HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[vrdr_mods]

[Visitors to the Velvet Room are in for an unusual sight.

Gorb balloons. Streamers. Banners that not only read, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GORO AKECHI! but also...

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FRIENDSHIP!

This particular banner has cutesy illustrations of a normal Akechi and Falcon. Yes, really.

There are multiple, multi-layered cakes. One is an angel food cake, decorated to resemble Robin Hood. Then there's another cake, fashioned after Loki, with lovingly decorated dazzle camouflage frosting. Inside is a heavenly red velvet.

Lastly, there's a purely chocolate delight, patterned after Hereward.

There are even little Gorb cupcakes, designed to look like the myriad Akechis resident in the Velvet Room. Fresh brewed coffee and Jazz Jin mocktails await those who seek a beverage, and there's even some curry. How thoughtful!

So... care to mingle?]

Comments

[the_flower_karasu]

Gogo blinked in surprise, taking several long moments to take in the decorations and rich-looking food. And it was even longer than that for one for the realization to click with her.

"It's...my birthday..."

It was not surprising to Gogo that she'd just viewed this as another day. Even when she was still alive, she'd only know it was her birthday when her more zealous fans had fobbed off gifts on her. And even when she gave grateful platitudes to those fans, she didn't see the difference between receiving gifts from fans on any ordinary day and receiving gifts to celebrate her being born into the world.

Still, the food did look good. The kind of good that she'd post on her food blogs for the likes and follows, without actually eating it in reality. But she was freed from that burden of fame...

She approached the food table, picking up the gorb-cake fashioned after her own likeness, and chewing it thoughtfully.

"...a little too sweet."

[fogboundcrow]

Raven has his own little cupcake in hand, with a confident smirk on its round, little face. Truthfully, it's a bit unsettling. "It's rather morbid, feeding us food based on our likeness... There's probably some disturbing metaphor you could make out of it."

[herewardbound]

"Technically it's our birthday, comrade Akechi."

Was it a stupid joke? Probably. His parents were rubbing off on him.

Nevertheless, he joined this newcomer at the table, perusing the treats on offer. He selected his own likeness from among the cakes, curious, taking a bite. "Apple spice. Someone's being funny."

[unit_8910_wolf]

So many Akechis and other people here...this place felt like a fever dream.

But it wasn't so bad to get to know the other residents here- considering it was better to play along and try to stay on top of things. It vaguely reminded him of some of the corporate birthday celebrations back in the public sector...a desk with a balloon featuring "Happy Birthday!" to going back to his home and the empty quiet.

"The red velvet is pretty damn balanced, I would say," he remarks as he joins her side and sets his plate away. A feminine Akechi...he remembered the vague bickering on the network.

"Gogo, was it? Unless my driver's mixed up with the angel here."

[fogboundcrow]

Raven was just going to poke around Sumaru City to test more rumors, but this? This gives him genuine pauses.

Three cakes. Drinks. Banners and balloons...

After a moment, he touches his chin. "...If I indulge in this party, can I still have a beach party later?"

Shiro manifests beside him, chuckling. "I'm sure we can convince them. After all, this isn't specifically our party."

[gorobo]

This isn't Falcon's scene.

He's uncomfortable and anxious, seeing the amount of paraphernalia featuring him, which isn't to say anything of the amount of attendees. He doesn't really like parties to begin with, and honestly, he already wants to leave.

... but, seeing Raven and Shiro, he decides he'll at least make an effort. He... said he wanted to live. He owes them that much.

"I don't think anyone would object," he says, approaching the duo. "Happy birthday, you two."

[mamakechi]

"The more parties, the merrier!"

Akako Akechi, dressed in an easy summer yukata, grins wide and delighted at Raven and...hmm. Yellow eyes. "I'd go so far as to say exceptional young men as yourselves deserve more days of celebration."

[rookandhound]

Speaking of manifesting beside Raven-

"Who's going to stop you, the cops? I'm pretty sure you could have a beach party every single day if you wanted."

[unfoggedlotus]

"Of course we can," Joker grins. "Little Me had no idea today was the day."

[gorobo]

... What the fuck.

The moment Falcon enters the Velvet Room, he doesn't know what to say. His feelings are pretty scrambled in general, and he wasn't planning on actually celebrating his birthday, outside of inviting Magpie.

This is... well. Well.

"What. Why." He groans, putting his hand to his face when he sees the banner featuring him and-- it can't be anyone other than Magpie. "You can't be serious..."

[herewardbound]

Phoenix stood nearby, surveying the assortment with a more than slightly-critical eye.

"I call bullshit. I didn't get a special Velvet Room party with cake and ice cream when I maxed my first Arcana."

[unit_8910_wolf]

"They sure are serious," Zenkichi ends up cutting the silence- walking out of the Tatsumi Port Island door while brushing off some of the shadow gunk still clinging to his clothes, hearing the groan from Falcon while looking around.

He looked way out of touch in a place like this in its bright decorations and happy colours. "I think I vaguely caught them doing preparations earlier...looks like you are one of the stars, huh?" The corner of his lips pulls up into a vague smirk, nodding at the other with fingers resting on the rim of his hat in lieu of a greeting.

[fogbornphantom]

"I have a strong suspicion that Theodore came up with this." So says Crow, as he takes a small bite of chocolate cake. "He's very... sentimental and has a flair for the dramatic."

[fledglingcrow]

He had completely forgotten it was his birthday with everything going on. He turned up for maybe a few cupcakes, one to take back to Ken. Then he saw there was a lot of other, older, versions of him. He really hadn't talked to much outside of his age group.

It wouldn't hurt to look around would it? Maybe he could make new friends. He got a pice of cake and looked around, not sure how to start any conversation.

[fogboundcrow]

Raven approaches with a smile when he spots the familiar face. It's always good to see him out and about. "Ah, Jay. How are you today?"

[mamakechi]

Oh, there's another little one of her son here? Akako sets down her armfuls of gifts on the table and can't help herself from letting out a coo. "Hello there, handsome young man!"

[unit_8910_wolf]

While Jay had began preparing himself to socialize, Wolf glanced down at the wide range of desserts. He ended up picking a small cupcake in his hand, its bright frosting striking out against his dark gloved hand.

As he moves back, he ends up bumping into something. "Ah, watch it-!" He quickly turns away before he could have done more damage, now blinking at the small child. The training must have exhausted him it seems and with so many people here, his sensors must be getting confused.

Oh this was...a young Akechi, wasn't it?

He brings his hand up to his face before he can help it, moving his collar up to conceal the scar running down his eye. The kids in his world always found him daunting and scary like that-! He needed to be careful not to spook this one.

Dove is back, baby!

[seekerofjustice]

When Dove steps into the room, he isn't expecting to see the myriad of cakes and banners. For a moment he doesn't quite realize it's celebrating the birthday of Goro Akechi, and perhaps wonders if he's stepped into some other kind of Velvet Room get together-- but no, it seems to be a birthday celebration. For Goro Akechi.

...That includes him, doesn't it? It feels... odd. Wrong, even. Has he ever had a party before? He remembers happy celebrations with his mother, or at least he thinks he does? But what of his real life? The one hidden behind the curtain?

...No, no. Don't get lost in the same old thoughts now, Dove. It's very kind for a party like this to have been set up, and at the very least he can celebrate his fellow Akechis' birthdays. It's the least he can do.

So Dove smiles, stepping into the room proper. Perhaps he can chat with everyone.

grabs at he

[mamakechi]

"Oh, hello," Akako, in her yukata, notices a new arrival. "I don't believe I've met you here before."

[wipingallout]

[At the party proper]

She's only come for a little bit - specifically, to deliver some goodies!!

Most of the variations of Akechi that she knows, she doesn't know terribly well - so she's gotten some advice on some nice generic gifts and has made birthday bags. Mercifully for them, she figures there's plenty of cake, so she's skipped adding even more sweets - instead, she's filled a good number of goodie bags with nice things.

Each bag has a copy of a murder mystery book she picked out, a little jack frost phone charm, a Mouse on the Keys album, some gemstone clasps and keychains that might have useful effects in the Metaverse or Tartarus...


[Finding Kou]

Of the few people she knows well, Kou isn't at the party... and given his demeanor, Hamuko isn't too surprised by that? For him, she figured keeping her little gifts in her purse rather than a birthday bag might go over a little better for him - but first thing's first, she has to find him.

And when she does, she eagerly tries to surprise him.

"Hi!"

[lostgemini]

Ordinarily, Kou might've heard her coming. He's far too alert not to be, most of the time. Tired, but alert. Apprehensive. A life of trouble had taught him well.

Today, however... his eyes are glazed over. If Hamuko looks closely, maybe even a little misty with tears that refuse to come. He's overlooking Tokyo bay-- not a place where he thought anyone would go looking for him, an empty pack of cigarettes on the ground, and another pack visible in his pocket, a cancer stick dangling from between his fingers. They certainly tell... a tale of sorts.

That may be why, perhaps, when Hamuko suddenly surprises him with a greeting, that he noticably jumps, whirling around with wide eyes like a prey animal, ready to defend himself. Then, he notices who it is, however, and he exhales.

"Don't sneak up on me like that," he sighs, "I could've hit you."

[rookandhound]

Upon entering the Velvet Room that day, Wolf stood, staring uncomprehendingly, for several seconds.

... What? The fuck??

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FRIENDSHIP

Which... had to be some kind of invasive, really. "Did they even think to ask if people wanted this? What the fuck."

[wipingallout]

"Wolf!!"

Hamuko's probably the most enthused of anyone here - she has the general birthday goodies for most Akechis she hasn't met, but for Wolf? She knew what she wanted to get him.

"Is today your birthday too, if you celebrate? I have a couple presents for you!"

[fogbornphantom]

This is... excessive. So excessive that Crow can't help but snicker as he steps into the Velvet Room.

Then he sees the banner. "...I have a distinct feeling that neither Falcon nor Magpie will approve of this."

But Hiro doesn't answer, because he's much too busy fawning over the cupcakes.

"Oh, but how could I ever eat you?" Yes, he's holding one themed after Crow. "You're just too precious!"

Crow snorts. "There are many things I could say to that, none of which are appropriate for public gatherings."

So for now, he'll settle on a slice of regular Hereward cake as he beholds the lavish surroundings.

back at home

[mountainfoggedlotus]

"Bye!! Have a grreeeat day you guys!!"

As soon as Goro and Crow are out the door of their house, Ren closes it. Dramatically. With a bang.

"What do you MEAN," he gasps, sliding to the floor, mind racing a million miles an hour. "What do you MEAN today is his birthday?!?"

His older self, the dumb fartbreath, just chuckles. "It's June 2nd. Goro's birthday...according to this world, anyway."

"No shiz!!" Ren grasps at the door. "That still means it's his b^irday!! And you didn't tell me!!"

Oh god. Oh god. His voice cracks. It cracks so bad it hurts.

Joker, freaking JOKER, thinks it's ok to crouch down next to him!

"We celebrate it later, little guy." Why is he so smug?? Why does he know EVERYTHING?? I'll kill you with my eyes. I can!! "You can take a breath."

Joker reaches out and-- and-- just SCREW HIM!! RARGH!!

Ren's foot flashes out and he nails stupid freaking JOKER. Nails him where it hurts on guys like them.

With a yelp, Joker crumples, faceplanting on the floor. It's what you deserve, you stupid dumb fricking frick!!!

"Hah-- ow--"

"Do I really grow up into such an idiot?" He's gotta roll his eyes and sigh.

"Listen. Dude," Joker wheezes, between gasps and little wiggles. Ren tucks his foot back by his side. "I do try to give you. Priva- privacy."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. Yes, really."

A beat.

"Ow..." Joker rolls over on his side. "God...you have a strong kick."


Ren flicks the top of Joker's head, unimpressed. "Better than you."

"Gah." Joker can't even manage a flinch, curled in on himself. It's better when he hurts too much to be a smartalecky teen. "Ok. Lesson learned...tell you birthdays."

"Tell me our BOYFRIENDS' birthdays," Ren corrects. "I don't give a rotten husk 'bout anyone else's."

"Ain't that right, little gu--" Ren interrupts him with another flick. "Not little guy. Ok...me."

"Bout time you stopped with that nickname anyways," Ren grumbles.
Grump, grump, grump. Arms crossed in pouting position.

"Y...y'ain't chosen one fer yerself, kiddo."

"I don' need one, seein' as yer a stupid sonofacow."

"Ego don't make good fertilizer, dude," Joker points out, grimacing. "It ain't make no good crops, either."

"My ego don't make good fertilizer... wise words, Cropfucius."

"Yer jus mad 'cause the clouds bring rain," Joker huffs.

"And my boyfriend's birthday!"

Joker lets out a long sigh. "And our boyfriends' birthday."

Another moment passes. Ren's heart beats slower, but it still thumps loudly in his chest. He can even count the beats.

Several heartbeats later, Joker groans again, into the silence.

"Old man."

"Young whippersnapper." Cringing something mighty, Joker rolls over, delicately protecting his...delicate bits, wincing as he sits up. "We can't just lie here forever."

Immediately, Ren digs in deeper. "Maybe you can't--"

"You really wanna force Raven and Crow and Hiro and Shiro to crawl in through the window?" Joker deadpans. "On their birthday?"

Frick. He's gotta point.

"Listen." Even in his compromised state, Joker holds out a hand. "I'm sorry, ok? We really don't celebrate it now. It's in a few more months...me and Crow and Hiro didn't even have much planned for today. But. We can...still do something. And that starts with you getting off the floor."

Reluctantly, Ren takes Joker's hand. He doesn't even pull him down to the floor when he uses it to help himself up.

"See? That wasn't...so bad."

Hmm. "I'm taller than you right now."

Joker gives him a strained smile. "What I was trying to say is...I'm...happy to help with whatever I can, ok?"

Grumble, grump. "Ok."

"Why don't I go get some painkillers and you think over your master plan for today, little...me." Joker pats Ren's head.

Ren freezes. "Uhh." My master plan. Right.

"Just get thinkin'." Joker straightens up as much as he can, leaning on the wall for support. "You'll have a good one in no time..."

Yikes. Joker's shuffle is so awkward...a twinge of pity plucks at Ren's heart, and...yeah, he grabs Joker's arm and slings it over his shoulder. "Not without you, old man. So I think first..."