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 Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 1:14 am
Every year for the past twenty some-odd ones, Akio Yoshida had known March fourteenth as White Day. It was a day where he would shell out yen upon yen for sweets to give to his sister, his mother and whichever girl had caught his fancy at that point in time (which sometimes was more than one, he'd have to sheepishly admit).
This year though - this year - he was celebrating it a little differently than normal.
Boxes of sweets had been sent to both of his other favorite women back at home (though he had suspicions that he wouldn't hear back from his sister and mother until the following day) but today's main focus was on the one and only Aurora Willows and the birthday that only came once a year for the girl who'd stolen his heart.
Having taken off too many personal days back when she'd gone missing months prior, he was forced to attend work. She'd assured him that they could still have a wonderful evening together after they both left their jobs but he wasn't willing to wait that long to start celebrating.
The morning started with a delivery to her house. Dozens of balloons in varying shapes - cats, hearts, flowers and a rainbow of colors were sent to greet her, along with an irresponsible amount of stuffed animals (one of each, to be precise, that the florist had to offer) and a bouquet of the happiest looking flower arrangement the store had to offer. His mother had insisted on helping him purchase the morning's surprise, citing the fact she felt left out on spoiling the young lady her only son had set his heart upon. Considering he had other gifts in store for the day, he caved in to her insistence.
Her text message arrived shortly after the presents arrived, Akio having been on the edge of his seat in the meantime. Dark eyes continued to glance over at his cell phone until the messages and pictures started dropping in to the message window, bringing an equally wide grin on his face as the pictures featuring a happy looking Rory. Even Bob seemed to be on his best behavior for her special day, though apparently the oversized furball had already made off with one of the plushies.
Ah well, if that was the worst thing to happen today, Akio could continue counting his blessings.
It was a struggle to keep his thoughts occupied with anything other than his girlfriend. He'd double checked the evening's reservations, patted the small box in his pocket to ensure it was still around and adjusted the leather bracelet on his wrist (his birthday present from a few months back) anxiously as the hours slowly ticked by.
Could the day go any slower?
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 8:44 am
Work had gone easily enough.
Her boss, the owner not the shift, had left her a card wishing her a happy birthday and a receipt for a generous donation made in her name to a charity she was sure she had only mentioned once. And not around him. It was a weird thing, especially since she'd met Mr. Black approximately twice, once when she'd gotten the job and sometime after he'd made his mysterious return to the city, but she was grateful nonetheless. Her co-workers had brought balloons and made her a sign they insisted she wear throughout the whole shift.
It felt like what having friends celebrating her birthday should, goofy and silly and a tad bit embarrassing, which was a delightful change from the previous years.
Rory never made a fuss about her birthday, because it wasn't a big deal to her, but it was still wonderful to have other people remember.
Back home, her traditional cupcake was in the fridge just like the note and twenty dollars were on the kitchen counter. There were also a stupid amount of balloons filling her living room and every plushie it seemed like Akio could send, with the exception of one that Bob had irritably snuck off with.
She should have expected that her boyfriend would try and spoil her rotten, because he liked grand gestures when he was allowed.
Rory spent the rest of her time home before Akio was off getting ready for the date she promised him. Her hair was in a partial updo and she was working on finalizing her outfit when she decided to text her boyfriend.
[To Fairy Tale Prince: You're really overdoing it with the balloons you know, but I can't wait to see you.]
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 9:03 am
He didn't even bother going home after work.
The cost of renting a car for one entire day was surprisingly cheaper than he expected, sealing the deal for the young teacher. Driving a moped around was convenient and fun - when it was just him. When it came to trying to devise the perfect birthday evening for the perfect birthday girl, though, he knew he needed to step it up a notch.
The large steering wheel of the generic looking black car he'd managed to land was still foreign under his fingers but as he pulled up to her apartment complex, he immediately felt more mature, more prepared for the night ahead of them. The text that chirped on his phone had him grinning even more.
He'd donned the powder blue shirt and striped bowtie that she'd helped him pick out over the summer, shortly after he'd landed his current job. It felt appropriate - she'd picked them out, so she had to have liked them, right?
Collecting the box of chocolates he'd brought with him from the passenger's seat, he made his way out and around the car, skipping steps as he made his way to the front door.
Taking a deep breath, one hand moved out to knock as the box was pressed gently against his chest.
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 9:22 am
When she had finally settled on her outfit Rory spent time touching up the light make up she'd decided to apply. It wasn't typical but this was a date and she wanted to look nicer than normal.
Especially considering how much time and effort Akio was clearly putting into everything.
As usual, her shoes hadn't made it to her feet and socked feet skidded across the wooden flooring until she was yanking the door open. Her smile was bright, and she had to keep herself from rolling her eyes at the over the top box of chocolates he was carrying.
"Hey handsome," she greeted, reaching for his neck so she could steal a kiss. "Chocolates? C'mon, you're already doing too much dummy." Still, it was impossible for her to hide her pleasure at the sight of him.
She'd never really had someone to celebrate her birthday with, let alone a boyfriend.
"Mind if we stop by Miss Poppie's so I can take flowers to mama?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 12:04 pm
His lips wanted to linger against hers but he behaved himself, slipping the box of candies into her hands as his slipped around her waist. "Hey, it may be your birthday but it's also White Day. I wouldn't be much of a boyfriend if I didn't make sure you had some sweets for the occasion."
It didn't matter that Aurora was unfamiliar with his traditions - it would simply have to be one she'd learn over time, as they shared more and more of the special occasions together as a couple.
Her state of attire was still lacking some very important shoes, so he guided the both of them back into her apartment, only partially on the lookout for any lurking paternal figures that might have stayed home for the occasion. Akio knew of Rory's own birthday traditions - namely her cupcake and flowers for Briar Willows - so when his selfless sweetheart made her request, he wasn't about to tell her no.
"Of course, beautiful."
He kissed her temple before releasing her into the living room, an oversized orange cat making an appearance on the staircase as the two males quickly began their normal routine of sizing each other up. "Grab your shoes and we'll stop there first."
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:05 am
Rory's expression fell into one of confusion, jade eyes blinking up at him with a furrowed brow. "White day?" She had never heard of it.
And honestly, well, she wouldn't have put it past her boyfriend to 'make up' a holiday on her birthday for an excuse to pamper her. Still, she managed to avoid saying sounds fake but okay and just smiled at him, shifting the chocolates in her arms as he ushered her back into her own home.
The box of chocolates were placed in a kitchen cupboard so that Bob couldn't immediately get to it and eat everything before she got back home and she peered over to watch them do their weird stand off.
"I wish you two wouldn't do that," she said with a breathy sigh, pushing a loose strand of hair out of her face.
Padding into the hallway and up the stairs, carefully stepping around her favorite tomcat, Rory retrieved her shoes.
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:29 am
He watched as she fluttered around the house, tempted to follow after like a loyal puppy but resolved to be a patient boyfriend instead, standing in place in the living area while she stored the chocolate and reprimanded both males.
It wasn't worth pointing out that the dumb cat had started all of the animosity between them - especially when they were starting the evening off so well otherwise. He stared, thin-lipped at the cat, until Aurora glanced back and the expression turned into a smile for her sake.
Who would have thought his biggest competition for his girlfriend's attention would come from a furry creature that couldn't even speak?
"I'll behave if he does," Akio called out after her playfully, brown eyes returning to stare down the orange feline who was making his own way down the stairs, beelining for the kitchen.
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 1:55 pm
"Bob," Rory called from the top of the stairs, peeking her head back out of her bedroom. "It's my birthday, behave."
Her cat seemed to be particularly foul for some reason and she didn't have the time to scoop him up for a chit chat when Akio was taking her out on her date.
Disappearing into her room, she pulled out her boots out of the closet and slid them on. Once the zippers were tugged up she tugged on her cardigan and slid her bag over her chest, cross body. She paused at the mirror on the back of her door, peering at her reflection and smoothing out her dress.
Once she decided that she was presentable she hurried back down the stairs. "Let me go say good-bye to Bob, then we can leave." She kissed Akio's cheek then made her way into the kitchen where she crouched for a moment, scratching the top of his head by his ears.
"I'll see you later, okay Bob? We'll celebrate with that cupcake when I come home." She promised, leaning over and kissing the top of his head.
Returning to Akio, she slid her fingers into his. "C'mon handsome. Mama's waiting."
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 11:37 am
He debated following after her as she offered a peck before diverting her attention towards the large Maine Coon but thought better of it and remained behind while she said her farewells to the overly large, overly spoiled feline.
Akio had been with his girlfriend long enough to accept (and mostly embrace) her eccentricities. If she wanted to say goodbye to her cat before leaving for a birthday celebration... well, he wasn't going to question her. If she was going so far as to having picnics with said pet, he could certainly excuse general conversation with the speechless creature.
In the kitchen, Bob was caught red-handed (pawed?) in his attempts to search out the box of chocolates that Aurora had already stashed away. He offered his companion a disgruntled mrow at being left behind on such a day, but didn't pursue or make a fuss about it.
After all, it was her day.
Once she'd returned to his side, the tall boy guided them both out of the apartment and down the stairs towards the car. Akio's pride in purchasing a rental for the occasion was evident in the way he beamed at opening the passenger door for her, making sure she was safely tucked away before closing the door.
Making his way into the driver's seat, he took a deep breath, smoothed out the wrinkles in his slacks (and wasn't brushing off the excess cat hair that still managed to find its way onto his clothing) and started the car.
"Gonna help guide me to Miss Poppie's, beautiful?"
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 8:40 am
She was startled by the rental car, looking at Akio with surprise when he ushered her into the front seat. Quietly, shyly, she said, "You didn't have to rent a car for my birthday Akio."
She was still, completely and utterly touched by the gesture. "Um. I don't actually know? I've always walked there." Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink and she toyed with the loose hair that hung down over her shoulders. Walking directions were different than driving directions and while Rory could find herself around the city by foot or bus she didn't know how to navigate by car.
Her father took her out sometimes, but it was usually somewhere close where they could walk to or she met him somewhere.
"Sorry," she mumbled quietly, chewing on her lip nervously as she cast her gaze to the glovebox because she wasn't entirely sure what to do now. "I didn't expect a car, I thought we were going to walk like or take the bus like we usually do."
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:02 am
"Hey."
One hand reached out to gently rest atop her shoulder as the tall boy leaned over to press a chaste kiss on the beautiful blush spreading across her pale cheek. "It's okay, gorgeous. I'm sorry I didn't give you a head's up - I can't help it with small surprises, sometimes."
His other hand reached into his pocket, digging out his cell phone. Once opened, he started texting for the name of the floral shop while the hand on her shoulder reached over to the other side, pulling the birthday girl slightly closer so he could press another kiss against her temple before finally releasing her.
"I can look it up, it's not a big deal. The birthday girl just has to be the navigator, since I technically shouldn't be looking at this while driving."
Once the map was pulled up, he offered the phone to his girlfriend with a grin before directing the car out of the parking space. He was especially careful - now more than ever - considering the particularly precious cargo the vehicle was carrying.
"And if we get lost... well, we'll just make a little adventure out of it. Or ask for directions." He flashed her a wink, "I'll take the blame, in that case."
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:32 am
Her eyes closed and she exhaled slowly, grateful for Akio's soft soothing and reassurance. There were still so many occasions where Rory didn't know how to move forward or how to navigate and sometimes, she was so marveled by the fact that she had this incredible man who loved her as her significant other.
Things were easier most of the time because he was her boyfriend.
All of the kisses helped soothe her fraying nerves and she offered him a tentative smile. "Okay." Accepting the phone from Akio's hands, Rory squinted at the google maps decorating it.
"Um, it says turn right at the Maple Street." She brought it closer to her face to examine it better. "T-three lights down?" At least that's what she thought was what it was telling her.
Part of her wanted to ask him if they could just walk, it would be easier but...he'd gone through all the trouble of car renting. She could suck it up.ghouliboo jump to being at the flower shop?
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 10:12 am
A few minutes later and they were arriving at the flower shop, having only taken a grand total of one wrong turn along the way. It had been Akio's fault, he'd claimed, his focus on making sure to keep the distance between him and the car ahead of him causing him to miss the turn entirely. Thankfully, Google was quick to reroute and they'd been back on their way in no time flat.
It was a sight, really - a nervous driver sitting alongside a nervous navigator, but they'd both managed their jobs to get them to their destination.
"And a magnificent job well done, my co-pilot," he praised as he opened the passenger door, one hand outstretched for his lovely companion. "Don't know what I'd do without you."
The flower shop was cute - then again, most of Aurora's haunts reflected her precious personality - but Akio knew the purpose for their visit was a more somber occasion than simply looking at pretty flowers.
Holding the door open for her, he asked gently, "Do you know what kind you would like to get her?"
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 10:41 am
Rory's smile was more uncertain that it had been for most of the afternoon but she accept Akio's praise well enough. Smoothing out her skirt and shifting her hair out of nervousness, the girl accepted his hand and help getting out of the car.
"Miss Poppie always picks the arrangement for me. Pops gives me a budget and they made a bouquet that fits within it." She explained, stepping into the shop. She wasn't going to tell him that she was pretty certain that Poppie always gave her a discount, because the bouquets they gave her were too extravagant for her meager twenty dollar budget.
But they'd been coming for years, since she was old enough to walk and carry the flowers herself.
"Rora, sweetie!" An old woman greeted, stepping out of the back room with a big grin on her tired, wrinkled face. "Is it that time of year already?" She asked, leaning upon the counter before wise eyes flicked over to the boy standing behind her.
"Oh, who's this handsome gentleman? Did you finally find yourself a suitor? How's your pops feeling about that?" The woman laughed, but was clearly giving Akio the stink-eyed once over.
"Hi Miss Poppie," Rory greeted quietly, shuffling into the flower shop. "This is Akio, he's my boyfriend. Pops...is okay. Akio is really good to me."
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 11:18 am
Akio had his suspicions that the florist in particular that Aurora went to was one she'd been to on principle of tradition, so seeing the older woman light up at the sight of the teenager only confirmed his assumption.
Miss Poppie - if that really was her name, presumably - was quick with her questions, most notably about him. Akio found himself straightening up where he stood, even going so far as to pull his shoulders back when he'd caught wind of words like handsome and suitor.
If he was going to have to jump through hoops to meet the approval of someone else important in Aurora's life... well, he was going to simply keep jumping through hoops until anyone and everyone approved of him.
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," he offered as the door closed behind them, nodding his head respectfully in the older woman's direction. "Aurora approves... but we're still working on Mr. Willows."
One hand dropped down and collected his girlfriend's, squeezing it playfully. "But he was generous enough to permit me to accompany her on her birthday, so I'm grateful for that."
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