//backdated to 10.07.2011
occurs after this post

[when the video feed flickers on, it appears to be rocking.

there’s a chuckle, here. and without the rocking, one can hear the subtle sounds of running water in the background. slowly, the video feed turns from an invigorating view of the drywall down towards the floor.

spread along the hallway are seventy-six cacti in all of their prickly glory, ribbons connecting them in a distinct pattern. when you connect the pots, they spell thus:

happy birthday

… of course he wouldn’t be conventional about it. there’s another lull as the operator allows for the viewer to enjoy (dubiously) his art, before the video feed turns to his smiling face. Fuji looks amiable. he is wearing a party hat. he puts his finger to his lips conspiratorially. a single word, hush--]

Listen.

[the video feed then turns dubiously to what appears to be the door to the washroom. the gentle sounds of running water intensifies, a mild murmur. however, if you take the time to quiet yourselves down and listen closely, there seems to be a hum intermixed with the sound of running water. melodic and shy, it sounds almost as if…

someone’s singing in the shower?

( can you imagine Fuji’s amused grin ) there’s a few moments of this, before both water and music stop in one fell swoop. the operator then takes the time to point the camera’s angle upwards, towards the upper-half of the door. a few brief moments of shuffling—Fuji’s quiet voice brimming with amusement.]

Ah, any moment now. It's time for the show. Are we all ready?

[with that rhetorical question, the door to the bathroom suddenly swings open.

>> first comes the steam from the shower.

>> next comes Tezuka Kunimitsu, his glasses fogged and misty.

the moment the older boy turns his general field of vision down towards the camera, there’s a loud pop, followed by a shower of streamers. his eyebrow shoots up above the hairline, just as the last bits of confetti settle in his wet hair.

Fuji’s grin is palpable, even behind the screen.]

Happy Birthday, Tezuka.

[and before Tezuka's reaction is properly recorded, the feed ends-- just like that]