❤ ⋆*.~A Recipe For Romance ~.*⋆ ❤ 【Aloha x Army】「COROIKA」

Party planning

Army was finally no longer restricted, it felt amazing to be able to outstretch his fingers and move his feet freely. He felt so airy and free for the first time in forever. In celebration Aloha decided to throw one of his signature massive house parties at his beach house. Despite Army's immense distaste for them, he felt it'd be rude to turn down the kind gesture. Though in a way he still felt honored that Aloha would go through the time, effort and budget to set up something so big for him. His mind was twisted with his decision to show up in casual gear or to dress up for the occasion, he wasn't sure on what others had in mind outfit-wise. After some careful thinking, the orange squid came to the decision to arrive casually. Afterall, it would be weird for him to appear all spruced up. 

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"Should I put up streamers? Would he like that?" questioned a bothered Aloha. It had been 2 hours since they had began setting up the beach house, desperate to have it looking its very best for the orange cephalopod. Aloha was set on impressing Army, it was his comeback for all the times they have fought in the past. "I don't know dude, you know him better than I do" Diver called back. Aloha sat there with a somewhat perplexed facial expression, a somewhat annoyed crease forming between his slick fuscia tinted brows; as his fingers twirled between the fragile tissue streamers. The inkling did not realise how hard this would be, Army was very reserved and didn't care for loud popping colours and flashy mirror balls. Aloha was determined to impress him though, no matter what challenge he must face. Though for now, it was back to the planning board for him.

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Army decided he was feeling generous. He began on making surprise baked goods, despite Aloha telling him not to and to take it easy. He felt like Aloha deserved something for being so supportive through these hard times. He settled on a basic sponge cake, it's better to go simple than put so much effort into something only he liked. It had been a while since he had done anything to do with baking. It was surprisingly different compared to cooking, most people just mistake it for the same hobby. Army was just focused on trying to not overwhisk it, after checking it was thick enough; he placed it in the already preheated oven. Upon drapping the oven mitten over the oven's door handle, he then checked the kitchen clock.

"... 5 hours....."

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Aloha had just finished up decorating, he went for a simpler theme and used gentle fairy lights instead of bright flashy streamers. He was onto the snacks and beverages, he tried his best to even it out so every bowl had enough. After balancing a tower of golden coloured paper cups, everything was perfectly ready for the night with half an hour to spare. Aloha flopped down on a near-by chair; completely defeated and out of breath. All he had to do now, was wait for guests to show up. The pink squid felt proud of himself.

"This is all going to pay off, Aloha."

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Army had just left his home, he left early as he thought the baked good would slow him down. He kept eagerly checking the address details to confirm that he wasn't about to show up at a stranger's doorstep. The sun had just began setting over the horizon, it's glow reminded him of Aloha. That one evening, that face, that expression....

Army couldn't explain it, but all he knew was that he felt drawn towards the party animal.

..That idiot,

Why'd he have to get to his heart like this, it doesn't make sense.

He felt like he was falling into his own dream-like fantasy.

It all didn't feel real, it just happened so.... fast....?

Army felt his eyes wander to the passing houses, like a distraction from the weight on his arms and his slowed walking. The orange inkling just wanted to be there already. The silence was killing him, made him feel somewhat uneasy. He didn't like being alone with his thoughts, especially since he had alot of that over the past few weeks. Luckily, knowing the type of parties Aloha had, it was going to be very loud. The type that leaves you with a throbbing headache the next morning. His ears picked up the subtle music booming in the distance; it was no mistake that it was coming from the beachhouse owned by the Pink Team.

"Deep breaths. This is it, Army."

Army was left waiting at the door for a few seconds, it was obviously very busy. Aloha answered the door, obviously in a hurry. Was it really that packed? Aloha seemed eager to greet him, his face glowing from both how humid it was and from the sight of the orange Inkling.

"Army! Man am I glad to see your face, let me escort you inside~!" Aloha chirped, grabbing ahold of Army's small wrist and yanking him inside. The place was mobbed. Inklings, Octolings and other marine life bustling around the home. Army kept an eye on the delicate baked good, praying it wouldn't make any sudden contact with any guests. It was obvious Aloha had noticed it as he had led them both into the kitchen. The room had been dimly lit with small fake candles; which were held up in an old European-style candle holder. It was somewhat similar to one he owned, he admired Aloha's attention to detail. Army passed along the cake to Aloha and he moved it to the mini fridge. "You've done a wonderful job, Aloha. I really like it." Army complimented. "Awww thank you Army! But really, you should thank my team for helping out. I would've never gotten this place done on my own." Aloha felt his cheeks burn as he rubbed the back of his neck. The orange inkling's gaze stay locked on some brightly coloured drinks, it caught him by surprise.

"This isn't.... is it?" Army's suspision was confirmed when he inspected the bottles. It had been alcohol drinks. The cephalopod felt his eyebrows furrow as he turned to his friend. "Aloha, what the hell? We can't have alcohol here! We're not of age, what if the police find out?" he hollered in panic. "Hey! Hey! Relax Army! It's just a little booze, everybody will be perfectly fine!" Aloha reassured, his attempts instantly failing. "How do I know that you won't just get wasted like everyone else here? I know what you're like, Aloha." Army accused. "Look, I promise I won't have a single sip of liquor. I'll make sure to keep an eye on everyone." Aloha held up his pinky finger to show he meant it, but Army was not convinced.

"....You swear on it?"

"I swear."

Despite Army obviously being wary of the inkling, it was the best they could do. Aloha watched off towards the dance floor, located outside the building. It was clear he wanted to go and participate in the loud gambolling. "Go ahead" Army mumbled, catching Aloha's attention. "Ah, sure! Though I think I'm forgetting something..." Aloha made a goofy looking action; his hands motioned over his eyes. Army was taken aback when Aloha slid his hand onto his shoulders. "Whaddya say Curry Boy? Care to join me on the dance floor?" Army hesitated, he was never the type to publically put himself on show. It was just not the way he had been raised. Army looked up at Aloha, trying his very best to look confident despite the red colouring that brushed across his cheeks. "Fine, just this once though. I'm not doing anything solo either." The pink inkling's face shifted into a soft smile before walking towards the sliding glass door that lead to the back porch.

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"Who know's, it might be fun. You can never fully bash something until you try it yourself."