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]

Thank your god all you wish, but he means nothing to me nor does his Christian mercy. Not when I have seen your work first hand. Not when my friend will forever have nightmares about your 'art.' I am a forgiving man, but those things will take a lot for me to forgive. Follow this path of goodness you speak of and perhaps it will happen someday. Until then, don't expect the same grace from me as you got from Jeanne.

[There is a finality to Diarmuid's words as if he wishes to say no more on the topic because not only is it making Ryoji uneasy, but he also doesn't seem to think anything he says will get through to Caster and he wishes to waste no more time.

He looks toward Ryoji.]

This is your party, son. If you wish to speak with him more, you may, but I have nothing else to say.

[monstrueux]

Why should I not say it? It is true. This is what I deserve. Your friend says it. [Gilles still doesn't know Lancer's name, but he doesn't care.]

I do not! I expect nothing from you. And God is real, no matter if you believe in Him. I know that I have sinned, and that my works are too grave and too brutal to be forgiven! Jeanne forgave me because she is a saint, and more forgiving than any other.

[Lancer isn't a saint. Gilles is still mad about Prelati's book, so he's not about to consider Lancer a friend in any case. On one level, he knows that really, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as what he was doing, but on another level, his dear Prelati gave him that book to look after. But he doesn't mention it.]

I would not blame him for not wanting to talk to me. Such a monster!

sorry about this, lost all the tags from this post

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji doesn't know what to do. He doesn't want to stay. This whole conversation has been terrifying, and as selfish as it is, he wants to enjoy his birthday with the people he cares about. He and Diarmuid should leave, find something fun to do somewhere else.

At the same time, Gilles' words sound all too familiar to him. Knowing that he's sinned, having someone special forgive him even when he couldn't forgive himself... 'monster'. If Ryoji didn't know any better, he'd think Caster was talking about Ryoji instead of himself. Someone who shared similar insecurities and fears... maybe they were just a bit misunderstood. Maybe they were forced into evil deeds instead of willingly taking part in them. Ryoji wants to try to understand Gilles, maybe get him help...

Still, the ominous rings he still holds help him make his final decision.]

...You're not a monster, but... I'm sorry. I have to go.

*hugs* Probably more like DW lost the notices not you...

[oathshackledbird]

Then it is decided.

[Having said all he wishes to say to Caster, Diarmuid instead focuses his attention on directing Ryoji away from the other Servant. To say that he is glad Ryoji has come to this decision would be an understatement. He makes a mental note to explain who Caster is and what he has done more thoroughly to Ryoji later. For now, the boy has a party to enjoy.]

There are so many people here. Isn't it wonderful? I am sure you have many you need to talk to yet...

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji walks away from the unpleasant conversation with Diarmuid’s guidance, trying not to seem too nervous. Indeed, he does have a party to enjoy, and he wants to be happier so that Diarmuid isn’t upset… He eventually manages a small smile and nods.]

I’ve been doing my best to see everyone here, but I’m sure I haven’t found everyone. They’ve all been so nice, though...