[semi-open]

[adornmental]

Who: Hijikata (hijiwanwan) & all his friends! Or anyone who just feels like harassing a historical figure.
When: The first weekend of April
Where: The park
What: Hijikata's birthday party! He's turning 181 years old and needs to get his daily exercise, so a surprise party is being thrown! Good work, team.
Rating/Warning: N/A

---

[A small area of the park has been cleared out and decorated today! There are balloons, streamers, party poppers and all other manner of birthday paraphernalia set out. A banner on one of the park's gazebo's says HAPPY BIRTHDAY HIJIKATA in surprisingly well-written letters (especially compared to the banner in front of the nearby dojo, ah...), though it's also slathered in glitter. Anyone walking under it may just find themselves covered in glittery snow...

But what's that over there? A buffet that's incredibly well-stocked and ripe for snatching food from! It's covered in everything from small finger foods to entire boxes of pizza. There are little trifles and cookies and bowls of candy and chips as well, though the center of the celebration is the tiered cake in the middle table. It's matcha and white chocolate, of course.

And over there? Several tables have been set up with music and records, as well as various party games - pretty much anything your partying heart desires. One has also been set aside for gifts, and there are several boxes stacked on top already.

But you might want to watch out for those nearby ponds and the snappy alien fish lurking around in them, or the foliage nearby that seems kind of... hungry. Maybe they should have picked a better location.]

(This is a mingle log for Hijikata's surprise party! Feel free to toplevel and tag around to your heart's content! Anyone who would stop by is invited, though party-crashers are of course welcome since it's being held in a public location.)

Comments

OTA??? Hijikata is not 181 years old this offends me

[hijiwanwan]

A. You will get these hands Kashuu (for Kashuu MOSTLY???)

[ of course Hijikata is PREEEETTY damn surprised that Kashuu apparently did all this. does he even want to believe Kashuu did all this... he's such a menace but he does have a good heart, even Hijikata knows that. but sappy comments aside, yeah, he's... surprised!

he was just sort of told... to come to the park. he was about to say no, but he decided to bite. and bam. surprise party. also there's probably glitter in his hair, Kashuu... please, next time - less glitter. now that all that was out of the way... ]

I thought you forgot, or something.

[ ... yeah. ]

B.

[ well, if there's one thing to do is sample the food! Hijikata's been at his fair share of gatherings, but birthday parties were definitely A Thing he doesn't do much... what the hell do you do.

he might try to be snatching one of the cookies when no one is looking because vice commanders don't eat sweets, but he really does like them! sshhh, don't look.

but the foliage and the fish nearby is starting to concern him... ]

I wonder if doing this here was the best idea...

C.

[ but anyway, uh...

what do you think Hijikata is... social... that's a funny joke, really. he probably had his fair share of doing whatever you do at birthday parties so if anyone wants to chat with him he might be finally resting on a bench. ]

A, u 181 year old man

[adornmental]

Eh, I have the room to remember a few things like this.

[IT'S NOT LIKE HE DID IT FOR YOU OR ANYTHING, BAKA!!

But really-- He's definitely giving one of those looks that's caught somewhere between amused and expectant. Did he do good? Did he do a good??]

IM NOT THAT OLD WTF!

[hijiwanwan]

[ Kashuu your tsun is showing through those brackets... ]

I actually didn't know you actually... Knew, I guess?

[ WHATEVER though... he's just surprised a party was thrown for him because... what the hell are birthday parties??? they don't celebrate them in the Shinsengumi, really. ]

Well... [ UHHh.. ] You really went over the top with this - is this what birthday parties look like?

[ he'll compliment you later, maybe. ]

B!!!

[tsuranuki]

[ Saitou shows up, as on time as possible even though no one is keeping record. He got the notice, and there had been a moment of confusion as well as consternation before he basically decided to go.

They didn't celebrate birthdays in his Shinsengumi. At least, he's never even put much thought into his own, much less Hijikata's. Actually, he only remembers Heisuke's because they shared the same year.

And now he's here now to make up for that. If he counts the number of years he's known Hijikata...it's been over six, meaning six birthdays he's missed. That won't do at all.

This place is familiar; both the fish and the foliage. Just like when he first arrived. Not as decorated, but decorated enough. He makes sure to keep away from both plant and animal as he tries to find Hijikata, and yes, he's carrying something in his hands. At this point, he might as well be giving a gift every time they run into each other (the first time being when he visited Hijikata in his apartment). ]

Perhaps not the best place, but the intentions were in right place, at least. [ Those cookies don't look bad at all; he's eyeing one of them himself. ]

I was not aware that today was yours. [ Saitou inclines his head. ] My apologies for not knowing.

[hijiwanwan]

[ Hijikata doesn't celebrate birthdays in his Shinsengumi either... so he's just, well. he's here. ]

I never really been to this park, didn't know they were here... A part of me thinks I shouldn't be surprised.

[ because this is Cerealia, and Hijikata has been here long enough to finally figure out this place is just weird as hell. BUT... ]

Ah, well... It's not today, [ technically Kashuu is like a week late but who's paying attention to the details? Hijikata could really care less, but he does appreciate the effort Kashuu went through with. also why is Saitou apologizing??? gosh, it's okay Saitou! ] but don't worry about it.

[ a pause. ] I don't really celebrate my birthday, so it's kind of weird, I suppose.

B

[rampion]

[ Rapunzel doesn't know this guy (though she's about to), doesn't know anything about birthdays (though she's about to), and has no real reason to be here (until now!), but hey. If anything, this is a great opportunity to forcefully befriend even more swords while also doing research!

GREAT TIMING KASHUU <3~

Sidling up, she delivers this spectacular one liner: ]

Hey there, birthday boy.

...you are the one having the birthday, right? Just - heh. For reference?

[hijiwanwan]

[ RAPUNZEL... you almost surprised him! Hijikata covers up his mouth to cough because he almost choked there.

it's fine though. perfectly fine. ]

Well, you got that correct.

[ ... maybe this was a bad idea. he doesn't like this kind of attention! it's kind of weird. ]

... Do I know you? [ Kashuu... did you invite people he didn't know!? ]

C!

[meniscus]

[ Of course, Mikazuki will notice that a certain birthday boy has slipped away from his own festivities and of course, he'll notice that aforementioned birthday boy is gathering himself at a park bench none too far from the party. It shouldn't be a surprise when the tachi sits besides him in a mass of mostly blue and some gold.

He looks quite comfortable himself, seated here and enjoying the fresh air from the celebrating atmosphere though he is itching to get back -- a break is nice and all but Mikazuki thrives in the midst of social interaction. A clear contrast to this """demon""" vice-captain who seems tuckered out from such. ] Are you unused to being the center of attention, Hiji-kata-san? I think it suits you! Though as to how Kashuu-kun found out about your birthday...a mystery, isn't it?

[hijiwanwan]

Yes, and no - I suppose. This is a different kind of attention I wasn't prepared for.

[ let's be real, there have been many times where Hijikata has been surrounded by women when he went outside... but once again. different kind of attention here. this is different!

also he never really had a birthday party thrown for him before? it's pretty weird. ]

That's what I want to know... Is it because he's Souji's sword? [ does he just KNOW. weird! ] Hmm... Not sure if this particular kind of attention suits me... But, it's good to see you here. He really set up a lot of things for this, huh...

b

[whiteris]

It's a celebration is it not? Then we should appreciate what we have here today.

[ It may not be Cloche's place to say this since she's a total stranger anyways. She doesn't mind partying hard with the others and sampling food. It's quite good! Perhaps it would be a shame to put all of this to waste. That's what she thinks anyways. ]

[hijiwanwan]

You're right about that, I suppose.

[ well... ] Except this is probably my first birthday party. [ to admit, at least. not like he has anything to be ashamed of though? it's just... his birthday, and he never really celebrated it. it's kind of weird to celebrate getting older anyway, he thinks. ]

... Who are you?

C

[aslyfox]

[ AH YES! IT'S TIME! FOR THE BEST PRESENT EVER!

Kogitsunemaru, seeing the lone 1181 year old man finally separate himself from the herd... it's time to strike. With casual, nondescript whistling (when did Kogi learn how to whistle), he slowly takes a seat on the bench next to Hijikata and... ]

... celebrating another year of your life has been very fun. Especially the cookies. They are the most fun.

[ Or delicious. One of those words works better than the other, right? ANYWAY! Small talk, acquired. Okay. Maybe the small, wrapped present won't be noticed immediately if he gently pushes it toward the vice-commander... ]

[hijiwanwan]

[ KOGI... Suspicious!!! ]

They were pretty good, actually.

[ as much as Hijikata says he hates sweets, or takes them away from Kondou (back at the HQ), he does... kind of like them. ssshhh. secrets.

but ah yes, the present. he looks down, then back at Kogi. ]

What's this?

b

[yaayaa]

[Naki didn't bring any presents for the birthday boy, but he was probably the one who brought in all the pizza...also he's got glitter in his hair? what's up with that sign at the entrance, it's shedding...

anyway yes, he's got a small plate piled with chips and is currently crunching one as he curiously looks at Hijikata.]

As long as we are careful then we likely won't be hurt! Hopefully.

[hijiwanwan]

[ someone tell Kashuu to stop investing in glitter. what if someone inhales it? that's not healthy, gosh.

Hijikata almost freezes when the fox... talks. why is it talking. the fox! is talking! but right. Cerealia. it's weird. ANYWAY- ]

Hopefully. The place looks nice at least, if you ignore it. Maybe they should do something about these plants.

[ look, Hijikata is a nature appreciator but... these plants. they're weird as hell. ]

C!

[heiwana]

[ Kousetsu knows how you feel Hijikata. He too is not one for intense partying, so taking a break is a nice reprieve from all the action. He'll find the other sitting on that bench and take a seat next to him. ]

Hijikata-san are you alright? Kashuu-san has definitely...out done himself. [ Again is the unspoken word, but Kousetsu is used to the other spirit and his shenanigans. Someone like Hijikata might not be. ]

[hijiwanwan]

[ how does Kashuu do all this intense partying. why is Kashuu so social, it almost makes him sick? it's almost like a very very sweet cake and one bite gives you a tummy ache - yes...

Hijikata only simply nods. ]

No, I'm fine... Just taking a break, I suppose.

[ hey, Hijikata can be social! but let's not talk about how social he could get at, oh you know, Shimabara or something like that. this is a different kind of social that's not Hijikata's particular taste... ]

I want to be surprised, but now that I think about it... It's definitely something Kiyomitsu would do. I never really celebrated a birthday before.

B happy bumday bumkata

[retorter]

[ Souji had been surprised same as Saitou when he found out about the party. He had a vague idea of when Hijikata's birthday was (only because Kondou probably took him out for drinking or something), but they never celebrated it the way Kashuu apparently thought birthdays were supposed to be celebrated. ]

[ At first, Souji considered not going at all. It still felt strange and they hadn't exactly become close friends. Just two people linked together by common circumstances and yet not really knowing each other. And considering the last time he met Hijikata... ]

[ But it's just a party, not a heart-to-heart. Souji figures that he's safe for now. So he arrives, watching with some amusement as Hijikata corrals Kashuu then heads on over to greet him. ]

You don't have to act so suspicious at your own party, Hijikata-san.

[ Why are you sneaking cookies Hijikata?? This is all for you?? ]

im not the bum you're the bum

[hijiwanwan]

[ that's just because Kashuu is weird.

but look. Souji didn't have to sneak up on Hijikata like that?! he almost chokes, covering his mouth to cough a few times. ]

I didn't agree to all this though.

[ that's the point of a surprise party though. he still doesn't really get the point of it though?

but listen... leave him and the cookies alone? ]

Did Kiyomitsu invite you, or something?

c dawg

[speariting]

[Okay, but while birthday parties aren't really a thing it's kind of hard to have one when your own birthday is LOST TO THE RAVAGES OF TIME, Sano can get behind this newfangled tradition.

Because Hijikata is important. Even if this isn't his Hijikata.

Details.

So eventually, when he spies Hijikata being all anti-social over there, Sano knows it's time for his own brand of celebrating. So don't mind when he hangs over the back of the bench, a bottle of sake in hand, and a question forthcoming.]

A guy's gotta know. How much can you handle?

getting right to it...

[hijiwanwan]

[ he's not being that anti-social. cut Hijikata some slack! he's been doing his best to be sort of social and talk to people that approached him... this kind of party just isn't his style?

he didn't expect for Harada to come, but maybe this is a pleasant surprise? he still just met the guy, but hey... a shinsengumi is a shinsengumi member, right?

but that question is easy to answer. ]

More than you, I'm sure.

[ and by sure he's 100% sure about that. ]

C

[tsukainikui]

[Yamato doesn't even know which person at this party is the proper Hijikata whose birthday it is. Good job, kiddo. But because of that, he's not exactly shy about sharing the bench with this guy who looks just as exasperated with the festivities as he is. He'll even offer him a piece of cake, because wow it sure is rude to sit next to someone with cake when they don't have any. A true travesty.]

...Did Kashuu Kiyomitsu drag you here, too?

[He still feels compelled to apologize for Kashuu's antics, even if he's getting used to the idea that people just. Know. And expect these things from him by now.]

[hijiwanwan]

[ Hijikata lifts up his hand to deny the cake. ]

Already had some.

[ it was pretty good! he has to admit. despite being a person that keeps saying he dislikes sweets... which isn't actually the case. ]

Well, yes but no... [ he pauses for a moment... honestly, seeing Yasusada again actually surprised Hijikata but he hid that pretty quickly upon remembering how Cerealia works. ] Kiyomitsu kind of threw this party for me, so it'd be rude to not come, right?

[ simple logic. ]

c

[coastal]

You.

[Because even on his birthday, Lili doesn't think to call him by name.... But lookie here, Hijikata!! She's fast approaching anyway, two boxes in her arms. At least they're not particularly heavy though so she's not struggling.... even though she definitely wants to get them off her hands.

That said.

She's still a little embarrassed. Even so she'll give her greeting!]

H-Happy birthday....

[ugh why is she already embarrassed]

[hijiwanwan]

[ HOW RUDE... but no, Hijikata calls everyone 'you' too... well, with the exception of the 'Gumis, of course.

but he didn't expect anyone to join him... mostly because he was just trying to get away from all the festivities for a break. this stuff is tiring! he can only be social for so long. where's his nap. ]

Didn't think you'd show up - did Kiyomitsu invite you?

[ not yet recognizing the gifts are for him... ... well, Lili here is a pleasant surprise!? maybe. ]

... Thank you, though.