Happy Birthday Aster

[savedbyasong]

Who: Shion, Aster and anyone! Mingle among yourselves!
What: It's Aster's birthday. Any and all friends are welcome (and if you don't know them you are still welcome, they won't turn anyone away)
Where: The southern beach on Islet four.
Warnings: Hopefully none

Aster's birthday was important. A date she had chosen herself, a date to celebrate her and everything she had achieved so far.

The last time they had celebrated had been in the tower and now they were in a completely different world with different friends and Shion was determined for it to be a nice day.

He had had help. Ignis had helped cook of course. Shion heavily suspected the candied fruits were from Dagger and he had no idea how exactly Connor had managed it (and he wasn't going to ask) but Laurent had provided ice for sea salt ice cream.

There's a fire on the beach and fish on sticks to roast. Guests may have to wrestle off an overexcited Dreaeater but Shion tries to keep Excalibur under control for the most part. Cobweb and Thalassa are a lot more calm, flopping down near friends to demand pets.

Shion keeps an eye on Aster, hoping she is having fun.

Comments

[savedbyasong]

Shion catches it, more deftly than he once could and ate it with a small smile, watching Nezumi still. His smile faded a little though at the accusation.

He supposed that was what he was doing. Treating Nezumi like he was some scared mouse. Like he would shatter and disappear if Shion pushed too hard.

But that was what happened. Nezumi left. Nezumi got hurt because of Shion. There was no future that Shion had ever seen where Nezumi chose him, no possible future where Nezumi stayed.

So of course he was frightened, worried he would chase this Nezumi away as well. But... His hesitance annoyed Nezumi as well. Shion was doing this all wrong.

Shion forced a smile and then launched to his feet dipping into a slightly clumsy bow. "Well then, I formally invite your majesty to dine with me, at his earliest convenience." He smile turned more genuine.

"Was that better?"

[jelliclerats]

Nezumi's choices in the future aren't the result of Shion. If anything, Shion makes them harder. The things Shion personify aren't things Nezumi knows how to want, things Nezumi can't trust.

...

Shion is emulating Nezumi, which is something Nezumi couldn't have imagined possible considering how little time they've had together. According to Shion, they've had more time, time Nezumi hasn't experienced. Is that true?

"I would have accepted, but the bow didn't seem entirely sincere."

Nezumi cut off a second piece of the fish for himself.

"But, you'll never get better without practice so I'll formally accept your invitation. Please remember to cook the food to my liking. I don't visit a home I don't enjoy for a second time."

[savedbyasong]

Shion's face falls but he smiles again when Nezumi accepts and sits down by the fire again. "I'll make sure everything is just the way you like it. You will not find our hospitality lacking."

He hoped. He poked at the fire with a stick, Nezumi had accepted though. That was something.