(no subject)

[analyzing]

Who: Everyone! New Feathers especially.
What: New Feather welcome party!
When: Thursday, 5 pm.
Where: Battle Dome
Summary: IT'S A SUMMER PARTY
Rating: Worksafe, I reckon!
It's cold out there today, isn't it? Sure, it's not snowing but once you get into the Battle Dome, it'll be comfortably warmer. Warmer, not warm. Follow the tiny paper arrows and you'll probably find yourself in, well...summer!

It certainly looks convincing enough (a pool, a volleyball court, deck chairs, everything that you'd think you'd find at a pool party) and feels convincing enough (take off that coat! Aren't you hot?) so why not not step in? The barbecue's sizzling and there's some nice cold drinks at the cooler.

C'mon in, the water's awesome!

Comments

[shadedsunlight]

As fellow party planner and supporter of all things fun, no one should be surprised to see Ginia, dressed in tankini and a light cover-up. No one should even be surprised to see Ginia by the grill, flipping hamburgers and hot dogs (don't worry, she has an apron on) and generally keeping an eye on the food table. Have to keep the masses fed after all!

Of course, even a workaholic like Ginia needs a break and with how nice everything is, she can't help but kickback and enjoy the party. So whether it's chatting with old and new faces alike, or sitting poolside and dipping her legs in the water, or even joining in a game of volleyball, Ginia can be found around and about the party.

[coolportaljumper]

Pool parties were a novel concept for Yugo. They didn't have pools of this sort in his home world, just rivers, beaches, and other naturally occurring bodies. He was excited enough by the prospect, however, and was smart enough to at least bring along his shorts instead of just stripping down to his underwear.

The hat never leaves his head, nor does Az leave his side. For the moment the little bird is resting in his head. Similar to the environment, the food is also something he's never had before. Hamburgers aren't common in any of the countries he's been through, and he loves them.

Finding the woman at the grill isn't hard. He wanders over, smiling brightly. "Excuse me, Sis?" He's trying to be at least a little polite. "Are you the one who made all of this food?"

[shadedsunlight]

Ginia smiles at the hatted boy when he comes by, quickly flipping over a few fresh hamburgers onto a plate. She doesn't recognize him, but that's always the case with New Feather parties.

"Some of it, but not all. I've had friends helping with cooking all day. Though I guess I am the man behind the grill right now," she replies, reaching for a plate of uncooked patties.

"Enjoying yourself?"

[coolportaljumper]

"I am, thanks. This place is great!" He means that. The warm weather and the summery feeling indoors was a welcome contrast to the cold weather outside. Being unused to winters as rough as this, he'd take anything.

He was all smiles, though. It was going to be hard to top this.

"You and your friends make really good food. I've never had a sandwich like this, what is it?"

[shadedsunlight]

"This is a hamburger. Ground beef, seasoned with spices, then with your choice of toppings." She gestures over to the plates of sliced tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce with bottles of mustard and ketchup near by. "It's quite popular in my world, the same with hot dogs."

The last of the patties set on the grill, she'll grab a plate of hot dogs to begin cooking.

[coolportaljumper]

"That sounds like it'd be pretty fun to make..." He'll need to get to the market and pick up the ingredients to do so sometime, as well as find a few willing volunteers to try them.

"Sis? My name is Yugo; do you need a hand?"

[shadedsunlight]

"It's quite easy too." Ginia sets the last of the hot dogs on the grill and closes the lid.

"It's nice to meet you, Yugo. I'm Ginia. And don't worry, I have this under control. Have fun and enjoy yourself."

[coolportaljumper]

"It's nice meeting you too, Ginia. I don't mind helping, if you need it. I've helped my Papa in the kitchens of our in a lot; cooking is fun for me."

He smiles. Though she's assured him that she doesn't need his help, he still wants to be helpful...somehow.

[shadedsunlight]

"That's very kind to offer, but don't worry. As a part of the Welcome Center staff, it's our job to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and haves fun."

[fleurdesel]

Adele gradually makes her way over to Ginia, a little uncomfortable being so exposed but in time she's relaxed enough to not worry about it. She hovers to the left of the grill, looking over at the group.

"I still do not quite remember what it was you said that convinced me to come."

[shadedsunlight]

"Free food, sun, and handsome men and beautiful women in swimsuits," Ginia smartly replies, flipping some hot dogs and hamburgers onto a plate. "Something to eat?"

[fleurdesel]

"Yes, of course, that must have been it, though I swear there was some kind of threat involving Giles and a flight or something of the sort." Adele crosses her arms with a smirk, looking back over to Ginia. "A hamburger, if you please."

[shadedsunlight]

"Me? Threaten you with a daring flight by a dragon who hasn't quite figured out how to properly stop? Perish the thought." Ginia gives her most innocent smile as she grabs a plate and sets a bun and a hamburger patty on top.

"Here you go, vegetables and condiments to the right."

[fleurdesel]

"You. You are...the devil. With a smile. A smiling devil. And that's terrible." Adele snorts. "I am not fooled for a moment by this smiling face Ginia."

Still, Adele takes the plate with a dip of her head and starts layering lettuce and ketchup onto the bun. "Thank you."

[shadedsunlight]

A good lesson to learn when it comes to Ginia, master of a hundred smiles. She chuckles lightly and closes the grill. There's enough food on the table to keep everyone happy for now.

"You're welcome. Enjoying yourself so far?"

[fleurdesel]

"Surprisingly enough? I am. This is...the first social gathering I have attended where I have not been paid to bring my case." That doesn't mean Adele left it at the house, god no, it's just not the first thing on her mind.

[shadedsunlight]

"Good to hear you're enjoying yourself. And may you have no need for it today." Ginia replies, deciding to fix up a hamburger for herself. "Going to go swimming later?"

[consultmybooks]

Giles is on high alert for sunset - to his very great puzzlement, he's started to acquire a sense for it, even in such an artificial environment as the Battle Dome. But, after checking his watch for the twelfth time, he finally approaches Ginia just as she turns away from the grill. He tries to be quiet.

The collar negates any chance of that.

Even so, should she choose to indulge him, Ginia will feel Giles' arms wrapped around her waist from behind and a soft kiss on her neck.

"Having fun?"

[shadedsunlight]

The tiny jingly bell makes it impossible for him to sneak up on her - as is the general intent - but she still gives a tiny "eep!" that dissolves into a laugh as his arms wrap around her. She tilts her head and nuzzle against him, giving a playful poke of the bell with her nose as her own hands cover his. There are some things she'll always indulge and Giles is one of them.

"A wonderful time, doubly so now that you're here."

[consultmybooks]

He's almost, almost reached the point of being able to ignore the bell until she nudges it. But, since Ginia knows the truth behind the collar, Giles doesn't put up an obvious fuss. He just kisses her on the lips.

"Buffy would have an absolute field day if she knew I was here. This entire scenario is quintessentially American."

[shadedsunlight]

Ginia returns the kiss and beams at him, snuggling closer. If anyone is watching? Let them, she doesn't care.

"Us Americans do know how to throw a good party, a pool party at that. So no cute swim trunks for you?"

[consultmybooks]

"None for me. I did just eat. There is a rule about that, isn't there, or am I mistaken?"

The snuggling is welcomed without hesitation. Let them watch. Giles is well past the point of caring.

"Besides, I have to dash in a while."

[shadedsunlight]

"Doesn't mean you can't swim a little later." She gives his ribs a gentle nudge before turning around to face him. Ginia throws her arms over his shoulders and looks up at him, leaning back slightly.

"Then until you have to go, stay with me. By the way, how do I look? Be honest now."

[daisharin]

To be honest, summer parties aren't Hakkai's thing - he prefers peace and quiet, for one - but going into one of these New Feather parties didn't seem to be bad. It's a good way to meet new people, and keep more contacts around. He's not in swimwear, but he did trade his usual clothes for sandals, a pair of dark shorts and a loose green top.

He was wondering around when he saw one of the few familiar faces around - Ginia, was it? (Or is this still Alice?) She looks like she's doing well in keeping the food table full. With nothing else to do he walks toward her with plans to converse in mind.

"It seems like you're having a good time preparing all the food."

[shadedsunlight]

Ginia smiles when she sees Hakkai and offers a raise of the spatula in her hand. She's embarrassed their last encounter was really between him and Alice, but it was bound to happen sooner or later.

"I always try to help out with the food at these parties. It's a lot of fun. Something to eat? Oh, by the way, thank you for the shampoo. It's wonderful. What's in it?"