semi-open; birthday at the beach!

[gekkajuu]

Who: a soosh (gekkajuu) & friends & random passers-by maybe?? if your character knows atsushi, feel free to assume they were invited
What: birthday times at the beach! mingle at will; indicate in subject lines if threads are closed
When: this most fifth of days
Where: Flona
Warning(s): none expected! please warn in subject lines where it may apply

After the kidnapping and the dreadful frights that followed, it's been a long climb back up to a better state of mind, but Atsushi has managed it in the end. It still feels strange to celebrate his birthday, but it would feel stranger not to do it, so he's invited a handful of his closest friends - and maybe some other people he knows less well, if circumstances have prompted it - for a day at the beach. There have been several official occasions and big parties lately, and they have been fun, but Atsushi is in the mood for something quieter now. Besides... a huge celebration just for himself wouldn't feel right.

In the morning, most of the invitees gather at the train station to go to Flona together - though of course it's possible to join the party later, too. While Atsushi has tried to politely fend off any inquiries about what he wants for a gift (with one or two notable exceptions), he's requested that everyone bring something to eat or drink, for a nice picnic together on the beach - and of course he's bringing some things himself, as well. The weather is great, the company is better, and all pets are welcome. Food can be eaten, games can be played, and Atsushi feels his heart swell in his chest, thinking how lucky he is to have such friends and such a wonderful life. How could this be anything but a great time?

Comments

Chuuya Nakahara

[thetaintedsorrow]

I. What’s in the Box? [Closed to Atsushi]

[After doing his research, Chuuya had found a rather quick way to earn some silver in the fighting pits, so here he is, at the train station, finely wrapped gift in hand. Inside is a hat very similar to his own, one that he’d had specially made because fashion from back home isn’t exactly a thing here. He’s sure Atsushi will like it, but he still wants to see his reaction for himself, so he’ll present it personally after everyone else has boarded the train.]

Oi, Atsushi, wait a second.

[Chuuya looks just a little proud of himself as he holds out the box with a grin.]

The rest is back home, but I wanted to give you this first.

II. Come on Pretty Mama [OTA]

[Once they arrive at the beach Chuuya will change into some black swim trunks (alas his favorite beach outfit no longer exists) and do his best to have a grand old time. He doesn’t get to go to the beach everyday, after all, so he’ll make his rounds doing all the things you’d expect at the beach. He’d brought a watermelon and some booze as his contributions, and you can find him enjoying a cocktail under an umbrella because of course he is.

He might also be swimming or walking on water like Jesus with his ability, or perhaps he’s sprawled out on a towel soaking up some sun while wearing an enormous pair of the most extra sunglasses you’ve ever seen. Apollo will be buzzing around from guest to guest to greet them, inquisitive as ever.

Wherever you find Chuuya, he’ll probably be happy to see you! Probably.]

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi is about to board the train, himself - not that there's any hurry, but just because everyone else is going in already - when Chuuya calls out to him, and he turns around.]

Yes, Chuuya-san?

[Oh, it's a gift! He did wonder, but it might have been something for the picnic, so! He didn't want to presume.]

"The rest"... You didn't have to get me anything at all, you know!

[But his smile is soft, his words friendly rather than borderline defensive. He knew that Chuuya would get him something, and for once that makes him happy rather than guilty.

Opening the box, he finds...] A hat! [His smile widening, he takes it out, turning it around in his hands.] It's almost like Chuuya-san's, isn't it?

[That alone is enough to make him happy, somehow, and he puts it on his head.]

Does it suit me~?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Look at Chuuya swell with pride at how much Atsushi seems to enjoy his gift. Not that Chuuya has any doubts, but still, it’s nice to see Atsushi smile like that.]

Yeah. You look ten times more badass with that on.

[It’s true! Hats add +100 cool points in Chuuya’s eyes.

Also, since nobody is around to be smart about it, Chuuya maneuvers around their hats to press a surprise kiss to Atsushi’s lips. Consider yourself blessed, soosh, because Chuuya hardly ever gives out kisses like that.]

Let’s go, huh?

[Chuuya will go ahead and board the train, looking back at Atsushi expectantly.]

I managed to find a watermelon, by the way. It’s being delivered to the beach.

[gekkajuu]

[Chuuya called him badass..! The word has become a Thing between him and Dylas for reasons Atsushi can barely remember, but it always felt halfway joking to him - more try-hard than genuinely badass. If Chuuya says it, though, it definitely has to be unironically true, because Chuuya is the epitome of badass, himself! Atsushi will have to get used to wearing a hat, but one thing's for sure: he's going to keep that thing on his head all day.

And that was decided even before the surprise kiss. They've done so much "worse" together, but this is in public, and at a vaguely personal moment; Atsushi can't help blushing like a moron. (Besides, what if Daifuku saw?!?!)]

T-Thank you... for the watermelon, that is! [Because that's totally a necessary qualification. He rushes after Chuuya.] Watermelon really is the best on a warm day, isn't it?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Atsushi has a long way to go before he’s as badass as Chuuya, but the hat certainly helps! And it’s okay, Daifuku is too busy being adorable and prancing around to notice or care.]

Yeah. Been forever since I’ve had any.

[Chuuya will choose a seat next to the window for the two of them, though he’s a nice enough guy to let Atsushi have the inside so that he can look out at the scenery.]

Are you gonna swim?

[What kind of swimsuit would Atsushi even wear? Does he even own one? Chuuya knows that tigers like water, so there’s that.

Finally the train begins to move, and Chuuya relaxes back into his seat as best he can. He’s a bit paranoid that the train might get attacked or something, but hopefully not. Ain’t nobody got time for that.]

Also, you might be getting a gift from Reign soon.

[gekkajuu]

[Oh good, the cub's innocence can be preserved...

Taking the window seat without even feeling bad about it - Chuuya may have other preferences, after all - Atsushi puts Daifuku in his lap, scritching behind his ears a little, and looks out at the station, excited for their trip.]

Swimming might be nice... Actually, I was considering giving Daifuku the chance to learn. He's done a little bit of it in lakes already, but the sea is something else, isn't it?

...! Did I bring a swimsuit?! [He definitely has a change of clothes with him, at any rate, but he's been so focused on food and drink for the picnic that he didn't think about anything else. Even the change of clothes was more in case something got accidentally wet or stained than because he intended to hop into the sea.] Well... I can always buy one there, if I need one.

And I have gotten a gift from Reign! He made a perfume just for me.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Two adorable cubs.

Chuuya will grace Daifuku with some ear scritches too, doting on him as always. The cub really hasn’t grown at all since Chuuya arrived, but of course he’s adorable simply because he’s so small.]

I bet he’d like that.

[Tigers love water, after all!]

Just skinny dip. It’s fine.

[Chuuya says with a grin, even though it most certainly is not fine when there will be other guests there.]

Oh yeah? Did you like it? I helped him name it.

[gekkajuu]

Skinny -... [OHGOD!] I'm not going to get... [Covering Daifuku's ears, now.] ... naked!!

[Well, that's... not entirely true, of course. He does get naked from time to time.]

At least: not where everyone can see!

[Having half-hissed those words, he finally releases Daifuku's ears again - not that the cub minded at all. It's using this as an opportunity to roll around and playfight in its momma's owner's lap.]

... I should have guessed that was you. [The name was definitely too fitting to be a coincidence. Atsushi smiles.] Thank you. I like it a lot.

[He's also wearing it - just a teensy drop on one of his wrists, but still.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

I’m pretty sure Daifuku is naked all the time.

[What a protective nerd mom.

Chuuya has already gotten to smell some samples, so he can recognize the scent.]

It smells good. Mine’s called Wildfire.

[Chuuya is wearing some on his neck, but not enough to be too overpowering. It’s a fitting name with a fitting list of ingredients, as to be expected of Reign.]

Looks like we’re almost there.

[Flona cove slowly comes into view as the train rounds a few hills, and Chuuya is even more hype to get out and enjoy the beach. He’s only been once before, and he’d enjoyed every second of it.]

Wait a sec...is this the place with the aphrodisiac water?

reign fear | ota

[eaudevamp]

[ a ] closed to atsushi
[ Having heard from Chuuya and Atsushi himself that the latter's birthday was around the corner, Reign had promised to attend the mini celebration, as well as prepare a gift for the birthday boy.

While waiting for the train to arrive, Reign went up to Atsushi with a cheerful smile. ]

Happy birthday, Atsushi~ Here's a little something from me.

[ He held up a small bag with a blue box within and tied with a similar colour. If Atsushi were to open the box, inside would contain a pretty blue perfume bottle, its scent specially made for him. ]

I hope you like it.

[ b ] beach party
[ This wasn't the first time Reign had come to Flona, but it would be his first partaking in something celebratory. After giving Atsushi his birthday present, Reign could be found mingling around with the others who came to the beach.

Reign may also be walking along the coast, letting the waters lap over his feet, occasionally picking seashells or pretty rocks. But once the sun began to rise higher, he'll retreat to the safety of the shore, settling down on a towel and staying under one of the beach umbrella to keep away from the direct sunlight.

He didn't quite know what kind of food/drink to bring, so he'd bought some fruits in case anyone wanted something light. His pet giraffe, Scorch, would be around, occasionally playing in the shallow waters or walking up to anyone he came across, moo-ing away in greeting. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi is more eager for the trip than he is for the possibility of gifts, but he can't deny that he's enjoying the latter a lot, too. Friendship may not be about material things, but the fact that people care about him enough to spend time getting or even making him something? That is a true blessing.]

Thank you!

[Carefully opening the box, his eyes widen at the bottle.]

It's beautiful! [And full. It takes him a split second to draw the obvious conclusion.] Did you make this?

[eaudevamp]

[ After having talked with Atsushi on the network previously, Reign knew how important birthdays were to them, compared to his world. But that was fine, because it meant being able to gift Atsushi a present. Something that the other will remember him by. It was the thought that counts, right?

There was a bit of a shy smile on Reign's lips, pretty proud of himself as he nodded. ]

Yeap. I've told you before that I used to create perfumes, even having a business selling them too. I hope you like it.

[ In the sense that hopefully the scent was to Atsushi's liking. The perfume itself had been inspired by Atsushi as a person, his personality, the tiger side, everything. If Atsushi were to smell it later, it would have a light scent, a bit flora, with hints of mint and nuts. ]

It's called "Moonlight". [ A name that Chuuya had suggested, for some reason unknown to Reign. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Well, now Atsushi has to smell it, of course! Opening the bottle, he leans in to sniff it almost cautiously, much like a feline approaching something new. Then he puts a dab of the perfume on his finger, applying it to his wrist (that's what you do, isn't it?) before taking a better smell.]

It's delicious! Sweet, but not too much so... It's very refreshing!

[And just a teensy bit "earthy" underneath it all, which he likes, but it's not something he knows how to put into words.]

Thank you so much, it's wonderful! [If he realized that it was inspired by him, rather than just something for him, he'd be more embarrassed about being quite so enthusiastic.]

... "Moonlight", huh? [Well, that's... definitely fitting. Fitting for him and his ability; fitting, also, for his new life here, and the "moon" they'd all come from.] That's a lovely name.

Thank you, really... I don't say this enough, but I'm really honored to have you as a friend.

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign could have gotten a perfume bottle with a spray nozzle, but he figured maybe one with an orifice reducer cap would suit Atsushi better. One for Atsushi to dab on certain areas, which Atsushi was doing nicely.

There was a proud kind of smile on Reign's lips as he listened to Atsushi describe the scent. It was just as it was meant to be, and more, even if the other wasn't able to put it all into words. That was the amazing thing about scent. ]

You're welcome. I'm glad it's to your liking.

[ Reign didn't know the deeper meaning behind the name that Chuuya had suggested, but he felt it had significance. ]

Chuuya was the one who gave the idea, and it seemed fitting for you. [ And here his smile widened, though a touch of shyness there. ] It may sound odd, but I've never really have a friend other than Shell, much less a human one. You're one of the few.

[gekkajuu]

You named it for me?

[Wow, that is... really nice, and also kind of embarrassing, and Atsushi doesn't know whether it's okay just yet. Or, rather: he doesn't know whether it's okay for him to be okay with it. It's almost too much honor!]

[eaudevamp]

Urm... Yeah...

[ Reign rubbed the back of his neck, going sheepish, but also looked proud for having created a scent with Atsushi in mind. ]

This same perfume will also be sold in my shop. Something to share with others, if you don't mind. Ah, but yours is definite the first of its line that I made! So it's uniquely yours.

[ He didn't want Atsushi to take this the wrong way. Of course, there were minute differences between Atsushi's "Moonlight" and the ones he will be selling, though the difference in scent was subtle enough. ]

[gekkajuu]

Of course! I'll definitely promote your store.

[And for that reason, more than for his own sake, he'll wear the perfume every day.

It is a little embarrassing to have something made especially for him this way, but... it's an honor more than anything else. Maybe Atsushi doesn't think he deserves it, but he at least no longer actively feels like he doesn't deserve it.]

... Thank you. It's a wonderful gift.

mikleo - closed to atsushi

[circulets]

[ Mikleo doesn't know Atsushi well - that much is for certain - however, he's more than aware of how important human birthdays are. As a seraphim - they live long enough to where they don't celebrate getting older - but, for humans - it's different. That's part of why he hadn't said no to coming to this party. Another reason was that any friend of Sorey's was a friend of his, as well. He did like Atsushi from the conversation they had over the network.

When he arrives, it's a little before the time that Atsushi had told him that the party was going to start. He hands him his present, offering a soft smile. ]

Happy birthday Atsushi.

[gekkajuu]

Thank you! You really needn't have gotten me anything.

[He'll say this to literally everybody, and mean it every time. That said, it doesn't make him any less pleased to get gifts, no matter how big or small!]

I'm just happy you could come!

[... But he did get that present, so he's going to open it now. It's so exciting, it's hard to believe that he went most of his life without gifts of any kind!]

[circulets]

It's tradition to give presents to the person having a birthday, isn't it? Besides, it was my pleasure.

[ Thre's a mystery novel under the wrapping paper. It's just a guess, but... To Milkeo, you can't really go wrong with books. ]

It's also a pleasure to meet you face-to-face.

[gekkajuu]

The pleasure is all mine~! Sorey is such a nice person that meeting any friend of his is a joy by definition.

[It's not just because it's Sorey, of course, but... well, having friends is special already, and meeting friends of friends is just so good. Atsushi has never found anything else that makes him feel so much like there is a place for him in the world.

... It's a book!]

Thank you so much! I love reading!

[circulets]

Do you? It looks like I made the right choice. I'm glad.

[ After everything that's gone on between Sorey and Mikleo recently, there's a pause on his end before he smiles onec more. ]

It's the same for myself. ... It's good that Sorey's been able to find more human companions.

[gekkajuu]

You can never go wrong with a book!

Then, are you not human? Or is it his other friends that are something else?

[It's not a question that Atsushi would have been able to ask so casually until recently, but he's gotten used to all sorts of people who are... well, people, but not human. He would have gotten used to it sooner, but the fact that some people designated him as "not human" just because of his ability made him struggle with the concept for a while.]

[circulets]

That's true. Even when it's fiction, there's something that you can learn from a book.

[ Mikleo nods his head, expression becoming more neutral. ]

No. Here, it's just me. Back at home, there were people who wouldn't be able to hear or see me. We've had different names over time, but these days - people call us seraphim.

[gekkajuu]

Exactly! Whether it's an interesting thought or two, or just seeing things from a different perspective.

[Book nerds of the worlds, unite! To be fair, Atsushi hasn't been reading as much as he should - life has been busy! - but that's all the more reason to appreciate a gift like this, isn't it?]

Seraphim... Aren't those angels?