Welcome to Gaia! ::

Jim had interrupted Charles during his work and had let him know that he and Thomas had something important to tell him. Of course, Thomas couldn't be here right now, so if he could come to the hologram room? Ah-- a break would be GOOD for him, anyway, so no complaints, and let go!

Well, Charles couldn't REALLY complain about getting away from work for a bit-- the never ending threat -- so followed Jim. He fell into familiar conversations before long, and let down his guard, ever so slightly, not so long after that.

Once they entered the holo-room, Jim activated it, and--

SURPRISE!

Whoah! To say Charles was surprised could be an understatement. A-- what was this? They-- OH!

Oh! Yes, that's right-- it was his birthday. Aw, geez.

"Great," he sighed wryly. He had wanted to step right OUT of the room again, but OF COURSE Jim was blocking the way. He shot him a quick glare before turning back to the room, looking mighty uncomfortable.

"Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you coming here," he spoke dutifully, then levelled a displeased look onto Ace. It HAD to have been HIS idea-- or Jim's-- or even TOM's.

"Hiya Charlie! Happy birthday!" Tom called out from where he was sitting with Ruri still on his lap. He was grinning widely at Charles, quite clearly pleased and giddy. Woo hoo!

Raleigh didn’t seem to mind little fingers covering up his eyes. He stood placidly until Erol came to the rescue. A great husband? Ha. “I’ll tell her that when all she does is complain about me.” Raleigh chuckled.

Ai was very happy to have all this attention. She laughed happily as she was tickled, wriggling around on Raleigh’s shoulder. There was no chance of her falling off this time. Ra had a firm grip on her legs and she also had a strong, and rather painful, grip on her brother’s hair.

“Ready to get down?”

“Yup.”

Raleigh hoisted Ai off her shoulders and put her gently on the ground. Then he handed her the green streamer she had pulled down. With the streamer in her grip she ran off to go show daddy her new toy. Ra continued to watch her like a hawk as she darted over to Thomas.

Ruri, upon seeing Charles’ discomfit, had hopped up off her seat and hurried over to give the birthday boy a hug. “Loosen up Charles.” She chuckled. “Come and sit down, or you could open up some presents!” It was clear that there was no way he was going to escape anytime soon.

((I'm playing this as though it happened after the 'Aftermath' thread.))

One more image joined the flock. Neon green hair put up on end and the telltale jingle of chains and belts would announce LoQuinn before any words would need be spoken. However something was out of place, the goggles usually affixed to his head were gone replaced instead by full framed dark glasses held in place like Charon's toll.

LoQuinn knew he was past the point of a fashionable entrance. The crux of the situation was that he didn't particularly want to be here, not for Charles anyway. Come to think of it he doubted that even if Charles had known he'd have been expected. LoQuinn had made his disappointment fairly obvious in the confines of the man's office. Whatever the situation he was here now, why he was unsure but he'd make an appearance at the very least and then head back into training or whatever it was he did. Oddly enough LoQuinn could see Charles doing much the same. Sure he'd stay a bit and socialize but how long would the man really stay away from that desk? The free world and innumerable lives all depending on his actions would certainly drag him back whether he really wanted to stay or not. LoQuinn didn't envy him. In fact the feeling he was beginning to find himself faced with was more closely in tune with pity.

Just as soon as he'd appeared another jingle of chains and belts signaled LoQuinn's exit from the simulation.

Happy birthday Charles, I won't ruin it.

Joy turned at the voice that sounded so close to her. A smile was already upon her lips as Joy turned to meet the speaker. "Hello! I didn't see you over here, I'm sorry if I got in the way." She dropped her hands to her side, self consciously checking to make certain she was standing up strait as she began to introduce herself. "My name is Joy, what is yours? And thank you for the suggestion. I didn't think to check the ice chest. Normally the only thing in those is soda. I was hoping to find juice or water."

Wow...she had such red hair! Joy's eyes traveled to the rather lovely locks of the other girl of their own accord. Was it natrual? Joy didn't want to stare too much in an attempt to see if her roots matched. Though if she just focused on the girls face she could just check her eyebrow color...

"Nah, you wern't in the way." Candice chuckled lightly before spearing a few mini-weaners with a toothpick. "I can pretty much get around anyone here with no trouble at all." Popping them in her mouth she chewed lightly before swallowing and eyeing the plate. She hadn't had weaners in a while, they didn't show up in England that often. Waving a hand towards the ice chest the teen grinned. "I'm pretty sure there is still juice in there. I spotten an apple juice bottole and a pinapple mango in there too earlier. I'm sure they'd still be there." Making her decision she stabbed at a few more before deciding to get a plate of her own and adding a few more food items to them. "If ya want, you can always join me at the table when ya done." Candice grinned again and scooted off in that direction. Food was worth savoring sometimes and she wasn't about to spend the whole party standing up.