imeeji_frontstage | Karaoke bar mingle, Day 433 evening

Entry tags:

Karaoke bar mingle, Day 433 evening

Who: Alizarin, Lupine, Venti, and AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE
Where: Karaoke Bar, Pasela Resort
When: Day 433, evening

[ At the karaoke bar, the rooms are decorated in the style of LiliS, SensitIV, ☆Zrael, Wild City, Avante, and HSS as the "winners" of the latest horrifying game, dubious though the title is. A group is gathering there in search of some mutual comfort after these recent, trying days, with plans for lots of drinks, songs, and plenty of cuddles for whoever wants them -- won't you join them? ]

[ A handwritten sign just at the entrance reads: ]

Rules:
1. No brooding
2. Anyone wanting to engage in "improper behavior" must get permission from Suou Tsukasa

[ -- that last one is probably just a dig at the poor boy for attempting to moralize to immortals, but do with it as you like. ]

[ Everyone who was at Ideal Worlds endgame, knows the three party planners, is in their units, or just heard about this shindig through the robust hell grapevine should consider themselves invited! In fact, you might have been dragged against your will -- they are a rather incorrigible bunch, after all. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ the conbini snacks he'd brought along are kind of like a lifeline for an event he'd rather observe cheerfully from the outside rather than partake in. still, setting out the snacks is easy enough. scrawling "Justice for Unicorn Princess III" on a snack wrapper and fastening it to the sign directly under the name "Suou Tsukasa" comes pretty easily, too.

for a while he's moving from place to place, finding little tasks to complete, until he's—looking between the karaoke, the exit, people. kinda looks like he might be caught in the equivalent of a confused "kitsu.exe has stopped responding" cycle. he gets this way a lot, it's normal. he doesn't look upset, only stuck. he can be approached here!

... or!

you can wait until he just. turns his head and coughs up a whole lot of blood abruptly.

oh wow! hey, that feels better actually! he looks completely unbothered. ] ... Could you grab a napkin, thanks. [ thumbs up. ] I got this.

Edited (made it better) 2022-01-05 02:22 (UTC)

[Alisaie is coming back out of the bathrooms wiping her mouth and looking slightly unsteady; when she catches sight of him, she - once she's finished blanching further, and pressing a hand to her own lips - holds up one finger.]

... one moment.

[And ducks back inside.

[She returns with a handful of tissues, which she pushes into his hands.]

[ he catches her blanching, and (probably wisely) decides to cover his mouth so she is spared the idle outpouring of blood. smiling at her like this would not be likely to be as reassuring as he'd hope otherwise.

he does take that handful of tissues though with a nod, holding some of them to his mouth. ]

Thanks again. [ and flicking his earring with his free hand, the unused tissues on his lap. ]

I'm going to go bleed on a Producer if these things are permanent. They don't even do their research well enough to come up with punishments that make sense.

I was about to ask.

[She comes to sit next to him, a short distance away. Enough space that he can double over if he needs to, next time he feels the need to cough; not so far away she can't rest a hand on his back when he's done.]

Take me with you, if you do? I've a few complaints to make myself.

[She dabs discreetly at her own mouth with a retained tissue.]

Do you need a drink? I could certainly use one.

You know it. I saw your strongly worded letter to them in the guest book.

[ soaking through the first set of tissues, he reaches for another bunch, looking to the stain he'd left on the floor. that will have to be a later issue. ]

They'd better at least look at it if they aren't going to come down and face us.

[ he does lean over though, checking her color, trying to bite back the bitter anger at the earring she bears along with him. ]

You feel up to it? We can go get them together. I know we're both being hit with this, but at least we'd be able to cover each other.

Of course they won't come down and face us. It's all wards and illusions and magicks.

[Any sufficiently advanced technology, yes.]

If they actually dared set foot in here, without all of that to back them up? Even with the handful of powers they've seen fit to lend us, I wouldn't much fancy their chances. I don't think anyone feels at all well-disposed to them, after that last game.

[She hands over another tissue.]

If only I knew how to get to them... I mean I'm hardly surprised that they haven't told us, but while I'm dreaming.

Strength in numbers. [ he looks between her, to the bar and its other patrons. ]

The only downside is I'd have to be patient. Let the people who prefer to strike with their knives and their swords get their hits in first.

[ with another nod, he takes the tissue, wiping at the corners of his lips. ]

You know, before I had any memories, I used to think I'd never be able to pick up a weapon and use it on another person. [ the laugh that follows is bittersweet on his lips. ]

The thought used to make me sick. [ but now? really, can production even get factored in as "people?" ]

[She laughs briefly.]

We'd have to take tickets and wait in line--

[Coughs into one hand, and wipes her lips with the tissue; it's glowing gently as she lifts it away, brilliant white.]

Excuse me. Sorry.

[I'm going to kill them.]

It does get easier, if that's any kind of comfort at all. And I may not be much of a teacher, but if you ever wished to learn how to use a rapier, I'd be happy to at least try to show you.

Don't be.

[ he moves in a bit closer as they walk, not demanding that she lean on him for support but certainly remaining near enough that she can if the need arose abruptly.

the whims of those pulling the strings from above can change so quickly, leaving those attached to stumble and collapse. ]

If you want, you can pick a place to sit, I'll grab the stuff. I really do feel a bit better after... [ well. getting out that bloody cough. ]

Then we can talk swords. Rapiers. Anything you've got.

Are you alright?

[He's a little surprised at first, but then he realizes that Okitsu asked for a napkin. Alphinaud, for his part, decides it prudent to bring him several, just in case.]

That looked serious.

Yeah, I— I feel a lot better now, actually.

[ he covers his mouth to keep Alphinaud's view free of the blood that pours from his mouth, but he still might hear the smile in Kitsu's voice. in its way, this really will be fine. it's manageable, miserable as it is now.

he takes the napkins with a short nod, wiping at his mouth. ]

This thing is nonsense is what it is. This goes away, comes back at random? That's not how the disease process works, but they can't even bother to get that right. [ huff. ]

I know, I know, not the point. [ heh. ]

[He tries not to look as worried as he feels when Okitsu seems in well enough spirits besides. He nods at his comments, smiling to himself.]

Yes, it's bothersome at best and frustrating at worst. I'm glad to have my eyesight return at least.

[He takes Okitsu by the hand on an impulse and leads him somewhere to sit. Singing and whatever else someone does at this sort of gathering can wait.]

You should at least sit until you're well. Even if it does come and go.

[He'll even sit beside him.]

Yeah. I did notice that. [ or he'd have never even considered asking Alphinaud for something as trivial as a napkin. not while he has any sense to him, while he's not utterly hypoxic from loss. ]

I guess I'll give the Producers that one. On and off punishment is fine if people get their senses back and can keep them. [ Kitsu idly rubs his thumb over the back of Alphinaud's hand. ]

"Blind dates" aren't supposed to be literal, assholes. [ he rolls his eyes, looking up to the ceiling. Production isn't there, but there's a part of him that wishes they could catch the dirty look he's sporting, for the moment that he does. ]

Anyway, thanks for checking in on me. You come out to sing? Try desserts?

It would be difficult to come to your aid were I still blind, but... it's also just nice to see you.

[Not pulling his hand away and actually settling into just casually holding hands. It's very nice, if he's being honest.]

A blind date? [Briefly his cheeks color.] I can't say I'd be opposed to one if I ever happen to experience it.

[Giving his hand a soft squeeze and then taking the hand that he'd used to cover his mouth to carefully wipe it free of blood. He scoots closer to him to do so.]

These earrings... I hope we'll be able to take them off soon.

[Right now? He doesn't care about them, even if he's worried for Okitsu's sake. He'll go back to holding Okitsu's hand if he's allowed.]

Edited 2022-01-07 03:57 (UTC)

You're not obligated to come help me out. I've got it, you know. [ he leans over, giving Alphinaud the most gentle, playful shove.

but, he is noting the end of that. it's a sweet sentiment, albeit a little surprising when aimed at Kitsu himself. the motions of taking another's hand, of gently tending broken and hurt pieces is such second nature to him; he ought to know how to react as easily when it's flipped.

but it so seldom had ever been, so before he can come up with a reply, he offers a smile. recognizes the craving for touch.

holds out an arm as an invitation for a side hug. Alphinaud can keep his hand if he'd like, but the offer is open for more contact, too. ]

The blind date thing was a pretty bad joke, sorry. I bet you can do a whole lot better than a setup like that. [ another nudge, perhaps from within a hug? ] Have you thought about it?

It's a second nature to me, I'm afraid. I normally specialize in healing magic, but this place decided my talents lay elsewhere.

[Oh, he's certainly enjoying the playful shoves, they make him laugh. He scoots close to Okitsu without thinking, sliding into his arm for that hug and choosing to stay there. He doesn't quite understand why it's so nice to be this close to someone, only that he wants to be. It isn't like snuggling or napping with his sister. It feels different.]

Have I thought about...? A blind date?

[He can't resist leaning in close to him. They're speaking casually, but being close like this feels intimate and makes him feel pleasantly warm. He realizes that feeling he's puzzling over is want. He wants to be physically close to him, very nearly needs to be. He's Alisaie's friend, he tries to admonish himself. Still, it feels really comfortable.]

I'm sure yours was a little less... dangerous? Gruesome?

[ it's a nice thought at least, and the alternative—that it might not be, that it might be just as dangerous and precarious as sensitIV's—has Kitsu pulling Alphinaud in a little more tightly. supportive as much as it is empathetic, whether such a thing is warranted or not. ]

Any kind, I guess. It's pretty easy to set something up like that in a place like this. Friend dates, real dates, dramatic theater dates. The last one's fun for sure.

It’s not like what you can do, no. I channel my own aether and it becomes energy to heal wounds.

[He bites down on his bottom lip for a moment, his hand seeking Okitsu’s as he snuggles in close. He wants to hold him too, but his hand is perfect for now.]

Dramatic theatre dates… that sounds interesting. What does it entail?

Does it take anything from you to do it? I mean, does it—hurt you to use it?

[ unfamiliar with the concept of aether, but concerned that it might be a sort of life force with a cost to the user. Kitsu doesn't push for Alphinaud to give more, though he seems perfectly content to maintain the hug by himself. ]

Hah, that entails rushing in with no plan and seeing where things go. I guess it could mean just going to see a play, but... I pulled a few people into some on-the-spot dramatic live roleplay for a couple of events. Trying to get around the wording of fan requests, play to the audiences.

[ "kill and die with a sensitIV" can totally turn into a fake drama murder-romance improv show?? ]

Could give it a shot if you wanted. You're just following each other's leads.

No, it doesn't hurt. It does make one tired if they overdo it.

[He listens to Okitsu's explanation, nodding when he finishes speaking.]

I can't say I'd have much of a talent for theater performances but I do enjoy the arts. I draw in my free time.

Like most things.

[ fair enough. he leans against Alphinaud a bit more, giving an idle shrug. ]

It's less about being good at them and having a good time with them. [ hm. at the mention of art, however, Kitsu distinctly (and noticeably, he's sure) hesitates. maintains the contact, because it's pleasant and he gets the sense this isn't true for him exclusively. ]

... Yeah? What do you like to draw? Anything in particular?

[He very nearly tucks his chin against Okitsu's shoulder. He's curled up close to him, enough that they would look to a passerby as if they were enjoying some snuggling (and maybe something else if one went by assumptions). It made him want more.]

A good time. Yes, I suppose that would be worth it.

[Being close is making him at risk for his heart to begin racing in a pleasant way. He wanted the closeness. Unable to resist, his hand moves to Okitsu's upper arm, the other one keeping their hands linked as they stay close to one another on the couch.]

Lately it's been portraits, but I candraw scenery and the like as well.

[He can't resist, he tucks his chin against his shoulder finally, trying no to breathe onto his neck.]

Isn't that what we are at the end of it all? Our experiences, the people we met, the people we could reach?

[ a little melancholy-sounding perhaps, but it hadn't felt out of place to bring up. as Alphinaud moves to touch his upper arm, Kitsu pulls him in a bit closer, resting a hand on top of Alphi's. it's really okay, he tries to convey, brushing his fingertips over the back of Alphinaud's hand. ]

... Hey, are you warm enough like this? [ he'll circle back around to the art. this seems more immediately at hand. ] If you aren't, I could probably find more cover.

[A blanket, yes. He likes the sound of that. It's comfortable. They could be close together beneath it. His thoughts were spinning at the suggestion.]

More cover would be nice, if you're cold.

[He'll be patient while Okitsu gets a blanket. Before he does, though, Alphinaud moves his hand up Okitsu's arm, over his shoulder to the side of his neck. He rubs his thumb along the softness of his skin.]

The cold comes and goes. I'm sure I can find something that'd work.

[ it might be a tablecloth but you know, improvise, adapt, overcome. Kitsu won't pretend to know Alphinaud the way his sister would, so he cannot say with certainty whether he seems to crave touch this way all the time or relishes in it in this fashion.

but he can recognize a need, typical or not, when he sees it. ]

Hey. I'll be just a second, unless you want to wander with me. Or— [ he moves to pull out his phone, turning it so Alphinaud can see this. ] This place has this "honey toast" as a special. If you wanted, I'll grab cover and you can pick out a couple desserts? It sounds like a pretty nice way to take a break from the Producers' games, don't you think?

cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

Re: cw: blood?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject