* ‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧̍̊

[beathollow]

in the wake of turmoil

What's Up?

Mafuyu and Aerith have hatched a plan to give Braphine's Chosen some time to relax and have fun together! And just in the nick of time...

Date and Location

Afternoon of Monday, October tth into October 8th
The Aquarium within the Office District

The sway of water

It's a normal morning for anyone who's managing to sleep a standard schedule- up until a mass text goes out, that is. Everyone will find the same thing from either Mafuyu or Aerith's username:

ONE NIGHT STAY-OVER AT THE LOCAL AQUARIUM, SCHEDULED MONDAY, OCTOBER SEVENTH!! All of Braphine's Chosen are invited to an exclusive event hosted at the aquarium where guests can spend the day taking tours and then sleep over in qualified areas. Dining will be provided, all we have to bring is ourselves, changes of clothes and pillows and blankets. (And yes, the floors will be extra clean.)

... Simple enough. And should you choose to attend, both your hostesses will be pleased to see you once it's time to head over.

As they said, the aquarium is largely empty save for the group, and it's definitely worth it. A serene song plays overhead while attendants give tours or explanations as needed. The variety of aquatic life is surprisingly vast as well, and spacious halls give way to plenty of opportunity to explore.

Come nightfall, certain rooms dim the lights but the tanks stay lit- or black lit as darker enclosures like the jellyfish hall and the octopus tanks remain- and only a few staff remain to keep an eye on things- so... stay on your best behavior. The two restaurants stay open- a regular fast food joint with kitschy island cabana theming, and a much more upscale lounge where Aerith plans on corralling the adults for fun this evening.

Once it's time for the age groups to split, Aerith will lead the adults to a pleasant lounge with more tanks, large couches or more private tables, and a view overlooking one of the main rooms of the aquarium- wave to the kids if they're there! Or don't. Bouquets of flowers are placed around the room, and it looks like Aerith has a few ideas already, though she won't stop anyone from going out to review the different sections again.

Contrasting Mafuyu, who is content to let the fellow teens do whatever- though if they do congregate, she's not really the social sort and will simply be content to enjoy the vibes. Even if you just want to take a nap somewhere, there's plenty of dark secluded areas to do so.

Out of character!

This log is for an ic sleepover hosted at the aquarium! All characters are invited but attendance is not mandatory. That said, there are still staff members ready to boot any troublemakers out. We wanted to keep the types of displays vague to give everyone creative freedom, and characters are welcome to flit about between groups as they desire, be it to check in or to to snoop or whatever. As discussed with the mods, this does count as an open event and can be used for rewards. Thank you all for your interest!

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Comments

[speedingticket]

[ Here comes the concern on his face. ]

Is it...really that bad? [ He purses his lips in thought before lowering his voice: ] Is she abusing you?

[beathollow]

...

( somehow, despite everything- no one has ever said it outright. so mafuyu looks a little stunned before she just... nods.

it's a good thing arven brought mabosstiff. sorry babe she's stealing your dog for a bit. )

...

We can change the subject if you want. I'm sorry.

[speedingticket]

[ Rutile's brow rises in sympathy. Though he has been itching to get back home as soon as possible, considering his unfinished business and all the people he left behind, it suddenly strikes him that the opposite is also true. Someone taken from a dire, or helpless situation given the taste of freedom and love and friendship...only to be rewarded with the threat of being sent back?

That can't be right.

Rutile doesn't say anything in response. Instead, he takes a step forward and gently wraps his arms around her in a hug. ]

[beathollow]

( huh--?

mafuyu blinks and looks up at rutile slowly, almost innocently. ... it's strange.

it's so strange.

adults here are kind, and gentle, and warm. even mcgillis and izou. there's no feeling of a collar on her neck when the people here touch her shoulder, no suffocation when they give her an embrace.

it's so, so strange.

after a moment of quiet awe, she hugs back. )

[speedingticket]

[ Rutile lets the hug sit. If Mafuyu had never hugged back, he would have let go a little earlier. But she returns the gesture, and he thinks that in itself must speak to a growth only being away from her mother, and being around the people here could have given her. Or he could be wrong.

He doesn't let it last any longer than it needs to. Eventually he pulls back, slowly and gently, and firmly rests his hands on her shoulders. ]

I'm not sure what help I can be, but if you ever need anything, even just a chat, I'm here. [ He offers a small, comforting smile, but he knows it's the bare minimum. ] And so are all your friends. I...can't claim to know what will happen when we're finished here, but don't be afraid to rely on them, okay?

[ This is a tricky situation, and it vexes him he's not in a position of any sort of power to do anything about this. ]