FEBRUARY 2021 EVENT: PART ONE

CHAPTER TWO, PART 1: A LIGHT LUNCH

Good times, great olives, Uliveto's.

INVITES AND INSISTENCES | BISQUE AND BREADSTICKS | FONTINA AND FOCACCIA | MUNDANITY AND MISHAPS

INVITES AND INSISTENCES

After a fairly low-key January, you start hearing the buzz on February 1st: The Happy Homes Association is inviting you to a luncheon on Friday! Stylishly dressed women in coats and hats are inviting everyone they know in the neighborhood, coming up and knocking on your door to invite you personally to come along. “Noon on Friday at Uliveto’s,” one of them tells you with a bright smile. “There’ll be food and drinks, and the whole community can get together and mingle a bit!”

Whether you’re home to answer the door or not, you’ll receive a small card advertising the event — it’s a fundraiser, after all, and they need your help! Pay just $3 and your food and as much as you’d like to drink are covered.

But some of the HHA members are a little more insistent, roving the neighborhood in search of anyone who’s just moved to Santa Rosita in the past few months. Their almost too-wide smiles and slightly-vacant eyes are a dead giveaway that these neighbors aren’t all at home, and they aren’t willing to take anything less than a “Yes” when they ask you if you’re coming. You’ve got to wash your hair? They know a hairdresser over at the salon on Main Street who can fit you in today. Groceries? Why, their daughter can take care of that for you in a jiffy! No excuse will fly with these Robbies; they’ve always got an answer and a way for you to make an appearance.

It won’t end once you’ve agreed, either (even if you just agree to get them off your back!). With the promise of another guest at the luncheon, the Robbies are quick to suggest that you should help them! There are so many people in the town, after all, and with more people volunteering to spread the word, they can make this the most successful fundraiser ever! (Or, well, at least the most successful since last year’s Little League candy sales!) Look, there’s another of your new neighbors over there — why don’t you go and invite them now? Your new friends from the HHA will be right here to support you and help you out!

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BISQUE AND BREADSTICKS

On Friday, February 5th, Uliveto’s is easy to find — just follow the train of cars headed to North Santa Rosita, where the restaurant sits just off of Main Street with a parking lot that’s packed full. Hopefully you’re willing to walk, because it looks like the luncheon is in full swing! But as you get closer, you see that the ladies of the HHA have things down to a science as they welcome neighbors, invite them to join one of the many tables set up in the half of the restaurant they’ve taken over, and integrate newcomers into conversation.

“Oh, hello!” one of the ladies gushes as she spots you. “I’m so glad you could make it! It’s a little cold today, but you should try the tomato bisque — it always warms me right up! Come with me and Betty can get you all set up with your meal voucher; have you ever been to Uliveto’s before? It’s just divine; the salad and breadsticks are all you can eat and the pasta — golly, my mother never even tried to outdo it. We’d just come here instead!”

Before you know it, you’ve paid your entrance and have been shown to one of the large party tables (or maybe they’re multiple tables pushed together? What restaurant normally has tables that seat 20 people?), a waitress offering you the drinks menu and asking if you’d like to start with a glass of (nonalcoholic, of course!) wine. Once she’s gone, you’ll finally get a chance to look around the interior of the restaurant. The walls are a warm yellowed beige, and fluted columns break up the space with clinging ivy and grapes hanging from planters near the top. A mural is painted on the far wall of a terrace looking out over rolling hills and vineyards, and the soft music of an accordion reaches your ears…

“You all right, hon?”

One of the ladies at your table is looking at you expectantly. Don’t forget, you’re here to mingle and socialize! Time to break out that small talk!

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FONTINA AND FOCACCIA

As the luncheon continues, you may be able to notice some of the HHA volunteers scurrying back and forth, taking turns manning the doors and the small table where Betty’s taking donations and issuing meal vouchers. Watch long enough and you’ll be able to see that all of them are ultimately reporting to three ladies who confer at a smaller table set back from all the mingling, talking amongst themselves and from time to time making notes in a small ledger.

At about half past noon, one of the women stands, calling out, “May I have your attention, please?” She has to repeat it a couple times to be heard, but after a minute or two everybody settles down. The woman nods toward all of the guests, then turns back to the table, allowing one of the women to stand and make herself known. Tall, graceful, and neat, she takes a look around the room as she speaks — does her gaze linger a moment on you?

Good afternoon, everyone. For those of you who may not know me yet, my name is Rosemary Craven, and I’m the head of our local Happy Homes Association.

A small wave of applause breaks out from some of the ladies; Rosemary seems to indulge them for just a moment before she lifts a gloved hand to quell it.

Please. I can only manage what I’m given, and the fine women of the association give me plenty to work with. Their efforts to organize this luncheon for all of us today showcase the dedication we should all strive for. Ladies, please stand and be recognized.

Today’s fundraiser is to benefit our town as Founder’s Day approaches in April. We’ve got big plans for the funds we raise — who knows? Perhaps we’ll be able to afford some yummy treats for the children. Who doesn’t love an ice cream cake?

Your generosity today makes all of this possible. You’ll forgive me for not giving you hard numbers, but I’d hate to be so gauche in such a lovely restaurant. Let me assure you, though, that the Happy Homes Association is here to help you in whatever way we can, whether that’s by helping you redecorate your homes, bringing over home-cooked meals, or teaching you some new skills — and speaking of new skills, I’d like to invite all of our new neighbors to talk with me personally if you think you might be interested in helping us out from time to time. Sewing might not be your forte, but everybody’s got something they’re good at, and we can always use the extra hands.

I’ll let you all get back to your meals. If you have any questions for me, please seek me out. I’ll be sitting just over here with Maude.

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MUNDANITY AND MISHAPS

After the luncheon, things in Santa Rosita continue on as normal. The weekend comes and goes, the work week begins, and the cold February wind blows…

But when you wake up on February 10th, some of you are missing.

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OOC INFO

Welcome to the first part of February’s event! You can use this entry to top-level for the event, but feel free to utilize the log and network communities as well. Sign-ups to have your character abducted are located here; please fill out the form provided along with any other pertinent details.

You may play with the townsfolk NPCs as necessary in your threads; non-Robbied neighbors will be cordial and happy to make small talk and will try to maintain the pleasant atmosphere. Robbies will, as always, be mindlessly optimistic and complimentary about everything—you may find that most of the Robbies have congregated at their own table and are bubbling with excitement over just about anything.

There will be a top-level posted for Rosemary below. If you would like to have your character interact with her, comment with your starter there. The mods will respond to tags for Rosemary until February 15th.

Any questions can go in our FAQ thread below. Try to check and see if your question has already been answered on the plotting thread first here.

Remember — part 2 of this event is coming February 15th!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Aziraphale spots Five by pure coincidence; he turns his head at exactly the right moment as Five breezes past, headed to the bathroom with a look on his face like he's having a Bad Time.

And that makes Aziraphale wonder, because surely a luncheon is much better than having your trauma broadcast for all to see — though his own memory of that feels fuzzy and strange, kind of dream-like despite his certainty that it did happen. It happened, and Archer and Crowley were tranquilized for being idiots, and Aziraphale had several cups of cocoa. Right? Right.

He hesitates, wondering if it'd be strange to follow Five, to offer his help again. Maybe the kid just wants to be alone. It's probably safe to assume that's what's preferred, and yet...

Aziraphale is not a great judge of anything, so he excuses himself from the company at his table to see if he can catch Five somewhere in the hall.]

[ It only takes Five a few seconds to realize he is being followed. Quickly he inhales hoping it isn't one of the Stepford Wives coming to check on him, since these women seem to want to mother hen at him, despite him not being their 'child'. He glances over his shoulder to see a familiar face. He stops dead in his tracks as a vague memory of being utterly stripped raw for the town to witness comes to mind.

Wait had he gone to the drive in? That doesn't seem right, it has only been five days since he arrived after all. But he remembers that man...no not man...angel. ]

Aziraphale?

[Aziraphale stops where he is, a little guarded, and raises a hand in greeting. The last thing he wants to do is spook anyone — goodness knows there's been enough of that to go around, lately.]

Hullo, Five. You alright?

Yeah, I'm fine...or as fine as I can be.

[ Only he's not that fine, between being stuck in a weird town with memories that are making him uncertain of just how long he has been around. And well Mrs Craven reminding him of someone back in his world doesn't really help matters. ]

[Funny how "fine" is never really "fine."

Aziraphale nods, though, understanding. Most of them — himself included — are fine, or as fine as they can be given... everything.]

Of course. I was just about to step out for some air, if...

[He trails off, gestures vaguely to the exit. It's an invitation, sort of.]

[ He simply shrugs as he glances away. He's not necessarily in the mood for company but at least Aziraphale's presence would likely deflect the Stepford Wives, since they would see him with an adult.]

Fresh air couldn't hurt.

[ He replies in as close to accepting said invitation without saying so directly. ]

[One would hope.

Aziraphale leads the way, smiling sweetly at one of the HHA members who stare at him as they walk — almost as though she's concerned they're about to skip out of the party early.]

Smoke break. Terrible habit, I know. Won't be a moment.

[ — not exactly true, but not a lie, either.

Except then he realizes he has a teenager in tow, and he offers Five a terribly guilty look once they're outside. What a bad influence he is, implying that he's taking a kid out to smoke.]

Sorry.

[ He forces a smile for the HHA member that doesn't quite reach his eyes, but otherwise says nothing. Since he's sure as long as he doesn't actually smoke no one will say anything about him hanging out with an adult who is indulging.

He simply waves off, Aziraphale's apology.]

It's fine as long as you don't actually hand me a cigarette or cigar. They won't think anything of it.

[ He shrugs, just really disliking the games he has to play with these townies. It's just so exhausting as is, but then he's stuck in the body of a kid. So that means he has to navigate that territory as well. This is the most contact he has ever had with strangers in his entire life. He moves to lean against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. The chill in the air feeling more refreshing after being in the stuffy restaurant.]

...That Craven chick feels like bad news.

[ He mutters as he expression glazes over for a moment with a far away look. ]

Mm.

[Aziraphale takes up a spot against the wall as well, half-wishing he really did bring smokes with him — but Crowley's the keeper of those, and really, it is a terrible habit. It was one thing when they were back home and still immortal (and it was still in fashion), but —

Anyway.

He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his trousers.]

Her and her little... cabal. Did you see them taking notes?

[ Five nods as he had noticed they seemed to be writing in a ledger at some points. While there is certainly a part of him that wants to know the numbers they are running. It's risky and well if Craven is anything like the Handler behind that false facade of hers, then they all might just be fucked. ]

You didn't happen to hear the names of the two ladies that were sitting with her, did you?

[ Because if they are closest to the queen bee then they are worth keeping an eye on too. ]

[A quick shake of his head.]

I didn't. I haven't been able to get close enough.

[ He lets out a thoughtful sigh as he glances up at the sky. After a moment he looks over to Aziraphale.]

You've been here a while, right? Is this really the first time the head of the HHA has shown her face?

[ He asks as he feels like someone that 'important' around here would have shown her face much sooner. Even if she didn't speak to everyone. ]

It's the first time I've seen her, but... I've not been as active in town as some of our neighbors. Call it an abundance of caution.

[Or call it "gross domesticity" — whichever.]

[ He rubs at the back of his neck as he can feel the stress related nerves and muscles twitching and pinching. He's been pretty cautious himself, so he gets it. Though his caution can be labeled more paranoia than anything else. ]

Trying to keep yourself off their radars then?

[Aziraphale breathes out a sigh. He's already blown his own cover — several times — so he might as well come clean on some of the specifics.]

Mortality is something of a new experience for me.

[What he means is: I don't want to die here.]

[ Right. Angel. Yeah, he still remembers that part of their conversation. Bits and pieces coming back to him and confusing him because the time frame doesn't feel right. Just another thing about this place he doesn't like. ]

Ah. For me, losing time, is a bit of a new experience. I'm not someone who loses track of time easily.

[ His internal chronometer was always spot on, that was something hardwired into his very DNA. But this place throws it off and it disturbs him greatly. ]

No?

[That earns him a curious look.]

Was that... something they taught in school, or...?

[Because like, what kid talks about keeping track of time like they're proud of it?]

[ He frowns as that is a bit of a complicated question that doesn't have the easiest of answers. ]

I was home schooled by my actual father, not the fake father I have here and he was pretty rigorous with his training regimens.

[ His fake parents are something else, but got an understanding, so it works out. He sighs as he decides to bite the bullet and tell Az bit more about himself.]

I was born with the ability to manipulate time and space. So it's definitely not normal for me to lose time. It just doesn't happen. At least it didn't before I woke up here.

[Now that's interesting. Aziraphale perks up a little, like he's heard something familiar — because he has. His powers don't sound exactly the same, but what are miracles if not manipulations of time and space?]

I think I mentioned to you that I recently got — something back. A power. It's teleportation. Have you felt your ability return at all...?

[ Five's back stiffens as the mention of Aziraphale getting his teleportation back. Lightly Five shakes his head as he attempts to suppress his jealousy. What he wouldn't give to have his powers back. He hates the disconnect so much. ]

No...being able to teleport again would very much come in handy right about now.

[ He sighs, fighting down that bitter feeling in his chest. ]

It has its limits. I can't... go anywhere outside of Santa Rosita. I've tried; I either wind up somewhere else in town or nothing happens at all.

[All it's really come in handy for recently is messing with Archer.]

Perhaps it'll come back to you, in time.

[ Five does file that bit of information away just in case he does get his powers back. But he's been known to use his ability get information and other things he might need, so personally he might be willing to test the boundaries within Santa Rosita if given the opportunity. ]

What about places in town? Have you tried any of the buildings of interest around here?

[ The ones that might hold answers as to why they are here? Is what he is hinting at, but he knows better to state the names of said buildings out loud.]

...no.

[He's clearly reluctant to admit it.]

I ought to, I know that.

[The but goes unsaid: But I'm scared.]

[ Five frowns at that, but he doesn't immediately speak as he thinks things over. He's not without fear for their situation but he's pragmatic enough to know that he's going to have to take some risks if he wants some answers. ]

At some point you will have to decide what is an acceptable risk to take around here. Some times calculated risks are going to be needed to get any where.

[ Which means he's not going to give Aziraphale a hard time for not investigating, but he hopes he will change his mind at some point.]

[Whose stupid idea was it to invent humans?

Five is right, though. Aziraphale's silence and resigned look say as much.]

I arrived here alongside someone from my world. Someone I... care for rather deeply. If something happened to either of us, and the other was left alone here...

[He's not going to bother finishing that sentence, because the only words that feel fitting would sound either overdramatic or crazy. Or both.]

FEBRUARY 2021 EVENT: PART ONE

CHAPTER TWO, PART 1: A LIGHT LUNCH

Good times, great olives, Uliveto's.

INVITES AND INSISTENCES

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BISQUE AND BREADSTICKS

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FONTINA AND FOCACCIA

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MUNDANITY AND MISHAPS

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OOC INFO

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