route_1065 | PROM, DAY ONE: THE PROM-ENING

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PROM, DAY ONE: THE PROM-ENING

Who: EVERYONE
Where: Scenic Tohjo Falls!
When: Friday, April 4
Summary: THIS IS THE LOG FOR DAY ONE OF POKEPROM! That means this is your RED-CARPET GALA, so put on your showstopping couture and go have a blast!
Rating: May vary by thread, please mark accordingly!
Log:

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☆ YOU ARE HERE ☆

KEY:

• BLUE areas are where the bulk of the party's events will be located! As you can see, the festivities will be taking place largely outdoors, and the grounds will reflect that; there'll be the usual decorations of pretty floral arrangements, little lights, things like that. Think upscale garden party! There'll also be a ballroom indoors for more traditionally fancy red-carpet goings-on, but most of the action (and volume of guests) will be found mingling out back.
• GREEN areas are where guests will be staying overnight! Unfortunately, you'll be sleeping-bagging it up, since there's a limited amount of bedrooms in this house and they're all being occupied by Clair, Lance, the Elite Four, and guests who are regrettably way more important than you. However, this is where you'll be given space to leave your possessions, claim some sleeping room, and generally crash for the night once the festivities do you in. (Note: you're welcome to try to sleep elsewhere, but Clair might catch you and disapprove. You don't want that, do you?)
• RED areas are unfortunately off-limits to guests! If asked about them, anyone will tell you that those are the rooms and areas that the Elite Four (and their special guests) have claimed for themselves, and they're sealed off tight. Please don't try to break into them anyway; you'll only be caught and punished.

• AREA A is the designated Indoor Ballroom area, for the people who prefer the classy elegance of a formal red-carpet gala over the more whimsy outdoor garden party atmosphere in the back. There's a big skylight, hardwood floors, tasteful artwork, and classy music — a little more upscale than the shenanigans going on outside, for the people who'd rather that kind of thing.

• AREA B will be the area of interest for anyone hoping to sneak a little Pokemon research on the side: this is the Library/Gallery area of the house. While most of it is your standard "tall shelves of ancient identical books" fare, there are a few points of interest — we've detailed them further right here. Guests are welcome to look around a little, but burying themselves in research the whole time will be highly frowned upon, and you'll be politely encouraged to leave the library alone and go rejoin the festivities if you hole up in there for too long.

• AREA C is...well, the Parking Lot. More importantly, it's where you take your Pokemon battles if you simply gotta get your battle on; keep it out and away from the house, please, and try not to make too much of a mess. Skirmishes, sorties, and sparring will be tolerated here and here alone. Do it anywhere else and you'll be facing some very displeased hosts.

• AREA D is the Elite Four's Trophy Room. Please be quiet and respectful if you come up here to have a look around; it's a solemn kind of place. Here you'll find various collections of badges, ribbons, awards, and trophies put on display, with one wall devoted to each member of the Elite Four. There are also pictures of the Elite Four members themselves, though it seems there's been a changeover since the last prom; the candids and Official Portraits™ depict different people entirely now (with the exception of Bruno) and there are a few photos of some sort of ceremony among the others. These photos include Lance being declared Champion of both regions by Professor Oak, while the rest of the Elite Four look on; Lorelai hugging Will and Karen immediately after their promotion to Elite Four; Agatha and Koga having an exhibition battle between her Gengar and his Crobat; all six of them piling into the frame for what amounts to a massive group selfie, etc.

☆ IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER: ☆

• This post is for threads taking place on DAY ONE of Prom, which means this is the RED-CARPET GALA! Only threads taking place on Friday, April 4 should go in this log!

• We recommend putting your character's location in the header of your comment, or if you're doing multiple locations in the same comment, mark them clearly so people can find you more easily!

• Once you've posted your top-level comment(s), make sure to go to Our PokéProm Masterpost Directory and link to it on the proper day and location, so we can find you more easily!

• The Masterpost Directory is also where we'll be linking the Special NPC Guest Stars' threads, so make sure to keep checking back there for links to their threads!

~

THE POKÉPROM MASTERPOST DIRECTORY

THE ORIGINAL INFOPOST | QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES HOTLINE | DAY TWO: THE LOG | DAY THREE: THE LOG

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well, it's fortunate that they're off to the side of the dance floor, so the sudden stop doesn't bother anyone else; Kato doesn't really mind, however. He didn't actually expect Dist to look quite so...guilty. Although, admittedly, he's a bit more expressive than the average person. But that's what he likes! All that excellent passion about everything (especially evil deeds).

Plus, the two most famous scientists back in his world (apart from him, of course!!) are an angsty dude who wants robots to rule the planet because PEOPLE SUCK (yikes) and his idiot former boss who falls over a lot (and whom he kind of tried to blow up). Hardly stellar examples.

Honestly, Dist is like a breath of fresh air.]

It's alright, Dist; I'm hardly upset.

[And he isn't - he still has that vaguely amused look on his face. Admittedly, it's not all that different from his usual expression, but at least there's no traces of his trademark arrogant smirking.]

It's good we're talking about this - I now know not to be so blasé about that topic, and you know I don't mean it negatively.

[Reaching out, Kato gently runs his thumb along Dist's jaw, smiling softly.]

So cheer up, okay? The night is still young, after all.

[Kato not being mad about it definitely reassures Dist. That's one of Kato's traits that he really likes, too. Kato doesn't seem to let a lot get to him (...small exceptions for idiotic people and Pokemon and plans going awry of course), and has a lot of patience when it comes to dealing with small kinks in their relationship. With Dist basically being the exact opposite, touchy and easy to work up, Kato's cool demeanor helps Dist calm down much quicker than usual.

Maybe this is what Dist needed all along: a calming partner.

A small smile replaces the frown on his face.]

Yes, you are exactly right. About everything, I mean. [He slides his other arm under Kato's arm so he's supporting him from the back.] Let's begin again, properly this time. I promise I won't be making any more missteps tonight.

[And not just the dancing kind, of course.]

[Very few things actually manage to rile Kato (although his Pokemon are becoming better and better at it....), and this little tiff is no exception to that rule. He's just glad everything seems to have smoothed itself over; he was actually rather enjoying that dance, after all.

Continuing to smile (although admittedly, there is a bit of a smirk in there now...), Kato returns his hands to their original positions.]

You're sure you don't need me to lead?

I am absolutely sure.

[Have a little faith, Kato!

Now that he's calmed down considerably, Dist is able to put all his concentration into their dance. He starts out with small steps, and when he feels that Kato is following well enough, he moves onto something slightly more complex. It's still just a basic Waltz which is about as much as Dist's capable of, but hey, they're looking very nice for any spectators.

Once they've gotten into a good rhythm, Dist breaks his concentration to look at Kato instead of over his shoulder.]

You caught on quick, as expected. I'm glad we both have enough skill to do this; I never thought I would say this about dancing of all things, but I'm really enjoying it.

[He has all the faith in the world in you, Dist, don't you worry~! Regardless, he must admit that he's pleasantly surprised by all this.]

It's actually rather fascinating how something that sounds so simple in theory can be so difficult in practice; I've seen many highly intelligent people struggle terribly with dancing. You really have to have a knack for it.

Fortunately, we appear to be rather blessed.

[Not that that's any surprise, because we're perfect. Duh.]

Just how long did you spend practicing, hmm?

I actually spent a fair amount of time practicing. As I said, I don't dance very often. The last time I did was at last year's prom, and before that, well...it likely had to have been years.

It's not something that comes naturally to me, but...I do agree that I feel blessed in the fact that I can actually get a grip on the steps after practicing.

[He's surprised at himself for actually being truthful about this for the most part, but he's still not going to go into detail about how badly out of practice he was and that he had to spend at least an hour practicing a day for a couple days leading up to prom. Because he needs to maintain at least some of his dignity. DANCING AND RHYTHM IS SO HARD...

On the flipside, Gale is now also pretty decent at the basic Waltz from Dist using her as a practice partner. Go figure.]

But look at you, you caught on right away. I must admit, I'm a little envious. Do you know any particular steps you'd like to show off...?

[Because this is as much as Dist is going to be able to give, unfortunately.]

[Shaking his head, Kato laughs softly.]

I must be a better actor than I thought - this is actually taking up quite a bit of my focus. That comment about dancing being more difficult in practice than theory was spoken from experience, you know.

[And really, this seems like the most appropriate step to go with - he can't see the more hoity-toity guests in here being too impressed if they spontaneously go into a tango, anyway.]

So don't worry; I'm not about to break into a Charleston~

[...really, that would be kind of terrifying.]

Besides...this is more than enough. Thank you for going to the effort for me.

[Holy shit, Dist, you might actually be getting a genuine smile. Well done!]

[Dist is definitely surprised by that.]

I didn't get that impression at all. It seems you had me fooled.

[He's legit impressed, too. Damn Kato, you're actually getting him inspired to get better in all areas!

Sadly, the Charleston joke is lost on him. He's from a different planet and while there are similar dances, like one similar to the Waltz that they're doing now, others just didn't carry over. He'll just have to be spared from the terrifying mental image of Kato doing the Charleston for now.

But Kato's smile will definitely get good reception from him though! Being able to dance with his partner is great enough, but seeing Kato smile like that assures Dist that all the tormenting practice was completely worth it.]

You are more than welcome, Kato. Thank you for participating in this dance with me. It's been wonderful.

[Smiling himself now, he makes eye contact with Kato again as the song, as well as their dance, begins to wind down.]

You look so lovely when you smile like that. It's such a shame that you don't get a chance to show it more often.

[The tables have turned, apparently...]

[.....

...heeeeeeeeey

He sees what you are doing here, and it isn't going to work!

...a-although]

Well...thank you.

[The compliment actually makes Kato pause for a moment because it's...well, it's been a long time since someone has complimented him on something properly, in such an innocent sort of way. He does a perfectly good job of complimenting himself, but it's...well, it's different when someone else does it. For some reason, it's a tad overwhelming.

Dammit, Dist, what are you doing to him?! He's the one who is supposed to be flustering you, not the other way around!]

...

[Hmmm. Maybe he should try this...smiling thing more often. He wasn't even aware he was doing it! Isn't a smirk the same thing? Maybe he should try smirking less...if that's possible...

Although if you think you've won this little competition you're in for a shock, honey.]

May I do something?

[Who said this is a competition? Dist is just being considerate and honest!!

...

But he can totally tell you're trying to pokerface while being flustered, Kato. Winning.]

Ah, of course. Go ahead.

[They've come to a stop now, and Dist is prepared to let Kato go so he can do whatever he needs to do. It's safe to say he's not sure what to expect here.]

[Excuse you, his poker face happens to be excellent!

...well alright it's pretty crap when he's legitimately worked up, so let's just...move on from that. Regardless, his expression has slipped back into that usual smug indifference, although there's definitely a devious glint in his eye.

He has a plan.

Without shifting his hand from Dist's back, Kato gently pulls him closer so that he can slide his other up to his neck; as he does so, he lightly pushes Dist's chin up and kisses him.

Somewhere in his head he registers that it's their first kiss, and it's something he'll dwell on later. For now, despite their banter, it's...surprisingly nice, and he realises it's been a while since he's kissed someone he was legitimately fond of.

It's still chaste, however, and Kato only holds it for a few seconds longer before shifting away so he can whisper in Dist's ear:]

Thanks for the dance.

[What was that about winning, hmm~?]

[See, Dist was expecting that Kato just wanted to go get another drink or something now that they're done with the dance. So his eyes definitely widen in confusion when all of the sudden he's being pulled close.

It all happens so quickly, he barely has a chance to register what Kato's doing until it just happens.

While most of his freaking out is internal because holy shit he's being kissed how does he even react, it does present itself physically too. Much like with the kiss on the cheek Kato gave him, he tenses up quite a bit, shakily clutching Kato's jacket where he was previously holding him for support in the dance.

Is this seriously happening right now.]

[He basically has to force himself to calm down so he can actually enjoy the kiss, but he does finally do it moments before Kato pulls away. He allows himself to close his eyes, loosen his embrace on Kato and take it all in, and it feels really great to be honest. So this is what a real kiss is like...

Moments later he's back in reality, listening to Kato's gentle whisper and...wow, they just had their first kiss in front of all these people, didn't they? That definitely just happened. Like...he's pretty sure he just heard a clap somewhere out there. Oh god.

He just...lowers his head onto Kato's shoulder so he can hide how badly his face is flushed right now.]

Y-You're welcome.

[He'll get to commenting on that kiss...just give him a moment...

Yeah uh, you win Kato.]

[...honestly, Dist, either you really really like him or you've never been kissed before, because that was quite the reaction. It's a total ego stroke, of course, but he...wow. He wasn't quite expecting that.

He's very pleased, however, and will laugh softly as you try to hide that rather prominent blush against his shoulder. We even got applause! He told you you were cute~]

Looks like we've made quite the scene - we should do that more often.

[If it isn't obvious, he's not talking about the dancing.

...and once again, it's fun to fluster you, of course. But you're more than free to take your time pulling yourself together; he'll even start playing with your hair as you do so.

It's been a rather good night, all things considered.]

[It's a combination of both, really. It was Dist's first proper kiss. And said kiss being given from someone he really likes, well...it's overwhelming. Very overwhelming.

He makes a pathetic whining sound in response to Kato's comment about kissing in public. Oh he'll have words about that. Just you wait.

It takes him a good minute or two of standing like that and letting Kato caress his hair before he finally picks up the pieces of his shattered ego and dignity. He slowly straightens up and promptly removes his glasses to clean them. Looks like they got a little fogged up. He didn't seriously tear up while he had his head buried, did he? Good god, Dist.]

While I'm not opposed to continuing, I'd prefer to not have an audience next time.

[He doesn't look up from cleaning his glasses as he talks, but he's surprisingly put-together now. If you ignore the lingering red tint in his cheeks.

But when he's done with that and the glasses are back on, he'll offer a small smile in Kato's direction.]

...Thank you. It was very pleasant, once I overcame the shock.

[Good god, Dist]

Don't worry, I agree about the audience - although at least it made our first kiss memorable, hmm~?

[Kato watches silently as Dist puts himself back together, trying vainly to control the grin that's threatening to slide across his face. You know, he always thinks he's gotten used to you and your quirks, and then you go and do something new and even more ridiculous...it's really quite fascinating.

He certainly never gets bored while you're around - put it that way.]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself...and, ah, sorry if I flustered you.

[....

alright, now he's grinning]

Yes...yes, I suppose you're right about that.

[Dist had to think it over before finally going ahead and agreeing. It might have been very overwhelming, but there's no way either of them will ever forget it. And he likes that. Anything memorable to hold onto is good to him.

He sees that grin by the way. He sees what you're trying to pull again!! But you know what? He's not going to get worked up about it this time.

So he smirks back at Kato.]

It's quite all right. I may have gotten flustered, but the kiss was well worth it.

Now then...

[He glances across the ballroom toward the outside exit.]

Would you like to step outside for a little while? The scenery is quite lovely at night. I think you'll enjoy it, since you didn't get a chance to last year.

[Ah, now that's much better! Fond teasing is a lot more fun when the other person is in on the joke, after all. You're doing so well, Dist~]

I wouldn't mind taking a break, no - I think I've had enough dancing for a little bit.

[Nothing against your skills, of course, but he's never really been the sort to want to dance the night away. Looking at the stars sounds far more interesting anyway, even if there's a lingering frustration in his mind. Looking up at space just reminds him of home, and how easy it was to simply jump in a ship and explore said space. Maybe Metro City is out there, somewhere.

He tries not to dwell on the fact that he's feeling nostalgic about a city he tried to raze.]

Lead the way.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

PROM, DAY ONE: THE PROM-ENING

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1/2 GETTING TO USE THIS ICON ALREADY

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#WINNING

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