semi-closed | October catchall

[flowrite]

WHO: Fai + close CR
WHERE: All over!
WHEN: All through October
WHAT: Nightmares, fog, a cute date (for someone else), a brunch date, a spa day... Fai's dance card is full this month
WARNINGS: Dead bodies/gore for the fog thread, stalking/assault/probably verbal abuse for the nightmare thread. The rest of them should be relatively safe.



KENTA + JIROU - CUTE DATE NIGHT

[Fai loves Kenta and Jirou. They're his family. They've done so much for him already, been there for him so many times when he's stumbled along the way, even though they've known him less than a year. And yeah, Fai knows that they don't expect compensation for the things they've done for him, but he can't shake the feeling that he wants to do something nice for them. Something to repay them for being there for him, for letting him stay over and taking care of the kitties and giving him shoulders to cry on. But what's a guy living on a social worker's salary supposed to do for two of the wealthiest people he knows?

Except... Fai is good at a few things, and surprisingly those things actually lend themselves fairly well to putting together a date night for his friends. So for the past couple weeks he's been carefully planning, putting the pieces together, and then two pretty little invitations arrive at Jirou and Kenta's place.

Both invitations instruct the two of them to dress for a formal event, although only Jirou's slyly suggests that he wear the pretty things they found at the lingerie boutique early this month. And as the invitation suggests, tonight a limousine pulls up stocked with champagne and cute little candies and treats, ready for a night on the town.

(It's already been cleared with Kenta's bodyguards. They know what's up.)

And while Kenta and Jirou pile into the limo, Fai and his borrowed bodyguards are going to dress up the condo for a date.]



CLOSE CR - NIGHTMARE

[The bustle and noise of the club can be heard not too far away. Back here however, in the alley behind the club, the night is quiet in the spaces between the halos of the streetlamps. The alley is wide and clean, nothing at all like the scary back alleys in the movies where terrible things happen. The girls leave in groups of twos and threes though, just to be safe, filtering out to their cars parked in the tiny lot and along the side of the alley.

Fai is easy to spot, several inches taller than most of the girls that cluster around him. He looks young; for all that he still doesn't look his age these days, in this memory he has a baby face which, when coupled with the shorter, shaggy mess of his blond hair, makes him look practically angelic. That baby face is still covered in dark eye makeup and glitter from his last number of the night. He hadn't washed it off before leaving that night, he'd been tired and planning to do that at home. The rest of his outfit is decidedly less glamorous, a faded t-shirt and sinfully tight jeans.

The girls all find their cars, but Fai is frozen in the middle of the alley as one by one everyone around him heads home, leaving him alone.

He remembers this night all too well.

He looks terrified.]



CLOSE CR - FOG MEMORY

[It's mid-October. Fai's already been through a few different scenarios in the fog with various friends--and he's pretty sure he's gotten off light, all things considered, and he really doesn't want to try again. So he's as careful as he can be, making sure not to go out at night unless he's got someone with him or unless it's going to be a very short trip indeed.

Except... he has night classes, and that doesn't always work out so well. Like tonight. He's had to park a little farther away from class than usual, thanks to some stupidly random parking lot construction work that's taken out a handful of spaces, and now he's facing the prospect of walking back to his car alone, in the dark and the fog. Shit.

Maybe you were already on campus or nearby for some reason. Maybe you knew Fai had class tonight? Either way, here he is, plunging out into the fog, jogging down the sidewalk. He can make it to his car, he knows it. It's not that far. Just a little farther.

No. Something's wrong with the sidewalk. It shifts under his foot, and although he's lucky enough not to twist his ankle, he can't keep his balance. He goes down hard on what should be pavement, but doesn't feel like it. It feels pliant, shifting under his hands as well, like... fabric?

Quickly he summons a little globe of magical light to his hand, and just as quickly he regrets it. You'll probably find him screaming, because there's no sidewalk anymore. Just an endless mass of corpses.]



LAURENT & FAOLAN - SPA DAY

[It's early October, and it's a random Thursday, and here Fai is in his pretty pink car heading to pick up Laurent and his bodyguard for a day at the spa. Because somebody (read: Fai) has a date on Friday and he wants to be sparkly and perfect for it, and what better way to do that than to drag Laurent out to the spa as he'd already said he would?

And really he doesn't know what to expect about the "bodyguard" but he's been around Kenta long enough to not be quite so weirded out by the idea. Kenta has a small army of bodyguards, after all. How hard can it be to deal with only one? Maybe Fai won't even notice him after a while. (Which is a little mean to think, and Fai sort of chastises himself for it, but if the guy's anything like Kenta's bodyguards he probably won't even say anything the whole time they're out.)

So wherever Laurent would have directed Fai to meet them, here he is, just pulling up in his cute pink Prius to usher them all off to a day of pampering.]

Comments

[sakeplz]

[Jirou has no idea why he needs to dress up or where he's going but he has no problem with it! Date nights with Kenta are fun times and he make sure to put on one of his loveliest dresses with some simple black heels. His hair and makeup are done to perfection as well but it is the surprise under his clothes that is the most fun of all. Now and then when he walks or moves Kenta can get a nice hint of what is going on under there too.

Sipping at his champagne, he cuddles up next to him. Because of course why wouldn't he?]

Where do you think we're going?

[toobigtohandle]

[Kenta has an inkling that the invitation is something Fai arranged. He has no idea of the details of course, but it really is so thoughtful of Fai, especially since Kenta has been racking his brains to try and find something to do for Fai for giving he and Jirou the final push.

The invitation said 'formal', so he took out one of his designer tuxedos. He doesn't wear these very often these days, thanks to Jirou who has helped him get a more casual look while remaining fashionable, but he does get invitations occasionally, and he just likes them, so he frequently buys new ones. Now seems a good occasion for using one. His hair is up in his usual ponytail but he's put a gold cord around it, and there is a hint of gold and eyeliner on his face as well, although nothing as elaborate as what Jirou has on.

All in all they look like a rich power couple ready for a night out.

As Jirou cuddles closer, he puts and arm around his waist.]

I have no idea. For drinks or dinner, maybe?

[sakeplz]

Either option sounds fun! I love surprises.

[He giggles and offers him a sip from his glass. Yes Kenta can get his own but sometimes half the fun is sharing with someone you care about. Or just Kenta in general. That's usually how Jirou's entire existence goes.]

I haven't seen this suit yet by the way. It's one your newest ones, right?

[toobigtohandle]

[Kenta does take a sip, and licks his lips afterwards.]

Yes. I haven't had the occasion of putting it on yet, so I figured tonight was a good one.

[If Fai wants to go all out, then they will as well.]

How long do you think he's been planning this?

THAT BRUNCH THING WE SWORE WE WERE GOING TO DO

[liberal_arts]

-Kasen had done his very best (or at least best as someone as clueless as he could manage) to make this not seem date-like, but he couldn't help feel nervous that this was all sending the wrong impression as he checked in his reserve. The hostess was even one who'd remember when he and Fai were a couple, so that was bound to get awkward...

He at least resisted thinking about ordering his usual dish, the one he'd usually had while courting Fai. That would keep his thoughts off of that, right? And besides, they were here to discuss something else... something more grave. But bearing his soul to Fai like that...

He knew it couldn't be like it was before, but there was part of him that wished to all the gods in heaven that it could be. He'd at least feel more like himself then. Less like whatever it was he feared he was becoming.-

backdating this to September~

[flowrite]

[Fai is definitely not thinking of this as a date. His love life is a shambles these days; the very last thing in the world he needs is to try dating Kasen again. For both of their sakes. No, this is just brunch between two people trying to be friends again, and they're both going through a lot of crap right now and Fai can't help but be concerned about Kasen. End of story.

Although... wow, is it weird being back at one of their old haunts. It's been what, seven years now? Eight? But it still kind of feels like yesterday when he walks in and the hostess still remembers his name. And there's Kasen, still gorgeous as ever, and it takes Fai a moment to take a few deep breaths before he can stroll up with an easy-going smile.]

Hey! I hope I'm not late?

[liberal_arts]

No, no, not at all! Please, have a seat. I think I'm going to order the usual. -Bruschetta Florentine, with a side of white wine. The usual.-

Nightmare

[toobigtohandle]

[While Kenta can't say he knows the place, he certainly knows the atmosphere. He's waited for Jirou after shows enough times, and he isn't even surprised when he notices Fai. Even if the man looks younger. The mismatch between his outfit and his full face of make-up only makes him prettier, somehow.

But then the girls start leaving and the mood seems to change, and there's no mistaking the fact that Fai, standing there alone, is scared out of his wits. What the hell is going on?

Kenta hesitates before he decides to call out. At first he's scared he might spook Fai even further, but what is he going to do, wait and watch his friend work himself up into a panic attack without doing anything?]

... Fai? Are you alright?

[flowrite]

[He jerks around at the sound of his name, but--no, it's not him. He never called him by his nickname, only by his stage name.

It's Kenta. Fai already knows this is a nightmare, although for some reason he doesn't question why Kenta would be here. And even though he should be reassured by the presence of a big, strong friend, he still seems on the verge of panic. He does start toward Kenta, although he keeps looking around himself, up and down the alley, as if expecting to get jumped at any moment.]

He'll be here soon. This is when he usually shows up....

[toobigtohandle]

[Fai's eyes keep darting left and right like some sort of monster is going to suddenly appear... And since this appears to be Fai's dream, or nightmare, rather, then it's probably what's going to happen.

Kenta starts walking towards Fai as well, intent on reaching his friend so he can stay by his side whatever happens.]

Who will be here soon, Fai? And why does he scare you so much?

[This is not just fright, this is almost outright terror.]

Spa day!

[anguinous]

[ Laurent is waiting outside of the high rise, serviced apartment building he lives in with his 'bodyguard'. He's dressed in a smart-casual combo of linen trousers and a button-down shirt, with a loose jacket keeping off some of the growing autumnal chill.

Beside him, surely by some stroke of coincidence, is Faolan.

Laurent's eyes are half on the road, waiting for Fai to swing past, and half on his phone writing a message while he waits. He has a small bag slug over his shoulder, but nothing much else with him.

It is a spa day, after all, and Fai had told him he wouldn't need anything. ]

We're looking out for a pink car, so I should think he'll be --- ah.

[ Obvious, Laurent was going to say, and a flash of pink up the road indicates the car is indeed just that. ]

[reticence]

[Faolan isn't certain what to make of the whole idea of this. For one, there is the fact that he had gone to Fai for advice about Laurent's nightmares. A fact that Laurent does not know about. Fai should be sworn to professional confidentiality about the matter, but Faolan doesn't know him well enough to be able to determine just how strictly he will stick to that. In retrospect, he probably should have been more careful. He should have found someone more removed to speak to. But hindsight is 20-20, as they say...

For another, he's not so certain what to make of the idea of a 'spa day', though he supposes he's only there in the capacity of Laurent's bodyguard. At least, he's assuming he's only there in the capacity of his bodyguard. He supposes he'll know for certain once Fai arrives to pick them up.]

Pink?

[He raises an eyebrow, but there it is. Despite having already met Fai, and despite knowing that their families know each other, Faolan still stands a little straighter. Putting on his figurative bodyguard hat as he watches the car pull up before them -- leaving the greetings for the pair of them, but wondering how well Fai will recognize him in turn.]

sorry for the delay! I'm getting back on top of things I promise!!

[flowrite]

[Yep, pink! The little pink Prius pulls up in front of the fancy building, Fai having spotted the pair of them easily, and he puts it in park so he can duck out of the driver's side door and stand next to the car.

...and he promptly does a bit of a double-take upon spotting the familiar (and very handsome) person next to Laurent (not that Laurent isn't handsome, of course), although he doesn't immediately remark upon it.]

Hey! I hope I'm not too late? Shall we get on with the rest and relaxation?

Nightmare

[bitemefightme]

[Where exactly Orion is, he doesn't have a clue. But he's used to that with this fog shit and lack of sleep by now. Though... there doesn't seem to be any fog tonight. Maybe it's finally letting up and he can get some decent mental down time before the next time Retrospec throws bullshit up in the air.

His hands are stuffed in his pockets as he wanders past the club to the alley, the kind of places that let Orion feel lost in a good way. But he startles when he sees... a pretty familiar blond. But why does he look so young?

Wait... Fai had a picture of a twin, didn't he? In his room, if he remembers right. Maybe this is that twin. Twins don't always develop the same, right? Damn if the similarities don't fuck with him, though.

But that terrified expression is exactly like Fai's, when the camera-stalking incident came up, when Orion was inadvertently insensitive. That face is exactly the same. And whoever this is, he's going to help them. So he heads toward Fai with a quickened pace, hoping he doesn't freak the blond out more.]

Hey. [He tries to call to him in the gentlest voice he can. He holds a hand out to Fai.] You okay? I can walk you home.

[flowrite]

[It's the break in the routine of the nightmare, more than anything, that attracts Fai's attention. He's been having this same dream pretty regularly for years now and one way or another it always ends up the same--the same man bearing down on him with a knife, the same feeling of helplessness, and then waking, terrified. The routine somehow hasn't lessened the terror of it, even after seven years.

But there's never anyone else in the dream, no one except the girls from the club who scatter and fade, unable to help him. There's never a helpful man nearby offering to walk him home?

And... oh, it's Orion~! Somehow Fai doesn't question how or why his friend is here. He's just happy to see him.

He starts for Orion but keeps his gaze locked down toward the end of the alley, where the man will be appearing any minute now.]

Please, I--

He'll be here soon, I don't know if we can get away....

[bitemefightme]

Then I'll kick his ass. I don't care who comes.

[Orion looks toward the end of the alley with Fai, then back to Fai. Maybe it's a stalker or something this guy's worried about.]

Listen - No matter what happens, I've got you. I won't let anything happen. Let's get you home.

[With the one hand held out to Fai, his other hand reaches to touch the familiar place where his guns rest under his hoodie. The reminder that they're there and that he can pull them out in a second's notice.

He doesn't want to have to shoot anyone, but with the similarities this guy bears to Fai, he would do more to protect him than anything else. Even if that means shooting someone to protect him.]

Can you run?

Fog memory UGLY LAUGHTER

[spes_phthisica]

[Maybe late night snack run is really stupid with all that's going on right now, especially when he's been haunted by his own specters in the fog. But Soujirou is all out of candy at home, and since he already knows he's going to wake up from nightmares in the small hours to come, he's decided to at least have comfort food available when he does. He tries to ignore the indistinct figures and sounds in the fog around him, tries to focus only on what's ahead of him... although he can't really see what's ahead of him, what with the damn fog.

As the screaming starts, Soujirou does the truly human - and potentially foolish - thing, and runs toward it instead of away. Being focused on helping whoever is in distress, he doesn't really notice that the sidewalk under him changes at first. But once he sees Fai on the ground, looks around in horror as he tries to find what has scared him... then he notices.

Soujirou's way of reacting to combat situation might be considered unsettling and unnervingly well-adapted for a modern human. But his reaction to a lot of corpses, on the other hand, is honestly exactly what one would expect of a young millennial in his situation. Which is to say that he flinches back in horror, claps a hand over his mouth, and then... throws up.

At least he turns away from Fai before doing so. Once he manages to speak, he does so in a rather raspy voice.]

What- What's- Where did this- What's happening? [He's not making a great deal of sense either.]

[flowrite]

[Please forgive Fai, his brain is in the middle of both being needed very dearly right now, for some very basic fight or flight purposes, and trying to hard-restart at the same time. He may have remembered how to fight, how to move during a fight, but there is no part of him that's used to seeing this many corpses. Or even corpse, singular. Let alone a veritable carpet of them under his feet. It's only a hand pressed to his mouth that keeps him from screaming over and over again.

It's even questionable how long it takes after turning toward the sound of Soujirou's voice before he realizes who and what he's looking at. A friend. Soujirou. Oh god they need to get out of here--]

I-- I don't--!

[They need to get out of here. They need to run, now!

Fai certainly doesn't like sitting on a pile of corpses like this, but it still takes him longer than he'd like before he can work up the functionality to push off the 'ground,' to lurch for Soujirou.

And he's only made it half the distance to his friend when the first hand shoots up out of the mass of bodies and claps around his ankle. And Fai's right back to screaming.]

[spes_phthisica]

[In a way, that makes it easier. In the face of relentless, empty-eyed death, of the sheer mass of it under their feet, there is nothing that can be done. There's only blind fear and a not inconsiderable amount of revulsion.

But something that's attacking is a problem that can be solved. Though he's still shivering violently with the shock, still sick with horror at what's happening, what he's about to to, Soujirou stumbles forward. His brain isn't working well enough yet to remember the broken sword he always carries in his backpack now, and certainly not to work out how to get to it. No, he lets out a sharp little scream and kicks hard at the hand, once, twice, before he simply resorts to repeatedly stamping on the wrist.]

My home... is that way. [He grabs Fai, urging him to try to move foward as he slams his foot down on the appendage once more, wincing at the sickly sound of it.] It's not far.

Fog

[keystaff]

[Sakura is aware that the fog seems like bad news. She's just on her way back from work going by the campus on her way home when she hears the screaming. Which of course, she runs towards rather than away from in her haste to try help somehow. Only to find that it's Fai. And that's....not the pavement. Or it doesn't look like it is.

Sakura trips in her haste in approaching before she herself realizes though, giving her own startled yelp.]

Wh--Fai-san!

[Others had said the fog was being strange. Was that it? Was he alright? No. Of course he wasn't. Which is why she tries to get to him to help somehow.]

[flowrite]

[Funny enough, seeing Sakura is exactly what Fai needs to snap out of his panic. The only thing more important and overriding in his head than his own fears is the urge to protect the people he loves, and Sakura's already taken her place in that group.

Since she's not screaming or panicking yet, Fai can only assume she hasn't noticed what they're standing on quite yet. Immediately he douses the magical light in his hand and takes a deep breath to steady himself. At least the bodies don't smell, for whatever reason. Small mercies.]

Sakura! Stay where you are! I'm going to come toward you, okay? Just stay there and don't look down.

[keystaff]

Why did you -- um. Okay?

[She hasn't quite realized, didn't quite get the best look before he shut off that light, simply having recognized the voice and lighter hair and come to check. To check if he was alright. She tries to stay still, to not move or struggle too much as she waits for him to get to her.

Because he had to have a reason for being so scared? She's not sure if her coming to try help might have made it worse or not. But still, she couldn't just ignore that.]

fog memory

[wordcarvings]

[ The scream immediately draws Koutarou's attention, and once he finds the source - he recognized the voice, and that had made his worry skyrocket - the sight is horrifying. So many bodies. But, Koutarou knows to not freak out when a friend needs him to not freak out, and instead of freaking out, he hurries over. There is no time for him to be freaking out right now. ]

Fai!

[ It's weird, and unpleasant, to walk on the bodies, but he still does, and he still kneels, and scoops Fai up in his arms, one arm at his knees and the other around his back, a strong embrace that should be familiar to Fai. ]

Fai! Look at me.

[flowrite]

[That familiarity is what finally breaks through Fai's panic. He's still terrified and disgusted all at the same time, but feeling the arms around him, Fai instinctively throws his arms around Koutarou. He knows this voice. This is very familiar indeed.]

Koutarou? I--

[When he finally manages to tear his eyes away from the mass of bodies he looks up at Koutarou with wide eyes, his gaze nearly (but not quite) senseless with fear.]

[wordcarvings]

[ Koutarou's state of mind would have been very different if he had found only the bodies, and not someone to focus on. As it is, certain instincts that he developed back in Japan kicks in; protect over panic is a good instinct though. So the look in his eyes is firm and isn't as fulled with fear as they could have been. ]

Don't look at any of that, alright? Where are you going?

[ The ground might be uneven and..bodies...but Koutarou's footing is still stable. ]