maskormenacelogs | Birthdays all over the place this month

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Birthdays all over the place this month

WHO:OPEN
WHERE:Starting in Heropa, but anywhere you can reach by Porter is game.
WHEN:~July 3
WHAT:Trying to surf, failing at flirting, probably serving you the wrong things at the chicken joint. Anyone who knows Ryūji/ runs into him on the street and says hi/ wants to crash is invited. Or surprise me with something else and I’ll roll with it.
WARNINGS:Mild cursing, xxx hot sauce, underage drinking, accidental transformation?, will update as needed. + someone brought a sea monster

Lunch: [Ryūji has had a lot of birthdays in his lifetime. He can’t remember the earliest ones, but ever since around primary school it’s always been a great excuse to have some fun. Even better, school is out for the summer here. His whole day is free, just as soon as he finishes his shift at work.

He greets everyone who walks in to Rocky Rooster’s House o’ Wingz with an easy going grin. The shiny plastic crown on his head identifies him as “Coq du Walk” today, which is probably even weirder than the usual paper hat the rest of the staff seems to be wearing. His name tag more clearly identifies him as Rudeji.]

Yo. How many?

Beach!: [Don’t ask where the big stereo came from, (he’s just borrowing it, ok?) But anyone who is wandering up the beach today might just stumble across what is clearly a party. There’s plenty of chicken wings to go around. Vegetarians will find some celery and a few dipping sauces, that’s good, right? To drink, there’s an ice cooler. It has a soda in it occasionally, but he’s not really keeping track of whether it’s stocked or not. But hey, there’s always the guy selling shaved ice up the way, right?

Anyone who’s looking will find a bottle of sun lotion (just one to go around, oops.) There’s no towels or umbrellas unless you bring your own, but there’s a surf and skate rental right beside the stack of chicken wing boxes.

Whether you’ve stopped to disapprove or join in the fun, you’ll be greeted with a wave by a kid in board shorts with a Jolly Roger painted on the thigh.]

Hey, you made it! You can just throw the gifts wherever. The sea is calling, right?

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[ Yusuke rolls up in his standard beach attire - way too much clothes. At least the hoodie he's chosen is just thin enough to protect him from sunburn. Very important. ]

Happy birthday, Ryuji.

[ After all the drama at the protests yesterday, what Yusuke would really rather so is sulk, but he's making an effort for his friend that mostly consists of eating baby carrots and dressing. He's not a vegetarian, but wings are messy. ]

Unfortunately, I spent all my money on picture frames. I have no gift. But I would be glad to go swimming with you.

You spent- what? How many pictures are you framing?

[Gifts aside, that seems like a terrible idea to Ryūji. He’s a little dumbfounded, honestly. How much do picture frames friggin cost? Do they even need to be framed? Doesn’t Yūsuke have a life or something? There are so many questions he wants to ask.

Instead, he leaves it at the first two for now and shoves his hands in his pockets, staring in mild disbelief. It’s not like he didn’t know Yūsuke was weird, but it always seems to get worse.]

Uh. You can paint me something later, I guess.

[Or not. It’s just something to say while he tries to get his thoughts back together again. Right. Time to party! Who cares about art stuff? Ryūji grins at Yūsuke, happy that his weird friend showed up at least. Even if he’s clearly never been to the beach before. No better time to get started than now.]

Don’t waste your money on a frame, alright? C’mon, the water is great!

[ nice ones cost a lot, Ryuji, and yes, they absolutely need to be framed! Honestly, Ryuji, you don't know anything. ]

I did one of you. I suppose you could have it, if you like. You're not popular enough for it to sell. [ Two can play at this rude boy game! ] To the water then.

Wait, is it me or is it Skull?

[Important distinction, see. Of course a Ryūji Sakamoto won’t sell, because of the stupid secret identity stuff. But if other people can sell merch and he isn’t, what’s he doing wrong here? Dang.]

It's you. I'd be giving myself away.

[ Nope, his series of Phantom Thief portraits are all in their civilian wear. Sorry! ]

No way, you could just be a fan! You could be my first, dude. Let’s talk about it at movie night. You’re definitely coming, right?

[This is still salvageable. Totally.]

[What Ryuji and co might not have expected, having a lovely beach party in the middle of summer, is the sudden rumbling roar coming from the ocean nearby. There are shouts and yelps of unease all along the beach at the sudden disturbance, but no danger seems to come...]

[The origin of the roaring isn't hard to notice, though. In the waters between the shallows and deep ocean proper, an enormous serpent like a Chinese dragon is happily sunning himself in the waves, blue scales glistening in the midday sun.]

[Blue strolls up the party, a 6pack of cider in each hand, and rolls his eyes at all the dramatic screaming.] Sheesh. These people need to get over it already, he's just a Pokémon! Anyhow, hey. I'm Blue! I heard there's a party!

What the hell?

[It’s not that Ryūji isn’t happy to meet someone new. It’s just that the dude brought some kind of sea monster with him. He blinks, trying to adjust his eyes. Yeah, ok. No dice. That thing is really there. Ryūji throws an arm out in an emphatic gesture.]

What the hell?

[Give him a minute, new guy. His brain is rebooting. It’s almost a visible process, because most of the things he’s thinking tend to show up on his face. After a little more staring, Ryūji pumps an excited fist in the air and spins back around to face the dude.]

You brought a sea monster? For real? No effin’ way!

Um, yeah? Anyway, you're 18 now, right? Here. [Blue sets one of the 6packs down in the sand and pulls one out to hand off to Ryuji. Drinking ages are just a suggestion, right?] My contribution to the festivities, heheh! Enjoy, I kept 'em nice and cool on the way over! [A dragon that could ice its fangs over was pretty convenient.]

[He turns back to check on Gyarados, lazing in the water now deserted by most swimmers, and nods.]

...You never seen him before? We hang out here at the beach now and then... The ocean's his natural habitat, after all.

He's called Gyarados. [Glancing back to Ryuji, Blue looks him up and down, as if sizing him up.] Hmm...

Guess I don’t come here enough.

[Ryūji accepts the drink almost numbly. It’s huge. Is that the normal size for them? Wow. It’s gotta be around 500ml. Then again, it must not be very strong, right? People can’t just get drunk off of one of them, can they?

Ah, what the hell. He’s actually 17 today, but this isn’t even his own world. It probably doesn’t matter. He opens it and gives it a quick sniff. Well. Doesn’t smell like Italian wine, and it doesn’t smell like the stuff his dad used to drink. It’s probably ok.

He hesitates, staring at Gyarados with open interest. Hopefully it doesn’t spit fire or anything. That would suck.]

Hey, you won’t let me do anything stupid, right?

[Ok, so it’s technically putting a stranger in charge of his safety. A stranger named Blue, who brought a sea monster to a birthday party. But it’s not really bodily harm that concerns Ryūji. He just wants someone to step in and stop him if he even thinks about getting violent. It’s important enough that he locks eyes with this Blue guy. No, really.]

Have Hiro up there knock me down if I need a time out, right?

Huh?

[Blue stares at him for a long moment, cracking open his own beer and gulping down. His eyes slide between Gyarados and Ryuji, assuming he's talking about riding the serpentine Pokémon. He grins, gesturing towards him.] Heh! I guess I can't let you get eaten if you make him mad, so yeah. I'll show you how to ride him properly.

Can't help you if you try to do somethin' like jump off, though, hahaha!

[That’s close enough. Ryūji takes a chug, but his face spits as soon as he does and he spits the drink back out into the sand. For a second it forms a rainbow in the mist, which is probably as attractive as spitcan possible look, but people around them still throw dirty looks their way as Ryūji sputters and gags.

Ok, that’s probably not as subtle as the guy who brings alcohol to underage kids might’ve hoped he’d be, but it tastes awful! The sweet apple scent doesn’t mean it tastes like juice, there’s a sort of paint thinner taste to it as well. Yuck!]

Aw, gross! Is this stuff spoiled?

It's alcohol. [Blue replies, as if that should be an obvious answer. He walks over, and grabs the bottle anyway to check with a swig of his own. Swish, gulp.] Seems fine to me!

--Jeez, have you never had a drink before? I guess I shouldn't be surprised if you guys are all goody-twoshoes, heh heh! It's okay, the taste'll grow on you.

[Poor kid, people around them must be thinking.] Well, it's probably better if you're sober when you ride Gyarados anyway. Hey, c'mere, Gyarados! [He calls to the dragon far-off from shore, who glances over and starts slithering closer, much to the chagrin of nearby swimmers.]

[It should probably be insulting, but Ryūji is so used to being labeled as a troublemaker that being called a goody two shoes is hilarious instead. Frankly he thinks he’s done more good than wrong lately anyway. Maybe the two shoes kinda fit.

Besides, as the dragon winds it’s way closer to them around all of the terrified swimmers, that Blue guy makes a comment about riding it. Ryūji gawks up at it, dumbfounded.]

I’ve tried it... did you say ride? For real?

Huh? ...Yeah, why?

[Blue, who has been here for a year and yet still somehow manages to be surprised by people who aren't used to giant magical animals running around, gives Ryuji a raised eyebrow as Gyarados comes to a slowing rest overhead of them. When he breathes on them (out of water somehow, look, don't ask how), it smells like fish and seawater. Ewww.]

[Blue seems unbothered by it though; when Gyarados lowers his head- which is gaping open full of razor sharp teeth, by the way- he just raises a hand to pat over Gyarados's scales.] Heh heh, you gotta hold on tight, but I'll show ya! Or are you too much of a wuss? Don't worry, even plenty of people back home are nervous around a Gyarados! [You know, because they've been known to destroy cities. But he's really very nice!]

[Gyarados examines Ryuji with his huge, scary-looking eyes, and rumbles what is probably a hello.]

[ Back home it seemed as if the Phantom Thieves never had time to stop and celebrate other significant events, like their own birthdays, so there's no way Haru is missing another bonding opportunity. Donning a one piece and towel in one hand, with her other as she approaches Ryuji she holds out a small, potted plant. ]

[ When she isn't mingling with the birthday boy, she's off in search of the sun lotion. Why is there only one to go around anyway? ]

[A gift! Nice! Ryūji’s smile lights up, even though he’s never owned a house plant in his life. He’ll have to ask Akira what they eat, that guy used to have a huge plant back home. This one’s pretty scrawny, but it looks green and healthy and happy. It’ll definitely grow into a big... well, whatever it is.]

That’s for me? Hey, thanks! We could use some shade around here, right?

[He starts to reach for it, then stops, the flash of an awkward memory stopping him in his tracks. Instead, he cups his hands in front of him and holds them out for Haru to place the plant into. Better to let her be the one to reach for him, right?

With that problem out of the way, they can move on to hanging out.]

Yes! Um...

[ Once he's gotten closer, Haru suddenly feels anxious given their last face-to-face. She hadn't been quite herself, but it had felt so right at the time. Even now, there's a part of her that wants to go back to that forest and get swept away in the musical waves.

She snaps out of it, nodding quickly. ]

It's a basil plant! I did not know what to get you originally, but I was growing some pots of these and they are quite beneficial if you add them to your recipes.

[ Oh, he asked a question. ]

... yes, it is pretty hot. Should we find a place to sit?

If I what?

[Oh, man. He probably shouldn’t admit to her that he’s mostly eating leftover chicken wings from work and stuff from the vending machines by the bus stop. Ryūji takes the plant that is apparently also food and sets it aside. It can chill beside the drinks, right? Anyway!]

Sure! There’s...

[Like no shade. Oops. Hmm.]

I mean, you want some ice cream? My treat.

[She did bring him some lettuce or whatever. It’s only fair.]

[ He should confess so she can start helping him with meal prep! ]

Yes, ice cream sounds perfect for this weather!

[ BASIL, YOU FOOL. ]

[Ryūji holds out an arm to escort her, but almost thinks better of it. She might not like it. Well... not like she has to accept, right? It’s a lot lamer to pull his arm back away from her.

He distracts himself by looking around. There’s always ice cream near the beach, right? They’ll find some.]

I think it’s up there somewhere. We can bring some water for the... grass, too.

[That’s definitely not what it is. Oh, well. She’ll get the idea.]

[ Unsurprisingly, there's an initial moment of hesitation from Haru as she glances at Ryuji's arm. Her heart pounds nervously thinking back to the concert, though she considers the effects of the music and what it had done to her as well.

She takes a breath and then smiles at him, looping her arm around his. ]

Let's go! [ Oh, and... ] Erm, basil! It isn't grass...

Yeah? But it’s close, right? It still drinks water with its roots and stuff?

[Don’t worry Haru, he knows how this stuff works. Kind of. But his grin when she accepts his arm is genuine. He leans in a little to bump his shoulder to hers gently before they start walking, riding a rush of warmth and appreciation.

It’s not like he never had friends at home, but... it’s been a while since any of them wanted to be seen with him in public. It feels really good.]

Alright! What flavor do you want? I’m getting something with marshmallows in it!

[ Naturally she giggles, relieved that they can hang out together without allowing the awkwardness of the concert get between them. Ryuji can be a bit much sometimes, but she knows he has a good heart. After all, he is a Phantom Thief. ]

Is there a toffee flavored one?

Not a clue. Let’s find out.

[He hasn’t had American ice cream yet, but it’s probably HUGE. They’re totally in for a treat.

He leads the way cheerfully, even though he’s only guessing where they’re going. It works out, though. Within a couple of blocks they’re standing in front of an ice cream kiosk. Bingo! Ryūji gets a little excited and probably drags Haru a bit the last few feet. Oops.]

There! Yuck, coffee. Akira’s missing out, right?

Uh!

[ Don't worry, she manages to balance herself well. She has to grab onto her sunhat so it doesn't fall off, though. ]

Do you not like coffee at all, Ryuji-kun? Akira-kun brews such delicious cups.

[ Jaime had heard about Ryuji's birthday party through Yusuke and, despite their somewhat rocky start, any friend of Yusuke's is a friend of his. That means he does what any good guest should: he shows up, and he shows up with a gift.

It's nothing special, nor is it anything too expensive; he's got too many plans for his funds to swing something like that. He strides up to Ryuji, wearing a pair of swimming trunks and an oversized t-shirt, and hands it over. ]

Here. Happy birthday, dude.

[ ...it's a DVD set of Sharknado. ]

Hey!

[Shit, what’s Yūsuke’s uptight roommate named? Ah, whatever. Someone will say it later and he’ll figure it out. Anyway, he really is happy to see the dude. Plus, bringing a gift was pretty cool.

Ryūji doesn’t ask first, just opens it up to peek right away. A movie set? About sharks? Hey, that’s a pretty funny gift to give a guy at a birthday beach party. Ryūji grins.]

Thanks, man. You guys should come watch it later.

[For a guy who’s so unpopular, Ryūji is pretty friendly. Go figure.]

If you can convince Yusuke it's worth his time, I'll be there. He's more into arthouse flicks and documentaries than this stuff, but I'm betting you can change his mind for at least a little while, [ he says, arching a brow with a quiet curve of his lip. ]

How old are you now, again?

[ What, seventeen? Sixteen? God. He's gotta make some friends who aren't supposed to be in high school. ]

[Do they need a buffer or something? That’s weird. But it’s doable. He’ll just have to annoy Yūsuke until he says yes or something. Ryūji offers a thumbs up in response. He’s on it.]

He’s gotta try new stuff anyway, right? That’s how art happens. I think.

[The age question is easy, but kinda embarrassing. It hasn’t escaped Ryūji’s notice that he’s suddenly younger than all of his friends. Well, technically they’re all just older and he’s stayed the same age. It’s awkward though. This guy is probably older, too. Ryūji sighs a little, but what’re they gonna do? That’s just how it is.]

Same age as Yūsuke. You wanna swim or surf?

[Maybe it’s still true. He hasn’t actually asked that guy, so it’s not a lie, at least. No need to get carried away, right? It’s fine.]

The same age as Yusuke when he arrived, maybe. A long time's passed since then.

[ Only a year, really, but it feels like longer. Without him realizing it, Yusuke became an integral part of Jaime's life, slipping right into it as though he'd belonged there the whole time. It's nice, having something - someone - like that to rely on.

Glancing over at the ocean, he tilts his head. ]

You know what? I've lived here for years, but I've never tried surfing before. Have you?

[He can’t argue with that. It’s probably true. Ryūji doesn’t have the words to express how frustrating it is to wake up one day in a new place and realize you’ve been left behind so completely you’re not even sure how you fit into the group you’re supposed to be an integral part of anymore, so he settles for huffing a soft sigh.

The swell of frustration breaks over the suggestion of surfing, though. Ryūji happily latches on to this new, better thought. No one has agreed to surf with him yet. His eyes light up at the promise of new adventures.]

Nope, I’m a Tōkyō boy. Whaddaya say, we gotta try it right?

Just don't judge me when I wipe out! That's what it's called, right? Wiping out?

[ Jaime shrugs, shaking his head with a quiet laugh. ]

In my defense, before living here, I lived in Texas. I'm pretty sure you guys have more access to beaches than I did for half my life. C'mon, let's go... rent a couple, see how this whole thing's done.

No way, you’re from Texas?

[Hey, he’s actually heard of Texas. It’s really famous. Though aside from being in America, he couldn’t say why now that he’s thinking about it. Huh.

Anyway, they’re both about to wipe out a few dozen times for sure. He can’t wait. Ryūji whoops cheerfully and takes off towards the board rentals. He leaps right over someone’s cooler and gets a dirty look for kicking up sand into their pasta salad, but he doesn’t notice at all.]

C’mon man, it’s this way!

El Paso, born and raised.

[ Never mind that Ryuji probably has no clue where that is. Or, at least, Jaime doesn't think so, on account of the fact that the only cities in Japan that Jaime can name are either Tokyo or the various cities his friends are from.

He follows Ryuji along to find a rental and winds up with a black surfboard with flames drawn over it with a little chuckle (okay, maybe it's more of a giggle). ]

This seems a little paradoxical. Think it'll make me go faster?

[Akira isn't even somewhat surprised to see his best friend like this. Shiny plastic crown and all.

Though it is a little hard to see Ryuji at first, since Akira is fighting his way through the door and the restaurant with his gift box. It's enormous. Just a ridiculous size. The fact that Akira is carrying it at all is a testament to his conviction, but as soon as he gets near enough he's just gonna set it right on the ground next to Ryuji.]

Hey there, Birthday Prince.

[He's grinning right back as he takes a seat, just as casually as ever.]

Mmmh, gimme about ten to start, we'll see where we go from there.

What the hell is that?

[Cursing is just the way Ryūji expresses surprise, though. He doesn’t seem upset at all as he eyes the absurd gift. Instead he grins even brighter.]

It’s for me, right? Oh man. What did you do?

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Birthdays all over the place this month

beach!

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Beeeach sorry I don't know how to write a short TL

welcome to the party

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ever see autocorrect/typo too late to fix it

always

( beach )

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beach!

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shows up a month late w/ a big ass box for LUNCH

good thing it wasn’t sbux Ryūji hates coffee