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

[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.

[mistsplitter]

[ O- Oh! Everyone sure is competitive... Ayaka's eyes dart from Tartaglia, to Yoimiya, then to Cloud. They likely don't mean to put pressure on her, but she does feel it. She feels inclined to step up, as well, else she'll be left behind. There is one thing that is holding her back, however.

She's never played a video game before. . .

This now begins Ayaka's journey to come up with a zinger line. Maybe she'll think of one and say it out loud. Maybe she won't. We won't know until much later! She can't let everyone walk all over though, so she throws her glove in. ]

I feel the stakes are rather high compared to the kind of drinking game mechanics that I've heard of. But that's alright. Hopefully, the one who loses [ Meaning, it won't be her. ] will be able to manage on their own.

[ Kamisato Ayaka's famous last words. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Yoimiya's taunt is met only with a sly smirk of his own. Looks like he was successful in getting her competitive side going, and on top of that it's even managed to get Cloud and Ayaka on board. He casts his gaze over the three of them before landing on Ayaka, amused with how she's decided to phrase her own challenge.

Very much the nature of a polite Inazuman of high status. But he can see the real message there.]

Oh ho, looks like things are really beginning to heat up in here. Do you mean to say that the Shirasagi Himegimi thinks she can best us in this little game? Well, I'd like to see your skills...why don't we move this dinner to the living room and begin? There's a coffee table out there after all, we can bring our dishes and drinks with.

[This guy is over here vibrating with how excited he is to even face them in something as silly as M▊▊▊▊ Kart. Before Ellipsa, he probably would have never even considered he'd get this much into something that wasn't fighting.]

[niwabi]

[ Things really are starting to heat up and Yoimiya couldn't be any more excited by this turn of events. Cloud's competitive side takes her catches her off guard but his declaration is exactly what she wants to hear. There's no doubt he's the one to watch out for. And Ayaka? So cool! The Shirasagi Himegimi is still polite but she's so proud to watch her friend stepping up to the challenge. ]

Hehe, I can see the excitement burning behind your eyes, Tartaglia. [ NOT THAT SHE HAS ANY ROOM TO TALK BECAUSE: ] Yeah! Let's go ahead and get started! Y'all are getting me super fired up now. We have a really fierce group on our hands.

[ Along with everything else on her plate, she makes sure to get a slice of that delicious-looking honey cake. With her food and beer can in hand, onto the living room she goes! While the rest are gathering their food and drinks, Yoimiya takes care of the preparations for their battle royale, turning on the TV and setting up the switch. As everyone arrives, they'll be greeted by the sight of a vibrant title screen with funky music and unique characters playing on the TV. Four controllers sit on the table for each of the participants, ready and waiting to be used. ]

Is everyone ready? Tartaglia and I have played this quite a bit so to make things fair, maybe we can do a quick practice match before we start taking shots, so anyone unfamiliar can get used to the controls?

[mistsplitter]

[ Heh! Ayaka has never played M▊▊▊▊ Kart before, but by now, she's played with a Switch! She knows how to work a controller. She's a little hesitant to bring the food to the living room, but with everyone already hyped up, she has no choice but to go with the flow. ]

Do you think we should get this game for the house, Cloud?

[ If Yoimiya and Tartaglia have played this before, then it must be fun even if it's just two people playing. The kinds of games Ayaka likes playing are more... quiet ones, admittedly, but she wouldn't mind learning more about these sorts of games.

She sets her plate down on a small table in the living room, then picks up a controller before settling down on the couch. ]

Let's practice first to even the playing field.

[sultanofsquat]

[ It speaks volumes to just how different everyone's predicaments are from their own worlds... To think that he'd be having a casual sitdown with new friends, on a home double date. Playing video games. The technology here was nothing like what was on Gaia. It almost feels like they're being spoiled this way. Like if they knew what was good for them, they'd take the time to cherish every passing minute. Every little moment. It all mattered. It would all be something that Cloud thinks about when he goes to sleep at night. When he wakes up in the morning and, once more, he realizes that none of it was a dream.

It's a reality worth protecting and fighting for. So even for one night...he'll drop his guard. Cloud may not turn into some jumping lunatic of giddiness, but as the group all move their meals to the living room (Cloud only has some Beef Stroganoff left,) there's a content look on Cloud's face as he makes sure to take a seat by Ayaka's side. If they're all sharing the same couch though, he's taking the outside. ]

That or that one called M▊▊▊▊ Party. [ A beat, as he picks up his controller and gets paired up with the little docked console by the TV. ] Or both.

[ Don't ask why. But as they select their way through the options, picking the first thing that comes up (50cc...plebs...), the first order of business is to pick characters.

Don't ask why the character stood out to him, but... ]

The one with the shades is cool.

[ He means Not!Roy Koopa. ]

There any big differences between the characters?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Gathering up his plate and drink, the Harbinger happily takes it out to the living room to set it down on the coffee table before returning to the kitchen to fetch the fire-water with four shot glasses for them to partake from. Naturally, that's set in the middle of the table to loom over the participants, the prize punishment for doing poorly in the races. Though having a practice round doesn't sound bad, it's always good to have a warm up no matter what you're doing...

Tartaglia parks himself right on the floor in front of the coffee table where his food is, sitting like a little kid who thinks they're about to spank the competition.]

I think they're fairly balanced, [he answers Cloud as he picks up his own controller and chooses not!Yoshi as his character.]

Some are heavy and go faster than others, but losing control of them is far easier than ones who are lighter...I personally like something more in the middle. Whatever I may lack in speed I can make up for in precision driving. You'll see what I mean, hahaha...

[He looks confident in himself there, eagerly waiting for everyone to pick their characters so they can play.]

[niwabi]

[ Now that everyone has settled in, Yoimiya lets the cute couple get comfy on the couch, opting to sit down next to Tartaglia on the floor. Character selection has always been fun, now with added excitement of seeing the choices of the two unfamiliar with this game. She's already amused by Cloud's choice in Not!Roy Koopa and looking forward to who Ayaka gets drawn to. Controller in hand, she makes a beeline for her favorite, Not!Toadette. ]

Oh! I haven't tried M▊▊▊▊ Party yet. Maybe we can all play it together one day, I'm sure it will be lots of fun.

[ "Fun" she says... FAMOUS LAST WORDS, NAGAOHARA YOIMIYA. ]

Yeah! The heavier characters have better speed and they don't get bumped off as easily whereas the light ones aren't as fast but they have good acceleration and are easier to control. Once you get used to the game, you'll develop a preference for certain weight classes. The character I'm playing is the light side. Although, I'm mainly choosing her because she's adorable.

[ Cuteness matters too! ]

Whenever everyone's done choosing their characters, we'll get to select our vehicles next! There are tons of options from karts, to bikes, to something called an ATV. Like the characters, some of the vehicles weigh more than others, have better handling or faster acceleration.

[mistsplitter]

[ Oh! The character selection seems very interesting. Hopefully everyone is patient enough as Ayaka goes to every single character, though. Her eyes light up when she sees Isabelle, though. She remembers this little character from one of Lumine's games!! :D So that's who she chooses in the end.

Nobody ask her why. It's because Isabelle is familiar... No clue about the weight thing everyone else is talking about. ]

This game sounds very complicated, if you have to consider so many details.

[ But she imagines it must be fun! Ayaka enjoys shogi and go. That requires so much strategy. She just has to start seeing these characters as pieces with their own roles and she'll have a better understanding on what to do and how to win. ]

Lumine let me play a game with her that had this little dog. She's very cute and friendly.

[sultanofsquat]

[ If Yoimiya hadn't taken her place by Tartaglia's side on the floor, after some reluctance, Cloud might have joined him. ... Not one to be outdone. But also boys will be boys. But as he customizes his cart and gives a lookover what's good between handling, top speed, acceleration... His character is a bit heavier, so he's faster. Just takes time getting there. Huh! Kind of like his fighting style with a large broadsword. Funny how these things work out.

So while Yoimiya and Childe get cozy on the floor, Cloud instinctively finds himself scooting in a little closer to Ayaka on the couch. But not enough that she didn't have space to work her controller.

He still has no idea about items yet. That's going to be a shock. Out of the corner of his gaze, he spots Ayaka's eyes lighting up at the sight of Isabelle. Cute...

Ayaka and Isabelle both. SFDLKJA ]

It's probably pretty balanced if it's meant to be played by everyone.

[ As he fusses over what wheels to go with, he blinks when she mentions Lumine. A familiar name! It's been some time since he last saw her. ]

What was it called again? Something that had a buncha critters in it...

[ ... The Slick tires look sick. He's picking those. adfslkjh ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Once Yoimiya sits down next to him, he scoots closer to her, pressing his arm lightly against her own. He wants to be ready for when they're at each other's throats during the race, pushing up against each other and smack talking while trying to overcome the other. He gives her a small smile, one that has sly tone to it, letting his own competitive nature come to the forefront for the rest of the night's activities. Bring it, lady.

At this point, Childe has his preferences so he quickly chooses everything he wants for his character, waiting patiently for the others to go through and pick what they want. Though he may be familiar with M▊▊▊▊ Kart at this point, he's not familiar with most other games. Tartaglia is surprised to hear that Isabelle was in another game. Huh.

He turns around to look up at Ayaka and Cloud, curiosity painted across his face.]

Oh? What sort of game is she in, then?

[The way Cloud says that gives him no clue on what kind of game Isabelle is from at all. He would also like to know the name, plz and thank you]

[niwabi]

[ Ta-da! Her set up for Not!Toadette is finished, now just waiting on everyone to complete their builds so they can begin playing, she's practically bouncing with excitement to teach Ayaka and Cloud the joy of using items in this game. Soon, they'll be well-versed in the art of the blue shell. As she's forming evil plans in her head, she can feel Tartaglia's arm brush ever so slightly against her own. Glancing over at him, she totally catches the sly undertone in that competitive smile. She giggles, giving him one last gesture of sweet affection by nuzzling her head into his shoulder, all the while her own smile is laced with mischievousness. Bring it, sir.

Oh! The cute animal game! She has yet to play it for herself. Come to think of it, that game might be more Ayaka's speed rather than the chaos that's about to ensue. ]

Isabelle is so cute, a perfect match for Ayaka.

[ YOU ARE VALID CLOUD! Ayaka and Isabelle are both adorable. She flickers her gaze from the adorable couple on the couch over to Cloud's Build-A-Kart session on screen, intrigued by his choices. The slick tires are very slick! Somehow, they seem fitting for him. ]

I haven't played the game she's from but I heard so many good things about it. Supposed to be really cozy and adorable. Maybe one day, you can teach it to all of us, Ayaka.

[ There's fishing! Tartaglia might like that... or maybe it's too cozy and peaceful for him waisogh. ]

[mistsplitter]

I believe the game is titled A▊▊▊▊▊ Cr▊ss▊▊▊. It is a game where you play a human who recently moved into an island, and you somehow end up helping run it. There are villagers that come and go, and you can plant flowers, dig up fossils, and go fish. The manager of the island is a very cute tanuki, and Isabelle works for him.

[ It truly is a very cute game!! :D If she had her own Switch, she'd definitely own that game on the console. Perhaps if Cloud is amenable to the idea later on, they can get one for their house. Ayato can even play, if he likes!

Her car is pink. It's cute and girly and Ayaka is happy. She could stay here and customise things all day. The race must start at some point, though! ]

Let's all play that together another time. We have a competition at hand, don't we?

[ Someone can choose whatever track to play on! Ayaka has no idea and will just go with the flow. ]

slow poke is me i will rectify this ;;-;;

[sultanofsquat]

Sounds relaxing. Had a long day? Fire that up and go fishing...

[ He's starting to realize he's a fan of more interactive and action-packed things. But he can already see the merit. As he's already selected his build for Not!Roy Koopa, he's prepared to go as well! It's just a matter of picking a cup and the tracks within. The CPU difficulty changes with the speed... Huh. 50, 100, 150, 200cc... ]

I could watch you play that.

[ Which means that, while it's not a priority, they...may or may not be considering an upgrade to their house. inb4 Ayaka and Cloud ask Ayato like kids asking their parent SFDKJHA ]

Yup. [ It's time to race. And while he's no lightweight when it comes to drinking, the beer he's got? Already helping in loosening him up. His interactions with Tartaglia have surprised him- setting him at ease when he was so worried about his status as a Fatui Harbinger and how battle hungry he was. But here and now? He's starting to realize that there's a time and place for everything. Every one has their jobs. Their duties. Sides to take. And right now...

They're all on the same side. These were days that he never would have imagined being a part of. But day by day, Cloud is feeling a sense of belonging. What he values with his companions back home, what he'll come to learn in due time? That was important. But it's the final destination he has in mind, and where he wants to be and who he wants to spend the rest of his life with... ]

Gonna pull out all the stops when I figure out the controls.

[ He's happy. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He's not sure if he'd like a game like A▊▊▊▊▊ Cr▊ss▊▊▊. He'd definitely give it a try, see how he likes it, and if anything else he'll just give it to Yoimiya instead if he doesn't. He's not picky, he'll at least try anything once. But if Ayaka likes it, it's probably got some merit, right?

Either way, he'll put that info in his back pocket for now, flipping through the tracks without anyone's permission to do so now that people have chosen their characters. This is supposed to be a warm up, so he eventually chooses the easiest track for the beginners, setting it to 100cc (can't baby Cloud and Ayaka too much, not when 200cc is going to be in the cards later) and gets ready.]

Well, you're in luck, since this should be pretty simple to figure the controls out on. I think this is called M▊▊▊▊ K▊▊▊ Stadium, and it's not too difficult. And...no shots on this one, is that okay Yoimiya? It wouldn't be fair to make you all drink so much right away.

[Tartaglia grins back at all three competitors. Just because this is a baby track doesn't mean he's going to go lightly on them.]