riverviewlogs | introductory mingle: carnivale

Entry tags:

introductory mingle: carnivale

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Carnivale Celebration
when: July 1st - July 9th
where: Anywhere around the city.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

carnivale

In the days leading up to July 1st, residents new and old will notice preparations beginning, a flurry of activity getting the city ready for the upcoming celebration: Carnivale. This holiday is in celebration of music, and the onset of summer and warmer weather. The celebrations are marked by street parties, an extensive program of live musical performances, with a large parade (and paid holiday!) capping it off on July 8th.

celebrating music, and summer

After a couple of months of low-key or even solemn celebrations, it's time for Riverview Quarantine to throw a good, old-fashioned party. Carnivale is a city-wide festival that pretty much everyone gets into, and many residents take the entire week off so they can enjoy all the festivities. With events ranging from impromptu street parties, free live musical performances, food stands, themed club nights, adult lounges with kink shows, and topped off with a massive party parade, the holiday has a lot to offer for anyone who likes to sing, dance, and show some skin!

i. street parties and food

One of the staples of the Carnivale festival is the spontaneous street parties and food trucks and carts. It's not unusual during the holiday to turn a corner and run into a group of people dressed in bright colors and sequins having an impromptu party with a few drinks, and then be invited to join right in! Carnivale is a celebration of music as well as summer, so most shops and stalls will be blasting danceable music into the streets to facilitate these little street parties - it's considered a sign of good luck for the owner of a business if an impromptu Carnivale celebration starts up in front of their door.

Considering the proliferation of street parties and people out and about to celebrate the warmer weather, local business owners also take to the streets. Food carts, stands, and trucks pop up on almost every street corner offering a wide variety of food from savory treats to sweet desserts. Many of the carts are offering one free item to anyone dressed up for Carnivale - anything shimmery, shiny, or brightly colored will do!

ii. live musical performances

One of the major roads in the city center has been completely roped off for the entire week, and all along this street, various temporary stages have been set up, each with a nice hefty sound system. Volunteers hand out printed flyers, and digital boards are set up here and there with schedules of various performances that are all free to attend, ranging from well-known popular music artists to new up-and-comers or independent artists who are looking to make a name for themselves. This event is very widely advertised around the city, and is accepting entries until the very last minute.

At couple of the acts might be familiar faces to some of the residents.

Eichi Tenshouin has signed up himself and his friend Tsumugi Aoba into the music festival as a first-time appearing idol unit called "Higanbana." Dressed in all white with splashes of color (blue, largely, with only their headsets being a red spider lily), they carry a very commanding and angelic image together. They'll have a routine that emphasizes their great harmony with each other, taking turns doing solo lines and joining together to show off each of their talents. Singing and dancing, they interact heavily with the audience and will encourage a lot of involvement with speaking between songs and gestures, winks, and so on. Basically, they intend to make this Riverview's very first prominent "idol performance".

For his performance, Otabek Altin will start with rock remixes of a few popular pop songs. He wants to make sure that it starts off with recognizable pieces for some people, and he certainly thinks it is something that could get people excited even if they don't know it. Then, it shifts into a few original songs. They are upbeat, rock songs that he put together with the intention to make people dance and move, since he is a DJ. He'll end his set with a slower piece he put together that is also an original. Through the entire performance, he's focused and quiet, though he may occasionally try and excite the crowd with a few words.

Any other player-characters who are musically inclined are more than welcome to assume their character was fit in for a performance, and can post up a top-level with a rundown of their performance to get bonus Activity Points for posting a mingle!

iii. carnivale parade

The other main attraction of Carnivale week comes on July 8th, which is a paid holiday for everyone in the city. The Carnivale Parade will be starting out by City Hall and winding through downtown in a lazy pattern so everyone in the city has a chance to see it. There will be all sorts of floats, dancers, marching bands, with all sorts of clubs, businesses, and other organizations represented. The theme is theatrical, big and showy, bright and colorful, sparkly and shiny, with loud music and lots of glitz and glamour. Observers can expect great music, excellent dancing and marching shows, neat vehicles provided by classic car clubs, the fire, police, and Perimeter Guard. They can also expect a lot of party favors, whether it's a sparkly plastic beaded necklace, a fan to take the edge off the heat, candy, popsicles, a temporary tattoo, or any number of other little treats or toys to be tossed into the crowd - some of them fit for kids and teens, others of a more 'adult' nature handed out a bit more discreetly to anyone who looks the part.

And make sure you wear your waterproof mascara - Carnivale floats have a tendency of spraying or spritzing water, both in an unspoken competition to see who can make the biggest water-refraction rainbow in the air, and to keep observers cool in the new summer heat.

iv. adult: lounges and kink exhibition

Thanks to the Carnivale tradition of showing as much skin as possible, some event organizers' minds have turned to topics of a more adult nature. In the evenings, residents may see clubs doing "lounge nights"; these adults-only events have bouncers IDing everyone at the door to ensure they're 18+. The themes may vary, from very specific niche themes like 'golden age superheroes' to broad themes like 'rainbows,' and each event is clearly marked as what it is - all-nude or clothing-optional, and can host events ranging from amateur to professional exotic dancing, food served off of nude bodies, anonymous masked hookups, or just provide a comfortable space where casual sex is encouraged with whoever happens to be around. Various legal substances can be found at these lounges, but nothing that would cause violation of consent, and every substance would be clearly labeled and have warnings to ensure that no one partakes unless they choose to. Please be sure to warn in the subject line for sexual content or drug use (since some mild party drugs are legal in Riverview).

For the weekend from July 7th-9th, there will be a kink exhibition in one of the large exhibition centers downtown, limited to characters 18+. The exhibition is a sexy adult informational convention featuring various kinks and fetishes. Whether you're into leather, latex, lace, or anything else, you'll be able to find the clothes, toys, guides, books, erotica, fiction, and a wide variety of other interesting stuff to explore. While the atmosphere is sex-positive and there are private and public (for the voyeurs and exhibitionists in the room) venues for having sex, it's definitely focused on exploration and information about different stuff to try.

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to meet new roommates, for the purpose of getting to know each other, or hit up one of the mod-posted prompts for each Communal Floor. Or if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set during Carnivale, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit: image i: Roger Patterson Jr.; image ii: Syd Mead; image iii: screencap from the movie Paprika; image iv: siamon89

navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He's glancing between Shigeru's phone and the screen, but the person he'd been tracking is gone now... and he lets out a sigh before turning his full attention on the man beside him. It's only then that he notices the blood on Shigeru's hand but hey, this is also when he moves his hand from his chin and Shigeru will be able to see the cut and the week-old traces of a bruise on his lip.]

Doesn't matter... he gave me the slip again. Who got hurt?

[Also he's... reaching over to run his fingers subtly over Shigeru's lower back. Maybe lay his hand around his waist and pull him closer, if he's not stopped.]

[ Ah! Dodger this is not what he had in mind right now. Shigeru visibly tenses when he feels those fingers run down his lower back. He might arch a little, but, really it's only to try and move away. His face is red as he fumbles to type something, before he shifts and moves to get up off the crate. ]

No one! No one got hurt. I...I just have a hard time dealing with crowds this big.

[ It makes his tics a lot worse then they normally would be too, hence his hands. He looks away momentarily as he types something again. ]

Sorry. [ He doesn't actually know why he's apologizing right now. But...he feels bad for moving away like that. ]

[He lets him go, but... when Shigeru looks back at him, he'll see a dejected twitch in Dodger's fingers as he lowers his hand into his lap. Alright, he guesses that was a little forward... but that doesn't make him feel any better when he just wants to touch Shigeru.]

So... you. You got hurt.

[He sighs, reaching forward with his palm up for Shigeru to show him his hands. This time he's waiting for Shigeru to touch him first, but his expressions says he's not taking no for an answer.]

Why the fuck are you forcing yourself to stick around crowds if you hurt yourself afterward?

[ Shigeru looks apologetic at least? He knows how much Dodger likes physical contact, so he should've expected this, but it still puts him on edge when it happens regardless. Shigeru's expression is slightly pained when he types up the next bit and shows it to Dodger. ]

Because if I don't then I'll never go outside.

[ If it's a few cuts and bruises on his hands he can handle that. He heals from those in a matter of seconds. But he still watches Dodger for a moment, his expression strained and his face pale.

He knows that expression and is just going to slowly extend his hand out for him to look at. The white gloves, aside from the blood, are basically clean and untouched. ]

[Dodger takes his hand with a noise that almost sounds grateful, looking him over and checking him for any damage that's left over. Of course there isn't, but that doesn't mean he worries any less.]

That's a bullshit excuse, it's plenty easy to avoid the crowded areas.

[Still, there's no heat in his tone. He's just worried, like he always is when he remembers that Shigeru hurts himself over his fears and Dodger can't do a damn thing to stop it. After a moment Dodger lets go of his hand, instead shifting in his spot so there will be more room for Shigeru to sit without touching him. Shigeru may notice.. a twitch of pain on his face, as he moves.]

...Sit down. I won't touch you.

[ He has been avoiding them, for now, but just a few hours before this he was trying to push himself and it got away from him he supposed. Dodger will notice him wince, he doesn't really hide it, and that his hand twitches and pulls back slightly when Dodger takes it. He looks so...uncomfortable until Dodger lets his hand go, and even then he looks tired, but Dodger's wince of pain doesn't go unnoticed. He sits with a thoughtful frown as he shows Dodger his phone. ]

You're hurt... [ again and this time Shigeru will point at him with a worried expression. ]

Let me heal you? [ Now he's sporting an expression that suggests he won't take no for an answer. You got away last time but this is different! ]

[Dodger is ready to object, but... alright. After the last time he'd seen Reaper, he's been having trouble sleeping from the bruises on his stomach. Every time he moves wrong he'll get woken up by the pain.

With a sullen look, he pulls the hem of his shirt up to show Shigeru the damage. Much of it has healed, but there are still gross, heavy bruises along his stomach that have had over a week to heal and still don't look close to fading. Too many heavy blows, without allowing himself time to even rest it off.]

Got in a few fights that were over my head.

[It's an admission of guilt.. he knows he's got no right to fuss over Shigeru, when he goes head-long into things like the fight with Taako. It's only because of his guilt that he'd even admit he'd gone out of his depth in the first place, or that people exist who are stronger than him.]

You can heal me, yeah. I'd... appreciate it.

[ Shigeru huffs and nods his head. His powers will activate in the same manner as they had done before. The large sigil popping up behind him, his eyes turning that odd black and purple color, and then Dodger will start the effects of his healing. That large bruise will slowly start to recede and eventually it'll disappear completely, after a few minutes of working on it, and once it does Shigeru lean back and close his eyes. The sigil disappears first and then his eyes revert back to normal. ]

How do you feel now? It is better?

[He finches a bit at the sight of those demonic eyes... but he steels himself for the sake of getting healed. And once he feels his muscles relaxing, he lets out a quiet sigh of relief.]

Thanks. Yeah. [He's avoiding Shigeru's gaze, instead watching the crowd again whenever he's not reading off the other man's phone.] I uh. Pissed off Reaper a little more than I meant to. He kicked me in the stomach.

[ Why is he not surprised by that?! Reaper did seem to be a bit tough on the outside and he can't imagine what Dodger could've done to make him kick him so badly like this... ]

Did you at least apologize to him?

[ Something tells him the answer will be no, but he can ask anyway. ]

You're lucky he didn't do anything else. Those bruises looked really bad.

[He's sure Shigeru knows the answer to that, so... he just moves on with a shake of his head.]

It's not all for him, he just... irritated the bruises that were already there.

[Not that he's planning to tell who gave him the first bruises. The important part is that he's made Reaper angry.. and for once, he sort of regrets it.]

Can I uh. Tell you something? [He takes a long drag from his cigarette, refusing to look at Shigeru as he speaks.] It's been... a few months now, since I've been around my boss. I think I'm losing my mind without someone giving me orders.

[ Shigeru's frown only deepens at hearing all of this. He looks...sad and a bit unsure of what to say, but he can tell Dodger is trying to open up to him so he'll eventually type something. ]

Why do you need someone to give you orders? You're free to do whatever you want here, right? You should...just try to live your life the way you want to.

[ He doesn't see the harm in doing that. ]

And what am I supposed to do if I want to follow orders?

[There's a bitter smile on his face, and he drops the cigarette with a huff.]

The last time I was my own man, I was eight years old. And every... every time that I've tried to function on my own, it just doesn't work. I go stir-crazy, I start fights, I fuck around with people, I get drunk, I just... need something to fill that part of me up.

[And the smile is off of his face by the time he's said all of this. He hasn't actually managed to say this to... anyone, before. But if anyone deserves a little context, it's probably Shigeru.]

I just... need someone to get my head straight before I get myself killed.

[ That's...really sad though?! And Shigeru doesn't really know why Dodger is divulging all of this to him but he's grateful the other man can be so open with him about this sort of thing. He might lightly touch Dodger's arm, it's a brief action and he pulls away again as he writes a reply. ]

Is there...anything I can do to help? I don't want to see you get hurt or hurt others either. So if there's something I can do, please let me know.

[Well.. a touch that small might mean nothing to someone like Dodger, but it means a lot to Shigeru, and he can appreciate that effort from him. In return, he shoots him a grateful look for a moment, but makes a point not to touch him. Shigeru deserves that much for hearing him out.]

Nah... there's nothing you can do to help. I got my sights on someone I think could, but... fuck knows I'm no good at selling myself to people that don't want me.

[He still doesn't know how Shigeru manages to put up with him.]

[ Shigeru's frown still remains though. He was used to helping all manners of people and despite Dodger's lack of care sometimes for his phobia and personal space the other hasn't really done much else to him. But he also got to see sides of the other that tell him he's not as bad as he wasn't people to think. So it's a culmination of things that keep Shigeru managing him. ]

Well, if you ever need someone to listen...I'm always here for that. [ A pause before he types something else, his face slightly read as he holds it out for Dodger to read. ]

And please try to not get yourself hurt too much, okay?

[He hesitates a bit, opening his mouth to reply to the text on the phone before closing his mouth, reconsidering, and trying something else.]

I want you to go on a date with me.

[Was that what he meant to say? Probably not. Even Dodger seems a little bemused by his own request because what the fuck is he saying, dates are gross and pointless. But he's... committing, because for better or worse he's decided he wants this.]

Whatever you want to do. We don't have to touch. I want to do something good for you.

[ Hold the phone. Shigeru looks so lost and almost as if he doesn't believe what he's hearing right now. Dodger...wants to take him out on a date?! He's never been on a date before...and he's not really sure what one actually does on them?! ]

I...I don't know. I've never dated or been on a date before.

[ Ah. Well, he's just super flustered right now, and he'll fiddle with his phone while he tries to think of something to type. ]

I...I guess we can do something? [ He doesn't know what, but he'll think of something?!And by think of something he means make an anonymous text on the network asking for advice later in the week, but he'll figure it out! ]

[Dodger looks him over with a careful expression... that's right, Shigeru doesn't do much for romantics, does he. Probably doesn't know how to go on dates... what a loser.

He manages to hold back his nerves enough to just nod quietly.]

Come up with what you wanna do, I'll pay for whatever it is. Maybe we can try another go at that Lampyr mix, if you're... if you're up for it.

[Despite himself he's actually turned a bit red... god, this is embarrassing, but he's not even sure if it's because of his affection for Shigeru or the trainwreck that is the two of them trying to talk through this.]

[ WOW. Rude much, Dodger?! Shigeru's phobia makes it impossible for him to socialize, let alone go out on dates, don't judge him?! ]

Okay! I would like that. Maybe next time around we'll get a bit further. I'm...going to push myself harder too.

[ If Dodger is working this hard then he will too. But he does notice the slight redness on Dodger's features and he smiles slightly. ]

Thank you for...not giving up on me either!

Don't thank me yet.

[He's serious. Although, whether it's because he doesn't want to be thanked for a job half done, or because he has the feeling Shigeru won't like the end result... well. They'll get to that bridge sooner or later.]

Still, I uh... I'll look forward to it.

[It's been so damn long since he's been on a date... and he really doubts the date with Amelie counts. (Which blows, because he paid for it.) Still, despite his hatred of the process... it might be fun, to see what Shigeru comes up with.]

[ Shigeru knows Dodger's words are true. He really shouldn't thank him yet before anything has been done. Still he can't help but do so, given the other man's disposition he figures this isn't normally something he does for other people so easily.

He smiles brightly at that though. ]

I hope we can both have a good time then! If there's anything you want to do...we can do that as well. If it's...something I can do I mean.

[ He knows Dodger is a super physical person, he's not very good with that at all, but maybe something else if the other wants? ]

[Dodger thinks it over a bit... and that quickly turns into a small fantasy of what he'd like to be up to, but. Nope. Shigeru's far from being able to handle that.]

We'll see what happens.

[He leaves it at that, short and vague. Sure, there are tame activities he can suggest, but dates aren't really his thing. Better to let the person it's for enjoy themselves to the fullest.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

introductory mingle: carnivale

shigeru is the cutest ♡

until he disintegrates something accidentally

still cuter than dodger...

that is true

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