saveourearth | Let's proudly not melt, shall we? [Mingle]

Entry tags:

Let's proudly not melt, shall we? [Mingle]

Date: 31.8-9.9.2018

Characters: Open

With the end of the eternal summer ~~heat~~ in sight, the last gasp of summer festivities start in Mossgate. The first signs come when the flag above the town hall showing the town coat of arms is removed and replaced with the bright and beautiful pride flag. Anticipation is high in the LGBT+ areas of town, and the traditional pride pre-parties take place in the LGBT+ venues on Friday and Saturday nights. Bunting starts to go up along the main streets of town, and volunteers are gathered for meetings and rehearsals. Any latecomers who still wish to volunteer are invited to turn up and make themselves known at this point (especially anyone with a valid first aid certificate!)

Pride officially opens on Sunday, with special free walking tours of the notable LGBT+ venues and sights around town twice a day, as well as open lectures at the universities featuring such topics as “Defining ourselves: deconstructing LGBT+ labels” and “Not just Stonewall: a brief history of LGBT+ activism”. Interested parties can sign up online using the local theatre's website, where they will also be able to browse the special LGBT+ program for the week (which, unfortunately, is not free, but those volunteering at any point over the week will be provided with two free tickets as one of their perks – either to be used alone for two events, or with a companion for one). The twice monthly LGBT+ book club is holding a special taster event on Wednesday evening, and the comic store is also holding special events each evening, focusing on a different LGBT+ character or author each night. Some of the religious institutions in the town are holding special LGBT affirmative services, and some are also holding drop in sessions. The RSPCA holds a pride themed dog show. Certain beauty stores, hair salons and barbers are holding trans-friendly sessions and workshops, some outside of normal working hours (although some are only accessible by signing up in advance). During the evening, there will be LGBT+ pub quizzes and special LGBT+ events up and down the high street. And, of course, plenty of other stores will also be taking advantage of the pink pound and the locals will notice the sudden influx of rainbow products, especially in the touristy shops along the beach front.

The main event is the pride parade, held from 11AM on Saturday, starting at the town hall, progressing along the main beach front road and ending up at the Green from around 2PM. It's a massive event, equal to Brighton or Manchester, with plenty of floats and sponsors. All along the parade route, flags, bunting and ribbons float in the sea breeze and barriers have been placed to keep the audience from getting under the feet of the walkers, dancers, prancers and stompers that will make up a part of the parade's diverse make-up. The parade itself is made up of an interesting mix of local businesses and big name sponsors; the local walking society walking behind Absolut vodka, the WI walking ahead of Skittles, and the local scouts being proceeded by Stonewall and followed by the Conservative Party.

There is one unforeseen thing happening this year though that will be throwing everyone into a tizzy for a bit: In between the last security check and the head of the pride parade arriving at the spot outside the town museum, someone has managed to sneak a giant cake in the way of the parade. The parade will come to an abrupt stop for almost half an hour while rumours run wild about the reason for which the parade has stopped, ranging from a terrorist attack to a romantic proposal. Eventually, the cake turns out to be entirely harmless, is removed and the parade continues. But news of it spread soon, and it is moved to a square where people are allowed to take pictures with it. It is, of course, heavily advised against trying to eat from it. Just that it doesn't explode doesn't mean that it meets food safety standards...

The Green has once again been set up with stalls for sponsors and local businesses, including charities like the RSPCA and the Samaritans. Those out for freebies won't be disappointed, with stickers, badges and sweets being handed out left, right and centre, especially by the representations of political parties who are doing their best to build some trust back up with the population. The local reproductive health centre also has a stand, handing out condoms, dental dams, and advice.

A dance area and a DJ have been set up around the bandstand, and with several bars having build temporary extensions, the party will go on well into the night, although the parade officially ends at nightfall, when there is a fireworks display. After the fireworks, the Green is temporary cleared, and after it reopens, only those with ID proving themselves to be 18 are allowed back inside. There is, however, an alternative, alcohol free party held in the town hall for any ages.

Pride officially concludes on Sunday evening with the Kings and Queens ball, an extension by tradition that is held in the Hive. With the bar cleared out to make a second dance floor, there is a flamboyant tie dress code, (as long as it's smart and fabulous, you'll be welcomed), and while tickets generally sell out months in advance, Alexander keeps a few to one side for late comers, and volunteers are (again) provided with two as part of their package. When the bell finally tolls at 2AM, and the last partygoers are sent home, Mossgate will return to it's usual, quiet self (but the glitter will take some time to clean up completely).

[ooc: Eating from the cake will give characters a plot echo. It will also make them high and give them indigestion the next day.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Walter is in the know about the stream, so about halfway through the day (really, it's more like ll AM) Ben gets a text from a familiar number (not Number):

You all right over there? You definitely LOOK like you're having a good time, but I do want to be sure. :)

He also made a donation; nothing extravagant, given his and Russell's combined budget, but Benjiro has no doubt seen the notif anyway.

Only a few hours into the stream, Benjiro notices the screen of his phone light as it sits on silent mode beside his monitor. He skims the message before the screen darkens, and continues with his current play for several more minutes to avoid disruption.

The moment he gets to a brief delay in action, he'll swipe his phone from the desk out of sight of his camera and bring it under the desk to text back while still using his mouse to interact. Being the quiet one in the group of friends involved already gives him adequate cover to split his attention long enough to send back a text.

That's how I'm supposed to look! I will admit I'm not used to asking for money from viewers, even for a good cause. Speaking of which, huge thank you for your donation! You didn't have to, but I really appreciate it.

He may be announcing donations as they come through when he's not focusing on play, but given it's from a personal friend, he owes a personal word of gratitude.

Well, it's not his intention to get Ben in trouble or anything! Or make him miss a move, rather.

Well, they're all willing to give! Some things people really will come out in droves for to help.

And,

You're very welcome. ;) I'm glad to help out! Just make sure you remember to eat and all.

Benjiro is careful about dividing his attention, able to tap at his phone with one hand with occasional glances down without missing a step in the game. Were he playing a first person shooter, then it would be quite a different scenario, but click-adventures are not so demanding.

All of us have been blown away by the support we’ve received so far. It’s hard to keep up. I will! We’ve scheduled lunch and dinner breaks so only one of us is gone at a time. I can text more when mine comes up.

Following that pair of sent messages, he’ll take a moment to hold the game and read another string of donations and express his sincere gratitude. His friends add their own cheers and thanks, one going so far as to jump up from his desk to run back and forth behind his desk chair, making the rest laugh.

Walter makes himself wait as long as he can after that text - he's had to force-grow his patience exponentially since his first Echo, if only to keep his temper and sanity from fraying on other people (who generally don't deserve it).

So, how is home? Russell only knows so much.

And there's only so much Walter himself can know, natch.

No sooner has Benjiro switched his stream feed to a previously prepared AFK notice than he catches the light from his phone screen out of the corner of his eye. He smiles with a faint chuckle, and scoops up his phone as he stands. Reading the message however, that smile falls away and he slides his fingers to run back through his hair.

Moving out from the bedroom, he types with both thumbs this time to respond without quite yet answering the question.

I take it Aunt Rosemary has been venting to Russell again.

Not nearly as much as you think, or else he's choosing not to share.

Which is good, as it'd mean protecting Ben's privacy, but... he's concerned, now. And while he didn't think Ben's housing situation was anywhere near fragile, given the boy's recent changes, his aunts have only an increasing chance of noticing what's wrong over time.

What questions have they been asking you? Or not asking you?

As in, we really want to know what's going on but don't know how to ask sorts of looks.

Any feels like too much when he has been used to his parents limiting any negative discussion to within their own walls. Admitting to a fault within the family is simply not done.

He pauses at the top of the stairs to respond before descending to make his way to the kitchen.

Questions mostly about the face mask. Why I need it this year but didn’t need it last year for allergies, why I need it in the house, things like that. They don’t like me wearing it outside or inside the house. And they really didn’t like me trying to skip dinner.

Cultural norms could find the worst ways to rear their heads, really.

Tell them you're trying a new diet/schedule?

Though, then he'd have to explain where he got the idea, preferably without lying outright...

How would you put the odds on them accepting the changes if we told them outright?

Walter's thinking of a low number, but he doesn't want to make Ben give up hope; not if there is still a chance of things being mended.

I might if things change further, but I practiced alone in front of a mirror. Figured out some ways to eat most things without showing, and so far so good when I have sat with them.

His immediate instinct is to outright refuse a proposal of telling his great aunts anything about the Numbers, but his thumbs leave the screen untouched as he lowers his phone to carry with him across the downstairs to the kitchen. Benjiro considers the question carefully, trying to pull back from the dread and be logical. Slowing his pace, he looks for visual cues from the contents of the home to help analyze.

It takes more than a minute, then he answers, 1 to 37. I don’t know them well enough to bring that down lower. That number does not account for trying to keep it from my parents.

Edited 2018-09-12 01:03 (UTC)

Those sound like temporary measures, though useful.

He really wishes there were other obviously better options. A part of Walter thinks that matters would be simpler if this really was a 'cult thing'; they could be pulled out of it and have it all turn out for the best. But there's no guarantees here, regarding their loved ones especially.

Is that explaining it to them separately, both of them together, or with any of the rest of us helping?

Walter does wince at Ben's last text, though.

When would they catch on that something is happening, if your aunts don't tell them?

Temporary may be all he has.

Both together by me alone. Assistance may improve the odds, but it also puts more than only me at risk of exposure. Separately may work better actually.

Stepping into the kitchen, he leans his hips back against a counter to continue texting.

About a month after I continually disrupt the video of our calls.

If there's any way I could help facilitate the 1-on-1 interactions, let me know.

And... that would do it, yes.

So they wouldn't put pressure on your aunts by asking if they should come visit, just to be clear.

Sure. It may be a while.

Beyond his current time limit and the pressure to perform for the stream, Benjiro has been struggling on the possibility of attempting to inform his great aunts. Right now, he feels like he cannot.

Definitely not. They haven’t been here since I was a kid.

Good.

It's not settled, far from it, but Walter's founded many things in his life on the idea that a plan is better than nothing at all.

Taking a look over what he's doing, meanwhile, all projects waiting for confirmation/acceptance, and he gets an idea. Nothing to insist upon, but...

Would it be alright if I came over, sometime?

Just to take some of the pressure off - and/or have fun, both something Ben desperately needs.

Planning for nearly everything is how Benjiro controls his inclination to worry.

With a brief lull in texts and the matter of speaking to his aunts about the numbers placed on hold, he moves about putting something together for lunch. He pauses when he notices a new text, and answers with a faint smile.

Should be. I don’t have much besides my games and tinkering, but you’re welcome to hang out. Of course if you’re looking to get on the good side of my aunts, I can give you some tips.

I'll be by before your break is over, then. ;)

And as for tips... well, they already have one tech repairman in the house; Walter's of the opinion that his help should be extraneous.

But that doesn't mean he can't offer anything in the future, either. Hmm.

Tips would be much appreciated.

I’d like that. I’ll stick to my usual stream schedule after today so you know when I’m available, but you are always welcome to come on as a guest.

It’s an honest invitation, even if he does not anticipate an acceptance.

As for his aunts...

Agatha appreciates good manners, and Rosemary likes two-handed handshakes. They both love creative works; Agatha in writing format, Rosemary in music, and both in the theater. And Rosemary will be bothered if you decline homebaked goods when she offers no matter what she says.

Edited 2018-09-13 18:15 (UTC)

And this time Walter feels the need to offer:

While I know our flat is smaller, consider the reverse to apply as well. :)

The tips make sense - and some line up with Russell's own volunteered information.

I wouldn't consider myself a singer or poet, but I can certainly manage good manners!

And the 'accept the goods' part is just common sense, in Walter's opinion.

I appreciate that. And I can assure you small spaces don’t bother me. Barring an emergency however, he does intend to text ahead of time for permission. Benjiro has a rough idea of the schedule Walter keeps, but that does not account for variances.

You don’t need to perform, but I think a comment on a classic might go a long way.

Once he has his lunch prepared, he returns to his room to eat with the door closed and locked as a precaution.

Well-noted on both counts. ;) If I'm not by in the next ten minutes, then I'll knock when I DO get there.

And, well, Walter wasn't exactly kidding about visiting before Ben's break was over... but he's gotten into the habit of biking at full speed only when traffic is down, to reduce any chances of being spotted. (Messing with satellite capturing would be as troublesome as it'd be useful, but there's not much it can render at this distance.) It's a few hours yet before he's able to take to any 'back roads' and get over to Ben's aunts' house.

And yes, he knocks.

I’ll listen for you. If you can’t make it until later, I’ll be on break again in a few hours.

Once the ten minutes has passed, Benjiro assumes that he’ll be seeing Walter at the next break, and gets back to the stream on time to resume hosting with the other streamers.

Those few hours later, he is back downstairs preparing some snacks when he hears the knock at the door. The house itself is not particularly impressive in size, though it is easily suited to doubling the number of current occupants comfortably. Instead, the quality of components, even from the outside, are clearly from the high-end of available materials on the market. When Benjiro opens the door, the decor reflects that taste his great aunts hold.

He immediately smiles from behind his facemask upon seeing Walter, and steps back to invite him in, “Hey! Excellent timing as always.”

Edited 2018-09-15 19:43 (UTC)

In other words, it definitely doesn't look like Walter and Russell's flat.

Walter doesn't let it bother him. Though, it doesn't really resemble Ben's own tastes...

Walter's immediate reaction is a smile in return.

"I do try," is his response, having put his bike somewhere Ben's aunts (A) won't run it over and (B) will notice if they happen to show up while he's here.

"Nothing more than the expected excitement today?"

Granted, he'd been following the stream, and nothing had looked like it had gone wrong, but that wasn't a certainty.

Benjiro is merely a guest in the manor home. A long-term one that happens to be related to one owner by blood, but a guest nonetheless. His room should relay more of the teen’s personal style.

With a chuckle, he retorts jokingly, “I seriously doubt you have to try hard.” He waits for Walter to enter inside before closing the door behind him, then engages the locks. Reaching up to pull his facemask free, he tucks it away into his pocket as he motions to the shoe rack beside the door, “My great aunts like keeping things tidy, but I can grab you some house slippers.” Clean of course.

“Thankfully not,” he is glad to report. “I am however about to make okonomiyaki, and would be happy to make some for you.”

Walter bemusedly rolls his eyes, then moves to take off his shoes out of the way of the door once he's inside.

"That would be better than just socks, thanks," he admits.

And while his first instinct at the offer at food is to say Ben doesn't have to, his stomach immediately protests this thought.

"... I think that would also be appreciated. May I help?"

Preparation!

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My Social Psych teacher's advice is useful! =D

Excellent!

Beeen. ;;

He’s actually thankful for the detachment right now

Aww.

Part of it’s a cultural thing

[Action] In the next few tags, maybe? If you want.

Yeah yeah

We're into the t-t-t-TIMESKIP

Whoohooo!

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