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

[complementing]

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.]

Comments

[thesettingsun]

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.]

[odasaku]

[ 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.

[thesettingsun]

[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.

[odasaku]

[ 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 ]

[thesettingsun]

It matters to me.

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

I want you here.

[odasaku]

[ 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.

[thesettingsun]

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.]

[odasaku]

...Alright.

[ he gives shuji a wry smile, nodding. ]

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

[thesettingsun]

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.]

[odasaku]

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.

[thesettingsun]

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

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

[odasaku]

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.

[thesettingsun]

[Bless you, Oda.]

You really spoil me sometimes.

[odasaku]

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

[ a shrug. it's nothing important. ]

[thesettingsun]

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

[Yes.]

[odasaku]

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

You have.

[thesettingsun]

[Oda isn't exactly the most expressive person, and it's easy to miss his reaction.]

Too bad, I'm telling you again.

[odasaku]

And you'll say it again and again, I'm sure.

[ a sigh. there's no stopping shuji. ]

[thesettingsun]

Exactly. It's good you've accepted that already.