multiversallogs | Two years in a row now, someone I loved died on my birthday

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Two years in a row now, someone I loved died on my birthday

Who: Steph and friends!
What: A birthday party
Where: A restaurant in... let's go with Howl Barrow? It's not really important.
When: Sukkadi night
Notes: HI. If we haven't pre-discussed this and you're unsure whether your character would be invited, hit me up and I will tell you. On the off-chance your character would like to bring a friend/SO, we can work something out. But yes, come here, tag around and feel free to talk to everyone. Have fun or Steph will make sad faces. P.S. She's wearing this because I wanted an excuse to use it.
Warnings: None for now

Birthdays are weird. They've never been a big deal for Steph. Her parents never cared, she rarely had friends close enough to make a big deal out of it, and she didn't even tell Tim for a long time (she's pretty sure he actually found out by snooping). Last year it was a quiet affair, just dinner with her mom and a few small gifts. Things had been too awkward with Tim to do anything together, and Cass was - busy with something that Steph can't remember now. Baedal makes it even weirder, for starters she'd forgotten it was her birthday for a good two weeks and then she hadn't been sure exactly how to go about recognizing it, considering the fact it wasn't the actual date of her birthday here. On the other hand, she feels like she has more friends here than she has back home, so she takes Angela's suggestion about a party to heart.

After much deliberation, Steph decides to rent out part of a restaurant for her partying needs. Babs had offered her house, but Steph feels like the population of Baedal, her included, has imposed on Babs enough already. So a restaurant it is - one that Angela helped her choose, pay for and organize, which Steph is extremely grateful for. As a result of Angela's help, said restaurant ends up being a little eclectic, hole-in-the-wall place with a restaurant/bar downstairs and the private room upstairs, serving platters of food that Steph isn't entirely sure she recognizes. There's odd pieces of art on the walls, the chairs, small sofas and tables don't actually seem to match each other, but the whole thing seems to fit a general theme and Steph likes it, so that's good enough for her. She'd entrusted music to the venue, not really having the resources at the moment to put music onto one of those fancy crystals; it's been good so far though, a little on the instrumental side, but Steph doesn't mind that. There's a small bar up here, too, with Steph choosing the package that gets them free beer and house wines - if anyone wants anything stronger or fancier than that, it's up to them to pay (Steph isn't made of money, alright).

She's kind of nervous about it, this is the first party she's ever thrown for herself and she just wants everyone to have a nice time. When she'd invited everyone - either by private CiD message or in person - she'd told them that presents weren't necessary, that it was just a small get together to help her celebrate the technical passing of a year. She really just wants everyone to have a good time.

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Steph had suggested to Ilde that she could invite a friend; after giving some thought to her pool of acquaintances (most of whom would either be disinclined, 'inappropriate' or just sort of like inviting somebody's dad), she's opted to come alone, carrying her hat in one hand and resisting the ongoing impulse to fidget awkwardly with her bracelet. The only people she'd be inclined to have asked to this are people already attending, so there is at least the fact she's going to more someone besides just Steph--

It's fine, she's just feeling slightly out of her comfort zone, and it's probably for the best nobody thinks too hard about what Ilde's comfort zone actually is.

At the bar upstairs she requests a glass of water with lemon, then seeks Steph out.

"Ilde," Steph greets her with a smile as soon as she sees Ilde, leaving the table she'd been fussing at.

"Thanks for coming," She's a tiny bit surprised, she figures Ilde probably doesn't hang out with the sort of people Steph hangs out with, a few crossovers aside, and she really wouldn't have blamed her for not coming. Still, Steph is pleased to see her. Especially considering that she hasn't seen Ilde in person since the sky broke, "You look good."

Small talk is weird; it's even harder when Steph is feeling nervous.

Laura is exactly on time -- exactly -- even given how out of her element she is here; she doesn't like to be late. She's dressed the usual way (inappropriate) and arrives trailed by the three-eyed black cat that's taken a shine to her lately.

Despite having been informed presents are "not necessary," she brought one anyway, because at the institute they told her the Rules about birthdays and birthday parties and presents were included in that. Life is easier for Laura when there are rules that she can follow. It's nothing fancy because she is hardly the authority in gift-buying, but the shop girl who had been keeping an eye on her for the three hours she'd wandered the store confused and indecisive had finally intervened and helped her pick something, so hopefully Steph won't hate it.

It's wrapped in black with a purple ribbon, clumsily like she did it herself for the first time ever.

The first thing she does is thrust it at Steph awkwardly and wordlessly. Accept this token of friendship or else.

As somebody who didn't even need an invite, verbal or otherwise, Kate shows up a few minutes after the party begins after stopping home to shower and dress and also pick up a little something in a square white box that she places on the table closest to the door.

It's nothing spectacular or spendy; this is Kate we're talking about here. But inside is a cake in Steph's favorite flavor, butterscotch and banana, sickly sweet and guaranteed rot her teeth tonight. Her real gift for Steph is tucked into her purse and it'll stay there until the time is right.

Steph can't help smiling as she carfully takes the gift, "You didn't have to, but - Thank you. And thank you for coming." She puts her free hand on Laura's arm, just for a moment; this is the Steph-to-Laura version of a thank you hug, because she's pretty sure a real hug would make Laura uncomfortable. Like Ilde, Steph is a surprised but pleased that Laura made it.

The present gets stared at for a second, scutinizing it, before Steph looks back up with a sheepish grin, "Do you mind if I open it now, or should I wait until after the party?" After the party is usually the correct protocol, but Steph is curious.

Steph is going to make frowny faces at Kate for getting a cake, although she'll secretly be pleased. That will happen when she actually spots the box, right now she's busy careening into Kate for a hug.

"Parties are exhausting," Steph, the party has barely even started, "I don't know how people do this all the time." People like Bruce Wayne and probably Kate's family; no offence, Kate.

Being late is only fashionable if there's photographers or a crowd you're too good for, and so Jae arrives perfectly on time, aquamarine-hued hair carefully saturated and styled. For him he is dressed conservatively, but still sharply, because while it's a gathering between friends (!), it's still a party. It's been a while since Jae's been to a party in Baedal that didn't involved shoving a red plastic cup filled with fuel-grade space booze into his hand the second he walked in the door, so this is nice - especially considering the past weeks have been filled with work, studying, researching, and more work.

That a lot of his responsible adult behavior has been in the company of the man arriving with him is a complete coincidence, as is their arrival itself. The bar tender recognizes him (cough) so Jae throws up an amiable peace sign as they enter, other arm occupied with a rectangle shape wrapped in brown paper.

Sunny is a somewhat ordinary looking character next to Jae, but doesn't seem aware or conscious of this fact, all the way used to his gangly height and shock of blue hair. Sunny himself is dressed casually in the carefully crafted way this can be, as opposed to rolling out of bed and grabbing the nearest T-shirt. It will be nice to be at a party! With other people and stupid conversation and not endlessly pouring over books, for all that it isn't. Boring. But, you know.

It's what they say about all work and no play.

He pondered a little while, the 'no need for presents' clause, but then saw this and it made him laugh. It's cheap metal, anyway, hidden in a pouch in his pocket, and she will have to deal. "Do you want anything? You can find the girl, I can find alcohol."

Edited 2012-04-11 11:06 (UTC)

"Turning into a drinker on me?" Amused. "Romulan slammer, if they'll make it." (What, he's always been good at being diversely cultured.)

And now to find the birthday girl.

The birthday girl had spotted Jae's hair almost straight away, but she takes a little while to finish a conversation with one of the other guests - someone from the library, one of the few non-Ceidary cohort people. She comes over a few moments after Sunny has left to get drinks, and opens her arms for a hug (this is non-optional).

"If that's for me I'm gonna kick you out," Referring to the wrapped brown parcel and her strict instructions not to bring presents. Not that she'd actually kick Jae out.

A hug she receives, squeezing in both sentiment and to, you know, make sure she's all in one piece. "Because it's your birthday I'll submit to a little kink, though I'm not usually into that sort of thing."

Yes, Stephanie, this modestly wrapped parcel is for you. Suffer. Jae presents the over-large but still recognizably book-shaped mystery prize to Steph, grinning. "I was going to get it for you anyway when I saw it, though, so it's not really a birthday present. But happy birthday, while I'm here."

She is indeed all in one piece, and glad for her heels, because it means she doesn't have to go up on tip toe to hug Jae properly. When she pulls back, she's smiling, "Careful, if you give me a chance I'll try to change your mind about 'that sort of thing'." The sentence gets a little sing-song at the end; Steph is a dork.

She accepts the parcel with only a little bit of a pout, "Thank you, Jae. Is it a new car?" It might be, you never know. Her fingers are carefully picking at the edges of the wrapping, unsure whether she should open it right now. That unsurity gets quickly overwritten by curiosity and she starts peeling off the tape.

Presents aren't necessary?

Tough. Because Steph officially deserves one. What Hermione has brought for her is secreted away in her bag until she can hand it over properly, but she's quite pleased with herself for it.

Steph likely had to convince her not to turn up early and help with arrangements; she arrives perfectly on time, having taken the opportunity to dress up, rather doubting herself in heels but nonetheless pleased with her outfit. She's even managed to tame her hair into big, loose curls (as opposed to its natural frizzy, brush-breaking state). After she finds herself a drink and accidentally ends up engaged in a conversation with someone she vaguely knows through work- she's surprisingly good at this, thanks to quite a few diplomatic dos and press engagements- she catches sight of Steph and extricates herself, waving across the room as she hurries closer as best she can. Steph, of course, gets a hug, Hermione leaving her glass of wine floating in the air.

"Happy birthday! Wow, you look fantastic." --tone of surprise there, which isn't really justified, but she's used to seeing Steph either dressed for work or (more recently) dressed to stomp all over bad guys.

Not coming had indeed crossed her mind, but Ilde likes Steph in a slightly 'what are you' kind of a way - which is probably how a lot of people look at Ilde, so there's that - and it just seems thoughtful to have been invited, so thoughtful to actually show up, too.

“I figured getting out of the house for something social couldn't hurt,” or at least not that much-- Ilde touches Steph's arm, light and friendly, her hand cool as ever. “Happy birthday.”

Steph returns the wave and puts her glass on a nearby table, because some of them don't have magic powers. She hugs back, laughing at the surprise in Hermione's words.

"Try not to faint from shock over the fact I scrub up nice," She can't resist teasing. It's amusing, especially when compared to how Kate looked at her after shhe'd braided her hair up the other day. Clearly what Steph should take from this is that she needs to put more effort into her daily appearance.

"You know I didn't mean it like that, I'm just used to seeing you working in one way or another," Hermione chides, stepping back and grinning, reclaiming her wine.

"Then again, I suppose I'm sort of the same way when it comes to working," she admits with a smile, running a hand through her hair. "And I'm very glad neither of wear these sort of shoes all the time, because I for one don't think I'm going to last long in them."

"Well, I suppose this is a big change from kevlar," It's said a little quietly, although honestly, most people here know about the Batgirl thing. It's probably the most her civilian life and vigilante life has crossed over and it's - nice. Although slightly worrying if something goes wrong.

"I bought a pair of flats to change into," Steph is nothing if not practical. She decides not to mention the fact that about half of female vigilantes wear high heels as part of their costume, mostly because Steph wants to facepalm at them all.

"I'm counting on Transfiguration," Hermione confesses, because sometimes you do find fantastic things in Witch Weekly, including a spell to turn heels to flats and back again as you need it.

(Admittedly, this is harder to do when drunk, and Hermione doesn't tend to hold up very well to alcohol, but she'll manage, she insists; she has a completely unfounded confidence in her own iron will versus wine).

And on the subject of counting on magic--

"Oh." She gives a delighted, rather pleased with herself smile. "When do you want your present?"

"Cheater," It makes Steph wish magic was a skill she could learn; it would be handy to know, and not just for transfiguring heels into flats.

She raises an eyebrow, noting that smile but makes an effort to keep a straight face, "You know, I'm almost a hundred percent sure I told you not to bring a present." Hermione you are terrible at following instructions.

"Well, I am one hundred percent sure that I brought one anyway and as it so happens I started on it before you even said anything about your birthday, so you can't complain. You don't even have to think of it as a birthday present at all, just a present which happens to ready for your birthday."

She's elbow deep in her clutch; it's a slightly alarming picture. The package she closes her fingers around isn't without protection, of course; the bottle inside it is charmed to hell and back to stop it breaking, and surrounded by bubblewrap to boot because Hermione habitually takes all precautions possible. She pulls it out; it's wrapped in purple. And inside box, bubblewrap and bottle is something she's been working on since the second day home after the sky opened; aimless, at first, something to do with her head and hands, until she decided she could do worse than saying thank you to Steph- and protecting her in the same fell swoop. Felix Felicis.

She holds it out. "It's lucky," she says, not quite able to keep the secret quiet but holding off on explaining any more until Steph unwraps it.

"Mm, that sounds like a very well thought out excuse," Not that she doesn't believe Hermione, but that's not a reason to stop pouting about being given a gift. Steph likes gifts, to be fair, she's just never quite sure how to deal with them.

Well, she knows how to unwrap them at least. She takes the package and carefully unwraps it; Steph is the sort of person who pulls off the tape one piece at a time, rather than ripping the wrapping open. Once she has the bottle out, she holds it up to the light to get a proper look at it.

"What does 'it's lucky' mean?" She's already making a few guesses in her head, and she's fairly certain it's some sort of potion.

Hermione barely conceals an excited smile as she eagerly watches Steph unwrap it, eyes glinting; she's proud of this one, clearly.

"It means that that is one day's worth of perfect luck," she says. And a beat, before she adds conditions and qualifications, as Hermione always must; "Though it's banned in sporting competitions and tests and the like, though I don't think that's really what you're likely to put it to use with. And of course it's very dangerous and actually arguably addictive in large doses, but I didn't make large doses so that's fine. Basically, you just...down it. And nothing goes wrong. It works in smaller bits, too- you can drink a tiny bit for a few hour's worth of luck, for instance- academic opinions are rather divided as to whether being lucky will extend to coincidentally having drunk exactly enough of the potion to get past anything you may need to be lucky to get past, but- well. It ought to work nicely for you."

"I'd never hand out birthday presents like that in public." Steph, you creeper. (Not that Jae isn't instigating, but that's besides the point.)

"Yes. You got me." It is not, in fact, a new car, but a large photobook - a 'coffee table book', as they're sometimes stickered in book stores, with oversized full color pages - a collection of modern art, published on Earth, hard cover and in good condition, though obviously secondhand.

Edited (a word) 2012-04-12 01:30 (UTC)

Her eyes widen as she listens to the explanation for what the potion does and, well - "That's so cool."

Careful of the bottle, and of Hermione's glass of wine, she pulls her into another hug, because seriously, best present ever, "Thank you!" After a second she steps back and inspects the bottle again.

"I'll probably end up taking it in smaller doses," Because otherwise she wouldn't be able to pick the right day to use it, but this way she can take a little bit before she heads out on missions that will be especially dangerous.

"Chicken," is clearly the only appropriate response to that. Steph would toally hand out presents like that in public. (No she wouldn't).

The paper gets folded and tucked under her arm, so she can focus on looking through the book, tracing over the pages. Her face breaks into a wide grin as she looks back up at Jae, "You're going to get me into art if it kills me, aren't you?" But it's clear she loves it, judging by the way she is still flipping through the book. She's also secretly glad it's secondhand, because she knows how expensive books like this can be.

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Two years in a row now, someone I loved died on my birthday

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