[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

[intertwinedfates]

[Considering he regularly gets walloped by his shinki partner for a variety of transgressions, getting his ass kicked for being too rough with Joshua would not come as too much of a surprise. He's going to do everything in his power to prevent that from happening, though. No bullying the birthday boy!]

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Yato settles down somewhat himself. His joviality and mirth are still there, just more subdued to match Joshua's respectful tone. Though there's also a bit of uncertainty in his voice.]

Yeah...? You really think so?

[Sometimes he can't help but feel like a forgettable god - and person.]

I have no doubt you already do, though, with your kindness and compassion.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Where Clive is the brawn between the two brothers, Joshua is the brain. He catches that uncertainty and, while he may not know the source, he still keeps tabs on it. He's not about to pull back Yato's layers (he's already busy pulling back this wrapping paper), but it will make for fine discussion in the future. Provided his friend is willing to share.]

[Instead, he gives a reassuring smile.]

I do think so, yes. In earnest.

And if I am to allow you to believe in my own virtues, then I think it only fair you allow me to believe in yours.

[intertwinedfates]

[There's a definite silent appreciation for Joshua respecting his boundaries, such as they are. While he doesn't mind sharing personal details, it can be hard to do - hence why he's rarely forthcoming with them without being prompted. Besides, this is Joshua's day, a time meant to be centered around him and his achievements. A celebration of his life and existence.]

You make a fine point, I gotta admit. If you can't trust your friends' judgment, then who can you trust, right?

[Grinning, he gives him a gentle nudge. So close to unwrapping it--!]

I hope you'll enjoy this. It's not much special, but I figured something practical would make up for our first meeting.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[He’s tortured Yato enough, and with that next nudge, Joshua finally, finally rips off the rest of that paper. Stepping back so he can observe the bookcase in all of its glory, his face slowly but surely lights up with a broad grin and a lively sparkle in his eyes.]

Beautiful.

[He re-approaches the bookcase so he can trace the chocobo pattern motif with a discerning gaze and deft fingertips.]

One thing is certain—I can trust your taste in presents, and this is more than enough to make up for our first meeting.

[He still hasn’t opened the gag gift, so there’s plenty of time to take that back, but we’ll enjoy the moment for what it is for now.]

[Which includes another hug.]

Thank you.

[intertwinedfates]

[FINALLY! You're a master of torment, Joshua, nice as you are. Yato gives a little cheer as the remaining paper comes off, revealing the present beneath. He's waited eight thousand years seconds for this moment! Before Joshua can even utter a word, his expression tells all, revealing to Yato his approval and thus earning him a bright smile in return.]

Hehe, glad you like it.

[Tucking both hands into his pockets, he comes up beside Joshua to watch him take in the details he spent so long on. It wasn't easy trying to sneak in to study his chocobo pal without anybody noticing.]

That's what I was hoping to hear! I know we didn't exactly get started on the right foot, so I've been thinking of a way to apologize more sincerely for the hassle and damage I caused back then.

[The hug takes him a bit by surprise, but as one who never turns down affection of any sort, he quickly embraces his friend in return, patting him on the back.]

I hope you'll continue to live a long and happy, healthy life, Joshua. That's my wish to you as both a friend and god.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[You know what they say: Beware the nice ones!]

[Joshua eventually pulls away from the hug, but he keeps his hands firmly on Yato's shoulders. Still grinning wide, he shakes his head. When he speaks again, the emotion is palpable in his voice. Look carefully, and Yato might see he's a little misty-eyed.]

Further apology was unnecessary--but 'tis appreciated, and I daresay your gift is made all the lovelier for it.

[Oh, wait, with that wish, Joshua needs to take one of his hands back to dab at an eye. He'll turn his head for just a moment to save himself some dignity.]

I suppose I'll have to follow your example and see your wish through.

[intertwinedfates]

[So true in this instance!]

[Those hands remaining on him are a very welcome sign of their friendship, and Yato himself claps a hand on Joshua's shoulder to reciprocate. Joshua is as fine a human being as there ever was, and he's glad to be able to celebrate his coming into this world together with him. As someone who never had his birth acknowledged like this, it's a fun event to participate in.]

Heh, never let it be said a god forgets his debts. At least not this one. Besides, knowing you, a bit of extra space for books wouldn't go amiss.

[Thankfully, in a surprise bit of social grace, Yato doesn't call any attention to Joshua's momentary lapse of composure aside from a gentle friendly nudge meant to reassure him.]

Please do. I know there's a lot of people who would be heartbroken otherwise, with me among them.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[If Yato is trying to get back at him for the present-opening torture, it's working.]

[Pulling back, Joshua clears his throat and gets his emotions in check. As best he can, at least. It's hard, but, oddly enough, not for any bad reason. Which may, in fact, be worse. Damn those good intentions!]

[Once he's good (and it thankfully doesn't take long), he acknowledges Yato with a determined nod.]

You have my word.

[And he doesn't intend on breaking it.]