( 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

[transmit]

[ There's a split moment as his expression falters, gaze dimming under the weight of the conversation. Had it ever truly been about the alcohol? He holds his steady, easy smile, but there's a noticeable pause—a half beat before he finds the words to respond with. ]

… Right. When survival is the sole priority, everything else becomes a luxury. You can't blame people for the methods they've had to devise to protect themselves and those they care about. Given the choice, who would choose a purely solitary lifestyle?

[ For another brief second, his eyes close shut. ]

Your coworker's a tougher nut to crack, but I hope she gets there someday. I know it's easier said than done, healing scars that have accumulated over decades and that they'll always be a part of her, visible or not… but time is transient, too transient to just let it slip us by. There's never enough of it—nor should there ever be.

But you and me both, Malkuth. [ … to brighter futures they'll ostensibly be a part of but not for long enough to see, ] You and me both.

[ aaaand he's back! to his usual chipper self, batting her hand away to muss her hair up instead. sorry not sorry if she's decided to style it for today in particular. her style upgrade should fix her right up. probably. ]

Thanks for the truth, Ellie. [ mussing it!! even harder!! ] Your turn. ♪

[ignoreher]

[ oh, please. for real???

... well, he's no different than the rest of them. having his own method of survival, of not wanting a solitary life but forced to anyway. ]

You use it on the wrong things. I would've answered that anyway, Eli.

[ with a swat of her hand, half-hearted as it is... does malkuth ever style her hair? no, and she hasn't this time, so she simply runs her fingers through it idly to smooth it back down. ]

Truth or dare?

[transmit]

If you want to tell me about your deepest darkest secret, by all means. But that's not the kind of game this is to me.

[ shoving his hands into his pockets and taking half a step back, still close, still grinning from ear to ear. ]

Truth. This'll be the first time I've ever chosen the option, for the record. At least, here.

[ food for thought. ]

[ignoreher]

You'd be fun at sleepovers.

[ not. but... she chews it over, expression softening a bit at the confession. a truth just for her, huh. when she's become so good at piecing together what he thinks between the playful banter and drops of smile.

well, malkuth thinks she has. ely... has been more forthright with her than she realizes, maybe. even if he bounces back like a rubberband others. keeping the mood light, the vibe good -- she sighs and puts her hands on her hips, turning to stare up at him. ]

... Do you act the way you do because you wanna be like that with others and can't, or is it just to keep people guessing?

[ she, too, would be fun at sleepovers, a real blast promise, ]

[transmit]

I am. I'm real fun at sleepovers. Just, it's you.

[ game, in the narrower sense. malkuth, who asks the question no one dares to. malkuth, who so often neglects consideration for herself above all, entangling herself so deeply with someone who's made every effort to wave every red flag in existence just to pen his history.

a huff of air, strong enough to blow his bangs out from his eyes. it's not because he's suddenly discovered sobriety in the span of minutes that he's leveling with her, evident in how his cheeks are still incredibly flushed red. but maybe he is a little more honest because of it. ]

You'll have to elaborate on what you mean by 'can't.' Everything you see's, me. [ a casual shrug, like the subject matter isn't something he's always avoided. another topic. another day. ] The guy who's the life at parties. The guy who wants to squeeze every drop out of every moment. And, sure, the guy who keeps people guessing because there's nothing waiting at the end of the road for anyone. Not for you, not for him. Not when he's chasing a self-serving prophecy like the Elysian Fields.

[ they're really just doing this at rodya's party ]

You'd get it. The place I was born is boring and depressing to no end, not unlike the City. And supposedly, it wasn't always like that. Was this enough of an answer for you to shelve this book once and for all?

[ignoreher]

"Can't" because of your lacking future.

[ is that answer enough? and they sure are... but it's always been that way, just like the simple, honest words have long caused her cheeks to pinken.

but she continues on despite that. ]

Kind of like indulging in some ice cream when you know it only makes you sick after. People's default is to expect things from others in return, Ely -- they want to get out equal to what they put in. It's natural... even in the case of friendship. You're probably surprised more people don't dislike you for your flighty attitude, though.

[ because. at least he'd had the courtesy to warn her, that there was nothing at the end of it. and despite that, she'd decided to befriend him anyway. malkuth's life has ever been a series of dead ends; what was one more? they're not always empty paths in the streets.

...

besides, his book is one she can't shelve. ]

[transmit]

Even if I weren't sick, nothing would change. A lot of people don't seem to understand that.

[ … before anything else, before he became 'Elysium,' he was, and always would be, Iberian.

A softer smile, and now his hand is back at the top of her head. Except, instead of messing it up it's to smooth out all the parts she's missed. A pat follows. Two pats. A little like a shitty reward for a job well done for piecing the most anyone ever has of his puzzle. But no one really wins here, do they?

He can at least give her this. ]

… I know. That's the usual progression of growing close: wanting to know someone just as they know you. You can't call it a friendship otherwise. [ just, his standard for know is a touch unconventional, everyone well considered as a friend however much or little they choose to reveal. as his tone takes on a more playful note, his nose wrinkles. ] But, they really should dislike it! It's getting to be pretty uncomfortable. Who knew I was this awkward? Keep going the way I am and I'm about to lose my rights to judge Yuwon's lack of emotional intelligence.

[ he did. too bad life's a whole lot harder when you couldn't just flit from one place to another to avoid growing too attached to any one thing. ]

[ignoreher]

[ please if he just described it once as a culture thing she'd GET IT it wouldn't change her efforts to be his friend anyway but she'd GET IT. she's just been operating on the thought it was his Condition... it simply sparks a new curiosity instead, obvious in her expression before he sets to fix the rest of her hair and offer up the world's shittiest reward, and. she lets him. ]

A lot of people don't come from a culture where living moment to moment is the norm either, my feathery friend. They're foundational, people who want something lasting and get hurt when it isn't returned -- even when they might know better, I guess, like they'll be an exception. But...

[ a soft exhale, closing her eyes as she tilts her head just a little. ]

... Where people from the City are concerned, it's something they're used to, too. Even I was once. I decided that wasn't right -- it wasn't their choice to be that way though, not really, when it's keep living or be dragged down to your grave by regrets -- and wanted to change it, but people like Ishmael really are more common. [ malkuth!!! is the oddball!!!! ] Anyway, I think you're emotionally aware, you just don't know how to handle it.

[ yuwon's just dumb and malkuth will lovingly stick by that. she knows that man. she's known him for so long now. they've only become friends in the past few months. ]

Your turn. Truth again.

[ really sticking off the dare path ]

[transmit]

[ ( gebura voice ) your culture doesn't mean shit here

which

valid, actually.



but in another timeline, another universe, this would be where he'd tell Malkuth point blank that there are no exceptions where he's concerned. The illusion of it, maybe, hands moving down her hair in one last comb through, fingers tugging at the end for a touch, but even that kind of follow-up wasn't something he could afford, smiling lightly anyhow. One of the things better left unacknowledged. ]

Nuh uh. I think we've about had it with the game for now. Rodya's party, missy. [ what other!! subject material!! are they going to get into!! not only incapable of handling feelings, legitimately unwilling to for real…… ] Here's hoping the guy doesn't screw it up somehow… You wouldn't believe what I overheard earlier.

[ignoreher]

Maybe if you played the game right, you wouldn't get tired of it so fast. Most people ask embarrassing things.

[ but it's more of a tease than a real chiding, shaking her newly-preened hair out (to get rid of the tingles that remain, aftereffects of something he can't help) and looking over at... yuwon, she's guessing.

where are all the emotionally intelligent men and why do they avoid this party. ]

What'd you hear? I'd love a bit of gossip. ♪

[transmit]

Oh, like the most scandalous thing you've done with you know who? Please. No guy wants to hear anything like that, but I bet he treated you real well. Anything else I could ask… [ a bit of a meaningful look, brows quirked. ] I'll spare you the grief, especially when there's no telling who else might be listening in. Besides, it's not like a lack of an excuse has ever stopped you from asking questions before.

[ and


yeah.

he's flicking his gaze, narrowing his eyes in his general direction. ]

But yeah, I doubt I'm the only guy with pretty good ears on him. [ yuwon, do you hear him with your ridiculous webtoon powers?? he hopes so. he's bringing this up aloud specifically! because of that! ] Her manager asked if he was a friend, and guess how he answered? He said, [ copying his mannerisms almost 1:1, complete with air quotes, ] 'Something like that.' What a guy.

[ignoreher]

[ the example sends her into giggles that peter off with a sigh, shifting on her feet to lean against elysium. and... it hasn't. but she really doesn't want to know the kind of dare he'd put her to, and dinners seem beyond them now. at least with the excuse of "getting to know him" vs "wanting to spend time with him anyway". ]

I can believe that. Yuwon's stupid and he's always had a hard time reading the room... saying what he should and all. I got really mad at him once and lectured him about something or other about it. But they're like, definitely together-together at this point, right? There's no way they aren't.

[transmit]

[ thanks, malkuth, for being practically the perfect height to act as armrest material. don't mind if he does. ]

… If they aren't, I'd feel real bad for her. He's certainly denied some of the allegations I've made against him in the past and ignored all the ones I've raised that mention her, but who's to say that's not because he thought addressing them would be too troublesome?

[ a dramatised sigh to match her own… ]

I'm not sure whether to be comforted or disturbed by the fact that he doesn't listen to everyone equally.

[ignoreher]

[ the fact she'll let him get away with it is proof of affection... though she misses him resting his head on hers. that was cute of him. ]

I'll harass him about it. He knows better than to avoid stuff with me, since -- as you so nicely pointed out -- I don't have an issue with asking questions. It's not like I'm gonna do anything but get on his case to be a tiny bit more romantic anyway.

[ but if this is what works for them......... no, she can't imagine anyone being happy with that meager effort. ]

Speaking of romantic, Ely, anyone snag you for Christmas Eve yet? As Elliot or otherwise -- I've heard the girls at work talking plans already. I'll take that angle against Mister Stoneface over there too.

[transmit]

Do me a favour and ask him if he considers you guys friends. I know for sure he'd shut me down, but I am curious if he'd give you a similar sort of answer. Or—to really standardise the variables you could even ask him about Ishmael instead.

[ A snicker escapes, sharp and brief, before it unfurls into a full laugh, one that carries a mix of genuine amusement and just a hint of disbelief. Wriothesley is probably rolling in his grave right now with his front row seats to this disaster… they have to put Yuwon through it. For him. For Val. They need to rest in Peace. ]

And you should know as well as I do that I don't really get involved in these things. [ eugh. his expression makes it clear how exactly he feels about it. ] It just gets too messy. [ as Elliot or himself, he says, while his life's already a mess and a half. ] That, and I have my hands full with jobs and helping Miss Ereshkigal with her holiday party. If you haven't heard about it yet, it is where we were planning to debut the stew.

[ignoreher]

He didn't seem to mind it when I said we were, so that really sounds like a you problem.

[ yeah she's rubbing it in his face don't think she won't. the lack of refute is worth its weigh in gold she just doesn't realize that... ]

Buuut I'm in the same boat. [ in. many regards. ] I'll probably just finish up any last minute touches on my presents and that be that -- I'll come by Eri's holiday party though, I wouldn't miss it for the world... that girl's really come so far from the trembling mess I met her as.

[ so fond despite it all ]

[transmit]

I'm not sure if my opinion of the guy could sink any lower than it has, but if he actually told a girl, 'I don't need someone like you,' after she asked to be friends, it'd blow right through rock bottom and straight to the centre of the earth. So, yeah, it would be great if it were a me problem. I'd prefer if it were a me problem.

[ he doesn't expect much out of incessantly friendshipping these types, but he wants to believe there's a standard out there for people who aren't as intentionally obnoxious about it as he is. ]

But how's that going, anyway? That plan of yours to gift the entire base and then some. I'm surprised you even found the time to make it out.

[ shelving the comment about ereshkigal for now… ishmael had said something similar. even gods and goddesses had their fair share of worries, huh. ]

[ignoreher]

[ okay, well. consider that yuwon is exactly that type to do that, judging from malkuth's fond, if exasperated expression. ]

I've finished most of the personal gifts I wanted to make -- the less time-sensitive ones, anyway, any kind of food's going to be fresher -- and I'll be spending my later nights now doing team-inspired gift bags by the dozens. With people coming and going, I'd rather have a surplus than not enough.

[ always better to be prepared!!! she holds up a finger for each. ]

Everyone's got their own ambitions and dreams, but the way they go about succeeding in them differs... I'm deciding what goodies to put in each based on my experiences with them after nearly a year here.

For example, even if Everlight might seem like it's full of justice-aligned goody-two-shoes, we've all got a pragmatic side that won't hesitate to do what we must to make those dreams a reality. An unwavering faith in our beliefs, and the determination to see them through no matter the cost. [ a sheepish laugh, shaking her head. ] Good and bad in spades, obviously. I think we're fairly easy to get along with, but can be polarizing depending on who we're talking to.

Brimstone's full of people who're rough on the outside, but stricken with grief within. They know more than anyone the pain and cost of losing others in some way or another -- and fight with the determination to see that pain end, so that no one else might feel the weight they do. Sure, they're short-tempered and violent and hold a grudge like no one else, but their loyalty's just as unmatched; if you want someone at your back, there's no better team to look into!

Revelation's your quiet... well, for a word, [ wryly, considering aventurine is on that team, ] sort, who have larger hearts that aren't so easily turned one way or another. I've always found them to be good conversationalists, people who listen and add in their own experiences without overwhelming the conversation itself, but they don't show their personal thoughts and feelings very easily. Unless they're absolutely certain of them, that is. Anyone who's eager to get in on a bet should see if Revelation's putting their chips down.

And, at last, [ with a glance up at ely, ] Redemption. You know, it's got some of my favorite people in it -- our Rodya included -- so I've gotta say, I have a bit of a bias. You'll all be getting something a little extra.

[ ...

but she's leaving off her findings for them, huh. ]

[transmit]

[ … girl's about to pass out from overwork, but that's what March is for, he supposes. good fucking luck, he wants to say—maybe not in those exact words, but something close enough to capture the sentiment. before he can, tough, she launches into a tangent about LILITH's team dynamics, and the wry snort of amusement that escapes him feels almost reflexive, a reaction to her relentless energy. ]

Wow. Talk about pointed.

[ an arch of his brow back… what's she trying to insinuate here, huh!! ]

Let's see. They're the kind of people who might seem like they could easily slot into the other teams, but for one reason or another, they've found themselves in Redemption. Look a little closer, and you'll notice a common thread—they tend to keep things closer to their chest than most. Not quite in the way Revelation or Brimstone do, but in a way that might make others wonder why we aren't in Everlight instead, just being a nudge or two shy from fitting their ideal mould. Of course, there are exceptions, as there are in every other team, but for the most part that holds true for the majority.

So, we're really just a bunch of misfits with a little bit of everything thrown together.

Is that along the lines of what you would have said?

[ignoreher]

So you'd fancy yourself being in Everlight if not Redemption, Ely? I would've pegged you for Revelation instead.

[ but she shakes her head, thinking. ]

Sort of. The common thread's right, but the nuance is... more that you're all focused outwardly, trying to make sure everyone else is working well -- both with each other, like oil in a machine, and also just in general. The kind of people who'll make sure others are smiling even when they don't feel like smiling themselves. Those in Redemption don't like to worries others and prefer to take on the worries others have instead while-- yes, keeping things close to their chest. I think if someone's having a hard time, there's no one better suited to cheering their spirits and encouraging them than someone from your team, Ely. You're all like that.

[ even netzach, when he'd been here... had always been the same. it'd only been a little more recently in the library that he'd sought to live more for himself too. just like all of them. ]

People in Everlight can't hide how they feel, for better or worse. Brimstone try not to think about it too much, focusing on what's in front of them. Revelation dissect and rationalize. Redemption knows how they feel, but don't want to share if it's bad. More simply put in comparison that way.

[transmit]

A sunny guy like myself in Revelation? Nooooooo way. Nope, nope, nope. You're not associating me with a bunch of guys who need common sense injected straight into their brains. Don't even go there! I've plenty of heroics to my good name. You aren't gatekeeping me because of your personal biases, are you?

[ he's taking so much psychological damage from being associated with team yuwon. he can see it, he understands it, but does he want to? no. so, he's jabbing the centre of her forehead with his finger.

but … as much control as he has over himself, he's not entirely immune to the effects of alcohol. her continued mention of redemption's peculiarities brings a complicated expression to his face—half wanting to refute it just for the sake of argument (they really would be so much better off without that trait), but ultimately, it settles into a warmth that's as much fondness as it is helplessness. ]

… Miss March's given you a lot of trouble, hasn't she?

[ignoreher]

[ wow, rude, this is why you're lacking plans ely, you don't poke lady's foreheads like that-- but her grin is all the answer he should need to his plainly rhetorical question. yes, her biases are definitely the reason why.

but

the second one softens it into a similar warmth and she sighs. ]

As much as I've given her. But not just her either, Ely... Eri too. And Netzach, no matter the life -- but I have to say, I get along with you all the best.

[ redemption-everlight cr is the best, ]

I'm sure you have some troublesome people you know in there too. But you're fond of them anyway, right?

1/2

[transmit]

[ …

just… this face… for another brief moment. ]

[transmit]

[ then: ]

Uh huh. What are we doing at a karaoke place without singing any karaoke? Don't think you're getting away without singing a song or two so easily.

[ignoreher]

[ yeah. she thought so. her analysis remains correct. but that his face falls for even a split second around her (just as he's shown himself before, honestly, the way march has too) makes her a touch more fond.

leaving it aside just like he is now. ]

Gonna show off your vocals, songbird? I'll sing a duet with you, if you want.

[ like she'll be singing with yesod later too... ]