[OPEN!!!]

[awokentospring]

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!]

Comments

[awokentospring]

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.

[heavenly_earth]

[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.

[awokentospring]

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.

[heavenly_earth]

[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.

[awokentospring]

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

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

[heavenly_earth]

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?

[awokentospring]

[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.

[heavenly_earth]

[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.

[awokentospring]

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.]

[heavenly_earth]

[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]

[awokentospring]

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.]

[heavenly_earth]

[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.

[awokentospring]

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