middaeg | Party like it's your birthday [OPEN]

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Party like it's your birthday [OPEN]

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!))

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[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.

[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.]

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.

[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.]

[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.

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.]

―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?"

[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.

I'm an android. A machine.

[And he's only been activated for six and a half months. Actually, he was deactivated for a while after the resolution of his first case, just because he wasn't needed at the time.]

[Connor curls a damp arm around her and kisses her cheek.]

Well, thank you. I appreciate it.

[He strokes her cheek with his thumb, giving her a more serious look.]

But how are you feeling? If you get tired, you can lie down in my bed.

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."

[He's going to get uncomfortably close to the camera and squint a moment.]

Oh.

Oh! Well, that's really interesting, then. Can't say I've run into anything like that back home. What can you do? Any special abilities, such as shooting lasers from your eyes?

[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.]

―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?"

[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?

[Her smile widens at the cool warmth of his kiss against her cheek.]

I'm feeling better. I'm trying not to make you worry but I couldn't miss your birthday.

The white sheer kimono plasters to her skin wherever Connor's damp touch comes in contact with the fabric. She doesn't mind. The fabric is light and it'll be quick to dry. She'd much rather be close to Connor then dry.]

You have a bed?

[She gives him a questioning gaze while trying to hold back her smile.]

I thought you didn't because you don't need one.

[Connor resists the urge to lean back a little.]

Well, I can analyse things by tasting them. My tongue acts as a mobile lab. I can also scan my environment and determine the probability of certain events unfolding.

[And, since it seems like the man wants an example, Connor switches his voice to perfectly mimic his briefly.]

And I can do this.

[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.

[Connor looks almost sheepish at the question.]

I got one recently. I thought... if you ever wanted to stay over...

[Yes, he got a bed just so Justine could sleep over sometimes if she wanted to. He'd been fine with his kid's bed since he only ever sat at his desk really, but the new bed is comfortable and he sometimes lays on it for a few minutes just to enjoy it.]

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?

[Justine smiles and this time it's her turn to kiss him on the cheek.]

Then I'll stay tonight and you can join me after the moon goes down.

[It isn't very far to her house but she's touched by the thought that he'd purchased a bed so she could stay over. It also means she can stay and enjoy his party longer.]

[Connor nods, glad that Justine wants to stay the night.]

I'll be with you as soon as possible.

[For now though, he just leans against her, arm still around her waist.]

Have you eaten? There's food on the table nearby. I'd get it for you, but...

[Legs. Lack of them.]

There is no rush. I plan to enjoy the party a little more.

[She's going to be outside for as long as she physically can manage it though she has no idea how long that will actually be.

Justine leans against his side and smiles as her lovely dark gaze turns towards the table of food.] I can get myself something in a little bit. I haven't eaten recently but it's been difficult. I can only eat a little bit at a time. [She's trying to regain her strength but also not make herself sicker in the process.]

What all is over there? I can't see from here.

[And she doesn't want to move just yet.]

There are sandwiches, salad, cupcakes, assorted snack foods... I wasn't sure what people would like.

[So there's nothing too heavy there, Justine could probably just nibble at her leisure.]

What about a cake? Should we sing you happy birthday?

Or I can just sing it to you.

[It's a song that he might not know.]

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Party like it's your birthday [OPEN]

[video]

Action & Open to Anyone who wants to run into her

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