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saveourearth2018-09-02 08:34 pm
ourearth) wrote in saveourearth2018-09-02 08:34 pm
Let's proudly not melt, shall we? [Mingle]
Date: 31.8-9.9.2018
Characters: Open
With the end of the eternal summerheat 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.]
Characters: Open
With the end of the eternal summer
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.]
no subject
Sadie remains on the dance floor for three more songs, one of which she gets swept up into a dance by the owner of The Hive. After that Sadie leaves the dance floor and joins Ben, fa e flushed from dancing and shout-singing but grin well in place.
"Feeling better?" Sadie asks, "I was thinking of getting another drink if you'd like to come to the bar with me?"
no subject
As he waits to cool down physically and mentally, Benjiro keeps an eye on the dance floor. He may not come to the establishment as a customer, but even he knows the owner of the Hive when Sadie is taken for a dance with a sequence of purposeful steps. That looks much nicer. Maybe he should check the web for some instructional videos and give it a try.
When Sadie makes her way over to join him, he can’t help but smile at her grin. The queries are answered with a nod, “Much. And I definitely would.” Slipping his vest back in place without yet securing the buttons, he’ll follow Sadie back to the bar. At least now most people are dancing, so they can almost immediately order.
no subject
"How're you finding it, I know this isn't your usual thing?"
Drinks and more dancing, the two develop a cycle over the next couple of hours, Sadie holding Ben's hands and coaxing him into dances whenever Ben's on the dance floor with her. However, as the night moves on, the crowd starts to get rowdier as the alcohol gets in and Sadie starts to flag as it draws closer to midnight.
Hands coming up to cover an especially large yawn after the end of Mr Brightside Sadie leans in towards Ben. "Ben, I think I'm starting to get sleepy."
no subject
He came to spend time with Sadie, and that’s exactly what he’s done.
After drinks, the two filter back onto the dance floor with Sadie enticing Benjiro into a more enthusiastic attempt to dance simply holding his hands. Some efforts are laughable, but then that in itself is enjoyable in how much they can laugh together over it. His dancing calms as he tires, and he falls into the pattern of escaping the crowd more and more frequently as the energy of the room tips towards overwhelming.
Drained himself as the clock edges closer to midnight, Benjiro pauses at her yawn and smiles as he reaches his hands to her shoulders briefly, “Me too. Let’s head out and call you a cab.” Rather than taking her hand, he steps beside her with an arm curling around her shoulders to guide her through the floor and off to the door to exit. As soon as they come free from the dancing, he’ll shift to pull his arm from around her so she can walk freely.
no subject
This is what prompts her to blush as Bne wraps and arm around her shoulder and then reach up to rest her and on his where it is draped about,a silent sign to keep his arm there, secure and warm...
Stepping out from the Hive with a nod and a goodnigjt to the bouncers, always be polite and nice to the bouncers, Sadie pulls out her phone and orders a taxi. "It's going to be a while, busy night... Do you want to wander whilst we wait or pop ourselves down on that bench over there?"
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Stepping outside into the night air, he follows suit in nodding to each of the bouncers. As Sadie uses her phone to request a taxi, Benjiro undoes the buttons of his vest once more to help cool off again. He glance to her phone when she speaks, then, looks up to her face, “A little walking sounds nice.” A slow stroll would help him reset more quickly from the excess of stimulation.
Not wanting to go far so as not to miss her ride, he turns to walk with her down the street with an easy pace and his arm secure around her. This will be a nice way to end a night out together.
no subject
"Thank you. You coming, the flowers...this evening has been a thousand times better then I could have thought." Sadie is all for tucking herself more into Ben's side but it's at this point that she starts becoming aware of the dry, scratchiness of her eyes. She sighs, "Sodding contacts. One second..." She stops walking and turns so that she's facing Ben, using him as cover as she slips her contacts off.
"Ahhh," She rubs gently at her eyes, being mindful of her makeup, "Much better, I can see properly now." Tucking back into Ben's side, properly now with her free arm looping around his waist as they continue on. The further they get from the bouncers and as the road remains empty, she turns to look at Ben.
"You know, I love that I can be this comfortable with you..." She begins before tentatively carrying on, "I...Ben, could you remove your mask?"
no subject
When Sadie stops, Benjiro halts as well. His arm slides partway from around her shoulders as she turns to face him, and he takes a half step to position himself between her and the street, the arm still at her shoulder between her and the Hive. Casually, he looks around them just to be certain there is no one else milling about previously unnoticed that might come close as Sadie removes the contacts. It doesn’t take long at all, and as she steps in close again, he turns to match his side to hers and stretch his arm even further around her shoulders as her hand hooks at his waist. The touch of her so near tinges his cheeks under the mask, and he’s content to enjoy it as they resume walking.
Her remark stirs a flicker of pride for Benjiro, and the question that follows seems natural. He trusts her after all. Benjiro delays only long enough to take one more cursory look around them, “Oh! Uh...yeah, I think so.” With his free hand, he pulls on the loops around each ear to bring the mask off. He sighs out as the heat leavs his face with relief, and rubs the back of his sleeve against the skin that had been covered. The traces of sweat are removed with it, and she can feel that increment of relaxation wash through his shoulder as he smiles to her with sharp teeth in view, “Hhh... that’s so much better. As much as I hate this thing, it’s easy to forget there are places I can have it off outside my room.” He folds the mask in his hand and tucks it into a pocket.
WELP
"It is much better," Sadie agrees, "I like being able to see your smile and that we can stop hiding around each other even outside like this."
Sadie bites her lip, it was now or never. "Ben..." She makes sure to resist the urge to look away and maintains eye contact with him. "I've been thinking about something, for a while even though I didn't realise it and this evening especially, and it's really important. Especially with the way things are changing and the Numbers. You're my best friend but, and I really, really, hope that I'm right but... I think I like you more than that."
"Ben, may I kiss you?"
[When Sadie kissed Ben.mp3] Playing Now
The sound of his name calls his attention back from looking off ahead, and he turns his head to look at Sadie, her eyes catching his straight on as he slows to a halt. His brows furrow slightly in concern as she refers to something that has been apparently weighing on her mind. The mention of changes and the Numbers snags his attention all the more firmly - only to be presented with a confession.
She...thinks that she likes him as more than a best friend?
The shock is apparent in his expression as his eyebrows snap up high and his jaw drops just enough to show the tips of a couple pointed teeth. The only hint that she might have feelings for him that match his own for her had been in that video he found in his phone this morning. He had dismissed it all as effects from the cake. Sadie is so naturally affectionate, and there’s nothing inherently romantic about a kiss on the nose. Besides, with all the mess the Numbers have caused them already, his number should be deterrent enough. Only...she thought about that. She said so just now, and she still wants to try.
Benjiro doesn’t look away from Sadie as he processes all of this in a couple blinks, and he regains a modicum of composure with a brief glance down while a blush creeps over his cheekbones. His hand at her far shoulder loosens as he angles nearer to facing her directly.
His voice is quiet yet steady as he looks into her eyes with a shy smile, “...yes. I would like that.”
Let the relationship fluff begin!
However, when he doesn't pull back and instead pulls closer with a blush and the most wonderful shy smile, Sadie feels the confidence seep right back in and she smiles back. She could do this. She'd done this before, she could do it again and better.
Sadie leans in and gently cups Ben's face, refusing to close her eyes despite the urge to at how close they were now standing, watching Ben's reaction was far more important and she is oh so glad she did. The kiss is hardly graceful, noses knocking together as Sadie tilts her head to get a better angle but it doesn't matter because then she is gently pressing her lips to his and even such a small start causes her heart to start pounding in her chest. His lips were so warm and there was a lingering sweetness from the drinks of the bar...
Sadie draws back, face aflame. Good god she wants to do that again... And so she does, with more pressure this time as she tries to coax Ben into reciprocating, a full feeling in her chest as she wraps her arms around his neck and Sadie finds herself purring happily into the second kiss.
no subject
Despite his logical concern, he's not about to back out now.
At the touch of her hand to his cheek, Benjiro's thoughts fall silent as everything narrows in focus to Sadie. His eyes close as her face comes closer to his, and the bump of their noses elicits a small puff of an exhale in a faint laugh only for his breathing to stall in anticipation. Yet he is hardly prepared when their lips first meet. The glossy touch of her lips against his is all it takes to send a cool rush that pours down his back into his toes.
Over too soon, he opens his eyes to look at Sadie with utter amazement defining every part of his expression, the boy too stunned to even have sense to blush properly.
Coming close to him again with his arms similarly encircling her only centimeters above her waist, Benjiro takes in a breath and tilts his head opposite to her own as he catches onto the mechanics behind such sweet bliss. His eyes shut fully after their lips clasp, and easing into it, he shares in the gentle push and pull that redefines touch. The only disruption comes from the crack of a smile at the onset of her purring, a delighted hum emitted from his throat in answer.
A sense of time is lost on him in the kiss as he wishes for the clocks to simply stop in this moment. Eventually however, his lungs ache for fresh oxygen that's not sneaked between the back and forth dance of kisses they share. Reluctantly, he parts to draw in a deep breath and instead settles for leaning his forehead forward to touch her own as his arms tighten around her middle to keep her close.
"...so that's what everyone's always going on about."
no subject
Pulling out of the kiss and just being together, it was clear from not just the purring but the way her thin pupils were big and full, glinting and glowing as the streetlights catch them.
"It was amazing." She agrees in a hushed whisper. "I suppose my next question should be... Ben would you go out with me?"
no subject
No longer feeling any sort of fatigue, he outright grins as she asks him out formally and leans his head back so he can see more of her face as he answers plainly, "Yes. Nothing would make me happier, Sadie."
Like that, another promise is made between them to share a little more in what life has to offer. He is hers.
no subject
Her purring continues unabated and, if anything, louder than before. "I don't think I've ever been this happy. And I really wish I didn't have a taxi due soon too." She admits. "I can't believe I have a boyfriend."
no subject
“And my best friend is my girlfriend!” he shares in common with her disbelief, but as he says this, his arms loosen quite suddenly. He dips lower with a bend of his legs hastened by gravity and embraces her securely at her waist. Straightening his legs as he leans back, he picks Sadie up that small clearance and spins her around as he lets loose an exuberant cheer.
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Once her feet are back on solid ground Sadie sighs, "I should probably put my contacts back in before my taxi gets here." I felt so frustrating to have to hide her eyes again, especially after how freeing it was to be with Ben and not have to hide them.
"James is going to be so damn smug when I get home."
no subject
After all, he’s not going to be able to stop grinning and smiling yet.
At the mention of her twin brother, Benjiro blinks before he sputters out a choked laugh, “Russell will be too when he finds out.” His cousin was right when they were at the arcade!
no subject
Blinking away some of the excess moisture and dabbing around her eyes as the contacts settle into place she watches Ben put his mask on. Leaning in she places a kiss on top of the mask too, the mask changed nothing.
"I really need to work on this purring, it's going to be hard not to when I see you." She admits, still grinning and purring away.
no subject
Keeping there between Sadie and the street as she applies her contacts, he watches her delicate attention around her makeup. Looking down at his facemask retrieved from a pocket, he wrinkles his nose at it even as he dutifully slips one loop around an ear and then the other. A tug at the fabric sets it in place, and he looks to Sadie. Then she leans in without a word and kisses over the mask. His eyebrows raise in surprise, but his eyes show a smile the next instant with a pleased sigh and a renewed blush at the edges of his mask.
Sadie is amazing...
He snickers at her comment, reaching to take her hands in his own, “So long as I can hear it sometimes. It’s really cute.” He then asks, “What does it feel like being able to purr?”
no subject
She takes his hand and doesn't have to think much about her answer. "Weird...but nice? It doesn't hurt and I've found it pretty relaxing. It feels a bit like I've swallowed a phone that's been set to Vibrate."
no subject
Low amplitude vibration tends to be a relaxing stimulus, so her answer makes sense. Yet he still has to chuckle at her likening it to having a phone in her neck, “I imagine it sounds different to you than it does listening to Tigger, Amber, or Squash.” In the same way a yawn or one’s own voice will heard internally as compared to a recording.
The mention of a phone sparks a very different thought with a visible click in a subtle lift of his brow. Squeezing her hands lightly, he decides to ask her directly, “If you wouldn’t mind, could we take a photo together? My sister would love it, and it might be nice to have later.”
no subject
"Of course!" Sadie hadn't even though of taking a photo to commemorate the occasion, it seemed silly not to. And there was a little thought that drifted through the back of her mind that neither of them knew how many more photos looking like their original selves that they would be able to take.
Sadie wraps her arms around Ben's waist, smiling towards his phone as she rests her head on his shoulder. She would get Ben to send her a copy so she could print it out.
no subject
With Sadie giving her permission, he retrieves his phone and opens up the camera app. Feeling her arms slide in around his waist, his arm closest to her is brought out around behind her to wrap at her shoulders to pull her that much closer at his chest as her hair tickles his neck. Holding the phone out ahead and slightly aloft, he holds nothing back in his smile behind that mask and snaps a few frames in quick succession.
Arm remaining around her but loosening, he’ll bring the phone close where she can see it to select the best shot. This one is going up on his computer desktop.
Squeezing her shoulder with his hand, he presses his cheek to her hair in a little nuzzle, “Thank you.” Once they start walking back towards the Hive to catch her cab, he’ll give her a little warning, “Emiko is going to want to meet you sometime in a video call.”
no subject
Sadie laughs, "I'll admit I've been wanting to meet her, you gush about her a lot, and I do need to thank her for the training chopsticks."
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