hadriel_logs | Event Log: Jumpscares

Entry tags:

Event Log: Jumpscares

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.

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"I know, I just—" A single, quiet chuckle escapes him. It's in his nature to worry. "I do know."

His eyes flit open, only to catch the dismay that crosses Glacius' face. "What? What's wrong?"

"One of your lights broke," Glacius replies, lifting his head only when he seems satisfied that the remaining one isn't going to do the same. "I must keep this one safe."

That gets another smile out of him. "I can make more, Glacius."

And prying himself from his partner's arm, he sits up and does just that, conjuring two, then another to make three -- four with the very vibrant one. He sets them along the bed, placing a hand atop Glacius' head reassuringly.

"As I've said before, it's a very minor conjuration from my world. Not terribly taxing, but infinitely useful."

Glacius perks up more and more as each new orb of light is generated, busily attempting to huddle each new orb of light in with the first one as Carlisle sets them upon the bed. Once they're all nestled securely in their wad of blankets, the alien regards them proudly, only to be surprised out of his vigil when the clergyman sets a hand a top his head. Chuffing, he pushes into the touch, content to slip up beside him once more to garner more of that reassuring petting.

"Just as long as you are being careful with your energy," the ice alien purrs, always considering his partner's wellbeing before his own delight. "You may call them minor, but to me, they are beautiful." Which can be applied to... a lot of their relationship, really, though Glacius doesn't seem to be drawing the connection there. He's too utterly pleased with the moment at hand, transfixed by the lights that Carlisle has conjured, settled by his comforting presence.

"I believe I have expended myself in critical ways plenty today, thank you," Carlisle returns with a lopsided grin as he runs his hand down the smooth curve of Glacius' neck, forgetting just how touchy a topic his health can be.

He seems to remember half a second later, and adds a reassurance: "I am feeling much better now though. Exhausted, but in a far more preferable way than... well, earlier."

Edited 2017-05-26 01:16 (UTC)

The reassurance comes at the perfect time; Glacius lifts his head again, looking first at Carlisle and then to motes--no, the orbs, he reminds himself--of light as if they could be used as measures of his health. When Carlisle continues on the alien swivels his head back to look at him, and a relief little bit of laughter rolls up out of his throat.

"I'll just take that as praise for my prowess in this regard, then," the otherworldly being rumbles, butting up affectionately against Carlisle's jaw and cheek. "But... if you need to rest, do not let me keep you up. It is important that we take good care of your energy and health, and I am more than content to lay here as you recuperate. As long as I am with you, I am happy."

Carlisle tilts his head to meet Glacius' affectionate nuzzling, his hand still resting at the back of the alien's neck, fingers curling at his spines. "Again, I promise I am in far better spirits than I was."

He says that, but not all is at ease in his mind now that the physical euphoria of their coupling has passed. His brow knits. "I am sorry, though... for what happened earlier. I did not take much notice then, but you fought off my influence."

And if his tone says anything, it's that he's grateful.

"You do not need to apologize to me--you did not mean to do it, and I understand how it can be difficult to gather your thoughts when you are frightened. And besides, it is as you said--no harm was done. By now, I am well acquainted with what it feels like, and I am used to the feeling of our metaphysical energies interacting. It is a shame whenever they must butt up against each other, rather than flowing naturally as they usually do during your examinations... but I will do what I must to reel you--or the both of us--back in."

Glacius sighs as he props himself up; it's his turn to run his hand over his partner now, as he gently cups the human's face with one hand and looks into his eyes as he tries to reassure him. "...Which is just a very long-winded way of me saying that I don't want you to worry or beat yourself up for this, alright? I am making the choice to stay, despite the warnings you have given me, because I care so deeply for you. Even if you do tug upon my will, I'm never going to be mad at you for it."

If anything, he'll just recognize it as a resounding cry for help, given that he knows just how dire circumstances must be for Carlisle to slip into the grasps of his curse like that. Now Glacius slips his hand up from the clergyman's jaw to the back of his head as he lays them both down, inviting his partner to shelter against his neck up underneath his chin. "No matter what happens, just remember this--there exists not a force in the world that can turn me away from you."

Carlisle takes that invitation, knowing well that Glacius likely saw the bleariness in his eyes as he promised to stay despite warnings both from Carlisle himself and the threat of what his abilities could do. Though he fears every day what could happen if his existence somehow taints his partner, bringing tragedy and misfortune upon them both, Carlisle cannot turn him away. It is far too late for that, and he is a selfish thing, so desperate for the connection they share that he'd do nearly anything to keep it. Glacius would, as well. He know that to be absolute truth.

Carlisle curls as close as he can to Glacius, his brow pressed to the underside of the alien's neck, arms resting against his chest. "I thought you would still be susceptible somehow. That is how I sent the other you away, after all... but his will must not have had the strength of yours. I'm... glad it didn't, in the end."

If the other Glacius had turned out to be the stronger of the two, they wouldn't be having this conversation, nor their coupling. In all honesty, Carlisle might not even be alive. How different would things be if he hadn't sent the other Glacius away that fateful day?

"I'm sure I still am in a way--I still felt your command, I just had the sense and the strength to reject it," Glacius explains, stroking Carlisle's back. "As for the... fabrication of the gods, I do not know if it came down to a weakness in the strengths of our wills so much as a similarity in our feelings for you... but I do not remember much after he tried to strangle me." His mind had been numbed first by agony, and then by his partner's willing them both to stop; there wasn't a thing he could do in that situation save for lay there and bleed until the command had faded.

"In a way, it was our bond that prevailed... even back then," the ice alien murmurs. "I'm glad things went the way they did, too... even if it is starting to seem as though the only other members of my species that I will ever see again will just be... cruel mockeries."

But that's a line of thinking he really can't afford to dwell on. He only just recently managed to make his way of out of a pit of depression; he doesn't need to be toppled back into one all over again.

As nice a thought as it is that their bond is what proved stronger than the false gods, even before they decided to take their relationship further, Carlisle cannot ignore the shift in Glacius' tone -- the longing that lies beneath his words -- as he speaks of his people. He presses the bridge of his nose to Glacius' neck in their not-quite-a-kiss, resting a hand along the side.

"It is one of my greatest regrets that I cannot alleviate the pain you feel from such a separation from your people," he says quietly, "but... should you ever feel alone, I am here." He's sure Glacius knows, but it's always worth repeating.

And sure enough, Glacius responds readily. "I know you are, Carlisle... you are my saving grace, one of the few who keep the worst of my isolation at bay. No one can cure the longing I feel for my people, but you make it more bearable than it has any right to be... I cannot be truly upset with where I find myself when I am in your arms."

Bearable, but not better -- it's as good a response as Carlisle can hope for, given the situation. Far worse is the thought of what will happen to Glacius should he vanish from the city -- or drop dead, as he'd mentioned earlier, whichever comes first. Would he truly soldier on? Or would he become an embittered thing far more like Algidus?

As usual, Carlisle would prefer not to know. What he does know is that if there is one thing he must do before death claims him, it's find a way to help Glacius home... even if it means they must part when returning to their own worlds. He's not sure if that's a task he can reasonably accomplish, but he must try, if given the opportunity.

But for now, he slides back in the conversation, putting a pin in that topic for later. "And I am more comfortable in yours, save for those moments when I nearly lose my grasp upon my abilities. It seems to fight me even during intimacy."

Glacius would argue that bearable is better--there's no doubt that he would be worse off if he didn't have the support and acceptance of his friends and partner. Perhaps in the future he should be more clear with his words; for now, the conversation is moving forward, and the alien is called to reassure his partner once more.

"Don't worry about those instances; as I have already repeatedly said, I do not mind it when you tug against me--in fact, I'd rather it happen when I am right here to help you stay grounded. When it comes to intimacy, I like it when you lose control," Glacius chuckles, but then calms again, continuing to stroke Carlisle's back. "But... if you truly do not enjoy such instances... then I can hold off. It is of the utmost importance that you are comfortable when you are with me, Carlisle, no matter how we are engaged. Would it make you feel better if we took things slower..?"

With his hand at Carlisle's back, Glacius can no doubt feel the sigh he pushes out of his lungs. "No, I'd- I rather do like that feeling you stir within me. You make me feel... incredible. Better than I knew I could feel."

Glacius might be able to feel how he reddens at that confession, too. He doesn't speak often of their most intimate moments, but when he does, it is often with a hint of reservation. He's the sort to keep such things between them for a reason. "I'm simply afraid of what might happen should I completely lose control over myself -- over my curse -- in those times. If I am unable to hold in the full breadth of its influence because I feel so... free. Unbound."

Another sigh. "It sounds so foolish. What kind of compulsion would that even be? What would I have you do when I am so inundated by—"

He cuts himself off, his color deepening. It's not as though Glacius doesn't know how he feels, but he is sheepish all the same for his own reactions.

While Glacius knows this is a very real concern for Carlisle, and something he is completely committed to helping his partner navigate, something about the way his partner says it sets him to stirring again. He slips up his partner's body, pressing their foreheads together as he stares deep into the human's slate-colored eyes.

"Whatever you desire of me," the ice alien rumbles. "I would serve you readily... and joyfully. And you know, Carlisle... you don't need to use your curse to tell me what to do."

Those slate-colored eyes meet Glacius' as the alien graces him with their sign of solidarity, only to fall despite his genuine sentiments.

"I don't mean to use it at all," he mumbles. "I don't ever want to use it upon you, even in those moments where I am overwhelmed by the feeling of you against me that my heart feels as though it would rend itself from my body, were it capable of such a feat. It is sin, Glacius... and I worry that this was not an isolated incident, but that I am slowly losing control over it, if I ever had any at all."

That gets Glacius to dial himself back, deciding to try and switch tactics from seductive to transparently reassuring. The alien had been hoping to show Carlisle that he finds every aspect of him desirable, but perhaps reassurance of a different sort would work better with such a sensitive subject.

So he lifts his head when the clergyman lowers his eyes, tucking him up against his neck instead--one of their other interactions that is quickly becoming a staple. "You're not losing control, don't worry. It was actually... much easier to bring you around from it this time than I was expecting. And I promise that I will always be right here beside you to help you do just that. We'll find a way to manage this, Carlisle, as we have all things... I promise."

Tucked safely beneath Glacius' neck, Carlisle rests his hands on the alien's shoulders, his fingers curling as he fights back his insecurities. Though it is easier with Glacius to aid him, encouraging him to stay strong, he can never fully silence the demons so fully ingrained within him, thickly rooted like stubborn weeds.

"Of course," he utters, pressing his face to Glacius' skin once again. "Together, as in all things."

And for however long together may be.

"I mean it, Carlisle," Glacius insists, just in case that's one of those placating agreements. He doesn't think it is, in this instance, as the clergyman has gotten better at taking heart from his words and believing in him... but sometimes it bears repeating. "I know it is frightening, and I know it is hard to cope with. But you are strong, and you have a good heart and soul, regardless of what you might believe this curse says about you. It won't best you... and outside of the moments when it attempts to sink its claws into you, I will do whatever I can to ensure that you have as anyone else. Alright?"

"Alright," Carlisle agrees, a bit less reserved this time. As much as he doubts himself, he cannot find it in him to doubt Glacius when the alien is so fervently defending him, as always. He presses the bridge of his nose against the alien's neck once more, grateful for the support his partner gives him.

"Just... should it happen again -- when we are intimate, I mean -- simply do as you have always done. I know you worry for me and my health, as awful as it can be some days, but... don't stop when my doubts cloud my judgment. I trust you to know what it is I need at that moment, and- and so often, I just- I want to, um."

There's that tightening of his fingers again, tension in his back, heat radiating from his face, which he's glad is hidden from sight.

"I want to revel in how I feel. I want- I want to have that intoxicating, incredible rush that only you can provide me. I want to be one with you in an experience only the two of us share."

His voice picks up, bitterness seeping into his tone. "Everyone knows I'm cursed, and everyone knows my lineage, what I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do... everything that I'm not. But- but with you -- it's just us. This is just us. What we have is ours, and no one else's, and I want to have that as much as I can."

Edited 2017-05-28 00:18 (UTC)

That sentiment is enough to get some powerful purring out of the alien, who tangles his legs with his partner and places a hand to his back, rewarding him with some adamant massaging. "I... want that too, Carlisle. For nothing makes me happier than sharing myself with you as completely as I can, and having you share yourself with me in that same manner. The pleasure and comfort of our coupling makes the worst of my worries ebb away--you deserve the same, to not have to worry about anything, not even your curse. I won't let it hurt or consume you--but I will not let it hold you back, either."

Because that's the crux of it; regardless of what people have told him in his life, Carlisle deserves the same things as everyone else. And if he desires it, then he will have it; Glacius will do what he can to see to that.

Carlisle sighs quietly against Glacius, his brow still pressed tightly against the alien as though any gap between them would threaten to tear them apart. His words are soft when he speaks. "You should not make promises you cannot possibly keep, Glacius. There is not much either of us can do about my affliction and whether or not it destroys me in the end."

He pulls away briefly, searching for his partner's eyes. It's a rueful smile he wears, but an earnest one. His hand graces the side of Glacius' face, placed gently upon his scar. "However, I know you will try. That is more than I could ever ask for, and more than many would offer me. I know that is not terribly encouraging, but it does me good, truly."

"As long as it does you good... that's what matters," Glacius replies. True to Carlisle's assumption, he does not sound terribly enthused--always wanting to do more for his partner, never happy about the reality of his end that he has accepted and speaks so carelessly of--but he's at least being genuine. "Just know that I will never stop trying to provide you with that much, at least... and that I will never stop believing in our ability to change your fate."

"Of course," Carlisle returns simply, nestling himself at his partner's neck once more. Not only is it a comfortable space, but one that keeps him from focusing on the darkness just beyond the edge of the light provided by his conjured orbs. He feels content, but is all too aware that Glacius does not, certainly when he speaks so casually of what is to come.

In truth, he still fears it -- he has simply gotten better at masking the dread he feels. Still, it keeps him awake some nights, and awakens him on others, plaguing his dreams. He cannot help but think of his end every time he feels cold, every moment he feels exhausted. There is no rest for the damned.

And perhaps that's why Carlisle seeks the comfort he has nearby so fervently, pressing himself against Glacius again.

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Event Log: Jumpscares

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