caughtinanetwork

In light of recent events, I'm postponing my proposed celebration on December 21st to the 27th.

Since this is no longer the last palindromic date of the year, the nature of the party will also change. Coincidentally, Yukio and Rin Okumura's birthdate falls on that day, so it's only prudent to call it a birthday party.

[Ladies and gentlemen, the most unsubtle suggestion to go cheer Rin up ever.

This announcement completed, all while in the impeccable, symmetrically arranged confines of Kid's room, the young grim reaper changes the subject, holding up a small box, and in his other hand appears to be the (gently wrinkled) precisely folded square of the wrapping paper that previously covered it.]

The second order of business has to do with this gift I discovered earlier.

[It's a gorgeously-crafted silver ring with an absolutely stunning (and rare) blue diamond. Kid looks none too pleased to be in possession of it, however.]

I'm afraid I must decline your proposal publicly, since you couldn't see fit to present your request in person.

[Guess who was too busy carefully preserving the wrapping paper as he unwrapped the present to notice the tag? THIS GUY.]

If you're willing to go this far, then offer me a matching set. Besides! [There's a loud thumping, as Kid is apparently stomping his foot in outrage.] You have the order all wrong!! I'm not the one who receives a ring!

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[Maka isn't the only one face palming, Kid.

But Rin has different reasons for it.]

Kid, I told you guys not to... if Yukio isn't around then what's the point?!

[Seriously, man. You're breaking his heart here.

And he's not even going to bring up the ring issue. Maka has that covered.]

Then he'll receive his well-wishes when he wakes up!

[Stubborn, meet stubborn.]

I can understand your hesitation to proceed when only one of the pair is involved, so it isn't like I'm unsympathetic. But I still won't accept anything less than your agreement and participation.

[Gdit Kid...]

... wait wait, why is my birthday such a big deal to you anyway?

[Because we're friends is too obvious an answer, so he doesn't waste breath on it.]

Aside from the obvious, sadness doesn't suit you.

[Even Rin isn't dumb enough to miss what the "obvious" is, but it's the second part that gets to him.]

But I'm not--

[Yes you are, you moron. You've been walking around with a damn gloom cloud over your head since you found Yukio.]

. . . w-well yeah I'm disappointed, wouldn't you be? We've never had a birthday apart.

Having to proceed as normal without a previously ever-present portion you saw as an intrinsic part of your life... to say it's difficult is a gross understatement.

[Boy, can he relate.]

I don't know Yukio well, but I imagine if he burdened you, he would resent it.

[There's still That Thing that Rin isn't talking about. It makes him hesitate, wondering what Yukio would feel right now if he knew how bad Rin was feeling. Would he actually care? Or would it be one of those things that occasionally breaks him away from the cold, bitter person he's becoming under the corrupting influence of his own demon genes.

That's what Rin had been hoping for with their birthday. Just a day of normalcy, a day when things were more like when they lived in the abbey together. Where he doesn't have to constantly look at Yukio and wonder when he's finally going to give in to it all...

He stares at Kid for a moment, like he's actually going to let down his guard over the situation and explain it, but a beat passes and he swallows hard, forcing a smile.]

Or he'd yell at me for gettin' all worked up over a stupid birthday.

Edited 2012-12-16 20:11 (UTC)

[Is there something wrong? Kid isn't responding, but rather, just sitting there, hands folded, staring expectantly at the SFC.]

...

[And Rin seemed as if he had just changed his mind. He recognizes the sort of strained smile that's forced for the sake of others, and it makes him aware of distance.

This may be better left to Maka. She knows him better, they're closer. He shouldn't be so presumptuous.]

[Maka already knows. She's one of two people he's actually told. But he hates thinking about it, about the possibility of not being able to save Yukio. So he has a hard time even bringing it up.

It's not a trust issue, it's an avoidance issue.]

... if you really want to do somethin', okay.

[He exhales.]

I won't force you, if it's troubling you so much.

[Momentarily pressing a knuckle to the point of his chin, a thoughtful gesture, he adds:]

A few days ago, on the island. And later that day, here in the Villa. Laughing together with you and Maka felt a little like I was making up for... [Lost time?] ...something. I have you both to thank for that, and without considering what you're going through, I wanted to return the favor.

Edited 2012-12-16 21:06 (UTC)

[Man, now he feels like an ass...]

... I-- that... was pretty fun, wasn't it?

[The smile this time isn't nearly as forced or empty. A faint laugh escapes, and he shakes his head with a sigh.]

Y'know. I'm being pretty damn selfish... Even if it is my birthday, tellin' you not to do somethin' just makes me look like an ungrateful ass.

... Thanks, Kid. I mean it. I know you're just tryin' cheer me up.

[Kid says nothing for some time, merely folding his arms and regarding Rin through his SFC without comment.

Eventually, he says:]

Although you look a little like a thug, you're really a big-hearted person, aren't you.

[What the hell was that, a back-handed compliment?! No, actually, he's being sincere.]

Er--

[Have a confused stare back, Kid.]

W-well... yeah I guess so...

[Is is face turning red?]

But did you have to say it like that? Geez! What's with the sappy shit all of a sudden?

[Yup. Way to go. You actually embarrassed him.]

...I have no idea what you're talking about, Rin.

[He's not the only one embarrassed. He'll just. Go on acting like it's no big deal.]

Tch. Whatever. You really are a chore sometimes, Kid.

[Yup. They're just going to act like stubborn boys again. Obviously the best way to deal with the situation.]

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