[RL for Issei]

[aquaticrush]

*Retasu had managed to get him out and take him to the pink yellow white be consistent with the colour, adaptations! cutesy-looking cafe she works at. It is closed for the day and decorated with streamers, balloons, and paper cats. There are a few other people in the cafe, talking and serving snacks and cake. There's also a sparkly banner declaring that Issei have a happy birthday.*

I hope you like it!

Comments

[unknownrival]

It's wonderful. Thank you, Retasu.

[It's nice just to have a small party.]

[aquaticrush]

*blush* I should have invited more of your friends, but I got a little nervous.

[unknownrival]

That's all right. I'm glad it's small.

[aquaticrush]

I hope it isn't awkward or anything!

*Although really, the only thing awkward besides maybe the obvious might be seeing the waitress uniforms he had to try on when he was sexswapped being worn by people they actually fit better.*

[unknownrival]

It's not, don't worry.

[He's repressed that part of his life.]

[aquaticrush]

Do you like the food?

*Poor, poor Issei.*

[unknownrival]

It's delicious. As I expected of someone as talented as you.

[aquaticrush]

W-well, it wasn't just me! Everybody worked hard on it!

[unknownrival]

Then thank you to all of them.

[aquaticrush]

*blush* Th-thank you. I should give you a better birthday party, but this is the best I can do right now.

[unknownrival]

It's all right. I don't really want a big party.

[aquaticrush]

Last year was nice, even though it was really intimidating...

[unknownrival]

Wasn't it? But a lot of those people aren't here.

[aquaticrush]

I'm sorry. Well, um, Kasumi-san is, and Takami-san but she really scares me and I don't know if I could talk to her...

[unknownrival]

You shouldn't have to. Don't worry about that.

[aquaticrush]

If you say so. Um, thank you. Is it rude, though? To want to avoid Takami-san because she's scary.

[unknownrival]

Not rude at all. I feel that way sometimes.

[aquaticrush]

A-all right. I still feel bad, since you're friends, aren't you?

[unknownrival]

Sort of. Kind of. It's compicated.

[aquaticrush]

I suppose. I'm sorry for assuming things. Um, is there anything you want?

[unknownrival]

Something to drink, maybe?

[aquaticrush]

Of course! If there's anything in particular you want - I mean, it is your day.

[unknownrival]

Water will be fine.

[aquaticrush]

Okay! Um. *She goes to get the glass, but thinks better of it and asks another waitress. When questioned, she whispers (though he can probably still hear) that he might feel awkward not knowing anyone and she also doesn't trust herself not to break the glass or spill on him. The other girl just sighs and goes to get him his water.*

[unknownrival]

[How does she manage to stay employed while breaking glasses?]

[aquaticrush]

*You've asked yourself this for years, Issei. The answer hasn't changed.

Issei gets his water and Retasu apologizes to the person she asked to get it. She looks at Issei.* Um?

[unknownrival]

Thank you, very much.

[aquaticrush]

Y-you're w-- I mean-- um. I'm glad you like it! But, um, the thing is, I, ah, never mind.

[unknownrival]

What were you going to say?

[aquaticrush]

*takes a deep breath* I know you said you were okay with this party, but I still feel like I haven't done enough. Even if I probably can't fix the problems in your life right now, if there is something I can do...

[unknownrival]

There's nothing, I don't think. But, thank you.

[aquaticrush]

O-okay. Um.

*She retrieves a large wrapped box. Inside is a large, hand-sewn plush cat like from that one Shameless Dating Meme, orz. Retasu looks away, holding the box out for Issei.*

I hope you like this, although maybe it's just embarrassing...

[unknownrival]

[Issei opens the box and hugs the plush to his chest.] It's adorable! Thank you so much!

[aquaticrush]

*Blushblushblush.* Really? You like it?

[unknownrival]

Of course, it's the cutest.

[aquaticrush]

I-- th-thank you! I worked hard on it, but I still wasn't sure you'd like it or if you'd just think it was embarrassing.

[unknownrival]

This is me we're talking about. I love plushies and cute things.

[aquaticrush]

I suppose, though you don't seem like the type when people meet you. *smile*

[unknownrival]

I can be a bit standoffish...

[aquaticrush]

You're a good person.

[unknownrival]

I never said I wasn't.

[aquaticrush]

*Slowly, she gives a big smile.* I'm glad.

[unknownrival]

Thank you, Retasu.

[aquaticrush]

Happy birthday, Issei. I hope it's a good one, even with everything.

[unknownrival]

I'm sure it will be.

[ANDTHENKIDNAPPING.]