Party Rock Anthem only it's played on kazoos

[sacrificialpawn]

[Oscar is a practiced master at Coping (tm) in the face of things he would prefer not to address in any sort of healthy or rational manner. After the events of yesterday, he's somehow getting the feeling that he isn't the only one, which means that in his mind there is only one thing to do: this translates to yet another Walmart booze heist (even larger than the original), a few side trips to amass snacks because RIP his kitchen, and some haphazardly erected decorations in one of the spare rooms to try to at least give off something of a celebratory atmosphere... but let's be real here, this is just Misery x CPR x Reese's Puffs + alcohol.

Sunday morning will find handwritten notes tucked under everyone's doors inviting them to a party that evening, snacks and drinks (that particular word underlined a couple of times, just in case people didn't pick up on the meaning of "party") provided gratis.

There's alcohol, there's soda for the minors, there's plenty of junk food to eat, and there are a whole bunch of other people who are also Going Through It. What better recipe for a party could you ask for?

... don't answer that.]

Comments

[holeful]

I suppose for some types that would make sense. For me, standing out usually just made people feel like they had an excuse to be unkind to me.

[It enhanced his inherent bulliability.]

[crosswired]

[He just nods in tired understanding.]

I'm sorry to hear it's the same across worlds.

Even with the curious and the kind out there, you also have just as many who tend to be alarmed by things they don't understand, or things that seem too out of place.

[holeful]

Aah. Between my height and my counting, people didn't like the way I stuck out.

[A pause, before he bounces back into silly mode.]

But that's why it's so nice being here where there's such a variety of people!

[crosswired]

[Another nod in understanding, though he'll just take a drink at that. RIP Vakama is not having a good time with his visions still, but it's fine we are so full of copium rn.]

It's definitely a very different set of views. This group seems to be rather understanding about the strangest things.

I hope it's been helpful for you, Fukuda.

[holeful]

[He smiles at that, genuinely.]

It has, though sometimes I can't help but think it's all just some crazy dream I'm having. After all, does someone like me truly deserve all of this acceptance?

[crosswired]

...You are not the first I have heard that from in our time here, my friend.

[His own experience has been very mixed in this regard, but he'll give the same line of advice he has already provided a couple others who have also expressed not deserving this place.]

Whether or not it is something deserved from where we came from, it is still something we have been given. Our time is limited here... let us treasure the change, and the people who bring it, while it is with us.

[holeful]

Yeah! Definitely. And if we actually manage to pull it off, I figured I'd stay here. That way I can make sure no one undoes our hard work.

[crosswired]

Here in Chicago?

[No judgement, because there seems to be a few people that don't plan on going home, but --]

Will you be okay with that? Leaving your home behind?

[holeful]

Mm. I was in jail before I came here, so it's convenient for me too. Plus it's not like I had any friends or family back there.

[crosswired]

...Mm.

Then.. I hope this can become a place you can find a different sort of happiness for yourself, my friend.

[holeful]

Well, if I can stay here, I bet I can continue helping out Team Sonic! So I think that should be plenty!

[crosswired]

[A light laugh, slightly unsteady with the touch of booze.]

I don't doubt it, but... surely there must be other things you want to do with your life when you are not helping them, Fukuda! Have you had a chance to think about that? What else you might want to do if you could?

[holeful]

[He blinks, slightly inebriated on top of the surprise he has at the question.]

I mean.... I plan to keep reading and watching movies when I'm not doing that?

[crosswired]

Nothing else? Truly?

[LIKE HE GETS IT.... introverted life.... but also man that's still sad a little bit...]

Do you not want to see more of this world that you plan to stay in? Or know of its people?