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EVENT

REVERTED.
"Every moment is a fresh beginning." - T. S. Eliot

Happy July, Retrospecters. Can you believe it's been nearly a year since the city was under attack and several of you were pulled and lost in Unreality? Time sure does fly, doesn't it? But don't fret. It seems as though the city is in for a real vacation this time...rest easy.

THE BEGINNING
Recollé has been fully restored thanks to the effort of the citizens working to paint the city back to life and breaking down the layers separating the city from most of its non-Retrospec users. The sky is painted multiple colors (a permanent fixture, it seems) and some buildings and plants are extraordinary but everything appears to be in solid, functional condition. All buildings are where they should be. The roads are safe. And everyone around you appears to be preparing for one of two celebrations...

THE 4TH OF JULY
With the 4th of July tomorrow, citizens of Recollé are preparing for their own celebration. Much like last year, the city will be preparing with a large gathering at Peach Beach, food trucks aplenty, discounts at several stores in Tisse and Enprise, and of course at 9pm sharp the beautiful and historical fireworks display will begin. Street vendors sell glowsticks and lemonade as everyone gathers to watch the show in the sky.

This year, however, while the fireworks display still shows events of the city's history citizens may recognize a few new scenes added to the show. As they look up into the sky they'll notice scenes depicting several of the events that have happened over the last year ranging from the Retrospec bingo games to the nightmare fog to the mistletoe bats and more. This year will also include scenery and displays from the four regions around the city. Perhaps you recognize these events a little too well. Care to share the tale with your neighbor?

TANABATA
It seems as though this week is a non-stop celebration though. As the 4th of July ends, several members of the city are hard at work in preparation for Tanabata. Celebrated on Saturday, July 7th this year, residents are hard at work decorating areas in Tribunal Terrace and Chata with massive colorful streamers and moving in several bamboo plants. Stalls are set up and prepared and carnival games line the sidewalks for citizens to play.

On the evening of the 7th, all are invited to attend the celebration and try Japanese cuisine, play a few games, and most importantly write a wish on a colored sheet of paper to hang on one of the bamboo trees.

No matter how citizens choose to celebrate at this festival, for anyone who makes a wish and hangs it on the tree they will soon receive a Retrospec ticket in their mailbox. While your wish may take time to be granted, good fortune is upon you and a free gift has been provided.

THE NPCS
NPCs are back in the city and all is well. They are unaware of the layers they were caught between but they are grateful and happy to see you again! Professors will be lenient of students whose finals have been delayed, employers will inquire about your vacation time, and your friends and family may constantly badger you for time and attention. Isn't that nice?

In addition, citizens of the city may now place calls to members outside of the city for up to five minutes. While that pesky growling problem still appears at the tail end of all conversations, citizens will be able to reach out to anyone in the world and speak for that length of time. Let's just hope your loved ones aren't too bothered by the previous radio silence.

THE DREAMS
What was that about resting easy? Perhaps you won't be able to as well as you'd like. Though everything appears to be fine, the moment you close your eyes beginning on July 3rd, you may find yourself plagued by strange, unusual dreams. As you dream you'll find yourself experiencing everything from wild scenarios set in space or on a pirate ship to everyday, mundane interactions. Your dreams will reflect who you are, but...maybe in a different light. Perhaps your siblings aren't related to you in your dreams, or perhaps your hair is a different color. Maybe you find yourself dreaming about a whole different lifestyle than the one you currently possess. Why, you could even be one of the lucky ones and dream about those memories you've been receiving since you've joined the app.

Then again, you'll also find that you aren't dreaming alone. When you look, you may find that someone has joined you. It's easy to move in dreams and intrude on other people's dreams. You may choose to watch the scene play out or find yourself able to change scenarios within these dreams. Some of you will recognize what is and isn't real, but...what is real anymore? Aren't you curious what it all means?

The moment you awake, however, these dreams will fade away and simply be dreams.

THE QUESTS
If you're looking for a way to pass the time and bring a little adventure to your life, a new feature on the Retrospec app is the quest hotline! By submitting a request, Retrospec will generate a new task for you to accomplish either in the city or around one of the four regions. While Retrospec cannot claim that all tasks will be exciting, all tasks given are important to the functionality of the city.

Or perhaps you're interested in exploring Mementos or Tartarus...? Just what are these new places anyway? Strange.

Happy questing!

THE REGIONS
Travel is available once more for the regions outside of the city, though do watch out for the common monsters that still linger between districts. It will take three hours by boat southward to Pesgare, an hour underground eastward to Respatrum, two hours west via horseback to Bosuma and seven hours via driving north to Magatus. Depending on where you travel though you may find some surprises waiting for you.

Fishing season is at its prime in Pesgare and it's the perfect place for a seaside getaway this summer. The region remains untouched and stable, and the economy is thriving once more thanks to the repairs after their tsunami and the work of Retrospec users.

In Respatrum, the workers in the mines don't seem to mind the heat and continue crafting and creating. Anyone who ventures into these parts will be put to work, but may be rewarded with small tokens and hospitality from the natives of this region.

Bosuma, however, is a little different. The Swamp Witch is nowhere to be found though the forest is alit with bright, blooming flowers, strange multicolored animals and friendly natives from a nearby village in the woods. Monsters lurk the deeper parts of the woods, but one would actively have to go looking for them.

But should one linger in this region for too long, they may soon discover that they'll start to see things...not just things, but people. Vivid, life-like forms of people you've seen in your memories will appear before you even if you're unaware of who they are. They seem to beckon you to come closer, happy to see you and encouraging you to explore the forest further. Some of these forms may engage in combat if the relationship you remember is a hostile one. Should you follow or fight them, however, you will soon find yourself lost in the woods and it may take days to return to the city. Do keep sight of what's real, won't you?

Finally, over in Magatus, for anyone who has ventured there before they may be expecting the snowy mountains and ski lodge. However, it's summer! Snow isn't fit for the summer and as residents approach the region they'll come to find that the ice-capped mountains have been replaced with cliffs, sand dunes and a desert-esque climate. The iced-over lake is now perfect for swimming and further exploration will lead you to a path in the mountains that's the perfect height for cliff-jumping into waters below. This is the perfect region for you outdoorsy, camping types. Just be careful of the scorpions and rattlesnakes out there.

THE CITY
It's summer vacation everywhere. How are you spending your days? Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to listen to Joanne and plan your days with fun and exciting ventures. Parties and meetings and spending time with your friends...it sounds nice, doesn't it? Even if some of you may notice your friends seem...off.

The city is peaceful. Everything seems to be calm and safe, so much that you may not even notice the difference at first. It all begins in mid-July though. One moment you're sitting in a café and the next you realize you're wearing an apron and you feel as though you should be working behind the counter. One moment you're sitting in your bedroom and the next you look up and notice that the items on your wall have changed. These little hallucinations are minimal and only last a few moments, but they will begin to increase as the month goes on and leading straight into August.

But hey. It's probably nothing to worry about.

Welcome to

recolle's July log! The information above provides loose guidelines of things occurring this month, so please feel free to make your own prompts based on these. You are also free to create your own logs and inbox threads.

Regarding Tanabata! If you would like to claim a free 10-20 point item, please head to the regains page and submit as normal! Please indicate that it is a Tanabata freebie.

Characters are free to travel to one of the four regions this month (Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma, Magatus), but keep in mind the effects/changes as listed above.

As a reminder, you may qualify for an additional freebie this month by threading out a dream sequence with at least one person experiencing a new AU! This thread must be at least five consecutive comments from you.

Any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for important information as well!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[If Ren doesn't say a word about the sound Goro makes at suddenly being swooped up, he can live longer than tonight; his boyfriend scowls, heat flashing into his face, and he clings to Ren so not to fall. Struggle? Oh, he would love to, but the gasps are making him not want to cause too much of a fuss.

Instead, he's very quiet:]

Sleep with one eye open, Amamiya-san. I can't promise your safety otherwise.

[He's just embarrassed, that's all, both at the carrying and... letting himself be so comfortable as to be taken surprised like this, his guard faltering with someone he's realizes he trusts maybe a little too much, but if it's just things like this then it's fine. Maybe. He's known Ren for a while now, it's fine, it's... fine.......................]

[ Oh? There’s no struggling? Goro is even clinging onto him, which is a nice secure feeling. It shouldn’t be comforting with the Recolle summer weather, but this warmth is a blessing. His heart racing? Not so much. His boyfriend has never clung onto him like this before, at least in the memories of the present. New experiences! He gives into a little twirl as they enter, swaying to the receptionist so Goro can communicate while in his arms.

This must seem dramatic and somewhat suggestive, but Ren doesn’t care. ]

I’ll keep them both open and on you, Akechi-kun. Hurt me however you want.

[ Sweet, velvet smooth, and awfully pompous. ]

You're far too happy about this, you know, it's almost creepy.

[That's beneath his breath before his demeanor changes, laughing sheepishly at the receptionist (she really, really wants to ask if they're newlyweds..? it's clear on her face?) and informs her that he'll only be staying a little longer, though he'd like to switch to a slightly bigger room if at all possible..♪

Which is a no, by the way, and Goro directs Ren to his room with a slightly sulky disposition. The receptionist gives them a small wave -- ah, to be young and in love!!! -- and it takes every bit of his self-control not to fuss.]

... What is the point of this, anyway? You're going to give people strange ideas if you just do as you please, Ren.

[ Ren is just making his way to their new room, letting Goro yap his mouth off with complaints and huffs. It takes some small tricks before he can get the door to open, so it lets the staff gawk at them again. He doesn't get a chance to see them flush, hiding around the corner, watching them carefully like they're witnessing something scandalous.

Walking in he twirls Goro once, not planning to deposit him onto the bed just yet. ]

What kind of strange ideas?

[ They all seem plausible to him. ]

[What-- "What kind of strange ideas", he asks, as if he can't think of any? This is where Goro draws the line though, starting to squirm to be let go now that they're out of public, let him down. You fiend. You demon. You absolute embarrassment. What's with the twirl, was that necessary.]

Like-- Ren, you can't be serious, you're holding me like-- like this, and you can't think of anything?

[He's less annoyed and more just... embarrassed, as he is when it comes to things like this even now, though it's more by the fact that other people saw and can make assumptions than anything. Goro, as always, is conscious of what people say and think of him, but in the context of his history it's. Different.]

Of course, it isn't wrong to assume we're together, seeing that we are, but... [...] Like this... Doesn't it feel like we're... beyond just that..?

[hurk. don't make him say anything.]

I can. Several things. All plausible.

[ Fine, fine. Ren will deposit Goro onto the bed like a good boyfriend, despite how his target of affection is thrashing about and looking anxious in his arms. It's almost hurtful, so he pulls out the little fake puppy eyes as he rests his head on the edge of the bed, seating himself on the floor like he's being punished.

Playing submissive just to kick up some paranoia is always fun, too. Of course this doesn't mean a happy ending for our mafia son, Goro Akechi. It never does. ]

Master and servant?

[ Here comes the soft whine. ]

[Ugh. That look, that whine. It's infuriating. Cute, but it makes him feel guilty at the same time... His gaze flicks away, settling uncomfortably onto the bed, and plays with the blanket idly. Plucking at it. Stupid Ren.]

I couldn't get you to serve me if I tried. [Huff.] Guess again.

[What's plausible about marriage between them..? What sort of master-servant relationships has Ren experienced?]

[ Ah. Goro is taking this better than Ren anticipated? To be honest, he has experience 0 master-servant relationships and it's. He's right. There's little chance that Ren would listen every order anyone gives. However, he doesn't mind playing genie once in a while. He keeps himself prostrated, chin digging deeper into the mattress until he's giving permission to hop onto the bed. ]

I would do anything for you. [ Within reason. ] How shall I serve you? You need to relax before we go on another forest expedition.

[ Master. ]

[... Mmmmmmm. Hm. There's quite the thoughtful look on his face at that, eyeing Ren and thinking of what he could ask. Something embarrassing? Something he'd regret? Maybe something indulgent..? Or practical. No, it should be something that would put himself in a better mood regardless of if Ren did it or not; there was something satisfactory in being right, after all.

That. May be a little harder to find, though, given that if challenged Ren didn't mind pressing it.]

I'll relax while I'm sleeping. Most likely, anyway, though I'll warn that this bed wasn't exactly made for a couple.

[Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.]

I suppose you could start me off though. [He leans back on his hands, crossing his ankles with a small smile down at Ren.] Massage? If you dare to tickle me anyway, you'll be sleeping at the door.

Maybe I should put on a maid costume, too.

[ The memory of his homeroom teacher dressed as a maid, massaging him in the evening, still makes little sense to him, but it was nice. He can probably mimic her techniques if he focuses, but that means... Making sure that his boyfriend doesn't squirm.

Not everyone is used to the massage life. ]

Remember that you asked for this.

[ Abruptly, he grabs onto Goro's ankle and pulls him closer. ]

[He yelps a little in surprise, coloring at his own embarrassing sound, and kicks him lightly with this other foot.]

I probably won't regret it, unlike asking about the maid costume, but can't you act nicer? You're a rude servant if all you do is tug people like that. [#experience] ... Why would you put one on for a massage anyway?

[Look.

He came here before he was old enough to understand and try out "maid services". Though he wouldn't have been interested in them anyway.]

You can call it a maid service.

[ Ren is familiar with maid services just by the amount of anime he watches, then there are maid cafes—then his own workplace that took a spin on it. He lets the kick follow through, but doesn't let go. Instead, he starts working on the foot he does have in his hold. Shoe peeled off, sock also gone, it's defenseless.

Firm, callous fingers press in, circling with precision. ]

What kind of nice would you prefer?

[Maid cafes don't give out massages, to his knowledge, and after the initial flinch of someone other than him touching his feet he's relatively okay, though he jerks lightly from time to time. Ren's grasp is good enough that it won't be too bothersome, and. This does feel good. He's never gotten one of these before. Goro wiggles his toes.]

I don't know. I guess you are already rather nice... and I can't say you aren't sweet nor gentle at times either, can I?

[...]

Forget it. I can't think of any way to improve you at the moment.

[ Oh? He was expecting a tirade about how much of a handful he is, way too mischievous for his own good—that he needs to tone it down because it’s annoying. All of it is a grain of salt, not at all ashamed or embarrassed by his usual behavior. So... It’s surprising to hear that there’s nothing he needs to change.

Quiet, he thinks about how Akira didn’t want to change, but always looked at someone else and saw himself as lacking. It resonates with him though he doesn’t quite understand. He knows Goro is saying it as a light, but sincere joke. ]

It’d be nice if the other Goro said that to Akira. [ Not your brother Akira. ] I was going to tickle you, but you weaseled your way out of it. Sweet words from your sharp mouth are blessings.

[ Diligently, he works on the next one whether or not his transparency raises any concern. ]

... He probably feels it should be obvious.

[With a slightly soured tone at Ren's transparency, relaxing the first foot. He feels completely safe with the knowledge that Ren won't tickle him...]

But I'll keep it in mind, should I ever meet myself by chance. I have a few words I'd give myself too, to the other me.

[ No tickling! Just really, firm, massaging. It might hurt sometimes, too, but that's good. It's all the tension being expelled from princely feet.

Clearing his throat, he attempts an impression: ]

"Stop following him like a lovesick puppy. It's gross and not sexy."

"He's going to feel suffocated," [in a similarly mocking tone,] "why don't you cut it out already?"

[Huff. Really, how anyone can stand being around someone like that... it's beyond Goro. He wiggles his toes at Ren, feeling a little playful despite his follow up.]

It feels like he gives too much of himself away, in any case. I'd be annoyed if someone pressured me that much. I'd probably tell Akira off for letting him do it to; there's no need to use a thousand words when a few gets the point across just as well -- and yes, I know, the irony of me saying that is laughable.

[ Goro, if you keep wiggling your toes, he can't guarantee that they will go unscathed from this encounter. For now, Ren behaves to the best of his ability, though he does pinch his foot once in a while. ]

If I remember correctly, sometimes he said nothing at all. Stunned speechless.

[ A lot of times, really. ]

Shouldn't we just let other me spoil him?

No, he'll become bratty in that case.

[As if talking about a child,]

... Whatever works for them, I guess. We have what works for us -- and I'm sure there're words there too, there always are -- and they... are incredibly sappy.

[Which is. Weird to feel, even in dreams. Not bad, just weird. It makes him more awkwardly fumble with affection in this life, clumsy in his backsteps.

Goro's gonna lay on his back. Full trust to you, boyfriend.]

I'm glad your name is Ren, by the way.

So he isn't bratty already. That's a compliment.

[ Both of you are bratty fucks, but it's implied in the way his mouth curves. It's ironic? The massage continues, now working on his calves. It may seem weird, but it's good for you. ]

So that people don't think you're dating your brother? True brocon.

[ Snorts. His hand makes it to Goro's feet again, now tickling him. That faith was misplaced here. ]

[Rude. Doubly rude, with that comment, and-- triple rude when Ren starts to tickle his feet, a burst of laughter startling out as he naturally flinches away, though he can't go far with a hand on his calf. He can kick at the other with his free foot at least..!]

You-- You said you wouldn't! You t-traitor! [hhhhhhhh] I just think-- think it's-- a very nice name, [pl ease have mercy ren,] though I'm, I'm glad you don't sh--share it with him, yes!

[Because it's weird to date someone named Akira when your brother's name is Akira. Ren is so pleasant and cute. Very lovely. Akechi Ren. How ni He's Not Thinking That Way.]

But then you can have two Akira Akechis? Doesn't that sound nice?

[ Ren will continue to betray, letting himself get kicked (ow... that will leave a bruise), and even scale up Goro's body to dig into his sides. Yes, little mob son, cry and laugh under him more!! ]

We could be the double As.

[ what about him is pleasant and cute................ ]

[St t top he's gonna cry at this rate..... He'll be beyond red.... They'll have to make a new shade to describe his complextion, he's trying for air and getting little to it as he tries to push Ren away with his hands now.]

T-To think I said there was nothing I'd-- I'd change about you?! R-- Ren, stop, stop, I'm gonna-- I'll break up with you!

[Not over the names thing, over the tickling... or maybe it would be the names thing. Akira Akechi sounds terrible. Goro Kurusu wouldn't have been much better.]

Edited 2018-08-21 06:19 (UTC)

All right, all right.

[ Ren yields and the tickling stops as he just... plops onto Goro like he's a mattress. This is nice, too! Just using all of his weight to crush his boyfriend against the bed. ]

I would be too sad if you did.

[Ah, this. Is nice, actually, his giggling subsiding once he's freed... and trapped once more, though he doesn't feel too tense despite the situation. Goro is a little more worried about his lack of paranoia, fussy feelings set aside as they do, within the recent year, when it came to Ren...

Mm. He'll pet his boyfriend's head, just a little bit, turning his face away like it's nothing special at all.]

Of course you would be. [... Not meanly, just. Of course.] Anyone would be sad if I broke up with them.

[goro,]