1416/Surprise!

Surprise!
Date of Scene:	25 April 2016
Location:	Hisakata Residences
Synopsis:	Ayana attempts to surprise Ikiko with a birthday party. The surprise happens, and the party at least gets an A for effort even if it's a D for Execution.
Cast of Characters:	Ayana, Hoshi Kogane, Reiko Touyama, Ikiko Hisakata

---

Ayana has posed:
Somehow, it's like no one remembered that today is supposed to be a special day. Ayana has not mentioned Ikiko's birthday at all, nor treated her different from how she treats her any other day of the year.

Maybe in Ayana's case it's forgiveable; she's a fox, and what do foxes know of birthdays? But Momma and Dad Hisakata haven't wished Ikiko a happy birthday either, and they certainly ought to know!

In fact, the only people in the entire Hisakata household who bothered to wish Ikiko a happy birthday were Grandpa, and Sora--who said it almost like it was an obligation, as she handed over an incredibly generic gift card.

As dinner time rolls around, Ayana goes into the kitchen to start cooking as usual, and then a few minutes later she calls out, "Iki-chan, can you run to the store for me? We're out of curry powder!"

Of course, Ikiko's parents were also sure to usher the girl off, ensuring Ayana's ruse is complete.

As soon as she's out of the house, Ayana texts Reiko and Hoshi that the coast is clear, and invites them inside.

The Kitsune is busy cooking, so it's up to them to put up a few quick decorations (like balloons and streamers) before Ikiko gets back. The smell of onions and beef fill the air as Ayana prepares Ikiko's favourite meal. But too there is the smell of a cake in the oven!

"Hurry, she'll be back soon," Ayana murmurs to the two as she emerges to help finish putting things up. Surprise parties are a lot harder to coordinate than the kitsune ever realised!

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
Hoshi hasn't been around this part of her social web a lot, but parties are parties, and she isn't one to turn down an invite. She's put on her favourite rainbow dress for the occassion, and comes hurrying in carrying a little giftwrapped box. "Thanks for inviting me!"

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama has come along with Hoshi and has two kind of adorable koi chasing after her in a hurry. She has a box! It's a largish box--- thin, but longish and wide. Like a box one might put a clothing item in! Though the box is also stiff and not soft- not like a box one might put a clothing item in! What is it?

The two koi following her have tiny orange presents. But they're empty and they dissapear when Reiko finally /stops/ as she breathes. "We're here! Sorry we're late, right! Thanks for inviting us!" she says with a soft smile, smile.

Then she pauses with slight realization of something. Gulp. She hopes she didn't just make a mistake with her gift... Well. She should be fine. Right?

"Do you need help?" she asks. "Quick help?" she asks.

Ayana has posed:
Ayana blinks at the two girls confusedly, then points to a box. "There's balloons in there," she says. "Can you blow them up so they float? I bought twelve balloons that all say 'Happy Birthday Ikiko' on them!" Meanwhile, the kitsune takes the presents from them and puts them in the middle of the table, along with another thin box wrapped by herself.

With all the presents arrayed, she goes back into the kitchen to work more on dinner. "When you're done with the balloons turn off the lights so that it's dark when she gets home. We gotta surprise her," she explains to them hopefully.

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
"We'd have to have helium to make them float..." Hoshi says softly, knowing all too well the realities of balloons, "Unless... uh... maybe I could sneak a star into each of them and then they'd keep them up, that's like floating, right?" She glances towards Reiko, seemingly unsure. "We'll turn off the lights when we're done, promise!"

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama taps her chin. "Wouldn't the pointy ends pop the ballons through?" she asks softly. "We'll just blow them up!" she says. "And we can um... stick em somewhere if we have to-- message side up and out! Or we can try the stars! I don't trust my koi not to behave."

She takes out a balloon and gets blowing.

She's gonna help best she can and that seems to be what needs to be done!

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata had been confused by the lack of reaction today, but she had tried to not let it get her down. Even the sudden store run during dinner prep was a bit of a bummer, but she had sighed and made the journey.

(Although it had been odd how much her parents had encouraged her to go...)

Still, she's on her way home, container of curry powder in the grocery bag. Maybe her family will have at least remembered a cake? Of course, if they did, it sure hasn't been visible yet.

Ikiko sighs again as she arrives home. "I'm back!" she calls as she opens the front door... and takes a sniff. Wait, that smell-- is it...?

Ayana has posed:
Gyuniku no Negimaki. Delicious, thin little slices of beef, rolled around enoki mushrooms and scallions., all in a delicious teriyaki sauce and fried. There are also tofu and chicken versions, as well, with a side of steamed rice and steamed vegetables. All of this is nearing completion as Ikiko opens the door.

Ayana's fox-ears perk up at the sound of Ikiko's call, and her eyes widen. "Oh no," she mumbles. They're too late. Rushing out of the kitchen, she spots Reiko and Hoshi still figuring out what to do with the balloons. The table is set, at least, and the streamers are up. But the balloons! It's not their fault; it's Ayana's for not thinking things through. 'Helium'. Of course it's one of those stupid chemistry element things that foiled her plans.

"Ikiko-chan," she mumbles, with nothing better to do, "Welcome home. Happy Birthday! I tried to make a surprise party for you. But dinner is almost ready, and Reiko-chan and Hoshi-chan are here, too!"

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
Despite not yet being done with the balloons, or even really started, Hoshi greets Ikiko with a cheerful, "Happy birthday, Ikiko-chan!" She smiles broadly, putting down the balloon she's holding to instead walk to Ikiko and offering some more well-wishes, "May you have many, many more! So, how old are you now?"

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama looses grip when Ikiko comes in and that balloon goes pfffbbbbttting off to the ceiling before it drops back towards the ground. "Oh..uh..." she blushes. Whoops! Not fast enough! "S--sorry!" she says. "RIGHT! Happy Birthday Ikiko-chan!" she says softly throwing her hands up.

She follows after Hoshi. "How was your day today, then!?" she asks softly.

She looks over to Ayana-chan and seems sheepish, because she didn't get the balloons done in time.

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata blinks, then carefully puts down the grocery bag without a word, her face pretty expressionless.

Then she pounces forward, hugging Ayana, then hugging both of the Prism Keepers with one big hug! And then she hugs Ayana again, giving the foxgirl a heartfelt kiss! <3

"Thank you, all of you!" Ikiko beams to the three once she finishes with the kiss. "I was wondering why nobody had mentioned anything!" She gives Hoshi a grin. "I'm 12 now!" she replies.

Ayana has posed:
Ayana blinks right back at Ikiko as she watches her girlfriend's expressionless face. Is it really so ruined, not having the balloons done? Did she screw up that bad--"eek!" she declares as she's pounced quite suddenly. She giggles and hugs Ikiko back, then returns the kiss when it's given.

"I tried to make sure everyone kept quiet," Ayana says as she turns back to the kitchen. "I'm sorry I didn't get everything done in time, but I am glad you're happy. I made your favourite dinner; it's almost ready. Hoshi-chan, can you come help me set the table? Reiko-chan, can you get drinks?"

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
Hoshi returns the hug quickly, then lets go so Ayana can go hug other people. "Twelve, huh. You're getting old." She says in a tone that suggests she's mimicking the voice of someone else; Reiko will have heard that tone before (it's her mocking her dad's wife.) "I got you a little something, I hope you'll like it.

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama beams into the hug. "You're welcome!" she says. "Right! I kept my big mouth shut!" she insists.

She goes to helping and nods at Ayana. "Right!" she says. She imagines drinks, in this case, means: 'go to the fridge and get the two liters in there of Soda or something'. Which she does-- or whatever drinks Ayana gotten for the party.

"Hey..."

"At least no one should ruin /your/ party here!" she pipes up with a smile. Unlike you know. Her party.

Stupid Maeko.

Ayana has posed:
Which reminds Ayana. "I tried to find your girlfriend and your boyfriend to invite them to come, too," Ayana says to Reiko as she pulls the food off the fire and puts it on plates, then hands each plate off to Hoshi to carry to the table. "But I couldn't find either of them. I hope it's okay if it's just the four of us, Ikiko-chan."

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
"Thank you," Ikiko says with a smile, nuzzling Ayana's nose. "You did an excellent job!" Well, other than the timing, but that's a logistical thing that can improve with practice; the heart was in the right place, and that's what was important about this surprise party.

"I'm sure I'll enjoy it," she nods to Hoshi. Ikiko giggles slightly at Ayana's comment. "A small party with close friends is fine," the birthday girl reassures the kitsune.

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama returns with the drinks and cups and begins placing them in thier proper settings as she glares at Ayana suddenly. "I..I dunno if he's even my boyfriend yet! But--but we do have an actual date planned now!" she says softly. "AND she isn't my girlfriend!" she says with a scrunched nose.

Still she does as asked, quickly and promptly as she sighhhhs loudly at Ayana's words still.

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
Hoshi glances towards the kitchen, wondering how the food is doing, right as Ayana gets out the food. She helps carry the food along. "This smells delicious, Ayana-chan." She says, and then sits down. "You have a girl and a boyfriend, Rei-chan? Why haven't I met them?"

Ayana has posed:
"It's Ikiko's favourite," Ayana says to Hoshi as she carries the other two plates out to the table and sets them down. "I hope I made it right, but even if I didn't it should be tasty anyways." With food and drinks served, Ayana says, "Go ahead and start eating, I'll be right back! I just need to take the cake out of the oven and do the frosting."

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata manages to cover a giggle at the teasing of Reiko. "I'm glad to hear that you have a date scheduled with your boyfriend, Reiko-chan!" she smiles. "And I hope it goes well!"

She takes her chopsticks and snags one of the beef rolls, popping it into her mouth and chewing on it. "Mmm, tasty~!" she smiles blissfully. For some reason, it tastes even better than usual. Is it because it was made for her birthday? Or perhaps because it was made with love by her girlfriend?

Maybe both?

She snags a few more for her plate, then sits down and continues to savor them. Tasty, tasty beef rolls~!

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama looks to Hoshi and huffs. "Haru, remember?..." she says softly with a blush. "We've been meeting and stuff and... we're finally going on a date!" she smiles to. She does frown. "Ayana means the creepy doll girl that's following me around." she says. "She's not my girlfriend. The girl that thing is possessing is a friend though..." she says with a sigh as she looks down a moment.

Then she shakes off the glum! She shouldn't ruin Ikiko's party with a angsty mood!

She's half filling a plate.. beef isn't one of her favorite foods.. (Cows do not swim elegantly.) but she'll eat it for the party's sake-- and she begins eating. "Mmmm. Not bad!" she says softly with a smile. "You cook well, Ayana-chan!" she says.

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
"That's awesome, Rei-chan, I hope it works out well." Hoshi cheers her friend on, just before they get to the creepy doll girl. "Well, maybe the creepy doll girl is following you around because she's in love with you. I saw that in a movie once." Having said that, she digs into her food, "Hmm. This is delicious~"

Ayana has posed:
Ayana returns a few moments later, carrying a cake with strawberry frosting. Twelve candles all line the top of the thing, though none have been lit, yet. She places the cake in the center of the table, carefully, then finally takes her seat.

"I'm glad you all like them," Ayana says happily as she finally starts to take some of the beef rolls for herself. "Iki-chan, you should open your presents. I don't wanna wait, and I think everyone wants to see what you got."

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata nods to Ayana. "Sounds liek a good idea," she agrees, putting her chopsticks down for a moment.

She picks up the gift from Reiko, giving it a couple of gentle shakes while listening to it, then carefully unwrapping it.

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Shake shake shake. It sounds like there's some things rattling there as if they were held in place.

"Oh! Don't shake it too hard." Reiko Touyama warns meekly.

She unwraps it! Inside is something elabaroate and homemade.

Reiko has drawn a very elaborate park scene- in her usual expert drawing style, on a piece of thick, white cardboard- that's been painted and given a quick Arcylic spray and allowed to dry, to protect it.

Spaces have been 'cut' into the thick cardboard, and in those spaces are various chocolate dogs! They've been molded, it seems, in a custom series of molds. While the art is very well drawn, the sculpting on the molds seem more simple, like the person who made them-- Reiko- is still learning how to sculpt. She can tell, at least, some specific dog breeds and they do have features on them.

"I've been practicing how to mold for chocolate." she says meekly. "So I made up something special! It's okay to eat them!" she says. "I like putting them in a decorative display like that. Do you like them? The um. Choclate is nothing special, of course- but-- I put a lot of work into the molds!" she says with a smile.

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata gives Reiko a beaming smile. "It looks neat! Thank you, Reiko-chan!" she grins. "I'll save the chocolate for later, so it's not having to compete with the cake."

She then reaches over for Hoshi's present, giving it the same careful shake-and-listen she gave to Reiko's present, then opens it.

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
The little box Hoshi has prepared seems very light, there's a bit of sound coming from the shaking, but it's very soft. Keen ears may pick up exactly what it is, but if not, opening it is sure to do. There's a slender silver chain connected to a silver pendant, round and with details that look at first glance like the moon; except there's a wolf rather than a bunny.

The pendant opens up and can be used to store two pictures. "I hope you like it" Hoshi says with a bright smile. "I saw it while going through a store that has all kinds of weird jewelry and I couldn't help but think of you, and I knew your birthday was coming..."

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata gives Hoshi a grin. "Pretty~! Thank you, Hoshi-chan!" she beams, putting the pendant on. "It's nice to have a purely decorative necklace to go with the Lycan Locket!"

Finally, having saved the closest for last, she picks up Ayana's present. Shake shake listen~! And then she opens it up--!

Ayana has posed:
Ayana watches Ikiko open the presents with wide eyes. Reiko's, then Hoshi's, both seem so very thoughtful and well planned. The Kitsune's ears droop just a little when Ikiko gets to hers. She is not very good at planning.

Within the box, there is a little stone carving of a wolf, with dark rubies for its eyes. "I saw her at the store, and I thought she would go with the fox I gave you one time," she says quietly. "But I can go get you another gift if that's not enough."

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata gently puts the carved wolf down, then walks over to Ayana and gives her a BIG hug! "It's perfect, beloved," she murmurs, giving the kitsune a tender kiss on the cheek. "Thank you so much!"

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama blinks at Ayana, she looks at her gift and Hoshi's and Ayanas. She doesn't think one is better than the other. But Ayana's quiet tone suggests otherwise and she tries to think. "Well I think it's a pretty figure!" she says matter of factly as she crosses her arms and a curt, matter of fact nod!

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
"Ooh that's neat." Hoshi has to say about Ayana's gift, and then she remembers to comment on Reiko's too, "That looks really tasty, Rei-chan, you'll have to make me some sometime." She insists, and then makes a sad face, "Of course my birthday is still like forever away..."

Ayana has posed:
Ayana blushes at Ikiko's reaction, but she returns the hug just the same. "I'm glad you like it," she says, then looks to Reiko and Hoshi thoughtfully. "I don't really have a birthday," she notes thoughtfully. "Or at least, I don't have one I remember. I don't really even know how old I am. I was a fox for a while, and then about a year ago I wasn't a fox anymore, and then I was a fox again, and now I'm not a fox anymore, except I'm still a fox."

She grins apologetically, then says, "Sorry. Just a weird thought. I can look like whatever age I wanna, so maybe I'll just be twelve forever. Or I can be an old lady and make you all call me grandmother." She giggles at herself, then asks, "Do you want me to cut the cake for you now, Ikiko-chan?"

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
"Yes, please," Ikiko nods to Ayana, then gives the kitsune a sneaky smile. "Well, if you can't think of a day to call your birthday, then a party for it would really be a surprise!"

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama purses her lips. "The day you became 'not a fox', should be your birthday!" she says with a soft smile. "Remember, the day we all went to Inari-sama, right?" she says softly. "That'd make the most sense, it was a major change in your life then--- when you could really be 'you' for as long as you wanted!" she says softly.

She smiles some as she crosses her arms. Then she nods.

"Or. We can just surprise you one day a year." she grins. "Just a random day, bam! Surprise!" she says!

Hoshi Kogane has posed:
"I think that makes sense." Hoshi agrees with Reiko, though it's a little unclear whether she means the random day or the 'got your starball' day. It probably doesn't matter. "Or, if you can look like any age, couldn't you just decide Ikiko's birthday is yours too and always look the same age as her?"

Ayana has posed:
"A random day?" Ayana asks Reiko amusedly. "That seems silly. But wouldn't the day Riventon made me be just as sensible as the day you convinced Inari-dono to let me be a real girl? I dunno, it doesn't really matter. My age isn't really important, and I don't need birthdays. I already got the most important thing ever, anyways." Pause. "Ikiko," she explains, then leans forward to cut Ikiko's cake and offer the brunette the first slice.

Ikiko Hisakata has posed:
Ikiko Hisakata gives Ayana a warm smile, then accepts the slice of cake with a kiss for the kitsune. "Even if it's not a birthday, we should still have a day to celebrate you," Ikiko mentions to her girlfriend before sitting down with the slice of cake.

Reiko Touyama has posed:
Reiko Touyama nods. "That's right! I vote we call it 'Fox day'!" she says with a bright smile.

She looks between Ikiko and Ayana with a soft smile. She waits, politely for her cake as she leans forward. a koi appears. It has a fork and a knife and wearing a bib with what is very well a cake lobster on it. It may not be better to ask how that looks like.

Reiko blinks a bit at this.

"Hey. No cake for you!" she huffs as she threatens the tiny koi with a fork!