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

[asshooole]

[He didn't like to be reminded of his weakness at the time, but he had a constant daily reminder that he lost his arm. At least now it was functional. And decorated. The thing was downright gaudy at this point. He shifted his fingers around, shrugging his shoulders uncomfortably.]

Yeah, well. It's customary to give someone a gift on their birthday, right?

[future_sight]

[ And yet again she is surprised by his words. ]

You've changed a lot.

[ Was it Eiji and Rei's influence on him? The incident? It was hard to say. Regardless, despite his somewhat rougher exterior, there was a big difference. Ankh was a bit more caring. More than a bit. ]

[asshooole]

[A little of column A, a little of column B, a combined effort from both. Almost dying and coming back to people who missed him, worried in his absence, and helped him recover had been... Well, certainly something. It was an experience he was still adjusting to. He frowned when she called him on it, regardless.]

It's because I'm around you lot so damn much.

[future_sight]

I'll take that as a compliment, thank you.

[ She smiles in that way that only she can. ]

[asshooole]

[Tch. He scrunches his face and hunches his shoulders, shoving his hands in his pockets. His wings, mind, have puffed themselves to nearly twice their normal size. Ruffled bird is ruffled.]

[future_sight]

[ Oh puffy little bird, you're so adorable when you're angry. Nozomi does her best not to giggle at his little hissy fit. ]

Have you eaten yet? There're a lot of really good desserts. Everyone really outdid themselves.

this sure is five days late gndjkfgfh

[asshooole]

[He is trying so hard to hate you. It's only kind of working.]

I tried some stuff. I think even you know I like sweets.