Happy Birthday My Olde Friend [August 24] [Shepherd's Haven] [Open]

[numberedshepherd]

Who: Lazarus, Nathan, Misa, OPEN to anyone in Shepherd's Haven or who might drop by
Where: Town Hall
When: August 24, Monday
What: Just because Tony stalked off doesn't mean that they aren't still going to be celebrating Nathan's 20th birthday. Look at the kid. You'd have to be a dick to even imply that he was born at an inconvenient time.
Warnings: Probably the most depressing birthday party ever.
Status: Ongoing/Open. Set your own threads here! Have fun! Or try to.



The day before had been a mess. Not only had Lazarus' doppelganger resurfaced after a full year of silence, effortlessly bringing infected sore points to the surface and sowing gleeful discord in his wake, but Tony had left on bitter and angry terms, accompanied by Richard. Understandably, it's cast a pall over the settlement, but as always, there are other things to think about, matters of obligation and the heart.

Nathan is turning 20 today. Lazarus remembers it blearily as he wakes up hungover. Dragging himself out of bed, showering, and dressing, he mentally runs over all the things he needs to do today.

See Misa about a cake. Get some toys from Woodend. Generally announce that this is happening, and above all, don't forget to smile.

He glances at a mirror and gives it a shot. His dry, pale skin, cracked lips and deep undereye circles don't make it look particularly encouraging. He fights back a wave of nausea, taking a quick seat, deciding that he can wait for it to pass before he tackles today's priorities.

Comments

[lovesickkiller]

"That doesn't make this good, you know," she says, glancing back at him over her shoulder. "I'm glad you're not that bad, but you still shouldn't have had so much!"

She sets about setting out everything they'll need, sans strawberries. That is probably going to have to be a teleporter related mission, but on the plus side they can deal with getting those after the cake is already done otherwise.

[numberedshepherd]

"Yeah, I know..." he mumbles. "I'm not proud. If it happens again you can of course reference this, but if it doesn't... could we agree to not bring it up again? I'm going to put everything from this point forward into making sure that Nathan has a good birthday, and then I'll focus on the Tony situation. And my... fucking Doppelganger." he pinches the bridge of his nose.

He eyes the ingredients. "Oh... no strawberries. I can probably find some in Gateway," he offers.

[lovesickkiller]

"I won't bring it up unless you give me a reason to," Misa stipulates. "It's not like I wasn't drinking last night too, just know your limits."

To be fair, Lazarus certainly had a lot worth drinking over. But the offer still gets him a look.

"Lazarus, you collapsed just a minute ago. You're not walking anywhere."

[numberedshepherd]

"I didn't collapse," he argues. "I was dizzy so I just took a moment. They're two entirely different things. And I know my limits, I was just... a lot younger when I was drinking like that habitually, I guess."

Younger and sadder and more desperate to drown a broader, less distinct kind of pain, but he doesn't say as much. There are parts of him that he would prefer that Misa never has to see or hear about.

"It's a quick trip, and I've had some water," he offers again.

[lovesickkiller]

"Hm... I have to see you stand up and walk around the room first," Misa says, turning to face him with her arms crossed. If he can manage that, maybe she will let him run the errand.

[numberedshepherd]

He stands, squinting and blinking to stave off the dizziness. Then he's up, striding purposefully toward the center of the room and making his way briskly around the room.

"Now will you let me help? It's Nathan's birthday, he's like family to me, and I can force sober for that to keep from letting him down."

[lovesickkiller]

"Alright," she answers slowly, still not entirely convinced. "But if you feel like you're about to faint you'd better call me! I'm going to get worried sick if you're late."

[numberedshepherd]

"I'll be just a second. I'm getting strawberries, not running a marathon," Lazarus assures her, heading for the door.

"...but OK. I'll call you. I don't want you to have to worry."