Event Log: Jumpscares

[hadrielmods]

Who: All characters participating in the event!
What: The event log for the Jumpscares event
Where: All over the city!
When: May 16th-May 20th
Warnings: Some startling jumpscares, interdimensional demon cats, the usual

A dark shadow looms over Hadriel on the morning of May 16th. There's a tension in the air, something palpable, as if everything has gone still and is ready to snap. You've been waiting for the other shoe to drop for hours now, and you're getting to the point where you're starting to wish that it would just happen already so that you can stop feeling this way.

Of course, when it does happen, it's not quite like you expect.

Maybe it's a tiger leaping out of your closet, claws extended. Maybe it's a faceless slenderman, stepping out from around the corner or a monster with beak and claws ripping open your shower curtain when you're most vulnerable- but within seconds, after you've been startled half to death by the monsters, they're gone. They vanish in a puff of smoke, or dissipate into glitter, or become something silly instead for a few brief moments before disappearing entirely.

Weird. But not unendurable, I guess. The bright side is that there will also be a few demon cats that have also made their way through the door. No two cats are ever in the same location, but there seems to be enough of them to go around, though the toothy one can be a bit vicious. Still, they aren't untameable, and might make nice pets, as long as you don't mind a bloody finger or two when it's time for lunch!

► This log covers May 16th-May 20th.
► Feel free to make your own logs, as well
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► If you have some heart problems that are unfortunately exacerbated by this event, please let us know here, and we're sorry.

Comments

[glacius]

The Mote in Glacius' palm flickers and wavers, its light dimming for a moment as its rays struggle to turn--a reflection of his spirit, wounded by this confirmation of his fears.

"I know," the ice alien murmurs, lowering his head to graze his one intact mandible through Carlisle's hair--attempting to reassure both his partner and himself with the contact. Then, he allows the ice coating one of his large thumbs to liquefy so that he can assist the clergyman in wiping the ink from his eye. "Don't worry about worrying me; you are going through enough without feeling like you have to... hide this and put on a brave face. I am glad you finally feel like you can be open and honest about your struggles. I won't stop working to find a solution, and in the meantime I will do whatever I can to keep you safe from things that might exacerbate your condition... alright? We can't give up hope."

[tongueamok]

Carlisle is grateful for the assistance with his eye, and gives Glacius as brave a smile a star he can muster in the dark. It isn't much of one, admittedly.

"I cannot simply ignore what calling in this life I have," he notes, flexing his fingers, "but it does not help in the slightest when the false gods aggravate my energies. I have enough trouble as it is keeping such potent powers under lock and key without them making matters worse."

He stifles a cough, watching how the Mote flickers and dims, feeling guilty for every instant it is not at its brightest.

[glacius]

"...I wouldn't ask you to," Glacius finally relents, after some hesitation where his features were tightly-knitted like he wanted to protest, but knew he could not. "Just as you would not try to keep me from my calling as a warrior despite the risk of injury inherent. But I do ask that you exercise caution, that you do not push yourself too far... and that we continue seeking ways to keep your energy not only normalized, but well-nourished, so that you have reserves to draw upon. As for the rest of this... we must simply weather it as best we can, and that is why it is important that you trust and communicate with me, so that I can do my best to keep you calm and safe."

[tongueamok]

"If only you could erase my fears from existence with the ease that you calm my nerves," Carlisle replies, the corner of his mouth quirked by a rueful smile. He cannot begin to describe how much more at peace he feels already, listening to the gentle sounds of his partner's gills as air flutters through them, the light of the Mote holding all that would terrify him from the dark at bay.

That rueful smile gives way to a sad chuckle next, one born out of some desperate need to feel better about the grim situation he'd long-ago accepted; it's harder to do that now that he has someone he'll be leaving behind, someone who will truly miss him. "You know, I'd thought for a while there that perhaps you'd cured me of the linguistic problems related to my curse. It hasn't happened since I've been with you."

It's not really funny, but he has another laugh anyway.

[glacius]

"... Can it even be cured?" Glacius asks, wondering if this is something in his power to do that he's failed to achieve for his partner so far. That thought piggybacks off another, and he props himself up slightly, the better to look down into Carlisle's eyes as they talk. With his face in full view, the alien seems more concerned than anything, and only confused by his partner's laughter--as usually he's taking everything about the clergyman's condition utterly seriously, especially if this aspect of it is something he could actually fix.

"... What was that, anyways? I... I couldn't understand you at all. You never even told me that could happen."

[tongueamok]

He answers the first question with a shake of his head, saving his words for the second.

"I am told it is the language of the Shroud," he answers quietly, placing his hand along Glacius' middle, feeling along the dips and curves of his abdomen idly, as though seeking to memorize his partner's body through touch alone. "I can understand you no better than you me when that happens. It is a rarer occurrence than the expulsion of ink, but simply another way I am marked by my curse. I didn't mean to keep it from you, so much as just never thought about it. It has been some time since it happened."

Maybe Glacius truly was holding it at bay, he thinks. Glacius does keep him safe from many things -- and he might have to do so soon, as a shadow looms just on the edges of the Mote's light. Carlisle's poor vision means he doesn't catch it on his periphery, but someone with keener eyes might be able to see it there, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

[glacius]

"I wasn't asking in an accusatory manner, I simply wanted to understand--" Glacius' middle tightens in surprise at that intimate, undeniably exploratory touch--but then he relaxes a moment later as a quiet, pleased sigh slips from his gills. He doesn't have anything to worry about with his partner; Carlisle always shows him the utmost respect, even when the clergyman has to examine him.

Of course, this isn't a has to sort of situation like those medical examinations had been in the past... but they've spent a lot of time close to each other. The ice alien is getting used to contact in this manner more and more each time it happens. The touch is almost relaxing enough to draw his attention away from the latest apparition to manifest in their room--almost, but not quite, as a shadow flickers through the pulsing rays cast by the Mote.

Glacius narrows his eyes, then turns the light outward. It swells and thrums in his hand, casting light not only on more of the room but on the next attempted scare--and just as it attempts to reveal itself, an explosion of energy has burst forth from the Mote, bright enough to obscure it entirely. By the time the residual energy has ebbed and the light has settled back to a more consistent glow, so too has the apparition already disappeared.

As a few glimmering particles from the blast drift through the air, reflecting off of the alien's skin in the dark, Glacius turns his attention back to his partner. The concern is clear in his face. "I am sorry for the interruption--and I hope my actions were not too sudden. I did not want to give it the chance."

[tongueamok]

Assuming Glacius' momentary silence is caused by his fingertips trailing along the hills and valleys of the alien's frame, Carlisle doesn't interrupt it. It's not until he casts the Mote outward and dispels a looming hallucination that Carlisle sees exactly what the problem was. Though Glacius may have felt Carlisle's body stiffen against him as the light swells, it's a far cry from the panic he was enduring before.

So much so that he's laughing again, this time out of relief. He presses his brow to Glacius' side in unbridled affection. "If only I would remember to call upon you sooner, I could avoid such messes! It's- it's dreadful, isn't it? I could have- could have called you from the park, or on the way home. I guess I was too preoccupied with that cat to listen to my better judgment."

Another laugh. It is dreadful, but again, this isn't terribly funny aside from in his own mind. Glacius is always insisting Carlisle place his full trust in him, and yet he worries still. As his chuckling dies down, he gives Glacius an endearing look. "I know you think yourself incapable of protecting me at times, but you truly are my greatest defender, my love."

He's trying that nickname out. It seems fitting so far.

[glacius]

That relieved laughter is a far cry better than the pained coughing or frightened, unintelligible ranting of before--but it's that heartfelt term of endearment that strikes at the alien most deeply, stunning him into silence. The Mote speaks for him, though; it thrums audibly as its rays pulse sharply.

That metaphysical light also just so happens to be the only thing keeping Carlisle from getting flipped and pounced. Instead, Glacius manages a happy little whine as he squirms, looping his free arm around his partner as he tries to tangle their legs together, clearly attempting to get them as close as physically possible without upsetting the way the human is burrowing against his side. The otherworldly being likes it when he does that--he likes being Carlisle's shelter, his haven from his fears and worries; a protector worth more than just his fighting capacity, though that is clearly valued too, if the clergyman's reassurances are any indication.

"And that is truly the greatest honor I have ever received," Glacius finally finds his voice, his words a passionate rumble. Given all of the different alien leaders he's stood before--his own included--that's no minor accolade, but Carlisle should know by now that his partner only speaks in truths. "And... I love you too. That is why you may call upon me for anything, at any time; all I want is to stand by your side, and to make your life in this cave easier to bear, if I can."

[tongueamok]

That certainly is a bold thing, for Glacius to consider their relationship, and what he brings to it, his highest honor; Carlisle would assume that statement to be hyperbole if he didn't know better regarding Glacius' people and their regard for speaking only the truth. That, of course, means the sentiment is absolutely genuine, and that's something that makes Carlisle's own heart swell. It's not a terrified beating that resonates from it now, but one warm and full of life.

"You make it more than easier to bear, my friend," he says. The light of the Mote reflects off Glacius' icy shell and back onto Carlisle as he repositions himself, sliding an arm beneath him so he can prop himself up and look into his lover's eyes. He can catch glimpses of ink on his hands in the pulsing light, his fingers still stained black as he brings them to Glacius' face, sliding them beside the alien's mandible to guide his partner's head to the bridge of his nose.

As they connect, he closes his eyes, murmuring softly again. "You make it worth living. You make me feel more alive than I ever have. And for me, someone with my condition and my lineage, that's... quite something."

[glacius]

"You flatter me with such honors," Glacius purrs, taking the invitation to press his face to Carlisle's without hesitation. "I am truly lucky to have a partner that validates my efforts with his kind words... and... I am glad that I have been able to make a difference in your life. You have made one in mine, as well--you make me feel safe and... loved in a world where I previously knew only suffering and loneliness. You healed my wounds, both fresh and old; the kindness you have extended to me has given me hope for humanity, helped me to begin putting the torment they subjected to behind me."

The ice alien pauses, then brings his free hand up, threading through Carlisle's hair to cradle the back of his head as he nuzzles against the human's brow and the bridge of his nose. "Everything I've been through, you... you make it all worth it. And that is quite something, as well."

[tongueamok]

Glacius' hand is cool against Carlisle's hair, the still-damp roots sticking slightly to the alien's fingers as he weaves them through the strands. His words make Carlisle feel emboldened once more -- just as he makes the alien feel loved and cared for in a world that once isolated him, so Glacius gives him further purpose, a reason to live beyond the short days he has. That's a thought that will sting more later; for now, Carlisle is happy to bask in the attention he's getting as it keeps his fears away.

Or nearly does. There's half a second where he pauses, thinks to look over his shoulder. What if something is there? What if he keeps his back to it, only for it to strike out at him? A perfect moment, ruined by the false gods.

... which is currently being ruined by his insecurities. His fingers curl, one against the comforter on the bed, the other along Glacius' body. As much as he wants to cater to his own paranoia, as he has done for years, he must work toward trusting Glacius. He said he'd protect them both, and did so just moments before. His people are not prone to lying.

Carlisle closes his eyes again, and presses himself more fervently against his partner, determination he never found on his own setting in. "I can feel the darkness behind me," he utters through his teeth, "but I will not let those damnable false gods take this from me. From us."

[glacius]

Glacius frowns, tightening his hold on Carlisle in a reassuring hug when the human presses against him more adamantly. At that point he decides to re-situate them--it's an easy enough thing to hold the human against his body as he turns them both over so that the clergyman is not beside him, but underneath him. It's the alien's hope that when he's so close above the human, he won't be able to see the darkness, but only his large, looming frame--and that having the otherworldly being's body draped over him will make him feel shielded, not trapped.

"Nor will I, though you do me proud by rallying," Glacius murmurs reassuringly. "Would it helped if I turned the lights back on? I had only meant for the darkness to try and narrow your focus down to just the two of us... but if it is distressing you, I can dispel it."

[tongueamok]

A part of Carlisle wants to take Glacius up on his offer, to have the lights back so he can see the illusions coming; however, the other part of him stubbornly refuses to let the false gods -- and his fears -- control him, especially in moments like these. He has had enough of that, and if he is to make an honest attempt at trusting his partner, he must see it through.

Having Glacius above him, blocking most of his view of the looming darkness, does help, though. He reaches up to Glacius' face, his hand caressing that scar, and answers: "I have you to shield me from my insecurities. That is all I truly need."

[glacius]

"Again, you flatter me--but also remember that I do not want you to feel like you have to gloss over your worries or troubles for my own sake. If something is bothering you, if there is something more I can do for you, well..." Glacius pauses, tilting his head against the hand on his scar as his eyelids flutter, "...I trust that you will tell me."

[tongueamok]

Carlisle gives Glacius a soft smile, one illuminated by the light reflecting off and refracting through the icy armor. "I will," he returns. "I am still learning how to manage us, but I am trying. Truly."

He know Glacius knows, but it bears repeating. His fingers trail along the scarred flesh delicately, enticingly. "What is bothering me now is that I can still see some of the darkness where troubles may hide. I would be better if- if you were closer."

Despite the rawness of his throat and the general weariness of his muscles from his earlier panic, he still pursues physical closeness, his hand at Glacius' jawline guiding the alien to meet his forehead once more.

[glacius]

"Ah... of course," Glacius replies, seeming surprised that Carlisle is pursuing this so insistently despite the aforementioned difficulties. He's certainly not one to protest, though, especially since he likes the fact that he can provide his partner with comfort through his mere proximity. So he shifts, doing his best to keep a hold on his Mote as he leans further over the clergyman, lowering his head to press their forehead together. There's not much space between the rest of them, either, though the alien is doing what he can to keep the full brunt of his bulk off of Carlisle; he wants him comfortably covered, not crushed or completely pinned.

"Being close like this is better for me, too," he murmurs--just in case his partner starts to worry about inconveniencing him, or seeming to needy. "When I focus on you, it helps to keep that feeling of dread and tension from my mind; instead all I can find myself thinking of is... how much you mean to me."

[tongueamok]

Carlisle's eyes remain closed as Glacius speaks, shutting out all but his voice, the feeling of how close they are, and what light from the Mote bleeds through his eyelids. Though his can still feel the sharp tingle of paranoia itching at the back of his neck, he forces himself to focus on what truly exists: himself, his partner, and the bond they share. It's easier when he has distractions, whether it's pruning away at superfluous leaves, the respite he finds in intoxication, or... other pursuits.

The hand at Glacius' scarring lingers only for a moment more before he pulls it away; in its stead, he places his other hand along the intact mandible, his nails tracing the deep grooves where the connective tissues lie. That leaves his left hand free to remove his glasses and set them aside.

"Show me," he urges in a voice barely above a whisper, his eyes finding their focus on his partner's face. "Show me how much I mean to you."

[glacius]

Whatever emotions Fear is trying to pump into them ebb even more as Carlisle searches for the hollow underneath his intact mandible; Glacius closes his eyes, too, a pleased little groan slipping from his gills. While it's the sort of treatment he could openly bask in, he doesn't get the chance; a few mere moments after they've slipped shut they snap open again, as Carlisle whispers out that urgent demand. He's surprised at his partner's sudden forwardness, as it is rare behavior indeed... but more than happy to take up this chance not only to prove the depths of his endearment, but to show that what they have is powerful enough to keep the god's efforts at bay.

So the otherworldly being responds readily. "Of course, Carlisle," Glacius rumbles out, powerful and earnest. Juggling the Mote while doing this is going to be more difficult, especially with all the different places he suddenly wants to touch his partner--his own desire fueled by the need that had underscored that quiet urging. He starts with tried and true methods of making the clergyman melt, wasting no time in baring his free hand and slipping it underneath Carlisle's upper layers so that he can fondle and massage at those dark purple scars. His hips, meanwhile, press to his partner's with more intentional force, attempting to tease him with pressure before he starts rocking against him.

[tongueamok]

And melt he does. Realizing quickly that Glacius won't be able to hold onto his Mote and caress him, Carlisle summons a light of his own, a tangible orb of illumination manifesting in the palm of his hand; he barely has the chance to set it aside on the comforter before his fingers curl, Glacius' ministrations upon his abdomen and that pressure against his hips quickly unraveling his composure. He continues to rake against the deep hollow of Glacius' mandible, his other hand finding a spot on the alien's arm to rest.

It's there for another minute or two, his grip tightening as his breathing picks up steadily. As far as diversions from his nerves go, this one is certainly the one that works the best. Every rock of their hips is a reminder of their bond, Carlisle's quiet calling of Glacius' name just under his breath further emphasizing just how much he needs this, needs the way Glacius helps him escape from the trepidation he lives with on a daily basis. It is only with Glacius that he finds such sanctuary, after all.

[glacius]

Oh, that's helpful! Glacius wishes that he could set his Mote up on the bed with Carlisle's light, as the significance there would be very nice indeed... but then he remembers that the clergyman claimed his own has no deeper meaning, and without a bridge to link it, the alien's extinguishes itself when separated from its Source. It's no different here; with his partner's light illuminating them both in the dark, the otherworldly being allows his Mote to wink out, freeing up the use of both hands.

The question now is what to do with it--the obvious answer is a step he doesn't want to take just yet, as he's very much enjoying their combined motions, and savors the chance to get his partner more worked up before he sates him. So he puts more of himself into that, using his now freed-up hand to brace himself as he treats Carlisle to more thorough grinding. Something about the way he has the clergyman flat on his back as calls out the alien's name makes Glacius feel deeply powerful, even as he puts his own need on display by tilting his head up to try and garner more of those scratches against his hollow. That adamant, focused attention is causing stirrings within the alien, stirrings that he can feel his partner's body responding to given how flush they are... it's all enough that the alien's gills finally flare open as he moans out Carlisle's name in return, the quiet creaking of the mattress beneath them underscoring the vocalization as Glacius devotes his considerable strength to pleasing the clergyman.

[tongueamok]

It takes Carlisle a moment to concentrate enough for it, but he finally does conjure another orb for the other side of the bed, the shadows there gathering too thickly for his liking. He doesn't manage to get it over there, though: he fumbles with it just as he reaches across his chest, the ball slipping through his fingers as his body shudders with Glacius' steady rhythm against him. It rolls off his sweater and has enough momentum to go right off the edge of the bed, popping once it hits the ground.

With one hand still occupied at the alien's mandible, Carlisle places his free hand now along the side of Glacius' torso, the thick muscles there giving him plenty of purchase to brace himself as Glacius continues to grind against him. His body responds to those stirrings not just physically, but magically as well, as Glacius can no doubt feel that subtle pull against his will once more. A far cry from the desperate plea it had been earlier, it is now a gentle suggestion, and one Glacius may recognize.

More.

Despite the nature of it -- it's not even a full compulsion, but a slight beckoning barely perceptible at the back of the mind -- Carlisle isn't yet so far gone that he doesn't recognize it. He mumbles an apology just before uttering Glacius' name once more.

[glacius]

Though that scritching at the sensitive flesh underneath his mandible is more than enough to seize his complete attention, the flicker of light from the next orb that Carlisle conjures manages to snag Glacius' eye. He'd have moved to help the cleric with the light if his own hands weren't currently occupied; that just makes him all the more impressed that the human is able to muster up the concentration to work his magic in the midst of what's going on. The idea of having his partner attempt to concentrate on spellcasting or some other form of work while he works on him is enticing to the alien, but he opts to not interrupt what they have going for now.

That's just as well, as something else snaps up the otherworldly being's attention a few moments later. A familiar voice, making a familiar request of him... Glacius can't help but rumble out a deep chuckle in response to the words Carlisle follows up with out loud. "You don't need to apologize to me for this--it is my pleasure, quite literally, especially when you follow it up with noises like that."

He means the breathless moaning of his voice, which is always a surefire way to send a thrill coursing through the big alien. It's something he'd clearly like to hear more of, as he lifts his hips just enough to worm a hand between them, rubbing at the swell of his partner. Despite wanting to play along with that subtle pull against his will, it seems Glacius doesn't want to release Carlisle from the tightening confines of his clothing just yet; he's aiming to distract him from his fears and worries, so the more worked up he can get him before they dive into this, the better.

[tongueamok]

With Carlisle currently a little breathless from Glacius' attention, he answers with a nod, apologizing again (though probably apologizing for the apology this time). The hand at his obvious arousal makes him bite his lip; it's through his teeth that he utters again.

"I always wonder if I, ah. Should reciprocate more in some way, or if I'm simply easier to, um." He shudders again, his legs finding their way around Glacius' hips to give him more stability against the rocking. It's not terribly comfortable, but then again, neither are his clothes at the moment. "If- if it's easier to get me riled."

Which it is, and he knows it. His hand finally retreats from Glacius' mandible, if only to start pulling at his sweater.

[glacius]

Glacius can't help but be sad to feel Carlisle's hand leave him even if just for a moment, but it at least makes it a little bit easier to focus on his partner when he isn't being actively flooded with pleasurable sensations. He shakes his head a little bit as if trying to clear it, then smiles down at his partner.

"You are easily riled, but... only with me, so it's more than fine," the ice alien chuckles fondly, confirming what the clergyman already assumes. "It's flattering, and... arousing in its own right. If you ever want to reciprocate more you and more than welcome, and I would certainly enjoy it, but... this is wonderful, too."

As if to prove that, Glacius moves to help Carlisle with his sweater, then immediately lowers his head so that his mandible can take over for his hand, passionately kissing every inch of those abdominal scars. Unfortunately, he's too big of a creature for their hips to line up when he's positioned here, so he lets his hands take over--taking his sweet time as he undoes the buckle on the clergyman's pants and then slips one behind the waistband, letting it drift lower inch by inch.