XIV {Audio} + [OPEN COMMENTLOG AWH YEAH]

[thenotmagician]

Oi.

Hey everyone.

It's summer solstice time. Sunset'll be in six hours or so, and everything's all set up at th'bonfire.

Couldn't find any fireworks, but hey, we've got plenty of marshmallows.



[Zeke and Raven set up a bunch of towels and places to sit around the bonfire. And a table with marshmallows and all kinds of other things that can be cooked on a stick. There are also small buckets filled with water sitting around. Which Zeke may or may not be dumping on people. (Characters are free to retaliate. This is summer, after all.)

Oh, and Rapunzel has a nice big cake with her name on it in the middle. With candles and everything.

PARTY TIME.]

((OOC: Tag Zeke and amongst yourselves. 8'D))

Comments

[70ftandcounting]

[Hmph. Yeah, since you've banned her from going up there and in so many words told her all she would do is get in the way and made her feel little more like a pest.]

You--

[Her eyes widen, and she forgets about his infraction as she hesitantly reaches for them.]

You made these? For me?

[yolonceler]

[Oh no. Her face. Is that a good look or a bad look?]

Yes. For you. Made them. ... I mean, I made them for you. Because, you know, it's your birthday! And birthdays warrant gifts, lots of gifts. But I don't have lots of gifts, and I'm really sorry. They're not a diamond necklace or a pet elephant or anything, but, well, I tried.

[70ftandcounting]

"No, no -- don't apologize." She shakes her head and carefully clutches them in her hands, eyes so wide.] I love them. They're...they're perfect...

[That and no one has ever really done anything like this before for her. It's...mind-boggling, that he has.]

Thank you.

[He gets a hug. A warm, lingering, and tight hug -- with one arm, because she doesnt' want to smoosh her flowers.]

[yolonceler]

[She loves them! They're perfect! Mental victory dance. Seems like his stupid idea wasn't so stupioh she's hugging him now. Before that realization even hits him he's hugging her back, kind of instinctively. Man, he is on top of the world. Hopefully she'll like the dress even more. Is that wishful thinking?]

No problem. Don't mention it. [No, please, mention it.] I'm really glad you like them.

[70ftandcounting]

Of course I do.

[They're lovely, they'll never die, and they're handmade. It's a wonderful gift that Rapunzel will treasure for as long as she's able.]

Thank you. Really.

[yolonceler]

[This is definitely his best moment at the keep. Is it weird that it doesn't concern his own happiness?]

Dooon't mention it. Really. It's your birthday! And after the whole painting-cover combo I figured you deserved something handmade.

[70ftandcounting]

[No. Not at all. Or at least, Rapunzel doesn't think so.]

Oh, you didn't have to do anything for that...or my birthday, really.

[She gives him a genuine smile that radiates just how pleased she is with her flowers, though.]

But they're very nice. Beautiful. I'm going to keep them forever.

[yolonceler]

Right, yeah. Paper flowers can't die.

[He makes it a point to never give anyone real flowers. It used to be no living things in general, but his mother really wanted that elephant.

Rapunzel's smile eliminates any doubt the Once-ler had about his gift. If she's happy, he's happy.]

Put them somewhere safe, being so close to the bonfire is making me preeetty nervous.

[70ftandcounting]

O-oh, yes -- of course! I'll go put them in my room right now! Do you want to come with me?

[Of course you do, Oncie. Because she's grabbing his hand and heading off.]

[yolonceler]

Uh - Looks like I do!

[He lets himself be led away from the party. Wow, they're, uh, holding hands, aren't they? Legitimately holding hands. But, like, is this friend hand-holding, or is it that kind of hand-holding? The Once-ler doesn't say much of anything the whole time.]

[70ftandcounting]

[She grins, and pulls him along behind her, all the way back to her room. Bursting in, she finally lets go of his hand, and hunts around for the perfect place to put them. There's a little spot there on her dresser that she finally settles on, and she steps back, contemplating.]

What do you think?

[yolonceler]

[He crosses his arms and tilts his head, pretending to judge her placement.]

Hmmm.

[The Once-ler looks VERY SERIOUS.]

I suppose it's sufficient.

[70ftandcounting]

[She eyes him, brow raised, then--

Just starts laughing.]

[yolonceler]

[Stop it! This is a very serious time! Interior design is very important! Stop!

Okay the Once-ler can't keep up with this charade, so he starts laughing too. Is it sad that this is the most he's laughed since... forever?]

Alright! [How he manages to speak between giggles is beyond me. He holds out one hand for her to take.] Party, party. You can't ditch your own party.

[70ftandcounting]

[She can't help it, okay -- he's so silly sometimes.]

You're right, you're right -- we should head back. [Grinning up at him, she grabs his hand.] Let's go.

[thenotmagician]

[And then. Out of almost nowhere arose Zeke. Quickly and quietly he stalked his prey, carefully carrying his bucket to avoid spillage and detection.

He approached them from behind, paused, raised the bucket high in the air, and WHOOSH. umped the water all over the unsuspecting couple. Sorry guys!]

[yolonceler]

[You've got to be shitting me. On some level, he should have been expecting this, considering Zeke's been doing it all day. But he didn't. Way to go, Oncie. If he were back home Zeke would be fired a thousand times over, but he's not, so instead he just shoots Zeke a death glare and says,]

If I were wearing my jacket you would be dead.

[70ftandcounting]

[Sorry Oncie, Rapunzel is too busy being startled and sputtering then laughing hysterically to be upset.]

O-oh-- it's cold--!