closedish to cool guys having chill day

[megatheorem]

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

Comments

[mehanizovati]

It's for the good of the collective, I'm afraid. The world is not ready for your radical ideas. [all that dry commenting is fine and all but pal is being not only sweet but sincere, which is kind of viktor's weakness.

seriously, give him overt flirting and he won't bat an eye but this? even though it's hardly new of pal it still floors him sometimes, how open he is with his affections, how tender they are. he closes his eyes a moment before turning abruptly to cup pal's jaw and kiss him. definitely bordering on the risky pda line. he does not care.]

Unbelievable, you are an absolute menace in every sense of the word. [he murmurs between them, flushed and not really from the kiss.]

[megatheorem]

I think it's because Camilla hates the idea of our legacy being writing for perverts. [And considering Viktor will only anonymously publish the ass formula, he's applying that theory to him, too. It's fun and funky, being the one without an overabundance of dignity. Math porn isn't what the world needs, but what it deserves.

As punishment.

That aside, his true radical nefariousness is sincerity, of course. It's always worth telling his people what he likes about them, and Viktor especially; the way it makes Viktor all but go to pieces every time only makes it better. Obviously, given everything else he's just said, but still.]

Me? Well, you know I wouldn't lie, [so that's a plus, but he's still smug about it. This is the only time he's ever been menacing, how exciting.]

Six for the truth, et cetera— it's my sworn duty to be truthful, so you'll just have to put up with me.

[mehanizovati]

Eh, that too. At least the perverts might learn something. [surely the sixth can approve of that and literally nothing else. maybe not even that. yeah, hypothetical camilla's probably right.

viktor decides kissing him again is the best way to handle this situation, hand brushing down against pal's neck, careful of the eyes but still resting over any that flutter closed. ok, he will be responsible and not just makeout with his boyfriend at a party full of teens. he is an adult.

he does rest their foreheads together for a beat before settling back into pal's side with a sigh.] Yes, your mascot skull has the scroll and everything. [a pause] It... is a good trait. Appreciated.

[it just flusters him like nothing else hence, menace.] Though if anyone comes over here to gag at us it is entirely your fault.

[megatheorem]

In that case, I'm improving lives. [For the sake of the perverts... no, Camilla is right, but that doesn't make it less funny to try.

Viktor's dedication to avoiding only the PDA that other people can hear is a testament to how well he thinks people can see - or can't, as it were - in the dark, but Palamedes isn't going to complain. He's even willing to relent his otherwise relentless gushing, before Viktor vibrates into another dimension, or something.

But hey, listen,] That sounds like a problem for them to deal with, not me.

[He shan't be silenced... haters leave the field? Dang. Anyway, it would be weird to say 'you're welcome' to appreciating his sappy truth telling, so he'll deliver just one more sappy thing,] You deserve to hear it.

[mehanizovati]

Or you are teaching people to be mathematical with their flirting, which I am fairly certain is a crime to some.

[to be fair half the people here are part creature one way or another. one guy is a whole eagle. they could have night vision and perceive their pda crimes. but no, viktor is used to being private about all things personal so really, this is a big step for him. caught making out is whatever but being this sweet? the scandal.

still,] I admit your delinquent attitude in this regard is attractive, but I will not be swayed. [he can and likely will be, actually. especially when pal just offers that last sincerity and viktor needs to sigh and thump his head against pal's shoulder in defeat.]

I am not sure what I did to deserve you, but I am glad for it.

[megatheorem]

[He hums, like, would it be so bad. Certain people on this blanket would be interested in mathematical flirting, although not necessarily with that particular formula. Still, it's the principle of the thing. Dimly he recalls the dream with their other selves' shameless 'hands on methodology' flirting, and it's mercifully been long enough that he can recall it with a sort of distant fondness and not so much of the dread.

So like, it would be fine, probably. Maybe the people will flirt better with math. He chuckles and squeezes Viktor close against his side, threading fingers into his hair when he slumps onto his shoulder.]

I know, I'm very rebellious. [dry, because pff. Maybe he's done some transgressive things in his time, but please. Then he falls quiet, turning over Viktor's last comment in idle silence. It's not— he has to resist, to stop himself from belaboring at length the point, out of habit, that it's not a matter of being deserving or undeserving. He remembers that from the dream, too, and Viktor's murmured insistence in midnight quiet that that feeling of inadequacy wasn't true on the outside.

So give him a second to battle his inner sap, before he changes tack to,] Just keep doing what you've been doing all along; I'm smitten.

[mehanizovati]

[good his weakness, that hand in his hair has him easing completely, everyone at this party be damned. a few good minutes of this and he'll just forget they're not alone and pal can be as sappy as he wants.]

A rebel with authority, it's quite the mix. Tell me again all the ways you irritated the Oversight Body, I'll swoon.

[a joke, as though he doesn't find those stories great. he just settles in, blissfully unaware of pal fighting his inner sap, likely watching whatever far off sparks of color come from the occasional bomb or sparkler.

hm, he's having a whole Feeling about things like community, and belonging, and pal. he doesn't even want to grimace at it, which is probably character growth or just being particularly comfortable right now.]

More sparklers then. Or something new- keeping my promise to you has been very fulfilling, you know. [the gay show the world one.]

[megatheorem]

Will you? Say that again after I tell you about the time I touched all the biscuits in the waiting room and refused to commit to actually eating one.

[Is this gross, objectively a bit, but the Sixth also do not care about sharing the thumbtacks they make their fingers bleed on for fingerprint signatures, so? It's both worse and better, comparatively. Anyway, they were icky biscuits, so it's fine.

Focus instead on the fingers running over his scalp; Palamedes is content to keep Viktor here against his shoulder, so please, feel free to enjoy and think those secret thoughts about community and friends. He's had plenty of those himself throughout this party, particularly every time someone thanks him for setting it up.

Ah, and it's even softer when Viktor brings up the promise, a tender warmth blooming in his chest over just that teeny bit of sap.]

You're going to talk like that in front of everyone? [ha ha. really though, super gay.] I'm glad; surprise me, next time.

[mehanizovati]

Well if you were as prone to bleeding hands as you are now I can see that leaving a message. What the message is I am not sure. [bleed on the biscuits to make a point. less swoon-worthy, still kind of amusing. he'll take it.

yup, just purely melted now, letting out a soft sigh. he rests a hand on pal's knee, taps an idle song onto it in order to maybe keep himself awake against what could easily lull him to sleep. he can't be that much of a nerd, napping at a party. how will his reputation recover.

he chuckles.] You wore me down, I'm starting to give in to the unspeakable crime of affection in public. I hope you are happy with yourself. [and an amused snort to top it off.] Very well. You'll have to start making a ranking of these experiences.

[megatheorem]

I suppose I convinced them to get better biscuits. [ha ha. And not to ignore him for being, like, a young teen at the time, a luxury the Oversight Body had for not even a full year. Sucks to be them.

Anyway, Viktor deserves this relaxation after making all the cherry bombs, and Palamedes is completely enamored with each and every little tap or content sigh. He's definitely not going to stop Viktor from falling asleep? That's a risk he'll have to take without Palamedes' help, because it would be very sweet of him to doze off at a party, actually. Good luck, Viktor.]

I'm all but bursting with joy. If you're asking for an official ranking scale, or maybe a rubric... that can be arranged.

[fireworks: 10/10 super cool. next: ???]

[mehanizovati]

Given how they denied upgrading that maintenance system I very much doubt they would change the biscuits over a little blood. [nice hypothetical try though.

the struggle of it with no help from pal it seems. at least thinking of new things to do is a good distraction from a party nap. a proper birthday cake of some sort is on the agenda for next month. he'll even try to find someone who will make grey icing. how appetizing, but the bit is important.]

I am asking for it, and a scale will do. Let's see- celebrating a victory at a bar, fireworks, street food- not a bad selection so far.

[megatheorem]

You're probably right. I should have stepped in and done something about it years ago. [What kind of Warden doesn't serve the best possible dry biscuits in the waiting room... he's a shameful embarrassment. Tsk.]

Out of each of these events of yours— they've all been wildly outside my comfort zone, [including the food, yes,] and yet I've enjoyed each one. Although for personally biased reasons, admittedly.

[Gay ones. Making googly eyes at Viktor reasons. Those reasons. He's truly no help at all in the staying awake arena, still, even daring to lean back on his elbow and take Viktor leaning with him. It's not entirely lying down, so he can retain some plausible PDA deniability, but only like, an ounce.]

Speaking of those, though. I've still not forgiven myself for eating all of two bites of your street food meal. If you wanted to broaden my horizons again.

[love language: concede to try foods]

[mehanizovati]

We all have our regrets. [funny joke that's too easy to not be a funny joke, but he'll focus on biscuit related crimes here. he's not actually sure how many regrets pal has from his own world, and yeah, he's curious. though he also thinks that's kind of a bummer thing to ask when they're just relaxing at a party.

this is the problem with hair stroking, idle and wandering thoughts. he'll focus on that feeling and also street food for now. he shifts to lean back with pal and really, the fire he's playing with.]

That's only because you didn't get a chance to try the beer. Then you would have hated it. [viktor points out, closing his eyes and smiling just a touch. sue him, that day is a good memory, what with the whole relationship starting aspect.]

I'll make you something from the undercity next. One of the more palatable ones. Luckily the Trench has all of the same basic supplies only without the mutations from chemical run off. I suppose that did add something special to the flavor though.

[megatheorem]

[Haha, yes, a very funny joke. Palamedes doesn't feel like leaning into it either; they've had enough stress in the past few weeks, they can leave their lifetime regrets for another day. Right now, it's a lovely evening, the party is hopping, the blanket company is delightful - what more could he want.

Mysterious undercity food, it seems.]

Your home fascinates me in new and exciting ways every time I learn something new about it. Chemical runoff for flavor? [don't say it palamedes] There's always blood to supplement.

[nooo]

Best not risk it. Can we skip the beer again, too?

[mehanizovati]

[the sigh he gets.] I'd prefer the runoff, I think. You spend too much time in the Lumenwood.

[remember the risk? the sleep risk? it's starting to be real, his next words mumbled.] Mm, no beer this time. No damn tea.

[yeah he's actually asleep, i hope you're happy with yourself, pal. to be fair neither of them probably sleep enough, viktor certainly doesn't, so this isn't exactly a shock. still, enjoy a boyfriend just slumped against bony nerd and eyeball.]

[megatheorem]

More blood seasoning for me, then. [ha ha... He'll put it in his delicious tea, which he would quip about next, but he knows that particular cadence of Viktor Mumbling (tm). He's listened enough nights to Viktor muttering over lab progress before dozing off that he can practically time it down to the second, and lo— there goes Viktor, snoozing away.

Honestly, a peak party event. His heart is full and he's legally allowed to tease Viktor for falling asleep at the party later, great turnout.

Palamedes waits a few beats in case he wakes himself up again, and when that doesn't happen, he slowly descends the rest of the way to just lying down on this blanket with Viktor half on him. He can watch other people's fireworks from here? It's all good. Later, he will make the effort to wake Viktor enough to actually put him to bed, but not yet.]