Um...hey, everyone?
*awkward wave*
Ack, I didn't say it loud enough. But do I repeat myself like a dweeb or wait like a weirdo for someone to notice me?
Oh, boy. I might be underdressed. Everyone looks so cool and fancy! They really went all out for the theme. Although, I guess, technically, my existence is "on theme" so maybe it's fine that I'm not all sparkly and space chic...
Even after everything I've been through in my life, it's still so easy to get flustered. How do other people (and zurgs and demons and so on) keep it together in social situations? Well, they probably don't stand around talking to themselves, for one thing. I'll see what party snacks they have. Is that dip? I love dip. But what to dip in it...
Astrid Nacht
ohgodhe'sherehowdoilookismyhaironstraightismypostureokomgomg
Hey you! Happy birthday! Welcome to the party! heart
*crunch* Oh, Astrid, hey! *munch* Sorry, had a mouth full of snacks. Thanks! For the birthday wish and the welcome. This place looks so great. Out of this world! Ha. And you look amazing too, of course!
I, um, I can't believe all these guests showed up for me...again. It's hard to wrap my head around it. It's nice to be reminded that I haven't been forgotten. Heh. Anyway, what's on the agenda?
No worries, that's why the snacks are there! And thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying everything!
hesaidilookamazingomgthisisthebestdayofmylifebesidesthedayiadoptedmoomoo
Goodness, Gino, how could anybody forget you? You're a hero, an inspiration! And nevermind the fact that you're one of the kindest and smartest people in Gaia besides all that hero stuff. And you're--
rambling, astrid. you're rambling. don't make this weird.
A-anyway, yeah! Right now I've asked the partygoers to share their favorite things about you, and then I suppose more partying and snacking and drinking the evening away in celebration! You're welcome to join us for as much as you'd like!
Thanks for putting this all together, Astrid. Really! It means a lot. I know I've been hailed as a hero in the past, but when I'm away from here, I start to feel just a little bit...anonymous? Which can be nice sometimes. It's definitely given me space for a bit of soul-searching. But there's just nothing quite like coming home and feeling the weight of your history, for better or for worse. And it's also nice to have a reason to let loose a little and have some fun with a bunch of great Gaians.
Always happy to do it, Gino. You're more than worthy of celebration, and I just hope I can continue to put together something that everyone can have fun with!
Yeah, I get that. Home's wonderful, but there's nothing quite like being somewhere where nobody knows your name -- for you especially, given how known you are here. If you'd be willing to share I'd love to hear about some of the things you've seen. I can hardly imagine some of the adventures you must have been on by now!
There have definitely been ups and downs on my journey! It can be really exciting to just set sail and see where the wind takes you. But it's also pretty easy to get lost...literally and figuratively. Finding your way again, though...nothing compares to that feeling.
And you're right, I've seen a lot of stuff. Cool stuff. Scary stuff. Weird stuff. I helped what I thought were bloodthirsty pirates repair their ship, only to find out they were actually just a troupe of traveling actors (who hate to break character) on their way to a festival. I ending up stumbling upon some ancient artifacts that I may or may not have (accidentally) used to summon a trickster spirit who is now on the loose (allegedly). I met a legendary creature called the Sock Mouse, a giant mouse who guards a trove of socks like a dragon guards gold. I could go on and on. But, honestly, I'd like to hear what you've been up to since I saw you last...
That all sounds amazing, Gino. I wish I had stories that could impress half as much, but I'm afraid life down here has been a little bit more mundane, haha. Mostly I've just been back and forth from work, getting robots built and getting things done in the lab. Moo Moo -- my little boy -- he's been growing so much in the past year, though. He just started at his preschool and he's already started reading at a third grade level! I've also gotten to take him to the lab a few times, and he's honestly taking to the simple stuff like a moth to a flame. I couldn't be more proud.
Other than that... nothing too exciting, admittedly. Maybe a slight yearning for adventure that I'm sure is a symptom of a life that's become a little too predictable. But if you're willing to keep coming back and telling me stories, I think I'll be able to manage.
See, that all sounds pretty fascinating to me! You may not be sailing the open seas, but that doesn't mean there isn't excitement in your life. Just listening to the way you talk about Moo Moo (that's quite a name, by the way!), I can tell how proud you are of him. You know I had a complicated relationship with my father, so, in my mind, there's nothing mundane about a parent's pure, unconditional love for their child.
Oh, um, this wasn't supposed to be a therapy session, sorry. I hope I didn't dampen the mood. Let's all just shake it off and hit the dance floor. What's the best song for forgetting your troubles?
Hehehe! It makes sense in context, I promise.
[Astrid slips her phone from a pocket in her skirt, pulling up the lock screen to a photo of herself and her son]
His name is Cosmo, but on the planet Zurg Moo Moo is his legal name.
No worries at all, Gino. I'm a proud mama, giving me an excuse to talk about my son will never dampen the mood to me. But for forgetting my troubles I think my favorite song is Ooh Yeah by Moby; it's very techno and funky, super fun to dance to. What's your favorite song?
[Later on she suggests Africa by Toto]
Now that we've blessed the rains...should we have some cake?
That sounds perfect!
[The cake is presented to all in the middle of the room, adorned with candles and a size this particular visual representation is not displaying. Google is great but it is not my friend today.]
So what's your birthday wish, Gino? Or do you want to keep it secret?
I'll make two wishes, if that's OK. One, I'll keep to myself. The other...I wish for all of us here to find what we're looking for. Whatever that may be!
It's your birthday, Gino, make all the wishes you want! And I hope they both come true.
Happy Birthday! heart
[Later still...]
*yawn* Oh, sorry! I guess I really didn't get much sleep last night. And now, after all this excitement, I feel like I could doze for days. I hope you all don't mind if I decide to call it a night.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday bash. I hope you'll keep the party going strong, even in my absence.
And then, a very special thanks to you, Astrid, for making all of this possible. You really made me feel like a star today and I appreciate it more than you know!
Good night, Party Gaians! heart
Honestly I was just about to say the same, it's getting late! Thank you so much for stopping by, I'm so glad you've enjoyed the party! Please take some cake and snacks home with you, there are plenty of boxes at the end of the table. They're out of this world.
hehehehehe
Good night, Gino. And, for the millionth time, Happy Birthday and many more! heart
Newzpop Reporta Tyro Bong
Tyro tapped Gino's shoulder. "Hey birthday boy! I don't think we've formally met before."
Oh, hey! We haven't, huh? You seem so familiar. Anyway, nice to meet you!
Tyro's smile twitched for a moment. Had one of Gaia's protagonists seen past her carefully crafted persona?
"Ha ha crazy right? Nice to meet you. People call me by a variety of names but you can call me Tyro. Man its crazy how many people have come to your party! I'm honestly kind of jealous..."
Tyro, you say? *narrows eyes* It's a pleasure! *smiles genuinely and obliviously*
And, yeah, I really can't believe this many people came out. Jealous, huh? Do you enjoy the spotlight?
Tyro chuckled. Catastrophe averted.
"Well! You could say I like the spotlight just enough for it to aid my evil schemes....er, I mean. People here are nice. emotion_kirakira You should stop by and say hi to the gaians more often! Even when you're not out saving the world, I'm sure they'd appreciate getting to know more about Gino the person."
[A few posts later, in which Gino suggests hearing what Astrid has been up to in their time apart
A mischievous glint flickered in Tyro's eyes.
"Ahah...It would appear I may be interrupting a moment. I suppose I can catch up chatting to Gino the person another time."
"Ms. Astrid, lovely party as always. Though perhaps you two should dance?"
[Later still...]
I'll make two wishes, if that's OK. One, I'll keep to myself. The other...I wish for all of us here to find what we're looking for. Whatever that may be!
"Happy Birthday! ...Also, I think your wish worked! I misplaced my cell phone earlier and I found it! It was in my bag! " 4laugh
Gamori Grigori
Why hello there darling. Do try to enjoy yourself. This is your party after all.
Even after everything I've been through in my life, it's still so easy to get flustered. How do other people (and zurgs and demons and so on) keep it together in social situations? Well, they probably don't stand around talking to themselves, for one thing. I'll see what party snacks they have. Is that dip? I love dip. But what to dip in it...
Oh, I assure you, there's nothing to keep together. I do so enjoy being the life of a party. Though, you shouldn't worry about what others are doing. Originality is more appealing than conformity, trust me.
You're right, it is my party. Maybe that's why I was so nervous?
Since the spotlight started shining elsewhere, I guess I've gotten used to not being the center of attention anymore. Do you have any pointers for relishing attention when it's on you? ^^;;
Its hard to really say. I just love attention. But, darling, just be honest with yourself. Even if its... ugh... stuffing your face full of food. Let people see you the way you are. If you're not forcing yourself, you'll enjoy everything so much more. You'll always meet people who judge you. But, really darling, who cares? Don't let them define you. There's nothing more insipid than a soulless people pleaser.
I like your style, Gamori. Not that you need my or anyone else's approval, of course. Maybe I can learn to just be me, too. Thanks, you've given me a lot to think about!
The Iron Magus
Big G! You're here! Hope you're enjoying the party.
How long have you been back? Last I heard you were sailing the wild blue yonder!
Hey, great to see you! I'm a little overwhelmed but, yeah, I'm definitely enjoying the vibe at the party so far.
I got home late late late last night. I should've started the journey back sooner, but, either way, I made it back just in time!
Hot dang, that was one heck of a trip, then! Did you take any cool pictures?
Also, uh...
*whispers*
Hey, did Sentinel come back with you? Just curious... redface
[Slightly later...]
I kinda want to get Gino a birthday present...
But what can you get for the man that has everything? 🤔
Is it too cheesy if I say that the best present I could ever ask for is having you all here to celebrate with me? Eh, who cares, let's cheese it up!
What's a party without cheese, anyway? emotion_awesome
cheese_whine cheese_whine cheese_whine cheese_whine cheese_whine
[TIM goes on to suggest Kenny Loggins's Footloose -- a certified banger -- for the dance floor. and follows up with Stealers Wheel's Stuck in the Middle with You]
*dies*
Whoof, I'm all danced out. x_x
Time to hit the snacks. I thought I spied some guac earlier...
I put together a new outfit for the party. This one's actually a cosplay; does anyone recognize the character?
Is that a Saga ref? 🤔📺
Gino. My bro.
Yes, it is. I've read through volume 8 so far and I'm loving it. Are you a fan?
It's been a while since I've read it, but I did really enjoy it. A reread + catch-up might be in order!
[Moments later, Gino blows out his candle and makes his birthday wishes...
I'll make two wishes, if that's OK. One, I'll keep to myself. The other...I wish for all of us here to find what we're looking for. Whatever that may be!
You know what, I think we just might.
Happy Birthday, Gino!
Bonus Moments!
Happy birthday Gino!
I put on the only Gino items I have. Hope it’s not too inappropriate to wear this thing on my head.
Oh, thanks!
Huh...your, um, headwear looks strangely familiar...
