[Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

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Mr. Blackbird Lore
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Mr. Blackbird Lore »

"Fun indeed," Jane concurred with genuine anticipation. It had been a long time since she'd let her hair down, metaphorically speaking. It had been much longer since she'd let anyone attempt to wrangle her locks into anything other than a ponytail-- since before she had first come to Japan, all those years ago. Those thoughts were not meant for here, though.

Jane hadn't been sure what to expect, but the room failed to surprise her after all the neon and wild costumes she'd witnessed along the way there. She saw the seats and the stage, then turned to Laoise. "Alright, let's get this started properly. Alcohol."
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Straken
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Straken »

"It's borderline hysterical, Percival," Caoranach said back to the Welshman, her tone low and dry hinting at a slight annoyance. Then with practiced ease her tone and expression shifted to being perfectly amiable. Adjusting her position, she crossed her legs towards Percy and placed her hands in her lap with the fingers laced. "You never seem to be at the cottage when I'm visiting, and when you are the dove tends to get in my way; though nothing is new there. Anyway, how have you been? You'd been looking rather gaunt the last few months, but it looks like your starting to look like one of the living again."

Once all those present had entered the room, Laoise closed the door behind her and Jane. Everyone had found themselves a seat save for the cowgirl, and she tilted her head up as the taller woman approached her. Giving the American a wide smile, she adopted a rather confident air. "No worries, Jane! All food and beverages are being covered by the Flynn siblings tonight!" Laoise announced with a degree of bravado. "So take a look through the menus on the table, let me know, and I'll send in the orders."

Taking everyone's orders in turn, Laoise used the phone mounted near the door to call it in. In the time the group spent looking through the song selections on a handful of touchscreen tablets, a server knocked on the door and delivered several bottles of various alcohols and cocktails, along with the requisite cups, mugs, and other containers. The food would likely be along in a song or two. Laoise, acting as the host, raised the cocktail she had ordered and picked up the microphone as moved to hardwood singing area. "Hi everyone! I wanna start by thanking everyone for coming!" she began, speaking into the microphone as everyone got themselves served for drinks. "For as long as we've known each other, we've done a surprisingly small amount of hanging out as friends. And, with everything that happened recently... well, thanks. Now! Unless someone else wants to start I'm happy to break the ice and get us started once we're all settled in."

Kaori clapped lightly and gave Laoise a smile as Ruarc was pouring some beer into her mug. Once he had finished, Kaori took the bottle and returned the favor, filling the Irishman's mug in kind. Picking up the mugs, Kaori needing two hands to support hers while Ruarc only need one, the gave their kampais started into their drinks. Looking around a bit to gauge the room, he smiled in spite of his trepidation for leaving the mansion. As Laoise had said,their group did a surprisingly small amount of visiting just to visit. Sure, Percy and select others would join him for tea, but he could count on two hand the number of times they had gone out on the town. Being the oldest in the group, he had been able to drink a few years before any of the others, so being able to go out drinking lacked any general appeal. That said, now that he was out with his friends, he felt a warmth inside that even a swig of cold beer didn't put out.

"To friends and family," Ruarc spoke up, raising his glass in a toast. Feeling somewhat silly making a toast in a karaoke parlor, but making toasts felt natural to his Irish heritage. Alleviating any feeling of bashfulness, Laoise and Kaori raised their glasses as well. Caoranach, holding a small cup of sake, raised the cup an almost imperceptible amount that would be hidden from Ruarc on the other side of Percy. The look on her face was masked in indifference, but hinted at slight melancholy.
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Gwathdraug
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Gwathdraug »

A rat-a-tat-tat-tat played a rapid, near mimicry of a musical drum beat - each tap and smack being just off from a bit too much enthusiasm - against the door to the group's room. The sound shifted to more of a bum, dum, clap as the person on the other side switched from lighter knocks and taps to much heavier smacks and slaps.

As the rolling, half-beat exhausted itself the door glided open without a creak or a groan. As the hall became revealed the revelers could see two figures: one standing directly in front of the other and amidst the motions of a flourishing, flashy bow while the other had a grin spread across their face and their arms folded in front of their chest. As the figure in front finished their bow they stood up and stepped beside their partner where it was quickly apparent that the two young women were physically identical.

Both had faces framed by somewhat ragged and jagged and clearly self-cut brown hair topped off by matching featureless black ball caps. The one that had been bowing before the group had on a black t-shirt with a cartoon-ish upside image of a dog's head detailed out in the entire rainbow's worth of colours and a pair of very well cut black slacks that definitely didn't have the look of the bargain bin about them. The other was wearing a ruffled white button-up with the top two buttons undone beneath a crisp black blazer that was a match to the pants they were not wearing - instead they had on a pair of cream-coloured cargo shorts that easily showed off the rather roughshod ankle-length hiking boots they were wearing.

The pair of much shinier, well-cared footwear covered somewhat by the slacks of the first woman looked extremely close in colour to the ones being worn by her counterpart.

The pair blinked as they looked in on the group and saw some people that they weren't sure if they recognized or not, but the first quickly moved closer to the second and threw an arm around her shoulders before pointing a finger to themself with a grin.

"Riley." The first stated as her finger pointed steadfastly towards her chin and then the finger wiggled and twitched before moving seamlessly to point to the second chin. "And -" The first's face snapped away from the group to stare at the identical face next to her own with anticipation clear in her voice.

"Riley." The first's voice seemed to echo from out of the second, but it was clear that the original woman wasn't speaking - the similarity was just fine to the point of being indistinguishable. The second capped her introduction with a smirk and the grin on the first's grew so it was pushing towards the ear facing towards the group.

The first woman laughed and then turned her attention back towards the gathering. "Great introductions, yeah?" Decoupling herself from the other woman the young woman walked inside the room. As she placed her hands on her hips and kept up her broad grin the second Riley came inside and shut the door before claiming a spot leaning against the wall. "How are we?"
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Mr. Blackbird Lore
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Mr. Blackbird Lore »

Jane raised her glass of whiskey and cola. "To frien--" when Riley interrupted the toast. She scowled for a moment before remembering it was a time to relax. There was no need to berate her for tardiness. It was a social gathering, not a lecture.

A deep breath was sufficient to ease her tension. "Friends and family," she echoed, ignoring the hollow ring of the word family as it struck her own ears. Afterward, she tipped the glass back and emptied it, then fetched another.

Most of the couch was full by now but there was room to Carrie's left, opposite Percival an along the same stretch as Eryl, which she claimed.

She took another sip, and waited for the music.
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Kokuten
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Kokuten »

"One of the living? Certainly haven't felt that way!" Percy brought his hand up to his mouth, trying to hold in his mirth as he crossed his legs as well, mirroring a bit of Caoranach's motion. Being so close to the fey woman would have unnerved him in any normal circumstance, but he seemed to be in a good mood. "I've been positively grand, thank you for asking; since last-week I've had a better handle on my condition. It's been so easy to get around now, I've thrown out the idea of needing a cane."

He leaned back over the couch, mindful of her eyes, keeping the line of sight cut. That, and something about the eyes always seemed to pull the man's attention, the subtle motions always seemed to have greater meaning. Percy liked to gauge people in such a way, it was like having a conversation below the one that was really happening. Jane would always look directly at someone when she spoke. Ruarc was prone to staring into space as he lost himself in thought. Miyuki would stare at whatever had her best interest, always on the prize. Riley's eyes played a careful sleight of hand that was hard to catch even when paying attention. Eryl would avoid direct eye-contact if she could help it, appearing sheepish. Laoise would, when not maintaining her prim demeanor, keep checking on the biggest threat in the room. The eyes of the woman next to him seemed to tell him a bit about her, about her intentions, even though she was never too shy about admitting such things.

As he perused the drink menu, he pressed on further, steering the conversation, "How's your cheek? Last time you made one of your visits, Laoise seemed to give you the business end of an Irish Greeting. Not that I'm assuming you haven't, but have you ever tried... talking with her? If Eryl can get on Laoise's good side, what's stopping you?"

Percival's drink of choice was a Side-car, wanting some form of Brandy in the evening, and not caring all too much the form in which it came to him. Meanwhile, Eryl sat in her end, apart from the others and keeping her distance from Caoranach's corner. She nursed a glass of water, choosing to forgo the alcohol served in order to stay relatively sober. The Triclops held her cup in both hands, taking sips in much the way that Kaori would her beer. Instead of pressing into conversation, she waited patiently for the traditional ceremony of Karaoke to begin. The fact that it took place in an enclosed room made her wary, considering that most reputable actions and tasks usually took place in large rooms with plenty of space to move about and talk.

When it came time to toast, both of the Welsh participants raised their glasses.

"Cheers," said the more imperial Percival.

"Iechyd Da," said the more native Eryl, before getting that sheepish look on her face as Jane came her way.

Percy gave a careful glance at the door as it opened, as if he had recognized the pattern of knocking just by the knuckles that rapped it. There was a small, judging look on his face as the two introduced themselves, and then the drink was down on the table. The Caxton appeared as though he would have nothing of their antics, judging by the way he stood, setting something where he sat to mark his spot. A patch, a weathered little number that was once knit to his beret, it had a vaguely magical aura.

There was an almost dancing step as he came around to the grinning Riley, throwing an arm around her and pulling her close. The two were cheek to cheek.

"We're just fine! We've already settled into the drinks, I got you something light to start you off," answered Percy, a big smile on his face. He immediately addressed Kaori, giving the grinning Riley a little shake. "Ms. Otani, this is my sister, Riley. That one over on the wall is my other sister, Erin. They're talented artists who always like to make an impression."

The man pointed at 'Erin', then himself, and then 'Riley'. "If you can't tell, we're all a little unique here."
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Straken
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Straken »

Laoise's face froze in mild terror as she heard Riley enter off to the side. To her relief, the young woman had enough presence to not mimic Ruarc as she had a penchant for doing recently; that would have been awkward to explain to Kaori. As it turned out, her antics were rather mild tonight, and as Percy now demonstrated were easily written off as twin antics; and he himself continued to shine as her biggest ally tonight. If the offer wasn't already in place, she would have offered to pay for his drinks. Relaxing a bit, she watched out of the corner of her eye to gauge Kaori's reaction and make sure no other intervention was needed.

Kaori looked mildly surprised when the two Riley's entered, but not much beyond that. The group was expecting one or two more arrivals after all, and the twin appearances were as simple as that; they were twins. Once Percy had intervened and roped the two girls in and introduced them, the older woman smiled and bowed her head. "It's a pleasure to meet the two of you," she said, her smile warm and welcoming. "I'm Otani Kaori."

"Sorry if their antics seem a bit much," Ruarc apologized from the side. His face had been similar to Laoise's, as he had been dreading what Riley might pull when he heard an invite had floated her way. Admittedly a little disappointed that it was just two of the magician, he figured he would have to wait to use the explanation he had preplanned in the event she used his appearance around Kaori.

"Oh, it's nothing that needs an apology. Bear in mind I work around artist and performer types as a day job. I'm used to eccentric behavior," Kaori responded.

"She is just made of sunshine isn't she," Ruarc asked Laoise subliminally.
"She's a pro at conversation. You could learn a thing or two," was the reply he got back.

As all of this played out, Caoranach sat and watched; her subdued look shifting from melancholy to mirth. She was always fond of seeing what young Riley would do next, since the performer's powers resembled her own in a way. Taking another sip from her cup, she transitioned her position to now favor Jane, who had taken the other seat next to her. The cowgirl was another one from Ruarc's clique that she had never spoken to for any measurable amount of time. "So, Ms. Smith, I am pleased you were able to join this outing. We're always in close proximity, but never speak; which I find a shame," Caoranach began, her English softened by a Celtic lilt. Her tone was friendly, although a sly smile grew to the left of her rosy lips. "How is that darling little homestead of yours doing?"

Back on the hardwood singing area, Laoise breathed a sigh of relief that everything remained smooth. With the addition of two Rileys the couch was beginning to fill in. The smaller arm where Ruarc sat had two seats open; though only one in reality since one spot was Percy's. The longer arm capped by Eryl still had enough spots for the two Rileys to sit and spread out a bit between the Welsh and the American. Which meant all that was left was for Miyuki to arrive and the food to be served. That, and karaoke, of course.

"Alright! Then without further ado, let's karaoke!" Laoise announced. Clicking a button on the microphone, music began playing through the speakers as Laoise started into her song. Kaori clapped her hands excitedly before leaning in towards Ruarc, her shoulder resting against his as she spoke in a hushed tone before the song picked up. "Laoise is always a fun one to watch sing."

Sure enough, a light beat started up that Ruarc vaguely recognized. It wasn't what he was expecting, but Laoise got right into it. She was focused, but more importantly it looked like she was having fun with it. She had a smile on her face as she sang, and some of her idol experience played in as her dance meshed wonderfully with the words and the beat. It wasn't what he listened to, but he found himself smiling and tapping along as well; wondering in the back of his mind if any of it had to do with the familiar's magic manifesting through her voice.
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Mr. Blackbird Lore
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Mr. Blackbird Lore »

Jane smiled cordially at Caoranach. She was quickly learning the woman had a penchant for haughty thoughts. It was a wonder her nose didn't have a polished gleam from all the snubbing she did. "Likewise," she responded to the thought of not having spoken previously. "S'pose it was more necc'ss'ry than any o us realized." As for her home, "It's comin along nicely. A little behind, what with helpin Mr. Flynn with his endeavors n takin some time to sort Mr. Caxton's predicament, but I'm pleased as punch with it so far. Pair o horses n a small garden right now, but I'm thinkin t'raise some beef out there too, maybe retire on the dairy if I live long 'nuff."

The conversation would have to be muted or paused for a few minutes as Laoise took the stage. Jane really hadn't the slightest clue what to expect-- she didn't hang around bars, usually, and the ones she did frequent were prone to pianos and old jukeboxes. But, she had to admit, it was definitely the right song to lead with. Shaking off all the nervousness and just getting right into it. She didn't really get a lot of the slang, and ultimately the content was incredibly childish, but the music was energetic and catchy, which is what the group needed. It made her smile.
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Kokuten
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Kokuten »

One more bridge mended with the group, Percy made his way back to his seat, eager to get back to his side-car. Especially as the first song began to spin up on the stage, he took stock of the state of the room. Eryl was cooped up in her corner, just taking it all in, looking a bit confused as the song began. She didn't seem to understand the music or the lyrics, but smiled none-the-less. There was still space for Riley to take between the two, and Jane and Caoranach seemed properly occupied with one another. Another look to his left showed that Kaori and Ruarc were getting along well enough, the two seemed to be hitting it off rather well, he crossed his arms, with a sense of satisfaction on his face.

He had never learned to relax around these people, there was always another danger looming its head over the horizon. The first thing that had struck them all when he had returned was his own troubles, and now, here they were. Only a few days later, and the losses among them minimal. This was as much a victory party as it was just a night to blow off steam. There was a small smile on his face, the music carrying him along into a better mood, albeit a bit gloomy.

"Why so blue, Percy?" he thought he heard a voice say.

That voice wasn't there anymore, he knew, none of them were. He brought the cocktail to his mouth, and took another sip as he watched Laoise's performance quite like one would watch a symphony. The music didn't suit him too much, but it was the sort of music his friends grew up with, and even one the kids at the school liked. For some reason, it put him at ease, it pushed aside all the things that ate at him, and even started a little fire in his mind of what song his voice might be best suited for.
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Straken
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Straken »

The song passed with a wide smile on Laoise's face, a spring in her step as she threw in some fun dance moves to go with it, and an exuberance that belied the traumatizing experience she went through not long ago. Once she had finished the last verse and the music wound down, the familiar thrust an arm in the air. "Thanks guys!" Laoise said into the mic before taking a sip of her drink that was sitting on a side table. "Now let's keep the energy up. Who's next?" With that she sat the mic down on the table for whoever wanted next song before taking her drink and sitting down in the seat next to Eryl and the twins.

"So what did you think?" Laoise asked the Welshwoman. "Have you picked a song out yet?"

"Oh, how quaint," Caoranach said to Jane as the music was dying down. "I'm quite fond of the rustic motif, though I'm more acquainted with the Celtic style. You must have me over for tea sometime; I could even offer some help with the interior, if you so desired."

Back on Ruarc's end of the couch, the Irishman refilled Kaori's glass as the secretary gave energetic applause to her coworker. "An excellent choice for starting out!" she said to Laoise when she passed to her seat before shifting her focus back to Ruarc; giving him a big smile. "What fun! It's been too long since I've been out with friends."

"Indeed," Ruarc agreed as he was about to refill his own glass before the bottle was gently but firmly taken by Kaori, who filled the glass for him. Ruarc still didn't quite understand that custom. "So, have you decided what song you'll want to sing? I'm still deciding for myself." Kaori shook her head and looked a bit bashful, so Ruarc turned in his seat towards Percy.

"How about you, Percy? Got a good one lined up yet?" the Irish asked the Welsh.
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Mr. Blackbird Lore
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Re: [Pew Pew Karaoke] A Night Off

Post by Mr. Blackbird Lore »

She applauded sincerely with a smile. Laoise's energy was infective, and-- gods forefend-- Jane was nearly eager to get up and take her turn.

The American turned toward her old foe. "I might jus have t take ye up on that offer. I've no mind fer decor." A sip and a thought. "Now, music. I've got a taste fer it-- the simpler kind, mind ye. Ye picked a song yet?"
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