#44 - Birthday

Notes: This is for XenoEmblem4TW's birthday. Happy Birthday! I believe it takes place on Yusei's first birthday following the Crash Town arc, which apparently takes place in the spring due to the presence of dandelions and still being chilly enough for sheepskin coats. So we'll say . . . three months after the Crash Town arc. Playing with the racing game was previously tinkered with in a role-play with Amber2002161.

It had been three months since the fateful events that had brought Malcolm and Lawton down from their reign of terror on Crash Town. By now Radley was mostly healed from the torture he had undergone in the mines and the town was rebuilt and on its feet again. Kalin was still living with Radley and they planned to keep it that way indefinitely. Their bond was steadily growing, but Kalin hadn't forgotten any of his ties with the others either.

On this evening, Radley was looking through a cookbook on the kitchen table when Kalin came in, something clearly on his mind.

"It's Yusei's birthday next week," he announced before Radley could ask. "I'd like to do something special for him, but I'm terrible at planning celebrations." He frowned, sitting down at the table.

"Do you think Yusei would want a large-scale party?" Radley mused. "Or would he rather have a quieter, more close-knit gathering with all his loved ones?"

". . . I know what I'd like," Kalin said. "But I'm not sure if I'm just projecting my interests onto Yusei or not." He sighed and ran a hand down the side of his face.

"Hmm. Well, you know Yusei far better than I do. Why not trust your instincts?" Radley replied. He turned a page in the cookbook.

". . . I think what Yusei would like the most is just to have everyone there," Kalin said after a moment. "What they all do together wouldn't be as important as seeing them."

Radley nodded. "You're likely right. And do you think everyone should meet in the City or here?"

"The diner or the villa are both great for parties. If everyone comes, it might be hard to squeeze everyone into the garage," Kalin frowned. "And Zora might get upset. Everything has to be perfect!"

"It would be a distance for Team 5Ds to travel to come here," Radley said. "But we do have the best parties in town. And we can get either building for the evening at a bargain price." He winked.

Kalin grabbed for the phone. "I'm going to call everyone and see if they're free," he said. "I'd really like for us to host the party here."

"I'm planning on it," Radley smiled. "Do you think Yusei would like this?" He swung the cookbook around to show a delicious lasagna.

Kalin stared at it. "I'm sure he would."

"Good!" Radley made a note on a pad of paper next to the book.

Kalin paused ahead of dialing Akiza. ". . . Wait, you've been planning for Yusei's party?" he said in surprise.

"Of course," Radley said. "It has to be special."

". . . I didn't think you'd even remember," Kalin admitted, feeling a bit shamed now. "I only mentioned it once."

Radley laid a hand on Kalin's shoulder. "I keep track of important dates," he said. "Yusei is special to both of us. Of course I would remember his birthday."

Moved, Kalin laid his hand over Radley's. "Thank you," he said softly.

Radley smiled.

xxxx

The diner was decked out in its birthday finest the following week. While both Kalin and Radley were sure that Yusei would want more of a private party with his loved ones, Nico, West, and Jordan had been invited too, and others in the town sent well wishes and cards and a few gifts. Yusei had helped save the town too, after all, and they all considered him an honorary citizen of Satisfaction Town.

Yusei looked around in awed amazement when he arrived with all the others. "You did all this for me?" he said.

"We all wanted to give you a special birthday," Kalin said.

Leo nodded with enthusiasm. "You always do so much for all of us!"

"All of us helped with picking decorations and food and presents," Luna added with a smile.

"And music!" Scotch added, putting on one of Yusei's favorite songs.

Radley laughed as the floor vibrated. "That's too loud, Scotch! Turn it down!"

Somehow Scotch heard him over the booming notes of the tune and lowered the volume enough so that the plates weren't jumping on the tables.

"This is all wonderful," Yusei smiled. "Thank you so much."

The evening was catered to Yusei's interests. There was food and drink—with plenty of milk as well as cactus cider and root beer on hand—and video games in the arcade room. Yusei excelled at the racing games and a lot of the time was spent on a mini-tournament with interested parties racing against Yusei. The match between him and Jack was especially charged, of course.

After the opening of the presents, Yusei just sat for a while, smiling at all the thoughtful gifts with a faraway look in his eyes. Kalin came and sat by him. "What are you thinking about, Yusei?" he asked.

"My friends have always made my birthdays special all through the years," Yusei said. "My birthdays at Martha's were always magical, and even when we grew up and we saw how harsh the Satellite really was, there were still good times on birthdays. Then the City was finally connected to the Satellite again. Things aren't perfect, but there's so many new opportunities opening up and everyone's excited for what the future will bring for our reunited Domino. I wasn't even expecting anything for my birthday with all the hubbub and new plans and everyone talking about going their own way. But you guys did all this!"

"I'd never forget your birthday, Yusei," Kalin said. "I feel terrible I haven't been around to celebrate with you for the last several years. I want to change that now."

"Yes, and I want to be with you too," Radley said. "You've helped us both and you mean so much to Kalin. I consider you a friend."

"I feel the same about you, Radley," Yusei smiled.

"No matter what happens with everyone else, you can always feel free to come here," Radley said. "This can be your second home."

Kalin nodded. "We would love to have you any time you want or need to come."

Yusei beamed. "Thank you both." He reached and drew them both into a hug.

Kalin and Radley hugged back, their friendship cemented.