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Yeah, but--!!

[ Fabian's desire to speak on this is apparently so intense that he's already speaking before his mind has had the chance to form a full sentence. His eyes are wide, his hand gesturing starting up - all the typical signs of a dramatic Fabian moment coming on. ]

Even if his birthday makes more logical sense, it's still your birthday too! It still exists! It still happened! I mean, when I first showed up here, I also celebrate my birthday at the same time as Adaine-- which made no sense, since rather than a few days until my birthday, it was more like a few months back home! [ Yes, he's gesturing the entire time he's talking.

It's a good thing Gorgug didn't make a bracelet that was motion-activated. This proves why it would've been a total disaster. ]

But since she and I had a joint birthday party, you guys deserve one too! Like-- We need cake! And decorations! And I have to hurry and get you guys gifts..!

[ He's getting wild now, Gorgug. This is the sort of manic behavior that's almost more like Riz than like Fabian. Maybe their birthday parties are just that important to him, and he's only now realized that they're missing out.. ]

[ Truly, this is the kind of mathematical problem going on that Gorgug has never seen before... he might be able to pretend to see Fabian's reasoning, but it's like somebody making a long equation to explain why 2+2=5, actually.

Because Gorgug already had his birthday back in Spyre. It's not his fault that Etraya was behind on the dates.

But with Fabian being this energised by the whole thing (for good or bad), Gorgug isn't going to try and throw logic a second time at a wall that doesn't want it to stick. He's just going to let Fabian work this out himself. Maybe ask: ]

What are you gonna get us?

[ ...look, he's curious?? Even if those things are meant to be a surprise! ]

[ It's amazing just how capable of Fabian is of spiraling all by himself. He hardly even needs anything to fuel him, honestly. Gorgug's question is so simple, and yet it seems to throw Fabian for a loop in the middle of his already existing spiral - stopping with moving for a moment, his mouth hanging open a little, as if he's only just realizing this problem here. ]

I, uh..

[ C-Crap! Gorgug got him such a sweet gift, which means Fabian really ought to give them something similarly thoughtful in return, and he also has to figure out how to get said thoughtful things in this place where his resources are more limited than back home, and, and--

He kind of looks like he's about to explode, actually. Like there's some valve that has to be opened to let out steam. ]

I-I'll have to think about it! [ He wants it to be something good, Gorgug. You don't understand. :( ] I mean-- Isn't there something you've been really wanting to have here with you in this place?

[ Gorgug would reassure Fabian.....if he were a different person. Gorgug, that is, but also, the fact is: Fabian is just like this. So the fact that he's having a self-inflicted gift crisis is Fabian's own fault, honestly, that Gorgug isn't really sure that there's anything that can be done about it.

Except helping in small ways. And sure, Fabian asks him what he wants, but he's looking upwards and giving it some thought... ]

...me and Riz talked about ways we can be better equipped in this place, and I think he's feeling it how he can't use magic, or doesn't have more stuff to play around with. I can help you get him gear-- I have books. I think Riz would like something he can use.

[ Right? That seems like a Riz sort of gift. Useful, practical. ]

Okay. [ The initial 'okay', where Fabian is taking it in. ] .. okay. [ The second one, where it truly settles in. ] O-- Okay.

[ The hesitant third okay, when Fabian is realizing all the implications of this. He does think Gorgug is right, which is exactly why Fabian made those business cards and the suitcase for him in freshmen year - he thought that Riz would like something he could actively use, and he did really seem into the whole detective thing. Even if Fabian still found it kind of strange back then.

But of course Riz would want something practical here too. Especially when he apologized to Fabian before. Like he wasn't good enough. Which is the most bullshit idea ever, because Fabian absolutely knows it's not any fault of Riz's capabilities that shit is going wrong here.

It's just that this place sucks. ]

You're right. [ The gears in his brain are turning. Fabian is trying his best here.

Don't think you're escaping the presents though, Gorgug. He'll get to you in a second, mister! He just-- He first has to think about this!! ]

So-- Nothing for the things The Ball is already naturally good at, then. He doesn't need help with that. [ How could Riz possibly sneak even better? It's impossible. ] Perhaps something offensive? So he has a magical option next to his gun and sword when things get dangerous.

[ Something offensive is good.... do they want to go the magic route? Gorgug brought up that point, but he's thinking about the issues they had in Moorecroft, but also what causes him--and them all--trouble here. ]

Do you remember the tech stuff he had with him when the electronics attacked at the Frosty Faire? [ The fucking electronics, Fabian. ] We can get him something like that-- spy gear.

We can throw in some weapons, too. I've been reading about-- [ he makes a throwing motion ] EMPs.

[ You know that acronym, right, Fabian. ]

[ ...

Fabian is quiet.

Suspiciously quiet.

Because of course there's a reason behind his silence. There always is. If Fabian isn't yapping, it means that there's something going on in his mind, and often not anything too good. As is the case right now - he's trying to figure out if he knows what EMPs are, realizing he doesn't, trying to figure out how bad it is if he would admit to not knowing what they are-- A whole lot of social mental calculation going on here. Fabian has so much face to save, okay! ]

Ah. Yeah.

[ ... ]

EMPs.

[ .......... ]

O-Of-- Of course! [ Does Fabian think that just saying that intensely will magically convince Gorgug that Fabian totally knows what the other is talking about here? ] You are right, I should definitely get him an EMP!

[ He's just digging his own grave now. ]

Edited 2025-01-02 14:33 (UTC)

[ It's a good thing that Gorgug doesn't mind sitting in silence, isn't it? Nor that he questions the silence, despite this being Fabian. But it's for a good reason: this is about Riz's birthday box, and that deserves careful consideration. That's why Gorgug is nodding as soon as Fabian comes to his conclusion, showing how much he knows about EMPs. ]

Get him lots of EMPs.

[ That's right, Fabian. You've got it. ]

I will!

[ He HAS got it! Another win for Fabian! Another great idea from HIM!! He's pumping a fist in the air, that's how excited and ready he is for this.

.. until Fabian realizes that there's no way he's going to be able to fake this - especially when maybe EMPs may be something real nerdy if Gorgug read up on them. And then who the hell is Fabian going to ask what it's supposed to be in this place? He doesn't know any nerds here other than the two nerds he has to get birthday presents for!

This is a mess.

His energetic posture disappears a little - though he's still trying very hard to make it seem like it's there, mind you! He sucks in a breath, trying really hard to look super cool and dignified as he asks: ]

What are EMPs?

[ Like this is a normal question to ask for a guy who pretended to totally know what that is only a moment ago. Nothing weird here, Gorgug! Don't overthink it! In fact, don't think at all! ]

Oh. Well, they're just burst of electricity, or electromagnetic energy, and I read you can put them into grenades to shut down electronics, specifically, and maybe you can put them into other kind of weaponry with the right materials, too...

[ Look at this, Gorgug explaining, even though Fabian was acting like he knew what it was a moment ago. But even with Gorgug's explanation, he's speaking in that way where it's a new subject for him, or at least under the terms that he's using.

....and even so, he was willing to let Fabian act like he totally knew what he was talking about. He could've had it all. He could have gotten away with it! ]

We're dealing with robots, and electronics, so we should have shit that fucks them up. And maybe shit we can hack with. Riz should.

[ Because he said 'we' but that was basically their conversation a while back, okay! And Riz can take precedent because he's a special birthday boy. ]

[ Oh. For a moment the thought so it's nerd shit goes through Fabian's head, considering how little he knows about electronic things like that. After all, isn't the fun part of the grenade supposed to be the explosion? Why would you want it to do nerd shit on the side?

.. on the other hand, Gorgug does seem rather convinced of this idea, and he does know way more about it than Fabian. Maybe he should just follow Gorgug's lead on this one. Because Riz is a nerd, so he would appreciate nerd shit gifts..

Prob.. a.. bly..?

Still, that leaves another problem entirely that makes Fabian frown. ]

But where do I even get that?

[ Gorgug. Do you think this looks like a guy who knows where to get hacker equipment? This guy? Fabian Aramais Seacaster? ]

I can't make those things the way you can. [ Triple classing may be a bit much. Especially to a class that actually involves reading. That's your personal hell, Gorgug, not his. ]

[ How do you get it...? Gorgug looks at Fabian, blankly. ]

How did you get the Hangman?

[ Isn't the answer obvious, Fabian. Unless Fabian has been so anti-companion bots, so anti-Aurora he found a way to bring the Hangman to Etraya through some other means that didn't involve points?

Which Gorgug would like to know about, thanks. ]

[ ...

Guess whose frown is growing even bigger? That's right. It's Fabian's. At this rate it's going to swallow his entire forehead. Even his shoulders are slumping at the very thought. ]

Come on, Gorgug. Who is going to be enough of an idiot to give out the very weapons necessary to defeat themselves?

Edited 2025-01-05 14:56 (UTC)

I mean, whatever they give us, we'll have to make upgrades...

[ That much Gorgug was thinking already, considering what they're up against. But at least Gorgug has gone back to his natural state of looking worried as he thinks. What to do... ]

We can get pieces to put together Riz's birthday present-- I can do that for you. But a wristband like the one Riz has got back home, I... [ hrrrm. ] It'll take me a while to make something like it. The grenades will be easy. [ Easier. ]

We'll have to get Riz's arm size, too. [ Gorgug pats his forearm. ] So I know how snug to make it.

Well, I can do that much..

[ That shouldn't be too hard, especially not with how much time the two of them spend around each other. Fabian is pretty sure he could even get it done without Riz truly realizing what has happened - because they can't ruin the surprise!

But if Fabian still sounds a little bit awkward at all.. Well, it's not since he's doubting the fact he just spoke about, he's still pretty confident about that one. It's just that he feels a little bit bad at the thought of Gorgug putting together all of Riz's birthday presents.. He'll have to think of something he can somehow get his hands on or make too, despite having very little ability in that department.

Fabian raises a hand, rubbing the back of his head, like it might suddenly make an idea rise to mind.

(It doesn't.)

Which is why he instead asks-- ]

What about you then? [ Don't think he has forgotten it was your birthday too, PAL!!! Even if you say Riz's birthday is more important! ] Isn't there anything you have been wanting?

[ Look at this fool, feeling bad about letting Gorgug do things he likes. As if Gorgug's got anything better to do than to help his two friends.

It's better than being asked what he wants, anyway. He thinks about it, and... what does he want? ]

Uh... [ He...looks down at his hands, then around his lab. Sure, there's equipment he could ask for, but it would feel weird to ask for the kind of stuff he wants for a gift when... it'll probably cost a lot. ]

...let me think about it.

[ --He found it. The cheat code...!! ]

[ To be fair to Fabian, he's being good and staying quiet while Gorgug thinks. Maybe he's finally realizing that some people - .. okay, mostly Gorgug, especially Gorgug - need a little bit more time to think about these things than Fabian himself does.

But when Gorgug slowly looks around, and then says that, as if he hasn't just thought about it.. Fabian's facial expression shifts to a point where there's almost visible question marks hanging in the air above him as he makes that face. ]

Do you really not know?

[ Gorgug?? Surely you have some desires in you, right? Friend? Pal?? ]

There's nothing you have been missing in this place?

[ yeah he's got a desire in him alright-- ]

Yeeahhh... [ But have a dragged out yeah, that already sounds the but upcoming. ] But we're running on a point system where I don't know what anything costs. What if I ask for something expensive? A lot of my tools would be expensive back on Spyre.

[ And they even have to pay postage on them! He's not getting everything he needs from Elmville. And sure, the cost to his points haven't been that unreasonable for some of the equipment he's gotten already, but he doesn't know what it's going to come to when Fabian puts in a purchase. What if it's like--50 points? For a magical screwdriver? ]

So what if it's expensive?

[ If Gorgug knows Fabian at all, this reply should not be surprising. In fact, it sounds like Fabian himself didn't have to think for even a moment before he was already saying this - like it just comes naturally to him.

Like Fabian has ever had to consider the costs of things, even here. It's simply impossible. ]

Do you think that I wouldn't buy you something expensive? [ There's almost a little bit of a sense of determination in his tone. Like this is a challenge Gorgug is posing him. A matter of proving their friendship.

And Fabian would never fail a challenge like that!! ]

[ Oh, right. Fabian is rich.

Granted, Gorgug never got that Fabian is rich, since it comes off him like a cologne. But does he know how rich the guy is or isn't in Etraya? What does Fabian get with his points? Gorgug never asks either him or Riz...

But... ]

Well... okay. [ It takes a moment for him to come to that 'okay', but there it is. He should let Fabian buy him something, right? ] I guess....a van would be cool. Or my van? Can I get my own van?

[ Fabian got his motorbike, right...? ]

It's kinda busted still, but I can fix it up. Now that I don't have homework.

Of course you can get the van!

[ .. granted, Fabian was so ready to go along with absolutely any request coming from Gorgug that he isn't thinking too hard about this one - just repeating what Gorgug is asking for since he was ready to do just that.

It looks like he's only really thinking about what Gorgug just asked after Fabian hears the words in his own voice - stopping to blink for a moment. ]

The Hangman is likely going to be weird about it though. [ Apparently that's the thing Fabian realized after a second... Not that it's a protest. If that's what Gorgug wants, then Gorgug is going to get it!

Fabian is just going to have to soothe his pet-bike-familiar. ]

[ ...You know, this does bring up a rather curious point that he's never thought to ask, or did and then forgot to: ]

Does he get weird about other people's vans?

[ Is this just a Hangman thing, or specifically to do with the Hangvan? Is it because of Zaphriel? A Heaven versus Hell situation?? ]

[ There's a slight moment of thought, but then: ]

I don't know. As far as I know, he has not exactly been around that many vans. [ Especially when they have never really needed another van for transportation when the Hangvan was a thing.. And when Fabian is by himself, he can just drive to places on the Hangman..

Though Fabian does suggest: ]

Maybe he is just jealous.

[ Of it getting Fabian's attention? Gorgug's attention? Anyone's attention?? Who knows. ]

[ The Hangman being jealous of the Hangvan...... ]

...we can make him into a van.

[ This is what Fabian means by jealous, right. This is totally a thing that can be fixed. ]

I don't--

[ He was about to say that he doesn't think that of all things is the problem, but apparently Fabian is just so dumbstruck by what Gorgug is telling him here that he has to pause for a moment.

And blink. Blankly blinking. ]

Gorgug, you think the Hangman's problem is the fact that he isn't a van? [ ???

Bro, how does your mind work. Fabian doesn't get it. It's too wild for him. ]

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