"You always depressed on your birthday?"

Despite being the weekend there was no shortage of things to do. Agoti performed his first comeback show after teasing it since his 'freedom'. That occurred on Friday. From what you heard it was a raucous success, Agoti then, enlisting Tabi on Saturday to come help fix it up. Skilled as a stage hand and pyrotechnic apparently his expertise was required.

With him swamped until Monday, Solazar called off all meetings. He wasn't happy Annie joined without his consultation and didn't wish for the same thing to happen with Whitty. The next meeting would be Monday, he decided.

With the team effectively on 'hold' for the next 48 hours there should have been shouldn't have been much to do during the day.

At least, that's what you had hoped. Rosie had ended up recruiting you and your 'law expertise' as she worked out various legalities about her gang and seeing if you could pull any strings, get some of her crew released. You did what you could, not caring much for the fallout. The cops already didn't like you.

Tabi left in the morning hurrying. Whatever Agoti said to him got him energetic. You didn't have time to ask if he would want to go to Agoti's show Sunday, tomorrow night.

For now the team’s only mission was to recruit Whitty tonight, which you had been informed, went well...sort of. The fallout was a larger than you expected, everyone giving you different versions and other getting heated about the outcome. A flurry of texts came in that night, your phone constantly ringing off.

As Whitty and Carol joined, Solazar was understandably unhappy. He demanded nobody recruit anyone till Monday.

Tess texted you that same night that she wished to have Updike and Whitty meet some of the teammates though planned to do it unofficially on Sunday. Not a meeting but a "let's have Updike and Whitty meet again to see make sure they don't kill each other." Based on her recap of the first meeting you agreed it was probably necessary. Your schedule was open and best case you could meet him earlier.

Tabi also texted you late that night that he would be in even later, though when he arrived just after dinner time he practically collapsed on the couch.

Nothing further occurred except Udpike texting you a flurry of messages about Whitty. A combination of venting, complaints and general misery. Quite a few threats too, levelled against everyone in the party. But despite the texts he backed off, eventually sending one last message to ignore all previous texts. Abott texted you too, somehow obtaining your number. He also added to disregard Updike's messages, that the weatherman was just grumpy.

You send a message to Updike that if he really had an objection to Whitty joining you'd hear him out. Even adding reference that Tabi opposed Agoti joining and that he was ultimately proven right, since Agoti got arrested. He just replied back to forget it and a thanks.

'Perhaps I have gone a little overboard.' He finally responded.

Come Sunday morning the mood of the house was peaceful. With June just round the corner the weather had finally heated up.

You no longer needed two blankets and seeing the sunlight through the blinds didn't make you shiver. Taking in the lazy Sunday morning you allow yourself to sleep in, your phone complying too as nobody messaged.

Tabi was dead tired last night so you allowed him rest. Come mid-morning and not a peep from his room you start to get curious. You really wanted to ask him out tonight though you couldn't with him still slumbering away.

By 10:21AM you give a knock at his door, just to make sure.

"Mhm." He mumbles from within.

"You alive in there?"

"Come in." He said quietly.

You enter, looking around the room. It had always been a spare, originally set up to be a 'media room', though that plan never came to fruition. At most, the TV had been obtained, a few game consoles hooked up to it as well. Said TV was powered off.

Despite it's disuse, Tabi added some of his own flare. After the home invasion he had kept the pile of boxes, making a makeshift wall with them, both blocking the window and providing cover should he ever need to hide anything.

A punching bag hung from the ceiling in the corner as well.

He kept some weapons strewn about where he would clean and ensure operability. One handgun in particular lay dissembled, parts neatly organized atop a now-stained towel.

Clothes you and he had purchased were present too, covering some of the boxes or lying neatly folded on the ground. You didn't question it but he didn't seem to use the closet much. But at least he wore the new clothes, even if they were nearly identical to his original getup.

Other than the weaponry the only thing he seemed to possess was a microphone and a notebook, both kept next to the TV. But aside from the guns and random crap around Tabi hadn't really made it his own. There was no need for speculation why as he straight up told you one evening. The reason being he refused to 'celebrate' until his goal was completed. You understood, but at least told him to cheer up. He took it in stride. That meant no decorations until the Family was beaten.

Tabi lay on the big couch, covered in a mustard-coloured blanket. Only his head and one arm was exposed holding his phone, hat his head. He looked to be asleep, the flames in his eyes burning faintly.

He also purchased a futon, though far as you could tell rarely ever used it, preferring the couch.

Your first instinct was that he had fallen ill.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." He said calmly.

He didn't sound sick. Just tired?

"Want breakfast or anything?"

"No." Though he held his phone in front of his face he looked directly at you. He wasn't distracted.

"Not sick are you?"

"I'm fine." Tabi said again, this time shifting in the couch, sitting up. "This day is always hard for me."

"I'm sorry. Did something happen?"

"I'd rather not discuss it. People go crazy when I do, make it their mission to 'fix' me." Tabi sighed. "Just leave me alone for a bit, okay?" He said sadly.

"Well, if you need anything lemme know." You nod and leave, closing the door behind you.

"Thank you."

You check your phone, it was May 30th. You wonder if this was the day he got 'transformed'. But that wouldn't explain why people would make it their 'mission to fix him'. You also recall Solazar mentioning that it would be a challenge to get Tabi out today. At the time you thought he was joking but he must have meant it. He knew what happened. Thinking on it you couldn't recall Tabi mentioning any other traumatic events aside from his 'transfiguration'. Maybe something that happened back in Russia.

There could have been a whole investigation but you just go for the answer, asking Agoti what's wrong with Tabi.

yea its his birthday lol

gets all depressed around when

just leave him

last year he just stayed in his 'tree' the whole day moping

That would explain his sombre state.

hes a hardass

hell be back to normal tomorrow

but if you can get him out today lemme know

That would explain why he was so mopey. You thank Agoti and look over your options. Your 'cop-instinct' kicks in, seeing many different possibilities fly by. You know you could force him, that since he's staying in your house he should at least cheer up but no. That would be a dick move and horribly uncharacteristic. Could try to help him, tell him to look up, etc, but that would be falling right into his prediction 'they all try to fix me'. And asking if he would want to go to Agoti's concert would be out too. The answer would be a resounding no.

The option of just leaving him occurred. Maybe he would come to his senses later and become normal. Then you could ask them. That was a gamble though, and Tabi was a stubborn guy.

There had to be another option. A wicked smile forms as a possibly malicious, but extremely childish idea takes shape. It was so stupid it just might work. Digging into your closet you look for something from your police days.

"Here we are."

An old 'Happy Birthday' card you'd planned to give to an officer once upon a time. A cartoony design of some yellow alien, green ray-gun in one hand, other holding a branch, the words 'hang in there, you made it another year!' in bubbly font atop it. The alien wore a party hat and a noisemaker in his mouth.

You write a simple message, asking Tabi if he wants to go to Agoti's concert tonight and a 'Happy Birthday!'. Taking the card you put it in an envelope and slide it under Tabi's door, taking a seat on the couch after.

Turning on the TV it defaults to some Mobian station. Though S didn't live here anymore his influence was still felt. He changed all the default channels to various events on Mobius.

It takes some time but Tabi comes out, yourself turning to see him exit. Like a robe, he had the blanket wrapped around him.

"The hell is this?" He asks, showing off the card. He looked more flabbergasted than anything. He tried to sound serious, but his confused look betrayed him.

"You wanna go?"

Tabi sighed. "Move over." Still wrapped in his 'robe', he took a seat next to you.

"Fine. I owe that knucklehead anyways."

"You-"

Tabi turned to you suddenly, glaring. "But no surprise party or I swear I will gut you. No tricks either."

You nod. "I'll make sure nothing happens. How are you feeling anyways?"

Tabi leans back, letting the blanket expose his upper half. He wore a white undershirt. "Back's sore. Had to fix all sorts of crap. I dunno why he didn't ask me sooner."

"Want a massage? It's the least I can do."

"Hrm. Fine. But no surprises there either." He said sternly. "I'm not in a mood for playing."

"Acknowledged. Here. Sit in front of the TV."

Tabi got up and took a seat in front, sitting down on the footrest, exposing his back to you. Grabbing the remote he changed the channel.

He always wore a hoodie, very rarely leaving his arms exposed. It was a by-product of his attitude towards his appearance. Even leaving his room without his hoodie was rare. Slowly but surely he started getting more comfortable with it all.

The first time he did appear that way it surprised you. He was well toned, a year of arbory having been kind to his muscles. It contrasted strongly with his lanky appearance, though a result of his translucent skin.

And since the home invasion he had taken to joining you in your exercises, believing himself incapable after that devil got the drop.

Looking at his exposed shoulders neck you could see his mist-coloured translucent skin. Their visibility was tied to some factor in him, though you hadn't figured out which. Sometimes they appeared fully visible, even blocking out the bone while other times they just looked like a hologram, the outlines of the muscles the only piece visible.

Tabi himself didn't know what caused it, not even realizing it till you pointed it out. He got irate the first time you noticed, though quickly backed off, realizing his outburst embarrassing. His eyes burning pink you couldn't help but tease him.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Currently, it was somewhere in the middle, the outlines of the muscles and curvature visible, though not much in the way of skin. As always, his nougat-coloured bones were visible through the appendage.

"You gonna start or keep oggling?" Tabi muttered.

"You got a problem with me looking?" You ask jokingly.

"Hrm. Be gentle."

"You got it." Starting with the left arm and shoulder you press both hands into the top, squishing the skin together. It was here the muscles felt stronger, finding more resistance at your prodding. Warm to the touch it betrayed his often cold and distant attitude.

As you need, you notice Tabi bouncing his leg slowly. Anxiety. Wanting him to get more comfortable you continue talking. Or rather, he does.

"Agoti didn't put you up to this did he?" He asked.

"Bro come on. You know me...but I did text him earlier asking why you were so depressed."

Slowly, Tabi drops his shoulders, the tense feel in his shoulders weakening.

"And well...I did tell him I'd try to come out to his concert tonight."

The tenseness returned, Tabi looking back at you sceptically. You raise your hands in defence. "That was before I knew it was your birthday! Honest!" You say.

Tabi turned back, grunting something in disapproval.

"You said you owe him anyways." You say as you press hard into the left shoulder, getting ready to move onto the right one. "Wait, why do you? Haven't you literally been helping him?"

"I have." Tabi paused as he adjusted, sitting up straight. "I kinda caused it though." He added sheepishly. "Took some tools he needed weeks back."

"It's still his fault though. Shoulda told me earlier." He added.

Gripping using the top 4 fingers, you use your thumb to press into the back, making circles as you worked on both shoulders simultaneously. "Plus!" Tabi said but stopped, a moan escaping his lips. "Ahem. I, uh, told I'd come to."

Finishing up with his shoulders you start to work on his arms, left first. You give it a few squeezes, focusing directly on the parts that felt the tensest.

"You always depressed on your birthday?"

"Yes."

"It's, um, nothing traumatic right?"

"No. It's just today is my day off from the world."

"Isn't everyday-"

"Be quiet."

You shrug. You take your time to complete both arms, Tabi grunting in satisfaction. He feels his arms, noting how good they felt now.

Next was the lower and central back. Dealing with that was easier, pushing through the shirt. You start to get worried about going too low and make too lewd. You continue the conversation, hoping Tabi doesn't find it awkward either.

"Anything you want for your birthday?"

"I want that family destroyed."

"Well that'll happen soon enough. Just got our last member."

"Oh yeah, that bomb guy. That Family does not like him."

"Yep. Updike's already texted me. He isn't happy."

"Well he's gotta suck it up. Yelp!" Tabi squeaked as you hit the bottom centre of his back, tensing up and nearly falling off the footrest. "What the hell?!" He shouted, getting up.

"You're sensitive there?"

"Y-yes! Give me a warning next time." He adjusted himself, tugging the undershirt down lower. Just as quickly as that happened, he continued on, looking down so as to hide his embarrassment.

You took extra care around the area though the temptation of doing so again was great.

"I've met Whitty before. He fought that girl and her boyfriend before."

"You have?"

"I watched them. Nearly blew himself up, only stopped 'cause his girlfriend...he reminds me of myself."

"Cold and ruthless?" You ask as a joke.

"Scared and on the run." Tabi said solemnly, sucking the humour of the joke right out. You could hear him grinning.

You hit his bottom back with both thumbs, doing circles in it. He flinches, toppling over. "You bastard!"

"Whoops, my bad." You say with a grin. "Feelin' better at least?"

"Very. You sure you aren't a masseuse?"

You shrug.

"I mean seriously. You got talent." He says, smile wide on his face. He embraces you, giving you a tight hug. Hugging back, the hugs turn to a kiss, you and Tabi getting lost in an exchange of love, the exact actions left to the reader's imagination. There were no more reservations about love. After holding together for what seemed like eternity he lets go.

"Good kisser too." He adds sheepishly.

You get up, stretching yourself. "Wanna go anywhere for lunch?"

"Mrhm. I don't know." Tabi got up and dropped the makeshift robe. He wore his regular blue jeans under them. "I don't like being seen, especially toda-"

"Rosie's?"

"Fine. Been meaning to ask her how my deserts went."

"Desserts?"

"I told her to put a bunch of Russian desserts on the menu."

"Huh, cool. We'll go in a bit then."

A 'bit' turns into a full hour when you and Tabi finally make it to Rosie's. Informing Agoti about you and Tabi's attendance tonight and he responded ecstatically. He immediately started to rattle off various things he planned to do to Tabi, almost all of which he indicated were surprises. You advise him to stop and even tell Tabi but, instead of cussing Agoti out, Tabi texted Solazar who swiftly put an end to those mischievous plans.

All you knew now was that Solazar intended to order food and have a small event in the dressing rooms but nothing further. Tabi agreed on it, noting Solazar wouldn't pull tricks like Agoti.

Making it to Rosie's was no problem. She apparently had been expecting you to work today, a little peeved you never showed up. Much to Tabi's annoyance you revealed his birthday, using it as a trump card to get out of work. Rosie, upon hearing that changed her tone, almost ready to get Tabi his own chorus of fairies singing praise.

Instead, Tabi elected to just have a quiet lunch in the meeting room. Nothing too dense, you and him just snacking on a variety of small savoury pastries and sausage rolls, all British style apparently, Rosie occasionally coming by. She took immediate note of Tabi's 'quietness' and backed off. The fairies did so as well, the tree in the corner lighting up.

He also wasn't happy to hear that his Russian-desert idea didn't do so well with customers. And upon hearing the people who enjoyed them the most were Boyfriend and Girlfriend he shot her a deadly glare.

Tess and Kapi were around though busy in their own work. Tess was surprised to see you, wondering if you were coming to her 'meeting' today. Tess explained that she wished to have Whitty and Updike meet again to hash out their differences. As curious as it would you felt Tabi was you top priority. You decline, though encouraged Tess to go for it.

Concluding the meal Rosie returned, a mischievous look on her face. "You know what Tab? I'm gonna treat you. I want you two to come with me on an errand."

"What kind?" Tabi asked.

"The fun kind."

"I'll pass."

"Uh-uh. Nope. You're coming, even if I have to hold you at gunpoint. Trust me. You'll like this."

Tabi looked to you. "He really doesn't like surprises." You respond. "You can't say?"

"Look. It's not some surprise thing, not some clown, not some kid's crap I got planned. I'm off to go collect some 'ingredients' for the bakery. If you don't like I could have the fairies sing to you. They've pretty much venerated you anyways."

"W-What?"

"Well for what you did for Pompom the fairies have recognized you as a saint! Saint Tabi! Defender of Children! Oh, they'd love to sing you songs of praise. Even give you a grass crown!"

"Let's go." Tabi said, getting up.

"Good! It's my treat."

In a blur you and Tabi were whisked away, one of Rosie's belladonnas driving the three of you. You asked what exactly Rosie had planned but she wouldn't specify. All she did was warn 'you'll know what this is, but if you tell anyone of it you'll have to deal with not only my 'Donnas but the fury of this guy too'. She was dead serious. The only other piece of info she gave out was that her supplier looked a bit like Tabi. It only raised more questions. Tabi stayed uneasy, already preparing to be disappointed by some surprise.

"Pull over here." Rosie remarked as the car pulled to a stop. "We won't be long." She said.

Looking out, she had pulled next to some building, a massive park and plaza next to it. Tabi ducked instinctively seeing the immense foot traffic in the area.

"Come on you two. This is it." Rosie was already half out the car.

"We gotta get out here?" Tabi asked.

"Well yeah. They don't do delivery." Seeing him not budging Rosie commented. "Oh don't be such a big baby. You're gonna like this."

Tabi grumbled.

"Please. You're not even the weirdest guy out here. Get a grip." She spat.

You and Tabi get out, Tabi dawning his hood and hat.

"He should be around here." Rosie said, jaywalking across to the park.

Tabi grumbled again. "Why are we even here?" He asked. You just shrug.

The park was an extremely hip area, plenty of office workers wandering around, taking in the fresh summer air. With the middle of the lunch break in full swing the area was packed with people. It served to make Tabi worried, not cause of his appearance but because the Family could be lurking anywhere.

He stuck extremely close to you, arm interlocked with yours. It would have been a cute gesture but he did it out of anxiety than any loving reason. His other hand was in his hoodie and though hidden you knew he was gripping his combat knife.

A fountain stood in the centre of the park depicting some statue of the founders of the city. Rosie went right past, going to the fence that separated the river and streams, dividing the park in half.

Rosie stopped and whispered to you. "Just in case you two somehow know him he's going by 'Ness' now. Don't ask why."

You nod, no idea who she referred to.

Next to the fence stood a hot dog cart, a strange individual manning it. He had a wide grin on his face, and as you approached you could see he wasn't human, or at least, not anymore.

Rosie made a b-line for him. "You two want a hot dog?" She asked.

"No. I just ate."

"I'm good too."

"Well I could go for one." Rosie said.

It was a small hot dog stand, a sloppily painted board on front displaying prices and options. The stand had no name, and nobody looked to really be paying attention to it. The most peculiar part was the person staffing it. Rosie's earlier words echoed 'he looks like Tabi', and you saw the resemblance.

Standing at the hot dog stand stood a man about the same height as Tabi but wider. He wore a light blue hoodie, hood down and track shorts, a white streak cutting down them. He wore pink slippers though that was barely strange in comparison to his appearance. He was a skeleton, clearly living, white flame in his eyes. One was tinted a light blue. Had you not known Tabi's origins you would have instantly thought he was the same species.

His head was even animated, the skull moving as he spoke. The man had a blue glint in his eye that flashed when you three approached.

"Why is if it isn't my second favourite customer!" He said with a deep voice, his speech rattling as he spoke.

"Second favourite?"

"Well, I haven't seen you in a bit. Can't keep being number one if you never come by!"

"You're always welcome at my bakery you know."

"Well, I'm a busy cat. Haven't had much time to sink my 'paws' into your bakery lately." He also seemed to be quite a jokester.

Tabi looked at the skeleton incredulously. He removed his hood, completely shocked by the existence of this skeleton man.

"And who are your friends?" He asked, noticing you and Tabi.

"Just some perspective customers."

"Why aren't you a good looking one." He said to Tabi. "Remind me of a bit of my gasters."

"The hell are you?" Tabi asked.

"I'm a skeleton! That's about all you need to know. But...you do look familiar. You from the underground?"

"I have no idea what that is. I'm from Russia."

"Huh. Well you'd fit right in."

"...the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"Okay. Can we get back on track?" Rosie interrupted.

"Right! What'll it be?" He skeleton asked grandly.

"I'll have a Grillsbys Special. With extra ketchup."

"Certainly! Got a few of those left. All in storage though. You won't mind coming back to my stockroom right?"

Rosie nodded.

"Good." The skeleton pulled out a phone and texted someone. "My brother'll take over. Let's go." Though he spoke business the skeleton did not waver his smile.

He waved you three over and all followed him. Leaving the park he returned to where the Belladonna parked, going down the alley.

"What is this?" Tabi whispered to you and Rosie.

"You'll see. Just pick out whatever you want. My treat."

At the end of the alley, in the left building stood a door, barely visible in the dark alleyway. Swiftly the skeleton unlocked it, motioning you in.

Entering last he closed the door, the contents of the room not visible. With a flick of the light switch its contents were revealed.

"Wow." You commented as you looked around.

The room wasn't large but packed. Folding tables had been set up all over the previously empty room, cardboards boxes in corners where they didn't fit. Atop each of the makeshift tables and stalls were towels but atop those were what was most fascinating.

Guns. Lots and lots of guns, knives, grenades, weaponry of all sorts. Tabi's eyes glowed in awe. He had never seen this much weaponry in one place.

"First timers, eh?" The skeleton remarked. He had taken a seat at the end of the room looking at you and Tabi expectantly. "Well if you need any help lemme know." He pulled out a bottle of ketchup and took a few swigs of it.

"I'll be paying for him." Rosie said, pointing to Tabi.

"Not me?" You ask gingerly.

"Pfft. Not your birthday is it? Go ahead Tab. My treat."

"Замечательный..." Tabi muttered as he walked over to a table and started looking.

Looking around it occurred to you that this was Rosie's 'supplier'. Like solving an old mystery it all comes together. You recall during the old investigation you and the police never figured out who supplied Rosie's weaponry. You had people tale her but always just saw her get a hot dog.

Nobody knew the "gunrunner of Newgrounds City". The salesman being from the "Underground" made a lot of sense too. The few people you heard of from there were nothing but normal. Even the skeleton salesman, something else was off about him.

Course it didn't matter now, Rosie shooting you a mischievous grin as she picks up some knives to look at. You take stand at one of the tables, various 'police weaponry'.

"All serials are scratched off, don't worry. Only serials you need to worry about are the edible kind." The skeleton joked, taking a box of cereal out and eating cereal by the fistful.

Aside from various police issued handguns you also spot some rifles. The same ones SWAT used. The C8 Carbine, a semi-automatic assault rifle complete with scope. It was tempting, though you weren't sure if you needed that kind of firepower.

It was like looking the old police armoury. "How much is this one?" You ask regarding the Carbine.

"1300 square." The skeleton said.

Tabi was in paradise looking over the table. Much to his amazement one of tables stocked exclusive Russian weaponry. "невозможный" Tabi muttered in awe. There two guns that stood out.

"I-is this-"

"An RPK-47. Yep. Similar to an AKM and the true successor to the AK, though I can tell you're familiar with it as well."

"I can't believe this."

"I can't believe you aren't from the underground. You'd fit right in." The skeleton laughed.

"And this is a Nagant." Tabi said, picking up a revolver. A chestnut handle, it appeared very oldschool. "M1895. An antique."

"Huh, you know your guns." Rosie remarked.

"These were made by Nagant for the Empire. I-is it even functional?"

"They clean and test all weapons. All brand new."

"Heh. Better than new." The skeleton replied. "Rosie. Come take a look at this one."

Rosie nodded and went over.

You and Tabi continued to browse as they talked shop, Rosie even remarking "Man, I haven't been able to talk guns since my issue with Daddy. And since someone arrested my best friend!" She shot you a glare. You just shrug, unsure exactly who she was talking about.

In the end Tabi settled on those Russian guns plus a bunch of incendiary grenades. The skeleton even added a few pounds of white phosphorous, an apparent bonus when Rosie told the skeleton the plan.

Tabi left with a wide grin on his face, thanking Rosie profusely and spending the entire trip back talking about his love for Russian arms.

The mood carried over to the concert, the Andromeda's surprised at not only his actual appearance but his enthusiasm too. In an even rarer instance Tabi even agreed to make an appearance, rapping a song with Agoti, showing to his Agoti's fans that Tabi was in fact alive. It was an insane show, you and Aldryx having front row seats, watching awe at Tabi and Agoti's combined energy.

When the concert came to a close and the closing act took stage you, Tabi and the Andromedas found yourselves backstage, enjoying a pizza party Solazar had set up. There was no cake or anything just a simple XL pizza everyone ate. There were plenty of comments to you about getting Tabi and plenty more about Tabi actually showing up.

It was only a matter of time before the big operation and everything had come together. You were glad, if even for making new friends, but also a lover.

All you knew is that after everything was said and done Tabi had one last thing to say to you. You and he were alone. He gazed downcast, looking at the floor.

"No more celebrating." He said. "Not until we win. You got that?"

You agreed. "Absolutely. Let's crush them."

The next chapter will be called An Odd Assembly.