[Voice, filtered from Isamu // 80% unhackable/Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Okay, so between everything that's been happening lately, Richard ALMOST forgot what date was coming up. Fortunately he remembers just in time to actually do something about it-- and do something about it he will whether Isamu wants it or not, which is why he's carefully filtering this message away from his friend.]

For those of you who know him, Isamu's birthday happens to be on Tuesday. I'm preparing a small party for him at House 28; any friends of his are welcome to stop by to give him birthday greetings and enjoy some food. I just ask that you not say anything about this to him ahead of time-- it won't be much of a surprise if he knows about it, after all.

[Later that afternoon Richard can be found hauling home a sizable box of decorations (the birthday ones are hidden beneath a seemingly innocuous mound of Christmas decorations) from the store, looking in a much better mood than he's been in for weeks. He can't explain this sudden cheer and he's not sure he wants to; right now he's just intent on enjoying the festive atmosphere while it lasts and trying to prepare a surprise party for his friend without said friend finding out about it-- which might be a difficult task considering they share a room.]

Comments

[Action]

[odastillhatesme.livejournal.com]

[There is going to be a Sanji all up in your business, Richard, once he spots you hauling the box out the store.]

Yo, Richard! [He calls out with more zeal than intended, and it catches him off-guard for the split second he spends thinking about it... but much like Richard, the sheer enjoyment is enough of a reason to let the cheer pass without further comment. Might as well bask in what's a well-needed reprieve]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard turns his head in search of the source when he hears the voice calling his name, and--]

Hello, Sanji. Shopping for Christmas decorations as well, or are you here for more mundane reasons?

[... okay this box is a little heavier than he first thought, so he's going to be juggling a bit, and as he does so said decorations might slip just enough to reveal something that doesn't look entirely Christmas-y beneath...]

[Action]

[odastillhatesme.livejournal.com]

Something like that. Gotta give Seventh Heaven a fitting make-over. [... Did he just spy a party hat? And one with the letters 'B', 'I', 'R', and 'T' still visible.

He arches a brow in Richard's direction] Planning something? Or did you forget how to spell 'Christmas'?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

Actually...

[And here he lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, unable to hide the mischievous grin on his face.]

... it just so happens to be Isamu's birthday on Tuesday. I'm planning a small surprise party to celebrate it. Would you like to help?

[Action]

[odastillhatesme.livejournal.com]

What? [A short burst of surprised laughter] Tch, that little shit didn't tell me. [And this surprises no one]

Just tell me what you need made.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I don't think he told anyone-- I only remembered the date from last year. He isn't the sort to go around advertising that kind of thing if he can avoid it. [Much like Richard himself.]

Would you be willing to make a cake for the party? I know it's rather short notice, but I think he would be happy if you were the one who baked it.

[Action]

[odastillhatesme.livejournal.com]

'Course I don't mind. [He's just glad for the opportunity.]

You know what his favorite flavor is?

[ackshun]

[hasnobeats]

[While looking around in the stores for Christmas gifts for his housemates, Otonashi notices some guy with a box. A big box. That is a big box, Richard. And so he'll walk on over.]

Hey, do you need help with that?

[ackshun]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard looks up, a smile spreading across his face as he recognizes the young man who had been so baffled by his goat.]

I wouldn't want to trouble you.

[ackshun]

[hasnobeats]

[...Oh that's... the goat guy. The guy with the goat, yeah. Richard, was it? (Assuming they'd end up introducing themselves in that thread anyway..)]

It's not a problem! It looks kinda heavy, so... And I'm not really doing much right now, anyway.

[ackshun]

[ledbythewind]

If you're certain...

... then who am I to say no?

[Don't mind him just plopping the box in your arms then, Otonashi.

... don't worry, he'll take it back in just a moment.]

[ackshun]

[hasnobeats]

Yeah, so don't worry about it--

[Oh. Oh. This is actually even more heavy than it looked. Otonashi struggles a bit with it but... He's totally got this, okok. But... take it back whenever you want, Richard! Ahaha...]

Geez, what's in here?

[ackshun]

[ledbythewind]

[Fortunately Richard will take pity on him after a couple of moments of wobbling and take the box back, balancing it against his own hip. He may be a troll but he's not mean and making Otonashi fall over is not in his plans.]

Just a few Christmas decorations for the house, along with some birthday decorations for a friend. Of course, the second part is supposed to be a surprise.

[Action]

[healedbythelight]

[Cheria's noticed Richard's entry and read it, but the question that looms in her mind is something she doesn't dare ask across the journals. What if the entry is hacked by Isamu anyway? That's why she seeks Richard out in person later, when she's sure Isamu isn't around.

... Oh, look at that big box he just dragged into the house.]

Excuse me, Richard?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard sets the box down with perhaps more of a flourish than was really necessary before looking over to Cheria with a smile. It's hard not to notice that he actually seems to be in a good mood for a change, especially given just how reclusive and mopey he's been lately.]

Miss Cheria. Would you like to help me with these?

[Action]

[healedbythelight]

[Seeing Richard in such a good mood is definitely a relief to Cheria. She suspects it has something to do with Isamu's upcoming birthday, but she'd rather not make assumptions.]

Yes, I'd be happy to! [She peers into the box to see the top layer of Christmas decorations.] Is it customary to have that many decorations for Christmas?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Still smiling, Richard pulls out one of what appear to be a couple of garlands that are in the box... and it might just be trying to get friendly with a strand of tinsel, too.]

I'm not sure-- I just took some of everything that I thought looked festive. After all, it only happens once a year, so we might as well make the most of it while it's here. Don't you think so?

[Action]

[healedbythelight]

Oh, yes, I agree. Some of the holidays they have here sound very interesting! Apparently, Christmas creates quite a festive atmosphere. I'd like to experience that to the fullest, if possible.

[She reaches into the box as well, pulling out a small ornate ball for the Christmas tree and examining it.] I just wonder how many decorations everyone else will put up...

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

If those lights all around the village are any indication, the Malnosso expect us to decorate as much as we want. I certainly don't plan on turning down such a generous offer.

[And then he blinks, head tilting slightly as he catches sight of something in the doorway to the living room.]

... although from the looks of things, it seems like someone here has already gotten started.

[voice] I'm a rebel

[generalflirt]

Man oh man, a surprise party? What a lucky guy.

[Also it can be assumed that Haruhi nodded at this as well]

[voice] Always the rebel

[ledbythewind]

Does that mean you'll be attending, Masaomi? I didn't realize that you knew him.

[voice ]

[generalflirt]

I don't know him at all!

[voice ]

[ledbythewind]

Then why don't you come anyway so that I can introduce you? I think you'd get along quite well. If nothing else, he might be a willing partner in your search for girls.

[voice ]

[generalflirt]

As connections go that's pretty loose, man. Unless all gay guys get along. ...Do they?

[voice ]

[ledbythewind]

What do you mean?