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

The surprise

[future_sight]

What's this about really, Elichi?

[ The shrine didn't seem all that crowded. In fact, it was relatively empty, all told, which was strange to say the least. Even Phobos and Deimos seemed to be absent from their usual places.

Getting a somewhat noncommittal answer, she was ushered toward the entrance of the shamusho, the door opened for her. What would be waiting for the birthday girl? ]

Food, mingling and games

[future_sight]

[ After the initial goings ons, it was time to get to the real bulk of the party! Food and having fun! Cake would come later, of course, but for now it was time to have a blast with a bunch of good food, good drinks and even better friends. ]

Cake and desserts

[future_sight]

[ This was why everyone really came, right? ]

maya's late to the party just for you nozomi

[missleadingquestions]

[A birthday party isn't the only surprise Nozomi will be receiving today. A certain special guest, after a long trial of deep spiritual training, has come to see her darling cousin for her birthday.

...but it wouldn't be a proper greeting without a prank. Waiting for a gap in the attention of the beloved birthday girl, Maya sneaks into the party in the shadows, and very suddenly, a pair of dark, translucent ghosty hands are over Nozomi's eyes.]

No-mi-mi~! [she chimes in a spooky voice]

Happy birthday!

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.

[asshooole]

[Well you didn't really expect the bird to not show up when the party was happening where he lived, did you? He doesn't linger, and he doesn't necessarily socialize-- though he does take part in some of the sweets, and he does make a point of seeking out Nozomi at a time she's not surrounded by people.]

[He slinks up behind her and sets a small bag atop her hair. It hardly weighs a thing.]

I hear you're a year closer to dying, today.

[Thank you, Ankh.]