Let's partyyyyyyy! [open]

[livingdeadgirl]

Who: EVERYONE.
What: A meet-and-greet party for everybody in Anchor!
When: early October
Where: the VR room lobby
Warnings: none yet
Format: go wild!

[ The day before, a wild network post appears, from the username @aa : ]

hi everyone!
i just wanted to let you all know
the meet and greet party previously discussed in this space
will be held tomorrow afternoon!

it will take place in the vr room lobby
and of course everyone is invited
refreshments and games will be provided
but if you would like a little extra challenge
please feel free to bring something to share!

attendance is mandatory!
(lol just kidding)
seriously though i do hope to see all of you there ;)

[ She's also posted handwritten signs to that effect in the mess hall and several of the staircases. Just in case! ]

---

The day of, a party appears in the VR Room lobby area, as promised!

Though it's not brightly lit, the lights there are are brightly colored, creating a chilled-out evening atmosphere like you'd find at a club. Plush chairs and couches are interspersed throughout the room, and there's been a solid attempt to clean the place up, or at least do something about all the dust.

A shortage of conventional party supplies has forced Ami and Cho to get creative, so the tables and parts of the wall are decorated with paper flowers, and the buffet table is presided over by a number of ... weird, pink, glitter-covered, vaguely animal-shaped sculptures made out of spare plastic pipes and stuff. With googly eyes. If nothing else they're a conversation piece.

FOOD: The main offering is barbecue! There's a pretty wide assortment of meats, all of which Cho has certified safe for human consumption, and also certified delicious. Chips, dried fruit, and a few different desserts are available, including homemade chocolate chip cookies that Ami made herself (wich Cho's help). All the trays are helpfully labeled, including allergy information.

Any and all potluck submissions are welcome as well! Just set it down over here and make a little card of your own.

DRINKS: Sadly, the coffee machine is still out of order. But there is a cooler stocked with ice and a few different choices of juice and soda. Alcoholic selections are limited to two types of pre-mixed drinks, which are intentionally weak on the alcohol, but at least they're not tequila sunrises. If guests want anything stronger, they'll need to bring it themselves.

ENTERTAINMENT: In fiddling with the controls, Ami got the overhead speakers to play some music, but couldn't figure out how to modify the playlist, so it's just one song on loop. Maybe if she keeps the volume kind of low, no one will notice. No live music is scheduled, but if anyone wants to bring a guitar and jam for a while, they will be more than welcome to.

And most of the arcade games are online! Anyone for Fruit Ninja? Air hockey? Dance Dance Retribution? Virtual Billiards? Or perhaps you'd like to try out a full-simulation game in the VR Rooms proper? Now's as good a time as any!

Oh, and don't forget to enter the raffle! The winner will be chosen randomly and announced a few hours into the party.

Comments

Carlisle Longinmouth [open]

[abheirrant]

[Given his solitary disposition and reclusive nature, it's unlikely anyone would be surprised to learn that parties just aren't Carlisle's thing; however, he is a man who has not eaten in literal years, and while he still can't eat -- or he probably can, he knows, but shouldn't -- the smells wafting into the corridors leading to the event were too much for him to simply ignore. The spicy aroma of the meats, the saccharine scent of fruit, the warmth rising from the cookies to stave off the chill of death from his bones -- they're all strong enough to cut through his dulled senses. For a brief moment, he is allowed to revel in the memory of what such delights tasted like, all the while trying to ignore the fact that he will never again enjoy such delicacies the way the living do.

For the most part, he can be found lingering along the walls of the room, his arms crossed, his eyes closed in concentration. When not there, he may be near the tables, nervously attempting to put back together one of the paper flowers he managed to completely and utterly tear to pieces when unfolding it to figure out just how they were constructed. Lastly, one might catch him just beyond the doors to the VR lobby in the hallway, trying to literally talk himself into going back in, giving polite, but guilt-laden glances toward anyone who so much as looks his way.]

[livingdeadgirl]

[ Given that this is intended as a meet-and-greet, Ami's keeping an eye out for people she hasn't been properly introduced to. Not only that, but he's wallflowering it up something fierce. And as the host of this party, it's her sacred duty to at least try and make sure everyone has a good time!

His eyes are closed as she approaches, though, and she's carrying a plate of barbecue. Weird how that one smell's getting stronger all of a sudden, huh? ]

Hi! Everything okay over here?

[abheirrant]

[Carlisle probably shouldn't keep his eyes closed like that, because that's just asking to be spooked should someone actually approach him. He does notice the smell of the barbecue getting stronger, but he's not quick enough to pinpoint where it is in relation to him until he's already being addressed. He doesn't jump out of his skin, but he certainly does jerk, his frame stiffening as he looks around for the source of the voice. Left, right, then down. Then down some more.]

Oh, um. Yes. Yes, it's fine. I'm fine, I mean. Do- do you need something?

[livingdeadgirl]

[ Whoops! She wasn't trying to startle him. Also, quit being so tall, you tall bastards. Ami shakes her head quickly. ]

No, no, you're good! I just saw you standing here all by yourself and I thought I should say hello. So, hello! [ She offers him a friendly handshake. ] I'm Ami! What's your name?

[abheirrant]

[He looks at her hand as though it'd bite him, flexing his stiff fingers as he considers whether or not to shake it. On the one hand, it's the polite thing to do; on the other, he doesn't have much going for him flesh-wise beneath his gloves, and he's afraid people will be able to tell that the second they give his hand a grip.

He continues mulling over that as his glowing eyes flick back to her.]

Carlisle. I was just... enjoying. The party. [The smells of it.]

[livingdeadgirl]

[ Fortunately, Ami spares him having to make the decision; when he doesn't take her hand within a few seconds, she awkwardly withdraws it. Poor guy, he's shy.

Also, she's just noticed his eyes are glowing. Ooh! How delightfully spooky! Hope you don't mind that prolonged eye contact, Carlisle, she just wants to look at 'em. ]

Well, I'm glad to hear it. Do you want a drink or anything? Something to eat? We've got plenty to go around.

[abheirrant]

[In good news, she doesn't take his hand; in bad news, she continues to stare at him. He averts his eyes, trying to dodge the awkwardness; they continue to glow behind his glasses, doing little to hide what magic animates him.]

Oh, oh no, I- I don't need anything, thank you. I, ah. Ate already. And drank. Drank all I possibly could.

[Can his mask help hide how bad he is at outright lies? He sure hopes it can.]

[livingdeadgirl]

[ It doesn't really, but Ami tends to take what people say at face value anyway, for better or worse. So she doesn't catch that he's lying, but she does pick up on the anxiety, which ... was already super obvious. But, y'know, if he doesn't want to eat, she's not gonna force him to. ]

Ah, okay! That's cool.

[ But she tilts her head slightly, sympathetic. ]

You seem kinda nervous.

[abheirrant]

[His gaze returns to her, brow knitting with obviously defeat.]

I am nervous. Social events are not my forte.

[livingdeadgirl]

[ Aww. Yet he came to the party anyway... that's really nice. She'll take it as a compliment. And hey, maybe she can help! ]

If you want, I could introduce you to some friends of mine?

[abheirrant]

[His brow knits even tighter.]

I cannot imagine how you would introduce me. 'Hello, here is a fellow I just met who was lingering along the wall, minding his own business. You two have so much in common.'

[He sighs almost immediately, realizing that was kind of harsh even for him, especially when she meant no harm, and is clearly just trying to make him feel welcome. He arcs his neck away, avoiding Ami's eyes.]

All right, that... was unkind. I apologize.

[livingdeadgirl]

[ Far from being offended, Ami laughs. Look, she voluntarily hangs out with people like Karkat and Lalli, she can handle a little cantankerousness! ]

It's okay. I mean, you're not wrong! I would pretty much be going, "Hi there, adult male human, here is another adult male human for your perusal."

[abheirrant]

'Perusal' makes it sound as though I am a ware to be purchased, as if I should have my name, skills, and hobbies on display to make myself more marketable.

[His eyes flick back to her.]

That isn't what this gathering is about, is it?

[arcadedragon]

[Generally Genji uses his ninja skills for fighting, but they're also handy when he's coming out of the VR room and nearly walks right into someone who's awkwardly standing in the middle of the hallway. He gracefully twists to the side and avoids him, but the way Carlisle is standing there is just... so strange, as if he may bolt at a moments notice.]

Are you alright?

[abheirrant]

[Having been very engaged in the internal debate going on in his head — yes, there are now more people and some kind of enchanted animals in there, but there is also food and he was very much enjoying the smell of that, and when will he get another chance like this to just have something nice for himself like the aroma of a meal he cannot eat — Carlisle doesn't see someone coming into the hallway, nor does he realize he's acting as a roadblock until he's spoken to. He stiffens as the voice draws him out of his own head, turning to apologize; the sight of just who is speaking to him is what makes him nearly bolt.]

I'm fine, thank you verich!

[Or he'd bolt if his legs would carry him. They decide to lock up from the fear instead at the sight of another humanoid construct. And is that a sword? Who keeps giving the constructed people swords?]

I- I told him I was sorry!

[arcadedragon]

What?

[He tilts his head curiously, having no idea what Carlisle is talking about.]

Told who?

[abheirrant]

To—

[His glowing eyes go up and down the figure before him. Is that slit his eyes? Where does he look to make eye contact?[

To the tall construct in the hat. You- you don't know each other?

[arcadedragon]

[Tall construct in the hat? What like a scarecrow? He's even more confused.]

No? Should I? I'm afraid I have no idea what you are talking about.

Why are you in the middle of the hallway?

[abheirrant]

[Not all constructs know each other GOSH CARLISLE. To his credit, they're both constructs that are humanoid in nature and have swords, so... there are some connections. The other one was wearing clothes, though, whereas this one seems to be naked. Can constructs be naked? Should he be averting his gaze?

Now more determined than ever that the slit in his helmet (?) is definitely his eyes and that he should not look anywhere else for fear of being impolite -- more than he has already been -- Carlisle affixes his gaze on the construct's face and takes a deep breath, trying to will his legs to move.]

I just needed a moment to myself. It- it's loud in there. And there are more people, and I just- I thought you were associated with someone else. My apologies.

[arcadedragon]

[People being terrified of him is nothing new, but in this case he hasn't actually done anything but walk down a hallway so he's not entirely sure what caused this.]

Yes there are people, that is generally how parties work.

[But then not everyone grew up being a party boy like he did, some people don't like that scene. And Genji isn't really sure he does anymore either.]

Want me to grab you some food so you can at least eat out here? It smells good.

[He hasn't tasted any of it, because he's not going to take his visor off, but he's definitely going to steal some at some point and bring it to his room.]

[abheirrant]

Oh, you can smell. That's nice.

[Wait, he shouldn't say that to a construct, no matter how much of a compliment he meant it as. He tries again, his mouth taking off with his nerves.]

Wh- what I meant was no, I don't need anything. I can't eat. I mean, I can, but I don't need to. No on I mean, I do eat, like all people, but can't right now because, um. I would... ruin... my mask if I tried to eat with it. Perfectly understandable reason not to eat. Now. Mister, um. You... construct you.

[NAILED IT]

[arcadedragon]

Genji. My name is Genji.

[And furthermore..]

What is a construct?

[Okay Carlisle, he's a little concerned you're going to panic and pass out right now and if he calls for healing there's no one to respond and he definitely can't do anything about that. What do?]

You could take it to your room and eat there. That is what I am going to do. Are you sure you're alright?

[abheirrant]

I said I'm fine.

[He reaches out to put a hand on the wall. Ah, the good wall -- nice and solid and grounding for his frazzled nerves. It does seem to settle him just a smidge, or at least enough he manages another question.]

You're- are you not a machine?

[arcadedragon]

That does not look fine.

[Maybe the whole not eating thing is catching up to Carlisle and he's going to pass out from hunger?]

No! I am not a machine. Why does everyone -- No.

[abheirrant]

[There's half a second where Carlisle is clearly deciding whether or not to believe him before immediate relief washes over him.]

Oh! Cisth, I thought- I thought you were one of them. I- there's another construct here, and he's definitely a construct, and he also has a sword and a smile and is far more menacing than you— not that you couldn't be menacing if you wanted to be, obviously, but he was most certainly... trying.

[He removes his hand from the wall, rubbing the back of his neck, finally averting his eyes now that he knows that no, this fellow is not a construct, and more importantly, he's not a naked construct.]

Sorry. Sorry about that.