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That makes sense.

[It really, really does. She can't imagine he would've gone out of his way to create himself an animal. But even so...]

Still...! I think it really suits you. I'm glad that you have a little companion to spend time with you all the time.

What part about an annoying, noisy, fat bird suits me???

[ That's an incredulous tone. Really? Suits him??????? HOW??? ]

Edited 2024-01-04 04:06 (UTC)

You're so mean to it!

[But she's laughing, so she doesn't seem bothered. It's kind of endearing to see him so flustered and emotional, honestly...]

Anyway, I think birds suit you. Because you're a wanderer, right? So... they feel free, like you.

And this one is really enthusiastic and happy! I feel like you could always use more of that by your side.

Maybe if it weren't such an annoyance, I wouldn't be so harsh!

[ Animals always loved him for some reason. He never got why. It's not like he's any less dangerous than the average human. No, he was definitely more. And he always tried to shoo them away when approached. But no, they could never leave him be. Birds, cats, dogs, whatever, they all just. Auuugh. He just sighs in aggravation. Damn animals. ]

Just because I am one and dress like an ascetic doesn't mean I need to meet all the other stereotypes. [ he grumbles ] I don't need that enthusiasm. It's annoying. It never shuts up. It's driving me nuts.

[ Grump grump grump! ]

[She laughs a little bit more at that, reaching up to gently pet the bird's feathers, if it allows.]

It's okay. [She is absolutely talking to the bird.] You just have to keep at it. Don't be put off by his fussiness. He's just as kind as you know he is already.

[And then, back to Yuu:]

It likes you because it can tell what kind of person you are. That's okay, right?

[ It does, happily leaning into her fingers and chirruping in pleasure. It chirps back at her as she talks, like it's responding, but it's hard to say if it actually understands anything she says.

The drifter watches with an unimpressed look. ]

Hmph. I doubt it. Animals are always like this with me. They must be able to sense that I'm not human.

[...]

I still think it's because they can sense your kindness...

[But she won't argue too much. Instead, finally, she turns her attention to the gifts.]

You said it isn't Christmas again, but... these are for me?

Yes. ...it's my birthday. Lesser Lord Kusanali once told me to give gifts on my birthday, even when tradition is to receive them. I just thought I'd give you one.

[ Knowing her, she's going to make a big deal out of it, so he sighs and braces himself for the inevitable explosion of energy. ]

[He is right, it's just... going to be delayed for a moment.

Because she tilts her head quizzically at that.]

That's really amazing! And you're always thinking about me, which is really, really nice of you, it's just... What's a birthday?

[ She gets an equally blank look back. ]

...do you not celebrate them? It's the day you were born.

[...... oh. It's another thing she absolutely should have known. Whoops...]

Oh...! Uh, yeah. Right...! That birthday. I... yeah! Of course. [ha ha... ha.]

... Oh! But that means today's the day you were born?

[ Just what kind of life has she led to be unaware of even that? Has she ever celebrated her own birthday? Does she even know it? ]

That's right.

[ Not that he actually likes to think about the day of his 'birth'. But it's not so somber a day for him now, and he has Nahida to thank for that. Not that he'll ever admit it to her. ]

[Ha ha, wild, right?

Either way, she claps her hands together, beaming.]

Then it's a wonderful and exciting day! Oooh... I wish I would have known about this sooner! I don't have any gifts or anything for you, but I do want to celebrate it...!

I don't need anything. Just treat it like any other day.

[ He knows she's not going to listen to him though. And the bird chirps extra loudly, as if to disagree with his words. He glares daggers at it. ]

You, shut up. You don't get a say in this.

Is that how birthdays normally are?

[Treated like any other day?]

That doesn't feel right, somehow...

[ And this is where he seals his own fate. Because he wouldn't lie just to make sure she wouldn't celebrate his birthday. ]

...no. Normally, people celebrate their birthdays with a party or a small celebration, like a lunch or dinner. They normally receive gifts from people they're close with.

But we don't need to do any of that for me. I'm fine treating it like any other day.

[ There aren't that many people who would be happy that he was born, after all. ]

[...!!!]

I know you don't need it, but... can we do it anyway? We could invite some people and it could be small but really nice!

And then I can learn what a proper birthday celebration is like!

[ ...he wants to say no. He had other plans for today, but... he can't say no to her. He sighs. He's too soft on her. ]

Who are you planning on inviting?

Tsuruno!

[That's immediate.

And then, thoughtfully:]

Kaveh...? Is there anyone else you'd want to come by? Who have you been getting along with lately?

And with Kaveh, Alhaitham is automatically attached...

[ Was there anyone else he wanted for this? ... ]

No one else comes to mind.

Okay!

[She's certainly not about to complain. As far as she's concerned, Altria's just glad that he's close enough with enough people for there to be Multiple Attendees.]

Then let's do that. You and me and Tsuruno and Alhaitham and Kaveh. It'll be really nice!

[ The little bird on Altria's head chirps loudly in agreement and lifts off from her head to fly in circles around the pair. The drifter just closes his eyes and grumbles in irritation. ]

You message them.

[ He's not going to because... if she insists on doing something for his birthday, then he shouldn't have to do anything for it! ]

I will, I will!

[Cheerfully!]

... Oh, but in the meantime... can I open the presents you brought over?

Do as you please.

[ He tilts his hat over his face—an action she knows to be an expression of embarrassment. ]

[She sure does know. She laughs a little in response, and then reaches for the box, unwrapping it quickly and opening it up.

........ Oh.

Oh.

She reaches out to touch the necklace reverently first, and then reaches for the bows, putting

literally all of them into her hair.

It looks ridiculous.]

Yuu! Everything is so cute! These are all soooo cute!

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