Birthday Hogs

[sonic_wachowski]

WHO: Hedgehaus and friends
WHAT: Birthday Party
WHEN: Hedgehog Birthday Weekend
WHERE: Hedgehaus
WARNINGS: A stupid amount of chili dogs. PROBABLY FEELINGS? Listen, some people have personhood issues. Maybe Boomdow.


Sonic new it was around his Birthday. Vaguely. Move around planets enough and its hard to track the date, he had a birthday not too far from when he arrived on Earth. So the BEarthday was very fitting. And, well, Shadow woke up from cyro the same day or day after, so Sonic figured he could share it with his Shadow.

But also explaining that to people would be weird, and telling WAY too much, and also Primedow and SonIDW had their birthdays around the same time and that's why the banners say Birthday.

Sonic was nothing, if not stupidly sentimental. He knew he was throwing a party for his Shadow because he deserved it and well, he isn't going to just ignore the others. Maybe talk about a week of celebration or something for next year.

The beauty of superspeed though is he can set up a party FAST. He just has to make sure Big Blue is busy upstairs for a few minutes and BOOM, party is set up.

First and foremost, the party is an explosion of color. Why? Sonic promised Primedow and SonIDW pride flags and he delivered. There are rainbows and all sorts of other flags scattered across the yard, on the walls, and over the first floor. He's even got balloons over pride flag colors.

There was a banner that said 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHADOWS AND SONICS!' Hand painted, so its a bit messy, and made with blue, red, and black.

There is SO much food. Most of it is cake and chilidogs. Mostly because Sonic knows how much Sonics can pack away, and other people should get to enjoy these foods. There is even a variety in the cake flavors! Chocolate, white, strawberry, even lemon.

There is also coffee beans. Just....just straight coffee beans.

And some chocolate covered espresso beans, and Tiramisu. Less of that, but still plenty. And burgers for those who think hotdogs are beneath them or something.

There is also fruit salad, and guacamole with chips for those who want something kind of healthy.

There is a table labeled GIFTs and a sign. 'Be sure you indicate WHICH Shadow or Sonic. Fluffy are the younger ones.'

The party activities are scattered in the yard and the first floor of the house. Its nothing too over the top, beyond the color explosion. There is music for outside hanging out, some dancing. There is also a television for people to play video games on. (There will be DDR at some point, thanks Eva.)

Inside, there is a large stack of DVDs to watch movies inside.

There are board games on the dining room table for people to play those.

There is also a sign at the stairs to the second floor. 'RESIDENTS ONLY. If someone is upstairs, you leave them alone, even if they're one of the Birthday Boys! Any non-resident attempting to go upstairs if not accompanied by a resident will be swiftly removed.' (He figures he should account for social batteries. Especially for his Shadow and Maria. Sometimes you need a space to retreat away from people.)

((Feel free to mingle!!!))

Comments

GIFTS

[sonic_wachowski]

Remember to label! Tricky things with shared names.

[roundandaround]

Every single person whose birthday it is gets a shell from the beach.

Labelled for Older Sonic is a lightweight camping stove for all those days/weeks/months he decides to go live in the middle of nowhere.

For Older Shadow is a large water bottle and scarf branded for the 217 Ellympics. Hey, they're useful.

Fluffy Sonic gets dog toys! Everyone loves dog toys.

Fluffy Shadow she had some trouble with because he gets... a backgammon set? Thanks, gift buying in a rush from the department store. The Gifts for Men display never lets her down for gift ideas, regardless of the recipient's gender or age.

Spiky Shadow actually gets something even if Rinku thinks he's a jerk! It's also Ellympic merch. Enjoy your snow globe that you'll probably throw at someone by the end of the day, she tried.

New Sonic got a last-minute white noise machine. I am so sorry.

[abnormalizes]

As promised:

-DDR game and a high quality board for Younger Sonic, not just one of those cheap mats that slips around everywhere.

-A high quality telescope for Younger Shadow.

-Camping gear for Older Sonic, all lightweight and aerodynamic.

-High quality coffee beans and a mug that says 'World's Best Hedgehog' for Older Shadow.

[fauxbot]

Sonic Wachowski is getting himself a ukulele... oh, no, hang on - it's not a ukulele! It's a banjolele.
And it's explicitly labeled as to Wachowski because Chipp has not met any of the other hedgehogs in person or by name... he's got no idea which ones are younger or older, the Fluffy label means nothing to his poor empty head.

But the others are still getting gifts! Specifically, Chipp's put together a bunch of (unlabeled) gift bags with:
- A really nice die-cast model car, about the size of their palm - they're all race cars, specifically;
- A few tumbled gemstones of some kind (random colors!), and
- Four handmade (vegan) cookies.

... Vegan because he's not sure if hedgehogs should be having eggs and dairy or not. He's got no idea what he's doing, okay.

And for anyone whose birthday it isn't... honestly, there's a high chance Chipp wasn't sure how many of those gift bags he should be putting together (yes, even though he was probably given this information directly), so, y'know.
Extras! Unbirthday gifts!

[sonic_wachowski]

Sonic is looking quite proud of himself for this. Both for teasing the older duo, but also he thinks for the first time actually throwing a party, its pretty good!

Even if he has to make sure Ozzie is tied up in the yard because that dog only has so much strength of will and that's a lot of food, and the risk of him slipping outside is too great.

But he'll be enjoying a chili dog, ready to mingle with party guests.

[roundandaround]

Happy birthday!

[Rinku cheers and tosses some paper confetti.]

Sorry I had to run over here but I really hope you guys like your stuff!

[shatteredprison]

Shadow approaches the fluffy Sonic. He has his gift of the World's Best Hedgehog cup as he eats his coffee beans. The food spread, the presents, the activities and the decorations are a lot. Shadow is irritated but not nearly as he would have been once. Being here for over a year has tempered him. And he knows Wachowski did this as a form of appreciation. It was also to be annoying on purpose. Which is why Shadow will walk over and put his hand on Wachowski's head and harshly ruffle his spines.

"You kept this a secret from me. That takes skill and planning. Impressive. You won't get something like this by me again."

[lightremains]

Shadow did his own thing most of the time. Today, he had gone on a motorcycle ride out to the city to help clean up more after the mess with the Nightshade... and spend a few of those mooncoins he'd earned. But, he still had trouble with being kind to himself. He ends up heading home empty-handed.

But when he gets back, it seems like Sonic's little flag obsession had spilled out into the yard. Great. People were going to stare...

... though speaking of staring, after Shadow puts his motorcycle away in the garage, he finds himself face to face with a big, hastily-drawn birthday banner and even MORE flags and balloons and food and--

"... Wh... what is all this?"

[abnormalizes]

As soon as DDR is set up, Evangeline's going to kick some ass at it. ...Kick the ass of anyone without super speed, which is most people in attendance, but listen. She's good at it for a human and that's what matters.

Other than that, she can be found milling about, eating cake and chili dogs, and occasionally asking the question that's on everyone's minds:

"What is it with Ellipsa and hedgehogs, anyway?"

DDR

[roundandaround]

Whoaaa! Neechan, you're amazing!

[Rinku cheers Evangeline's latest match. She steps up to the dance pad and smiles.]

I wanna challenge you now! Is that okay?

[sonic_wachowski]

"I don't know. I even found another one while setting up the party," he said, eating his own chilidog.

[fauxbot]

[Hi, Evangeline!

There's a floating fork coming for that cake. Allow mysterious theft, y/n?]

Aimoto Rinku | D4DJ (Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ) | Summer

[roundandaround]

[Rinku runs here a little late. Sometimes you spend your weekend trying to help a guy who has trouble making friends have his first ever birthday party on the coming Tuesday, but then you're told there's a surprise party for more of your friends today, so you run to the store, get whatever presents you think they're going to like, and book it to their house, writing the birthday cards on the bus.

She's all for the food, not only stuffing her face but bringing out Hina and Mecchan so they can eat too. She waves at anyone else who's sat down to eat.]

Wow, this was a lot, huh?

[At the board game table, Rinku looks over the games, hums, and rubs her chin.]

This one time, we all had to use Minimize potions to play these games with us as the pieces... Do you think we could do that again sometime?

[And outside, she's happy to dance around to the music... and keeps being distracted looking at the setup.

Don't hijack the booth again, Rinku. You did this at Porty's ill-fated party. You did it at the "we-survived-and-also-saved-the-dragons" party. Those had actual DJ booths with equipment beyond a boom box. Do not.]

Re: Aimoto Rinku | D4DJ (Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ) | Summer

[sonic_wachowski]

[Doooooo iiiiiit.]

[ikeasnob]

[He is so here against his will, because Amy convinced him to show up. At least.

But for one he is not treating this as his own birthday, he refuses to share with a bunch of fakes after all, so not expecting anything from anyone. So he will be keeping to himself the whole time, unless someone makes him actually interact with others.

Also if a certain Sonic is smart? He'll leave this Shadow alone, especially if he doesn't want a fight to break out.]

[heyyourenotsonic]

[ The person who approaches is not a Sonic, but it is in fact, the aforementioned enabler. She's all smiles as usual, and she's got, of all things, a pretty big cake in her arms. It's decorated with white frosting and lavender and yellow colored creams piped all over the top and the bottom. She promised him his own cake, and she has delivered.

She carefully places it down on a table next to him, before she settles in at his side. She's got a plate, knife, an fork ready for him and everything. ]

I'm glad to see you, Shadow! As promised, one lemon and lavender cake, specifically for you~

[shatteredprison]

[It isn't only Sonics who might want to avoid this Shadow. There is another Shadow here who sees his double and can tell he isn't nearly fluffy enough to be the one who actually lives here. So he approaches with his World's Best Hedgehog mug, still with coffee beans inside.]

At least we meet, faker. Happy Birthday.

[sonic_wachowski]

[Listen, you KNOW he's gotta at least say hi, it would be RUDE.]

[But Amy's got the cake, so instead he arrives with a hamburger, and some coffee.]

Hey, welcome to the party.

Make sure to check the gift table before you go. Some people brought you gifts, your pile will be at the end closer to the rose bush.

[fauxbot]

[Shadow will not be forced to interact on this day! At least not by Chipp.

He is coming over to give Mr. Curmudgeon over here one of those gift bags, holding it out on his metal claws.
But aside from that, the only words Shadow will get is -]

If y'ain't like it, feel free to give it to one o' the others.

[He understands being the cranky guy hiding at the dge of the party, though. So he's not gonna try and ruin it for Shadow by shoving conversation on him.]

[shatteredprison]

Shadow is not the mingle type. He focuses on a mission and his mission is to enjoy the party. At least, he is certain that is what anyone else would say. Shadow walks around, making sure there are no messes being made and checking to make sure others are having a good time. Hosting is important and he finds himself enjoying the control. He has his World's Best Hedgehog mug with him, as well as the water bottle and scarf. Though the scarf just drapes over his shoulders. They are his gifts and he will show he appreciates them.

Approach him if you dare.

[roundandaround]

Happy birthday, Shadow-kun!

[Rinku cheers, carrying a plate of cake and using telekinesis to hold up two other plates so Mecchan and Hina can eat while perched on her shoulders.]

This is fun, isn't it? He really worked hard!

[abnormalizes]

Evangeline always dares to approach Shadow, that's her favorite hedgehog right there.

"Hi, Shadow. Do you like the mug?"

[dreamsofearth]

Coming Downstairs
Maria had been upstairs having an impromptu nap in her room. She had actually been reading, but had dozed off. But once she got up, rubbed her eyes, and headed downstairs she realized something was up. The bright colors and flags was the big clue. She could hear music from somewhere. She could smell yummy food smells. There was the sounds of talking and more people around the house. She exited the stairwell curiously.

She wore her long almost ankle-length lavender sundress and matching hairband. The medical bracelet was around her wrist and she was barefoot. Running fingers through slightly mussed hair, she padded curiously towards the livingroom/kitchen area to see what was going on. "Oh!" She noted the banners and the table for gifts. "A birthday party!" She hadn't realized that the Sonic's and Shadow's were having a birthday party. She would have liked to get them all presents. Were all of them having a birthday at the same time?

Maria also didn't mind mingling, and was only too happy to wander and say hi to people around the party.

Food Table/Livingroom
Maria had eaten a chili dog earlier and allowed that to settle before selecting a piece of chocolate cake. She then settled on the livingroom couch to dig into it. She was happy to people watch and listen to the music while she ate her treat. She was planning on checking out the board games at some point too. It probably wouldn't take much prompting to get her to play one.

Videogames
Maria saw the DDR set up, and watched some people play with open curiosity. She had never seen a game like this before. Hopping up from where she was watching, she grinned in excitement. "I want to play too! That looks like a lot of fun!" She was liking the music in the game too. Very upbeat and bouncy.

mingling

[roundandaround]

[Rinku is distracted from taking a selfie in front of the polysexual flag. She waves and scoops up Mecchan and Hina to go say hi.]

Hi, Maria-chan! Sonic-kun worked hard on this, huh?

[fauxbot]

[Honestly? To be completely honest?
Chipp's just jazzed as hell to be here at all. It's been so long since he'd attended a birthday party... sometime when he was fourteen, probably. So it's exciting, getting to go to a party like this - and to be invited to it!
Which means he wanders into the party proper with an armful of gifts, most all of them matching giftbags for the birthday-havers he hasn't yet met.

... But it's all matched up with the very intelligent observation, muttered under his breath:]

- Oh my god, y'all're so fuckin' small.

[Sorry, Hedgehaus. Mr. Man here is 6'8", he's at least twice the height of any of them... it's instantly made him a little nervous, just because his helmet's got a blind spot on the underside.
(Any tripping that may-or-may-not occur will be met with many apologies, of course.)

Eventually, though, he does his best to relax and actually enjoy the party itself; at any point, he can be found:
- Hanging out by the food and eyeing it all as he debates taking off his helmet so he can partake, the expression on his screen all scrunched up and serious about the decision;
- Checking out all the pride decor, perhaps sneaking one of the loose flags into his cape... surely one won't be missed;
- Or over by the music, rooting through the CDs like some giant raccoon looking for food because unlike Rinku, Chipp as a DJ has no self restraint. He won't be changing the music, at least! Just... sorting through it like he's looking for something.

And later on, after all that... if he seems like he's disappeared? It's because he's found himself a spot under a table somewhere off to the side and tucked himself underneath it.
The "low social battery" room's barred from non-residents, after all... this is the best he's got, okay? Don't judge.]

[sonic_wachowski]

[Sonic's been moving through the party. He is the host and he suspects he has the best social battery of the four. Keandow definitely doesn't, Primedow could fake it, but maybe not enjoy it, and SonIDW has to go hermit in the woods for long stretches of time, so all points to social battery sometimes just going kaput.]

[His own can also do that, but with years of isolation, he can push through, still enjoy himself, and then he can go curl into a ball and roll around until the vibrating stops.]

[Maria's social battery would probably last, it was just the physical battery that was a concern.]

[But it means he's paying attention to his guests and he DOES have a loophole in the residents thing, he just wanted to make sure the residents WERE covered.]

[Welcome to a blue fuzzy ball appearing under the table. Make oneself smaller to be even easier to hide!]

[Then uncurls, sitting with his legs folded.]

Need quiet space? Also maybe eat, I wasn't sure if you got too earlier.

[manifesthope]

Arriving/Food Table (kitchen/livingroom)
Silver made it to the party and entered through the front door. Even if he hadn't been shown where the house was before, there would have been no problem finding it from the air with all the rainbows all over the front lawn. He made his way to the back where the open concept livingroom area and kitchen were located. He could hear music playing from outside in the backyard but what really got his attention was the food table. There was so much food. It looked like there was a bunch of folks here already too.

Never one to refuse free food, Silver made his way over to the table to help himself to a chili dog, fruit salad and some chips with guac. He hadn't eaten yet that day and was ravenous. While he went to sit on the couch and eat, he noted the table of gifts and his chewing slowed and his gold eyes widened. Gifts?

He'd never been to a birthday party before let alone celebrated his own. He didn't know about the gift part! Oh crap!

Outside
After he had something to eat, Silver found himself outside admiring the garden. He inspected every plant and flower and sniffed the blooms appreciatively. He even plucked a weed here and there out of habit. He had been so used to doing it with his Victory Garden back home. He had managed to collect some potted plants to have back at his apartment, but seeing other folks' gardens and such never ceased to entertain him. He tapped a foot along to the music, content to listen to it as he enjoyed the garden.

Videogames
Oh yeah. There was no way that Silver wouldn't try out some videogames while here at the party. He had seen some of the board games, but didn't know how to play them or who he could play with, so opted to check the videogames. He was curious about DDR, but there was also the Ellipsan versions of Mario Kart and Super Smash bros too. He didn't know what to try first! There was also the option to watch movies - which was something he looked forward to doing with Sonic and co. at some point.

Anyone could come across and find the psychokinetic bopping along to a song on DDR. It took him a few songs to warm up to the game and get the hang of it. Soon enough he was having a great time.

Arrival

[sonic_wachowski]

Incoming Silver, sudden arm drape over one shoulder and chin on the opposite. "Silver! You made it. How's the guac? I actually made it, it requires like no actual wait time, just lots of chopping and mixing," he said, beaming excitedly.

Its a rare food that doesn't require WAITING.