soul_logs | [OPEN!!!]

Characters: Rock Lee, Hyuuga Neji, and EVERYONE WHO WANTS CAKE
Location: Watch HQ
Rating: Gen to PG-13, depending on if there are swearing characters
Time: BACKDATED: July 8th, all day
Description: Lee wound up sending a mass message inviting anyone who wanted to come celebrate Neji's birthday**! Stop in, wish Neji happy birthday, get cake, and go about your day~

Were it not for the one banner across the doorway as you enter Watch Headquarters, one might never have known there was a birthday going on at all. But as it is, you don't need fancy decorations to have a swell party!

Lee has bought some cakes and ginger ale, but otherwise it's hoped to be a relatively casual affair. People stop in, have cake, wish the birthday boy well, then are free to go about their day as usual. Lee knew Neji would not want a big surprise party that was too loud or crazy, so having this kind of stopping-in party was really for the best. Lee would have liked a bigger occasion himself but it was not his birthday so it was not his decision. Not really. Even though he was the one to plan this.

Lee knew some of their friends would show up, but he was also curious to see how many new faces might peek in...

-Wish well the birthday boy! (pssst! He just turned 18!)
-General Mingling
-Refreshments (Cake!!)

[ooc: **This is mostly handwaved, but you can see Lee planning the party in this post!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[With a small smile, Lee tosses one of the colorful paper shuriken Cloud had made for them at Neji, giggling like a little kid. It was nice to take a break just to enjoy the company of their friends while they were here, and Lee thought Neji could use a little time to lighten up.]

Enjoying your day so far?

[Neji catches it between his fingers like any regular shuriken, then glances up, frowning as he turns it over. It's just paper, but it's good to know he still has his reflexes and situational awareness. He looks over at Lee and sits back, raising a brow]

You organized this.

[It's a mild observation rather than an accusation, and after a moment, he makes a small concession] The cake is rather good.

[Lee chuckles, rubbing behind his neck sheepishly.]

I did not originally intend to, but others seemed to think it would be a nice idea so...

[But Lee smiles. Obviously Neji isn't angry with him.]

It is! The Condesce-san is a very good baker and while I try not to overly indulge, her cakes are certainly worth a few extra sit-ups a day.

[He idly wonders who those others are, then shrugs]

You didn't need to make a fuss about it.

[A little disgruntled, but he actually appreciates the effort that went into all of it just for him]

But I suppose it is kind of nice, if somewhat embarassing.

There was no fuss made! Well, except perhaps according to Sephiroth-san. [And Lee frowns, not the sad, pouty little frown he usually holds. But an honest to goodness angry frown, with sharpened eyes under his thick brows. But he doesn't hold that scowl for long, instead turning a more pleasant smile to Neji.]

It is very nice! You should enjoy yourself and the extra company we have for now! It is usually so very boring here.

[That expression surprises him, and Neji makes a note to never work directly with Sephiroth in the future if they can avoid it]

You didn't tell any of them to gift me anything, did you?

No, I thought that would be a little much, considering everyone here needs to focus on taking care of themselves first and foremost.

[Lee smiles a bit brighter.]

I did say they should come and wish you a happy birthday, though! And to come by for cake!

[Neji nods, relieved, unwilling to ask more of anyone in the Watch than he already might be]

Fair enough then, I suppose. It's been awhile since we had time to relax.

You see? [Lee chuckled and moved closer. They couldn't really do anything in this public place, but Lee opened up their resonance so he could speak a bit more privately with Neji.]

I hope this assuages your fears that people will not take you seriously because of your age.

[Neji swallows as those words register through his mind and still doubt niggles at him. Struggling with that, he's silent for several moments]

If people don't have faith in their leader, then the team fails. I'm not the most likable person, Lee. If someone wants a reason to distrust me, there's that I'm a shinobi and I'm young.

The Erinyes sowed doubt into the citizens in the city, and the same could happen on a lesser scale if I don't prove that I'm fully capable of managing this organization.

I doubt the Erinyes' opinions will hold nearly as much sway after all they have done lately.

[Causing terror and putting the City in danger was no way to gain followers. If anything, they only showed how much the City needed Shibusen's help, as it was Shibusen and the guests that had cleared out the Kishin Eggs that had overrun the town after the sandstorm.]

And you are much too down upon yourself. It is not something you need to worry about. If someone has a qualm with you they can easily petition Shibusen or the Watch itself to address their issues.

[It wasn't really the point, but Neji tips his head]

I really don't need something like that right now, Lee. It already feels like it's falling apart sometimes.

[Lee frowns, then looks away, moving across the room.]

... I will always do what I can to help you keep it together.

Thank you, Lee.

[There isn't a time he's not grateful for his Weapon's devotion. He smiles, perhaps a bit inappropriately]

What do you think the Head Family Elders would say, to find me in a position like this?

[Lee feels that thankfulness, so it's a bit easier to believe than if it had been spoken.

At the question, however, Lee shakes his head.]

Nothing of import, as usual. It is what Hinata-chan would say and what Hiashi-san would not that would be worthy of knowing.

[Neji hums a short note aloud, turning reflective]

I wonder if Hiashi-sama might say something to me if he were here.

[The thought escapes him unbidden and he flushes, clearing his throat]

Sorry.

He should speak up more. I know he has a lot of things he thinks he cannot say even though he wants to say them.

[And Lee was matter of fact, not even recognizing Neji's apology as there was nothing to apologize for.]

[Neji shrugs, glancing off. He still feels foolish for the childish thought]

Perhaps. It'll be interesting if any of them appear here at any point.

[And save for either of his cousins, maybe not a good interesting]

It would be helpful to have more shinobi on our side, at least.

[But honestly, Lee did not have Neji's history with his family. But he would defend him if necessary, even from his own uncle.]

[He nods]

At any rate, we'll just hope that no one takes too much issue with me until we've stabilized a little more.

No worries, Neji. There are more important things to focus on, for now.

[OPEN!!!]

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