(open) ☀️ beach bonfire party

[niwabi]

WHO: Everyone! You and you and yes, YOU!
WHAT: Summer Beach Party
WHEN: June 23rd
WHERE: Solarpeak Beach
WARNINGS: none for now!

BEACH PARTY

The sun is shining, a cool, crisp ocean breeze flutters across the shores of Solarpeak Beach. There's not a single cloud in the sky, the perfect day to have a party! Whether you heard about it through Yoimiya's network post, word of mouth or just happen to stumble onto the festivities, everyone is invited to Ellipsa's scorching hot Beach Bonfire Party! Grab your swimsuits, sun dresses, or whatever you feel the most comfortable in, and join in on the fun.

➤

Gonna Soak Up the Sun

Through the combined efforts of Sisu, Yoimiya, and the many kind volunteers who lent their assistance in setting up the venue, the beach party is here and open to the public! Upon arrival, everyone will be given a choice of colorful, handmade hibiscus leis or bracelets to adorn for the party. They aren't mandatory in the slightest, just a cute little thank-you gift to those who are attending. After receiving a warm welcome from the hosts, you're free to set off and have fun! Meet up with friends or introduce yourself to new people from distant worlds, the party is your oyster. Of course, there will be plenty of other activities to partake in as well. Venture forth to the fun!

Feeling brave and daring? Sitting on top of the ocean is an inflatable balance beam built especially for water jousting. Foam joust poles and life jackets (if you wish to wear one!) will be given to would-be challengers looking to scratch the itch for a fight. The goal is to assert your dominance by knocking adversaries into the water and be the last person standing. Show off your strength and become the champion of the beach!

Perhaps you might be in the mood for a bit of fun in the sand. A large area of the beach is sectioned off for the grand Sandcastle Competition. Solarpeak residents from all across the city are bustling with excitement, flocking in to watch the artists do their magic, so go wild with your creations and give them a good show! Buildings, any kind of sculpture, or even just a basic castle are all accepted, let your imagination run free. You can even drag a buddy in for a helping hand if your work of art requires assistance. For the winner, the grand prize is a summer gift basket filled with goodies for a nice relaxing spa day at home. Tucked away inside the basket are gift cards to various restaurants in Ellipsa. Don't fret if you aren't interested in participating! Anyone is welcome to walk around and marvel at the competitor's creations.

➤

A Feast for All

The hosts are bound and determined to ensure that no one leaves this beach hungry. If you're craving a cold tasty treat to stave off the heat, a bustling shaved ice stall is here to cool down roasting attendees. An endless variety of flavors are available for mixing and matching, waiting to quench your thirst. If you are feeling adventurous, there are a few questionable flavors on the menu such as Bacon, Durian, Jalapeño, Ketchup, Mushroom, Pickle juice and Seaweed. Try them at your risk or if your palette is "hungry" for something more on the "unique" side.

For those who made inquiries about alcohol, special arrangements have been made! A small pop-up bar has been set up for today's joyous occasion. The bar's pride and joy is a variety of summer-themed cocktails but you can also find other basic liquor or non-alcoholic drinks if your tastebuds are craving simplicity. To go alongside the refreshing beverages, food is also provided at this small establishment. Some of the dishes on the menu are: kebabs with a hint of rum, peach bruschetta, spring rolls, fish and chips, crab hush puppies, and a spicy jalapeño popper dip (you can also ask for the ghost pepper version of this dip if you are feeling brave). All the hosts ask is that visitors to the bar be mindful of the people who can't or aren't interested in drinking.

Decorated across the shores of the beach are tables, picnic blankets, and sizzling hot grills for the designated picnic area. In a similar fashion to the potluck that took place a while back, several tables have been set up for those who like to go crazy in the kitchen or wish to advertise their food business by bringing samples to share.

Time flies when so much fun is taking place! As the last light of day begins to fade, the stars come out to brighten up the night sky on this clear summer day. However, just because there's no more sunlight, doesn't mean the party is over. Far from it! There's still lots of excitement to be had for the attendees who wish to stick around for the night festivities.

➤

A Midsummer Night's Glow

On the middle of the beach, a blazing bonfire burns ever so brightly inside a log fire pit. Eat snacks, catch up with friends, meet new people, or get cozy with others should one be feeling touch starved. In need of an icebreaker? A game of truth or dare or telling scary stories makes for a good way to pass the time. Maybe you'll have a fateful encounter and land yourself a date before the night is over.

With a sky full of beautiful stars, a bustling bonfire, and a large open space, the atmosphere is perfect for dancing. The DJ for the evening is the bright and energetic Aimoto Rinku, here to bust out an array of sick beats with her turntable. There's plenty of fun to be had in a group conga line or grab a partner for a slow, romantic bolero, and dance to whatever music piques your interest. A small makeshift stage is also set up for those who wish to sing, Rinku will be more than happy to work with any potential performers. From upbeat EDM to ballads, all types of genres fill the air with music. Let loose, enjoy the melody, and dance the night away!

➤

Festive Mementos

For one of the hosts, summer just isn't the same without fireworks exploding across the sky. To end the evening with a bang, a beautiful barrage of fireworks paints the night sky in various colors and patterns. As a final gift to the attendees, Yoimiya has prepared sparklers for everyone to play with. There are a variety of colors to choose from, pink, red, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, etc. No matter what color catches your fancy, with a little flick of the wand, all of them appear like twinkling stars sparkling and flickering across the stick.

To end off the light show, fireworks representing each of the seasons burst into the sky. Blue snowflakes for Winter, pink cherry blossoms for spring, a yellow sun for Summer, and red maple leaves for Autumn. After the vibrant display, a final golden ray of light flickers and explodes into a bright, heartwarming message for all of the guests. "Thank you for attending! You are all amazing! Let's have a great time in Ellipsa!"

(OOC: Make your own top levels, mingle and have fun! ♡)

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cw descriptions of canon typical violence

[hometown]

[ Tell me. An echo of another order ("do it"), though in a completely different situation. It relaxes Reiner, in a way. Makes it easy for the first words to come spilling out: ]

The last thing I remember is Levi stabbing me through the neck and heart.

[ It's … almost a relief to say it aloud. Putting it outside of his head and into the world makes it seem more distant. More manageable. More like it happened to someone else. Or maybe that distance comes from another source; maybe Reiner is losing himself again.

Either way, Reiner keeps talking, still looking straight head, his voice quiet but steady. ]

The first blow, [ he says, tapping the side of his neck where the blade penetrated, ] went in here, severed my spine, and punched clean through to the other side. The second one, [ he touches his chest, ] went through my ribs and punctured my heart. Then I fell … must've been halfway down the Wall. Twenty, thirty meters. Hit the ground convulsing with his blade still in my neck.

[ Reiner appeared in that endless autumn forest moments after his transformation—which was painful in a way he'd never experienced—his wounds still steaming. But Reiner doesn't mention that memory. It belongs to this new world, not the old one. ]

He didn't manage to kill me, [ Reiner adds, almost as an afterthought. ] But he came really damn close.

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean listens, his eyes widening a bit. He remembers Mikasa telling about Levi almost succeeding in killing Reiner, when she went through what happened in Shiganshina. But hearing those words from Reiner himself and knowing that was the last memory he had... it had a different impact, now.

Suddenly it all makes sense why Reiner was so nervous around Levi and why he freaked out like he did, just now. It all makes sense, why an non fatal attack from the man who almost killed him moments before he came here would shock him so much.

(Suddenly, it also makes sense why Reiner reacted so strongly on Jean dying, on top of just not wanting to imagine it.)

His eyes linger on the spots Reiner points out, clearly imagining the blades piercing through the skin. An attack meant to kill. An attack that should have killed, but somehow didn't. It was scary how precise Levi was. How he was able to pinpoint those exact spots so quickly.]

... that explains a lot. Having something like that happen just before coming here with no time to process it before meeting all of us, you've been carrying a big burden on yourself.

[Jean should say it serves him right. They're enemies. He should hate Reiner and wish him all the worse.

But he can't. Not after experiencing death himself. He can't wish something like that onto others, no matter how much he's supposed to hate them.]

I know how it feels. Being so close to death... even going beyond it. So I know. You still feel it when you see him, don't you? The stabs. Remember how it felt. It's hard to move on from something like that.

[hometown]

[ Reiner swallows, his throat suddenly tightening. He doesn't deserve Jean's understanding. He knows precisely how much he does not deserve it. And yet Reiner can't prevent the ache in his chest, the sharp and sudden comfort that Jean's words bring. He can't help remembering how alone he is here, his burdens ones that he would never, ever lay upon Gabi. He can't help wishing that things could be different, somehow. He can't help wanting things to be different.

He can't help confiding in Jean as though they're still friends. ]

… Yeah. It's like it's seared into my body. There aren't any marks, but… [ He shakes his head. ] I can't stop seeing it.

[ When he looks at Levi. When he thinks of his beloved cousin near Levi. When he closes his eyes to sleep at night. When he awakens thrashing, drenched in a cold sweat. ]

He acts like it never happened. They all act like it never happened. I know I … get confused sometimes, but I wouldn't dream that up.

[rustyhonesty]

[This whole situation did feel surreal. It's not something Jean expected to happen. At least, not this soon, after meeting Reiner again. But... he had seen quite a lot of different sides to him, so things ended up leading to this very moment. Of Reiner opening up to him of all people.

Then again, looking at other options from home, Jean was definitely a reasonable choice. Another was Historia, but he's not sure how their relationship worked now. He does know Reiner has always had a soft spot for Krista in particular.

Still, there's no way Jean could just leave Reiner by himself. Logically he thinks it's because he might go crazy and transform, but emotionally it's cause deep, deep down he still cares.]

For them it happened years ago. I don't know what happened after Shiganshina, nor do I want to know, but likely a lot. They don't know how recent it was for you, either, so it doesn't likely pass their minds it might still haunt you so vividly.

[It might also be that they don't care, considering Reiner was vieved as an enemy. As someone they shouldn't sympathize with. Who cares what the enemy thinks, right? But... Jean feels like it's important. To know what the "enemy" has in mind.

After a moment of contemplating over it, he finally decides to add:]

I'm not trying to defend him or anything, but that? That's something he does to all of us. It could have been any of us flying over his shoulder. Once he kicked me in the stomach so hard I almost lost my dinner, just because I was fighting with Eren. So likely it was his way of treating you as neutral as possible.

[He shrugs.]

I guess what I'm trying to say is... I understand why you reacted the way you do, but I'm also trying to give another point of view to it.

[hometown]

[ If another person were to explain Levi's motivations in such a way, Reiner would likely dismiss them entirely. Hange due to loyalty; Historia due to kindness; Gabi due to lack of context; Eren due to Eren. But from Jean, it hits differently. Jean, who is blunt and honest to a fault. Jean, who wouldn't know how to manipulate his way out of a paper bag.

So Reiner breathes out a sigh, accepting those words at face value. ]

That's neutral, huh?

[ He pauses, then shakes his head. ]

But that's the thing, Jean. I'm not one of you. I'm an enemy combatant, not one of his subordinates. That's never gonna change.

[ Even if Reiner thought it was different once. Even if sometimes, when he falls back on old habits, old routines, old hopes and dreams, he still thinks it's different. Even if his enemies' bizarre behavior makes him question himself, wishing they would drop the act and treat him like the traitorous piece of shit he is.

He hates waiting for the axe to fall. He hates how much he hopes it never does. ]

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean agrees. Reiner's not one of them. Not part of the Levi Squad. No longer part of the 104th. That ship sailed a long time ago. He was an enemy now.

Enemy he had mentally prepared to kill the day they left. Had to convince Connie and Sasha, who were having doubts still, that they'd need to do it. Apparently he had been serious about it, too, according to Mikasa. He had actually attempted to take Reiner's life. But he had also saved him.]

Maybe so, but do you really want him to treat you like an enemy all the time? I'd take the neutrality whenever you do run into him and have to interact with him.

[hometown]

How about the option where he doesn't touch me?

[ He sounds petulant and feels ridiculous. But there has to be another option, right? If this is going to work—if Reiner is going to keep it together, if he's going to avoid transforming in a moment of panic—there must be another option. ]

I'm serious, Jean. I'm trying not to mess up this pact before it's even finalized. I'm trying. But that shit back there? [ He shakes his head. ] I can't do that. Not with him.

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean thinks for a while. There's not much he can do about what Levi will and won't do with whoever he wants, but if it's for the sake of a semi-peaceful way of life.]

Got it. I'll talk to Levi. I can't promise anything, but he tends to at least listen to what I have to say. And if the request comes from one of his subordinates rathern than you, it may even work better.

[He's not really sure what pact Reiner is talking about, since it... hasn't been brought to their attention yet. But he assumes it's a non-aggression pact anyway. Which would be fine with him.]

Facing trauma constantly is not something I wish for even the worst of my enemies. It's enough to see it in nightmares... or feel the phantom pain.

[He smiles, sadly but also empathetic.]

[hometown]

[ There's a part of Reiner that wants to object to that offer. A part of him that wants to turn it down, ask Jean to keep the information to himself. He doesn't want Levi to hear about this; he doesn't want to share it with anyone else. What happens if the rest of the Scouts find out? What happens if his weakness (fear, trauma) is used against him?

Telling Jean is different. Jean is—no, Jean was Reiner's friend, one of his closest in the 104th. Foolishly, Reiner still trusts Jean, at least in this. Because of who Jean is. Because of what Jean has experienced. Because of the scars Jean hides beneath his shirt, not wanting to discuss their origin.

But a greater part of Reiner recognizes how undeserving he is of Jean's aid, much less his empathy. And it is that part of Reiner that ultimately prevails, his throat tightening again, that ache in his chest twisting. He wishes…

Fuck, he wishes for so many things. ]

Thank you, Jean, [ he manages, trying to mirror Jean's smile and probably looking a little pathetic. ] Sorry about all this.

[ Apologizing, again. Reiner can't seem to help himself. At least this apology is for something that could potentially be forgiven. ]

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean is expecting Reiner to retaliate and tell him not to or ask him why he cares, but at the same time he was hoping Reiner would just let him do it. If Reiner had objected he would have had to say he wasn't doing it for Reiner, which would have been partially a lie. He was doing it for Reiner, but mostly also for the general peace of the people from the same world. But Reiner was alone without allies (save from Gabi, who felt more like she was on their side). Why should they make his life any harder than that? On top of the traumatizing memories Jean now knows about.

Has he always been this soft? Probably. He wanted to believe he was strong and wouldn't show empathy to his enemies. But it was very hard when said enemy was a former friend. Even if said friend got your best friend killed, apparently. Then again, a large part of it was because he was often thinking about what Marco would do. About his last words.

You're not a strong person, so you understand how the weak people feel.

This was a great example of that. Reiner showing his weakness and Jean understanding it. Accepting it. Knowing how it felt. Because they had gone through a similar experience very recently. Because Jean knows very well how it feels to be afraid.

Marco would want him to at least try helping out. Despite everything. Because that's the kind of a guy he was. And maybe it was also what Jean really wanted. To find a way to be as normal as possible with Reiner again.

Jean shakes his head.]

Gee, stop apologizing so much. It's getting kinda awkward.

[hometown]

[ Reiner's smile shifts, becoming softer and less pitiful. There's little trace of his usual confidence, the strong and reliable face he wore in the Training Corps, presenting himself as the leader Marcel once was. Instead, Reiner's smile is more genuine, a side that precious few saw in Paradis. A side that he's still trying to figure out, uncomfortable with its perceived vulnerability and weakness. A side that was once a desperate little boy throwing his future away for the chance of feeling loved.

"I just need you to be you, Reiner."

That's what Gabi told him. That's what Reiner is trying to do. ]

Sorry.

[ He says it again, of course. Only this time, there's a faintly teasing lilt to his voice, acknowledging how silly it is to apologize for apologizing. ]

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean groans loudly at that.]

Now you're doing it on purpose. Clearly that means you're doing better enough, so I'll leave you be now. Enjoy the beach.

[And try not to toss sand on Levi again.

Though he is glad Reiner's better.]

[hometown]

[ Reiner's smile widens slightly at Jean's groan, pleased that his teasing hit as intended. Then he lets Jean go without objection, only glancing back once.

He has no intention of going near Levi again, though he'll eventually circle back to the party proper. For now, Reiner continues walking along the shore, soaking in the soothing sound of the waves. ]