party post } let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find (forward dated to 1/28))

[krmvgivv]

Who: The WIRTHDAY BOY, Dipper, Mabel, anyone friends with Wirt/anyone who happens to show up.
Where: fourth floor tea room
When: forward dated to 1/28
Rating: unlikely to get higher than PG-13
Summary: It's Wirt's 17th birthday! Dipper and Mabel are in charge of planning, and Wirt doesn't want anything too big or crazy. So you know. Time for an open mic party.
The Story:

Invitations spread quietly by word of mouth. "Surprise Party. Come to the fourth floor tea room. Bring something to perform. Don't tell Wirt!" Dipper and Mabel make sure to tell the people they know are Wirt's friends, but they also expect word to get around. Others can hear about it or just come in. Wirt doesn't want a big party, but they're guessing the particulars of this party will keep it small.

By the time people start to arrive, the tea room's been transformed. It looks like the most cliche hipster cafe you can imagine, like a preteen girl's imagination made flesh. There are mismatched chairs and low windows and exposed brick, and a stage that looks more like a wooden platform than anything else. There's a coffee bar with tea and hot chocolate and lots of cookies and snacks piled high, plus a cake. There aren't any baristas here. Just a sign that reads Cafe Music and Wirts.

Price of admission is agreeing to perform something, though the birthday boy is excused from this unless he wants to go. It's supposed to be fun for him, after all.

Comments

[waitin]

( Clementine hisses out a low breath, closing her eyes as she tries to wrap her head around it- around everything he's saying. If it's this hard for her, she can only imagine how difficult it is for Steven who has to live with it, has to live in the aftermath of those choices. )

I'm sorry, Steven.

That sounds really complicated and really heavy. You're still left dealing with... everything that happened because of those choices, huh?

I'm glad at least she didn't shatter anyone for real. ( Because she remembers how upsetting that was, but this is still a lot- it's so much to have to handle. )

Even if it still must feel really heavy.

[jamminshield]

[He scratches at his head sheepishly. Trying to put it all into words really highlighted how confusing this all must sound to someone on the outside. But, it feels nice to talk about it at the same time.]

...Thanks, Clementine. Y-yeah... I've had some legacy to deal with, alright. [All of the consequences of her mistakes, the problems she had run away from.] And it still is a lot to deal with.

[He gives her a weak smile, easing on a bit as he goes on.]

But, I don't think it's as overwhelming now as when I first found out. I guess it helps that... that it doesn't really change much about my life here in Wonderland. I can think about it all I want, but I can't really deal about it until I'm back home again. [It's not the most ideal silver lining, but it still is one.]

[waitin]

( Clementine shakes her head after a moment, because she can see how it weighs on him even if she knows he's not really the type to let it show. He'd rather take care of other people, she thinks, or that's the impression she's gotten from him. )

It seems like it.

But I'm glad it's not so overwhelming now. You can definitely take your time at Wonderland to just still keep being you, but I know sometimes thinking of impending stuff happening back at home can be hard too. ( She really does with the raiders back in her world, just waiting for her to return to try to save everyone. ) So if you sometimes need to talk about it or to just kinda feel overwhelmed that's okay too.

You can find me if you want.

[jamminshield]

[Steven looks up at Clementine softly. He sniffles slightly as he nods.]

...Thanks, Clementine. I really appreciate that! Your understanding, and your offer. If I feel like I really need someone to talk to, I'll definitely keep you in mind!

[And now he's coming in for a hug!]

[waitin]

( Clementine doesn't really give hugs out often, but there are exceptions, and Steven's one of those cases where it'd be an exception. It's kind of helpless because Steven just has such a good, strong heart.

She wants that to stay even if she gets the world- worlds are tough at times, and it's hard.

She blinks a bit in surprise as he gets closer but then wraps her arms around him tight, hugging him back. )

You're welcome. ( she says and then pulls back slowly. ) I think one of the worst feelings anyone can have is feeling like you're alone, like you have to carry it all by yourself. But you're not alone.

[jamminshield]

[It felt like the time for a hug. And though he likes to think everyone could always use a hug, he knows that's not always the case. He was ready to back off if Clementine seems to indicate otherwise, but the hug ends up happening. And it's awesome! He hugs her for a few moments before pulling back and looking up at her, with a soft smile.]

I know. I'm never alone. [Not at home, not here. He always has someone looking out for him, and he's grateful for that, even as he strives to solve more of his problems for himself.] Especially not when I have friends like you around.