December | Event: With A Bang

[jikan_mod]

With A Bang↲ OOC Plotting

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In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

After delivering his speech, he can be found mostly surrounded by his attendants and just quietly enjoying the atmosphere. While guests are welcome to speak with him, they may be quick to notice that he's not quite as eloquent when his words aren't pre-written.

Sus Snax Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
Beautiful decor aside, the Gala has a live orchestra supplying the music, which seems to be of a more classical affair, with a Nippon-like twist. Dances will shift from playfully energetic to slower and more romantic as the night draws on. Enjoy a slow dance with a sweetie? It might just be your last chance before time resets at the end of the night.

And of course, no party would be complete without plenty of food and drink. Drinks are unlimited, with no shortage of beer, locally-brewed sake, and very expensive wines imported from before the time surges made international travel too dangerous. Should the Emperor really be giving this out for free? If asked, the attendants managing the party will simply explain that the Emperor is not very fond of alcohol, and wishes to share the collection he's acquired over the years with those who will enjoy it.

But at some point after the party has begun, some rather mysterious snacks make an appearance. Although looking like perfectly innocent manju, just one sniff will reveal the unmistakable scent of Uki weed laced within the sugary treat. How did someone smuggle these into the Imperial Palace of all places?? Well, as long as no one's a killjoy, the attendants won't recognize the scent, and the snacks will remain until they've all been eaten!

But what of those looking for a little... privacy? There's far more to the palace than just the main hall, and with just a little sneaking around, they'll find a door that leads to the upper floors. Despite being closed off, it looks like some of them have been decorated for the season as well, although it only takes a glance to see that most of the rooms are clearly unused. Wasn't this the Emperor's home? Well, regardless, there's still plenty of futons to be found in the closet of each tatami-lined room, so there's no reason that guests can't have a little fun in secret.

Mistleno Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
It seems there's some other sort of trickery afoot at this Gala. All around the main hall, and even in some of the private hallways and outdoor areas, colorful paper cranes can be found hanging from doorways and ceilings. There's only ever one, and they seem to following some kind of colorful theme. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that these little fellas are enchanted, with different effects triggering depending on the color of the crane itself.

The red cranes will cause whoever walks under it to kiss the first person they see. A second variety, with a glittery sheen, will instead make them seek out someone they've never kissed before for a smooch.

The orange cranes will cause whoever walks under them to spontaneously teleport to the side of the last person they were thinking about, whether they want to be there or not. It seems someone thought it was funny to stick one of these above the bathrooms...

The green cranes will only cause an effect if two people walk under one at the same time. This crane will cause their minds to switch places, putting them in the other person's body. Passing under additional green cranes while the effect is still present will cause another swap, until no one knows who anyone is anymore.

The blue cranes will cause whoever passes under it to suddenly confess something out loud to the first person they see. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be a major secret, and may even just cause them to offer a spontaneous compliment, or admit they've have a little bit of the Uki snacks from earlier.

The purple cranes will manifest a random Kizuna effect that may linger for the rest of the night. This can be anything, from a mild physical change like growing flowers in their hair, to a severe mental change like intense levels of possessiveness.

And the pink cranes are of the most predictable sort, causing whoever passes under one to become almost insatiably horny. Thankfully, these ones are the rarest.

But how long will the effects last? Good question! Although none will last past midnight, the range seems to be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If pointed out to the Emperor's attendants, they'll immediately begin trying to remove them, but the cranes will simply take flight and flutter to another hidden location. So they weren't intentional, after all... so who put them there?

Party Crashers

As the evening progresses, the source of the mysterious Uki and magical paper cranes is revealed, when a number of Yokai abruptly crash the party. But this is no ordinary group of party crashers, as they're all dressed in imperial regalia, and are joined by the Emperor of the West himself, Katsuragi no Mikoto.

"Salutations, my dear guests from another world! Please, do not let me and my entourage disturb you! You see, I simply have very important business with a certain Karu-chan who stood me up last summer... no regrets, right?"

After a brief kerfuffle, the two emperors quickly take their leave to the very private balcony that absolutely no one can sneak into or blatantly peek at from the windows, not at all. Those hoping for a steamy scene may leave a little disappointed, but the lingering glances and shy smiles shared between the two say plenty on their own.

Boom Boom Boom Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Although the party may have been winding down before, once the Yokai join the group, things grow very lively very quickly. The classical music playing on the dance floor is replaced with some swinging jazz tunes, and dancers may find themselves literally dancing on air, as the Yokai use their magic to allow for weightlessness on the dance floor. They're being very careful that no one falls, and those affected will find their dance steps unaffected by the chance in altitude, but it's sure to be a little disorienting for some.

In addition to the Uki-laced snacks from before, drinks bearing magical effects are also brought out, with each effect carefully labelled to prevent accidental ingestion. The blue soda bottles cause drinkers to grow or shrink in height or size, in varying degrees of strength. Some may simply grow to a respectable six-feet tall, while others may find themselves shrunk down to no more than six-inches tall! The red berry-flavored drink causes those who drink it to become overtly flirty and confident, earning it the nickname "suave soda". And the mysterious sparkling sake causes those who drink it to become imbued with powerful Kizuna magic, causing severe Kizuna side effects to manifest. Strangely, it seems this one effects Yokai very differently, as the intended effect is simply a magical amplifier. Oops?

But aside from escorting their amorous emperor to his long-awaited date with the other emperor, the Yokai accompanying him have one last present to offer the refugees to make the evening even more magical. As the night grows late, a special spell is cast upon the ceiling, making it entirely transparent. And following a brief countdown, a spectacular show of fireworks is played overhead, visible from all over Tokyo. Magical in nature, the colorful bursts often take the shape of creatures, bounding across the sky before bursting into a brilliant show of light and magic.

By the time the show comes to end, few will have noticed that the clock has long since passed midnight.

Your Best Friend Everywhere, Nippon
It's not until the sun begins to rise that the last of the party goers begin filtering out of the castle and into the streets. Although none of the people sleeping in their homes are aware, it seems yet another time loop has been successfully stopped thanks to the refugees!

...sure, they did cause this one, but it still counts for something!! Though it seems they'll be left with no definitive answer for exactly how the time loop was prevented in the end. Maybe someone just needed to let loose a little for once?

Over the next few days, things really do seem to be progressing as normal. And more importantly, the people seem to be in even higher spirits than before. As another year safely passes by without any word of another loop, the native population begins to feel a true sense of relief, as if this year was proof that the time loop was truly over. Perhaps this is why scienz_rulz_1899 was so insistent that no one else find out the truth: because she knew just how important this peace of mind would be for the people of Nippon.

As thanks for their efforts, all refugees will find a gift addressed them to delivered to wherever it is they're staying -- and regardless of where. How did it find their way to them? It seems she still has her secrets! Each gift will include either a box of fancy pastries, a bottle of wine, or a small amount of money for those who can't enjoy either. And alongside that, an item from their home world that they would be happy to see again.

And at the bottom of each box is a small card, printed in their native tongue: from your best friend, Tomoko.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's December event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While there is no official dress code, characters will ICly be encouraged to dress up for the occasion! For outfit ideas, consider searching 1920s fashion trends and Taisho era fashion!

• Feel free to make the effects of the paper cranes and drinks as mild or as strong as you'd like! Only the sparkling sake is alcoholic.

• Attempting to destroy the cranes will cause them to fly away. With effort, they can be torn up, but the effects they cause will linger unless burned to ashes. They are not living creatures, so don't feel bad about it.

• Characters who are in one of the upper floors when the fireworks begin will also experience an invisible ceiling. However, thanks to the way the magic works, the floor will not be invisible, and those on the floors below will not see them fuckin'. Unless you want them to, in which case, exactly one room will have this effect for all you exhibitionists out there.

• The item received in their gift from Tomoko/scienz_rulz_1899 can be normal or magical in nature, but it must be something they would want to see again, and something that would realistically fit in a large box. They do not need to attend the Gala to receive this item.

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NPC Threads

[jikan_mod]

If you would like to request a thread with Tennō Karu or Katsuragi no Mikoto, please reply here!

Karu will be available alone shortly after his speech but before the Yokai appear. Both will be available together after returning from their talk outside. Katsuragi will be available alone after getting extremely drunk near the very end of the night.

Threading with NPCs is not necessary, but can add a little bit of flavor to the setting for those who want it!

Aether | Genshin Impact

[brilliantdiamond]

1 | Or are we Dancer?
[Sometimes it's hard to believe it hasn't been all that long since he arrived in Nippon. So much has happened in such a short amount of time, some good, and some bad. Perhaps that's why it's been weighing on him, wondering if his own built up regrets were responsible for the previous year's time loop.]

[It's only at Paimon's insistence that he attends the Gala, dressed in a very simple kimono, and looking... rather tired, actually. At some point he even dozes off while leaning against a wall, only to very abruptly stir once more.]

[But he won't be all doom and gloom, and eventually he decides to let loose and indulge both in some booze and some of the uki-laced snacks. And it's thanks to the red-berry drink in particular that he'll feel bold enough to approach someone, whether he knows them or not, and offer them his hand.]

Wanna dance with me?


2 | Crane Games
[The cranes are so out of place, they're immediately sus. But despite his best efforts, some of them are rather hard to avoid. And by the end of the night, he'll have walked under each of them at least once.]

A
[Following a red crane, he'll appear to more or less normal, before abruptly grabbing someone by the hand and pulling it to his lips to press a kiss to their knuckles. But for someone he knows, he pulls them a little closer, and aims for a kiss on the lips instead -- much to Paimon's chagrin if she happens to be alongside him.]

B
[The blue crane is at least something familiar, if not any less humiliating. Immediately after walking under this one, he turns to the nearest person and blurts out--]

I haven't had sex in over a month.

[--before quickly bringing a hand to his face while the other points upward at the crane, as a mumbled apology slips out.]

C
[And then there's the green one, in which his reaction is entirely dependent on who it happens with. For bonus hilarity, if Paimon is with him, all three may find themselves jumbled by the effects of the crane! Ever wanted to be a tiny floating fairy-person? Now's your chance!]


3 | Fireworks
[When the ceiling seemingly disappears only to be replaced with a beautiful light show, Aether stops and stares up at the sky, finding himself feeling oddly at peace. Despite all the bad things that have happened, this world still had no shortage of beauty and mystery. He had hoped to be able to explore it with Lumine by his side, but... if she can't be here, then at the very least, he should ensure that he has no shortage of stories to tell her when they finally meet again.]

[As the show continues, Aether can be found quietly resting on the ground near a wall, face tilted towards the sky above with an almost innocent look of wonder on his face.]


4 | Wildcard
[Aether can also be found: exploring the other rooms in the palace, dancing in mid-air thanks to the Yokai, or just being drunk and giggly somewhere. Feel free to throw any other crane effects at me with your character affected instead! If you'd like to plot something specific, hit me up here!]

2b

[ilqaras]

[which, of course, the closest person who Aether happened to say that to was none other than Dohalim himself; eyes are widened for a moment at the sudden admission, before he glances up at the crane. ah. that explains a lot...

but as he glances back down at Aether, his eyebrows raise just a little when he realises just who it is. well, this is a little awkward, isn't it... it occurs to Dohalim that the last encounter they had with each other left them both not knowing their names, going their separate ways quietly. possibly to save what little dignity they both had left. who knows]

Ah...

[what does he say to that? what could he say to that? should he just slip away again and pretend that he didn't hear what the blond had said? or does he give into the sudden compelling need to tell him something as equally as embarrassing? perhaps they should move away from the crane before--]

I have had entirely too much sex in the last month--

[oh no. looking down at the wine glass in his hand, Dohalim takes a long swig of it, as if to stop him from spewing such other nonsense]

2b

[leafwhistle]

[Even before his time in Nippon, Kazuha always had a little bit of a relaxed view of recreational drugs. Tonight he's partaken in very little though, wanting to be mostly lucid for possibly the last night before he forgets everything. It's a heavy feeling, but he's making the most of it.

He's just having some sake, cup in hand, when he heards a familiar voice and turns. Rather than being bashful at what was said, the samurai immediately goes into full gremlin mode, leaning closer to his friend.]

That long? I would have made that less.

[Ah, not exactly what he wanted to comment, but there it is. Kazuha breathes a sigh, looking at the crane, then just decides to roll with it. Truth is not a bad thing.]

It's good to see you, it's been too long. So much has happened.

2

[lyingstars]

[Perhaps it's the thought of forgetting everything that has Scaramouche deciding to attend the Gala, of wanting to spend some time with the people he's gotten to know, foolish as that was. And it's only on the instance that dressing up is something he should do that has him out of his usual attire - save for his zori - for once. Hair done up in braids, and an outfit with purple thigh high tabi, that he's still questioning why he chose.

He doesn't even notice the Traveler until the man speaks, stopping in his tracks to turn and face him. Of all the bizarre things to come out and say.]

How sad for you. Emotionally I've felt like dross since Tartaglia tried to fuck me.

[It's in those words that everything seems to freeze, eyes narrowing slowly as the words he's uttered register in his mind. Definitely something he didn't intend to say. The Harbinger hasn't mentioned that night to anyone, was never planning to, but he should know better than to think this place wouldn't force him to mention it. However that it's at the Gala of all things is not something he expected.

With a sigh he reaches a hand out to cover Aether's mouth. He's already done with whatever is compelling the both of them to speak nonsense.]

...Not a word.

2B with potential to end up under a pink one later, maybe?

[negeotiation]

[Zhongli was sipping one of the fine wines their host has been so kind to offer, but he finds himself swallowing wrong at that sudden, bold statement from Aether.

He covers his mouth as he coughs, trying not to make a scene of the fact that he did in fact just choke on what is probably extremely expensive wine, in a nice fitted suit.

He collects himself after a moment, looking for all the world as if he utterly intends forget he just did that, aside from the pale pink dusting his cheeks.]

...I would love to help you with that, if you were so inclined.

[...Okay never mind, he's just going to take another very long sip of his wine to shut himself up. A quick glance around reveals that yes, there are indeed cranes nearby.

....Ah.]

Edogawa Ranpo | Bungo Stay Doggo

[sweetsleuth]

1 | Littlest Cat Man
Heeeey! Look down here!

[Over at the snack table, a disaster has just occurred. Taking his chances with the magic contained in the very delicious looking blue soda, it only took a few sips for the effects to take place. And while Ranpo was excited thinking that maybe he'd get to be the tall one for once, instead he's shrunk down to the size of a Barbie doll, if not a bit shorter. At least his clothes shrank too?]

[While he looks relieved to have been noticed, the way his little cat ears have folded down and the manner in which his tail flicks about betrays the mood he's in.]

Finally someone noticed me! All the snacks on this table are too heavy for me -- so lend me a hand and carry me to another one, will ya?


2 | Fly Like Cranes
[While walking around the party, Ranpo sees the cranes hanging from the ceiling -- and for the most part, he avoids walking under them. But with the way they seem to be increasing as the Yokai's arrival draws nearer, eventually he finds himself unable to avoid passing under a few here and there.]

[If someone catches him after a red crane, he'll skip right up to them and plant a smooch on their cheek if they're a girl, and on the lips if they're a guy. He won't even seem particularly shy about it either, having grown used to shenanigans like this by now.]

[The blue ones are perhaps the only ones Ranpo won't bother to avoid, if only because he doesn't have too many secrets he'd be afraid of spilling. For the most part, it seems the cranes are just making him admit to how much food he's eaten tonight. But occasionally, a kinky confession may come out instead, leaving him a touch red-faced.]

[And the pink ones are the most extreme, leading Ranpo to make a beeline for the first attractive man he sees who looks down to clown. Truly an ideal use of his deductive skills: knowing exactly who at a party would be open to casually fucking.] Saaay, have you been upstairs yet? I bet no one would notice if we sneaked up there for a little bit?


3 | With a Bang
[When the fireworks begin, Ranpo takes this golden opportunity to plunder the snack table of the best snacks while no one of looking--]

[But eventually, he does opt to sit and watch them a while. When he's not sitting next to a dear friend or curled up in the lap of his boyfriend, he can actually be found in the garden just outside the castle, leaning against the rails of the bridge over the moat, and looking far more contemplative than earlier. Should someone come out to join him, he won't turn to them as he speaks some thoughts aloud.]

It's 12:09. Guess that means I have to actually think about what it means to have been here for a whole year now, huh.


4 | Wildcard
[Ranpo can also be found: commenting on the emperor's situation, exploring the upper floors of the castle, and parking himself at the snack table. If you'd like to plot something specific, hit me up here!]

1 (Lucy)

[scarredhorns]

[Lucy's at the snack table to see what other refreshments are being offered besides the manju, which she now knew to be laced with Uki weed (though not until after she'd already eaten a second one). That's when someone's shouting caught her attention.

Huh? ...What? A tiny catman?

Lucy herself is sporting patches of mermaid scales across her face, even her eyelids and lips have a slight iridescent shine to them. Her horns were longer as well. As for her outfit, it's a hakama accompanied by her long pink hair being styled into a single braid that rests over her right shoulder.

It looks like she's the only who's noticed him so far. Instead of picking Ranpo up with a physical hand, though, she uses a vector. He won't be able to see it with his eyes, but he'll definitely feel what seems to be a hand enclosing around him. But Lucy's intention isn't to crush, just to hold him up a few feet away from her face.]

Fine, but don't try anything funny or I'll swat you off like a fly. Got it? [The vector sets him down on her left shoulder.]

[Of course, Ranpo hadn't said anything to offend Lucy, but she's almost always prickly when meeting new people.]

arataki itto | genshin impact

[oneandoni]

Sus Snax

[big, fancy parties aren't really Itto's thing - heck, he doesn't think he's even been to a fancy party before - but it's free and it sounds like it'll be fun, and he is not the kind of oni to pass on either. Sure, there's some heavy stuff behind it, but while he kind of gets what's going on, he's not sure how it'll effect him and so, he's not going to worry about it. At least, not until he has to.

Which means, he's going to happily take advantage of the food and drink. Anything with beans gets a wide berth and a disgruntled look, but he's going to try everything. Well, almost everything.

When he comes across the uki manjuu, he picks one up carefully between his nails and sniffs it, making a face before putting it down]

Since when do manjuu smell so weird?

[or maybe, unfortunately, he notices you've been there for a while, maybe drinking - and really, he can't resist] Hey, wanna see who can drink more?

MistleNo

[of COURSE Arataki "Always 110% Aware of His Surroundings" Itto knows about the cranes. He totally saw them when he came in and how they seemed to multiply after the yokai got there, and he totally knows what they do, too! Each and every color!!

If you happen to stand under a red crane with him, most people will get a peck on the cheek or a kiss to the top of their head. For those he knows, well . . .

Either way, the reaction is the same - a wide-eyed look and a sputter before he throws his hands up] I didn't mean to do that!

[as for the blue cranes, most of his confessions are unimportant - like how many times he's really lost in beetle fights, but some (un)lucky person might get a muttered, concerned - ]

Man, I think they took my first real kiss.

[who was it?? A fushigi mystery]

Boom Boom Boom

[regardless of what happens or how many fights he starts or how much trouble he might stir up or shut up the yokai started it first, when the fireworks begin he does stop to watch, growing quiet in awe. Inazuma has some pretty great fireworks show, but this is pretty nice, too.

Later, he seems to have mellowed out a little, finding somewhere to lean and drink]

Wildcard

[or maybe you catch him before the party and want to go halfsies on some nice clothes, or something else entirely because he'll be all over the place. Feel free to come up with something or plot with me over here!]

Mistleno, time for chaos

[brilliantdiamond]

[If the red horns and striking red markings weren't enough to draw Aether's attention, the Geo vision around his neck certainly would. And yet as Aether glances over, he can't say he recognizes him. Was he just someone else from Inazuma? Possibly, though if his experiences thus far have taught him anything, it's that the people brought here all seem to have some kind of connection with one another.]

[Which is what has him walking over -- just in time for both of them to pass under a red crane. So, instead of politely introducing himself, he reaches up, grabs Itto by the titty straps shirt, and yanks him down for a kiss.]

[That's one way to make a first impression, sure.]

sus snax

[leafwhistle]

[Itto is loud and tall; hard for Kazuha not to notice with his sensitive ears and short stature. He'd thought he'd met every Vision holder that was in Nippon currently, but here on the eve of the possible next time loop he finds himself surprised to notice another one.

He looks up, his red eyes meeting the oni's, and there's not a spot of recognition in them. However, he at least can tell he's an Inazuman oni and not one of the local ones, and he smiles warmly at him, raising his cup of sake.]

Are you sure that's wise? I might be small of frame, but I hold my wine very well.

mistleno

[lyingstars]

[It's hard to miss the oni that looks as though he has little concept of what formal attire is, standing out amongst the crowd as though his very presence demanded attention. He has little idea who the man is, nor does he have any desire to find out, planning to walk on past him to get to the drinks. Just another person for the Harbinger to add to the ever growing list of people to avoid speaking with based on looks alone.

Not that Scaramouche is particularly dressed in something that could be entirely considered formal attire either. His long hair is braided and the outfit he's wearing is certainly fancy, but the shorts and purple thigh high tabi make him appear formal while also not.

What he doesn't expect is for one of those aggravating cranes to be present and for the oni he has no interest in, to speak with him. It's only in spotting the Vision and the topic not being terrible that stops him from turning around immediately.]

You fight beetles?

Sus snax

[negeotiation]

[In all truth, it's the Geo vision at Itto's throat that has Zhongli's attention even before the oni speaks. While many here from Teyvat had visions, he had yet to see any aligned with his element in particular.

Interesting...

He isn't expecting Itto to call out to him, but his request brings a small quirk of a smile to his lips.]

Such a contest might not be welcome by our hosts... and I am afraid to say that my tolerance for drink is rather strong, so it would last quite some time.

['Rather strong' in that he's got millennia of alcohol tolerance under his belt, but hey. He definitely doesn't look like the type of man who drinks hard regularly: A beautiful face, fancy tailed suit, and posture befitting a man who is perfectly comfortable at parties such as these.]

I do not believe I've met you before... but you are from Teyvat too, aren't you?

drinking contest!

[battlebound]

( you'd think after 200 years of losing to Red Wine — and even to Gingerbread — in drinking contests, Steak would know better than to say yes to a drinking contest. )

That's nothing, let's go.

( Steak does not know better. what he does know, however, is the right way to grab a waiter's attention and ask for two large glasses of beer.

sigh. guess it's time to see who bites off more than he can chew first. )

[whitepierrot]

Binary Blowout

[ After that announcement a couple of weeks back, things had been weighing heavily on his mind as while he hadn’t been here a long time? He’d made some good progress and got along with a good couple of people so he didn’t want to lose that. It’d been a constant in the back of his mind, then they announced some big winter gala and that would require dressing nicely so he went out to go see if he could find something nice to wear.

He happened to be in Shibuya when word reached him about some kind of sale, but it wasn’t until he got there that Allen realized exactly what the sale entailed. It was a massive sale for couples’ outfits. Part of him wanted to just go in and see what else was on sale, but the outfits were all quite nice and maybe he could help someone else out?

So that was why he flashed a smile at someone else who’d been eying the store as well. ]

It may not be much.. but why don’t we go in together and get an outfit? It is a good deal and I don’t think we have to actually be a couple in order to get the sale..

[ From saving people to saving money.. He just wanted to help, okay? ]


Lonely Celebrations

[ Everything about this place was beautiful with it’s wintry theme, and it just made him realize that he hasn’t really attended any actual parties. Though he’s here all the same, dressed rather nicely for the occasion, complete with his gloves and hair done in a low ponytail that was tied with a deep blue ribbon.

Once the Emperor had made his speech and things had started? He’d kept to the corners of the room, knowing he had very minimal experience dancing and wouldn’t want to step on anyone’s toes or anything. So at some point, Allen wandered over to get a drink and paused when he realized there were wines here.

He’d almost decided against it, but if this truly was all going to be reset and he wouldn’t remember it? Then so be it.

After all. It wasn’t underage if he happened to be eighteen today. Drinking wine just reminded him of his former Master, but he didn’t want to think about anything bad. So with that said, Allen decided to take one carefully and moved to head towards a nearby spot, watching the others dancing and then sighing. ]

Happy Birthday to me.

[ A somber smile crossed his lips as he went to take a drink of his wine, gaze somewhat distant. It felt so weird to be away from his friends, and yet glad they didn’t have to deal with any of the stuff that happened here. ]


Mistleno

[ Feeling a little energized by drinking at least two more glasses of wine, Allen had started walking around a bit more freely which gave multiple opportunities to wander under a number of cranes at some point. ]

I.

[ If it’s a red crane and he doesn’t know them? He’ll approach and take their hand to place a kiss on the back of their hand politely, but if you’re someone he does know? They’ll find one Allen Walker moving to directly kiss them on the cheek - sometimes the lips - though he does back off rather embarrassed afterwards. ]

II.

[ Though when passing underneath a blue crane… he’ll turn to the person closest to him, pause and then... ]

… I find your eyes extremely beautiful.

[ Alternatively, he just as easily will compliment someone on how lovely he finds their hair or their outfit. Either way? He’ll look away, cheeks bearing a soft flush of color afterwards. ]


One Small Party Crasher

[ As luck would have it? As soon as those Yokai showed up? They weren’t the only ones who made the party much more lively. One Allen didn’t mind seeing again, if the one in question didn’t decide to be a bit… chaotic.

You may have been minding your own business, intending to eat a small plate of manju, or enjoy that pretty awesome red-berry drink you just ordered… and then suddenly just like that it’s gone. Gone in a flash of golden yellow and a tiny pair of wings.

Shortly after that?

Allen could be seen chasing after a small, flying, golden orb that had something clutched in it’s little fluffy tail or in it’s mouth that split the cross on it’s little body. ]

TIM!! Come back here! I know that’s not yours!!

[ He has his suspicions on why this is happening, but he knows the little golem had been stealing these things from people. Just his luck. ]


Wildcard

[ If nothing else works? Feel free to PM me on this journal or hit me up @ MelodicWinds#6453 on Discord! :D ]

(not so) Lonely Celebrations

[ilqaras]

[while not celebrating a birthday, nor not knowing of the holiday customs of Nippon, Dohalim feels the same way, not being able to celebrate such a festive occasion with them (he hasn't seen Law around the party which makes him wonder if the boy's just steering clear of something that may remind him of Renan opulence. and if that's the case, Dohalim doesn't blame him in the slightest). perhaps it's because it's so ingrained in him to at least show up to such events, as someone who's grown up in nobility, and is a former lord, so really, he's used to striding by other party goers, offering polite smiles and dances for those who wished to do so.

though, he will admit, being dressed in a kimono, as lovely as it is, is proving to be a little more difficult to dance around in than he originally anticipated, but he eventually gets there. but even he needs a break and possibly a glass of wine; that's when he finds Allen. a small smile tugs at his lips as he approaches the teen-- well, he supposes young man now, considering exactly what day it is. he raises his glass when he hears his words]

I'll cheers to that.

gorou | genshin impact

[kyuudouka]

binary blowout;
[When one of the first things Gorou hears about when he arrives in Nippon is that there’s some sort of celebration going on and the refugees - which he supposes he’s one of those, now - are guests of honor, he’s wary. It seems incredibly suspect, but he knows Her Excellency would see this as an opportunity to garner more information. Unfortunately it seems like it’s going to be a rather… fancy event, and Gorou doesn’t have much in the way of formal clothing. Or anything at all, considering he’s freshly arrived. He would just show up in his armor, but he’s a bit wary of being turned away at the door and ruining any attempts to gather information.

It’s unfortunate his options are so limited.

Having to alter his clothing or have them custom made isn’t exactly new to Gorou - it’s not like there’s many Inazumans with tails running around and he can’t stand the feeling of his tail being constricted, so tucking it away is completely out of the question - but he doesn’t have the same resources here he has back on Watatsumi. (Not that he really handled the requisition of new armor, and that was basically all he wore now.) He’ll need to be thrifty, even if he’s not sure what’s a reasonable price for clothing to begin with, which is what draws him to the sale. Unfortunately, between his frame and his tail, he doesn’t have many choices. There are clothes tailored for people with non-human features, so there’s more than nothing! Just. A lot of it isn’t things he’s especially keen on.

His ears droop as he looks between a pair of pants that are entirely too long and a dress that’s entirely too short. The pants present a tripping hazard, but the dress is so… eye-catching, covered in tassels and sparkles, that it would probably hinder a covert operation.

He’s going to be stuck here for a while.]

sus snax;
[Watatsumi doesn’t have the luxury of sweets - with trade picking up between them and the rest of Inazuma that’ll hopefully begin to change - but Gorou can’t help himself from getting a treat when he can. It made his trips to Yae Publishing House and having to risk running into Yae Miko worth it, because he could stop and get cake or dango before beginning the return home. The fact that the manju here are free for the taking…

He does notice the unfamiliar scent, but he chalks it up to the different ingredients available in Nippon. The manju itself are familiar and he can’t indulge himself often, so he’s perhaps a bit greedy in the amount of manju he takes. Not all at once! But he does circle back to the snack table quite a bit to grab one or two more.

He’s completely unaware of how his tail has started to wag with the more he nibbles on, feeling floaty and happy and surprisingly at ease for being at a party more formal than anything he’s ever experienced surrounded by strangers. It is kind of nice to enjoy a change of pace… He pops another manju into his mouth, feeling the world start to tilt. He reaches out to brace himself, grabbing onto the arm of whoever’s nearest.]

Ah. My apologies.

[His ears flick and wiggle, and he’s trying very hard to compose himself right now. Everything feels so warm, though, an odd kind of syrupy sensation that makes his head feel fuzzy but his body feel good. It means he’s in a great mood, at least, and his tail begins to wag even more vigorously with being close to someone else.

He’s not making any real effort to move.]

wildcard;
[Anything goes! Or, if you want me to write something up with one of these prompts or a different one - like the cranes or dancing - feel free to hit me up at revelries or in the Discord!]

sus snax

[oneandoni]

[while he's been all over the party, most of the time letting his curiosity get the better of him, but he always finds his way back to the food - and the drinks, both equally important.

It's as he's getting himself another drink that Gorou grabs onto him, and Itto makes a surprised noise as he attempts to help steady him. His glass gets set aside for now]

Hey, it's fine. Had a little too much to drink?

[wait. He pauses, squinting down at the furry, wiggly ears before he leans just enough to see Gorou's face]

—huh! Well, if it isn't the general himself.

Kuro | Servamp

[neetvampire]

Mistleno
[Kuro certainly hadn't expected the cranes to be anything but ordinary. He'd assumed they were decorations, rather pretty ones at that.

He was wrong. And once he realizes his mistake, he'll still have trouble with them throughout the night, sometimes due to not noticing them, and sometimes due to sheer laziness of not wanting to find a different route to get where he wants to go.]

A
[The red cranes are certainly inducing a spirit of spontaneity in the normally lazy vampire, though. He's moving faster than one might expect from him when he lays eyes on the first person he sees after passing by a red crane, leaning in to press a kiss to their lips, or, in the case of a woman, their palm or knuckles.

Sometimes it's someone he knows. Sometimes it isn't. Either way he heaves a sigh after, slumping a little in place in his own weird version of flustered.] ...Ah... What a pain...

[What a way to say hello.]

B - Pick lewd or tame confession

[The Blue cranes are certainly an interesting way to start a conversation...Or just embarrass himself. Some of the things he admits are silly, some are weird, and some are just very, very lewd.]

C - NSFW option
[And the pink ones.... well.

Kuro was never a person to have much shame.]

....Y'know, I bet we could find a place to have a lot more fun together.

Boom Boom Fizz
[Of course Kuro was going to try the soda. It's been ages since he's had some, and he doesn't hesitate to reach for the bottle of fizzy blue.

He's expecting to lose a few inches or gain some. He isn't expecting to be roughly a foot tall.

...But actually, that isn't all that unusual for him at all. Having hands instead of paws at this size was bound to be useful, too. That bright idea in mind, well.... is it to anyone's surprise to find a foot tall Kuro wandering around the snack table, stealing bites from anything he can get his tiny hands on?

He's got a hunk of cake that he's more or less buried his entire face in, frosting caught in his bangs and zero cares in the world as he spots someone staring, ears perked and tail swishing lazily.]

Yo.

[#noregrets. RIP that poor cake though, looks like he just yanked a chunk off. Someone might want to stop him.]

Warm and Bright
[Eventually, Kuro's going to seek out a place to settle in and watch the fireworks-- maybe it's in a bedroom in comfy futon pile, maybe it's with someone he knows, maybe it's in the gardens outside the castle.

Either way he'll look up at the fireworks, watching the glowing creatures bounding across the sky with a soft expression.... before tilting backwards and flopping on the ground wherever he stands, letting out a sigh as the lights paint the night in blooms of color.]

Can't believe it's been a whole year...

Wildcard
[Open to pretty much anything! Kuro can be found wandering the party and garden mostly being a wallflower, and at some point he'll sneak away upstairs to take a nap. He's wearing a suit to the party... rather sloppily, with his tie loose and coat unbuttoned. He made half an effort at least.]

Mistleno - A

[bloodandsweets]

[ Okay so he hadn't been here long enough to really understand the heaviness of the thing that had been mentioned with the time loops, but a party was not something he would say no to. Infact, it was interesting enough that Noé had went out of his way to try and find something nice to wear for it.

He'd shown up dressed in quite the dashing outfit and his hair was parted off to the side to give the overall look something much more elegant, the touches of color working quite well without being too flashy. Though while cutting quite the impressive figure, it hadn't stopped him from being distracted and looking around in amazement at the winter-themed decorations and the 'snowflakes' that fell so naturally without being actually real.

It was in his curious wanderings that he'd missed what the emperor had said somewhat and exactly why he hadn't seen - or heard - someone approach until a hand grabbed his tie and used it to pull him down in time to have lips pressing against his in a kiss. That did something to short his brain out for a couple seconds, not processing a whole lot until the other man pulled away and his cheeks turned a nice shade of pink.

Still fairly visible even with his darker skin in this lighting, no less. ]

What?? I... [ He cleared his throat. ] Is... that some kind of new greeting here I'm not aware of?

[ This is about as much as he can manage as everything all settles into his head. Maybe it'll clue in that the other man here had fangs too. Eventually. ]

Lucy/Nyuu | Elfen Lied (manga ver.)

[scarredhorns]

I. Dancing (Lucy or Nyuu)

a. Yoshiwara, Tokyo

[Neither of the girls is familiar with formal dances outside of what glimpses they caught from TV or pictures back home, but it was Nyuu (as usual) who insisted that they take advantage of the free dance lessons being offered. They wouldn't want to look silly, now would they?

Lucy did hate looking like an idiot, yes. But still, if she's the one in control at the current time, she's doing her best wallflower impression, leaning back against the wall, arms crossed, eyes down, and wearing a sulky expression.

However, if it's Nyuu she's much friendlier and more willing to actually participate, even extending a hand to the other person] Would you like to practice with me?

b. Winter Gala + Drinks and Uki Weed

[It takes a while, but Lucy and Nyuu manage to find some middle ground on what they consider to be a suitable outfit, a nice hakama. Their long pink hair is styled into a single braid that rests over their right shoulder.

Unlike during the dance lessons, Lucy's looking a little less sullen now. Perhaps it's because of the red-berry flavored drink and sparkling sake, breaking down her usual cool reserve and making her more open to conversation, dancing, or even, possibly, flirting? Or maybe it's because of the Uki weed manju? Maybe both?]

II. Paper Cranes (Lucy or Nyuu)

[They knew something weird was going on when their horns suddenly grew longer, almost rabbit-ear-like in appearance if they weren't pointed at the tips. It wasn't just their horns either. Although, they only noticed the other change once they saw their reflection. Their face had gained patches of iridescent scales down their chin, across their forehead, along their cheekbones, and just below their eyes. Even their eyelids and lips seemed to gain a faint sparkle and shine to them.

Lucy and Nyuu were aware that they'd been normal until they took notice of all the colorful paper cranes hanging around. What they didn't know was that the changes were due to the purple ones specifically, and that the physical Kizuna side effects were just the beginning.]

a. [They'd passed under the blue cranes as well. What they blurt out is different with each interaction, but there is one general confession that both girls make, regardless of of which one is in control at that moment.]

You look really nice in that... [suit, dress, whatever garment it is.]

b. [The red cranes make Lucy and Nyuu seek out someone to kiss, be it the first person they see, or someone they know and haven't kissed before. If it's Nyuu, the kiss is sweet and she even wraps her arms around the other in a hug. Lucy's is a little more forceful as she places a (physical) hand behind the other person's head (if she can reach), or behind a shoulder, using it as leverage to pull the other person down towards her lips. However, if the other person struggles too much (or she can't reach), Lucy summons her vectors to keep a stronger grip on their shoulders and the back of the head.]

III. Wildcard

[ooc: I'm open to more stuff than what I wrote down here. See plotting comment for details. We could also do an amalgamation of prompts (i.e. cranes and dancing). As a heads up, unless hallucinations is on your list of RP no's, both Lucy and Nyuu will be having them thanks to the Uki Weed. They range from their canon love interest (Kouta), the DNA Voice, or even their own melted corpse.]

II - b (Nyuu)

[bloodandsweets]

[ There was a lot to see and take in here, this whole gala being a little what he's not used to but far from his first time attending one. So it was natural he was easily distracted, though he did catch sight of familiar pink hair and raised a hand to up to greet her.

He was dressed in something a little more distinctly western, and his hair was parted to the side which gave him an overall more 'refined' look. It was somewhat in contrast to her dressed in an outfit more fitting for the natives here, and he was about to say as much when she'd gotten close enough to pull him off-balance and into a sweet kiss. Noé wasn't expecting it, and the same could be said of the arms that wrapped about him in a hug of sorts.

Mostly his poor brain was just trying to catch up to what was going on, cheeks a soft shade of pink. ]

Dohalim il Qaras || Tales of Arise

[ilqaras]

Binary Blowout

[a]
[as someone who’d taken a real shine to the local attire, it really is a reason for him to go shopping for a new outfit or two, especially with deals such as this. who could resist a good sale? at least it wasn’t antique shopping; that was a can of worms he really didn’t need to open, if there was a way to open said can.

it’s a good thing Dohalim isn’t too particularly picky about what he wears, having both favoured more feminine kimonos, and more masculine hakamas, whatever fit his fancy at the moment. so, when one of the employees starts prattling off with suggestions and showing him the different floral prints, he’s attention on the matter is more on that than the person he’d accompanied. however, he does look up for a moment, wanting a second opinion]

What do you think? Should I go simple? Or a little bit more ostentatious?

[the correct answer is ostentatious. always ostentatious]

[b]
[however, perhaps he’d been having a bit too much fun, or he’d been indulging the staff a little too much, because eventually, they start offering him flapper dresses to try on; something about how someone as pretty as him should, at least, try it on]

I’m afraid this is a little too bold.

[really, what little dignity he’s been clinging to (especially after the events of the last month…) would ultimately slip through his fingers the moment he puts that dress on. but, who knows? maybe he can be convinced…]

Let’s Get Litty

[guess who’s back, Drunkhalim is back despite the anxiety inducing announcement from earlier in the month, Dohalim is determined to have at least one night where he can completely let loose and enjoy himself. however, with the promise of libations (having instantly gravitated to the wine), he is barely seen without a wine glass in hand, only replacing that glass with the hand of a random party goer who’d indulged him in a dance or two. really, this is where he shines; parties like this truly reminded him of the ones held in Autelina Palace.

but, if he’s not dancing, he’ll be sitting or standing in wait, getting steadily more and more drunk. at least he isn’t moping around… but then again, maybe it has something to do with the fact that there’s a possibility that the timeloop may reset and no one will remember him in this state]

Mistle-oh no, oh no, oh no no no no no

[those cranes were an idle thought as Dohalim peered up at them for a moment or two, admiring them. little does he know, like the rest of the party, just how enchanted they are.

[a]
[and, of course, as he walks by a red one, there is no pause in his movements as he gracefully tugs the first person closest to him, pulling them in for a soft kiss; they may or may not taste the wine on his lips. he’ll hold it for a moment before snapping back to reality; with an indignant sound, he’ll push them away gently, before holding a hand up to his mouth]

Ah… My apologies.

[b1]
[as fun as the red ones were, the blue ones are the ones he is even more embarrassed about. as if there weren’t enough people in Nippon who know entirely too much about him, and the last thing he wants is an avenue for more people to know his deepest secrets.

however, it seems those damn cranes have different plans, as one of the blue ones hovers around him, causing him to spit out:]

I am glad I don’t wear my regalia anymore, as I’ve always had trouble putting it on properly by myself.

[did a grown ass man just admit that he didn’t know how to dress himself? wow, how embarrassing. except, Dohalim doesn’t look all that flustered about it; he’s more or less comfortable with the reason why, but really, couldn’t his ancestors have picked something a little easier to get in and out of, without the help of an attendant?]

[b2]
[or, maybe, a more unfortunate, more embarrassing truth slips out, having watched the various couples dancing all night (when he wasn’t dancing, himself). he lets out a soft sigh, looking down at his wine, swirling the contents around carefully to aerate it]

It’s tragic… As a romantic, I’ve never truly fallen in love before.

[well, that, he didn’t want to reveal to anyone… it opens the doors for conversations he’d rather not have at all. slowly lifting a hand up to his face, he rests his forehead between the junction of his thumb and forefinger, letting out another, more exasperated sigh]

[wildcard]

[don't like anything here, or wanna do something else? wildcard me, let's do shenanigans, cause mayhem and chaos!!]

B2

[negeotiation]

[Zhongli has also been watching people dance, taking a break from socializing to have a quiet drink. Dohalim is good company, so there's no real reason not to approach him--

But of course, those cranes had to complicate things. His expression softens at the statement, eyes falling to his own glass of wine.]

There is no shame in that. 'Love' is a complex emotion, with many facets and meanings. Hard to define and just as hard to find, some would say.

[It's a soft reassurance, full of understanding.]

Luke fon Fabre || Tales of the Abyss

[re_sonate]

Binary Blowout

[it’s not like Luke wanted to get roped into going to the party, or learning how to dance, or any of that stuff (reminds him too much of being kept in his manor…), but how he got convinced to come along for this shopping venture is beyond him. and it’s all fun and games before the sales person tries to stick him into a more feminine kimono; he holds up his hands, looking flustered]

I’m not a girl!

[however, his words falls on deaf ears as he’s now being matched with patterns and colours to go with his bright ass red hair. please help…!! why couldn’t he just wear what he wore the previous month for those blind dates…]

wasabi help Sus Snax

[luckily, Luke had managed to find a normal looking suit to wear to the party, but every so often, he’d shift around, tugging at his pants or suit jacket; Lorelei if this isn’t comfortable… whatever, he’s here already. maybe he can dip after an hour or two…

but when he sees the manjuu lined up on the table, he can’t help but be curious; they smell interesting, but it isn’t like Luke knows what they are and aren’t supposed to smell like. so he’ll be eating a couple of those… someone be a pal and please make sure that, if he goes on any weed adventures, he doesn’t get lost… or dip into the wine; he doesn’t need to get crossfaded… or maybe he does…!!!]

Mistle-oh no he better don’t

[a]
[so many mistakes have already been made up until this point that Luke is just… taking a beat and sitting in some corner of the room, trying to sober up from the floaty, buzzy head feeling from the uki he’d ingested earlier. not… that he knows he’d unwillingly eaten it; all he wanted was some tasty snacks!

but, what he also doesn’t notice is a red crane fluttering over him, compelling him to suddenly stand, and kiss the next person who walks by him. oh… oh dear. maybe he should just go home…]

[b1]
[it'd been a thing that was bothering him ever since he got back from the hot springs; had what happened just a weird dream? or did it actually happen? and with a guy, no less? he's pretty sure he's attracted to girls, only, but...

he will admit (to himself, silently) that it was fun... but it was a dude--]

--I think I like guys.

[someone pls talk Luke through his bi panic what would his bestie in Nippon think...]

[b2] (spoilers for the second half of Tales of the Abyss)
[ever since arriving in Nippon, Luke had idly counted down the days before his birthday, just a small thing that sat in the back of his mind. it was such a small thing to focus on when he really did think about it, but–]

I didn’t think I’d live to see my next birthday.

[--wait, did he just say that? oh no, he didn’t mean to… it just came out, and now that it’s out in the open, Luke just hides his face as he stands. yup, definitely time to leave the party, he’s not in the mood to talk, now]

[wildcard]
[wanna do something else? hit me up! this cinnamon roll needs to have some fun]

b2 gimme the spoilers

[reassume]

[for once, he really is minding his own business; tempting as it is to make things a little more interesting - the opportunities as he looked around were endless, after all - he did say he would try to behave. Which really meant, biding his time with a glass of wine until he can't resist anymore.

It isn't the confession that catches his attention, but the red hair - too tall to be his beloved brother, but he's intrigued all the same. Though the confession is also intriguing, and unfortunately relatable. Which is probably why, instead of needling Luke about how birthdays are utterly meaningless, instead:]

What an unfortunate thing to share in common with someone.

[. . . that wasn't what he wanted to say. He doesn't even acknowledge his birthday]

Scaramouche | Genshin Impact

[lyingstars]

I. SUS SNAX: I GAVE YOU MY HEART

[It had been a long deliberation on whether or not Scaramouche was going to attend the Gala, the thought of time looping still weighing heavy on his mind. Forgetting things doesn't sit well with him, not when it's out of his control, especially when there's plenty he wants to remember. While it may be better in the long run for him not to go, it's the warning of regrets that has him deciding that perhaps he does want to spend some time with people.

A foolish thought, but not being entirely alone pushes his decision in the direction of attending.

It's only the insistence of dressing up that has the Harbinger wearing something other than his usual attire. The outfit still has shorts, but the purple thigh high tabi with his usual zori perhaps make up for that fact. Mostly formal still counts certainly. He even painted his nails red instead of the usual black, and thanks to Vennessa, his long hair is nicely braided, so no one could say he didn't at least try.

For most of the party Scaramouche finds himself around the drinks, all too willing to down a few cups of sake to try to keep his mind from wandering too far in a direction he doesn't want. And while he has agreed to a few dances he always seems to drift back towards the drinks, as though he's intent on clearing out all the sake on his own.

It may be a party, but he doesn't seem to be having a fun time.]

II. MISTLENO: THE VERY NEXT DAY YOU GAVE IT AWAY

[Despite having run into a few of the cranes and their effects, the Harbinger's focus isn't set on them when he moves about. The few he's encountered have been annoyances, things he would rather have avoided, but nothing truly infuriating. Not that anyone will remember soon enough anyway.

With more important things on his mind than to watch where he steps, with so many cranes about, he doesn't even register when he passes under another.

Should it be a red crane that the Sixth finds himself passing under, he'll grab the nearest person by the shirt to pull into an aggressive kiss, regardless of if he knows them or not. He'd be sorry - or horrified - if he were in a better mood.

Where those who find him under a blue crane are generally met with admissions that matter little - like how many drinks he's had, or how he's gone rogue from the Fatui. Though someone unfortunate enough may hear how the longer he's been in Nippon the more empty and lonely he's starting to feel. Nothing to worry about though, that just means he needs to drink more.]

III. WILDCARD

[Feel free to throw something else. Plotting post here. Or smack me at twasbrillig.]

CLOSED TO KAZUHA

[lyingstars]

[With news of the time loop Scaramouche, had begun to distance himself from Kazuha. A feat particularly difficult when he had been on a trip with the man at the time, as well as spent most days studying magic with him. It wasn't that he was upset with the samurai, far from it, but the thought of time looping and forgetting everything left him uneasy with nothing to assuage the uncertainty.

Would he be perpetually trapped feeling loss, lies and emptiness because of the Gnosis? What of the bonds he had made, as unintentional as they were? He needed time to himself, to come to terms with what was potentially to come. Yet time alone hadn't been helping.

That he and Kazuha aren't friends should make being alone easier, life as normal, yet the Harbinger finds himself missing the company. Along with the warning of regrets it's enough to coax him into attending the Gala, to spend time with people and hopefully alleviate his growing loneliness.

He has no intention of interacting with the samurai should he run into him, not wanting to touch upon whatever emotions were plaguing him on that front. Though it's made into more of a challenge when he notices the man on the dance floor showing off with his abilities - when he later finds himself thinking of the moron as he passes under a crane.

When he finds himself suddenly teleported next to the one person he's been trying to avoid.

The Sixth is fortunate only in that it seems as though Kazuha has yet to notice him, facing the other way, and he immediately takes to trying to sneak away without drawing his attention. He wouldn't need to confront any feelings if the man didn't know he was ever present. It had to be busy enough to stop him from noticing.]

steak × food fantasy × ota

[battlebound]

— binary blowout.

( this whole shopping trip — already an exhausting concept, given that he's not even coming out of this whole debacle with a new sword or something to maintain his usual ones — has been a farce. entering alone, one would think, would be enough of a signal that a person is not shopping as a couple, but stand close enough to another person while the wrong shop assistant is looking and you find yourself dragged into couples costume shopping without the slightest bit of attention paid to protests.

the selection of clothes is extensive, and he recognises many of the styles as similar to ones from Tierra, too. but when a pushy, but well-meaning sales assistant picks out an extravagant mount of scarlet tulle and holds it in front of Steak, the man blanches before turning the same shade as the dress.

they have got to be kidding, right? )

What the hell is that?!

— sus snax.

( well, shopping disasters aside, Steak makes it to the party in a well-tailored western suit in his signature colours of brown and gold. while not asocial by any means — he's happy to wave to anyone he recognises and likes —, Steak largely avoids the dancefloor and uses the drinks and snacks to buffer him against having to dance.

(he can, sure, but... ugh. not his job. he was made for battle, not spinning around with women.)

unfortunately for Steak, he doesn't recognise the distinctly sweet smell wafting off the manjū, either. it's just a sweet snack, right?

right.

and because it's just a sweet snack, he picks up two and offers one to the nearest person. )

Here. Try this.

— mistleno.

( why did it have to be paper cranes? just the sight of them makes Steak's smile flip into a frown. ugh. why does he bet this was Red Wine's fault, somehow? like the bastard somehow convinced the organisers to hang cranes specifically to taunt Steak and his lacking origami skills.

who needs origami skills anyway? do those kill Fallen Angels? NO.

but he's fine. he's absolutely fine and definitely not thinking of time spent in hospitals with dying girls who knew all too well that he was too much, too emotive, too explosive, to be their long disappeared boyfriend. nope. his mind doesn't drift to the fleeting thoughts of how Mrs. Gia is doing, with her son and now her once future daughter in law in whatever afterlife Tierra offers.

they did their best, or at least so Mrs. Gia assured him. Steak was never certain. he's no actor, and that job did nothing but prove it.

he doesn't notice that he's walked under a blue crane as his mind cycles through the what ifs it usually prefers to leave in the past. but with his mind there, the next soul unfortunate enough to run into Steak will hear; )

Someone else should have played Angelea's boyfriend.

— wildcard.

( wanna hit me with another prompt? or another crane effect? go for it! )

mistleno + starting with blue, then...others.

[freshskin]

[ Mary has bee indulging at this party. He's bee enjoying the company of humans while dancing, he's been drinking, he's been eating - all to the point of nearly being content. However, he's cold whenever he's away from others. It's awful and he's unhappy about the whole thing. Or he was unhappy, but then he spots the true object of his affection, and he decides to shift towards him when he catches those words. He lets out a slight chuckle. ]

You're good for so many things, Steak, is acting another of your talents?

[ He has no real way to know if the other is any good at the arts. He also has no idea what Steak means when he says it and can only assume. Ah, how amazing it would be if that was just another thing that this man was good at. Wine in hand, Mary gets in closer to Steak. ]

I'd love to dance with you, Steak.

[ Is that a confession caused by the crane? Or just how he is? It's hard to say. ]

venti | genshin impact

[notgrande]

A. DRINKS

[ He would never be able to afford this wine, and he knows it. So of course, when it's being offered freely - he will accept accept it without even questioning if they should be taking it. He doesn't keep track of how many he's had for the night, but he knows that while it's a lot, it's not enough to get him drunk - though he does seem to have a pleasant buzz later into the night.

He'll be getting drinks between dances, or between testing the snacks to see what he likes and doesn't like.

He'll laugh as he orders himself a drink, but pauses. ]

Have you tried the sake yet?

[ He's been sticking to the wine, and has yet to "sample" the sake. ]

B. DANCE

[ Venti is dressed comfortably in a bright, colorful kimono for the evening. His hair is neatly tied up - forming a crown of braids. In the braids are flowers, tucked into the strands and neatly decorating the top of his head.

He doesn't need the alcohol in his system to be forward about wanting to dance with people. In fact, anyone that just so happens to catch his eye - friend or stranger - gets a hand extended towards them and an almost devious grin in offering. ]

Dance with me.

[ He rolls onto the balls of his feet. ]

Before you answer, I've heard I'm a pretty good dancer.

[ It's impossible to tell if it's a lie. ]

CLOSED TO KAEYA

[ Admittedly, there's a few things about a reset that do upset him, and one of him is falling back into his old dynamic with some people he's gotten particularly close to while here - among them, Kaeya. So he waits for that perfect song to start, and it only takes a couple of notes before he knows it's right. He doesn't just want to dance. He wants to be close to one of his dearest friends here. He wants to enjoy that they got the opportunity to know each other without secrets. With the knowledge that Venti, even as Barbatos, loves Kaeya and sees him as one of his own. He knows that if a reset truly happens, he thinks he would take the same route with the other.

As he approaches Kaeya, he simply extends a hand and smiles. ]

Dance with me, Captain.

CLOSED TO XIAO

[ Xiao is his greatest treasure since arriving here. Over six months together, and Venti has never been more confident in how he feels about anyone. He feels so strongly about Xiao that he knows - he has to believe that he will always feel the way that he does. Venti shifts his arms around Xiao's waist, tugging him into a small hug towards the end of a song. He doesn't want to leave the other's side, not right now. So for now, he's going to enjoy this party with him. He finally sighs, stepping back to dance properly again with the other. He puts on his best smile.
]

We should dance to one more song.

[ Venti hoped it would be an upbeat song. ]

Then...can we go somewhere quiet? Just for a bit.

[ He wants to just sit and be with Xiao. He wants to talk to him. He wants to use the time he knows they have without knowing what tomorrow holds. ]

WILDCARD

[ Hit me with whatever! Venti will be everywhere at the party especially. Also available to the blue, red, and purple cranes in particular. If you have any questions - hit me up agalio or Undercuts#6759 ]

b

[oneandoni]

[while Itto has done plenty at the party - mostly to do with the food and drinks, really - dancing is the one thing he hasn't done. Along with the party itself being a brand new thing, the kind of dancing he's been seeing . . . well! They don't exactly teach that anywhere in Hanamizaka.

And really, he doesn't think anyone would ask him anyway - which is why when Venti holds out his hand, Itto glances around to make sure he isn't addressing someone else before pointing at himself]

Me? [a considering look, and Itto takes his hand] Well, I don't know how, but I'm a fast learner.

giovanni rammsteiner | dogs: bullets & carnage

[sixtyeighth]

[ Giovanni attends the party dressed in one of the many suits that he had already owned. He's not much one for parties, but he is interested in the people here, so he'll find a corner to linger in for a significant portion of the night.]

II. Mistleno

[ Giovanni spends time lurking about the party and eyeballing the crowd. He doesn't pay much mind to the cranes around him. He sees no reason to specifically dodge them, so it's likely he'll be found lingering about them in doorways or wherever they are hanging. He doesn't really look up to make sure he's not near one.

When he's near the red, sparkly or not, he's confident in his actions. There's no bashfulness or hesitation when he leans in. If the target is wearing a tie, he'll grab it, tugging them towards him for a kiss. If not, he'll reach to the back of their head and pull them in. He doesn't make a quick move to pull away, either.

When standing under the purple crane near the corner of the room, the most obvious manifestation of the kizuna is the flower crown on his head, and the floating flowers hanging near his head. And he doesn't seem to have any idea that they're there - at least not yet (he'd definitely start shooing them away if he knew)! Instead, he has his arms folded over his chest as he watches the main dance floor.

He's near a doorway when standing far too close to the blue cranes are hanging.
He will blurt out any variety of confession when there, depending on who is passing by. The secrets that come out may be small for people he doesn't know well, but they will escalate depending on how many times he's encountered the person before - they may be about where he was before here, a fantasy he has, or just anything he'd never admit without the help of the crane. ]

II. Boom Boom Boom

[ He doesn't really need to eat or drink anything and yet, here he is checking out the variety of offered drinks because he is too curious for his own good. Giovanni doesn't say too much when he selects a drink for himself.

The first that he tries is something called suave soda which makes him feel good. He feels like he could take over the world, as someone who has never been particularly confident about -- well, anything. Suddenly, he feels so sure of himself - sure enough that he may even approach a friend or stranger.

The sparkling sake sounds tempting, and eventually he indulges in it. He doesn't seem to notice any effects from this. The effects themselves will vary depending on who he is near - or who is drinking with him. They'll start, first, by showing in more physical ways: dog ears and a tail. But as he drinks, they may shift and change. He'll finally comment after it. ]

Hm, I'm not sure if I like this one.

[ And yet he keeps drinking it. ]

III. Wildcard

[ You know what this is! Note that I am open to NSFW options on both prompts if things lead there. Additionally, the only crane I will not be doing is green with him, for your character's safety. When responding, please let me know which effect you wanna do :) ]

red mistleno because this is clearly the only correct way to meet

[battlebound]

( Steak has really got to stop wandering into spaces near red cranes, because this is just getting annoying. he is once again caught by a stranger and dragged into a kiss, a hand pulling his tie uncomfortably tight as he's spun around from walking.

god of beginnings have mercy on him because he's stuck here without even a sword to defend himself.

so, instead, what Gio is greeted with is the muffled, wordless protests of a man surprised and two firm, rough hands pushing against his chest to break the kiss. )

Have you no self-control?!

[acutabove]

1 ✧ Dance Dance Perpetuation

[ Having already decided he was going to attend the Gala, the opportunity to take up dancing lessons and brush up on his skills couldn't have come at a more perfect time. He is more than familiar with the dance troupe in Yoshiwara and all that it entails, so when he'd heard they were giving classes on both formal and traditional sets he hadn't thought twice about signing himself up.

The prospect of forgetting what had happened throughout the year didn't seem to bother him outright; at the very least, there's no melancholy air about him, nothing showing that he might be bothered about forgetting the bonds he'd forged and the people he'd met as he goes through the motions of following the choreography and the steps showcased by the instructors. He's something of a natural; having long since studied the moves of his opponents in battle it's an easy enough task to apply that same mindset to what's going on here, enough so that he's got the basics down relatively quickly.

At some point, his instructors do insist he try it but in the more traditional-style clothing and with a partner. He has no issues with both and, once he's changed, he only mills about conversing with the workers of the dance trouple while he awaits to see who he's being paired up with. ]

2 ✧ Binary Blowout

[ For all that he had no shame about wearing his Harbinger uniform, certain circumstances in Nippon had made it so he had only a few pieces of his outfit left. He'd done a bit of shopping for himself here and there, of course, picking up clothing sets on his walks throughout the city and had adopted a style that was more or less befitting of the place that he'd been dropped in without sacrificing comfort or utility for fashion.

But he could always have more, and that was why he was here now.

There are few enough crowds that he can pass through without being jostled, few enough that he can also browse and window shop at his leisure. The hakama this store carries are of a pretty nice, higher quality than he's accustomed to and while he doesn't really have much of an issue when it comes to things like money and spending it... now that he might potentially have another extra mouth to feed it would be better for all of them if he didn't overspend.

The few hakama he's picked out for himself are of varying shades of blue and white and silver; they remind him of the winters in his homeland. He's managed to find a few Wstern-style choices, as well, in the form of a few fitted suits and vests that were loose enough to still be able to move around in without hindrance (read: fight in) and which may or may not look like a good match to the suit and tie someone he knows might frequently wear.

It's as he's going over the costs of each item with the clerk that he pauses, the sales representative doing a good enough job of selling him on the whole couples special winter sale, that he finds himself looking for someone who looks potentially alone and couple-y. This is how he might wander over to you, perfectly polite and bright smile on his face, gesturing to the sign with his hand and holding up the clothes over his arm. ]

It's a good deal. [ He says, holding up his chosen outfits. ] Interested?

3 ✧ Dance Under the Mistleno

[ The party is well in full swing by the time he actually makes it to the dance floor. As per the occasion he's imbibed a little, not so much to the point of inebriation but more to the extent that he has no qualms about pulling anyone and everyone to him for a dance. His pace waffles between energetic and slow, his steps carrying with them the sort of confidence that comes with plenty of years of experience bolstered by innate confidence.

Perhaps it's because of the fact that a dance could be seen as a battle, or perhaps there's yet another facet to his personality people aren't aware of. More than likely it's because he's attended the dance lessons for the event only a little earlier in the week.

Whatever the case; if he happens to spot a lonely wallflower expect to find him sidling up with a hand outstretched, inviting smile plastered on his face. That's certainly a question to dance if ever there was one.

In the in-between, however, he can be found outdoors, drinking in the wintery air and watching his breath puff out in little wisps of heat. There's a few cranes hanging overhead just out of sight and with how dark it is outside it's impossible to tell what color they are exactly...

Still, it would be a good opportunity to get a moment alone with one (1) Fatui Harbinger if you're so inclined. ]

4 ✧ Boom Boom Boom

[ At the end of everything, and after a good bit of imbibing (though what drinks he has in his hand is dependent on when one might encounter him, ranging from the "suave soda" to the sparkling sake) the transparent ceiling preceding the fireworks draws a good majority of his attention. It's the last few minutes counting down the rest of this year, and it's only then that his expression seems to grow somber, though if he happens to catch sight of a familiar face or two it's easy enough to wipe the look from his eyes. ]

It's been an interesting year, wouldn't you say? [ He says, taking a much needed sip of his drinky. It's hard to tear his gaze away from the ethereal beauty of the night sky overhead, and so he doesn't, glancing sideways to his companion in between lingering words of conversation. ] I hope you've had a good one. Who knows, maybe the next one will be even better, Comrade.

5 ✧ Wildcard

[ ooc; don't see anything you like? feel free to hit up my plotting comment here or else come at me with your own! ]

4!

[brilliantdiamond]

Interesting is a good word for it.

[Aether's had quite a bit more than Childe, his words ever so slightly slurred, which might be why he's just nursing a cup of water by now. Though he won't say anything about it, the slight puffiness to his eyes seems to imply more than just the usual insomnia he's been dealing with since Lumine left Nippon.]

[While he didn't bother dressing for the occasion -- if anything, dressing down more than usual in a plain dark coloured kimono -- his hair has fallen from the messy ponytail he'd thrown it in earlier, leaving the silky stands to rest over his shoulders. And as he turns to offer Childe a brief smile, the ends of those strands tint to match Childe's hair, the color lingering even as he tilts his gaze back up at the sky from where he's taken a seat.]

But I think next year will be better. Especially with this one ending on a high note.