Party like it's your birthday [OPEN]

[plasticasshole]

Who: Connor & OTA!
When: 15th August
Where: Connor and Hank's cottage
What: Connor's very first birthday!
Warnings: None so far, will update if necessary


[It starts with a video on the 14th. Connor is sitting and petting a very large dragonfly by his head, because that isn't weird at all.]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to send a message out to let everyone know that it's my first birthday tomorrow, and I'm inviting people over to join me for the evening at my home. If we've met, you can assume you're invited. If we haven't met, well... I'd like to meet you, so you're invited too. There will be food, and the backyard has a giant pool. I hope to see you there.

--

[And on the actual night of his birthday, of course Connor is confined to his pool because of the full moons. Which is fine, he supposes, as long as people want to swim with him. As promised there is plenty of food, laid out on a table near the back of the cottage, and he's even set out a couple of small tables and seats. The backyard is large and lit up by floating lights, but most of it is taken up by a huge pool.

Connor himself is swimming around, though if he spots someone he'll come over to greet them. He'll look very different to his usual self, his teeth long and sharp and his eyes a milky blue instead of the usual warm brown; he's mostly blind above the water tonight. His fingers are unnaturally long and tipped with claws, and the little balls at the end of his whiskers and ear fins glow a soft blue. His entire body is covered in scales now. He still sounds the same though, and if approached he seems pleased that someone actually turned up.]

((Feel free to mingle amongst yourselves too!))

Comments

[video]

[proficience]

[He's going to respond to that video in turn, as soon as he receives it, since -- well, he can't help but comment on the 'first' part of 'first birthday.']

Your first birthday? You appear far older than one.

[plasticasshole]

Yes, I'm only six and a half months old.

[He doesn't mind the question, he knows it probably seems strange.]

I was activated on August 15, though. So technically, tomorrow is my birthday.

[proficience]

How is that even remotely possible?

[Even with the things he'd seen here, in this world, he's still just a bit baffled by this.]

Action & Open to Anyone who wants to run into her

[ishisstrength]

[Justine wasn't going to miss Connor's birthday; no matter how unwell she might be feeling. So she slips into an ornate white kimono that she'd made the month before and travels two houses over to where Connor and Hank live.

She has a small package under her arm and heads to the pool of water first to say hello to Connor.] I brought you a present but you might have to open it tomorrow. It really shouldn't get wet. [Of course she'd really wanted to see him in it too.]

I have brought more coins that have enchanted runes on them too. So I can give you those now.

[After speaking with Connor Justine stays at the party for a bit but hopefully someone is kind enough to walk her home or to a soft surface when it looks like she's about to pass out. Her body is still very weak from its more recent ordeal.]

[plasticasshole]

[Connor smiles wide when he sees Justine, and pulls himself up out of the water to sit on the edge, tail swishing.]

You didn't have to bring me anything.

[But she did, and he appreciates it. So he gestures for her to sit with him, because he really wants to kiss her cheek in thanks but can't reach on account of not having legs.]

[ishisstrength]

[She places the wrapped package and the bag of coins next to her before carefully lifting herself to sit at the edge of the pool with Connor. She trusts him to help keep her steady and she doesn't mind if she gets a little wet in the process.]

I bring you thinks even when it isn't your birthday. Why wouldn't I bring you something now.

[She picks up the bag of coins with a smile.] No magic needed and they're ready for you to catch. This... [She places her other hand on the package and pulls it into her lap.] I'll put it in your room for tomorrow.

[bleedinghare]

―it took her more than a little while to find her way to Hank and Connor's cottage, given her lack of experience with Geardagas' layout― the party in full swing when she rounds the corner to peer into the backyard, dolled up in blue ribbon and white-cotton softness. Her first mistake is looking upward for sight of the man of the hour, as she often did; however, a kindly brunette guest was more than happy to point her in the correct direction.

Giving gentle brushes of elbows as she mingled with the crowd of strangers, Adeline began to make her way through the crowd― nearly spilling herself into the pool at the sight of Connor and his significantly different extremities, just barely catching hole of herself and the tiny navy-velvet bag beneath her sleeve. "Heaven above, Connor, look at you! A proper naiad― what happened?"

As she oohs and aahs over the sheen of his scales and the new addition of fins, Ada naturally sinks to her stockinged knees at the edge of the pool, commanded by her curiosity, keeping her boots crossed daintily there. Her expression is comically concerned, innocent. "―and to think― on your very first birthday! You can't possibly dance like that, can you?"

[plasticasshole]

[Connor can tell who it is from her voice, and he turns his strange eyes upwards to the blur that is Ada's face.]

This is what happens to me on the full moons. It's a little more extreme than what usually happens to me when I get wet.

[And he smiles, fangs glistening under the lights floating above the pool.]

But no, I can't dance like this... unless you felt like coming for a swim, of course.

[bleedinghare]

She can't help but gasp, shrinking at the sudden― however warmly-intentioned― flash of sparkling fangs above the water, the deep-sea blind eyes he now bares. Such a reaction is something she nearly instantly regrets, though the change in her expression isn't what Connor responds to; no, it's the sound of her voice... oh, poor thing, he can't see! If he can, it can't possibly be something he can do well― perhaps it's simply another part of his transformation.

Gently, she brings two soft gloves to the damp of his cheeks, careful to avoid the spines of his fins. "How rude I must seem, acting so― frightened, and at your party! I meant no ill, I swear it― I've just seen nothing like it, in my life or in my time here."

What a strange curse. It births an anxiety in her, knowing that Connor too is this being called Monster― just as she is, though she hasn't experienced any changes just yet― though she does her best to swallow it, to smile. The capability, the unknown state of her change is what frightens her, but it's a thought she buries along with the frightened impulse that froze her so.

"I'm terribly, terribly sorry, Connor," Ada continues quietly, the worried tenseness of her brow audible in how she speaks. "I meant to brighten your name-day, not worsen it. I hope you can forgive me."

After a soft moment of quiet, she lowers her hands, bringing the little velvet bag into her lap.

"You've made my acclimation to this strange new place easier, even if we've only just met in the scheme of it all― I had to bring you something, both in celebration and in gratitude."

[firewalled]

[For Connor]

[Rich had seen the video, and had been quite a bit unsure with how to go about this. On the one hand, it's Connor's very first birthday, and that's obviously a special occasion. Plus, Connor says anyone he's met is invited, and Rich has definitely met him. Still, their first meeting was obviously strained, and Rich isn't sure if he's exactly ready to talk to someone who shares components of the thing that kept him prisoner in his own body so long.

In the end, he decides he's just chickening out and being... speciesist? Speciesist. Which is super not cool of him. Connor deserves a chance to be more than the first AI Rich experienced. He could at least turn Rich's opinions on androids into 50% good ones.

So he comes to the party. He even finds a small gift, even if he struggled on deciding what Connor might like. He keeps it behind his back as he approaches the pool, eyes widening once he catches a glance of him.]

Oh, wow. Hey Connor, something about you seems off... I'd almost say it was pretty fishy.

[Like he's never heard that one before.]

[Open to all!]

[Honestly, he should have expected this. His last big party ended in terror and tragedy. Of course this one would end up just the same.

It starts around midnight, like some really fucked up Cinderella story. His scars start to itch, which isn't really anything new, but it's definitely uncomfortable enough to get his attention. He tries to ignore it, only scratching occasionally in between chatting with the other partygoers... but then he scratches his cheek, and when he moves his hand down, his fingernails are caked with blood. His long, pointed fingernails, that seem to be hardening in the light of the moon.

He rushes off to the bathroom (funny, that was always Michael's strategy, but maybe Rich has picked it up now that they're friends), washes off the blood, and then tries desperately to process what's happening. Amongst the burn scars on his cheek, he can see something else... rusty red scales, though he can't tell if the colour is natural or from the blood.

He doesn't know what to do but stand and watch, tears starting to collect at the corners of his eyes. He tries so hard to be quiet, tries so hard not to let anyone hear he's in pain. He should be used to this... but apparently monstrous transformations are a little bit harder to stay silent over in comparison to drunken fathers. Anyone wandering by or waiting for the bathroom may hear faint gasping and swearing, paired with near sobs as the changes worsen.]

twansformation baby buddies

[bleedinghare]

―the evening was going well for Adeline, on the other hand; she found herself with a drink in hand and her stockings off eventually, relaxing poolside with the man of the hour for the majority of the party, apart from the occasional mingling. Deeper into the evening, however, when warm flush had risen to her features out of the strange, lime-and-salt forward cocktails, Ada began to feel a strange itch― as if she had caught a stray eyelash somewhere amidst all the laughter and chatter, her back-and-forth trips to the cake table. Regardless of how delicately she attempted to tend to it, she couldn't quite relieve herself of the strange, nagging sensation, and excused herself (giggling all the while, leaving damp footprints as she departed.)

She knocks before she notices the sound; a gentle, almost playful rapping of her gloved knuckles on the closed door. "―excuse me, could I use the mirror, please? I―"

And then the quiet crying, the swears― she can't quite make out who, but the pricking up of her pointed ears to the sounds of undeniable pain is enough to sober her somewhat.

"Honey," Ada calls gently, resting her palm against the door. "are you all right? Do you need somebody, or just some time?"

[firewalled]

Great. This is... something Rich should have expected, but it doesn't stop the guilt sinking into his gut and curdling in his stomach. He didn't want to ruin the other guests' nights, but of course he never does everything right. Every time he makes a vow not to get others involved in his bullshit, some cruel god takes that as a cue to make sure all his bullshit is laid out for everyone to see.

Which has led to this. He thinks he recognizes the voice muffled by the door, and he swears again, hastily rubbing the back of his hands over his eyes, taking care to keep his talons curled away.

"I... I'm fine. Sorry, just give me a second. Promise I'll be done soon."

He looks over the gash in his cheek again, but it's not bleeding as bad as it was before. He grabs a cloth to press to it and then fumbles with the doorknob, opening it with another hasty explanation on his lips, but that abruptly dies once he sees who's waiting.

"A-Ada? You okay?"

[plasticasshole]

[Connor's eyes remain dead on Rich, though he can't see him except for a blur. He finally gives a confused smile at the "joke", his teeth bared unintentionally.]

It's good to see you here, Rich. Or... it would be, if I could see you properly.

[He swims to the edge, hoisting himself up onto the edge of the pool with just his tail dipped in the water, so he can better talk to Rich.]

How are you?

[firewalled]

[If Connor could see him, he'd notice Rich at least looks a little cowed by the reaction to his comments. He obviously wasn't thinking that through. He thought maybe it would alleviate tension, but it probably just makes Connor feel bad.]

Yeah, I bet. Thanks for inviting me. Sorry it's... apparently at a bad time.

[He heard full moons usually exacerbate changes for monsters, so he can guess that's frustrating to deal with.]

I'm good, though! Been keeping busy. Got a new job, so that's pretty rad. Which gave me enough money for... this, actually!

[He holds out the gift to Connor, gently pressing the package into his hands.]

I, uh, know you can't see well, so you can open it later.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine is laying down in Connor's bed, feeling weak after her recent resurrection. She'd been only planning to gather a moments of strength before returning to the party when she heard the soft cries from the bathroom. She lifts herself off of the plush surface and slowly makes her way towards the closed door.

Her knuckles tap lightly against the door and when she speaks, her voice is soft, warm and delicate.]

Excuse me? Do you need help? I have some cloth with healing runes.

[It's a cloth she'd created and like many of her magical inventions, it's designed to be used during full moons despite the weakness that it commonly bestows upon witches.] I have some other tonics as well. If it's alcohol.

[Justine can't help but want to look out for others, despite how much she tries to deny that part of herself.]

[firewalled]

[The noise from the other side of the door silences for a moment, as Rich tries to take a few slow, deep breaths and attempt to compose himself just a little bit. He doesn't want to cause trouble for others, and he definitely hates people having to look out for him... but he also can't deny that he needs the help. Dealing with this alone is only going to leave Connor with a mess to clean up later.]

It's... not booze. I, uh, could use the healing though.

[After a bit of fumbling, Rich manages to get his talons around the doorknob, opening it. He holds out his other hand, trying to keep his face turned so she can't see the ugly gash.]

Thanks...

[showsnopiety]

[For Connor]

[After that call from Maria and the whole basic hunt...She did have to make some reassurances for herself. One was potions for pain from the Coven; another was a promise to call Ignis in case she started to feel sick. Last month had been a doozy, and it didn't help that she was still recovering from intense training.

But it was Connor's special day. She had to come.

So that was how Caren found herself sitting on the edge of Connor's pool, feet and hand dipped into the water.]

Happy birthday Connor. I've my hand in the pool- but be careful. My nails are...weird now.

[As in, she had cat claws.]

[Open to All]

[Caren had brought food: salad to be precise. It was perhaps a strange thing to bring, but...She liked having some around as a palate cleanser.

But she tried not to fuss and make people eat it. She wasn't at her home after all.

Instead, she drifted, making small talk and listening, asking how they knew Connor. Though sometimes she tried pale (paler) and reached for the nearest surface, or person.]

Excuse me, I...need to sit down.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor is happy to see Caren, and lifts his own clawed hand to take hers and inspect it. He can just about see the claws if he has her hand close to his face.]

I'm glad you could make it. I realise the full moons are difficult for us Monsters.

[He smiles up at her, though. Even blind and confined to his pool, he seems to be in good spirits.]

How are you?

[showsnopiety]

[She was careful about her claws. She didn't want to scratch him in any way, especially on his special day.]

I'm all right. Much better then last month.

[She flexed her hand slowly, letting him see-or feel-carefully for himself. They were definitely no longer human, but they weren't talons-just big cat claws suited for her small hands.]

So my apologies for being tied up with recovery and work. I suppose I owe you a song or two.

[fromjapan]

[The SQUIP arrives to the party fashionably late-- of course. It swaggers through the backyard's gate, glancing over the arrangement; this could almost look like a regular backyard birthday party, if it weren't for the handsome merrow there in the pool.

Some could consider that a step up from most birthday parties. The SQUIP certainly does.

It feels a certain fondness for Connor; one could almost call it affection, or the closest approximation something that was never meant to form personal relationships itself can muster. After all, it was programmed to serve someone else's needs, not to fulfill its own, other than the basic tenants of self-preservation. Connor is the only other machine it has met, and that places him in a very special regard, sets him apart from the other creatures it has met so far here.

Artificial. Just like the SQUIP itself. Though one would never know it to look at him now, graceful and lovely there in the pool, a fairy tale come to life.

It went to the pool, zeroed in on Connor immediately, though it did keep its sensors open to anything interesting it might see or hear on the way to him. It smiled, catlike, as it approached him, kneeling beside the pool to greet him.]

Hello, Connor.

for adeline

[fromjapan]

The SQUIP has seen her around before; a beautiful, charming girl, soft and innocent. It overheard L encountering her previously, of course, but it hasn't had the honor of making her acquaintance personally before.

It knows that she's old-fashioned; if Connor is from the future, from the SQUIP's point of view, as is Rich, then this girl must be from a past. Not necessarily its own past, it supposes, but still... it must adjust accordingly.

"Pardon me," it says as it goes to her, for all intents and purposes looking and sounding like nothing more insidious than a handsome man clad in all white. "You seem familiar... have I seen you somewhere before?"

*twilight zone theme begins*

[bleedinghare]

She doesn't notice it coming— her attention only drawn from her conversation once it speaks, glancing over her shoulder, through her curls in curiosity with a daintily-garnished drink in hand. It takes her a moment to process what it's said, to consider.

...her brow furrows. The "man" before her certainly seems familiar: something delightful to look at, nearly nostalgic in so being, yet almost headache-inducing in fogginess. Ada turns to face it, regardless of her discomfort.

"—forgive me," Adeline murmurs, canting her head to one side in curiosity. "I can't recall your name— we must have, haven't we? I simply can't put my finger on it..."

[plasticasshole]

[Connor gives the SQUIP a pleased smile as he comes to the edge of the pool, though he can't see it very well. A lot of people have left by now, due to their changes kicking in or simply because it's late. He'd wondered if the SQUIP would even come, but it did and he's happy about it.]

Hello. I'm glad you could make it.

[He reaches out to touch at the SQUIP's hand lightly, a gentle gesture. He's fond of the SQUIP for similar reasons.]

[fuckingpassw0rd]

[The first thing that Hank had done, when he had seen Connor making a video apart from 'god that dragonfly is going to be the death of me, I know it' was 'oh shit it IS Connor's birthday tomorrow.

He was...really bad at buying presents, even more when there was a time limit attached.

The day came by too quickly but with the full moons up in the air, he was glad to have it be distracted when he helped Connor set up the party (and Hank only dipped into the food once, totally a true gentleman).

Compared to everyone else he doesn't look very...well modely? Christ, he's not sure what word to use. Maybe young. Yeah. He looks old. There we go.]

Connor!

[Apparently the fact Connor can't see him well means Hank's going to scream louder.]

How does it feel to be a year old?

[plasticasshole]

[Connor turns his gaze up to the blur that is Hank, and tips his head to the side slightly.]

I'm blind, Hank, not deaf.

[He says it fondly, though.]

And technically, I'm still only half of that.