recolle | open || ain't no party like a birthday party

WHO: Minako, Sakura, Ragna, and you!
WHERE: One of the arcade bars in the city.
WHEN: March 10th
WHAT: BIRTHDAY PARTY!
WARNINGS: None foreseen! Feel free to threadjack for Minako's Hot Potato Categories game.

[Welcome to the Emporium, an arcade bar that Minako and Sakura have decided to host their joint birthday party at! Come on in and have some fun playing games, eating junk food, and just hanging out with the birthday girls (and guy, if he decides to come).

There are, of course, the numerous arcade games that the place is known for, ranging from the old school 2v2 fighters to the shooting gallery kinds. But there are a smattering of other games as well, like DDR, darts, mini hoops, skeeball, and the pool table, too. There's also a wall of crane games in the back, with plenty of random and mostly cute prizes to win.

Make a stop by the purikura booth if you have time. Make some duck lips at the camera and then take the snaps home! (Or give them to the birthday girls for the memories.)

Oh, and be sure to exchange your money for tokens before you play all these games. The token machine seems kind of finicky, though. Maybe a strong (and hopefully discrete?) kick will help jumpstart it.

Walk to the dining area, and there'll be a feast waiting you! The arcade is providing a ton of pizza and wings, as well as alcohol, if you can show your ID. For dessert, there's the cake that Shuji made for the girls, as well as Minako's lemon tea cakes. Those are limited supply, though, so snag one before everyone eats it up.

Next to the dining area, there's a big sign that says "DUNK TANK OUTSIDE". Maybe take a look? Just be reaaaally sure you want to climb in before you do it, though. The towels provided by the arcade are pretty small.

And finally, if you need a break from the chaos, there's a couple of couches on the second floor. Take a load off and watch from above.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ well too bad shuji! because oda doesn’t think he’s capable of having someone else confess to him today, at least. and odasaku’s quite aware that after today there will probably be no good moment to confess.

so he would rather not confess at all, if that’s the case. ]

Well, you’re not a mind reader. Sometimes people are too good at hiding things—speakin’ from experience. I don’t think Atsushi would want you to blame yourself either, y’know? If anything, that might just make him feel worse.

You're probably right.

[And he doesn't want to make Atsushi feel worse.

So, if there isn't anything he could have done, it's time to change the subject a little.]

Speaking from experience? As the crushed on, or the other way around?

[ the chance is right there. he can say it and get over his feelings in one false swoop. just one bit of selfishness would be enough to sever what’s been making his chest ache dully for months.

all he needs is to be selfish. ]

Just... just hiding things. You know, like when my leg was broken and I kept sneaking out or keeping memories away from you.

And you hate it when I blame myself for that stuff.

[He knows. They've had this talk. It's just hard not to wonder if he could have done something more.]

I don't hate it.

[ he's not sure if he would be able to feel hatred towards something like this. it's a different feeling...something like guilt and regret and a shitton of worry. ]

I just worry about you. 'Bout you and Atsushi. There's nothing you could've done about it, but you're still regretting that you didn't do anything more. [ with a bit of hesitation, he lifts a hand and places it on shuji's head, ruffling his hair. ] It's gonna be okay.

[Oda's hand is warm. Shuji finds himself leaning into his palm.]

...Thank you, Odasaku. I don't know what I'd do without you.

[Worry himself into the hospital, probably.]

[ you'd probably find someone else. that's all anyone would do.

the thought comes to him like a dark cloud, but odasaku's expression doesn't change on the outside. he merely sighs. ]

Don't mention it. No use being sad during a birthday party. Sakura's gonna get angry.

Sakura's not going to get mad. I still can't believe you thought she didn't want you here when she specifically sent you an invitation.

[At least that's a change of subject?]

I'm not exactly the life of the party, either. She'd be fine with or without me.

[ he gestures to how he's sitting on the couch instead of socializing. what is socializing? is that a food? ]

Just because you're not a social butterfly doesn't mean she doesn't want you there. You're her friend and she wants to see you, if only for a little while.

If you don't want to go to a birthday party, don't make up secret intentions for the guest of honor as your excuse.

[It's rude to her and it's blatantly untrue.]

[ oda’s eyes widen slightly at that, suddenly feeling admonished over what might just be a misinterpretation of his feelings. he’s tempted to not say anything, to not refute shuji’s comment, but... didn’t someone tell him that misunderstandings should always be solved?

he gulps, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. ]

I didn’t mean that.

[Shuji's expression softens. Yes, he did mean to scold Oda a little, but he doesn't want Oda to take it too harshly. It's just a bad habit, not a stain on his character.]

I know you didn't. But I think it would be good for you to be a little more honest. Telling yourself that your friends secretly don't want to see you isn't going to make you or them feel any better.

[ oda nods, looking at drink with a somewhat faraway look. ]

I know. But sometimes, it's difficult not to think that it doesn't matter whether I'm here or not.

[ and that 'here' doesn't just refer to the party ]

It matters to me.

[Not just this party. The party will end, Oda will keep going. Should keep going.]

I want you here.

[ odasaku looks up at shuji, his eyes slightly widened. though they are friends, it’s still surprising to hear that shuji actually wants him to stay.

but that feeling also comes with its side of guilt— if you really consider him your friend, why would you doubt him so much?

he’ll keep that to himself, though. outwardly, he sighs, shaking his head. ] Then I’m just acting like an idiot.

You're not acting like an idiot. Just like somebody who needs to be reminded of his own worth, sometimes.

I'm going to hug you. Later.

[When they aren't in the middle of a birthday party with plenty of people they don't know.]

...Alright.

[ he gives shuji a wry smile, nodding. ]

I can't say no to a hug from you.

It's the same way for me and your hugs. Just so you know, Oda hugs are a powerful tool in your arsenal.

[Even if he's rare to initiate them.]

Mm my hugs are nowhere near as good as yours.

[ he shrugs, sighing. he still feels the weight on his shoulders, but it's a great deal lighter. this is the real magic that shuji has. ]

But I'll keep it in mind for when you need a power-up.

[Shuji has helped and that's all he really wants.]

I'd rather hug you than hug myself. Sorry, not sorry.

It would be strange to hug yourself. [ yeah, he actually looks like he considered it for a good second or two. ] So I'd rather hug you than have you do that.

[Bless you, Oda.]

You really spoil me sometimes.

It's just what a friend's gotta do sometimes.

[ a shrug. it's nothing important. ]

Have I told you I'm lucky we're friends?

[Yes.]

[ he huffs, but he doesn't look upset at all. if anything, a little flustered-- barely noticeable, though. ]

You have.

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thesettingsun - 2018-04-02 03:19 (UTC) - Expand

odasaku - 2018-04-02 15:31 (UTC) - Expand

thesettingsun - 2018-04-02 18:35 (UTC) - Expand