synfluxmods: (Default)
𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.

Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.


There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)

While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is YOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.

It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.

There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.

Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?

Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.

The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”

CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…

A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.


▶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.

Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.

As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.

The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary “city hall” in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.

With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.

Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.

Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.

There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?

(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )


▶ 003. KAIJUCON.

This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.

Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.

As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.

On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?

Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.

As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.

Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!

(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )


▶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.

While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.

While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other

If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.

(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)


▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!

As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.

The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.

2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.

3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.

4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.

busternaut: (S 09)

[personal profile] busternaut 2025-03-29 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
[He chuckles, giving Yzak's foot a little nudge under the table.]

It's kinda nice though, isn't it? Getting recognition for doing something that's pretty straight forwardly good? We're like superheroes or somethin'.
not_laurent: (057)

[personal profile] not_laurent 2025-03-29 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
If I managed not to break it, I'm sure it's tougher than it looks.

[Hoverboards pretty much have to be in order to survive more than a week in anyone's possession.

Roland sets it down and presses a button on the side that causes it to show up as something Athrun can connect to via his implant. Hurray for technology! Roland's pretty proud of himself for figuring all this out.]


There! You should get the, uh-- [He taps the right side of his forehead with a finger.] The thing on your implant. It shows you everything you need to know! How fast you're going, how high, the controls... Honestly, it's a bit much all at once, but maybe you're more used to this sort of thing than I am.
coordination: (find me a nice kind man with 10 inches)

[personal profile] coordination 2025-03-29 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yzak's narrowed gaze follows them as they take their leave. And once they're gone, he shrugs a shoulder and turns his attention back to Ereshkigal. ]

It's not your fault they don't get it.

Although, you should really work on explaining what it is you do do when people get confused like that. Because if there's something that could soothe those who are grieving like they are, it's knowing that someone like you is looking after the people who left them.
penaltypoints: (10)

[personal profile] penaltypoints 2025-03-29 07:12 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. It simply seems unconscionable if we have the option of obtaining a variety of rewards and the like, but we cannot contribute to more pressing preventative solutions.
gorb: (liii.)

[personal profile] gorb 2025-03-29 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
( An impassive blink, his thoughts running a mile a minute.

If there's a connection he can't see it himself, but that's all right, Yuta's had more time trying to find a solution to the king of curses, Geto's not going to be precious about the shifting balance, not when it matters.
)

All right.

( It already sounds ... seedy. He can appreciate now that there might be some truth to Yuta claiming he's different. So he spreads his hands wide, tipping to lean one shoulder against a nearby wall, expression attention. ) I'm listening, Okkotsu-san. Tell me what you've been considering.
copy: (0 1 2)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-29 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuta nods, solemn. Although rather than immediately reply, he does take a moment to settle himself, moving away to take a seat on the bench that's real close by. He takes that interim to gather his thoughts as he shrugs off his sword case and rests it by his side, perching primly on the edge of the bench to keep facing Geto. The methods he's about to discuss would have been the selfsame ones he would have considered for dealing with Geto if deemed necessary, but he does not allow himself to second-guess now. ]

Since LILITH is not allowing us to kill him directly, the first and most obvious method would involve doing so indirectly. It might be tricky, but I think using the kaiju battles would be the best bet for that. That way it can be made to look like just an accidental casualty if needed, too.

[ It's said very matter of fact, absolutely no hesitation or remorse in either inflection or demeanor. Yuta doesn't care about potentially getting caught and what that might mean for him, only the end result matters to him, but if it's a concern for anyone else that might end up involved, the effort to cover any tracks can be made. ]

I have at least two techniques that could be helpful in making sure Sukuna ends up in the line of fire, but I don't know how these battles are organized and how the teams are distributed. It would also depend on the kaiju and how powerful it is.

[ It relies a lot on chance and Yuta doesn't know how likely their odds are, but that's exactly why he's turning to Geto here. ]

You've had experience fighting them. Does this sound feasible at all?
queenofkur: (bam 070)

[personal profile] queenofkur 2025-03-29 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's right... But she's so used to it, of course she's gonna come up with an excuse. ]

I don't know... Having someone to blame sometimes help people. [It's easier when you can direct all your negative emotions towards someone. When you have a concrete answer on "why it happened and who is at fault." When there are no explanations, when you have to accept that's just the way of life... It's so much harder on humans.] Besides, I cannot say with sure there is such a deity in this world.

[ For all they know the local God of Death is super evil and mean! Though she thinks it's far more likely there is no god of death or afterlife here. ]
belli: (pic#17377345)

[personal profile] belli 2025-03-29 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
you don't sound certain of his identity.

have you spoken to him yet?
kidobutai: (ごじゅういち)

[personal profile] kidobutai 2025-03-29 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Then you just put better thought into it and make up for the deficiencies yourself. It's not good to completely rely on leadership all the time, though it would still be nice to have more.

[Ugh, if her darling Shikikan-sama were here... sighs, one can only dream...]
kidobutai: (きゅう)

[personal profile] kidobutai 2025-03-29 05:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you see, I was wondering, who is that cute, pink-haired girl that keeps stealing longing glances your way~?

[As if Akagi doesn't already know.]

The one that blushes when she gazes at you, and then quickly looks away.
coordination: (only if you can pin me down)

[personal profile] coordination 2025-03-29 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
It does. But misdirected blame helps nobody.

[ He looks off in the direction where the siblings left from. ]

They'll realize that, too, eventually. Hopefully not before we take our leave from this world so you can get a proper apology.
nutkick: (018)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-29 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it's mostly the mild (not so mild) obsession to really enjoy his money, and being in a stable environment, sharing space with good company and wanting to experience everything from attending parties to the small details of watching a flower bloom as it flavors their tea. he is, after all, running on a tight schedule full of uncertainty and quiet promise to an abrupt end. it's not a bad habit to adopt. some might cope with more toxic ways, but denji chose to build pleasant memories for himself and his loved ones. in the end, he wants to be remembered as someone who made them happy. or, to be remembered ... at least.

he stares, silent. he can sense a mini, unspoken misunderstanding lingering between them, especially if the hero still believes he was the reason for any doubts. bakugou was upset, or a bit mad, and now he says he's no longer feeling that way. perhaps the little break between their conversation offers some clarity, a new perspective. that was the case for denji, but it wouldn't downgrade his qualms. right, the half-devil will not dictate how his boyfriend should feel, but what he can do is express himself a bit better. which is not easy. it's strange that denji is so willing, like - he wants to do it. he wants to be able to express himself in an intelligent way. he wants to learn how to keep it brief, gentle on the heart, and easier to accept, only to find himself struggling along the way. ]


I find it super easy to be the one listening rather than talking, if I'm honest. I want to know everything about you. Nothing is too much. I can hear you out for hours without getting bored. Just saying. I just don't know ... how to talk about myself.

[ he's not rejecting the idea, and it's clear from the tone of his voice, the acceptance in it. he will find a way. denji's eyes softened as they traced the gentle curve of his lover's face, the way the dim light brushed against his skin. a modest kind of warmth swelled in his chest, slow and heavy. ]

In the end, we both wanted to protect each other in our own way ...
sanguivorous: (Neutral -A wtf kind of neutral)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-03-29 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[He snorts, amused, a retort on the tip of his tongue about how many of the embarrassments he may have seen were Taryon's own, but he swallows it down. As silly or vain as the request he is about to make, it is important to Astarion, after all.]

Will you look through these illustrations and see if any are close to resembling me? They're done in a simple style, no portraiture or realism to speak of, but as close as they can be.

[He holds the folder out to Taryon.]

If there are none, well, none of them had seen me so up close before now, so it only stands to reason.
zauneyete: (pic#17629483)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ See, Ratio, he barely has to say anything. Now mind, this does give him plausible deniability, but he also understands that the man is not going to play games. The difference is that he suspects because he is here, that his interest will be in seeing it through. Making use of it.

He's smart, isn't he? He hasn't outright disagreed with Silco yet. Minor things, yes; but nothing major.

So his lips turn into a self-satisfied smile.
]

Now, wouldn't that be an interesting turn of events?

[ So, yes. ]

You see, the people here? This Sapphire Room? It's interested in profits only. Money for the sake of their own coffers. Greed is their motivation, as far as I can tell. An interest in more, always more.

[ Capitalists, in short. ]

In contrast, I would think that this... entire artifice could be better served, don't you? Motivate people to do something more.

[ So got it in one. ]

They fear monsters, here, instead of learning to do what they must to defeat them.
zauneyete: (pic#17631914)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his lips twitch slightly, a little twist of them. He's used to such morbid jokes. Even finds them funny. ]

And music will wake them up from their fantasies?

[ He asks. He could think of a few things, but music wouldn't be one of them. ]

Please, do share how.
busternaut: (Destiny 040)

[personal profile] busternaut 2025-03-29 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dearka raises an eyebrow. Beg your pardon!?]

Huh... Is that really something you can just... Do?

[His hobby may be Japanese dance, but he basically doesn't know squat about Shinto.]
zauneyete: (pic#17756823)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Quetzalcoatl?

You think Quetzalcoatl tried doing that for me?


[ Unfortunately, Silco was not... doing well... there. He doesn't think she did that at all. ]

All she did was goad me, leaving little traps, and secrets. She lorded her knowledge over me, and when I demanded something from her that was rightfully mine, she took my hand. There was no "trying", it was a war. It was a war that I fought.

You continue to project. How delightful for you that someone decided to teach you to be less than you are, but I think you do not understand much about me. It is, of course, reasonable. You know very little about me.


[ WHOSE FAULT IS THAT SILCO... ]

Suffice it to say, few of your assumptions were correct. I was, however, quite angry.

At least you guessed one thing about me right.


[ WILL NOT ADMIT TO BEING SAD ]
Edited 2025-03-29 19:25 (UTC)
rebelsamurai: (sunglasses - gotta use your head)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-29 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Hell yeah.

[His tone exudes the confidence that only a world-famous rockstar could muster. It is arrogant, flamboyant, and extremely ostentatious. Johnny wholeheartedly believes in the power of music. Why? Well, he will explain shortly.]

Ever heard a song that makes you want to get up and dance? [He asks, smirking, as he focuses on the little old man. Silco is a skinny thing, isn’t he? So full of charisma but so thin, almost sickly. But the old guy doesn’t seem to be at death’s door at least.]

Or perhaps a simple tune that makes you hum every time you hear it?

[Every single person on this planet enjoys music. Even farm animals are known to enjoy music on occasion.]

That right there is power, a power that even the Church wields whenever they start singing their hymns about the Lord. Now, what if you use this power to inspire the masses to rise up and fight their oppressors? You’ll build a fucking army overnight.
Edited 2025-03-29 20:06 (UTC)
sanguivorous: (Sad -What is this puppy face shit)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-03-29 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Of course he attracted the attention of someone so keen on their sense of justice they wouldn't just let him go rather than go through the rigamarole of having a back and forth with him over something so small and cheap.

Worse than that, it had to be an Outsider and not some lazy con security. He briefly wonders what would happen if this was reported to LILITH. That might be interesting to find out, honestly.

And of course Astarion doesn't have enough money for it, it was cheap enough not to bother with the effort of stealing. But he had already spent his money on new, physical clothing. He would never fall for this hologram shite.]


I'm sorry? You must be mistaken. All I have is this.

[He holds up a manilla folder that a kind fan had given him to store prints in. His red eyes are wide, thick eyebrows furrowed as if so innocently befuddled by this accusation.]

I am bereft of coin right now, however, so fans have been so generously giving me art for free. Perhaps you were confused?
copy: (0 1 0)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-29 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry, despite his somewhat newfound confidence, he's still a rather awkward, anxious guy underneath it all and in non-life threatening situations that sometimes is brought back to the forefront. But now that her demeanor has changed, Yuta's going along with the enthusiasm eagerly. ]

Two, actually.

[ Although Yuta hasn't met Gigan yet, Godzilla's friend probably counts too. He totally understands the delight, albeit for different reasons when he'd been filled with boyish wonder meeting Godzilla. At the reveal of her team assignment, he perks up even more. ]

Oh, Revelation too! It looks like we'll be teammates then. [ A proper introduction is definitely in order. ] I'm Okkotsu Yuta and... well, you've met Rika here. It's nice to meet you!

[ He bows politely while Rika continues her blatant ignoring of Power's presence, even drifting off to the side a little. ]
copy: (1 1 8)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-29 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That is some Very Troubling news. ]

oh, i'm really sorry to hear that.
i can't say that bodes well for our healing abilities.
did the rift poisoning leave any lingering effects?


[ AND POOR BERU let Yuta fret on behalf of a creature he hasn't even met. ]

are you really sure?
i wouldn't want anything to happen to your summon.
maybe we can find safer ways to test first.
sanguivorous: (Worried -Head drawn back)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-03-29 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[The best laid plans can often go wrong when a variable is introduced. Especially a variable that barges into you like a clumsy oaf, making you drop the cheap plastic thing of a "chibi" (as the artist called it) you and it makes a terrible clatter on the tiled floor. Loud enough through the din that it was audible.]

You--

[He begins to spit in irritation at the stranger when the young lady he was stealing it from speaks up, "Is that one of my charms?" She looks a mix of confused and suspicious.]

Erm...
zauneyete: (pic#17756769)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Through music.

[ He says, his tone deadpan. Oh, music is fine. Silco has his own songs that are so intertwined with memory that he hides their tracks away. He, too, has a record player. He listens to it. He wouldn't say he particularly goes out of his way to enjoy it. It's what it is. Music is... yet another thing to use.

Then again, Silco doesn't seem the type that likes much of anything.
]

I've never seen music build an army, you know. You'll have to convince me. Or, better yet — show me.

[ It's a challenge but hey, at least he's not saying that he thinks he's full of shit. (He does.) ]
sanguivorous: (Snark -That's a snark face)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-03-29 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Astarion has been told by one or two or a few hundred people he was rather attractive, it was true. Hopefully, they wouldn't be so readily drawn to another pretty face that they look over at him and spot the man in his arm, but he has found that a brim of a hat pulled low to his nose deters most attention spans. And they at least seemed to not want to interrupt a cuddling couple.

He takes another drink and taps his glass down to the table. Turning his head, Astarion looks down at Tezcatlipoca as he would a lover, easily slipping back into a familiar persona: attentive, gentle, ready to hang on every word he might say. However, Astarion's amused tone belies this outward atmosphere as he says lowly back:]


I know I don't know you well, but you had an air about you that I would have thought lent toward enjoying being worshiped.
egraegis: (209)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-30 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Yzma?? Oh.

....Oof, the awkward face that he makes. Yzak is... well, easily duped is not a way he would describe it. Easily trapped, also questionable. But he could be... manipulated. Athrun can't claim otherwise himself, considering his track record, so he can hardly point fingers.]


I... wouldn't call it common. But anyone can be tricked with the right set-up or incentive. Yzak could be considered something of a war hero where we're from. He's probably used to getting a... mostly positive reception.

[Until he opens his mouth and starts yelling. The newspapers and reports don't include that part.

He's not thrilled to confirm she was part of what he's heard about, and the looks Shinn had been casting in her direction back then makes more sense in retrospect. To hear that she was also part of the group abducted... well, that adds context. Things are always far more complex than it ever is at the first telling.]