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

[puppy_lancer]

Sure, if you'll take her. Watch out that she doesn't stab you, though.

[He slowly loosens his grasp on Nesir's wrist.]

[culbutiri]

How can I be leaving before you do be letting go of me. [She rolled her eyes but shut up so Lancelot could speak, still embarrassed but nodding.

She glared at Lancer and Ryoji, jerking her wrist out of Lancer's grip with far more force than was necessary.] There do be being no reasons to be staying.

[notsogrimreaper]

Okay.

[He stands away from Nesir, watching her. He doesn’t look frustrated any longer, just sad that it came to this. Sad that she didn’t have a reason to stay. Maybe if things were different, she could have enjoyed the party as well as everyone else.]

I’m sorry it came to this, Nesir. I didn’t want you to hate me.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Though his attention shifts to Nesir, Lancelot's first words are for Cu Chulainn and Ryoji.
I will accompany her, yes-- and as I hold that Actions speak far more Loudly than Words, I have to need to Fear her Wrath or Blade.

[Giving a nod to Nesir, he takes his hand from off her shoulder.]
By your leave, then, for indeed, my business is done here.

[puppy_lancer]

[Lancer nods.]

Go, then. And please, keep her away until the party is over.

[He reaches to pat Ryoji on the back.]

Come on, let's go. Lancelot's got this

[culbutiri]

[Nesir just glared at both Lancer and Ryoji, hating them but not willing to fight them and make more of a fool out of herself in front of Lancelot. She didn't reply to Ryoji's words just turned her back and followed Lancelot out of the party, holding her cloak around her and shaking with rage.]

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji offers a sad smile, still sorry it had to come to this, before turning himself, heading away from the encounter and trying not to look too upset while Lancer’s still nearby.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

She is not any charge of mine, for I do call her Friend-- and so I will go forth with her as a Friend.

[Though he does not care for the Lancer's turn of phrase, he makes no further comment upon the matter. But he gives a nod and a narrow look in return-- and his gaze as it alights on Ryoji is assessing.

Aware that Nesir follows him, he stops when they have left the crowd and the borders of the gathering. Turning, he waits for her to speak.]

[culbutiri]

[Nesir followed in sullen silence and looked up at Lancelot when he turned around] I do be supposing you will be telling me I did be being stupid. [She probably deserves a lecture, but it doesn't mean she will take one with grace]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot's arms are folded, his face neutral.]
I have said you are no charge of mine, and so I do not think to Teach you.
But yes-- as one Warrior to another, I will say that it was Foolish of you.

[Here he holds up a stilling hand. For he does not wish to become the target of Nesir Aesir's ire.
Nor does he fault her entirely.]
However earnestly meant-- and well-deserved-- it was a poor Strategy.
But I have been quick to righteous Anger, and do understand your recklessness in this.

[culbutiri]

[She is mollified that Lancelot calls her a warrior and it is enough to make her not snap at him. She did frown though] They do be being hypocrites and they do no even be seeing it. No one do be being seeing it.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I see it. Others do as well. You are not alone in your observation.
But an open gathering attended in the main by one's opposition is hardly the strategic place to air them, Nesir Aeser.

Though your blood is hot, you must see this.

Have you-- been to see him, then?
[Lancelot has not, but he is curious.]

[culbutiri]

[Well at least there were others that weren't total idiots, that gave her pause, and hope. Though she frowned, because yes maybe what she had done was stupid, but it wasn't like they would have listened to her if she hadn't made a scene. Not that they had listened to her anyways.

She nodded, eyes angry] Yes, I did be seeing him... I did be seeing what they did be doing