The Cephalo Diaries 2017

It was a cool, snowy evening in Cephalo City. Even though it was somewhat clear enough to see the starry sky, flurries of snow seemed to dance in the chilly breeze. Sushi was in her apartment, preparing everything for a night of giggles, dancing, and maybe some saucy truth or dares. Sushi smiled as she filled a plastic green bowl with Nacho Cheese Doritos; it was a popular pick at parties. Next to the bowl was others, filled with popcorn, potato chips, cookies, and other party foods. All she knew was someone was supposed to bring soda, but if they didn't that would be ok. It was her apartment after all, she had some drinks. Sushi then grabbed her phone, checking the time. 7:30 PM... people should be showing up by now.

Valerie glanced at her shellphone and looked around, trying to make sure she was going the right way. She had a bunch of her own stuff with her just in case, like an extra music player and earphones, her own blanket even, and an extra set of clothes with some snacks. Also a drawing pad, I mean, who knows when you suddenly feel bored and want to draw, even at parties. With her new jacket, stockings and mittens on, she ends up at the door and checks one last time where she was before knocking on it.

Tad was waiting around a corner in the apartment building, holding onto a can of silly string, prepared for when someone else would show up for Sushi's slumber party, someone he could...ambush.
As Val knocked on the door, Tad peaked around the corner then wished himself luck as he jumped out, "SNEAK ATTACK!" he yelled, then he stumbled and dropped the can of silly string.  He picked it back up as quickly as possible and tried to get Val but it was facing towards himself now and instead he got a face full of pink silly string.
He walked over to Sushi and Val, "Hi guys, I brought facial cream, want some?"

Torch looked around the area she was at, trying to read the street signs under the lights and HOPEFULLY didn't get herself lost again. But it seems she's getting better at navigating, cuz she spied the recognizable inklings across the street!
Giving a tug on her backpack straps, she took a big breath and made her way across. Just calling out and mustering a warm smile to hide her anxious nerves, "ah,, evenin' guys!"

Sushi heard the knock on the door. Without hesitation she scurried over to the door, opening it wide.
"Well good even-" her voice trailed off as Tad's screaming covered them. She blinked, watching the failed attack happen. After a moment of blank stares at Tad, Sushi began to snicker. Then Torch came into the picture.
"Hey guys, come on in! Thank goodness Tad brought some facial cream, I was afraid we would be out." She laughed, motioning the inklings to go inside.

Valerie just stared at Tad for a while with all that suddenly happened after yelling before trying to resist laughing. "Heya Tad, and uh, no thanks." She said while waving for a while. She then looked over to Torch and greeted her as well with "Oh, hiya, Torch~" with a smile.
Once Sushi was inviting them inside, she went in and kind of stood by for the meanwhile, still holding on to her stuff. It really was a long while since she had been at any sort of slumber party... She felt a bit shy being in another's house for the night it seemed.

Tad lowered his eyelids and smiled smugly, nodding his head slowly emphasising how cool he really was.  he turned quickly when he heard Torch's voice, pausing for a second before saying a quick "HI," he swung his backpack off his shoulder and followed close behind Valerie- dropping it on the floor "You all would be lost without my skin care expertise- read the label, it says non-toxic, its contents are under pressure, so you don't have to be! watch your wrinles disappear!... it's also great in casseroles." he held it up to show it off, like how they show off what you could win in those old gameshows.

Sushi snickered as she watched everyone walk in. Once the last squid walked in, she shut the door behind them.
"You should have brought it sooner Tad. What couldn't we have done without you?" She cheered. "Now, make yourselves at home! Please don't destroy anything and food is in the kitchen..." Sushi paused. "I'm really happy that you guys came here tonight! This slumber party will be a blast"

Victoria cringed a bit after Tad had said his hello, but refused to let her smile falter as she followed the other squids inside.
She looked around her as if she were a tourist. Then again she hasn't really visited other inklings around here. Torch heard Sushi exclaim about the slumber party, she couldn't help but chime in too, "Aw thanks for having us, Sushi!" She looked around once more, "it's been a while since I've been to a slumber party.. can't wait to see what we're doing tonight!"

Tad gave Sushi a thumbs up, yes, what would the world do without Tad "I just want to gather intel...." he put his hands on his hips and flicked his eyes around the room curiously, he looked behind himself towards Torch but looked up at the cieling then all around.  "On whether your place is worth robbing or not." he takes off his shoes and leaves them there, and wanders around Sushi's apartment "So this is where you do all your plotting for world domination." he put his hands on his hips and shook his head, he'd never have expected it.  she was a secret underground cupcake trading system leader, he expected more of an evil genius aesthetic.

"Ahahah, I haven't been at a slumber party in a long while as well! So this could really be fun~" Valerie giggled. She looked over at Tad with a raised eyebrow, but still kind of laughed at it in a way. And seeing him take off his shoes, it kind of made her do the same if he was able to do it...
"So, what are we planning to do other than snack stuff and the very later sleep?" Valerie asked Sushi.

Sushi laughed at Tad.
"If I had that type of aesthetic, I'm pretty sure the landlord would get suspicious." She giggled. Sushi's attention then turned to Valarie, she smiled cheerfully.
"Well, I was planning some Dance Dance Revolution battling, maybe some Karaoke, Truth or Dare, and other games! We can also play D&D if anyone is up for it." Sushi paused. "And some sleep I hope."

Torch followed suit and took off her own shoes, but nudges them to the side so it's not in anyone's way. GASP. DDR?? She peeked up instantly, "Wow that sounds like fun! I didn't know you'd have the game!" She blinked hearing sleep, which pulled a little grin on her face, "sleep? I thought the goal of a slumber party was to not sleep ahah.... well. So I've been told heh.." abort abort abort!

"Oh- Yeah, pretty sure it is, but I'm just saying- people get tired and sleep at some point and stuff! But I'm excited for some DDR and Karaoke!" Valerie cheered. "And, D&D? what's that?" she tilted her head in confusion.

OH ya- That was fair, Tad thought.. the landlord wouldn't want to keep an evil genius for a tenant ... "oh my dear sweet innocent Valerie... D&D is drinking and driving." He snickered as he made his way into the kitchen to inspect the  snacks that were there.

"Wait- what?? Are you serious??" Valerie asked, kind of following Tad to check what snacks were laid out as well, but also for confirmation of what he said.

Torch blinked. Drinking an- ... What??? She trailed behind the two while fidgeting with her shirt, hopefully correcting this doesn't cause too much trouble.. "er.. I think he's kidding Val.. D&D is dungeons and dragons.. kind of a role play game?" She shrugged, "i only know of it i never really got into wanting to play it.."

Tad nodded with his eyebrows raised , trying to keep a straight face as he turned to Val- then he turned back as Torch corrected him and rolled his eyes subtly. "HAH- ya you get to make a character and roll dice.  An epic quest for GLORY AND HONOUR." he took a handful of chips, shoving most of them in his mouth "well, I'm getting into my PJs I'm going to be comfortable." He walked back towards the entrance where his bag was, scooting by everyone to grab his PJs.

Sushi snickered at the conversation.
"If it helps Tad, I'm also in my pj's!" She called out, pointing at her blue unicorn pj pants. She also wore a black t-shirt with flying green ghost bread that read, "Toast Busters" on it.
"I think tonight will be a blast!" Sushi then posed dramatically, flipping her braided tentacles. "You all can change into pj's now, if you want. Or Tad and I can be the cool bunch in the party!"

Tad dug through his bag and poked around Sushi's apartment for the bathroom. He came back to the group as quickly as possible, BURSTING INTO THE ROOM still pulling his arm through his shirt, which was just a tired looking white t shirt, he pointed at his pants "LOOK CHECK THESE OUT!" THEY WERE ice blue flannel pants that had cartoony ice cubes with sunglasses printed on them. "I think these ice cubes best your unicorns in coolness factor." He told Sushi.

"Really now? Well, it sounds like a cool game!" Valerie giggled. "I wonder if there are any music-focused characters one could make in D&D..." She mumbled afterwards and heard that they could change into their PJs"Ah- sure thing! I'll go change into mine then!" Valerie said, going away to look for the bathroom. It took awhile with her jacket, shirt, scarf, pants, stockings and shoes... Then putting on her PJs... But she managed it in the end, coming back to the group soon after happily.

Sushi nodded and then her attention turned to Torch as Val walked away. Her eyes narrowed.
"So, you two ready to talk business???" She whispered, all spy-like.

Torch watched as Val made her exit to change, thinking that she might want to change into hers too. Her attention was grabbed by Sushi"s question and she snapped her attention back to the glacial squid. "o-oh! uh. yes ma'am!"
she'd take her turn to change after Val

Sushi rubbed her palms together, giving off a wide grin.
"Okay you two, so I found another company who wants to pay Sparkly Inc. big bucks if we deliver the cupcakes on time." Sushi cheered softly.

Tad looked between Torch and Sushi, listening carefully to Sushi but trying hard to get a reading on Torch.  He stayed closer to Sushi if he could help it.  Shifting his weight between his feet as she told them about the company "Really?.. do we even have a place to make these cupcakes??" He asked, not really checking the volume he was speaking at

Sushi rubbed her chin.
"Well... I know a person who is good at baking... but idk if she would agree to helping us make 24 special red velvet cupcakes with glitter white frosting... even if they're paying us good money."

"Wait- what? What's this about?" Val wondered as she got in the room.

Victoria tried to maintain her focus on Sushi, she just watched tad from the corner of her vision. they were talking business now, she couldn't just flub up! "Just red velvet? I can make those. ....decorating on the other hand is.. not something I'd feel comfortable taking."
Oh CARP Val came back sooner than she expected, "O-OH UM J-just talking about out favorite cupcakes haha!" Torch quickly got up, tugging on her backpack straps, "i'll um, be right back!" And she was off to just switch her tank-tops and wear cupcake patterned pajama shorts~

"Yeah! I love red velvet cupcakes!" Sushi cheered, bouncing up and down. "They're one of my favorite flavors! What's yours?" Sushi asked Val, acting like the discussion from before didn't happen. Oh Sushi, you're such a strange squid.

"Oh- Um, kk! I like red velvet too... But I really like the usual vanilla bread with strawberry-like ice cream." Valerie smiled, though she was still a bit confused by the conversation she was hearing earlier before coming in...

Tad tilted his head slightly towards Torch, and turned to look at Val as she walked in, laughing at their ability to change the subject "Don't believe them Val, we were just discussing who was going to lace your cupcake with drugs." he leaned in towards her and whispered "DON'T EAT THE CUPcAKES." loudly.

Valerie seemed to laugh at that a lil' bit. "Why would you guys ever drug me??" She said, playing along with what Tad said.

Sushi tilted her head, smacking Tad on the head.
"We're not drugging the cupcakes, you dummy. The cupcakes are for later."

Torch came sock sliding into the room with her big bumdle of a backpack. She tossed it to the side and rejoined the group. "wha- yes we're not dugging anything why---- who said we're doing that??" She was getting increasingly worried that someone actually MIGHT.

"Tad did." Valerie said quietly in a way.

Tad rubbed the spot Sushi smacked him "Hey!!-" and laughed.  "No- we're not drugging all of them just Val's, she needs to chill out-- plus I wouldn't hit me, SUSHI... I know kung fu." he tried to kick her arm in a very exagerated manner, nearly losing his balance as he did so and only brushing her arm gently.

Sushi felt a small sting from Tad's kick. She began to rub it gently, frowning at her arm. She then began to laugh uncontrollably, almost like the kick was some big joke.
"Nice kick Tad, but does anyone have a BANDAGE I could use?" She asked.

Tad snorted "HAH!" he laughed, picking up the bowl of NACHO CHEESE DORITIOS "I don't know, its your house! you find a bandage!" he scrambled past Torch and Val and hopped into the living room, because no one eats nacho cheese doritos anywhere but on a COUCH(edited)

The living room was a good medium size for an apartment, which contained a giant couch, a small, caramel brown wooden piano and red velvet chair, two beanbag chairs, a small flat screen tv (like the ones in college dorm... I think?), and some shelves filled with old memories that Sushi could not recall... It was nice. The room had always smelled like mix of warm cookies and cinnamon spice; it was an odd yet nice combination.
"Well... the last person I had over was in the rain, and he hid them all." Sushi replied bitterly.

Tad plopped down on one of the bean bag chairs and looked around the room curiously "Maybe that can be one of the games- find the bandaids." he popped a dorito in his mouth "or you can have one of the ones thats on my arm." he pulled up his sleeve and peeled off a green bandage and held it out towards Sushi

"Ew Tad... How long has that bandaid been on your arm?" Valerie said, a lil bit grossed out at the thought of reusing a bandaid used by another inkling.

"Ew, no Tad!" Sushi raised her hands up, trying to shoo the old bandaid away. "Do you know how many diseases could be on that thing? I could get infected."

Tad looked between the two in confusion and declared, with widening eyes "Its- ITS COLOURED GREEN. its green PLASTIC." as he stuck the bandaid back on his arm haphazardly, it looked like it was just going to fall back off.  he picked a nacho cheese dorito out of the bowl and took a bite "Plus I bet I have the best diseases."

Victoria was just watching the conversation go. Diseased filled bandaids.. what is this?!
She giggled into a hand as they talked, not wanting to ruin the great back an forth they had going.

Sushi snickered at Tad's comment. She made herself a mental note that at the next  ULTRA COOL SECRET COMPANY MEET UP she would teach Tad about hygiene and why infections were bad. Maybe she could get that bandaid off of him before the night was over.
"Anyway... so, what do you guys want to do first? We have a whole night ahead of us!" Sushi cheered.

Tad tilted his head and looked towards Torch, he shifted uncomfortably and focused his attention back on Sushi "Makeovers." He suggested, raising his eyebrows. "Or give me a foot massage." He kicked his leg up.

"Actually, I think I have a perfect shade of lipstick that would really bring out your eyes, Tad." Sushi said, walking towards a closed door. "Let me find my make up in my room! Girls, hold Tad down while it try to find it!" She ordered as she skipped away into the magical world called her room.

Tad lowered his leg with a frown, he looked between Torch and Val skeptically, "I doubt they're going to try to hold me down.  I DONT THINK THEY COULD IF THEY TRIED!" he laughed arrogantly.

Torch looked at tad with a bit of concern after hearing what Sushi had ordered. She was really reluctant to. Especially with what had happened... buT WHAT. WHAT DID HE SAY?? Being issued a challenege, Torch grew a smirk on her face and began to get on her feet so she was ready to pounce! "Hey, Val, which side are you getting?"

Oh maaan, Tad you just jinxed yourself! Valerie chuckled as she thought which side she would hold down... "I'll take down the right! So you'll hold the left." She smirked as she seemed ready to hold him down when Torch was ready.

Tad put a chip back in the bowl as he looked up with wide eyes at the Val and Torch, he quickly dropped the bowl to the side, he put his finger up "NO."

He was smiling but it was one full of panic

Victoria nodded, still holding that determined smirk, "alright. On three.... One..... .......THREE!" She launched herself, grabbing for his left arm, giggling a bit as this little game went on.

NO!!!! Tad couldn't believe what was happening as Torch pounced on his arm, he tried to pull free from her grasp, scrambling to try and get himself up and off the beanbag chair, "Val don't do it!!!" he squeaked desperately, with a nervous laugh.

"Sorry Tad! You made this happen to yourself!!" She seemed to giggle while still smirking as she quickly went over to his right, pinning him down to the bean bag before he could even slightly feel like escaping from Torch's grasp. NEVER underestimate what girls can do!!

Sushi then skipped in with her makeup bag. Her eyes widened when she spotted the two girls holding Tad down. She couldn't help but laugh.
"Remember Tad," Sushi said while setting her makeup bag down next to him, "beauty is pain."

Tad kicked at Val's legs, not too hard he didn't want to seriously hurt her just, hard enough.  He looked over towards Sushi, meeting her eyes as her make up bag fell to the ground "You fiends!" he laughed maniacally "scoundrels! you'll regret this!" he hissed.

Right then, Sushi pulled out a stick of coral blue #5 semi gloss lipstick and leaned in toward Tad. She popped off the top and began to lightly place it on his lips.
"Next is eye shadow! This shade of lipstick looks better on you than me!" She cheered.

"YOU SAID LIPSTICK! NO I THOUGHT THIS WAS OVER! COD HELP YOUR SOULS! YOU'LL BURN IN HECK FOR THIS!" Tad yelled dramatically.

Sushi giggled as she finished placing the lipstick on Tad. He looked 10/10... even if he was thrashing like a child while she was trying to put it on. She simply shrugged and put her makeup back in the bag.
"If you say so. Ladies, release the Tad please?" Sushi asked. Tad looked good in coral blue #5 semi gloss lipstick.

"As you wish~" Victoria easily released Tad's arm and slid off the beanbag chair, just leaning on it with a smug smile. She felt kind of proud of herself.

Tad pulled his arm away from Val, glaring at Torch and then Sushi.   he got up and dashed to the bathroom, then paused as he looked in the mirror "DAMN.... I still look just as cute as ever." he said, crossing his arms across his chest then rubbing his chin thoughtfully, maybe Sushi was right, this really was his colour.  well, there was no sense in letting perfectly good lipstick go to waste so he walked back out of the bathroom and shrugged his shoulders.

Valerie giggled. It was really something how the lipstick was looking... Pretty fitting for him or something, but meh, she continued to just be amused when Tad came back, still with the lipstick on, and she was now sitting on the couch, trying some of the snacks on the table here.

Sushi giggled.
"Well, I guess that's good for a first event." She cheered, placing herself in the other beanbag. Her toes began to wiggle uncontrollably.
"Anyway, since Tad has a new beauty look, I feel like he should have a photoshoot! Unless if you guys have any other ideas?" Sushi cheered

Tad pursed his beautifully coral blue lips and shook his head "If you do that Sushi I will eat, all of your breakfast cereal over night, and then what will you do." he squinted, sitting back down in his bean bag chair, he motioned to Val, "What will Val do without her Fruity O's?" he motioned to Torch "what will Torch do..." he paused "what will we do? no-NO. I REFUSE." he rambled on, not letting anyone get a word in edgewise.  he pointed his finger at the cieling in resolute "WE WILL PLAY, my favorite ice breaker, truth or dare." he looked across the room, out the window "Unless.. you're all chicken.."

Victoria waited expectantly for Tad to say something, maybe she was finally warming up to him again! Maybe- ...aaaand nope he skipped her.. well.. her head dropped some as she looked to the side, feeling  a bit defeated. And then he mentioned truth or dare. Oh boy! She'd be so excited! ...if Tad didn't know how to easily pick on her.. especially now of all times. She kept quiet, silently hoping they'd suggest something else.

"Oh, truth or dare? Heh, haven't played that in a long while now...!" Valerie responded, right before getting some chips to munch on. When was the last time she played anyways? These days she's just been surfing the internet, tweeting a few times here and there, trying to play a bit more turf wars... Window shopping... Pretty uneventful in a way.

Sushi smacked her hand down on the floor, a weird type of aura of power radiating off of her.
"HA HA! YES! I SHALL PARTAKE IN THIS MIGHTY GAME OF TRUTH OR DARE!" She yelled enthusiastically. She loved playing this game, especially when she got to dish out some saucy dares. What could possibly go wrong?

Tad grinned wide at the reaction, his beautiful coral lips making him look totes fabulous.  he leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees "Perfect," he examined Torch who was the only one who didn't respond, he was a little unsure about starting with her, and whether she even wanted to play, so she was the perfect target  "Torch, truth or dare?" he asked THE FATEFUL QUESTION, glancing over at Sushi, and Val, hoping they'd give suggestions BUT THEY PROBABLY WANT TO KEEP THE GOOD ONES FOR THEMSELVES

SHOOT
Victoria was startled and sat up straighter when called upon. Maybe staying quiet wasn't such a good idea. And knowing Tad... truth is not an option. "Er.. I'll uh.. go with dare."

Tad sighed, its always dare, he looked at the floor for a second, "HMMMMM," he said aloud, trying to think of something "Message Sleak and tell him you like his coffee, no context, you HAVE TO WRITE IT, EXACTLY, 'I like your coffee.' WITH A HEART." he pointed at the cieling "I DARE YOU."

Almost immediately her cheeks grew a pale orange color on them. This again??? maybe she just should have gone with truth after all..
silently taking out her phone she slowly started typing out the message to send to the guy, thinking of a way to maybe wiggle her way out of it but... there isn't. Torch yer doomed. All the while she just stood silent, afraid what would come out of her mouth if she opened it.
Setting the phone down she grabbed a cushion off the couch, hug your embarrassment away, squid then looked to Valerie, "hey Val... truth or dare..."

Valerie tried her best to not let out even a little giggle when hearing the dare as she just silently (or at least she tried) watched Torch type and send the message while having a little smile on her face. She then perked up as she was called to play now. "Hmm... Truth please." She didn't really feel like moving a lot from where she was and dares has the chance to include movement, so eh, might as well go with Truth for now.

Ah truth. At least she didn't have to force her to do anything. She thought quietly. Still hugging the pillow she looked up again and asked, "do you have a favorite person? And ya gotta tell us who..."

"... Ah..." She stayed silent for a while and seemed to look around as she did. "... Among the four of us here or among all the people I've met?" Valerie asked just to specify the question.

She shrugged, seems like the dare that was dished to her has her mind occupied. "Out of those you met I guess.."

"Okay, well... If that's so, then it would probably my big brother and cousin!" She seemed to say happily. "I idolize my brother in a way, and he's a really cool turf war player. Meanwhile I really love hanging out with my cousin! We mostly have the same interests, so it's pretty fun with him around when I don't have anyone else to be with~"
She now looked at the two who haven't been called yet so far and thought on who to choose... Well... Tad started it off, so why not Sushi?
"Hey Sushi, truth or dare!"

Tad squinted curiously at Torch, he cackled silently, the under reaction was a little dissapointing, still, a lot was said in the quiet that followed.  "Oh Val," he said as she finished speaking, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back "You have to say the TRUTH." he winked at her really obviously, pointing to himself and silently mouthing 'me'.

Feeling the judgment from Tad, she was only more inclined to not look his way, sinking deeper into her pillow buddy. But hearing Val's answer brought a small smile on her face. Appreciating family was always nice! Not paying mind to the yellow inkling and his quirky comment, she looked to Sushi. It's likely for her to say dare, but she's been known to pull surprises.

Sushi grinned, cracking her knuckles. This was going to be easy.
"I choose... DARE!" She cheered, clasping her hands together. Valarie was the quietest squid here, so who knows what type of dark dares she had up her sleeve.

Valerie looked around in thought for a while... And then she thought of one. "May or may not be hard, but try to break dance for 30 seconds. That's all! You're choice if you want with music or not!" She told her, honestly just wondering how Sushi would be with breakdancing.

D-DANCE?! But... gosh darn it Val! Sushi didn't know how to dance, or at least dance well. Heck, she basically had two left feet. She could probably do a terrible, yet erotic flamenco dance, but that was it. Maybe the sprinkler could work. Sushi paused for dramatic affect (effect?), making her face look dark like some serious anime drama.
"Okay then... you asked for it..." she whispered. Suddenly, she pulled out her phone, picking a random song on her phone. The song Dancing Queen came on, and with that, Sushi began to do the sprinkler and other weird dance moves. How lovely...?

Torch was smiling along. She maybe wasn't the best dancer, but she had the spirit!
Her attention was brought out as she felt her phone buzz, taking it out, her cheeks flooded with a pale orange again. But with a few more taps she relaxed, letting out a breath as if she had been holding it. Typing away she set the phone back in her pocket to continue the game.

Valerie laughed watching Sushi, dance. Amused and also a bit surprised, though she didn't really knew Sushi that well, so I guess it shouldn't be -too surprising- that she actually wasn't that good in dancing... But she didn't mean to laugh at her in a way of being mean really. She even seemed to clap a bit afterwards. "Good try- I guess? At least- I couldn't possibly do better than you, haha..." Val said.

Sushi finished dancing with a dramatic pose, the music stopping right after her.
"Darling, you just gotta go with it!" Sushi exclaimed, now bowing for her audience. Her attention soon directed at Tad, and she was excited to finally ask the special question.
"TAD!" She called out, now pointing at him like a Pokémon trainer challenging someone to a battle. "TRUTH OR DARE?!"

Tad watched Sushi in amusement, he was about to say something but Val took the words right out of his mouth, he pointed at her and nodded vigorously "Exactly!" he clapped his hands together "It was beautiful! TAKE A BOW!" he cheered as she posed dramatically.   He tapped his hand to his chin in thought as she directed her attention to him, it had to come back to him eventually but at LEAST he wasn't the first. "I've always picked dare but, you know, I'll pick truth." he snorted

Valerie seemed to become a bit more like... Attentive? When Tad said that he'll do a truth. Maybe she's interested in whatever kind of answer Tad would give to a question or something...

Sushi sat in the silence, thinking about a good Truth. She wasn't the best at these, but she could pull something out of the hat. The one thing she wasn't going to ask about was Ciara, since from past experiences, it never ended well. An idea struck her.
"If you were reborn as a frog, what type would you be?" She asked, smiling wickedly.

Tad tilted his head at Sushi, his face scrunched into confusion "This is truth, right? how do I know what I'd be reborn as? isn't that.. opinion? you know what-" he raised his palms and shook his head "Nevermind, Hands down I'd wanna be a cane toad. oh wait thats a toad... uhh, whats a really huge frog? I'd be a mutant alien frog with super human intelligence and a rocket launcher." he clapped his hands together than pointed around the room, trying to pick who to go next before he looked at Sushi breifly "is there some sort of special round inbetween before everyone goes again?" he thought that there should be, or someone should invent it.

Sushi nodded, rubbing her chin.
"Okay then, please elaborate on your opinions of Ciara please." Sushi giggled.

Tad looked towards Sushi, his smile was noticeably weaker, “OH SO YOU WERE MISLEADING ME, okay.“ he folded his arms across his chest, focusing on Sushi, she'd cornered him once again, in hopes of what?  he sighed, "She's complicated," he leaned forward, putting his head in his hands “She’s a bad ass, she’s mean - I mean if you don’t know that you’re just ignorant - to keep people away from her soft heart,“ he looked at the floor, and around the room at the inklings there, “Or maybe she just hates everything I’m not sure, I don’t know, I don’t know much, I’m kind of an idiot. if you haven’t noticed.” he laughed suddenly, in a high pitched bark, “Ya she’s alright she’s just kind of hard to know just give her a chance, not like you guys really know her, not that you know anyone.” he smiled lopsidedly, glaring at the others in the room, he leaned back and waited for a response, any sort, he watched for body language, prepared to defend himself.

Victoria clutched the cushion as Tad spoke, just wide-eyed with the lower half of her face hidden by the pillow, like a little squishy paying attention in class or something. She really tried not to show too much emotion other than just hearing the yellow inkling out. Her brow furrowed slightly at his last comment. He was getting rather defensive wasn't he?
And that last bit didn't help either.. insult to injury..

Sushi sat in silence as she listened to Tad explain himself. Ciara was... badass?! Heck no she wasn't, she was a cruel squid  who liked to hurt others for her own amusement! The fact that Tad doesn't even know why they're friends boggled her mind. All she wanted to do was to hug that sweet child. Yep, she was going to do so. Without hesitation, Sushi got up from her spot and then tackled Tad with a giant hug.
"Don't call yourself an idiot ever again, you hear me Tad?" Sushi whispered, hugging the yellowy-orange tightly. "You are an artist, a beautiful artist that can rock blue lipstick."

Tads eyes widened as sushi came towards him- SHOCK SPREAD ACROSS HIS FACE AS SHE TACKLED HIM. "SUSHI! COD ITS NOT LIKE I JUST TOLD YOU SOME BIG, DEAL." he laughed, "you fell for it- I'm just fishing for compliments." He shifted nervously, AWKWARDLY returning the hug , and then looking over at Torch, he asked "I hate to go full circle but - torch, truth or dare?"

Despite her own haunting thoughts, seeing Sushi give the guy a hug like that warmed her up a bit.
only a bit. "W-wha? uh.." Torch was caught by surprise. She didn't think she'd have to go again ...just what is he planning.. but it's best to play a little safer for now.. "I'll um.. truth."

"What are you most afraid of, right now?" Tad asked, squinting curiously towards the orange inkling.

Torch blinked. She wasn't expecting that. "um."
she looked down, which only further covered her nose and mouth with the pillow. What was she most afraid of? Would anyone know that unless they were right in front of their fear?
Her eyes darted. She was feeling afraid earlier, causing her to be more quiet than usual, and to feel this awkwardness, it just drew back to-
She shook her head, blinking back to the present. Having her simple answer she picked her head up from the pillow to rest her chin on it, looking at Tad right in the eye and tried her best to keep a calm expression. "I'm afraid to lose a friend."

Tad looked at the ground, then back up at Torch, then furrowed his brow a bit and shook his head, "Why? didn't they do something stupid to you?" he asked,

She held her gaze for another moment before blinking and moving it back down to the ground, speaking evenly and quietly, "They might have not let me explain things.. or maybe.. saw me as overbearing in trying to fix things or.." she shook her head, catching herself beginning to ramble, "the thing is I did something to upset them... and.." Torch sqeezed the pillow a bit, "I just don't want that to happen again.."

When the last words she spoke hit him, his eyes dropped to the floor.  "Maybe they'll be willing to talk about it later, I wouldn't give up on them just yet, I doubt they'd give up on you." he looked up with a lopsided smile, and glanced towards Sushi and Val to see what they were thinking.  "Right? think of them like a spider- more scared of you then you are of it." he snickered.

Valerie...  really listened closely to what Tad said and it felt like it hurt a bit... She thought of Ciara as a friend before but... Something seemed to happen to her and now she's just...different... What hurt a bit more was when he said "not like you guys really know her, not that you know anyone" as... ... He's right... How much do I actually know about people, let alone even everyone here... She kept on continuing that line of thought in her mind, making her kind of zoning out of it, not paying much attention to what was happening now until she decided to stop thinking about it. Dear cod, she was scaring herself with all that... Wait... What was happening now? Tad and Torch seem to be talking to each other... Did something happened while she didn't pay attention oh no... Valerie just kept watching them, not speaking to kind of let them continue talking to let her somehow know what's happening or something...

Torch looked up. Talk about it later? He was really willing to? It brought a bit of new hope in her, bringing a small smile on her face. Maybe it won't happen again after all.
And the little analogy made her chuckle, "eheheh.. thanks."

A lull in the conversation, everyone seemed to be thinking about something else- or were they? did they know what he was thinking?  Tad's face dropped for a moment and he stared at a spot on the cieling as he thought- quickly, about the current situation.  Initially, he had thought Torch was talking about Sleak, or someone else even, and he was honestly trying to poke fun since the only reason to lose a friend is if they did something stupid that someone couldn't forgive, couldn't forget, something that perhaps, they wouldn't want to associate with in a social setting.  then he was pretty sure it was about him, but now, thinking about it, he wasn't positive if it was anything, because it just didn't make sense.  He looked down quickly, torch seemed alright, he grinned wide in return of her small smile.  had she really thought she'd done something? perhaps- not done anything, not understood what he meant, but he had no idea that she would even feel bad about what had happened. why should she? she doesn't know him- he doesn't know her.  He didn't really feel bad- just embaressed.  this didn't make sense anymore.  "You are talking about me, right?" he asked suddenly, his heart racing. WHY WOULD SHE CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THIS!! DID SHE CARE? WAS IT ABOUT LOSING A FRIEND OR DID SHE WANT TO BE RIGHT? suddenly everyone else in the room felt far away, and he didn't care if they knew.  way to be subtle

"u-um.." She was wide eyed, not so much by the fact that he understood but that he'd bring it out in front of everyone right here, right now. "I uh.." She looks away, her cheeks growing warm from this bit of embarrassment, no doubt the others were looking, giving attention. no no no.. she didn't want this right now.. but she couldn't speak, what if she said something wrong?

"... Are you okay, Torch?" Valerie asked softly, hugging a pillow now.

Sushi let go of Tad and listened to Torch. Oh my goodness, everyone here needed a hug. Sushi started to tear off, looking like some anime girl in from a comedy anime now. She then stretched out her arms.
"ALL OF YOU NEED HUGS! COME HERE PLEASE!!!" She cried out.

Tad looked up at Sushi, tilted his head, and glanced towards Val and Torch with a laugh, the tension could be cut with a knife.  But, maybe she was right? he was willing to try- anything, at this point, to clear the air. he jumped up and threw his arms around her neck, "GROUP HUG!" he yelled

Hearing Sushi snapped her out of it. Looking up at her for a moment, she wore a small calm smile again and joined the group hug. thank goodness someone broke this tension..

Valerie blinked a few times. Suddenly there is a group hug. ... Alright then. Hugging was nice to do anyways, so with a small smile, she let go of the pillow and went over to them for the hug.

Tad made sure to try and wrap his arms around everyone- this felt weird, but he smiled through it, how on earth, could squids care about each other so much before they even knew who the other squid was.  He didn't understand, maybe he wasn't supposed to, but didn't there have to be some sort of agenda? he saved the thoughts- putting them on hold, as he let go of the group with a laugh, and stumbled back to his seat "Who wants to go next? anybody?" he pulled up a bowl of chips, and shoved a handful in his mouth.

Upon the group hug ending, Victoria plopped back in her seat, returning to hug the pillow. "uh.. m-maybe we should do something else, yeah? I mean everyone has gone once already ^^'"

"Theres nothing you want to know about anyone?" Tad asked, trying to lock eye contact with her with a slow tilt of his head.  "Well- ya, I guess that makes sense," he agreed after a second, "you should fire up DDR, sushi.  See if Torch can beat Val, or if any of you can beat my sick dance moves." he boasted, lowering his eyelids and sticking his nose in the air.

It's better to get to know someone by hanging out with them.. not by forcing it out of them.
It's what she wanted to say, but she felt enough tension for one night. What was that? DDR?? Torch hopped up on her feet, clutching the pillow and has a determined look in her eyes, "Oh you guys don't know about my moves!"

Sushi nodded and then skipped over to the TV. With an elegant twirl, she turned the TV on and the game was already loaded on there. Her grin seemed to widen as the competition between the other squids started to brew. This was going to be amazing to watch.

Valerie giggled a bit, standing up now though going near the wall for the moment. "I honestly haven't played for a long while... For the first few tries, sorry if I seem rusty eheheh." She said.

Torch waved her hand dissmissively, wearing a smile that said 'don't worry!'
"oh me either, I just uh, love hip hop eheh.."

Tad rolled onto the floor, laying on his stomach, he put his hands under his chin and watched the other inklings.  "YOU GOT THIS, DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!" he called at them. "Sushi why don't you finish my makeover, I think im an adult now I can handle it."

Valerie looked over at Tad with a bit of surprise. He was actually asking to finish the makeover! Wow, didn't think that would happen.

Torch chuckled lightly behind her hand. Well, he's a big squid now!
And she tapped Val's shoulder lightly to grab her attention, "let's dust off our rust together~"

Valerie perked up and smiled at Torch. "Sure, sure!" She giggled, going over to the tv. "Hmmm... Which song... Which one..." She eyed some options, sounding a bit familiar to her, but also wanting to let Torch choose.

Victoria was looking at the songs as Val scrolled through, just leaning over her knees as runners would do when they wanted to catch their breath. "hrm... how.. how about that one?" She pointed at the corner of the screen, it had a pretty butterfly thumbnail on it.. of course it was the song Butterfly.

Valerie smiled. This was a song she remembered more than the others! Nice. "Oh, sure! Let's do Butterfly~" She said happily, selecting the song and getting ready to step on the arrows.

Tad watched the two set up for their dance off, "I am your little butterfly, blah blah blah are the colours in so and sooooO." he muttered as they chose the song.  "This is a hard bet Sushi, Who's your money on? I'll bet against whoever you choose. Ten dollars." He challenged,

Sushi watched the with interest.
"You're on. I bet $20 and a blue cupcake for Torch to win." Sushi replied. She loved gambling, since she was really good at it. Back in her home city, she used to sneak into the Durby and gamble money. Her grandmother never approved, but she got rich off of it. She also knew how to count cards.

"Twenty? well I'm going to call that, and add a.... handful of chips for Val to win." Tad nodded, "YOU GOT THIS, VAL!" he raised his voice, glancing over at Sushi "Hope you're not nervous." he grinned wide.

Valerie seemed to giggle a bit. Hahah, thanks Tad She thought as she did her best to follow the arrows. There was a few mistakes at first, and of course she might have missed a few when Tad suddenly cheered for her, but over all she seemed to do alright. Not the "greatest" one could do, but she did okay!

Sushi grinned mischievously at Tad.
"Oh, I'm not nervous." She muttered.
"C'MON TORCH! YOU GOT THIS!!!!" Sushi cheered, waving her arms in the air like she was holding a pair of Pom-Poms. "KEEP YOUR FEET WITH THE BEAT!"

Torch was usually pretty competitive... but it's Val!! She couldn't be so competitive with this sweet innocent lil squiddie..
So Torch wasn't trying her absolute-going-for-the-win best, but she was having fun going with the beats easily. Very much reminded of the dance offs she did at the plaza back home.
And hearing Sushi cheer on just made her giggle.

"TORCH YOU'RE GOING DOWN, VAL IS NIMBLE!! LIKE A BUNNY! OR A RAPTOR!" Tad called, continuing to lay on his stomach "I CAN'T WATCH-" he planted his face into the floor. "Tell me IF YOU'RE WINNING VAL!!" he yelled

"Calm down Tad." Sushi said, bouncing up and down. "GO TORCH GO! FEEL THE POWER OF THE TIGER WITHIN YOU!!!!" She cheered.

What? She?? Going down?? oh no no no, that's not gonna happen! Torch looked more determinedly at the screen, seeing the arrows go, and having her feet move rhythmically too. Np she wasn't gonna try to crush Val, but she needed to take that challenge now.

With some of the repeated patterns as the song has repeating lyrics or melodies, Valerie's body was getting used to the "dance" and was doing better now, but looking over to Torch's side- wow...! Valerie grinned... And did her best to focus on doing as good or maybe even better than how Torch was doing now.

Tad raised his head and looked at Sushi, "ME CALM DOWN? YOU CALM DOWN! GO VAL, DO IT FOR YOUR DAUGHTER!!!" He cheers towards her.

Sushi giggled and rolled her eyes.
"LETS GO TORCH! SHOW THIS GIRL WHO THE TRUE DANCING QUEEN IS!" Sushi cheered, throwing her fist into the air. Excitement bubbled inside of her, she loved the rush this competition gave her. Why did she ever stop gambling in the first place?

WHAT AN INTENSE MATCH, TAD WAS SO ENGROSSED AND WAS ALMOST INTIMIDATED BY SUSHI'S YELLING!!!!! AND HE HELD HIS BREATH AS HE WATCHED, until suddenly all the pent up energy came bursting out in an aggressive "FUCK HER UP VALLLLLL!"

Whoa geez, things were getting a little too heated up. 'Course that didn't stop Toch from trying her best, she had let some steps slip in the beginning, more focuaed on the music and fun rather than the competition. But as mentioned, the um cheering was getting her more competitive. So despite the high difficulty setting she had on, she moved her feet faster to the rythm, matching the arrows. Still keeping a smile on her face though, this wasn't anything like a.. turfwar, let's say.
 don't take it too hard she kept thinking to herself, don't. take it too hard...

an the winner is.....