[open mingle] let's go to the beach-each, let's go get a wave

[orphne]

Who: Anyone in Aldrip on June 12th
Where: The beach close to town
What: A totally open mingle for a party on the beach
Warnings: potential for injury and alcohol use -- let me know if y'all do anything that needs to be warned for, and I'll update it!

The prompts are just suggestions below -- this is a completely open mingle, so feel free to make your own starters, tag around, and go wild!

The weather doesn't change overmuch in Aldrip, but what is summer if not a state of mind? If anything, the too-pleasant weather makes planning ahead a little easier. A video message from one Kotone Shiomi had gone out the day before to invite everybody -- and that means everybody, locals and Chosen alike -- to a party on the beach, starting in the afternoon when the sun is consistently warmest and going until- well, until everybody leaves.

The morning of... Kotone can't do it all on her own, though! Maybe the prospect of a party is enough to get you digging around looking for supplies that could be useful on the beach. Games? The shops must have something, surely. Food? The kitchens are, as always, available. Hauling wood for a bonfire? Hey, someone's gotta do it. Maybe you're helping some of the locals go fishing early in the morning for extra food, or harvesting some fresh fruits and veggies from their gardens and farms. Many hands makes light work, or something like that. If nothing else, if you missed the initial annoucement, the bustle should at least clue you in that something's in the works. Don't forget to buy (or make, or "find") a swimsuit! Modernity not required.


If you can dodge a chore, you can dodge a ball, or, with or without your help, there are plenty of things to do on the beach itself. Some of the sports and activities might seem a little anachronistic to the generally old-fashioned vibe in Aldrip -- the volleyball net and ball are local, but the beach ball and water guns are a little too brightly-colored and plastic, the water balloons in their bucket too obviously mass-produced, to be local, but they're there for anyone to play with (or torment others with). The band's set up as well, though with some different music than they'd played for the inn party. Maybe someone can make a request for more appropriate beach music? Or maybe you just want to see if you can launch a water balloon from a trumpet.

Eventually, someone starts a volleyball tournament. Time to let that competitive streak shine! Or at the very least, you've got to try cracking open a watermelon with a bat... but maybe not too close to the people relaxing on lounge chairs under umbrellas.


Y'all gotta eat, right? Whether you helped the locals earlier with catching fish or preparing food, there's an array of grills that have been dragged out to the beach. Hopefully some of the more magically-inclined among you can figure out how to keep the insulated boxes of ice and ice cream cold away from electricity (or maybe you're using the trek back to town for more ice as an excuse to get away from the party), but even if not, there's plenty of fish, vegetables, and meat available for grilling. Maybe you're the chef, maybe you're just here for the food, but there's plenty available no matter what you choose.

The food is hot and the drinks are cold. Unlike the inn, there's plenty of space around to try to avoid mingling with others if you're the quiet type, but watch out! It also means there are fewer places to hide. It's harder to wallflower without any walls.


As the sun starts to set, someone gets the bonfire going. Marshmallows exist, though maybe in a less-manufactured way than you might be used to, and there's plenty of other leftover things to roast if you're the type. It's another beautiful night in Aldrip to watch the stars and take in the fresh air with some friends. In light of everything that's happened, maybe some quiet relaxation is finally in order.

Well, for some of you. For others, night is when the party gets rowdier and it's time for drinking and party games. Just try not to make too much of a mess! Because somebody's going to have to clean it all up tomorrow.

Comments

[murderingjustice]

So you're just looking after it? But yes, I suppose I can agree with you that one.

[He takes the drink, looks at it and then back at Dazai..]

Do you have an extra straw? [Because EW?? Think of the hygiene!]

[nullificates]

Ugh, drink from the glass, you big baby, I'm busy!

(also, it's dazai's drink, we know that shit's packed. enjoy the alcohol rush.

so slow, however, he is working. partly on purpose, partly because moving is extremely painful.)

Ah, you know yourself, don't you? That's why we had our little disagreement. No need to fish for information you already know.

[murderingjustice]

[He just frowns at that. Yeah, he's a bit of a clean freak and the idea of sharing glass with Dazai is pretty gross to him. With his lips pressed into a tight line he raises the glass to them and.. takes very minuscule sip from it. Ewewew. It's not the strong taste of booze that has his balk but the thought of even accidentally swapping spit with the other man.

Oh well, he's gonna push through it with his poker face. He watches Dazai to struggle for a bit before sighing and moving closer. He places the glass back on the table and puts his hand on top of Dazai's to stop him.]

Here, let me. [The youth isn't completely ruined?? Anyway.] And you're right. I already know you can't help me with my powers, that's not why I'm here. There's something else I'd like to ask you about, though.

[nullificates]

(what. the fuck. he frowns a little at the hand, and even so with the rest of the statement. he knows he can nullify whatever it is akechi has, given his strong reaction once he first did. what exactly was it that he wanted help with, escapes him, but it feels like he doesn't really need to know right now.

akechi is too similar to akutagawa in his stubbornness. he doesn't want to regress back to the mentor he once had been. better this way.)

What is it that you want to ask?

[murderingjustice]

[Bitch, it's called basic human decency!! And despite everything Akechi has some of it. There's no joy in watching Dazai struggle with his injuries, especially when they're not his own making.

He grabs the empty glass and fills it with the ice. Cooling down the glasses and other containers is the first step when creating any cocktail! That much he knows at least. Then he starts gathering all the ingredients, white wine, citrus, mint and what have you.]

About the branded. Did you ever find anything in common between those who were affected? Or was it completely random.

[nullificates]

It had been random, I'm sure of it. However, I will say, all brands were awfully personal.

(that said, he had been immune. thank god for his ability, as much as it gets in the way of plenty, it helped in the battlefield in ways that he can't even begin to describe.)

[murderingjustice]

Hm. I see, [He hums thoughtfully, and starts mixing the ingredients. Emptying the glass from the ice he adds now the wine to it, approximately filling one fourth of it?? Why is there no recipes around. ]

It is no surprise that each brand was personal to the wearer, consider the nature of this place. We are all brought here with a sentences over our heads, after all. [Akechi picks up a lemon and knife. His grip on the blade is at least a good one as he begins to cut the citrus fruit.] I wonder just how far the influence of this world's rulers' reach--

[Aaand he's interrupted by the slippery fruit. He's divided it in half but just as he's about to continue cutting them in even smaller pieces he just manages to squirt the acid juice everywhere. oop.]

[nullificates]

What is yours? Repressed anger? Daddy issues? Ah, maybe height issues, I think your boyfriend is a tiny bit taller, isn't he?

(he's not thinking about it, he's just throwing a bunch of shit on the wall to see what brings a reaction-- but damn, poor akechi.)

Ugh, kiddo, if you really do want to stab me one day, you're gonna have to do better. Come here, come here, gimme.

[murderingjustice]

[Actually all of those hit the mark more or less, his expression just turning sour like the poor lemon he's currently murdering. Is it too late to go back on his decision not to roll Dazai into ocean.]

None of those. And I don't know where you got the idea of a 'boyfriend' but you are gravely mistaken. [Because??? Now he's paranoid, he and Akira might've had a few sleepovers now and then but he's certain that he's kept his distance in public! Wtf, Dazai. Why you gotta be creepy.]

Ohh, trust me. It won't be me who'll be doing the stabbing. If things ever get that far, that is. [Meaning no!! He's just.. going to continue obliterating the poor fruit.]

[nullificates]

I have two eyes, and I watched that fist fight, you know? I'm not particularly keen on ignoring such events.

(big ass genius detective, big ass brain, eyes that never quit, nose that sticks wherever it can, even for entertainment purposes.)

Ah, how cowardly of you. I've definitely had better stabbing threats during my lifetime. I assume Chuuya most likely told you things after my departure at Lupin?

[murderingjustice]

[Is it alarming that Akechi's first thought upon hearing that is which one? He and Akira have exchange blows more than once here in Aldrip. But it must been the one at the first party at the tavern? As the second one took place only few hours after his incident with Dazai, and somehow he doubts that the man wanted to stalk him in that state of the mind.]

And? I truly hope you're not beating your partners. That would be despicable even for you.

[But the frustration fades away from Akechi's face and is replaced with a smug smile.]

It's not a threat but a warning. I'm sure your clown friend agrees. [So, about Gogol's fucked up hand....]

[nullificates]

Don't kinkshame.

(is he saying that to throw akechi off balance? yes. does he mean it? ALSO YES. what if some of us like it way too rough? shut up, child.)

Kiddo, you should know! To me, you're like an angry teddy bear, so you're really going to have to work hard to frighten me as you wish. Whatever you done to Gogol is your business with him, although frankly? I'd refrain, myself, particularly, knowing him as I do!

[murderingjustice]

I do not need details about your sex life.

[Oh, he's definitely going to kinkshame!! Nevermind that he also belongs to that group where violence is the love language. (This is why you have the stick lost in your ass, Akechi)]

Whatever. The way you perceive me is hardly important. I'm sure you know that my opinion of you isn't necessary impressive either. [Yeah, he heard of all the horrible things he's done. But so what? It's not like Akechi's own record is that clean either.

...That being said, he's definitely losing this battle against a single lemon.]

[nullificates]

Who's giving you details, I'm simply giving you life advice, I live to teach.

(--poorly, but like, sort of actual facts there, anyway. his eyes roll almost into his skull with what that lemon is going through before he touches akechi simply to distract him with the sudden emptiness... only to chop that lemon as fast as he can.)

Look, magic.

[murderingjustice]

Your poor fucking mentees.

[He groans. Though, sadly enough, with his track record he really could use the advice. But shhhh, he'd rather die (again) than admit that.]

--Hey! [There's really barely time for him to react before everything is done and lemon chopped neatly into slices. The frown on his forehead just deepens at that because wtf dude?]

I thought you were injured, asshole.

[nullificates]

You're friends with one. She looks alright. Technically, I am your senior myself.

(a shrug, at least his arms are not as bad as his legs.)

I am. Ribs, legs, but also? I'm very medicated, so, do you think I'm feeling much of it? It's not the worst injury I've ever sustained. Go, now you're at the easy part.

[murderingjustice]

[He pulls a face at that. Oh, he knows exactly who you're talking about. Poor Kotone.]

That must be because she's fine on her own. And really. I wouldn't put it past you to just pretend to be injured just to get a free pass on being lazy.

[But whatever. He grumpily picks up the neat slices done by Dazai and drops them inside his glass. Ok, what's the next step again? Akechi reaches out to take a soda can, pops it open and fills the glass halfway in with a swift hand movements. Is he trying to show off after the lemon incident? Absolutely.]

[nullificates]

Wouldn't it be stupid then to accept a job I don't feel like doing in the first place?

(therefore, not pretending, although absolutely not above doing that is dazai osamu.

and too bad for akechi, because dazai is not even looking at the demonstration of grace. he's too used to other (worse) kids with acknowledgement kink to even blink at such a thing.)

notice me senpai uwu

[murderingjustice]

Isn't that how most of you adults function, though?

[How Dare! Akechi is going to keep trying to be as flashy as he can with his preparations. Does he know what he's doing? Nope.]

[nullificates]

You'd be foolish to think I'm most adults, right?

(considering his poor broken pinky. good that dazai didn't do much to it, or else, this would be worse to prepare-- which he's still NOT LOOKING.)

[murderingjustice]

All adults are the same deep down. Rotten to the core.

[But look at that pleasant smile!! Anyway, it really doesn't take much to make a Spritzer, so he's quickly done with the task. Look, he even added some mint as a garnish.

Overall, it looks decent for his first try but the taste. We'll see. Akechi raises his glass towards Dazai as in to make a toast]

[nullificates]

(look at akechi, being nice, not growling. he does deserve the toast, there's even a little smile of acknowledgement for the drink, it does look pretty-ish.)

You know, I can't disagree with you, but it is a cycle. Break it if you can, or don't.

(mori worsened him. he ruined akutagawa. akutagawa ruined kyouka. she's breaking the cycle.)

[murderingjustice]

[If this was Persona Game a small musical notes would appear above Akechi's head right now.

He laughs at that remark though. It is a vicious cycle, like almost everything else in life. Too bad that he really doesn't believe in people or in their ability to break free from such chains. And when it comes to himself?? Oh well,]

I'm not in the game anymore. [Being dead and all. He might've just had his birthday last week but he still doesn't see himself ever becoming a grown up.

Ah yes! But the toast!! After raising his glass in the air he takes a sip of it and... Yeah, his face turns sour to match the overpowering flavor while he feels the back of his throat burning from the alcohol. Rip.]

[nullificates]

Ah? Well, who knows, maybe this is your new life! Break cycles! Conquer! Become less of a feral raccoon!

(if akutagawa can do it, so can akechi, in his honest opinion. he's still a feral raccoon, but he sees atsushi's influence working on him. yet another mafia man who doesn't kill, and it makes dazai overjoyed in his irony. )

Ah, since we're being civil. Did you ever figure out how 'No Longer Human' works?

[murderingjustice]

And accept my status as a prisoner? Tch. [He just shakes his head. Yeah, he's still hellbent on escaping this world!!! A flash of annoyance visits on Akechi's features at being called a 'raccoon'. Excuse you! He's more lethal than that.]

You remove your target's powers temporarily with your touch, deleting the essential part of their identity. That's why the name.