4143/Party Like It's 2028!

Party Like It's 2028!
Date of Scene:	23 May 2016
Location:	Techno Urbania
Synopsis:	The Sleeping Knights throw Yuuki a small party for her 16th birthday. Without telling her, they invite her new friends as a surprise!
Cast of Characters:	Kirito, Tomoe, 20, Staren, 162, 385, 411, 675, 691, Yuuki Konno

---

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    The party's address is a modest house in a Japanese suburb, a semi-detached family dwelling that's moderately large while having almost no actual land footage to spare. Jin's family's house, in fact. He cleared the party with his parents. Just a bunch of friends from online and all that. Yes there'll be adults present, no there won't be any rowdy stuff. It's going to be, from the looks of things, a farily simple party. The house is already decorated up on the inside, with a huge 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUUKI' sign hanging in the living room in site of the main entrance. Like most Japanese homes, there's a front room for people to remove their shoes before entering the house itself.

    Inside, the five Sleeping Knights are present in their human forms. Those who may have seen them before, in fairy form, would still recognize them. Their online avatars are entirely based on their real life appearances, with only suitable modifications in pointy ears and a few cosmetic changes in hair color and the like. They're moving around, organizing, setting things up. Except for two, that is. Nori's lounging in clothing that's rather revealing, sprawled out languidly on a couch and taking up way too much room - at least before people start showing up and needing their own space. Siune, a willowy woman in perhaps her 30s, is at the door greeting arrivals. Yuuki, the birthday girl herself, still hasn't arrived. The plan was to gather all the surprise guests early and have them there when Yuuki showed up expecting only the Sleeping Knights.

    As for the plan itself? It's fairly simple. This is going to be a simple enough party, as no one here is rich. Food is potluck; everyone brings a single dish. Anyone here by invite would have been told this. Anyone crashing, well, hopefully they know it from spying. If not, there's still likely to be plenty of food for everyone. The hosts have provided pizza, rice balls, finger sandwiches, various drinks and ... well, more pizza. Okay so pizza's popular.

    As each person enters the home and is greeted, they are assigned a number plate which the host will show them and then attach to their backs with tape. This is, explains the hosts, for the game of Backstab. It will run the duration of the party. Everyone will be secretly given two numbers to hunt. The object is to steal the number plate from the person who is one of your targets without them noticing. If they notice, you have to return the number and that target is 'safe' from you as you failed to 'backstab'. Anyone who survives the night with their number intact, as well as those who claim their targets, will be recognized as winners.

    Other games for the party include cards, simple games such as checkers, and perhaps a few events to be mentioned later. The cards and checkers board is available just in case, not as a required party game. There's music playing, mostly J-pop sort of stuff.

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight Sparkle arrives with a saddlebag full of goodies! Veggie burger sliders! That might not sound appetizing to others, but to a pony it is delicious. Toasted buns, cheese, portabella mushroom patties topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard! They are good, really! And one of Twilight's favorites.

     She is smiling brightly as she steps through the door, the pastel purple pony fast to greet all the knights as well as any other partygoers. She asks where to put the sliders, then makes her way over to spread them out. Several cardboard boxes float out of her bags as her horn glows with magic, then a large serving dish floats out and sets itself on the table before the boxes open and a few dozen of the sliders float out before stacking themselves on the dish, forming a little pyramid of tastiness! Which...Twilight nudges and tweaks a few times with her magic to get it a perfect pyramid shape. "There we go!"

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari Takane is here! After being cleared by Medical for light duty, the ninja has decided to do a bit of recon. Namely: Yuuki Konno, the one who beat Momoyo Kawakami. To say the Devas and Momo are a sore spot for Yari is an understatement.

Eventually stealing the duelist's spot would be a direct jab in the woman's neck, and so here she is. Also, the ninja would love an honest party that doesn't involve her poisoning the birthday girl. She's come in a simple hoodie, jeans, and sneakers, though not bothering to cover her horns /or/ the tail. Or the many bandages along her throat. Honestly, she still looks a hot mess. A stiff breeze could probably push her over.

She has a large covered plate balanced on her tail, as well as a wrapped gift. It's rather long in fact! What /ever/ did Yari get? Giving a half-bow to the hosts, offering over gifts to the gift table and food to the food table, the ninja is off to grab a cold one.

She uses her horns to pop the top, like a proper Au Ra.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It's only recently that she met Yuuki in ALO, but still, Toph had been only a bit confused when she was contacted and invited to this surprise birthday party with instructions. Who's she to turn down a party? The blind girl had gotten to the task at hand, and she's in time for the party. And rather nicely dressed.

    For today the earthbending master has decided to wear a yellow sundress along with white leggings that end right underneath the knee, along with some metal bracelets. She's got her satchel with her, carrying Yuuki's wrapped gift in it, as well as the food she decided to bring; dumplings from Gaoling. Hey, they are a bit hit in the Stark family, so they should be popular here too she assumes. Especially when some of them are vegetarian too.

    Sure, she hasn't met any of the Sleeping Knights aside from Yuuki before, but she greets them nonetheless, takes the strange piece of paper as she raises a single eyebrow, then heads inside. Okay, this is going to be a bit weird, which the others might notice that the blind girl is a bit more insecure about where she's going. And alas, she doesn't have any shoes to take off to begin with.

    She does hear a familiar voice though, and she turns her head slightly. "Twilight? You're here too?" she asks with a grin.

Staren has posed:
    Of course there will be adults present! Some of the guests are adults, aren't they? They're probably glad this doesn't make them chaperones by default, though.

    Staren follows Twilight in, quirks an eyebrow at the party game but nods -- this seems less likely to put him in a bad spot than Werewolf -- and uses his matter manipulator to deposit some items on the food table -- Two small tupperware containers, a bag of chocolate-coated mini-donuts, and a couple bags of potato chips. The tupperware containers contain a mixture of rotini, 'meat', sweet onions, peppers, and cheese seasoned with salt, butter, garlic, and paprika. One is labeled 'beef' and the other 'vegetarian', explaining why there's two.

    Staren nods along to the beat of the song currently playing. "I like the music." He turns to the nearest sleeping knight with a curious look. "So... you're all well enough to leave the hospital now? Even Zekken?"

Zephyr Windstar (162) has posed:
    Zephyr's here! She's bringing... more riceballs. They're a bit different though, the inside is a local Marchian delicasy, not the usual for Japanese ones. She also has some meat skewers with... is that meat /purple/!? Either way it smells alright.

    She walks up to the front door at the address marked, and glances to DIvine Wind on her bracer, before knocking and waiting to be greeted.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Siune's greeting people at the door, being charming and graciously polite. Not shy, but she's the sort of quiet woman who rarely makes a fuss. She hands out nameplates to everyone, taping them to backs etc with a minimum of trouble after explaining the rules. She directs people to put their food on the main table, and there's paper plates and plastic forks and cups for everyone.

    Staren's question gets a special answer. "Yuuki will be in her avatar form." she says, glancing around in some mild distress. It's a sensitive topic, and she answers Staren quietly. "The rest of us are recovering or fully recovered, but not her. We'd have come in our own ALO bodies but... well, we'd need her to bring us through, and it might have spoiled the surprise." she explains.

Kirito has posed:
Kirigaya Kazuto's not the best cook in town. He's brought... a bowl of salad. Which is probably as far as he's gotten with food that can just be brought around and enjoyed by everyone. Well, Twilight Sparkle will certainly approve at least!

    He's also got a bag slung over his shoulder with well-packaged dishes from Asuna and a few from Suguha. Those will probably be far more popular overall!

    "Hoho!" Kirito exclaims, rather pleasantly surprised at who's turning up so far. He doesn't have much to say yet, because he's looking over the Sleeping Knigghts and working to pin down who's who of the bunch. Doesn't take him long, thankfully.

    Of course, he's much the same, if not even MORE closely resembling his avatar. Were it not for the entirely normal ears... if not for THAT...

    The identical appearance may in fact be a little weird to people who don't know.

    "Y-yo, hope I'm not too late."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari is devouring one of those delicious rice balls while she looks over the party-goers. Toph is here, and that alone has her tensing, before she finally controls herself. Cue more drinking and devouring rice. People better hurry up if they want any!

Other than that, Twilight Sparkle looks interesting. She'll start to slide her way over through the small crowd, but unhurriedly. She'll get there eventually to be friendly!

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    Cirra Constantine wasn't sure what to think of this invitation. But she arrives anyways - it would be rude not to show up and never mention you weren't going to.

    The Judge of Ramuh arrives in neat black clothes and with her silver hair pinned up with a broach - so she looks a bit more like 'Palmira' for the sake of those she's never met off the game...

    Which comes to think about it is just about everyone in the Gatecrashers.

    She arrives with a tray of pasteries similar to cinnamon buns, but with a crunchy shell (Ramuhan food tends to be designed to resist moisture and humidity.)

    "Good evening." she greets at the door. "I was invited to Yuuki's-"

    Once the door is open she spies Twilight Sparkle, a momentary pause compared to whats next. Yari. That gets a flat out resting angry face.

    But Cirra inhales deeply and puts on an expression of socially acceptable neutrallity and forges ahead.

    "I'm sorry I'm late."

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Of the Sleeping Knights, by far the most boisterous are Jun and Nori. Nori gets up from her shameful display of lounging, strategically adjusting her outfit. She seems to be having a particular fascination with Kirigaya Kazuto... who she clearly recognizes, and she pats the couch beside her in invitation and smiles up invitingly at the younger man. College-aged, with a thinness that comes more from her long illness than from athletic pursuits. She makes up for it with her attitude though. She's friendly enough, and actually rather cute in a slightly tomboy manner.

    Jun makes his way around, shaking hands with everyone (except Twilight, whose inhuman form manages to fluster him somewhat). He makes no moves to reach around anyone's back and make a play for their tag. Unlike Nori and Siune he seems in remarkably good health, robust-looking for his age, almost exuding a healthy glow.

    Tecchi makes his way towards Toph. Gnomes have to stick together! The large man looks down at her, though his imposing frame shows a kindly expression. "If you need any help, just let us know." he invites. He knows her after all, and knows Yuuki knows her. Plus, papa bear looks after little ones. He has kids Toph's age.

    Talken looks utterly flustered, glancing down secretively at his papers then balling them up and stuffing them in a pocket. He looks around the room, his cheeks flush red, and then he heads over to strike up a conversation with Staren. And Twilight. Nerds unite?

Staren has posed:
    Staren nods to Siune. He knows it's a sensitive topic, but he doesn't like beating around the bush.

    Aaand Yari is right there. He blinks at her. "Well, that's awkward." He tries to smile, "I'm glad you're healed." He nods to other guests as they arrive. "Hey Kirito, it's been awhile!"

    He sees Talken approaching, and offers a smile and wave, "Hey. What's up?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    The Sleeping Knights seem friendly enough, and Toph shakes Jun's hand awkwardly, considering she can't 'see' here. Tecchi might have a kindly expression, it doesn't help Toph, but she recognizes the man's voice. "Oh, heya! Just tell me where stuff is. Like the food table so I can set some stuff out there. Where do we put the gifts?"

    Though hey, there's more familiar people! And well, she kinda expected Kirito to be here. "Heya Staren! Cirra! Kirito!" Pardon Toph for not walking over, she's not going to risk bumping into other people while they're moving about.

    Staren's comment however makes Toph look confused. "Wait, were you all in an accident or something?" she asks Tecchi. Obviously she doesn't know the story. But then Siune responds, making the blind earthbender look even more puzzled. Okay, this is weird.

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight blinks as she hears Toph, then turns and smiles warmly to the earthbender. "You're here too!" she says with a giggle. She moves to give Toph a little hug, then looks around. "There are more here than I expected." she admits, then raises a hoof to wave to Kirito. "Oh my! You look just like your avatar!" she says, seeming pretty surprised.

     Talken and Yari approach, and Twilight greets both with a smile and a hoof/handshake. "Hello there! It is nice to meet both of you. I am Twilight Sparkle, and this is Staren." she says, then looks around. "So, where is the birthday girl anyway?"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
The life of an idol singer tends to be busy, and Yuna Kagurazaka is no exception. In fact, it's even worse today for a couple of reasons: she's FINALLY (it feels like 'finally,' at least) been declared fully-recovered from the injuries she took during the last leg of Operation Rei-Go, and she had a few catching-up appearances to do thanks to being off her feet for the intervening week, plus she had to get ready for the party.

Yuna fishes in her purse for something, looking around ... then makes a face, drawing her hand back out of her purse, empty. "The guest of honor's busy, huh? Ah well ..." Time enough for her to go around and say hello to the people who *are* here. Particularly those she knows.

And ESPECIALLY a certain Yari Takane. Funny, you'd think she'd want to avoid the Confederate ninja ...

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Tecchi looks a little dismayed by Toph's question, but rallies quickly. It's not all that hard to talk about, not now, except for Yuuki's situation. And Toph's Yuuki's friend, or at least Yuuki seemed to think so when she gushed to the Sleeping Knights about making friends with the WMAT warrior. But if Toph doesn't know Yuuki's condition, well... that gets awkward.

    "Hm. We... all met a few years back. An online game for terminal patients." Tecchi explains in a deep rumble. "The five of us are better now, thanks mostly to our friends here." he adds with a gesture. Five of us. He doesn't include Yuuki in that group directly, though it might not be obvious.

    Talken isn't awkward around Staren, or by extension with Twilight. "Just wanted to say thanks. For coming here and for helping us out." he smiles, somewhat shyly. "You and everyone have been amazing." he says. And with that he reaches forward, attempting to hug Staren in an almost-manly fashion. And to take his number tag from his back. Talken's not particularly agile or stealthy about it though, even if he's almost subtle.

    "Yuuki is on her way." Siune explains to Yuna. "We wanted to make sure everyone arrived before her if possible. She doesn't know you're here, you see." the woman says. "If you brought a gift you can leave it under the table so no one will step on it by accident. If not, well, it's not required. Your presence is more of a gift than she'll be expecting, I'm sure."

Kirito has posed:
Kbuh? Nori's expression and gesture... Kirito spots it and immediately enters CRISIS DECISION POINT. Why's she singling him out? How's it going to look? Would not going with that be bad somehow?

    It's questions like these that makes Kirito far comfier with online life than reality.

    "Seems almost everyone's here!" He answers Toph and Staren.. before finally ambling over to the couch and plopping down for now.

    Eyes just slightly self-consciously wide over this choice. Hope he doesn't somehow regret it.

    "Having EVERYONE in one place like this'll be the last thing she's expecting."

Staren has posed:
    Staren smiles, "No problem! I like helping people, when I can." For a split second he looks confused at the approaching hug, then steps back, smiling and shaking a finger. "Uh-uh! Nice try, though." He looks to Kirito, "Why wouldn't she expect people to come to her party?"

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    Cirra nods her head to Toph, "Hello." she says simply. "I don't think you'll be hearing me sing karaoke this time though."

    Cirra looks at the tag on her back, then at the numbers she's given. So she has to get these tags while protecting her own. And by her estimation, she'll have competition of at least one person per target.

    Cirra smiles at the other guests as they pass her.

    She can get behind this kind of party game.

Tomoe has posed:
Sheena we should say rather than Tomoe arrives, she actually shows up as her self. She's still tall but not as tall as she would be in ALO, she's still 5 10 though na shas red hair which goes down to the mid of her back and she's wearing a sports jacket jeans and running shoes and she's actually grinning.

"Hey! Sorry I'm late! I think My father is bringing somehing later but he's not said /what/ he/s up to."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    What, no karaoke? Toph smirks as that and reaches out to punch Cirra in the shoulder. "But you did so well at /my/ birthday party!"

Herss Tecchi explains what people were talking about, he should easily be able to see the look on Toph's face go from confusion, understanding... and then realization.

    "... oh." It's said with some obvious guilt about asking in the first place.

    So instead of saying more, she will do as Siune instructs, then make her way over to the table, feeling with her hand until she finds it, then she crouches down and retrieves the somewhat sloppily wrapped gift box so she can place it underneath.

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight blinks as Kirito heads over to the couch, then she smiles before following after him. "Good idea!" she says before hopping up on the couch beside him. With her back against the cushions it will be much harder for anyone to take her number! As she hears comments about gifts, her ears perk. "Oh! Excellent." she says, then her horn glows and she looks at her saddlebag, which detatches itself and floats over to slip beneath the table, the top cinched up like a pouch. "It got crowded quite quickly, didn't it! It is wonderful that Yuuki has so many friends. The support of good friends can get one through just about anything."

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    "It was Nori's idea." Siune explains, looking just a little sheepish. "Though honestly, if we'd told her we were making a big deal of her sixteenth birthday she'd have probably refused. But really, I think she'll be really pleased. She likes you all so much, and you've been such wonderful people. She just gets a little shy sometimes, that's all."

    Talken looks sheepish as Staren steps away. "You caught me." he admits. Not that he's particularly skilled or subtle in social situations. "Still mean the thanks though. Both of you." he adds, smiling towards Twilight inclusively.

    Nori puts her arm around Kirito's back, probably giving him some flashbacks to Alicia Rue or Sakuya or other players of ALO who were clearly older than him and flirty besides. She even runs her fingers over his number tag, as if trying to take it. It'll feel like it, surely... but Kirito is NOT her target! She's just trying to make him jump. "Us Spriggans have to stick together don't you think?" she says teasingly, though there's little that's Spriggan about her right now.

    Tecchi smiles down at Toph, obviously not upset by her awkward revelation. He drops a hand onto her shoulder, squeezing roughly though likely not bruisingly. He doesn't speak aloud, but 'that's okay' is pretty loudly screamed in body-language.

    Jun returns from gathering food. He seems to have done pretty good for himself. He finds himself before Cirra, looking at her in puzzlement. "I'm Jun." he says, extending a hand. "Sometime Salamander and future space-tank pilot!" he insists, grinning widely. He then looks past her, seeing something in the window. "She's coming!" he hisses excitedly.

    The 'she' in question is Yuuki. Unsurprisingly the birthday girl's still in her Alfheim avatar, looking quite out of place in the Tokyo suburb. Less so than Twilight Sparkle perhaps, but still not human. Jun rushes past Cirra and Sheena, flashing a smile up at the tall redhead before he usurps Siune's place at the door. It IS his house after all, and Siune gives way with grace, moving in to the party itself to begin to mingle.

    Yuuki enters with a broad smile on her elfin face as she's infected by Jun's cheer. When she sees all the people though, she freezes in surprise. Just completely frozen. It's obvious she's pleased at all the faces both familiar and not, but she's also got a bit of a deer-in-headlights look to her, trying to figure out whether to flee or not. And as pleased as she is, she's also definitely mulling over the fact that, despite being told this would be a simple party, EVERYONE is here. Well, not everyone exactly, but plenty. And they're here for HER sake.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna nods to Siune, "Got it!" and detours over to the table to put a little, silver foil-wrapped package with any other gifts which have been placed there. She's also keeping half an eye open for other people's number tags; she probably isn't going to worry that much about taking anyone else's numbers. There are more important things to do at a party! Like have fun, and celebrate the birthday girl.

And she's just thinking that when Yuuki comes in. "Hey Yuuki!" the blonde idol smiles brightly, waving. "Happy birthday! Hope you don't mind the visitors ..."

Staren has posed:
    Noone answer's Staren's question, but soon enough Yuuki herself is here! Staren's ears perk up and rotate towards the door, followed by the rest of him. He smiles, "Hey, Yuuki!" and waves, "Happy birthday!"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It's a good thing they realise that she didn't mean to make people awkward. She certainly looks awkward about it herself! Though Tecchi's non-verbal reassurance does help her relax somewhat.

    Though little time to think about that now, as the birthday girl is coming! Toph blinks and rises from putting the birthday gift in place, places the box of dumplings onto the table with the other food, then heads over towards the door. Not right by the door, since Jun seems to want that spot. And once Yuuki arrives, the blind girl offers a big grin. "Happy birthday, about time you got here! We were going to start eating food and opening the presents without you!" she teases.

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    Cirra looks up at Jun as he introduces himself, and shakes his head. Howwever, she does this by manuvering herself a half step to the side t o face him, and keep her back to the wall. "Cirra, though Yuuki knows me as Palmira. Thank you for hosting us tonight, it's most generous of you and your family."

    When Jun bolts to gather at the door, Cirra lets him go before following him more casually and past Suine. She lets her go past, but glances at her back briefly to determin how well her tag is attached.

    At the door however, she becomes a bit self-concious and straightens her shoulders. Yuki probably doesn't recognize her at all.

Tomoe has posed:
Tomoe Grins as Yuuki arrives and is also happy tos ee some of the sleeping nights have recovered, there are good things about the multiverse after all right? She's grinning and honestlyt his is the first time Cirra, Twilight and maybe Toph have seen. Sheena whose better known to the multiverse as Tomoe or Eisen. She hower is focused on Yuuki.

"Happy Brithday, nd it's good to see you."

Sheena's already stashed a present somewhere and likely has something addtional waiting in ALO for Yuukio given how much time she spends in said game. Her voice is the same as Tomoe though her actual name? She's never been /too/ free with that. However some people are about to find out that. She also going to go say hi to Jun as well, but first Yuuki!

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Yuuki is here! Twilight perks as Yuuki arrives, and she happily calls out, "Happy Birthday!" She hops up and heads toward the door along with the others. "I hope you have had a good birthday so far, but if not then it is sure to be better now!" the purple pony says happily. She moves in next to Jun and giggles. "Isn't it great? So many people came out for your birthday! We're all glad to be here for you!" she says.

     She looks up at Jun after that. "It was certainly nice of you to allow this party at your house. I hope we aren't being too boisterous for you." she says, raising a hoof and patting Jun's back in a 'good job' sort of way. But, secretly (At least to Jun she hopes), she is attempting to swipe that number and slip it into her saddlebag!

Kirito has posed:
"Ahahaha... I'm more of a wandering swordsman." Kirito jokingly protests, instantly NERVOUS and trying not to show it from Nori getting all hands-on with him. He just gets the most aaaaaawkward of smiles here!

    And tenses RIGHT UP when he feels the hand getting a biiiiit too close to that tag on his back....

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Jun's not the most sophisticated youngster. He's savvy enough in a combat situation and well-used to maneuver and protecting his back, but he's too busy and active here to passively protect himself. Twilight's attempt to steal his number tag is quite successful, and he only realizes it a few seconds later. After he's already 'dead'. He grins ruefully, then puts an arm around Twilight's neck (if permitted anyways). He's no way the type to hold a grudge, and even if she was being sneaky he appreciates her words.

    Yuuki's still pretty stunned by all this, and tears slowly begin to leak and run down her cheeks. She's still smiling though. She's not bawling, not trying to flee. She could do either, and has done both in the past when faced with similarly emotional situations.

    Siune is quick to move over and support Yuuki, putting an apparently-welcome arm around the young girl. Not an attempt to steal her number to be sure, since Yuuki hasn't even had the game explained to her. Soon. Siune's just a strong supporter, gentle and caring and trusted. She whispers a few words, patting Yuuki soothingly, which only makes the tears run faster. Yuuki's still smiling though, broadly enough that her jaw must be starting to hurt.

Staren has posed:
    Birthday girl is getting emotional! Staren's not sure what to do, so he stands around awkwardly. No, wait -- he can wander over to the refreshment table and start looking over the stuff Kirito bought.

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight eeks and giggles as that arm drapes around her neck. "Sorry! I really do think it is nice of you." she says, giving Jun a hug around the waist with one foreleg. She blinks as she realizes Yuuki is on the verge of tears, or past the verge. "Aww. Yuuki." she says, smiling warmly and moving to give her a hug as well. Just a quick one. She doesn't want to make things worse! "So, what would you like to do first? Enjoy some of the pot luck, or open a few gifts?" she asks.

     She notices Staren isn't nearby, and looks around for him before waving.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    It's easy enough to hear the faint change in Yuuki's breathing, how her heart is beating faster... man, she's crying? Better not comment on it!

    "Why don't you open the gifts first? I'm curious what people got you!" Toph suggests. "And I spent a whole hour on your gift!" she is quick to add. She used some of her precious weekend time just for you!

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Yuna winces just a little as she sees Yuuki crying, although given the lack of other negative reactions, she supposes they *could* be happy tears. Either way, she makes her way over to offer Yuuki a hug as well. Assuming she'll accept it, that is; if Yuuki doesn't want a lot of hugging, Yuna will back off in good humor.

Twilight's mention of the potluck makes Yuna wince, though; she was so focused on a birthday present that she didn't even try to bring any kind of food ... she might have to order something for express delivery. Yuna's attention migrates towards Siune, and if she can catch the other girl's eye, Yuna mouths the word, 'Potluck?'

Tomoe has posed:
Tomoe listens to toph with Toph mening how long she worked on it? Sure it's just an hour but given Toph's a Metal and Earth Bender? She's not going to sell whatever Toph did short, nope and she also sees Yuuki crying. However she seems to be more happy than anything and she smiles a her friend one of the few ALO players she'll admit to being better than she is. She grins to her friend once more and then looks over to the refreshment table and starts moving up on Staren to say hi.

"Hey Staren.... good to see you."

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    Well, Cirra is glad she didn't take Suine's tag now, it would have been a super awkward moment in an already awkward moment.

    Instead she stands by quietly. It's possible Yuuki will figure out who she by that alone. "Happy Birthday." she does manage to say however.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki would've never expected Toph here, of all people, but even half-blind by tears she can see the Earthbender. Hurriedly, buoyed by the supportive mood, she wipes at the tears. Yuuki's an emotional girl, obviously enough. If she hadn't already admitted her state to most of the people in the room, she'd probably have fled already. People being this nice to her when she's got very little time left to live is something that could only cause her grief as she considers what will happen after she's gone. But she's not dying, not now. She's not living either, but the doctors don't know what to expect any more. No recovery, not currently, but the Damocles Sword doesn't loom from quite so frail a thread any more.

    Yuuki can hope to survive, which means she no longer has to fear getting close to people. She's still uncomfortable about her situation, but it's no longer quite pressing her to flee. Yes, it's happy tears that she's shedding. Siune lets her go though keeps her arm. It's not quite needed to keep Yuuki from fleeing, but Siune doesn't want her to feel abandoned either. Not that that'd be possible in this group, but she's always been the group's mother.

    She looks over at Nori, fixing her with a glare. A rather weak glare considering her grin, but she at least tries to show displeasure. It's only mock-displeasure, of course. "You! You could have WARNED me!" Yuuki attempts to scowl. She clearly knows who set this up as a surprise. No one else in the group has such a playfully malicious streak. Nori's unapologetic, shrugging, and releasing Kirito as she does so. She's a bit disappointed in him not jumping up and shrieking from her behavior, but Yuuki's reaction makes up for it somewhat.

    After a bit, the tears cease... though Yuuki's still sniffling. Faced with an impossible choice, food or presents, she shakes her head. Food seems like a good idea but she's not sure she can eat just yet. "I-if you went to the trouble of getting me something, I suppose I'll have to open it." she says, not to any one person in particular. "You really shouldn't have. I'm just happy enough seeing you all here. After everything else you've done for me and my friends...." She will, however, open gifts. And other stuff. Eventually she'll also be filled in on the backstab game and be presented with the coveted #1 tag... but only AFTER everyone's had their chance to give the birthday girl a hug if they're so inclined. She's not about to turn them down!

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight Sparkle nods in agreement. "It is required! You must open all the gifts." she says, then makes her way toward the table. Her horn glows, and the gifts hidden under the table are levitated out. Twilight isn't sure who all got what, she just knows that she has a gift in there wrapped simply on a cinched up saddlebag with a print of her QT-mark on the side.

     Not one to push for attention, Twilight simply arranges the gifts on the table, then smiles to Yuuki. "These are all yours!"

Staren has posed:
    Staren... doesn't /think/ that way, as he consider's Yuuki's condition something that WILL be cured. So all he can gather is that she must be very lonely indeed, if anyone but the Sleeping Knights showing up to a party makes her this overcome with emotion. It's a sad thought, but accompanied with the happy thought that obviously things are getting better for Yuuki now!

    Since he's already at the table, he pulls the small pile of gifts out from under it so Yuuki can see where they are.

Kirito has posed:
"Isn't it fine, Yuuki? The only people here are friends." Kirito states in simple reassurance.... only to glance eeeedgily Nori's way the next moment. He's got an EYE out for shenanigans. Very very focused on her...

    Man. She's dangerous. He'd better watch out!

    He isn't terribly huggy though, that's just not how things swing for guys. But he does the next best thing, giving her the warmest, friendliest look of approval he possibly can from the couch when she looks his way!

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Hey, no obligations from me! We just met the other week," Toph points out as she raises her hands. It's a bit strange, now knowing that Yuuki is sick. Well, that kinda explains /why/ she's playing ALO all the time. If she's too sick to get out of bed... then the game is certainly a way to live her life to its fullest. If she were in the same situation, then she would probably do the same...

    And Yuuki doesn't get a hug from Toph, instead she offers a classic punch to the arm in greeting. "You gotta try the dumplings later, they're totally awesome. And Goldie is going to be so jealous I didn't bring him any!"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:
Once her turn comes up, Yuna totally hugs the birthday girl, saying again, "Happy birthday!" - along with going so far, in the heat of the moment, to give Yuuki a light smooch on the forehead.

Don't ask what brought that on; Yuna isn't entirely sure of it herself. It's just a chaste little thing, though, And assuming Yuna can get away with not having brought anything, she's content to get some food, then sit back and watch while Yuuki unwraps presents. (If she's allowed to bury her back - and the number tag attached to it - against the cushions of a sofa or something, she is totally taking unfair advantage of that opportunity.)

Tomoe has posed:
Tomoe is just happy enough to bother staren it seems she looks over at him for a moment as he gets to the table, she'll let him place it tan dthen her arm snakes out going for the number on Staren's back if she fails no big it's all part of the game right? Also if Yuuki takes note during the party? Sheena is wearing the necklase she was given some time ago.

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    "I couldn't think of anything to get you, so I baked cinnamon cakes." Cirra only interjects when she hears an opening.

    Speaking of openings, as Suine walks by after escorting Yuuki, Cirra's hand moves up, fingers scissoring close on her number tag and held gently, trying to let the other woman's own force from walking carefully remove the tag.

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    Yuuki accepts hugs, smiles and punches with a dazed sort of equal-opportunity. Only the punch gets an actual reaction as she reaches up to rub the arm. She doesn't seem upset, just a bit surprised. She's usually the physical one in any gathering, and few enough people seem to think 'let's hit the sick girl' is a good idea even when she's in the avatar of a near-unkillable dark fairy. She also smiles to Cirra. "I'll have to try one later, Palmira!" she says. Clearly she recognizes Cirra's voice even if her face is unfamiliar. And yes, Yuuki will eat some of everything. Food enjoyment is one of those things definitely not denied her.

    Still in a bit of a daze, Yuuki moves to open presents. They bring joy to her, clearly, and probably a few tears as well. That's just her way. If someone were to try to steal her number, they'd have an easy-enough time of it except that she's trying to face everyone at once, to try to see them all. Difficult when she's on-stage opening presents, but trivial when she's surrounded.

    Siune gives Yuna a slight nod and a wave towards the food, not quite shrugging off her 'failure'. Food is not required, and no one here is going to account someone stingy over such a trivial matter. Gifts aren't required either, only kindness and warmth; and Yuna has those in plenty. She's also fairly easily relieved of her number badge by Cirra. She's the only one of the Knights who doesn't engage in fights, so she lacks most of their awareness. Tecchi sees the attempt, and almost seems like he's going to call out a warning. No telling if he's protective of the woman who's apparently closest to his age in the group, or if he wanted her nametag for himself. Either way the opportunity passes him by, and Cirra has her reward.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Toph's present is a simple box, with no tags or anything. Yet it should be evident just who the gift is from when it's opened. Inside a simple wooden box is a cuff bracelet made of what looks like silver, polished to a neat shine. It's not just flat metal, instead it looks like the silver is flowing like fluid, with spaces between the metal that gives it a less hard look, and more feminine. The edges are neat, with no sharpness or anything that would injure the wearer.

    Image:

    "Cinnamon cakes sounds nice," Toph asides to Cirra. She's hungry, but the respectful thing is to let Yuuki open her presents first. "So... are we going to play some party games later that I can actually play?" Whoever thought of it didn't exactly take Toph's lack of eyesight into consideration, though she doesn't seem upset by it at all, as always it's a gentle teasing.

Twilight Sparkle (411) has posed:
     Twilight Sparkle's gift is, naturally, a book! One called 'Oh, The Places You'll Go'. She thought it had a good message about looking forward to the future and never giving up. And it's cute! And Yuuki can keep the bag if she'd like. Twilight makes her way back over to Staren as Yuuki unwraps presents. The pony gives Staren a little nuzzle, then takes a seat on her haunches to watch Yuuki with a happy smile. She's glad she could share this moment with her friend!

Yuuki Konno has posed:
    With all the surprises and the wonderful warmth of the party, Yuuki comes to a realization. Confronted by her fears and by this as the answer to them, she has little choice. Friendship can only be answered with friendship, warmth with warmth.

    "Thank you, my friends." she says, meaning the words, sniffling a little. "I never expected this. No really... I truly didn't!" she claims. "Not just the party, not you all being here. I mean... I never even expected I'd be HAVING a sixteenth birthday."

    She had been given a warning by the doctors. She might live through the winter, but no longer. Her body was failing, not just due to her immune system collapsing but from the wasting of her body and the strain of the treatments. That was before the Sleeping Knights were saved, and before she herself was given time to seek out a new answer. It's hard to admit this, but she's among friends. Most of them know already. Those few who don't know... well, she doesn't mind them learning. She doesn't want to be the one to tell them, doesn't want to see their faces when she does, but this is the only way she can pay them back. She can give freely of her heart and soul, and not count the cost.

    "It feels like the only thing I can try to do is to live." she declares, deciding this. She's never NOT lived. Every moment, she's lived her life to the fullest. She's chased dreams, explored, challenged everything she could, and never questioned the point of it all. She would never surrender. If death came, it would come only after she'd lived, for however long she could. "So I'm promising you all. I won't stop fighting. I won't ever stop living. I'm not afraid to risk death, and I won't let myself become something I'm not just to... to hang on. But I'm not going to give up, and I'm not going to lose hope!" she declares, raising a fist into the air.

    It should come as no surprise, not to anyone who knows Yuuki. This isn't something new, not really. The only new thing is that she's actually willing to SAY it. Nothing new, no... and when she finishes, Yuuki begins crying again. Not out of fear or loss, but in bittersweet release.

Cirra Constantine (675) has posed:
    Cirra lowers her hands from taking Suine's tag, and looks at Tecchi as he looks at her. She folds the tag and slips it neatly away.

    When Yuuki figures out who she is though, Cirra smiles at her genuinly.

    Then the speach. Cirra pauses to listen - close to a wall with her back to it. Her face goes a little dark - this makes it sound like yuuki is in dire situation. And only then does the obvious kick Cirra in the frontal lobe - this is Yuuki's Avatar. Not a costume exploiting physical similarity.

    Looking down at the floor slightly, she wonders if Galandian Magitech could do anything... but if she's been around people from the Union this long... no. Galandia's medical abilities are surpassed by the Union and Confederacy both.

Staren has posed:
    Staren doesn't even notice Sheena taking the number. He is getting girlfriend nuzzles! He puts an arm around Twi's withers and leans over for a gentle hug in return.

    He may feel slightly silly later at missing a perfect time to take his own targets' numbers.

    His expression darkens, briefly, when Yuuki mentions she didn't expect a sixteenth birthday. They'll beat this...

    Staren nods at her speech. He grabs a can of soda and holds it up as if in a toast.