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

Entry tags:

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.]

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[ That's a poor lie.

There is a warm, almost excited feeling in his chest. His eyes widen as he already knows the source and looks away. Kei realizes that he should have given a polite "hello" and found means to walk away first. He thinks his hand is almost trembling as he realizes just how bad it is to have met Oda this night. If it had been any other, he wonders if it would have ended the same. Either way, the feeling fades -- washes away and choked to death with guilt and shame. ]

I'm sorry, Sakura. [ His head dips in apology. ] Regardless of how frustrated I was in seeing him want to take home the cat, I should have let him make that decision on his own. It is not like I had met him before that day, and so he couldn't possibly understand my true intentions. [ A beat. ] No, that's untrue. I spoke with him on the network more than once. But either way, I'm afraid I left a rather poor impression of myself.

[ There is no need to get deeply into his feelings and so he absolves Oda of all wrong-doing as best as he can, as well as ease Sakura's possibly hurt feelings. ]

I played too good of a villain, and meddled a bit more than what I should have. In any case, please don't blame Oda-kun for anything. He's only caught up in a villain's plan.

Edited 2018-03-19 03:28 (UTC)

[That is a very poor lie, and Sakura seizes in place like she's been smacked by it, helpless to do anything besides watch Oda march off without a backwards glance.

And Kei's response... it helps, if only a little bit, to paint a more thorough picture, to put actual fact to the uncomfortable atmosphere she'd been feeling. It isn't enough to stave off the swell of guilt, however -- because what she's being told is she thoughtlessly put Kei and Oda in an inescapable position.

God, she's so blind sometimes]

I'm not angry with him. [Her gaze finds the floor, voice tired and injured] ... I'm not angry at you, either. [Because she thinks she hears remorse within Kei, and his logic checks clean. There's no reason to bear her teeth at him]

... Please forgive my lack of awareness. I should've picked up that everyone was uncomfortable.

You didn't do anything wrong. I do believe I said so before.

[ He feels his mind actually cooling and not realizing that he was on such high-alert -- no, adrenaline? Kei regardless comes back to himself as he frowns at seeing her distressed expression at her own birthday party. A familiar guilt slides around to wrap its fingers around his neck. You should just stay there. But he knows it sometimes loosens its grip without warning. ]

Besides, I believe both of us want to attempt to get along with each other. We like you, after all. Neither one of us would wish for whatever misunderstandings are between us to affect your enjoyment and happiness. [ His gaze darkens just for a second, but he shakes it off a little easier than before. ]

Still we should have simply had our talk outright instead of stepped around it. A moment of uncomfortableness between us is better than having you feel as though you've done anything wrong. [ His head lightly shakes. ] Though, it is difficult to fight against the misconceptions a person has about another one. But, I think that since we both now know that you're friends with us... it'll make things easier.

You wouldn't be friends with anyone untoward, and so... you've actually helped things along. I'm certain that we'll be able to reach a proper conclusion. [ A beat, with a wry smile. ] It was just a matter of a lot of circumstances coming together and no one realizing what to do until it's already happened. So, please don't feel bad at all. [ He lifts his hands and lightly waves them in front of her like he is physically dismissing her sadness. ]

You allowed me an in with Oda-kun so that we can continue talking, since really... he has no reason to speak to a man who threatened him, right? So, I'll do what I can to make this right.

[It's like velvet, how quickly Kei's words melt over her. No doubt it would be a lie to suggest her guilt is gone, but some of the weight lightens from her chest as she nods quietly to the cadence of his suggestions.

A "proper conclusion" can only mean that they'll find common ground, right? Might even one day get along. Call it a selfish wish that's not based in reality, but it's one she holds suddenly, unable to erase the image of Oda striding off in his bid for escape. More than anything, she doesn't want him upset.]

... Okay. I'll -- [talk to him, set this right, make sure he's okay] -- I'll give him some space for now.

[And allow Kei the freedom to fix the situation as he sees fit]

Me too.

[ He tilts his head with a smile. ] I think if I messaged him now he might end up breaking his phone. [ Kei chuckles to himself before silencing his laughter. ] I'm sorry. I shouldn't make jokes so soon. It'll be easier to make jokes later.

[ Looking away, he decides that he should attempt to lighten the atmosphere. His shoulders immediately drops as he realizes that every time he attempts to do that he just plunges them further into the abyss. I need only use my common sense rather than logic. That will ensure things should end well. ]

But even I can tell that you are greatly cared about, Sakura. Everyone dressed up and wanted to do their best for your day. One can really feel the love in the air. Speaking of, I wonder where May is. I'm certain that she got you something quite amazing for your birthday. [ A beat. ] Am I wrong?

[Oh, actually, he already broke his phone. Ha. Ha. But she won't share that information since it's not hers to give, and instead angles a crooked smile at his attempt to alleviate the dour mood.]

May-chan? [Mmmm... well it's a safer topic, no doubt, though Sakura doesn't immediately brighten into a smile.]

She did. A bracelet. [One she's wearing right now, in fact, and lifts her wrist to show it off. It shows its age in the dull shine of the metal -- precisely why she loves it so much. This is the kind of jewelry that carries a story with it.]

She gave it to me a few days ago...

[Lowering her wrist with a soft sigh] Though she seems... distracted today.

She must have looked very hard to find you the perfect gift. [ He smiles, and feels like he is smiling a little more true than usual. Looking from the bracelet to Sakura, he continues: ] I suppose when she got it... she couldn't wait to give it to you. The joys of living together... you get to receive presents twice as fast.

[ His warm smile fades just a little. He feels like there is a sharp bite to it and realizes that he picked a topic that he shouldn't have. Still, it's a topic that may end up helping Sakura out. He feels a headache coming on, and it feels very real. His own sense of morals growing tired of his nonsense. ]

Distracted? How so? [ I have to ask. I cannot not ask. Kei feels like he is arguing with himself about showing decency and feeling a growing annoyance toward himself for it. ]

[Her lips quirk again, another half-smile. Kei's humor would be palatable if not for her worry] She told me it was from the shipwreck of her old boat and wanted me to have it.

[So sentimentality and a good story to boot. May really did pick the gift well.]

And... she's sad about something, but can't tell me what. [And it's still a bitter pill, because she distinctly recalls Kei having mentioned May's proficiency at keeping secrets close to her chest. Sakura certainly had some nerve back then, pretending she was an exception]

I won't push her to talk about it, but I do wish I could help somehow.

[ If he could, without making it obvious, he would have covered his face with his hand. Kei is starting to feel something like sympathy for May. "Sakura. Happy birthday." "Oh, a bracelet? Thank you, but where did you even get something so rare-looking?" "Ah, well, it actually came from my first shipwreck. I dove down into the waters to get it for you." "Aw, you shouldn't have." Granted, he believes the conversation was much different but he has a moment where his smiling expression slips away to something an incredulous look.

I believe in some small way, regardless of what she desires, she wanted you to notice. She wanted you to notice her feelings so that she could simply be rejected or accepted. A small piece of her heart believes you would accept her, but she cannot give herself up into that hope. She cannot bring herself to trouble you when you have so many troubles upon your shoulders. A beat. She placed you into a cage without you knowing it. One where you're protected and safe even as she ruins her own happiness, because she is not bleeding her feelings out of herself. She's only poisoning herself.

His silence draws on before he gives a small nod: ] I am certain that you've already told her that you'll be there for her, yes? Sometimes, people need time with what they are being troubled with. [ A small tilt of his head, as he attempts to remind her that is what they both decided to do with Oda. ]

If it is a problem she can't handle, I'm certain she will eventually come to you. And if it is one that she can handle on her own, she'll be bursting with her usual happiness soon. I'm certain that of all the things May wants to do in the world... troubling you is on the lowest of that list.

[A sigh, and a nod to his question. She told May over and over how much she meant to her, and yet... Well, she can't help but feel a little petulant, like a child being given advice that she knows is true and yet still wanting to dodge out of its shadow for a more satisfying answer.]

I do wish she'd trust me a little bit more. [It's such a selfish wish that slips out of her mouth -- demanding and hypocritical. She realizes it the moment the words are airborne and drops her stare as if in shame.]

... But you're right, there are things you can't share with people.

That's why I'm trying not to bother her too much.

[ Kei realizes that with a few words he could easily topple everything over that he sees before him. He need only say something along the lines of: "I realize this is not my place, but--" to both damn and absolve him from everything that should happen next.

But he doesn't.

May has placed her trust in him. He will not betray a person through the words they've told him. It goes against his morals; these are secrets given to him in confidence and so he will not allow them to be what destroys a person. Kei blinks, not realizing that he had been staring without doing so. ]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be trusted by the person that is your friend. [ Kei does what he can to alleviate her guilt. ] But I do not believe it has anything to do with trust. May trusts you a lot. There would be no reason to become roommates if she did not already have a lot of trust in you.

[ There is a small nod about there being things that a person can't share with others. ] It makes sense not to bother her too much, yes. Indeed, she'll either come around or she won't. If she continues to be difficult about it, you should give her a scolding. Secrets are secrets, but if they end up hurting, there should be some sort of intervention, right?

[ Indeed, he is not doing anything to betray May's words to him, but he is attempting to lead Sakura to the answer herself. This may be a difficult task on its own, however. ]

Edited 2018-03-19 05:42 (UTC)

That's what worries me.

[The guilt is gone (well done Kei), except replaced with anxiety as Sakura starts winding through the usual fears. Is May sick? Is someone bothering her? One of Sakura's friends, perhaps, and that's why she can't bear to share anything with her best friend? She's looking for a direction but the compass needle just spins in circles]

It was like she was trying to hide her misery from me, but she wasn't doing a good job. [The alcohol, she bets. Both a blessing and a curse. Now Sakura's stuck on high alert and May won't be able to sneeze without her friend crunching numbers for a doctor] I don't want her to hurt herself over whatever this is...

[Another sigh, and she presses fingers against her temple]

... Maybe I should try talking to her again.

[ In his mind, he is holding his hands out open in defeat. Kei realizes that he should not have attempted to liven the mood. Yet he still feels a warm smile on his lips which is only increasing the amount of guilt that he is feeling. The smile continues to feel real which will make it seem like he is giving sympathy rather than enjoying himself.

"Oh, I can hide things from Sakura." He paraphrases what May had told him and immediately rolls his eyes, looking up at the ceiling. Yet, his smile slips as he realizes that Sakura is feeling like putting herself into two uncomfortable situations. One with Oda, and one with May.

Guilt churns in his stomach as he brings his gaze down and steps forward: ]

Sakura, you should be upset. I do not mean upset as in the troubled worried feelings you are having, but upset as in angry. This is your party, is it not? You should be drowning in happiness and dizzy with the delight of friends. This is not... this is not fair to you. [ His head lightly shakes. ]

This is your party, even if you are sharing it. But it is yours. [ He attempts to give as much control as he can to Sakura. Because this isn't fair, and so, while I could make the situation easy on May, I see no reason why I should help her when she refuses to help herself. ]

Sakura, you can be angry at how unfair you are being treated by others. I know I spoke of understanding and compromise... but I realized just now that you're the most wounded party of everyone. Something I do not think you even realized. [ So he rewords it: ] The issue with Oda and myself is an issue between us... we had no right to drag you into it yet our mutual dislike caused us to do so. And on a day meant for you.

So, I take it back. You need not even absolve me of the trouble I have caused. I am more than happy about being kicked out for causing trouble for one of your guests, for example. I certainly wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't even blame you if you wanted to yell at me for it. [ A pause. ] This is your day, and so you should choose how to spend it. And did you not want to spend it happily?

[ He keeps repeating key phrases so that she understands her level of choice and control in the situation. He takes a step back as soon as he finishes, feeling like he has done something. Uncertain yet if it is good or bad. ]

Edited 2018-03-19 06:04 (UTC)

[-- What.

Her gaze snaps up, meeting Kei's face (what) with wide-eyed disbelief that clouds into dissent. Without realizing it, her head is shaking. No, no, she could never -- why would she be angry at the people here? At Oda and May, or even Kei himself? They've nothing wrong by bringing their troubles to her birthday party--

...]

I'm not angry at anyone... [It starts off firm, only to trail weakly into the silence. The air feels heavy again.] Even if something is going on between you and Odasaku-san, it's... [She glances away, confused, with her mouth twisted into a cutting frown]

And I'm certainly not going to kick you out, or yell at you. [Abruptly switching tracks, and that part is said with some amount of steel in her tone. Really, as if she would ever. She was raised with manners, Shigaraki-san.]

If I talk with May-chan, it won't be because I'm angry. I'm just worried that she's taking too much on herself. [The frown keeps cutting into her cheek, and cutting, and--] If she can't even smile at my birthday party, then something must be wrong.

[ That isn't helping the mood. Words calmly chiding him is enough to cause him to visibly flinch. His gaze drops to the ground this time as he goes over his own options. But he agrees that he is not helping things. His attempt to ease her worries gave her new worries. There is poison that he could spread, but it's poison that says she should find fault in those around her. It says that she should feel anger for them not thinking of her first.

Kei traces patterns with his eyes across the arcade floor as he muses to himself. It certainly wouldn't hurt for Sakura to put herself first. His gaze lifts, and he softly clicks his tongue. He offers a small nod at her decision to not be angry. All it would probably take is one small push but that hardly would be helpful now. Which hints he thinks it would be helpful, what, later? ]

Of course. [ He offers a wry smile. ] I shouldn't have dictated what you should be feeling anyway. It only felt right to me to offer you the chance to be as angry as you like without having to worry about anyone else. A poor decision. [ In short, he wanted to give her an out to be angry and completely in the right with her anger. Her anger would come from a place of righteousness, because of the unfair treatment he feels she suffered. In both big and small ways. ]

But I understand that's not your way. [ Not yet your way? ] You have a very good heart, Sakura. It holds all your friends remarkably close. I believe that is why this entire party is filled with similar soft, caring feelings. [ His chin lifts as he feels this sounds better. ]

And while some of us may stumble, we do very much wish to return the warmth that you have given us. We're all just a little clumsy with our feelings and attention from time to time. So... [ If she decides she does not wish to be angry, he will support her decision. ] ... overall, I hope you have had a happy time today.

[Slowly, she seems to accept what sounds very much like an apology, relaxing in increments like a cat whose ruffled fur has finally smoothed over. Yes, it's... it's better they focus on the positives here. Once distant from her heightened anxiety, she gives him a neutral expression -- not a smile, but nor is it unkind.

A vast improvement from the frown she'd worn a moment before.]

I have... Everyone who showed up to celebrate is precious to me. [It means the world to a girl who assumed her closest relationships would only be with her family. In a softer voice:] It's why I can't be angry.

[So she should be happy, she decides, no matter the social politics that have come into play. For now, it's her job to keep smiling]

[ I understand. He doesn't quite say it aloud as he smiles in turn. A smile that can be easily misinterpreted. Everyone, is that right? If everyone is precious, no one is more precious. What an unfortunate situation for those two to be in. It reminds him that he said something about Sakura draws people near; the shallow understanding of friendship.

But it's that if someone is cared for by you, they are cared for completely. For all their flaws. For all their wrongs. They are seen as an irreplaceable person. To those that are struggling in the dark, to those that are seeking acceptance subconsciously or consciously, such willingness and sweet kindness is something they cannot help but be drawn toward. I've learned something interesting today. ]

And you are precious to us, Sakura. I really believe that everyone thinks of you that way, too. [ And so you may never feel their anger on big or small mistakes. But you may never realize that they're never sharing these parts of themselves. ] So, I'm pleased that you had a wonderful time today. Indeed, I thank you for giving me an invitation. I had fun tonight, and glad to have had a chance to see you.

[ His shoulders drop a little. Everything he says is true and guilt churns in his stomach. He feels his gaze drift as he worries -- the thoughts he had just now did not feel invading but more like his own. Ah, it's fine. I'm ... just tired and riled up because of Sakutarou Oda. It's nothing. It's really nothing. ]

Edited 2018-03-25 07:56 (UTC)

Of course. [She offers him a nod, then a half-bow, a common gesture given their backgrounds.] You're always welcome to any of my parties.

[As her father's kouhai and the one charged with looking after her wellbeing, it'd be remiss to leave him out of her life. But more than that, it's her own choice. Whatever might be lingering between him and Odasaku, Sakura's subconscious has made its decision, and that's to keep them both tethered to her than discard one for the other.

Because Kei is correct: if she counts everyone as precious, the playing field remains cruel and level.

... That said:]

Do try to go easy on Odasaku-san, though. He likely doesn't understand your way of doing things.

Thank you.

[ His chin dips for a small nod, and bow of his head, in thanks. It seems like that will be that as he thinks that he should excuse himself. But he pauses instead -- his head tilts just slightly at the request that Sakura gives him. He slowly draws his eyes away from the party and its people to settle down on her. ]

You're right. Oda-kun understands a little bit about me, but I'm afraid he'll never really ever understand me if I treat him so rough. [ His hands slide behind his back as he smiles about nothing in particular. ] "Odasaku," hm. I remember you using that name before and I didn't realize you were talking about Sakutarou Oda-kun.

That's a charming nickname. He doesn't seem like the type that would like them much. [ A soft chuckle. ] I'm pleased to see that you've made such a wonderful friend, Sakura.

Hehe... it'd been an accident, actually.

[She's both sheepish and amused that Kei picked out the nickname, and tucks some hair behind her ear as she gives him her fond reminiscence.] I blended the syllables of his name because I couldn't remember what to call him, but he never corrected me, and by the time I realized my mistake, I was so used to calling him Odasaku.

[And selfish as it is, she likes that it's her nickname, and that no one can take it (she assumes) without permission. A shared connection just for them.]

And yes, he's a wonderful friend. [One who worries her on occasion, but that's not for Kei to know right now[ He's always been so nice to me, and knows he has to check in so I won't get cross.

[ Did you not correct Sakura because it didn't matter to you, Oda? Or-- For not the first time, he feels a moment of disappointment settle on his shoulders. In some ways, I had hoped that you would come to show yourself as a defect. But no, you merely refuse to hold onto anything. He breathes in, closing his eyes, and lets the disappointment pass. ]

Indeed, he seems like the sort of person that would correct it if it bothered him. [ The disappointment slips away as he smiles a little wider. ] When I first met him, I worried that he was someone alone. But that was my mistake. [ He feels his gaze darkening and blinks a few times to ward off the intense feeling. ]

He has to check in on you? Oh, he mentioned that he's a writer to me. It was on one of those network talks we had. You're making sure that he's sleeping well, hm? I know those writers... up until three a.m. working on their manuscripts, is that not right?

[Her smile flickers.

Such a small thing, but all that's necessary to catch her breath and derail her thoughts. She doesn't hear Kei's question, not when her eyes avert to the side before sliding back to the man's face with renewed energy]

Oh no, he's not alone!

[Oda has Shuji and herself, after all, and that's not counting whoever else Sakura doesn't know. If she worries over his health, physical and mental, well... she does that for all of her friends. It doesn't need to mean anything, necessarily.

Oda's fine.]

And-- um. Yes... sometimes I go over to make sure the kitchen's stocked. [Slowly, she settles back into the rhythm of their conversation] He gets so focused on his writing.

[ There is the very soft sound of him clicking his tongue. His expression almost slips to a neutral one as Sakura looks away. He feels his shoulders lower and head tilt as he watches her gestures -- both big and small. Kei feels his smile twisting and closes his eyes. I'm tired. I'm just a little tired, that's all.

His smile settles for something that could be interpreted as warm. ]

Of course, he isn't. He also has that wonderful new cat of his to keep him company when his friends aren't able to, right?

[ He feels laughter crawling up his throat. It makes him draw back a little. The guilt slithers up instead to violently wrap around him instead. Right. Kei refocuses his gaze on Sakura and she doesn't seem to notice. Such a thing should make him feel sick, and it does. It does. It does. ]

He has something that he wants to make. He has a goal in mind. That's admirable. [ His back feels strained. ] You... you really care about Oda-kun, don't you, Sakura? Someone that you like, perhaps? [ The guilt makes him dizzy, but somehow, he has to ask. Of course, he has to ask. What about May? A beat. May rejected my assistance. She wishes to do things her own way, regardless if she suffers or not. And so, I will leave her to her decisions. Neither saving nor helping her until she asks. ]

[--Um.

Not that her eyes had strayed from his face at this point, but they still seem to snap with alertness as adrenaline drums in her veins. She's already shaking her head, hands held out as if to beg Kei stop his train of thought.]

-- Oh no, not like--

[Of course she blushes. This is not the first time someone's misinterpreted her friendship with Oda, but it's the first time someone wasn't led to get the wrong idea. If Kei's making observations like this, she must be the problem, yes?]

He and I are just friends, I assure you. [Voice firm, yet she slouches and makes herself small with a sigh, fingers coiled against each other, her favorite nervous tic] I mean, he's very sweet! But...

[ I'm making her anxious. Didn't I just pull her out of a ruined mood? The guilt churns his insides yet the pain doesn't reflect on his face. He feels it, but he merely looks impassively at the hands up to stop his train of thought. Opening his mouth, he breathes out something almost pained first.

His lips curl back into a smile. Patient, kind. He feels dizzy and takes a step back so that he can lean against the wall he was standing by rather than continue to stand. Crossing his arms, he continues: ]

But?

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

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