come_sailaway | We're wide awake now, our eyes are wide open. We're running this world, we keeping it turning

[ While Mizuki might not have the keen hearing of Perros or Felines, it’s still a little above average. Which, at a loud party like this, makes it very A Lot(tm) to be here. He’s already a bit jumpy from sensory overload, so, of course, he bristles a little at the sound of his name. Eyes dart around, trying to pick out a voice in the madness. Honestly, he almost expects it to be Gummy… but he’s just as relieved to see Venti.

He opens his mouth to greet him in turn, the usual sunshine cheer on his face. And then there’s hesitation. And then confusion. And then worry. Essentially, Mizuki’s emotions are the world’s wildest rollercoaster right now. Did… he want to talk to Mizuki? But. Mizuki hadn’t even delivered his letter yet. Right? Wait, Venti didn’t just find it, right? Mizuki frantically pats himself down to make sure the letter was still on him, heaving a sigh of relief when it still lie in his pocket. Geez… okay. You got this, Mizuki. Do what you do best! Pretend like nothing is wrong.

So, sugar, spice, and everything nice manifests once again on his features, and he waves at Venti. ]

Hey. [ He annunciates the best he can, so Venti might vaguely put together what he’s saying if he can’t hear. ] Didn’t mean to interrupt you.

[ well the very last time he'd seen him he'd been glitching with camouflage, bristling with tension and... frustration, or maybe even as close to fury as he'd ever seen, other than against jenny. but against jenny was one thing, instead those accusations were turned towards venti.

which, probably totally rightfully so. he doesn't actually care that much, rightful or not. he doesn't actually care that much about being yelled at, certainly so many bartenders and tavern-owners and whoever else have done so but...

maybe he does care and he doesn't want to think about it. for now he simply stares at the light smile on mizuki's face, then mirrors it with one of his own. ]

Fancy seeing you here~ [ totally. casual. he returns the wave, it's actually so easy to beckon mizuki in an invite. ] Look, I've figured out this machine all by myself! [ be proud of him! he's not old!!... well he is, but still. ] It's probably my favorite I've used here on this ship.

Want to sing with me? [ that hopeful offer, without a single thought. ]

[ He draws closer immediately. Whatever frustration that made him put a violent distance between the two of them either Mizuki swallowed and ignored, or somehow passed. Mizuki himself wouldn't be able to tell you which, but he hopes desperately that it's the latter. He doesn't want to be that angry again. ]

Ah, is it...? I figured a party might be able to help Gummy relax. [ He turns to point to her, but realizes he doesn't actually know where she went, so it takes him a moment to eventually point out the little blonde bear in the bar. ] She doesn't know a lot of people on board, so... I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so.

[ And then he goes talking about the karaoke machine. There's a slight laugh when he mentions being able to figure it out, like it's some kind of accomplishment (though, truly, he is proud...!), but it swiftly turns to horrified shock when he asks to sing together. He knows there's a lot of noise and it probably wouldn't have mattered at all, but he's still not comfortable with singing. Especially in front of a crowd. ]

I-I can't... [ He gives a very obviously look out at everyone attending the party, and then back to Venti. ] I still can't sing, Venti.

[ he'd probably be up for meeting this gummy sometime maybe when he's in a more personable mood. which... he is even when drunk and maybe on questionable grounds with mizuki, but right now apparently it's time to try to bully him into a song, if he isn't quite going to bully him into drinks. ]

You can. Anyone can sing, promise! As long as you have a voice, you can surely sing. [ look, what crowd is there? everyone's busy having their own fun, this is a party. nobody's looking or paying attention--

all his attention is to mizuki now as he offers a hand. ]

It's an easy song, there aren't even any high notes or anything. It's almost rather spoken-word, actually. Just read the lyrics with me, would you?

... [ He hasn't had anything to drink yet, so he's very uncomfortable with this prospect, but... ] If it's only reciting words, I can do that. [ He's suspicious, though, Venti!! He also doesn't want to stand in front of the mic?! But he really doesn't want to upset Venti again, either. Especially if he's going to willingly talk to Mizuki again without any prompting on his part. Maybe... maybe at the end of this he can give Venti his letter...?

He stares at Venti's hand for a moment, a couple loud thoughts arguing with each other in Mizuki's already cluttered head. Don't take it. Take it. He just left you. He's here now. He's only talking to you on his terms. But you want to be around him. He's probably drunk. You can make him happy.

...

He takes Venti's hand and steps up next to him, giving it a nervous squeeze. ]

What... song is it?

[ unluckily enough, it's true venti has gotten quite a few drinks in him and after that first moment of uncertainty, calling mizuki's name, it seems he's almost perfectly at ease now. everything's fiiine~ mizuki's not mad at him, he's not mad at mizuki, mizuki's holding his hand, everything's. fine. everything will be more fine if mizuki could sing with him. #drunkventilogic. ]

It's called 'When Doves Cry', by a gentleman named Prince. Imagine that! What a talented nobleman he is, I wonder what country he rules over? [ he's imagining some Country of Avant Garde Music, full of these synths and rhythmic percussion, he sure would like to visit this nation. maybe full of bell-bottom jeans and sequin jackets, if he knew prince's fashion sense. fascinating. ]

But the lyrics are pretty intriguing as well. Read them with me, if you would!

[ and he presses the button to replay the song. ]

[ Mizuki blinks for a moment, shaking his head a little. ]

If it's the name of the artist, [ Who doesn't ring a bell to Mizuki, but- ] then he's probably not actually a prince. It's probably just a stage name. A lot of musicians have those.

[ Sorry to ruin your dreams of a Prince-themed wonderland, Venti.

His other hand moves over to sandwich Venti's, holding it there as he waited for the lyrics to actually start. He's nervous already... about a lot of things. About Venti, about singing, about the party, about things being so smooth when he's upset Venti so much. He wants to apologize. He wants to, but he also doesn't want to make Venti remember those things he said to him right now...

Especially not when one of the things he said implies he's starting to be suspicious of his odd fascination with Mizuki's voice.

But, for now, he does read the lyrics out, quietly, literally just saying words like he's reading a script for the first time. ]

[ no, for shame!!! he's drunk and he refuses not to acknowledge the existence of Prince's wonderland okay??... so, he's totally ignoring mizuki because yes he knows musicians have stage names but-- ] But, it's such a charismatic name! Surely if he weren't a prince, actual princes would bar him from using such a title. [ yes, perfect. venti logic pulls through in justifying the 100% true existence of Princeland.

the song might not exactly be pop or conventionally melodious, but that's part of the draw and fascination for him. the moment it starts he's almost instantly moving with the beat and the drums, nodding his head, allowing the rhythm and pace of the song practically to enter and flow with him. almost like when he'd listened to those songs on mizuki's playlist, even as amazing as that was, there's really not much substitute to being in the midst of song and music such as in a club like this, and of course singing...

it might be a mercy that this song isn't a conventionally melodic one or mizuki's singing would really hurt. as it is, mizuki reading along works just fine, he himself would put his whole chest into singing fully, like a real performance. ]

Dig, if you will, the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you, my darling?
Can you picture this?

[ Mizuki stops reading the lyrics altogether as soon as he starts actually processing the lyrics, clamming up immediately and stammering. Definitely... not what he wants to even be attempting as his first song. Why are you doing this to him, Venti, you haven't even given him his rum and coke... Please...

So, he just covers his mouth and stares at the floor, hoping he can just use his bangs to shield his red face from the partygoers. Hey! Venti! Maybe! Don't send this boy on even more of an emotional rollercoaster?! He is struggling as it is! ]

Dream, if you can, a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom~

[ look, what's the problem? it's a song, songs can definitely be risque and suggestive or smutty, what's more this is a prince song. prince who literally named an album 'lovesexy' and must have no lack of flamboyant escapades.

he does notice when mizuki stops though, because. the point of this was to sing with him! even as the song continues onwards, animals strike curious poses, they feel the heat, the heat between me and you-- ]

Eh, Mizuki? Is something the matter? [ maybe he is thirsty? if so he could give the drink, but he'd also like... the song... ]

[ Mizuki still has no idea who Prince is...! This is new! And sure, there are risque songs, Mizuki definitely listens to a few of them-- but to put him on a stage and sing when he can't sing with Venti these lyrics?! Come on, Venti. Have a little bit of awareness! Just a little! For Mizuki's sanity. ]

O-oh, no, I... [ Mizuki moves his hands to cover his increasingly redder cheeks. What the fuck... ] I don't think I can sing this song, either...

[ he is drunk enough to really consider pushing mizuki into doing it, try to sing with him proper, but--

......

he lets the mic down, then, though he can't quite hide his disappointment. even if, even he would be self-aware enough in the back of his head to know vaguely that mizuki singing nicely might devastate him. ]

Should I find another song? [ though, he's pretty sure, maybe all prospect of mizuki singing with him should be gone now. ]

[ Mizuki shakes his head. He really doesn't want Venti to find another song like that and send Mizuki all sorts of mixed messages. "Hey, I know I left you after you had some ~~legitimate~~ complaints about me without saying a damn word, but consider maybe [plays a bunch of love/sex songs]." Like. No. Mizuki might actually melt into a puddle. And he can literally do that, don't tempt him. ]

I think... these all might be older songs. [ Not really his scene, sorry, Venti. ] B-but if you'd like, I'll put more of an effort to find a song we can maybe sing together?

...

For now, would you just like to dance? I'm much better at that than I am at singing.

[ he honestly hadn't been thinking of this as a love/sex song, though it very clearly is, but. look, he actually completely was singing and appreciating the song on its own musical merits! sure the lyrics are suggestive but lyrics are only a part of the song, the rest of the composition is just as fascinating and worth admiring--

he'd actually say this much and more if he had the opportunity, but he brightens instantly at the offer of a dance. because guilty feet will sure have no rhythm after this. ] Would I! Of course, to both song or dance or both! [ and even he vaguely knows he definitely doesn't deserve the offer of song or dance or both, but if mizuki is doing so he couldn't possibly turn it down.

he returns the mic to the karaoke machine, looking just about starry-eyed at the very prospect of dance with the (???) bf. ]

Then, to make up for my choice, how about... if you have a favorite song, I could try to request it from the DJ for our dance!

[ Oh, he gets to pick the song? He's not so sure he's good for that. This is all... old music. But... something jazzy can work. It suits his style of dance, anyway. So, he gives Venti a gentle pat on the shoulder to let him know he'll be back as he attempts to get something more fitting for him to play, and while he doesn't know the song itself, the title sounded...

Well, anyway, he's happily going back over to Venti and eagerly pulls him to the dance floor. This'll be fun, at least! He likes to dance! Even if his style of dance might be a bit different to what Venti is used to. He hopes that maybe he can still keep up! ]

Shall we~?

[ he truly doesn't deserve mizuki, even leaving aside his extremely questionable fixation.

this song is new to him but he brightens because really, every new song to him may well be a little treasure, as well as something to learn to play if he wants to live to his claim to knowing all songs through time. he listens to the opening notes, the funk and instruments, a slow smile growing on his face, simply absorbing it. and then the sight of mizuki dancing, his moves...

it's definitely different from the traditional or couples dances he's more familiar with; he watches with a hand clasped to his chin, his look charmed. and then starts to follow mizuki's lead with the choreo; he's light on his feet and a fast learner and it's easy for him to lose himself to the music and dance, to copy mizuki's moves, with a light laugh and tap of his heels and dainty waves of his hand, the sway of his cloak and braids to the beat. ]

Edited 2022-04-30 18:46 (UTC)

[ If Venti will allow, he'll do his best for some more classic couple's swing mixed in. Fortunately, such a flowy, upbeat style of dance means it's easy for the two to improvise between each other. He follows Venti's steps just as much as he follows Mizuki's. And honestly, this feels nice. Singing is so scary for Mizuki, for a lot of reasons. But this... moving around to some music with someone he cares about... with someone he adores? Mizuki's own laughter chimes out like bells, and there's some completely elated moment where he grabs both of Venti's hands to just spin around aimlessly with him, completely lost in the moment.

He's so happy. He had been so torn up about yelling at Venti, he had only been focusing on those negative feelings. He had forgotten these silly feelings he had when they were just... together. So this is nice. Grounding. A good reminder that it's okay to make a few mistakes sometimes. If anything, Mizuki believes that he doesn't deserve a friend like Venti.

…But he's not willing to let go of him just yet. When the song ends, he steadily moves into Venti to settle his head against his shoulder, with his arms very loosely around him. ]

Ehehe… Not bad, bard. You still have a few more tricks up your sleeve, I see! [ A beat, as he processes the fact that there's something slightly off about the hug. Specifically: ] Why... are you damp?

Edited 2022-04-30 23:07 (UTC)

[ as the moments pass and mizuki dances with that much more carefree easy joy venti finds himself following and flowing into it as well, a laugh alongside, a warmer clasp of his hand to mizuki's. the tension and uncertainty just about melting away for the duration of the song. singing sweetly along with marcus miller--I just want to make you smile, won't you give me a chance? the pluck of funky bass and guitar, the head-nodding beat, the club lights, the buzz of alcohol, feeling of mizuki's hands and the sound of his laugh, the sound of his voice--

something aches deep in his chest, when he blinks away a sting to his eyes and bites the inside of his cheek and could imagine and pretend everything is all right after all, dancing with a frie--a boyfrie--someone he cares about. all is right for the duration of a song and dance.

even after it ends and mizuki stays and even draws closer he finds himself torn between wanting to try to flutter back, leave, and how damning it is that the impulse seems to be intensifying on-and-off now, intermittently more often with mizuki. but he doesn't, for now, he carefully returns the hug. ] Ehe, thaanks~ I'm impressed with you, too! Pretty smooth moves, for a sea jelly! [ he might have vaguely expected mizuki to be a little awkward with dance, he's a nerd or gamer after all! but this is a pleasant surprise, he has fancy feet.

that question is a liiittle more awkward though. ] Oh, I, ah...

I accidentally spilled water on myself. [ on his head. as you would. ] Actually that reminds me I have a drink for you!

[ Venti simply gets a hum in response to his compliments. He wasn't always a gamer, Venti! And he's traveled the world! Dancing always fascinated Mizuki. So energetic and... intimate, in its own way. But in a way that was socially acceptable. And, god, it's so much fun. All things that Mizuki is very, very into. ]

Oh. [ Considering their first meeting ever was Venti trying to windy some booze down from a tall shelf, Mizuki doesn't actually question this at all. His bestie can be a little unaware sometimes, and that's... fine-adjacent. So long as he doesn't get hurt. ] Oh! A drink? You didn't have to get me anything. [ ... ] Wait, you... you got me a drink before-...

[ Mizuki stares for a moment, the wheels turning in his head. And then... he relaxes a bit, cheeks suddenly pinker and expression much softer. ]

You... wanted me to come? [ Even after all those things he said? Even after hurting Venti? Even though he hadn't even made any attempt to make amends and it's been days since then? ...Venti's too kind. Too sweet. Truly, how did someone like Venti end up with a terrible friend like Mizuki? ]

[ did he want mizuki to come?

yes and no, but he'll allow him this small misunderstanding. why not. come on now have a little more awareness of who hurt who here...??? ]

I did want to see you. [ this isn't exactly a lie. very unfortunately, he would always want to be around mizuki in some capacity, no matter what would happen. very unfortunately, he can't leave him even if he might want to at the same time. ] I didn't exactly get it for you, Rafaela made me this mix for you. Your friend sure is thoughtful. [ far, far more so than a certain bard here. ]

Do you like rum and coke? [ he pulls away just enough to fetch it for mizuki now. ]

[ .......Ah. So, a little less personal, but...

Still, Mizuki beams at him. He was honestly so worried about coming here. He wanted Gummy to meet people and have a good time, but he was so worried about making things awkward if he ran into Venti, but this...! He lets go of Venti fully and shuffles in place, giving a shy laugh as he waits for Venti to get the drink. ]

I do. [ It's pretty much the only alcohol he'll willingly order. It's sweet, and he loves soda, so it's a win-win. Plus, since it's so simple to make, it doesn't take long, either. Rafaela knows as much if only because he's attended her parties before. He's never been more than buzzed, though. ] I'm not exactly a hard person to please when it comes to taste, though.

For drink, or for anything else? [ he did notice that mizuki drinks less than him, though... obviously, just about anyone drinks less than him. ] We can go to the bar and order down their list of cocktails, then! A proper mix-tasting. You can tell me your favorite, and I could ask Rafaela to teach me to make it!

[ and maybe she can punish him again. he can never claim to make even decent decisions when drunk, or sober, or ever really.

but he offers the rum and coke to mizuki now. if it could possibly be a peace offering, even if la pluma would be the one to give him even this offering or the push to give to mizuki. ]

For drink. I'm actually surprisingly picky about my food. [ The chef life. ] But, no, that's okay- [ He grabs Venti's hand instantly. Almost as if to say I don't really want to talk to Rafaela with you right now- ] Rum and coke is great. It's a good drink to make for me if you ever want to, that's fine.

[ … ]

Hey, actually, Venti... There's something I wanted to give you, if that's okay?

[ well he makes a note of that--rum and coke, sure--

and then there's mizuki's hands at his, again. he looks down with a bit of surprise, and at the idea of giving... it's probably not an antitoxin, is it. but really, he doesn't deserve anything. ]

What is it?

[ It takes Mizuki a moment. He tries to find his words, but it's not coming out, and, eventually, he just downs his glass so he can set it aside promptly. Then, he goes fishing around in his pocket to pull out a letter. It's sealed with a wax stamp and everything. Very fancy! On the back it says, in very neat, curly handwriting "To Venti. Open when you're ready. From" and Mizuki's usual doodle of a jellyfish. ]

H-here.

We're wide awake now, our eyes are wide open. We're running this world, we keeping it turning

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