#stacyanswers

[youvereachedthebadend]

The timeloop definitely makes age weird… maybe you need to have a party for every birthday you missed!

"Oh no, that would be too many parties!" Stacy laughs. "I think we'd all get overwhelmed pretty quickly."

"Maybe we can have one big celebration for everyone when their next birthdays come up," Marvin says. "Jackie's is pretty soon, actually."

Jackie blinks, then gasps. "Oh yeah it is! Fuck, dude, I completely forgot."

We all need to write this stuff down on a calendar, I think, JJ says, chuckling.

Chase's phone buzzes. He pauses the movie, then reaches in to take it out. "Oh, Jack says he's only a couple minutes away now!" He grins. "Where's that bag of confetti you guys were mentioning? I have an idea."

"Oh?" Schneep tilts his head.

"Is it really messy?" Stacy asks.

"It shouldn't be too messy," Chase says. "We can just put the confetti in a bucket and make it so that it falls down from the door when Jack opens it. Like that prank with water."

"...I don't think I have a bucket," Marvin whispers.

"Aw." Chase sighs. "Well, we'll figure something else out, then."

[youvereachedthebadend]

Oh, do you not want to play?

"Oh no, I am not joining that friendship ruiner," Schneep chuckles.

"Oh come on, I've put you through worse with my homemade games," Marvin says, grinning.

"Does not mean I'm in the mood for it right now." Schneep settles back against the sofa, leaning against Trisha. "I will just watch. And advise Trisha, if she wants."

"I would love to play Uno," Trisha says, grinning mischievously.

Oh no, that expression. JJ chuckles. We'd all better keep an eye on that pair.

"I'd invite you to play too, voice, but... on second thought, I don't think that'll work out that well," Jack says, setting aside his empty cake plate so he can take the cards Marvin is dealing to him.

"Remember, we have to finish the movie later," Stacy says. "We're only doing one round."

"Yeah, I declare it as the birthday boy," Chase adds, grinning.

"This will probably be pretty boring for you voices," Jackie says. "Uno is fun to play, not so much to watch."

"Hey, people love Uno playthroughs on YouTube," Jack points out. "But... good point. If you guys want to head out, you can. We won't be mad if you miss the rest of the party."

[youvereachedthebadend]

"well it would be a better punishment than hair wax aren't i correct? Also how is banana is spicy? i am curious. To me they ease down the spice of any spicy food i eat. But i can handle spice well so there is no need for me"

“I think anything would be better than whatever hair wax is,” Stacy mumbles.

Jackie sighs. “You’re right, they’re not spicy at all. That’s just how I jokingly describe them. Cause I’m allergic, so bananas have a sort of… bite to them, to me.”

“Basically, he is making a joke of his allergies,” Schneep says.

I didn’t know bananas could calm down spice, JJ says, fascinated. I wonder why that is.

“Probably because they’re like… heavy but also mushy,” Jackie says. “They’ll block out the spice like a blanket.”

Well that sounds like a more delicious way of cooling down than plain milk or bread, JJ says. I might have to try that next time I get spicy food.

[youvereachedthebadend]

"well as the only girl back then in that group,they would have me place my hand up and in front of my face ,they wouldn't punch nor slap me but just kinda slap my hand instead,sorta like a high-five....yeah a high-five! Sorry about that , hearing you all speak about it makes me realize i really had a violent childhood but a fun one. Makes me wonder why i didn't choose a girl play group instead of a group full of boys. Hahaha"

"Having a defensive hand up does make it sound more fun," Stacy says. "As for why you hung out with a group of guys..." She shrugs. "I was the same way. Chase and I met through mutual friends. Sometimes that just happens."

Jackie slumps back against the sofa, still looking a bit bummed. Jack pats his shoulder. "What's up, Jackie? What's wrong?"

"I dunno, I just feel weird cause I was the only one who was into that idea," Jackie mutters.

"Don't be, bro," Chase says. "I don't think it'd be a good idea for us to do right now, cause grown-ups are a lot stronger than kids, but I could totally believe we'd do something like that when we were younger. And hey, as long as everyone agreed to it, there's not that much of a problem, right?"

"Yeah, I guess." Jackie shakes his head. "Sorry, I'm making too big a deal out of this. Uh, do we want to get cards for a game, or something?"

"I'll go grab a deck." Marvin stands up. "In case we decide to do that."

"We could also finish the movie first," Stacy points out again.

[youvereachedthebadend]

"oh oh! I have an idea of a game that we used to play alot as kids...well at least me and my friends... anyways one would close their eyes and turn their back to the rest of the group. One of the group would have to slap the close-eyed person. Would it be a slap or a punch but just any hit ,then the close-eyed person would have to turn and try and guess who was the one who hit them and by which hand he was used to land the hit. If guessed right,the player gets to punish the loser (the one who landed the hit) and the loser switch places with the player. if not ,then the player plays again after getting punished. It was kinda my favourite childhood game...at least for my big brother and my male cousins, i didn't play much cause i was the only girl in the group"

"Yep, that definitely sounds like something guys would do," Jackie says, laughing a little. "That's the sort of dumb shit Chase and I would pull when we were little."

"Hey," Chase says, frowning.

"Come on, man, you know we would." Jackie nudges him.

"As someone who's known both of you the longest, I agree, you would do that," Jack says.

Henrik... looks concerned. "That sounds like a very violent game." He absentmindedly pulls on the string bracelet he's wearing. These days, he's down to just one on each wrist. "I-I do not think that is something we should do."

"Yeah, I don't want to punch my friends," Marvin agrees.

Stacy and Trisha, the two women in the room, glance at each other and frown. "What is it with guys and hitting each other?" Stacy mutters, and Trisha shrugs. She can't hear the voices, but she can pick up on context clues.

Jackie's smile fades slightly. "Well, uh, they weren't saying we have to do that, you know. I just... thought it sounded like something we would do. When we were younger. Not, uh, not now."

It's okay, Jackie, we know, JJ says. You don't have to be so defensive.

"Yeah..." Jackie nods slowly.

[youvereachedthebadend]

Any games you particularly like, Chase? That can be a good birthday activity

"I mean... we could play Apples to Apples or something," Chase says.

"Wait, what is that?" Henrik asks.

"It's a card game!" Chase grins. "I don't know why I thought of it just now, it's been years since I played it. But you do need the actual cards to play that. Hm... Marvin doesn't own any game consoles, so that's out of the question..."

"Marvin, do you own any games of any kind?" Stacy asks.

"I have regular card decks," Marvin says. "And dominoes. There's also some games in the cellar, I think I saw Scrabble, maybe? I could go check."

"Nah, that's too much effort," Chase says. "I know you have some card decks in your room. Maybe we can get some of those and play something."

Marvin nods. "You know, there's this card game I've heard of that's basically competitive solitaire..."

"Oh we're not going to play insane card games right now," Jack laughs. "This is a time to be together, we don't want to get too competitive."

"We could also just... finish the movie," Stacy points out.

[youvereachedthebadend]

Have you seen this movie before, Jack?

"Hearts Day? Yeah, course I have. It's Chase's favorite." Jack grins. "We watched it together all the time before everything went down. Even before the Split. It's been his favorite little gem for a while."

"Because it's really good!" Chase says. "I can't believe it's not more well-known."

"Well I think there are a bit too many cliches for critics," Henrik says. "But I see why you like it. It is... comforting, in a way."

Chase nods quickly. "Yeah! Exactly!" He smiles. "It's a nice feel-good story."

Stacy glances at the screen. "Are we going to keep watching? Or do we want to take a break for more birthday stuff?"

"We have cake for you, by the way," Marvin says to Jack, pointing at the coffee table where the cake is sitting.

"Oooo." Jack goes over to the sofa, the others clearing a spot for him, and sits down. He picks up a plate. "Jackie made this, right? He texted me about his struggles in the process."

"Hey, I didn't struggle that much!" Jackie says defensively.

Jack takes a bite. "Mmm! Well, the struggles you did have were very worth it. As for birthday stuff, I'd be fine with that. But we should leave it up to the birthday boy."

Chase bites his lip. "I dunno what we'd even do. Y'know?"

[youvereachedthebadend]

hehehehehe

Jackie and Chase giggle in a similar manner. Stacy rolls her eyes but she’s smiling slightly. Marvin gets in position off to the side.

Soon, the doorknob turns and the door opens. Jack walks in. “I’m hom—“

Marvin uses his magic to tilt the bowl, spilling confetti all over Jack!

“Gah!” Jack stumbles to the side, waving his arms, the crutches falling to the ground. “Pleh! Pleh!”

“Surprise!” Chase and Jackie shout at the same time, and the others all burst into laughter at Jack’s stunned look.

[youvereachedthebadend]

"THE DAY HAS COME! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY ,CHEESE BREADY! YAY HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY OR 40TH BIRTHDAY......35TH? anyways YOU SHOULD HAVE 3 CAKES!

"Whoa!" Chase jumps in surprise. He laughs. "No need to shout, you know! I know this is my birthday party!"

"God, how old are we?" Stacy muses. "We were in the time loop for so long and then we kinda just snapped back to the normal flow of time... We're definitely not eight, I know that much."

"That's how old Delilah is," Chase laughs. "Oh, that's my daughter, new voice. Mine and Stacy's. We also have a son named Ryan who's eleven."

"We are all at least thirty," Schneep says.

I'm older, if you count the accidental time travel! JJ says cheerfully.

Jackie grins. "I would be so happy to make you two more cakes sometime, if you wanted, Chase."

"Maybe in the future, this is a lot of cake already," Chase says.

[youvereachedthebadend]

"i was wondering to both parts....anti and the others....if you could change your names or had the choice to actually pick them up from the beginning. Would you stick to your names? If not...then what would you have liked to be named instead and why?"

"Oh hi again," Chase says. "You're back here!"

"Nice to see you sticking around," Stacy says, waving. "As for your question... that's pretty thought-provoking."

"I've never really thought about my name," Marvin says. "I'm happy with what it is."

"I kinda chose my name," Jackie chuckles. "It's a nickname that I made my real one. Jackson. But, uh, that's always been a bit confusing, especially after we met JJ here."

I think we're all pretty content with our names, Jameson says.

"That question definitely seems like something that is more complicated for Jack and Anti, though," Schneep says. "It is the rest of us who started calling him Anti, after all. Hm... perhaps you can ask that question again once Jack and Anti return here."

[youvereachedthebadend]

Do you think he’d appreciate having video of it?

“Oh! Good idea.” Chase takes out his phone and hands it to Stacy. “Can you take a video and send it to him?”

“Sure, Chase,” Stacy says, smiling. She opens up the camera and gets in optimal filming position.

“Are you okay with that, Marvin?” Schneep asks.

“Yeah, that works.” Marvin rubs his hands together and a little green flame appears on his pointer finger. He leans forward and carefully lights the candles Schneep placed in the cake. “Alright, ready to go.”

“Everyone sing along!” Jackie says. “Even you, JJ! Signing counts!”

When have I ever not joined in? JJ asks, chuckling.

Chase sits down at the sofa and looks around the room shyly. Stacy gives him a thumbs up and a smile. “Alright, guys,” she says. “On go. One, two, three, go!” She starts the video.

The whole group starts singing. It’s a bit awkward at first, but they soon get their stride. “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Chase! Happy birthday to you!”

Chase grins the whole time, also a bit awkward and embarrassed. But very very happy. He blows out the candles and smoke flies into the air.

“Yayyy!” Marvin claps. “You got them all out in one breath, that’s good luck!”

“Did you make a wish?” Jackie asks.

“Hah. Yeah.” Chase smiles.

[youvereachedthebadend]

It’s *fine* Jackie!

Yes, it’s more important that you spend time with everyone, JJ says. Instead of running off.

Jackie hesitates, then slowly sidles back into the living room. Chase and Stacy give him a pair of odd looks, but he smiles at them reassuringly. “Y-yeah. It’s fine, I’m sure.”

Stacy nods. “Alright then. Let’s get the movie started.”

“Oh! We should bring out the cake as well!” Henrik says excitedly. “Chase, Jackie made the cake!”

“Oh really?” Chase grins. “I’m sure it’s great, then! Bring it on out!”

Henrik grins. “Trisha, help me,” he says, gesturing at her. The two of them go into the kitchen and then return with the cake, as well as paper plates, plastic forks, candles, and a single butter knife.

“Wow, Jackie, that’s great!” Chase says.

“Hah. Thanks.” The repeated reassurances must be sinking in now, because Jackie doesn’t deny it.

“Marvin, can you light the candles?” Schneep asks, setting the cake on the coffee table. “With magic.”

“Hm… feels weird to do this when Jack isn’t here,” Marvin says slowly. “I know he said it was alright, but… still.”

[youvereachedthebadend]

Happy Not-Birthday!!

“Oh! The voices are here!” Chase gasps.

Stacy laughs. “I told you they would be. They always show up when something’s going on.”

“Though that does remind me of that Alice and Wonderland quote,” Jackie says. “A Very Merry Un-Birthday!”

It’s Alice IN Wonderland, Jackie, JJ says teasingly.

“Okay, okay, don’t need to finger-spell at me.” Jackie raises his hands defensively.

Chase looks around. “You know… maybe this could be a birthday party for all of us. I know we all missed a lot of our birthdays over the past few years.”

Henrik shakes his head. “Perhaps we could do that some other time, but Chase, today is about you.”

“Because you’re our friend and we care about you!” Marvin says.

Chase blushes.

[youvereachedthebadend]

That's the spirit!!

Marvin smiles slightly. “Thanks. It’s… easy to fall into past habits. But I think I’ve been improving.”

We all have, JJ says. Thank god.

The others laugh.

Only a minute later, there’s a knock at the door. Marvin, being the closest, hurries over to open it. “Hey guys!”

Jackie hurries over. “Heyyyy birthday boy!”

“Oh come on, guys, you know it’s not actually my birthday,” Chase says as he and Stacy walk in. He’s grinning, though, blushing a bit at being the center of attention.

“Well happy late birthday!” Henrik says cheerfully.

JJ picks up a noisemaker and blows in it, making a loud VWOOT! sound. Jackie bursts into laughter. “Dude, where the hell did you get that? And why didn’t you tell me you had them?”

“Probably because he knew you’d abuse them,” Stacy says, straight-faced. She closes the door behind her.

“How have you two been?” Trisha asks.

“Oh, same old same old,” Stacy says, shrugging. “Life is pretty boring now, which is much better than the alternative, I guess. I like your decorations.”

“Yeah, guys, they look great!” Chase says.

“Oh, they’re not amazing or anything,” Marvin laughs.

“Well I wasn’t expecting any decorations, so there,” Chase says, folding his arms.

[youvereachedthebadend]

Pssshhh, it’s only impossible if you plan on sleeping

Chase laughs. "I mean, we do have kids to pick up from school. I get where you're coming from, but we very much do have kids. Trisha and Hen could watch them all today, though."

"Without us?" Stacy gasps in pretend shock.

"We can wait if you would prefer," Henrik says.

"No, I'm not actually upset." Stacy chuckles. "If you get really sucked into it, you might want to continue watching anyway. It's a magical feeling when you get really intrigued in something."

The DVD starts playing, starting with commercials before Trisha quickly picks up the remote and presses the menu button. She, Chase, and Stacy all settle down on the sofa. Henrik leans his head on Trisha's shoulder as she starts the movie.

[youvereachedthebadend]

Ooooh, it must be so fun to watch movies for the first time again! Whether it triggers more memories to come back or you just get to experience that first-time joy a second time

Schneep nods. "I agree. I know that some people sometimes say something that. That they wish they could experience a media for the first time. I do think that's a small bonus of this."

"Though without the fond memories you had before, you were a bit harsher on some movies," Trisha chuckles.

"Yes, you mentioned that." Henrik nods. "I hope I will not be harsh on the Lord of the Rings. I remember hearing that it is well-loved."

"You aren't a big fantasy fan usually, are you?" Chase asks. Henrik shakes his head. "Well, I think that if a movie is good enough, it transcends genres. You definitely liked it before."

Stacy begins setting up Trisha's DVD player. "Chase and I saw Return of the King in theaters for one of our first dates. Good times."

"I look forward to watching it for the first time again, then," Henrik says, sitting down on the sofa.

"Well we're going to start with Fellowship," Chase says. "I don't know if we'll be able to get to the last movie today. Scratch that, actually, we definitely won't be able to."