015 [video] - backdated to yesterday

[tapestodiane]

He remembers his fourteenth in particular.

It was the first one his brother wasn’t there to celebrate with him – one of many. It doesn’t bother him anymore, not really, but it did at the time. He’d gotten a watch.

His sixteenth was depressed. It was the first he’d celebrated without his mother and the second with an important person missing. The feeling of going crazy lingered for quite some time, and the want to be no one.

He recalls turning nineteen. He’d just gotten home. The trip had been three years, but he’ll never tell anyone where he went. What he will tell people is that he wanted to join the circus. If the opportunity ever presents itself, maybe he still will.

He never really celebrated during those three years. Thinking about it now, that’s likely where he stopped. The things around him were greater than he could ever be. There was no reason (or means) to try to claim the day as his.

It’s just a date. April 19th.

And no other April 19th stands out to him. Having stopped trying to make something special of it, it’s just a day that passes like any other. He mentally notes his official aging but, in all honesty, prefers not acknowledging the date as anything particular.

Other dates turn more important. December 11th, 1978 (officially a Special Agent with the FBI). April 30, 1979 (Caroline). Most recently, February 24th, 1989 (Twin Peaks), and, what he would never have guessed even in dreams, October 25th, 2010 – which marks his arrival in Johto. (It might not be 25 years, but maybe it’s close enough.)

To think that he’s been there six months almost to the day is a little frightening and quite wonderful.

This April 19th is meaningful in a long line of ones that weren’t. It’s surprising, but maybe it shouldn't have been, considering the circumstances. And while he might not exactly feel like celebrating he doesn’t object to trying to make this day a little more personal.

It’s raining, today, but it’s a damn fine day regardless.



[This video is brought to you by a plateful of cake, because cake is what you eat on birthdays, and Coop’s voice behind the feed is … well, almost amused, really. Most of you might be used to the brisk business-like tone? Yeah, it’s pretty much gone. Much more casual, here.]

I realize I might not be the best at celebrating properly, but I’d like to think I’m off to a good start.

[He turns the gear over smoothly to film his face, which, while grinning, also has something near-disbelieving expressed in it, mixed with ... sort of like there’s a really good joke and he hasn’t quite gotten the punch line yet, but has a good idea of what it might be.]

Ventus, thanks again. I only recently found the extra money in my account which I assume is your doing. Will try to spend them well. If nothing else, ice cream is a real good idea.

Dee – [a small pause, where the grin softens a little and he shakes his head] I really shouldn’t have expected anything different from you.



All in all, this is shaping up to be a fine day.

[Cause the filtering-private-feed stuff? Yeah, it isn’t his style. Anyone in Goldenrod can feel free to run into him, either at the café-thing or in the hotel! Assume he's about and doing stuff, or just ... APPEAR AT HIS ROOM.]

Comments

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[puzzling]

Ah, is it your birthday today, Cooper?

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[tapestodiane]

It is, actually. You must have missed Dee publicly announcing it.

_{[Not that he minds that terribly. He's just a little baffled, still.]}

It's been a while, Professor. How have you been?

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[tapestodiane]

_{[Claire! He's still a little unsure (that's hardly the right word but) about you but hey.]}

Thank you, Claire. How's your arm?

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[tapestodiane]

<sub>[CLAIRE THAT'S NOT FAIR, of course he does! He's just not had a reason to be anything other than stoic with you yet, okay? :|b]

[And ... ff he's still a little baffled that people care about this, but sure. Also that facade is totally not going to work ever, but he'll go with it for now.]</sub>

A card and money so far. But getting birthday wishes is already more than I'd expected.

[Video]

[used-defog.livejournal.com]

Heh, happy birthday, dude! [You are such a jerk for not telling her now she has to go find a last-minute gift uuuuugh.]

Sorry I can't... y'know, say it to ya in person and all...
But have a good one, 'kay?

[Video]

[tapestodiane]

_{[SORRY DASH he's so used to it not mattering ever. He seriously might have forgotten about it. TAKE YOUR TIME, REALLY.]}

Thanks, Dash. I have a feeling I will.

[Video]

[used-defog.livejournal.com]

[SHE'S GONNA THINK OF SOMETHING AWESOME, JUST WAIT.]
Heh, well, you better, dude! You deserve it! [Baaw, you really do, Coop.

She pauses, grinning.] Do you feel any older? ['Cause she pretty much... never does on her birthdays. She is forever an energetic filly!]

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[reveiller]

Cake is always a good start.

[a grin] Hey, happy birthday.

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[tapestodiane]

Truer words have never been spoken.

_{[And a nod, smiling.]} Thank you.

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[rejoicings.livejournal.com]

Now that's more like it.

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[tapestodiane]

Glad I have your approval.

[video]

[rodeopony.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday, Coop! Why didn't you tell anypony?

[video]

[tapestodiane]

It didn't seem important. Sorry for not mentioning it. And thank you.

[video]

[rodeopony.livejournal.com]

Not important?! Coop!

[ BRB THE BIGGEST, BESTEST PRESENT--what do you want for your birthday. 'Socks' is not allowed. B| ]

[Video]

[of-france.livejournal.com]

It's your birthday, and you didn't tell me?



Well, we'll have to remedy that. Where exactly are you? I must treat you to a drink at least.

[Video]

[tapestodiane]

_{[He grins in good humour.]}

If it makes you feel any better, France, I didn't tell anyone. I'm at the, uh - _{[brb checking the window]} the café near the Center, but I'm just finishing up here.

_{[Cake was good, coffee fine, sugar levels high. All is well.]}

[Video -> Action]

[of-france.livejournal.com]

I'll be there in a bit. We can figure out what this France can do for you when you see me.

[text] i almost forgot this one~

[adamant]

Happy birthday.

[ brb getting you a collar and leash set without any metal in it ]

[text] leonface! :D

[tapestodiane]

_{[That will ... actually be very useful. Coop's gonna have to return the favour.]}

Thank you.

[text] coopface! :3

[adamant]

[ He can do it in August. ]

Don't usually celebrate?

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[freshbreeze.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you found it! Make sure you get something nice for yourself.

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[tapestodiane]

I'll make it a personal mission. _{[Hey, something akin to humour. Good day, good day.]}

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[freshbreeze.livejournal.com]

[Oho, he catches that too]

And I'll root for you while you're on your harrowing mission.