(after event chill out lil mingle) let's understand it

[nullificates]

(cw depression)

(he hasn't exactly been doing great - much to the opposite. he spent the week in bed, he hasn't taken care of himself whatsoever, and he's exhausted. either way, it hardly matters how he feels, does it ever?

so. let's go. a text message arrives to everyone's charms and tablets, and it reads:)

this is, you guessed it, osamu dazai. it's been a week since that stupid maze, so here is what we have:

1. i need copious amounts of alcohol and food. i'll bring some to the beach in 30, i suggest we all do the same.
2. i'd like to hear what your experiences were. it's important for data building - we have a few detectives in this place, some smartpants, and some go-getters. we need to take advantage of our only resource, which is ourselves. meet me at the beach, or send me anonymously. i don't care about your shit per se.

see you, or don't see you.

many words that mean absolutely nothing here,
dazai.

(to those that come to the beach, they'll see several cocktail possibilities laid in front of dazai, as well as a good number of the food they serve in lupin - mixed nuts, pistachio, cheese tables, chocolate, dried figs, potato chips, chicken snacks, boiled sausage, asparagus with sauces, and dried fruit. a bonfire warms his hands in the chilly breeze of the night - this feels awfully needed.)

Comments

dazai osamu | bungo stray dogs

[nullificates]

𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆;
(cw depression)

(rough week, it's easy to say. the maze - it's not the facing what he's done and used to be that he dislikes, but what they represent. change is such a hard thing, something he isn't sure he can do completely - he has always been who he is, a man whose heart bleeds dark, whose plans can be cruel, who doesn't particularly mind a way or another to achieve anything.

and then, he got to relive that moment where he felt like the world had disintegrated, lost even more color to someone who had never seen any before. 'saving people makes your life a little wonderful', but it is also hard as fuck if you would elect to do the complete opposite if the situation called for it. to have those doubts on his own capabilities and then oda's death shown all over again - that was just mean. and then he lost someone. and then he had a talk - ew.

and then the bed had become his biggest ally this week. getting out of these slopes are always the most difficult, so he now is distracting himself by-- definitely not making cocktails. he's just drinking from the bottle, allowing his bandaged feet to feel the waves the ocean brings.

who'll come, he wonders.)

𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒙𝒆𝒔, 𝒐𝒉;

(something warm that comes to see the people here. food is comforting, drink is a bandage, but it is something he finds deeply needed after all that - bullshit.

his clown mask is back on his face, and here he is, all tone inflation, fufufufusback into his voice.)

I just guess I don't get it! What's the obsession with dogs? You know, somewhere in my office back at home, there's a 17-page vent against them. Dogs are naive! And too loyal! Ugh, get cats...!!!

𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑, 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒂;

(your wildcard option.)

depression hours

[orphne]

[Dazai might be sitting alone on the beach, but not for long. He'd given them thirty minutes' notice to come to the beach, which meant she had juuuust enough time to heat up some of the pizzas she'd made the other day with Chuuya. They get added to the plethora of food on offer, and it's with two plates precariously balanced in hand and her shoes gripped in the other that she drops down to sit beside him.

She doesn't say anything at all at first, just sets her shoes out of harm's way of the waves and places a plate in his lap for him to eat or ignore at his leisure. She didn't have enough hands to get a drink of her own, so she just holds out her hand. Stop distracting yourself with that bottle and let her have some! It means he'll have a free hand for eating with.

Then she just drops her head to rest against his shoulder. Hey, buddy.]

[nullificates]

(he just watches her at first. partly why he said he was hungry is because it'd lure out the nice ones such as kotone, who would always come to aid when it came to things like that. how many times has she come around with food, anyway?

ah. pizza? he isn't sure if his stomach can handle pizza. he'll give it small bites as they come. the bottle is passed to her, and instead of using that free hand to eat further, he wraps it around her shoulders, nose nuzzling a little against the top of her head.

it's almost like this is their unspoken affection display at this point.)

[darkdisgrace]

Why would you spend so much time and energy writing a 17 page rant hating on an animal that can't even read it.

[Said in a deadpan as he settles into the sand next to Dazai with a drink in hand.]

What did dogs even do to you to? They're loyal, easily trained and fun to play with.

[nullificates]

Oh, then in that case, I shouldn't have handed you to read it.

(bitch,)

Ugh, like yourself! You know, take my essay, and change dogs to Chuuyas! It's the same!

depresso espresso!!!

[chemex]

[Akira is wearing a flu mask, but he's dutifully shown up to Lupin every day that Goro will actually let him leave their place. As such, he's got an apron on, and a funny little carry-case with a variety of things in it. Mostly, it's coffee things, but there's a few bottles of liquor, too.]

[He will absolutely not explain how he got them, thank you.]

[He steps out of his shoes and rolls up his jeans, trudging out to where the sand darkens from the tide and flopping down to sit beside Dazai. Wordlessly, he lays out a tray and a few things, and makes him an espresso martini. He hands it over without looking away from the tray. What might be the oddest part of all of this, is that he's not wearing his glasses.]

[nullificates]

(lenses with prescription look different to an observant eye. it's less surprising to confirm he never needed them, but definitely interesting to see him without it. akira doesn't say anything, and he finds himself with alcohol in his hands right after it.

he'll first take the boy's chin to lift his head, so dazai can look right into akira's eyes and see if he can see what he isn't saying.)

depresso

[laserguy]

[Scott doesn't bring anything, partly because 30 minutes is pretty short notice, but mostly because he wasn't sure if he was going to even come in the first place. He's still not sure where their relationship stands, just something purely professional? Maybe he should've just asked Kotone how he was doing, because he's pretty sure that she's going to visit him-- if she already hasn't.

But, guess he's not feeling like complete chicken shit this time.

The maze was hard on a lot of people, Scott knows this. It was definitely hard on him, but he's somehow able to sort of take everything in, at least regarding himself. Maybe not all of it, but he thinks he's feeling better than some. Like Dazai. So, he's here, and approaching the older man.]

Dazai...?

[nullificates]

(from his pocket, a cigarette pack, and one goes to his lips. he doesn't tend to smoke so much, but in here, with the stress, it's where he ends up, with nicotine blackening his lungs and travelling through his veins.

he looks-- not great, but also, not that horrible. it's not good to let anyone see how bad he's been, it's shit for morale.)

Hey, kid.

kotone shiomi | persona 3 portable

[orphne]

1. prep!!

[Thirty minutes is not enough notice for a party, Dazai! She needs at least a few hours to finish everything she wants to get done! Considering how tired she's been since the maze vanished, it's even harder to justify getting up and getting out of bed -- but if Dazai is reaching out, that means if nothing else, he needs company. Anyone else coming along is just a bonus.

Luckily, the day before during one of her bursts of energy, she'd prepared pizzas. Like, a lot of them, because she knew she'd be tired later in the week, they're easy to store and heat up, and the general attitude of the locals in town made her... not really want to go out to eat. She at least has time to warm them in the ovens in the club building before making a run for the beach. Does she look ridiculous carrying several boxes of pizza in her arms? Yes. Will that stop her? No.

Please help her before she drops them :(]

2. recovery

[It's hard to keep a brave face up since the maze. Maybe it's because so many people reassured her that she didn't need to back then that it's harder to feign her usual upbeat, carefree attitude. She has a plate of snacks with her, a drink in her hand, and a smaller, if more genuine, smile on her face as she approaches.]

Hey. How're you doing? After everything.

[It doesn't matter if they've never exchanged words, or only know each other a little. Enough people helped her get through the maze that she almost feels like she owes it to the other Chosen to be more proactive. Even if she's tired, it's important.]

3. weariness

[But even if she's trying to catch up with everyone, eventually her own exhaustion catches up with her. More than once, she's dozed off by the bonfire, pillowing her head in her arms. Each time she wakes, she looks around as if to check to see if anyone needs her before putting her head right back down again. At least she seems to be enjoying the company around her, even if it's hard to keep her eyes open.]

4. wildcard!
[something else! get her!]

2

[chemex]

[He's been showing up to Lupin wearing a flu mask, but he's adamant about still leaving the house. Fresh air, distractions, not steeping in his sickness and his poor mental state like the actual worst cup of tea ever, etcetera. So he's still wearing one out at the beach, despite it being outside and despite definitely wanting to breathe in the sea air-- he's probably not even contagious, but something something, too Japanese to live, something.]

[But he's got a little carry-case of things, mostly coffee and syrups, but a few small bottles of liquor, and he's been making people espresso martinis, because of course he has. They're his favorite to make at Lupin, too. So when approached by Kotone he smiles, and she can actually see it despite the mask, because he's not wearing his glasses.]

[Still.]

I think the only reason Goro hasn't moved out is because I'm not contagious and not oozing snot everywhere, but it's funny to watch him deny being domestic. How're you?

[orphne]

[No glasses! She's so proud of him, and it shows in the way she tilts her head, glancing over his person to see if they're anywhere nearby, and giving him a warm, genuine, if a little small, smile.]

A little tired, [she admits, because saying, "I'm okay," after the maze rings more hollowly than usual. Her hands are full, but she taps her cheek with the hand holding a glass to indicate the mask with a raised eyebrow.] When'd you get sick?

3

[izanagis]

[A jacket finds its way over her shoulders, and a rustling sound indicates someone has joined her.]

Too close to midnight, Cinderella?

[orphne]

[She manages to huff a laugh, opening one eye and tilting her head to confirm that yes, that voice is Yu's, before closing it again. With as small a motion as possible, she tugs his jacket in closer against her, smiling gently at the gesture.]

If I turn into a pumpkin, will you carry me to Astralin-san's farmhouse?

[Even though she's been living there for months, it's still notably "Astralin's house," instead of "her house." It probably will feel like that forever.]

2

[heroondecku]

[Izuku's been fueling himself on his drive to help others for a while, now. The whole thing had been so draining that it was easier to keep following the rut of habit, to hide behind a reassuring smile so no one will worry. But it's been getting so hard to keep it convincing, lately. Even in the maze it had started faltering.

So when Kotone's greeting puts a natural, real smile on his face, he's almost surprised at how good it feels.]

I'm fine. [Habit, still - but his smile is almost as tired as it is warm.] Better now that it's over.

[That's probably okay to say. Right? It's certainly not a lie. And he's not going to be putting anyone at risk, phrasing things like that.]

How about you? Are you doing alright?

[orphne]

[Hm. Is that what she sounds like when she tells people she's fine? It had been something she'd had to confront in the maze, something others had shattered and made it something she can't quite rely on anymore.

Is it a good thing to try to kick that crutch out from under Izuku? She doesn't know. So for now, she just gives him a smaller smile and offers him her plate of snacks. This is yours now. Enjoy!]

It was a lot, huh? Wanna talk about it?

[And she just steamrolls right into it, because if he's anything like her, he's shoving it aside and trying not to deal with it; Izuku seems like the type who can be bullied for his own good.]

yu narukami | persona 4

[izanagis]

i. what a melon

[Thirty minutes…it's not a lot of time. Still, Yu manages to be there, though not with a moment to spare. He's got a bag with him, and in the bag, a watermelon. They're at the beach, after all, and even though fall is on the horizon…well, maybe he was feeling a bit nostalgic.

He sets the whole melon on the table, using the bag as a stand underneath to keep it from rolling around. Then he pauses, looking thoughtfully at it.]

… I forgot to bring a knife. [A beat.] Or a stick.

[Thirty minutes, Dazai?? This is what happens when you rush people.]

ii. sunset

[There's a chill in the air as the sun sets. All around him, people are pulling on jackets and hoodies, gravitating closer to the bonfire, replacing cold drinks with warm.

Yu stays apart for a while, watching the festivities. He hasn't wanted to talk about it much, what happened in the maze, except with one or two particular people. Watching the sun go down over the ocean like this has him in a bit of a quiet mood. Memories, friends, bonds. He had said, back when he transferred to Inaba, that he was going to keep a low profile. Keep his distance, since for once he knew just how temporary it all was.

… He doesn't wish he had stuck to that. Not with the friendships he made. But sometimes he thinks it would've been easier.

Eventually, his thoughts start to run in circles, chasing each other in a loop. So he has no choice but to put them aside. So he looks for an open seat around the fire. If you happen to have no drink in hand when he approaches, he offers a mug—hot water and plum wine.]

Is this seat taken?

wildcard
[open to anything!]

i; did someone say knife

[chemex]

[Akira seems to appear out of thin air, offering his dagger which also seems to come out of thin air. Seriously, where the hell does he keep this thing?] Dazai likes to surprise people, I think.

[He's not wearing his glasses, but he is wearing a flu mask. Don't worry about it.]

[izanagis]

[... ... ... Yu chooses in this moment to leave him be not ask about where the dagger came from. How effective is a dagger at cutting a whole watermelon? I dunno, but we're gonna find out.

He makes a couple mental notes at this point. Dazai -- that must be the guy who organized all of this. Akira knows him, huh? He recalls Kotone mentioning him too. As for the mask, his eyebrows lift sympathetically.]

The maze give you a cold?

ii

[coordinatroll]

[ It shouldn't come as a surprise that the atmosphere is still a bit tense around the beach; after all, people are still processing the recent events, and no one can blame them for taking this chance to reflect on what happened in the maze, and it's only natural the spirits would be a little low for a while.

Not for Mitama though! The girl seems just as perky as ever, humming to herself happily as she arranges the food on her plate, clearly enjoying herself. A bonfire party at the beach is a lovely idea, and even if the circumstances that brought them here are less than perfect, she won't let that stop her from making the most out of this chance to relax.

When she hears an unfamiliar voice, she looks up, blinking in surprise, but her face immediately lights up and she gives the newcomer an inviting smile. ]

Not at all! Please, come have a seat~

[ She moves slightly to the side, making more room for him, and gives him a nod. ]

I was just thinking about having a snack! Care to try some?

[ The girl presents him with a plate, where he can find some of the boiled sausage provided by Dazai... and thanks to Mitama's creativity, it is now covered in peanut butter and raspberry jam, with anchovies sprinkled on top.

Bon appétit! ]

i

[nullificates]

(a face dazai doesn't recognize. he takes a moment to look at it, another, one more-- and here, a big ass knife taken from his trenchcoat, offered. let's hope it's not a psychopath-- but that's ok, too, he supposes?)

There, there, kiddo.

ii

[bulleting]

[It's easier said than done to go back to a normal routine and pretend like nothing happened. Caitlyn has been all talk, acting strong for her friends and not letting herself get too lost in everything she felt and witnessed. What good would it do them? It certainly wouldn't get them out of this place any faster. And yet, it's still been a struggle, because yeah. Trauma.

She's by the fire, zoned out as she gazed into the flames. Images pop back in her head, the visions she witnessed taunting her again, and it's only because she's spoken to that she's able to pull herself out of it. She shakes her head to dispel those thoughts, then turns to the stranger in question, giving a small smile as she accepts the strange liquid. She's needed a drink, even if she wouldn't admit it.]

Not at all. Help yourself. And-- thanks. [She nods her thanks, raising the cup to her lips and tasting. It's-- unexpected, but good. It's sweet, but with a bit of a zing to it.]

i

[entreats]

[ Ange came here, because--

Well, to be entirely honest, she isn't too sure why. It's not even like she likes social gatherings, or just being around a whole lot of people at once.

But maybe there's something about that maze still haunting her, even now. Maybe there are some people she'd like to talk to about it - though she isn't sure whether she'd find them here or not. Maybe she came just to look for that.

Still, when she arrives at the spot, she finds herself weirdly unable to talk about any of it, despite coming here for that.

So Ange does what she does best. Just shove it all down, and focus on something else.

You know, like-- ]

I could summon a demon to help.

[ Yes, thanks, this is her comfort zone. ]

ii

[heroondecku]

[Izuku only meant to sit down for a moment. Just a quick rest, a break between taking care of anyone who needs it. But now he just...can't bring himself to stand back up. He wants to -- he wants to keep helping, to be useful -- but it suddenly feels like so much effort. His limit wasn't always this small, was it? So much for "Plus Ultra".

He's starting to drift down a well-worn mental trail when Yu approaches, and while he doesn't quite startle Izuku, his thoughts scatter. He ends up staring up at the other boy in confusion for a moment while he gets his head back in order. He can't help feeling embarrassed by it once he's caught up with reality, and his smile comes out awkward as he reaches for the mug.]

Oh-- um, thank you. The seat's open.

[He doesn't drink right away, opting to wrap his hands around the warm mug for a bit instead. It feels great in the cooling night air, especially as it helps soothe some of the aches in his right fingers.

...he hopes this doesn't come across as rude.

He's quiet a moment longer, staring down at the beverage he still isn't drinking yet, then turns almost shyly towards the other teen. He smiles, though it comes out a bit...wobbly.]

Are you doing alright?

[Socializing with strangers is hard. But at least this way he can keep being useful helpful, even if he still feels like standing up is an impossible challenge.]

Izuku "Deku" Midoriya | My Hero Academia

[heroondecku]

A: (Un)Fashionably Late

[Izuku isn't sure about coming, at first. It's a pretty short leeway before things are supposed to start, and while this feels like the kind of opportunity to help people relax and smile again, he's not sure what he could even do. After the maze, it feels like he's really only good for problems that can be handled with One For All. He couldn't even save himself.

But.

That desire to help, to support, will always win out in the end. And he does know one thing he can do that has put a smile on the face of someone who needed it before.

He shows up late (if a person can be late to a gathering like this) after having spent most of those thirty minutes buying what he could from the locals and working away in the club building kitchen. He'll replace the cooking club supplies he used later. For now, he's looking for a good spot, well protected from sand, to set down the box in his hands and unpack about a dozen candy apples wrapped in parchment paper.]


B: Well-Meaning Meddling

[He still doesn't really know what to do at gatherings like this. Small talk is awkward, first impressions are nerve-wracking, and it all feels even worse after the maze kept him trapped inside his own head so much. Socializing feels even more intimidating than usual.

Caring for people, however, comes easy as breathing. So he spends his time moving through the gathering, looking for anyone who looks tired or lonely or just in need of a snack or a drink. Friend, stranger, it doesn't matter. Heroes help everyone, after all. He tries not to interrupt anyone who looks busy, because that would be rude, but if they're unengaged or by themself he approaches with a soft voice and a gentle smile.]

Um, hello. Is there anything you need right now? I'd be happy to help.


Wildcard
[Come at him!]