Happy Birthday, Ryoji

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: You know the drill. Lancer puppy_lancer, Ryoji notsogrimreaper, the people they invited between the two of them, and everybody else who just happens to stumble into the party.
Setting: Floor 25, November 17, morning-evening
Format: Open, anything goes
Summary: It's Ryoji's birthday, so Lancer is throwing him a big party. Anyone is welcome in! (And nobody is gonna kick out those who aren't so welcome)
Warnings: None for now

[It's been a long time since Lancer had thrown any parties. Therefore, he's making this bigger and grander than the last two parties he's thrown. It's a good way for him to distract himself from all the emotional turmoil that had popped up during the battle with Sephiroth, if anything.]

[There's two tables laden with food over at one side of the floor. The centerpiece for that is a big double-tier cake with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYOJI" written over the side of the bottom layer. The top layer is little more than a glorified candle holder, as several handfuls of candles have been jammed all over that second layer.]

[Over on the other side, there was a variety of party games. They're all old favorites like pin the tail on the piggy (pinning spiraling paper tails onto a "pig" with Ganon's face), apple bobbing (various fruits in a water-filled wooden barrel), and everyone's favorite--the pinata (a scarecrow with a berry-filled paper mache head supposed to represent Jason).]

[In the center of the floor, there is a stage nailed together from wooden boards. A ways behind that, a pile of wood stacks into a bonfire pyre. A turnip lantern leers at the party goers from one corner of the stage.]

[For decorations, there are black feathers and crude little paper doll cutouts resembling angels scattered around on the ground or in the corners of the dining tables. There are also a few more turnip lanterns.]

[And of course, Lancer, like a good host, stands on the stage, dressed like a hobby horse, waiting for people to show up. He's feeling pretty relaxed, if only because the major unwanted guest, Sephiroth, was locked up and in no danger of crashing this party.]

Comments

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji's eyes widen and he inhales sharply when he sees the swords. He was finally getting a sword... and real ones. He may not be the bravest, but Diarmuid is trusting him with these. He'll use them responsibly, so that he can protect the people he cares about, especially the man who gave them to him... And he'll have to train harder...

He tries to push away the whirlwind of thoughts in order to properly thank Diarmuid, laying the swords down and hugging him happily.]

Thank you so much... I promise, I'll learn to use them well. I won't let them go to waste.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid laughs softly at the boy's reaction, gladly returning the hug.]

I know you will. You are brave and talented beyond your years.

[He steps back from the hug so that he can look the boy in the eyes. Both love and pride fill his gaze.]

You are everything and more than I could ask for in a son. No matter what happens, be proud of yourself for I am forever proud of you.

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji laughs wryly, smirking a bit.]

Not that hard to be talented beyond my years when I don't know how old I am.

[Sorry, Diarmuid. He needs to joke to be able to accept the praise. It's a little much otherwise. Even after all this time, being called brave or someone to be proud of is strange.]

I still think you have much stronger sons back home... but thank you. I appreciate it.

[oathshackledbird]

Everyone is strong in their own ways. Age really doesn't have anything to do with it. I suppose I shouldn't have said it quite like that.

[He gives Ryoji a crooked smile.]

So you like them?

[notsogrimreaper]

I guess that's true. Really, I wasn't making fun of you. I... guess after all this time it's hard to listen when people say good things about me.

I love them. They're amazing.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid shakes his head.]

I didn't think you were, so don't worry. And I understand. It is just one more reason for me to keep complimenting you. That way you will get more used to hearing them.

[A grin crosses his face.]

I am glad you like them so much. The weights and balances are both okay?

[notsogrimreaper]

Heh, it's taken me this long, but surely I'll start to learn eventually, right? I'm sorry I'm so stubborn sometimes.

[Ryoji nods eagerly.]

They're both perfect! I'm sure with a little practice, they'll feel natural. Actually, we haven't trained together for a while...

[oathshackledbird]

Don't worry about it. There are worse things to be than stubborn.

[Diarmuid reaches out to give Ryoji's hair a ruffle.]

And you are right. We haven't trained together for a long time. We should fix that. What do you say?

[notsogrimreaper]

H-Hey!

[Ryoji ducks out of Diarmuid’s grip, laughing.] Another year older and you’re still doing that? Guess I’m still not an adult…

I would like to fix that. Do you have time after this party? Or maybe after a few more days?

[oathshackledbird]

Ryoji, I do that to my brother and he has been an adult for a very long time.

[Diarmuid winks at the boy.]

Get used to it. No matter how old you get, I will still do it. Adult or not, doesn't matter.

Why don't we get together in a few days? We don't know how long this party will last, and I would hate for you to rush or be tired.

[notsogrimreaper]

I guess that’s true… I’d still like it if people who weren’t my family members didn’t do it…

[He smiles and nods eagerly.]

That sounds good! I don’t want to cut your fun short either, so we’ll meet up in a few days.

[oathshackledbird]

Then it is a plan.

[He motions out toward the party.]

Now why don't you get back to celebrating. We can talk more when we meet to train.

[notsogrimreaper]

That works for me. Make sure you celebrate too, okay? This is as much for everyone else as it is for me.

[oathshackledbird]

I will do my best. Happy birthday, son.