Closed Bonfire Night Summer Camp 2024

TIME | 22:00 DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACTING |@Aodhan Shaw

“ I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart ” 00:35⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀02:34

Dress| OUTFIT #B68EA7 | DIALOGUE xxx| MENTIONING

She watched in quiet disbelief as the boy scrambled around, grabbing pillows and a blanket as if this were some grand apology for the mess he'd made. Her arms were still crossed, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes again at his over-the-top gestures. She wasn't entirely sure what to make of him—this pipsqueak who seemed to take nothing seriously but was, in his own way, trying to make amends.

She glanced down at the blanket he'd laid out in front of her, then back up at him as he wobbled under the weight of the pillows he'd collected. Her lips twitched, though she wasn't sure if it was the start of a smile or just more irritation. The ridiculousness of it all made it hard to stay fully annoyed, though. And if there was one thing Ula hated more than looking disheveled, it was not knowing what to do with her feelings.

"Are you serious?" she finally said, arching an eyebrow as he pointed to the blanket like he'd just solved all her problems. The sticky residue of chocolate and marshmallow still clung to her clothes, and even though she'd wiped most of it off, she felt anything but comfortable.

She hesitated, her gaze flicking back to the nearby campers who were still laughing and enjoying the night, oblivious to her annoyance. Sitting down would mean admitting that maybe she wasn't as furious as she'd first claimed—or rather denied. It would mean accepting his weird, clumsy attempt at making it up to her.

Ula exhaled sharply, giving him a sideways glance. "Oh, I'm so flattered to be in your presence Sir Pipsqueak," she muttered sarcastically, but despite her sharp words, she crouched down, inspecting the blanket. The firelight flickered across the camp, and for a moment, the tension in her shoulders eased just a little.

"Fine," she muttered, brushing off the last of the marshmallow from her clothes and dropping herself onto the blanket with more force than was necessary. She crossed her legs, refusing to let go of the last sliver of irritation that was still bubbling beneath the surface.

"This doesn’t mean we’re going to be friends though," she added, almost as an afterthought, her tone softer but still holding an edge.

TIME | xxx DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACT | @Ula Takahashi

“ i'm just a teenage dirtbag baby ” 00:41⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀04:01

link | OUTFIT " speech " | DIALOGUE xxx | MENTION

"Serious like Batman against Joker," Aodhan replied almost instantly, seeming like he had comebacks prepped at all times. Actually, that might as well have been the case with his incomprehensible mind.

He'd taken a minute then to look at her, to really look at her, in time to see her treating the blanket with as much care as a bomb. Perhaps it was a consequence of playing actor, but he could be oddly observant of people sometimes. He simply used it more for his own benefit than anything else. Thus, he could notice the way she was acting so... unsure? Suddenly thoughtful? Deflation wasn't quite the mark, in hindsight, if she was going to teeter like this. She was so weird.

Bleh. He could feel it too; the way her energy was influencing him. This is why he preferred staying as cerebral as possible. Anything else was too weird. Too messy.

But perhaps said energy caused him to let the hot-and-cold responses go unaddressed for once, merely snorting from amusement. Originally, being friends wasn't even in the cards. A race was a race. The bonfire was just a single night. However, now that she tried openly denying the possibility... She'd unfortunately be dealing with him for much longer now.

After flashing a crooked smile, the boy excitedly pranced away to gather a few more items. There was some degree of a line when he reached the necessary station. But of course, he'd been quick to practically barge in, grab what he needed, and immediately hop out. And when he came back in record time, he made sure to happily wave around the goodies in his possession: two sparklers and some rocket-shaped firecrackers. If this didn't cheer her up even a little, then at least he would have a good time.

"Okay, so, I dunno your name," he started once he was close enough, "And since I dunno your name, I'm giving you one! How do you feel about 'Princess'! Kind of like LSP from Adventure Time. That's a real good show, by the way. Anyhow, I think it fits you great since you're both real, uh, bratty? Or is sassy better? Eh, whatever. Close enough."

While rambling, Aodhan tried shoving a sparkler into the girl's hands. He then situated himself next to her, right on his knees in the grass. He almost seemed lost in his own world for a moment, with how the words kept spilling from his mouth as he kept rotating and scrutinizing the firecrackers. So it was odd when his eyes lit up and he paused.

"Queen Bee!" he then exclaimed and snapped his gaze directly onto her, "That sounds like a good option too, right? Queen Bee! With Bee for short—no, no, Queenie for short."

There was a chance that with the speed his brain moved at, he might as wall have been talking to himself.

coded by charisse

TIME | 22:01 DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACTING |@Aodhan Shaw

“ I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart ” 00:35⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀02:34

Dress| OUTFIT #B68EA7 | DIALOGUE xxx| MENTIONING

Takahashi blinked, her expression flat, eyes narrowing at the endless barrage of words coming out of Pipsqueak's mouth. The comparison to "Batman and Joker" was already irritating, but now, with the name game? Her jaw clenched slightly as he tossed a sparkler into her hands, as if that alone could win her over. She held it with two fingers, barely looking at it as if it were some tacky toy rather than something to entertain her.

"Princess?" she repeated, deadpan, her eyebrow arching in disbelief. "Are we gonna braid eachothers hair next too?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but there was a sharpness to it that wasn't entirely playful. She didn't dignify the 'LSP' comparison with a response; she'd seen Adventure Time in passing but wasn't going to indulge his rambling by admitting it.

The boy was in his own world, apparently, not noticing her annoyance or maybe just ignoring it on purpose. He rambled on about Queen Bee, his face lighting up with excitement, and Ula just... stared. "Queenie?" She clicked her tongue and glanced at him as if waiting for him to stop, but clearly, he wasn't planning on it. His energy was bouncing all over the place, and it was starting to grate on her nerves.

Settled on the blanket, Ula didn't even bother standing. She lounged, almost deliberately disinterested, her back resting against her hands as she stared off into the distance. Her eyes flicked down to the sparkler in her hand, and a sly thought curled the corners of her lips ever so slightly. She twirled it between her fingers like it was harmless, but the glint in her eyes said otherwise. Without looking directly at Pipsqueak, she leaned over slightly, her fingers deliberately bending the sparkler just enough that it looked intact but wouldn't light properly. It would sputter, and if he wasn't careful, maybe do more than just fizzle out.

With a sigh, Ula finally let out a dry chuckle, shaking her head as she stayed sitting, sparkler still dangling carelessly in her hand. "You sure talk a lot for someone who's hardly saying anything," she muttered under her breath, casting him a sidelong glance, as if his presence was more of an amusing nuisance than anything. She twirled the sparkler absently, her expression bored, but her eyes sharp with calculation.

"I'll take Queenie," she conceded with a mocking smirk, "but only because Princess is a joke." Her chin lifted slightly, the sparkler still held lazily between her fingers. "But if you think I'm lighting this sparkler, you're lighting it first." She extended the sabotaged sparkler toward him, a slow, smug smile spreading across her lips as if daring him to go through with it.

Her eyes never left his, the challenge clear: Let's see if you're really that reckless.

TIME | xxx DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACT | @Ula Takahashi

“ i'm just a teenage dirtbag baby ” 00:41⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀04:01

link | OUTFIT " speech " | DIALOGUE xxx | MENTION

He didn't stop himself from childishly sticking his tongue out at her, attributing her mean remarks to something that was just in her nature at this point. Was he saying a lot of nothing? Of course not. Whatever Aodhan spoke of held great important and insight, but if she didn't have the mental capacity to understand that, then he would quietly forgive her. Not everyone could see the world on his level, after all. In a way, he was constantly suffering from success. Sigh.

When she actually accepted one of the nicknames, though, he could feel his eyes widening from mild shock. Really? He won, just like that? And she was smiling! ... Is what he would like to assume. But he squinted his eyes and pursed his lips as the sparkler was offered, and could tell something was off. The girl looked far too pleased compared to moments ago. However, Aodhan could not lie to himself; he was curious. What could she possibly be thinking to cause a reaction like that?

So, he gingerly took hold of the sparkler after resting their firecrackers in the grass, and held it up. It took only a moment of thought before he was returning the smug expression. He'd save the best for last.

"Sure Queenie, your wish is my command," he chirped, only to place it slightly in front of her on the blanket, "But you didn't exactly say I had to use it this instant. Just before you, right? I go first, and you go second."

After sharing his logic, the young wizard got up once again, somehow not blinking an eye at all his back and forth movement. Originally, he'd wanted to sit and really think through his vision for the evening, maybe convince her to light a few things with him at the same time. Alas, he was presented with something akin to a carrot dangling on a stick, and what was that saying again? Something about curiosity and dead cats?

He reached the main bonfire, which was thankfully not far, to light what was essentially his personal hand-held firework. To his great joy, it erupted into a shade of yellow, sometimes even transitioning into flashes of orange. Excitement ran through him like the blood in his veins, and he returned with the emotion practically leaking from his body. However, he did not grace his companion with any immediate acknowledgement, as he instead grabbed one of the mini rockets and held one end to his now ignited sparkler—

"Woah!" he shouted, watching the firecracker launch itself upwards and burst. There was no heat coming from the sparks that settled in his hair, and if anything, Aodhan had the feeling it travelled with a mind of its own. It had to be enchanted, didn't it? Magic was simply incredible.

"Your turn!" he quickly said, running off the adrenaline of the moment, "Show me your favorite and I'll use that next! C'mon!"

coded by charisse

TIME | 22:02 DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACTING |@Aodhan Shaw

“ I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart ” 00:35⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀02:34

Dress| OUTFIT #B68EA7 | DIALOGUE xxx| MENTIONING

She narrowed her eyes, watching as Pipsqueak swaggered back to the bonfire with that insufferable grin, his sparkler alight and trailing embers. The boy acted like he'd cracked some profound code, and she couldn't decide whether it was hilarious or just plain irritating. Of course he'd twist her words and find some loophole. Typical.

As he lit his firework, the air filled with a faint fizz and a plume of yellow sparks, casting his face in an overjoyed glow that, honestly, was hard not to find a little funny. She arched an eyebrow, pretending to yawn, though she couldn't hide her own smirk when the firecracker launched and settled a few tiny sparks in his hair. So, even the universe couldn't resist making him look ridiculous.

"Favorite, huh?" she said, brushing a stray spark off her own sleeve. " Not that I'd trust you with anything truly impressive, but fine." She plucked a small blue star-shaped firework from the pile, weighing it in her hand. It wasn't the most dazzling, but it had a bit of finesse—if he'd even know what that was.

"So here's the deal, Pipsqueak." She held up the firework, its silvery outline glinting. "You get to light this one… only if you manage not to act like a complete show-off when it goes off. Think you can handle that?"

She offered it out, but just as he reached, she pulled it back with a grin. "I mean, if you're sure you're up to the challenge. Or, I could just handle it, and you can watch. Your choice."

TIME | xxx DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACT | @Ula Takahashi

“ i'm just a teenage dirtbag baby ” 00:41⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀04:01

link | OUTFIT " speech " | DIALOGUE xxx | MENTION

This time around, Aodhan used the hand not holding to the sparkler to now clutch at his chest. His face completely scrunched up in faux pain as he pretended to have a heart attack, an over the top showing in response to her "lack of trust."

"Cruel and evil," he dramatically muttered, even throwing in a groan to make the scene worse, "Where would I be without your approval? Six feet under, that's where. How could you do this to me?"

However, his then shut eyes were forced to crack open at her proposal. She wanted him to... what? Did she hate his guts? That was part of his whole brand! He fought to urge to pout and settled for a click of the teeth instead. Maybe his evil joke wasn't a mere joke after all. Maybe she wasn't a mere girl, but a demon in frilly girl clothing.

The boy's suspicions were slowly getting confirmed as she retracted the firework once he reached out, and at that moment, he could only let the pout have its way.

"Bah, do I look lame to you? Gimme," he demanded, but it wasn't much of one when he tried grabbing it out her grasp.

Okay, without showing off. What did that even mean, really? Was he meant to act dead, or become all serious like Terminator? Actually, perhaps he could just pretend to be someone else entirely? Simply adopt a persona that could get him through the "challenge" with minimal trouble. Or—no, no, he had an idea of what to do.

With little to no emoting, Aodhan lit the firework similarly to the last. What was different, though, was the fact he did not look at the aftermath at all. Instead, he kept his eyes locked onto his companion, the youth's gaze dead and unblinking. If he wasn't supposed to show a strong reaction, then he'd simply try dragging something out of her to compensate. Whether it be discomfort or irritation, anything would do.

And even though visions of what she'd say were sprinkled in his mind, and tickled the laughing chamber of his heart, he remained vigilant and kept his expression blank. His mouth certainly didn't twitch just then either; that was just a trick of the light.

... It was a real good thing that he could be a stubborn bastard when he wanted to be.

coded by charisse

TIME | 22:04 DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACTING |@Aodhan Shaw

“ I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart ” 00:35⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀02:34

Dress| OUTFIT #B68EA7 | DIALOGUE xxx| MENTIONING

Ula's smirk widened as she watched him light the firework with uncharacteristic restraint—or at least what passed for restraint with him. The boy's usual manic energy was suspiciously absent, replaced with… whatever this was. His gaze locked onto her, unwavering, deadpan, and utterly ridiculous.

Her eyebrows rose slowly, incredulous. "Wow," she said, letting the word draw out, her tone dripping with mock admiration. "You're really committing, huh? The whole 'stoic and mysterious' act. Hate to break it to you, Pipsqueak, but right now, you don't look cool or mysterious. You look constipated."

She stepped slightly closer, tilting her head as if scrutinizing his expression with grave concern. "Seriously, if this is your 'serious face,' I'm worried for you. Blink twice if you need medical attention."

The firework popped behind them, sending a cascade of blue sparks into the sky, but she didn't so much as glance at it. She was far more entertained by the absurdity of his performance.

She let the silence stretch out a moment longer, and then her eyes lit up with mischief. She casually turned her head as if noticing someone walking by—one of the first-years nearby. Without missing a beat, she raised a hand to stop them.

"Oi! You!" Ula called, her voice cutting through the quiet.

The student stopped mid-step and turned toward her with an exaggerated flourish, his hand flying up to rest on his chest, looking over at her with wide eyes.

"Do you happen to have any laxatives on you?" she asked with a completely straight face.

The first-year blinked, clearly unsure if she was serious. "Laxatives?" they repeated, half-embarrassed, half-confused.

"Yeah," Ula replied, her tone light but deadpan, "Cause my friend here"—she pointed at 'her friend'—"has some serious stomach issues. He's been looking like he's about to pass a kidney stone for the last ten minutes. The poor thing can barely stand."

The first-year, now clearly uncomfortable, looked over at the boy with an expression of mild disgust. They took a small step back. "Er… no, sorry. I—uh, I don't have any..."

Without another word, they quickly turned and scrambled off, clearly eager to escape the awkward situation.

She turned back to him with a satisfied grin, her expression mocking. "You're doing great, Pipsqueak. Really, that stoic look is working wonders for you. In fact, I think it's really helping you make friends."

TIME | xxx DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACT | @Ula Takahashi

“ i'm just a teenage dirtbag baby ” 00:41⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀04:01

link | OUTFIT " speech " | DIALOGUE xxx | MENTION

Honestly, Aodhan was like a peacock.

A very young, very loud, and incredibly irritating peacock depending on who asked, but still a peacock. He loved putting on airs and getting praised for doing so, whether that information be genuine or not. And in this case it was most definitely not, yet he couldn't ignore the rush of satisfaction which hit him the minute she reacted to his apathetic front. It was pretty impressive, huh? He fell into the role with ease, didn't he? Because of course someone like him would, and of course she'd react with awe like that. He was so cool.

"—but right now, you don't look cool or mysterious. You look constipated."

... When viewing life through a lens of humor, it was usually difficult for any of his peers to get on his nerves. They would have a better shot pushing him to tears than inciting anger. However, the girl's commentary was cutting into—she was just... she was wrong! He looked cool without a doubt, just like Batman would. Speaking of, she didn't take kindly to his earlier Batman reference either. Was she uncultured? If this friendship was to work, and he decided they would be friends for his own amusement, he really needed to get her on track to greatness.

Still, he couldn't allow his expression to crack. He wouldn't. The boy stayed motionless and emotionless, only giving in to actually "blink twice" when asked, because his tolerance only went so far. After all, it was just blinking. She couldn't possibly call him out on something like that.

He watched curiously as she grabbed another kid's attention, barely stopping himself from tilting his head in the process. With her evil ways, she was no doubt going to try sabotaging him. Would she convince that kid to launch an assisted tickle attack? The thought was horrifying; he was deathly ticklish. Maybe he could stop them by claiming he was allergic to tickles, like one could be allergic to peanut butter. An emergency room level threat.

While pondering this, he heard the mention of laxatives. Then she pointed at him. And then his eyes made contact with the stranger's, and Aodhan could see the sheer revulsion building up on their face. Oh. Oh.

He should have figured this would be a loss, because as the kid was stuttering away, he began to move without thought. Right after they turned to escape, Aodhan had already raised his bicep, placed one hand under his armpit, and... let it rip.

It was not his best armpit fart, but it was abrupt and loud enough to do the job. He could see the kid actively speed up in their hurry to get away, no doubt confused and traumatized for the rest of the evening. Quivering, the youth at last fixed his gaze back onto his companion, barely holding on until—

"You're doing great, Pipsqueak. Really, that stoic look is working wonders for you. In fact, I think it's really helping you make friends."

"Aw," he said in the most even tone he could muster, "Well doesn't that just stink."

For a minute, he snorted. It was the only warning given before he exploded into a mess of gasps and guffaws, his head thrown back while he desperately clutched his stomach.

coded by charisse

TIME | 22:05 DATE | July 17th, 2024 INTERACTING |@Aodhan Shaw

“ I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart ” 00:35⠀─── ◉ ───────⠀02:34

Dress| OUTFIT #B68EA7 | DIALOGUE xxx| MENTIONING

The ravenette pressed her lips together. Hard.

She would not laugh. No matter how ridiculous Pipsqueak looked, doubled over and wheezing like he had just performed the world's most legendary act of comedic timing. She refused to give him the satisfaction. She would not encourage this. Her resolve however… was crumbling fast.

The armpit fart had been stupid enough, but the fact that he had just gone with it—fully committed to her antics without hesitation—was somehow even funnier. It was ridiculous. They were ridiculous. And as much as she wanted to maintain her dignity, there was something satisfying about how effortlessly they had bounced off each other.

He was snorting between gasps, barely able to get a word out, and against her better judgment, Ula felt her own mouth twitch.

No. No, she could not let this happen.

She turned her head away, jaw tightening. If she didn't look at him, maybe she'd be safe. She focused on the firelight flickering against the dark, the chatter of other kids in the distance, the absolute absurdity of how easily they had fallen into sync. This whole thing was so stupid.

Then she made the mistake of glancing at him again—just for a second. A small noise escaped her before she could stop it. A choked-off, half-snort, half-scoff. Her eyes widened in betrayal, but it was too late. He heard it. Immediately, the boy straightened up, his grin widening and his mouth already opening.

"Shut up," Ula cut in, voice sharp, but she was already pressing her lips together again, trying to will away the treacherous urge to laugh. She needed to get out of here. Now.

Spinning on her heel, Ula started walking away, fast. If she put enough distance between them, maybe she could smother the laugh still threatening to break free. Maybe she could pretend this entire exchange had never happened.

Of course, she barely made it a few steps before she heard him trailing after her, his footsteps quick to match her pace. Like a fuckass werewolf who just imprinted, she thought to herself. Ula exhaled through her nose, shaking her head—yet, the corner of her mouth twitched upward. Just a little. Just enough.

Maybe she'd let him stick around. For tonight.