Entry tags:

...and into a great stone building! (ow, my nose.)

In media res

(Latin: "in the midst of things")

the practice of beginning an epic or other narrative by plunging into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events.

How to play:

Post a top-level comment with your character in action. You can RNG a scenario or make up your own.
Blank top-levels will be deleted, sorry! Try the next meme on the left.
It's okay to assume characters have already been introduced - even if by "introduced" you mean "plowed into while on the run from the zombie horde."
List your preferences, and respect other people's.
Tag around.

Roll-a-Scene:

Chase Scene: On the run from the cops, or maybe you are the cops. However it works, someone's trying to get away, and someone else doesn't want 'em to. Also good for zombies, dinosaurs, and disaster movies.
	
Gambling: Strangers of all stripes can run into each other at the roulette wheel or poker table, whether it's a classy casino in Monaco or an illegal dice game in a Gotham alleyway.
	
A Formal Affair: Maybe it's an elegant dinner or maybe it's an over-the-top post-Oscar bash, but you're at a party where no expense was spared. Obviously someone is going to start a scene. Maybe it's you.
	
In Flagrante: This isn't what you think! Or maybe it is. Either way, someone got caught in the act. (This doesn't have to be NSFW; there are lots of embarrassing things you can get caught doing with your pants on.)
	
Lost: I thought you printed the directions! Whether in an unfamiliar city or in the middle of nowhere, you are lost. Maybe the other character's lost with you, or maybe they can give you some guidance.
	
Fight Scene: Bars, battles, barbarians - the punches or bullets are flying, and you're in the middle of it. Will you escape with your roguish good looks intact? Will you escape at all?
	
Close Quarters: "Handcuffed together" is a classic. Or you can be stuck with each other in a jail cell, hospital room, airplane seat, or other tight spot. 
	
Mistaken Identity: There's been a mix-up! Whether by design (yours or someone else's), or by some wacky accident, you've been mistaken for someone else. How to clear this up?

Cliffhanger: Literally, someone's dangling in midair. Will the other party offer assistance or just point and laugh? Or are you both (heh heh) hanging out together?
	
Roll Your Own: Ice skating rink, pirates, picnic lunch raided by giant radioactive ants...? Look, I can't think of everything.

gently retooled from

hallahair

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

An odd but kind young man on a quest to stop the appearance of monsters called Nemesis that fall from the sky. Due to the prejudice against those who can use magic like him, he's been raised mostly away from society but has set out on his own and can't help causing chaos.

[01]

[ It doesn't take much for chaos to start when Seth is around, because he just doesn't take crap. However, it's not always his fault. ]

Crap-crap-crap-

[ The giant black and white snake-like beast behind Seth is a Nemesis, and while he would love to fight it, he also has a giant bomb in his hands. ]

You! Take this!

[ And that's when he tosses a bomb at someone. ]

Edited 2021-09-25 16:31 (UTC)

[Destiny made her a Slayer but life had made her a fighter. It was what came naturally to her. It was what she was built for. To say that she enjoyed it would be an understatement. When she was in her element it was better than sex, a better high than any drug.

The vamps that jumped her thought their numbers would be the thing to help them but it only gave her incentive. She was Faith fucking Lehane, and she was not about to go down in some back alley behind a bar.]

[ooc: Assumed cr is cool.]

Excuse me... I'm sorry to bother you, but there is an evil spirit in your hair.

[A man approaches you in a business suit and a backpack, pointing at your head. Maybe you can see the spirit, maybe you can't. But it's definitely actually there. It's shaped a bit like a huge yellow toad, just sitting squatly there on your head. Have you been having bad luck today? Or are you carrying this guy around on purpose?]

Shadow Clone Jutsu! [ *pop* *po- pop* *pop**pop*...

With one Naruto running after the other and the next one behind him, picking up the same pace right as they appear, losing track of the original among them is all too easy. Maybe that's how it should be, or that he needs more than one pair of hands and that's all. ]

( with how he uses it for all sorts of things, this can go some serious route as much as casual 😇 )

I've never been here before. A bakery that specializes in sandwiches? Isn't that just a deli?

[ Vil's still in his running outfit, his hair tied back and the sun hanging somewhere between the horizon and dead overhead. He's currently staring up at the bakery and/or deli and/or sandwich shop, frowning in thought, but not entirely opposed to the concept here. He turns and looks at his running partner. ]

They have a sweet and savory special for breakfast today. Do you see anything on the menu you'd like?

[[ ooc: Technically waiting for someone, but also OTA if anyone else wants a breakfast date with a social media influencer :) ]]

[ jack was a little self-conscious about meeting vil in a public place when vil is so easily recognizable, but having that run first really helped ease his nerves. he opens the door for vil, his tail gently wagging behind him. ]

It's pretty popular with the guys from Savanaclaw, at least. The meat they use is pretty high quality.

[ ah, but, maybe vil is more particular about his protein than jack thought... ]

I usually get whatever's the daily special. Ah, you can ask for no mayo, too.

[ because he remembers that little detail; he remembers that vil is fervently against mayonnaise. ]

[ Vil, for his part, is as unruffled as always. If he's a bit more aware of his surroundings than the next person, it's only because he's used to taking care of problems before they become problems for him personally. He nods to Jack before walking in and inspecting the bakery's interior, stopping at the counter before giving a small, satisfied huff. Nothing immediately selfie-able, but it's not like he's here for publicity, anyway. This will do.

He turns back to Jack and notes that he looks comfortable. Good. The tone of the texts he sent had Vil slightly concerned, but he seems fine right now. ]

I'd hope that they do substitutions. The service isn't just for picky eaters, after all.

[ Just an observation, though, nothing pointed about it. He did just call himself picky, too...

Vil inspects the menu above the counter, tapping a finger to his lip. Maybe he'll get something to drink if they have something novel to offer. ]

I'm tempted to ask the cashier for their favorite sandwich. Or you, since you've been here often enough to know what you like... Or do you get the daily special because you like everything here?

[ jack watches vil from the corner of his eye, a little tense again at being questioned. his relationship has endured so much and yet, to jack, it always has felt frail enough like it could break at any moment, simply because they're just so different. so he's overthinking even something as simple as picking a sandwich. ]

I, uh... I get the daily special 'cause I don't think it matters too much. Whatever it is, it's usually good. But, if you wanna know, I like their ham ones the most. I'm not too into the sweet stuff.

[ then, he gets an idea. ]

Ah, if you feel like trying more than one, I'll order the other one and we can share them, too.

[ Not too into the sweet stuff, huh... Maybe that's one way Jack keeps his figure. After all, Vil's never been able to quite get over his sweet tooth. Oh, well. One roadblock at a time.

Vil's eyebrows lift. Not bad. ]

You know, I was considering the same thing. I wasn't certain if you would've wanted to split something with me, though. You need to eat more than I do.

[ Sidebar to ask the cashier about the ingredients in one of the sandwiches. Is the slaw made with mayonnaise? No, it's a vinaigrette? Perfect, thank you. ]

I was thinking about that one. Ham and an apple-based slaw. It sounded interesting. [ And he's willing to take a bit of a taste risk if Jack says the place has a solid menu. There aren't many people Vil trusts at their word, but Jack's at the top of his list. ]

[ his tail wags a little, and he shakes his head. ]

I'm fine. I'm not too hungry this early, anyway.

[ he watches vil ask the cashier about things he could never see himself asking, a bit in awe. he nods in agreement when it sounds like he's made his decision, then steps closer to the register and asks the cashier for the sandwiches, paying for both before vil has any say in it. ]

You went out of your way for me, so...

[ Good thing he was so quick. Vil lifts his head from where he was getting his own billfold from his pocket in time to catch Jack paying for the whole thing. He blows a wisp of hair from his face, both exasperated and amused. ]

Exactly how was I going out of my way for you? You do realize that I'm your senpai and not the other way around, right? You will let me pay next time we do this.

[ Hm. Vil's quite serious about paying next time, but he's not actually bothered by Jack's behavior - he's just teasing. What he does realize, though, is that every time he's teased Jack today, Jack's reacted by getting quieter and more hesitant. He's starting to wonder if Jack is taking him seriously... Time to observe and find out. ]

[ although vil's words are kind, his commanding way of speaking forces a wolf like jack to feel like he has to obey; he doesn't dislike it in the least, but it does nothing to hide just how tense he is. he's a little flustered at the callout, though. ]

W-Well, you're pretty busy, so I know every minute counts for you.

[ he picks up the sandwiches as they're handed to him in a paper bag, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. ]

That means you're spending time with me regardless of that, so. I appreciate it.

[ ... A boy like Jack has no business being so nervous around an old friend, does he? It's charming in the way large people who happen to be shy often are, but Jack doesn't have any reason to be shy around Vil. Normal people do, sure, but Jack? Jack is special.

Perhaps Vil hasn't made that clear yet. He thought simply being here was enough. Clearly that isn't the case.

He reaches forward and into the bag, pulls out a wrapped sandwich, and inspects it. Jack's. Good enough. He then turns and heads toward the door, unwrapping Jack's sandwich on the way. ]

I want to eat outside. Follow me, please.

[ And he'll open the door first, waiting for Jack to follow, still inspecting Jack's sandwich intently. Come along. ]

[ jack still fails to realize that the distance between them after reuniting at night raven college had shortened; they were apart for so long and only together as children, it's only natural jack feels like there might not be much in common between them now. then again, did they ever have anything in common in the first place?

his tail wags at vil's command, following him obediently until they're outside. the smell of his ham sandwich is making him a little hungry now, though. ]

Do you have somewhere to be after this, senpai?

[ Vil waits until they're quite clear of the door, and then a little longer to lose anyone who might be passing by for good measure. ]

No. I just wanted you all to myself.

[ Vil looks Jack dead in the eye, takes a polite bite of his sandwich, and chews a little. And then he turns away, looking for a bench to sit at. ]

Hm. Not bad. I'll have to come here more often. Are you all right, by the way?

[ he jolts, freezing for a second after vil says he wanted him for himself. he can feel his face heat up and his ears perk up, looking at him with surprise - vil is staring back with that intense gaze of his, and it takes jack's breath away.

thankfully, vil takes a bite and gives his review, and jack finally relaxes a little. ]

H-Huh? Me? I'm... Yes! I'm fine. [ tail wag!! ] I'm glad you liked it. You can have it all if you want!

[ Vil looks at Jack, this time mildly surprised. Now that's a new reaction. Hm.

Vil sits down and extends the sandwich back to Jack. ]

I couldn't possibly. I just wanted to know what yours tasted like. [ He motions toward the bag in Jack's hand. ] I still want mine. Trade with me.

[ ... Well, even if that last reaction was a bit of a surprise, everything else is lining up with a pretty impressive communication fumble. This, at least, is easy enough to fix. ]

You're acting like you're at an audition, Jack Howl. I don't know if you know this yet, but you did pass mine around ten years ago.

[ he sits down next to vil, realizing he's a little too nervous for something so trivial. meeting each other for a few seconds after a good run is one thing, but actually hanging out is a different matter. he clears his throat and looks away. ]

Oh. I guess I am kinda tense, huh. Sorry. I'm just... you know.

[ he hands him the bag and trades it for the ham sandwich, trying not to look directly at vil as he speaks in a quiet tone. ]

...Very happy right now.

[ Vil takes his sandwich, but doesn't unwrap it just yet. There's a puzzle here, and he's going to get to the bottom of it. ]

Even if I wasn't an excellent actor, I think I know happiness when I see it. I have also actually seen you happy, you know.

[ Vil leans over to look at Jack's profile, thinking. A few options are coming to mind here.]

You keep mentioning that you're grateful that I made time for you. Did you doubt that I would?

[ well, that just makes jack's ears droop down, a little sad that vil doesn't believe he truly is happy. unfortunately sad ears do nothing to counter vil's point about jack not having a good time.

he finally looks at him, taking in a deep breath. ]

...A little, yeah. [ he's immediately honest, at least, but... ugh. he sighs. ] ...You're always surrounded by people and getting calls from your job, so I feel like I shouldn't be keeping you away from your dreams just for selfish reasons.

[ ... Oh, Jack. Some things never change. ]

When I welcomed you to Nightraven, I did so knowing that I'd have to continue checking in with you, especially with that nonsense excuse of a human being you have for a prefect.

[ Leona! Doesn't know how good he has it! Vil frowns a little, then busies himself with unwrapping his sandwich. Less thinking about ungrateful layabouts, more problem solving. ]

I take my relationships very seriously, you know. I remember when people take the time to do right by me, and I try to return their efforts when I can. Making time for those who made time for me is a part of that. I've never considered time spent with someone I value a waste. Please remember that.

[ jack's ears perk right back up as vil says that, because... wow... vil values him!! his tail wags a little behind him. ]

I value you too, senpai!

[ wag wag wag! his tail is wagging even faster! ]

You think maybe we could find more opportunities to spend time together? Even earlier in the morning, or at night?

[ Vil is chewing on his sandwich - lovely sandwich, by the way, worth the risk - so he's chewing as he leans back a little to check on that swishing noise. Yep. That's what he expected.

He swallows and runs his tongue over his teeth, wondering what his next move is. Another experiment for good measure? ]

Of course. Wouldn't want to cut into our time at school. Let's see... My nights are generally freer than my mornings, so...

[ Let's ease into this. Vil gestures to Jack's tail. ]

Maybe you can come over and sweep my floor. You're doing a great job with the bushes behind us.

[ no... everything but the tail callout... he immediately flinches, reaches back for his tail with his free hand and grips it tightly in his fist, a slight blush tinting his face. ]

That's - sorry, it wasn't intentional... it happens when I'm-- [ wait, isn't admitting it more embarrassing? ...actually, everyone knows why wolves wag their tails, so it's useless to hide it anyway. ugh. he shrugs, as composed as he can manage to be. ] ...well, you know.

Anyway, yeah. Anytime that's good for you, I'll meet you. Though, we both sleep pretty early, right? I don't wanna disturb you or anything.

[ Vil nods, doing his best to hide his laugh with his sandwich. Still a little starstruck. Well, they'll cross that bridge when they get there. For right now, Vil knows he needs to pump the brakes. No need to overwhelm him. ]

I'm pleased to be here, too. There. We're on the same page, now.

[ Vil bites into his sandwich, chews, and makes a considering noise before swallowing. ]

I'd like to be able to sleep on a decent schedule, but I need to stay up past my bedtime every now and then. Prefect duties, admin work for Film Studies, conference calls with my manager. You can stay until you need to sleep yourself, but you wouldn't be disturbing my schedule if we found a reason for you to stay later.

[ Vil looks up very intently at Jack. He smiles. ]

It would be a nice change of pace, actually. Staying up because I'd like to, rather than being obligated to.

[ despite his efforts to stop his tail, it still is very obviously struggling within his grip. this time, however, jack wears a smile that matches how happy he is. his sandwich is still pretty much uneaten on his other hand, but that doesn't matter right now (besides, he eats pretty fast). ]

Seriously, senpai!? Then, when's the next time you're free!?

[ For someone so imposing, he really is a puppy. Very cute. Vil will have to be a little more careful with him.

Vil pulls his phone from his bag and opens his schedule, his finger scrolling through his week. ]

Tuesday, I think. I was going to spend that evening cooking so I'd be prepared for midterms. You can come join me in Pomefiore's kitchens whenever you like, and then we can move over to my room. Will you be free?

[ well, at least now his tail isn't wagging anymore. he looks away from him for a moment, then eats his sandwich in practically just two bites. he swallows, and even then, still takes a second more to answer. ]

The Pomefiore dorm... isn't really a place for me. Everyone there is very-- [ wait, he's talking to their dorm leader. hm. he clears his throat quickly. ] I- I'd just rather skip the kitchen part, if that's okay.

[ For a moment, a thunderous frown flashes across Vil's face. Loyalties aside, he's worked very hard on Pomefiore in just about every way possible. For it to be unsatisfactory in any way...

But he closes his eyes and breathes through his nose. Unsatisfactory wasn't the word Jack used. "Isn't a place for me." Nuance matters. That puts the situation in a different light.

All right. He opens his eyes. He's still not smiling, but he's much more concerned than alarmed now. Damage control time. ]

Would being there by yourself make you uncomfortable? I'll be there, you know. No one will give you a second thought.

[ And if they do, it will be the very, very last thought they have. ]

Huh? No... in fact, if it were just us two, it'd be fine. It's the rest of your dorm that's... uh...

[ how can he say his dormmates are all evil, prissy, superficial judgmental bitches without saying those exact same words??? ]

...Well, they're not very friendly towards Savanaclaw members. I'd hate to damage your reputation by bringing me with you, too.

[ Oh, no. Jack needs to say it. Less for Vil, who understands that he's raised his crop of potatoes to be pricks, and more for Jack, so he can get used to speaking his mind around Vil. Like equals. Like friends.

Vil keeps taking smaller bites of his sandwich, but he started well before Jack, so he's nearly finished the whole thing. Well. Vil's going to take this problem on with what he understands for right now. ]

You're my guest. Far be it for me to police all of my members on how they should feel about other dorms, but I do expect a certain level of conduct from them where visitors are concerned. If my dormmates have a problem with that, they'll have to bring it up with me. In fact, I invite the opportunity. I haven't had a chance to work on my dueling in a while.

[ This is one of Vil's classic demure, just barely not crazy smiles. Say what you want about Pomefiore's head, but he likes to be good at things, and he is an excellent fighter. ]

[ jack tosses the empty paper bag where his sandwich was onto a nearby trash can, acing the shot. he snorts at vil's violent reply, crudely reminded of just how strong vil really is, both physically and with magic. his personality makes him hard to approach, but jack never had an issue with that. even now, he's still not fully aware of just how famous vil is, and still sees him as that pretty kid he met when they were children. so it's comments like this that sort of remind him vil hasn't really changed that much.

also, he's thinking how epel would actually welcome the duel. ]

Okay, then. If you're really sure, I'll meet you tonight at your dorm?

[ Poor Epel. Vil does still value him, but he won't hesitate to flatten him as many times as it takes for him to get the picture.

Vil gives a politely impressed hum when Jack makes his shot, then leans over to place his own wrapper in the trash. All done! ]

Tonight, then. I'm looking forward to it.

[ He looks back at Jack, giving him a small smile. Still a little unhinged, but he wouldn't dream of fighting Jack. (Not now, anyway. Maybe next year, once Jack can put up a fair fight. ]

Walk me back to school, won't you?

[ vil is looking forward to it?? wow... his tail begins to wag again, but before vil can call him out on it, he quickly rises to his feet, nodding at him. ]

Yes, Senpai!

[ although he knows as excited as he is about walking him back to school, he's also somewhat self-conscious of walking back to school so much later than they usually do from their run, and with vil next to him no less. he can't help but wonder if the pomefiores or people into social media like cater will have a field day with this or not... ]

I'll... make sure to walk you all the way to the gate.

[ "but that's it" is implied. ]

[ So cute. So in his head. Vil wouldn't trade the entirety of Jack's humility for the world - no, it's one of his charms - but Vil will have to train the self-consciousness out of him, won't he? After all, Vil's perfectly aware that Jack's valuable to him as an peer rather than just a kouhai. He needs someone who can speak with him honestly who isn't Rook, after all. ]

Mhm. And you'll hold my hand, won't you? [ ... Vil grins. ] I'm kidding. But walk with me properly, won't you? Side by side.

[ And off he walks. He expects Jack to follow, so he doesn't look back. ]

[ if vil hadn't added that " i'm kidding", jack would have had a mental breakdown; an inner battle over the ethics of holding an upperclassman's hand vs his own feelings for vil. thankfully, he can breathe, although that devilish grin vil offers him might just as well have been a loaded gun pointing straight to jack's heart. ]

.......Yeah.

[ he tags along vil, side by side as he requested. his tail slightly wagging all the way. ]

...I heard some guys from my dorm say you're on another commercial on TV. Congrats.

Thank you. You're still not the type to watch much television, are you? [ Vil would tease Jack about not seeing it himself, but he's not about to go that far. ] Good boy. There are better things to do with your time, I'm sure. Especially what with that useless prefect of yours... You must have your hands full.

[ Vil sets a good pace. Jack may be a bit taller than him, but he's never had trouble keeping up, matching Jack's speed stride for stride. He's already thinking about preparations for tonight, and how to make sure that his dorm knows that if they even look at Jack funny, they won't have eyes to work with for the rest of the semester... You know, cute date night things. ]

[03.]

It’s not that Alice isn’t used to occasions like this. She is. But it doesn’t change the fact that she’d much rather be at home. In something comfortable, rather than the curve-hugging dark blue dress she’s wearing and the heels that match. Curled up in one of Alan’s flannels on the couch watching something… brainless and distracting, or silly. (Nothing pulp-y, though. She’s lost her appetite for that.)

That’s for later. Instead she’s here. A glass of champagne in hand as she mingles and does her best to look like she’s busy. Or avoid notice entirely. That works, too.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...and into a great stone building! (ow, my nose.)

In media res

How to play:

Roll-a-Scene:

Seth 🐐 Radiant

Faith Lehane ⚔ BtVS

Serizawa | Mob Psycho 100 | OTA

Naruto Uzumaki / Naruto / OTA

Vil Schoenheit | Twisted Wonderland

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Alice Wake | Alan Wake