[Open] Let's go (back) to the beach!

[tantailizing]

🧙 WHO: Everyone invited by this network post
⚔️️ WHAT: Throwing Colette a birthday party!
🕒 WHEN: June 19th
🗺️ WHERE: Beach near Camelot City
⚠️ WARNINGS: It's Colette's Birthday. No getting out of hand, but warnings will be added if they must.

Sunny, clear, bright with calm, but visible waves, all those perfect conditions for a day at the beach.

... Really, he'd been checking to make sure. Meanwhile, he had to trust nothing would happen since Camelot was still right there. Just one day, one day of things staying normal with no interruptions was all he was asking.

Anyway, rental grill and table? Check.

Beach umbrellas? Check.

Extra towels? Check.

Beach balls, floating rings, basically things that said 'beach fun'? Check, check, aannd check!

While Zidane had the bowls, water, and toys for the dogs, Eustace was supplying what they ate (which was for the best), and he's making sure to keep them away from the disposable plates and cold foods so no mistakes were made. If anyone wanted alcohol? Well, that wasn't available - Zidane's only packed water, juice, and some assorted carbonated beverages for those that wanted it. BYOB if one really needs it - heck, he has some pizza on order later for people who'd rather that than the fruits, vegetables, or meat he's cooking up.

All-in-all, should be enough for people to chill out, have fun, and save room for the ice cream cake once it was time to sing 'Happy Birthday'!

[OOC: Dog beach birthday party fun! Heads up, I'll try tagging everyone that top-levels with Zidane since he's hosting so if you don't want a tag, just tell me. Also, have any specific questions? Also hit me up at demidemonLove. Just final note: blue decorations, and plants present courtesy of Aerith!]

Comments

[worldsokayestdad]

[See back home he knew exactly when her birthday was, because Cruxis is creepy that way, but with people arriving here at different points in time from different points in time, it makes dates a pain in the ass to keep track of. Had a full year even passed between now and Colette's last birthday? Was Kratos thinking too hard about this? Probably, he tends to do that.]

Zidane, right. He seems like a kind young man.

[he pauses a bit awkwardly, taking a quick look around to make sure nobody is close enough to hear their conversation. And also to pet this chill dog a little more, shhh.]

...Is there a story behind that tail? Has he mentioned anything to you?

[angelolatry]

A story about his tail? I haven't asked, actually.

[She might be curious too but. She doesn't know if it might be something he wanted to talk about, was comfortable telling her or anyone else. He seemed human enough besides that, in appearance and behaviour anyway so Colette didn't really focus on it so much.]

[worldsokayestdad]

Right, maybe that's for the best.

[look Kratos is very old, and in all of his years he has never seen a dude with a tail. He can't help but be a little curious. Damn, he's going to have to ask Zidane himself, isn't he?

He'll worry about that later. For now, he's going to clear his throat awkwardly and take something out of his pocket and offer it to Colette. It's a tiny box, wrapped in a simple gift wrap (with puppies on it, naturally).]

Anyway, this is for you.

[angelolatry]

This is -- oh. For me?

[Someone is still adjusting to the reminder presents on your birthday are a thing. Colette glances up to him as if confirming but. Well. That wrapping paper right there. It kind of has to be for her. She asks if she should open it now or if she should wait for later.]

Can I open it? Or should I wait? The wrapping is cute....!

[worldsokayestdad]

[You bet your ass he bought a whole roll of cute puppy wrapping paper just so he could make sure that he wrapped that tiny little box perfectly.]

It's your birthday, I think you can open it whenever you want to.

[Should she decide to open it now, she'll find a necklace with a little dog pendant. If there's one thing he's absolutely positive about, it's that Colette loves dogs, so he's just leaning into that and hoping for the best.]

[angelolatry]

Ah, okay!

[She just. Isn't used to this. Being the one everyone gives presents to and all this. Her birthdays were quite different back home in being church affairs and all. Still, she does smile at the wrapping, opening it to find the pendant and all but lighting up.]

It's so cute! A little dog! Thank you!

[worldsokayestdad]

[It's cool kid, Kratos is just as clueless when it comes to birthdays. He does briefly look relieved that she likes her gift, though let's be honest, Colette is the kind of person who would say she loves a gift even if it sucks. Not that Kratos suspects that right now, she seems to really like it.]

You're welcome. I'm glad you like it, I can't say that I've ever done much gift shopping before.

[angelolatry]

You did a wonderful job! I love it! It's so cute.

[She might just. Need to cycle through between this new one and the pendant Lloyd made for her. But it's too cute for her not to wear it. It's true though that Colette would more be the type to appreciate the thought and effort into a gift even if it might not be one she might use much if at all herself. That he thought of her, even that much is enough. To take the time to consider what Colette might like. It's more than she had most all her birthdays prior.]

And, well. Maybe next time someone's birthday or a holiday comes up, we can go shopping together and I can help you!

[....just casually assuming by then that clearly Kratos would have made some friends? To want to shop for? Or something like that.]

[worldsokayestdad]

[He might be making friends. There are at least a few people he's met that don't drive him nuts, a couple he can even say that he's growing fond of. A little bit.

He's not quite sure what to do with this praise, he's not used to this sort of thing. This is good though, maybe it means he's getting better at this whole being a regular human thing.]

I would certainly appreciate that. Gift shopping is... quite a bit more challenging than I'd expected. Worth it, though.

[angelolatry]

As long as you have an idea on what the person likes, I can try help! Just let me know when their birthday is or we can figure the next holiday and look for something together!

[She's happy to help. But, well that is probably hardly surprising that she is, given her more outgoing and friendly nature in general in comparison to Kratos. Colette is just like that. And she is glad if there are some here at least that Kratos is getting to know, getting to the point where he would figure a present for them.]

[worldsokayestdad]

[It's maybe like three people, and Colette is one of them. Still, it's some kind of progress.]

Of course. That's something to think about another time, though. Today is your day.

[angelolatry]

[It is indeed progress! She will take it!]

Another -- ah. Y-yes. Yes, it is! It's still a little weird. Being seventeen. I never thought on my birthdays after sixteen. I guess I should now. Plan more, like we said.

[It's just still a work in progress and this particular birthday is kind of a big deal on Colette's end. Kratos would understand that. Would get what she means and probably has more of an idea on how almost overwhelming it is for her, as grateful and overjoyed everyone went to all this effort as she is.]

[worldsokayestdad]

[Kratos does understand, considering he was one of the assholes that oversaw everything. He may never shake the guilt that he feels, but at least he can take some small amount of comfort in knowing that Colette can have a normal life now. Whatever that means, Kratos probably isn't the best judge of what counts as a normal life or not.]

I'm sure it all must be a little overwhelming to think about right now, but I think you're going to be all right. Truth be told, in all my years, you're one of the strongest people that I've ever known.

[angelolatry]

Me? I'm not so sure on that.

[He had lived such a long time. In the time of the likes of Mithos the Hero. She might still be grasping to process that the story she was told growing up was a lie, but even so. She isn't really one that has the best self-esteem though, given her upbringing and all so perhaps that isn't so surprising she's more modest at him saying such a thing about her.]

[worldsokayestdad]

I'm sure of it. All of you are incredibly strong.

[and he means it, but he's not surprised by her reaction. He'd spent enough time in her company to know what she's like in that regard.

That dog he'd been petting a minute ago is now annoyed that he's been ignoring it in favor of chatting with Colette. It barks at him and then hops up on it's back legs, planting it's paws on his chest in an attempt to get his attention. A bit caught off guard, he awkwardly goes back to petting the dog.]

...Looks like I've made a friend.

[angelolatry]

[She might have been about to say something in response, but gets distracted in watching as the dog barks at Kratos and jumps up at him. It's kind of hilarious and endearing to see with someone like Kratos. Normally so serious and all. Colette can't help but to laugh and give a nod.]

You have! They really like you!

[worldsokayestdad]

[They must like him, now he's got two more bouncing up at him. They're probably just jealous of the attention that the first dog is getting. He's trying to pet them all just so they chill the hell out, but it's not really helping too much.]

I can't imagine why... What makes you all think I'm a dog person, anyway?

[He's asking the dogs, but like, they're dogs. They're not going to answer. Not really wanting to get jumped on anymore, he starts looking around for something to throw.]

Did they bring any toys for the dogs? Balls or anything?

[angelolatry]

I guess somehow they can sense you used to have one? Or. I mean. Noishe is basically like one.

[Colette at least doesn't see it as a bad thing. It's rather sweet and endearing to see them so enthusiastic about Kratos given how stoic the other usually is, that she isn't aware he has many friends, or at least not that would still be around after such a long life.]

I think so. Zidane talked to Eustace, apparently and he brought stuff for the dogs!

[Cue her glancing around a little with him, before heading to where there's a stash of dog supplies and toys nearby, handing Kratos a ball and giggling at how excited the dogs become, tails wagging furiously as they watch him expectantly.]

[worldsokayestdad]

Hm. Basically. Though Noishe was big enough to knock me over whenever he decided to jump on me.

[Thankfully, these dogs weren't nearly as big. But yes, Noishe was pretty much a giant doof-ass puppy, Kratos couldn't deny this. Kratos takes the ball from Colette and throws it for the dogs to chase, and succeeds in getting the dogs to chase the ball instead of jump all over him. It doesn't take them long to bring the ball back, so he throws it again.

For once, Kratos looks like he might actually be enjoying himself a bit. Just a bit.]

[angelolatry]

He was pretty big. Emerald isn't quite that size at least.

[Still bigger than most average dogs and obviously still uniquely coloured but still. These dogs weren't quite that large, so it wasn't as much of an issue for them to figure jumping up like this. In not actually managing to knock Kratos down anyway. Colette can't help but to giggle at the image, and remembering when Noishe sometimes did that with Lloyd on occasion. She watches as Kratos throws the ball and distracts the dogs, playing catch with them.]

They are loving it here with everyone though.

[worldsokayestdad]

Emerald seems to be a little better behaved as well, at least from what I've seen.

[Not that Noishe was badly behaved, but Kratos had known him long enough to know that sometimes, he could be a bit of a brat if he felt so inclined. Maybe that was just with him, though. Kratos was probably the kind of person who talks a big game, but would actually let Noishe get away with anything.

Hang on a sec, he has to take this ball back from this dog and throw it again. Once the dogs run off, he's going to unhook his sheath from his belt (because OF COURSE he brought his sword to a birthday party) and set it on the ground near Colette. Just so the dogs don't try to run off with it or something.]

They certainly do seem to be having fun. You want to throw it next?

[angelolatry]

Maybe because she's a familiar?

[They aren't exactly....really dogs? Or, well. Protozoans, exactly? Were they? As familiars? She's not sure, but there's definitely something about them. Still, she grew up with Lloyd and Noishe and always had that fondness for dogs so perhaps it isn't so surprising she doesn't so much mind Noishe's exuberance at times or the way he was scared of monsters.

Still, she does give a nod and a smile to the offer to throw the ball next.]

Yes! We can take turns.

[worldsokayestdad]

It could be that, or it could be that I had a bad habit of letting Noishe get away with things.

[He can't help it, he has a giant soft spot for that dumb not-dog. Not that he would admit that out loud, though.

Anyway, he tosses the ball to Colette, and the dogs immediately turn their attention to her. Good luck, Colette.]

[angelolatry]

You were too soft on him you think? I know that's important, discipline. I'm not sure how great at it I'd be either.

[Emerald was pretty well behaved for the most part anyway that it isn't like Colette has to be too strict or firm. In comparison to her handling other dogs for an extended period that aren't just her petting them and cooing how adorable they are whenever she sees one around. She laughs as the dogs bound over to her, showing them the ball and then throwing it for them. She can't help but to giggle as she watches them chase after it.]

[worldsokayestdad]

[Now that Colette is keeping the dogs entertained, Kratos finds himself a shady spot to sit. It's hot and sunny out, and he isn't dressed for the beach, so shade it is.]

I suppose it's something you'll figure out as you get older.