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

[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?"

[bleedinghare]

―oh― Rich! Adeline recognizes the voice as well, brightening for a brief moment before the pain in his voice takes hold; her expression of familiarity is replaced with a troubled little grimace as she listens to him speak.

"I'll be fine, darling," She insists reassuringly, despite the burn that makes her lashes twitch every now and then, that makes her raise a glove to rub her eye. "will you? You sound awfully upset―"

And then he opens the door, revealing his fear-wild eyes and the smear of blood trailing across his cheek, leading its way behind a handtowel― Adeline's eyes widen, empathy straining her heart against her ribs, quick to fit her fingers around the door itself to keep him from shutting her out. "Oh, Rich, you're hurt! What in the world happened to you―?"

Something in the sight of his blood makes her pale a great deal more than it ever should have. She blames it on the fact that it isn't her own, but something in the pull of the shimmering moon above the cottage is what makes her grip on the door anxiously shift to keep her fingertips from quailing too openly; the wide eyes that keep Rich in their sights are brighter with fear than kindness now, familiar blue eyes stained with not only an irritable redness on one side, but a gilded bloom beginning just around her pupil like petals around the heart of a strange flower.

[firewalled]

Rich backs away just slightly from her, instantly cowering for reasons he doesn't have the intelligence to explain. Something about Ada... besides the obvious redness in one of her eyes, and besides the bizarre glint there that Rich isn't getting close enough to look at... something is off. He knows he's hurt, but he didn't expect a reaction like that from her. Maybe she has a fear of blood?

He looks away from her, trying to bring his wound away from her sight.

"I'll be fine, seriously. I, uh, I don't know what happened, just sort of cut my cheek open, but it's not a big deal..."

From the way his voice hitches and cracks as he speaks to her, it seems clear that he won't be fine, and Ada probably will catch a glimpse of sharp canines, seeming to get longer and larger every time Rich opens his mouth.

[bleedinghare]

Her eyes widen in fear and surprise, but— despite the strange feeling of frozenness that pushes into her veins at the sight of Rich's pain, her brows furrow in newfound resolve. To keep him from shutting her out, Adeline curls four gloved fingers around the door with a knowing, concerned kind of frown.

"Rich," Adeline replies, her voice low and even. "will you let me in? Please, let me help you— who did this?"

The irony is lost on her— as well as the glimmering moon over Connor's cottage, lying in wait behind a wisp of cloud, searching for the precise moment to prey on her as well.

[firewalled]

"Ada, please... you don't have to worry. It was me, okay? It was an accident, and it's an accident that I'm dealing with now. I'm just going to wipe up the blood, so you don't need to freak out!"

He bares his teeth at her for a moment, defensiveness heightened into something like rage by the moonlight. He can't close the door on her, though, and that anger does fade as he retreats deeper into the room.

[bleedinghare]

She shrinks— if only for a moment, the widening of her eyes highlighting the new, strange gleam blooming in the corona of her iris. For that moment, however, Rich sees Adeline in a way he never had prior; why, in a way she had never felt prior, total paralysis by fear.

Adeline draws a shaking breath. Against that icy, buzzing adrenaline, she pushes back— both literally and figuratively, finding her way inside, shutting the door behind her.

"Will you let me help you?" Ada murmured, her tone barely holding sound in comparison to Rich's outburst. "Let me see— why don't you sit?"

Perhaps it's bravery, but her fingertips still tremble as she inches towards him, hands placid and open.

[firewalled]

Rich stares at her with something very different from her obvious fear. He notices her trembling, her wide eyes, her trembling breath... and each one only makes him angrier. He swallows back a growl as she comes closer, but still steadily glares at her.

"I don't need help. You're scared anyways! Just leave if you're freaked out!"

It's only natural to be scared of him. He's a violent bully. An asshole. Not the kind of person to worry about.

[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.

[plasticasshole]

It can't be helped. I'm going to make the most of it despite the full moons.

[He looks down at the package, running his claws over it. He's obviously surprised that Rich got him something, but pleased, too. It must mean Rich likes him in some capacity, right?]

Thank you. Where are you working?

[firewalled]

I mean, I guess so. I feel like I wouldn't be up for anything with how weird things are getting.

[He's... really hoping the changes go as easily as Connor makes them seem.]

Oh, I'm at that little spice shop, Tumeric or Not Tumeric? It's a pretty sweet gig. All I have to do is give little speeches on the featured spices to try to lure customers.

[Granted, his lisp does make that... awkward. He's still sure his enthusiasm is making up for that.]

[plasticasshole]

[It's easier when you can't feel pain.]

I've been here since May. You do get used to things after a while.

[Connor gives Rich a bright smile.]

That sounds like a good job. I work at Pile's Petagorium, myself. It's nice to work with animals... though I ended up adopting one of the lonelier dragonflies in the end, because nobody wanted him.

[He has a soft heart.]

[firewalled]

Jesus, what month is it, even? Last I checked, it was almost October back home.

[Did he time travel? Fuck, did he miss prom?

He tries not to let that concern overwhelm him, though, which is pretty easy when he thinks about Connor adopting a bunch of cute critters.]

Aww, you're a sucker for sad animals, huh? What kind of pets do they sell there anyways? That dragonfly isn't like one I've ever seen...

[plasticasshole]

It's August. The 15th, to be exact.

[Connor seems to brighten up at the chance to talk about the animals at the store.]

We sell dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, fish... but also creatures of the more magical variety, such as the dragonflies. The dragonflies do spit fire, so it's best not to adopt one until you're sure you can handle it. I spent a long time working with the one I adopted. It would isolate itself from the others, and was almost hostile towards the customers. Once I brought it home and it didn't have to compete for attention from the other dragonflies it settled in nicely, though.

[firewalled]

...Shit. Michael's going to be pissed...

[Well, Rich would be pretty ticked if someone asked him to prom and then disappeared for the rest of the school year. But Connor doesn't know about that, and his knowledge of pets is quite distracting.]

That sounds really cool! What'd you name your dragonfly? Do any of them have other weird quirks? I mean, I don't know if I could handle fire, but something else might be okay...

[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...

[ishisstrength]

[Justine gently places the cloth into his talons, her fingers delicately brushing against his pal in the process.]

I can help. I've studied some healing besides making these.

[She's weak but she also wants Connor's first birthday to go well. He's very important to her.]

I promise to keep this between us if you're worried.

[firewalled]

[Rich holds the cloth awkwardly, standing in the doorway as he remains unsure why he's hesitating. He should just close the door on her and hope the healing runes are enough. Even if it's rude, it'd make sure there's one less person needlessly bothered by him.

But if she does agree to keep this between them, it may be the best way for him to ensure that as few people get wrapped up in his bullshit. She can vouch for him, maybe make sure Connor doesn't have to fuss.

After a few more moments, he nods, stepping backwards to let her in. He turns back towards her so she can more clearly see the long gash he's left, cutting into the burns on his face.]

It's not a huge deal. I just cut myself. [It's a huge deal. But he's stubborn about admitting that.]

[ishisstrength]

[She waits patiently as the young man decides whether or not he wants her help. She doesn't want to force him but she also doesn't want this to cause Connor trouble.]

That's alright. We should still wrap it up and make sure you're okay. You know that Connor will worry if you don't take good care of it. [Justine knows that Connor would ask her to help him if he knew that this was an issue.]

Let me see. [She steps into the bathroom and takes a look at the side of his face.] Ah. [Justine has seen many monster transformations.] Here. Let me wrap this. It'll ease the pain.

I also know a spell that should help but you'll have to hold still.

[firewalled]

I mean, I guess so... I just need it bandaged, I can handle it.

[He thinks he can handle it, anyways. He's dealt with caring for his burns back when he was still healing up. But without materials of his own, he supposes he needs to accept help. He winces a bit at her examining, but covers it up with a laugh.]

I'm not very good at holding still. I feel like Connor would have mentioned I nearly danced his feet off.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine glances back at him and smile.] He hasn't but I'll make sure to ask him for the story. It must be a very good one considering he doesn't always have feet. [Her voice is warm and sweet.]

Here, take a seat. I'm going to wrap this up for you. It looks like a monster transformation. I believe I still have some potions here that I had given Connor when his scales came in. It'll help with the pain. [She probably spends to much time at Connor's house but it's only because she lives next door.]

I'll be quick so that you don't have to hold still for long.

How about that?

[Her expression suggests that she's going to politely refuse any of his refusals to help.]

[firewalled]

Ha, maybe. It was a little messy, but we had fun in the end. [Once Rich got over his whole android panic...]

Yeah. I don't know what exactly this means. Do you think that means I'm like him?

[He does hold his head up towards her so she can get a better look at the damage.]