lifeaftr | June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

Entry tags:

June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

JUNE AFTERMATH: MAGIC LANTERN STRANGE

Who: Everyone!
What: A celebration!
When: Evening of June 21st, and well into morning
Where: Ensō, E3 and E4
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Slide the Light Off You
As promised, the evening of the 21st finds the Jormun hosting a party on Ensō's largest beachfront. Near immediately, it should be clear that they've spared absolutely no expense when it comes to showing their story-walker brethren a good time.

Of course, they may also be...showing off a little.

The stalls and comfortable seating supplied around multiple firepits appears to be a mishmash of Jormun built contraptions and items requested from the Storyteller- many may be delighted to see the variety of beach cushions and blankets, items the Jormun will be happy to let their story-walker friends take home at the end of the festivities. A veritable smorgasbord of food and drink is also readily available, from the kid-friendly options of brrshavak (a spicy drink with a taste akin to liquified chili pepper) and molkavarr (a rich chocolaty broth) to the alcoholic rakvrhak (a rich wine that tastes oddly plumlike). Do be warned, however, that the last is incredibly potent.

Large slabs of driftwood have been laid out to form impromptu tables, bristling with the Jormun's culinary expertise: fried squid, seaweed wraps, spicy pickled kelp, kebabs of roasted eel, hard-boiled snapling eggs, and so on. The vegetables and meats of the sea have been laid out for all to enjoy, so tuck in!

Throughout the evening the air will be filled with the sound of music, with multiple Jormun eager to show off their skill in instrumentation. Conch-shell horns, carved driftwood flutes, urchin-needle harps, and countless more contraptions engineered by a deep sea-dwelling people fill the air with the most peculiar but nonetheless not unpleasant sound. Most of the bands will be set up in the shallow waters, however, as their instruments are not made to be used in open air - try playing them above the surface of the water at your own risk.

Of course, there's plenty more to entertain even the most difficult of people.

You're Living the Strobe Light
Those interested in proving their strength and skill will be encouraged to enter one of the many tournaments across the shoreline. The tournaments vary, featuring such challenges as play fights with the schlacknorkcvic to prove who is the greatest warrior, timed events to see who can stay on a bucking tigershark for the longest, and even a tourney of brovonkosshk, a board game somewhat similar to chess. Don't see anything you're interested in? Make your own. If you can think it, the Jormun will happily accommodate it - impromptu challenges are the highlight of such evenings, after all, though the Jormun won't be taking any responsibility for the first poor soul that decides to usher in a drinking contest.

A small variety of walker games are also available. Jormun children are more than eager to play such games as hide-and-seek or red light, green light, while Connor Murphy will be bringing his Cards Against Humanity deck, for those ready to completely screw with the idea of a fourth wall. There's even a game of Spin the Bottle... except the bottle is being spun overhead like a mace. Being hit by said bottle requires you to do a stupidly ridiculous task, so perhaps it's best to avoid that particular adaptation...

And of course, there's the lightshow.

As mentioned previously, the main show of the evening is the show of brssticca: bursts of magical light beneath the water that will put any fireworks show to shame. The lights are safe to wade and swim through, do keep in mind that the phosphorescent algae tends to cling to the skin. And should you reach into those spiraling, fluorescent nebulae of patterns beneath the surface, some of the configurations of light may abruptly shatter like broken glass.

Additionally, skilled Jormun will be happy to assist those who care to dress up for the event with intricate applications of shellivthiss - a style of waterproof body paint that is not only bright, but luminescent. Something the Jormun may forget to mention, however, is how similar shellivthiss is to henna; should you decide to get all dolled up, except to shine bright light a diamond for weeks to come.

Lastly, those who wanted to bring their own adventures are welcome to as well! Supplying some dope roast? Bringing those sweet, sweet greens? Have some alcohol to supply? All is welcomed by the Jormun - and undoubtedly, your fellow adventurers as well.

You May Find Some Peace
Feeling a tad adrift? Make sure to check the OOC Event Post, which has details regarding the event timeline!

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He's been watching Prompto's attempts at chatting up girl after girl and it's adorable but sad. Mostly because he's attractive enough so there's no reason for him to be striking out. Other than the fact that he knows Prompto and if he gets all quiet and stuttery like he does around Cindy...

welp.

So eventually, even more brazen than usual thanks to the lovely rakvrhak, he comes over to Prompto, slings an arm around his shoulders and leans into him a little more heavily than he normally might. "Look Prom you gotta own it. Girls like confidence. So just..." He steps back, snatches Prompto by the hand and tugs him forward. Gladio's other hand settles on his waist and he grins, reckless and eager.

"Shall we?" It's a little lower, a little rougher than how he was speaking a moment before, something suggestive in the tone already. And unless Prompto flails away Gladio's going to take the lead and sweep him off into the unofficial dance... floor? Section of beach.

It wasn't as if it would be the first time Gladio had seen it. Prompto had tried plenty of times. Usually he was with Noct, but he still gave it a shot when they were in Lestallum. He usually didn't get much beyond 'hello'.

He did his best not to let it get him down. He was used to it. No big deal. He was idly playing with the end of his hair, trying to act natural, when he suddenly got grabbed from behind.

It was all easy for Gladio to say. He was a muscled giant who would've never had a problem with girls. Whenever they competed there was a clear victor, and it wasn't any wonder why Prompto was envious of him. He was easily tugged about like a ragdoll. With a snirk, he replied, "Man, you must've had a lot to drink."

Not that he was going to throw any hissy fits. It was more amusing than anything, and he didn't think any deeper than that on it. But even if he went along with it, he still had one more problem.

"I don't really know how to dance."

There were pretty obvious problems with his statement, but he seemed to be overlooking them.

Gladio laughed at that, loud and bright, tugging Prompto along.

"I'll teach you. What were you planning to do if someone said yes?" Come on Prom. Once they're out on the sand, in front of the band he tugs Prompto's hands up to where they belong, one at Gladio's shoulder, the other holding his properly. Walking him slowly and carefully through the basic steps of a waltz.

Standing in the sand didn't make it any easier but surely Prompto could manage with a little practice. "I know you're a quick learner, c'mon~"

"Uh..." He'd never really thought about it. Girls saying 'yes' had never been a problem. "I dunno... Fake it?"

"Not quite how I pictured this going," he huffed, slightly amused, as he followed along with Gladio's actions. As laid back as it was, his eyes scanned their positions and he took some mental notes of how to do it for potential later use. When he spoke again, it was a little quieter to keep things between them but still free-and-easy. "You know, Iggy said some girls dig it when guys, like... Do stuff together. Is that true?"

Gladio would be the one to know.

Prompto says "fake it" and Gladio rolls his eyes, laughs, and very abruptly dips him. He holds it for a fleeting moment, just long enough for Prompto to register where he is and then tips the blond back up, all but crushing him to his chest with a grin.

"Remember that one. They love it. Besides then they're unsteady when you put them upright and they'll cling a bit. All breathless and exhilarated." Which is maybe unfairly generic but it tended to hold true from what Gladio remembered before they had much more important things to do than dance. He gives up on the formal stance, slipping his arm around Prompto's waist instead, holding his hand a little more naturally, a little more gentle.

The question has him smirking though. "Have you met Aranea?" A low, rumbling laugh, amused and also something a little heated in there too. "Think about it, Prom. Take someone really pretty. Someone you would love to stare at all day. Cindy, maybe?" Light, teasing. "And then someone else you like, Aranea for example. Now imagine those pretty girls kissing. Aranea's lipstick smearing off on Cindy's lips, long, powerful fingers tangling in Cindy's curls."

"Fucking hot right?" He knows it is. Don't lie to him Prompto. "Why wouldn't they think the same about a couple guys they thought were hot? Shit Aranea pretty much told me once I'd never get in her pants unless I brought you along. And I'm pretty sure she'd break you." A pause, thoughtful. Maybe he shouldn't have said that. Maybe he shouldn't have had this conversation when his tongue was loose with alcohol. Maybe he should shut up now? Maybe he should be shut up. "Or... have me break you for her. More likely."

Flaily as he was, he managed to get back on his feet fairly quickly. Considering how much he rolled and jumped around during fights, always to get back up, he was pretty good at that. Learn how to be the dipper instead of the dippee. Got it. Might be a little harder when he wasn't as big as Gladio.

Then Gladio started talking about Aranea. He was genuinely curious so he listened. A little too well. His cheeks flushed slightly as he thought about Aranea with Cindy, her hands appreciating Cindy's ample bosom.

Then Gladio followed it up with another bombshell.

"Aranea wanted me?!" Unbelievable. He hardly even noticed that Gladio was part of the equation, just amazed that Aranea was willing to sleep with him at all. She could break him all she wanted. He was going to have to control himself if he didn't want to leave the party to take a cold shower.

But it didn't stop there. Suddenly Gladio was in the picture, and his mind went from Aranea breaking him to... Gladio breaking him? He stiffened, feeling a little weird about imagining being with his friend like that in the middle of a party. "Whoa. Whoa."

This wasn't an issue of danger to a friend. While he was very uncertain about something like that, he wasn't about to pitch a fit. Instantly he figured that Gladio wasn't into that. But then, Gladio was into dudes now. That didn't mean he was into Prompto, though. And he'd never actually tried to do it.

"But you never tried that," he stated it for confirmation. Gladio would want to sleep with Aranea, of course. But he wouldn't want to be with Prompto.

Prompto had a lot to process and while he was doing that Gladio swayed, gently leading him in a slow meandering path across the dance floor, smiling and attentive. Somewhere between the exclamation and the confirmation Gladio's hand drifts down to settle low on Prompto's back, holding him close, amber eyes watching him closely.

"Fuck, you're cute when you blush like that." It's only the dancing and holding him that keeps Gladio from actually reaching up to touch his cheek. He has to shake his head a little, refocus on the conversation instead of those pretty freckles and he laughs, soft and lacking much of his previous good humor.

"We... were kinda at each other's throats for a long awhile there..." And his fingers curl a little in the fabric of Prompto's shirt. "Shit you'd probably have shot me for suggesting it." Still laughing, trying to make it light and not as serious as it had been. This was supposed to be fun, not-

"Yeah, sure. 'Nea'd have slept with you before me, hands down." Because Prompto was sweet and kind and wouldn't let his ego get in the way. She... sure as fuck didn't trust Gladio to do the same. No one ever would.

Wandering hands and calling him cute. It was hard to fathom, but he was pretty sure Gladio was flirting with him. He immediately threw furtive glances around for Ignis. Much as he wanted to escape and avoid any strange complications in their relationship, it was strange having hands on him, digging into his clothing, roaming a little too far down. That had never happened to him before and the forbidden and rare situation roused him uncomfortably in a way that he did not want to address. He blamed the adrenaline rush from realizing what was happening. He didn't even have much time to contemplate that Aranea may have wanted him in his desperation to fix this.

"Dude, you've got to be really drunk." He laughed it off a bit, gently reaching to move Gladio's hand away from his back so he could slip away. He wasn't running, though. He simply dropped the dancing act and took Gladio's upper arm to try and lead him. "We should find Iggy. He probably knows some way to sober you up."

In other words, he didn't know what to do and he wanted to drop this off on Iggy's lap. If nothing else, Iggy should be able to deal with the roaming hands better since they were dating or something.

He lets Prompto move him, lets him step back and take his arm to guide him. And for a long moment he's quiet, just watching Prompto. He walks smoothly beside the blond for a few steps, expression conflicted, and then he laughs again, stumbles a little.

Of course it's easier if he's just drunk and Prompto doesn't have to acknowledge that maybe Gladio honestly missed him. Which is really all there is to it but it still kinda stings that Prompto's so quick to run away from him. Just like he had been when they'd talked after Bliss, uncertain of leaning on him as though he was going to be mean about it somehow.

"Don worry 'bout me! 'm fiiiine. I can find Igs." You don't need to babysit a tipsy behemoth, Prom. It's all good.

Really.

If it was just missing him, Prompto wouldn't have an issue. When Gladio was calling him cute and getting a little touchy feely, he thought he might need some backup. He wasn't quite prepared to deal with something like that. Especially not when he'd just learned that Gladio liked guys, which meant that it was possible Gladio was hitting on him because he was drunk. And Gladio had boyfriend-stuff going on.

It was all so confusing and complicated.

But this wasn't the sort of thing he yelled about. It was the sort of thing he tried to laugh off and smooth over.

"Dude, you're calling me cute. You're drunk," he insisted in a somewhat light-hearted manner, not letting go of him at all. He was going to safely deliver the behemoth into Iggy's hands, and then Iggy could figure out what to do like he always did.

"Just callin it like I see it." If everything he said was going to be written off as drunken ramblings there was no reason not to say it. "You're cute."

He's quiet for a bit after that, at least, lets Prompto lead him along towards Ignis' last location. Not that he minds at all, having Ignis with him, but he didn't want one comment to ruin things with Prompto either. Stupid.

"Just do me a favor and don't ever grow a goatee." That was at least one thing he could confidently say made Prompto way less cute. "Your mouth is way too pretty for that stupid patch of scruff."

That sounded strangely sexual. Ten years of darkness must've made Gladio desperate.

"I've never had a goatee... I can barely even get anything to grow." He certainly wasn't one of the types who could grow a full beard if he felt like it. No, his facial hair was pretty light, even if he let it go.

"You're going to be so embarrassed tomorrow morning if you remember this. No promises that I won't make fun of you." He paused to look around, searching for Iggy among the festivities. "...But you'll thank me later. You wouldn't want to do anything dumb to jeopardize your relationship."

And if Gladio was horny enough to be hitting on him, or drunk enough, then who knew what else he might get up to inebriated.

He had plenty of one night stands to go around for those ten years, thanks. But how could he let himself even think about more than that when it was so likely that they were all going to die at any given point?

"You were tryin' to impress Cindy I think..." It was not impressive and he's pretty sure Cindy's inclinations lean more towards Aranea, honestly, so the scruff wasn't helping his case at all.

"The fuck would I be embarrassed about?" Honestly, Prompto, what about this is embarrassing? Fine. You want embarrassing? He's taking Prom's hand now, not just being tugged along by his arm. And he is marching them across the sand to Ignis, a little bit indignant.

"Tell him he's cute." This is an order, Iggy, not a request.

With his sense of hearing, it's hard not to pick up on the footsteps coming rapidly toward him. One set determined, while the other almost being...dragged along? Hearing Gladio's voice doesn't really help matters much, especially when the Shield doesn't bother to tell Ignis 'who' exactly he's suppose to be commenting on the cuteness of.

"I assume that it's not Ardyn you've just dragged over here, since he would have just set you on fire for trying. Could you please give me at least a little clue of whose cuteness I'm commenting on before I give my opinion?"

"Wait, did I grow goatee...?" The question was quiet, easy to miss as it wasn't that important. He hadn't even thought about doing something like that yet. 'Facial hair' hadn't exactly been his strong point.

Then suddenly he was being dragged and he wasn't sure why. In a way, he wasn't trying to put himself down. To him, he'd never been seen as much of anything by anyone, except maybe Noct. He was just being real. And he really wasn't expecting Iggy to call him 'cute', so once they finally got there and he got settled on his feet he snorted and laughed a bit. "He's drunk, Iggy."

"Not that drunk!" Okay so the protest was louder than necessary but still. He's not so drunk he's got no idea what he's doing.

He tugs Prompto closer, standing the blond in front of him, hands on his sides, presenting him to Ignis like some sort of prized chocobo to be appraised by a potential buyer. Which is probably not helping his protests of not being that drunk. Oh well.

And... yeah he's going to reach for one of Iggy's hands to guide it to Prompto's cheek unless one or both of them protest.

Sorry boys.

Ah, Prompto. Well, that's at least a little less embarrassing than Gladio having dragged a random stranger over and asked Ignis to judge his cuteness.

"I certainly hope you haven't or don't. Whichever applies." It's confusing being pulled into the middle of a conversation, but Ignis does his best to go along with it, "I think I would have to deduct at least 10 cuteness points for that. Now or in the future, I just can't see it fitting your face very well."

Ignis doesn't protest his hand being placed against Prompto's face, but he does keep it still once it's released, "Are you okay with this, Prompto?"

After all, they have been here almost a year, and he has no idea now much Prompto's appearance has changed in that time. Since the contact has been initiated, he might as well use now to get an updated image in his head.

He barely caught himself before tripping when Gladio yanked him in front, and found himself leaning back - into Gladio - when he was pulling Iggy's hand to his face. Not that he minded if Iggy touched him. It was just sudden. Now he was flushing.

"...Yeah, 's fine."

Honestly, he never really would mind if Ignis asked. This was how Ignis saw things now. "But you remember what I look like, don't you?"

He hoped that Ignis' vision hadn't been gone so long that his memories of them had faded. With how much Prompto loved taking pics to keep for memory's sake, losing all of that was a sad thought.

"All those months on the road staring at you? Of course he remembers." Answering for Ignis, teasing and reassuring because if Ignis said anything other than an affirmative it would be really bad for Prompto. Not that he expected Iggy would but... better safe than sorry.

But Prompto leans back into him and he's blushing and looking up at Iggy and those elegant fingers were cupping his face now and-

Okay he's not that drunk but it's still a really pretty picture. "Told you, you're cutest when you blush." Murmured soft and smug against the back of Prompto's ear, close enough he might well be able to feel the grin curling Gladio's lips.

Even if his hearing didn't pick up on Gladio's murmur, Ignis would have felt the warmth under his fingertips and known that Prompto was blushing. This is probably a lot for him to handle even if he doesn't admit it. As a result, Ignis keeps his touches light and brief, before letting his hand fall away.

"I do remember. Gladio is right on that," Ignis smiles as he speaks, warm and comforting. "But, we have been here for almost a year now. Your face is bound to have changed some in that time. I think it's a little thinner than I remember. Probably because of the change in diet."

Even the best chef can only do so much with limited resources.

"No goatee, thank goodness. It seems your cuteness score will suffer no subtractions from it today."

He did his best to stay still while Ignis felt his face. It was really challenging, with Gladio whispering in his ear.

This came with questions. Awkward questions.

"I, uh..." He glanced away for a moment. Hopefully no one was looking at all of this. "Am I... the type of guy who would be popular with, uh, gay guys?"

Because one is drunk, but one is Iggy. Iggy didn't blurt out these kind of things. And he didn't know how to feel about that. It would be a good thing, he guessed? It wouldn't be that bad if there was someone out there who actually liked him. Maybe it was greedy to want that even if he wasn't sure he'd return the feelings.

"Prom..." And for all the teasing his voice is a little more steady, a little more serious.

"I think it's less to do with gender and more to do with personality." Because he's sweet and adorable and shy. He keeps going after these sweet good girls that are not assertive enough to take charge. Prom just needs someone to step on him and tell him what to do. Like Aranea would've.

Actually... what's a filter?

"You just need someone to step on you and tell you what to do. No fumbling, no chance to second guess. Just pin you against a wall and take charge." He shrugs a little, hands squeezing lightly at Prompto's sides, a reminder of how easy it would be to pick him up and do just that. "But you wanna be the one doing the wooing so I think that's where the problem is. You either need to step it up..."

And now this was just teasing because it is fun. Gladio slides one arm around Prompto, pinning the blond to his chest, lifting him off his feet with absolutely no effort. "Or step down." Purred into his ear, audibly smug as he slowly lets the smaller man slide back down to his feet.

Ignis crosses his arms over his chest with a sign. While he can't tell what exactly Gladio's doing to illustrate his point, he just knows it's something that's going to fluster Prompto more. He doesn't start tapping his foot in irritation yet, but the urge is there.

"There is some truth to what he says, crude as his phrasing may be. However, you are the one who should decide the type of person you wish to pursue. There is no rush. If the person is the right one for you, they will love your body and your mind and will be willing to work with you to make sure the relationship is what you both want. Don't keep belittling yourself. You have an amazing amount to offer anyone be they male or female."

Astrals, why is he the one giving relationship advice right now? Has anyone looked at the mess his own is?

"Also, just in case there is any confusion, it is entirely possible for one person to think another is cute without it meaning more. And, if it does mean more..." Oddly enough, for just a moment, his words seem directed more at Gladio than Prompto, "...it's something all involved parties should speak about so they are comfortable and on even footing with each other."

As his feet were separated from the ground he latched onto Gladio's arm and kicked until his toes could skim the ground again. All of this was confusing. To be smashed against Gladio's chest and have him talking in his ear like that had his feelings all over the place. On one hand, it was nice to feel like there were people out there who liked him. He didn't have a lot of that in his life.

On the other, Gladio was usually more likely to be chasing him down at the campsite after an innocent kancho-related incident. Something like this had never come up before. The dynamics of their group had been changing. There were also things that didn't mesh with reality, much as they were nice to hear.

Once he had his footing he began softly, "Guys..." He sighed. He didn't want to be a downer. "I appreciate it. I really do." He glanced from Ignis up over his shoulder to Gladio and back, loosening himself from the grasp some. This wasn't something they talked about much and he didn't usually bring it up, treating them just like any other friends, but there was a difference between them that he couldn't ignore in this situation. The differences in their positions came with differences in how they got treated, and he wondered if they realized that. He didn't want to emphasize that, and tried to state it softly, "I don't think the way people, uh, treat you guys is the same way people react to me."

He huffed lightly in some weak amusement at the next idea, "No one's going to come up to me. Trust me, I've got twenty years of experience." He was almost positive that Gladio would have no idea what that was like, and he wasn't sure about Ignis, but Ignis was pretty well-built and successful, too. No doubt he had a fanbase. "It's okay, really. You don't have to worry about it. I'm fine. If I keep asking... there's gotta be someone eventually."

No money, no height, no prestige, small muscles. He didn't really think he was playing in the same league as Gladio and Ignis. He didn't sound particularly upset - for him it had always been this way. He knew well that he couldn't compete with the high status muscled mountain next to him.

At least he had a snowmobile. And a chocobo.

The thing was they were all on even footing here. There was no extra clout that he and Iggy had here that Prompto didn't have too. Gladio frowned as the blond tried to slip away from him. Talking like he was somehow lesser just because of his family.

He reaches for Prompto, tries to pull him back against him. All the humor is gone, just something somber in his expression as he curls his arms around Prompto, hugging him tight. One hand reaches out to snag Iggy's wrist and tug him towards them.

"Prom..." His voice is a little rough, he hates hearing Prompto talk about himself like this. It doesn't happen often but when it does it's like a knife to the heart. "That's bullshit."

"You're clever and enthusiastic and a fantastic artist and..." Squeezing a little tighter. "Dude we'd have been so fucked without you to keep us in line."

It was what drove them apart in the end, too. Prompto had been an anchor to them all. With Prom they weren't the Prince, the Shield, the Royal Advisor. They were people, they were friends. They were all just guys for a little while. He kept them from losing themselves in their duty completely.

A duty that Ignis refused to be separated from, that Gladio hid behind when his heart was breaking, that they'd left him for and drifted apart. But even with all of that Prompto stayed near Hammerhead, gave them somewhere to come back to when things got too rough, stayed with Cindy and made sure they all had something like home waiting for them when they needed it.

"Gotta stop sellin yourself short, Prom." And if his voice is a little unsteady well... he's just... really glad to have him back.

June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

Look he's not a girl but Prom, this is sad

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

NSFW-ish

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

dragging Igs into this argument lmao

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

Sorry for lateness!