[Souls of Paranoia]Scarlet Mansion - Birthday Bash [Week 22]

[Pineapple]

The twenty first came and ribbon moped about the mansion all week. Watching television shows and movies to pass time, and she rarely ate much. It came to the point that Red would just take control and eat for the woman, so she wouldn't starve herself. It was coming to the evening and Red was trying to motivate Ribbon to get up and get dressed. "Do we have to?" Ribbon asked out loud to Red.


Red was frustrated with the girl at that moment. She was still in her pajamas, curled up in a blanket on a lounge chair in front of the television. "Yes, we have to! It's your birthday and were going out to dinner." Red said as she forced the girl up to her feet.


"We don't need to. You were right, it's just another day." Ribbon moaned, but Red didn't listen and forced the girl back to her room to get dressed.


"I don't care, we're going out. you've been moping around this place far too much this week." Red said arguing with the girl. When she finally made it to the closet she asked ribbon one last question. "So, will you dress yourself or should I pick something out?"


Ribbon sighed heavily. "I'll do it..." Ribbon started to flip through all of her dresses trying to find something to wear. Ribbon figured she would just endure the evening for Red's sake.




On the first floor of the mansion, things were being prepared. Jesse, Jason and Wilson were working security of the mansion for the evening, with Yuki preparing appetizers and food. The other Scarlet were invited to the party, but they were instructed to leave behind their guns, and wouldn't be paid. Natalya, Devin and Veronica showed up as guests. This left only Trevor and Gregory not in the mansion that night.


Wilson had been instructed to pick up Monroe and bring her back, with Jesse to do the same for Kim. The banquette table was prepared with a small pile of presents in the center of the table addressed to Jennifer or Ribbon. However at one end were two other gifts wrapped addressed to Kimberly and Monroe.


The lounge area off of the dining area was decorated with some cliche birthday decorations. Balloons and streamers filling the room with plates and bowls of appetizers laid out. Shrimps, vegetable plates, cheese and cracker platters and croissants could be found at various locations in the lounge.


Red had planned for Kim and Monroe to arrive a good ten to twenty minutes before Ribbon went down.

 

[Miz]

There was a surprising lack of sound downstairs. Not something expected for a birthday party. Kim didn't foresee meeting many people at the event, but she had hoped it would be a bit livelier. Birthday parties with her friends back home were always a bit crazy and it always got loud even late into the night. The only thing that broke up the silence was coughing from Devin.


What made it awkward was that Kim had heard mingling before she entered the room, but as she was led into the room by Jesse, the conversation died. Instead of talking, everyone, dressed in the standard scarlet suits, stood around the o'dourves table. Kim understood the exclusion in a way. She wasn't a highly trained killer working for an immortal mob boss. She was just a friend of the mob boss's body. In any other situation or context, they would have no reason to communicate. Likewise beyond Natalya or Jesse, she had very little contact with any of Scarlets. They were obedient, quiet, and invisible at times. They were meant to blend into the background. Now though, they were in the foreground.


It all just made Kim feel like an odd outsider. Yet she wasn't a complete stranger, she did have something that made a few of the Scarlets, particularly Devin and Natalya, interested in her as a person. Well it wasn't Kim per say, it was Felix they were curious about. That was why Natalya quickly greeted Kim when she arrived near the food table. "Ribbon will be happy you made it," Natalya said with some sincerity. "Are you fairing okay? Don't need me and Jesse to be a bodyguards again do you?"


The woman's joking made Kim smile. "Yes, I am fine," Kim said. It was true, without Troy around she hadn't much to worry about except this party intervening with Sam's convention "date". She would bother the older woman with high school boy troubles.


Devin also spoke up briefly. "I assume Felix is doing well too?" he said more cautious.


Felix made Kim nod in response. "Absolutely," he said. The party was strange in style. It was very formal and called back to an earlier era. He connected it to the times he lived with Roy after the war. With speak-easy bars and the rest. "This place is definitely all the Ritz," Felix said in his native tongue.


The others gave Kim a weird look but that's because they never truly heard Felix speak in his own tone before. Even though Red and Felix were from the same time period, Felix hadn't modernized to the same fashion when trying to be casual. However the awkward looks did not last long before the door opened again with the Scarlet known as Wilson letting in another guest.

 

[Kagura]

Wilson. Of course Red had to send Wilson of all people to pick Monroe up- making her promptly close the door in his face before he knocked again, more demanding this time. The blonde made her way over to the couch instead, kissing her boyfriend good bye and grabbing her jacket. Monroe pulled open the door before the man kicked it in- "It was unlocked" she mentions in a dry voice before gesturing for him to lead the way.


Rather than let her simply walk behind him, Wilson offered her the lead before walking besides her, guiding her towards the car. Monroe tried to shrug off the irksome hand, but it was the only struggle she put up. Wilson only tightened his grip, pulling open one of the back doors and let her slid inside of her own accord. Before he shut the door, Monroe leveled a glare at the man, grabbing her seat belt and buckling up.


Under Penny's request she had dressed up today, wearing a simple black dress that ended just above the knee. It had three-quarter sleeves and a scoop neckline but Monroe didn't remember ever buying, let alone wearing, the item. Penny had found it this morning, trying to prompt Monroe to wear something nice for the party she was forced to attend. It was hard for her not to be bitter about it, but Penny was happy to attend Ribbon's birthday, given Monroe didn't celebrate herself.


Classical music began to play over the stereo system, tuned to a CD Wilson must have put in rather than radio. Monroe turned her eyes up at the rear-view mirror where she could see Wilson, opening her mouth and trying for a smart comeback before floundering and closing it. Monroe opted to listen instead.


The drive was shorter with the music playing, filling the silence of the cab until Wilson shut off the car and opened her door for her. Monroe had already unbuckled at that point and took a moment to step out, getting used to heels again. She missed her boots but Wilson already started a brisk walk towards the mansion, expecting her to follow. Rolling her eyes, she tried her best to keep up with the man with some difficulty.


Wilson arrived at the door first, holding it from the inside to allow Monroe to enter after him "Kim" she spots the familiar face among the guards. A cautious glance around shows no sign of Sam around the girl, "Just you forced here?" Monroe quirks a brow. Her quick glance around stopped at the table in the middle of the room. There was a pile of gifts on the side farthest from them, but two gifts sat at the opposite side of the table. "What're those?" she points at the two far labels.

 

[Pineapple]

Ribbon was doing the finishing touches for her outfit that night. She wore a long red dress that extended down to her ankles. The dress hugged tight around her body and had a v neck, showing her ruby pendant quite predominately. Her feet were wrapped in two inch red heels, that were simple in design. Her hair was brushed and straightened and rested over her shoulder along her front. She wore a bright red lipstick and eye liner around her eyes all atop a expertly applied foundation.


The longer Ribbon got ready the more she was starting to enjoy herself. Maybe it wasn't the birthday he wanted, but it would be fun regardless. Plus, she could appreciate how much Red was trying for her. Ribbon did a twirl in a long floor mirror for Red to see her. "You look breathtaking," Red said causing the girl to blush.


"So should we go?" Ribbon asked as she started to pile her makeup into her purse preparing to head out.


"Wait a second. We left my phone down in the kitchen. Lets just go grab that before we head out." Red said. Red purposefully left it there, as then Ribbon would have to walk into the surprise. Without it, she would go right to the garage and skip past the party.


"Of course!" Ribbon said as she left her bag behind and headed for the kitchen. As she hopped down the stairs she turned to see into the lobby, and that's when she saw it. Balloons, streamers, appetizers, and people. Some were Scarlet, but Kim and Monroe weren't. "Red? How did you-" Ribbon started trying to ask. They shared a body, how could Red have pulled this off without her knowing?


"Happy birthday Ribbon, I hope you enjoy yourself." Was all Red replied to the girl.

 

[Miz]

Monroe was not the most festive guest at the party. Almost everyone at the food table was well aware she was displeased about being at the event from just looking at her. It was more than just her expression or the short quip to Kim. The woman just had an aura about her. Her entire presence felt irked by the party and being dragged to it.


Kim tried to smile back to the Monroe's remark. Hostage or prisoner or not, a dinner party wasn't the worst place to end up after being kidnapped. That's how Kim liked to see the situation. So she just complimented Monroe on what she wore. Because at least Monroe dressed for the occasion, regardless of her personal preferences.


When directed to the gifts on the table, Kim briefly inspected them before replying. "They are apparently gifts from us addressed to Ribbon," she said as the remaining Scarlets moved away from table. They didn't have any interest in talking with Monroe. "Red probably bought them for us to give. Didn't she tell you that she have everything planned out."


The awkward silence had returned to the room after Monroe's arrival. Wilson soon departed after Monroe was let into the room. He had security detail and seemed to be frustrated enough with just getting Monroe to come to the party. Kim didn't think the woman could have been that much of a hassle.


Yet before she could ask about the whole endeavor the doors opened again and Jennifer stepped in. There was a slightly delayed "Happy Birthday" from the Scarlets and an even further delayed "Happy Birthday" from Kim. It wasn't the most organized surprise.

 

[Kagura]

The gifts on the table were for Jennifer, but the ones on their side of the table were from them. Monroe immediately picked up the gift that she was supposed to give, judging it's weight and shaking it. "Moonie, it might be fragile" Monroe shook it a little harder at Penny's warning before placing it back on the table.


At Kim's assumption to what Monroe was told, she shrugs her shoulders and answers while rolling her eyes "I wasn't too interested in the details, I was forced here." The blonde briefly looked at the o'dourves table before a rushed 'Happy Birthday' settled over the Scarlet's, and followed by Kim's own. Monroe quickly glanced at the stairs, finding Jennifer on them but feeling the distaste of the soul inside her. "Surprise?" Monroe ventures, unsure if she should be joining in with the haphazard birthday wishes. However the woman raises her arms in mock celebration.


"Can I please wish her Happy Birthday? Pleease?" Despite the fact Monroe rolled her eyes at her soul's antics, it was better that one of them have fun rather than neither of them. Monroe relented control fairly easily, and Penny relaxed her gaze and stance, faltering slightly in her heels before gaining her balance. "Happy birthday, Jenny!" she grinned, picking up the present and carefully walking to meet the girl, looking at her feet the whole time she walked.

 

[Pineapple]

Ribbon was greeted with a very disjointed combination of surprise and happy birthday's from the room, but regardless they brought a smile across Ribbons face. Monroe was the first to approach Ribbon with a gift in hand as she watcher her feet and carefully shuffled along, it was clearly penny in that moment and watching the girl trying to walk in heels was oddly adorable. "Aww thank you penny!" Ribbon said as she moved to meet the girl half way across the floor and grabbed the present from her. "I'll have to open this in a bit with all of the other ones, but I'll open it first!" Ribbon held the present as she went to hug Monroe and Penny. "Thank you so much for coming! I was worried you didn't like me, Monroe." Ribbon said before she moved past to thank everyone else.


First she moved over to meet the Scarlet who were standing off by the appetizers. "They're here of their own free will. Not being paid or anything." Red clarified of them, and Ribbon Looked at the small group of three Scarlet. Yet she knew some were working. Others didn't show, but it sounded like these three chose to be here. Ribbon went through them all and gave them a hug and thanked them from coming.


Afterwards she moved to see Kim and place Monroe and Pennies gift back on the table. "Kim!" Ribbon said as she went to hug the girl. "Thank you for coming! I have no idea how Red managed to actually surprise me when we share the same body!" Ribbon giggled at the end. Suddenly her evening was starting to pick up.

 

[Miz]

"Yeah it is surprising," Kim said back to her friend. It wasn't a lie to say that, Kim actually was impressed with Red's ability to covertly organize. It made her wonder in that moment what Felix could possibly be doing behind her back. Yet as she thought of it, picturing Felix and what he could do by himself, she couldn't pin anything meaningful. She had come to realize in the past months with Felix, that beyond all the good-solider attitude and his ideals, Felix was just an awkward kid. Well - kid might be too harsh of a word - after all he did have a fiancee of some merit. He just seemed to lack ulterior motives outside of her. Really Kim just imagined Felix reading sci-fi books or watching television when she was away. Boring stuff.


"Though you act like we wouldn't come to your birthday party if you invited us!" Kim said questioning Jennifer's motives. "We are friends, you know. Even if Felix had a spat with Red," Kim said idly knowing what the problem was between her and the mob boss.


"Happy Birthday also," Felix said meekly in his own tone. He spoke up without consulting Kim but he wanted Jennifer to know that he had no ill feelings towards her. Regardless of the argument between Felix and Red, Felix really didn't have much hatred towards the woman. He was only weary for he knew of the woman's power-lust and reputation. No kindness or party would make him forget that Red was a murderer and a crime boss.

 

[Kagura]

Penny's big smile twitched when Jennifer said she would open her gift first, trying her best to preen in the anticipation "I think you'll like it!" Penny wasn't sure what was in the box either, but Jennifer seemed so happy she was here that she didn't want to ruin it. When the girl came in for a hug, Penny awkwardly leaned down to hug her back, still not used to Monroe's taller body. At her worries that her host didn't like her, Penny couldn't help but give her a slight squeeze before she departed. "Nah, you're fine" Penny tried her best to sound like Monroe.


"It's not her I don't like" the woman responded drily from her own body, watching Jennifer greet the other party guest's in the room, still carrying the gift. Seeing the smile on the tiny red head's face made her feel better, but the blonde was still bitter at being forced to come. As Jennifer rounded the room, she saved Kim for last- enveloping the girl in a hug, giggles and all.


It seemed Ribbon didn't actually know about the party, as she seemed surprised on how Red could do it in her own body. Monroe wasn't too surprised and Kim didn't even look fazed, instead dropping an opportunity into Monroe's lap. Finally, the invitation was mentioned- "I would have loved a invitation" Monroe is liberal with her emphasis, a coy smile on her face.


Although Kim had mentioned it because of the spat between Felix and Red, Monroe wanted to get her point across to the soul inside Jennifer.

 

[Pineapple]

"Thank you, Felix." Ribbon said acknowledging the man's birthday wishes before replying to Kim. "I... I know. But I guess I was just worried is all... " Ribbon explained to Kim as she put the gift gift from Monroe and Penny back onto the table. There was a small pile of presents in the center addressed. There was one from Kim, and this one from Monroe. There was a present marked as from the Scarlet and finally a small box from Red. Ribbon wondered what Red had got her.


Yet there was two presents stacked against the wall that Ribbon was surprised to see. "Shouldn't those be over here?" Ribbon wondered to Red as she went over to look at the gifts, but she quickly saw they weren't addressed to her.


"Those are for our guests," Red explained. There was one was for Kim and Felix, and one for Monroe and Penny. As Ribbon looked at the two presents Monroe explained she would have loved an invitation.


Ribbon just giggled a little as she picked up the gift for Kim and Felix. "But you did get one! Or Did Red just invite Penny?" Ribbon said as she showed the wrapped box to Kim and Monroe. "Look! Red got gifts for you all as well! This ones To Kim and Felix, and that ones to Monroe and Penny!" Ribbon said very excited.


As Monroe spoke a Scarlet, Devin walked up behind her and whispered to her. "If you got a problem with Red, now's not the time. All you will be doing is ruining her birthday by trying to upset her." He explained before he spoke up to Ribbon. "Yeah, pretty sure the invite was just to Penny."

 

[Miz]

Kim was surprised that Red had gotten a gift for her. She didn't expect it only because it wasn't the usual procedure when going to a birthday party. However she wasn't going to turn down something that Red got her, especially since Red had money. Taking the box from Jennifer, she smiled at the other women there and shook the box briefly. "I wonder what could be in here," she said not hearing a noise. Fortunately by the lack of sound she guessed it wasn't some sort of toy or worse a gun... She didn't want another weapon.


Kim knew Felix was thinking about the whole gift thing. He was a bit nervous when social situations went in a way he didn't expect. Though he didn't say much, Kim could pick up on his feelings. Really it came down to Felix being suspicious of Red, but was willingly to let it go: he would rather build more trust between the mob boss and him. Creating enemies would only be a liability.


Removing the pretty red wrapping paper, Kim opened it the box to see two sets of clothing. The first a familiar green dress. "Red, you shouldn't have!" Kim said as she looked at the dress. It was the one from the boutique that was far too expensive. It was beautiful. She could only imagine wearing it on an outing with Sam. Maybe its what was needed to stir some progress in that boy.


The second gift was something for Felix, it was obvious because the clothes were a bit old and from a different era. However unfolding it, Kim began to realize it was a military uniform. She could feel a slight attempt by Felix to flee from the situation, he had doubts about the whole item. Kim had to take control to prevent her body from shaking. She was worried that Felix would have an episode right then and there, but then it went silent as she she bit her own lip before speaking. "Wow, this is so cool."


"Felix," Kim said. "Its okay. Its okay..."


She could feel her body calming down a bit. "Is this real? How did you get it?"

 

[Pineapple]

Ribbon was excited to see what Red had got for Kim and Felix, she was on edge as Kim removed the wrapping paper and opened the box. The first thing Kim had pulled out was a green dress, the green dress. On Kim and ribbons first meeting she tried on that very dress. "Oh my, it's perfect for you!" Ribbon exclaimed to Kim happy to see the aw wash over Kim's face.


Red took over briefly to reply to Kim. "It was no problem Kim." Red replied. Yet when Kim grabbed the second item from the box She could see the unease on Kim's body, and when she took out the item she comment how cool or was, curious as to how Red got it. Red had Ribbon smile at the reply. "Oh my no, it's not official. They didn't make those in women's sizes. It's a recreation of a world war I soldiers uniform. It's important to remember where we have come from and what we've done, isn't it Felix?" Red said trying to sound innocent. Truthfully she knew this would bother Felix a little, and after what had happened at the park, he relished in it.


After talking Red gave way to ribbon who moved closer to view the uniform. "It is cool! It also looks like it will fit you Kim!" Ribbon said all giddy. "Okay, Monroe's next! then we can open mine before dinner." Ribbon said excitedly as she went to lift up Monroe's present. It was larger then Kim's was, and heavier. ribbon let out a small grunt as she brought it over to Monroe. "It's Heavier!" Ribbon said as she waited for Monroe to take it from her.

 

[Kagura]

It wasn't like Monroe was expecting to get away with her cutting words, but it still left her rather sour when Devin whispered in her ear. The woman simply rolled her eyes, letting Jennifer giggle at her fake party, with her fake invitation. Red only invited one person during her texts and that was her boyfriend.


Julian never even knew he was invited, but she also expected that when Kim was invited, so was Sam. Another awkward fight between the two couples was not what she needed, and it would've made Jennifer the third wheel at her own party. Monroe wasn't one to be particularly sensitive to such matters, but she had some tact.


When Jennifer mentioned that Red had gotten them gifts, Monroe was immediately suspicious, letting Kim open hers first. After her initial wonderment, the gift proved to be a rather pretty dress and a soldier's uniform. After some confirmation that it wasn't real but still rather cool, Ribbon ushered Monroe to go next. hesitantly she reached for the present, but she could just feel the giddiness of Penny.


"Go ahead" With her consent, Penny jumped in control of the body and heaved the present away from Ribbon, ripping away at the wrapping paper. She then opened the box inside with a momentary struggle, stopping when she realized what was inside. In an uncharacteristic move of the body she was in, Penny squealed and pulled the Simple heat-oven out. Without missing a beat, her fingers dug into that box's seam when Monroe stopped her.


Monroe laughed, tearing her hand out of the box and placing it to the side, unable to take her complete focus off Penny's 'new toy'. Seeing that both Kim and Felix got a gift, Monroe looks inside the box to see another smaller one. The blonde gingerly pulls it up and opens it, not expecting the pair of heeled boots within. They looked to be made of real leather, and had fancy bucklers criss-crossing them- they were even her size. Monroe's eyes slightly widen, looking at Ribbon and Red "Thanks...?" she's unsure of what to say so let's the little girl at it again.


Penny wastes no time practically tackling and hugging Ribbon, even going so far to pick her up in a slight squeeze as she squealed. "Can we bake together Jenny!?" she releases the girl to look in her eyes, trying to pout as best as she could "Can we, can we?"

 

[Pineapple]

Ribbon was excited from watching Penny completely take over for Monroe when it came to opening the present, she tore into the paper with speed and energy that none of the adults or Kim could muster anymore. The girls has been a soul for more years then anyone else in the room, but still had the child-like energy and anticipation for the soul. When the box was finally opened, Penny was quick to use Monroe's body to rip the Simple heat-oven out of the box with a huge simple on her face.


Before Penny could open the box, Monroe took over briefly and pulled out a pair of boots. She looked at them awkwardly before saying thanks rather questioningly. "You're welcome, these are thank you's for coming." Red explained to the both of them. moments after Red finished Monroe shot up and engulfed Ribbons body in a hug, lifting the girl from the ground asking if they can bake together.


"Heh, of course we can Penny!" Ribbon said, her arms stuck to her sides and unable to return the embrace. After Penny placed Ribbon down the girl cheerfully skipped over to the table just in time to see Yuki bringing out plates of food and placing it around the table.


"That was awfully nice of you Red." Ribbon said to the mob boss inside her.


"What? For me/ What do you mean by that?" Red asked back to the girl, who didn't reply to her.


"Oh, it looks like dinners ready!" Ribbon said back to everyone, as she noticed that there was an extra spot laid out on the table. She assumed it was just a head count error or something like that a chose to ignore it. "I can open my presents during dinner!" Ribbon said excitedly as she took her seat at the head of the table in a chair with a birthday girl ribbon across the top.


"Yuki, bring out the wine would you?" Red asked the woman as she was returning to the kitchen.

 

[Miz]

Red's call for wine prompted Oswald to make his entrance. He had been sorting through Red's cellars for some time and knew what he wanted to drink with his dinner. He was glad that he brought another bottle of Rémi Comte with him. It was younger bottle than the last one he drank at Red's estate but speaking she was now hiding her better collection, Oswald decided to act. He didn't plan to be drinking Lowehouse at this dinner. Its what Red replaced almost all of her good wines with since he lasted visited. Even though the thought of drinking Lowehouse brought up interesting emotions, he felt that bringing a Comte with him would enlighten Red to her mistakes. After all, Lowhouse for a birthday party. Oswald thought on it so more. The absurdity intrigued him... he grabbed that bottle as well.


"No need dear Yuki," Oswald said to Scarlet as he made Leah opened the door that led from the kitchen. "I have brought it."


Oswald made Leah walk in without a single disguise. Instead she was impeccably dressed in an inverted Scarlet suit (it was black and red). The mask Oswald had was painted white but to those without mementos the mask would appear to shimmer just slightly. For good measure, Leah wore black gloves with her outfit.


Coming here like this required some social finesse, that's why he dressed so similar to a Scarlet. Cardinals didn't have uniforms, so he had to improvise. He didn't want to get shot on accident so he made his allegiances known. Getting fired upon would be a messy (but comical) affair, especially since he was here to see Ribbon. "Oh my," Oswald said through Leah's mouth. To the scarlet's his voice would certainly sound distorted. "Such a lovely party Red." Leah looked down the table to see who was getting ready to sit down. "Monroe, Kim, Penny," he said casually, "Its good to meet you all of you." He turned his head towards Kim again. "Felix, its nice to see you finally talk with you. Helen is doing well now isn't she?"

 

[Miz]

Kim was happy to see, what she could only assume was, Penny excited about her gifts. Monroe didn't seem as enthusiastic but it was understandable: Monroe was here for Penny's sake. Kim had the understanding Monroe would rather be with her boyfriend or doing almost anything else at this point then be with Red. The two older women clashed so much. Kim didn't really understand it beyond a power struggle. It reminded her a bit of the girls at her high school. Except instead of bickering there was actual threats and guns involved.


Kim decided to just keep her head low and smile on these matters. She'd much rather stay neutral on everyone's part than have to be pick sides. But the tension seemed to subside as Monroe pulled out boots. Penny was ecstatic over her toy. A sigh of relief came to her, especially as Felix began to calm down again after he found out the uniform was fake. It was a costume, nothing more, completely harmless.


Red gestured everyone to the dinner table where name cards were placed at every chair except one at the foot of the table (opposite of where Red sat). Kim found her seat with a card that had both Kim and Felix's name on it. It was adjacent to Red's chair and across from Monroe. Opening out her seat and she waited until everyone else sat before sitting down. Kim figured the drama was now over and she would just have to sit through one dinner and then she could go back home.


Except when Red called out to Yuki for wine there was another person who answered. A strange woman, at least Kim thought it was a woman, dressed in an elegant suit similar to the Scarlets. The person wore a white mask and black gloves, but strange enough not only addressed Kim and Monroe by name without needing any introductions but also greeted Red, Penny and Felix as if he knew who they were. The person had a memento. Kim and Felix were certain.

 

[Kagura]

When Jennifer agreed to baking with Penny, she squealed a little bit but kept her composure at Monroe's easing. "Penny, calm down" it was said with some finality but Penny was still all smiles as the table was set. Jumping around would probably only disturb Yuki, who Penny had a slight kinship to after seeing her every time. Plus, she still wasn't used to heels and even walking around felt awkward and hurt "That's because you don't know how to walk in them." Monroe's dry explanation is followed by her taking control of her legs momentarily to adjust.


Red asked Yuki to bring out the wine but another woman answered her call, coming from the kitchen dressed in a suit opposite to the Scarlet's. Not only that, but she was wearing a plain white mask and black gloves- it was off-putting for the young girl. "Probably another type of Scarlet" Monroe tries to calm her down, because the weirdo is carrying the wine after all.


Except the way the Scarlet was acting pinged weird even for Monroe. Then she called them all by name, including the souls that were currently in the room and one outside of it. The way she so casually mentioned Helen put Monroe on edge. "Hi!" Penny was chipper in her greeting, smiling at the new comer; it wasn't unheard of that Scarlet's knew souls, and she assumed this one must've been around when Troy was.

 

[Pineapple]

After Red asked for the wine, a familiar feminine voice came from behind. "No need dear Yuki, I have brought it." It was Leah's voice, which meant it must be Oswald. Red wasn't surprised, since Oswald was in the city he enjoyed dropping by unannounced, and a birthday party seemed like something he would drop into. Ribbon however was not especially excited to hear from the man in the mask. Oswald complimented the party as well as greeted Monroe and Kim, as well as the two souls within their bodies.


"Did you invite him?" Ribbon asked Red. She didn't care for Oswald, he bothered her and couldn't believe that Red would have invited him.


"Of course not, but did you suspect he wouldn't come anyway?" Red said, explaining the situation. Ribbon could accept that answer and waited for Red to greet him, but she didn't come out to talk. "It's your party, I don't want to take away from anything." Red explained. It was strange, as Red was normally very fluid in taking control when she felt like it or seemed like she needed to.


"Leah, Oswald." Ribbon said smiling towards the woman in her mask as she stood up to greet her. "Red did a great job. Why don't you take a seat and join us for dinner, I was about to open my presents." Ribbon said trying to be polite. She grabbed the wine from Leah's hands and placed it on the table to be opened at dinner time.


Each seat had three plates, a small one filled with a garden salad. Placed in the center of the table were various dressings for them. The main course was fettuccine alfredo, mixed with chicken and broccoli. Another small plate had two cuts of garlic bread made from a baguette. With the garlic bred was a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Both of the small plates were positioned to the upper left of the entree.


On the left side of each main plate was a pair of forks, first was a smaller fork (the salad fork) followed by a normal sized fork (dinner fork) on the right was just a dinner knife. Above the knife was a goblet filled with ice water along with two empty wine glasses. One had a smaller, thinner globe with a longer stem, while the other had a wider globe.

 

[Miz]

"Yes," Oswald said with some excitement as Ribbon took the bottle from Leah's hands. "Presents... That would make sense speaking the nature of the situation. However please do not consider the bottle of Rémi Comte my gift," Oswald said gesturing to Devin who was at the end of the table. "My good man, Devin isn't it? Please fetch me the bag I left in the kitchen. It has two gifts and a handgun in it - unloaded."


Devin gave Leah a strange look and almost wanted to ask why he should take orders from such a man/woman. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you?" Devin asked.


Oswald looked to Red to see if she would speak up but after some silence Leah spoke for him. "His name is Oswald. He's a Cardinal of Red."


The language was enough to get Devin to stand up. He understood slightly who this man was but he was more just impressed with how calm the man was with breaking into a mob boss's party uninvited with an unloaded handgun. "Just a Cardinal?" Oswald said. "I'd like to say associate, Leah, I did manage to slay the entire Tiffany Gang. But we aren't here for that, we are here to celebrate our friend Jennifer. So please everyone have a glass of wine for our polyglot friend."

 

[Pineapple]

Oswald was all to excited to engage Ribbon with some banter and tell everyone of his exploits, with Leah interjecting about his stature as a Cardinal when Devin interjected. This brought Devin up to his feet and went to go grab the gifts from the kitchen. As Devin walked past Red finally spoke up before looking at the wine that Oswald brought in. "Oh Devin, grab the white while you are in there."


Red took the wine bottle and corkscrew to pop the Rémi Comte. "Of course this isn't for Ribbon, this is clear for Me." Red said as she poured the wine into her wider empty goblet. "Come and sit Oswald, we can share the wine this time." Red said, in reference to the previous wine gifts that Red had kept unopened.


Devin came back into the dining room with four presents and a gun on top. "Yuki said to bring these two out," Devin said referencing the two red paper wrapped gifts.


"Wonderful, the small ones for Leah, and the big ones for Oswald. A Thanks from me to you for coming." Red explained. Devin brought the gifts over and Red took the two gifts from Oswald and put them onto the pile with all of the others, which left Devin standing holding Oswalds and Leahs gift in his hands, the gun resting on top. Red motioned to the gifts "Please go ahead, ladies first."

 

[Miz]

Oswald sat down at the foot of the table when gestured. "Let's not forget about our guests too," he said. "Clearly everyone should have a glass of wine to toast our birthday girl," Oswald smiled. However he was a bit taken aback when Red asked to split the wine with him, further when she had presents for both Leah and him.


Leah looked up at the woman and gave her a questioning expression even though her face was hidden behind the mask. She wasn't sure why Red would give her a gift of any kind with the exception of being murdered. Yet Oswald didn't suggest any sort of violence, its why they came unarmed. Well not entirely, they did have one weapon, the letter opener, but that was for show. It wouldn't even hurt the man named Devin sitting next to them, let alone Red.


"Thank you, Red and Ribbon," Leah said respectfully as the two boxes were placed in front of her. When she unwrapped her box she found three DVDs bound together. The first movie was one Leah immediately recognized, Sharkopolypse III, Revenge of the Squidtopus, one of the last movies Leah was ever involved in before Oswald decided to make her drop her "act" as Leah. The other two were earlier productions: Eyes of Eternity, a science fiction movie she played in where she got to play the lead actress and Beyond Love, a poorly received romantic comedy (if it could be called that) where she got to play one of the various love interests. Leah had to stop for a second to look at the DVDs, she wasn't sure if Red was mocking her or not. However she wasn't going to flinch even if she was, she was happy with her acting career. The stage was more of her style than the screen, but even now she was a better actress than those in cinemas now. Leah shaped history, she was beyond merely entertaining people now. "Wow, I can't believe you actually found these."


Leah moved to Oswald's gift and started to unwrap it. When she picked up the box though it was very light. When she lifted up the lid she found nothing in there. She could feel Oswald now, his presence growing to control her body. He was only laughing. "Splendid. I love it," he said back to Red. He quickly showed off the empty box to everyone. "I do love this feeling. I can't say it is disappointment or not. No, its gratitude. Gratitude you are giving me your love Red - for I have everything else you could possibly give me beyond your love." Oswald started clapping.


"Well let's not make me the main act, let's open the other gifts," Oswald said as Yuki began filling everyone's goblets of wine (just not the Rémi Comte). "I will save the presents we are giving to Ribbon for last."

 

[Kagura]

A slight pout crossed Penny's face when the woman ignored her, about to speak up until Monroe took control of the situation. Something was clearly off about the interaction between Jennifer and the woman but Monroe didn't understand it until she was greeted by two names. Leah and Oswald- the woman must've had a soul and judging from Ribbon's tone of voice, it wasn't someone she was expecting.


However, Ribbon offered him a spot that was probably reserved for Julian, now that Monroe thought about it. Sudden guilt crept in her system, but she sat down nonetheless, watching the exchange between this Oswald and Leah and what she assumed was Red. Penny provided no insight on the soul, who she assumed was Oswald from the name alone, but he somehow knew the soul. It was unnerving to say the least, but it seemed his attention was focused solely on Red, Jennifer and the Scarlet's at the moment.


It seemed they had a history, if the way they talked to Devin meant anything and the begrudging acquaintance they had with Red. It was interesting for Monroe to watch them go back and forth, especially when Leah, as she figured the body to be, opened her 'gift' from Red. Monroe finally realized why the girl in front of her was so familiar. Leah was from one of those direct-to-dvd movies that Julian and herself watched- usually naked or sometimes drinking. Most of the time it was both.


Oswald's gift on the other hand, she was beginning to distinguish them now, was an empty box. Monroe smiled at the joke, but Oswald actually seemed happy about it, turning the meaning of the gift on its head by equating it to love. It was bemusing to say the least, but Monroe was eager for the wine when it was poured for her. Swirling it experimentally, she was bemused at the fact the person actually ruining the party wasn't being kicked out.

 

[Pineapple]

Leah thanked Red and ribbon for the gift, opening it first. It was three movies, three what to Ribbon looked like very bad movies. however Leah recognized them easily enough, surprised that red was able to find them. "Oh, it wasn't so difficult. Those movies have dozens of fans." Red remarked with a smirk.


Then when Oswald opened his gift he was quite happy with it, showing it off to everyone. An empty box. "Quite the conclusion Oswald, but perhaps such sentiments are best kept aside." Red replied to the man who then graciously motioned for Ribbon to start on her presents.


With ribbon in full control once more she picked up Monroes gift again and started to peal away the blue paper. "I did promise you first!" Ribbon said. Once the paper was gone all the remained was stack of books, a stack of cookbooks. Brownies, cookies, cakes and pies. Many different desserts and pastries to be had inside of the pages. "Oh, I love it! This means you and Penny have to come over so we can bake!" ribbon said as she showed the books to everyone.


Next she grabbed another present,wrapped in gold paper. "To Ribbon, from the Scarlet." She read out loud which prompted Devin to whisper across to Natalya.


"That's from all of us right?" He asked which Natalya just rolled her eyes at.


"Yeah." She said as she made a zipper motion with her hand across her lips.


Ribbon tore the paper away showing the present inside of it. It was an ice cream maker, with a book on making frozen yogurt. "It's frogurt!" Ribbon exclaimed as she showed it to everyone. "Heh, I guess I know what were making." Ribbon said to Red inside.


"Frogurt..." Red said dryly. She wondered whose idea this was. It was definitely not one of the guys, she knew they would have just got a gift card and been done with it. Yuki grabbed the machine and books from ribbon to bring back into the kitchen and out of the way.


Next ribbon grabbed at Kim's gift wrapped in the same blue of Monroe's gift was. It was smaller then most of the other gifts. "I wonder what that is..." Ribbon said as she shook it but heard nothing. She unwrapped the paper and revealed two pieces of plastic. At first ribbon wasn't sure what they were, but when he looked closer at them she saw it. They were two annual passes to a comedy club in the city. "Oh my god! Kim we can go see so many shows together!" She exclaimed as she waved the passes around for all the see.


All that was left were the two gifts from Oswald and the one gift from Red. Oswald said to save his presents for last, so she reached for Reds. "To Ribbon, love Red." Ribbon said out loud with a giggle and smile on her face before unwrapping it. Her smile turned to shock and silence once she saw what was inside. After a few seconds she show it to everyone.


"Happy birthday Ribbon." Red said to the girl as she raised them. It was three tickets to Rome, departing in just over a week from now. Red had never left the country and never really wanted to, however she knew Ribbon wanted to go places. They could go to Rome, and then go across Europe for a while. There wasn't a return trip bought, they could be there for as long as they wanted.


When Devin noticed the three tickets he whispered back over to Natalya. "Who do you think she's taking?" Devin asked but Natalya just signaled for him to shut up.

 

[Miz]

Kim sat there dumbfounded when this Oswald man spoke. Felix though was keeping a close eye on him. He wasn't an ordinary memento user but Felix couldn't pinpoint what it was about this soul. He just felt different. Like an ancient presence, a ghost even. He looked at the mask over and over again and then it hit him. He was reminded of the Giver.


Beyond his speech, Kim wasn't giving much mind to the strange woman/man at the end of the table. Kim found her/him strange. Yet she was entertained by the rapport the mask person and Red had together. Really, the situation that unfolded just reminded her of an awkward thanksgiving dinner. Sure there was merriment, cheerfulness, but there felt like an undercurrent of tensions, hostility.


Kim was surprised when the gift she supposedly gave Ribbon was comedy club tickets. The cook books made sense for Penny and Monroe, but a comedy club? Kim didn't necessarily see the connection. However she just smiled and nodded for her friend. This was her big day and Kim wasn't going to ruin that for her. "Yep, you betcha," Kim said trying to sound funny. "I know just the comedians too." Kim laughed a bit.


However everyone got quiet when Ribbon opened Red's gift. It was tickets to Rome. "That's pretty romantic," Kim said to Felix. "I wonder what they will do there..."


"I didn't go to Rome during the war. I wish I did, its beautiful," Felix replied back. He honestly though wasn't necessarily keen about returning to Europe.


Kim's thoughts were brought to present as Yuki came around and started filling her glass. She didn't Kim whether she wanted a red wine or a white, she just poured the more fruity red wine into Kim's glass. "Oh... no I don't need that," Kim said not really fond of wine. She liked beer and fruity drinks more. "I am still in high school, remember?"

 

[Kagura]

Oswald requested to last in the line of presents, but just like promised- Red opted to open Monroe and Penny's gift first. Monroe sheepishly poked at her food while she worked at the gift wrap, wondering what kind of gift Red prepared for her. It was cookbooks, and with it promises of Ribbon and Penny baking together. "Yeah sure, but I'll have to bring Julian sometime" it was her sense of guilt that got her to mention him, taking a sip of wine at the promise she had just made.


Plus, she was a little curious as to what her boyfriend was doing now that she had left him alone. Monroe briefly debated texting him but decided against it, instead focusing as Ribbon opened the ice cream machine from the Scarlet's. Kim's gift were tickets to a comedy club, which she played up a little by commenting on the comedians. When Jennifer got to Red's gift, she read the card attached and Monroe looked up from her plate of food, pausing at the choice of words. The woman had said love right?


A brief realization later came with the tickets to Rome and Monroe looks expectantly at Oswald, picking up her wine glass in preparation of the show. The woman hears Kim protest in the background about receiving her own wine, but Monroe's focus is solely on the man. It seemed like he was the only one who actually prepared a gift for Jennifer, so it automatically won for thoughtfulness after Red.