Billy Batson's Big Birthday Bash

[sayshazam]

If it had been anyone else Billy totally would have begged off hanging out with them after work that night. He had school the next day and was a little tired but he'd have to be mostly dead before he cancelled on his girlfriend. Even then he'd probably do his best to make it to her, especially with everything she was going through right now. She'd told him to just let himself into her place, which gave him a good idea of how she was feeling.

Sliding off Naga as he arrived at her apartment building he sent the polar bear dog off to do whatever it did when not hanging around with Billy. Eat fish and bother Ellie, probably. Izzy had a lot of black clothes and it turned out polar bear dog fur was kind of a pain to get off of fabric so he figured .

Heading up to her apartment he fought back a yawn as he adjusted his backpack. It wasn't even that late but maybe he could just crash at Izzy's place tonight and head straight to school from here. It would definitely save him some time.

Testing the door he found it unlocked and pushed it open. Anyone else he would have definitely said something about how dangerous it was but if someone broke into Izzy's apartment to rob her then they were totally the ones in danger.

"Babe, you in?" he called out, frowning when the lights weren't on. That didn't seem like a great thing, if she was here with the lights off. "I brought some food from work if you're hungry..."

[ooc: Tag Billy by shouting "surprise" at him or hit him up after that while he's wandering around the party. Feel free to tag each other too.]

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[seveninches]

Isabelle has felt like something of a ghost the last week or so, withdrawn and transparent and going through the motions. For the most part she hasn't left her apartment, though she'd been surprised by the amount of people who tracked her down. Max is a red raw wound on her heart and she doesn't know if it will ever heal, but Magnus had been right about one thing. There's nothing she can do about it now. She didn't save him back home and so she can't save him from Darrow. Instead, when she finally gets out of bed and out of her pyjamas, she wears Shadowhunter mourning clothes and tries her best to remember him, instead.

She's been so wrapped up in her own head that in truth, she almost forgot that Billy's birthday was coming up. It had come to her with a startled realisation two days before, and Isabelle had decided that she would do better. Billy has been amazingly supportive and he deserves better than a girlfriend who refuses to leave her apartment, especially on his birthday. So, she calls around to all of their friends, even texts Magnus, and starts arranging a party.

Parties are what Isabelle does best and after the beginning of organising it she falls into a rhythm, finds her stride. It's easier to paint on a smile if she can focus on something else, move towards a goal. So there are decorations and food and drink and music, and even if she didn't have enough time to figure out a venue besides her little apartment, she thinks it will be okay. Billy isn't the type for grand things anyway, so she thinks it will suit him better. She even gets a small kick out of managing to keep it a secret, the first thing that has made her happy since she woke up.

She uses the time that he's at work to put the finishing touches on the place and dresses up properly, making herself look extra nice to make up for everything else. There's a small gift for him in her bedroom, but she'll save that for later. For now, everyone is hiding in various places around her apartment, and when he walks in Isabelle flicks the light switch, jumps out from behind the couch and beams at him.

"Happy birthday!"

[sayshazam]

"Shaaaaaaaaaaait?1" Billy shouted, jumping back when the light turned on and people totally jumped out and shouted at him, just moments away from turning into Shazam before he realized he wasn't being attacked and corrected himself.

The first thing he noticed was how happy Izzy looked. Billy was pretty sure he hadn't seen her look that happy since she'd woken up. He was so focused on that he totally didn't realize until a moment later that the party was for him.

"Wha- what? How did you know?" he asked, looking really confused for a moment before he started grinning. No one had ever thrown him a surprise birthday party before. For a moment he was kind of overwhelmed that he had someone that cared so much about him, that there he had friends that would actually want to show up to his birthday party.

[seveninches]

She hadn't thought about that, about the very real possibility that he would turn into Shazam. It makes sense, she thinks. She'd be on edge too if she came in to find all the lights off and then people jumping and screaming at her. But not everyone in this room knows his secret superhero identity, so it's a good thing he seems to realise what's going on at the last minute.

"I know everything," she tells him, which isn't true but sounds better than the truth. Really, she'd seen it on his ID card when he'd left it at her apartment once, and the date had stuck in her mind. It's a good thing she'd remembered on time, because despite the initial confusion Billy seems really happy.

"Sorry it's not anything huge," she says with a shrug, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. The reasoning is better left unsaid.

[sayshazam]

"Are you kidding? There's more people here than all of my other birthday's combined," Billy said. That totally made him wonder what Izzy considered "huge" for a birthday though, especially since hers was coming up soon. Hopefully Alec and Magnus would help him plan hers? Would she even want one?

"This is... this is really amazing," he said, meaning it. No one had ever done anything like this for him before and the fact that Izzy had meant a lot to him, maybe more than she could know. Even with everything going on with her she'd done this for him.

[seveninches]

Izzy doesn't know too much about what Billy's life had been like back home, besides the superhero stuff. She doesn't like the idea that his birthdays hadn't really been celebrated properly before, but at least she can make sure they do it right in Darrow. All of the people here came because they wanted to be part of this for him, even people she barely knows.

"Well, I hope you have fun. There's drinks and food and presents. And Magnus is here, but I'm pretty sure nothing is spiked."

Magnus has a history of putting spells on drinks at his own party, but he's kept his hands to himself at this one. She doesn't know whether it's out of respect for Billy or because he's still tiptoeing around her a little, but either way it works.

[sayshazam]

"People brought presents?"

Billy wasn't stupid, he knew that people did that at birthday parties, but he never really had that happen for him. Sure some of the foster families got him stuff but it was all generic and he could tell it was meant for all the kids to play with. Actual friends bringing actual presents just for him was kind of a novelty.

"And Magnus knows I'd throw him out if he messed with the party," he said. Mostly because it would probably piss Izzy off and she didn't need that right now. "This is... this is the most amazing birthday ever. You're amazing, you know that?"

[seveninches]

"It is your birthday." She points at a small table in the corner where a few presents have been piled. It's not a grand stack or anything but apparently it's more than he's ever had back home. She makes a note to make sure she does special things like this for him more often. Billy has always gone out of his way to make sure Isabelle feels special; she wants more than anything to return the favour.

"It was nothing," she tells him, though the smile she gives him is more real than any she's managed to summon in the past couple weeks. "Really, just have fun." She's managed to get as many people here as she could, and even if it's nothing crazy, it's shaping up to be a pretty good party. Even Alec is here, for which Isabelle is grateful. He seems to be taking things harder than her, but then, that's Alec. She half expected him not to come, and she's glad to see him out and about in a manner that's not hunting.

Still, today is about Billy, not Lightwood drama. Isabelle pulls Billy a little closer, presses a kiss to his lips. "Happy birthday, Billy."

[sayshazam]

"Yeah, it's just... yeah," Billy said, grinning a bit. This was the first time in a long time that he'd actually had something on his birthday to look forward to. Even if he didn't actually know that it was happening. If he actually knew about the party he probably wouldn't have been excited about it but he actually liked it. Sometimes Izzy was scary smart about stuff. And she did this all for him. It wasn't the type of party she would have liked, really, and he wouldn't have even cared if she didn't do anything at all. But even with everything she put this together.

"I- this is the best birthday I've ever had," he told her as he kissed her back. There was a sort of electric thrill he felt whenever they were kissed, even if it wasn't a super crazy, totally hot passionate kiss. Just normal kisses with Izzy were amazing. "So if it's my birthday can I ask for even more kisses later?"

[seveninches]

"I'm glad," she says, kissing him again just to watch the way he brightened. Isabelle loves kissing Billy because he always makes her feel like it's something special, even if they do it all the time. They've been doing this a while now, but she doesn't think she'll ever get tired of it. It's all a new sort of thing for Isabelle because normally she is so tired of it by now, but that's what makes Billy so different.

Isabelle smiles at him, a slow curve of her lips. It's a practised move, but she is genuinely happy. Maybe not all the way happy, but she's pleased that he's enjoying himself and she is glad that they're doing this, that she's got people in her apartment for an actual party instead of a pity party. "As many as you want," she tells him. "I have a present for you upstairs, too. And then whatever else you want to do."

[high_warlock]

When the surprise was over and Billy had begun to socialize with his guests, receive his gifts and well-wishes, Magnus maneuvered his way to Isabelle's side. He held two martini glasses filled with a softly glowing purple liquid and offered one out to her.

"Cheers to a well done party, my dear?" He had let her grieve in peace, had not tried to disturb her with texts or calls of concern, but that worry was there. Despite her cheerful appearance now, she wore white, and Magnus knew very well that meant the pain of the loss of Max was still smarting.

[seveninches]

Isabelle takes the glass that Magnus hands her, for once not really caring what's in it. With Magnus it could be anything, but Isabelle takes a large sip without question. This party had seemed a good idea at the time, but Max keeps threatening to intrude around the edges, and she's trying desperately to keep her smile on. She needs to, for Billy. He's having a good time and she doesn't want to ruin that, not on his birthday.

"I hope no one expected anything less," she answers. There was probably every reason to suspect she wouldn't be able to put this party together, but Isabelle does not allow weakness where possible, especially when it comes to putting on a party. The only allowance she's given herself are the white mourning clothes, which she knows Magnus will see and understand, but knows he won't comment on, either.

[high_warlock]

While he was perfectly happy to spike drinks at his own parties with potions that had unexpected bodily effects, Magnus would not do such a thing at Isabelle's party without invitation, and certainly not to Isabelle without her knowing. But alcohol was the best way he knew to take the edge off, to make things easier to fake. He had thought she might need a drink, and the way she promptly took a sip proved that in his mind.

"Of course not," he said smoothly. "But you know how this city works. Plan an innocent little New Year's Eve gathering; end up with a yeti. What with the lack of monkey-bats, I think you remain second only to me in party planning ability."

[seveninches]

Isabelle thinks that with a little more time and concentration she could have come first in party planning ability, but she's happy to take second for now. She knows it's not her best work ever, but given everything else and the time constraint, she thinks she's done okay. Besides, she doesn't think Billy would enjoy something huge as much as she hopes he enjoys this. He's a little like Alec, in that way.

"The night is young yet, but I'm holding out for no yeti." In Isabelle's experience the really crazy stuff seemed to happen at the big, city-wide parties, not in her little apartment. Still, she'd be lying if she said she didn't have a few weapons stashed around the place, just in case.

[high_warlock]

"No one likes a party pooper," he agreed. The yeti had been less violent than the bat things. He had looked like he had just woken up from a very, very long winter sleep, and Magnus couldn't blame him for being grumpy; he only blamed him for ruining the party and Magnus' private time with Alec.

"Speaking of birthday parties, however..." He turned to face Isabelle more fully. While he could rely on this Lightwood sibling to be more amenable to the idea of birthdays, Magnus worried this, too, might be made more difficult by the knowledge of Max's fate. "Do you have any thoughts about your own?"

[seveninches]

It's not that she forgot, exactly. She couldn't forget her own birthday, and she knows that it's coming up, it's just that it's hardly been priority one. It's still a couple of weeks away, so maybe she'll change her mind later, but for now Isabelle doesn't know if she's up for the kind of party Magnus probably has in mind. Throwing Billy a party is one thing; all she had to do was organise everyone and then fade into the background and let everyone lavish attention on her boyfriend. A party for her would be something else entirely.

Maybe it's exactly what she needs. Maybe the distraction would be good.

"I don't know," she tells him honestly. "I haven't thought about it." He knows why, she doesn't need to explain, and she certainly doesn't feel like opening that can of worms right now. She wants to say that a party seems wrong, somehow, but that would sound a little odd, given the current circumstances.

[high_warlock]

He had gone with the birthday question to avoid the obvious option of the how are you doing question. He didn't want her to feel cornered and forced to sidestep explaining that she was (probably, Magnus imagined) miserable but moving forward. But it appeared that her birthday wasn't quite the distraction that Magnus had thought it would be.

"You know I'm getting into the habit of planning quiet parties now?" he said lightly. "Like Alec's. My friend Eleanor has never had a birthday party and we're just going to have a movie night. Something more.. intimate. Relaxed. I feel some things need to be celebrated, but the form of it can be more private."

[seveninches]

A quiet party, oddly enough, sounds even worse. Isabelle knows it's exactly the kind of thing Alec prefers, but she knows the kind of people who would be there. People like Luke and Spencer who will look at her with pity and want to give her a hug or something. She's grateful for everything they've done for her and she knows they're trying their best to look after her and Alec both, but what she wants now is distraction. She's done her wallowing, and now she needs to take her mind off things before she starts to lose it.

"Actually," she says, worrying a red lip between her teeth for a moment. She knows she's being contradictory but she thinks that if ever there was a time it should be allowed, it's now. "Maybe a big party is exactly the thing." She can fade into the background at this party, and if Magnus throws a big enough bash she's sure she can fade there, too. Maybe it would be a party for her but there would be enough people that she's sure it would escalate, and then she would be both distracted and not the centre of attention. Magnus has a way of knowing exactly how to throw a party, and Isabelle trusts that if she gives him a general idea, he'll take it and run with it.

"Private will just be a whole lot of people looking at me with sad faces," she admits, her brows furrowing a little. She's been in enough misery the last few weeks, the last thing everyone needs is an entire party of misery.

[theyoungdetective]

Swinging to the party was probably not the most kosher idea, but he had to go with it after realizing that he was running late and even taking his bike there would run the risk of arriving the same time as Billy. Tim has zero excuses for his coming to Isabelle's apartment without spoiling the surprise. He barely knows her as is, with the longest of his interactions with her being masked.

He changes hastily on the rooftop and, after a quick double check to make sure he has the right one, slides down to the window to knock.

"Sorry for the unconventional entrance, but I think I saw Naga on the way here. I didn't want to come in at the same time."

[seveninches]

The lights are off and Isabelle is crouched behind the couch, waiting patiently for Billy. People are in hiding all over her tiny apartment and this had been her idea, but it has put her a little bit on edge. The quiet gives her too much time to think, too much time to risk lapsing back into her own head, and she's trying desperately to focus on the door, to focus on the surprise.

And then someone knocks at the window and Isabelle's head whips around, startled. Billy could be coming up the stairs any minute, so she quickly twists the latch and opens it to let Tim inside, hurrying him. He looks different without the mask, she thinks, but that would make sense, she supposes.

"Shh!" she hisses at him, dragging him down behind the couch next to her once he's inside the window. "He'll be here any minute."

[theyoungdetective]

"Oof!"

He didn't really anticipate getting pulled down like that and has to make an effort to not just crash like an idiot. Thank god he did it with little extra sound. Everything went properly quiet inside, and with little effort, Billy's feet could be heard making it's way to the door. Just a moment later, the door was opened and they were all jumping up and screaming "Happy birthday!"

Was it just Tim, or did Billy look like he was getting ready for a fight right before that? And when did Billy start saying "shite?"

Still, they're all able to laugh it off and it's worth it to see his friend happy. After properly greeting Billy, he finds the time to excuse himself to the bathroom and tidies up in a more party-appropriate shirt, suit stashed in the backpack he swung over with.

Eventually, he finds his way back over to Isabelle with a drink in hand.

"You did a good job. No help from Magnus?" He nods to the decor and drinks. It's stylish, but seems distinct from the magician's tastes. But if Magnus did help, he'll probably make the drink in his hand the only one he has.

[seveninches]

The party seems to be going well, which is good because Isabelle doesn't have the energy for it not to. Throwing this party took just about everything she had, and if anything tries to derail it now she might lose it. But this is Billy's day and nobody needs to know that she's holding on by a thread; she gets herself a drink, paints her smile bright and makes sure everybody is fed and with a drink in hand.

By the time Tim finds her again she's taking a small breather, leaning against the wall and watching Billy. He seems to be having a good time, and she's glad that all of his friends have turned out to wish him well.

"Oh please," she answers with a scoff. "I don't need help from Magnus to plan a party." Magnus has been planning parties since long before she was born but that's not the point. Isabelle is a master at this in her own right, even without the help of magic.

[theyoungdetective]

"I'm just checking," Tim clarifies, taking another sip of his drink.

"You have really good taste. And it's a nice contrast from how I saw him spending his birthday last year. You're an awesome girlfriend, you know?"

He looks at the rest of the party. It isn't big, but knowing Billy, it was perfect. His heart aches a bit, thinking of another surprise birthday party like this, spent at home with a small group of close friends and relatives. Home has been more on his mind lately. A testiment to how lonely he's felt in Darrow, in spite of the good friends he's made.

Tim pushes the memories and feelings aside, downing the rest of his drink.

"So, how exactly did you two meet? Billy never told me."

[seveninches]

Isabelle doesn't know how Billy spent his birthday last year, but from the surprise on his face at this little party, it can't have been much at all. He deserves more than that, so Isabelle had been determined to do something, even if a party wasn't really what she wanted right now. Today isn't about her, it's about Billy, and she's determined that he have a good time.

He asks how they met, and Isabelle smiles despite herself. "He fell off a fire escape," she says, a smirk on her lips. Sometimes she can't believe that that's where they started all of this; with Billy falling off a fire escape and Isabelle pointing a knife at him.

"It was the day I first got here, and he was trying to show off. I threatened him with a knife, the rest is history I guess." It had been a long while before she entertained the idea of a relationship with him, though. He'd been dating someone else, back then, and mostly she'd liked flirting with him just to see him blush. Things are different now though, except she can't put her finger on when exactly the shift happened.

[theyoungdetective]

Tim laughs outright. Billy absolutely has a type.

"That sounds like him. And that's totally a meet-cute, by the way. When I met the girl I had the longest relationship with back home, she smacked me in the face with a brick. Stuff like that makes me think that maybe a bad first meeting is actually a sign of good things to come in a relationship."

[seveninches]

She doesn't think it had necessarily been a bad first meeting, though she can see why he'd think so from what she's told him so far. But she'd enjoyed messing with Billy that first day, until he caught on to who she was and took her to Alec. That alone had proved he was someone worth trusting.

"That sounds painful," Isabelle says with a grimace. A brick is hardly an elegant weapon but she supposes that whatever is on hand would do the job. There's clearly a story there though, but she wonders if he wants to talk about it. If he's talking about back home, there's a good chance that girl isn't here.

She thinks of her own back home, about how as far as her confused memories are concerned, she'd fallen in love with Simon. She thinks about their first meeting, the way he'd forced himself to eat her cooking just to impress her. It hadn't been a bad first meeting for her, but it probably was for him. Still, thinking about Simon sends her head in circles these days, so she shakes it off.

"I'll make sure to tell Billy he needs to forgive me for the knife thing, then." She's pretty sure Billy forgave her a long time ago, in actual fact, but they've never really brought it up again.