louis ~ the red deer (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
disasdeer) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
isleofavalon2021-12-03 11:15 pm
disasdeer) wrote in isleofavalon2021-12-03 11:15 pm
Entry tags:
- a3!: izumi tachibana,
- a3!: tsumugi tsukioka,
- beastars: louis,
- dc comics: stephanie brown,
- doki doki literature club: monika,
- fate/go: gareth,
- fate/go: izo,
- fate/go: ryouma,
- fate/sn: saber (artoria pendragon),
- fe sov: rinea,
- fe3h: lorenz hellman gloucester,
- food fantasy: century egg,
- genshin impact: razor,
- guilty gear: baiken,
- hellsing: walter c. dornez,
- original: itou souma,
- original: kate galloway,
- sailor moon: minako aino,
- show by rock!!: crow,
- sonic the hedgehog: amy rose
happy holidays { open }
I. Arrival
There were postings around town, and fliers going out around the end of November. The holiday party starts early evening, December 1, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. He had rented out a large ballroom, and started decorating the day before, adding finishing touches early on the day of. Everyone was invited - and while there's no real dress code posted, everyone is invited to dress their best for the sake of the party.
When one approaches the building, there's a clear set of rules posted outside written in neat script:
There's only a few easy rules to ensure everyone enjoys their night:
One, no fighting - if you have to - please take it outside.
Two, no weapons on the premises.
Three, all children under the age of sixteen must leave before nine in the evening.
Welcome in. Grab a mask if you want - or don't - and join the party.
When one approaches the building, there's a clear set of rules posted outside written in neat script:
There's only a few easy rules to ensure everyone enjoys their night:
One, no fighting - if you have to - please take it outside.
Two, no weapons on the premises.
Three, all children under the age of sixteen must leave before nine in the evening.
Welcome in. Grab a mask if you want - or don't - and join the party.
II. Welcome In
When walking through the entrance, the first thing that is easy to notice is how it is decorated. It has the colors of the holidays - red, green, blue, white. It’s mostly deeper shades with pops of brighter shades of the color. On the right of the entryway there is a table with a dark blue cloth over it. On top of it is a wide array of masks - different styles, shapes, sizes. Whatever their heart may desire, you can find here. Masks are, of course, optional! But who doesn’t love a great masquerade?
Above it is a sign that says Yours to Keep - so they may keep whatever masks they pick up.
Next to it is a large book with lined paper where people can drop a short message about the winter holiday they celebrate at home - their favorite part, how they celebrate, anything they'd like to share with other people! This will be picked up at the end of the party.
Not much further ahead is a dancefloor to the left - spacious as ever. To the right is catering - set up as an elaborate display of food and tables arranged so people can sit and eat. There’s food from a variety of places, including Golden Silence. They’ll find not only savory foods, but sweet desserts. In the back corner, not far from the food is a bartender, who is happily serving free drinks for anyone of drinking age.
Past the bar is a hallway with a couple of private rooms. These rooms are quiet - with none of the noise of the party being able to reach them. They're perfect for stepping away from the party for just a few moments of peace and quiet. In this rooms, there's decks of cards and a few simple board games. Each room can hold up to four people and can be locked from the inside.
Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so they'll will be able to find what they're looking for.
Above it is a sign that says Yours to Keep - so they may keep whatever masks they pick up.
Next to it is a large book with lined paper where people can drop a short message about the winter holiday they celebrate at home - their favorite part, how they celebrate, anything they'd like to share with other people! This will be picked up at the end of the party.
Not much further ahead is a dancefloor to the left - spacious as ever. To the right is catering - set up as an elaborate display of food and tables arranged so people can sit and eat. There’s food from a variety of places, including Golden Silence. They’ll find not only savory foods, but sweet desserts. In the back corner, not far from the food is a bartender, who is happily serving free drinks for anyone of drinking age.
Past the bar is a hallway with a couple of private rooms. These rooms are quiet - with none of the noise of the party being able to reach them. They're perfect for stepping away from the party for just a few moments of peace and quiet. In this rooms, there's decks of cards and a few simple board games. Each room can hold up to four people and can be locked from the inside.
Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so they'll will be able to find what they're looking for.
III. With So Much To Do
A. Dance the Night Away
The music at the party is provided by a variety of individuals. Various talents have been invited through the night, even! If no one is set to perform, there's a playlist set to play. The music goes on non-stop and the styles that will be played will vary. Most of the songs will be fairly upbeat through the night. Some of them are slower paced - so pick a partner and dance.
B. Mistletoe
Throughout the venue there's going to be mistletoe set up in a few spots throughout the building. The spots they're hanging are easy to identify. Most doorways have mistletoe hanging from them. There's also a few prime spots where there's some hanging - such as the corner not far from the bar. It's a perfect place to steal a kiss.
B. Charity Raffle
Near the food, there's a sign directing people to participate and purchase tickets for the charity raffle for a few prizes for people. There's donations (or things purchased) from a few businesses around Camelot. All funds raised from the Charity will go towards helping everyone who lost things during the events with Celliwig/Lestari. There's a variety of things: brunch for two, a date package, opportunities to learn a new skill, and other experiences. Several prizes will be raffled off, and people may purchase as many tickets as they want.
IV. Late at Night
After 9 in the evening, the entire feeling of the party changes. The lights get lower and glowsticks become available just off of the dance floor where they weren't earlier in the night. The music remains upbeat, though there's no performers for this part of the evening - only a playlist cycling through a variety of songs. This is a perfect time to grab a partner for a dance, or grab a drink. There's no real end of the night in sight, people are welcome to stay as long they'd like - even into the next morning if they should want.
Just be sure they're out by lunch the next day when clean-up starts.
Just be sure they're out by lunch the next day when clean-up starts.
Some quick ooc notes:
no subject
Unfortunately, while Monika has prepared herself to fake confidence before coming to this party, she hadn't really built up the courage to go that far. And even if she had... That was perhaps a bit much. She didn't want to risk facing another rejection just yet. With how fragile her emotional state was, she knew it would push her to new lows should it happen. ]
Ahaha! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you.
[ She looked at her apologetically, blushing ever-so slightly. ]
What I mean I guess is that... [She raised a finger.] If I accept your offer, at least my first kiss will be a nice memory~!
[ If she ever dates someone and they so happen to be like Kipposhi, her first kiss may end up being an awful memory. So why not make sure at least it'll be a good memory? ]
no subject
And those words definitely keep that blush on Minako's face. Apparently it's not going anywhere right now. ]
Well, if you really think it'd be a nice memory..
[ Look, for all of Minako's usual bravado? She isn't necessarily going to assume anyone would think of a kiss with her as 'nice', okay. ]
Then.. I guess I'd be pretty glad if you wanted to accept the offer, you know? I'd be really glad if I could protect your heart, Monika-chan.
[ After all, that feels important here. It helps that Monika is really cute and pretty, and that Minako therefore wouldn't mind kissing her in general.. but it feels even more important if this sort of first kiss could be a safeguard. If Monika really would keep it as a nice memory in her heart, then Minako hopes it can counter later situations where someone might do something bad to her.
At least Monika could then have something nice to remember. It's a thought that makes Minako smile gently, even with the blush on her cheeks. ]
no subject
[ She looked down with a smile. That was... Incredibly nice to hear. If not for being in the middle of a party with countless people potentially watch, she could have broken in tears upon hearing that. After coming from a reality her creator had made with the very purpose of toying with her heart, after how Kipposhi had disregarded her feelings, after how she had erased her own memories for a week— Knowing there was someone who wanted to protect her heart...
It was nice.
Even if it was just as a friend for the time being... It wasn't something she'd ever known before. She looked back up at Minako, smiling brightly. ]
If you are sure then-- [A beat.] After all, I wouldn't want for it to be a bad memory for you.
[ She reached out to try and Minako's hand with her own. She doubted it, but she had to make sure. ]
no subject
[ There doesn't seem to be any hesitation in it. For all of Minako's Awkward Feelings surrounding the topic of love, this doesn't feel as bad. If she's just helping out a friend here, then.. what's the harm in that? She's fond enough of Monika to not mind the idea of kissing the other girl in the slightest, anyway.
After all-- ]
I seriously don't think any memory I've got with you could be a bad one. [ .. you know, unless one of them got super hurt, or something else upsetting happened in this place..
But let's leave external influences out of this, okay! ]
The only thing that's important for me is your comfort. What makes you happy. [ Feel free to take that hand, Monika, Minako doesn't seem to mind in the slightest. ] That's what makes me happy too, you know?
[ They're words that could have been empty flattery in some cases.. but considering it's Minako, she means every single one of them from the bottom of her heart. She wouldn't lie about this stuff. Just seeing Monika happy, just knowing the other is comfortable and happy about something intimate, especially with all of the pain she's gone through before..
.. that makes Minako happy too. ]
So.. you really want me to? I want to make super-duper sure when it's you.
[ Because Minako can't allow anything out there to break Monika's heart anymore! Not even if it'd be Monika herself doing it by accepting something she's only half-okay with! ]
no subject
And maybe this was dangerous in a different way... You always saw hope praised as something that keeps people going, a positive force and the likes. But it's just as often if not more often a devastating force that reveals its true colors once crushed.
All she could do was hope this wasn't one of those instances. ]
Ah... Aha. Yes. Yes, of course.
[ Her blush worsened, gosh. Keeping up a facade was easy, but she'd never learnt of any tricks that made it possible to hide that. ]
When you're being so considerate, how could I not be?
[ She squeezed her hand and leaned forward. ... Well she had never ever kissed someone, so... ]
Um... Ahaha! Do you mind if I let you...?
[ Not that she hadn't read and studied the matter, but she didn't want to seem too forward. That and it would be a good way to gauge her reaction, too. ]
no subject
Of course I don't mind.
[ It's at that moment that she lets go of Monika's hands.. though it's just so her hands can instead move to other positions. One lands on Monika's shoulder, with a gentle grip, and the other hand moves onto Monika's cheek, fingertips barely in the other's hairline near her temple. Minako leans in, pressing her lips gently to the other girl's.
It's not a deep sort of kiss, but that's because this isn't supposed to lead to more. It's not like she's here to make out with Monika or anything, she's just helping the other girl out. She's just giving her a nice memory, something Monika can treasure for once, instead of having to look back on in pain. The other did say she wanted this, after all!
So instead the kiss is just.. soft. Gentle. It's warm, considering all the affection Minako holds for Monika, regardless of whether it's friendship or something more. There's no doubt about how much she cares about the other, how much she wants to help Monika reach something happier in her life than she's had so far. And it shows in the way she kisses the other. The kiss is absolutely not without feeling behind it.
(And hey, it helps that Minako is naturally a pretty great kisser.)
Minako lingers in the kiss for a few moments before she pulls back. The hand on Monika's cheek withdraws too, but she leaves the other one resting on the other girl's shoulder for a moment more...
.. and Minako? She's definitely blushing. ]
Oh.. Haha! Wow! It's.. sure been a while since I kissed anyone. [ Guess who's looking flustered. This girl right over here. Because her heart sure did skip a beat just now in a way she didn't expect it to, and it's leaving Minako very flustered.
And perhaps a little confused. ]
I hope that wasn't really bad or anything..!
no subject
And of course, of course Monika had kissed back but... Well, she had always thought she would be an absolutely amazing kisser! It had never made any doubt to her. But goodness, had she been proven wrong. She how her only knowledge of this was what she'd seen on television and read in books... It didn't really translate so well to practice. Still, she'd been very gentle and slow— Her warmth equating that of the other girl.
When Minako spoke, she was transfixed. What should she say, what should she do? She definitely should say something... If now wasn't a good time for that, there would never be a good time for it!
But what if it ended up like it had with Kipposhi? Just someone feeling pity for her and then awkwardly telling her off the moment her hopes got up? She didn't want to risk rejection. Not again. ]
I, um... Ahaha! [As usual, Monika shook herself of an awkward situation with her signature small laugh.] No no, that was... Um, wonderful!
[ Gosh, was it okay to say this? She didn't want Minako to get the wrong idea... Well, it wouldn't be the wrong idea, it would actually be pretty accurate if Minako got that idea. But she didn't want to come off as weird or anything. Goodness, she could feel her facade melting and slipping up second after second.
Thus she put her mask back on— Her physical one, not the figurative one. It didn't cover her entire face, but it would help mitigate the damage. ]
You're an amazing kisser Minako~! [She managed a smile.] I-I hope I wasn't too bad myself.
no subject
[ Yes, something about Minako definitely seems kind of flustered still as well. Maybe even moreso than Monika here for a moment, since she doesn't try to put up any kind of mask. Minako's brain is still way too busy trying to figure out what that was just now.. Why is she suddenly experiencing something she didn't expect in the middle of all of this, huh?
It's not something she wants to saddle the other girl up with though, so she quickly shakes her head. ]
You were great at it, Monika-chan! Super cute! [ At least those compliments sound genuine, despite the faint fluster still hanging onto Minako. ]
The guy who's going to date you one day is going to be super lucky, you know..!
[ At least that's definitely not pulling a Kipposhi.
Because judging by everything - Minako's expression, her words, the way she still seems faintly flustered.. it's 100% just pure Minako Aino brand™ obliviousness. ]
You have absolutely nothing to worry about!
no subject
But were there any ways to be sure...? It's not like she could read the future and know what her answer would be, were she to confess. ]
Not as lucky as the one who'll date you, ahaha~!
[ And at that she felt a pang of jealousy and panic. What if someone approached her before she did? What if by her hesitation she was to lose everything? Guh... Why couldn't things be simpler?
Maybe she could find a compromise. Work towards telling her on a specific day. Valentine's? But that felt so distant... Christmas? This one felt way too close. Maybe sometimes between both events... ]
Speaking of which... [A pause] Have you got your eyes on anyone yet? [A wink. A simple discussion about love between two girls, right?] With everyone in Avalon, I'm sure someone caught your eye~!
[ Mere curiosity. Nothing more, nope. ]
no subject
Monika is probably just curious, she figures. Especially since the both of them seem to think about love a lot. ]
Me?
[ Minako hums.. which seems like a good sign, right? At least no one immediately comes to mind.. ]
I don't really think so.. [ SCORE. Or, rather, there's no ideal 'oh, of course I always loved you, Monika-chan!' answer, but.. see the obliviousness above. But at least it means that there's also absolutely no competition for Monika to get all worked up about, especially since Minako doesn't seem like she's lying in this moment. ]
Besides, sometimes it kind of feels like everyone is dating each other already! Don't you ever get that feeling?
no subject
The New Year or Valentine's Day came to mind. One felt too early and the other felt too late... But that was a choice she'd have to settle on. For now though-- ]
Gosh, I totally get it...
[ She sighed and shook her head. ]
At this rate, it feels like everyone will be married and with children, and we'll still be alone... Ahaha!
[ Awkward laughter is a go. Because what better way than to pretend this isn't sad and kinda depressing than by laughing about it all? ]
no subject
But then the other girl continues, and it takes Minako no time at all to fiercely shake her head. ]
No way!
[ Of course this protest isn't meant for the side of that statement that implies Minako will still be alone.. Considering her obvious love and duty struggles. Even if she's okay, she'll be fine, she tells herself.
But imagining Monika all alone, when she deserves all the love in the world? No way. She refuses! ]
There's absolutely no way you're never going to find someone, Monika-chan! What's not to love about you, huh? You're cute, and pretty, and smart, and you always try to look out for the people around you!
no subject
G-Gosh, Minako... Ahaha!
[ She really shouldn't make Minako worry... She forced herself to smile and nodded. How could she remain a downer when someone cared so much for her happiness? ]
I guess I really can't give up when you have so much faith in me. [Wait... She just had a wonderful, devious idea. If she couldn't decide on when and how to go about it... Why not get some help?] Truth to be told, um... I have someone in mind myself. A crush, I guess. [A beat.] I'm not sure what to do tough... I'm afraid to come on too strong. And after what happened with Kipposhi, I've been having a hard time rebuilding my confidence.
[ What little she had had to begin with. She held her own arm and looked away. That was a perfect plan, yes. Who better to give her pointers on when and how to approach her crush, than said crush? ]
Those things are so complicated, ahaha...!
no subject
But realising that and actually hearing about a crush on Monika's end is something else entirely. Minako looks like a puppy being called to attention right now. So alert, and so excited. ]
A crush?! Really?!
[ Minako really has to hold back here, since it's so tempting to ask for details, to dig into all the juicy, juicy feelings..
But it doesn't feel right to do that when Monika seems so sensitive about the whole love thing. So Minako is being extremely good here. Holding back! Just paying attention to the other girl's question..! ]
.. well, I guess it's always a little scary to confess something like that, you know? Since the possibility of rejection is always there, and that's kind of scary to anyone.. [ Minako smiles sympathetically.
Considering what happened to the other before, she can understand her being hesitant even more. ]
But on the other hand, I don't think it could hurt to tell them if you could build up the courage to do so. I don't think it's coming on too strongly when you're just letting them know about your feelings. I don't think you'd pressure someone into saying yes.
[ H-Haha.... Look at Minako, totally oblivious as to what fully happened in Monika's game.. ]
I think it's probably good to take some time on how you want to confess to that person, but.. once you've thought about it and have an idea, just go out there, and honestly tell them how you feel! If they're the kind of person who's deserving of your affection, then they'll know how to be gentle with your feelings regardless of their answer.
no subject
Gosh... She'd been so messed up back then. What was scarier was how sometimes, it felt like it would take just a nudge for her to go back to such horrible ways. ]
A-Ahaha!
[ She blushed brightly and laughed very awkwardly when Minako was done speaking. Maybe she should just give up...? Maybe she wasn't balanced enough to be anyone's partner. But even so, she was too selfish to let go of a chance at happiness. ]
I have other concerns too... [A pause.] In a relationship, I think I'd be very... Clingy? And jealous— Maybe even possessive. [She closed her eyes.] I know it's wrong and I aim to rectify that... I'd do my best to fight those thoughts. But I'm terrified of being anything less than a perfect girlfriend, you know?
[ She then looked apologetically at Minako. If only she knew... She hadn't looked down at the idea of Monika dating someone else though. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be? No, no. She was just overthinking things, as she always did. ]
Sorry for springing that on you, ahaha! [She looked up at the mistletoe] I guess the kiss brought those things to mind.
no subject
[ Minako smiles. Gently so. Even as that apologetic gaze leaves Minako's eyes and instead stares up at the mistletoe, Minako just keeps on smiling like that. It's a little sad, but.. fond, too. She thinks it's saying a lot that Monika has this sort of idea. ]
I don't think it's bad at all to try and work on yourself, especially in a relationship. [ Because.. yeah, being too possessive and too clingy does tend to go out of hand real quick - Minako has seen so in the past, after all. ] But.. it's not like you always have to be perfect, you know?
[ Is it because she's so worried? That she'll never get a relationship unless she is?
Shaking her head, Minako takes a hold of the other girl's hands, wanting to gently reassure her. ]
Doing your best is fine! But we all mess up sometimes. That's what we're human for, you know?
[ There might be a small emphasis on that we. Because even if Monika might come out of some sort of game, she's still just as human as the rest of them in Minako's eyes. ]
Sometimes we screw up and do bad stuff. Sometimes things go wrong, and we argue.. But it happens, and afterwards we work things out just fine! What's more important than being perfect in a relationship is just.. being yourself in one! Being a Monika-chan who's trying her best.
no subject
It's better to do something imperfect than do nothing because you aim for some sort of impossible standard of perfection. She knew that but it was still so hard to put into practice.
She looks back down at her when Minako takes her hand. ]
A Monika-chan who's trying her best...
[ She closed her eyes. Yes... She should try her best and see what happens. It was better than not trying at all. She nodded and pondered for a moment before opening her eyes. Maybe that was impulsive, but... While she had the courage-- ]
Alright. I... I'm going to confess to my crush at New Year's Eve. Midnight, when we transition from a year to the next. When the world takes a step towards the future, so will I. [That was romantic, wasn't it? Hopefully there'd be fireworks...] Could you come with me, please? I may need a pep talk and someone to give me courage, ahaha!
[ That was a bit selfish, Minako may want to be partying up with friends rather than encourage her at that time. But of course, she had her reasons for that. ]
no subject
[ The answer comes instantaneously. Minako doesn't even seem to have to consider it for a moment. Sure, sure, she does want to spend New Years with her friends from back home, but.. now that's pretty much just Usagi and Mamoru, Minako is pretty sure those two lovebirds will want to have some time to themselves anyway without Minako being an awkward third wheel.
And if there's instead something good she can do, if she can give someone important to her support at the most important moment.. there's no way she's going to turn that down.
So she smiles. ]
Of course I'll be right there if you need me. I'll bring the support banners and all! [ Don't underestimate her!!
Do underestimate her ability to totally let something obvious about this situation fly over her head though. Minako hasn't gotten a clue. ]
After all.. I'm so proud you're even just doing this! I know it's hard, but I'm sure it'll go super well! I can't think of anything more romantic than doing it right at a perfect moment like that.