#᛭ — [IC] raven wings guiding the wolves [EARL]

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@moonsmourning said: 'not  just  a  scratch' ( horo & earl ) *yes she might not be on the roster but she is always here for her big brother ok

send ' not just a scratch ' for your muse to catch my muse patching a wound in secret

It isn't often these days that Earl gets hurt. He's never gotten very many injuries even before his lost leg - back in the days when he was as reckless and strong as Zoya and Horo. But even after, he wasn't one to cower in the back. He was just wise enough to know what to avoid. Injuries are inevitable sooner or later though. He was just lucky to wear such dark layers no one had noticed. ( Luckier still that it hadn't been a mania infused weapon. )

He slips away from everyone else and makes his way to his office in the Legion quarters, refusing to let his grim expression change. It's only in the safety of privacy that he finally hisses in pain while he tosses his jacket to the side and peels off his gloves. The smell of blood fills the room and he subtly flinches when his fingers find the two stab wounds at his side. Shallow but painful. Earl rather regrets having that person explode rather than torture. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is getting patched up and all of this hidden with no one the wiser.

Fate, however, seems to have other plans. Earl has only BARELY started to wipe away the blood on his abdomen when he looks up to meet Horo's eyes as she steps into the office. There's no hiding this now, and he can't play it off as just a scratch even if he wants to. ( Wants to, not because she can't handle it, but he doesn't want her worrying or wondering how long he'd been injured pretending he wasn't in front of everyone. ) It's not that bad. He can already hear her yelling if he tried to say something like that. So he doesn't.

" I thought you were celebrating with the others? " Earl finally says and altogether ignores verbally acknowledging that he is injured. He drops his gaze from hers first, a rare instance of the old fox backing down first. He needs to look at the wound and staring at her isn't going to help. He's always hated her seeing him weak, from the smallest to the biggest things. It's not because of anything on her side; he knows she's strong and capable. It's all on him, an inability to give himself permission to be weak or falter regardless of the situation.

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   Guilt and sorrow weigh on Earl’s shoulder’s with the same weight of the Earth upon Atlas’s shoulders. Has he done so poorly to make Horo think he wants to be away from her? Does she think he resents her? He never could no matter how tired or frustrated he might be – never once has he ever resented her or having to be the one to try to raise her. Not through her tantrums when she was little or cries for parents. He only regrets he could not do more. He’s a man who knows exactly what he wants to say and how to say it; he feels hopelessly lost in this moment as he scavenges for words to erase such thoughts from Horo’s mind. It’s not her fault, she’s done nothing wrong. How could he fuck up so bad that she thinks he WANTS to leave her here? 

  Earl lifts is head when he hears her frantic movement, a surge of panic flaring in his own chest. If she runs away, he won’t be able to catch her other than eventually finding where in the MBCC she might go to. But she doesn’t run away. Instead he feels her weight against his back, her arms wrapping around him as best as they can. When was the last time she’d hugged him before all this? It doesn’t matter because she is, here and now. 

   His throat bobs as he tries to swallow the lump in his throat. Feeling her tears and hearing her sobs feels like hundreds of knives being plunged into his heart. He hates being the reason she cries. “ Horo. Horo, come here. “  His voice shakes and wavers with emotion as he moves, coaxing her from clinging to his back so he can pull her against his chest and hug her in kind. He wants to speak but the words get caught in his throat, and the unshaking pillar that is Legion’s advisor trembles as he presses his face against her hair, a few tears falling down his own cheeks. And even now in the midst of his own tears he still tries to be the good older brother, a hand soothing through her hair with gentleness seldom seen by others. 

   “ I don’t want to be away from you either. “ He whispers, eyes still squeezed shut. “ That’s the last thing I would ever want.” He listens though to what she has to say, the same way he always has. But he can't stifle the wounded noise in his throat as he clutches onto her just a bit tighter, his strong form trembling just slightly. " You think so? " His voice is rough, choked with emotion that even he can't suppress. " I'm sorry...Sorry Horo. " he rasps, face hidden though he doesn't elaborate what he's apologizing for as he falls quiet. "...I'm not very good as passing off things. I.... I am going to need your help, Horo. " It is a rare admission said on shaky breath. " Just not yet. But I promise... I will need it. " 

the truth was, horo knows what she said isn't the truth. she knows earl wants nothing but the best for her, to protect her, to keep her bubbled as much as possible. but it's not what horo wants, and that's all she's been thinking about since finding out his big escape plan. she's not really considered what he's feeling, what he's sacrificing. because she's never really had to, he's always held himself together so well that it was rare she saw him make a mistake or mess up. that just wasn't like earl, not in recent years. but standing here, across from him now, she sees his facade easily shatter, and emotions that she never knew he felt surface onto his visage, her throat dries up.

guilt grips at her, it takes her breath away and feels as intense as a heart attack. he responds and she barely takes any of it in, far too focused on the look on his face as he breaks in front of her. at some point during his response, her eyes prickle with tears, and her lower lip begins to tremble. and the minute an apology is voiced, horo is rushing out from the table.

she moves easily around to his side within a few short seconds, small, yet strong arms wrapping around her brother from behind, engulfing him as much as she can considering their height difference and width difference. horo wasn't tall like earl, and while he wasn't particularly muscular, he was broader than her. her face buries into his neck, nose tickled by the same shade of hair she had. " i'm sorry! " it comes out as a panicked yell as her heart continues to constrict in her chest. it was painful, just as painful as seeing his face moments ago.

no sooner than later does she feel the tears she tried to keep tamed soak his hair, but it's not something she cares about. her hold on him is strong, but not too strong - she doesn't want to hurt him. " i didn't mean that! i just- i just don't want to be away from you. especially now, after this! " after he almost died, again. it's not something she thinks her little heart could handle. her lower lip continues to tremble, and she takes a moment to sob quietly before continuing. " you're the best big brother in the world, okay? mom and dad are so proud of you, i know it! and they probably agree with you, which pisses me off a little... but you've done great! i just don't understand why you can't let me help, earl... "

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@soulsballad said: bai yi: earl, if i asked you for an orange would you peel it for me first?

An eyebrow lifts inquisitively at the strange question. What sort of question is that? Not one he'd normally humor but there's little else to do at the moment. " That depends. If you ask for an orange without specification, no. I don't know what you want the orange for, so I wouldn't do anything to change its original state. Maybe you need orange zest for something. If you asked for a peeled orange, maybe. "

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A deep sigh leaves the exhausted advisor as Earl studies his prosthetic leg, brows furrowed in evident displeasure. " I'm going to need to replace some of these parts soon. " A tedious aspect, but not UNEXPECTED given how much action there'd been recently - even he had been in the heart of it. " That's going to be a pain. " Normally it wouldn't be that big of a deal, but with all the fighting it was going to be a lot harder to locate what he needed - and likely more expensive .

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@shackld said: ❛ working together again, it’s just like old times. ❜ - earl!

random assortment of sentence starters

" Does that mean I should expect for there to be a step in a future plan involving faking another kidnapping of you again, Chief? " Sarcasm lays heavily within the Legion's Advisor's voice. One real, one fake. At this point, Chief and being kidnapped were practically synonyms. " Kidnapping is not my particular choice of action, but you're going to cause quite the shift in my perception if you keep this up. "

He tilts his head to the side as if in thought, though the sharp gleam revealed he was far from actually pondering - it was dramatic pause and little more, like a parent being silent as they stare at a child awaiting punishment. It's a moment for Chief to understand what Horo has experienced under her brother's guidance. " Or maybe not. I hear just about anyone seems to be capable of kidnapping you these days. "

Granted, it had been DURING one such instance that Earl had been able to escape the MBCC before he could be shackled, making his way back to the ruins of Syndicate and helping to stabilize the Legion in Zoya's absence. He wasn't her, but he was a pillar that helped unite the remains an bring a more stable peace in the conflict zone.

His arms remain folded behind his back, careful to avoid touching her or being within distance of any sudden movement ; his usual grim expression rests on his face with only a faint trace of the suffering he's endured since the Black Ring incident. But there is a faint, if subtle upwards movement at the corner of his mouth as he regards her for a moment.

" You need to be careful, Chief. You have many people looking towards you, like those two who always follow you. And Horo. " His eyes lift to glance towards Hella and Hecate in the distance before dropping back to Chief. " You have my word ; Legion will back you in this plan as much as we can. "

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Che's poor mannerism was no surprise to Earl by this point, though that wasn't something that made him any more thrilled to interact with the other. Still, Legion and Whitestone Industries had a good relationship - he could deal with it.

" Fortunately for your sake and the sake of our business transactions, I've accounted for your usual delay when I set up the arranged meeting. " Earl answers, grim voice all seriousness and straight to the point. He was Legion's Advisor after all. If he didn't account for predictable matters like this, what use would he be?

" Hm? Did Bai Yi not inform you? " It's not a surprise, not really. Any jobs from Legion brought in big money. " No matter. I do, for you specifically. You're a skilled driver. Legion has need of that - we have a special delivery we need taken where most aren't thrilled to go. You will, of course, be compensated handsomely for it. "

Che waves a hand lazily to the man before him in greeting. In spite of his intimidating appearance, Che doesn't seem particularly bothered at all.

"Hey." he starts, casual as ever. Che isn't unfamiliar with Legion - there's no way he could be, but Whitestone Industries has a bit of a... reputation of sorts, so to speak. It's not exactly reliable - is the nicest way to put it - so that's why Che was surprised when Earl wanted to speak to him specifically. He doesn't know what it's about, but...

"Sorry I'm late. So? Got a job for me? Or is there some other reason you called?"

@deathfavor ( starter for earl! )

[deathfavor]

@soulsballad said: ❛ i know it’s winter, but you don’t have to act so cold! ❜ ( for earl, from horo! )

    Earl lets out a silent exhale as he stares at Horo’s sulking form while she clutches onto one of the stuffed animal toys. He’s tired after slaving away all day at the caravans, doing a job for three people to make enough money to support them. All he wants to do is lay down and sleep. But he still needs to cook them dinner, needs to make sure she falls asleep first, make her a lunch for tomorrow while he’s gone. He needs to make sure the trailer is ready for when the worst months of winter settle in. The list of things he needs to do is endless.

   But Horo doesn’t know that. Earl doesn’t want Horo to know how hard it is. He doesn’t want her to see how he works himself to the bone, he doesn’t want her to worry over money or supplies. He wants her to be able to be a child like the others, to laugh and play despite the loss of their parents. If she wants to soar, then he wants to make sure that happens for her – so she doesn’t end up stuck in the mud.

   “  Horo. “  Earl crouches down behind her, watching her shuffle away from him.  “  I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped like that. “  He apologizes, making no effort to force her to look at him. If she wants to, she will. If she doesn’t, he will still love her regardless. “ It was a rough day, but I shouldn’t have spoken like that to you. “

   He would be lying to say he wasn’t considering keeping a little treat a secret. But ultimately, his big brother instincts land by a landslide. ( And they always will, even years later. )

   “  How about we hang out after dinner, okay?  “  He suggests quietly, continuing to speak despite the lack of answer. He pulls out a wrapped chocolate bar, sliding it across the wood floor so she can see it.  “  We can start a fire and have smores. I’ll play some guitar for you? Does that sound good? “ He asks, waiting patiently.

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@shackld said: hey earl

meow meow purr bitch

' . . . '

SCRUFFS CHIEF.

[deathfavor]

@shackld said: earl would u still love me if i was a worm

" Don't get turned into a worm. As long as you manage that, you needn't concern yourself over my answer. "

[deathfavor]

" I don't doubt in that under ordinary circumstances. But I'm rather surprised you managed to remember that all while you were in such shape. Most likely would have forgotten everything after me coming to greet you. Even that might only be a few lucky ones. " Earl answers with a small shrug. Although that did leave the fact she'd knowingly said such comments in the air.

Eyebrows raise in subtle surprise at the questions tossed blatantly towards him. That was new, all things considered. " You could just ask rather than jumping straight to seducing. A date is different than simply wanting to get in bed you know . "

He expects it to be something of her humor. What he doesn't expect is for her to decide to start moving when she should be doing anything but that. It won't do any good to bother the staff when there's more important matters at hand for them. In another moment, it would have been appealing. In this? It's almost as painful to watch as it must be for her. " Bai Yi. " It's a stern warning in the face of her antics, concerned gaze switching to her bandages before returning to her face with a frown.

" You're going to hurt yourself doing that. You need to rest and take it easy. " He advises with a small sigh - the likelihood of that being followed doesn't appear to be very high. At least she's laying down now and dropped some of the posing. What a handful. Yet even in this matter, the sly fox is careful to keep the papers concealed to only him, even from the other Legion members. Nothing obvious, no one would realize he was doing it unless they were looking for it.

Her question is quite the shift from talk of appeal and dates. " Yes. I am Legion's Advisor after all, there are always things to be done. " Gathering information was a task that took care and time. " Someone has to keep an eye on everything. I'm sure there's plenty of talk you've heard. " He might not have the destructive reputation Zoya had, but he was far from unknown with his ruthless pursuit of tasks and ability to find out information. "...I do take breaks from time to time however. " He corrects upon further reflection. Sometimes he drank with other members or sat by the fire. " Why? Checking if talk is true? " He allows some ghost of a smile on his lips at that, but his focus is on her.

three hours. not bad. especially given the injury, bai yi knew for certain it was some type of mania bullet. she was incredibly lucky to have it removed before it started to raise her mania levels, even though hers were practically nonexistent. perhaps she was lucky it was her who got shot and not che or even k.k, because that would be a different story. but that's irrelevant now, now she's gazing over at earl with a smile, watching him flutter through different pages.

❝ of course i remember. i have an amazing memory, you know. ❞ grinning, the brunette continues to watch him, still feeling a little woozy and sore, but nowhere near as bad as she did when first coming to. now, she inhales deeply and exhales just as deeply, her grin widening. ❝ shall i attempt to seduce you, earl? do you think that will help my chances of scoring a date with you? ❞

without hesitation, bai yi begins to shift, despite the sharp pain she feels and the resistance of her body. awkwardly, and in the most unappealing manner, the sinner manages to roll onto her side, facing the man, propping her head up with one hand while the other moves to her hip, ( awkwardly at that, but she can't have it on her waist, that's too near her injury, ) while she gives a slight bend of one knee. her position, although perhaps attractive in any other situation, was anything but right now. especially given the ungodly noises she made whilst trying to get into it.

after a moment to catch her breath, she finally rests her gaze back on earl, shooting him a grin, followed by a wiggle of her brows. ❝ sexy, right? ❞ anything but, actually. and she knows this, hence her laugh of amusement once she finished speaking. the hand holding her head drops, as does her head. it rests against her arm as she continues to watch the legion member, secretly analysing him as he sieves through his paperwork. ❝ do you always work, earl? ❞

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@shackld said: "Earl! Uh, happy birthday!" Nobody would blame her at feeling a little uneasy at being around the man, he didn't exactly seem to like her all that much and well, Chief can't say she blames him but the whole 'bomb' situation did wonders for her opinion of him as well. Still, there was a part of her that wanted to gain his trust so… baby steps. "Zoya told me, but I didn't really know what to get you so-" She's quick to step into the room, having lingered awkwardly in the doorway, and slide the envelope towards him. "It's a card, it's got a dog on it." She didn't know why that was important to mention. "And also… a gift card to this lousy fast food place, um. I don't know, it's good - maybe you can take Horo." (i stand by that shes scared of him idec)

happy birthday earl

When the Chief approaches, Happy birthday is the last thing that even the ever-cunning fox expects. Mostly because HE certainly hasn't informed her of the day, but he doesn't think about it that much either. At least, not until Horo or Zoya or any of the other Legion members make it abundantly clear that he won't just be working on his birthday like he intends. Every year he tries, every year he fails. Still. Chief is unexpected even when it comes to today.

" ... Thank you, Chief. " It takes him a moment to thank her properly; he is nothing if not polite on matters like this. " Zoya told you? Now I know how everyone seems to keep finding out. " So that was where the leak in his personal information was. Even if it was only the day. Though, he can practically imagine her rolling her eyes and remarking that C'mon Earl, you need to loosen up! What's one day of celebration? because that WAS so very her.

He lifts a hand calmly. " Nothing is neces- " Still, before he can actually dismiss it, the chief has already produced an envelope and placed it on the desk. Its so...absurdly ordinary that he almost chuckles. Almost. Something like birthday cards even with all the violence and chaos. He ensures she isn't touching it before he reaches out to grasp the envelope and open it to see the card. Amusement gleams in his eyes at her apparent need to inform him of the fact it has a dog on it. " Symbolic? " He asks, though there's a hint of teasing in his voice rather than just the usual grim tone. Whether she catches it or not is of little matter he supposes. " It's a very nice dog. " Might as well humor it. A dog gifted to a fox, how funny. " I appreciate it, Chief. "

Earl glances at the gift card that slides out, grasping it between gloved fingers. Her discomfort is evident, but that's the lowest thing on his priorities. For all the tough, ruthless, and cunning energy that Earl gives off ( and indeed, is ), the mention of Horo immediately has his focus an interest. He always has a soft spot for her. No matter where they are or what has happened, he is always her big brother first and foremost.

" Can Horo come out to a lunch? " Earl asks, dark eyes focusing on the Chief with active interest now. That would be nice, a way to spend time and check on his little sister. " Thank you, again. This is more than I expected. "

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@shackld said: hey earl high five-

He doesn't even bother to actually look up at the chief from his papers, but he's very aware of where she is and pointedly takes a step away if she moves closer. " No. Go high five one of your sinners. "

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@shackld said: VIBRATES W/ CAFFEINE. "EARL I SEE SOUNDS. I HEAR COLORS."

A deep sigh leaves Earl as he stands motionless in the room, a stark contrast to the Chief who looked like she could rival a child let loose in a sugar factory. He's too old for this. " Uh huh. Where's your adjunct? "

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“ Not with absolute certainty, no.  “  Earl relents that point but only a fraction. “But I’ve been beside her long enough. You said you want to think that I know you enough by now? I have known her even longer than I’ve known you. If there is anyone I should understand, it should be her.  “  He lifts his chin slightly.  “  I don’t always agree with her, I think some things she does are absolutely reckless. But I know she does them, so I prepare for them. “

   His gaze turns away from the sky, though the distant look isn’t entirely gone as he refocuses on her.  “  Do you really take the commander as the type of person who would be happy if we mope around and bemoan what has happened? All of us, you included, carry scars with us. But we keep pushing on. If i have to grab you by the scruff of your neck like some misbehaving pup and drag you into the future, then I will.  “  Even if she yaps and snarls, it is the duty of those marching forward to ensure others don’t get left behind or fall prey to hidden traps. 

   As much as he’d like to say better for the Legion, it was true. They had their strongholds still, but they didn’t have the same numbers that they once had. No one did, and it was leaving a power vacuum. Earl folds his arms over his chest with a deep sigh. He loathed the idea that Horo was out of his reach - peace or not, Earl was not inclined to be overly friendly with the Chief. Their help was undeniable, but that didn’t mean Earl was going to trust them, or more accurately, the people around them.

    “  I’ve been trying to dig into it as I can. She’s seen something she shouldn’t have.  “  Earl answers, and it’s just another stressor. He was focused on Legion, keeping his feelers out for anything about Zoya, and needing to try to keep an eye on Horo. It was exhausting.  “  But I don’t know if she even fully understands what she’s seen or knows. Not the true depth of it.  “  

Mya was well-aware of the fact that Earl was right, speaking the truth in his blunt manner. Furthermore, Crimson She-Wolf was aware of the fact that she needed to hear that harsh truth, even if the sensation it left inside of her was akin to a sticky band aid being brutally ripped off. There was, however, still a part of her that sought to protest.

Back when she had been a frightened, powerless girl she had witnessed as circumstance had taken away everything she had known and loved. After having evaded Parma's merciless clutches, she had returned to the one singular place that had held a resemblance of home, of her own person, namely the wrecked place that had once been her mother's shop. What she didn't tell Earl was that the Legion had become the closest thing to family she had had in a very long time. To see it all ripped away from her again was something she was not willing to accept or deal with. And, yet, there was no other choice for her.

"We don't know what Zoya would want," the redhead finally spoke, turning away from the window to look at Earl, "Because she isn't here. We can only imagine and speculate." Another part of her wished she had not been right about the Inheritance, about anything at all. She wanted those silly moments back, she wanted to hear Zoya's thunderous laughter whenever it was that the Head of the Legion would have been in a good mood, she wanted to hear Horo vent her frustrations considering her height, she wanted all that back. It was a terrible thing, to be a vessel of memory for people and times that were gone.

An audible exhaling breath of hers emerged to fill the air between them. "Do we have any idea what exactly is the Public Security after?" Mya asked, "I mean, the Legion is in shambles, at best. And Horo has been taken into the custody of the Minos Bureau. Something doesn't feel right about this from where I'm standing." The redhead folded her arms across her chest. "We both know for a fact that the people running DisCity are the dirtiest bastards ever imaginable. Why are they after your sister, Earl?"

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@shackld said: Earl help when I close my eyes I can't see 😭😭😭😭

' . . . I'm calling a medic for you, chief. Seems you've taken too many blows to the head. '

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@furiaei said:' hey, Earl, ' Mya begins, taking a seat by his side, ' I know you're maybe not really the type to do this kind of thing, but, I guess celebrating the little things once in a while isn't all that terrible, right? ' she laughs, presenting the Advisor with a cup cake, on top of which there has been placed a singular candle. it may have been a joint effort, considering making anything that isn't a deadly weapon is... quite the feat, the least being said.

producing a lighter from her jacket's pocket, Mya sets the candle alight, briefly singing that "Happy Birthday!" song. ' you're supposed to blow the candle out and make a wish. ' a sigh does not delay to come forth from her lips. ' before you ask, yeah, I'm aware, from an intellectual point of view, that these things tend to seem unnecessary. it's just... well, it's nice to have a mini birthday party of sorts for a change. go ahead! make your wish! '

happy birthday earl

" Mya. " Earl greets the other in kind, sparing a brief moment to glance up from the documents he was looking over to give proper acknowledgement. At least, that had been the fox's sole intention. But a brief glance turns into a much longer one when he realizes that she's got something behind her back and starts talking.

" Let me guess, Zoya or Horo snitched? " He sighs, though it sounds more tiredly amused than genuinely irritated or frustrated. Earl rarely spilled personal information, even with something as simple as his birthday - although that was rather from lack of thought than conscious effort. It wasn't something he put a lot of focus on. " Or maybe Jer? " That old man was also a contender - all three of them worked hard every year to make sure Earl didn't spend the whole day working.

Earl lowers the papers as the cupcake is presented to him; and then he allows for a rare chuckle to leave his chest, deep and full. He's not sure anyone could have done it by themselves but at least it looks presentable. ( Taste might be another matter, but for the sake of the day, and for the people, he's willing to take a gamble. )

" Despite how many birthdays I've had, I don't think sitting through that song gets any less awkward. " It must be a special day to have Earl laugh a second time, only speaking once she's actually finished with the song. " Contrary to common belief, I am aware of that. Horo was always rather enthusiastic about that part. " Earl didn't bother with such things for himself, but he'd always put the effort in for Horo. Even as she got older and acted as though she wasn't waiting all day for it. " Seems your mental version of me has already given you a lecture. " It is entertaining. " A wish, huh? "

Wishes are pointless. Any other day, he might have said as much to Mya. But today he lets it slide - as much as birthday's were a celebration to the day themselves, he supposes it was also a day for others to celebrate both the person and the years of knowing them. God knows even here in Syndicate everyone could do with some cheer. Earl might be serious, but he wasn't going to take that fun from others. Besides the fact he's tried before in vain to treat his day like an ordinary birthday - Legion won't have that.

" Alright. " Wish in mind, Earl blows out the candle. The corners of his eyes crinkle with a smile. " And as I recall, traditionally cakes are split. It might be mini, but it serves the same purpose. So. I take half, you take half? " He offers.