A (very unexpected) birthday party

[future_sight]

[Action; Hikawa Shrine (backdated to 6/9)]

[ Eli had been cooking up something for quite some time now. It was hard not to notice, with much of her time outside of work taken up by "other important things," as the blond put it. Nozomi was smart, she had an idea of what it could be, but somehow in her own mind she came up with reason for that to not be the case.

Her birthday wasn't really that important. It was just another day, after all. She would probably work the shop, maybe pick up a cake for everyone to share with dinner. It would be somewhat business as normal.

But that morning, she was woken up with a kiss and directions to get dressed. They were going somewhere. The shop would be taken care of. Confused, she put on a new dress and went along with Eli's grand plan.

It became clear that she was being led to the Hikawa Shrine, but still somewhere in her mind she came up with reasons other than the obvious. Rei needed her for something, and called on Elichi instead. Was there some sort of event going on? Was Rei out maybe? That was the most common reason for her to help out. Rei's grandfather was getting up there in years, and while he would never admit it himself, there were times when he needed help as his granddaughter went traveling with Ami and Makoto.

Needless to say, she was none the wiser.

The shrine seemed relatively the same as it always did on the outside. The surprise was waiting inside. ]

Comments

What's a shrine party without a shrine maiden?

[faithfulflame]

[Rei had, of course, been present. And she'd never miss a friend's birthday party if she could help it. Nevermind that her own 18th birthday had gone unremarked, she preferred it that way. Nozomi though...she deserved a big party.

Which was why the birthday girl was going to get a big hug from behind. Surprise!]

Happy Birthday, Nozomi.

[future_sight]

[ Looking for Rei as people jumped out to wish her a happy birthday, she hardly expected an attack from behind. Feeling the fellow psychic type behind her, Nozomi grabbed her hands. ]

You guys didn't have to do this, you know.

[faithfulflame]

[Hands grabbed. No!!!]

Yes we did. It's your birthday.

[future_sight]

[ She laughs a bit. ]

My birthday's not that important.

[faithfulflame]

Nozomi, of course it is. How old are you now?

[So very important!]

[future_sight]

[ Is it really? ]

Ninteen. Why?

[faithfulflame]

Just wondering how many pinches I have to give, that's all.

[future_sight]

[ Noooo. ]

You wouldn't.

[ The look on her face said it all: She knew Rei would. ]

[faithfulflame]

[That smile sharpens.]

Wouldn't I?

[This is Rei with the people that matter, the not-quite family she's so lucky to have here in Ninetales Vale. Her grip tightens just a bit and overcome with a sudden wave of happiness, she squeezes the taller girl in close.]

When have I ever denied you your just desserts?

[future_sight]

I... hope you wouldn't.

[ What was this? A rare time when Nozomi backs down? She doesn't deal too well with teasing. ]

[faithfulflame]

What? Can't take the heat?

[Oh she got it! But have another hug anyway friend. someone's feeling affectionate.]

[future_sight]

[ Fire jokes, Rei? Really? ]

Not from a fire-type like you.

[faithfulflame]

[Really.]

No? Well I guess I'll just have to call Eri-chan, yes? She can chill you out.

[future_sight]

[ That's terrible and you should feel bad. That's what Nozomi's expression says. ]

That's okay.

[faithfulflame]

[No. She never feels bad.]

Oh, I did get you something.

[A pause and she pulls something out of her shadow. A small box, and there may or may not be a Gengar smile hidden in the shade.]

[future_sight]

You didn't have to do that. Thank you.

[ Nozomi is more than used to Gengar shadow shenanigans at this point, and doesn't so much as bat an eyelash to it. Taking the box thankfully, she begins to unwrap and open it. ]

[faithfulflame]

[Inside is a carefully wrapped charm with old characters for "Bodily Wellness" and "Spiritual Awareness" on it, as well as a strand of prayer beads. These are both resting on top of a slip of paper. One that reads: Valid for one commissioned shrine outfit at Akodo's Fine Clothing."]

I thought with you taking your spiritual training more seriously, a new robe would be fitting. Only I didn't know your sizes, so...there you have it.

[future_sight]

[ She took the charm out, looking at it closely, then gave Rei a warm smile. ]

I've been thinking about going on a retreat like Mayocchi, so this'll help a lot. Thank you.

[faithfulflame]

I'm glad to help.

[A beat.]

Why...is Maya mayonnaise?

[future_sight]

[ Nozomi stops a bit, looking slightly confused. ]

Why is she... what?

[faithfulflame]

Mayocchi?

[future_sight]

[ Nozomi laughs a bit. ]

I've always called her that.

[faithfulflame]

Ohhh, so it's Nozo-Speech.

[Trying to recover that awful joke, okay?]