cuddlecity | EVENT: HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INN

Entry tags:

EVENT: HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INN

EVENT: HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INN.

It's another beautiful day here in Cadelle... The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and with the dissipation of those pesky ghosts, the city finally feels at peace. Well, with the exception of the sound of construction equipment in the center of the city, just beyond the newly painted walls of Gamma Building. What could possibly be causing all that ruckus? Will it ever stop?

The answer comes as the clock strikes half past ten: yes, for a brief interlude, the sounds of jackhammers and shovels and those particularly annoying 'I'm backing up a two-ton piece of equipment' beeps will finally hush, and for a very good reason. Should you venture outside to learn more, or should you simply follow the tantalizing smell of food — why is it that free food smells so good? — you might find out why.

On a podium just outside the construction zone, Mayor Drake and key members of the Housing Committee are speaking, both to members of the press and any citizens or volunteers who may have come to witness this auspicious, if not a little sudden, occasion. You see, to meet the growing needs of the city's new volunteer program, it's now high time for breaking ground on the new Delta Building, set to be located within the Residential District. It's a lovely speech, and Mayor Drake delivers it as flawlessly as one would expect from a seasoned politician, though it's regrettably cut short by the sound of a crash in the distance.

No need to worry, it's likely just a dropped piece of equipment. Nothing major. Continue enjoying the refreshments; the administration will surely return momentarily.

Of course, it's never quite that simple, is it? By the time Mayor Drake and her entourage return to the stage, the pained look that's spread across each face is nearly impossible to miss. Though their explanations are short, the message is clear: there's been a mistake, and it's a big one. A pipe has been ruptured, you see, the result of a regrettable accident by a distracted construction worker — but can you really blame him? Look at how beautiful Mayor Drake looks in that autumn light! — and the build has been, if you'll pardon the pun, ground to a halt.

Needless to say, the impromptu press conference (and its supply of free food) is quickly cancelled and cleaned up, and residents are urged back to their daily lives with clipped, polite haste. It might feel a bit reminiscent of the last natural disaster, but surely a little construction slip-up can't cause too much damage. Right?

You sweet, sweet summer child. Have you learned nothing over the last few months? Of course it can. The burst pipe, while less of a natural disaster and more the result of human error, proceeds over the next few hours to spurt out gallon after gallon of water into the area, eventually leaving the residential buildings' common area first floor and most of the surrounding garden spaces completely flooded by the time the water's finally turned off. While the buildings are technically inhabitable, getting up to your room might require a bit of a swim... so it seems, yet again, it may be time to look for another place to stay?

Luckily, you've got options.

▸ Feel free to take advantage of that recently re-introduced relocation bonus to find a new place to call home sweet home. Whether you opt for a townhouse in the center of the city, a trendy loft near the club scene, or something a bit more reclusive away from it all, there's something for everyone just waiting to be discovered.

▸ If you're more of the social type, or not quite in the mood to dive into the real estate scene, why not let the city take care of you (again) while things get cleaned up? This time, thankfully, no one's being sent to summer camp — the city's local hotels have spared as many rooms as possible to ensure there's plenty of accommodation for anyone who might need it. (And don't worry, rooms are paid for by the city, and there's a per diem included to help off-set the costs of having to order out or in all your meals (what suffering), and plenty of places to kick back and relax.)

▸ Beach bums may enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and no-frills approach of the Sunset Inn, located just steps from cool white sands and lapping tide. While many of the rooms lack basic amenities — there's no wifi, for starters, and the air-conditioning is so-so at best — the windows open out towards the ocean, providing an unbeatable view and a bit of ocean breeze as a bonus. And, true, there's no heated pool or stylish lounge to relax in, but there are plenty of beach chairs to curl into and a nightly bonfire to snuggle up around, so how bad could it be?

▸ Those looking for more convenience and less atmosphere may prefer the business-friendly Central Suites. The name may be uninteresting, but the hotel is... well, if we're fair, it's also a bit uninteresting. However, and perhaps more importantly to some, it's clean and quiet and the rooms offer plenty of space for discerning professionals on a budget. Efficiency kitchens, small office spaces, and reasonably comfortable beds are available in each room, and there's a convenience store in the lobby with almost anything one could need last-minute. It's run on the honor system — and prominently displayed (though likely defunct) surveillance cameras.

▸ Of course, in a city like Cadelle, there's always a third, more exciting option, and leisure accommodations are no exception. For displaced volunteers in need of more getaway and less everyday, feel free to claim a room at the Hotel Ballroom. That's right, the scene of the recent Samhain Ball has been kind enough to release a few floors of its most popular guest accommodations in the wake of this unfortunate accident. The plush rooms are notoriously pricey, and the amenities list is equally reverent — from hot tubs to heated pools, concierge service to complimentary breakfast, and a variety of room service and pay-per-view options (yes, even those ones), there's plenty to keep guests entertained.

Regardless of which accommodation you choose, the city hopes this short deviation from the norm won't disrupt your routine too much, and that you enjoy your time in your new home-away-from-home (away from home). Feel free to enjoy the amenities... just like everyone else.

It's normal for hot tubs to be overcrowded, isn't it? And for elevators to break down every now and again when they're suddenly put to use after resting so long? The city certainly hopes you'll be understanding of any such... shall we say, unintended consequences.

Heeeey there, cuddlers. What's that saying again? No rest for the wicked, blah blah blah? As you can tell, there's been yet another accident here in the city of love and brotherhood, and the city's doing their very best to handle it like the Experienced and Capable administration they are. In the meantime, though, we hope you'll have fun exploring some of our newest tourist destinations and all they have to offer.

Feel free to choose the accommodations of your choice — or not choose, if your character's a stubborn sort who'd rather wade through waist-high water to get to the barricaded staircase than stay in a free hotel room for two weeks — and enjoy any and all shenanigans therein. As alluded to in the prompts, each hotel has its pros and cons, though you're welcome to play with the settings to come up with any fun (or not-so-fun) experiences for your characters. Feel free to squish a million people in a hot tub, get stuck in an elevator in a ritzy hotel, or maybe just get locked in your hotel room overnight and beg for help on the network. Whatever you're feeling, the city is your oyster.

As always, your mod team is here for you with answers to any questions you might have, whether related specifically to this event or the game in general. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST.

We hope you have a blast out there this month, cuddlers — oh, and as your mother might remind you, do try and stay dry!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Aware?

[As he might be aware of her hand still on his, and it's guiding his palm upwards to cup the bottom of her breast. An elephant in the room. Might as well let him know it's all right to touch, too.]

Of the things I do and say around you.

[ That's all he can get out because he becomes very aware of the way she's guiding his hand upwards. His eyes are squeezed shut and whatever easy breathing was hitting her ear becomes stuttered. His body is stiff, but his hand doesn't move away. His brain isn't sure what to think right now. ]

Claire.

[His tenseness makes her tense. Really, she's aiming for the opposite. So, while she doesn't push his hand any further, she does lightly run over fingers over the back of his knuckles beneath the water.]

We're naked, sharing a bath together. I think it's safe to say you can touch me where you'd like, Killian. [Because she knows he's imagined it at one point or another.] It's okay.

[ That shouldn't be the reasoning. It makes him feel strange. It makes him feel odd. He never put a lot of thought into these things before. Always scared of digging too deep and letting the voices run rampant through his mind. He tried to make good decisions, but now he wonders. ]

But do you want me to? We are indeed naked in a tub together, but I don't think that automatically gives me rights over touching your body.

I wouldn't have invited you to share a bath with me if I didn't want it to be like this.

[Just like she wouldn't have left her panties at home that night of the ball if she didn't want him to find out, to touch her.]

And you're certain you don't feel like you should? Given everything we've shared? Everything you've--done for me.

[ That was the proper way to put it. He didn't want to say too much and sound disgusting. ]

That came out wrong. What I'm trying to ask--is if you like it.

[Wait, what. Claire's hand leaves his. She doesn't move to pull his hand away, but she does scoot forward a bit--so she can turn around and look at him.]

Everything I've done for you? What, exactly, are you referring to?

[Nevermind the real question.]

[ She doesn't need to pull his hand away. The minute she scoots his hand drops away. It hits the water and his face locks down. His jaw tightens and he knows immediately he's managed to strand himself. Bloody hell. He's done it now. ]

I didn't--that's--bugger.

[ He sighs. ]

I'm sorry. It's just--you know, Claire. You can't deny that things have been very one sided. Which is alright and I understand why, but you can't expect me not to notice that always.

Do you think I find it--like some sort of chore? The things I do with you? It's not. I enjoy spending time with you. I enjoy being with you.

[The intimacy as well, even if it tears her apart inside. Jamie, for all intents and purposes, is dead. But she's here on the hope that she might have him again. The more she's with Killian, the more likely it is that can be possible.]

[ Probably never want to voice that last bit to him. Cause while he does know that's one of the reasons she's with him she does maintain the constant that she enjoys being with him. Like she's said. But deep down he knows the most important reason. That one that has her here. ]

And I enjoy spending time with you. And being with you. Gods, all I want to do sometimes is be with you.

[ His jaw tightens and then relaxes. ]

It's foolish.

[ Though it's been with him since the ball when he failed to be able to do anything for her. Try as he might. Maybe it's been eating away at him a little bit. ]

I'm sorry for upsetting you.

Killian. [She's upset, but it's not an angry upset. It's out of concern. Wet hands cup his face. She needs to keep his eyes on hers.]

I just want you to understand that this isn't... that you mean the world to me. I don't want you to feel like-this. You've been nothing but perfect to me here.

[A small smile.]

You're with me. I'm a lucky woman.

[ He feels more raw than ever like this. Not the fact that he's naked. Though maybe that does add an extra element, but it's more so that she knows. She knows he loves her. She's very aware of it. He knows it'll never be a returned sentiment. That's fine with him. He'll live in the shadow of James Fraser if it's what it takes to be close to Claire. There's a small hidden and dark part of him that has considered telling her that he can change shape. To give her something. ]

I could be better.

[ It comes out before he can stop himself. He shuts his eyes because he knows he's started down this bloody path. He wants to bite his tongue and stop, but he doesn't. Instead he plows forward. Like a fool. ]

I can change shape. As the Dark One. Please don't say anything yet. What I'm trying to say is that if it's me--the sight of me when we do those things you should know that I can change that. If need be. For you.

[Her hands still on his face. For a long moment, she watches him like he's speaking a language she can't even begin to comprehend. No need to hush her because there's no air in the bloody room. She gets what he means. He could look like Jamie. It could be Jamie in this bath, Jamie holding her in bed at night. Jamie making love to her.

Abruptly, her hands cover his mouth, but not before he's done.]

No.

[Now she's upset. Hurt, and it's clear in her eyes.]

Don't you ever offer that again. Do you hear me? I don't want it.

[It would break her heart beyond repair. She can't be that much of a monster to him even if some terrible, lonely, mourning part of her wants him to do just that.]

[ He's hurt her and he sees it. His face falls and whatever brave face from before simmers away. Killian's stomach drops and he tilts his head back until it hits the rim of the tub. He nods silently and his eyes divert. He's found a way to put an end to the good thing somehow. Or that's how it feels. ]

Aye. I'm sorry.

[ His voice is as small as it's ever been. ]

I'm sorry. I won't ever.

I know you have good intentions, Killian, I do. I just can't have that. I need it to be you.

[Anything else would mess with her head too much.]

Are you certain being me is doing us any favors in this department?

[ He remembers how that first night went. He was the only one to come. Then when she allowed him to touch her after the ball it went the same way. Only a little more embarrassing for him because they weren't in pitch black and she didn't flee after. She just tried to assure him it wasn't on him. But really they both knew that was a lie. ]

I'm afraid being myself might not be the ticket.

I wanted you. Each time we've... I've wanted you. [In case he didn't hear her the first time.] It's me, with the problem. I'm trying. It's why--

[She sighs, shaking her head.] You and I both know we're going to sleep together again.

[Well, she at least knows it's only a matter of time. They've spent plenty of nights sleeping in one another's arms by now, but she knows sooner or later that will turn into something more.]

And I want to do it right. I want us both to enjoy it. I don't want to cry, or make you have to go through that again. The only bumps in the road here are from me, Killian.

[ That does worry him. He wants to buck and question. Ask more. But it would only make her think he has a low opinion of her or something equally awful. He silences all of that and just listens. Trying not to shovel this onto him. Even though he knows damn well he did spring this can of worms open on the two of them. He should have just not started them down this path. Yet here they are. ]

I would just like you to know that I never--I didn't ever assume that. I would like it yes, but I would never assume that you'd want that with me. It's a lot different than fooling around on a couch.

[ He would prefer she not cry. He did sort of assume she was beyond the crying after what happened before. But maybe she's right. She should know anyways. ]

[A pirate and a gentleman. She knows he would never push for it himself, but still, she's touched. He's far too sweet.]

Do you remember when I got here, and I said I had loved you?

[ He's not sure what she's getting at here. He remembers it. He also knows that it's a different kind of love. Not the same that he feels. Certainly not anything like Jamie. ]

Aye.

I did, in Eudio. For a very long time. And I still do. More now, maybe. I know it's not what you'd like, but I hope you know that there's nothing wrong with you. I always want to know that I'm with you.

[She takes a breath.]

Always.

[Even when they sleep together.]

[ It's alright if it'll never be like he'd want. That's more than alright. It's not her fault. It's no one's. Except for maybe his own. He let himself get to this point. Hopeless. Unavoidable. ]

Alright. [ He smiles. ] Thank you.

[ It's entirely possible that one day he can give her something back. He'll just have to be patient and learn not to keep seeing it as one sided. ]

[They're both a bit sore and tender from this. So much for a nice bath with some casual breast groping. There's still a chance to save it, though. Claire grabs the sides of the tub so she can scoot herself towards him, her chest to his. It puts quite the curve in her spine, but it's worth it to be able to press a kiss to his lips and wrap her arms around him.]

[ This is likely the closest they've been to one another or to how that night was. Naked. The two of them. Together. Though when they kissed it was because Claire was silencing him. Cutting out the bits that were him that night to keep whatever memory of Jamie she had. It's very different now. He knows that much.

Killian lets out a groan and his hand cups her cheek. His stump slides down her back as he leans into the kiss. He always does seem to melt into her. ]

[It's a little strange to feel a lack of a hand on her back, but she's not about to comment on it. Better to just kiss him, letting out a soft sound of her own.]

Tell me something you'd like to do together.

EVENT: HOTEL MOTEL HOLIDAY INN

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)