fun little detour

Standing on a bit of a dangerously rickety stool as he reached up with a banner in one paw and a tack in the other, the glowing (literally and figuratively) blue and green Xero, Ziggy, was just finishing up the decorations and set ups for the party. Some Xero's had shown up early, as well as some caterers and others who were helping setting up, and Ziggy was enthralled about it all. Three years! It felt like both so much longer and shorter than that.

He hopped off the stool and turned his head to scan the room with a bright expression, his ears leaning forward as he listened to the sparse chatter and excited gossip. It looked perfect, with green, blue, yellow, pink, and purple confetti covering every single surface that existed in the area, metallic tinsel hanging from the tops of doorways, triangle teal and green banners hung up along the top of every wall, and most importantly, balloons. Some floating and attached to strings, others chilling along the floor as Xeros and others hopped around them to avoid a popping incident.

From the hanging paper balls, to the matching ARC-themed food, even the balloon arch in the entryway that a few balloons had already popped on! This was a classic party, and Ziggy was endlessly thankful that they could make it happen.

But something was missing. It made Ziggy frown, tilting his head and placing a paw to his chin as he turned in a wide, slow circle around the room. Surely, everything was in order? But something seemed off, and it bugged him. He looked at the walls, listing off the decorations... The tinsel, the banners, the balloon letters spelling out Happy Birthday ARC!, the balloons. Everything looked fine there, huh. He wandered towards the food tables. Muffins, chips and dips, deviled eggs, sliders. Seemed fine there too!

Ziggy went to walk past, but stopped and went rigid mid step, turning to look towards the empty space on the table with wide eyes. The cupcakes! He'd forgotten the Ru Berry cupcakes, how could that happen?

The Xero began pacing next to the long table. He’d forgotten to pick them up! He couldn’t blame himself too much for it, but it was very unfortunate. Maybe if he went now, he could grab them and get back before the party began. That would have to work, there was no use panicking over it, Ziggy would just have to be quick.

After letting one of the other planners know where he was going, Ziggy quickly made his way out the door, narrowly avoiding stepping on a balloon resting on the floor, and lifting his arm to part the tinsel. Hopefully it wasn’t too late, and hopefully the cupcakes were done. Surely they’d still have the cupcakes, right? He’d better not dwell on it, besides, the party would be fine even without the cupcakes!

The Xero made his way to the address he hoped he’d remembered correctly, nearly walking past it before tugging himself back and approaching the door with a quick, clear knock. As the baker opened the door after a moment, Ziggy exclaimed a small ‘hello!’ before beginning his reason for being there.

A simple explanation, just explaining that the party had almost started but that he had completely forgotten about the main dish! How silly of him. He chuckled at himself in a bit of embarrassment once realizing how simple of an issue it was.

“Oh that’s okay! I was wondering if you were going to pick them up, I’m glad you remembered.” The baker was rather friendly. “Let me go grab them real quick.” And with that they disappeared into their house, leaving Ziggy to wait with a short exhale of relief. He might be a little late, but that’s okay. The baker’s friendly demeanor and understanding about it made him feel better about the silly little situation.

It wasn’t very long later Ziggy was rushing back to the party, huffing through his brisk jog and keeping good hold of the cupcake container. What a fun little detour!

Quickly he made it back, brushing his way past the tinsel and lifting the container above his head in triumph. Multiple of the guests who had already arrived and the other helpers gave cheers as Ziggy made his way towards the food table–

POP!

Making some Xeros shriek or startle, Ziggy nearly tripped over as he accidentally stepped right on a floor balloon, popping it with a loud sound and a sharp inhale himself. His main focus was making sure he didn’t drop the cupcakes, but he gave a little ‘sorry!’ to those around, earning some giggles as he set the cupcakes on the table.

Then he sat back. The party had begun and most had arrived by now, everyone seemed to be having a good time and Ziggy felt very accomplished for being able to get the main dish before missing the entire party. It would be a good night, and it’s been a helluva few years. Project Xero is amazing in every way and he was so glad to be a part of it.

Thank you ARC for making it happen.