For all her disdain for crowds, Rei actually looks forward to hatsumode at the shrine. Hikawa Jinja is nothing like Meiji Jingu with its endless queue but still, there's a sizeable crowd even at midnight. Visitors continue coming in a steady stream and Rei watches the dawn break while at her grandfather's side, just as she's done for years.
Ami and her mother come early in the morning, heavy coats and scarves over their kimono. Out of the corner of her eye, Rei watches how Ami's mother smoothes down an unruly lock of her daughter's hair and feels that familiar tightness wrap around her chest. It fades when Ami leaves her mother's side to give Rei a quick hug - her first of the new year.
Makoto comes alone shortly after, the wide grin on her face rivaled only by the size of the container she's carrying with her. Neither Rei nor her grandfather can resist eating one of the cookies nestled inside, still warm from the oven. Rei can't remember when Makoto started bringing them cookies but every year they seem more delicious than the last.
Despite Rei's reassurances, Makoto stays to help through the afternoon, preparing bite-sized tidbits for Rei and her grandfather that they can quickly pop into their mouths (along with a cookie or two as well) as they tend to the visitors. She also keeps an eye on things when they each take turns in the break room for a much-needed nap.
Usagi arrives with Mamoru and her family in the afternoon. She doesn't yell her greeting to Rei and Makoto from across the courtyard this year but the jumping and waving catches the same amount of attention. Usagi's face scrunches in concentration when she does her prayers, and Rei guesses that she's likely praying for some combination of the newest video game console, everyone's health, and world peace. She leaves with a cookie already half-eaten and a promise to meet up next week, both given up reluctantly by Rei. Rei sighs once she's gone; her grandfather chuckles beside her, calling it an auspicious start to another good year.
Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru arrive with souvenirs for Rei and her grandfather from their recent trip. Michiru gently pries Hotaru from Rei when she begins talking animatedly about the many lamps they happened upon while they were in Italy. Haruka coaxes Makoto into coming back with them since her souvenir is there, though Rei suspects it's the temptation of Setsuna's mystery dessert that convinces Makoto the most.
Late afternoon thins the crowd slightly, giving Rei and her grandfather a slight respite. This year, Minako makes it halfway through the courtyard before Rei recognizes her. (Rei grudgingly admits later that this year's wig is pretty well done; she doesn't mention the glasses but Minako's smirk tells her that Minako already knows her opinion). Rei allows herself to be tugged away from her duties, a fond smile on her grandfather's face as Minako promises to bring her back quickly.
It's only then that Rei makes her own prayer for the new year. She stands side by side with Minako, feeling content as she watches the fog of their breaths lift into the air as they clap their hands in prayer. When Rei prays, it's less in words and more in feelings; the images of her friends come to mind and she feels the fire blaze to match her emotion for them.
They pull their fortune three times - Rei pulls 'great blessing' the first time but Minako spots a warning about love in the description and makes her tie the fortune to the fence. The second time - Minako insists that they have to redo it together - Rei receives a 'middle blessing' while Minako receives a 'curse' - Rei is careful to hide her smirk as they tie their fortunes to the fence. The third time they both get 'small blessing' and Minako tucks the paper into her wallet for luck just like last year, and the year before. This year, their first kiss of the new year is behind one of the sakura trees, sunset streaming golden over them as they move on to their second, third, fourth kisses of the year.
Minako stays to help until they finally close up the shrine for the day. The three of them spend the first night of the new year settled at the small table in the kitchen with bowls of ozoni that Makoto had somehow made while she was there. Minako has extra mochi and Rei nearly chokes on hers as Minako and her grandfather trade stories in an attempt to scandalize Rei's eyebrows off her forehead.
Grandfather excuses himself once the dishes have been washed but not without a small blessing over the both of them, and a soft murmur to Minako that Rei can't hear but makes Minako nod and wipe at her eyes. Before Rei can ask about it, Minako's on her feet, rambling about how ice cream is best eaten on cold days. They hold hands as they walk to the convenience store across the street. (Rei grumbles about needing gloves and dry skin but squeezes Minako's hand anyway, though she has to fight to keep her balance when Minako tries to kiss her midway down the stairs.)
When they finally arrive, Rei has to bodily force Minako away from the candy and snacks to the frozen section. After much innuendo from Minako and face palming from Rei, they settle on a box of ice cream monaka for grandfather and a handful of different ice cream bars for themselves.
Back at the shrine, they huddle around the space heater in Rei's room, sharing bites of ice cream in between cold kisses. They're still shivering after they've finished, and Rei only realizes Minako's ploy when they're sharing the same blanket. Rei ignores Minako's triumphant look and rests her head on Minako's shoulder as they scroll through Minako's phone to check in on their friends (the mystery dessert, Makoto informs the group chat, is to die for).
Rei turns in first, tired from the long day and needing to wake up earlier than usual tomorrow for the second day crowd. She falls asleep while Minako's sitting on the floor next to the bed, her fingers in the soft blonde hair, the sight of Minako's profile the last thing she sees. Rei half-wakes when the blanket finally shifts and Minako climbs into bed behind her. There's a warm murmur against the back of her neck but she doesn't need to hear the words to know what they mean, to know that this year, she has everything she needs.
Author's notes: Yep, yet another one that was dashed off to my own surprise.
- Hatsumode: First shrine visit of the year, usually 1 - 3 January.
- Omikuji: The fortunes are random and have different levels of 'blessing,' as well as more specific fortunes for things like love, business, etc.
- Ozoni: A soup traditionally eaten on new year's day, usually contains mochi but it can differ by region.
- Ice cream monaka: Traditionally, monaka are a kind of wafer sandwich with azuki paste inside, but there's also a version that adds ice cream.
Lastly, I have no idea if/when the shrine closes their doors for hatsumode, but I figured the Hinos needed some rest.
Happy new year everyone!