but even if the stars and moon collide [afterparty]

[allatonce]

[Well, that sucked!

After about an hour, invitations written in colorful ink appear under everyone's doors.]

Understandable if you're not up to it, but we're having a memorial and "don't wanna be alone" hang-out in the restaurant again.

[The restaurant has very much been decorated with the most rainbow fabric she could find in the department store. Jonathan got roped in, mainly so she could make sure he was doing okay, but also because she assumed that he knew how to put a tablecloth on a table. He seemed like the type, anyway.

After consulting with Undertaker, most of the food that's been set out is more traditional Chinese funeral food than Victorian—you can get a whole roast duck in the restaurant—but she tried for a mix of things. There is fruit, the aforementioned roast duck, and several vegetarian dishes along with potatoes for some reason and... cookies? Okay then.

Joy's trying, because that was way less terrible for her than it was for basically anyone else.

Happy Pride Wrath, New Rapture!]

Comments

[vholran]

[ Well, that was an entire shitshow and a half. Which, you know, the fault of which has belonged to Vholran to a good portion of it, but towards the end, the Lord never displayed any regret for any of his actions. To the point that, actually...instead of going to close himself off from the others like he normally does, he decides to show up over at the afterparty. He did receive an invitation, after all~

Still, Vholran is bad at reaching out, but should someone wish to speak with him, they can find him off in his little corner with some food he has surprisingly taken. Despite, uh...what he has heard of Lord Drakkon's debacle this week. He's either brave, stupid, or just quite frankly too arrogant (you can consider all three if y'all want.)

He will look up regardless with a slight smirk that is admittedly a bit wider for those he happens to "know". ]

What is it? Feeling daring enough to join me?

[ Shortly after, Vholran can be found in the library, with some a book on hand. He never has considered himself an avid reader until now, but it is the best way to pass the time...and even though he ensures his back is never to the door, he doesn't bother looking up to anyone deciding to enter into the room. If someone wants to do any greeting, that will be on them.

Later still, he can be caught the department store, looking bored at the selection. Apparently, Vholran is too picky for what there is to offer but decided if there was something he could put up with (which is a non), and is soon seen leaving the area so he can head to his room. ]

afterparty

[buriedstar]

[ Well this is a surprise. Seo Dawon had intended to seek the other man out, but this saves him the trip. He has a cup of tea in his hand and no food, perhaps with the past few days in mind.

He pulls up a seat with an easy smile. ]

I wouldn't stand you up, Vholran.

[vholran]

[ Enjoy it while it lasts. He is partially doing this out of spite because he is not well-adjusted in the slightest. ]

You did seem to express interest in speaking to me afterwards.

[ He will acknowledge that. ]

[buriedstar]

I did, and I don't go back on my word. [ Maybe the insistence here is needed given his choice phrasing the first time. ]

Did you have fun back there? [ There's a smile as he asks, he's clearly not really judging here. ]

[vholran]

...I suppose you don't.

[ Which is more than can be said of some people. ]

I did. Though, trust me when I say that I'd prefer it to be in a place more suitable.

[ Perhaps a shocking admission. But not really when it comes down to it; he has more than a few screws loose, and yet in the end, he does prioritize his survival. In a trial getting to the truth is a key in ensuring that remains the case. ]

library

[onemillion]

[Rossiu doesn't go to the afterparty, because he's way too tired to deal with everyone else right now. Except he completely fails to get any sleep, and eventually decides he's not going to and he may as well pass time in the library as usual.

He's a bit surprised to see Vholran reading, and for a moment he considers whether he should approach or not. Vholran's likely just as done with today as he is, but...]

My apologies for interrupting. There's... something I want to discuss, if you'll allow it.

[It doesn't sound angry or upset; it's a bit hesitant, perhaps, like he's not entirely sure how to approach it.]

[vholran]

[ The trial has been indeed quite a time, though Vholran is a stubborn sort to say that he's not exhausted after the day's events. But let's be real, he is in his own way.

At the least, Rossiu is a welcome face. He doesn't think much of most the people here, but he's one of literal one or two individuals that he can truly stand to engage in conversation with. So perhaps that is why he puts aside the book on a table for a moment. ]

Oh? Then, feel free to start us off, Rossiu.

[ An invitation to discussion, for certain. He has his full and undivided attention. ]

[onemillion]

[Excellent, he'll take the seat nearby and consider how he wants to begin...]

Thank you for backing down when you did. We really did need to focus and I appreciate that you deescalated the situation.

[Vholran easily could have kept going - given his strength, it's not like most people could have easily stopped him. Maybe fighting several of them would have been more fun than the trial. But Vholran took the high road and let it go, and that's important.]

[vholran]

[ There is a long stretch of silence, as that quiet is a minute indication of surprise on Vholran's end. It seems he hadn't expected the expression of gratitude, for whatever reason.

He can't recall the last time someone has expressed such things, it's a funny feeling. ]

...Much as I would have preferred to put more than several individuals in their place, it wasn't in my best interests. You speaking up when you had was a reminder of that.

[ He did not intend to start a fight from a single question, as inclined as he is into liking to starting them. Though, he unfortunately does like physical confrontations (much more fun than trial), so it probably was no small feat in retrospect to tear himself away. ]

Afterparty

[pairtner]

Not really. I'm just going to observe. Surely you have no objections.

['Observe you', pretty much. Aiba is more than capable to feel sympathy for other people, and truthfully she would so rather to spend time with others, but after everything that happened in the trial she figures watching out for him is needed]

[vholran]

No, I've none.

[ The implication of 'observing him' is heard loud and clear. ]

Though if you expect to find any weaknesses, you will be disappointed.

[ Vholran isn't exactly the most wonderful companion, but despite his comment, he doesn't seem too bothered. He will simply continue eating in between talking. ]

[pairtner]

[Hoh, finding such things would be nice. Aiba can't deny that's part of the reason why she chose to appear before him]

Perhaps calling it 'weaknesses' is not the right word. I'm not looking to harm or try to worm my way into convincing you of anything.

[Truthfully, using Somnia would be far better for such things. Those tend to reveal the depths of one's head and heart. Just looking at someone probably won't. Still...]

That, and also I'd rather others to not take some petty action against you in retaliation for everything that happened in the trial. I don't rule out that wouldn't happen.

[Which is why, even though Vholran can see her, nobody else can. As far as everybody else can see, he's completely alone. The real, tangible Aiba is somewhere else in the restaurant, hidden away, observing in case somebody gets any bright ideas about retaliation]

[vholran]

[ Vholran would not be surprised. Being picked apart isn't exactly something new to him. ]

I will call it like I see it.

[ Though, there is a pause, and a considering noise. ]

Hm. You'd rather they'd not? Even if they would, which they won't [ ...for now, perhaps. ], there'd be nothing of substance they can do that would affect me.

I am no simple man. I am Vholran, Lord of Ganath Haros, and soon to be ruler of everything that matters...back in my world, that is.

[ But, it's interesting. Vholran has not had someone look out for him, regardless of the reason behind it. He is no sentimental fool, however, so he is certain it is entirely based in logic. Fights have a chance of causing a death, after all. ]

afterparty

[daimakaicho]

Not really. I'm actually surprised you're here, to be perfectly honest.

[ Like, clearly he'll be able to handle himself in any kind of altercation, but there's also the option of not dealing with it. ]

[vholran]

I'm no coward. But you will find that isn't necessarily the case with other people.

[ He hasn't met any trouble, but Vholran has expected it. People oft are disappointing and sometimes only want to do things in front of an audience. The weak reveal their true nature when the time comes. ]

[daimakaicho]

No, it's certainly not for everyone. Though there is merit to simply not wanting to deal with the problem, also.

[ source: just trust me, bro ]

[vholran]

[ Is the source in proper MLA format- ]

That's simply running away.

Afterparty

[howveryglib]

[…sigh. like. on the one hand he wasn’t wrong, necessarily. on the other hand.]

Are you attempting to start fights now…

[vholran]

Attempting? I have no idea what you mean.

[ ... Vholran is clearly not the most subtle of men when he is in one of those moods, yep. ]

[howveryglib]

...I will take that as a "yes," then. At which point I will have to ask why this is necessary.

[vholran]

[ A dark chuckle escapes him at that. ]

Why wouldn't it be necessary?

afterparty

[sastruga]

[And here's Mafuyu coming over, carrying a book with her. Whenever she splits off from Mielle for like, a minute, which isn't happening too often tonight.]

Oh, Igniseri-san, you're actually here. Mm... I'm a little surprised. I thought you'd be doing the lone wolf thing.

[vholran]

[ ...Well, that's interesting. Still, she did indeed dare approach. He will give her a modicum of credit for that. ]

I could've. But, why miss out on the festivities?

[ As if that is the reason he is here. But as an aside he does think the rainbow fabrics are a nice touch... ]

[sastruga]

Mm, you're the festive kind, then? Well, that's good. Then, you should be a little more receptive to this.

[And she holds out the book she brought.....]

Please take it.

[vholran]

[ . . .

Vholran didn't think she'd actually do this. He doesn't want to take it, but he doesn't want to be considered some kind of coward either, so he will just... take it. ]

You actually went through the trouble to find this worthless piece of literature?