witnessingone | robowest CR CMO

[They've had a few weeks by now to adjust to Erebonia--having a kid in tow is an interesting experience, but it's not like Russell is your typical...child...... so it's easy enough for them to try to adapt.

But.

Today is different!! Today is different because it's a special day and that means that they have to go all out on it.

Or... well, they would if either Sara or Barnham knew how to go all out on things that aren't fighting monsters or justice!!! so... sorry Russell, they tried.

At the very least, there's a birthday cake on the table. And they probably have presents. How do they know what day Russell's birthday is? (Shh we're handwaving that, roll with it.)

Either way, Barnham's putting the finishing touches on making sure the cake is not totally smushed while Sara fetches The Child.]

[ Maybe Russell talked about his birthday when he also talked about pushing birthday girls to their deaths, who knows!! But there will be no death today, because Sara is bound and determined to do this Right, and between her efforts and Barnham's, well.

... Here's... hoping. But she's on Child Fetching Duty, and fetch Russell she sets off to do, which is really just hunting him down and-- ]

Okay, but you've got to keep your eyes closed for this part. Do you want to hold my hand or should I guide you by the shoulders?

[ Yeah, I guess you can say that birthday party was a bit... Crooked, eh...

Ahem. Anyway.

Whatever, Russell was doing -- he stops when Sara approaches and just looks at her. He looks just a bit confused... ]

Uhm -- you can hold my hand....... But why do I have to close my eyes?

[ What does she have up her sleeve..!! ]

Because it's a surprise and it won't be much of one if you don't.

[ So she'll just wait until he closes his eyes and lead him by the hand back over to where Barnham's set everything up. No peeking, Russell. ]

[No peeking!!!

Though Barnham is not...very good at this.

When they come in the kitchen he just kind of...hesitates.

Ah.

Ahem!!]

...Yes, well--surprise.

[NAILED IT]

[ Russell is going to try really hard to peek... He's a curious boy! Okay, but no he'll do his best...

Well, at least when Barnham says his (REALLY LAME, BY THE WAY) surprise, Russell takes that as a hint to uncover his eyes!

And -- Oh?? Oh!

........ He feels awkward... How is he suppose to respond to this. The last time he saw a cake it literally attacked him, Gardenia and Tabasa and they had to kill it??? ]

What is this for?

[ He's ready to Run. ]

[ Sara is giving Barnham a faintly exasperated look (because really, THAT WAS SO LAME) before she turns back to Russell and tilts her head with a smile. ]

It's for you. A part of learning how to value yourself is realizing that other people value you, so-- Happy Birthday, Russell!

[Look. LOOK!! he tried. Sort of.

Aha...]

Indeed, Happy Birthday. Many congratulations on this day.

[FOR LIVING TO THE RIPE OLD AGE OF "still a tiny child".]

[ Come on, Barnham, you can do better than that. Learn a bit from Sara.

Okay, but... Really, he's never had a birthday party before... He's been to some, but they weren't for him. He's touched?

There's this bubbly feeling in his chest that he doesn't really know what it is..!!! Happiness, maybe? He places a hand over his chest, and clenches some of his vest fabric.

Well, instead of guessing that he's just happy -- his immediate response is: ]

I... Think I'm dying?

[ Just because she's observing where his hand is, and knowing Russell-- ]

Unless it's acute chest pain radiating through every inch of your body, I think you're fine. Can you describe it for me?

[ She's strangely calm about this announcement. ]

[Seriously Russell... Barnham is going to just go ahead and let Sara do the talking so they don't overwhelm the poor kid.

Uh huh. No dying allowed.]

[ Stop??? He's dying???? Is there medicine for chest pains? Is he suppose to have chest pains at the age of fourteen?? The Real questions!!! Oh god, he's dying.

But... As calm as usual- Russell's hand returns to his side and ponders for a moment. ]

Uhm, it's like.... It doesn't hurt exactly, but it feels kind of bubbly. My heart started beating a bit faster, too......

[ Which he can't tell if it's from excitement or what! ]

... [ She's just going to ruffle his hair. ]

Believe it or not, it means you're happy. Maybe a little excited.

[For his part, Barnham just looks indulgently pleased--Russell feeling emotions other than SAD is always a good thing to his mind.]

It is merely a start, of course--but a birthday is to be celebrated every year.

[THEY'VE GOT YEARS OF PARTIES TO GO]

[ Oh man, so this is what happiness is like. Well, actually, he's been pretty happy ever since coming home with Sara and Barnham ... Maybe that happy feeling wasn't as overwhelming as it is right now.

Hmm.... Feelings. Still confusing. He'll get the hang of it sooner or later. ]

Oh... I see. [ Russell just looks down at his feet. ]

Thank you...

[ Now he feels kind of shy! WHAT DO YOU DO AT BIRTHDAY PARTIES (that isn't murdering someone)? ]

Thanks can come later! For now, cake and presents!

[ And a fistpump, apparently. ] This is an important event that only happens once a year, so let's go all out!

[ This is why Barnham is the steadying force in this relationship. ]

Indeed.

[He's the steadying force but he also wants Russell to enjoy himself?? So for now he's not doing any steadying at all.]

There are gifts, there is the cake, and I believe if there is anything you should otherwise like to do today, Russell, we shall be more than willing to do so as well.

[ Define "all out", though? Keep an eye on Sara, just in case, Barnham...

But god, he feels so awkward. He's trying his best not to think about the murderous birthday cake from his dreams, but also...... Well, you know, a birthday party for him sounds nice -- IN THEORY!!! Now that it's actually here, what does he do? ]

Uhm.... Give me a moment...

[ Approaching the cake, assuming there's silverware around, he's going to pick up a fork and--

Poke the cake. Carefully. Gently. He flinches, bracing himself for anything--

Aaand, nothing! Thank god.

It's not alive. ]

...

I can promise you there's nothing in there that's going to bite you.

robowest CR CMO

KIA IS FOLLOWING ME

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