Happy Happy birthday!

[folklorist]

Who: Close friends of Rei Hino's and one other guest
What: Birthday party surprise times!
When: April 17th
Where: Tsukino Shrine around 7pmish
Summary: Rei is getting a surprise birthday party!
Rating: PG


Helios had done all he could to make sure Rei was out long enough from the shrine to setup for what was indeed her birthday. With some help from her friends and close acquaintances Helios had decorated the shrine in some lights and lanterns for the occasion. It was nothing too outrageous because he knew Rei was a more subtle person, so the decorations are few but meaningful.

Birthdays are good for starting fresh, and spring is a time for letting go of the past and starting anew. The lanterns symbolize that but also help with the festivities. Even if its a small affair Helios puts a lot of hard work into it because of how helpful Rei has been these past few weeks. So to help ease out of the terrible feelings since the draft and to celebrate the birthday of a good friend Helios will invite whoever is close to the young woman.


((ooc; For the sake of not hurting my hands trying to juggle both a post and a log I'm just going to handwave Helios putting up the announcement over the journals to help set things up for Rei's party. If you're character is a close acquaintance/friend of Rei's they're more than welcome to stop by!))

Comments

[abjurer]

If you can call it that. Be a hell of a lot more agreement if they didn't treat us like interesting specimens.

[He gives a slightly apologetic look when Helios says that. That was probably a bit much.]

Sorry. I'm not- I don't mean to push. If you want to sometime though... maybe when it's just us...

[folklorist]

I agree. I'm not sure why they still do what they do, but...perhaps one day they'll stop. We can only hope that they will eventually.

[ Helios will frown and give a small sigh. ]

N-No it's alright. It's probably better if-if I get used to it first before, ah, going out in front of s-so many people. But-but alone might be nice, easier really, than in front of a large group of people.

[ He has to still get used to the idea that he can do that. It's strange and somewhat unnatural for him. He's...never really gone out without a shirt before in public of all places. It's just a foreign concept for him, regardless of it being easily attainable now. ]

It would be the first time that I could actually go out in public like that. It's very strange to even consider.

[abjurer]

[Just waiting around for the Malnosso to stop pushing them didn't quite sit well with him, but what else could they do?

He gives Helios a reassuring smile though, thumb stroking against the back of his hand.]

Whatever you feel comfortable with. I just- I still think you're hot as hell no matter what so...

[He gives a soft laugh, leaning his head against Helios's shoulder.]

Some things do take a little getting used to, I guess. But even just in short sleeves when it gets hot.

[folklorist]

[ Oh my gods Max you just out right say it don't you? Helios will blush rather profusely at that. He can't help but laugh sheepishly shortly afterwards. ]

I-I can manage that I think. It will be nice to actually get in some sun this summer. I haven't worn short sleeves in forever either. It's a bit exciting I must admit.

[abjurer]

[If he can't say it to the guy he's going out with then who can he say it to? And okay, he kind of likes it when Helios blushes.]

You'll probably have more luck than me. I will be over in the shade, trying not to burn.

[folklorist]

[ Helios laughs readily at that. ]

Well I'm sure we can just dump lots of suntan lotion on you. That should help somewhat, shouldn't it? Perhaps there's even a spell I could cook up to help with that.

[ Hm. It would be interesting to try at least. ]

[abjurer]

[He really should keep his mouth shut but... oh hell, why not?]

do you promise to help me rub it onto my back, Helios?

[The words might be innocent, the expression certainly isn't.]

[folklorist]

[ Oh. Oh dear. That gets another flustered look, especially with that expression. Helios will look away and smile as he rubs the back of his neck in a clearly sheepish gesture. ]

Well. I, ah, I-I suppose if you're-you're fine with it being a bit cold...

[ Because he still does have cold skin in the summer despite the heat. ]

[abjurer]

Sorry. [Max gives him an apologetic look, and he feels a little bad about teasing. He lightly brushes Helios's hand.]

I'm fine with it. Really. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't tease so much.

[folklorist]

No! It's-it's really fine. I don't mind. [ Honestly he finds it rather endearing to be honest. He'll give Max's hand an encouraging little squeeze. ]

I haven't exactly refrained from it either. S-So it's quite alright.

[abjurer]

If you're sure... [He squeezes back, relaxing a little when he realises Helios seems okay with it.]

I like the teasing. it's pretty nice. Comfortable y'know?

[folklorist]

It's very comfortable. It does remind me of-of the past and Elise actually. She did use to tease me quite a bit, and I did the same thing to her. S-So it's...it's not unwelcome.

[ It was something he was familiar with and something he was used to. He couldn't really disagree with doing it. Besides he was the one who was teasing the other to begin with. ]

[abjurer]

Oh. [He might feel a little stranger about that, hearing about Helios's, well, his soulmate, except he sounds so happy and that can only be a good thing.]

Well, that's good to hear. It's kind of fun and I don't always think before I speak.

[folklorist]

[ It was good, very good, because Helios finds it rather sweet and amusing. He laughs lightly at that shaking his head in mild amusement. ]

I find that to be quite endearing, Max. Although you do tend to say the right things s-so I'm not so sure about the not thinking part.

[abjurer]

I must just be lucky then. You're pretty good about it yourself too,, y'know.

[folklorist]

[ His smile grows wider as he leans in a little against Max. ]

I suppose that's fair enough. We're both, um, very lucky individuals then. I'm almost expecting to find four leaf clovers or a rabbit's foot tucked away somewhere. I-I've never been the luckiest of people. [ After all was said and done and what the two of them have gone through? Lucky is the last word he would have picked. But this is new and certainly a welcomed change of pace if Helios ever had one. ]

[abjurer]

[It's nice to be able to slide an arm around him when he leans close, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.]

Luck. Yeah, I think so. Maybe now would be a good time to go looking for charms for the future.

And... I think you're about due some luck.

[folklorist]

[ Helios will blink but he smiles with affection at that gesture. He's getting more used to the intimate contact with Max. It's slow going but at least he's not fidgeting or moving around as much. His posture would normally be tense is languid and calm. ]

You're absolutely right. I-I really wouldn't mind the luck. Though I have been more so in the last few months than I have been in a long awhile. It's just...so peaceful and it's wonderful to actually have that right now. I could get used to it most definitely. [ And here he'll let out a pleased sigh as he relaxes against the wall and Max's frame. ]

[abjurer]

Hope we get the chance then. To get used to it, I mean.

It's nice that things have calmed down a little.

[The draft had really done a number on his head and having the time now to sit back and enjoy himself, to enjoy Helios's company, that was pretty amazing.]

I'm really glad for this, y'know. You.

[It's sappy as hell, but true. When Helios leans against him, he shifts a little, resting his head against the other man's shoulder.]

[folklorist]

I hope we do as well. It's-it's not that this place is too terribly bad. I-I mean barring the war and-and shifts of course. But sometimes the shifts and drafts can be taxing.

[ Helios knew all about that. Dying on his very first one hadn't helped. And even if he was used to going on them the drafts still...instilled some anxieties on him. His wing, however, was better now and he could even move it fully again.

He might blush slightly at that compliment, his smile spreading at a rapid pace across his lips. ]

I-I'm glad to hear it. [ He'll give Max's hand a soft squeeze. It was nice to hear those words because Helios was still second guessing himself on this whole thing. On not being able to reciprocate in a manner that was fair towards the other man. But he knew Max was telling the truth and he appreciated the others sincerity. ]

[abjurer]

That's one way of putting it, yeah. The draft it... really messed with my head.

[So many people getting hurt or dying. It had shaken him to the core. He hated it.

He smooths his thumb idly against Helios's hand, just content to be there like that for the moment. He was pretty happy actually.]

Good. That's really good to hear.