Stars and Cinnamon Buns

Snacks, spooks, and karaoke

As the sun rose on the morning of the party, Slushie bolted out of bed, both excited and anxious. It was Friday, so she would still have to go to work before the weekend brought in two days of freedom.

Everyone had done a lot of planning in the group chat the previous night, and surprisingly, everything worked out. The ragtag group would arrive at their place some time after everyone got off work. Slushie was nervous about everyone coming over, what they'd think about their place, how the evening would go, the usual. There was something extra nerve-racking in her mind though, in the form of the purple chameleon.

What if he's really boring outside work? Does he know how to have fun? What if he thinks I'm boring? What if he really dislikes our place? What if he's the type to scrutinize every little detail or speck of dust? What if-

''Nervous?'' Briar interrupted her train of thought, earning a slow nod in response. ''So am I, but definitely more excited. Can't wait to introduce Silver to all my little plants!''

''Heh, I already know that the army of tiny succulents will kill him with cuteness.''

''I know! Gahh, I'm so excited!!''

Briar's positive anticipation was contagious, as usual, and both girls were able to get ready and leave for work with grins on their faces.

~

As expected, the 'work' part of the day was filled with excited whispers between staff members and memes in the group chat during break times. Turns out, Vector, the bossman himself, is a huge fan of memes, sending several since joining the group. It's still undecided whether he's on the ironic or unironic side, though. That's what happens when you get older, keeping up with the kiddos ain't easy.

Slushie was on baking duty when Espio passed by on his way to his lunch break.

''Are you sure about everyone coming over? At least nine people are going to come and make a mess of your place'', he asked with a sympathetic smile.

''It's not every day we get guests, let alone nine of them'', Slushie grinned in reply, ''It's gonna be a lot of work but I think we'll manage. Heh, we both even have experience in cleaning up after others.''

''We can only hope the mess won't be as bad as one made by daycare-aged children.''

''Who knows, we promised some Marxio Kart. That game can be brutal.''

''Ah, with luck the house will still be standing at the end of the night.''

''Pfft, I'll be satisfied with only a few casualties. Speaking of, my cinnamon buns are just about to burn to death'', Slushie said and quickly dove towards the oven, managing to save most of them.

''Did we lose any?''

''...want a post-lunch snack?''

~

With the day finally wrapped up and the doors locked, everyone headed to their respective houses to get ready. Slushie and Briar had just enough time for a final look-around to make sure the place was fine, and soon enough, the doorbell rang. Slushie went for the door and Briar ran to get changed again, suddenly self-conscious.

Mighty and Ray were the first to arrive, bearing some sodas and two bags of chips. Ray was almost bouncing in place with a huge grin, while Mighty was awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

''If ya need any help cleaning up or anythin', ask us. 'twas our idea, after all.''

''Will do, thanks'', Slushie replied with a grateful smile, stepping aside to let the two in. ''The karaoke stuff is set up in the living room if you wanna start.''