melodiesofeternity | [Closed] Happy (Belated) Birthday

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[Closed] Happy (Belated) Birthday

Who: Naoto Shirogane and Kanji Tatsumi
When: January 23rd
Where: Sparks Golsaucia
What: It's Kanji's birthday. Why not go to an amusement park to celebrate... at least, that's what one normally wants, right?
Warnings/Notes: Dorks on a date

It's hard to keep their destination a surprise between the tickets, the flight, and approaching the main entrance of PuPuLand, but it can start out as a semi-secret. Due to their adventures into the Library, it just had to be pushed back a few days...

... She hoped he still liked it - the trip and his present later - even if it was belated.

"Where would you like to start?"

It was only the two of them going about the park despite weighing the options of a party with more people. In the end, this would be them on a date... first date? Yes, that sounded right.

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She wanted a bite anyway!? Wh-what did she mean by that? Should he be picking up on a signal that he wasn't? He can't just ask her!

Instead, he mechanically offered his crepe. Before, he'd worried about sharing umbrellas because they'd be seen as a couple. But... now they actually were, so maybe he needed to find out how to calm down.

"I'm, uh... s-still learning, y'know? I mean, y'know what they say about stuff like this, don'tcha?" Now the crepe stand employee, a rather curious human, was casually hiding herself behind her stand to watch the scene. This was why she had this job: To watch dorks like these.

"I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about..."

Really, she understood sharing an umbrella and... didn't care of what people might think about it. Sharing food she didn't understand at all as she took a small bite from Kanji's crepe, missing where he'd previously bitten.

"... It's good, but still a little too sweet for me."

To explain or not to explain. To explain or not to explain?! Maybe he shouldn't. Let's not make today terrible. He shook his head.

"N-nevermind, it's pretty dumb...!" Because it was, and yet it made too much sense to him too. Dumb, but logical. Now she had a bite and he had to just... avoid that spot... at all costs.

"Yeah, I figured, since you ain't much for sweets... but you can cross honeycomb off the 'I've Had' list." He was happy enough to dig into his own. Something about the warm banana and peanut butter really did the job for him. He'll subtly remain keen on finding out if she avoided anything in her own crepe. He was still figuring out what she liked, after all.

"So, what kinda parks n' fairs have ya been to? I'm sure you've seen a bunch all over the world."

"Hm..." Well, if he figured it was dumb - not that she would probably think any better were it explained.

"That's true. I hadn't considered trying honeycomb before." So that could be marked off the list she hadn't made, but should have considered. Back to nibbling on her own fruit crepe she would go though, enjoying the balance between sweet and tart.

"... I've seen a bunch, but that doesn't mean I've been. I have been in passing of the Hollywood one and the other company."

Of course she'd been to Hollywood! He'd be surprised if she'd never been out to that neck of the woods. But she didn't really do any tourist attractions. Fair. Then again, he had a funny feeling she'd "casually" visited the giant Gundam in Tokyo. Very casually. He couldn't help but smile at that.

"Work, work, huh? That's fair. But I hope you at least found some fun while globetrotting, right? I mean... I know you're professional n' all, but y'know we got some years left of bein' kids."

Then, it hit him. "So this is your first...! Let's do somethin' big. Any rides, on me!"

He gestured out to the rest of the park.

"No judgment. If any of these suckers has your attention, I'm there, too."

... Yes, it was a very casual visit. Nothing else...

"... Do I still have that time?" Thinking about it, her brows furrowed. "I'm turning eighteen this year..."

Had it really taken her over ten years to wake up and realize that she didn't need to try so hard? But looking up, she shook her head. "Kanji-kun, it's your birthday. I've already planned to cover everything."

Aside from that, she honestly didn't know where to start.

He smiled. "'Course you do! Bein' eighteen means ya don't get kicked outta things for bein' too young in most cultures, right? I still gotta get permission slips and all that crap. One more year..."

He shook his head in wonder. How the hell was he the youngest of the group? Boggles the mind.

"Well, it just so happens that my birthday wish is that I get to treat my girlfriend to whatever ride calls her name!" He may or may not have practiced the g-word in the mirror so he wouldn't fuck it up. A man's gotta grow a pair sometime, right?

"I'm not gonna step on your plans. I'm already havin' fun just bein' here with you. But lemme give ya somethin' back."

"... You still get permission slips?" Was she supposed to be getting permission slips? She was going to drop this subject for now... he was the youngest in their group despite appearances.

To hear him actually call her his girlfriend had her almost bury her face into her crepe. Still, she just managed to eat a berry and hide most of her flushed face - maybe.

"... If that's what you want, I doubt I'll be able to change your mind." ... Maybe. While he might not be up for the roller coaster, she did she something else - a large, circular something else. "... The Ferris Wheel."

The crepe stand girl had since made her own strawberry-banana crepe and was eating it in rapt interest. Life just kept getting better. Meanwhile, Kanji wouldn't admit any further that he was still treated like a baby. It was either 'child' or 'old man who repeats grades'. He hated that there was nothing in the middle for him.

Ohh, there she goes into her crepe. Why was- oh. ...so CUTE.

"Sorry. Mind's set." The little grin was only half from his own stubbornness. But he turned and followed her gaze. It was covered in lights that swept up and down the rails and was hard to miss even among the glitz of Sparks Golsaucia. It was a ways out, but what harm was there in a walk?

"...Then let's get on our way to the Ferris Wheel."

He offered a hand. S-so they don't get separated.

Why does it feel like they're being watched? They're probably being watched... Somewhere behind her, but she wasn't about to turn around and check.

With a sigh - perhaps exaggerated - she saw him look from the corner of her eye up towards the Ferris Wheel himself. It was tall; would he really be okay with it?

"... If you're really alright with riding it."

One hand still holding onto her crepe, she used her free one to take hold of his offered hand.

Jiiiiii... Why did anyone think she got this job in the first place? Couples were cute. But she knew all good things had to come to an end, but said nothing as the tall boy led them onward, keeping their pace casual so they could finish their crepes.

"'Course I am! Ferris Wheels are slower, yeah? Like airships. And I was never scared of riding those, was I?"

Okay. Maybe a little freaked out during the tour. But now he rides 'em like a champ! B-besides, couples always had to ride the Ferris Wheel at least once. He never thought he'd be one of those guys who'd get the chance.

"... You have gotten better with airships, yes."

Then, even if he wasn't alright with the Ferris Wheel now, enough rides would have him comfortable with going on. Could that same theory apply to roller coasters if they tried? How exactly did the differentiate? A thought for another day.

She took another bite of her crepe, knowing she would need to finish it before they made it... but then, she paused. "I forgot to ask. Would you like a bite of my crepe?"

He wondered that, himself. Maybe it was the speed that freaked him out, the complete lack of control of it. But maybe today'd be the day he'd try a rollercoaster! Hahah! Maybe! Hahah... he's already nervous again.

Nervous enough that, when she asked about her crepe, he visibly swallowed. "Uh- y-you sure?"

Because she'd been rather meticulous about hers, from what he'd seen. There didn't seem to be any safe spots, though. H-how does he go about this!?

Staring at him at his hesitance and stuttering, she had to think about what he said earlier. Something about sharing had made him so nervous, but what still had her perplexed.

"I'm sure. You allowed me to try some of yours earlier..."

"Y-yeah, I did...!" But this was different. It was too soon, this was out in public and he wasn't sure if he was ready for that kind of thing yet! What thing?

"But it was a part I didn't bite yet, y'know?! S-so it wouldn't... i-if I take a part you've bitten off, it's- it's like... y'know!" Because she has to know about THAT! She went to the same high school he did, that kind of thing must've been brought up at lunch sometime! Right?

Oh Kanji... she didn't even understand the connotations that came up if two people stood beneath an umbrella. Honestly, that was stupid and just complicated sharing shelter from the rain with people.

"... I don't have a cold if that's what you're worried about."

He just stared at her, his heart pounding. She thought he was concerned about a cold. She hadn't heard any of that stuff, and if any classmates spoke of it, she likely would have brushed it off anyway.

"I-I ain't worried about that!" But she wasn't, with sharing food. At all. God, she was mature. Why the hell wasn't he?

No, he could be. He COULD BE. He just needed to calm down and not think about it.

"Never mind, I'll... I'll try a bite!" He could barely hear himself. This was Christmas all over again, why was he such a goddamn weenie-

"Oh..."

He wasn't, so what on earth could have him so concerned? The answer had to be right there, but she wasn't understanding... perhaps it was something more juvenile.

With a nod, Naoto offered her crepe to him. Sure enough, there were barely any options open to him where she hadn't bitten a little off with even a nibble.

The most juvenile, Naoto. He was concerned about something the utmost in juvenile. Kanji needed an extra moment to sort of prep himself, mostly because seeing it up close did remind him that there were no 'safe' spots.

Wait, they were DATING, why was he as concerned as he was!? Couples sh-shared food all the time! Ahh, he should share his lunch during a trip sometime. Right. Okay. Right. Let's do it. Easy does it.

He stooped and had a bite, crepe n' berries. Briefly, he had to wonder if he'd find some way to be smoother... like Senpai, maybe. Kanji knew Souji'd have no problem on dates- shit, he was popular enough- so why couldn't he?

"That's really good! Makes me realize how, uh, sweet mine is." Would his love for sweets be a problem if he kissed her? Would he taste okay? Does a kiss have a flavor?

Quickly, he masked his face with the last remnants of his own crepe. Stop THINKING about that shit!

Naoto had to wonder just what about sharing food was complicating this and delaying his decision... and action. Honestly, she was curious what went on in his mind sometimes. A few more seconds and he finally moved, taking a bite and... it looked like he was thinking again.

Processing? Mind wandering?

"Yes. Though, it's all just preference in the end." And she just liked things a little less sweet. Kanji back to his crepe, Naoto resumed nibbling on hers, slowly getting to the end.

"R-right." Maybe he should cut down on the sweets. He's a year older and all, and it probably wouldn't be too long before his metabolism would start slowing down. Ugh...

He shoved down the rest of his crepe and pitched the wrapper into a bin. He had his protein and sugar! He was ready for anything!

"Anyway, how 'bout games? Maybe I'll win ya a bear or-" He looked. Brightened.

"That ridiculously cute dog!" Look at him. Look at him. All soft and fluffy and gigantic in plush form. All he needed to do was win that game.

He was gonna win that goddamn doggo.

Still a little more of her crepe left. She must really eat like a bird... she doesn't meant to, but she did like to take her time and savor a little more. Also, avoid risking upsetting her stomach.

Games? Oh, game booths... She wasn't really interested in the bear, but when he pointed out the dog, her head raised a little in interest.

"... If you want to try."

"Hell yeah! I'm gonna try!" He crowed, and couldn't help squinting a little bit to see the rules of the attached game: He needed to throw knives to hit the target.

He was suddenly reminded of the ninja guild, and his complete and utter failure to stick the knives into the canvas.

"I'm gonna try," he repeated, to clear those thoughts from his mind. Three knives, point-based target system. He needed to earn a certain number of points to earn the more complicated prizes.

His march to the stand was proud. He'd heard games were rigged, but how could you rig knife throwing, right? The targets didn't look like rubber, neither...

Nodding, she turned and looked at the rules herself. Throwing knives, huh? Too bath neither of them had the Ninja asterisk, but that would be cheating.

Glancing up at Kanji's almost bitter words, she said nothing on it, approaching the booth with him and making sure to take everything in.

Hey, he might be trying for the dog for her, but she could also do the same for him. However, these systems usually were rigged in favor of earning money so what would be the catch to this game.

He slapped down some cash, and the lalafell was happy to accept the money and hand over the three knives. He explained the rules in a tone that blended show with boredom, all while casually checking the validity of the currency and pocketing it.

Kanji took up the blades and fought to remember what Makoto discussed with him so long ago. The blade raised, he squared his stance...

"RRRRRAAAAAAAHHHH-" And promptly pitched the fucking thing clear across the way, enough that the lalafell's face paled.

The blade actually stuck. Length-wise. But something was odd about the way the first two inches of the blade didn't so much as make a mark in the canvas...

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