[Semi-Open] Oh, would you look at that. It's Joshua Day.

[reasonandrime]

Who: FF16s and anyone who has positive CR with Joshua is invited (friends of friends can also drop by!)
Which: Semi-Open Log
Where: Starflower Cafe!
When: Backdated to March 25th
What: Once upon a time, some people looked at a baby and said, "You are Joshua." Today, we celebrate the 29th anniversary of that occasion.
Warnings: None!

It's early evening, and the golden hour sun shines gently through the windows of the Starflower Cafe. There's a modest array of red, white, and black decorations strung from the roof and set upon the tables to catch the flickering flames of lantern centrepieces, but the overall ambience is simple and warm, reminiscent of Rosarian hospitality.

Clive and Jill extended invitations earlier in the week, emphasising that the celebration is a surprise for Joshua. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, whereupon Jill will guide them not into hiding, per se, but at least to places where they can't be spotted through the windows. Meanwhile, Clive will be escorting Joshua to the party under the pretence of treating him to a name day dinner.

As such, guests are also encouraged to surprise some JOY into Mister Phoenix Boy when the brothers arrive.

Once the excitement of the surprise subsides, all guests will receive a softly glowing phoenix feather imbued with healing dreamotion. Joshua is handing them out personally as tokens of gratitude, so come and get yours!

Early mingling will happen over the appetizer buffet, which features potato croquettes, charcuterie boards with a heavy emphasis on cheese, various veggie platters with dips, and small cups of ice cream. Or, guests can sit down and chat over dinner: a roast with all the fixings.

After dinner, everyone will be escorted outside to where a bonfire has been set up. There, guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows, s'mores, and other sweet treats over the fire while watching a fireworks show to end the night.

TL;DR it's a party. So, like, party y'all.

(Clive and Jill will be around, but they'll be busy ensuring everything goes off without a hitch, so they won't be interacting much. Please feel free to assume that introductions have happened & that everyone present has been invited to their wedding, where they will be much more present!)

Comments

lyria | granblue Fantasy

[azuresong]

🌼 I. The Big Surprise!

[ Being apart of the cafe staff (and dearest friends with the owners) certainly has it's perks... especially when birthdays are involved! She is almost too excited as the plans were being made for Joshua, and does whatever she can in order for the entire event to go smoothly! And while Jill and Clive seem to have most of the preparation covered, Lyria is eager to help where she can.

So when the lights begin to dim and the birthday boy comes into view... surprise!! And pop! goes a magical confetti blaster of Lyria's own dreamotion creation. It erupts the side of the room temporary with a dazzling light, complete with holograms of birds and sun shines! There may be actual confetti and glitter in there too, so if you just happen to be near Lyria during the time of the explosion.... oops! It comes out? Maybe? ]

Happy birthday...!!

🌼 II. A Sticky Situation

[ Lyria loves s'mores! But sometimes, they don't always love her back.

While cozied up by the bonfire in the company of so many loved ones, the little girl finds herself attempting to enjoy the delightful creation she made for herself... but maybe she put it by the fire for too long?

Slowly her face turns from joy to panic as she bites into it and the marshmallow inside burst from it's cracker chambers! Perhaps adding three marshmallows was too much? She turns to the nearest person, face and hands now trapped in the sugary ooze!! ]

Oh, ah— could you help me, please?

🌼 III. Fancy Feet Fireworks

[ What a perfect way to end a perfect night!

Lyria starts the night with the music of her own making- humming and dancing along the firepit- but when her corgi Cantata gets involved... now it's a real party! The bells on her fur give off a charming ring, and soon accompanied by Lyria's singing does music begin to fill the air around the fireworks display.

She might be getting so involved that she ends up taking the person's hand closest to her for a dance! Willing or not, it's too late to say no now...! ]

I - SURPRISED!

[empyreancatastrophe]

[The sudden burst of light and color catches Joshua completely off guard, and for a moment, he's rendered happily speechless.]

[Confetti and birds dance around him, and as they cast their magical aura over the room, he doesn't notice that his otherwise well-kept outfit (local Reverein fashion; he's doing his best to fit in!) has been dusted with glitter. He's also completely unaware that he'll be finding that glitter in his clothes for weeks to come, but some things are best left in ignorance. After all, why worry when faced with a display unlike anything he's ever experienced? That energy is better spent marveling at the creativity and effort behind it all.]

Incredible...

[When he can finally speak, it's barely more than a breath.]

[His first instinct is to cast a glance at Clive, a grin plastered on his face. Joshua can admit when he's been had, and there's no better circumstance to fall for an older brother's playful deceit.]

[His second instinct is to direct his attention to who he can guess is the culprit behind that fanciful dreamotion. Still smiling wide, Joshua focuses on Lyria, eyes sparkling with delight and tone brimming with appreciation.]

Was that your doing?

[azuresong]

[ It was easy to see how much Jill and Clive had cared for Joshua- with all the preparation, care, and attention that was put into making this the perfect day for him. It was difficult not to feel the overwhelming joy that flood this space, and when she was greeted by the face that brought all these wonderful people together... she couldn't help but let out a loud giggle. ]

It was! Oh, I really hope you were surprised! Were you? [ Her excitement carries in her voice as she approaches a little closer, eyes practically sparkling much like the glitter surrounding them. ]

[empyreancatastrophe]

Absolutely.

[Joshua marks that confirmation with a laugh, still marveling at the aftermath of the spectacle made all the more special with that endearing sparkle in Lyria's eyes.]

I must thank you properly for such a beautiful display.

[Filled with gratitude that this young stranger would think to welcome him with such creativity, Joshua gracefully lowers himself to one knee in front of her, head bowed with respect.]

May I ask the young lady her name?

Anastasia Romanova | Anastasia (1997)

[grandduchess_anya]

(Anya arrives at the party, eager to give the birthday boy a good time and she has presents to give to him: three in fact. She has brought with her two beautiful phoenix figurines and a leather bound journal, all wrapped up inside a nice velvet covered box and tied with red and black ribbons. She does hope that these will make him smile upon receiving them today, she had some time to find these in a small local shop earlier that day.

Plus she isn’t the only one who has come to the party, Pooka and Mashka are also with her, tagging along and very excited to see the animals at Starflower Café once again.)

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua catches sight of Anya as she enters the party with her gifts in hand. Excusing himself from conversation, he steps forward to greet her.]

Anya! I'm happy to see you!

[Always one to know who to greet first, Joshua bends down to give both Pooka and Mashka a good pat (one hand per animal) and a happy greeting. Then, he draws himself up to his full height once more, and extends his arms for a hug.]

Thank you for coming.

[grandduchess_anya]

Bark bark bark! Bark bark!

(The little dog happily wags his tail in delight as Joshua approaches him, Anya, and Mashka, giving him and the rabbit a happy pat on the head. Their master happily smiles back at him as she offers the box of gifts with her.)

Hi Joshua. It is great to see you again. I’m really glad that me, Pooka and Mashka can come over to celebrate this happy day with you and everyone else.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua beams at Anya's warm greeting, genuinely touched.]

[Taking the box of gifts, he holds it carefully, admiring the velvet cover and the ribbons that adorn it.]

Of course! It wouldn't be the same without you.

[He glances down at Pooka and Mashka and chuckles.]

All three of you.

[With that, he returns his gaze back up to Anya.]

Is it all right if I open this now?

Yato | Noragami

[intertwinedfates]

1. Birthday Boy:

[Earlier before the party began, Yato brought two gifts: a gag one of a fire extinguisher (in case those cool flames set something alight!) and the real one of a handmade bookcase decorated with an elegant chocobo motif and painted in red, black, and gold. Standing at six feet, it's entirely wrapped in shiny paper, too, with curled ribbons, bows, and everything. Extra, just like Yato himself.

When it comes time for the birthday boy to arrive, Yato's perched upon his larger present so he can let loose with a shower of red rose petals (left overs from last month - hey, you make do with what you've got) and streamers, making sure Joshua ends up covered in them. It's a pity they didn't have any silly string... Oh well.]

Sur~priseeee! Happy Birthday, kid!

2. Buffet Bash:

[Never one to pass up an opportunity to party, especially when it's for that of a friend, Yato has decided to bless the occasion with his godly presence.

In other words, once the birthday boy has been congratulated, he heads straight for the buffet and loads up on a lot of everything. Nothing is left untouched; his plate is probably pilled six inches high, if not more. A glutton for both punishment and food, he starts munching while mingling with the rest of the partygoers, sometimes forgetting that people can actually see him here. So from time to time he bumps into someone, almost losing his mountain of food but thankfully rescuing it with practiced reflexes.]

Whoops!

3. No S'more:

[The deeper part of the evening finds Yato out by the bonfire with the ingredients necessary for making s'mores because he's a kid like that. Only, instead of doing the sensible thing and toasting them over the bonfire, he's opted to try using dreamotion to create his own mini flame in both his hands, leaving his marshmallow on a stick to be held between his knees.

Except instead of creating a steady flame, he manages a series of rainbow sparks that burst out of his hands, showering anyone nearby with them. It also manages to catch his lap on fire, earning a surprised yelp of pain as he flails about in a futile attempt at putting himself out.]

WAAAAHHH! Yeeouch! Ouch ouch! That's hot! [Somebody save him from himself...? Or just dunk his ass in water.]

1 - Birthday Bird... Birdthday Boy???

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Once Joshua enters the room, it's clear that the young (less young, now) man is appropriately surprised. Eyes wide with wonder, he takes in the sights before him, landing on whoever just doused him in petals and streamers. Lo and behold, there's Yato, perched atop a... uniquely decorated present.]

[The display is both extravagant and unexpected, gently brushing the edge of overwhelming, but it's all balanced out by a surge of abject happiness at the gesture.]

[Joshua's just as tall (maybe a smidge taller) as this mystery gift, but he still has to crane his neck to address Yato properly.]

You never fail to impress, my friend.

[Then, what was a bit of a teasing glint in his eye settles into its usual warmth.]

Thank you for coming.

Birdthday Boy omg matching party hats for him and his chocobo 🥳

[intertwinedfates]

[Always try to get the high ground on your opponent, that's the number one rule! Especially if your line of attack is a shower of festive cheer. It just wouldn't have the same impact coming from ground level. Besides, there's plenty of people down there celebrating him already.]

[So Yato gives Joshua a little salute along with a peace sign before hopping down to clap a proper hand on his shoulder, knowing grin firmly on his face.]

You know it! I do everything with style!

[Except perhaps dress properly. He's still in his usual digs of tracksuit and scarf, but he's taken the opportunity to weave some sparkly silver thread into this current suit, so he looks somewhere between bum and 80's exercise guru.]

Thanks for inviting me. How old's this make you now? Can't be more than thirty, right?

ahhhHHHHH that'd be too cute

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Yato gets points for strategic approach (maybe it's a war god thing?) and extra points for that style he's boasting about. Presentation style, that is. Fashion needs a bit of work.]

[Thankfully, Joshua isn't one to judge such things. He's far too busy brimming with happiness and gratitude to take much notice, anyway. So much so that he takes the opportunity to pull Yato in for a proper hug, using that clasp on his shoulder as his invitation.]

[He squeezes his god-friend tightly (if a bit awkwardly) before pulling away.]

Twenty-nine, yes.

As for your invitation, you can thank my brother and future sister-in-law. I had little to do with any of of the planning.

3

[amnesiadragon]

[Ryu is dealing with his own marshmallow problems, but he does come over when he sees Yato trying to make a flame. The sparks don't bother him much - they hurt but they're more surprising than anything else. He quickly reaches over to help pat the fire out. It also hurts, but he's more concerned about Yato than anything else.]

Throw some dirt over it?

[He doesn't understand the fire triangle or what oxygen is, but he knows that's how they put out their campfires.]

[intertwinedfates]

[At first Yato doesn't notice he's got company, being so preoccupied with having a toasty lap. Only when Ryu adds his assistance to the cause does he register the presence of the younger man with an additional cry for help. For the fire stubbornly refuses to go out even with one and a half gods fighting it, steadily growing in size until Yato has to stand to try keeping it from burning somewhere sensitive.

But oh, bless sweet, sweet Ryu for his calmness and common sense...!

At his suggestion Yato all but buries himself in dirt from where the bonfire was dug up, thankfully putting out his own blaze with no small sigh of relief.]

W-Whew... Oh man, I thought I was gonna be toasted, myself. Thanks, Ryu. I owe you one, massively!

[He's just. Gonna sit there a few moments, letting his crotch cool off and his heart rate slow down.]

Ryu | Breath of Fire IV

[amnesiadragon]

I - Birdthday Boy

Ryu is not sure what to expect from a birthday party - he's only faintly aware of what both 'birthdays' and 'parties' are. But he shows up with something in a long, narrow box that probably betrays what it is. Oh well. He waits for his friend to show up and follows everyone's lead, popping out to yell 'surprise'! ... A little delayed, but the spirit is there.

He waits for people to clear away from Joshua before approaching with his present. He's been vaguely listening - not to be nosy, but he doesn't even know what to say on someone's birthday. "... Happy birthday?" That's right, isn't it?


II - Buffet Bother

Food! Wonderful food! He's doing his best to control his usual large appetite, but there's too much good stuff! The ice cream is totally ignored - it looks cold and he's not a fan of that - but the croquettes get a try as does the veggies. ... The dip is also ignored because he's not sure what to do with that.

He does take a double portion of the roast, tearing into it and possibly getting the sauce on his neighbors. It's not that he's starving, it's more that he's always hungry. ... Sorry.


III - Bonfire Boo-Boos

Ryu is absolutely delighted by the bonfire, though the concept of roasting marshmallows is a little confusing. He follows someone else's lead and puts one on a stick. He's surprised by how it's turning golden brown, and then black, and then - oh! It's on fire!

He pulls it out of the flame and waves it to extinguish it, but he grabs it right afterwards. Hot sticky sugar ends up all over his hand and he makes a surprised and pained noise. "Ow..." He's resistant to fire, but that's different than being immune.

I - Birdthday Boy has arrived!

[empyreancatastrophe]

[It's that tiny and endearing delay that catches Joshua's attention. After his initial greetings with other guests, he makes his way over to Ryu, arms immediately outstretched to draw his friend into a hug.]

Thank you so much, my friend.

For the well-wishes and for being here.

[amnesiadragon]

[He hugs Joshua tightly, resting his head against his brother's chest. He's warm and solid and Ryu is just glad to be here, really.]

Of course. I've never been to a party before, but when I heard it was for you I had to come.

[He pulls away gently and presents the box to him. It's wrapped in brown paper, but he'd had to be told to wrap it to begin with. Inside is a red fishing pole, simple in design but clearly built to last.]

[ closed to birthday boy ]

[flamekthunder]

[Tifa and Eustace had been happy to let Clive and Jill use their café to host this party for Joshua, both of them having become acquainted the young Dominant in his time here. Eustace made special care that the various animals aren't a bother to everyone, and especially do not get into the food.

Otherwise, Eustace just kept the side as usual, letting everyone else do the grand surprise, socialize and mingle until he felt it only appropriate to greet Joshua himself. So he'll come up to him a little later, lightly tapping him on the shoulder.]

Enjoying yourself?

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Eustace managed to catch Joshua right in the middle of grabbing a few snacks. The Phoenix required a copious amount of energy to keep him alive through his various maladies back home, and although he never felt well enough to eat what should have been his fill, that’s not the case in this dream realm, and certainly not at his own party.]

[When he instinctively turns to address the tap on his shoulder, it’s with a sizable piece of cheese in his mouth. When he comes face to face with Eustace, he freezes, eyes wide as he realizes just how uncouth he’s coming across as.]

[There’s a heavy pause of silence in response to Eustace’s question. Then, a quick twitch of his lips, Joshua tucks in what’s left of his snack, hastily chews it, swallows and, finally, he speaks.]

V-Very much so.

Thank you kindly to yourself and Lady Tifa for your accommodation. Everything is lovely.

[Smooth.]

[flamekthunder]

[His eyes widen in surprise at the sight, staring at Joshua a bit dumbfounded as he had not expected to see him like this.

...

And it's a good thing Eustace has very strong control of his facial muscles because there's only just the faintest quirk at the corner of his lips as he manages to spare Joshua's dignity by not snorting or looking too amused by this. Because it really was comical, even Eustace would think so.]

It was nothing.

[Also continuing to spare his dignity by just brushing over it all.]

...Seems the food is to your liking.

[Kidding, he's going to subtly tease him anyway.]

hiyori iki | noragami (slams into this with starbucks)

[wwtd]

a) YOU ARE STILL JOSHUA.

[ hiyori wouldn't say she's a party girl, but she could say she's a girl who appreciates her friends. new and old. honestly? she's just glad she didn't have to practice dancing for a flash mob. even if, in the end, that had been really fun. if embarrassing...

once she got over herself.

she sets her gift (THE LITTLE NOTE DOES NOT SAY DARLING it probably says "happy birthday, joshua!! from, hiyori iki") where the other gifts are and mingles until bday boy arrives. she does her best to keep yato out of trouble, too... but that's an ongoing, everyday struggle. sigh.

once clive approaches with the man? boy? MALE of the hour, hiyori hushes the rest of the partygoers herself and ducks down into hiding. untttilll!! the door opens. CONFETTI ABOUND. ]

Surprise!! Happy birthday!

[ life goes on, doesn't it? no matter where they are. no matter who they're with. the best they can do is enjoy it. for now, her life is here in reverein with the friends she's made. who deserve to know others so cherish them.

ah, she has a lot of confetti and glitter in her hair. so does everyone. she laughs and starts picking it out of her hair then turns to who is nearby. ]

You've got some... [ GESTURES ] In yours, too, hehe.

a) PHOENIX UP.

[ it's been a while since she's seen fireworks. sitting by the bonfire, making s'mores, hiyori watches the spectacle with bright eyes and a small smile. if only yukine were here. he would enjoy this. they could enjoy it together. he and joshua would get along, too. there probably isn't anybody yukine wouldn't get along with.

times like these make her miss home. she misses everyday things like going to school and seeing her friends. she misses seeing her mom and dad and her older brother around doing chores or just existing. she misses delivering her grandmother's coffee to her and listening to an anecdote about her life. she misses stopping by kofuku's and spending time with everyone. she misses being with the people she loves.

all her friends in reverein keep her happy. yato keeps her sane.

.... and insane........

ANYWAY, HEY, HOW 'BOUT THEM S'MORES!!! hiyori is staring at the fire for perhaps too long, lost in her thoughts because her marshmallow melts right off the sick and plops sadly into the flames. burnt to a crisp. ]

GAH!!! N-nooooooo....!

[ notice the similarities between our beloved noragamis??? yeah, they're all IDIOTS. every single one. ]

A

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Hiyori’s quick hushing works wonders. When Joshua arrives with Clive and is met with such a spectacular ensemble, the (happy) shock that washes over his features is nothing short of genuine. His friends got him good!]

[All smiles and laughter—a sound rarely heard from him, let alone loud enough to be heard in a crowd—Joshua begins to make his rounds. In one of the lulls between greeting friends, he notices a familiar teenager and makes his way towards her.]

Hiyori!

[He chuckles at her gesture and starts to run his fingers through his hair. Sure enough, there’s a cascade of glitter that follows.]

This will take eons to wash out. Although I suppose that just means we’ll have more reasons to keep celebrating.

omg i put a) for both prompts LLKDGLKJSDg what is alphabet

[wwtd]

[ while the party has begun proper, hiyori can't help but glance over every time she hears that burst of genuine, joyous laughter. seeing the person they're celebrating having a good time is enough to keep the smile on her face, too.

she's making small talk, back to him, when her name is called. turning around in surprise, she responds with an equally bright "Joshua!" as he approaches.

from there: ]

I'm sure we can find something to be happy about for however long you have confetti and glitter in your hair. [ she giggles, nursing whatever NON-ALCOHOLIC drink they have available for teens around here. ]

You looked so surprised!! I wish I had a camera, but everything turned out great! I'm glad you have people like your brother and Jill here who obviously really care about you.

B

[amnesiadragon]

[... Yeah, they do have some stuff in common, huh? He smiles a little bit and hands Hiyori another marshmallow.]

Here. ... I like these things. I've never seen such squishy food.

THANK YOU FOR NOTICING IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE "B" LKDKLSG

[wwtd]

R-Ryu-saaaan. Thank you...

[ takes the marshmallow JUST A LITTLE WOEFULLY because of the loss of the first marshmallow-kun. she seems to get over it quickly enough because she smiles at him before long. ]

They're kind of like pillows, huh? [ laughs quietly ]

Would you like a s'more? I was making myself one, but I can make one for you. [ BETTER YET ] Or I can show you how!!

[ it'll keep her mind off things ]