The Pageant - Part Six
WHO: Orihime Inoue, Jiraiya, Winry Rockbell, Kon, Haruhi Suzumiya, Antonio de Orduno, Roy Fokker, Kyon, Ling Yao, Gwendolyn, Forte Stollen, Excellen Browning, Ferham, Itsuki Koizumi, Han Su Li
WHERE: Universal Colisseum, Rome
WHEN: Saturday, July 21st 2007
WHAT: The Thrilling Conclusion!
There's a hearty round of applause as Excellent departs, along with several whistles from her fans in the audience who are definitely enjoying the sight of her in an evening gown. "A-a-and now..."
....wait, that's not Orihime.
Mikuru Asahina, dressed up much like Orihime was except she also has a toga tied across her chest because she needs the extra support, strides onto stage, looking a little like a terrified rabbit.
"Annnnnd n-n-now for the final event!" In the curtains where she just got shoved out of, Haruhi lurks, smiling a little diabolically. "Th-th-th-the Ladies' Swimsuit Competition!"
Most of the audience showed up specifically to check out their favorite girls in swimwear, and praying...oh so hard...for bikinis and high heels. Haruhi knows this. That's why she got Mikuru to replace Orihime, because Mikuru is a walking, talking wall of Moe. VOTE FOR THE SOS BRIGADE, JUDGES - THEY BRING YOU CUTIES.
Antonio de Orduno shakes his head at Kyon. SWIMSUITS! He writes down his score for Excellen.
Jiraiya grins at Kyon. "It's only just begun, and NOW the best part of the WHOLE pagent begins!"
Insert jaw-drop here. Kyon lifted his head immediately at THAT VOICE. "What's Asahina-san doing there..!?" he hisses to no one in particular.
Oh, my poor darling Asahina-san, although I must say you must be thankful- well, both of us- that you haven't been forced to enter in this event! Be strong, Asahina-san!
A flat look is given toward Jiraiya. "....ah." Why does he not sound very enthusiastic? Maybe it's the company.
For the swimwear part of the contest, Ferham strides onto the stage, dressed in a red two-piece bikini, the top is a strapless jobby, wrapping around her considerable bust (not as considerable as Forte's, of course!) and synched up the back with a clip. The bottom part is high cut, but not exactly thong--and shows off her titanic junk in the trunk--which any man or woman can notice way before she even turns around. Ahem. The synthetic woman did a bit of a walk up and down the stage, her supple body bare save for the swim suit, of course, her bare feet padded along the stage and she did a slight turn--winking side ways, then bowed, walking off the stage to make way for the rest of the girls.
Kon merely heart-eyes silently at the sight of the show's new host. Of course, Orihime is someone he always enjoys seeing, but this one? She's NEW! Soon, he manages to look at the stage again. Finally! The very best part! The REASON FOR HIS CONTINUED EXISTENCE! YEEEEES!... Ahem.
Jiraiya stares as the first contestant wanders on-stage, drooling. He doesn't even look at the clipboard, so the score he gives might be difficult to tell. And it might not even be in the box.
Aaaaaaand it's Forte's turn! She finally ditched the monocle, as it really didn't fit with the theme of her outfit. She comes out barefoot, and just about bare everything else it seems. A light purple bikini that's not too small nor too big, a lavender towel tied about her waist, and a big pink lilac in her hair. It's Tropical Girl Forte, coming soon from Bancoli Toys(tm)!
But that's not all, as there's a performance score too, right? She slinks her way right to the stage edge. Then comes the charming and confident smile and a perfect twirl about so that she can radiate those <3s all over the coliseum. One last turn, then strut right off to make sure everyone knows she means business. There! Forte of Tahiti is all done! Mmm, she even feels like going for some papaya or pineapple right now~
Kyon leans against the table, moving his hand to stop his phone from toppling over the edge before taking up his pencil again to begin score-marking for this final round of the competition. He can only wonder and fear what Haruhi might have in store for this.
And now, the part that Gwendolyn truly fears, the most dangerous part of the competition in which she has the least experience...at least does not seem to involve swimming, to her great relief!
She steps onto the stage with a quiet blush on her face, her hair again pinned up behind her head in a bun and French braid. Having taken the advice of a certain plush lion, she wears a jet black, one-piece swimsuit, fairly simple in design. A blue ribbon trim lines the bustline, with a small blue ribbon bow right in the center. Her wings are notably visible again, folded at her hips and curving behind her, though she spreads them slightly as she takes her bow. Seems the swimsuit has been cut to allow for the wings, at least. She is, for some reason, holding a volleyball.
Gwendolyn takes a deep breath, as her turn to pose arrives. This is something she has rehearsed in the mirror, modeled after one of those 'magazines' with a picture of a powerful, swimsuit-clad woman. Here is a pose that will express the power of the valkyrie, win prestige for her nation, honor her people! Perhaps even her father would pay attention! With all of this anticipation upon her shoulders, the princess raises the volleyball, as if about to serve.
Her expression is one of utterly fearsome intensity. "Haaa...!" She leaps up, and /smacks/ the volleyball with all of her strength, as it flies in an elegant arc high in the air. Where will it land? WHERE WILL IT LAND? It's hard to say, as for the brief second, the volleyball has vanished from sight.
Somehow, a lens flares behind Gwendolyn, who stands with her arms crossed.And then she turns to exit the stage.
Ah, the swimsuit competition... This is the event Winry was most uncertain about. There were no butterflies in her stomach, but really, looking at the others... Winry wasn't sexy or cute, and as a girl of only sixteen years of age, she really didn't think she could stand up to any of the curvier contestants. Especially that military woman, goodness!
But it's part of the show, Winry supposes, and all she has to do is walk out there, let them look, and walk back. That's not too difficult, is it?
Since high heels and swimsuits seemed like a silly idea, Winry opted for sandals with a raised heel instead. Looked more natural. She steps onto the catwalk in a modest green swimsuit with a french cut over the hips, and thin straps criss-crossing over a bare back. Her ponytail is bound up high on her head once more, swinging cheerfully as she moves forward...restraining herself from rushing...with a smile on her face. A pair of sunglasses is pushed past her bangs, her arms swinging loosely at her sides. What's that silver gleam in her hands, though...?
It's a wrench.
WHO BRINGS A WRENCH TO A BATHING SUIT COMPETITION?!
Winry, that's who. But only because she needed *something* to lob at potential perverts who might issue catcalls and rude remarks. She couldn't very well hide it in a spandex bathing suit, could she? No, that would look gross. Hopefully they'll just think it's part of the whole mechanic theme she's got going for her. She pauses at the end of her run, turning 90 degrees to face the audience, then about face to the other side, and one more to face forward again. With her empty hand on her hip, she strikes a modest pose with one knee slightly bent, head tilted coquettishly as she winks.
Then, having finished, she turns to exit...again struggling not to hurry since she's not really accustomed to having eyes trained on her pert backside.
Kon is in HEAVEN! YES! Kon can't help but get back up on his booth once again, waving his scoresheet around, and, as Winry passes, wolf-whist--
SMACK!!
He is knocked over right back into his chair. The ball flies off into the audience...
Once more, Haruhi is called forth, and once more, she is wearing something that only someone with a chronic shame deficiency could ever wear and survive.
Specifically, she is wearing a bright orange bikini, which is juuust a little too small, and flip-flops. The bikini has the SOS Brigade logo on the left breast, right over the heart. Haruhi has planted a fairly huge flower in her hair, and also is sporting a nice pair of sunglasses, and her huge, pretty smile.
She walks down the catwalk, sashaying saucily as she goes, and does a 'bang bang!' motion towards Kon as she reaches the end - before spinning her heels, and simply sashaying right back out.
Luckily, Kon is not knocked out, of course. Nothing short of death will stop him from ogling girls in swimsuits! For... great... justice... He crawls back up just in time to see Haruhi shooting at him. AAAAH!!
Kyon releases a breath he hasn't realized he had been holding. Phew. He scrawls something down on the piece of paper. Almost done here!
Meanwhile
Han Su Li was minding his own buisness. You know, seating in the mighty Roman Imperial market, restraining himself from beating the utter crap out some loud merchant selling some useless yellow glass beads. Right afterwards, he had some minor(read -- brutal) arguments with some slave owners and...
Well, long story short, he had to set up shop elsewhere before he had the whole police against him.
Which brings us to...here. The Li Mobile Ramen Cart, somewhere in the audience, with the young Han Su Li seated behind. He has JUST set up shop and about to comfortably sits back behind the cart until...
*TWOCK!*
"OOOOOW! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?" Screams the disgrunted youth on his back from the brutal volley ball ricocheted against his forhead, dropping a few feets away from the young martial artist.
Antonio is polite about his examination of the women - he does not overtly ogle, but maintains a respectful look and gives each the time they deserve. He smiles throughout - this is /enjoyable/. Extremely so. But you have to be /polite/.
Plus, they're all unique! It's great!
It's the round YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. And far be it for Excellen to disappoint the pageant's adoring public.
No sooner has Haruhi stepped off the stage (and been greeted with a hi-five in passing) than the Black Sheep Squadron's Flirtini makes her way out onto the stage and into the spotlight. ...Uh. Wow. Apparently it IS possible for bikinis to come in EXTREMELY SKIMPY OHDEARGOD where did they put the fabric for that thing..?!
..Ahem. Right. Yes.
'Skimpy'. Skimpy is a /very/ good word for the red-and-black leopard spotted bathing suit that Excellen is.. ..well, 'wearing' isn't quite the right word -either-. Strung together as it is, the bikini covers what it has to while leaving little of a very fit female form to the imagination. The entire look is assisted most ably by the pair of strappy black stilettos, which serve to make very long legs look even longer.
All told...it's pretty durn sexy. Very sexy. One hand resting on her hip, the other remains by Excellen's side as she sways up the stage and strikes a pose. There's a momentary pause before she turns about to saunter back from whence she came, and the blonde blows a kiss (and an accompanying heartbubble) to the audience. Yes, she's just going her little turn on the catwalk and clearly loving /every minute of it/, if the grin is any indication. Shameless. Absolutely shameless.
..Just where the hell did Sanger originally find this girl anyway...?!
(Don't you wish you'd wingmates who were hot like this, Shin?)
Kon explodes.
No, SERIOUSLY, this time.
Commander Fokker returns from the battle of the Macross just in time. Landing the Veritech, Roy climbs down the side of the aircraft, and spots Excellen. The commander /gapes/, dropping his petite cola. "Holy hell, Sexcellen." he says, getting a total what the hell face, before he shakes his head.
Screw the giant monster angst.
"................" Kyon doesn't even bother to retrieve his phone as it goes vibrating its way off the edge, not long after Excellen's entrance.
Forget being respectful. Jiraiya is down-right ogling the women. Especially when Excellen wanders out. <3_<3 They're going to need to clean drool off the table later.
Kyon is glad he's not sitting next to Jiraiya. :3
And while Mikuru runs away, we quickly see why -- because Haruhi comes back on, proudly still wearing that bathing suit, glasses tilted down over her head, and walks onto one of the raised platforms, striking a sexy, dramatic pose!
It may or may not be mirrored by Excellen on the other side of the stage.
Know fear, Kyon. Haruhi has found a friend.
Kon returns the wink, clearly in a very good mood! It is always a good thing to know a ninja with common interests. He steps onto the stage, a tinier spotlight than the rest following him, bows to the audience as if they were all cheering for him, then runs up to the box and deposits his own vote. The dies has been cast! Will the true worthy Ms. Universe be crowned?! And will the least loserlike of the Mr. Universe candidates be paired with her?! Oh, he can't wait to know that! He dashes backstage, hopefully being the first to get his hand on the evening broadcast's DVD recording.
Kyon watches Mikuru hurriedly depart from the stage before he stands up and stretches out. He stops in mid-stretch as Haruhi returns to the stage, groaning inwardly. And if Excellen is teaming up with the girl... Poor Kyon feels very, very worn out all of a sudden. He tears his attention away from the stage and glances at the other judges, granting a nod and a tired smile to anyone who looks his way before he stoops down to look for his phone under the table. And likely stays there longer than might actually be necessary.
The only glasses Forte bothered with are wine glasses, and there's a full one in one hand as she takes her assigned podium. Hey, its been a long night, and from everything she's heard on the radio in between routines, there are going to be a lot more long nights ahead. Besides, its just grape juice, or so the hastily written label on the bottle says...
Antonio grins wryly at Kon and Jiraiya - vulgar, but appealing to the base nature. However, his grin vanishes with Mikuru, and he sighs. "Poor girl, that..." He stands, bowing to the audience, his fellow judges, and then heading backstage. He's enjoyed this, and now to see who won...
Roy arrives - fresh from battle. The Commander, still in his flight suit, a tear through his left arm where he took some shrapnel from Thompson's missile barrage takes only a moment to remove his flight helmet, grab a glass of wine, and head towards the assigned podium. "Missed you up there, Forte." he says, settling his flight helmet under his good arm."
"They picked a fine time to pick a fight," the redhead nods back sadly. "If that picture's right, though... I think this might be the last time for a while that I'll be leaving the Happy Trigger back at base."
Antonio de Orduno returns from backstage with his sword again, and heads to the podium. Like Forte, he has a drink. Unlike Forte, it's water - he's saving the wine for celebrating whoever won. Even if it's not him. He is, however, grinning like a cat - confidence? Yeeeep.
This is the hardest part of all...the wait. Even if Orihime wasn't competing, she can't deny that she's nervous and excited all at once.
She's back on stage, because Mikuru is back stage being too moe to be viewed directly by human eyes.
She has no idea who came out on top, but she's certainly looking forward to finding out! At last the tension is broken as a well-dressed man with jaw-length purple hair, brandishing colorful feathers on his right eyebrow and lashes, steps out onto the stage. He smiles confidently, brushing his fingers through his silky locks, and hands Orihime the envelope. "Oh thank you," she breathes, slumping with a sigh of relief. Now her curiosity won't kill her!
Slipping her thumb beneath the envelope's flap, she removes the slip of parchment within and begins to read.
"In third place...Kyon!"
In the background, Haruhi Suzumiya's eyes go ._. and she seems to stop breathing.
"Wha- ow!" There's a thud from under the table as Kyon clonks his head on it as he tries getting up. Wincing, he rubs it as he clambers to his feet and looks around.
Wait, what's going on now? Did I hear right?
"In second place... Antonio de Orduno!"
"And finally, in first place, and crowned Mr. Universe of 2007... Vash the Stampede!!!" A pair of pretty blondes enter from either side of the stage to take Vash by the arms, escorting him to the dais where a ribbon is pinned from shoulder to hip, a king's crown situated atop his hair...yes, the crown flattens it rather firmly...and a kiss firmly planted on each cheek. The audience erupts into applause as they welcome the newly-crowned winner. And yes...oh yes...phone numbers are waved vigorously, and one particularly clever gal inventively folds her contact information into a paper airplane and wings it towards him. Lahv! And the REALLY ingenious girls throw donuts.
Antonio bows - for himself. He's unsurprised, after all, at winning - and starts clapping - not for himself, but for Vash! After all, Vash won. But being second - well, that's worth it, ain't it? He's quite proud. However...
Well, either way.
And now for the FINAL envelope, delivered courtesy of a tall and gorgeous, well-endowed strawberry blonde. She also happens to occasionally be Orihime's roommate. Orihime beams happily as the envelope is passed to her, uttering something off-mic which earns a giggle from the lady. They both bow to each other, before Orihime returns to the podium. "And now for the winners! In third place..."
"Forte Stollen!"
Third? Forte perks up at her name, then realizes that no they're not announcing first place first. "Ah well," she sighs and tosses a grin and a small salute to the crowd. Hopefully there's prize money in third place!
"And in second place..."
"Haruhi Suzumiya!!"
On stage, Haruhi's balance slips a little, and then she starts HOPPING UP AND DOWN LIKE A FOOL. "Yes! SOS BRIGADE FOREVER!!"
Then she does the peace sign.
"......" Should I be happy or hope for a swift end?
Kyon blinks then at the shouting and looks over at Haruhi. He grins a bit.
"And noooow," Orihime announces dramatically, as the drumroll begins. "In first place, and crowned Ms. Universe of 2007... "
"EXCELLEN BROWNING!!!"
There's a roar of approval from the audience, several clambering to their feet to deliver a round of furious standing applause. Is it really any wonder why she was chosen? Great personality, great body, great face... Thank the stars that there aren't any men crazy enough to vault into the arena and run straight towards her with open arms and proclamations of drunken fidelity.
Confetti rains from the heavens, no doubt provided by royal slaves, or confetti blowers, or royal slaves operating confetti blowers.
Kon applauds the winners, wiping a tear from his eye! "This is the happiest day of my life!" Exactly why, he's not entirely sure. He certainly hopes everyone will be proud of his unbiased and worthy job as a judge, and that this DVD is coming out soon, because sheesh.
Forte joins in the applause, though she does have an eyebrow raised. "She was good. Maybe a little too good. Does she do this sort of stuff when she's not flying?"
WHERE: Universal Colisseum, Rome
WHEN: Saturday, July 21st 2007
WHAT: The Thrilling Conclusion!
There's a hearty round of applause as Excellent departs, along with several whistles from her fans in the audience who are definitely enjoying the sight of her in an evening gown. "A-a-and now..."
....wait, that's not Orihime.
Mikuru Asahina, dressed up much like Orihime was except she also has a toga tied across her chest because she needs the extra support, strides onto stage, looking a little like a terrified rabbit.
"Annnnnd n-n-now for the final event!" In the curtains where she just got shoved out of, Haruhi lurks, smiling a little diabolically. "Th-th-th-the Ladies' Swimsuit Competition!"
Most of the audience showed up specifically to check out their favorite girls in swimwear, and praying...oh so hard...for bikinis and high heels. Haruhi knows this. That's why she got Mikuru to replace Orihime, because Mikuru is a walking, talking wall of Moe. VOTE FOR THE SOS BRIGADE, JUDGES - THEY BRING YOU CUTIES.
Antonio de Orduno shakes his head at Kyon. SWIMSUITS! He writes down his score for Excellen.
Jiraiya grins at Kyon. "It's only just begun, and NOW the best part of the WHOLE pagent begins!"
Insert jaw-drop here. Kyon lifted his head immediately at THAT VOICE. "What's Asahina-san doing there..!?" he hisses to no one in particular.
Oh, my poor darling Asahina-san, although I must say you must be thankful- well, both of us- that you haven't been forced to enter in this event! Be strong, Asahina-san!
A flat look is given toward Jiraiya. "....ah." Why does he not sound very enthusiastic? Maybe it's the company.
For the swimwear part of the contest, Ferham strides onto the stage, dressed in a red two-piece bikini, the top is a strapless jobby, wrapping around her considerable bust (not as considerable as Forte's, of course!) and synched up the back with a clip. The bottom part is high cut, but not exactly thong--and shows off her titanic junk in the trunk--which any man or woman can notice way before she even turns around. Ahem. The synthetic woman did a bit of a walk up and down the stage, her supple body bare save for the swim suit, of course, her bare feet padded along the stage and she did a slight turn--winking side ways, then bowed, walking off the stage to make way for the rest of the girls.
Kon merely heart-eyes silently at the sight of the show's new host. Of course, Orihime is someone he always enjoys seeing, but this one? She's NEW! Soon, he manages to look at the stage again. Finally! The very best part! The REASON FOR HIS CONTINUED EXISTENCE! YEEEEES!... Ahem.
Jiraiya stares as the first contestant wanders on-stage, drooling. He doesn't even look at the clipboard, so the score he gives might be difficult to tell. And it might not even be in the box.
Aaaaaaand it's Forte's turn! She finally ditched the monocle, as it really didn't fit with the theme of her outfit. She comes out barefoot, and just about bare everything else it seems. A light purple bikini that's not too small nor too big, a lavender towel tied about her waist, and a big pink lilac in her hair. It's Tropical Girl Forte, coming soon from Bancoli Toys(tm)!
But that's not all, as there's a performance score too, right? She slinks her way right to the stage edge. Then comes the charming and confident smile and a perfect twirl about so that she can radiate those <3s all over the coliseum. One last turn, then strut right off to make sure everyone knows she means business. There! Forte of Tahiti is all done! Mmm, she even feels like going for some papaya or pineapple right now~
Kyon leans against the table, moving his hand to stop his phone from toppling over the edge before taking up his pencil again to begin score-marking for this final round of the competition. He can only wonder and fear what Haruhi might have in store for this.
And now, the part that Gwendolyn truly fears, the most dangerous part of the competition in which she has the least experience...at least does not seem to involve swimming, to her great relief!
She steps onto the stage with a quiet blush on her face, her hair again pinned up behind her head in a bun and French braid. Having taken the advice of a certain plush lion, she wears a jet black, one-piece swimsuit, fairly simple in design. A blue ribbon trim lines the bustline, with a small blue ribbon bow right in the center. Her wings are notably visible again, folded at her hips and curving behind her, though she spreads them slightly as she takes her bow. Seems the swimsuit has been cut to allow for the wings, at least. She is, for some reason, holding a volleyball.
Gwendolyn takes a deep breath, as her turn to pose arrives. This is something she has rehearsed in the mirror, modeled after one of those 'magazines' with a picture of a powerful, swimsuit-clad woman. Here is a pose that will express the power of the valkyrie, win prestige for her nation, honor her people! Perhaps even her father would pay attention! With all of this anticipation upon her shoulders, the princess raises the volleyball, as if about to serve.
Her expression is one of utterly fearsome intensity. "Haaa...!" She leaps up, and /smacks/ the volleyball with all of her strength, as it flies in an elegant arc high in the air. Where will it land? WHERE WILL IT LAND? It's hard to say, as for the brief second, the volleyball has vanished from sight.
Somehow, a lens flares behind Gwendolyn, who stands with her arms crossed.And then she turns to exit the stage.
Ah, the swimsuit competition... This is the event Winry was most uncertain about. There were no butterflies in her stomach, but really, looking at the others... Winry wasn't sexy or cute, and as a girl of only sixteen years of age, she really didn't think she could stand up to any of the curvier contestants. Especially that military woman, goodness!
But it's part of the show, Winry supposes, and all she has to do is walk out there, let them look, and walk back. That's not too difficult, is it?
Since high heels and swimsuits seemed like a silly idea, Winry opted for sandals with a raised heel instead. Looked more natural. She steps onto the catwalk in a modest green swimsuit with a french cut over the hips, and thin straps criss-crossing over a bare back. Her ponytail is bound up high on her head once more, swinging cheerfully as she moves forward...restraining herself from rushing...with a smile on her face. A pair of sunglasses is pushed past her bangs, her arms swinging loosely at her sides. What's that silver gleam in her hands, though...?
It's a wrench.
WHO BRINGS A WRENCH TO A BATHING SUIT COMPETITION?!
Winry, that's who. But only because she needed *something* to lob at potential perverts who might issue catcalls and rude remarks. She couldn't very well hide it in a spandex bathing suit, could she? No, that would look gross. Hopefully they'll just think it's part of the whole mechanic theme she's got going for her. She pauses at the end of her run, turning 90 degrees to face the audience, then about face to the other side, and one more to face forward again. With her empty hand on her hip, she strikes a modest pose with one knee slightly bent, head tilted coquettishly as she winks.
Then, having finished, she turns to exit...again struggling not to hurry since she's not really accustomed to having eyes trained on her pert backside.
Kon is in HEAVEN! YES! Kon can't help but get back up on his booth once again, waving his scoresheet around, and, as Winry passes, wolf-whist--
SMACK!!
He is knocked over right back into his chair. The ball flies off into the audience...
Once more, Haruhi is called forth, and once more, she is wearing something that only someone with a chronic shame deficiency could ever wear and survive.
Specifically, she is wearing a bright orange bikini, which is juuust a little too small, and flip-flops. The bikini has the SOS Brigade logo on the left breast, right over the heart. Haruhi has planted a fairly huge flower in her hair, and also is sporting a nice pair of sunglasses, and her huge, pretty smile.
She walks down the catwalk, sashaying saucily as she goes, and does a 'bang bang!' motion towards Kon as she reaches the end - before spinning her heels, and simply sashaying right back out.
Luckily, Kon is not knocked out, of course. Nothing short of death will stop him from ogling girls in swimsuits! For... great... justice... He crawls back up just in time to see Haruhi shooting at him. AAAAH!!
Kyon releases a breath he hasn't realized he had been holding. Phew. He scrawls something down on the piece of paper. Almost done here!
Meanwhile
Han Su Li was minding his own buisness. You know, seating in the mighty Roman Imperial market, restraining himself from beating the utter crap out some loud merchant selling some useless yellow glass beads. Right afterwards, he had some minor(read -- brutal) arguments with some slave owners and...
Well, long story short, he had to set up shop elsewhere before he had the whole police against him.
Which brings us to...here. The Li Mobile Ramen Cart, somewhere in the audience, with the young Han Su Li seated behind. He has JUST set up shop and about to comfortably sits back behind the cart until...
*TWOCK!*
"OOOOOW! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?" Screams the disgrunted youth on his back from the brutal volley ball ricocheted against his forhead, dropping a few feets away from the young martial artist.
Antonio is polite about his examination of the women - he does not overtly ogle, but maintains a respectful look and gives each the time they deserve. He smiles throughout - this is /enjoyable/. Extremely so. But you have to be /polite/.
Plus, they're all unique! It's great!
It's the round YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. And far be it for Excellen to disappoint the pageant's adoring public.
No sooner has Haruhi stepped off the stage (and been greeted with a hi-five in passing) than the Black Sheep Squadron's Flirtini makes her way out onto the stage and into the spotlight. ...Uh. Wow. Apparently it IS possible for bikinis to come in EXTREMELY SKIMPY OHDEARGOD where did they put the fabric for that thing..?!
..Ahem. Right. Yes.
'Skimpy'. Skimpy is a /very/ good word for the red-and-black leopard spotted bathing suit that Excellen is.. ..well, 'wearing' isn't quite the right word -either-. Strung together as it is, the bikini covers what it has to while leaving little of a very fit female form to the imagination. The entire look is assisted most ably by the pair of strappy black stilettos, which serve to make very long legs look even longer.
All told...it's pretty durn sexy. Very sexy. One hand resting on her hip, the other remains by Excellen's side as she sways up the stage and strikes a pose. There's a momentary pause before she turns about to saunter back from whence she came, and the blonde blows a kiss (and an accompanying heartbubble) to the audience. Yes, she's just going her little turn on the catwalk and clearly loving /every minute of it/, if the grin is any indication. Shameless. Absolutely shameless.
..Just where the hell did Sanger originally find this girl anyway...?!
(Don't you wish you'd wingmates who were hot like this, Shin?)
Kon explodes.
No, SERIOUSLY, this time.
Commander Fokker returns from the battle of the Macross just in time. Landing the Veritech, Roy climbs down the side of the aircraft, and spots Excellen. The commander /gapes/, dropping his petite cola. "Holy hell, Sexcellen." he says, getting a total what the hell face, before he shakes his head.
Screw the giant monster angst.
"................" Kyon doesn't even bother to retrieve his phone as it goes vibrating its way off the edge, not long after Excellen's entrance.
Forget being respectful. Jiraiya is down-right ogling the women. Especially when Excellen wanders out. <3_<3 They're going to need to clean drool off the table later.
Kyon is glad he's not sitting next to Jiraiya. :3
And while Mikuru runs away, we quickly see why -- because Haruhi comes back on, proudly still wearing that bathing suit, glasses tilted down over her head, and walks onto one of the raised platforms, striking a sexy, dramatic pose!
It may or may not be mirrored by Excellen on the other side of the stage.
Know fear, Kyon. Haruhi has found a friend.
Kon returns the wink, clearly in a very good mood! It is always a good thing to know a ninja with common interests. He steps onto the stage, a tinier spotlight than the rest following him, bows to the audience as if they were all cheering for him, then runs up to the box and deposits his own vote. The dies has been cast! Will the true worthy Ms. Universe be crowned?! And will the least loserlike of the Mr. Universe candidates be paired with her?! Oh, he can't wait to know that! He dashes backstage, hopefully being the first to get his hand on the evening broadcast's DVD recording.
Kyon watches Mikuru hurriedly depart from the stage before he stands up and stretches out. He stops in mid-stretch as Haruhi returns to the stage, groaning inwardly. And if Excellen is teaming up with the girl... Poor Kyon feels very, very worn out all of a sudden. He tears his attention away from the stage and glances at the other judges, granting a nod and a tired smile to anyone who looks his way before he stoops down to look for his phone under the table. And likely stays there longer than might actually be necessary.
The only glasses Forte bothered with are wine glasses, and there's a full one in one hand as she takes her assigned podium. Hey, its been a long night, and from everything she's heard on the radio in between routines, there are going to be a lot more long nights ahead. Besides, its just grape juice, or so the hastily written label on the bottle says...
Antonio grins wryly at Kon and Jiraiya - vulgar, but appealing to the base nature. However, his grin vanishes with Mikuru, and he sighs. "Poor girl, that..." He stands, bowing to the audience, his fellow judges, and then heading backstage. He's enjoyed this, and now to see who won...
Roy arrives - fresh from battle. The Commander, still in his flight suit, a tear through his left arm where he took some shrapnel from Thompson's missile barrage takes only a moment to remove his flight helmet, grab a glass of wine, and head towards the assigned podium. "Missed you up there, Forte." he says, settling his flight helmet under his good arm."
"They picked a fine time to pick a fight," the redhead nods back sadly. "If that picture's right, though... I think this might be the last time for a while that I'll be leaving the Happy Trigger back at base."
Antonio de Orduno returns from backstage with his sword again, and heads to the podium. Like Forte, he has a drink. Unlike Forte, it's water - he's saving the wine for celebrating whoever won. Even if it's not him. He is, however, grinning like a cat - confidence? Yeeeep.
This is the hardest part of all...the wait. Even if Orihime wasn't competing, she can't deny that she's nervous and excited all at once.
She's back on stage, because Mikuru is back stage being too moe to be viewed directly by human eyes.
She has no idea who came out on top, but she's certainly looking forward to finding out! At last the tension is broken as a well-dressed man with jaw-length purple hair, brandishing colorful feathers on his right eyebrow and lashes, steps out onto the stage. He smiles confidently, brushing his fingers through his silky locks, and hands Orihime the envelope. "Oh thank you," she breathes, slumping with a sigh of relief. Now her curiosity won't kill her!
Slipping her thumb beneath the envelope's flap, she removes the slip of parchment within and begins to read.
"In third place...Kyon!"
In the background, Haruhi Suzumiya's eyes go ._. and she seems to stop breathing.
"Wha- ow!" There's a thud from under the table as Kyon clonks his head on it as he tries getting up. Wincing, he rubs it as he clambers to his feet and looks around.
Wait, what's going on now? Did I hear right?
"In second place... Antonio de Orduno!"
"And finally, in first place, and crowned Mr. Universe of 2007... Vash the Stampede!!!" A pair of pretty blondes enter from either side of the stage to take Vash by the arms, escorting him to the dais where a ribbon is pinned from shoulder to hip, a king's crown situated atop his hair...yes, the crown flattens it rather firmly...and a kiss firmly planted on each cheek. The audience erupts into applause as they welcome the newly-crowned winner. And yes...oh yes...phone numbers are waved vigorously, and one particularly clever gal inventively folds her contact information into a paper airplane and wings it towards him. Lahv! And the REALLY ingenious girls throw donuts.
Antonio bows - for himself. He's unsurprised, after all, at winning - and starts clapping - not for himself, but for Vash! After all, Vash won. But being second - well, that's worth it, ain't it? He's quite proud. However...
Well, either way.
And now for the FINAL envelope, delivered courtesy of a tall and gorgeous, well-endowed strawberry blonde. She also happens to occasionally be Orihime's roommate. Orihime beams happily as the envelope is passed to her, uttering something off-mic which earns a giggle from the lady. They both bow to each other, before Orihime returns to the podium. "And now for the winners! In third place..."
"Forte Stollen!"
Third? Forte perks up at her name, then realizes that no they're not announcing first place first. "Ah well," she sighs and tosses a grin and a small salute to the crowd. Hopefully there's prize money in third place!
"And in second place..."
"Haruhi Suzumiya!!"
On stage, Haruhi's balance slips a little, and then she starts HOPPING UP AND DOWN LIKE A FOOL. "Yes! SOS BRIGADE FOREVER!!"
Then she does the peace sign.
"......" Should I be happy or hope for a swift end?
Kyon blinks then at the shouting and looks over at Haruhi. He grins a bit.
"And noooow," Orihime announces dramatically, as the drumroll begins. "In first place, and crowned Ms. Universe of 2007... "
"EXCELLEN BROWNING!!!"
There's a roar of approval from the audience, several clambering to their feet to deliver a round of furious standing applause. Is it really any wonder why she was chosen? Great personality, great body, great face... Thank the stars that there aren't any men crazy enough to vault into the arena and run straight towards her with open arms and proclamations of drunken fidelity.
Confetti rains from the heavens, no doubt provided by royal slaves, or confetti blowers, or royal slaves operating confetti blowers.
Kon applauds the winners, wiping a tear from his eye! "This is the happiest day of my life!" Exactly why, he's not entirely sure. He certainly hopes everyone will be proud of his unbiased and worthy job as a judge, and that this DVD is coming out soon, because sheesh.
Forte joins in the applause, though she does have an eyebrow raised. "She was good. Maybe a little too good. Does she do this sort of stuff when she's not flying?"