It was a few days to the end of the month and Stevie had already picked out what she was wearing to the party. She had even decided down to the earrings. Stevie was the complete definition of prepared.
She walked out of her house and down the path, stopping at Moone's door and knocking softly. "Moone!"
"Hmm?" The Ethereal opened the door and poked her head out. "Hey, Stevie."
"Are you excited for the party?" Stevie asked.
"Not really." Moone sighed, and Stevie tilted her head. "Why not?"
"I told you, I'm not a party person." Moone opened the door fully and stepped into view. "Plus, I haven't even decided on what snacks I'm going to bring. I'm just useless, yknow?"
"You are not!" Stevie insisted. "Do not ever say that about yourself!"
Moone shrugged and looked away.
"Cmon, let's take a walk." Stevie smiled. "I think you're worrying way too much about this. Tafor won't be mad about a few snacks going missing, Stormy already gave him something."
"Really?" Moone visibly relaxed. "That's great. And you know what...I think I'll take you up on the walk."
"Let's go to the forest!" Stevie gasped. "We haven't been there in forever!"
"We haven't." Moone nodded. "Alright, let's go."

++++

Stevie walked confidently through the forest, dappled sunlight falling on the path ahead of her. "Hey, do you think you're worried because you don't know what to expect?"
"Maybe." Moone shrugged. "Probably."
"I can drop some hints." Stevie smiled. "There's definitely going to be a foodbar. And a regular bar. And party games. And we're debating having a dancefloor."
"How are you gonna get a dance floor?" Moone laughed.
"We'll find a way." Stevie grinned. She and Tafor had agreed on having the dancefloor outside and Ithos had agreed to help them, but she wanted to keep at least some of the party as a surprise.
"What else?" Moone asked, blinking.
Stevie happily explained the party to Moone, feeling a sense of pride as she told Moone about how she'd planned the party. She really, really wanted Moone to enjoy it.
"Maybe it will be fun." Moone hummed.
"It will!" Stevie said, puffing out her chest. "I know it will! You'll have so much fun!"
"I hope so, Stevie." Moone blinked. "You know best."
"I know I do!" Stevie said, laughing. "But say it again, one more time."
Moone siged and rolled her eyes playfully. "You know best, Stevie."
Stevie practically glowed with happiness. "Calmed down any more?"
"A bit." Moone said, and Stevie looked over at her. Her gaze was focused ahead and she wlked easily, and a stray thought came to Stevie. How did Moone walk so easily, after all that had happened to her? Was her easygoing nature forced? The thoughts only steeled Stevie's determination. She had to make sure Moone had fun at the party, it was only right! Moone had been through a lot, she deserved some fun.
"I think I know what snack to bring!" Moone said suddenly.
"What?" Stevie asked, eyes wide.
"Moss!" Moone grinned, laughing. Stevie pouted and shoved her gently. "Hey!"
"What? You'd definitely eat it." Moone chuckled.
"That was one time!" Stevie laughed.
"Yesss," Moone said, "But it was one time that I will never ever forget. You are never living that down."
"Sounds about right." Stevie sighed, faking defeat. "My life is over."
"You're so dramatic!" Moone laughed. "Are you having fun planning the party?"
"Loads!" Stevie nodded. "You have no idea what you're missing out on."
"I think I'm good, but thank you." Moone smiled.
"Alright." Stevie shrugged. "Your loss, not mine."