007 ✽ Bubbles in the Wine

[giglio_madonna]

Who: Luce and practically anyone that's had CR with her
What: On another side of town, it's a different mafioso's birthday.
When: March 14, in the evening
Where:
Warnings: None planned

Since the start of the month, those who know her even faintly will find themselves contacted one way or another to let them know that they were invited to a birthday party on the 14th. There's no pressure, of course, and there's no need to bring gifts.

Luce finds that she'd be perfectly content just seeing all the people she hasn't been able to see for ages now.

Today is finally the day, and the location? The top floors of the exclusive hotel Sol, which is quite an impressive feat. When the invitees step inside, they'll see why. It's taken Luce constant persuading for this for months now, inbetween everything else she's had to do lately, but goodness knows if she isn't willful. On various tables that are kept carefully restocked, one can find various rice and lamb dishes, plus plenty of piping hot bread including some that's stuffed with all manner of delicious things. Fortunately for Luce's continued existence, she didn't make all of it.

...Besides the cookies. Those she made. And the cake? That'll come later, of course.

There's more than just food and conversation, however. Everyone who comes in will be invited to participate in a little game. Somewhere hidden in the party are various small golden eggs. If you bring one to Luce, you get a prize of some sort. Feel free to note that "bring" is the key word and not necessarily "find". Take that as you will.

Comments

[giglio_madonna]

I said they weren't necessary, not that I wouldn't accept any. They'll have the best spot in my room.

This, along with all the eggs you made? You've been about as busy as me.

[sponsorigami]

I have an image to keep up, so I've been keeping busy.

[ Luce knows him well enough to catch that he means his appearance in Virgo's eyes and not in the public eye. ]

[giglio_madonna]

Always good to hear.

[Especially with Ivan's ability... There's a pragmatic part of her, curled up and quiet, that says him and the Doctor are the ones who need the most protecting out of their group. Their abilities make it that way.]

But you know, you can relax here for a while too until we're back to the grind.

[sponsorigami]

[ Even when appearing like a sickly little girl, Pao-Lin continues to give off the aura of strength and butt kicking. ]

Relaxing for me is to fold origami and lose myself in Japanese culture. Not... really a party...

[ Some of the brainwashing Virgo did had done Ivan some good, but that part's gone now. ]

[giglio_madonna]

That rough, hm?

[Poor dear. She'll have to make it up to him sometime.]

[sponsorigami]

It's been getting harder for me each party. I... I think I know one way I was influenced...

[ He laughs quietly, almost forced. His brainwashing made these gatherings easier, but he's been losing that brainwashing as he regains his true self. ]

[giglio_madonna]

We'll have quieter nights after this, alright? And there are always plenty of nooks and crannies for you to duck into if it ever gets to be too much, alright?

[sponsorigami]

[ But then everything changed when the Fire Nation Angel went missing. ]

I-I'm not trying to be rude. It's just... it's hard, and whenever it's easy, I think I'm relying too much on, you know...

[ Knowing that one has been brainwashed but not un-brainwashed is a really weird situation. ]

[giglio_madonna]

Ssshhh.... It's alright.

[She starts to pet his hair gently.]

Whichever way it is, don't push yourself too much, alright?

[sponsorigami]

[ That calms him down. He has a lot on his mind, but he needs to try to push it away and focus on the party. ]

All right. I might be a wallflower for a bit... and recharge.

[giglio_madonna]

Go ahead. Be sure to treat yourself to the food while you're ducked away, alright? Maybe that'll help.

[A simple distraction, if nothing else.]

[sponsorigami]

[ But what if he wants to leave the food for Pao-Lin? ]

I will. But hiding in a foxhole first.

[ He does know what she means, but he can do animal jokes, right? He's a fox, not a duck. Maybe a dork, though. ]

[giglio_madonna]

[There's plenty of food for everyone. Trust her, that's the one thing Luce made sure of.]

Make sure to keep your hole cozy now.

[Another fond pat before she pulls her hand back.]

[sponsorigami]

[ Ivan smiles and laughs before going off to find a foxhole for him to hide in for a while. Maybe he'll even try to steal a cushion or pillow to make it really cozy. ]