synflux | OPEN💗 LATE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

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OPEN💗 LATE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

WHO: Newbies, oldbies, everyone is welcome!
WHAT: A Late Valentine’s Party mingle, since Valentines’ Day was over Kaiju month…
WHERE: “MANTRA”, an underground, alternative club in Neo Toyko
WHEN: March 10th
WARNINGS: Romance and shippy things, alcohol, hookah, suggestive things. Anything NSFW is to be appropriately labelled.

Around the 10th of March, Outsiders will receive a message in their ocular inbox from Kabru, the Outsider also known as @ rasgulla. The message reads:

“To my dearest friends and teammates,

If we haven’t met before, call me Kabru. When not on missions as an Outsider, I work as a freelance event planner for various businesses and private organizations within Neo Tokyo.

Valentines’ Day is a popular holiday in Japan that was sadly interrupted last month by the kaiju. My current client is holding a belated Valentines’ Day event and they would really like the Outsiders to come. There will be plenty of food and things to do. Even if you're not looking for a romantic time, I'd encourage you to come!

Please wear something comfortable. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,

Kabru.”

A location pin comes attached with the invitation. It looks like Kabru’s become more adept at technology over the months.

Follow the location pin and you’ll find yourself in front of ‘Mantra’ in metro Tokyo, an underground, alternative club making waves for its uniqueness in the club scene. Outsiders will all be allowed in without much fuss. The owner of the club is a gentle woman who kindly requests that all guests take their shoes off and leave them at the side. There is a lingering scent of incense and the people hanging out in the club look remarkably calm as they relax; cuddling and enjoying each other’s company. What kind of Valentine’s day party is this? A New Age, alternative kind, apparently. The owner of the club wants to be promoting togetherness in a completely different way.

Thankfully, finger foods and alcohol appear to be abundant, even if Kabru would really like you to be mingling with the people! There is a bar with free flowing wines and spirits, and a table with hors d'oeuvres and small desserts as accompaniment. These can include sushi rolls, small sandwiches, crab cake bites, small skewers, chocolates, little cakes and tarts. Food aside, there is live music playing and guests are highly encouraged to dance.

Naturally, couples are also coupling up, but anything too raunchy is of course cordoned off to a private room. Also, ignore the people smoking electronic hookah at the side…

What can you do besides eat and drink?

1. DANCING 💗

The DJ mostly plays trance and synth pop music in the background but he’s happy to take requests. On the dancefloor,there’s always a group of tipsy guests dancing their hearts out, some dancing alone and others dancing as a couple. There’s no right or wrong way to dance and most people will not cast judgement. Give it a try? Better hurry, before some of the overeager guests try to drag you in.

2. CUDDLE PILE 💗
Numerous cushions are set out around the venue for guests to lounge in and cuddle. It’s highly encouraged, in fact! Especially after a vigorous dance session. There are people lying together in larger groups, and couples choosing to spend their time lounging and enjoying each other’s company. Finding it difficult to relax? The owner might give you a whiff of her special perfume that’s guaranteed to put you in a state of complete calm. It might even make you more open about lying together with someone else.

3. SPEED DATING 💗

There’s a speed dating round going on in one side of the club. Guests are numbered and paired up randomly, then given a short amount of time to get to know each other on a speedy little date. Don’t know what to say? A list of questions will flow in through the oculars to give you a prompt. (Please refer to here and here for some examples or make up your own!)

4. MAKE SWEET TREATS 💗

In the spirit of Valentines’ Day, the owner of the club is hosting a quick desserts-making workshop at the event. Guests will be provided with ingredients and taught to make chocolate or cupcakes, and they will get the chance to decorate it however they like. It’s highly encouraged to make something to give to your sweetheart or the person you admire. Do you really want to be the person eating their own chocolate on Valentines’ Day?

5. PARTY GAMES 💗

What’s a party without party games? Throughout the night, people will be getting drunk and playing local drinking games such as the King’s Game. Eventually, other games from the West get introduced by other people. These games include Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle and 7 Minutes in Heaven.

6. TAKE SOMEONE HOME 💗

If it looks like you're having a pretty good time with someone else, a helpful robot will approach you and provide you both with a key to a private room. Some of these private rooms are normal and some are themed, similar to a love hotel. There's no need to actually do anything raunchy of course. You could just cuddle up and enjoy the warmth of the digital fireplace! Everything one might need for a nice time together (condoms, lubricant etc) will be readily available.

As the event planner, Kabru will be buzzing around and making sure everything runs smoothly, but he can be stopped for questions or concerns (pls be nice to him he has anxiety). Characters can sit out of anything they want, but drunk and overeager guests might decide to drag them in.

[ OOC: I put this up so everyone can enjoy a chill mingle after the chaos of last month! And also because we didn’t get the opportunity to have do much for Valentines’ Day given the timing. Naturally, please label any NSFW, add your content warnings appropriately, and state your boundaries and preferences in terms of shipping/gen/being tagged by younger/older characters. ]

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[ Ereshkigal isn't the only person who's been dragged to this party, although perhaps Ratio was less reluctant than her, given who had invited him. But that isn't the point. While his partner is off socializing with others, Ratio has been left to his own devices. He was going to lounge in one of the many empty seats in the club, observing people, but the quivering goddess by the wall catches his eye.

She looks so anxious that he can't help but approach her out of concern. ]

Are you alright, Ereshkigal?

[ She freezes when she hears someone calling out to her... But relaxes when she sees who it is. Phew. Ratio is getting married to Aventurine, there's no risk of romantic tension or whatever this kind of party is trying to artificially make happen. That's a relief, though she still looks left and right as if hoping to see salvation come to her in the form of a rapid exit. ]

I-I am not made for such social gatherings... Nor am I made for romance.

[ Even when he's not here any more, Callisto's managed to ruin her life. Quite the amazing feat. ]

Why didn't I ignore that invitation...?

[ Sniff. Whines. Now she needs to find a way to escape that won't draw attention to her. She thinks she's seen an empty cardboard box somewhere... Maybe there's something to do with that. ]

[ If he were any other person, he might have tried to reassure her, saying that she shouldn't give up on romance but he understands how difficult it is to find someone that is truly compatible with her. But alas, this is Ratio, who does not offer empty platitudes, and does not think he should interfere with Ereshkigal's romantic life. So he doesn't say anything in regards to that. Instead... ]

Though I am well aware that I make for poor company, if you desire it, you need only ask.

[ She's here because she desires a connection, right? That's what it sounds like to him anyway. Until she can find friends that better suit her, he's willing to accompany her if she's struggling alone. ]

[ She smiles a bit weakly at him and shakes her head. He's a wonderful friend that suits her perfectly, but she knows just saying that won't convince him. ]

I think you're better company than you give yourself credit for.

[ Her smile fades as she looks at their surrounding.

What he thinks is true, it's difficult in no small part because her romantic ideal is... Well, an ideal born from human books that has no equivalence in reality. And she knows that but even then-- Looking at the place they're in, she just can't do it. The speed dating, the activities meant to bring people closer together... ]

I-It's like people come shopping for love, same as they would anything else. [That's... That's just wrong. Sure, dreaming of a charming prince(ss) coming to rescue you in the Underworld is ridiculous. The Callisto chocolate disaster drove that point home. But is that really how it works in today's world?] Is that how you met Aventurine?

[ She hopes - prays - the answer is a no. ]

[ Even if Ereshkigal thinks he's good company, countless other people don't think the same way. If the majority say he's not good company, then he isn't. It's simple logic. It's also not something he's particularly upset by. He knows how prickly he is, and how sharp his tongue is. He wouldn't consider a majority of the people he knows to be good company, so everyone's interests align.

Shopping for love... yes, that's how he would describe the general dating scene, even outside of speed dating. ]

I cannot say I understand the appeal of it either. It does not appear to lend itself well to forming lasting bonds.

[ He huffs in amusement when Ereshkigal asks him about Aventurine. ]

No, but I fear the true answer is worse. We were assigned to the same project for work. Our first meeting involved a gun, a game of chance, and three pulls of the trigger. [ A beat. ] Whatever you might be imagining from that description likely isn't an exaggeration.

[ She listens to the tale attentively. That's indeed not at all what she'd imagined. She figured they'd met during a lecture or some kind of gala or whatnot, not... This. ]

So you met by playing with death...

[ She can't say it's romantic, but she always appreciates when the looming presence of death is a driving force in events. Maybe that's why neither of the pair have ever been afraid of her in spite of what she is. ]

... Though unconventional, I don't think it's worse than this. [This... Whole event.] You even appear to think back fondly on it.

[ Honestly considering what her first memory with Ritsuka is, she can even sympathize a bit... One-sided as her love probably is. ]

[ Now that he thinks about it, it does make sense that Ereshkigal is not terribly upset by the involvement of death. It was far from romantic though, and that initial meeting had done nothing to engender positive feelings for Aventurine. ]

Only now, when the danger has passed, can I think back on it fondly. I was quite agitated by that incident, but that was his goal. I became intrigued by him. I could not stand him for the first year of our acquaintance, but I also could not help but be drawn to him.

[ Not romantically—Ratio has always been glacially slow to pick up feelings for others, whether it be platonic or romantic. But Aventurine had been a little different, even from the beginning. ]

Perhaps those in attendance today are seeking a similar spark in that initial meeting.

[ But he wouldn't recommend the roulette. No, that worked for the two of them only because of how unique both of them are. ]

[ She can imagine... That method of meeting your love would absolutely not work for her. Possibly because she'd kill them first - she may look harmless, but she's actually super dangerous when she needs to. And the kind of person she would love would never play such a game in the first place.

But the doctor-- ]

Perhaps... Perhaps that is exactly what you needed.

[ Before learning of their relationship, she'd thought of Ratio as someone who would scoff at the notion of falling in love. So perhaps it is only natural he found love like this. An adversarial relationship that began with very dangerous stakes... It would have made him very invested in that relationship from the start but also intrigued. Aventurine must have been something - someone - his genius alone couldn't resolve.

That makes her smile, slightly. ]

Perhaps there are those for whom such settings can really help find love. [She shakes her head.] But I'm definitely not such a person.

[ Ereshkigal isn't wrong. Years ago, he would have scoffed at the idea of falling in love himself. He knew of its value as a motivator and an emotion that defined what was important to people, but he could not envision it having a place in his own life. He had been satisfied with his solitary life.

But now, he knows his life would have been lacking without Aventurine. ]

Perhaps. Life never unfolds in the ways you expect it to.

[ The only being that could fully predict the future is Nous, but with Mythus opposing THEM, even that may not be wholly true. A mere human like him wouldn't be able to fathom what lay in the future. Ereshkigal wouldn't either, he thinks. ]

Rather than treating this venue as a place to search for love, why not consider it an opportunity to study what makes for a successful romantic endeavor? Understanding the various methods people use to approach another may improve your own chances of finding someone you are compatible with.

[ Trust her, no gods can truly see the future, even if they have clairvoyance! Those Aeons may be different from the gods as they exist in her world, but she doubts the rules they follow are too different. That said, his words cause her to tilt her head. ]

D-Do you think so...?

[ She's not sure she would trust anyone hoping to find love in this place to know what makes a successful romantic endeavor. Yet again... She has to remember what she is. S-She can't just close off all possible options just because she feels uncomfortable. ]

No... You're right. As a goddess, I must not be afraid to observe and learn, even if I have my reservations on the value of a specific learning experience. [She looks up at Ratio with newfound confidence.] Doctor! What do you think would be best studied here first?

[ Ratio smiles at her change of attitude. Good, everyone should always be open to learning something new, even if it's just how to be better at romance.

That applies to him too, and romance is something he knows so little of, so when Ereshkigal turns her expectant eyes on him, he flusters inwardly. Of all the people she could ask for help, he would be the worst, surely.

But he can't tell her to figure it out herself, despite it being a phrase he's said so many times that some fans online have jokingly said it was his catchphrase. If left alone, she'll devolve to a quivering mess again, so he must bear the responsibility of guiding her, even if he feels completely out of depth here. ]

I cannot say I am an expert, or even knowledgeable about romance, so you would do well to consider my advice with a grain of salt. But... [ He looks over the venue, observing the party goers interacting, and considering Ereshkigal's own personality. ] ...perhaps studying how others are able to remain calm despite facing evaluation and judgement from just a few interactions may be a good place to start.

[ It's not meant to be a call-out of Ereshkigal's anxiety; it's genuine advice. While he doesn't feel nervous when being evaluated, he knows most people do, and it's currently Ereshkigal's greatest enemy in a setting like this. ]

You are getting married, I would say this makes you more of an expert than the vast majority of humans.

[ It's so unlike Ratio to downplay his knowledge and expertise! Perhaps because he doesn't think of love as a field of study comparable to the many sciences he's an expert in. But that would be a total mistake, as far as she's concerned he's a great teacher so far!

No matter, she grabs his arm and drags her to a corner from which they can observe the speed dating tables without being seen. T-This may seem suspicious if they're found, but she would rather people not know she's observing others to learn more about love. She peeks from behind the corner to look, the closest table featuring two familiar faces. ]

Look, it's Vash and... G-Gilgamesh?! [She can't think of a more unlikely couple! This is doomed for failure.] My sister has desperately been trying to earn his affection. It's honestly kind of pathetic, why would you want so much someone who despises you? She even got his partner killed because she threw a tantrum. [She shakes her head.] I don't think there is anything of value to be learned at this table.

[ On to the next table to ~~spy on~~ observe! Gilgamesh is admittedly an example when it comes to confidence, but a bad example. ]

[ She's not wrong, but even Ratio knows his experience is probably what most would consider extremely bizarre for a relationship. ]

My relationship with Aventurine is not what I'd describe as the norm. I cannot draw inferences about how romance should work based off my experience.

[ But alas, she drags him off and, Ratio, somehow having reached the point of constantly indulging Ereshkigal, lets her, resigned to... whatever this is supposed to be. Well, if he reframes it as an opportunity to learn how to be a better partner to Aventurine...

With Vash and Gilgamesh, he glances at their faces for a moment before Ereshkigal's commentary draws his attention. Gods, huh... ]

They look to be engaged in whatever subject they are speaking about, but...

[ He's being dragged off again... okay, he guesses. It may be better they pick someone she doesn't hold animosity for. ]

I would argue your insight is even more valuable then! It is unlikely whatever love I'd find would qualify as part of the norm.

[ Ratio: Doctor in Love! It has a nice ring to it and it's also totally accurate (he's in love with Aventurine after all).

Their next stop brings them to a corner behind a table where two old men are discussing. ]

Vergilius and Silco?! [Ereshkigal's features shift from shock to complete and utter disbelief. It's like she's staring at the most unlikely, weird, downright nonsensical madness ever.] Y... You don't think they...?

[ Please doctor, tell her it ain't so!! She's not sure what's the most horrible about this. The fact that Silco may have found love before her or the fact that Vergilius' standards are so abysmally low, Silco somehow fulfills them. What the Kûr?! Nobody should settle for that! ]

...I suppose you have a point. Yet, I do not believe what you desire in romance is similar to my desires.

[ Ereshkigal seems like the type to desire the kind of fairytale romance common in fiction. Ratio, on the other hand, stumbled into love, and what he desires from it is... well. A stable bond with Aventurine. Him happy and carefree. Both of them excelling together in their work assignments as usual.

Actually, that's fairly idealistic, isn't it?

But then they're at the next couple, and it's a surprising pair. Or, less surprising, and more unknown to him. While he's talked to Silco once or twice, he's hardly interacted with Vergilius. Watching them interact, however, is a little familiar. ]

They do appear to have interest in each other. That much is apparent.

[ Sorry Eresh... it's actually far harder to find someone who might fulfill her pure desires than it is to find unscrupulous men who have commonalities in wretchedness or tragedy. Whatever either of their stories are, they've clearly found something worth considering in the other. ]

[ Ereshkigal looks increasingly distraught, angry, dumbfounded - lost - as she stares at the two men. When she talks, it is in a low tone as if she's talking to herself, having momentarily forgotten that Ratio is besides her. ]

... What is wrong with you, Ereshkigal? Why is it the most evil and sociopathic man alive can find love and yet no one in thousand of years has looked your way? Am I so-- [She shakes her head.] N-No, I shouldn't think like that.

[ She takes a step back and crosses her arms. T-That's enough of a learning experience, she thinks. Ratio should go back to having a good time with Aventurine. She's going to hide under a cardboard box and flee, probably. ]

I-I think that's enough for today doctor. I believe I have confirmed that love is something beyond reason and comprehension.

[ Poor girl. This is something Ratio can't help her with. His suggestion might have actually backfired, given how distraught she is now. ]

Perhaps you should shift your perspective. Rather than believing yourself to be at fault, consider this: it is that you have yet to find anyone worthy of your attention.

[ She really needs to work on her self-esteem... this is the best he can do to help in that regard. ]

It does not seem like our observations assisted you in any way. I did not mean to waste your time.

[ Yet to find anyone worthy of her attention, is it? Well there is one, but... Not only isn't she there, but she got a hundred different Servants as the last master of humanity. Why, she probably got another hundred since they last met. It's totally hopeless, she's accepted that much. ]

... ... ... ...

[ She clears her throat and forces a smile. She doesn't want to bother Ratio with those things. She'd decided to stop thinking about romance - let alone talking about it - but it's like those talks keep finding their way to her! Her smile isn't the most convincing ever, but it's good enough to pass at a glance. ]

It's alright doctor, you did your best. [Honestly he's been exceptionally kind, it's not hi fault she got the self-esteem of a dead turtle.] I shall return to my quarters. You should find Aventurine, this is a Valentine event after all!

[ He can't help but pity her. He understands what it's like to yearn for a normal life, and for her, isolated for millennia, the yearning must be much stronger, and any imagined delusions about what that may be like all the more vivid.

He wants to help, but this isn't a problem he can solve for her, nor is it his place to try. ]

Allow me to escort you to the door, at the very least.

[ That way she isn't reduced to a quivering mess by the wall again. ]

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OPEN💗 LATE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

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