[open mingle] dazai's radio show - live and in person -

[orphne]

Who: yall
Where: Bar Lupin
What: An open mingle for characters who would come hang out in Lupin per Dazai's radio show, especially those suffering from corruption
Warnings: cw: yall tell me if you do anything that needs warned for

Per Dazai's radio show, Bar Lupin is open as a safe haven for those who are worried about losing control due to the spreading corruption. Employees were promised extra pay for their work during this trying time, so the bar is operating as normal! Of course, as Dazai said, there are no free drinks -- it is a bar, after all, not a charity! -- but there's some good company and the relative safety of knowing that for those with powers that they fear losing control of, Dazai's ability can stop them in their tracks.

Probably!

There's enough space for quite a few people to sit comfortably -- there are tables, a private room, and seats at the bar. Still, it's not that big, so expect to be sat with another Chosen should the seats start filling up. The menu consists of your normal bar fare and plenty of drinks, but the staff (and Dazai himself) will discourage any damage done to the bar itself. If you're going to be violent to each other, that's fine (though certain members of the staff might step in) -- just don't break the bar! There are some board games and decks of cards, as well as a beat-up old stereo that some might recognize as the same kind of tech as the tablets. An early 2000s MP3 player seems to be plugged into it at the moment, playing an assortment of classical music. If anyone chooses to mess with the music, they'll find a mix of J-Pop, electronic, and some non-Japanese music in addition to the classical playlist it's programmed with. The intent is for a cool, somewhat relaxing atmosphere, but considering the people involved, that may not last too long...

[This is a mingle for the duration of the event! Surely gathering all the people suffering from corruption in one place won't cause any problems. This is of course not at all mandatory -- while Dazai recommended people come to Lupin if they fear they might lose control, no one is going to collect them and bring them here. Damaging each other should any of the more aggressive characters decide to fight is perfectly fine, but should it look like damage to the bar will be done, staff will step in to either break up the fight, or force them outside into the cold.

Further reference photos for Bar Lupin: 1, 2.]

Comments

[orphne]

[Kotone's been working hard on her bartending skills over the past few months, and is finally somewhat passable as a bartender! Her knowledge isn't limitless, and she has to refer to a notebook she keeps in her apron pocket to double check, but she's working hard on making sure that she can prepare drinks to anyone's liking. She doesn't really care if anyone's underage, but she does care if anyone starts getting messy with it -- she's not afraid to cut anyone off if they're looking like they'll raise a ruckus!]

Hey! Welcome to Bar Lupin!

[But she'll still greet people coming in with a bright smile -- honestly, she's acting like everything's normal, and this isn't meant to be a refuge for people having a hard time.]

What can I get you?

[During one's time at the bar, Kotone can be found hard at work, offering a cold drink, a bite to eat, a listening ear, a friendly smile, or a firm voice to knock off any violence. That firm voice might not be all that convincing coming from someone who's 5'3 in shoes, but those with a keen eye might note something suspiciously gun-shaped in a holster around her waist for easy access, and a bright green, feathery naginata behind the bar -- just in case! But should anyone need anything, she's ready to step up and step in.]

[gotbrains]

Hey there, Shiomi-san!

[ Also looking pretty chipper despite the circumstances, Adachi doesn't need much of an excuse to scoot himself into a bar seat. ]

Man, it feels like a storm shelter in here. How you holding up?

[garbagecanned]

I need a stiff drink, I think.

[says the underage teen who has only had as many drinks as he can count on one hand. but he sounds tired, as he slips into the chair across the bar from her.]

Surprise me.

pleasant boy

[murderingjustice]

[Akechi has been making regular visits to Lupin ever since the dark marks began to spread among the Chosen, just like he had promised to Kotone. Luckily, there hadn't been too much commotion among them. Except, yeah, he might've have been involved in a fight or two (foreshadowing to thread with Yu). But aside from that? All normal.

But that is about to change. The next day Akechi drops by the bar there is clearly something off with him. His tempo is a little different, it's less brisk and more carefree. He's visibly less tense. Huh.

Anyway, he sits on by the counter, placing his attache case on the seat next to him and offers Kotone a polite smile.]

Still working hard, I see. Has there been any accidents so far, Kotone?

dazai osamu lil top level - feel free to threadjack

[nullificates]

(dazai has never been one to take adversity with a straight face. he's enjoying the lively space, the voices, the music, the company. he's been a little - or a lot withdrawn lately, after all. it's his bar, so he finds no issues with stepping on the counter, hands on the sides of his mouth so it echoes his voice better:)

Hello eeeeeeeeveryone! You're welcome to stay for as long as you need, there are sleeping bags-- somewhere! We don't need to be so serious, right? So, here's what I propose! A talent show! You-- ah, you come here!

(whoever is closer is getting pulled up, so sorry, not sorry.)

Show us!

I don’t think this thread is limited to only longtime characters, but inform me if I’m wrong

[can_i_punt_it]

[The white haired man you are pulling closer appears rather confused, partially due to you grabbing him, partially due to the fact that he seems to be from the medieval era, judging from his clothing, and likely has no idea what half the things here are.] I suppose I can show you something, but can you first inform me what I am supposed to pay with? I have silver, gold and platinum coins, are those the currency in this realm?

[drugsnotclubs]

[Absolutely fucking not.]

[He'd been minding his own business, finally having a second to drink something warm, and now he's being called out by the man standing on the bar? It has the effect Dazai intended- heads turning, glancing with the curiosity of people unsure if they're about to witness a spectacle.]

No.

[Shinjiro seems to think that's good enough, because his shoulders hunch up slightly more attention pointedly turning to his drink. There is some clear underestimation of Dazai's persistence going on here.]

[baldrshand]

[Oh, well. Ethlyn did not come here because she is afflicted, and in fact does not come to Lupin's at all unless she's putting up a recruitment poster, but--! this is serendipity, possibly. Of a sort she would not have chosen. She'll roll with it.]

Ah! Hello, everyone! It's not really a talent--but I did come here to talk to everyone! Because we're working very hard on a treatment for the affliction. So if anyone wants to help, come to the Willow Clinic! And we also have some medicines that help with the discomfort!

[She smiles at Dazai. It's lucky she's been taught not to be nervous in front of groups of poeple she doesn't know well.]

There! Does that suffice?

[earnedmystripes]

[Dazai may come to regret this.

See, the thing about superheroics being broadcasted as part of a reality TV show that also involves things like performing in choreographed specials and such means that Kotetsu isn't incapable of doing a set of some kind on a stage. The problem is putting him up on that stage without making him rehearse such a routine, choreographed by an actual professional, for days if not weeks in advance.

So when he's all but dragged to the makeshift stage, there's a moment of frozen, uncomfortable silence, before Kotetsu decides to just go ahead and give it his best shot.

Unfortunately, his best shot is ... .... ....... the robot. He's just up there doing the fucking robot. Including the robot noises. Beep. Bop. Boop.

He is not even a little bit sorry.]

ota;

[laserguy]

[Here to talk to one energetic, or at least somewhat sociable Scott Summers?

Well, he's not here today. Instead, Scott is slumped over the bar, with what it appears to be a glass of untouched water by his side. While he doesn't look completely dead to the world, there's something that's still clearly exhausted about him and not really with it. While it's easy assume that he may just be sick, one glance at his hands will give the correct explanation: he's been afflicted by the recent corruption travelling through the village, marks trailing up his arms until they're hidden by his sleeves.

Maybe he shouldn't be taking space at the bar, especially if other customers want to drink, but Scott doesn't look he really wants to move either, only pulling his face up from his arms when someone decides to come his way. Guess it's nice that people still want to check on him...]

...Hey.

[This is going to be a great conversation.]

[drugsnotclubs]

Hey.

[At least Scott is more responsive than the apathy syndrome victims he'd seen all over the streets back home. He lifts his head a little and everything! So hey. That's great. Shinjiro's standing on the opposite side of the counter, despite not working here (He just doesn't respect boundaries) and shoves a bowl of some sort of food directly in Scott's way.]

You look like dogshit. Eat that.

[garbagecanned]

[well, Scott checked on him last month, so he's gotta do it this month. even though Yosuke's not feeling the greatest himself, but... maybe helping someone else out will distract him for a few minutes.

he's afflicted as well by the corruption at this point, but his isn't as easily visible as most. his starts at his hips and curls around his body until it reaches his shoulders... but the turtleneck he's sporting covers all of that.]

Hey. You're sick too, I see.

[he nods to his hands, indicating them.]

Kinda sucks, doesn't it?

[murderingjustice]

[Akechi had been eyeing Scott from the distance ever since he arrived. The young mutant clearly wasn't feeling well, and Akechi could already guess the reason. The exhaustion, moodiness, the need to hide his hands. He had been infected by the epidemic. Well, at least he had the common sense to withdraw to Lupin, which had become sort of a haven for those with dangerous abilities. Good job, Scott.

He makes his way to the counter, wanting to order himself a cup of coffee. He glances at the sulky teen and motions at the bartender with his hand, signaling it to make two cups.]

Here. [He says, moving the second cup of hot beverage in front of Scott. His voice is calm and.. almost warm?] You'll feel better after drinking it. I can guarantee it.

yu narukami | ota

[izanagis]

i, safe haven
[His first problem is that he hasn't been worrying about losing control. It's a little ironic, maybe, that the thought hasn't crossed his mind, with the way he's been acting lately...but all the same, some part of him feels confident that he has everything under control. This is, perhaps, a vast overestimation of his capabilities right now.

It's not hard to tell that he's been affected by whatever is causing such a panic; black mars both hands, even brushing in small trails up past his collarbones, just barely peeking out through the top of his shirt. In spite of that, he-- isn't entirely sure how he feels about being here. No wonder Mikey holed himself up, he thinks, with the tangle of feelings buzzing in his chest. He doesn't know what to do with any of it, so instead, he focuses on the surroundings. Board games, music...he exhales, a somewhat amused expression tugging at his features.]

This seems almost more like a party than a contingency plan.

[Not that that's a bad thing. It's just that some of them, him included, don't make for great company right now.]

ii, end of the night
[Somehow he ends up volunteering himself to help clean up at the end of the night. Habit, maybe; he doesn't work at Lupin as regularly as some others, but he's there from time to time, cleaning up or ferrying orders to tables. So this is familiar. Familiar is good.

Right now, he's bussing dishes into a big container before taking them back to the kitchen. Or he was, until someone who isn't looking runs into him and knocks the container out of his hands. There are a few concerning crash! sounds as it hits the ground.]

Hey. Watch it.

[It's not as much flying off the handle as some others, maybe, but it's certainly not the easygoing way he usually talks to people.]

2

[garbagecanned]

[he's been trying to keep his mind off things, too. it's hard, especially now that he's got his own marks starting to form around his hips and up his back. at least they're still easy to cover up for now, but on the flipside to Yu being on edge, he's just tired. sad. thinking too much about what happened on that damn island.

so. he's trying to keep busy. being still invites thoughts and he doesn't like thoughts.

he's helping with the dishes when he hears the crash and notices Yu. he hurries away to put up his own handful before he comes to help clean up the mess.]

Hey, they didn't mean to. It was just an accident, Yu.

[his tone is even a little subdued at the moment.]

ii;

[laserguy]

[Scott's spent most of his evening being relatively anti-social, but he's definitely stayed until the night, mostly because he's supposed to be here or something. In case the corruption gets him, or he starts losing control and he gets it, he thinks it's a good idea too, but it doesn't really make things easier for him. His mood's still tanked as well. Seeing his friends afflicted too doesn't help either, this doesn't seem like a 'we have something to bond over now' moment.

Maybe all that's why he wasn't really watching where he was walking.

He stumbles back from the collision, dully wincing when all the dishes fall to the ground. At least they're in a container, so hopefully the damage isn't too bad, but Scott pulls his focus from the dropped items to stares at the irritated look on one of his good friends.]

...Sorry.

[It's pretty much all Scott offers, his hands still buried in the pockets of his jacket.]

2

[murderingjustice]

[It's less of a running into and more of accidental bumping. Akechi is focusing on his tablet, reading the message from Akira, who had accidentally forgotten something at the backroom of Lupin. It's just that carelessness accompanied by simmering irritation that makes him not pay attention and---]

Ow-- hey! [Akechi growls, showing some of his teeth as he quickly steps back, to prevent the container hit his toes.] That's my line, idiot.

Shinjiro; OTA Thoughout corruption event! Hit me with whatever.

[drugsnotclubs]

[Want something specific? Hit me up! PM, or at soozaphone or ping me on the Expi disco server! Happy to hash out anything specific you want. Anyway, general starter below!]

Part time bouncer, full time exhausted
[This might be one of the first times in his life he hasn't been worried about being the one to lose control. The corruption had been spreading steadily in Aldrip, sending people spiraling in despair or madness, and yet he's managed to avoid the tell-tale stains of black creeping up the fingers and toes. Whether it's finally a spot of good luck or just dumb chance, who knows, but he won't second-guess it.

Thought that does mean that he's one of the ones capable of looking after others who had been more affected: whether that means making sure the weirdly-quiet, downtrodden Mitsuru is actually eating something and being upright, or grabbing someone getting too aggressive by the back of their coat and hauling them to Dazai if needed-- there's plenty of work to go around, even for those who don't actually work here.

So what are you doing here? Decompressing during a quiet moment between happenings? Causing a ruckus yourself and needing someone to step in? Needing someone to grouch at you until you finally fucking eat something, you corruption-depressed asshole? Shinjiro will be all over the bar: checking in on the people he knows, desperately trying to find 5 minutes peace, or even (if you're really lucky,) making breakfast or something.]

[garbagecanned]

[after Shinji finishes pulling apart his latest fight, Yosuke raises an eyebrow as he walks by him.]

I think you're a little too good at that.

[Yosuke himself would've gotten pulverized by those two people.]

You do that often at home?

After said corruption

[whatsamada]

[As Ken was looking at the bar, all he could do was stand in a corner and look downward. It was already difficult to look at his teammates after everything that happened, he didn't want to deal with the aftermath. After what Kotone heard what he did to Shinjiro, he suddenly found himself being grounded and doing chores around the bar.

Was he happy to do this? No, not at all. Was Mitsuru going to be upset that he was suddenly taking time away from his studies to do this? Perhaps. For now, he could do was just sigh as he just didn't what to look at Shinjiro.]

rocks up here a week late-

[orphne]

Hi, Senpai!

[During one of his few breaks, Kotone comes by and plops into the seat beside him, setting her tray down on the table. There are two drinks and a bowl of simple mixed nuts as a snack, but it's better than nothing, right? She'll deal with getting real food as soon as she's sure she's not going to be right back on her feet to bus a table.

In spite of the exhaustion rimming her eyes, she manages a genuine smile up at him as she pushes one of the brightly-colored, fizzy drinks toward him.]

I made this for you! Cranberry juice and soda water. To say thanks for your help.

[murderingjustice]

[Akechi only barely avoids the last person flying through the door, courtesy of Lupin's newest bouncer. Seems like it is another busy night, huh. Well, good thing that Shinjiro has taken this job seriously. No doubt thanks to Kotone's efforts.

Akechi makes his way inside the Lupin, flashing an amused grin at Shinjiro. However, unlike the previous times, it doesn't seem to have the sardonic undertones, no condescending spark or anything. ]

I see it is a rather rowdy evening. Makes me wonder whether it's safe to come in at all.

mitsuru kirijo ❄️ ota

[icequeenly]

[ The redhead sitting at the table furthest away from everyone else and very much closest to the door is definitely Mitsuru Kirijo, it's just that everything about her is distinctly off right now. She's withdrawn, pensive and she seems in no hurry to speak to anyone.

The fact that she hasn't even taken note of the fact that the bar she's found herself in appears to be referencing the famous French Maurice Leblanc character is evidence in itself that she's not herself. The black marks on her skin are the real giveaway though. She's well covered up due to the cold weather, but where her bare skin is visible they are clearly covering her hands and are now growing slowly more visible on her neck too.

Someone or someones - she didn't take note of who- has plonked a drink and something to eat in front of her, neither of which she's taking much notice of. She occasionally swirls the contents of the glass or picks idly at the food without taking any kind of real bite out of it, her gaze fixed on the door as if she would rather be anywhere else right now.

She doesn't appear to take much notice of anyone who approaches or gets near her unless they address her directly. ]

[drugsnotclubs]

[Mitsuru's been Too Malaised for Shinjiro to worry about losing control of any abilities or starting fights-- but honestly, bringing her to the bar had just been easier. Where Kotone and others can help look after her and make sure she actually eats, let alone whatever else she might need. The spreading, corrupting rot has been evident on her limbs, but moreso on her mind, and honestly? It's really, really weird.

And with how close to the door she wants to be, it's food to have multiple eyes on her to make sure she doesn't wander out into the blizzard and decide to be an ice queen out there or sonething.

At least she's easy enough to check the progression on. Shinjiro's mostly taken to just making some absurd bullshit up and gauging her reaction to it. Like now, when he stops by the check the temperature of the food in front of her and assess how long it had been sitting untouched.]

Hey, Mitsu. I owe a guy a bunch of cash for all the cocaine we binged on last night. Think you can spot me? I blew all mine on keeping the hookers quiet.

[A completely informal nickname, (which, for all he knows, might be the worst part of that whole sentence,) illicit drug use, prostitution.... if Mitsuru had any give a fuck in her, she'd absolutely have something to say to any of that, let alone all of it together.]

Ken Amada, OTA

[whatsamada]

[It had been quite sometime since he found himself in trouble. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not since it meant that he was grounded. After being corrupted, he found himself spending more time at the bar doing chores for Kotone. Of course, he knew that there was a reason behind why she wanted him here as he was forced to spend more time with Shinjiro.

Back then, all he wanted to do was to get back at him for everything he caused him. He didn't know why, he just saw red as he wanted to punch him in the face. As he did so, he also found himself in the closet for quite a while until everything calm down.

Now here he was, spending time at the bar. And washing some dishes. Along with trying to clean the tables and the area.]

[orphne]

[He is super grounded, and his punishment is staying where Kotone can keep an eye on him. It's not even so much that she wants him to spend time with Shinji, though that's certainly part of it -- maybe seeing Shinji helping out just as much as he is will help? though she doubts it.]

Ken-kun! Can you come help me behind the bar, please?

[Even if he's not mixing drinks, there's other work to be done!]

Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, OTA

[earnedmystripes]

✪ ᴅᴇsɪɢɴᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴅʀɪᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴀᴅ

[He's not struggling with the corruption, or at least, maybe not yet. Even so, he'd felt antsy, on edge doing nothing in his little room at the inn, and he'd ultimately made his way over to the Lupin Bar, offered as a place to go for people who were struggling. Having a drink or two might make this whole situation a little easier to cope with, too.

...Or at least, that was originally his plan, before he actually got there and found himself in a bar literally full of teenagers. Is there a single adult here? He is not sure and that's got him even more uncomfortable than he was before he arrived. Should a bartender approach him, he flaps a hand uncertainly.]

Ah...just, just a soda for me. Whatever's available is fine!

[He can't just be drinking in front of all these underage kids that is setting a Bad Example.]

✪ ɴᴏᴛ ʜᴏʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ʜᴇʀᴏ ✪

[As the evening wears on, Kotetsu starts feeling less and less sure what he's actually doing here. Everything that's been happening since he arrived feels beyond him, really, part of bigger things he doesn't have context or experience for, and neither Barnaby nor any of the other heroes are here to help him figure it all out. Makes him feel a bit like a rookie again, even though he's been in his line of work for well over a decade now.

Eventually, for lack of anything better to do, he starts pacing the perimeter of the bar, looking outside windows as though expecting the strange creatures that have been around town to pop in any minute. Which probably looks really weird for some random old guy that nobody knows to be doing, and if anyone asks him about it, he nearly startles out of his skin before letting out a laugh that is entirely too loud to be genuine but by god he's going to pretend.]

Oh, I'm just! Looking for the bathroom! Had a little bit too much to drink, ahaha....

[He has been stone-cold sober this entire time, this lying loser.]

Im doing a wildcard YOU CANT STOP ME

[drugsnotclubs]

[Sometime after Kotetsu's realization that the median age of Aldrip's chosen trends Younger, and before he starts pacing, Shinjiro at least recognizes him as that guy I punched one time. How could he forget the weirdly sculpted facial hair, anyway?]

Oh, hey. Here's hoping we don't gotta hit each other today.

[It's a dry greeting he gives Kotetsu as s he walks past gim. And boy, the kid seems to have no respect for boundaries, as he just walks behind the bar despite clearly not working here. It's just to grab the kettle of coffee he'd started a few minutes ago, though. There's enough going on in this stupid bar to warrant it.

After pouring a mug for himself, he gestures with the carafe to Kotetsu.]

You need some? [A pause, then:] Or maybe not. You look ready to crawl out've your skin.

[He doesn't hide the way his eyes dip down to Kotetsu's hands, checking for any sign of the corruption, before turning back up to continue the steely eye contact.]