deercountry | closedish to cool guys having chill day

Entry tags:

closedish to cool guys having chill day

Who: a bunch of funky friends invited by Viktor and Palamedes*
What: Having a Party in a field with Fireworks
When: the second week-ish in May
Where: (the field outside of) Pal and Viktor's bunker in Gaze

Content Warnings: alcohol and teens drinking it, irresponsible use of explosives, see threads for anything else that comes up

*If you have friendly CR with Palamedes please feel free to handwave that he mentioned this happening, also if your character has CR with a Pal Friend (a pal^2) who would invite them along, he's broadly allowing this. It's not a formal affair in the slightest lmaooo

--

afternoon/evening.

Earlier in the morning on the day of The Fireworks Field Party (tm), Palamedes makes sure to send a quick location ping to anyone who's never been to the Sixth bunker (also tm) before, because it is, indeed, just in a field somewhere in Gaze. The treeline is comfortably distant from the door to said bunker, which is the only real indication anything is out here besides a few "big rocks" that he names, in his message, as landmarks.

As an afterthought, he has set up a little trail of mason jars containing glowing mushrooms to lead the way to The Field, helpfully. The Field is what it sounds like: a dang field, just slightly ominous in the Gaze fashion, although besides the usual somebody's-watching feeling, it's grassy and spacious for kitschy lawn games. Among the things Palamedes has provided (upon recommendation of a shopkeeper, so like, do not perceive his choices, they were made for him) include:

1. Just a load of blankets, big cozy ones dutifully spread out for chilling on, on the ground.

2. Throwing game Crossbones, definitely chosen because of the bones (they are wooden sticks), and just kind of left sitting there waiting because your host does not know how to play physical games.

3. beanbag horseshoes because it rocks

4. Just, like, a specific blanket that has pencils and blank paper sitting on it... This is a free station, no one will question what art happens here.

Harrow has also provided bone chairs for alternate seating, which are precisely what they sound like.

Eventually, the field will also feature a snack table, which is a community effort, and a booze table, which is slightly supervised in the way that your esteemed host(s) will not permit booze and cherry bombs at the same time.

And, because it's an open field in Trench, there is also a table where emergency incense is waiting. Wandering too far from the space immediately around the bunker (which, it's a big space, you'd have to go far) will eventually lead you to blood wards on the ground, on the trunks of a few trees, etc. Don't touch these. Don't be gross.

the fucken fireworks.

It's fireworks. Once it's dark, there are even more glowing mushroom jars and homemade alchemy glowsticks from Waver to be passed around, somehow, and at least some of the little beanbags glow in the dark, ooh!! Viktor has provided cherry bombs to be used with at least a little caution, for god's sake. There are also some slightly larger fireworks in much shorter supply, from a shop, that will be closely guarded until someone with pyrotechnics talent convinces Palamedes they deserve one. Godspeed.

Broadly: this is a fireworks party (tm) for individual wee ones you can throw around on your own, with only a brief smattering of the big ones that light up the whole sky above the field. It's a chill time for cool buds, fire safety is encouraged, so is vibing on the blankets and enjoying a nice evening.

At various times, local dope musician Anna Amarande will be providing some light musical entertainment, for vibes.

the bunker i guess.

The party is not in here, but for reference:
-it's locked via numpad and neither of these stickbug nerds are giving out the code but they'll open the door if asked... you don't have to leave the place to go to the bathroom lmf
-it's a bunker. it's one room and a bathroom in the back. it's full of disorganized nerd stuff and an oversized moon orb and pal's mean omen, rocky the cool rat (harpy eagle), who will aggressively flap at anyone with sticky fingers until they leave
-the code is 69420 so if you're super funny like gideon you COULD guess it

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The softness of his face when he spoke about him is what he focused on. Allen looked lost in cherished memories. The same look he sometimes wore when remembering his mother, so he knows what it means. The feelings tied to it. The longing of missing someone that was once your world. Their presence leaves an absence impossible to fill. That faraway look is different from how he spoke about his father but very similar. A mentor, someone you look up to. Didn't Allen say he lost his father when he was young? How young? How did he become the General's apprentice? It must have been after Mana. The way he speaks of the General, Cross Marian, it's impossible not to see the affection layered in his tone no matter what he says.

Lost in thought, Allen looks almost wistful. Like remembering a sweet memory and finding comfort in it, but the admission, so very quiet, leaves him stunned. How long have you been holding that in? It sets the state of his world into stark perspective. Unstable. Men that powerful don't die by chance. Either they break down and turn into a tragedy, or it's the natural progression of a losing war.

Are you... following in his footsteps? The every idea has him slotting his presence next to his, shoulder to shoulder, an undeniable force contained within the breath of his shoulders ready to march at a command. ]

Where does that leave you?

[ The question draws a bit of a surprised look from Allen, not so much from being asked that but because perhaps he hadn't considered it. But his expression gentles at how the other boy shifted closer at asking that too, the light touch of shoulders, and he's quiet for a moment, briefly looking down before back up at the twilight sky.

He leans in slightly too, shoulders pressed lightly together in fond and a touch indulgent manner, and finding some stability in that.

Where does that leave him? It's a different question in Trench than it would be in his world. There's no mystery or meaning of Cross's death to unravel, no "third side of the war" or holy war at all to figure out, no Apocryphos, no being on the run... no Noah inside him... no Noah at all... no Order... absolutely nothing. Even if he wanted to, all of that is unreachable and long gone here. All the things he had been doing in order to, yes follow in his footsteps in his own fashion. Did that mean his death didn't effect or mean anything him? Definitely not... but--

He's silent, turning that over in his head. Not distressed, but with a genuinely thoughtful and quiet look on his face. Until his lips quirk slightly and he turns back to Shouto then, pale eyes quiet but also a little bright, and smiles wide. Light and airy, certain, happy but also bittersweet. ]

Here.

[ No grand scheme to break him out of Trench to return home. No vow of vengeance with a ready plan waiting in his back pocket. Just... here. Seated on a blanket, unable to feel his legs. Waiting for a fireworks display with the person who helped cremate him less than a month ago. Taking it all in stride with unwavering optimism, decorated with a sparkling smile he can't comprehend.

He stands down, soothed into a peaceful lull. His shoulders round, and his gaze slips down as a warm feeling brims within him, touched by that simple answer. He folds his hands neatly, resting them on his lap while he tries to convey his feelings. ]

I like you here too.

[ He warms, soft and faint, like candlelight; easy to miss. ]

[ I like you here too. He blinks. ]

Shouto...

[ Caught a little off-guard by that, his expression becomes quiet as he realizes how much smaller and-- vulnerable? the other boy looks at the moment, eyes down to his hands in his lap. But not in a bad or worrisome way, not at all, just... he isn't sure, but it's important. Good. So very touching, and for a moment he has absolutely no idea what to say.

So just smiles then, soft and a little hard to read, before he reaches over gently to cover one of Shouto's hands with his. By virtue of the fact the other has been seated on his left side it's with his scarlet Innocence hand (no glove, he hadn't worn any to this) so he does so very delicately, very mindfully. Giving his hand a gentle, drawn out affirming squeeze and leaning a little more against him for a moment.

He's warm and he takes comfort in that, but also figures he only notices it now from the increased contact. ]

Mm. [ It's quiet, but fond. Eyes forward. ]

The same for you.

[ He'd be a lot sadder here without you too. ]

Edited 2022-05-30 23:29 (UTC)

[ Red comes into focus, settling over his folded hands. Surprise flickers across his eyes as he turns to look at Allen in a questioning manner, caught by his profile as he looks out over the hill.

The same for you.

He stares outright, and a loud whistling sound zips through the night exploding into a thousand sparks that rain down like a scarlet waterfall illuminating his face. The crowd cheers and another jets into the sky bursting like starlight in a glittering silver shower dazzling among the stars. Reluctantly, Shouto looks away from him, the night's begun. ]

[ Aaaa, it's not his first time seeing fireworks, but it is the first time in a long while. And one of the very few times he's actually been able to just sit and watch it carefree and easily -- maybe the first? -- so it's impossible not to be caught up in the excitement of it. Eyes bright and smiling wide as he watches each one rise up and burst. They're not even big fireworks but he doesn't care, they're amazing and perfect for how good the whole night has been.

Timcanpy is likewise enchanted, staring up at them so very quietly be with utterly rapt attention, his shiny body reflecting the starbursts as he sits just in front of and between the two of them, his tail twitching back and forth somewhat like a cat who's found something interesting.

Allen's torn as he wants to clap as the crowd goes 'oooh' with each burst, but he would also have to take his hand back to do that. So he compromises, and when the next one that whistles heavenward to bursts into a cascade of white and gold he turns and twists his wrist deftly. Entwining their arms and snagging Shouto's nearest hand about so he can properly clasp it and raise it up between them, giving it a gentle but companionable, excited squeeze. Deft and gentle even with plated fingers like that.

Smiling? Smiling, delighted and the most it's felt like he has in such a very long time because it's the most he's felt this much happiness threatening to burst from his chest or warmed contentment. Honestly he can't remember the last time it was like that? Viktor and Palamedes did good.

And so he just looks at Shouto with a silent sort of 'heh' as he tilts his head at him and gives his hand that squeeze, smiling so wide and so bright as if to say isn't this fun? ]

Edited 2022-05-31 04:29 (UTC)

[ Rockets shoot into the night bursting into emerald showers prompting half-formed shouts that break down into tinkling laughter that draw people closer while they point up to the heavens. The sounds rise with every flush of the sky lighting up delighted faces.

Shouto isn't among them. Cast in shadow, he looks silently at his companion caught by the enchantment. Tumbling sparks of sapphire light up Allen's eyes like starlight and his hand grows warm. He looks down at Tim, similarly caught in the spell. They look happy. Kizu hums in agreement. Why aren't we? A brilliant cascade of white and gold erupts across the night. Allen steals away his hand raising it up to the sky compelling him to look up and SEE.

A moonlit night. Snowfall. A weapon gleams in the dark and blood stains hallow ground.

Allen glows with merriment and Shouto stares unseeing. It lasts but a moment, nothing more, the vision too far ahead. When he returns back to himself, he latches onto that hand, squeezing firmly. That's why. Kizu stalks through his memories, examining the images, while Shouto turns his eyes up to the night sky feeling jittery and disjointed. He holds onto Allen for the rest of the show, attentive but distant. ]

Edited 2022-06-07 04:04 (UTC)

[ Something isn't right.

He's not so caught up in the splendor and novelty of everything to miss something like that, even if he also isn't expecting Shouto to return the same sort of energy as him. It's partly why he reached for his hand; to make him a part of that high good mood and bring him along with. Because it's because of him that Allen is also in as good of a mood as he is, don't you see? And he isn't expecting to see that same kind of elation matched back, but that... It's like he disconnected for a moment and was entirely flat. Just briefly, but the lag in reaction is noticeable and something about his expression just seems... off, and it causes Allen to still slightly. Melancholy?

Shouto? He says it aloud, but the sound of fireworks and people swallow it up. So he just watches the other boy's profile for a moment after he looks back skyward, eyebrows knit in concern. He returns the squeeze lightly, not pressing it for now, but he's also quieter for the rest of the show. ]

Are you alright? [ He says it gently after the booms fade and the distant murmur of people fills the silence instead, watching his profile carefully. Keeping the majority of his concern in check as maybe he misread, but it isn't entirely absent from his face.

He wasn't expecting the same sort of energy returned, but something about you felt so... far away. ]

[ His name gets lost in the surge of sound following the explosions in the air. The vision leaves him breathing this time its grip gentler than all the other times it's taken him. Only the Old Ones know whether it's from passing through the eye to the realm of the gods multiple times or from the distance between his current point and the vision. When he returns to himself, he holds onto Allen, reminding himself to lighten his grip while his thoughts remain distant and out of focus.

After the last shimmer of firelight fades from the sky, people migrate inside, leaving them out on the hill. One too disconnected to follow their lead and the other too concerned with the former to pay heed. Caught up in his tangled thoughts, Allen's question reels him back, drawing his eyes to him. Quiet and unsettled, his fingers grow cold and he nods once. ]

I'm okay.

Edited 2022-06-08 02:07 (UTC)

[ Bullshit you're 'okay', Allen's used that line enough to know how it can be untrue as much as true. While his expression remains concerned and unconvinced though, he also doesn't push it. Your hand... it was warm -- warmed he now realizes -- but is almost cold now. Like before.

He worries at the inside of his lip slightly, and takes a moment to lace their fingers instead. Delicately, very delicately, even if there's nothing sharp about his fingers in this form. His own left hand a touch on the side of unnaturally warm, and holding the other boy's cold one lightly as if that might help make a difference.

And he doesn't care a whit about what other people are doing right now, no. ]

Shouto... [ He pauses. Leans in a little in earnest. ]

Do you remember what we first promised when you found me on the beach?

[ Amends. That you'd help him, and he'd let you. ]

[ Allen's motions are precise, gentle, his face earnest when he leans into his space. His composure ripples with uncertainty stayed by the fingers threaded through his hand. He looks up when he says his name, caught by that earnest face before his brows crease unable to pinpoint the promise out of all the little moments they've shared since then he first found him on the beach. ]

Which time?

[ That question actually gets a smile and a small chuckle from him, bright and a little sheepish both. Ehe, that's right, it could be several things...

But the thought also warms him, and he smiles a touch more gently then, eyes softer. ]

When you said you wanted to help me recover. That I need someone to rely on sometimes, too. [ Not something that's a "promise" exchange for most people, but for Allen who is so adamantly opposed to asking things of others... ]

But to me, saying okay or "I'd like that too" to something like that... it's because I want to be someone you can rely on as well. Whatever the case or whatever it's for. [ Because it's better to rely on each other, isn't it? That feels right. Natural.

He tightens his fingers lightly, giving his hand a very small sort of squeeze as he lets his gaze drop to the side. ]

So even if I never formally said it at the time, I want to say that now.

[ From earnest to laughing. The pendulum swings so swiftly sometimes, he's left playing catch up. It's the first time he's heard of a promise made between them. It catches him off guard, mind scrambling to find it among all their exchanges. When he mentions his appeal he's left a little stunned. He wanted to help him recover and to rely on others too. No promise was exchanged only an acceptance of his request, so he's left picking up the pieces laid out, following his logic down to the end, and coming up empty. ]

... Say what?

Edited 2022-06-09 03:04 (UTC)

[ ...he should spell it out exactly? Mm, that probably is best. But he also just smiles quietly for a moment before he responds. Straightens and composes himself to make sure he says it as cleanly and clearly as possible. ]

Please rely on me sometimes too.

[ Said simply. With just a faint curl of a smile. ]

Because what I'd like... it's for us both to rely on each other. [ Maybe that's painfully obvious? But especially with everything Shouto's done for him... it needs to be said, too. It's still important to voice those things even if they are implied and understood.

Because sometimes they weren't understood entirely. ]

You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I just wanted to say that.

Edited 2022-06-09 03:16 (UTC)

[ Oh...

'Please rely on us.' A demand he'll make to Midoriya when their class finds him after his abrupt departure from UA. It's a sentiment he feels deeply but wasn't quite ready to demand of others just yet, so having Allen reciprocate it...

He faces him in turn, and gently returns the gesture, gripping the back of his knuckles with his fingers. ]

I'd like that too.

[ A promise made in the dead of night under an obsidian sky. ]

[ Ah, having him answer so readily-- ]

[ He blinks, but cocks his head to the side and smiles so very brightly then, lit up within and without. So very relieved and happy for that -- actually, honestly happy to a degree he didn't even think he'd be. Even if it's as quiet as it is radiant to bursting in his chest. ]

Ah? [ He rubs his thumb lightly against the other boy's in appreciative response, dark scarlet skin in contrast over pale.

It's a good promise. ]

I'm really glad.

Edited 2022-06-09 04:08 (UTC)

[ He watches as Allen absorbs the promise and radiates a joy so palpable it leaves him so very still, unwilling to break the moment. Red against pale. A brilliant smile against his calm demeanor. A surface-level contrast exists between them. Always will, but the deeper one looks the more similarities start to arise. Like their need to seek out others. In Allen's case, a great many people, for Shouto only a handful. Left to their own devices, they gravitate towards helping others, more so those discarded by society. Even before they knew each other, they held the same values. Hunter and Savior.

Promise made, he'll help him pick up their spot, leaving the four glow sticks with him as they head back inside. The blanket he leaves with Allen, letting him know it belongs to Viktor. The one he gave him for Allen 'to keep him warm' when he eventually returned. They reluctantly make their way back to the dwindling crowds and soon close out the night with Shouto leading him back to Prufrock. When they reach the edge of the district and still have more ditance to cover, Shouto makes a ramp of ice that leads all the way to a small abode nestled in the woods. ]

Edited 2022-06-09 04:52 (UTC)

[ Ah, the glowsticks--! He's a little dismayed as soon as he's reminded of the rest of the world beyond them existing and remembers them. It got dark enough but then he was too enchanted with the fireworks... They'll use them later. ✊ He's very adamant on that.

--also he's thoroughly Emotional after realizing the origins of the blanket. Approaching Viktor before they leave to talk about it and offer it back to him with his thanks, only to have it handed back to him and told it was his keep. Well, his despite Viktor having gotten it originally for Shouto. He's going to hold it on his lap all the way back home and is Always Sleeping With This now, although his demeanor is also quieter and more thoughtful after that.

When they get back, before Shouto leaves for his patrol shift and before Allen heads to bed, he's going to wave him over by one of the series of glass paneling. Eyes bright as he points out to where there are some of the first fireflies of the season along the water's edge, before cracking one of the glowsticks and setting it down on the ground by the glass. Do they... start to drift closer? They do, curiously, as do some of the fish. And he'll smile so very delightedly at Shouto over it and try to encourage him to crack one on as well. Just to light the engawa like that and continue some of the night on and watch the blinking response from confused and curious fireflies -- and occasionally pick up and wave a glowstick to watch the fish swim back and forth to track it.

It's the sort of thing where he'd pause, seeming to realize something, before turning and smiling to the other boy and apologizing since he's probably soon to leave-- but welcome home, ne? Since he was technically the first one in, being pushed and all. It's something he says very simply and with a gentle sort of warm sincerity. Like it's simple and obvious thing, even if it isn't.

Of all people, Allen understands the weight of something like that after all. ]

[ Shouto appears from one of the open corridors catching sight of Allen's reflection on the glass paneling. Eyes bright and calling out to him, bare feet step onto the wood with casual grace. 'What is it?' He asks, walking up behind him, setting an arm over one of the handles of his wheelchair, and looking down when he presents him with the cracked glow stick. Allen sets it down on the ground piquing his curiosity. It takes him a few moments to notice the fireflies drifting closer to the light source as if called by some ancient spell that thrums through their bloodline. He glows with excitement and he reminds himself to ask Waver for more glowsticks, a boxful or two. In two days, he'll leave them in the living room for Allen to rummage through, but for now, he simply watches him shine brighter than the artificial light.

Shouto cracks his glowstick at his urging, finding more joy from watching his excitement than from the act itself. He sets it next to the first stick, catching sight of a splash of red and orange in the water. The fish drift closer, mesmerized by the light, hoping for food. He smiles faintly when Allen starts waving the glowstick around to track the fish, and the corner of his mouth curves up, the bare minimum, and it transforms his entire expression. He picks up the other stick, the one he set down, and hands it over to him with a turn of his wrist. It's yours. He settles on the ground, seated cross-legged next to him, watching him through the reflection, and eventually drifts into a light doze, head pressed against his leg.

He wakes sometime later, head lifting, eyes immediately tracking the movement that woke him up - the fish splashing in the water, attempting to eat some of the fireflies that drifted too close. He looks up at Allen, sleep still in his eyes, and finds him safe. He stands, offers dinner and picks up something from town. He'll always ask Allen what he'd like, and those times he gives no answer, he returns with cold soba, which he neatly plates for both of them.

When they go to bed, Shouto sets up the futon every night. When he gets up for patrol in the early hours of the morning, he tries not to wake his companion and changes into his uniform. Blue pants and vest, collar clipped closed, his utility belt and snow boots strapped on and secured. He says goodbye to Allen with a promise to meet him in town for lunch sometimes and makes sure to check the pantry for food and water within easy access before heading out on patrol with a warm feeling in his chest. ]

Edited 2022-06-11 13:07 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

closedish to cool guys having chill day

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject