lingering scent of incense and the people hanging out in the club look remarkably calm as they relax; cuddling and enjoying each other’s company. What kind of Valentine’s day party is this? A New Age, alternative kind, apparently. The owner of the club wants to be promoting togetherness in a completely different way.

Thankfully, finger foods and alcohol appear to be abundant, even if Kabru would really like you to be mingling with the people! There is a bar with free flowing wines and spirits, and a table with hors d'oeuvres and small desserts as accompaniment. These can include sushi rolls, small sandwiches, crab cake bites, small skewers, chocolates, little cakes and tarts. Food aside, there is live music playing and guests are highly encouraged to dance.

Naturally, couples are also coupling up, but anything too raunchy is of course cordoned off to a private room. Also, ignore the people smoking electronic hookah at the side…

What can you do besides eat and drink?

1. DANCING 💗

The DJ mostly plays trance and synth pop music in the background but he’s happy to take requests. On the dancefloor,there’s always a group of tipsy guests dancing their hearts out, some dancing alone and others dancing as a couple. There’s no right or wrong way to dance and most people will not cast judgement. Give it a try? Better hurry, before some of the overeager guests try to drag you in.

2. CUDDLE PILE 💗
Numerous cushions are set out around the venue for guests to lounge in and cuddle. It’s highly encouraged, in fact! Especially after a vigorous dance session. There are people lying together in larger groups, and couples choosing to spend their time lounging and enjoying each other’s company. Finding it difficult to relax? The owner might give you a whiff of her special perfume that’s guaranteed to put you in a state of complete calm. It might even make you more open about lying together with someone else.

3. SPEED DATING 💗

There’s a speed dating round going on in one side of the club. Guests are numbered and paired up randomly, then given a short amount of time to get to know each other on a speedy little date. Don’t know what to say? A list of questions will flow in through the oculars to give you a prompt. (Please refer to here and here for some examples or make up your own!)

4. MAKE SWEET TREATS 💗

In the spirit of Valentines’ Day, the owner of the club is hosting a quick desserts-making workshop at the event. Guests will be provided with ingredients and taught to make chocolate or cupcakes, and they will get the chance to decorate it however they like. It’s highly encouraged to make something to give to your sweetheart or the person you admire. Do you really want to be the person eating their own chocolate on Valentines’ Day?

5. PARTY GAMES 💗

What’s a party without party games? Throughout the night, people will be getting drunk and playing local drinking games such as the King’s Game. Eventually, other games from the West get introduced by other people. These games include Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle and 7 Minutes in Heaven.

6. TAKE SOMEONE HOME 💗

If it looks like you're having a pretty good time with someone else, a helpful robot will approach you and provide you both with a key to a private room. Some of these private rooms are normal and some are themed, similar to a love hotel. There's no need to actually do anything raunchy of course. You could just cuddle up and enjoy the warmth of the digital fireplace! Everything one might need for a nice time together (condoms, lubricant etc) will be readily available.

As the event planner, Kabru will be buzzing around and making sure everything runs smoothly, but he can be stopped for questions or concerns (pls be nice to him he has anxiety). Characters can sit out of anything they want, but drunk and overeager guests might decide to drag them in.

[ OOC: I put this up so everyone can enjoy a chill mingle after the chaos of last month! And also because we didn’t get the opportunity to have do much for Valentines’ Day given the timing. Naturally, please label any NSFW, add your content warnings appropriately, and state your boundaries and preferences in terms of shipping/gen/being tagged by younger/older characters. ]

Comments

Speed Dating

[likemybooks]

[Taryon thinks he should have followed the rock singer's lead and done something attention-grabbing and impressive at the start of the party. Now, he must waste precious seconds of their short date introducing himself when Johnny has made it clear that he's 1) cool 2) talented, and 3) the life of the party.

Taryon doesn't know how to take Johnny staring at him - maybe he's not his type? His own elegant taste in clothing surely clashes with this proletariat aesthetic, but his natural charm will have to make up for that! Taryon leans forward, resting his chin on his hand, and smiles.]

No, sorry, I was only taken by your striking appearance. I've never met such a talented musician as yourself, you see. I'm sure you've had fans going speechless in your presense. [He sits ups.] I'm Taryon Darrington, by the way. I'm actually a writer! But I didn't think to bring a book to present to a party. Do you often perform at events?

[rebelsamurai]

[Holy shit. What is blondie here wearing? Johnny doesn't know what to make of it. Not that it's a bad thing or anything, but he's pretty stunned to meet someone dressed so...flamboyantly? No, that's not the right word. Elegant? Yeah, maybe that word suits this guy better than flamboyant.

Either way, it's kind of funny and a little awkward that his first speed date is with a guy. It kind of reminds him of how he met Kerry all those years ago. It's just a strange coincidence, isn't it?]

Taryon Darrington? [Oh shit. He's British?] That's one hell of a name, choom. Sounds all fancy-like.

[This guy must be rich or something. Between the fancy threads, the golden blond hair, and the British-like name, this dude must be some rich-ass corpo from the UK. That makes Johnny frown a little.]

Huh, you're a writer?

[Oh. So maybe he's not a corpo. Interesting. Johnny takes another swig of whiskey.]

Yeah, I used to play at clubs like this one all the time back in Night City. I'm from an old band called SAMURAI.

[likemybooks]

[He had to buy something with frills. It's not in style in Neo Tokyo, but it's a noble fashion back home. So what if it's dated? It looks good on Taryon.

As are the neon blue jacket, the red pants with a yellow trim, and the recently perfumed hair. This is a romance-themed party, thus, Taryon must be dressed to impress.

Although he's having second thoughts about the level of formality that was expected.

He raises his chin at this clear praise for his extravagent name. Even without the legacy of the Darrington family, it has made an impression on the musician.] Why, thank you. It rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? My family was quite wealthy, as you have guessed. But here, I aim to be one of the commoners, start a new life as a new man. [He punctuates this by raising a forefinger in a declaratory manner.]

Well, I don't have a formal book published - yet - but I've experimented with short stories, fiction inspired by existing books, that sort of thing. It's a lifelong hobby of mine.

[And now, as per the customs of speed dating, Taryon smiles at Johnny with his follow-up question.] That sounds...quite fun. You must have been pretty popular in a band with a cool name.

[rebelsamurai]

[The frills are excessive, but Johnny isn't going to criticize Taryon for them. He does raise an eyebrow at the color choice, though. Neon blue with red pants and a yellow trim? Seriously, buddy? Johnny can't help but chuckle.]

Well, aren't you the bell of the ball. [He jokes with a lopsided grin.] So tell me, what is a pampered poodle like you doing all the way out here in preem Kaiju territory?

[That's a good question, isn't it? Starting a new life in the middle of this shitstorm sounds like a dangerous idea to Johnny. However, he's kind of in the same boat.]

You're not one of... LILITH's guys, are you?

[Is this the guy from the Kyoto base? Johnny is beginning to have his suspicions. He just assumed this gonk was from the UK or something, like a tourist. It didn't occur to him until now that Taryon could be another kaiju hunter.]

You have no idea how popular SAMURAI really was. None of us expected the band to blow up as much as it did, but not before long—we were playing at sold-out arenas in Atlantis, Florida.

[likemybooks]

I...I work here. [He says sheepishly. His gaze lowers. Perhaps dressing up fancily wasn't the best way to impress a tough guy, who's more into rough-and-tumble fellows.

Hopefully he can salvage this attempt at charming a stranger with his charisma.] But yes, I'm with LILITH! I've fought the kaiju in my spare time. I don't run around in armor or covered in blood every day. This is my party outfit.

[He leans his cheek on a fist, prepares his best soft (hopefully rougish) smile, and bats his eyelashes a few times. Yes, he's made himself impressive. Won't Johnny be excited to meet someone who's brave when it matters and classy in times of peace.]

Incredible. Florida is a marshy place, right? I've never been there. [Because he's never traveled outside of Asia on Earth.] I hope you have some recordings of your performances.

[rebelsamurai]

Whoa, really? I almost thought you were a tourist.

[He almost does a double take. This guy appears to be a kaiju hunter. That...is interesting. Johnny had no idea what his peers would look like, but he certainly didn't expect someone like Taryon to be among them. However, Johnny is in no position to critique. After all, he has just arrived in Kyoto.

He hasn't even fought his first kaiju yet.]

Florida was a marshy hellhole filled with alligators and crocodiles, at least in my version of Earth. [He's still a little unsure of how all this interdimensional stuff works, but Johnny is trying to take it all with stride.]

I'm not too sure what's it like here, but I doubt they got anything fancy happening there.

[Also, what's up with that little smile Taryon is giving him? Johnny blinks his eyes a few times in confusion before giving Taryon a faint smirk.

Is this guy seriously making the moves on him? It seems so. Taryon is persistent, that is for certain. Johnny can appreciate that.]

Unfortunately, I don't but that doesn't mean I don't know the songs by heart. It's a little weird to take up the guitar again without the band, but that's the idea.

[likemybooks]

I...no? Well, I supposed I'm dressed snazzily enough to be a real tourist. I can see why you were mistaken. [Taryon tells himself that his manner of dress hides his battle hardened history too well.] But if you'd seen me in action, you'll believe me.

[And judging by Johnny's answer, there's a chance he can witness this in person.]

I take it that you're a new fighter. You seem like one - [He's got the muscle tone for it, judging by the arms that Taryon spends two seconds too long checking out.] - then you'll be just fine if you follow my lead. Bards are support casters, after all.

[Assuming that Johnny even knows what a Bard class is.]

But don't you worry: I'm an expert in using all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to aid me in battle. Have you met Doty? [He holds out his hand with a flourish in the direction of Doty, who is standing against the wall and observing the ongoing party. He has detected no immediate danger to the facility or to Taryon.] He's been by my side forever. And he's quite handy in a fight.

[rebelsamurai]

[He seems like a newbie, huh? That's a polite way of calling him "green," Taryon. Johnny can't help but find some humor in that statement. Also, is Taryon checking him out? He caught that stare, buddy. It seems Mr. Fancypants has a thing for muscles. Johnny knows he looks damn good in a tanktop.]

Bards are what now? [Huh? That wins a curious eyebrow arch from Johnny. He doesn't quite know what to make of that statement.] If you think I'm gonna sit my ass while everyone else does all the work, then you have another thing coming.

You can take point but I got your back.

[This feels oddly familiar to him, very. Maybe he's starting to recall his life as a merc in between performances or something. That could be it.]

Uh, no? What the hell is a Doty--[He trails off once Taryon gestures towards the robot in the back. It's a rather impressive droid, a little generic in the design but still impressive.]

Whoa. [He blinks his eyes in surprise.] I almost didn't notice him.

[That's a little concerning since Johnny always prided himself on his acute awareness.]

What exactly does it do?

[likemybooks]

[Taryon is not the best at reading people, but considering that Johnny is hanging onto his every word with rapt attention and sharing so many details about himself, Taryon can be more bold when it comes to the flirting part of first dates. And arms are sexy, especially those with firm, strong forms.

Hm. Maybe he should pry his eyes away from any area that isn't Johnny's face. Taryon looks straight at him with his hands tightly folded on top of the table.] Bards? You know...oh, right. Earth doesn't have magic... [He glances downward as he thinks.] Right. So. Bards have their own sort of magic, like...working with the feelings of people? I don't know, people either talk about it like it's really cool or really creepy. It's probably both. Anyway, you play music, you inspire everyone else to fight, and sometimes you go in and do the job yourself. That sort of thing.

[Only this bard here uses a gun instead of a sword.]

You're still in the fight. We're all in this together, as they say!

[A few seconds pass after that cheesy attempt at a moral. Anyway-- he clears his throat.] I built Doty - or at least, I started work on Doty - when I was small and improved on his design over the years. Right now, he's keeping watch on me and taking down any notes I tell him to.

...I know I can record my notes on my implant, but there's something so much more satisfying when you get to hear the quill on paper or- or his fingers typing on the tablet. He does all that and beat up anyone that comes after me.

[rebelsamurai]

[Johnny tries his best not to grin once he realizes that Taryon's eyes keep straying lower. Yeah, he knows Tary—he knows. Anyway, blondie here is probably the best blind date Johnny has had so far. Most of the other folks here are too awkward or timid to make a good first impression.]

Wait, wait, wait! Magic? As in "hocus pocus" sort of magic? [What the hell, there's MAGIC?! Johnny stares at Taryon like he has gone completely off the rails. There's no way that magic exists, right? No, this gotta be a prank or something.]

The only magic that exists, choom, is in my pants. Trust me, there's no wizards or magicians here. [All jokes aside, Johnny pipes down for a bit and just listens to Taryon's explanation. Rocker boys like him are something like bards in a sense. They do use their influence and clout to win the hearts of the masses. That is what Johnny did during his rise to stardom.]

Huh, maybe I am something like a "bard." [He mutters while pondering more about this magical stuff.] A bard with a gun, baby.

[He gestures to the gun holstered at his side before turning his gaze back towards Doty.]

Shit, you made that clunker over there all by yourself? Color me impressed.

[Okay, Taryon gets two more cool points.]

[likemybooks]

[Taryon is many things, but a coward is not one of them. He will dive into danger and the unknown terrified and without a plan, but what is the worst that could come from making a bold move? Death? A painful mauling by a demon? His father's anger? Driving away his two-minute date isn't all that bad in the grand scheme of things.]

No, as in-- [Taryon shuts his mouth and clenches his throat. Magic is fake here. It's fake on Earth, and he mustn't "get on their asses", as his Vox Machina would put it.

His eyebrows shoot up at Johnny's comments on magic, but he manages to bring them back down. It reminds him of Grog, in a way: turning a phrase into something dirty and braggadocious about his...member. Well. Who knows if that's even true. Taryon may never know.]

Not here, but I've known many. If you had been born on Exandria, maybe you'd study some of that. I don't know about the gun part, though. I know one bard who apparently made it his life mission to acquire firearms, but I have no idea why. They're cool, yes, but he has other ways of fighting.

[Little does Taryon know that it's part of a long-standing feud between said bard and another party member.

He lights up when the topic of conversation returns to himself.] Yes! Well, I had some help from a friend of mine to make Doty 2.0 - overhaul of the design, and he talks! This one over here is a repaired version that I call Doty 3.0. Not that I had to completely rebuild him, but I feel that if I keep on improving him, I should mark it somehow.

[rebelsamurai]

Exandria? [Johnny blinks his eyes several times.] Is that the place you're from?

[Why does this shit sound like a video game to Johnny? He could've sworn he heard something like that in Roach's Quest—that dumb arcade game about the horse running away from its owner. Wasn't the dude a Witcher? Johnny doesn't quite remember but V liked playing that game.]

So, bards can use some iron? [Okay, cool. Being a bard doesn't sound half-bad to him anymore.] Good to know, because I'm not risking my ass out there without a proper weapon.

[He might even add some grenades. V always did. The merc would always throw a grenade at the gang goons before engagement. V would explain that it was to "clear out the weak first."]

So this is Doty 3.0? Dang, you're already at the third generation of this droid. Impressive.