Log; ongoing

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

When; June 7th, early afternoon
Rating; PG
Characters; Asano Rin (revengeisalie) and... everyone who wants to come.
Summary; After much delay, Rin finally gets to celebrate her birthday.
Log;
They'd spent the morning with preparations. Carrying a table to the beach, then all the food, the buckets filled with ice to keep the drinks cool, and lastly, beach volleyball equipment. Youko had given her a quick rundown of the rules of said game, and she thought she understood it alright now. Youko sure seemed excited to play, and Rin just let herself be infected by her friend's enthusiasm - all the while also being plenty busy trying to keep Rokuta from eating all the cake before the guests arrived.

So now she gave the setup a last glance, shivering a little, and thus becoming painfully aware of her current state of dress, or not-dress. She still thought these swimsuits were an awfully skimpy affair, but it was better than bathing naked for sure. It was a little mysterious to her why they had to wear it all the time while at the beach, but she wasn't going to complain. Hers was a one-piece - red, of course. Her hair, she'd done up the way she did on her way to Kaga, past the Kobotoke checkpoint.

She had called that particular disaster to mind as she fixed the two braids atop her head, remembering the "wanted" poster showing Manji and her and accused them of a murder they hadn't committed. Rin still thought it had been Shira's doing - he was certainly bastard enough for it.

Well, no matter - she'd survived up to now. To live to the age of seventeen, when she could've died at fourteen, could've died anytime, really. Little luck enough it was, she hoped it would last.

Asano Rin sighed and smiled, muttering to herself: "Well, let the party begin."

Comments

[seeking-heat.livejournal.com]

Blessed be for her to arrive early. Much as she desired to arrive in synchronized time with Nii-san, she also desired to arrive before the crowd became lively. She disliked crowded areas, and she also didn't want to be seen as overly dependent on her brother.

Such it was, that she arrived, cool summer dress covering a simple white one-piece (http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/sample/sample-9f7eda5ba0394ae9f4a0110d1212cf73.jpg). (Nothing at all to be ashamed about. She just thought it better not to risk sunburn.) With her, she carried about a 19th-century style diary (http://www.victorianpassage.com/assets_c/2008/11/diaries-mod-thumb-350x491.jpg). She didn't know Rin so well, but to not bring a gift would be thoughtless. Diaries, especially well-designed ones, often proved fail-safe.

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

Rin was looking out over the sea when Akiha arrived, and only really saw her first guest as she happened to turn her head around to where Akiha was coming from. Wincing just a little at her own thoughtlessness, she ran over to greet Akiha.

"Hello, Akiha-san!" She smiled. "Welcome. You're my first guest today."

[kirinofen.livejournal.com]

Rokuta had helped with the set up to some degree, but eventually he had been chased away when all the food appeared. It was all well and good to him. He didn't mind walking up and down the beach until he could return without being scolded for eying the food. The beach was a nice place, perhaps one of the few spots in the City he actually enjoyed. (apart from Xanadu.) He picked up a few shells as he walked, finding them interesting, and eventually started making his way back to where everyone else would be.

He hadn't known what a 'swimsuit' was by the word, yet when he saw them when they went shopping he recognized them. He'd seen them in Hourai. Personally he didn't understand the point. Wearing them versus wearing nothing didn't seem all that different to him, but Youko was insistent he use one. So he humored her. Then again, it wasn't proper to do without a swimsuit if he was milling about with the opposite sex.

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

In the span of time that was left from their finishing to arrange the place to satisfaction and the first guests arriving, Rin had been taking the chance to look around - really look at the place. It was nice, and she inwardly marveled at the serene, steady waves, the empty shells they carried with them, and the seagulls screaming.

There was a moment when her eyes came to rest upon Rokuta, who was going a step further and inspecting the surroundings. Little choice they'd left him, granted. She recalled yesterday's busy afternoon, which had left her quite tired in the evening. But it had been worth the cozy companionship in the kitchen.

Later, when the guests started coming to the place, she called out to him, not without a hint of mirth in her voice: "Rokuta-kun! It's alright, you can come back."

[kirinofen.livejournal.com]

Rokuta was gazing out across the ocean wondering if it really was uncrossable when Rin called for him. He turned his head to look over his shoulder and grinned, waving at her. He walked towards her upon her words, leaving footprints in the sand that were quickly washed away by the waves.

He approached, scratching his head sheepishly. "I wouldn't have eaten everything you know."

Then as if a thought had occurred to him suddenly, he showed her his other hand. In it he clutched a perfectly smooth shell. It was unblemished and white, making it hard to look at under the bright sunshine. "Here, for you. If you hold it right it'll change color." And he demonstrated, tilting the shell very slightly and causing the surface to sparkle to life in an array of different colors. Rokuta seemed a bit embarrassed but he smiled all the same. "I found it and thought of you."

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

Rin watched Rokuta quietly as he looked out at the sea, thinking that she knew what he must be feeling like. She hadn't directly seen the ocean much in her life, so it now held an odd sort of fascination to her.

"But almost everything", she teased him when he'd come back. "And I all but stuffed you yesterday", she added, winking.

Gratefully, she took the shell in her hands, tilting it in the sunlight herself and smiling. "Thank you. That's so sweet." And the words were heartfelt - in fact, she could restrain an urge to ruffle his hair just so. The fact that he was really five hundred years old helped immensely.

[kirinofen.livejournal.com]

For Rokuta, the ocean reminded him of home. Not just his home in En but his home in Hourai was well. It also reminded him of Shouryuu's home and where they had first crossed paths. It just felt so odd, being beside it once again. To see something so natural exist near a city that was so unnatural...

He stuck his tongue out at her childishly. He may have been five hundred years old but his mindset would forever remain that of a thirteen year old boy. "Yeah, yeah. And I appreciated it, you know."

He beamed at her words and bent his arms behind his head, glad that she liked his gift. "No need for thanks! It's your birthday, after all. It's only right I give you something. You said you're seventeen, right?"

[usoppfu.livejournal.com]

Though Usopp hadn't known Rin for long, he thought it'd be bad manners to miss out on a birthday party of a fellow seventeen year old. He had finished some preparations for work and had the afternoon off, so he through all hesitation out the window and dressed himself in what he came in when he arrived - just without the dirt and blood.

It was just a pair of green trucks (http://www.onemanga.com/One_Piece/490/18/) with a modest design and that was all he was wearing save of a light, light blue polo and a towel. Under his arm, wrapped neatly in blue painted news paper, was a gift. It wasn't much, given the short notice, but he decided to give Rin a tone dial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DPq49ssSKQ) and a breath dial (http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Usopp%27s_Arsenal#Dials) from his world. He'd taken extras from his ventures, so giving a few away wouldn't hurt, plus she'd been nice enough to tell him about the curses. Usopp only hoped she would find use for them.

Arriving earlier than he anticipated, he tried not to look awkward or out of place when he saw a few people there already. But, he'd try here, in this City, where friends and bonds seem to be important to stay sane. With some courage, he shot a hand into the air at the group of people to keep himself from hesitating; he couldn't take it back now.

"Heeeeeey!"

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

When Usopp arrived, Rin was making conversation with her friends, talking about this and that, small things and issues of importance - as conversations do, it took its own turns. She had already received wonderful gifts that made her giddy like a child and filled her with warmth from a few of them. She was really glad it was going so well, so far. After three gloomy birthdays, this one was finally worth celebrating again.

Seeing as she'd just gotten to know him, she was a little surprised when she heard Usopp's voice and saw him arriving, recognizing him from the network video he'd posted. She excused herself from her group of friends and walked over to him.

"Hello and welcome, Captain Usopp!"

[usoppfu.livejournal.com]

Relieved that it was Rin that came to meet him, the grin on his face grew wider as picked up his walking pace to meet her halfway. He hadn't planned on staying too long, unless convinced otherwise. Still, Usopp would enjoy the other's company so long as they didn't mind him there.

"Hey, Rin!" He was seriously tickled to be called Captain when he actually wasn't. Technically Luffy was the captain, but since no one he knew was actually here, like always, he thought he'd take the chance.

"Here- Happy Birthday~" he added in a sing-song tone while presenting the gift as if it was gold. "It's not much, but I hope you'll use it!"

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

"Thank you so much", Rin said to Usopp's birthday greeting, and repeated her thanks when she received his gift. She held it in her hands, trying to determine what it was by feel while she also led the way toward the rest of the guests, near the table.

"Can I open it right away?", she asked, curious and eager.

[usoppfu.livejournal.com]

"Don't worry about it; it's your birthday afterall." Usopp walked along with her with his hands now holding either side of the towel around his neck and watch her handle his gift. Luckily it was wrapped about four times in newspaper since he didn't have a box to put it in. He was poor here, she'd have to understand.

"Sure."

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

First beach party of the summer. This was promising. Umi wouldn't have missed it for the world. Even if this hadn't been Rin's birthday, the water Knight had been in such need of recreation she'd have crashed any beach gathering for the sake of fun. Baking with Rin and Youko had also helped keep her mind off the unsettling events plaguing her life in the last days. It was all to a day-long nap's credit that she could be there, clad in her bikini of choice (http://s-sasaji.ddo.jp/img/rayea04e.htm), ready to have the time of her life.

Her plan was simple: do a little bit of everything, enjoy herself, play as much beach volleyball as possible (practice of the big match she had coming) and make sure Rin had a blast at her party. The drinks were cool on the ice buckets Umi had conjured specially for the occasion. No complains as to how things had turned out.

Stretching comfortably, Umi sighed and popped a can of peach soda open. Sea wind stroked her hair as she turned toward the shore with a mischievous smirk on her face. "Perfect day for swimming."

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

Rin was truly glad to have Umi around today. Her and Youko's advice on just how to go about this whole enterprise had been invaluable, as was Umi's ability to conjure up ice to keep the drinks cool. Baking with them on Friday, too, had been immensely fun - even if between that and Saturday's baking session for Rokuta Rin was left feeling that she had enough of baking for the rest of her life.

And, of course, Umi had become a dear friend during the time they'd known each other, and Rin had been worrying about her lately - Umi's stress did not go by unnoticed, so seeing that Umi was obviously having fun today made Rin even happier.

She walked up at Umi, then smiled and nodded at her: "Definitely! I almost can't wait."

[concept-killer.livejournal.com]

Shiki took his good old time, as usual. Obviously, he wasn't assisted by the fact that he was walking around blind, having bandages over his eyes. He had walked the path enough to know the way by heart. Soaking in the warm sun, he finally felt sand beneath his feet and he made his way to where the sounds were.

Like everyone else, he was dressed in his beach attire. This consisted of dark blue swim trunks and a white tee-shirt. He was a little self conscious about the scar covering his chest so he doubted he'd be taking off his shirt to swim at all during the day. In his hand was a grocery bag bearing the gift he had for Rin. Ah, he'd wait until she confronted him about it. Otherwise, he'd never know it was her.

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

Shiki had always been a bit of a mystery to Rin, and if she hadn't gone over to his house the other day - and that for nought, as enough people had already offered help - she would have been shocked to see him now, with his eyes bandaged. She'd been a little surprised when Akiha arrived without her brother, but shook it off, thinking it was none of her business.

Still, when she saw him, it was a dreadful sight to her. Quickly, she ran over to him and came to halt in front of him, fidgeting a little before speaking - but she swallowed and spoke clearly, not allowing worry to cloud her voice.

"Welcome, Shiki! I'm really glad you could make it."

[concept-killer.livejournal.com]

That didn't take too long. For some reason the birthday girl was the one doing the greeting, which was pretty odd to him. Then again, Shiki realized that his birthdays were usually spent with two people, none of them family. Yeah, definitely not bringing up that line of thought into conversation.

"Yo. I said I'd come so I came."

Shiki pulled up the bag he had in his hand and offered it out. Being the smartass he was, he picked up the book entitled, The Idiot's Guide to Living In the 21st Century for Rin's present.

"I picked up your present the other day. You know, the day that wasn't a curse. Hopefully you'll get something out of this."

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

"Did you find here okay?", she felt compelled to ask, after all - even if he evidently had little problem navigating. But it was probably good that she had come up to greet him; which was a must for her, excited about this whole event as she was.

When he took out his gift and she realized it was a gift, she gasped - but then, she couldn't help but snicker when she saw the title. She gave him a sardonic smile - even if he couldn't see it, she was sure he'd be able to picture her expression just fine.

"Thanks, I'm sure it'll be very useful."

[seeking-heat.livejournal.com]

With more people arriving, Akiha was growing restless. She had kept mostly to herself during the party, but to the observant it was clear she wasn't enjoying herself as much. She considered chatting with Umi, the only guest she recognized, to take her mind off her growing impatience. But spotting her now-blind brother, she made her way over. (Initially quickly, before her common sense told her how unladylike that was and she settled for walking up to him.)

"Hello Nii-san. Glad you could make it." She had been worried, with his handicapped sight, he would be lost among the hustle of the City, which was why she wanted to arrive with him. But he had insisted he knew the layout by heart.

[concept-killer.livejournal.com]

Shiki too had been looking for Akiha solely because he would feel a little embarrassed if he tried to find a drink and wandered off in the wrong direction. So when he heard his sister's voice, a small wave of relief flooded through him. Not that he'd admit it.

"Hey, Akiha. You know I wouldn't miss out on this."

[seeking-heat.livejournal.com]

...She stood corrected, as Nii-san turned to where he supposed she was, as he walked to the far right of her.

Quickly, she grabbed for his arm and yanked him over. "I never held any doubt."

[child-radical.livejournal.com]

He rubbed his neck as he looked around at the people having a grand time at Rin's party. Huey wasn't physically feeling up to doing too much due to the insanity of the previous day. But he had promised the birthday girl that he would be at her party and he tried to live up to his words. So there he was, watching the gathered people while wondering what activity he should get involved in.

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

Spying Huey among the crowd, Rin immediately excused herself from the conversation she was having and walked over to him. She knew he hadn't had it easy the day before, but he seemed alright so far. Good that Shalimar had been willing to come help him - Rin would've done it herself, but she knew she wasn't really cut out for it.

All she could do was offer him a warm smile as she adressed him: "Hello, Huey-kun! I'm really glad you could make it. Did yesterday go over somewhat well, at least?"

[child-radical.livejournal.com]

"It went okay despite the surge of those monsters near the end of everything." he said as he roatated his shoulder and returned Rin's smile with a tiny one of his own.

[revengeisalie.livejournal.com]

"What, you had to deal with more of them? As if exploding zombie ninjas with guitars weren't enough!", Rin exclaimed. Truly, the aforementioned thing would almost have been funny if it hadn't been honestly dangerous, and to one of her friends, no less.