This birthday party is totally on time

[introverting]

Who: Everyone who knows Tifa :|
When: Backdated to Tifa's birthday
Where: The Island on the beach
Style: Prose or Action, whatever you want, make your own mingley threads of goodness.
Status: Open



[ Cloud is not exactly the best party thrower in the world, but Zack (and some extra advice from the island) meant that he had at least gotten some idea on how to make it not the worst thing he ever did. It was a simple set up on the beach with a very shoddy attempt at a birthday cake (it was at least round and frosted, gold star for effort) and a table with some food, plus a nice bonfire that was maybe a little bit too fun to make.

Hopefully it would be fun for everyone else and more importantly fun for Tifa. ]

Comments

BIRTHDAY GIRL

[fightforastar]

[At first Tifa was naturally surprised to find out from Cloud that he's put together a party for her. Of course they know each other's birthdays; they grew up together, and everyone knows when to congratulate who in a small town. But a beach party? It just isn't like him.

Which was when she realized he must have gotten Zack involved, and then everything made sense.

To the disappointment of at least some guests, she shows up to the party in a practical red and black one-piece and a sarong. Come say hi to the birthday girl anyway?]

[introverting]

[ He was actually in a bathing suit. And it wasn't black, even. Or, well, at least not all of it. There was definitely some blue in there and it was a lighter shade so it was the attempt that mattered. It was a step up from the heavier amount of clothing he usually donned.

With all the planning, an actual present still had yet to be thought up, so it was empty-handed that he eventually approached her on the beach. ]

... Happy birthday, Tifa.

[fightforastar]

[It wasn't like he looked bad in black. And certainly not in quite a lot less of it.

Tifa smiled warmly at the words, which were really all she had been expecting from him. She hadn't figured on a party, or on gifts, but who knew at this point?]

Thanks, Cloud.

And I guess it's your fault everyone else knows about it.

[introverting]

Probably.

[ He smiled a little, rubbing his neck. ]

Zack and Sora said you might like it. So they might be to blame too.

[fightforastar]

I figured Zack would be your partner-in-crime. I don't think I've met Sora.

[She tilted her head curiously. Was Cloud making friends?]

[introverting]

Mmm. He said he knew me back home. I don't remember him, but...

[ He shrugs. ]

He seems like a good kid.

[fightforastar]

Someone from home, huh...

[And someone from maybe even farther in the future than Cloud.]

You'll have to point him out to me if he comes. You think I'm supposed to know him, too?

[introverting]

[ He shrugs, not really sure. He hadn't thought to ask, actually, which was odd. ]

He knows of you. He said that I was looking for you when we met. I don't know if he knows you personally.

[fightforastar]

Looking for me? I hope that doesn't mean we get separated.

I guess I'll find out if someone I don't know recognizes me.

[introverting]

[ He nods in agreement. After everything, he'd really rather their lives got kind of quiet or something. ]

Mm. If he's here, I'll introduce you.

[fightforastar]

And I thought I'd be introducing you to my friends.

I guess you've met a few of them?

[introverting]

[ He's just full of surprises. He gives her a small smile over that, even, and shrugs. He's pretty sure he's met a few - or at least, that they commented to him on the network when he asked about her birthday. ]

Yeah. I guess so. I don't think I got their names, though.

[fightforastar]

Well, I can at least fill in the blanks.

[She surveys the party again, glancing out at the ocean.]

You know I've been here all this time and never been to a beach party? How's the water?

NOT LATE OR ANYTHING NOPE

[ugly_soldier_dude]

[One piece or not, Tifa looks damn good in it. But Zack only notes that briefly (if not appreciatingly) before he runs up to Tifa.]

Happy Birthday!

[Sorry for the violation of personal space, but you're getting a hug, Tifa. It's quick, at least?]

What do you think?

NOTHING IS LATE HERE

[fightforastar]

[She's surprised by the hug, but she doesn't really mind it. It's not like there's any groping involved. She smiles at him once he pulls back.]

Thanks, Zack. I wasn't expecting a party -- it's nice.

sob i wish that were true ;;

[ugly_soldier_dude]

It was all Cloud's idea, but you know him. Not the party type, so he needed some help with the execution.

[It's the thought that counts. Zack's just proud of his protege for even thinking of throwing a party. It's a good first step!]

<3

[fightforastar]

He really suggested it himself?

[ugly_soldier_dude]

SOLDIER's honor, he did. Made a network post about it, asking for help.

[fightforastar]

[Her eyes widen a little bit and she lets out a laugh.]

Well! I guess I should be flattered he went to all the trouble.

[ugly_soldier_dude]

Well, it's the least he can do for you, right?

[Zack loves Cloud like the little brother that he is, but he knows Tifa has had to put up with a lot from him. So very much.]

[fightforastar]

[She's not really thinking about any of the trouble he's put her through right now.]

I think this qualifies as a little more than "the least."

[ugly_soldier_dude]

I think Cloud would beg to differ. You mean a lot to him, you know. So you're worth the extra effort.

[Despite his smile, he's being dead serious. And he hopes she knows that.]

[fightforastar]

I know. He means a lot to me, too. [They're such good friends after all. Which might not be exactly what Zack means.]

But you come to expect the little gestures from Cloud.

[ugly_soldier_dude]

[It means whatever she wants it to mean. Because despite being an ardent shipper, Zack just wants them happy and comfortable in the end.]

Yeah, true. I was kinda surprised he had the idea, too, to be honest. But sometimes you just gotta go big and loud, you know?

[fightforastar]

He has changed a little in the past two years. Well... his past two years.

[How do you talk about time that's the future for one of you and the past for the other...]