You say it's your birthday

[3x2_9yz_4a]

Everything has been set up at the brownstone, on this clear crisp day in April.

With Ma Hunkel's assistance, food had been prepared, along with a BBQ currently heating up and sending scented smoke up into the air.

And invitations had been sent out to everyone that Jesse could think of, that simply said, Come help us celebrate the birthday of one

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[cosmiccourtney]

Courtney's there, helping Jesse and Ma set up for the party.

"Is there anything else you need me to do?" she asks when she finishes setting the table.

[kara_zor_l]

"The pies are good and non-poisoned," Kara Zor-L says as she comes over to Courtney with, yep, a pie in her hands. "Don't worry, Ma Hunkel's made a ton more," she adds before anyone can give her a glare for having devoured half of a chocolate pecan pie. She looks around and smiles, quite pleased. Yes. She likes pie.

[cosmiccourtney]

"You had some of Ma's pie?" Courtney says, giving Kara mock puppy-dog eyes, "And didn't save me any? I'm crushed, I must say."

[kara_zor_l]

"There's a ton more," Kara grins. "In the kitchen. I don't think she meant for me to find these, but, you know...me and pie."

[miraclo3]

The kitchen door at the Brownstone opens, and Hourman is forcibly ejected from the room, still clutching the other half of a pie, and a rather impressive glass of milk.

"But Ma! All I wanted was one bowl lick. One. What's so difficu...ah forget it."

[lanterns_light]

"It's quite all right," Alan laughs in Rick's direction. "Come in, join us."

[swiftjustice]

"Yes, come on in, Rick. How's Rex doing?"

[miraclo3]

"He's maintaining. Trying to not run out the window, or through the garage every time he hears a police siren, I guess. Its all my mother can do to keep the whack-job in retirement. So with all of that? He's fine." Rick sets the pie down, reaching into his pocket. "He did send his apologies for not being able to make today, however, this was certainly something he wanted you to have."

He then produces a pocket watch, opening up the face and offering it. "Sorry, he's not that creative of a gift giver, but..."

[_black_canary_]

"Uncle Jay!" calls out the Canary as she swings into the brownstone, a large potted plant held in front of her. "C'mere and get your birthday present!"

[swiftjustice]

Jay smiles, walking over to Dinah with arms outstretched.

"Only if it comes attached to a hug. How are you, Junior?"

[_black_canary_]

She shifts the plant to one side to give the speedster a one-armed hug. "Doing great 'cause it's your birthday. How else?" She grins, then offers him the pot. Just behind the big red and gold bow, Jay can make out a small stake labeled Agave americana in fine print. In slightly larger font is the common name: century plant.

[swiftjustice]

"Still as funny as ever, I see." He adds wryly, as he notices the plant name.

"You're lucky you're too old to spank, missy."

The serious face lasts only a second, before he chuckles, taking the plant carefully to set it with the other presents.

[lanterns_light]

A green butler tray appears in front of Jesse, bearing a warm piece of her favorite pie, a scoop of ice cream, and a tall glass of milk.

[3x2_9yz_4a]

"My hero!" The plate and glass get removed as Jesse shoots a grateful look at Alan.

Who says that dessert can't go first? Jesse works her way through and sits down at one of the round tables set up here and there on the Brownstone lawn, taking a deep drink from the milk before setting it on the table.

The pie gets attacked next, as she sighs in delight.

[lanterns_light]

Alan sends a wink over to the daughter of two much-loved friends and then sits back, arms cross, smiling at the gathering of so many cherished people celebrating the life of his best friend.

[anaturalgreen]

"Whaddaya think you're doing, resting."

Two slender green arms reach around his shoulders to give him a hug, and then Jennie smooches him on the cheek, crouching next to his chair.

[greatest_zatara]

Zach walked up to Jay, carrying a small box, gift-wrapped. "Happy Birthday Mister Garrick." Inside was a silk tie from one of the Vegas boutiques that Zach got his own formal wear from.

What the hell else do you get an adult male you don't really know but have to get a gift anyway?

[swiftjustice]

Jay opens the present at regular speed, smiling as he sees the tie.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Zachary. Joan's been telling me I should get dressed up a little more often. You should come out to Keystone and have dinner with us sometime."

[greatest_zatara]

Zach hoped he was able to hold back his facial response sufficiently. Probably not fast enough though.

"Ah.... well, thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

How long was he supposed to be keeping up this farce anyway? He wasn't fond of sticking around as anyone's charity case, in imagined need of guidance.

[swiftjustice]

Jay catches the look - and he can read it like a book.

He beckons to Zach, pulling him aside for a moment.

"Son - and I mean no disrespect by calling you that - you seem to think you're being forced to be here. The Justice Society isn't a prison sentence. It's not even a service organization, when you boil it down. The Justice Society is a family, and we're happy to have you as a part of that. We're here to support one another, and to have fun."