✨🏮🐅🏮✨

[idolpro]

Who: Idols and idol accessories
Where: Tokyo-F
When: Day 437

[ Idols will start their day today to find red envelopes, each with their idol names, presented to them on a table at their dorm's landing. Each envelope is supernaturally sealed, incapable of being opened except by their designated recipient. Inside each envelope is a gold zan-style hairpin with stripes of silver carved into its stem, and the tip is heavy with a weighty decoration—be it a dragon, phoenix, tiger, butterfly, flower(s), or anything else, they are all inlaid with bright, glowing tiger's eye gemstones.

As ornate as they look, these hairpins aren't just for decoration: upon the recipient touching the accessory, they'll find their clothes magically changing into fanciful Chinese or fantasy Chinese clothing—perhaps vibrant red, regardless of unit, or woven patterns and colors that reflect the idol's position. At the same time, the hairpin knits itself into the idol's hair (if capable, else it pins itself as a brooch) which has also magically been done up fancifully.

Down at the lobby there are more hints toward the holiday, if the red envelope didn't already make it obvious: red streamers and paper lanterns decorate the hotel, along with tiger decorations which vary from elegant wall scrolls to cute tiger plush pillows on the lobby seats. And, if it still isn't clear enough—perchance for those who aren't familiar with the culture at all—a red and gold banners hang from the wall, reading "HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY" and "LUNAR NEW YEAR" and "YEAR OF THE TIGER".

Near the kitchen, there are tables with spreads of Chinese foods from various regions, all available in an all-you-can-eat styled buffet. And, what's more—the food seems to be completely safe! They don't contain even a little bit of status effects. For once, here's a party with safe food.

There are additionally tables with gift bags, once again labeled with each idol's name. These are not supernaturally sealed, and in each bag are . . . well. . . tiger things, along with a note that reads,

300 points per item worn for the day! Max 1,200 points (head/hands/tail/feet

Oh, right, this is an idol show. And oh, surprise, the tiger appendages (optionally) have some sort of status effect thing going on:

• Feel more cuddly/desire cuddles
  
• Feel more mercurial/contrarian
  
• Feel more possessive/territorial
  
• Feel more hungry, both for food and for immaterial things (especially attention)
  
• Feel more brave
  
• Feel more light-hearted/more easily amused

At least they're all fairly mild in effect.

Last but not least, decoration wise, there's also an ominous poster near the elevators. . . Well, who's afraid of a sign, right? . . . Nevermind that if someone were to break a taboo, they'll find themself just slightly unluckier today, on the level of breaking their shoe/sandal laces and receiving the wrong order at the café.

Outside, though the weather is cold, the sun is auspiciously bright today, warmth radiating out the city to soften the chill. Moreover, there's an infectious energy on the streets, one that would surely make a person forget the temperature—long paper puppets, taking the form of dragons and lions and tigers, parade down the street, powered by ghostly dancers and backed up by the orchestra of a marching band and fan dancers. Floating lanterns guide them throughout the city, where they'll circle around the streets ceaselessly until evening.

At the stroke of midnight, idols will find their old clothes back in their closet and their hairpins no longer glowing, but they'll also find they're able to keep the clothing they received from the hairpins. They can also keep the tiger paraphernalia, which have lost their effects. ]

Comments

[586]

[ pentium continues pressing closer and closer, going as far as to start walking her backward with the force he's applying. but he really just wants to bury himself against her, hide away, so he can let out his frustrations ( and sadness ) in peace and quiet. doing so in the middle of this stupid festival where other people might see is not ideal... especially because he's human and especially because humans can cry. ]

I... I want to go somewhere else. Anywhere else. [ he appreciates her reiterating that he's not alone, because sometimes it's hard not feel like he is. but that's why he wants to go somewhere else and he wants her to come with her. he's not alone. he doesn't have to be alone... at least not anymore. ]

[sangreine]

[ She steps backwards as he presses against her, less because she couldn't stand in place than because she doesn't want to seem like she's pushing, in any way. Likewise, she won't say a thing to object to his request to be elsewhere, and she won't make him do the work of deciding where that might be. He can fit in the Rainy Day Room this time so maybe that! ]

Okay. [ She tries to shift them around, gently prying his arms from her if she must, but keeping hers around him, keeping him protectively close. She doesn't want to be anywhere he might have to deal with people, so her dorm it is. ] Don't worry, I won't leave you.

[ Off to the elevator then, and if anyone tries to come too close she gives them enough of a scowl to send them running. Not the moment. ]

[586]

[ pentium doesn't protest as she steps backwards. he's knows he's smothering her, but hiding against her is the closest thing to disappearing he can manage right now. he's also doing his best to keep his anger from boiling over, with moderate success. he's still so pissed off, but he appreciates her helping him leave the crowded room... since that's definitely not going to ease the stress he's feeling. ]

...

Thank you.

[ lets himself be lead. ]

[sangreine]

[ It would take a lot more than this to smother her, trust. She isn't even slightly bothered (if anything, she wonders if maybe she's taking advantage somehow, so she can spend time with him? He asked, but...). In any case, she just gives him a little squeeze in reply and leads him up to her dorm, and into her bedroom (she considered the rainy day room but she heard about how his usual for got stuck in the hatch, and didn't want to bring up any bad associations) -- her room is fairly plain aside from some plushies she charmed a few others into gifting her and a picture frame turned on its face so you can't see the photo. ]

[ She tries to settle him down to sit on the bed, never once letting go of him. And then she waits, rubbing his back lightly, to see what he needs, if he wants to speak or just rest a while. ]

[586]

[ he follows in silence and lets himself be lead through zrael's dorm to her room. he appreciates he considering his getting stuck in the hatch the last time, though his human shape ought to fit through. best not to change him returning to normal on the other side though, since that would certainly make matters worse. ]

[ he climbs onto her bed and just faceplants one of the pillows, giving a sigh as he turns onto his side to look at her. ]

Sometimes I wonder why I bother trying to control all of these urges, ...they make me me and yet... I'm sick and tired of being hated...

[sangreine]

[ Very well, stretching out beside him it is. She scoops up the overly round wolf and frog plushies that were occupying the bed and puts them on the floor with more care than stuffed creatures strictly need. ]

And then if they do like you, it feels like they're always just waiting for you to slip up. [ Yeah, she gets it. ]

[ She reaches out to take his hand, if he'll let her. ] I know what you mean.
Sometimes I wonder if it would be less painful to just be myself and not care what people thought, but I never do it. I'm too afraid of being alone. [ And -- part of her doesn't want to hurt people, even if part of her definitely does. ]

[586]

I am thankful there are a couple of people here that don't care. I am especially blessed to be on BARiTONES, since I know they're not going to outright condemn me.

[ he lets her take his claw. ] I have been alone long enough and I'm not especially keen on doing so for another handful of years. Though, I guess that's a lie. I had my creator for some of it, but it's not the same... I'm just glad, lucky even, to have been able to make so many friends here.

[sangreine]

((OOC: I thought he was still in human form, but let me know if he reverted! I know with so many threads it's hard to keep track <3 ))

[ She doesn't really love the way he's talking, like it's fine for everyone to do the bare minimum to accept him, like he doesn't deserve more than that. But she also knows how it feels to have someone argue with you about How Things Are like they know your life better than you do. ]

It's not lucky. You've made friends because others like you. There's no reason they shouldn't, and if they think there's a reason, they're wrong. [ Anyone who tries to judge him for his appearance, or his nature, they're the ones who are lucky he puts up with them. ]

But if you want to get used to being in this form to show them that they can't mess with you again, then you should. Maybe it's just a matter of making some good memories so the bad ones aren't so loud, same as it is with anything new.

[586]

( ooc; totes my bad. i'm having a problem keeping track with all our threads, but you're right! )

... [ he smushes his face into one of her pillows, so she can't see his face. ] Have I ever told you I'm really glad that we're friends? [ he gives the pillow a squeeze. ] And I absolutely want to get used to it, so it can't be used against me. I don't really think I have to worry about anybody on Wild City turning me without my consent, thankfully, but... nobody can really control game effects.

[ sits up, face just a little bit red. ] I have thankfully already started making a few good memories.

[sangreine]

[ His hiding in the pillow is frankly adorable, and she can't help a little, fond smile as she reclines on the bed beside him, propped on an elbow. She has a bit of a thing for blushing. ]

I'm glad, too. [ She reaches up to stroke his hair, because it's what would calm and comfort her if she were in his position. ] And I'll help you make all the good memories you want, whatever body you're in. Just tell me what I can do.

[586]

...thanks. [ he lets her stroke his hair for a few minutes and then he's rolling onto his back to stare at the ceiling. ] We still need to do that food tour of the city. And maybe while we're at it we can stop at some of the other community upgrades the city's got. I think my favorite thing to do is just... experience new things...

[sangreine]

I'm up for it anytime. If there's anything else you want to try out, just say the word. There's very little I won't do at least once. [ They're stuck here, after all, they might as well have some fun with it. ]

[ She tosses a wink his way, because the mood has been entirely too heavy. ]

[586]

I appreciate that. I experienced little back home, so this place has a lot of firsts for me. [ smiles at the wink, sitting up. ] Does zrael have any interesting rooms besides that awful hatch room? [ that he didn't get to enjoy because he got stuck. ]

[sangreine]

[ Covering her mouth with one hand so she doesn't giggle at his description ] That's my favorite room, but I understand why it isn't yours. All I can suggest is a greenhouse filled with toxic plants or the balcony.

Or... if you don't mind using one of your unit abilities, I have an idea you might like. If you still want to see my other form, that is. [ Maybe this might level the playing field, so to speak. ]

[586]

...is there a reason it's filled with toxic plants? [ ... ] I'd like to see the greenhouse, if that's alright, since it may remind me of home.

Oh? Which ability were you thinking?

[sangreine]

Because it's Zrael. [ Where everything can and will destroy you given a reason, or a chance. ]

Your dream ability. I can't change forms here, but inside a dream I could. Maybe some part of me remembers what my other form looks like, or something close enough. If you're still interested, that is.

[586]

...oh! right. I sometimes forget about that ability. But we could do that, sure, because I'm definitely still interested. We just have to knock ourselves out.

[sangreine]

Do you need to be asleep too? [ She's not entirely sure how this all works. ]

I didn't get that far in my impulsive planning, sorry. Hmm... we could get blind drunk?

The only other ways I get pleasantly tired are fighting and screwing around, so. [ Another little wink. Being a fount of restless energy is inconvenient at a time like this. ]

[586]

I do need to be asleep as well. It's just I'll be... lucid dreaming. I can manipulate the space around us and I can help you to do the same, so things don't get too out of hand. And it's alright. [ a laugh. ] I can make us both black out drunk, though we might be asleep longer than we intend to be, so as long as you don't mind... [ his face goes a little red. ] We could drunk wrestle... [ and he's sure there will also be some kissing added in, because he feels like that kind of thing goes hand in hand. ]

[sangreine]

[ Laughing, just lightly ] I don't have anywhere to be.

[ She is such a fan of blushing, it's truly ridiculous. ] We're both probably strong enough to get tired out with some wrestling. I've only been drunk once before so I can't promise good behavior, but I'm game if you are.

[586]

Let's do it then. I have... never wrestled with anybody in this body and I imagine it's going to be fun. [ so he'll make them both drunk, which means he's immediately falling off the bed, because he's a bad human drunk. ]

[sangreine]

[ Suddenly, drunk! And suddenly alone on the bed. She peers over the edge with a grin, more loopy than usual. ]

Wow, impressive.

[ Reaching to offer him a hand ] C'mon, I can't be an awful tease if you're way down there.

[586]

[ he reaches for her hand... and just yanks her on top of him. ]

[sangreine]

[ Even drunk her reflexes won't let her just fall, so she catches herself on her free hand and knees, then she grins and slides down against him, nuzzling her nose into his neck. She mentioned that she might not be on good behavior, right? ]

Hi, there.

[586]

...hi. [ he moves his hand behind her head as she nuzzles him. ] You... you smell really nice.