( OPEN ) it's party season 🎉

[transmit]

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:

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 !! )

Comments

[ignoreher]

[ what if it becomes more, dante. you'll have to consider that someday. ]

Great! Have you ever gone fishing? I've always wanted to give it a shot, and if you're as new to it as me, then I'll be less nervous about messing up.

[followyourstar]

I don't think so.

[Nothing that happened on the Lake would count, they're pretty sure.]

But it's just baiting a line and putting it into the water while you wait for something to bite, right? Can it be messed up?

[ignoreher]

I'm sure I'd find a way. I'm a pretty clumsy person, actually.

[ hook through the forehead, maybe... ]

How's this weekend sound? I've got some time, so it'll be a nice break from everything.

[followyourstar]

The weekend sounds good to me. Should I bring anything with? Aside from a coat.

[They begin making a note to themself to look up what might be needed on a fishing trip, but stop once they remember exactly where they are right now.]

O-Oh. Right, let me just...

[They get up off her lap and sit back down in their chair, disguised face nearly as red as the clock beneath it.]

[ignoreher]

[ by the wing

she giggles at their sudden realization, waving a hand with her own blush lingering from the initial sit down. ]

You could've stayed, I didn't mind it! Marmar and I sit on each other's laps all the time.

As for what else... A can-do attitude! And a bucket! No, wait, a cooler! Just in case we catch anything for real. A friend of mine can probably cook them up for us.

[followyourstar]

"Marmar?"

[A nickname, they assume.]

I think I can manage both.

["Can do," they nearly said, but it seemed a little too on-the-nose.]

Good attitude, a cooler, and some warm clothes. And... there. Got it on my calendar for good measure.

[ignoreher]

March 7th, my first and very best friend here. You should meet her if you haven't already.

[ but good... she's still got it. ignoring everyone else perceiving them. ]

I'll take a dare.

[ can't be too hard she has been nothing but kind to them-- ]

[followyourstar]

She helped work on the photo wall, right? I'll keep an eye out for her.

[as for the dare...]

Find two people--who aren't me--and hug them to the count of five. Not a rushed count, either.

[It may have all worked out for the best in the end, but that doesn't mean she's off the hook for the awkwardness they had to go through.]

[ignoreher]

[ oh my god she knows everyone here, dante, this isn't going to be awkward.

she'll give a thumbs up and troop off. hold on.

one...

... and two. please wait for results i don't trust yuwon. ]

[followyourstar]

[They've been watching this whole time with a mix of fascination and awe, but it isn't until she comes back that they speak up.]

How did you...? It was like all I did was tell you to take a walk.

[Are... Are they the problem here?

Okay, maybe it was also because they were trying something with an Abnormality when the awkward hugging incident happened, but still--]

[ignoreher]

I've known most of the people here for almost a year now -- they're all friends, or at least good allies, of mine, so it's really no trouble to go up and hug one or two.

[ truly like a walk in the park... ]

Besides, if you strike first, they'll be taken off guard and left totally defenseless! It's a good thing to remember, whether you're on the battlefield or at parties like this one.

[followyourstar]

[Defenseless? Isn't this about hugging?]

That or it's something only specific people can pull off. You might just be one of the lucky ones.

[ignoreher]

[ the quicker you learn, the better... ]

Ishmael wouldn't appreciate it.

[ with a knowing tone. ]

[followyourstar]

Nope.

[She's right on the money there.]

Not really her thing, even if you've known her for a year. Rodya might play along though.

[ignoreher]

Ely would welcome it no matter how long he's known you, but he'd prefer to reach first. Izou and Vergilius'll only take it from certain people. Yuwon and Yesod were my picks because I knew they wouldn't make a big deal out of it... Kabru, you'd probably have to give a heads up -- he's a good sport, but not someone who'd like one out of nowhere.

[ ... she's really got a word for them all. ]

And you? Would you be open for a hug?

[followyourstar]

[She's been paying close attention. Very close attention. They were impressed before, but it really sets in now. Combined with her comments about the battlefield, they wonder if she was some sort of strategist before she came here.

...There's something about that that's nagging at them. Her voice... and strategy...]

Huh? Me?

[The question drags them out before they can get too deep in their thoughts]

I... guess? It's not something I'm used to.

[Maybe they contributed more to the awkwardness of that situation than they thought.]

If someone needed it...

[ignoreher]

So you'd need a heads up, too! That's pretty normal -- I don't mind being hugged, but getting one out of the blue is reserved for friends only. I'm not hard to make friends with though.

[ in!!! her opinion!!! she'd probably take it from anyone she knew, in reality, but. safer bet is just friends. ]

[followyourstar]

[A pause to contemplate, and then a nod.]

A heads up would probably make it easier, yeah.

[It's nice to know it's normal, too.]

And you do seem pretty laid back so far.

[ignoreher]

Don't get on my bad side and you won't get the lecture of a lifetime like Yuwon.

[ but is she joking. who can say. ]

He just triggers them so easily... like everything he says is designed to incite a woman's scorn...

[ though... to yuwon's credit, she doesn't seem to dislike him. obviously. ]

[followyourstar]

Um... I'll try not to?

[They don't think they've done anything like that. Though if this is the guy that Rodya's seeing, they can't help but be a little worried for her sake.]

Is it really that bad?

[ignoreher]

[ deadpan: ]

His emotional intelligence is the same as a rock's.

[followyourstar]

[They have a few references for the type, and so Malkuth gets a slow, solemn nod from them.]

Oh boy...

[Poor Rodya. She didn't say anything about that.]

[ignoreher]

He's got a good heart though, and he does try where it counts... but you just really, really have to drill into him why something might be important.

[ poor rodya indeed. ]

[followyourstar]

[Yep, they can definitely picture the type.]

Everyone's got their blind spots... But as long as he's trying, that's what counts in the end.

Dare I ask what he ended up getting lectured on?

[ignoreher]

What was it..?

[ she tilts her head, trying to recall. what had she thrashed him over... ]

Oh, right! I'll ask you the same thing I did him. If someone specifically asked you what kind of outfit they should wear, how would you respond?

[ ...

there is, apparently, a wrong answer to this. ]