Let's have a party

[had_not_lived]

When; Evening of November 6th
Rating; idk? it's a birthday party for goodness' sake!
Characters; OPEN to anyone who knows Neil and/or Todd who would like to come.
Summary; Todd is turning 18. Did he really think he could get away with doing it quietly? Threadjack, backdate, do whatever you like. LET US HAVE A PARTY. yes.
Log;

Comments

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

Justin enters well after the "surprise" portion of the party, being none too fond of surprises himself. Of course, he's not all that fond of parties, either, but he had told Neil he would show, and Todd and Neil are both... friends? Yes. As close as anyone is.

He stays out of the way, slightly more awkward than usual in a party setting. This is the first party he's been to without Abby (and the only party he's been to without the well-meaning insistence of his "older sister" that he occasionally leave his apartment for reasons other than work). Abby has only been out of the City for a few days, but her absence is palpable, particularly in situations where she would have known what to do.

At least the ticking is gone.

Justin tucks himself away in a corner, waiting for Todd to be free. He has a gift--wrapped in brown paper with mechanical precision--in hand and the general appearance of someone who would like nothing more than to run away.

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

Justin smiles briefly at Todd and offers the present. If Todd can't talk, why should he?

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

Not having had the foresight to bring his own pre-made flashcards, Justin resorts to speaking. "You're welcome. I hope it--I hope you like it."

Rimbaud isn't a poet that everyone loves, and perhaps a collection of his poetry (translated, of course, as very few people enjoy reading him in French) isn't the most thrilling of gifts, but it seems appropriate considering the parallels between Rimbaud's personal history and what Justin knows of Todd's.

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

The book looks as though it's been flipped through more than once, and the first pages of two poems--The Drunken Boat and Eternity--are dog-eared.

Justin returns Todd's smile, but doesn't provide a further vocal reply (more because he would rather not speak than out of respect for Todd's mute condition, admittedly). Silence is appreciably less awkward when one's conversation partner can't talk.

open;

[had_not_lived]

People hiding in corners, of course, just won't do-- particularly when they're his friends. Neil is glad to see Justin here at all-- he knows the other boy wasn't entirely keen on coming, and it's somehow gratifying to know Justin is willing to put aside his obvious social discomfort for their sakes. For Todd's sake, especially, since it's his birthday.

"Hey Justin!" he says brightly, coming to join him. See? You're not alone in the corner, you're just off to the side to chat with a friend. See? No need to fade into the wallpaper.

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

Neil and Todd are exceptionally forgiving of Justin's social awkwardness (in part, perhaps, because Todd suffers a similar awkwardness), not to mention the murder thing. Making his way out of his apartment on occasion is the least he can do to show his gratitude.

After looking off to either side for a different Justin that Neil might be addressing, he concludes that he is, in fact, the addressee, which makes a reply necessary. "Neil. Hey. ...You convinced a lot of people to come."

Which is both good and bad. Good, because Todd, like anyone else, deserves friendly company on his birthday. Bad because Todd, if Justin understands him correctly, would be more comfortable without the company. The thought is what's important, however, and the good must outweigh the bad by virtue of Neil's good intentions.

open;

[had_not_lived]

"They're here for Todd," he answers simply. It's not a question in his mind; even if he invited everyone, they didn't come for his sake. Frankly he finds it comforting, that enough people consider Todd a friend-- or would like to, if they don't know him well-- to have shown up.

Justin, though, is one of their closest friends, as Neil sees it; and so he belongs here. "Having an okay time?"

open;

[absinthe_eyed]

"They wouldn't have known to come if you hadn't invited them." Them, of course, including Justin, who is glad that Todd's birthday didn't pass unannounced.

He considers the question longer than necessary. The polite response would have been an immediate 'yes,' but Neil, as a friend, deserves honesty above etiquette. Still, the answer is the same. "Yes. Thank you." Wryly, Justin adds, "It was considerate of you. Providing corners to hide in, I mean."