open || the universe is calling to you

[complementing]

WHO: Minako Arisato and YOU!
WHERE: Various
WHEN: March 5th, Minako's (and Minato's) birthday!
WHAT: A new puppy, birthday song singing, bar hopping, and star-gazing.
WARNINGS: None at the moment! Feel free to write a new prompt if none of the open ones are to your liking!

PROLOGUE

[A certain appartment in Apprassage erupted into chaos this morning. Upon opening the door to leave for her morning run, Minako had discovered a box on their doorstep. If it were just a package addressed to her, that wouldn't have been an issue, since she was expecting the Nintendo Switch soon...but this package was poked through with holes, and moving.

Needless to say, Minako might have slammed the door and left her poor present out in the cold while she ran for Lucy and Freya. But her present was smarter than that, and let out a polite bark, requesting to be let out. Minako immediately tore open the box, swearing about animal cruelty--

And then she was staring into the eyes of a beautiful gray shiba inu. He tilted his head and perked up his ears, whined, and then proceeded to attack her with kisses.

Five minutes later, Minako is waking the whole apartment up and announcing that they didn't need to adopt a dog later that day. They have Koromaru instead.

She doesn't know why anyone would send him to her in the way they did. Or how she knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that his name is Koromaru, or how it is that she's bonding with him so quickly. But she feels inexplicably protective of him, like she has to keep an eye on him out of the corner of her eyes. Is this how all dog owners feel? Do they make such a strong bond with their dog just as soon as they've laid eyes on it?

Minako chalks it up to the universe being kind to her on her birthday, and decides not to think about it after that.]

I. A NEW DOG'S IN TOWN
Apprassage

[Either way, she certainly feels like a happy dog owner. A quick trip to the pet store provides all the necessary things they'd need right away for him: vaccinations, food and bedding, toys and cleaning supplies. Koromaru is patient and helpful through all of it-- except when it comes to his collar. He doesn't seem to want one at all, and even the pet store employee admits that it's unusual for a dog to be so stubborn about it.

In the end they come to a compromise-- a little white sweater with angel wings on it (that, he'd been insistent on) and a little laminated square of paper tucked into the ID sleeve of the chest, KOROMARU and Minako's contact info emblazoned onto it.

And it's how Koromaru looks as she takes him out for his first walk with her around Apprassage. She has no end goal in mind, seeing as there's plenty of time before meeting Ryoji at Expressive, and Koromaru seems content enough to explore every inch of the neighborhood at his leisure, too. Sometimes he'll turn his head to look back at her, as if he's checking that she's still there. It's odd, but Minako's quickly learning that he's an incredibly intelligent dog. She's taken to explaining whatever he's looking or sniffing at for his benefit, and doesn't even feel awkward about it despite the stares from people on the street...perhaps one of those people is you.]

--that's the community center. I'll probably take you there a lot, I do a ton of volunteer activities there, and I'm sure both the kids and the adults would love you. [Koromaru whines, and she laughs.] Does that sound like too many hands that want to pet you? Don't worry, I'll make sure they don't overdo it.

II. SING ME A HAPPY (BIRTHDAY) SONG
Expressive Cafe; Closed to Ryoji and Minato

[The cafe is a little busy, considering the hour, and it takes a good ten minutes for her to reach the cashier, but she knows the coffee is worth the wait by now. Minako is admittedly a disappointed Makoto Yuki, ever slouching and manning the cappuccino machine, isn't her cashier (and if asked, she couldn't tell you why), but at least there's a chance he'll be her server. And the thought is quickly erased anyways when she spies Ryoji waiting for her at a table in the back.

Her number clutched in her hand, she squeezes her way over, collapsing with her usual gusto into the chair.]

Hi! Hope I didn't make you wait long!

III. MORE THAN ONE FREE 21ST BIRTHDAY PINT
Cabin 11 and other bars

[Walk into Cabin 11 or any of the other bars around the city tonight, and you might find Minako there. Except she looks a little bit different tonight! Instead of her usual casual sweaters, skirts, and jeans, tonight her hair is down and she's in something a tiny bit more party appropriate.

She's a newbie to the bar scene, but it looks like she's enjoying herself regardless, smiling at friends behind her drinks and laughing freely. Her cheeks are suspiciously pink, though whether it's from drinking too much or being embarrassed at something someone said, it's hard to tell.

Depending on what time you see her, she might just be about to be carded for the first time ever, or she could be nursing a drink at the bar, or if the bar has a dance floor, she could be there, very drunk, dancing carefree and singing along with the dance music in a lovely soprano. No matter what, she'll turn to her new conversation partner, beaming bright as the sun, and leaning in for a hug.]

Thanks for coming!

IV. WHEN THE MOONLIGHT IS REACHING OUT TO THE STARS
The Towers

[Somehow Minako hears word of an impromptu star-gazing party that's happening up on the Towers' bridges. She couldn't think of a better way to end the night than to go up and wish on a star to see Minato again. Someone else might have to figure out how they can get into the building, if they need tickets, and all the rest of that logistical stuff that Minako is usually so on top of, though, because she's certainly not thinking about it right now.

The star-gazing party have invited participants to go up to the highest bridge, so that's where Minako is headed, her heels click-clacking across the tile of the highest floor like a clock ticking down to midnight. In fact, it is nearly midnight. The moonlight streams in through the glass door that leads out to the bridge, casting an eerily ethereal light over her face that she blinks up into before turning back. Looking for the person she'd come in with, no doubt.

She almost looks like a child in that instance, no stress weighing her down, nothing to worry about. Just her and this single enduring, hopeful wish that she would individually ask all the stars in the sky if she could.]

What are you going to wish for?

Comments

ii

[appraiser]

Only half a cup's wait~ As a penalty, you'll have to share your drink with me. No free pass just because it's your birthday!

[ Ryoji laughs like it's a joke, but. It's not. The coffee here is amazing enough that he'd try to sneak a sip of hers anyways after his own cup's been emptied, and he knows Minako plans to go out later that day too so there's no sense in getting too full now. Plus, he's got something by the means of a cake for her, a small sans rival he picked up from another bakery that he slides across the table with the box still in its paper bag, finger to his lips to warn Minako not to say anything because the cafe probably has some "no outside food" policy, whoops. It's a good thing they're sitting in the back.

Another bag, though, he sets in front of her more openly. ] Happy birthday, Minako. Before you tell me I didn't need to get you anything more, I've waited years to be with you and to spoil you, so please accept this. And maybe invite me over some day to use it~

[ His real motive is revealed! The gift is a set of kintsugi bowls and he would like to come over and eat her cooking please. But also, after their talk the other day, there's that deeper meaning he doesn't need to say out loud. ]

[complementing]

Greedy~!

[But she's teasing, of course, and her eyes light up at the sight of the cake and the present, even if nothing has been unwrapped yet. Her birthdays have always been enjoyable for the most part, nice dinners out with friends or volunteering at a particularly fun event-- but having Ryoji here for her twenty-first feels like a particularly big handful of happiness and luck that she wants to keep cupped between her hands for the rest of the day, to enjoy it all the longer.]

I'm going to tell you you didn't have to give me anything more anyways, since you expected it from me.

[A wink and then she's reaching for the bag. The moment she realizes what he's given her, her bright smile softens at the corners, gentle and vulnerable but still just as happy as the first. She hardly knows what to say at first, and so she lets her fingers carefully trace the gold lines of the bowls in wonder until she sighs with content.]

You really do spoil me. Thank you so much. These are...this is an amazing present, Ryoji. Of course you can come over to use them with me. I'd like that.

[appraiser]

[ Minako's smile makes his own grow wider, fonder, taking in and mirroring the subtle changes as he wonders what she thinks, and then hears exactly what he was hoping to hear.

She is very much like Ryoji's mother in some instances: endlessly supportive, and does nothing to attenuate his selfish desires. Year after year, his happy birthdays to Minako could only be words, but today, it's selfishness— asking for Minako's time, just for himself, when she has so many people who would also love to see her, other places to be filled with the warmth of her presence. He's not going to waste this opportunity. ]

I'm so happy you like them. I couldn't get candles for your cake, but this afternoon, I will be your light. Tell me what you would wish for, no matter how silly, no matter how impossible.

III like I promised.

[mincingminuet]

[Minako may be a newbie to the bar scene, but Penelope isn't. She's dressed a bit more casually, basically in her usual attire with her hair down. She's just come in for a couple of drinks and to meet with a buddy but she'd had a call halfway through and had to leave, meaning Pen was sitting at the bar nursing something amber and caught up in the festivities. A party for someone she didn't know, but never let it be said that she wasn't friendly.

When Minako spoke up, Pen looked over at her with an amused smile, hiding a laugh behind a knuckle. She must have had just enough to miss that they were strangers but not too much.]

Well, I didn't exactly come, since we haven't formally met. But thanks for sitting with me? [Grinning, she extends a hand.]

I'm Pen.

[complementing]

Oh! Thanks for sitting with me too.

[Minako smiles the serene smile of one who is tipsy enough to not care about her surroundings, so long as someone is keeping her occupied enough to not look at them.]

I'm Minako. Sorry for all the noise. M'twenty-one today.

[And she beams with all the pride of a child tacking on 'and a half' when asked their age.]

[mincingminuet]

[Oh no, it’s cute!  Pen grins, her own drink just strong enough to have made her not mind just randomly sitting in a bar beside a total stranger.  She wasn’t the most sociable person, despite the videos she did, but with the ultimate social lubricant right there she had loosened up a bit more.

Eyes widening in slight (feigned because it was obvious) surprise, she exclaimed:]

Well happy birthday then! That’s the best reason to be noisy, Minako.

[Still grinning, she turned in her seat to look the younger girl up and down.  The outfit was nice, practically screaming what she was thinking, but just for confirmation:]

You a student?

IV

[burningblossoms]

[Yukiko may have been a little too young for the barhopping portion of the evening but she wasn't idle that evening. She knew one of the guys that was organizing the stargazing party and when Minako had sent out a mass text to join her, Yukiko had come without any hesitation. Once she got there, she pretty immediately ended up separated from Minako in the crowd, and meandered her way around the tower until she spotted her friend.

Somewhere, somehow, the sight of Minako Arisato staring up at the sky with that eerie light illuminating her features seemed familiar. She didn't know why or how but it struck her and made her freeze there, unable to tear her eyes away. Maybe it was that weird vision from the other day, or maybe it was something else, but there was something about the moment that tugged at her. Spellbound, Yukiko stepped up beside her and looked up at the moon and stars, linking an arm around her friend's.]

What am I going to wish for...

[She shifted, head tilting to look at Minako, eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.]

I think I'm going to wish for more moments of clarity. Like this one.

[complementing]

[Minako turns her head to smile at her friend, mimicking her by tilting her head, though it's more out of curiosity (and her still slightly tipsy state) than anything else. Someone else at the party walks through the door ahead of them, and it reminds her to head out too, leading Yukiko forward until the bridge is a wide expanse in front of them.]

Hmm? What were you thinking about?

[burningblossoms]

[Yukiko follows along, head bobbing, eyes focused on the sky above them. Minako’s the sort of person that’s easy to follow, she thinks. A natural helper and a leader, even if she doesn’t seem it. It’s…nice. And she trusts her friend enough to tell her what she was actually thinking.]

I was thinking about how everything has been so strange lately, but how…I’m not going to let it confuse me too much. It’s like…having some clarity of purpose, I guess? Seeing you there just got me thinking about it, I guess. Because you’re always so clear headed.

III

[belligerentwarrior]

[Minako's warth and brightness had to be one of Freya's favorite things about her. It was infectious, always seeming to lift her own mood and gift her a little more energy. Things seemed less tiring around her cheerier roommate.]

[That said, the alcohol seems to turn it all up to 11. Freya laughs and solidly returns the hug.] Hey, come now. I'm happy to come along, but you don't have to tell me every hour.

[Freya's been vigilant about shoving a cup of water into Minako's hands occasionally, and giving how she's been about the dance floor, she's considering handing the next glass early.]

Tonight been everything you hoped for?

[complementing]

[Minako rubs her cheek against Freya's shoulder, grinning.]

Nope! Gotta tell you every hour, 'cause I'm that happy you're here. [She pulls back and blows some of her mussed up bangs out of her face. Or at least attempts to, and when the red-brown strand doesn't go back, she ignores it, narrowing her eyes in thought.]

Yeah! My friends are here, I'm drinking a lot and having fun, and someone told me I look really cute. I don't remember who. But it was nice of them to say.

[belligerentwarrior]

[Oh yeah. It's definitely water-o'clock soon. Poor girl's going to have a hell of a hangover.]

[Freya grins back, and after the shorter woman's attempt to de-bang her face, she spares a hand to gently muss Minako's hair more.]

Well, you are—and don't you let anyone tell you that's just the beer talkin'. Though you're gonna hear compliments like that a fair number in places like these.

Prologue

[long_live_the_queen]

[Someone was deadass asleep when the furball delivery took place. Someone was no longer so when Minako went excitedly tearing through the apartment to announce this. Lucy was sensitive to loud noises in her sleep, but she didn't always wake up the fastest.

Just like now, when she was leaning out of the half-open door with rumpled pajamas and unbrushed hair, blinking stupidly.]

Whrrt?

[belligerentwarrior]

[Under normal circumstances, Freya was an early riser. Considering that she'd gotten back from a station call around 3am, she was understandably still in bed.]

[And by bed I mean passed the fuck out on the couch cocooned poorly in the afghan.]

[She stirs, but doesn't sit up immediately.]

Wh't's a Kor'maru?

[complementing]

[Okay, yes, she's feeling a little guilty for waking them up like this, but! Dog! That appeared out of nowhere and she she should probably tell them that once they're more conscious. For now, she sets Koromaru at Freya's feet, and he sits there politely, warming them with his belly.]

This is Koromaru.

3

[true_noir]

[Chloe was seated next to her at the bar, though it was likely happenstance that she was there in the first place. She wasn't even drinking something alcoholic with a fake id, picking something 'virgin' to keep her promise for Lent. It was a way to help keep herself out of trouble, too, considering recent incidents. Smiling over at Minako, she winked and lifted her glass.]

To birthdays and the freedom to drink, yes? How is your first taste of the vine?

[complementing]

[Minako taps her own glass to Chloe's, then takes a little sip from it.]

It's apparently a dessert wine? Which appeals to me perfectly, and it's pretty good! That might just be my sweet tooth talking, though, I should try some actual beer or stouts later.

IV

[accordance]

[ Lucian's hair glimmers silver in the moonlight, lending the pale man a bit of an ethereal glow - not entirely because of the night, but also because of a minor accident a week ago. Not one he's about to tell others about, however. ]

I wish for the truth.

[ It's said simply, his grey eyes twinkling as he gazes out. ]

I can tell you a story of the stars, if you wish.

[complementing]

That's a good wish.

[What truth he does he want to find, though? It's only a few steps to reach his side, and then she's tilting her head back a bit to look out with him, closing her eyes as she feels the night breeze lift her bangs.]

Of course. Is it about a constellation?

III

[mikodere]

You know that I wouldn't miss your birthday event for the world.

[Even if he had to practically beg his other employees for someone to watch the shop, he didn't mind. It was all for Minako's sake and he didn't care. There was no way he was going to miss her 21st birthday party.

The hug catches him off guard and he finds himself blushing, returning the hug with a soft smile. She was so radiating to be around and she was like the literal sunshine in his life.]

I can't believe you are now officially 21! [Mikoto... you just turned 21 yourself.] How much have you had to drink today?

[Sitting next to him at the bar, are two neatly wrapped presents. One of them is a cute plush dog and the other box contains a jeweled flower hair band and a gift card to her favorite clothing store so she could buy whatever she wanted.]

[complementing]

[Minako laughs and gives him another good squeeze before pulling away, holding her thumb and index finger an inch or so apart.]

Just a little bit. But I'm definitely feeling it already. Are you gonna drink too?

[SHE NOTICES THOSE PRESENTS but she's a good girl and can wait until he actually gives them to her...though she's tipsy enough that she's being very obviously curious about them.]

post-III so... IV

[longwei2go]

[ Yin had followed after a few people in the group in a cheerful post-party haze. she had nowhere else to be, no other plans, and may have misinterpreted "seeing stars" in some way or another. she isn't disappointed to be here but she doesn't exactly fit in with the crowd. people are all atwitter about how clearly you can see this or that, how romantic or inspiring it is, and Yin's just off to the side blowing vapors into the air while she sits with her back to one of the sides of the passage. the scent of artificial blueberry surrounds her. ]

Huh? [ she glances up at the birthday girl. there's a moment as her brain threatens to spit out something halfway meaningful and sincere, but all that happens is her throwing up her typical carefree grin. as if she wasn't already three-quarters of the way toward being sober again. ] Hell, I dunno. Getting made and getting laid, same as any rock star would.

[complementing]

[It's kind of amazing to Minako that she can converse with one of her favorite musicians like this so casually, and while she's stopped herself from commenting too often to Yin's posts on Retrospec, being face to face like this is completely different. It's a little nerve-wracking-- or it would be, if she hadn't just had a lot of alcohol for the first time in her life. It gets rid of whatever minor inhibitions she has about chatting with Yin, and so she brightens upon receiving that grin from the other woman, laughing into her fist.] You wouldn't have trouble with the latter. I'm pretty sure I saw some people shooting you looks on our way up here.

i can't believe myself (option 3!)

[mercurio]

[your conversation partner is prompto, who hugs her tightly in return]

Wouldn't miss it for the world!

[don't ask how someone who is a few months shy of being legal has managed to make it into cabin11. let's just leave it up in the air and anyone may either think that he a) has a fake id or b) gets to come in under the pretense of working on his photography gig. all that matters is that it's worked out for him in the end.]

[it's a little late into the party, he knows, so he's not surprised to see her tipsy from her drinking. he'll be the best guy, keeping sober (he just had one rum and cola, alright) to make sure she'll be okay by the end of the night.]

Are you having fun?

[he says loudly, over the music, leaning into her shoulder a bit]

afjeiwoajs will you be okay...

[complementing]

[She lets out a little hiccupy giggle, nodding. After she got past a certain point of tipsiness, she just started constantly bouncing to the music, so she actually takes four beats to sway back in his direction to properly answer him.] Yeah! So much fun. I haven't been so relaxed in ages. [That's...probably in part because of the alcohol, but she genuinely looks like she's enjoying herself, not needing to worry about some deadline or meeting she has to go to.] I wanna come back again sometime! If not for drinks then for dancing.