Entry tags:
- ffviii (crau): nida,
- ffviir (ou): aerith gainsborough,
- ffxv (ou): ignis scientia,
- kingdom hearts (ou): leon,
- marvel comics (crau): tommy shepherd,
- marvel comics (ou): lauri-ell,
- oc: jacob miller,
- persona (ou): shinjiro aragaki,
- persona (ou): yusuke kitagawa,
- shades of magic (crau): rhy maresh,
- the dresden files (crau): harry dresden,
- the hollows (crau): ivy tamwood,
- the pentamerone (ou): luna,
- wildstorm comics (ou): cole cash
It's a Watts party! (Just don't tell him)
Who; Aerith + YOU
What; Potluck party
Where; Gray building's downstairs common room
When; Sunday June 26th; after 4pm
Warnings; None
Aerith co-opted the common room of the gray building starting on Saturday when she began the process of decoration. The most important part of any decoration (especially for Watts) was the flowers and Aerith had put together a few center pieces for tables. Each flower that she'd chosen had symbolized friendship in some way and they were set up in the center of small tables that had been brought inside. Of course she wasn't the one that moved those tables, she had a trust bodyguard for things like that, but she did the decorating!
And the cooking! The main attraction was a pretzel bar in the center of the room. Please, thank Cloud for bringing it in and Jacob for making the pretzel rack at Aerith's request. The soft pretzels were premade and there were plenty for everyone who may come through to have several (if not more). In addition to that there were also several dipping sauces to choose from including cheese, caramel, cinnamon sugar, honey mustard, and a spicy ginger sauce with chili flakes (eat at your own risk).
A table next to it had Materia Xiaolongbao. Yellow is crab flavor, black is soybean, blue is pork, green is cilantro, and red is spicy shrimp. Next to those are tiny moogle sweet bean buns. They fit in the palm of your hand but some of the moogles look...a lot better than others. She did her best!
There was another table with a few drinks set up for people to grab including a materia bomb cocktail with a bit of alcohol and different flavored materia ice (peach, strawberry, and blueberry) and bright green bubble tea with pop bubbles in the bottom. The green tea is flavored like something very different than one might expect it to be, it's a bit bit bitter and yet also a bit sharp, almost biting. It's meant to be the flavor of wind, whatever that's supposed to be. The pop bubbles are extremely sour and explode in the mouth with the sourness. The drink is also somehow fizzy, don't ask how.
A third table was empty save for the friendship bouquet at it's center. There was a little handwritten note on the table saying:
Leave your dishes here! Complete with a heart.
Aerith herself can be found wandering around and paying close attention to the drink table, making sure to run back to the kitchen quickly to grab more drinks if they run low.
OOC: Feel free to use this log as an open thing for anyone to mingle and get to know each other. Characters are welcome even if they didn't bring a dish themselves, but the more dishes the better! Anyone is welcome to come even if they didn't know she was throwing this party, it'd be pretty obvious that there was something going on in the Gray Building and she'll be leaving the door open with a small table that has a friendship flower bouquet on it. Please have some fun!
What; Potluck party
Where; Gray building's downstairs common room
When; Sunday June 26th; after 4pm
Warnings; None
Aerith co-opted the common room of the gray building starting on Saturday when she began the process of decoration. The most important part of any decoration (especially for Watts) was the flowers and Aerith had put together a few center pieces for tables. Each flower that she'd chosen had symbolized friendship in some way and they were set up in the center of small tables that had been brought inside. Of course she wasn't the one that moved those tables, she had a trust bodyguard for things like that, but she did the decorating!
And the cooking! The main attraction was a pretzel bar in the center of the room. Please, thank Cloud for bringing it in and Jacob for making the pretzel rack at Aerith's request. The soft pretzels were premade and there were plenty for everyone who may come through to have several (if not more). In addition to that there were also several dipping sauces to choose from including cheese, caramel, cinnamon sugar, honey mustard, and a spicy ginger sauce with chili flakes (eat at your own risk).
A table next to it had Materia Xiaolongbao. Yellow is crab flavor, black is soybean, blue is pork, green is cilantro, and red is spicy shrimp. Next to those are tiny moogle sweet bean buns. They fit in the palm of your hand but some of the moogles look...a lot better than others. She did her best!
There was another table with a few drinks set up for people to grab including a materia bomb cocktail with a bit of alcohol and different flavored materia ice (peach, strawberry, and blueberry) and bright green bubble tea with pop bubbles in the bottom. The green tea is flavored like something very different than one might expect it to be, it's a bit bit bitter and yet also a bit sharp, almost biting. It's meant to be the flavor of wind, whatever that's supposed to be. The pop bubbles are extremely sour and explode in the mouth with the sourness. The drink is also somehow fizzy, don't ask how.
A third table was empty save for the friendship bouquet at it's center. There was a little handwritten note on the table saying:
Leave your dishes here! Complete with a heart.
Aerith herself can be found wandering around and paying close attention to the drink table, making sure to run back to the kitchen quickly to grab more drinks if they run low.
OOC: Feel free to use this log as an open thing for anyone to mingle and get to know each other. Characters are welcome even if they didn't bring a dish themselves, but the more dishes the better! Anyone is welcome to come even if they didn't know she was throwing this party, it'd be pretty obvious that there was something going on in the Gray Building and she'll be leaving the door open with a small table that has a friendship flower bouquet on it. Please have some fun!
no subject
"Wow, you're really talented," she said as she watched him flip through. She pointed at the lobsters with a smile. "I like these and the aquatic life! They're kinda cute in a weird way. Are the portraits of friends?" It seemed sweet that he sketched them like this. She gave him a gentle smile and nodded. "It does. I'm very happy I got to meet them and spend the time I did with them."
It might have been a small amount of time, but she was happy she'd even gotten that from them. "It was quite a discovery." Too bad ShinRa had come in and ruined it with their artificial creations. It made things easier for people, but she couldn't help but feel strangely sad about what her people's knowledge had been turned into. "There's blue that's for support materia, things that can enhance the effects of other materia. Red is summon, which lets you bring to life creatures that can fight with you for a short time, and yellow is for command materia that can do things like assess weaknesses." While she could theoretically take the credit for the dumplings, it didn't really seem right. "I don't really know who originally came up with it back home, but they're pretty popular there!"
"Nope, no crushing to worry about. To be honest, I never really had any big hopes for any sort of endeavors." She kept the pouting frown on as he asked his question and then shook her head. "Nope. Definitely not in a positive context. They kept following it up with ways they could fix my appearance." It'd been something of a self-esteem downer, made even worse by how horrible that dress had been to move in. "You think I'm beautiful? Aww," she smiled. If it was weird it didn't come off that way to her. She liked the compliments, especially the part about her energy being kind and welcoming. "Thank you."
no subject
“Thank you. I have been working on my skills for a long time!” He responded in a pleased tone, even if he knew of late his work was… less than perfect. It was hard to not preen under compliments, especially concerning his favourite subjects of his art. “I have recently discovered that they are a delight to draw after happened across someone selling them at the beach. Never have I seen such magnificent and fascinating creatures as lobsters!” He responded bright and sincere, hands reaching out to tap some jellyfish amid other fish. “And a friend took me to the aquarium recently… It was a nice change of pace from drawing people. There is something particularly beautiful and otherworldly about sea creatures. The colours always complement each other in such stunning ways, entirely naturally in my opinion.”
His eyes came to rest on the portraits of his friends and a soft smile crossed Yusuke’s face as he nodded. “They are. I find it rather difficult to not sketch them when we’re all together. Sometimes their conversations are so animated, or the focus they exhibit when working on something…? I find myself wishing to capture the moments, as I’ve never experienced the like before.” He added softly, wanting to commit these things to memory, times to cherish among the group that he had come to appreciate so much.
“It would be, I’m sure! It’s interesting to think of how many different ways magic and abilities are carried or used.” The systems for such things seemed so varied, he realized after coming here. Persona, skill cards, enchanted items and accessories? They were just the tip of the iceberg when you factored in multiple realities. The teen sometimes wondered what such things looked like, fingers itching at the idea. Intrigued by the chance to capture something magical and beautiful in his work, in a way different than he already knew. He smiled though, finishing another after he popped it in his mouth. “Well, regardless of who came up with the clever idea, they are delicious and rather nice to look at as you’ve displayed them.”
His shoulders relaxed at the confirmation. Yusuke was more than relieved that he hadn’t somehow ruined something for someone. That would be terrible, given he knew how hard it was to bounce back from such things. But he frowned at the idea that people were simply insulting the woman. He could see himself requesting her to model as a subject for a painting one day! “Of course, it is a fact I feel should be stated if it has not been already.” He responded, with a serious nod. “Why, I would ask you to sit for a painting one day should the chance arise.”
no subject
"Your work has paid off! Your effort definitely shows." That wasn't even an empty compliment either, he really did have some impressive skills. There was obviously still some improvements to be had, but that didn't take away from the obvious skill. "I think art is almost always better when it's a subject you're passionate about. I guess that's why these stood out to me then, huh?" She chuckled at his explanation of the lobsters. "An aquarium with creatures like these?" A part of her was a tiny bit jealous he'd gotten to see things like these up close and personal. "It's hard to imagine what they'd be like up close. I'd love to see more things like this." The world really was vast compared to the small bit she'd known back home. There was something both terrifying and beautiful about the thought.
"That's actually kinda really sweet of you," she said with a soft smile of her own. "It's important to make the most of every moment you have with the people you care about. So many people don't realize how precious ever moment is. Sounds like you have great understanding of that." And...that made her really happy to hear. Too few people understood that.
"Magic is definitely a varied thing, especially here. Back home it was pretty much limited to materia, but there were a few exceptions." Like herself, but she wasn't sure about elaborating on that. "Thank you! I'm glad I managed to at least make something edible and pleasant looking." She couldn't help but wonder if her mom would be proud of her having made something like this.
She shook her head and gave him a tiny little smile. "I'm not really sure if I'm painting material, but thank you."
no subject
The teen practically preened under the genuine compliments, considering how he’d been feeling concerning his art and his slump after a poor showing? It certainly felt nice to hear someone tell him such things outside the phantom thieves. Even if he was sure Aerith was kind to begin with, it carried a little weight that this was her opinion for seeing his work for the first time! “Thank you, your words truly mean much to hear! And you are right, I always feel my pencil or brush moves easier when the subject is something I’m keenly interested and inspired by.” He beamed, because lobsters certainly fell into that category. “Indeed, I did! Aquariums are such interesting places, stimulating and yet very calming to spend time in, I find.” He was sorry to hear she might not have had the opportunity before now. “I did note that such a thing doesn’t seem to be present here… Though I expect that makes sense, given the world’s overall aesthetic.” Old-timey, definitely pre-aquariums.
A soft expression crossed his face, “I suppose that I do have a decent understanding of that… Even now, I find myself glad that I took the time. It’s nice to call back to the better memories and see them in what way I can since arriving here.” He added with a small nod. Not being able to pull up the random pictures they’d captured of each other was a shame, but he had his art… So that mattered a lot. And there was hope, after all. He wasn’t alone in this world now!
Undoubtedly, the collection of art would grow, and certainly include people who might not yet be featured.
“Makes one wonder what new kinds of magic we might learn about while here, doesn’t it?” He mused lightly, already noting this materia thing for reference later, if only to ask about further and wonder what it might look like in use compared to the abilities of a persona. But he nodded at her thanks, “Of course! I certainly intend to have a few more, I think.” Because slightly gummy or not, the filling was delicious. And Yusuke was always one to enjoy things with such a pleasant-looking presentation.
“Oh? I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t believe it to be so.” He responded with a thoughtful tilt of his head, somewhat confused. Still, if people were suggesting she was only ‘homely’ in a negative context, perhaps she lacked the confidence! “But you’re welcome, all the same. I would be happy to prove that you are should you ever desire it.”
no subject
It was kind of cute how much he seemed to be perked up by the compliments. "I can tell. There's definitely a difference there, not everything isn't good in it's own way." Even the things he might have been less passionate about were pretty good. There just seemed to be a bit more...personality in the things he clearly had a passion for. "I'm jealous." She wanted to go to an aquarium. "Maybe it makes sense, but this place doesn't really make sense. So there should be one." The most logical statement that anyone could make about this place.
She matched his expression with a soft smile of her own with a bit of sadness in her eyes. "I'm glad you have that here." It seemed like a nice thing to hold onto while in this place and it also seemed like something he could continue to add to. New friends and perhaps new memories would get added to his sketchbook.
"Mm, it seems like they have their own. Or at least they did if that Academy is anything to go by." But she hadn't really thought too much about it truth be told. "Have as many as you want! I think I may have made a bit too much of everything." She had no idea how many people to expect and she'd wanted everyone to have something.
"Prove it, hm? That sounds tempting."
no subject
“Thank you for saying so, though if I present you with a piece that you have some critiques on, please do express them. I can always use advice to better my abilities!”… Even if it hurt… And might make him somewhat despondent and feel like a failure depending on what was said. It could turn out rather dramatically, actually, as much as he recognized that critique was important for bettering one’s self.
Listening to her logic concerning why this could have an aquarium he, Yusuke had to admit she actually made a terribly good point. “You know, that’s honestly decent logic behind the potential for anything to appear here… Though, perhaps it means there is a chance for such a thing? That would be quite delightful if so. I would certainly be happy to show you if it ever did appear.” The teen added with a hopeful tone, it didn’t hurt to put it out into the universe… right?
“True enough, though I have yet to visit this academy. It is a rather intriguing idea.” But Yusuke felt like there were a great many things he needed to work out in this place first, before exploring something like that. Weaponry, seeing how his abilities worked in this world, seeing to promises made already. His eyes lit up at the offer to have as many as he wanted. “You have my thanks! I shall certainly enjoy my fill of them and try some of the other delightful additions, I think.”
Yusuke grinned with a pleased hum. “Then you should certainly consider it! Allow me the opportunity to prove that I’m correct, and prove those who might suggest otherwise wrong!”
no subject
"Don't worry, I wouldn't lie just to placate someone," she said with a grin. She'd probably never be directly mean, but she'd at least be honest enough.
"I hope there's a chance!" Now she was actually vaguely excited. There'd always been a lot of things that Aerith wanted to see in the world, but that was at the top of her list now. "Aw, it's a future date then! Lets keep our fingers crossed that one shows up." She wasn't entirely sure if one would, but stranger things had happened. Maybe they could will it into being. Probably not, but she was hopeful and excited now.
"If you do, let me know if you discover anything. I'd be curious to know where their magic actually comes form here." It still confused her on if it was just natural or something to do with that voidcryst thing. "Try a bit of everything, that's part of the fun of something like this!"
She tilted her head curiously. "Alright. I'll give you the chance to prove it." Though she wasn't entirely sure what that'd entail.
no subject
He smiled at her reassurance that she wouldn’t just try to placate him. “I will look forward to hearing your honest opinions, then!”
Yusuke rather hoped there was a chance too. There was something so relaxing about wandering around aquariums with a friend, admiring the strange and beautiful wonders of the sea! “It would be a lovely addition to be enjoyed. I promise to show you the magnificence of the ocean should the opportunity arise!” And it was hard to not wonder what kind of creatures might exist in a world like this that might end up in an aquarium should one ever make an appearance. That would certainly be a wonder to keep his mind busy for quite some time.
“The sharing of knowledge in a situation like this is quite important, after all. I would be sure to share anything I learn with you and others who might find it useful.” He reassured the woman with a nod as he began filling his plate again, certainly taking quite the variety for him to try. Yusuke always seemed to realize just how hungry he was once he started eating, and so he’d probably be enjoying the selection for a while.
Wait- she would?? Yusuke paused noticeably, the food hanging loosely in a hand. “You will? Oh, wonderful! I promise to make a valiant effort to prove it to you, and to make it worth your time!” Oh, this was terribly exciting, to have another person willing to sit for him already!
no subject
She gave him a little thumbs up and a wink.
"Maybe we can summon one if we think about it enough. We're the ones that are supposed to be rebuilding the place, right?" So she'd heard at least. Somehow she doubted it worked quite that way, but she really wanted one. It was kind of a silly thought but maybe it'd work? Maybe. There was so much out there she wanted to see and since coming here she'd finally almost felt brave enough to do it. Back home the unknown had seem so...much. She'd been so nervous about entering into it and not knowing what they might expect. Here though, almost everything was new and she'd slowly come around to thinking that it was just exciting. Sure, there were scary moments here and there, but it was exciting too. She was really building up her hopes here.
"That's very true! That's kinda what this all was about, building a sense of community." Or at least trying to. She was pretty happy to see that it'd gone well so far. "Yeah, I don't see why not. It sounds like it could be a bit fun even." She really had no idea what she was even agreeing to in all honesty.
no subject
Yusuke paused as he’d been about to take another bite, considering the idea that perhaps an aquarium could be willed into existence… It genuinely didn’t seem the far-fetched to the teen considering some of the things he’d seen in his life. “Perhaps? There must be some catalyst in how this world develops new places and locations. Maybe it is as simple as the collective will of those who reside here?” Stranger things had happened, certainly, but he did hope that he had the chance to show his new friend something like it one day. It seemed an utter tragedy that she might not get to if she found his drawings as charming as she suggested. Then again, that also made him wonder how the less pleasant aspects might be continuing to appear. So… it was probably more complicated than that. “We’ll have to put much thought into it, just to be on the safe side.” He added with a pleased smile, they could at least hope!
“It certainly has seemed to have brought quite the crowd together. It’s good of you to have arranged such a nice gathering with that thought in mind.” He responded with a small smile. Still, Yusuke’s mind was already abuzz with ideas for painting again. To have another willing model so soon was an exciting thing he hadn’t anticipated! Perhaps something with flowers involved… yes, that might be lovely. “Thank you! I shall have to arrange for a time when your schedule allows, of course. Sittings do take a while, but I will make sure that you at least have a chance to enjoy it.” Breaks would be important, given she probably wasn’t used to sitting in one position for long periods of time, and to make sure she found a comfortable seat to at least relax while he worked.
no subject
"I'm sure someone else would have thought about it eventually," she said with a shrug. There was a hint of pride in her smile though, really she was kinda happy to have someone notice her hard work. "I can be free whenever, I own my own shop so my hours are mine to make." Nice part of being the one who owned the shop: she set the hours. Though...now that he was talking she was starting to think she may not have fully realized what she was agreeing to.
no subject
“Perhaps, but you have thought of it sooner and it’s been a delightful way to get to know some people I have not had the opportunity to meet and learn from.” And lots of delicious food to try to eat without the need to worry about paying for it, of course, which was also a great benefit to him when spending time away from his residence. “I see… Then I will be in touch to arrange for our first session a few days ahead of time to ensure you have time to decide your schedule for the day!” No take backs, Aerith! Yusuke was too caught up in the idea now. He would be terribly sad for her to back out!
no subject
"Hmm, maybe it will make a good test..." and that she actually meant. It was something they seemed to both have some sort of interest in too, so it wouldn't even be that hard.
"Thank you!" She did really appreciate him saying that. "Honestly, I was pretty worried nobody would show up." That would have been so completely embarrassing, but it'd been a big fear. It seemed like some people preferred to keep almost completely to themselves here and she was surprised to see that even a few of those people showed up. "I can't wait to hear from you then," she said in the most enthusiastic voice she could muster. She didn't want to take it back, but she was definitely a bit...surprised that was what he wanted.
no subject
Perhaps the right influences, the right thoughts and wishes might be more helpful than they thought to helping it along for the better. So he smiled his agreement. “It shall be, I think. The proof of it working should be easy enough to spot as well, considering the space and location such a place would require.” And if the test failed, well, they simply would never see an aquarium. But that was a sad thought, and positive thinking to put the idea out there into the world seemed as important. After all… He’d seen stranger things happen!
“It would seem those worries were unfounded, though I can understand how that might be a concern. Hard to have a potluck without guests… Though I think that in itself would inspire more to gather and contribute.” He added with a smile. Even he had pulled himself away from his projects to attend and enjoy the delicious treats there were to be found.
The longer she got to know Yusuke, the less surprising she’d find him and his ideas, perhaps. “Wonderful! I’ll need a little time to gather supplies, but I’ll certainly reach out to you soon.”
no subject
So, ultimately she just nodded at his comments and smiled. "We've gotten some nicer things lately too, so maybe we're doing a good job. And if we're doing a good job...we deserve the aquarium." Logic at it's finest.
"Exactly, a potluck without guests would have just been sad. And maybe a bit embarrassing. But luckily it's all worked out!" Better yet it'd worked out in a way where it actually seemed like people were having a decent time. That made her extremely glad she'd managed to pull it off. "I'm glad my first event like this went well."
She gave him a smile and an awkward chuckle. "If you need help with supplies let me know."
no subject
Maybe that was a bit much for wishful thinking, but it was hard to not want something so familiar here. Especially if it was something that others might not have had the chance to enjoy! The aquarium, planetarium and museum were all such wonderful places to visit. At least he could actually look up in this place and see the stars far more easily than one could in Tokyo… But an aquarium was less easy to find alternatives for!
“I believe your first event went more than well, it’s been quite enjoyable! And I can see that it’s a feeling shared, by the expressions and chatter I’ve observed since arriving.” Yusuke was terribly observant after all, taking in expressions and trying to guess things about the people he watched as he tried to understand the world around him better.
At the question of supplies, he shook his head. “I’m sure I will be able to handle the supplies, I’ve managed to secure quite a few things since I arrived to add on to those that I arrived with. It shouldn’t be too hard to gather the rest, there’s a rather nice shop in the market where I’ve found excellent pigments and such.” And he would blow through his budget, as per usual. But his art was his life, really, and it was hard for him to deny himself the supplies he needed to continue to practice and work on his skills. Aerith was already doing enough, in his opinion, to just be volunteering to be his model. Not to mention that she was going to be giving him a space to display completed work! “I’ll be in touch in plenty of time for you to decide if you have the time on a day for our meeting or not.”
no subject
"Aw, thank you. That's nice of you to say," she said with a wide grin. That was quite the compliment for her to get when she'd been relatively nervous that nobody at all would show up. The idea had actually been really embarrassing to think about. "Everyone does seem really chatty! I'm glad that people brought things and actually stayed around to talk to each other."
She nodded in confirmation. "If you say so. I'm glad you've been able to find things along the way here. I'm sure I'll be ready whenever you get in touch. I hope you enjoy the rest of the little party though!"
no subject