post palace takeout! [week 5]

[beathollow]

( at some point a bedraggled lot in yukatas manage to make their way to the dorm, shower and patch themselves up. and then mafuyu makes a very earnest request that they all go out for dinner, and, well, apparently many struggle to refuse her.

this is how they find themselves in something akin to a denny's or an ihop at like, midnight.




as one does. )

Comments

[cirquedesang]

[Admittedly, midnight(ish) is still pretty early for him, even with "being able to be awake in the daytime" adjustments, but it's not every day one goes through All That, so even he's dressed comfortably, hair still a little damp and pushed back out of his face, makeup reduced to the slightly-smudgy remnants of eyeliner under his eyes.

And for once, the indifference of the locals is a benefit, as just ordering an empty glass only gets a raised eyebrow and an eyeroll about some people at worst. He does at least have the decency to fill it once any staff's backs are turned, though, from a couple packets brought from the dorm fridge. Totally just a protein shake, yep, don't mind him, he's here to be with friends not to eat 24-hour chain diner trash (affectionate). Or something like that. The energy here is fully straddling the line between pretentious jock and wine aunt sneaking a flask to family dinner.

And if no one else intercepts (intentionally or otherwise), he'll absolutely try to be sneaky about just picking up the check. Surprise! It's the least he can do since everyone else around the table will be feeding him on The Vibes.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Well, Argenti is taking a look on over at the other man, granting him a curious look at that. ]

You are not looking to order anything?

[ He supposes the man did mention something about being a vampire so it makes sense. Though, he doesn't really know much about vampires.

In fact, he barely knows about them at all. ]

[cirquedesang]

[A blink.

A stare.

Huh. He really doesn't know much about vampires. That's... really interesting, considering that Argenti is the picture of a holy knight, and should by all rights be knowledgeable on at least enough Lore to have some kind of grudge.

...It's a bit of a relief he doesn't, though.]

Unfortunately, I cannot have any of this.

[Even though it looks... kind of greasy and of middling quality at best, the "sharing a meal with friends" vibe would still have been worth it. And technically he still is! But only technically. It's not like there can be any sharing with or from him.]

[beautifulknight]

[ The future is always mutable-

But now? The answer gets him to tilt his head. ]

I see. That is quite the pity.

...How are you feeling after all of that?

[ The state of the food is pretty much questionable, probably. Though Argenti isn't entirely too picky as long as it isn't too greasy (which is why he's going for pancakes and eggs, probably after he stops getting overwhelmed by the choices) ]

[cirquedesang]

It... is, I suppose. [And since, for tonight, we're allowing little truths to peek through--] Though it's been so long since I've had anything close to any of these, that I can't say I remember what I'm missing.

[Ok, so like... some of the fruit isn't included in that, sure, but some of it is - either by being exotic or by being rendered into a sugary "topping" or "syrup" form.]

But after all that... I'm tired, is the worst of it. [Injuries will heal, especially considering that the Nekiya is right there to pop in and heal and pop out... but that can be an endeavor for tomorrow Celeste.] And you?

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti looks surprised, but it is also saddening, he thinks. Though he imagines perhaps that there is also something freeing about it, not knowing what one is missing...maybe. ]

I see. I cannot imagine losing the ability to taste such foods or the knowledge of how it tasted.

[ Clearly they should get some fruitbowls ordered. At the question directed his way, Argenti blinks...then, blinks again. Then, somehow he seems to brighten up genuinely, sparkling happily. ]

I feel radiant! Awake, now that I've the chance to wash up. I was admittedly a touch tired before all of that, but cleaning has a habit of revitalizing me, it seems. Or perhaps, it is quite easy for me to obtain great energy in a short span of time - or rather, regain it. Then again, it does also help that we were all invited! That truly made me happy...it is a symbol of our collective, undying friendship! Do you not agree?!

[cirquedesang]

[It's... something. Both after being able to go out in the sun, here, and then also when he was able to have - and taste - the Nekiya snacks, he'd tried normal food in the dorms, to no avail. It's a different feeling when some things are Wrong, shifted and changed for the better, but some things aren't. There's a little bit of hope that gets crushed that simply doesn't exist normally.]

It's been, ah-... nearly eighty years, by now, so I've learned to find nuances in what I can have, instead.

[He's not nearly as picky as a Ventrue (different kind of vampire, don't worry about it), but different sorts of people have their own taste, and that's something, at least.

But! Then Argenti brightens - literally - and starts sparkling again.]

It is. I am surprised everyone decided to join us. [Though literally no one would blame any of them for just going to bed after all that.] But I have indeed found that gatherings such as this do have a way of revitalizing you. [Circus afterparties can go hard...] And it is good to see you radiant once more. [You know. After everyone was turned into a trash gremlin momentarily.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Oof...someone please get this man more snacks he can taste. At least, that is what Argenti would hope for! Anyway, Argenti is actually familiar with the concept of long-lived people, or the idea of others having a longer lifespan due to reasons (space-travel, etc.) ]

I see...I am glad you have managed to find the light in the shadows.

[ That too is a perspective that Argenti believes is representative of "Beauty".

Though, he laughs at the other man's words, light and cheerful. ]

Group gatherings do generally have a habit of spreading energy to people, it is true! But, thank you. I hope to continue to never dull in my radiance or for long in order to continue promoting the aspect of Beauty no matter wherever I go!

[ And to uplift his friends...that too. ]

[cirquedesang]

[Get this man more snacks he can taste! And get the girlies at the table snacks they can taste, too, while you're at it.

But truly "vampires is aliens" keeps coming full circle.]

One must, in a nocturnal existence, no?

[And there he goes, on about his 'aspect of Beauty'. He always seems to sparkle a little more whenever it comes up, so... sorry, table, he has to--]

You ought to tell me more about this dedication to beauty.

[beathollow]

( blinks owlishly.






dad looks good for his age. )

[cirquedesang]

[Look like a 20something at 100 years old with this one easy trick--!]

[kandata]

Are you certain about paying? It is not a small amount.

[Oh hey, Kirumi noticed]

[cirquedesang]

[Oh, hey, she did! But that's not much of a surprise, given what he saw of her in the palace. She's sharp.]

I am. I've been quite busy since arriving here, and I do not mind treating newfound friends.

[McGillis isn't the only workaholic at the table...

Buuuut that "newfound friends" category includes you, so she'll also get a raised eyebrow and a nod toward some empty chair/booth space/schrodinger's table spot. You're allowed to join them you know, super maid.]

[kandata]

...me?

[Super maid here is really, really bad at being personable in a manner that isn't professional. This isn't the first time someone asks her to sit somewhere, yet she hesitates because she always, always feels she should be ready to serve in case anyone needs anything]

[cirquedesang]

Yes, you.

[She can be personable in a way that's professional! Or she can try to drop the professional manner and be awkward. She just... doesn't need to be serving, right now.]

We could not have gotten through without you, so you shouldn't feel like you need to stay out of the celebration.

[kandata]

I believe that's not entirely true. With our numbers and the level of skill here, any contributions I had were complementary at best, not vital.

[...she says that but she's sitting down! Heck, maybe this bit of arguing is her way of trying to hide that she's joining in after all]

[cirquedesang]

[She can try to hide, but she's still Seen!

But, sure, he can keep up the little argument-banter, at least until she lets herself settle in more.]

Ah, but with how few of us there are, complimentary is still vital, no? How can one truly go all out without the reassurance of support?

[kandata]

I cannot deny you have a point.

[Dang it, Celeste left her without recourse. She's finally settled in]

In that case, I was glad to help. I will accept your invitation.

[idealitas]

[ Sup shoulder devil how you doing. Yi Sang is sipping a crappy coffee. If there's a protein shake that Celeste's got out, Yi Sang Does Not See It. ]

Would you rather we pick a different restaurant next time?

[ They can be choosier next time. Right now, it's ass o' clock. ]

[cirquedesang]

[Sup braincell, how are you? Appreciate the selective blindness to the red-black "protein shake", as well. Truly a real one.]

Next time, I will again defer to those with the ability to have a preference.

[Even if they are choosier/it isn't ass o' clock next time, it's not like he'll be able to get anything there, either. So. If he has any input at all, it'll either be Dennihop again for tradition's sake, or it'll be a buffet, because that conversation sure didn't escape him.]

[idealitas]

[ Please enjoy the front row seats to buffet disaster shenanigans. ]

I will also defer if asked based on my own tastes. I prefer a certain pungency to my food that would not be found in any working restaurant. It should not.

[ His taste buds aren't dead so much as an abnormality on their own. ]

...Hm. A particular dietary restriction is something that would be picked up on by others in time if not already.

[cirquedesang]

[He absolutely will. Lanternfam feeds him so well.]

I... see. [Glance at Yi Sang's plate, glance back to his face-- guess he loses the braincell sometimes, for one specific thing.]

I am certain some have, it is not as though Mina was especially careful in hiding the provisions she's obtained for me, but... I confess, it's a habit to be secretive.

[Because Hunters exist at home. But here? He can let the truth come out organically, and also be coy about it in things like his network profile, for fun, as a treat.]

[idealitas]

[ Lanternfam... What cute name.

When it comes to culinary matters, the braincell under Yi Sang's care absconds into nekyia or bounces away into someone else's hands. That's fine because 24/7 ownership of the braincell sounds less fun for everyone.

✨Inconsistency✨

But also we blame a period of depression, drugs... And time in captivity. That'll fuck up someone's sense of taste probably. ]

As long as you are in what's would be considered good health, that is what would matter most to everyone here. Discretion is ultimately up to you, even if the situation isn't perfect for that.

...Have people tried to help you? You need not disclose names.

[cirquedesang]

[Welcome, Yi Sang, to a cutely named little squad. Forever linked.

Anyway, so long as the culinary abominations don't actually cause ill effect, the braincell can absolutely go recharge elsewhere...

And totally say that's all it is, not any ✨trauma✨.]

I am in relatively good health, all things considered. [Like, aside from being stabbed, not being able to just heal anything pretty much whenever is a bit inconvenient, and being brought down to a human level is moreso, but. He's still healthy!] Some have certainly handled the knowledge better than others, but... to your credit, no one here aside from Izou was upset by it.

[And, like, even Izou chilled out pretty fast, but that would definitely explain why his shadow doxxed him like it did.]

People have. I confess, it is tempting to take advantage of the offers, but in the interest of preventing too many of us from becoming anemic, I have exercised restraint, thus far.

[...Except when he bit Izou. But that was extenuating circumstances.]

However; I am not above using such offers to force some of us to actually take a moment to rest, either.

[idealitas]

[ Linked! Dennihop night is very welcoming...

(Bonus trauma related-trivia since fire came up in the palace: Yi Sang cannot feel burns or recognize them as such. Your welcome.) ]

I'm glad, then. For your considerate nature regarding self-restraint and that this matter is handled as well as it can be by you and others.

...If you intend to use it as a tool of persuasion... Knowing that is not as harmful as I've known it to be keeps me at some ease, actually.

[ Celeste: a good guy! He already knew that though. Also, now Yi Sang knows the threat so maybe it is less effective... Until he drops like drained twig after a chomp. ]

...Where I'm from, the current, unwritten rules of "nature" that preside over entities that subsist on blood, as well as those who were fed upon are... Rather unfortunate.

[ Project Mooniverse is fucked up. ]