Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Are there any nice readers here? ;)
If so, then here's your Christmas present from me: a chapter with some 6500 words, not counting omake and author's notes. Actually, it's the largest chapter yet (over 8 thousand words total). I didn't plan for it to be this long, but it just happened.
I would like to thank you very much for you continued support, especially the reviews. Here are the replies:
Sir sleeps-a-lot: Stop putting myself down? I'll try. Thanks for your opinion. And I don't think Keima likes Ayumi in that way right now or he believes he doesn't at the very least. His reasons for dating her are as explained before. It might seem peculiar, but what isn't when it comes to Keima? :)
Gonazlorp94: Glad to hear it and no problem. That's what I do. :)
DPSS: Well, Keima can spot a cliche when he's on the route. However, when the girls acted by themselves and with "invalid" flags he couldn't see it for the life of him. And now he's not that better. On the other hand, that means you're against cliches that are used against Keima. But when Keima is the one using them then it's okay, I guess. ;) Anyway, I'll take this into consideration and thanks for the review. :)
Ryuumaru Kara: If you say so. :) Glad you liked the date scene(s). As for the presents... there's something we won't be lacking in this chapter (as the title suggests), so stay calm and keep reading. ;)
Shawn Raven: oooh... ;) Yes, that summer dress rocks... even though outside of school Ayumi is more "shorts, pants or skirt and leggings" kind of girl. Probably. Well, I didn't mean the date wasn't perfect. It wasn't supposed to be perfect. I was just lost as what do to with it and was uncertain of the result. But your opinion... I'm kinda out of words here. Thanks. Just thanks. And the parfait wasn't exactly sweet, so Keima had no problem with it. The cake was a little more of a problem though. And let's worry about Sumire when her fanfic comes. I'm sure she'll figure something out. :) And I'm kinda more for older games (with few exceptions). Actually, I enjoyed Nanaka's talk about Pacman and Keima's many references to Mario very much. Probably too much. And we actually never learned what Keima really thinks of all the kissess he received... this is kind of a problem for me... -.-'
ZelgadisGW: Glad you feel that way bro. :) And remember: stay calm and keep writing. :P
Hikigaya: Glad you didn't see it coming. That was the plan, keikaku dōri! :) I think Ayumi always had a potential when it came to smarts (of course not as much as Keima), but she neglected that part of her, so she has problems in school. But Keima's (and others') memories only served to increase her potential, no argument there. Glad you liked the chapter(s). :)
This chapter actually took forever to write, as I didn't really know what to do with this birthday thing. It was supposed to be only a small stop on our journey and I blew it terribly out of proportion, trying to give many girls some... ugh... page time, I guess. So expect many hilarious scenes here. :)
The problem however starts after this chapter. I still have some (important) parts written, but not for the next chapter. To rephrase that: the next chapter is not started yet and the Christmas is around the corner, so I'm afraid of my writing time and ideas.
Rant starts.
And I have to confess something. As far as I tried to resist it, I got sucked into One Punch Man. That's the first new manga I really read since I finished KamiNomi. I won't lie to you: I'm very much tempted to write some Saitama x Tatsumaki fic (well, at least that pairing makes more sense than Xellos x Filia from Slayers... I think). And the manga site I used stopped sending me update modifications... again. Thus, now I have a few mangas I wanted to start reading, a few mangas I once started reading from the middle and now I probably have a lot of chapters I missed because of the faulty notificiations. Not good...
And the days continue to have 24 hours only... T.T
Rant ends.
If anyone is interested – me and Sir sleeps-a-lot managed to establish birth dates (and ages) for the majority of important KamiNomi characters and the year when the story takes place with considerable certainty. This is on the forum, so authors can use it as a reference sheet of sorts. We'll try to start establishing the general timeline, as soon as I find some time in my schedule.
By the way, I encourage everyone to continue contributing on the forum, as the activity lessened lately.
Okay, here goes the chapter. Enjoy!
(* * *)
For most of Ayumi's life preparing a birthday party was something easy, especially if her parents took care of everything. Back then she was a regular girl with regular friends and regular family. Now things were a little more... complicated, forcing her to redefine the very idea of a birthday party. Or birthday parties.
Parties. As in plural.
Ayumi was well aware that it was a little over the top, but that was the best solution in her current predicament.
The first party was formal, but not really fancy – just a small party with her family and her more normal friends, including Chihiro, Miyako, Eri, Yui, Mobuko and two more of her friends from middle school. A party like many before it. Well, maybe not exactly – after all it will be her first birthday party with the drummer and the bassist. And this party was to take place on May 2 – Ayumi's actual birthday.
The second party was vastly different. Actually, it would be more accurate to call it the first party, as it was planned to happen on May 1, so a day earlier. And the list of guests was also nothing to laugh at. It included Eri, Mio, Chihiro, Tsukiyo, Minami, Tenri, Nanaka, Yui and Urara at the very least.
Kanon said she wanted to come, but her schedule was tight. On the other hand, Shiori was conflicted. At least until Ayumi told her how many people would be there, at which point the bookworm flatly ("I-I'm very sorry b-but... I don't think I can do it") refused. On the other hand, Tsukiyo claimed she will "bring that book recluse to that party even if she had to drag her all the way".
Ayumi didn't invite Sumire. She didn't need to. After all, Sumire's restaurant will be serving as the venue of the party.
She didn't invite Hinoki either, because she was overseas – especially since the flashy woman like her would probably become the star of the party – but once again the older of the Kasuga sisters somehow learned of the upcoming event. She couldn't come to Japan, so she sent her younger sister in her place. That made inviting Kusunoki redundant as well – Kasuga heiress just didn't have a choice...
Thus, the number of people expected for this party was from twelve to fourteen. Assuming some uninvited guests won't appear. Well, not exactly uninvited. Nikaidō-sensei and Nagase-sensei were invited. They just politely refused.
Among the devils Ayumi invited only Haqua... or rather asked Keima to invite her, but she didn't receive any feedback on this issue. And she didn't invite that Ryō guy either. That alone didn't mean he won't come though...
Honestly, Ayumi was really surprised so many of the girls wanted to celebrate her birthday. But then again, maybe it had something to do with the last guest on the list.
Keima.
Frankly, Ayumi had this funny suspicion that some girls were coming mostly because of him. But for what purpose? Were they jealous? That sounded plausible... if it wasn't for the congratulatory emails Ayumi had received. Were there planning to tease her and Keima? Or maybe they wanted to bring them closer? All of those scenarios had one thing in common.
They could end with a disaster.
Ayumi didn't really have a choice though – it would be rude to not invite everyone. And it was of course impossible to merge this party with the second one. Ayumi would rather not have her parents hear about devils, goddesses and certain playboy gamer who incidentally happens to be her boyfriend.
The side effect of all this was that Chihiro, Elsie and Yui were invited to both parties, but it couldn't be helped – they really wanted to come to the "hen party plus Keima". On the other hand, them not attending the "family party" would be seen as weird.
Those were Ayumi's thoughts as she was riding a train to Narusawa City on May 1 with Chihiro.
Speaking of Chihiro...
"What's this?" Ayumi asked, pointing her leg at bag that Chihiro brought with her. As far as Ayumi remembered Sumire had said not to bring anything.
"What do you think?" the band leader replied with a cheeky smile. "It's your birthday present."
Ayumi blinked. "You're giving it to me today?" a ringing indicated the train reached their destination. "What about tomorrow?"
"Simple" Chihiro stood up. "Tomorrow you get a present too!"
"You got me two presents?" Ayumi asked in surprise, getting off the train.
"No, I'll just give you the same present twice" Chihiro smirked.
"You mean I have to give it back to you after party, so you can give it to me again?
"Yep."
Ayumi just shook her head. "That will be the strangest birthday of my life."
"The strangest birthday of your life so far" Chihiro corrected her.
(* * *)
"What are you doing here so early?" Ayumi asked when she saw Tsukiyo and Urara already in Sumire-ya.
"The same thing you're doing here, Takahara-san" Shiratori heiress said, taking a handful of cutlery from Sumire. "Preparation."
"And arrangement" Tsukiyo added while inspecting a plate on the big table. The moon lover apparently thought it wasn't perfect, symmetrical and beautiful enough, because she shifted it by an insubstantial distance before smiling in satisfaction.
"You do realize that when the party starts, food will probably fly around, right?" Chihiro asked. "By the way, have you ever read Soul Eater?"
"No, what's that?" Tsukiyo asked surprised.
"It's a manga when one of the characters has obsession on symmetry and-eek!" a voice from the side spoke, making everyone look around only to see Shiori, who apparently too late realized she wasn't supposed to say that aloud.
"Oh... so the most knowledgeable librarian in the world is here as well" Chihiro remarked.
"I-it's normal for a l-library committee member to have read all the b-books in the library" Shiori replied shyly.
"No, it isn't!" everyone else countered simultaneously.
"A-anyway, h-happy birthday, Takahara-san" the librarian approached Ayumi and presented her with a small package. "H-here's your birthday present."
"Just call me Ayumi" the runner responded, taking the package. "And thank you... but why are you giving it to me now?"
"Umm... b-because my father... needs something from me... a-and I can't stay here... so I got to go-Ugh!" she tried to walk away towards the exit, but yelped when Tsukiyo grabbed her by her clothes.
"No, you don't. You stay right here" the blond said firmly.
"Kujō-san's right, you don't need to be afraid" Chihiro chipped in. "Everyone here knows you, so you don't have to hesitate to voice your opinion. You can call Ayumi a running freak anytime you want."
"Hey! I'm not a freak!" Ayumi countered, feigning offense. "And gimme those" she added pointing at the mountain of plates carried by Chihiro.
"No" the girl replied. "You're not helping us."
"Why? Because it's my party?"
"Nope. Because you'll start running and break all the plates, you freak!"
Shiori chuckled lightly at that, but it went completely unnoticed in the mix of laughter and giggles that erupted all around.
(* * *)
It was still some time left before five o'clock when the remaining guests started to gather.
First to arrive was Kusunoki, who was wearing cute and almost lady-like clothes. However it was clear she was not used to such attire.
The arrival of the next three guests was practically impossible to miss, as Mio, Nanaka and Yui were engaged in some heated discussion that was audible good minute before they entered the restaurant.
On the other hand, Tenri seemed to appear out of thin air. One moment she wasn't there and a second later she was. Ayumi could've blamed it on the girl's preference for magic tricks... weren't if for the fact that she brought Minami with her.
"Have you heard from Keima?" Ayumi asked the shy girl, while she observed the street outside. It was one minute to five.
"What do you mean?" Tenri asked quietly, looking at the group of girls milling about and talking inside the restaurant.
"She means if Katsuragi said 'I won't be coming' or something like that" a third voice weighed into the discussion.
"That's not what I meant, Chihiro!" Ayumi replied, but couldn't stop herself from worrying. What if he decided not to come? Or simply forgot about her birthday altogether?
"Don't worry, Ayumi-san" Tenri replied calmly. "I'm sure Keima-kun will come any moment now."
Chihiro shook her head. "You're saying it as if he told you that in the past too. 'Tenri, in 10 years I'll go to Ayumi's birthday' or something like that. How can you be sure he'll come?"
"Because" Tenri smiled gently. "I can see him."
Chihiro and Ayumi blinked and turned their heads and sure enough – Keima was walking up to the restaurant with his sister.
"Ayumi-san! Chihiro-san!" Eri shouted from the distance in joy, while Keima looked as unaffected as usual. "We're here!"
(* * *)
"Are you sure this is fine?" Ayumi asked Sumire as soon as everyone was gathered around three stacked tables. "What about your father?"
"It's fine! Dad is not home today anyway" the rāmen lover replied.
"What did you tell him?"
"I just said I need the shop for a hen party tonight, so he should go hang out with his buddies or something."
"And he bought this?" Ayumi questioned.
"Well... he tried to disagree at first, but then I started to wonder aloud whether I should go to a club with some shady guys. Worked like a charm!" Sumire explained with a smile, while Ayumi sweatdropped. "Besides, it's not like I'm doing it completely for free."
That was true. Of course, Sumire offered a considerable discount and the guests all paid their share, so it wasn't really an issue.
"Anyway, I think we should start this" Sumire walked off to the back room and returned a moment later with the biggest birthday cake Ayumi's ever seen.
A chorus of "Happy birthday!" resounded as Sumire placed the deliciously looking cake with eighteen candles in front of the runner.
"Now make a wish!" Sumire said solemnly. Ayumi stole a quick glance at Keima and then blew all the candles in a single try, resulting in a thunderous applause form the others. A lively chatter followed immediately after that.
"Alright, presents time!" Nanaka announced, managing to outshout the general rumble, which quickly turned into a mix of excited whispers.
Keima took a small step back, apparently not too eager to go first, but the people around him had other ideas – in no time flat he somehow found himself in front of Ayumi. He turned over his shoulder to look at the last person who pushed him. His glare must've been misunderstood, however, because Eri flashed him a thumbs-up and a smile.
Keima cleared his throat and pulled a small rectangular package and presented it to Ayumi with a simple "here".
A few pairs of eyes around them widened or squinted in suspicion. Keima couldn't have...
Ayumi made short work of the wrapping, proving that he could.
"A PFP?" she asked as if she saw the device in her hands for the first time.
"Yes. During our date I noticed you have potential, so I thought you could use some practice, so we could... ugh... play again" Keima explained, grateful that stares couldn't kill as there seemed to be one or two potential murderesses in the room.
"Thanks, but... isn't that a little too expensive?" Ayumi questioned. "And I don't have any games to play on that."
"Expensive?" Chihiro repeated. "He just gave you one of his old consoles that he bought using the M-funds."
"My PFPs are white, not pink!" Keima defended himself, pointing at the console. "And as for games I have full library of them, so there's no reason for Ayumi to buy any!"
"What good dating sims are going to do for her, otamegane?!" Chihiro didn't desist.
"I don't play just dating sims, you pesky real!" Keima wasn't backing down either.
"Don't be so hard on him, Chihiro" Yui interjected with a smile. "It was expected. Besides, it's the thought that counts, right darling?" she added with a wink.
Keima had already opened his mouth, but he quickly closed it and stepped backwards when he heard flirtatious tone in Yui's voice.
"That's right!" Urara stepped in between Keima and the two other girls, apparently trying to diffuse the situation. "Here's my present!" she handed Ayumi a medium-sized package.
The runner took the gift and unwrapped it, revealing an impressive make up kit.
"I just thought you might need it now. I can't guarantee it'll be effective though" Urara shot a discreet glance at Keima.
"That's very thoughtful of you" Ayumi commented politely, not mentioning that the kit looked expensive as well.
"You might need this in the future as well!" Sumire smiled, presenting Ayumi with a rectangular package.
"You shouldn't have" Ayumi noted. "You already letting us have a party here and-"
"Yeah, yeah. Just unpack it. It's not expensive or anything."
Ayumi did as she was told. It was book titled "101 recipes a good wife should know". Well... wife was a little uncalled at this point. Still, a cooking book was very Sumire-like. And appreciated.
Speaking of books...
Ayumi opened Shiori's present next and sure enough it was some book. The title was "Runners through the ages", clearly indicating the book was describing the history of track and field sports. Ayumi was a little anxious to open it, but she did and sighed in relief – the pictures took considerable portion of the pages, so Shiori had chosen the book wisely.
"Next is a gift from me and Tenri-senpai" Minami announced. Tenri then stepped in front of her, tossed a cloth over the younger girl's empty palm, made some magical gestures and removed the cloth.
On the palm there was a small package, eliciting several surprised "Ooh"s.
"Minami-chan and Diana helped to chose this... so I guess it's a gift from the three of us" Tenri explained as soon as Ayumi unwrapped the box only to see some strange strings and a piece of fabric. She pulled it out to look closely and only then she realized she was looking at a swimsuit.
A skirtini type swimsuit.
Ayumi's face turned deep red and she quickly hid the garment back in the box... or rather tried to, as the flimsy fabric apparently didn't want to be put back inside.
"Well, here is my present, Takahara-san" Kusunoki said uncertainly a moment later. Ayumi was a little uncertain as well, but it turned out that the younger Kasuga had bought her winter jogging clothes.
"Umm... also here's a present from aneue" Kusunoki showed another package. "But... I think it's better you unpack it after the party."
"It would be kind of rude" Ayumi countered, removing the ribbons on the box.
"Yeah, how bad could it be?" Chihiro chimed in and looked into the box Ayumi just opened. Both girls blinked. Then turned cherry red and covered the box at once.
"I-I think it's better to save it for later after all" Ayumi decided.
"Y-yeah" Chihiro agreed, sparking interests in some of the remaining guests. "Anyway, here you are" the band leader said, giving Ayumi a box as well, which turned out to reveal a bunch of CDs.
"What exactly are those?" Ayumi asked.
"A collection of your favorite comedy shows, so you can watch them anytime you want" Chihiro explained. Ayumi took one of the disc cases and inspected it closely. And true enough – it was just as the other girls had said.
"How did you now those were the ones I liked and the ones I didn't have yet?"
"You're underestimating the power of a childhood friend" Chihiro replied, obviously trying for a Keima-like stance, making the gamer narrow his eyes at her.
After that there was present from Mio, Yui and Tsukiyo who bought Ayumi an elegant and high-class looking dress that made the runner speechless. Was a girl like her even allowed to walk in clothes like this?
The final present was from Nanaka and Elsie and turned out to be a guitar amp. It was small, but, as the shōgi lover said "it's packin' enough power to wake up the entire neighborhood!"
Unlike the other presents, Ayumi was well aware of the price of such equipment, but Nanaka said that she "got it from her family friend on the cheap" after which she put her arm around the runner and smiled, stating that "it was time for some grub!"
No-one disagreed.
(* * *)
"Minamodo-shan dhid whad?" Eri mumbled half-coherently, her mouth full of cake and voice going above whisper in shock. She was looking appalled, however not as much as Tsukiyo who sat next to her.
"Not so loud!" Chihiro shushed, leaning over Sumire's chair, exploiting the fact the the cook left everyone for a moment to bring more food and drinks. "Not everyone has to hear this right now!"
"I doubt anyone else will hear it" Keima noticed, his eyes surveying the room and Ayumi had to agree – everyone else were eating and chatting among themselves. And it turned out that Chihiro was right – food was flying around. Mostly courtesy of Vulcan, but still.
Ayumi was sitting at the head of the table, taking another mouthful of the cake. Keima was next to her, his slice of the considerably sweet pastry still unfinished even though he gave most of it to Ayumi. The seat next to him was taken by Eri, who looked comical with her eyes wide and fork still in her mouth. Tsukiyo was to her right, her eyes shifting to her doll in concern, but Luna seemed unmoving at the moment.
The rest of the table seemed to arrange itself in pairs. Next to Tsukiyo was Shiori and next to her was Minami, who somehow managed to drag the bibliophile into some conversation.
Next was an empty seat, originally planned for Kanon and then there were Kusunoki and Urara. The Kasuga successor looked more lady-like with her gentle and uncertain expression, while the Shiratori heiress was obviously enjoying being able to speak with the more adult girl, talking as if there was no tomorrow.
This one-sided monologue was completely unlike the talk that was happening more to the right. Mio and Yui were in the middle of some heated discussion, with the drummer trying and half-succeeding to push the shorter girl's buttons, while Mio threw back biting replies anytime she could, the original topic long forgotten.
Next was Nanaka, who was prattling about everything and nothing, a glass of a ginger ale in one hand while her other hand was wrapped around Tenri's shoulders... except Tenri had wings on her back and a halo above her head and the look on her face was matching Kusunoki's.
The loop was closed with Chihiro, who leaned back when Sumire returned and sat between the band leader and Ayumi – a spot closest to the kitchen.
"So that means tonkotsu is not really taken, right?" the restaurant owner started and smiled at Keima, proving that she heard enough to understand what was being discussed.
"Actually, he's very much taken!" Ayumi responded, wrapping her hands around Keima's arm and leaning into him, as if to protect him from the rāmen lover. Keima hissed, but kept quiet, observing Sumire with some apprehension.
"Then you should have no problem with a little kiss to prove it!"
This somehow managed to get the attention of everyone around. Surprised gazes and blinks quickly turned into excited, expectant and even challenging looks. Ayumi's face exploded into red and a fast glance at Keima proved he was not faring much better. He looked to the side and moved his head up and down ever so slightly. She read it as a "yes, but don't get overboard" message.
Thus, Ayumi leaned closer, slung her hands over Keima's neck and kissed him. It was probably the most embarrassing kiss in her life.
"Look at him, blushin' like that!" Nanaka giggled when they separated.
"He's always blushing in a situation like this" Mio said matter-of-factly.
"Senpais... so cool..." Minami exclaimed with shinning eyes.
Keima narrowed his eyes in response, but even the God of Conquest couldn't glare at ten or so girls at once.
(* * *)
The party was going for about an hour now and half of the various snacks on the table were already gone courtesy of several girls and more than one goddess.
As Ayumi predicted, Keima was surrounded by a few girls, who wanted to use this opportunity to catch up with him. At least Ayumi hoped that was all what it was. Still, she kept an eye on him, while he was somehow managing to keep three different conversations going at the same time.
"Umm... excuse me" a new voice suddenly interrupted, making several heads turn in the direction of the entrance, to see a figure wearing a thick cloak, completely out of place in this season.
"Who are you?" Yui asked, as if she was the owner of the place.
"The shop is closed for today" Sumire added, while Nanaka and Mio put their hands on Yui's mouth.
At this point, however, Eri let out a small "eek", walked up to the new person and literally jumped on her with an overjoyed "Kanon-chan!" eliciting a perfectly synchronized chorus of "EEH?!"
"I'm sorry for being so late" the person took off her cloak, revealing the idol's pink hair and frame-less glasses. "But I convinced the manager-san to give me the evening off" she handed a small box to Ayumi. "Here's your present!"
"I'm really glad I managed to finish it yesterday!" Kanon said, while Yui and Mio walked to the entrance, as if they were expecting a crowd of reporters to wait outside.
"Whaddya mean 'managed to finish'?" Nanaka asked blatantly, clearly proving she had a little more than enough ginger ale by now. "Ain't dat jus' a shimple CD? How ish dat-Ouch! Hey, what waz dat for?" the shōgi gamer asked after Chihiro somehow managed to reach over Diana and elbow her.
Kanon, however, seemed not to notice.
"This is my latest album. Actually, it's not released yet. It was finished for a week, except for one song" the idol explained, pointing to one particular track on the list of songs.
"Love makes the world go 'round" Ayumi read the title of the song aloud. "What about it?"
"Yes, what about it?" Eri repeated, her starry gaze focused on Kanon.
The idol smiled.
"It's a song about you and Keima-kun!"
Oh, yeah, Ayumi thought. Kanon did mention something like that in that email back then.
"Wha? It's that for real?" Yui asked leaning over the table. "You have a copy of your own song before it's even released! It has to be a great song!"
"I bet it's beautiful" Tsukiyo commented.
"And it has g-great lyrics for sure as well" Shiori added in a small voice.
"Not that I'm particularly interested, but how about a copy for me?" Keima asked. "This is a song about me as well."
"It's not your birthday, Keima-kun" Kanon replied. "Besides you got a parting gift from me before, right?"
"You mean the kiss or the voltage?" the gamer deadpanned, but flinched when Kanon's hand shot to her pocket and-
"Aww! And I wanted a copy too!" Eri whined.
"As one of my biggest fans you're a special case" Kanon appeared before the female Katsuragi in a flash, handing her another CD.
"Thank you, Kanon-chan you're the best" Eri said happily.
"Yeah, thanks" Ayumi said, actually eager to listen to the song.
"Glad you like it" the idol said, taking the empty seat between Kusunoki and Minami, making both girls fidget nervously. That was only a beginning though, because immediately after that Kanon's body flashed white. Then she grabbed a cookie, popped it in her mouth and put her hands around the junior swimmer and the senior martial artist, bringing them closer.
"Alrighty then!" Apollo exclaimed happily, while spreading feathers everywhere. "Let's get this party started!"
(* * *)
Minute by minute the party became more chaotic and soon Ayumi lost track of who was seating where.
Tsukiyo, Urara and Vulcan (Luna) decided to have a "ladies tea party (plus snacks)" on the side and dragged Kusunoki and Shiori with them. The martial artist and the riffraff bibliophile looked torn between being frightened and honored.
Mars and Apollo were apparently testing whether a goddess could get drunk on a ginger ale and made a bet who'll back down first. It was supposed to be a two-sided competition, but no competition could happen without Nanaka.
Diana (from a mirror), Minami and, surprisingly, Minerva were squinting their eyes, carefully observing the ribbon in Tenri's hand to not miss the moment when it'll disapp-huh? It was gone! Two gestures later the lost object was found when Tenri pulled it out of Minerva's ear. Tenri smiled when she saw their amazed expressions. Then she turned around... and blanched when she ended up practically face-to-face with Mercury, who was wide-awake and observing her "teleportation tricks" with suspicion and scrunched forehead.
Someone said "karaoke!" and immediately after that Shiori and Keima stood up at the same time with "I have to go to the bathroom!", before sprinting away. Soon enough a music was playing from cell phones, while various girls were singing the lyrics. Of course, Kanon and the 2-B pencils were the focus of attention.
Keima was back quickly, but was still dragged into singing together with Ayumi and after that Chihiro asked him to perform "Dreaming traveler of an integrated circuit", but Keima blatantly refused.
Shiori emerged from the bathroom several minutes later, when the singing sounds quieted down considerably. She was walking back to the group when she passed a table where Ayumi left all her presents for the time being. Shiori briefly wondered how the runner planned to take all of it home with her when something caught her attention.
It was the one present that Ayumi didn't open. A present from Kasuga-senpai's older sister. Shiori tried to ignore it, but the curiosity was winning. It wouldn't hurt to take a quick look by herself, right? After a moment of hesitation the bookworm walked to the box, opened it and scrunched her forehead.
What was that?
It was a little dark in the hallway, so she pulled the thing out of the box to see better, but she still had to squint her eyes.
Were this clothes? If so then they were really weird. Like full of holes... Unless... this mesh was intentional. Like a lace. Shiori spread the garment in front of her.
If those things were to be less black, less silky and less lacy then they would look almost like a pair of women's panties and a bra.
…
… …
… … …
(* * *)
"Is something wrong, Shiori?" Tsukiyo asked. "Your face is all red."
"I-I'm fine."
(* * *)
Ayumi was greatly surprised when she noticed that it was eight in the evening already and Kanon announced she had to get going as her manager's car parked outside the restaurant. Soon after that Minami had to leave as well with Tenri accompanying her even though Mars offered to "fly them home quickly, so they could stay a little longer."
After that the party started to slow down and people started to leave. By nine only Keima, Ayumi, Chihiro, Eri and Sumire were left.
"I guess now it's the cleaning time" Ayumi said, handing Keima a duster, while Eri and her broom were already doing their thing.
"There's one thing that's bothering me" Chihiro said, while moving one of the tables with Ayumi. "You said that Katsuragi was guarded by Hell just in case, right?"
"Yeah" the runner replied.
"So why weren't they guarding this party?" ugh... why is this table so damn heavy? "It's like all of us in one place! A perfect chance for attack!"
"Maybe they were guarding us from some distance?"
"Still, it would be wise to have one guardian in the restaurant."
"Maybe they had. They can turn invisible, you know?"
Chihiro chuckled. "We would've noticed them. No way they could hide themselves in all this commotion!"
"I beg to disagree" a calm voice interrupted, accompanied with some shuffling. Chihiro and Ayumi looked down only to see a small girl with tattered scythe and a small notepad... sitting on the table they were carrying.
"Whoa!" Chihiro stepped back, dropping the table in the process.
"So that's why it was so heavy" Ayumi said, not that surprised, as she met the small devil before. "Don't you think that was a little rude?"
"With you muscle strength it should be no problem" Rimyuel responded.
Ayumi blinked, not sure if it was a compliment or an insult.
"You mean you were here the entire time?" Chihiro accused with a shaky finger.
"Of course she was" Keima commented from the other side of the room.
"How would you know that?" Rimyuel questioned with a neutral expression. "You didn't look at me even once during this event."
"Hmpf! Didn't look at you? Why would I need to do that?" Keima repositioned his glasses. "So many people at one place. So much research material. You wouldn't miss a chance like that. It's common development for a mad scientist character like you... in games."
"Is that so?" Rimyuel said with a perfect poker face, but the mask was shattered when suddenly Sumire appeared in front of her.
"So this is what a devil looks like?" the rāmen lover asked with a smile. "So cute! Isn't that what you would call a loli?"
"I'll have you know that I'm over 300 years old and-" Sumire never learned what Rimyuel wanted to say next, because suddenly there was a loud cry of "onee-sama!" and the next instant Rimyuel found herself on the floor with Eri actually snuggling into her.
"I missed you so much, Rimyuel-neesama!" the former Irma devil said.
"I get, I get it... now get off me!" Rimyuel said in clear panic, looking similar to how Keima reacted around Yui.
"Aww! That's cute!" Sumire cooed.
Snap!
"Huh? Did you just take a picture?" Rimyuel asked, turning to Chihiro.
"Yup."
Rimyuel blanched for a moment before blushing lightly. "You've no right! It's confidential! Delete this picture at once! This is a very bad idea!"
"I think it's a very good idea" Keima interrupted with a creepy smile, while taking a picture as well.
"No, stop it!"
"No."
"Onee-sama!"
(* * *)
"That was a nice party!" Chihiro announced cheerfully.
Her and Ayumi were now going back to the train station, while Eri stayed behind to "catch up with Rimyuel-neesama".
"Only nice? I feel hurt" Ayumi replied jokingly.
"You shouldn't. It's not your fault" the band leader replied before eyeing the last person accompanying them. "It's his."
Keima didn't really react, clicking through his game as usual.
"Hey, I just insulted your present choice, otamega! Don't act as if you didn't hear that."
"Oh, cut him some slack. The present wasn't bad" Ayumi chipped in before examining her new console. Actually, this could be useful. And maybe, just maybe, it was a sign Keima was trying to introduce her to his world, which would be good.
Kinda.
"You're too soft on him!" Chihiro told her, although she was still looking at Keima as if this reply was directed to him. "Honestly, he's trying to wrap you around his gaming fingers" she accused, waited for his reactions and when she got none she continued. "You're not even denying it!"
Keima paused his PFP and put it away before answering.
"And you as always make premature conclusions."
"You bought Ayumi a console as a present and I'm commenting on that" Chihiro said with narrowed eyes. "What's 'premature' about it?"
Keima remained silent for a few seconds and then he turned his head around sharply, looking at his shoulder as if he was expecting to see something there.
And immediately after that Ayumi felt a gust of wind near her, as if someone just walked past her.
"Finally" Keima said. "Come" he motioned to both girls before leading them into a rather dark alley.
"What's this about? Are you planning something creepy, otame-WHOA!" Chihiro exclaimed suddenly and Ayumi didn't blame her.
After all, the sight of Haqua materializing out of thin air was surprising to say the least.
"Good evening" the devil girl said. "And I'm sorry I didn't come to your party... I was stopped by... official duties."
"Don't worry about it" Ayumi said, while scratching her head. Did she appear just to apologize?
"You're late" Keima said, narrowing his eyes at Haqua.
"We didn't decide on the exact time" the violet-haired devil replied.
"You've deliberately waited for Chihiro to scold me before appearing."
"I don't know what you're talking about" Haqua defended herself, before turning to Ayumi. "So, how did you like my present?"
Ayumi and Chihiro blinked at that.
"Your present?" they both asked at the same time.
"Yes" Keima replied. "The PFP was my idea, but Haqua paid for the most of it, so it's really a present from her."
"That's right" the devil confirmed. "I thought this is not a kind of present a boyfriend should buy for his girlfriend. But Katsuragi insisted, so I told him I'll buy it."
"W-wait a moment" Chihiro interrupted and turned to Keima, panic in her voice. "That means you didn't give Ayumi a present at all!"
"And that's why your comments were premature" the gamer said before turning to Haqua. "Did you bring it?"
The devil smiled and handed Keima a package that was invisible until now. Keima then handed it to Ayumi.
"Aren't you going to open it?" he asked when Ayumi just continued to stand there dumbfounded.
"Um... yeah."
"You said you were using the shoes I gave you for the official meets, so it would be a shame not to have a complete set for such meets" Keima commented. "Well, you're still lacking one last piece, but I couldn't decide between shorts and bloomers."
Ayumi didn't respond, her eyes fixed on the shirt she was holding in her hands. It was high quality, but still fairly normal shirt. Except, the inscription on the back of the shirt read "Ayumi Takahara" in bright red letters.
And the front read "The Mai High Unguided Missile."
"This... this is great" Ayumi said, barely stopping her voice from cracking. "But, I can't wear it for the meets... Wouldn't want to get it dirty."
"Don't worry" Haqua chipped it. "It was enhanced with magic. It shouldn't tear and you should be able to wash it just fine no matter how dirty it becomes."
"Yes, Haqua helped me to prepare that" Keima confirmed and extended his hand to the devil. "And the same can be said about this" he added before handing Ayumi another rectangular package. Ayumi took it with shaky hands and unwrapped it.
It was some kind of book... with her and Keima's faces on the cover.
"What's this?" Chihiro asked, looking over Ayumi's shoulder as the runner turned the first page.
And became speechless.
The book was a photo album, the first few pages containing photos from their date a few days ago. The pages after that remained blank, clearly waiting to be filled with more photos.
"How did you do this? When did you take those photos?" Ayumi asked. Keima just gestured to Haqua, who laughed nervously.
"I was kind of observing you two."
Ayumi turned her attention back to the album. And smiled.
"That's... nice... really nice... good job, Katsuragi" Chihiro said after a moment, this time directing her words to Ayumi and completely ignoring the glare that Keima was sending her way.
"You should at least apologize, you real wom-"
"Warning" Ayumi mumbled out.
"Huh?" Chihiro and Haqua asked and then widened her eyes when Ayumi all but tackled Keima and embraced him.
"Ugh!" Keima exclaimed when the runner wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Thank you" she said, overcome by emotions. So that's how it feels to actually have a boyfriend?
Keima didn't reply, looking positively shocked and fuzzy for a few moments, before he reluctantly returned the hug while looking away. Chihiro seemed surprised by this unexpected spectacle as well. Haqua just smiled gently, before sighing.
"I would have loved to stay longer" she started. "But paperwork awaits me. See you some other time."
And with this she was gone.
(* * *)
During their return trip on the train Ayumi was definitely in a good mood, practically humming to herself. Chihiro, on the other hand, tried to remain insubstantial. She apologized to Keima ("yeah, yeah, I'm sorry otamega"), but she still was expecting some snarky comments directed her way.
But none came.
Keima was sitting next to Ayumi and seemed completely immersed in his game. However, Chihiro couldn't know that the game he was playing was one of the galges he had already completed several times before and could beat it with his eyes closed. Thus, he was just pressing buttons and setting flags on reflex, while his mind was preoccupied with something else.
Glances. Blushing. Talking. Holding hands. Hugs. Kisses.
That was the order of things and there was a certain rule to it – each stage was more powerful then the last. Until now, he had experienced over 30 real kisses in his life, and from almost 20 different real females, so he was somewhat knowledgeable in this regard. On the other hand, the number of real man-to-woman hugs he had received in his life was next to zero. Thus, with enough ignorance, he could just assume that his reaction to Ayumi's embrace was caused by his surprise and lack of experience.
But he was not ignorant. That event happened only once, but the effect it had on him was not happening for the first time and Keima took note of it. But what was the cause of it? He thought about it, but couldn't find the answer. Of course, he rejected all impossible solutions and focused on the remaining ones. But they didn't make sense.
He was aware that he came to view some of the real girls as somewhat charming. He glanced at Ayumi. Yes, she was a much better heroine than when he first tried to conquer her.
And yes – she was now trying to conquer him. Actually, he had seriously considered the possibility that she was starting to succeed. Was his heart swayed by her? He did promise he will give her a chance, so if that happened then he would be in serious trouble.
But after pondering the situation he found out the surprising answer.
It did not happen. His heart was not swayed. Yes, Ayumi was a lot closer to him now. She was his friend (not that he needed those). They were two allies on their journey through reality. He kind of accepted her and cared for her. But that was it. He didn't love her. That's for sure.
But if love was not the cause of his current issue, then what was? Maybe he should consider some of the solutions he previously deemed impossible...
No, he thought as he turned his attention back to the console.
It couldn't possibly be that.
(* * *)
So there it is. As you have probably noticed... this wasn't actual birthday (because it's May 1) and Ayumi is technically still seventeen, but whatever. :)
The end of this chapter was difficult... I don't know if I've worded Keima's thoughts correctly. It can be pretty relevant in the upcoming chapters.
Today's normal references are brought to you by Simpsons the Movie (2007) and Ace Ventura (1994).
And the perfectly symmetrical reference is brought to you by Death the Kid from Soul Eater.
As for the next chapter I would like to post it before December 27, but I have to write it first... :/
Anyway, as usual don't hesitate to drop me a review at your leisure. Favs and follows are appreciated as well.
See you next time and Merry Christmas! :)
(* * *)
And finally, here's the second part of Tenri/Diana/Nora pokémake:
Nora used Rage. Nora's attack rose! Nora used Sword Dance. Nora's attack greatly rose!
(* * *)
? ? ? used Mirror Move. ? ? ? used Chatter. ? ? ? is now known as Diana!
Keima used Outrage.
(Nora used Metal Claw. Nora's attack breaks the substitute!)
Keima used Nasty Plot. Keima used Metronome. Keima used Minami's runaway spirit. But it failed!
(Nora used Metal Claw. Nora's attack breaks another substitute!)
Elsie used Fly. Elsie flew up high!
Keima used Spare Batteries. Huh? What was that?
Diana and Tenri used Whisper.
(Nora used Metal Claw. Nora's attack breaks all remaining substitutes!)
Nora appears! Nora used Sky Attack. But it missed!
Nora used Bludgeon Arm. Diana used Protect. Diana protected Keima!
Diana used Pick-up Bride Style. Diana used Bounce.
Nora sent out Ryou! Ryou is loafing around! Diana and Keima got away safely!
(* * *)
Tenri used Tile Break. Tenri used Dig.
Keima is confused. Keima used Flashback. It's super effective!
(* * *)
Young Keima used Play Game.
Teacher used Nag. Young Keima got onto Akanemaru. Young Keima used Protect. Young Keima used Defense Curl.
Real used Earthquake. Real used Magnitude. Magnitude 3!
Young Keima is confused! Young Keima has been stranded on Akanemaru!
Young Tenri appears.
(* * *)
Keima used Amnesia. Diana used Rage. Diana used Baton Pass. Diana used Double Slap. Hit 1 time! Critical hit!
Keima used Flashback. It's super effective!
(* * *)
Young Keima used Don't Follow Me. But it failed! Young Tenri is ignoring orders.
Young Keima and Tenri entered Maijima Cave.
Huh? It's dark. Young Tenri used Flash. A blinding flash lights the area!
Young Keima and Tenri used... Move. Young Keima and Tenri used Chatter.
Young Tenri used Cry. Keima used Bestow. Tenri now has bentou and candies!
Young Keima and Tenri used Chatter.
? ? ? used Dark Void. It's pitch-black! Young Tenri and Keima are confused!
? ? ? used Earthquake.
Young Keima used Holding Hand. ? ? ? used Rock Throw. It's super effective! Young Keima is blacked out! Young Keima is fast asleep! Young Keima used Amnesia.
? ? ? used Flash. A blinding flash lights the area!
Weiss appear. Weiss used Growl. Young Tenri is confused!
Weiss used Denial. Weiss said "Won't get caught!".
Weiss used Detect. Weiss and Young Tenri used Struggle.
Young Tenri used Protect. But it failed!
Diana appears. Diana used Assist. Young Tenri is now hosting Diana!
Diana used Baton Pass! Diana used Bulk Up. Diana used Extreme Speed. Diana and Young Keima got away safely!
(* * *)
Diana and Keima used Chatter. Keima used Sketch.
Diana used Exposition.
Nora appears! Nora used Dig. Keima and Diana used Rage.
Ryou appears! Nora can't move! Diana used Rock Throw. Nora and Ryou can't move!
Diana and Keima got away safely!
(* * *)
Diana used Bestow. Keima now has a weakened Runaway Spirit!
Diana used Baton Pass. Keima used Follow Me.
Elsie appears! Elsie used Apology.
Keima and Elsie used Chatter. Tenri used Small Smile.
Keima used Nasty Lovers Plot. Tenri is confused! Elsie used Wrap.
Nora and Ryou appear!
Ryou used Breast Power. Nora used Low Kick. Ryou kept falling and crashed!
Keima used Love Confession. Tenri is frozen solid! Tenri used Steam Eruption. Tenri is ignoring orders!
Nora used Insult. Keima used Counter.
Tenri used Confession. Keima used Wrap. Tenri is confused!
Keima used Titanic Kiss. It's super effective! One-hit KO! Tenri fainted!
Elsie used Weiss. Nora used Pursuit.
Diana got away safely.
Tenri, Diana & Nora arc ended. Diana got 100000 love points! Diana reached level 30!
Diana learned Heavenly Halo!