( OPEN ) it's party season 🎉
WHO: Anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Rodion's (
axethrows) belated birthday party.
WHERE: One of the larger karaoke bars around Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: December 1st.
WARNINGS: Alcohol… Please mark your own content accordingly!
On November 29th, Outsiders will receive the following text:
「 < FROM @ HOTTIE >
Hey there! You're officially invited to celebrate the lovely Miss Rodion's birthday. Whether you're a close friend or just looking for a reason to party, (I'm looking at you, recently cured vampire friends!) you're welcome to join in with her blessing — so long as you bring in the good vibes.
Alcohol and finger foods will be provided, but feel free to bring something extra along if you'd like! No one has ever said no to more options.
Join us on December 1st at Sakura Serenade, starting officially at 8 PM. The venue is ours for the night, and there's no need to RVSP! See you there. ✨ 」
Reiterating that characters do not need to know the birthday girl herself and that this is just a casual party mingle for all those interested.
As for arrangements that have been made for the party specifically, with party games listed in the comments:
WHAT: Rodion's (
WHERE: One of the larger karaoke bars around Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: December 1st.
WARNINGS: Alcohol… Please mark your own content accordingly!
On November 29th, Outsiders will receive the following text:
「 < FROM @ HOTTIE >
Hey there! You're officially invited to celebrate the lovely Miss Rodion's birthday. Whether you're a close friend or just looking for a reason to party, (I'm looking at you, recently cured vampire friends!) you're welcome to join in with her blessing — so long as you bring in the good vibes.
Alcohol and finger foods will be provided, but feel free to bring something extra along if you'd like! No one has ever said no to more options.
Join us on December 1st at Sakura Serenade, starting officially at 8 PM. The venue is ours for the night, and there's no need to RVSP! See you there. ✨ 」
Reiterating that characters do not need to know the birthday girl herself and that this is just a casual party mingle for all those interested.
As for arrangements that have been made for the party specifically, with party games listed in the comments:
01. VENUE
Fitting its title as the largest karaoke venue on the block, Sakura Serenade offers a spacious, vibrant setting perfect for large gatherings. Dazzling with customisable LED lighting and cutting-edge projection technology, they work in tandem to sync with music to create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.
Seating is luxurious, with plush wraparound couches providing ample space for everyone to lounge comfortably. A central open floor invites guests to dance, while barstools and cocktail tables along the perimeter offer spots for mingling and conversation.
The song library is seemingly infinite, featuring tracks from every genre imaginable with subtitles in countless languages. Have a song that "doesn't exist"? No problem. Guests can upload their custom tracks directly via their implants, ensuring no melody is left unheard.
For those seeking a quieter retreat, Sakura Serenade also features smaller, private rooms equipped with their own karaoke machines, ideal for more intimate and reflective moments as the night winds down.02. "CHAMPAGNE" TOWER
Upon entering the venue, guests are greeted by an impressive "champagne" tower, sparkling under the glow of ambient lighting. A neatly designed placard stands prominently at the base, declaring in bold letters: "Take one!", with a smaller, playful note beneath: "Or as many as you'd like."
What sets these glasses apart from the usual drinks served at the bar is their origin. The "champagne" is actually a special regain from Yuwon's (yuwon) world, perfect for guests who typically can't get intoxicated by regular alcohol or those with an uncanny tolerance. Have fun!
03. THE GREAT WALL OF POCKY
As per the birthday girl's request (well, not quite, but a certain someone has chosen to interpret it this way), nearly every flavour of Pocky imaginable has been gathered here today, all neatly arranged in rows and columns on a table at the side.
Yes, they're from the batch you're thinking about. Whether your character has caught on to their effects by now or prefers to believe they're from a fixed batch, that's entirely up to you to decide. But what better time to partake in a round of a Pocky game or two? The robot staff seem to support it as one of the host-sanctioned activities, and will even offer an explanation on how to play.04. AFTERMATH
Guests have the freedom to decide how they'd like to end their evening, whether that means stretching out on the floor for a spontaneous slumber party or taking advantage of the venue's connections with nearby hotels. The options range from luxurious accommodations to more colourful establishments, catering to a variety of budgets.
The night is yours to enjoy, and the journey home can be as adventurous as the party itself! With all the seasonal decorations now beautifully illuminated, there's plenty to marvel at along the way.( much thanks to abbie, bijou, and chrissy for ideas !! )
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it's clear that despite having been here for the better part of the evening (thanks rodya), he still looks out of his element.
he hasn't been offering a lot in terms of conversation, but his eyes do drift over to the person beside him. at the sudden declaration, he seems to pause for a moment before: ] Then, truth or dare? Which are you choosing?
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I'll go with dare?
[If they sound unsure it's because they are.]
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[ but since he is clearly here for rodya's birthday, well...
he mulls over what would be best, before he decides on something with a small nod. ]
Strike a pose. Make it cute.
[ "cute" is subjective, but he feels like rodya might like the picture. should he have mentioned he's taking one? in hindsight, this is probably a really unusual ask and the word "cute" could not sound anymore misplaced than from yuwon himself, but shh. ]
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[Not even just with the game, but in general.
The dare gives them pause, and for a moment they just stare. Something... cute?
They have a pretty good idea where this is going.]
......
[For the sake of Rodya's birthday. And because Don Quixote told them to try and smile.
Their index fingers rest just below their "chin," then draw up to their "cheeks," following the rim of their clock. It looks a little awkward cloaked, the placement not quite right, but they manage to display a strained, slightly shaky grin.]
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...
even if he's the one who said the dare, the fact that he does it... still ends up surprising him a little. he does end up hitting the button to take the photo on his oculars, but rather than the sound of shutter in his head, the exhale of humor that slips out might have been just a bit louder. ]
I can tell I made you do something you're really not used to. [ which for all intents and purposes... was the point of the game, right? is this a win? ] But, I think it turned out well. Should I send you a copy too?
[ is this teasing, or is yuwon being genuine? it's difficult to tell. ]
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I knew it.
[They're still not used to the oculars enough to have figured out how he was going to do it in advance, but they knew a picture was going to be involved somewhere.]
You're not sending it to too many people, are you?
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[ mostly curious, he asks despite the man not knowing him at all.
though, he does seem to correct it with— ] Just Rodya. I figured she enjoyed this sort of thing. [ it's an oddly neutral response. while he says the word "enjoy," there's no real enthusiasm to be found here. ] Is there someone who shouldn't see it?
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The deed's already done either way.]
No, no, it's fine. She's definitely going to get a kick out of it, that's for sure.
You're one of her friends here then?
[A silly question considering he's here at her birthday party, but they did tell her they wanted to get to know her friends.]
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but, if he says it's fine, yuwon isn't about to argue it. at his second question, he pauses for a bit. ] Yeah, something like that.
[ ... ]
I'm Kim Yuwon.
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Oh! You're Rodya's... I've actually been looking to meet you for myself.
[They straighten up and hold out a hand.]
Dante.
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it made sense now. ] ... and you worked with Rodya and Ishmael. [ more of a statement, said in reconfirmation than it is an actual question. ] I can see why you didn't choose truth now. [ it seems like there was a lot within the city they weren't allowed to speak on, after all.
or maybe they just didn't want to. yuwon doesn't presume to know and per usual, he doesn't exactly pry. he ends up taking dante's hand, giving it a firm squeeze. ] Nice to finally see you, too.
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[It's the only thing they correct him on as they return his firm handshake with their own.]
We can't do what we usually do here, but I still consider myself their Manager.
[They let go of his hand, his wording sinking in.]
"See?" ...Right, we spoke over the, uh... the things, didn't we?
["Things" isn't the right word to use, they're aware, but can they really call them "oculars" in their case?]
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That's reassuring. [ it might sound sarcastic coming from him, but there's something more genuine to his voice. as of now, he does think everyone he's met from the city appeared to be perfectly capable... he has no reason to doubt dante. ]
The oculars, yeah. You don't seem too different in person.
[ it's not a bad thing. ]
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Thanks? I think. I don't try to be too different there than I am here.
[They're too used to that sort of thing being the only viable method of communication outside of getting help from the Sinners for that.]
Aside from the fact I get more time to think things out, maybe.
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[ he seems to ask, before cocking his head to the side. he seems genuinely curious, if just because rodya did speak of dante in some vague capacity, but there were a handful of gaps to fill. but, well... what a better way to becoming closer to someone than sharing a drink? (little does he know...)
he pushes a freshly poured glass towards dante. ]
Did you still want to continue playing?
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[It is for them, anyway.
They glance down at the glance and then back up at him, simulated expression turning slightly apologetic, if only for a moment.
They won't say anything until he asks, but they'll keep the glass close for now.]
Sure thing. It's your turn now, so... truth or dare?
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[ he says bluntly. he's not sure he's ever written a lot or extensively to someone else. outside of what he's done out of necessity, that is. at least before the tower. regardless, he doesn't put this to actual words. instead— ]
Truth.
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1/2
2/2
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Are you doing anything for Christmas?
[ emotionally stupid man she's not into. tell her you have plans. please. ]
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then, after a third and forth, he lifts his hand up to her shoulder and gives it a single pat. he looks down at her face, if just to see if she's sick. ... and with her question, it doesn't seem like that, at least. so it's probably a dare. ]
Christmas? Is that what you came here for? [ sighs. ]
I don't have anything specific, why?
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what's he so mean for. she chose the wrong people to hug. then again, there were certain others out of the question... so this is the best she could? ]
C'mon, a guy like you has to know the significance of Christmas Eve, don't you? Even I do! After careful research into the customs of Japan and listening to my classmates complain about their singles' nights!
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looks at ely and verg. jk, thankfully yuwon has zero insight into the situation, minus what he's gleaned from their prior conversations. albeit, they were vague enough where he can't place any names or faces. more importantly, it looks like he will be fighting for his life again???
he knows this question is likely some sort of lead-in to a lecture, but can one truly avoid the inevitable. ] Hearing you say that, it would make someone wonder if you were the one from Earth. [ as opposed to him, that is. lol ]
So, then did you have Christmas Eve plans? [ answering a question with a question was standard, right? ]
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... it would seem he's escaping lecture this time?! the question's really pulling its weight here, and malkuth steps back with a bright look on her face. ]
Of course! I'll be putting on the final touches for all my gifts and making sure everything's perfect for the day of, and if I have any time after all that I guess I'll go walking around the city and see the lights they've put up. I don't want to put myself between any couples, and I'm not really interested in hooking up at a single's party, so it'll be a nice breather after all is said and done.
[ ......... so she's got none. ]
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[ not that this isn't a lot.
but, he can understand the value of spending time alone. ]
You don't have to hook up with someone to enjoy your time with others. I would say there are a handful of people on base who also don't seem to have any plans. [ he may or may not be including himself in this count, help. ] What about Elysium, or your coworkers?
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...
one of her coworkers might be okay... gebura surely wouldn't mind hanging out, and there's no way she has plans... but on the other hand, she'll probably ask her if there's no one else she'd rather hang out with and than malkuth has to lie. she doesn't want to lie to her. gebura knows when she's lying. she'll sniff it out and then casually, discreetly prod at it like it's none of her concern but it's vaguely her concern if malkuth's lying about it.
...
can't ask yesod. she's trying not to exacerbate things. it's one thing to hang out on neutral days, but to spend time on what's widely broadcasted as a couple's holiday? absolutely not. that's asking for trouble. and even if he understands it's nothing like that, she'd rather not cause him more pain incidentally. the hug was rough enough.
as for elysium...
her gaze catches his enthusiastic, drunken antics as he plays with someone or other -- even the robots aren't safe from his stupidity, the charm that's unfailing everywhere else -- and then she turns it away again, shaking her head. ]
No, I'm fine. It's like... I just want a moment away from everyone. That's all.
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despite the fact that yuwon could be relatively dense when it came to his own affairs and his priorities were obviously set in stone— it didn't mean he was blind to the prospect of other's. he seems to look at elysium the back to malkuth.
well, none of his business. ] ... Makes sense. I could relate. I think there are some things you can only think of when you're alone. [ or maybe he's so used to it that he wrongly presumes that's the case. either way. ]
If you ever find yourself really having nothing to do, you can always send me a message. I'll play with you. [ in theory. ]