godbent | 17th: The Knowledge of Haruhi Suzumiya

[Does she really mean not worry about it, or 'give me some gifts now or else...'

Minato doesn't particularly care about her wrath, but she might get grumpy and come up with some ridiculous plans if everyone takes her announcement at face value. So, later in the day, he stops by the house carrying a covered plate. His plan is to let himself in and just leave it on the counter - on paper the offering is for Shiki, too.]

[But such plans don't go as planned. Because Haruhi - who is pro stalker you don't even know - is actually intercepting him as he's leaving. Sitting on the bench on the porch]

Hello, Mr. Arisato.

[oh really now. Two can play that game.]

Miss Suzumiya.

I see you were in my house once more.

And....?

And now I'm calling you on it.

[And...?]

The house isn't just yours.

So what.

So, I brought you food.

What sort of food?

Cookies.

What type of cookies?

[well....]

Snickerdoodle.

[ . . . ]

Okay, you pass. This time.

[He doesn't need your permission!!1!]

Thanks.

[And then she goes back to rocking on the bench. Rock, rock]

[Man, talk about a crappy way to spend one's b-day.]

Yo, Ribbons. Where you at?

Just... at the house?

[ ... Ah.. haha.]

Oh, aight.

[Action]

[Beat's going to come sliding down the stairwell railing, dropping into the living room.]

Yo, Ribbons!!

[And this is her life. She was actually sitting on the porch, but expecting him to be in too, she just came inside to meet him halfway. When he's there, she just waves]

Yo!

Sup.

[He walks over, sticking his hands in his pockets.]

So why you keep quiet 'bout your b-day, huh? Coulda told us anyway.

Well, Shiki knew.

[And other people. It's not like it a secret, just a busy day]

Yo, I'm new here. Yo' gotta tell me these things.

Right, right. There wasn't a lot of time, okay!

Guess so.

An'way, happy b-day, Ribbons! Don' know what kinda stuff you like yet, so I'll get you a present later, aight?

Alright, sure, that works.

What kinda stuff DO you like anyway?

[ . . . ]

I dunno, stuff.

[Well, Caesar doesn't really care about any of that other stuff, so...]

Would you accept late birthday wishes?

Only if you give me them in person.

Seriously?

One hundred percent serious.

[For Caesar, anyway]

[Hmm. Not what he was planning for, but...]

All right. Then where might one find you to give you this wish?

At my house right now, but I could meet you halfway.

Good idea. [He was bored, and didn't have much else to do at the moment, but he's not so bored that he'd walk the entire way. It's a long walk!] Halfway it is, then.

Alright. Right now? We can do it.

Sure, if you aren't busy, I guess. I'll be there.

[Going all that way just to say something is a bit troublesome, though. Maybe he'll pick up something to give to her, too.]

Alright! Half way - so about where the Rec Center is?

Close enough. [She'd probably make it there first, though. Oh well. He still won't rush.] Wait up for me, all right?

Deal! See you there!

[And at that she's out of the house-! And making her way there. She probably would be second though, yeah]

[Despite the rain, it's a nice day for a walk, so Caesar doesn't mind having to make the trip to the rec center too much. He's somewhat surprised to make it there before she does, but it's no big deal. He'll just wait for her underneath an umbrella, of course.]

[Hey, she needed to get looking nice and an umbrella. But there she is- and when he's in she closes the thing, looking pleased with herself]

[Caesar will shut his umbrella once they're inside, too. He's not concerned over her expression just yet—he can guess why she might look so pleased with herself. He reaches into the pocket of his jacket to hand her a small box of candy. (Girls like that stuff, don't they?)]

Here. Happy birthday.

[Wow, she wasn't expecting that actually] ...Seriously? Sweet, okay, thanks.

[CANDY. Okay, she takes that and pockets it]

Might as well. [He shrugs.] It was a long walk here, I'll have you know.

Yeah, I bet.

[...] The things your brother makes the State of the Luceti on, those are in the tunnels, right?

That's what they say, isn't it? [He tilts his head.] Why do you ask?

Just wondering.

That's not very interesting.

It's not always interesting immediately - sometimes there's secrets!

Does that mean it'll be interesting later?

Yep! I'm sure it'll be pretty interesting.

[Maybe she should munch these. Naaah]

I should certainly hope so! I do hate to be disappointed.

[Even if it would likely have nothing to do with him. He's mostly joking around.]

Shut up, you sound obnoxious.

[...] That said, thanks for the gift. That's... nice.

[Thanking people is still awkward, sigh. She shifts and then looks at the window. Still rain]

Don't mention it. [He shakes his head. He didn't give gifts often, but it kind of felt weird not to.] Just don't forget to return the favor, okay?

Edited 2011-08-27 02:57 (UTC)

...Uh, sure, but when's your birthday?

[He tilts his head thoughtfully for a moment. Almost like he actually has to think about this. Hmm...]

...who knows? [He shrugs.] I forget.

[Judging by the look on his face, he's joking—both about returning the favor and when his birthday is, obviously.]

Jerk.

[ :| ]

I guess that just means you don't owe me anything.

Okay, then I won't think about it one bit! You put it on yourself just so you know.

Quite all right. I'm sure I'll be okay without people showering me with gifts.

Yeah, whatever.

[...] Thanks again for my gift though.

[And now she gets the umbrella to make good for leaving]

I hope you like them. [He hadn't tasted the candy before, but they were colorful and cute. You know, girly stuff. When he sees her preparing to leave, he'll do the same by readying his umbrella.] Oh, and good luck with your little event, too, I guess.

Yeah... okay.

[Man she's starting to feel awkward. She flounces]

[Did someone just say the magic word? Forgive her as she disregards the last part for now in favor to this.]

Source of entertainment, huh?

You got it! Only the best and the brightest, at that!

What do you guys do for entertainment, then?

The better question is "what don't we do?!" In which case the answer is anything which isn't interesting at all.

Sounds very fascinating. Do you have applications for new members or...? [Someone's interested.]

More like just an interview. With the leader, that is. Gotta make sure you're full of the right stuff!

I take it you won't tell me what these right stuff are if I asked, right?

Well then it wouldn't be much of an interview, in that case.

I predicted you'll say something like that. [Pause.] So, I'm guessing you're the brigade leader? My name's Ino, what's yours?

Haruhi! Chief of the SOS-Brigade, hi there.

Nice to meet you, Haruhi. [And because she had just read the last part of her post:] Oh, and belated happy birthday.

Thanks. So! Ino, you have an interest in the Brigade, right? Tell me about you.

What do you want to know? I have a lot of things I can tell you.

I dunno, tell me what you think is relevant.

I can be lots of fun to have around?

Well that's a start, anyway.

And not a wet blanket, in any way.

But come on, give me more! Super powers, talents, anything like that?

Well, I don't think what I can do can be considered as super powers. Have you heard of ninjas?

Who hasn't?

Well, that's good because I am one.

Normal ninja or magic ninja?!

Is there a difference?

Only a huge one! Normal ninja are the ones who can only do sneaky stuff and have kunai and bombs and toxins and such like that. Magic ones - or I dunno, I guess they wouldn't use magic - but the point is they can have fantastic abilities like running on water or using chi to make things invisible or stuff like that.

[Well, that's something new. She didn't know there's a difference in other worlds.]

Then, I'm both a normal and magical ninja. [Judging from her descriptions.]

So what sort of ... chi or whatever you call it powers do you have?

[Fun and entertainment? Oh, that's interesting.]

What sort of 'fun' does this Brigade entail? I highly doubt you have any sort of entertainment which interests me, human. [Sure she can't see whoever she's talking to, but she's making an assumption it's a human. There seem to be a lot of them around and all.]

And if you're looking down at humans, does that just make you elitist or a psycho?

[Generalizing might be rude, right, but most of the people you see using "human" like that are Yuber or Legato or otherwise unpleasant people.

Neither, it makes me a youkai~ [Youkai > Humans. Pretty simple reasoning here.] I don't believe you answered my question.

Well if you're so sure you won't like it, I'm not sure I have a reason to waste my breath explaining it, do I? [SIGH]

...But either way, the Spreading Excitement All Over the World with Haruhi Suzumiya Brigade does a little bit of everything. Name it and we've probably got it if it's worth doing.

Really now? Sounds fascinating~! [No it doesn't. Sounds boring. But if she can take up someones time for the sake of taking up time, she'll do it.]

Forgive my tongue before, I had no idea you run such a fine sounding establishment. [Lies. Don't forgive her tongue.] What sort of things would you deem 'worth doing'?

Right... okay. Yeah.

[... Forgive? Okay, whatever.]

It depends! After all, various things can be fun depending on the context! As a general rule though, things with violence, things with tedium or that sort of stuff is ruled out.

[No violence? Oh. That's a shame.]

I would never have expected a brigade which specialises in fun to condone violence of any sort anyway, so just as well you are making it clear that it is barred~ [Lies again. A violence brigade would be very exciting.] But in regards to tedious activities, would this include gardening by any chance~? [Because gardening is very fun. Very fun.]

Well... not so far, but we've got nothing against it. A greenhouse might be pretty neat, actually.

[Wait, this wasn't expected. She had fully expected gardening to have been considered boring.]

Oh I see. I'm quite taken aback then. It seems there are so many humans here who appreciate gardening than I could have ever thought~ [Using 'humans' again. Humans who like gardening are still humans after all.]

I never said gardening was the most interesting thing ever, but throw in some cool stuff like magic plants or strawberries, and it works out okay.

Magic plants you say. Want an active imagination you have~ Tell me, do you know of any magical plants yourself, or are you merely assuming there are magical plants out there? [Strawberries, whilst delicious, are sadly not as interesting as magic plants.]

Factual assumptions: I've seen all sorts of magic things from magic items to magic people to magic... other stuff, so there's bound to be magic plants.

I have never encountered a magical plant before, and I tend to garden for most of my days, no, for most of my life even~
[But this is someone who thinks sunflowers which can tie people up by the stems aren't magical. They're still sunflowers and all.]

Yeah, well, I haven't either. Still bet they exist somewhere though. It'd be pretty lame if they didn't.

Some believe there is a magical herb called raskovnik which can somehow uncover any item or object that has been previously locked or closed. Though as I said, I have never encountered a magical plant before, let alone a herb like that~ [There's a sigh followed by the sound of Yuuka tapping her chin.] Perhaps I should look into trying to grow such a thing.

There's really a plant like that? ...Yeah, go for it. You ought to grow it if you have the means.

Apparently~ I've heard about the herb from youkai, and from tomes. It could well be nothing but mere myth~ But I don't see why I can't attempt to grow such a thing. [And if it doesn't work, she'll just try and pass off belladonna leaves as the herb. Heck even if she does work she'll use belladonna leaves anyway for a laugh.]

Supposing I do grow the mythical herb raskovnik, would you like to be contacted~?

Yes! And for now, I'd like a name I can use.

Dear me where are my manners, all this time without so much as introducing myself~ [It almost sounds like she cares.] Yuuka Kazami.

Yuuka, got it. [A beat and-] In either case, if you manage to do that yeah, you should drop me a line. Haruhi Suzumiya - and try to be as quick as you can with it!

[...] Oh and nice to meet you.

Mark my words, I'll be sure to devote all the time I have in this world into growing this herb~ [No she won't. Oh lies~ She'll look into it sure, but nothing as 'drastic' as what she's saying. And even then, belladonna leaves.]

It has been an experience meeting you too, Haruhi.

[All her time and energy? What a weirdo. ...Oh well]

Yeah, okay. See you then.

Hey, did you want to do something for that? We could have dinner together again.

...You'd be the one setting it up though.

Of course!

In that case, I'd love to! Same dress code, or should we opt for something else?

It's your birthday, how would you like it?

If I get to see you in a ritzy dress again, I'm totally calling black tie dress code.

Fine, fine. Fancy it is.

Should I wear a suit?

Why would you wear a suit?

Just... because. [...] It's an offer. Suit or dress from me?

Your birthday, wear what you want! I don't know why you'd want to dress like a guy though?

...No reason! A dress it is.

Good. You look good in a dress.

Not as good as you.

Oh come on, I'm sure more boys would ask you out.

And they did. That's just me being a city girl though.

You're cute, shut up.

I know I am! It's just if you're cuter or not that's in question here.

Well then I'd say you're cuter.

Of course you would, you're biased.

Then ask someone who isn't biased. I'm sure they'd say you.

What, no way - it's all you. Don't be stupid and accept the compliment!

No, you should just accept it.

You accept it first!

No you!

You!

I won't.

[...

Blowing her tongue out rasburry like at the book]

Wh-what are you, five?!

Not even!

[And she blows her tongue again]

Should I bring you a bib for our date. Haruhi?

No! That's stupid, don't be stupid!

Well you're acting like a kid!

Am not! I'm just saying you're attractive!

Blowing raspberries at me is not telling me I'm attractive.

Whatever! Look, let's save it for the date.

All right, all right. I'll make it nice.

Good. I'll be looking forward to it - just tell me a day or so before hand.

I will. Promise.

...Ah! Boss, I completely forgot!!

Like I said, I'll excuse it this time!

Hm... still, I should probably get you something... I wouldn't be a good minion if I didn't.

-Friend.

[She cuts that in, quickly]

[....Wow. Didn't see that coming. Gives him warm fuzzies and everything.]

Haaa... that too. And friends don't leave friends without birthday presents!

Alright! Then I'll be expecting something from you. Mikage!

Roger that!

[....although...]

...You know, gifts are a lot harder to pick out when you can get everything you find here for free. It's funny how that works...

Yeah, you gotta hope you find something rare or make it yourself.

I'll just have to keep an eye out, then. Though it might take a while if I want something really rare!

Yeah, whatever. Just get it done. I'll be waiting for it!

Hmm...

[Thinking... thinking... thinking.... AH-]

I got it! It'll take a while, but I'll do it for sure! You just wait, okay!?

Alright! I'll keep that deal and wait out your plan.

So what's this about fun and excitement? You guys do any adventuring?

[Because adventuring is Kazooie's idea of fun. As is kicking butt.]

Well yeah, sometimes. There's not a lot to explore here though unless you go underwater or spelunk though.

I've done both! [Kazooie finishes off this proud proclamation with a grand sweep of a wing.]

... Though I kinda need to be in a backpack to swim under the surface. [It's B-K-verse logic. It doesn't make sense. Kazooie never questions these things - she just obeys them.]

A backpack, huh? [Must be like... a wetsuit type thing]

Well, fair enough. The point is the barrier's large, but not amazingly large - unless you get lost in the woods or we find some way to explore the ocean floor, there's not much doing on that front.

So whaddaya guys do for fun around here, then, if it's not adventuring? If stuff like that weird Battle Whatever mistake happens often enough, I guess it'd be pretty fun...

[... Well, y'know, even if she's not getting any Jiggies out of it.]

All sorts of things, it just takes some creativity! Plays! Sports! Events! Games! Contests! We've done it all, plus parties and holidays.

Now parties I can get behind!

And you haven't had a good kick-around until you do it with ol' Winky's bony skull. [... Yep. Kazooie is not a normal person.]

Uh. Right. Sure.

[KAZOOIE DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THIS IS STRANGE IN ANY WAY.]

So, you need some new members for your group, huh? 'Cause I think I'm cut out for the job.

[... Not that Kazooie ever thinks she isn't, but... that's another matter altogether.]

Oh yeah? Sell me.

Well, let's see... I've got a couple of years of being a solid hero under my belt and I've done everything from finding pirate treasure to racing walruses on sleds! Heck, it's easier to ask what I haven't done...

[Hmm :|a]

So what do you enjoy doing most of all?

Pretty hard to choose! I think I'd do 'em all again, actually...

Though one of my favourite things has gotta be kicking bad guy butt. Are there even any bad guys around here outside of that Battle Dome place? [Kazooie is used to them just... walking around, and that doesn't seem to happen here at all. ~~Clearly it's terrible level design.~~]

So you're into the whole soldiering on gig? There's some, but you'd be better off talking to someone like the Rogues for that.

The Rogues? [Let it never be said that Kazooie reads or otherwise pays attention to things that don't directly benefit her.] Who're they?

Also, I can throw a mean party, if that's more you guys' style! [She can also get kicked out of parties, but she's not going to mention that part.]

The Blue Rogues - if you're really that into busting up bad guys, they're the ones who try to beat everyone up. Talk to- [Wait. Adell was upset.] ...Uh. Some guy... named- ... Stahn! Yeah, that's his name.

Buuuut, if you're more for parties, roll for me.

Stahn. Okay. [That's a kinda weird name. Why's everybody so weird here? Oh well.]

As a hero, I'm great enough to do both! [Or at least she thinks so.]

[Hero.

Yeah, okay, she can run a trial at least] Right, well, I'll put you on a trial membership - show up to meetings and we'll see where it goes. Meetings are weekdays in the mid-afternoon at our HQ in the middle of town, you can't miss it!

Sure thing! Your name's... Haruhi, right? [Forgive the weird pronunciation, Haruhi. Kazooie's a bird that doesn't even know what Japan is, let alone how words in it sound.]

How'd you get to be the chief of a brigade, anyway?

Simple! I'm the creator of it - I mean my name's right in the name.

[That's genuinely a pretty impressive feat in egotism. Kazooie is inspired.]

But it's "SOS" Brigade. I don't see any Os in your name! Unless you spell it like S-O-O-Z-O-O or whatever. [Pronunciation rules, Kazooie does not have them!]

Spreading Excitement All Over the World with Haruhi Suzumiya.

SOS for short.

...

How the heck does that become SOS...?

[She has to actually think for a second. Sob. ~~Kazooie is sharp but word puzzles aren't her area of expertise...~~]

... Oh.

Man.

... That's kinda cool, actually. How'd you come up with a name like that?

Off the top of my head! I'm a genius, after all!

You're kinda like Goggle Boy or Jamjars, then. They made up all the names for mine and Banjo's moves in a split second!

[Or so Kazooie thinks. It's not like she ever had a name for them before then.]

Rules #1: There's no one like me. When in doubt, I'll beat 'em!

[ Okay so there are people like her but :| ]

[Is Kazooie one of them? She at least might be as spunky!]

You sound like my kinda person! I like your style, Haruhi.

Thank you!

[Not sure... what else to say she just says that]

Don't mention it - us awesome people have to stick together.

So I guess I'll see ya at one of those meeting-things? [~~The mun isn't sure if they should be handwaved...~~]

[~~They always are. See here.~~]

So... you're in? Okay! I'll see you then!

Hm... I apologize for the untimeliness then, but happy birthday.

It's no big, there was stuff going on.

[...Okay so it is a big or she wouldn't mention it at all, but] Thanks, Mami!

That's true, but it's no excuse. There seems to always be something going on... remembering the important things despite that is important.

[ granted she never knew haruhi's birthday to begin with, but whatever. ]

...Good point! Yes, Mami, that's it exactly! Important dates need to be considered.

So did you at least get to do something to celebrate?

I... had a day out with my best friend.

My... simple, but I can't think of anything better myself.

Y-yeah. It was a little weird - I mean, that whole fiasco and all - but it was nice too.

It'd be nice if the Malnosso were a bit more considerate about things like birthdays.

Well that's never going to happen. But we can do what we can!

It might be belated, but you could still always have a party. [ she brings a finger to her chin, thinking. ] Who knows, perhaps others are planning a surprise one for you?

Hmmm... They could be, yeah.

Well then, here's hoping a magnificent birthday celebration still awaits you in the future.

Careful. If you say things like that it sounds like you're putting the setting it up thing on you.

That's true. I'd feel bad if I got your expectations up and nothing came of it.

Exactly! So I'll leave it to you, Mami. Surprise me.

[ oh... whoops what just happened. ]

Ah, w-wait a second, this may be a bit too much for me...

I expect the best, Mami!

...I'll do what I can. [ that didn't quite go as planned. ]

[Heee. There's a thumbs up at the book, and then she closes it! A++]

[ He really doesn't have anything else to do right now. Night of the 13th? Hm. ]

Brigade event...? [ "Fun and excitement?" Well he has been a bit bored here. Although what comes with joining something comes work and effort. ~~Use your forceful attitude and force him in.~~ ]

For the SOS-Brigade, obviously! Produced by and for your entertainment! So you better appreciate it.

Sounds like you're doing a play if you ask me. So you provide entertainment?

We've done a play before! We have fun! And make fun!

Can you make some fun right now?

Of course! I can make fun whenever I want!

Then, how about right here?

Over a book?! Alright, fine! Give me four minutes.

[ This should be good. He's waiting for you. ]

...Okay, I'll need some words from you. Let's start with some girls you know. At least six.

Six? ...Do you count?

Edited 2011-08-18 21:30 (UTC)

No, I don't count! Of course I don't!

But I know you.

Then give my name, parents' names, and three sizes.

Yoko Watanabe, Ichiro Watanabe, Miko Watanabe, 5'2, 100 pounds, B.

...Only three of those are correct. That's three of seven, you lose.

Guess I got the names wrong...looks like the three sizes are the size of the average Japanese girl after all.

....Shut up! You can't even use my name, how are you supposed to do this?! You know what, what even is your name? I bet it's something stupid like Tanaka Taro!

Shouldn't you tell me your name first, Tanaka-san?

No, I don't see a reason to, Mister Moron.

Let's try a guessing game then. Give me one character from your name, and I'll do the same. We can take a guess whenever we feel like we know.

Do I need to give you the reading of it, or just the kanji?

The reading'll do.

Just the reading? Whatever, weirdo. "Suzu" - meaning "cool," as in unruffled.

Edited 2011-08-29 02:20 (UTC)

I KNOW IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!

Oh yeah?!

Yoko Watanabe.

What the hell! No! That doesn't even have "Suzu" in it?! Don't be stupid!

...Tanaka Taro?

No! Shut up! You're not even trying-! In fact, I'm giving you three more guesses before I'll punish you!

Ah, Mister Moron then.

No! No! And in fact, give me your part of name!

[ Hmmm, that would be fair wouldn't it. That's enough messing with her for now. ]

..."Oka." Meaning mount, hill, or knoll.

...

Hm. Okabe?

Wow, you're pretty good.

[SWEET SHE GOT IT.

Or not. She can't be sure...]

Then how about I call you Okarin?

...Okarin's a first. I have to admit, it has a nice ring to it.

[ He's serious. ]

Sweet. Okay, Okarin it is. I'm Haruhi.

Haruhi, huh? Didn't see you as the type of girl who gives out cute-sounding nicknames, Haruhi.

[ --He'll never get a break with his name, will he. ]

Well, Okabon, I'm not really the sort who does generally, but Okatan, I guess I'll just be focusing on you right now, Okarin.

Edited 2011-09-23 21:20 (UTC)

[ ......... ]

I'm flattered, Harutan, but Haruhi-chan, I'm not so interesting to be focused on, especially in the cute nicknames department, Haruharukyun~!

Oh you don't want this fight, Okabe. You don't want it at all.

You shouldn't pick fights you can't win, Haruhi-chama.

Okapiru-piru, I never do.

You've been warned, Haruharu-tan.

We shall see.

We shall see.

Sooooo...you're like...a circus.

[He's been reading books. And Haruhi's description of the Brigade sounds an awful lot like what he's been reading about circuses. :|a]

What-? No, not like a circus!

...Oh. Uh. Then...what makes you different from a circus?

[Really, he's just trying to understand here.]

Well for one there's not clowns. Or elephants.

...Right. [Oh, brother.] But...you basically function the same as a circus? Going around and bringing fun and entertainment to people?

And making sure we have fun. We're ace pros who save the world by overloading it with fun.

...Does that really work?

[No, he's really curious here. And--okay, maybe a little bit skeptical.]

Of course it does, don't be stupid.

Oh...kay. I mean, it's just--you know. Usually people save the world by...stopping bad guys. With magic and weapons and brains. Noooot...fun.

And what do people do after tose big might and magic guys save the world?

...Uhh...figure out how to get the world all back to normal again?

[That's how it'd gone on Berk, at least.]

I meant after that! After the fighting! After the rebuilding- or even during it! What do people want out of life? To be fulfilled, and how are they fulfilled? Enjoying themselves! Fun, fun, excitement! Doing the same thing day in and day out, the complacency of normality, that's no good at all! Sure it's not as direct as some big warrior killing some big monster - though I bet you anything half my Brigade can do that anyway - but by mixing up the status quo you ensure people lead a worthwhile life!

But...that's not really saving the world, is it?

[Eternally skeptical, this one. He should just walk away from the hole he's digging.]

How isn't it?

Well, you said it yourself. The fun comes after all the real world saving. By the people with the magic and brains.

I said might and magic. The brains run both shows. Incidentally, I'm three parts brains and two parts beauty.

It's about time we get started.

You know, I should probably get a lock for my room too... before I end up regretting it.

Haha! Maybe I should put a sign that says "Management Only" on there!

Oh yeah, do that! Then I can go in there and rest if needed!

Well... I didn't mean for it to be a break room, but, hey, it's not like we're going to get a break anywhere else...

Not for everyone, just me!

Haha! Well, you are totally the manager there too. But hey, no bringing your boyfriend or whoever in there either.

[[This... is a joke. Clearly!}]

[boy... she snorts. Flushed a bit, but waves a hand at the book]

No chance of that!

Okay!

So, did I miss the part where I've gotta wear some crazy costume again? Or, do I have to dress up?

Just dress nice for it and it'll be nice. Nothing serious.

What if you don't feel a terrible guilt? [Asked oh-so-innocently.]

Well you should.

Well, I guess I could take some time off from the bastion of entertainment and joy to feel guilty.

Yeah Leon, you should do that.

[smirk smirk smirk]

So how old are you now? Have you decided?

Nineteen or twenty. Still... deciding. I think twenty.

Hmm... [Thinking aloud here.] Gifts for a twenty year old...

Feel free to think hard about it...

Oh come on. No help?

Not at all. This is your battle, Leon!

[mumble mumble] Maybe I'll just get her a muumuu or something. [Is that intentionally muttered or not?]

[IGNORING THAT. Yes. She can ignore that...]

Or maybe I can re-gift that tiki head...

[MUST... IGNORE... considering bookshut..]

[There's just a faint snicker before the book is shut.]

[Of course, Leon will eventually get something over to Haruhi. In fact, she might find her gifts in front of her house one day soon after her entry -- a small trampoline and a bonsai plant.

Yeah, random.]

You're really going to be pushing for gifts, aren't you?

I will be nothing of the sort.

Oh. Then I guess I don't have to give you your present after all.

Call! You don't have one!

I do, actually. And it's the best present ever, so there!

Okay, so show it.

[ :| ]

...right now?

Yeah, why not? Now, now!

What if I said it wasn't ready yet?

Then I'd say eighteen hours.

Kind of a weird number, don't you think?

I'm not giving you a whole day but our friendship is letting me give you some leeway. Thus, eighteen hours.

Fine. Just don't look in the freezer until I get home, okay? Your other present is here at the shop.

Fine, deal!

[She can... hold off on it]

Kinda bummed we didn't get to throw you a party or anything though...stupid experiments.

We went to the beach, remember? That counts.

You really think so? It was just so...simple.

Shiki. You're my best friend and I'm feeling sentimental. Don't push it.

I'd say that's almost sweet, but that might be pushing it.

Are you home? I can be there with your gift in like fifteen minutes.

Yeah, just rocking on the porch.

Give me fifteen. I'll see you then. [And she's running to the house now.]

Solid.

[And she'll wait. Rocking on the chair in front of the house]

[And sure enough she'll be bounding up the porch steps in just under fifteen minutes, two bags dangling from her hands.] Hey! [And she'll park herself right next to that chair.]

...you know, I'm expecting you to start yelling at people to keep off our lawn.

What? I'm not that old!

[She huggs a bit, as she scoots to make more room for Shiki]

You're older than me now, aren't you? [And she sits, putting the bags between her feet and Mr. Mew in her lap.]

Anywhere between seventeen and twenty depending on how you count it.

Time's still weird here. I don't know what's considered real and what isn't. I don't think I'll count it as twenty though, no offense.

I'm counting it at 20. But fine, what are you counting it as?

Seventeen so that I can be older than you come February. What else?

Wow, rude.

[Elbowing her friend in the ribs. A little pout, but it's in good mirth]

Not even. I have to have a one-up somehow. [But she's grinning anyway.]

So. Do you want your present first, or your cake first?

You have cake too?

Well yeah. I told you, I felt bad that we missed your birthday even if we did go to the beach.

Then let's go with cake. It seems only right.

Come inside. I picked it up really early this morning. [And she's getting up, grabbing her friend by the arm to pull her from her chair.]

[She lets herself be pulled a bit, smiling as she makes her way inside. Okay so she isn't expecting/demanding it, but the whole... thing is nice.]

[This is what happens when you have good friends, Haruhi. She'll be leading her into the kitchen, pulling out a chair from the table.] Have a seat. [And she herself is heading for the icebox to reach into the freezer and pull out a bakery box. She sets it on the table, waiting until she has the girl's attention before she opens it. It's an ice cream cake, presumably in Haruhi's favorite flavors. The perks of summer birthdays.]

[She sits when instructed and when the box is opened, she claps a little. Trying not to mock Shiki but really... the presentation and thoughtfulness here is nice]

I hope it's big enough...that was the only size I could grab with these flavors. But I figured it's better than nothing. [She gets it. She's just really pleased she managed to do something right here.]

It's fine.

[haruhi says this quickly, just... admiring it. She's right, there's basically no chance of these flavors]

Good. Then let's cut it instead of staring...oh wait! [And she's rushing to the other side of the kitchen, yanking open a drawer where she'd stored birthday candles. She's driving them into the cake then before retrieving the lighter and lighting them up.] I'm not a great singer so I'll spare you that, but you get a wish anyway.

Oh. ...Sure, thanks.

[And she gets up a bit to lean over the cake once it's lit. She considers a moment. A wish, huh? ...No, that's stupid. Deciding quickly, she just blows them out in one breath]

[Let her have her fun. She claps her hands and begins immediately removing the candles.] I know we should wait for Beat and Neku, but I really don't feel like it. [Thus. There is cake-cutting happening and handing over a piece.]

You sure?

[But she doesn't mind. :|a]

Of course I'm sure. Not my fault they're missing out.

Fine, fine. [And she takes the cake piece from Shiki, and then goes and takes a bite for it first to allow Shiki to do it]

[Cutting her own slice here and putting it on a plate...annnd taking a bite.] ...awesome, it's not frostbitten. I was kind of worried about that.

Yeah, it's a bit solid still, but nothing too bad.

[With a nod of approval, even]

Didn't think so. And now that you have your cake, I feel better about handing off your presents.

Okay...? [Nom. nom. Cake.]

And you're not allowed to get mad at the first present. I had the fabric laying around and had to do something with it.

That doesn't sound promising.

Oh relax, will you? [And she's shoving a bag at her that she carried from the porch inside with them. Because really, it's not weird to give your best friend satin lingerie for her birthday, right?] Consider it something for you and Winry both.

[And looking...... oh. No, it's not weird at all but] Wow, this actually looks sexy.

Okay you say that like it's such a shocker. Come on. I've made lingerie a few times before, I've gotten better at working with fine material.

...but I figured it'd be a good color on you. [It's actually similar to the color of her hair ribbon so that might not work as well as she hopes, but.]

Well it'll sort of make me look like I'm out of Star Wars, but it's not terrible.

[Laughing now, she pulls it out to examine in more detail, setting it gently on the counter]

Yeah sure whatever. [She's going to lean back in her chair, watching her friend admire her work while she herself is busy pulling up another slightly larger bag for her to open in a bit.] It'll look good. Promise.

If you say so, Shiki. [She snorts here, taking one more bite of cake before turning her attention to the new and larger bag]

Who's the fashionista here? [She shoves that bag closer. OPEN IT ALREADY. Open it to see the pillow shaped like a megaphone. In the pattern of the pillow, Haruhi can probably see little tiny detail stitching of people. Not just people though, members of the Brigade both old and new. She remembers those pictures from under the bed, and she knows the roster enough anyway. In big letters, SOS Brigade is sewn in as well.]

[she nods, okay. She's right. But-]

Oh, wow.

[This... is impressive]

I...figured that would be a lot better than just a photo album. I left some room to add people later, too. [There are even people sewn in there that aren't in the Brigade. You know, such as herself, Winry, Minato, Neku, and Beat.]

And you'll just... sew more in?

[ :|a ]

If you want me to, or I can leave it alone. What do you think?

Well the adding things isn't a bad idea, honestly.

I didn't think so...who know who else will show up.

Yeah, but you'll eventually run out of space.

[She fatalistically said about the idea that people will be filtering in and out of Luceti while she herself remains]

Then I'll make another one. It's not a huge deal. I'll be here long enough to make sure of that.

...Ignoring a moment how morbid it is for me to be thankful for that- [And now she's going to lean over and hug Shiki's upper body]

[Aw hugging. We like hugging.] Yeah, yeah, you're welcome. [She'll just be returning the gesture.]

[VICTORY! She pulls back from the hug quick enough to just focus on the cake and re-admiring the bra and such.]

17th: The Knowledge of Haruhi Suzumiya

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