closed 🚗 everybody loves mushrooms

[mistsplitter]

WHO: Ayaka, Cloud, Yoimiya, and Tartaglia
WHAT: Double deito game night
WHEN: Early August
WHERE: Yoimiya's place
WARNINGS: None for now!

[ This has been a long time coming. Two best friends hang out with their boyfriends! (Or boyfriend and beau.) Fortunately, the cold weather has passed, and everything seems to be back to normal. Before ringing the doorbell to Yoimiya's apartment, Cloud and Ayaka stopped by a place to get some drinks and snacks to bring. There's tea leaves (because Ayaka...............), but it was Cloud's suggestion to buy some beers and a bottle of vodka. For snacks, a box of tiny cakes, a few bags of chips, and Yan Yans. They make for a good dessert!

Everyone's cheerful and in a good mood once introduction's have been made. Once the food's ready and everyone's seated, it's time to dig in! It's best to have a full stomach before playing a bunch of video games, after all. Whatever they may be... ]

What kind of games are we going to play? [ Ayaka does not know anything. ] There was a game that Cloud and I played recently. There was a tower made from blocks, and we would pull a block out, answer the question written on it, then put it at the top.

It was fun. The questions were a little embarrassing, though.

Comments

[sultanofsquat]

[ It took a lot of deliberating before Cloud ultimately made his choice. All he had to go off was the facts... And the last thing he wanted to do was encourage any discomfort. In the end, he chose to keep the Buster Sword at home. Even if he were to keep it at rest somewhere in Yoimiya's apartment... In the end, it's just something he wants to avoid this time around. Not because he anticipates a fight, but the questions that may be sparked because of such a blade. Whether or not that will matter remains to be seen. Right now? Cloud is feeling comfortable! Some smoother-tasting beer and a bottle of triple-distilled vodka are his contributions to this gettogether on this summer evening.

Yoimiya was a welcome sight, and Tartaglia was friendly too. And of course, he would support Ayaka. It's been...easier, taking day-by-day steps in this world. That didn't mean he was slacking in his training, or losing sight of what his focus was back home. But now that he had his memories back...he knew who he was. He was finally learning what he wanted. Learning what he had and needed to continue protecting and cherishing. And with the worlds he's crossed, the trajectory of his life has been forever changed since. And when he sees Ayaka braving forward and being supportive of her best friend, having the support of her beau at her side...

Cloud also made his choice some time ago. His life's changed. But he wouldn't change that for anything. So, he's going to try too. ]

"Embarrassing"s...one way of putting it.

[ Cloud can't help shrugging as he sets the 12-pack of beer and vodka down on the nearby island table. ]

Feels like you can't go two steps without something having a catch to it.

[niwabi]

[ Being able to go on a double date with Ayaka feels like a dream come true! Ever since the two best friends brought the idea up, the high-energy blonde has been excitedly laying the groundwork to ensure this evening will be one full of laughs and smiles. The sudden, chilly weather threw a wrench into their plans last month but now that everything has settled, it's happening!! Yoimiya couldn't be any happier to have Ayaka and Cloud at her apartment. Seeing the boyfriend and beau introduce themselves to one another is heart warming, giving her hope that they'll be able to get together like this more often. ]

Ooo how fun! I'd like to try that game one day. Maybe we can all play it together in the future.

[ But maybe (???) without the embarrassing questions for Ayaka and Cloud's sakes. or not bc it's funnier that way ]

The kids at the daycare I work at convinced me to get this game machine called the "Switch" and there are a bunch of super fun games we can play as a group. We can start off with this really exciting racing game called... [ M▊▊▊▊ Kart! Uh, I mean: All-Star Racing GP, Mazzio Kart or INSERT DOLPHIN NOISES. Whatever doesn't get us in trouble with Ellipsa!Nintendo. 💦

She is already eying the beer and vodka Cloud brought for the occasion. Alcohol is always welcome in this household! Yoimiya shuffles off to the kitchen to check on the boyfriend, coming right back out with plates, utensils, cups, and napkins to set on top of the firework pattern cloth decorating the table. ]

Thank you for bringing snacks and drinks! I can smell Tartaglia putting on the finishing touches to the dishes he's preparing. He's an amazing chef and I can guarantee everyone will be leaving full and happy with him in the kitchen.

WALKS IN LATE WITH A BUNCH OF FOOD WE CAN'T EAT IRL SOBS

[monoceroscaeli]

[In anticipation for this day, Tartaglia started early, shopping the day before for all the food he wants to make and waking up early the day of to start it all to ensure it was all done right as or shortly after their guests arrive. He'd taken a moment to come out of the kitchen to greet Ayaka and Cloud, pleasantly exchanging hellos and names but then returning to the kitchen to finish up everything he'd started. He was very proud of everything he'd made, and it reminds him of home in a way, having to prepare a good amount of food for more than just himself.

He's been glad for the chance to work on his cooking skills since he'd come to Ellipsa- being a Harbinger had ended up with him eating out a lot whenever he was traveling. And he's more than happy to do it, especially for Yoimiya and her friends.

It's not long before he emerges from the kitchen with the first two dishes, one in each hand as they get put down on the table.]

I thought I heard my name, [he says as the first and second dishes come out.]

I've got a few more in there, so one moment...

[He's not gone for any longer than a minute, before more food comes out.]

I remember you prefer something more on the light and leaner side, [he says to Ayaka, placing a smaller bowl in front of her,] but please feel free to try it all. I made enough for leftovers for everyone for at least a few days.

[He then places down a large bowl with noodles and another with the beef stroganoff to go with them, and then he finally returns one last time with some little pies they can snack on as well.]

There! Perhaps later, you'll all want to try some honey cake. I made it fresh today.

[Guy is practically puffing his chest out.]

[mistsplitter]

[ Maybe they can all play that game, indeed. Ayaka. . . would be very shy around others, if they played that!! But... she's talked about some things with Yoimiya before, so she knows she can be comfortable with her! As for Childe... well, does she really want to play sexy jenga with him? So long as he can keep a secret and he won't tease her like how he did in Nippon, then they should be okay.

Ayaka doesn't know much about racing, but she expresses her interest in the game, regardless. She thinks Cloud would be into it! And she'd like to try anything that Cloud's taken an interest in.

When Tartaglia begins serving the food, it is impossible to miss how Ayaka's expression brightens. He's cooked for her before, in a way to get to know him better and break the ice between them. Weird as it looked with the tentacles, it was good! The ones that are served now are different though— much more appetising in appearance. Especially the purple dish!

The one that's placed right in front of her surprises her, because she hadn't expected to be considered specifically. Being the eldest daughter to the Kamisato Clan and her service to the people of Inazuma, she wishes she wasn't treated as someone special in comparison to others. She's just Ayaka, after all! But for a piece of herself— not as the Shirasagi Himegimi— that she shared with Tartaglia over a conversation they had months ago to be considered for their get-together now... it feels different. It warms her heart, and after she's gotten over the initial surprise, it puts a smile on her face. ]

Thank you very much, Tartaglia. I'll try them all.

[ The surprises just keep coming, though. There's just so much to choose from that she can't help but laugh a little! ]

Yoimiya, you must be so happy when Tartaglia is preparing a meal for you. All of these look so fitting for a feast!

[ And Yoimiya deserves nothing but the best. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ As for Cloud? He wasn't about to leave Ayaka to 'fend for herself' in a game of smutty jenga. So of course they'd be in the thick of it together. Come to think of it? Cloud's...never really had anybody to talk about his love life to. Not to the extent that Yoimiya and Ayaka have talked about before, anyway. Granted, that? Had practically everything to do with Cloud; he wasn't the type to talk about a lot of personal things with others. Even his closest friends and companions back home would have a hard time getting deeper feelings from him. But then, he wasn't exactly 'himself' back then, now was he?

He's come a long way thanks to help from the likes of Zack and Ayaka. Whether it means he'll come around to a what-if risqué rendezvous of sexy jenga or not? That remains to be seen. They can start with M▊▊▊▊ Kart first. fdjkla ]

Well, they did have a bungee per corner of the shrunken map...

[ So, if they're going to play that version? But otherwise, he shrugs nonchalantly now that the drinks have been settled and are ready for anyone to partake with. Cloud's alcohol tolerance was pretty high, so he'd enjoy himself over a can or two at least depending on how the night goes. That's when Yoimiya mentions this "Switch" and he blinks, curiously enough to that. Sure enough, as Ayaka thought, he was interested! The virtual reality combat simulator that Chadley introduced to him was unique enough. Video games you can take with you as well as play with on a bigger screen?

Color him curious. ]

I'm game.

[ And also competitive. So. This could be fun*. ]

[ "I thought I heard my name," ]

?

[ Sure enough, out comes Childe with the first couple of what'd become a smorgasbord of what he imagines to be Snezhnayan delights. The Shuba Salad's color catches his interest right away, as well as the Borscht. Hearty, healthy... But it's the beef stroganoff combination at the end that hooks him. Considering how much time he spends in a day training, carbs and protein are huge for someone who had the makings of an Ex-SOLDIER. It also doesn't hurt that it all looks so damn good. A combat specialist, a Harbinger, and here he was, warm as can be with a feast that looked so comforting. ]

"Going all out" feels like an understatement.

[ The fact he even made something special for Ayaka... He may not have brought his Buster Sword with him out of worry of sparking potential discussions of a "good ol' spar", but with or without it, he couldn't help but feel a wave of contentment and comfort wash over him. ...and as he eyes up the various goodies Tartaglia has made for everyone, a mite jealous. ]

Thanks. [ A beat. ] No, really. This all looks good.

[ He's not a picky eater and has very few dishes he'd throw up an eyebrow at. Whether Yoimiya and/or Childe can hear him or not, he leans in towards Ayaka, lowering his voice. ]

Remind me to pick up a cookbook.

[ He wants to make things that are better than tuna and scrambled eggs and white rice. His family's stew doesn't count. Just. He needs to do more eventually okay?? LFJKDSA ]

[niwabi]

[ Don't mind me, just noting sexy jenga as an activity they can all do together

Yoimiya got a sneak peek of what was to come during her quick check-up on him but seeing the feast complete is a mouth-watering experience. The borscht and pirozhki looks and smells as amazing as ever, he's made those for her before and with his iron chef skills, she's certain they are going to taste even better than last time. With each dish he brings out, her eyes sparkle and widen with excitement. The Shuba Salad's color scheme is so unique and beautiful, unlike anything she's ever seen before. Both her heart and her stomach flutter with warmth at the sight of the beef stroganoff, ripe with flavor that's sure to fill everyone's bellies with hearty happiness. By the time she gazes upon the honey cake, she's already salivating, ready to dig in. A taste of his home country is the perfect way to start off this date.

A dish made special with Ayaka in mind... seeing the bowl placed in front of her broadens the smile on her face, filling her with a sense of pure joy. Her boyfriend going out of his way for her best friend is such a heartwarming gesture, a shining beacon of hope that maybe one day, they will be able to be more comfortable around each other and forge a friendship.

She's beaming at the well-deserved praise from Ayaka and Cloud. Proud of her boyfriend for stealing the show with his talent for cooking. Her chest bubbles with bliss at her friend's question, happily nodding in her head. ]

You got that right! His cooking is delicious and I swear, he gets better with every dish. Sometimes, I feel like a princess with how well he spoils me.

[ Preening on her boyfriend has become one of her favorite hobbies, continuing to inflate that already hefty ego of his.

Thankfully for Cloud's sake, Yoimiya doesn't hear nor notice the man whispering into his sweetheart's ear. After Tartaglia finishes setting the table with his Snezhnayan buffet, the smitten girl in love jovially makes her way over to him. ]

You went above and beyond for us. Thank you so much, Tartaglia. Like always, everything looks delicious.

[ Standing up on her tiptoes, she leans in to press a sweet peck of gratitude onto his lips. Chuu! ♥ Apologies to Ayaka and Cloud, they are gross... ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Thank you everyone, he will happily stand there and drink in all that praise you're giving him. There isn't a single humble bone in his body right now, and he's not even trying to hide it, despite any words he may say to the contrary. He knows he's done a good job and sees this as receiving the praise he deserves, giving the group a proud smile as he nods to accept their compliments. Tartaglia also returns the cute little kiss Yoimiya gives him, allowing himself to gaze at her lovingly for a very short moment as a response before turning to the table itself.]

I'm glad you all approve. It's nothing, really...when you have a family as large as mine, you get used to cooking for a lot of people. Please, dig in.

[He moves to pull out a chair for Yoimiya to sit first, before he'll take his own- and once he does, he sits back comfortably as he watches everyone dish themselves up, folding his arms while silently really hoping everyone will like what he's made.]

I thought I heard you all discussing the matter of playing some games as well. Well? Was it decided on which we'll be doing after dinner?

[He looks excited to play. Mostly because he's just as competitive as most of the people in the room....]

[mistsplitter]

[ Cloud, isn't it a little too early to get competitive? Though if you really want to get a cookbook, you're definitely more than welcome to do so! She easily agrees, nodding and whispering an "Alright," after he says it. She'll remind him tomorrow!

It's an innocent sort of happiness, one that Ayaka has now, but she feels... winded when Yoimiya kisses Tartaglia just like that. Just- wow! Good for Yoimiya, but at the same time, Ayaka can't help but look away. She would like to respect their privacy!

Once Tartaglia's sat down though, and starts talking about what they're going to be doing tonight, Ayaka's calmed down enough. Her cheeks still have a dust of red, but she shouldn't be flustered enough that she'd be stammering as she speaks. ]

I believe Yoimiya mentioned... M▊▊▊▊ Kart? I hope I'm pronouncing that right. [ However you pronounce blocks, anyway. ] It's supposed to be a racing game. Though I must say, I don't know what to expect.

When I think of racing games... the first thing that comes to mind are the children of Inazuma competing their onikabutos against one another. Come to think of it, I think my brother was forced to compete in one before.

[sultanofsquat]

[ For Ayaka, Cloud gives her a small little "Mm" and nod when she acknowledges his cookbook remark. ... He might need reminding after all. But he may genuinely give it some thought. Cloud...isn't interested in making this a competition between himself and someone as experienced as Tartaglia. But seeing just how happy Yoimiya was, and the evident display of affection that gets Cloud to quietly clear his throat with Ayaka looking away, Cloud may or may not be taking pointers. Regardless of what happens for the future, he can't leave all the cooking to his girlfriend, or Thoma, ...or actually don't let Ayato in the kitchen. afdlkjs ]

Looks simple enough once you get an idea of how to use a controller. [ Though, if he's being honest, as he shrugs before starting to dish himself up some borscht first... ] Not that I've used one like these before. A lotta games are in arcades back in my world.

[ "—the first thing that comes to mind are the children of Inazuma competing their onikabutos against one another."

That's right... The laws and ways of life seemed so different between various regions of Teyvat. Though from what he can tell, Ayaka and Yoimiya were pretty quick catching on to some of this world's tech! ]

Kinda hard to picture your brother having time for that...

[ What with how busy he was. Cloud's not about to assume Ayato was 'too good' for anything. His duties to his clan, his sister, the Yashiro Commission... Cloud's come to learn just how vital it all was to the man. Even when it came at the cost of his own choices in life. ]

[niwabi]

[ What a gentleman! Simple as it is, the polite gesture of pulling a chair out for her is yet another reminder of how considerate he's always been toward her. She sits down, glancing at Tartaglia with an adoring gaze, looking downright infatuated while Ayaka and Cloud whisper their future cooking plans with one another. It's only when her friend brings back the topic of M▊▊▊▊ Kart, Yoimiya finally snaps out of it.

As much as Tartaglia is a snacc for the eyes, a bountiful feast awaits them! All of it looks and smells delicious, it's hard to choose. Eventually, she settles on one of the dishes she has yet to try, the beef stroganoff. ]

Hahaha, Ayato participated in an onikabuto competition? I'm having a hard time picturing that too but I wish I could have seen it. Kind of sounds like Itto got a hold of him. Once that guy has an idea brewing, there's no stopping him.

[ Ayato and Itto seem like an unlikely duo but little does she know about the relationship between the Commissioner and the rascal of Hanamizaka. ]

Cloud's right! Once you get familiar with the controller, it's really easy. [ Speaking of Mr. Strife-Kamisato! she looks over in the direction of Ayaka's beau. ] Ayaka told me that you enjoy racing. With your knowledge of controls, I have a feeling you're going to give us a run for our mora.

[ Which makes for an even more exciting game night, igniting the flames of her competitive spirit even more. She's grinning from ear to ear at her declaration of war... only to melt into a puddle of goo as she takes a bite out of the hearty beef dish. ]

Mm! Delicious!!

[monoceroscaeli]

[Though he doesn't say it, he too has a hard time imagining the Commissioner doing anything with onikabuto...but he's not doubting it now that Ayaka's confirmed it. Guess there's still more to learn about that man.

Tartaglia begins dishing himself up some of the food and passing it along as the others talk, appreciating Yoimiya's approval of his cooking and listening while taking a particular interest in the fact that Cloud seems to already know what these games are and how they work. An "arcade" is sort of a new one, since they don't have things like this back in Teyvat. If they did, his siblings would have gotten their own private one in their house a long time ago.]

Sorry to interrupt that train of thought, but I think I've seen this "arcade" you speak of before around here. I've passed by one before while shopping, is that where all those strange boxes with screens are? I see kids and adults alike going in and out, glued to them for a while until it seems they've run out of money. I haven't had the chance to check it out myself, though.

[He sees how Cloud's got the advantage here of having knowledge of controllers and such. But of course, there's no way he won't go down without a fight.]

[mistsplitter]

Yes. He once mentioned battling Arataki Itto... I can't say Ayato was too thrilled about it, however.

[ He has much better things to do, after all!

Cloud's encouragement does help with Ayaka's confidence. She knows how to operate his joystick She must do her best so her friends don't feel like they're handicapped!

For now, she decides to try the food Tartaglia's prepared for her! They can all talk... Ayaka's going to try every single one. The soup he's served her is very light, and the salmon is so tender is almost melts in your mouth. She imagines this must feel so comforting when one is sick! That gets Ayaka's nod of approval. Then she serves herself a small portion of the salad— enough for just a bite. It's a very... brave flavour, one that she hasn't tasted until now. And then there's the borscht... you guys keep going, she's gonna enjoy the food. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ The instant that Yoimiya makes mention of onikabuto battling something more Itto's speed, he blinks and looks between her and his dished up plate- only for Ayaka to chime in about her brother and the one and oni doing 'battle'. ]

Why am I not surprised it's Itto? [ This isn't rib-on-Itto O'Clock or anything, he likes the guy, buuut, ] First time we met and sparred, he used his Vision to chuck a cow at me.

...

Sounded more normal in my head.

[ Cloud, watch what you say. 'C' is for Combat, 'B' is for Battle, 'F' is for Fight, 'S' is for Spar, and sitting across from you is a guy you're about to talk video games with. ]

Strange boxes with screens? Oh, the cabinets? Yeah, that's them. Back home, people would stick coins of gil in for a round; some of 'em if you lose, you can keep going by sticking more money in.

[ Cloud sticks his fork into the same salad Ayaka's gotten for herself, but before he can take a bite of it to start off before jumping to the richer delectibles, he answers Yoimiya too. About...racing... He half-smiles back at her to that. ]

Never done it in a video game yet. Last time I raced was... [ He doesn't want to embellish the truth. But now that he thinks about it. His encounter with Roche? Definitely wasn't a race. And the escape from Midgar? Absolutely not. So then, ] Actually, can't recall a time I officially did. Last couple times I remember riding, it was less a race and more a...chase.

[niwabi]

[ If it wasn't for other world shenanigans, Yoimiya would assume that Cloud was actually a resident of Inazuma thanks to all of the connections he's made. ]

Hahaha, goodness! That's exactly the kind of stunt Itto would pull. It always catches me off guard when Ushi comes flyin' outta nowhere.

[ Cloud's word of choice doesn't escape her ears. He said it! A word that is sure to ignite the flames of her battle-hungry beloved's heart, spar. She happily munches on one of the stuffed pies, enjoying the soft dough melting on her tongue as she glances over to gauge Tartaglia's reaction, knowing full her boyfriend is going to be like a kid in a candy store at the prospect of having a future sparring buddy. ]

A race that was more like a chase? How exciting!

[ From the moment the pair walked in, Yoimiya has been eying the alcohol with a hankering craving. With one last CRONCH, she swallows down the savory pie, getting up out of her chair to bring a couple of beer cans for anyone else who might be interested. ]

From racing, to combat, to taking out so many trees in one fell swoop. [ She saw the video! Giggling, she slyly looks over in the direction of Ayaka. ] Hehe, Ayaka wasn't kidding, you are super cool.

[ Not that Yoimiya ever had any doubts about his awesomeness! ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Eating as he listens, Tartaglia stops at a point to sit back in his chair, holding his hand up around him chin in thought. He accepts a beer from Yoimiya when she brings them over, cracking it open and taking a drink from it before resuming his position- he's heard some things in the last few seconds that he very much is excited about, and his eyes reflect it.

There's a few magic words that were said and there's no way he's letting them change the subject before he gets to bring it up.]

Guess we'll have to see your skills when we're racing later tonight, [he starts, actually a little excited to try his hand at video games. Even if he loses, no big deal, even if he'll try his best! If he's having fun and getting better at it as he plays, that's all that matters.]

And maybe even after that...we could work some of this delicious meal off with a little sparring of our own. Any of you are welcome to join me, now that I know that everyone here has some experience in combat.

[Through the dead, endless sea of his blue eyes, there's a spark- one that would delight in fighting every single person in this room, including Yoimiya.]

[mistsplitter]

[ Itto sure is troublesome... But at least he's not usually bothering the Yashiro Commission. Only sometimes! When he puts up his own stalls in festivals without asking permission gsadgsd but more often than not, it's the people at the Tenryou Commission he gives headaches to. But that's not really something Ayaka has to say out loud. They're here to talk about themselves, not about work!

She'll also have to ask Cloud about this "arcade" some time. If he gets to be reminded to get a cookbook once they're done here, he can bring her to the arcade and show her what that's all about. >:E ]

Would you like one? [ Ayaka is admittedly more used to serving sake, but she hands Cloud a can of beer when Yoimiya brings the rest to the table. She's more curious to try the vodka, really, and will do so later after they eat! There's much to be enjoyed on the table now.

... Though she can't say she enjoys the idea of sparring with Childe. Yet one more thing she'll keep to herself, else she might bring down the mood. ]

Um, why don't we just see what it's like later this evening? [ They'll be drinking and they'll be playing, after all! Maybe Ayaka should get everyone drunk so that no one fights each other... ] Not to mention, the clothes we have aren't very fit for physical exercise.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Taking out so many trees— He blinks before remembering. The first adventure Ayaka and he took on for the guild... They didn't have equipment for chopping trees to make lumber. It's a good thing he was practically an entire yard of lumberjacks in one! But Ayaka wasn't to be outdone. She shredded the foliage from the branches effortlessly. An unorthodox method of using their weapons, but they made do. Seeing Yoimiya coming back with a can of beer, he'll accept it from Ayaka when she offers it! ]

Thank you.

[ It wasn't what he typically drank, but it's also not hard stuff either. It feels ice cold to the touch, as he nods and gives his thanks to Yoimiya as well. ]

She sent you that video, huh?

[ "And maybe even after that...we could work some of this delicious meal off with a little sparring of our own," came Tartaglia's encouragement. And despite the fact that he partially aware of Childe's affiliation, training and sparring? It's hard to turn that down either. But at the same time, he's grateful that Ayaka spoke up when she did. Because there was a time and a place for everything. Ready as he could make himself at any time, they were here for a more relaxing time and getting to know one another.

Cloud may or may not be DM'ing Tartaglia later if the latter doesn't beat him to it first. He'll tell you, Ayaya. JDFASKL ]

How 'bout a rain check, Tartaglia? I'm a better swordsman than a knuckle brawler anyway.

[ Bringing the Buster Sword would have just been asking for a fastlane faito. ... He also can't summon his weapon the same way the others here could. jadkhlsf ]

[niwabi]

She did! It was super awesome, amazing, and beyond cool!

[ 10/10 would recommend watching! However, if she tells Tartaglia about it, Yoimiya knows her boyfriend well enough to figure out it's only going to encourage him to fight Ayaka's beau even more. 💦

Speaking of a brawl, there he goes, challenging everyone in this room. If she had to be honest, Yoimiya is surprised he didn't bring up the topic of fighting sooner, he already knows about her capabilities, the Shirasagi Himegimi known far and wide with her skills in the Kamisato arts, and just from a glance, Cloud looks like someone with experience in the battlefield. A battle junkie's dream are all gathered in her humble home.

Admittedly, Yoimiya wouldn't mind fighting him. Sounds fun, especially with her friends involved but, she has a feeling Ayaka isn't too keen on the idea. As thrilling as an all out battle would be, her friend's comfort is the utmost priority. ]

I'm with Ayaka, let's see how the rest of the evening goes! We still got games to play and it might be late by the time we finish up.

[ Still, she likes seeing her chaotic boyfriend happy. In order to appease him, she leans in to whisper into his ear: ]

The two of us can fight each other later tonight. I promise.

[ She pulls away with a cheeky little wink. Does she mean a fight, or a different kind of fighting. She'll let you be the judge of that one WHEEZES. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's a little disappointing that it seems that his desire for a fight isn't going to get satiated tonight, and he manages to keep a straight face when Yoimiya whispers something dirty in his ear, only looking at her for a moment out of the corner of his eye when she does. Leave it to her to try to take his mind off of fighting with one of his other favorite things to do. His face falls regardless, sighing and sitting back in his chair to fold his arms.]

Alright, I suppose it can wait for another day...but I'll make sure to take you up on that rain check later.

[He's not sure what this video is they're talking about, he'll have to ask Yoimiya to show it to him later, and then he can hype himself up for fighting Cloud in the future looooool]

And since no one's up for a spot of exercise, I'd like to suggest that our little video game session later be spiced up a bit. Why don't we make it fun and have it double as a drinking game? I found a nice substitute for Snezhnayan Fire-Water that I'd love for all of you to try.

[mistsplitter]

[ Sorry to burst your bubble, Tartaglia! At least you have Cloud wanting to spar with you in the future. That's still a win! ]

I did read that those sorts of games are very popular amongst young adults. [ Drinking games, she means. Ayaka's personally never played, but she does not mind participating. Little does she know that she will be very bad at these games and will lose most of the time. ]

I have tried Snezhnayan Fire-water before. It was in Nippon. It was mixed into a bowl of mystery hotpot, and it certainly made the taste very... strong. [ That's one way to describe it, Ayaka thinks. She lets out a soft little laugh. ] It will make our games very exciting!

[ All the more must she eat a lot! She's finishing up the special soup Tartaglia's made for her first, but then she moves onto the stroganoff shortly after, eager to try literally everything that's on the table. 'u' ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Yoimiya's brightness was contagious. He can't help but feel his cheeks tint a subtle shade of red at her compliments. Based upon everything Ayaka told him about her, and his own experiences being around her? It was all in earnest. She was all about hyping up the people in her life, and sharing her energy. It shows. He wasn't about to turn into a ray of sunshine overnight (or ever sfaldkj) but she earns a warmer smile out of the spiky-haired blond as he takes a bite into his stroganoff. ]

Guess I better keep it up, then. Wouldn't wanna start disappointing now by slacking.

[ On the next tangent of combat, however... Cloud can see the disappointment in the man's face as he resigns himself in his seat. But when he mentions taking him up on the raincheck, the former mercenary acknowledges him with a nod. A silent little, "it's going to happen. bring your A-game, Mr. Harbinger." from the look in his eyes. As for what Yoimiya whiuspered to her lover...his ears are trained, but not so much that he could catch everything she said. That's for them. asjklfd ]

I'm game. Can't say I got a chance to try Snezhnayan Fire-water back then...but if it's something nice and hard— [ Phrasing. ] —it oughta kick things up.

[ But now that they've introduced the concept of drinking to their games, the swordsman's mind is turning with ideas. Taking a break from munching down on his food, he cracks open his can of beer to take a sip, before setting it down with his own arms crossed. ]

So if it's a racing game first...might be better easing our way in.

Take a drink for 1st place? Two for 2nd and on?

[niwabi]

[ Awwww Cloud. Seeing such a warm expression on his normally reserved face is positively endearing, broadening the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He's a good sweet, guy, who earned her approval pretty much the moment they met. Meeting, getting to know him, and witnessing his relationship with one of her closest friends has been one of the many blessings of being in this world.

Like Ayaka, Yoimiya is also determined to try EVERYTHING on this table. Cracking open a can of beer for herself, she sips it down, the crisp, fizzy taste burning the back of her throat. That's some good stuff! She's munching on a few bites of the shuba salad while listening to the conversation. Of course, she can always count on Tartaglia's creative mind to spice things up, already thrilled at the suggestion of a drinking game to make their game night extra exciting. ]

Count me in! [ She replies without any hesitation what-so-ever. Don't worry, she made sure to chew and swallow her food. ] We had something close to Snezhnayan Fire-Water at Coldreach's brewery and it certainly makes drinking games even more exciting.

[ She's seen Tartaglia drunk before but Ayaka and Cloud? That will be a first for her. Or maybe both of them have incredible alcohol tolerance that will blow her mind. Either way, Yoimiya is looking forward to the outcome, the competitive fire in her heart burning with desire to come out the winner. ]

That's a great idea! So, whoever comes in 4th place will have to take four shots. Hehehe, so try your best to avoid coming in last place for several games in a row.

[ What she really means is: Just don't lose, bro!

]

[monoceroscaeli]

Ah, seems that everyone from Teyvat has a leg up then when it comes to Fire-Water.

[Sorry Cloud! But he's glad to hear that Ayaka's even ready to participate in a drinking game, she was the one he was most worried who wouldn't want to do it. But it seems whatever experience she had in Nippon, or maybe she's just a lot more open than he gave her credit for? Has her seemingly a little excited for it. Plus, he caught that nod Cloud! He returns it with a satisfied smile on his own, ready to meet whatever challenge the merc over here will bring to him.

But for now, he'll focus on the night ahead of them, looking over to Yoimiya with a laugh. She didn't even have a second thought about it, but honestly he's not surprised.]

Shouldn't you be taking your own advice here, Yoimiya?

[He teases, giving her a challenging look as he sticks a portion of his stroganoff right in his mouth. He's pretty sure that's gunna rev her up and it's going to be funny and great.]

SORRY FOR CUTTING IN I COULDN'T RESIST

[niwabi]

[ Oh. Those are sure some fighting words, buddy. In an instant, she stops eating and turns to stare at her boyfriend, taking the bait hook, line, and sinker. ]

Sure hope you remember those words when I throw a blue shell right at your face and leave you in the dust.

[ Originally, Yoimiya just wanted to vibe, have a good time with her friends, and introduce this thrilling game into Ayaka's life. But now, there's a slight amendment in her plans. The Queen of the Summer Festival burning with determination to make the Harbinger's life in M▊▊▊▊ Kart a living hell. If it's a challenge he wants, a challenge he shall receive.

Sorry you have to witness this grade school level squabble, Ayaka and Cloud... ]

ALL GUCCI

[sultanofsquat]

Shots? [ ... Listen, Cloud can take it. He thinks. But- ] First person to get 4th is screwed.

[ Maybe...drinks per race, but at the end of a circuit (once Cloud sees how the cups work anyway fjaksdl), that's the number of shots?! Having Tartaglia and Yoimiya playfully banter up the gameplay later isn't lost on him either. He's literally never played a video game with a controller before, but even now, he's already feeling a streak of confidence. Teetering on cockiness. ... If it bites him in the ass, it's only going to make things funnier in the end. ]

You two have fun. I'll be busy blastin' ahead in 1st.