Midnight masquerade Open to All.

[somepartsbroken]

Who: EVERYONE
When: After Midnight
Where: The Rising Sun
Format: Paragraph, action, etc.
What: A special party held at the rising sun. Dorian has told no one what he's celebrating but all drinks are free as long as you come after midnight with the password. and wearing a mask "Layla" is the password
Warnings: EVERYTHING GOES GUYS! PUT WARNINGS IN YOUR SUBJECT LINES IF YOU GET TOO CRAZY!




[ooc; Everyone can tag into the premade threads or make your own thread at the bottom! This is a party post thread, so thread jacking is cool unless otherwise stated. The only room locked in the club is Dorian's office. And if someone pops that lock they will find a half full goblet of blood on his desk, otherwise it is clean.

He has taken care of rides to wherever drunk people need to go too. And lastly; yes there are condoms in the rooms upstairs, if that is something you want. The Password will have be spoken on with an ad about the party a few days beforehand, it does not matter but the password is Layla. Pretty much tag around and have fun guys~! ]

Comments

[theugly]

[Do you know what self doubt is? Self doubt is that sickly feeling that crawls around your gut when you think maybe you've done something rather stupid. It's putting greed, hope and wanderlust over the familiar, only to belatedly remember that the unknown isn't necessarily your friend. Self doubt is the naive younger sibling of regret.

The party isn't the party Tuco envisioned he'd be attending. Granted, that's largely because it's not a party he could have pictured in the first place; his frame of reference begins and ends with smoky saloons and dank cathouses, but... no, it's more than that. It's like the place has taken every worry he's dismissed over the past couple of weeks, and turned it into one very visceral, concentrated blob. A blob he now feels trapped in. Where before, he simply had to process that there were monstruos with faces like a pair of slapped bollocks, he's now faced with the fact that they're everywhere, and they're better dressed than him. The unfamiliar "music" doesn't help, either, and same goes for the jumble of letters that supposedly acts as a menu. The place screams of some kind of tacky ostentatiousness he can never hope to understand.

...Of course, that doesn't mean he's not enjoying himself. For every blight causing him to curl his upper lip, something (or someone) else has him grinning like he's just seen a deputy on fire. He's also long since abandoned secrecy over comfort, as evidenced by the fact that his mask has been pushed right up to his hairline; his face was starting to sweat, and the way he sees it, it's hard to get stinking drunk when your mouth is covered.]

[folkscallmewander]

[It would be no exaggeration to say that Wander is having the time of his life. Being a full-time traveler without a steady source of income left little opportunity to join a dance club whenever he wanted, and he's going to enjoy himself as much as he can tonight. This included greeting as many aliens as he bumps into throughout the night, exploring every room filled with food and games, and dancing himself exhausted.

Even someone as energetic as Wander needs to take a break, and as much as he still wants to dance, his legs are tired and he's incredibly hungry. He stops by the snack table to grab a bag of chips before finding the nearest available seat, which happens to be right next to Tuco.

The little orange alien takes a minute to tug the bag open, breathes a sigh of relief, and starts eating while looking at the drink menu. Maybe something non-alcoholic first, since his trough is kind of dry.]

[theugly]

[Tuco is a little busy in his attempts to reach the bottom of his glass for him immediately take note of Wander. All he dully registers, is that where once there was a stool, there is now a slightly taller (and significantly more orange) stool. In fact, it's actually the crinkling of the chips packet that eventually does it. His eyebrows jump up around about the same time his head turns.

There's a soft clink as his glass connects with his teeth. Then, after a brief pause, another couple, because apparently it's kind of hard to take a sip when you're chuckling. Surrendering, Tuco lowers his hand, giving his head a tiny shake as if he can't quite believe what he's seeing.]

Go ahead, chango. I wanna hear it. [He makes a slow, deliberate swoop of a gesture with his glass.] What the hell are you supposed to be?

[folkscallmewander]

[Wander's head turns at the sound of Tuco's glass hitting his teeth. Fearing that his neighbor might have gotten hurt, he gets up to ask if he's alright, only to discover that the man is actually safe. In fact, he looks pretty happy right now.

He leans his closer to see what is it that making Tuco shake with laughter]

Um, is somethin'-

[He looks around to check if Tuco is taling to someone else. Seeing that everyone else in the bar is busy in their own worlds, Wander turns back. A smile returns to his face.]

Oh, my apologies sir! I'm Wander! [He holds a hand out.] I'm just your average intergalactic space traveler visitin' this fine planet!

[theugly]

[The grin dies down a little as Tuco stares at the very real, very fuzzy hand thrust in front of him. His own moves towards it reflexively, but he hesitates in closing the distance, fingers twitching uselessly.]

Wuh—

[No, he'll never get used to this place, and no, he didn't understand half of what Wander just said, but showing that would hardly make for the best introduction, would it? He manages to turn the tail end of his failed attempt to speak into a curt exhale of a laugh. It was intentional, see?]

Glad to meet you. [So glad, in fact, that he's going to complete that handshake with a very firm, manly clasp.] Tuco Ramírez.

[folkscallmewander]

[It's alright, Wander tells himself. He's just a bit surprised to meet someone new. And he might have drunk a little too much.

So he waits until Tuco begins laughing. Well, at least he's enjoying himself. ]

Always a pleasure. [He places his other hand on Tuco's to match the firmness.] Enjoying the party, Mister Ramirez? [He tries so hard to pronounce that correctly, but his Southern accent still takes over his speech.]

[theugly]

[He lets go, hand flicking right back to his glass again. His fingers itch.]

Sure. [Except he doesn't sound completely convinced.] A man offers you free whiskey, maybe you start to feel a little more at home, you know?

[A beat. Normally he's a little better at the art of conversation. Sorry, Wander.]

And you? You, uh... you seem pretty happy.

[folkscallmewander]

[Wander notices Tuco's reluctance to do anything other than drink, so he decides that it's up to him to cheer up the guest.]

That's so nice that someone got you a free drink! You know, if you said they password, you could've gotten 'em all for free?

[He sits on the counter right in front of Tuco. Now that he's sitting in better light, underneath the mask, necklace and various trinkets, Tuco might notice that Wander's fur isn't completely orange. There are light blue patches on his body.]

Me? Well, I'm having a blast at Dorian's party! Dorian's the fellow that owns this place. He was in charge of makin' all the food and decorations! Isn't it amazing? [He leans even closer to Tuco, hands gripping the edge of the counter.]

[theugly]

[Tuco opens his mouth to cut Wander short (the free whiskey in question came from the password, same as everybody else's) only to shut it just as quickly. It feels like any interjection would be pretty much useless at this point; he poked the tiny, figurative bear with a stick, and now it's going to talk his ear off whether he likes it or not.

...And/or his face, given the sudden shift in location. He quickly leans back like there's a tiny magnetic rejection going on between them.]

Yeah, yeah... [He gives a sort of... grin-grimace combination.] It's almost a little too much, no? I never seen anything like it before. My head, it uh... [He makes a vague wiggly motion with one hand, then gives a twitch of a shrug.] It's a lot to take in.

[folkscallmewander]

[Wander continues to lean forward as he speaks, still grinning.]

Well, if you're even been to a wild party before, it can be overwhelmin'! But once you get used to it, it's the greatest thing ever! [He swings his arms up to emphasize how amazing parties are, according to him.]

Once we visited this planet where this guy was throwin' the biggest party ever, only it was kinda destroyin' everythin' in the process, but we were able to stop him and save the robots. [He tells this entire story quickly, as the current party's more important.] But this one's nice an' safe, so you don't have to worry 'bout anythin'!

So! Enough about me. [He finally sits back and relaxes.] What have you been doin', Tuco?

[theugly]

[......



Wait, no—robots! Like Jeffers, right? Jesus, he actually got that reference! He didn't process any of the rest of it, particularly, but... you know, small victories.]

What have I been doing? [He pulls a face.] You mean here? [He points downwards, pausing for all of half a second, before barrelling straight on.] I don't know, I mean... I been heading out a lot. Getting the lay of the land, you know? [A sudden winning grin sends his cheeks up to bunch under his eyes.] A couple more weeks, I'm gonna be a guide. You ever need to get somewhere? [Ohhhh look at that prideful little head-tilt. He jerks his thumb back.] Come to Tuco.

[folkscallmewander]

[He wasn't talking. Maybe he's just amazed at Wander's story.]

Well, yeah, right here. [He tilts his head. Is Tuco alright? He looks a bit distressed. He's probably still nervous because he's new here, and not a frequent traveler.]

Oh! A guide? [He holds his hand up and points a finger in the air.] So you're gonna be helpin' folks all around town, right? [He leans forward again.] Maybe we should can even explore outside the town, too! I've been meanin' to, but as of lately it's gotten more dangerous. You've been hearin' 'bout those creepers, right? [His smile leaves for a moment.] They hurt Mister Dorian real bad.

Good thing the town's real nice and big, so there's still a buncha interestin' things to do here!

[theugly]

[He listens, humming briefly at the mention of the creeper, but otherwise he's silent. Once Wander's finished, he waves his hand in a kind of so-so gesture.]

Out there, I help a man get where he needs to go. My job is to make sure they alive when they come back the other side. Here? [He smiles humourlessly.] Here I relax, comprendes? [On cue, he takes another long sip of his drink.] Somebody needs help around here, they going to have to whine to some other poor bastard.

[thumbsdown]

[Boone is sitting a couple seats down from Tuco, nursing his own glass of whiskey. It's obvious he's only here for the drink, because he sure as hell isn't enjoying himself like most people are. He's still wearing his mask, but it only covers his eyes so he doesn't need to move it to drink. The beret gives away who he is to anyone who's seen him around, but he doesn't care much for being mysterious anyway.

After a short while of him just staring dully into his glass, he glances around himself and spots Tuco. The chairs between them are empty right now, so he can see Tuco's face easily enough. He doesn't recognise it, though. Normally he doesn't bother engaging people he doesn't know, but Tuco is very obviously a new addition here. Or at least, Boone hasn't met him yet. He figures he should at least find out who he is.]

Haven't seen you around before.

[theugly]

[When Tuco glances up, he's sporting some kind of half-frown. It comes from the drinks menu, not the statement, but it gets turned on Boone all the same.]

I been around a couple of weeks, now. [He shrugs his shoulders up towards his ears, flashing a palm; a physicalisation of "But hey, don't worry about it."] You surrounded by one too many two-legged turtles, people don't notice you so much.

[Carefully setting his glass down, he turns on his seat, elbow finding the counter top as he allows himself to contemplate all that is Boone. There's a faint narrowing of eyes, and yep, there we go: the old once over. He finishes with a good long stare at the beret (the ridiculous things people will wear at parties, huh?) and a small, crooked smile.]

I like your hat, friend. It's, uh... [He pauses, then holds a hand out horizontally.] Very flat, hm?

[thumbsdown]

[Boone gets that Tuco is sizing him up, but then he's doing the same thing. He doesn't smile back, and he takes a drink from his glass before he replies.]

Yeah.

[The shape of his beret isn't exactly something he spends a lot of time thinking about.]

Guess you're still staying at the resort if you've only been here a couple of weeks. Probably why I've never seen you before.

[He has his own place now, and rarely heads back to the resort.]

[theugly]

[The first thing you should know about Tuco is that status means a heck of a lot to him. The fact that he's sat smiling and Boone isn't? Well, needless to say, it doesn't stay that way for long: by the time Boone has finished speaking, the corners of Tuco's mouth have dropped right down again, eyebrows following suit.]

Probably.

[He makes a face.]

Or maybe you and me? We already like brothers. [Gesturing between the two masks:] It's hard to tell, no?

[thumbsdown]

Think I'd remember your voice, if we were.

[Besides, he isn't that close to anyone here. Least of all someone who's only been here a couple of weeks.]

You got a name?

[theugly]

[Tuco's eyebrows slowly climb again, mouth pursing ever so slightly as he watches the half-joke sail right over the beret and into the ground. It's taken him aback, honestly: either Boone is on another level of deadpan, or he's completely humourless.]

Uh... [He stares back for a second before his mouth twitches up again (almost like a nervous tic).] Yeah, yeah, sure! [He thrusts his hand out.] Tuco.

[thumbsdown]

[He's not entirely humourless, but this sure as hell isn't the first time he's missed a joke completely. Of course, sometimes he just plain doesn't find something funny, and he doesn't trouble himself to pretend to laugh when that happens either.

This time, though? Yeah, it went right over his head.]

Boone.

[He takes Tuco's hand, shakes it briefly, and lets go.]

So what brought you here?

[theugly]

Here? [He plucks his glass up and gives it a tiny shake. Then, waving his other arm in a much broader gesture:] Here?

[He makes another face, only this one seems to say, "Well."]

A lot of things. Why? You want the full story?

[thumbsdown]

To the resort.

[He figures it was probably alcohol that brought Tuco to the party. He shrugs a little at his question.]

Well, I've got nothing better to do.

[And he's better at listening than talking. Something Tuco will probably figure out soon if he hasn't already.]

[theugly]

[His face does the shrugging so his body doesn't have to.]

A better life? Adventure? A chance to... to make a little impact? I don't know. Pick one. [And cue the lies and half-truths in three, two, one...] Where I come from, things... [He makes a couple of vague motions with his hands.] It's between blue and gray, you know? Brother against brother. Friend against friend. Enough bodies start to pile up, maybe you start to look for a way out.

[thumbsdown]

[Boone has no reason to think Tuco might be lying. He nods.]

Yeah, I wouldn't wanna stick around for that either. Things are pretty tough back where I'm from too, but... I know my friends wouldn't turn on me, at least.

[And they're one of two reasons he isn't staying here for good. He swirls his whiskey around in his glass before taking another sip.]

This place anything like you expected?

[Boone didn't actually know what to expect before he came here, but now that he's been here a while he thinks it's a nice enough place. For a lot of people, it probably is a better life.]

[theugly]

[He flashes his teeth, eyes sinking to the counter as he laughs defeatedly.]

No. No, not at all. They said a lotta big words, but it didn't mean so much to me. Not at the time, you know? I heard what I wanted to hear, and so I told myself, "Tuco, you begin saying no now, you may as well start digging your own grave."

[He spreads his hands, looking ever so slightly sheepish.]

Maybe next time, I think before I jump, hah?

[A beat. Unless Boone is hiding another pair of eyes under there, Tuco figures it's safe to assume he's human. The accent hints at somewhere a little closer to home, too.]

Tell me, friend: what year are you from?