Happy Birthday, Ryoji

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: You know the drill. Lancer puppy_lancer, Ryoji notsogrimreaper, the people they invited between the two of them, and everybody else who just happens to stumble into the party.
Setting: Floor 25, November 17, morning-evening
Format: Open, anything goes
Summary: It's Ryoji's birthday, so Lancer is throwing him a big party. Anyone is welcome in! (And nobody is gonna kick out those who aren't so welcome)
Warnings: None for now

[It's been a long time since Lancer had thrown any parties. Therefore, he's making this bigger and grander than the last two parties he's thrown. It's a good way for him to distract himself from all the emotional turmoil that had popped up during the battle with Sephiroth, if anything.]

[There's two tables laden with food over at one side of the floor. The centerpiece for that is a big double-tier cake with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOJI" written over the side of the bottom layer. The top layer is little more than a glorified candle holder, as several handfuls of candles have been jammed all over that second layer.]

[Over on the other side, there was a variety of party games. They're all old favorites like pin the tail on the piggy (pinning spiraling paper tails onto a "pig" with Ganon's face), apple bobbing (various fruits in a water-filled wooden barrel), and everyone's favorite--the pinata (a scarecrow with a berry-filled paper mache head supposed to represent Jason).]

[In the center of the floor, there is a stage nailed together from wooden boards. A ways behind that, a pile of wood stacks into a bonfire pyre. A turnip lantern leers at the party goers from one corner of the stage.]

[For decorations, there are black feathers and crude little paper doll cutouts resembling angels scattered around on the ground or in the corners of the dining tables. There are also a few more turnip lanterns.]

[And of course, Lancer, like a good host, stands on the stage, dressed like a hobby horse, waiting for people to show up. He's feeling pretty relaxed, if only because the major unwanted guest, Sephiroth, was locked up and in no danger of crashing this party.]

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

Reno. Moonshine. The Fairy Ring Floor. To be honest, we are lucky to be alive, but...

[Diarmuid reaches up and tugs on one of his ears.]

I have no idea how long I am going to be like this. It might be worse...

[fionnuisce]

At least you're not injured. Which brings me to the point I was coming to talk to you about.

[Waver raised a hand to lightly tough Diarmuid's other ear, trying not to be too distracted by them.]

Are you alright?

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid leans into the touch. It feels good, okay? But if no one says anything, it didn't happen. Right?]

Is that a trick question? I have dog ears and a tail.

[Evasion, go.]

[fionnuisce]

You know damn well what I meant.

[Even with as tense as he'd been, Waver seemed to finally be relaxing as he leaned his head against Diarmuid's.]

I'm sorry--I couldn't protect you.

[oathshackledbird]

Shouldn't that be my line?

[His head bows unconsciously.]

I shouldn't have drawn you all into that. Maybe my brother was right...

[Feel something twitching against your side, Waver? That would be Diarmuid's tail. Hopefully, you aren't too ticklish...]

[fionnuisce]

...To be completely honest, I'm not sure we went about this the right way.

[Frowning in what seemed to be exhaustion, he pulled back slightly.]

But even so, your brother's a fucking idiot. He had no right bringing any of that up when he did, and even then he was wrong. Some people don't deserve to be fought with completely honorable methods.

[oathshackledbird]

[When Waver pulls away, Diarmuid whines softly before he can stop himself. He ducks his head for a completely different reason than shame when he realizes what he did, though looks back with concern on his face when he picks up on how tired Waver is.]

Are you okay? You really threw everything at him...

[fionnuisce]

... [Waver laughed a little softly at that, resting his hand on Diarmuid's head again.]

I'll live. I'm not in the same miserable shape I was last time you saw me fight using magic.

[oathshackledbird]

You weren't miserable then! You have to stop being so hard on yourself.

[Oh yes, he's happy about that hand returning. Of course, Diarmuid doesn't say anything, but his tail starts...wagging. Happily.

How embarrassing...]

[fionnuisce]

Diarmuid, you had to carry me back to my room. I'd call that a pretty miserable st-...

[He trailed off again, having caught sight of that tail.]

[If ever Diarmuid wondered what Waver looked like when completely at a loss for words, that might have been it.]

[oathshackledbird]

You fought hard. You had every right to-- What?

[Diarmuid seems confused at the look on Waver's face and then he follows the man's gaze.

If Waver ever wondered what Diarmuid would look like as a tomato, this would be it. A small cry of dismay slips from his mouth, and he reaches out to grab his tail and still it.]

...

[Yeah, he doesn't even know what to say after that. He's just going to stare at the traitor tail in his hands.]

[fionnuisce]

That's...

[Waver brought his other hand to cover his mouth and try to hide the fact that he was smiling.]

..actually I can't say what that is for fear of essentially tossing my reputation off wherever the roof of this place actually is.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid frowns, a soft whine slipping from his mouth.]

Please tell me you are going to say 'cute' and not anything else. If you just about called me 'adorable' I am going to die of embarrassment right now.

[fionnuisce]

I wasn't going to say anything.

[Smirking, Waver glanced around to make sure no one was looking before turning back to give Diarmuid a light kiss on his forehead.]

Certainly, I wouldn't dream of saying anything of the sort.

[oathshackledbird]

Good. I really don't--

[Diarmuid's words trail off when Waver kisses him. In response to the kiss, his tail starts wagging so hard it almost pulls itself out of his hands.]

Oh, for the love of... How do I control this stupid thing? It needs an off switch!

[fionnuisce]

I always wanted a dog, you know. Should I start looking for a collar?

[His tone was lightly teasing as he decided to scratch Diarmuid's newly gained ears, Waver clearly having far too much fun with all this.]

[oathshackledbird]

[The ear scratchings cause Diarmuid's tail to wag so hard that it pulls itself free from his hands. He makes a soft sound of dismay and sighs, giving up on controlling the tail and turning his attention back to Waver. He then smirks slightly.]

I am already bound to you heart and soul. I need no collar for that, but if you really wish to get one...

[fionnuisce]

I was only joking. I know quite well we don't actually need one. Actually, I just wanted to see your reaction.

[oathshackledbird]

Oh, are you now?

[Diarmuid raises a curious eyebrow at Waver.]

I had no idea you spent so much time wondering how I would react to the idea of being collared.

[fionnuisce]

Wh--I don't, thanks!

[oathshackledbird]

Just for the record. As long as it's you, I don't mind at al.

[Diarmuid winks mischievously at Waver.]

Now who's looking for a reaction I wonder...

[fionnuisce]

You...! Y-you can't just--!

[u ok waver]

[oathshackledbird]

I can't what?

[His ears twitch mischievously, tail wagging.]

What has got you so flustered, Mo Stór?

[fionnuisce]

You can't just say things like that!

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid's tail seems to wag harder, though at this point it's kind of hard to know how that's possible.]

I am pretty sure I just did...