lake party invite + mingle (open)

[channellings]

Who: any and everyone!
Where: the lake and nearby!
When: right now! (july 7th, afternoon)
What: motha 👏 fuckin 👏 lake 👏 party
Warnings: Language (!!!) for now, will be added as needed!



[no, this is not a joke and yes, it's an actual invite to a party over the network from the username: cock.licking.idiot (and no, that's not a joke, either).

those who decide that they'd rather not be square will arrive at some unspecified patch of lake shore (thanks, klaus) at a similarly unspecified time (good work, asshat) to discover that something resembling a slapdash but heartfelt lake party along the northern waterfront. a couple of tables have been dragged out of nearby cabins and now hold a probably inadvisable quantity of foods, at least half of which don't belong at a party by any means. is this what rationing looks like? this is definitely what rationing looks like. there's also an alcohol table, filled pretty sparsely early on in the party but gathering bottles and cans throughout the day. (word of mod says feel free to wing it on what kind of alcohol we have!).

a number of chairs sit in a wobbly line in the stone-filled waterfront sand, most of them not meant for beachgoing but nearly all of them able to recline. about fifty feet down the beach seems to be the splash zone, where all water horseplay exists well out of range of splashing those sitting in beachside chairs. some people dive or cannonball off the mostly-sturdy pier, while others seem to be batting around a-... is that a beach ball they have? no, it seems to be a balloon that says "get well soon". how fitting. please, someone bring them a fucking beach ball.

(this is a mingle! go ahead and make top-levels or tag into other people's.)]

Comments

Refreshments

[lethechained]

[ Although Naminé has never been particularly given to optimism, she was rather hoping she'd find more familiar individuals in such a broad group setting. Despite her having gone through the loop in the cabin several times over without meeting anyone she knew, it had seemed at least possible that someone else from her worlds might have ended up in the same place. Roxas would make sense, maybe - even one of the others.

But the crowd is disappointingly devoid of distinctive clumps of spiky hair, and in the end she's left to her own (somewhat more somber) devices. As she's looking for familiarity in any form, however, eventually in the midst of her people-watching, she finds it. Lan Sizhui may not be someone she's known very long or very well - and that recollection is, when she thinks about it, a little fuzzy around the edges - but she recognizes him, so clearly she wasn't hallucinating his existence entirely.

Or she recognizes as much of him as she can see, anyway, when he's half turned away from her. Naminé spends a few awkward seconds peering at him from a distance, trying to determine whether she's got the right of it. She won't find out much more from where she is, though, so with that in mind, she makes her tentative approach.

Which... actually might qualify as sneaking up on him, considering she's awfully quiet about it until she's at least close enough to get a better look. The fact that he's in the process of drinking something doesn't actually occur to her when she speaks up - she's glad enough for her realization to pipe up with an out-of-the-blue, ]

It really is you...!

[ It's not very loud, but it sure is abrupt. ]

[deferences]

[maybe sizhui isn't someone she knows like she's familiar with the roxas person she's looking for, but he is an individual she's met before.

he isn't paying much attention, what with being effectively distracted by his canned drink and the weird little tab he's— ope, now it's broken off.] ...oh no, [the lan disciple whispers, hardly audible, eyes darting every which way like he's done something wrong; he has, except it's not in that sort of sense. doesn't matter, he returns to the table momentarily, finds an item that might be useful (a metal butterknife of all things) then wanders away again, fidgeting with it the whole time until he's certain he isn't in anyone's way.

of course, naminé gets closer just as he's managed to use the knife and smash the mouthpiece open by holding the utensil upright and slamming the serrated end into the outlined part. he startles at the peculiar hissing noise the drink makes, draws it in, takes a curious (hesitant) sniff. ah, the bubbles tickle! sizhui wrinkles his nose, prepares to take a sip—

and is instantly frightened again by the sudden sound of another voice. thank goodness, he avoids tipping the can straight into his nose or else that would've been absolute torture on his sinuses. he does give an undignified sputter though, turning his head away to cough then clear his throat before ultimately turning back.] Ah, excuse me, I got... a little startled. [obviously! he spares the girl an absent once-over, lingering after he meets her eyes. wait, yes, i remember now...]

The girl from the bedroom! With the. Winged monster thing? [a beat, his drink totally abandoned in favor of the realization.] We ran into the woods.

[unfortunately, he doesn't remember much after that.]

[lethechained]

[ As preoccupied as she was with having finally found someone she's seen before, Naminé didn't stop to fully examine what he was up to. She realizes her mistake as he sputters, and her hands fly up to curl near her mouth with her startled, 'oh!' Immediately her expression crumples in visible contrition, although she lowers her voice for her, ]

I'm sorry...!

[ … almost as if she's afraid she might interrupt his... coughing. Which is silly, of course, but it's all reflex and little thought, for once. She still looks concerned when he glances at her, which might actually make her more recognizable; it happens to be the demeanor he's seen most on her so far. (Understandable, perhaps, considering how they met.) But his recognition causes her to brighten - enough for a small smile, at least, as her hands sink back down to the middle of her torso. She nods firmly. ]

Yes - that's right. [ And it's a relief that he recalls that, too - the memories feel strange even to her, and that's saying something. ] You protected me. And then...

[ They did run into the woods, but what happened after that? The upturn at her mouth fades, threatening a frown for a moment. With a purse of her lips and a shake of her head, she sends the thought away; there's no point fretting. She's already been informed there's plenty she's forgotten. Instead, she endeavors to focus on the present moment and looks back up at him. ]

… I'm... just glad that you're alright. [ That's true - the sincerity with which she says it is hard to question, even if she's also trying to nudge aside the weird gap in her own memory. Soberer, she admits, ] I probably owe you my life...!

[deferences]

It's okay! [sizhui's laughing, nevertheless amused despite his initial surprise. he should've been paying more attention, honestly, if she'd been a monster of some sort, she absolutely would have gotten the jump on him. but he's lucky, naminé's just a kind girl who doesn't seem like she'd hurt a fly.

the fact she apologizes as softly as she does while he's coughing of all things proves even further how she's sweet and so benign.

having her smile – no matter how faintly – makes sizhui grin in return, delighted that he's remembered something. the longer he thinks about it and alongside the details she's giving, the more he starts recalling, too.] It came after us when we went out the window. You— [then it dawns on him: she'd cut her hand, hadn't she? he vaguely remembers her making an abrupt pained noise, but can't remember exactly what for since he'd been, uh, distracted with being forced through the window not long afterward.

naminé's expression falters and within an instant, he feels guilty for bringing it up. it's okay though, they've both forgotten, which seems popular among everyone at the moment.]

Me too. [brief pause before he amends,] That you're alright, I mean. I'm glad we're both okay. [then he sheepishly inclines his head, his own smile lifting a little higher.] Well, there's certainly no way I was going to let it just attack you!

[that'd go against every single thing he's been taught by the lan clan.]

[lethechained]

[ The girl seems to respond directly to his good humor, her delicate features easing into warmer, more comfortable expression at the sight of his grin. Her tiny exhale takes with it the last of her guilt, and just for a moment her smile widens enough to make her cheeks rise along. She has a kind face, yet sad eyes - though for that one single beat, the gladness actually reaches them. It really does her good to be treated well.

The more serious topics, however, mean the return of a more serious expression. Looking less perplexed than before, she makes a soft noise of agreement to confirm his other recollection; she remembers the discomfort of her injury rather vividly, yet doesn't feel the need to mention it. And no matter how she might have frowned for a moment there, she finds it easier to put her concerns to at least temporary rest when he can still muster a smile, as he shows amongst his sheepishness. ]

There are people out there who would have, [ she answers, because she knows a few of them - but that's not a pleasant thought, and she realizes as much right after she says the words. In an effort not to let that sink in, she urges the corners of her mouth higher again, though the effort does nevertheless contain actual sincerity, even if it's also for his benefit. ]

But you were very brave, and pretty amazing, too...! At first I was afraid that it would hurt us both, but you proved me wrong. [ Her lips remain lifted subtly at the corners, yet her eyes grow quietly regretful, shoulders sinking slightly. One of her hands curls around her opposite wrist, unconsciously cradling the palm that was injured before. ] I don't think I ever got the chance to thank you, or to apologize for causing you so much trouble. So, now that I can tell you... I'm grateful.

[deferences]

[you know how they say people can actually light up so much, it sometimes looks like they're glowing? well, that's exactly what sizhui sees on naminé's face when her smile widens so much, it reaches her eyes. he doesn't know her story, but regardless of what it may be (he's not one to ever judge someone because of their past), he absolutely knows he wants her to smile more. if anybody deserves it, she does, and he'll help be part of the reason without a single complaint.

much to sizhui's dismay, it doesn't last nearly as long as it should, though he has himself to be blame for continuing the chatter about more serious things. he's a little surprised she manages smiling again, albeit softer, it still looks no less genuine anyway and he offers the faintest higher quirk of his lips before it instantly fades following her next comment. there are people who would do what now? but... why? what in the world did a sweet girl like naminé do to deserve such treatment?]

That's ridiculous, some people have no sense of morality! [he huffs, shakes his head then finally looks back up, expression firmly set.] So long as I am able to, I'll make sure nothing ever happens to you. [neverminding the fact he technically already failed that since she'd gotten injured before but. second time's a charm?]

Goodness, uhm. [he pauses, considers the drink in his hand while absentmindedly rubbing his fingers together.] Thank you, you're quite kind. I'm glad I was able to put your mind at ease by handling the situation to the best of my ability. [don't think sizhui doesn't notice how she holds her hand, he does, he's just tactful enough to not mention.] And you're quite welcome, it was no trouble at all, miss— oh. [how embarrassing...] I seem to have forgotten your name.

[lethechained]

[ There's no getting around the fact that she needs to smile more. Though she's volunteered nothing about her past, it seems to hang about her all the same, a sort of melancholy state of being that comes from a complicated story she has yet to tell. Something is going on there, that's not hard to see, even if the details are thoroughly obscure. Whatever it is, she really looks like she could use a laugh.

But her first and instinctive reaction to his moral outrage on her behalf is to try placate it. She opens her mouth to do just that, only to stop short in the face of his determination. Straightening slightly, she blinks at him, mouth round in surprise. (Now that's a familiar offer, isn't it--) Although she feels a swell of gratitude in her chest, she still has to fight the urge to tell him she's not the sort of person he ought to be looking after. Her past failings are set aside nevertheless; she could hardly begin to explain them all now. More importantly, which she says with a shake of her head, ]

If what they wrote on those papers is true, then anything else that happens here from now on could be very dangerous. You... and I, and all of us might not even be able to look after ourselves. I'll understand - if you need to protect yourself first.

[ Which means that she's worried about how providing such assistance might cause him to fare. The irony of it is that she intends to look after him as well; perhaps not return the favor with a sword, but in other ways. The uncertain future is a less pleasant topic than introductions, however, and she seems to grow slightly less tense at the rest of what he has to say. Her eyebrows raise as he cuts himself off, but the reason is obvious soon enough, and her quickly features grow sympathetic. ]

It's alright. [ And although she mislikes the fact of the matter, her voice is gentle; she tries to muster wryness rather than the subtle chill of dread that she actually feels, and largely succeeds. ] I can't remember yours, either.

So we'll just have to introduce ourselves again. [ Relaxing her grip on her hand, she raises it to flatten against her chest. ] My name is Naminé.

[ Her hand draws back again, fingers outstretching slightly as she tips it palm upward, as if his name were a physical thing it could take hold of. (Maybe this time she'll be able to remember it if she grasps tightly enough.) ]

And you are...?

[deferences]

[naminé, please, don't try and stop him when he's on the warpath; the ‘warpath’ being how people can't take a few seconds and not think about themselves for once. because yes, he understands that taking care of himself comes first, just like he'd expect her to do the same for herself, but the main reason sizhui would handle the former before the latter is only so he's well enough to make sure she doesn't get hurt in the long run. the courtesy will have come full-circle.

although, to be fair, she is right: the pamphlets said they'll be dealing with pain and suffering and gods, what might happen if he can't fight back? that is such an uncomfortable thought, he's going to pretend it didn't happen.]

I don't see any reason why I can't protect myself and you as well. Depending on the situation, perhaps we wouldn't be alone, either. I know some people here that would very likely come to our rescue.

[or at least his and thus hers in kind. most of the people he knows would be iffy about a stranger but again: this girl is obviously quite harmless and if she does have any instincts, ‘flight’ seems a more appropriate response for naminé than ‘fight.’ there are always other ways when it comes to helping too, it doesn't necessarily have to involve combat; healing is important and that virtually has no combative measures whatsoever.

it's lucky, the mirth in her tone comes through enough, sizhui's expression brightens into an outright grin.] As unfortunate as it is, I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[which earns a soft laugh afterward because of course, those memories are gone like a dandelion in the wind (except the seeds won't plant anywhere, just float off into nonexistence). he considers the upturned hand, offers the faintest head-tilt then straightens and dips forward into a bow. normally, he'd have lifted his arms and done it proper-like, but with the odd drink in his hand, it might be too awkward a motion.]

It's nice to meet you, Naminé. My name is Sizhui.

[lethechained]

[ Ah, he's a stubborn one. It's a recognizable kind of stubbornness, an insistence on doing right that she's come to associate with those heroic types that always seem to luck out in the end. Naminé herself is a very practical girl, one quite experienced in looking uncomfortable thoughts in the eye and wrestling ugly realities into some form of unfortunate manageability. As such, she can see plenty of reasons - some with teeth, some without - why he might not be able to accomplish both of his goals, but she carefully neglects to mention them.

Perhaps he'll prove her wrong again. In the meantime, Naminé elects to focus on the positive. ]

Oh...! [ There's a hint of delight in her audible epiphany, fine though it might be. ] Do you have friends here with you?

[ She looks glad about the mere possibility; one would almost think they were her friends, with how much she seems to like the idea that Sizhui isn't by himself. Not that she expects it'll be to her own benefit, or any such thing - no, she's just relieved any time someone else doesn't have to be lonely, whether she's a part of that or not.

And although she shares the sentiment about the misfortune of having forgotten something, she can admit freely enough, with gentle amusement, ] Me too.

[ (Even if she might have second-guessed saying as much if he hadn't done it first.) In any case, she accepts his introduction with a tiny inclination of her own head, then lets her hand come back to lace with its opposite in front of her. ]

It's very nice to meet you as well, Sizhui. [ Despite her slightly bashful tone, her mouth is upturned at the corners when she adds, ] I'll try not to forget any of it this time.

[ Now that she knows what to expect, she'll at least have a head start on tucking those memories away somewhere safe. ]