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

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!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[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.

[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.]

[When Ryu nestles against him, Joshua tightens his grip until the demi-god singles that he’s ready to pull away. He gave—gives—his own brother heartfelt and meaningful embraces whenever the opportunity arises. He’s not about to deny the same of his adoptive brother.]

It brings me great joy to know that your first party is mine. Let us ensure that it leaves a positive first impression.

[With a murmur of gratitude and a grin, Joshua begins to carefully tear the paper off of his gift. However it may be wrapped, he treats it with just as much respect as any other present.]

[When he uncovers the rod, his eyes light up.]

Exquisite!

[He glances up at Ryu.]

Is this so we can go fishing together?

Of course! You're here, so it's already great!

[He nods at the question and smiles.]

I... I wasn't sure what to get you so I thought maybe you'd like some fishing lessons? It's getting warmer now, after all.

[And fishing is fun... and he wants to share the fun.]

[Joshua shifts the fishing rod so it’s cradled safely in one of his arms. Then, he reaches out with his free hand and places it on Ryu’s shoulder. His eyes light up with excitement and his wide smile is nothing short of overjoyed.]

When do we start?

Maybe in a few days? I know you're probably more of a 'lots of people' person than I am, but dealing with a lot of people would probably tire me out...

[He's trying to figure out how other people think more... it's hard when he has little for a frame of reference.]

[Joshua chuckles softly.]

Hardly. Although I've been trained in the art of socializing, I much rather prefer a warm corner and a good book.

[He looks around the room and at all of his friends and family who've gathered.]

Present company excluded. Seeing everyone here warms my heart so that no book is needed. All of your smiles are enough.

Maybe we can do some of that too. It'll take time to roast the fish we catch, after all.

[He doesn't want this to be all about him, after all. If Joshua tries some of what he likes, he ccan try some more of what Joshua likes!]

[For a few moments, Joshua is quiet, although it's not tinged with awkwardness or solemnity. Quite the opposite, his contemplation holds a sense of sincerity.]

[This is what it means to build a family, isn't it?]

I would like that very much, Ryu.

Good.

[He gives Joshua another tight hug.]

I want to help make you smile. You're very important to me. You deserve happiness.

[Joshua returns the hug just as tightly and readily.]

As do you.

[He pulls back enough so he can look Ryu in the eye.]

You’ve done more than enough to make me smile. Pray allow me to do the same

I'm - yes.

[There's no point in protesting - the brotherness is too strong.]

That's what family and friends do, right?

[This is what happens when you try to go against a professional brother, Ryu. Time to get training.]

It is, indeed.

[Joshua glances over at Clive and Jill.]

Thankfully, we have fine examples to follow.

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

Ryu | Breath of Fire IV

I - Birdthday Boy has arrived!

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