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

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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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[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?

[Her shoulders lift into a helpless shrug, and fall heavy.]

I don't know. [A pause.] We haven't known each other that long...

[Maybe that's a flimsy excuse, but it's the one Sakura cites first before she fills her nervous tuttering with a sigh loud enough to disrupt her bangs]

And I just don't feel that way about him... I don't feel that way about anyone right now.

[ He blinks slow, before giving a little nod as he accepts her answer. Kei could analyze and destroy every piece of it, if he wanted to, but he decides to relent. His dizziness isn't getting much better and if he presses on, he may end up faint. When his own body is violently rejecting his actions, he knows he has to stop. ]

I see. [ Breathing out slow, he attempts to gather his senses. ] Normally, someone would ask if you feel troubled that you don't feel that way, but I won't. You'll know when you know, Sakura. [ The guilt settles in his stomach, slowly easing. ]

Really, there is no need to rush, and there's no need to force yourself into any relationship. I suppose I may have teased you some with how you were with Sakutarou Oda, but... no, I'm sorry. [ Softer: ] You know what's right for yourself, and you know yourself. So don't let even me bully you about love.

[Matters of the heart are a touchy subject for her anyway -- not because she's embarrassed by what she feels, but she wants to believe that she knows her own feelings better than anyone, would know if someone crossed the line from friendship into something else.

One small measure of control she doesn't want taken away from her, and so it's for the best Kei relented. Everyone is her friend, nothing more.]

I'd say you'd be the first to know if I start dating someone, but I can't have that getting back to Tou-san. [With nothing else for her to comfortably say, she falls back on a thin joke and an embarrassed smile]

That makes sense.

[ He looks away as he feels himself slowly getting better. Kei is glad that his arms are crossed; he can feel his hands trembling. It's not from excitement this time. And that is only fair. It really is only fair. ]

I know that Tohsaka-senpai would want to know the name of the person that you would be dating... if he knew about it. [ His gaze remains off of Sakura as he feels a different kind of guilt. The guilt of betraying someone who wanted to watch over his daughters. ] Such matters... those are only something you should share with him. Not me.

[ A small nod. ] If you never want him to know, then he will never hear it from me.

[She offers a soft laugh, a fragile sound that comes from her throat instead of her lips, shaking her head some.] I wouldn't want to put you in a position where you felt pulled between our wishes.

[Her father's demands that Kei look out for her versus Sakura's pleas that the be allowed to forge her own path. She can't imagine this is fun for him, and so her voice falls into an apologetic murmur]

If there's anything you wish I don't discuss with you so you don't feel compromised, please let me know... [After all, if Kei falls back on the loyalty shared between him and her father, Sakura would not blame him.]

I'm already there, Sakura.

[ Again, he offers a small shrug of his shoulders. Indeed, he's already there and perhaps, if communication had not been turned off, he could have that conversation with Tohsaka. Kei could tell him all his misgivings of watching his daughters as he has been asked; he could tell him that he believes that they both want to be different and he wants to help them. Even if his own methods are clumsy and lacking empathy to their pain. Would Tohsaka be able to understand what he's actually after? Maybe. But he feels like he has placed his senpai on a pedestal and the pedestal is starting to crumble. ]

There isn't anything that I can think of, Sakura. Indeed, I feel very grateful and loyal to your father. He is the person that I feel helped me become a better man today than if I was left to my own devices. [ Whether that is true or not is hazy. The past makes it hazy. ] But... I am here with you, am I not? I told you that i would remain at your side until you dismissed me.

[ A slight pause. ] We're both experiencing something that your father can't. So, I believe it would be cruel and cold of me to not offer everything I can for you.

[... Yes, she supposes Kei is already there. No point in being upset when he's giving her the truth, and she's the one who brought it up besides. Her smile coils like an apology, with her eyes dropping to the floor.]

... I thank you for that.

[All she can offer is her thanks, in the end, for Kei's decision to take her side in all of this. And despite what he might think, Sakura believes that deep down, her father would wish this of him. Is it not Kei making good on his promise to look after her? She doesn't mind his influence, and he's a more steady presence in her life than her siste--

... Well. In any case.]

Even still, I'll try to be mindful of that.

[ He shakes his head with a half-smile. ]

You don't have to be. [ His shoulders give a little shrug as he still feel his fingers trembling against his arms. Kei feels the guilt cling onto him and he smiles warmly. It's a familiar, painful weight. No matter how many times he says he's tired, he realizes that the "tired" state relates to how he keeps himself in check. Of course, it does. I thought it meant exhaustion, and there is some, but that's what it really is, isn't it? ]

You can be as selfish as you like, with no thanks required. [ And because he still is not certain if what he's doing is for the best; he isn't certain if he's not hurting her in some unseen way. His gaze drops before lifts to settle on her face. But, she also wants to change herself, doesn't she? ]

After all, you're always mindful of how much you ask of others. So I don't mind if you ask a lot of me. [ A chuckle. ] In fact, I won't even feel it is "a lot." [ Because even if I tell you to be selfish, you still will be cautious and careful. ]

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

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