( 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 !! )
no subject
[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.]
no subject
...
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
Oh! You're Rodya's... I've actually been looking to meet you for myself.
[They straighten up and hold out a hand.]
Dante.
no subject
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.
no subject
[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?]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[They mean it, even if they only really said it to sound friendly.]
Let's see...
[They're glad he picked truth, actually. As Manager, they should be making sure this guy (as Rodya's boyfriend) is treating her well, right? So it's up to them to pick the right questions to ask to do just that while keeping the mood at the party light.]
Assuming money is no object, what would your ideal night out with Rodya be?
no subject
but, he keeps those thoughts to himself.
...
his personal philosophies aside, the next question actually does throw him off for a second. he falls silent for a good several seconds, before: ] I think there's more that holds us back here than money. [ being under LILITH meant they did forgo some semblance of freedom, after all. not that this is a complaint. ]
... Whatever she wants. [ help him dante. ] If it was up to me, I would be fine to just have a meal together.
no subject
Um.
["That's it?" is what they want to say, but it putting it like that isn't going to do them any favors.]
But... What do you think she'd want? Would you go out somewhere? Would you make the meal? Have it brought in? Any decorations or candles or... You know, something nice?
no subject
even when dante asks follow-up questions, he doesn't seem to pause much, before: ]
Meat. She likes meat, but you probably know that. [ the bar is in hell.
but, that said. ] I don't know anything about decorations, but even before this, we would just spend time together in my room. [ to celebrate just between the two of them, that is. though he hadn't thought much about it until now, he does vaguely wonder if there was more she wanted than that, but reality was... ]
Are you that disappointed in my answer?
no subject
[A little disappointed]
If that's what you both enjoy, then that's what you both enjoy. I was just thinking more along the lines of say... a bigger occasion?
[This would be easier if they actually had any experience in dating, but this is the half-blind leading the blind.]
no subject
while dante says he's not disappointed, yuwon definitely feels like he is. is what he responded with so out of touch? he seems to mull over this briefly, before: ] A bigger occasion? Like what? [ thinking of any dates, or events held that would fit this profile...
...
and— ]
If it's something like the bachelor party Elysium made for someone who isn't even married, then I think I'm good.
1/2
2/2
Something that makes you want to put a little extra in, for whatever reason.
no subject
[ even when it came to an end of a war (granted one of many), yuwon didn't always find a lot of reason to celebrate for. but, then again, celebrations were harder in future with the outer gods. not that he says this, even if it does affect his perception. ]
Are you that experienced in special occasions? You could say I came from a place where we couldn't always afford it. Not that I can say much considering I mostly traveled alone.
no subject
I wouldn't say I'm experienced... It just... sounds right?
[And they know of the concept of it all, they suppose, even if their actual experience with any of this is questionable at best and possibly even non-existent.
After a moment's pause, they continue on, as if to hurry away that moment of doubt.]
But if it's something you can't always afford, then that's all the more reason to celebrate it when you can, right?