[video, locked from Lance]

[im_a_leg]

[An excited Hunk appears on the screen. He has a party hat on and a box of varied decorations are off to one side. Winter holiday, halloween, birthday -- they're all mixed up because he lives with heathens. Not that this dampers his mood.]

Okay, so. I know there's a lot of excitement going on this month, but my dude Lance's birthday is happening next week! I'm totally going to put on a party for him. You know, good music, good food, good times. Hosting it at our place I figure, unless someone has a better idea?

Gotta admit, I'm not the best at party planning. I know what he likes, though. Big, loud, flashy. I can totally get the food handled, but anyone with any experience would be super appreciated.

Plus, you totally have to come! All of you! Especially if you're buddies with any of us. Always a good idea to let loose and party.

Comments

[action] because DUH

[pidge_out]

[Pidge is totally rummaging through all the decorations that Hunk has pulled out, occasionally picking something up and raising it to the light so she can squint critically at it.]

Has anybody answered you yet, Hunk? Because I really don't think any of the stuff we have here is his style.

[im_a_leg]

[A loud exhale.]

Not yet. And... yeah. This is totally...

[Shiro stuff. Corny dad stuff.]

... not his style.

[pidge_out]

[Pidge makes a face, picking out a colorful banner that reads "Happy Birthday" in the most... obnoxious font and color-scheme in existence.] ...Maybe we should've thought about doing this sooner. Neither of us are good at this kind of thing, and what if no one comes out to help us?? What if Lance comes running in while we're still figuring this out and busts us before we can get anything done?? What if we just end up completely ruining his birthday?! I haven't even picked out a present!!

[im_a_leg]

[He turns to place both hands on her shoulders.]

It'll be cool, you'll see. I'm sure we'll get some people to help. We still have a whole week to figure this thing out.

[pidge_out]

[She's spiralling, Hunk, going into full-on anxious ramble. She's already got the big eyes and everything.]

What if we pick all the wrong stuff. We're his best friends - we're dating him - and if we don't do this right he might think we suck and get all sad and then what.

[im_a_leg]

[Don't do this Pidge, you'll freak him out too.]

No way that could happen! I mean, Lance knows we mean well.


.. but what if I burn his mom's food. He taught me that recipe, Pidge. He trusted me with it.

[pidge_out]

No no no no- [She's shaking her head and waving her hands now.] -no no, you burning his mom's recipe is a literal impossibility. [As far as the rest of the party goes, well...] But we have to find the right decorations. Is there a guidebook somewhere about this??

[im_a_leg]

[He worries his lower lip, unsure, but willing to push past this.]

We should do.. Cuba stuff. He was telling me recently that he misses home a lot.

video;

[shiro2hero]

[EXCUSE YOU, at least the lights aren't tangled. But--]

I mean, we could definitely pull something together. Head into town and figure it out.

[No sooner does he say that, than his 'gear is hijacked. By Blue, the Gallade. Blue heard it's his hero's birthday! And starts chattering wildly. As if he expects... Hunk can understand him.]

Re: video;

[im_a_leg]

[It's a disaster, Shiro. Be glad that Hunk is a kind man.]

Uh, dude. I have no idea what it's saying. Do you?

video;

[shiro2hero]

[He's doing his best! Which doesn't always work out when you have a house this full.]

[Somewhere in the background is Shiro yelling.] Blue! Give it back!

[... Blue is not. Blue is running out of the house. Chattering away in an attempt to get Hunk to understand him.

Re: video;

[im_a_leg]

Okay little dude? I'm totally down to listen to you. But I do not understand Blue speak.

Maybe you could give it back to Shiro? He can translate and I can make sure this party is awesome.

video;

[shiro2hero]

[What??? His Hero's Yellow Romance doesn't understand him?? What is this? How is that possible?]

[Blue skids to a stop in the sand, clasping a hand to his skinny little chest. Which gives Shiro the perfect opportunity to catch up. And snatch the 'gear away.]

Thank you.

Still there, Hunk? Sorry about him.

[im_a_leg]

Aw, he's just energetic.

[A pause]

I totally get the name now.

[shiro2hero]

He's something all right.

[There's a brief laugh -- ]

They're mostly all named after you guys. Remind me to introduce you to Yellow sometime.

[As he starts heading back into the house.]

» video

[lordofthefries]

[Hey, Hunk. It's that weird girl who is seemingly always in the kitchen at any hour of the day.]

My birthday is next week too!

[Not that she cares Lance is getting a party and she isn't. She's barely accustomed to the whole yearly cake idea.]

What kind of gift am I supposed to get him? What's loud and flashy? A flashlight that makes sound?

Re: » video

[im_a_leg]

Oh, you gotta at least get a cake then. Let me know what kind of flavors you like and I'll whip one up.

Honestly, just showing up is something he'd like. Having a lot of people show up for his party makes him feel important and loved.

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[marmoron]

[Man you guys throw a lot of parties around here... not that Mr. "doesn't like socializing at gatherings" is keeping track. or anything. But he does chime in with:]

...Would Lance even want me to be there at this party? Serious question.

[A beat, then he clarifies.]

It's just... the Lance I remember was always picking dumb fights with me.

[im_a_leg]

Dude of course he would! [Maybe just to gloat about his great party, but]

Yeah, he's-- well. Stuff happens in the future, and some stuff changes is all. Besides, we're all a team aren't we? We should stick together.

[marmoron]

[Quiet for a moment. Half of him wants to ask what all happens in this future, but in the end that isn't gonna help since he never experienced it for himself.]

Are we? [Then adding more carefully:] I mean... yes, of course we are, but ... are we really? I think you guys have been here longer than I remember us being a team, you know?

[im_a_leg]

Keith.

[He spent two years hopping between universes while the rest of them were split off. Then there was all the time Keith spent training with the Blades. And even with all that time apart, Hunk couldn't imagine the team without Keith as their leader.

Not that he could say as much, of course.]

No matter how long we've been anywhere, we're always a team. I'm always gonna be your leg, buddy.

[marmoron]

[...oh. He isn't sure what exactly he was expecting to hear here. Maybe something that acknowledged the complexities of interpersonal relationships over time and space, but this winds up being way more reassuring. At the very least, it draws a small but genuine smile.]

...that's a really simple way of looking at it. But maybe it doesn't actually have to be complicated.

Video

[icecastlemadonna]

Oh, I'll come! Lance has done quite a bit for me during the time I've been here.

Re: Video

[im_a_leg]

Dude, that'd be awesome!

So since you have kids you know something about planning a party, right?

Please tell me you know something about planning a party.

Video

[icecastlemadonna]

I've planned a few parties in my time. [Though planning a party for six-year-olds is a bit different than planning a party for someone Lance's age...]

Is there anything in particular you want me to do?