View source for 2680/A Starlit Sleepover

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2025/07/09
|Location=Pearl Pier
|Synopsis=Coco invites her friends over for a sleepover, and the six girls spend it chatting, eating and playing
|Cast of Characters=55,41,33,131,107
|Tinyplot=The Dreams the Tide Cradles
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>It is a beautiful evening, with a tranquil sky featuring a blue sparkling with the lights of star unfettered by clouds and smog alike, shining serenely overhead. The warmth of the early summer day has been replaced by a refreshing breeze carrying the coolness of a gentle night, brushing softly against the skin.<br><br>Earlier that week, Coco had pitched to Nikora having some of her friends stay over for a night in one of the rooms at the Pearl Pier for a sleepover. "We could do this one for a change, Nikora. With Alala and Seriss teaming up, we could use something to relax", the yellow mermaid explained to the manager. To her delight, Nikora had agreed, offering one a beautiful room on the second floor with wide arched windows overlooking the tranquil sea and the receding tides.<br><br>When she first brought it up, Nikora had smiled, brushing a dark pink curl from her forehead, and said, ?You know what? I think business has been going well enough, and you do deserve a break. Just make sure Hippo don?t take advantage of the confusion. We already have enough trouble managing his midnight raids?, a response that elicited a knowing grin from Coco. "Don't worry, I will be sure nothing bad happens."<br><br>Several trips back and forth, and now the suite has been completely redecorated, a stark difference from the pristine hotel difference that it features just a few hours prior. The only indication of the room's previous elegance is the mahogany table that has been pushed against the wall, and even that it is hard to tell submerged as it under non-alcoholic beverages in carafes surrounded by packages of colourful straws, short columns of empty glasses and six trays of chocolate cupcakes decorated by a spiral of whipped cream. In bowls next to them, several toppings have been prepare for a DIY look: M&amp;Ms, cherries, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed-up candy bars and fondants in the shape of small sharks, pink dolphins and otters.<br><br>Futons of all colours have been set in the rest of the room, picked by Coco with the intention to have every one of her friends find one decorated with their favourite colours, just in front of a pile of pillows with all forms and hues. Coco had already prepared her own, a large butter yellow shell on top of golden sheets covering a navy blue futon. The room also features a few games: a karaoke machine, "would you rather" and charade cards. Nail art is also available for more inspired endeavors.<br><br>Coco is standing in front of the hotel's doors in a pale yellow nightdress with an orange hem, and her hair is up in a low chignon, with a few strands hanging free in front. Whenever someone comes they are cheerfully greeted with a hug and led to the room in wait for the others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>A slumber party? In a beachside hotel, in the summer? *Oh my yes,* that sounds like the perfect cure to worry headaches and project headaches and testing headaches... Emerging from a nearby alley after a quick de-henshin, Rashmi bops down the sidewalk, grinning widely at Coco already dressed for the evening. While she's in a light sundress and kicky flats at the moment herself, the moment she agreed to the invitation, she threw her own sleepwear -- an almost-sleeveless t-shirt cut specifically for sleep, deep red and printed with yellow and black butterflies -- and a change of clothes for tomorrow in a duffel bag.<br> <br>Also, hairnets. *Multiple* hairnets, just in case.<br> <br>Returning Coco's hug with a grin, Rashmi follows her friend into the suite, and *actually squeals* as the decorations are revealed. "Uwaaaaaaah~! Coco-chan, this is *awesome!* It's like... the *absolute ideal* slumber party!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka and Homura arrive in henshin, landing across the street from the Pearl Pier hand in hand. After safely crossing the road, they each give Coco a hug and a greeting. It's only after they're inside the hotel's doors that they drop henshin to reveal their matching pink and purple nightgowns. Lydian hatches from the egg that just popped out of Madoka's chest, and Kamiko appears out of a Labyrinth portal. The two girls and accompanying fairies each smile at Coco.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thanks for having us over, Coco-chan!" says Madoka, cheerfully. "I really love the decorations."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura says, "It's good to see you again. How have you been?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kamiko looks around the room at all the treats and says, "Oh, look, Lydian-chan! Cupcakes!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydian's eyes brighten up as she looks over them. "Oh, and you can decorate them, too! These little fondant sea creatures are so cute~."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara wasn't one to turn down an invite from a friend. At least, not a good friend. And Coco was one of her best friends. Sure, there were some friends she'd turn invites down from, but like... Sometimes, Riventon needed to be turned down. There were just... some lab experiments she didn't want to be a part of, okay? Like, after a while you just didn't NEED to know if you added enough vending machine youma together what kind of soda you'd make.<br><br>She'd even brought her pajamas, though they were in her bag. Pink, with a big sun on the chest and... some of them might remember it as her cutie mark... and might wonder how she'd actually gotten her cutie mark on so many of her clothes. She had a guy. Don't worry about it.<br><br>As she came to the hotel, she let out a low whistle, glancing around. "Wow... Hey, Coco-chan. Beach front hotel, swanky. I haven't been someplace like this in...." She trailed off. "Well, let's not talk about that. Been looking forward to this," she said with a grin. She was wearing a rather simple outfit. Sandles, orange skirt, sleeveless red tanktop, sunhat. She'd landed a few blocks away in henshin and had her bag over her shoulder, having walked the last bit.<br><br>"Heyyy, Rashmi-chan, Madoka-chan. H... Homura-chan?" she tries. They didn't meet much, but like... the girl was... Madoka's... betrothed... or something? She didn't entirely remember? But like. To be fair, until recently, she knew the backside of Madoka's hand better than she knew Madoka.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sleepover!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Sleepover!''<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not Amy's first, but it has been ''awhile'' (if going to the future doesn't count as 'sleeping over' with Chibiusa, then she hasn't since... it was either Molly dying or something awful the BMC did that prompted folks to just all go to Mamoru's apartment for the night and take some time off. Let's not think about that.)<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy's shown up with her backpack (containing a change of clothes and PJs) and laptop bag (maybe people will want to watch a movie or something, she doesn't know! And on the off-chance a technical problem interferes with that, she will be ready to resolve it!), wearing a pink T-shirt and a mottled grey skirt of soft light fabric that's ''almost'' as comfy as the one that came with the body.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also, perhaps notably, has a bit of eyeliner and mascara beginning to wear away. Not something put on for the party, but still there after trying it early in the day, after learning the basic from Ahmya days ago.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once inside, she changes to her choice of sleepwear for tonight: a blue tank top that was in a store's sleepwear section, and mostly-yellow tie-dyed shorts. It's not as cute as the full PJ top and pants with some print on it might have been, but it's ''comfy'' and ''soft'' and ''lightweight'' on a hot summer night (though hopefully there's no issue with the air conditioning tonight, she doesn't know what it'll be set to.)<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she looks at the decorations and refreshments, she stares in open-mouthed excitement. "Wow... you know, I didn't realize how much we needed this... Thank you, Coco!" She hugs the mermaid princess, and also anyone else who wants hugs. Hugs are great.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks over the activities with an excited grin on her face. "What do we start with...?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"Glad you enjoy", Coco winks at Rashmi after accompanying the redhead to the suite. "Feel free to have a look around and pick a futon and a pillow you like, there are all sorts. I will be right back with the others", she encourages her, walking out to go meet up with Madoka and Homura. "Hello, Madoka-chan, thank you! I approve of the matching nightgowns", she giggles while leading them to the room. Considering she had also given them matching drink umbrellas the last time they had been here...<br><br>"Good to see you too, Homura-san. Everything has been going well. Nikora is certainly happy about the business. Who knew that a beachside hotel would be so successful, right?" she smiles at the purple-haired girl. "What about you? Any pleasant news?"<br><br>Once arrived at the room, she similarly goes away quickly to go meet Hinoiri, but not before giving them the rundown too. "Over there are the futons and the pillows, pick the one you prefer. I will be right back so you get all the cupcakes you eat", she smiles at the group before disappearing to meet Hinoiri.<br><br>"Hello, Hinoiri-chan, I am happy you could make it", she cheerfully greet the second redhead of the day, showing her up the stairs. "I hope your other experience was good", she observes at the evasive sentence before leaving the matter be. "Nikora has really outdone herself, she is second to none at running an hotel", she observes, and then they are right with the others.<br><br>"Just one more, and then we can get this party started!", she explains and disappears to get Amy, finding her with a whole backpack. "You really came prepared, Amy-chan. Planning to watch a specific movie?", she nods towards the laptop back while making her way upstars with her. "I thought today was the right time to have a sleepover", she explains with a smile.<br><br>With everyone finally reunited, Coco explains some quick things. "Amy-chan, you may want to pick your futon and pillow too, over there at the wall. And as Kamiko and Lydian have already wisely noticed, there are cupcakes with any decoration you prefer, and also all drinks you could probably want. You probably have already noticed the games too, and Amy-chan has also brought a movie. With all these choice, it's time we all cast our votes!", she encourages cheerfully.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy goes to look over at the futons. Hmmm. Red, or pink...? ...she decides to embrace pink his time and sets her bags down by it, and then Coco says she brought a movie and her eyes widen and she turns and holds out her hands in a 'woah' gesture. "I didn't have anything in mind!" She's quick to clear up the misunderstanding, visibly anxious at the prospect of being declared ready with entertainment she does not in fact have ready. "I just brought it in case!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>As Coco heads off to get the others, Rashmi picks about the futon pile... and comes away with a cheerful daisy-print and matching sheet to claim as her ownfolding them up together and placing them next to her bag. Just in time, because...<br> <br>"Madoka-chan! Homura-chan! And Lydian and Kamiko! Hi, everyone~! Hinoiri-chan!! Amy-chan!" There is nothing quite like someone being delighted to see you, and just by the guest list alone, Rashmi's certain she's going to be having a great time. "...Well I mean, what'd you bring Amy-chan? Fair warning... *Someone* is gonna get squoze to death if it's a horror movie." There is, after all, a reason that Chiyo warns Rashmi now, when horror is the genre of choice in the triplex dorm room. "But movies are great for later in the day, how aboooout... Oooh I've never played 'would you rather?' before!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura just stares at Hinoiri. They are not at 'chan' status with each other in Homura's mind, but the black-haired Puella doesn't feel like calling her out on that at a sleepover. So she says, "Close enough," and refuses to elaborate.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again they do not clarify their relationship because no one is directly asking out loud, but it's ''pretty'' obvious that they're real big fans of each other, and there's no hetero explanation for the way they look at each other.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kamiko waves her tiny hands. "I brought snacks, too!" because of course snacks are important to her. A Labyrinth portal opens and all sorts of vending machine snacks come dropping out into a pile. Small packs of cookies, candies, chips, etc. Real food from the real world, not some Labyrinth made stuff. Notably, none of it is ice cream, or anything else that wouldn't keep.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is, however, a pack of marshmallows in there for some reason, despite it not strictly fitting the theme.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka winces at her two fairies. "Kamiko-chan..." Then she starts sorting out the pile and making it neat so that it isn't such a mess. Lydian and Kamiko help with this, too.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura hangs back and looks over the futons, for both herself and Madoka. She finds a pair of them together and starts sitting in one. "I don't think I've played 'would you rather', either," she says, casting her vote while Madoka is busy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara gave a nod. "Oh, most of themwere..." Just, well, they were... when she worked for... different people. Not as good bosses, as it were. Once she headed up, she took an orange pillow and red futon, before grabbing a cupcake, putting a cherry, some m&amp;ms and a few sharks on it before she sat down, nibbling on it. Color coded everything. Heh. She had to give the girl credit. She really did go all out for her friends. Such a sweetheart.<br><br>"Ehhhh, I'm cool with whatever, I'm sure whatever it is I'll be able to kick your flanks in it," she said with a playful, dismissive shrug. "... Never played would you rather, either. And if Rashmi, Madoka and her betrothed want to play, why not? Sounds fun. How's it work?"<br><br>Just come right out and say it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There ''is'' nothing quite like someone being delighted to see you, and Amy smiles wide and is excited in turn. "Rashmi-chan! Ummm... I brought my laptop. I... I didn't have a specific plan. I just thought it might come in handy, I can ''find'' any movie probably if you give me a moment, or it can play-- oh wait, it doesn't have an optical drive and no one has movies on disc anymore... uh..." :&#124;a<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Well anyway, squeezy hugs are the best! So if we ''do'' watch a horror movie I volunteer." She smiles n_n<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Rashmi and Homura put forth the party game, Amy immediately looks at them, "I haven't either...!" and raises her hand in agreement.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh! So she probably was planning to have them choose, much like Coco did with the outline of games. "Well, it's not really a problem! We can just choose on the moment!", she gives the third redhead a reassuring smile. "We already have a group of games to deal with, I don't doubt you will have all the time in the world", she adds causually. And even if everyone picked movie watching, Amy wouldn't be allowed to have to be the only one to pick, so she can put her worries to rest.<br><br>Coco gives a light laugh at Rashmi's use of the term 'squoze'. That sounds like we are going to have to consider that Amy might gonna have to go for breathing exercises right at the end of the sleepover", she looks at Rashmi with an amused smile.<br><br>"Don't worry about it, Madoka-chan! Any enthusiasm is more than right here!", she smiles at the pinkette, starting to pick the stuff that fell onto the ground. "And you have lots of enthusiasm to give, right Kamiko-chan?", she addresses the small fairy with a conspiratorial tone.<br><br>"This is really not a competition, Hinoiri", Coco lightly chides Hinoiri, going to grab the pack of cards herself. "Besides, the worst you are ever going to face today. Those are just a few questions, and if you start with a buch of answer that looks good together, there isn't much to worry about. It's just friendly banter ok?" she insists to the sun redhead of the sun.<br><br>"The idea is really simple", Coco explains then. "You just go with a few of questions for everyone of us, and we all pick a turn. We aren't winning anything, except knowing each other a lot more", she remarks casually. "And this is our first 'would you dare' just for the party", she replies calmly.<br><br>"I have never actually tried this game, so I am going to be the one asking the first question. And the one to answer will be... It's you, Hinoiri-chan! Would you rather get a text from your crush with a good morning, or a hug from them at the end of the day?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura settles into a futon, laying on it belly down and hugging a pillow to support her head. Madoka seems content with the snack sorting situation and turns to Coco with a smile. "Thank you, Coco-chan."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kamiko gives the mermaid a thumbs up. "Yup! Lotsa enthusiasm here, and I haven't even had sugar yet!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Madoka and her betrothed.'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka blushes and freezes up at Hinoiri. Homura immediately squints at her and says, "We're not ''betrothed''." Madoka visibly relaxes a bit, until Homura smiles and says, "We're ''married''."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka turns to her significant other and whines, "Homu-chan don't joke about that!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura smirks, kicking her feet into the air. "Oh, I'm teasing. Stop fussing with the kids and relax." Madoka skin matches her hair now. She's having a meltdown. Steam is coming out of her ears. Kamiko and Lydian turn a blind eye to their bearer's plight and start decorating a cupcake for them to share.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually Kamiko senses that there might be some curiosity on the topic so she explains to Hinoiri. "They're not married or betrothed or anything official, but they aren't simply girlfriends, either. I guess if I had to put a word to it... 'promised' is about right?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura just says it bluntly, "I can't promise her marriage because I'm a Puella Magi, and despite being a goddess she can't promise to hold onto my soul forever because of the Fade, but we've sworn to stick together, no matter how impossible it seems. If you want to call that 'promised', then sure."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydian looks at Homura and Madoka with starry eyes. "They're like star-crossed lovers!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kamiko says in a low voice, "Lydian-chan, that's not a good thing to be!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they start getting into the game, Madoka gets into her respective futon next to Homura's, and the chara bring over a plate of snacks. They glance between Hinoiri and Coco as they await the answer.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara gave a light chuckle when she was told it wasn't a competition. Well... with the right mindset, anything could be. Well, with the wrong mindset, so could everything, too. Welp, very well. "Huh. So a game to get to know each other? Seems fun, easy enough."<br><br>She leaned back, tapping her chin... absent mindedly getting a bit of cupcake cream on said chin. "Hmmmm... Okay then... Text... Well, the text shows they're thinking of me, which is nice. But the hug means we're spending time together. So I'd say the hug, since like. If you're friends, hanging out together at the end of the day after everything is pretty great," she said.<br><br>"And wait, you two are married?" Hinoiri asked, glancing to Madoka and Homura. "I didn't think they did it that young here. Neat, makes sense, though. Wait, you're not?" she asked. Looking confused. ".... Promised. So.... betrothed?" she asked, cocking an eye... and smirking. "Now, let's see..." she said, before taking the next question and... "Okay. Rashmi. Would you rather... have to perform in a talent show in front of the school you had time to prepare for... or get surprised by a pop quiz, but not have to perform in front of others?" Hinoiri blinked, cocking an eye. "Who made this question..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh no, will Amy get too squoze? "I think," she notes quietly, "technically, I don't actually need to breathe..." she shakes her head, probably not the right discussion topic for now! "Nevermind."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy honestly has not historically liked party games. Buuuuuut... this sounds like such a stereotypically teenage girl activity, she has to try it once given the chance, right?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyway she's so focused on that that Hinoiri's weird word choice went right by her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Homura says they're ''married'' and her eyes go wide. "Oh, congratulations!" she immediately responds. It is, after all, quite plausible given they were like, just at a moon wedding a couple of weeks ago!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Homura and Madoka's subsequent reactions clarify it was just teasing, but like... not the hurtful kind...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking at Madoka and at how Homura is looking at Madoka, Amy wonders if she might ever have a relationship like that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kamiko and Homura explain and Amy nods. "I think... I think you still can if you want, if it would mean something to you. Uh... it sounds dark to put it this way, but adults get married even though they'll eventually die, so... I don't think that invalidates it."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy smiles, "I'm happy for you both, in any case. Congrats."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... Coco explains the game's procedure, and Amy tenses slightly at the word 'dare', but when a question is actually ''asked'', and she sees how this works, she blurts out, "Oh, so it's like the meme with the buttons!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She listens attentively to Hinoiri's response and then to Rashmi's, just... being in this moment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Rashmi meanders to the snacks tables, returning with a can of strawberry milk tea and a cupcake scattered with blue sprinkles and sea creatures, bobbing her head in agreement with Hinoiri's answer... And then relationship-classification confusion, which point the Devicer pushes her glasses a bit further up her nose. "Okay so 'promised' is 'you know I'll ask you to marry me the moment it looks feasible,' Hinoiri-chan," Rashmi starts explaining. "It's not an *official* level of relationship, but it's pretty common for people who aren't Usa-Mamo-- wait."<br> <br>Plopping down on her rolled futon, she tilts her head in thought, absently chomping a fondant otter as she mulls over the question posed to her. "...Pop quiz, definitely," she says with a nod. "That way any damage I do is to myself, and not everyone in earshot."<br> <br>Laughing this off, she shrugs. "Okay, so... Mado-chan! Would you rather be able to speak any language, *or* speak to one kind of animal?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>So, Hinoiri is the type to prefer ending on a good note, rather than starting out. That's definitely something to remember, and makes sense considering her go getter tendencies, Coco reasons. "I should have guessed you'd have gone for the delayed gratification. Should I start giving you mandatory vacation days?", she jokes.<br><br>"Someone got busy behind our backs", Coco immediately dives into teasing. "How would you even consider getting married without telling us and a very big party? Were you really feeling that impatient?", she looks at Madoka as if she were the person responsible even with her severe case of blushing. "Well, I shouldn't be surprised with how much you love each other", she shakes her head chidingly.<br><br>"In all honesty", she stands straighter, having quite vivid eyes, "I don't think being a Fade or a Puella matters with how much you love each other. Some would even say you should be getting it done sooner rather than later. You really are too happy together to be thinking about things like those", she stares at the both of them.<br><br>"So, here is what I was thinking. You two pick a day you like. And I get you a lavish ceremony just like we do it at home, and you can have me to officiate? That way you don't have to figure out anything, except just how happy you will be that day. Sounds like a deal?", she grins encouragingly.<br><br>"The meme with the button?", the blonde girl raises her shoulder slightly furrowing her brow. "Which one are you talking about? I don't think I have been sent that one by anybody yet. "I don't remember any sort of choice like that. But I guess games like this are really popular", she corrects herself.<br><br>Taking a cupcake of her own with fondant sharks, Coco looks with interest at Rashmi's question to Madoka. That's kinda topical.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka listens to Rashmi's answer, and then takes the next question. Speak any language, or speak to one kind of animal? She props her chin up with her hand and kicks her legs into the air to consider. "Hmm. Honestly, speaking any language sounds really cool. I mean I can speak to Witches regardless of what their original language was, but that's not the same as being able to talk to anyone I wanted to."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a giggle, she adds, "I'm assuming 'any language' doesn't include animal languages, otherwise I think a certain wolf girl would get jealous. Being able to talk to an animal is cute and all, but we already talk to mascots. If I had to choose an animal in addition to that, it'd be birds, but I still think 'all languages' is better."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pinkette turns to Amy and asks, "Amy-chan! Would you rather have one really big cake all in one day, or a slice of cake every day for a month? Your favorite flavor."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coco's words get both Homura and Madoka looking at her mortified and blushing. Lydian doesn't get that it's a tease and starts flying higher. "Oh! Oh! I wanna decorate the venue!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With nervous laughter, Madoka says, "I-I don't think we're in any rush."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura is still trying to laugh it off and play it cool despite the fact that she and her girlfriend are a matching pink, "D-don't tease me like that I have heart problems."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy starts to frown at Coco 'judging' Madoka and then realizes she's kidding. Phew! But she doesn't know about the button meme... Amy gets her phone and starts searching for something.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After Rashmi's response, Amy notes, "Pop quizzes aren't ''hard'', at least, not harder than schoolwork was gonna be anyway. Performing in a group is one thing, but solo..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks back at her phone, scrolling and searching still, but ''jumps'' startled as her name is called and looks to Madoka, blinking. "Huh. That one seems pretty easy? Who could eat an entire cake in one day? It sounds like an ironic punishment." She holds a hand ahainst her belly briefly. "I'd have gotten full and sick even when I was bigger... ''this'' stomach sure can't fit a full cake. So uh. Every day for a month. Strawberry, I guess." She smiles. "Not strawberry shortcake, like, actually strawberry-flavored cake... wait, does cheesecake count? ''Really good'' cheesecake would be ''amazing.''"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After imagining the taste of cheesecake for a moment, she reaches over to take a card. "Hinoiri, would you rather..." As Amy pulls off a card, the one below it is stuck to it and then drops off onto the floor, and she glances down at it and bursts out into a hearty cackle.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It says: Would you rather be forced to dance every time you heard music or be forced to sing along to any song you heard?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hah! Ah." Amy takes a breath and then looks at the card she actually drew, and sucks in air through her teeth. "...Would you rather move to a new city or town every week, or never be able to leave the city or town you were born in?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red eyes look from the card over to the unicorn curiously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara had to cover her mouth to hide the mirth at Coco's excitement about Madoka's wedding. "You know, I've never seen a mermaid wedding before, next time your people have one, maybe you should see if you can get us invites. If that a thing, letting foreigners see them?" she asked with a grin.<br><br>"I could probably get you an invite if we ever have a royal one now that I'm not banished in return." She took another small bite of her cupcake.<br><br>And watching Madoka get more and more embarrassed, wellllllll... "I mean... it's all the rage now, Madoka... we had a moon wedding... and you're 'promised' now... so why not?" she asked with a playing grin. "And the kids seem to like her, that's half the battle right there. And hey, she's a puella. So her heart is already in the palm of your hand, more or less." Oh. Ohhhhhhhh that pun was baaaaaad. "... You have every right to chuck the pillow at me for that one, just let me put the cupcake down," she told Homura, putting it down.<br><br>Then... The question from Amy... And she blinks. "... That uhhhh... one... wouldn't... apply for me... Amy..." Hinoiri mumbled. "... Don't know where I was born, so either I popped into existence in the most dangerous woods in kirakirafantastica... or was abandonded there. So... wouldn't really... be the kind of place I could live, either." Oof. Well. If she wanted to learn about Hinoiri. But that, at least, probably answered some questions.<br><br>She drew another question and... Then blinked. And then gave the most mischievous grin towards Coco. "Oh ho ho ho ho ho ho ho. Cooooocooooo~ I think I got your question. Coco... would you rather experience a long, peaceful, calm relationship that's relaxing... or a short, passionate, burning relationship full of adventure?" she asked, giving a rather saucy smirk. "And I may, in fact, be embellishing the question a bit." She added a few words, but it was the general question.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Rashmi bobs her hand at Madoka's answer, then absolutely cannot help but chuckle at the matching blushes. But it's the laughter of someone who *absolutely gets it,* and the point isn't belabored as more questions come up.<br> <br>Amy's assertion that she couldn't eat a whole cake... has the other redhead clearing her throat, cheeks reddening just a bit, as used as she is to having portions enough for more than one person... But the question put to Hinoiri has Rashmi wincing faintly, the answer being... about as awkward as she'd expected.<br> <br>Then their host gets her question, and Rashmi silently gets up to snag a drink for Hinoiri, offering it out with a friendly smile. "...Okay yes I want to hear this too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, if you ever want to speak to a sea animal, white bears and seagulls included, you can just send me a text and I will translate" Coco smiles amused. "I do consider it rather useful. They have lots of interesting things to say, and people often say in front of them things they wouldn't say if other humans were nearby. It can be ''really'" useful."<br><br>She gives a thoughtful nod at the end result of her teasing. They are rather cute, but it is a bit of a pity how it ends up undermining her message. "Well, please try not to faint for this, Homura-san, but the part about officiating, that I am serious about. You two are really cute together, and it would be great to marry you", she smiles warmly at the couple in love.<br><br>Coco clasps her hands together with Hinoiri's request. "Of course! I will be sure to warn you well in advance the next time we have a wedding you could be invited to! I am sure you would find it interesting", she agrees with Hinoiri."The blonde girl blinks when Hinoiri delves into her birth. Sure, humans and then ponies too don't have a chance to remember their birth. "You don't know where you weren't born? Not even Sora has been able to tell you? Or have you never asked her?" She is not really an expert on pony births by any means, but she does find it curious.<br><br>The mermaid starts humming pensively at Hinoiri's question to her. That's a really good question, and she can see Hinoiri really chose to respond in kind to Coco's previous question to her. Maybe havng a burst of a passionate romance wants nice to explore hypotheticals like those whenever. That is not really something she has to dwell much is not something she has to dwell much onto.<br><br>"A passionate romance has its place, but if I were in that situation, that's with someone I would really be in love with, and I would like it to last as much as possible, no matter what happens", she answers calmly.<br><br>Her thoughts veer towards Rihito. She doesn't think they are that serious yet, but she could easily see a future where they are, and yeah, she really feels her answer, even if she is not sure how long being half-human will let him live for.<br><br>"Ok, then, your turn, Rashmi-chan", Coco smiles at her, taking the cards back. "So... Would you rather face a lot of normal problems by yourself, or a single difficult one with someone you trust?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka is still furiously blushing at Coco's proposal. Homura reaches from her futon to Madoka's in order to hold her cuddle buddy's hand, and Madoka squeezes back. They glance at each other for a moment, and then at Coco. Madoka speaks for the two of them. "We... would probably really like that, actually. Just... our lives are not the same as Usagi and Mamoru's, and we aren't in the same rush."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura says, "Basically, there's no way I'm leaving Junko Kaname out of the loop when it comes to our wedding." Glancing at Hinoiri after her comments, Homura shrugs. "... Nah. What you said isn't even half as weird as what the reality actually is, so I'm not even mad. I'm not even getting into the fact that my girlfriend is the savior of my literal soul and how my Catholic School teachers would feel about all of that."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hinoiri asks her question at Coco. Homura and Madoka glance at each other, then at her, and then at each other again. Madoka nods at Coco's answer and says, "That makes sense. If you have a good thing going, why not make it last as much as you can?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura adds, "Just because two people are used to each other enough to relax, that doesn't mean there's no adventure. Rather, those are often just different phases of the same relationship."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka oohs at Coco's question, but Homura looks away like she'd rather not comment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh that's easy," Rashmi laughs. "The latter, any time. Because, I mean..."<br> <br>She waves her arms vaguely, the gesture encompassing not just the people in the room, but somehow taking in the entirety of the last two years of magical nonsense. "*None* of this could've happened if any of us were working alone, y'know? Besides, even problem-solving with friends is better than doing it on your own."<br> <br>Taking hold of the cards, Rashmi flips over the top one, and raises an eyebrow. "Huh... Amy-chan! Would you rather be colorblind, or lose your sense of taste?"<br> <br>That... is a question that wouldn't have occurred to her, but Rashmi knows which *she'd* pick in a heartbeat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara couldn't help but snicker, polishing off the rest of her cupcake and then laying down, lounging and resting one arm on the end of the bed. "Mmmmm. Well, she doesn't know. All they found was the necklace. She never could find out where I was from, and wasn't really any 'missing child' things that matched me. So either I got dumped or I really did just popped into existence. World of magic, mind. So like... not entirely unheard of where I'm from. Especially when one pops up with a weird magic relic around their throat. Even if it doesn't actually seem to do anything," Hinoiri said with a sigh, tugging on the geode.<br><br>"And yeah... it's a lot better to face things with someone you trust. Normal problems are fine and all... but even I've come around to this whole... teamwork thing. Scandelous, I know."<br><br>"Ohhhhh... THAT one is tough..." she mumbled, hearing Amy's. Colorblind or taste? Both seemed.... hard. She honestly wouldn't want to give up either... She did NOT envy either...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy quirks an eyebrow at Coco talking about talking animals. "Wait... so... the animals can remember human speech they witnessed... even though they couldn't understand it, and then tell you when you..." She holds a hand to her head. "''How'' the ''heck'' does magic ''work?!''"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offers are passed around. "Ooh... I guess it ''would'' be neat to see what mermaid and pony weddings are like..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for her own question, Hinoiri says it doesn't apply. "Oh." she winces. "Ohhhh. Uh, I think in the spirit of the question, like... 'where you grew up' counts, but..." Well, the reason Amy thought it was a difficult question was because of Hinoiri's complicated relationship with her home, not because she thought it like, didn't apply. Hmm.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then a new question is asked, and she looks to Coco curiously. She nods at the mermaid's eventual response. "Yeah, I'd rather have one that lasts, too."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also nods at Rashmi's response to the next question. "Exactly."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She listens with interest to Hinoiri's account... And then she's up again. She sucks her lips into her mouth pensively and nods at Hinoiri's assessment. "Hmmmmm." Then takes a breath. "That's a real toughie. I love tasting things ''and'' I love being able to see colors. I have only a ''slight'' idea of what being colorblindness is like from using filter on images to get a sense for how Veronica saw when she was a cat, but... Oof."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes another breath while thinking. "I guess... maybe... taste? At least there could be some advantages to not being able to taste things sometimes..." She blinks. "Oh wait, shit, that'd also mean I could eat spoiled food or something ''really'' bad and not know it and get sick or die. Oh wait, Puella Magi. Um... I guess still taste, then. Even if I were mortal I'd still have smell for that. I'd miss it, but I'd miss full-color vision, too."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She picks up a card. "Hmmm. Coco, would you rather be able to know the history of anyy object you touched, or be able to read minds?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"By being magic, of course", Coco replies to Amy entirely seriously and entirely unhelpfully. She doesn't really an answer that could satisfy her. Of the present company, that would be Rashmi and Hinoiri.<br><br>"I am sure making it so Kaname-san attends will be no problem. If you want to actually have it underwater, she will probably remember an different version, but it would still be a happy event. Would you prefer a land venue too?", she look at the two girlfriends. She should be able to accomodate that easily as well.<br><br>"And those are pretty much my feelings", she smiles at Madoka. "I am not sure if me and Rihito will reach that point, but we are enjoying ourselves together, and if I had to use the the present to decide, I would really want it to last for as long as I live", she nods emphatically, smiling quite happily.<br><br>A gleam passes through Coco's eyes at Rashmi's answer. "That's a good answer, Rashmi-chan", she smiles at the redhead, and watches her find the next answer. That's rather... bizzarre. Though, seeing colours a bit differently would be less important than being unable to do with. "Yeah, I wouldn't want to be stuck unable to tell I am eating something we shouldn't eat."<br><br>Amy's question nets her an answer with zero hesitation. "The power to know the history of any objects. I don't really want to know other people's business if they don't want me to know, and I would be putting their secrets at risk too, since most of the time I really struggle with being anything but transparent." Unless she is doing it for the sake of someone she is really close to., in that case good luck getting it out of her.<br><br>"Homura-san, do you want to be able to use magic at all times, but you cannot do anything without it, or only use magic at really important moments?", Coco reads.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura hears Amy's question to Coco and comments flatly, "Both of those sound equally horrifying."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka covers her mouth and winces. "You'd have to be ''really'' careful about what you touched."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura twirls a lock of hair around her finger, "And I can ''promise'' you I want no part in knowing what ''some'' people are thinking."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura is being asked a question, and she blinks. "I mean... that's almost like asking whether I'd like to be a Puella Magi or a PreCure." She stares at the wall behind Coco for a moment as she considers. "If I could rely upon my magic being there for me when it really counted, I wouldn't mind being mundane the rest of the time. That wouldn't bother me. Though... I'll also say that a more mundane version me would be---"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka cuts her off immediately, "Just as cute and wonderful as you are now." Her tone indicates that she will brook no argument on that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura smiles softly at Madoka and then turns to Rashmi. "Rashmi, would you rather get 400 million yen or eternal youth?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara realllly... didn't want to think about it. Never being able to eat at the korma again... but... never seeing a rainbow... never seeing any of the things, the lights, the colors she loved.... but.... the foods she'd eaten... geez... Heck, and the health benefits, sure. But the other ones? Oof...<br><br>"Ehhh... I don't know if they're horrifying. I mean, you probably have some control over them. If like, you HAD to know it... like... constantly? That'd... probably suck. I think I had something like that once when I was.... stealing everyone's powers but uhhhh... errrrr... that was... more an after effect of, uhhhh... doing things wrong," Hinoiri said sheepishly. "I assume if you did it by choice it wouldn't work like that," she said quickly.<br><br>However, Coco's question for Homura, well... "Wait, so basically, being a unicorn, or being a sparkle?" Hinoiri asked in a teasing, playful tone. "Both can be pretty fun, admittedly. And.... I guess... yeah. It would be like a puella, in a different way. Huh. I never actually made that connection, though that's... a little more grim, admittedly."<br><br>"... Careful, Homura, I think she likes you," Hinoiri said in a teasing tone. "But I don't have mind reading powers to know for sure."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Rashmi cannot help but grin at Amy's exasperated question, and Coco's entirely predictable and unhelpful answer. Sometimes the best way to deal with some fresh magical nonsense is just to roll with it, and assume that either you'll learn the answers later, or never at all.<br> <br>Amy's question to Coco earns her a wince on the scale of Madoka and Homura, if for no other reason than the history of a *lot* of park benches includes the history of pigeon lunches.<br> <br>Then the question comes back to her. She opens her mouth to answer immediately, then stops. "That... is actually a *lot* more complicated than it sounded," she murmurs, and takes a long moment to think... as well as make a few cookies disappear in the process. "...I mean... if magic wasn't a thing, then definitely 400 million yen. I could give enough of that to Mami and Papi, they'd only work if they *wanted* to. ...Which they would. But they could also take vacations... but magic's a thing, so... Eternal youth, knowing that immortality is actually *terrifying* as a concept."<br> <br>Having said all that, she pauses for a moment to mull this answer over... then nods again, satisfied.<br> <br>"Hinoiri-chan! Would you rather have six months of summer, or six months of winter?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy listens to Coco's question, and looks to Homura, then looks back. "Wait, what?" Homura has a reasonable interpretation. She nods, although she can't tell what on Earth Homura is alluding to about a more mundane version of herself. "Being a unicorn was cool!" Amy ''remembers'' what it was like to have telekinesis, but of course, focusing her magic that same way now does nothing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Putting it that way... I mean, aside from the whole, limited supply thing, I don't mind being magic all the time? It would ''suck'' to get crippled by pain in a fight, but I suppose preventing that from happening -- when it would actually cause us to lose and not just when it hurts for me -- would count as 'a really important moment'. But, what would be the benefit of ''not'' being magic most of the time? Unless it ''is'' about grief seeds, and then, hmm." She's just not sure.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;400 million yen or eternal youth? That one seems easy, you can't buy youth. If you want to acquire money, being young and healthy surely makes it ''easier'', and eventually you'll be able to reap the rewards of long-term investments like Setsuna-chan. The only reason to take the money would be--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Rashmi ''is'' thinking of her family. Amy whistles, impressed.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then wonders if it's bad she wasn't similarly charitable. But... she doesn't care about Dad, and Mom is retired and doing OK. And honestly wasn't there enough for her that Amy would trade eternal youth to make her more comfortable.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Perhaps if I were closer to my parents I'd answer differently, but... never having to be ''old'' sounds pretty great. Money will come in time, like with Setsuna-chan." is what she says out loud.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she has a terrible thought. "Wait, like. Eternal youth like being in our twenties forever? Or being a ''teenager'' forever???" She thinks about Taro. Decades and decades, he was been alone, not allowed to grow up...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or even worse... "Or eternal youth like ''Chibiusa.''" She hadn't really thought about what it would be like, to be a little kid and watch your friends move on so quickly, again and again and again. How Amy feels imagining this shows plainly on her face. Oh wait but Chibiusa did have one fri-- wait no New Moon was Usagi the whole time. Oof.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On to the next question. Amy looks towards the window and the hot, humid world beyond, seperated only by double-paned glass and insulation from their cool and refreshing redoubt. "I like cold better than I like heat, that's for sure." She looks over to Hinoiri, curious.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"Or being a mermaid, but I think being unable to ever turn my magic off would be a rather unusual punishment", Coco considers to the question she herself read. "I would personally be assuming that someone was being really imaginative that day, but I also think that using magic so rarely sucks too. I think the only one who would be able to answer that without much fuss would be someone who never had any magic. Doing it to our group kinda breaks the question."<br><br>She smiles widely at Madoka cutting Homura off to put a more positive spin on what they have to say. They really are so cute together.<br><br>"I was thinking they were powers I could use as I please", Coco agrees with Hinoiri. "If they are both active forever, then they would both be horrible." But it's not like they can call up the inventor of this game and ask him which is the right interpretation. She offers no comment on Hinoiri's time as the Sunset of Sora. That was in the past.<br><br>"I would have more use out of eternal youth, but that goes without saying", Coco mutters. "And I am not sure I would want it. I would be basically a stranger among my own kind too." Six months... She isn't really that troubled by either, although magic is responsible for winter.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara gave a light yawn, before shrugging. "Winter, easy. And like... I wouldn't worry too much about it. Like, when it comes to these? I'd assume it's the best case scenario. If eternal youth? The age where you can be happy. It's not some cursed wish granting thing. It's supposed to be fun. Any wish can be a curse if you overthink it," she said with a shrug. "Even eating cake. You just assume it's magic cake, bam, no calories cause it's magic cake now. But yeah, definitely winter. Summer? Gets too hot and you people have *such* a fascination with clothes. Like. You have to wear them *everywhere* all the *time*. I mean, not that I can blame you? You don't have natural coats, admittedly, so I get it? But it's *never* just one layer with you people. And let me tell you, it is *sooooo* much nicer to snuggle up next to someone you like and read a book inside with a cup of..." Pause. Then pointed a thumb at Madoka and Homura. "That, in the cold, than it is when it's like a bazillion degrees outside. Besides, Catra's fur would get all like... matted and sweaty."<br><br>She grabbed a card and... "... Huh... Amy. Would you rather have to go on vacation with people you didn't like, or to work or school with people you did?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydian and Kamiko both sit next to the ruins of a destroyed cupcake, equally satisfied. Homura notices that there's a bit left that they are ''clearly'' too full for and finishes it off herself. Then the dark haired Puella finger pets Lydian's hair for a moment.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances at Hinoiri and smirks. "Well we ''do'' have telepathy, which is pretty close."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka smiles brightly and looks at Homura. "That just means you're reading my mind with my consent." Homura smiles back at first, then blushes, then looks away and clears her throat. Madoka giggles at a joke only they know, then goes back to verbal communication.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Eheh," says the pinkette to Rashmi's response. "I mean... fair enough. Spending money on your family... that seems like a very 'you' answer."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura glances to Amy and says, "I was a bit different before contracting. That's all I meant by that." Then Amy starts considering the answer and Homura blinks. "Teenager or young adult, probably."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka then considers, summer or winter. Good question! She almost thinks that she'd prefer winter. "I fully agree with Hinoiri's logic. More snuggle chances is the superior choice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winter, easy. Amy holds up a hand towards Hinoiri for a high five.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any wish can be a curse if you overthink it. Amy gives Hinoiri a thousand-yard stare,<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hinoiri has a lot to say about clothes. "I mean... I guess you do have a point, but..." She follows Hinoiri's gaze to MadoHomu and smiles. "It would be nice."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks back to Hinoiri. "I mean, there are human nudists? But like....." Amy thinks, and shakes her head. "I think from being raised in this culture it'd be too weird. Although... I concede that now it would just be the discomfort of violating a taboo, rather than that ''and'' feeling like..." she sort of half-winces half-grimaces. "Feeling like everyone saw something ugly and repulsive because of me. Huh. I hadn't really thought about that seeming different now. But changing for gym ''has'' been less awful than I remember."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy takes a breath. "Anyway, this seems like another really easy one? I've ''been'' dragged along on vacations with my parents. Go see grandparents who haven't gotten broadband internet yet, be seperated from your internet friends. Aside from a few hours out of the whole week visiting cousins, what was the point? You're just... alone."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head and smiles. "Going to school with you all, and the work of fighting evil with you all, has been the best experience of my life. I much prefer it."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a card. "Rashmi, would you rather..." She flips the card over. "Wear a wedding dress or tuxedo every single day, or wear a bathing suit every single day? Oof."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Well. *That's* not a question she'd considered. The cupcake wrapper pile on her plate has grown since attention was focused on her, and once again it's a question that requires *way* more thought than she'd have expected to put into a sleepover game. "I mean... 'Wedding dress' can mean a lot of things, like.... Hang on."<br> <br>Extracting her phone from her Device, Rashmi spends a moment fiddling with the web browser, then offers her phone to be passed around. On the screen is a photo of an Indian woman, wearing a deep red, embroidered sari and elaborate jewelry. "Like, that's pretty close to my Mami's wedding dress. If I could have something to wear over it when it gets cold? I could wear that every day."<br> <br>Shuffling through the cards, she pauses, then pulls one out of the middle. "... .......Coco-chan! Would you rather have a fancy night out, or a movie night at home?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"That dress is very pretty, Rashmi-chan", Coco holds the phone for a few seconds before passing it around. "I bet it would suit you perfectly if you wore it." Then, she is the one being asked a question, and it's another romantic one. That's just par for the course with sleepovers.<br><br>This question though, leaves Coco a lot more indecisive. There are a lot of perks to both. "Hard to say. The occasion would matter a lot. If Rihito and I are celebrating something or being in a more festive mood, absolutely the fancy night out. But if we want something all to ourselves, the movie night at home." She hums a quiet melody. "I think the movie night at home makes it closer in the end."<br><br>Catra? That Catra?<br><br>Like a shark smelling blood in the water, Coco's attention switches to Hinoiri immediately at the notion that another one of her friends may have found love. The yellow mermaid does a quick 180° to fetch three cupcakes with sprinkles, M&amp;Ms and otter fondants respectively. "Here, have some more. For the happy news."<br><br>There is a delighted smirk on Coco's face now. "I think you have been holding out on me", the mermaid remarks quite interested. Considering the trip from colleagues to the assassination attempts to now again colleagues of a different kind, they certainly took many turns.<br><br>"How long has it been? Who asked the other out? Did you ever have any thoughts about it, or is this a more recent thing? What about Catra? How does she feel? Is she keeping up her tough act, or does she turn all mushy around you?"<br><br>"I would say bathing suit, easily", Coco comments to Amy. "We wear one all the time already. The question was kinda not made for us", she grins.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara blinked a few times and looked at the dress and... "Oh... Oh I was definitely going to go for like, bathing suit, cause uhhhh... personally? Could at least wear it under the other clothes and stuff... but.... my gosh. That looks absolutely amazing, Rashmi."<br><br>She did, of course... not leave Amy hanging. High fiving her in response to the five.<br><br>"But... yeah... school with you people is wayyyyy better than like... any forced vacations I ever used to have back home.... but, then again, I actually kind of liked school to begin with, soooo... maybe that's not fair. And I kind of like school, to begin with. I may be a bit of a nerd..." Hinoiri mumbled. "Surprising nobody."<br><br>"... You know, this was actually a really good choice, here I always thought these kinds of sleep over games were silly and all about trying to keep a bunch of stupid girls distracted so their parents could get some sleep, but... this really is a fun bonding experience, I can see why people do it." She laid back, arms behind her head, eyes closed. Wait, did she hear jaws music? Nahhhh, her imagination.<br><br>"Great way to-- Sweet Sora's overprimped mane!" Hinoiri squealed when Coco was THERE! Hinoiri's eyes going wide as she stared at the cupcakes.<br><br>"Huh? What? When... OH! Uhhhh... Right. I guess... new? I asked her out. I asked Adora if she was gonna, she said no, I said screw it, told Catra we were both messes, neither of us were really in a fit state to know what we wanted, but we were both pretty awesome and, what the heck, why not try and figure it out?" Hinoiri said with a shrug.<br><br>"So asked if she'd like to enter a less serious like... poly thing. Kind of... figure out what we wanted, try the dating thing, you know? And she's... well... Catra. She feels like Catra." She takes one of the cupcakes. "She's got a lifetime of issues that make even *mine* look relatively tame, with the closest thing to a friend before me and Riventon in her life being *Adora* and, let me tell you... I... can tolerate the girl? But oh *wow* that girl has a martyr complex out the flank. And if I ever meet that Shadowweaver I am *introducing her to Sailor Jupiter first*. Then to every single purifier I know."<br><br>Pause.<br><br>"Then Jupiter again. But... yeah. I don't think either of us are really good for anything super serious. But... I think we're still trying to figure out who we are and what we want. And I think we're both good for that. And I think we both *need* someone who can be good for that. And I'm also trying to be someone for Catra who's like... there for her, and stuff. Cause, well..."<br><br>"... Seriously. I know I've got a few... abandonment issues, but she's got whole subscriptions."<br><br>"... Three times, straight to Jupiter."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think we have to assume that it's magically all-weather, or at least, any temperature you could reasonably accomodate with clothes." Amy notes, and then the phone is passed to her. "Oh! That does look cool!" She passes it on, "One of my friends back home, his brother married an Indian woman, he and his family flew to India for the ceremony, had a lot of pictures and videos to show when he got back..." She smiles at the memory of a friend gushing about good times with infectious enthusiasm. A rare nice moment, her old memories aren't ''all'' gloom.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think I could wear a swimsuit everywhere, but me in a western wedding dress? Uh..." That's confusing feelings, but also she's smiling? "...Maybe it depends on the swimsuit..." Her first thought ''was'' like, a bikini because the thrust of the question was 'outfit especially awkward/embarassing to wear in everyday life', but... "I guess there's a lot of styles... as with wedding dresses." She waves a hand at Rashmi's phone.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks back over to Hinoiri, nodding. "I'm glad you genuinely enjoy school... although Radiant Heart is exceptional. Back home kids were mostly not so nice; I just liked getting praised by the adults for good grades, but I hated being forced to interact with all those jerks. I liked learning and praise -- I ''hated'' school."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods along also at having thought these games were silly and dumb. "Yeah... old me woulda been a stick in the mud and said a lot of these questions are dumb, or wrong, or like..." She shakes her head. "I wouldn't have been able to see the point in them. It's... different, when you're actually with ''friends.''"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she smiles at Coco's enthusiasm about the relationship, wondering much the same. She gives a smile and a thumbs-up at Hinoiri's logical explanation of why she asked Catra out. And smiles at the ready acceptance of 'less serious poly thing'. Her friends are finding happiness that works for them instead of feling limited by antiquated, limited, stodgy models of what a relationship has to be! Life is wonderful.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although one bit puzzles her. "She has a ''martyr'' complex? Huh. I wouldn't have figured..." She blinks. "Wait, does that just happen to ''everyone'' who's shown the world sees them as worthless? Huh. She always seemed like. More selfish though. But I'm glad she has a selfless side too, and uh... I hope she finds a better way to express it. I think all the heroing is a start, you know? And I'm glad she has someone who can deal with the uh. Prickliness."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beat.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Mamoru told me to shoot my shot with Usagichan so I did. I uh... she said she needs to think about it and hasn't gotten back to me yet, but I'd like that approach." She points at Hinoiri. "Not... super serious but figuring things out? I'm... new at relationships and figuring this all out," but she's smiling while talking about it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco Kiumi (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Ok, so apparently the situation is much more complicated than that, but still it sounds like a positive journey of discovery for them. Here is hoping they make it to a result that helps them both. "Yeah, if you find Shadow Weaver, I am holding a concert just for her, hours long", Coco agrees. "I hope both of you find your happiness, Hinoiri", the mermaid stares at the unicorn.<br><br>"We are helping her out, and Catra is also doing a lot of progress on her own", Coco tells Amy. "I am sure she will find her own solution eventually, as long as we keep being there for her."<br><br>The night goes well for the group of friends, and when sleep claims them, a peaceful quiet falls in the room. Hours later, just before dawn breaks, when the tide is at its lowest, not too far from the Pearl Pier, two figures make it to a small, secluded bay from opposite sides, both of them hidden from the other one by the pillar at the center of the bay.<br><br>The penguin and the mermaid's ghostly apparition, look up at the canopy of the sky, holding the glow of the most tenacious stars, and think to themselves in silence the desire that fills their soul, entrusting it to the starlit bay. And when they make their way back to the hotel, the bay answers, a radiant pink following them back to the hotel, and encasing the building in a dome, connecting its magical inhabitants to another world.<br> <br>
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