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“Thanks for helping me, Simon! Oh! Look at that!” Athena pokes her head in the window at a boutique store, eyeing some pink yoga gear. “What do you think?”
It’s not her usual style with floral outlines on the pants, but Juniper would look so cute wearing that while they worked out together. It would be a good activity.
“I think that’s something you’re appealed to.” Simon crosses his arms, “I know it’s easy to shop for yourself, but you ought to focus on the birthday girl.”
“I know,” Athena pouts, sighing as she steps away from the store. “You’re right, let’s look around a bit more. I know Junie usually is content with crafts and stuff like that, but I want something…personal.”
“Personal, hmm?” Simon glances the shop’s directory, shaking his head. “Ugh, a bunch of bloody clothes stores. Why can’t you just get a gift card for her?”
“Someone is thinking about himself.” Athena chuckles, smirking at her bruncle.
“Nice try,” Simon chuckles, shaking his head. “It’s easy. Simple. She probably wouldn’t mind doing some shopping.”
“Yeah, I’ll do it as a last resort.” Athena nods, “I just want to put a bit of effort into it, y’know? I guess we can go get her a trinket with a gift card, ya?”
“She doesn’t wear jewelry if I recall, but I’m sure she would like a new hat?”
“Ah! Yeah, that’s a great idea!” Athena brightens up, “A sunhat?”
“Well, I know she would wear a sunhat in the winter, but I doubt the stores have them in stock.” Simon sighs. “You think she’d like a different type of hat?”
“Ugh, good point. I’m not actually sure. It’s just a shame her birthday is in the winter. I bet they’ll have nothing but beanies and Santa hats.”
“True, but they may have those fluffy brim hats. Aisling says they’re comfortable.” Simon nods, referencing the young girl he adopted a year ago. She’s quite the character...
“Uh,” Athena’s face twists, pondering on the idea of that hat. Juniper would look cute in it, but that doesn’t guarantee it would be a good idea. “Eh, probably not. Junie’s kinda picky with her hats and I bet she won’t want to go to any stores to do returns. Any other ideas?
“Aisling probably also recommended building blocks as a gift, but I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t want those.” Simon crosses his arms. “Well, what do you want to do, then? We better make it fast before the sun sets and everyone decides to do their holiday shopping.”
That’s a good question.
Since they are talking about moving together...what if she got something akin to a painting? She could at least look at a store that carries more practical gifts...
“What ‘bout the home goods store?” Athena points at the directory. “I’m sure with her, personalized furniture would do.”
Simon nods, “Alright, lead the way.”
They weave through the crowd, trying to avoid the commotion of the mall as they stroll over to the store at the end of the district. It’s dim but homely, and she’s got a good feeling about this store. They both browse through each trinket, hawing and humming over each piece.
“None of them suit her? Is she usually this picky?” Simon asks in disbelief.
“Nah, it’s a me thing. I just don’t wanna mess this up.” Athena pouts, placing another clock down. “There’s nothing here that’s...right.”
Simon can only nod, understanding his niece’s concerns. Juniper always politely accepts any gift, but when she really likes something, she reacts differently. He’s seen her reactions the few times during the few years he’s known her. He eyes the shop, looking over at something, raising his head. “Oi, what about that?”
Athena turns her head, her eyes widening at the little tea set. “Oh, that’s pretty!”
The duo walk over to examine it. It’s a little pink tea set with painted flowers on it. He examines the pot especially, then he gives his verdict.
“No, I don’t think she’d like that.”
“Huh? How do you know that?” Athena looks at the pot, frowning at Simon’s objection. It’s beautiful...
“It’s decorative. Juniper is practical. We should look for a functioning tea set.”
“You think they got one here?”
“I better bloody hope so. I don’t want to run from store to store looking for one.” Simon sighs, looking over at the other pots, “Well, we are in a home decor store, so we may be out of luck.”
“Aww,” Athena pouts, then glances at one down the aisle. “Oh! This one says functional.”
“Oh, good,” Simon leans down, looking at the pot. Then, he chuckles as he picks up the pot, holding it as if it's a cherished treasure. “Actually, that’s kind of funny.”
“Huh?”
“I think this was the one Metis had,” Simon’s glancing at it with a faded memory reflecting in his eyes. Then, he shakes his head. “No, not quite. The one your mother had was a different shade and the spout was a bit bigger. Though I doubt Juniper would remember.”
“Huh?”
“When you two would play at the observatory while I was starting my career, you would always pull me aside to join your tea parties with her. You always told me to bring extra sugar so that she would drink the tea you attempted to make. You insisted she always got the pink cup since it was her favorite color. It was so blatant you had a crush on her even back then.”
“R-really?”
“Yeah, it was amusing to see young love.” Simon chuckles, ruffling her hair, “You were always so devastated when Juniper would mention a cute boy she saw in class and once cried to me about it. You once asked why Junie didn’t like you like she liked her crushes. I didn’t know what to say, but your mother did. You were calm after minutes.”
“Ah,” Athena looks away, a bit embarrassed. “Well, at least she did end up eventually crushing on me!”
“Hmmph,” Simon smiles. “I was pretty surprised when you told me she asked you out. Lucky you, she’s a great lady. Well, back to the matter at hand. Do you think this will do?”
“Yeah,” Athena frowns at the price tag. “It’ll be instaramen for the next two weeks.”
Simon glances over. It’s decently priced, but he can see why it would be out of his niece’s budgeting. He refuses to let her eat as if she’s swimming in debt. Considering some days she has a difficult time cooking for herself...
“I’ll cover the tea set for now. You can pay me back when Wright-dono eventually pays you.” Simon doesn’t even let her protest as he picks it up. “Let’s get some tea for her.”
“Oh, is there a tea shop here?”
“No, I’ll actually have to get that from the store.” Simon sighs, “I might get it tomorrow. When is her birthday?”
“Uh, it’s today.”
“Athena!” Simon growls, “Why did you wait so late?!”
“I know, I know.” Athena pouts, her hands raised. “I just got busy at work to get her something before today.”
“When do you see her, then?”
“I’m taking her on a date at seven,” Athena smiles. “I promise, I got the money for that!”
“Oh good,” Simon looks through the small tea selection the store has, frowning. “No, I refuse to let her have any of these poor quality leaves.”
“Are you being a bit picky?”
“I live with Nahyuta. You know they would never let less than stellar tea pass through our home. Back to Juniper, she eats mostly organic foods, she will know the difference immediately.” Simon places it back on the shelf. “Actually, one second.”
He opens his phone, calling a number.
“Hello. Oh, hello, Angel. Give your phone to Papa… I know, it’s a quick question. Oh, actually, I’m calling wondering if we have some teas. Why? Oh, Athena bloody waited until the last minute for her girlfriend’s birthday and she’s getting a tea set…”
There’s an awkward pause as Simon bites his lip before continuing the call. “Hmm, that should be fine. Hey, Athena?”
“Yeah?”
“Does she like just green tea?”
“Uh, I think so.”
“Good.” Simon turns the conversation back to the phone call. “That’s fine. Can you put some in that way with the cloth? That tying method you showed me...Okay....Oh, I’ll just replace it if you need to use that one. I just don’t want to go to the grocery store today. It’s crowded enough here. ...Okay, love you. Bye.”
“You said love,” Athena teases as Simon hangs up the phone. Simon rolls his eyes as he places the phone back in the bag.
“Nahyuta and I are engaged,” Simon places the tea set on the register. “It would be quite bizarre if I didn’t say I love them.”
“I know, I know, it’s just funny hearing it from you.” Athena smiles as Simon finishes the transaction, the lady packing up the tea set in bubble wrap. “Thank you!”
The cashier tells them to have a great day as the duo set off to their next location. They exit the mall, driving with music blasting in the background as Athena swerves in traffic, trying to avoid any frantic drivers trying to cut people off in the spirit of the holiday.
They make it in one piece to Simon’s home. Walking in, Athena can smell the spices filling up the little condo. Hopefully, she can get a place like this with Junie too, one day. Waving to Nahyuta, their daughter pokes her head up from the kitchen counter with a bright look in her big indigo eyes. It looks like her papa and her are making some gingerbread cookies together.
“Auntie Thennie!”
“Aisling! Hi there,” Athena walks over as the toddler slams into her, wrapping her legs into a hug.
Simon kisses Nahyuta’s crown as he mutters something to his partner. They walk to the kitchen as they pull up a tied cloth, tossing it next to Athena. “Oh, is that the bag of tea?”
“Yes, it is. That can be used as a tablecloth for the tea set. It’s all washed and I put the instructions on how to use it on that paper there. Take care that it doesn't get damaged, hmm?”
“Okay, I’ll make sure. Thanks!.”
“I’d get on the road if I were you. Wouldn’t want to be late for your date since you like to eagerly wait until the last minute for everything.” Simon crosses his arms. “Angel, come here.”
Aisling lets go of Athena’s leg immediately as Simon picks her up, holding her close.
“Shut up.” Athena grumbles, looking away.
“I no longer apologize for speaking the truth. Avoid the freeway if possible.”
“Yep! I’ll see you all later. Aisling, I gotta go, sweetie.”
“Wait!” Aisling’s eyes widen, “Stay? We can play!”
“I got dinner in a couple hours.” Athena rubs the curly hair on the toddler as she giggles. “Thank you, though.”
Nahyuta pokes their head over the counter. “Aisling, come here. I think Pengin wants you to taste the cookie.”
Nahyuta raises the plush penguin wearing an apron and a chef hat. Her eyes widen immediately as she squirms away. Simon places her down as Aisling trots over to get a cookie of her own.
“Good luck, Athena.”
“Thanks, Yuty. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks for everything again.” Athena walks out of the Blackquill residence to her date. “I’m off! Ciao!”
*
It’s surprising that Simon predicted how bad traffic would be. If she had left on her own time, she would have been at least an hour late, but to her relief, she’s about ten minutes early. She gets the reservation for the restaurant signed in, holding Juniper’s present close before she goes back outside to wait.
It’s not even two minutes later when a familiar vehicle pulls up. Her girlfriend steps out of her father’s car, saying goodbye to her father as she walks over with a pink coat over her shoulders wearing a black dress. Juniper looks wonderful.
“Oh, hey, you look nice.” Athena looks away as she sits down. She really should have put a bit more effort into looking a bit fancier.
Juniper smiles, looking down at the black dress hugging her body as she removes the pink petticoat. She smiles at the compliment. “Thank you. You look good too. Uh, long day?”
“Yeah,” Widget frowns.
“Oh shush.” Athena lectures the robot, then takes a deep sigh. “You caught me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to get your gift until today.”
“Oh, it’s alright. Spending time with you is enough.”
“But it’s your birthday. You deserve to be spoiled a bit. Get whatever you want, okay?”
“Oh! Wow, this is quite the menu. If you’re sure.” Juniper hums, glancing at the menu. She’s always so understanding and genuine, it melts Athena’s heart. She raises her head, tilting at Athena. “Oh, what’s that bag?”
“Oh! Right, silly me,” Athena hands the bag over with a bit of a chuckle. “It’s your birthday gift.”
“Oh, really?” Juniper looks at the bag, pulling out the tea first. “Oh, Nahyuta wrote this. They always have the most lovely handwriting.”
“Yep! We were gonna run to the store and get you fancier tea, but the mall was already slammed enough.” Athena looks away nervously, playing with her ring stim. What if she has screwed it all up?
“Oh, you tried to fight the mall?” Juniper pouts, “Even my parents won’t try with the holidays around the corner. You’re a brave soul. Oh!”
She slowly pulls out the tea set, admiring each piece as she smiles. Athena can immediately recognize the familiarity in Juniper’s eyes. It was the same as her bruncle’s. She examines the tea set, each and every piece as if they were children again. She stops at the pink cup with a bit of a giggle.
“I see why Simon decided to give you the green tea with the set.” Juniper hums. “He always made that for us after your attempts failed.”
“Oh, it’s not that deep. It’s all they had at the house.” Athena chuckles. “He said you thought that you would recognize the store bought versus the organic teas.”
“I’ll admit it, he's right. I don’t hate most store bought brands, but there’s definitely a jarring difference. I wonder what type this is...” Juniper examines the bag, giving it a quick whiff. “Yep. That’s sencha.”
“Oh, do you like sencha?”
“Mmhmm. I’m actually more into herbal teas, but this will do. I’ll store it in a jar when I get home.” Juniper puts the set back in and placing it to the side. “I don’t want that to break, but I love it, Athena. Thank you for putting all this effort into making my birthday special.”
Juniper grabs Athena’s hands, using her thumbs to stimulate her palms. As Athena’s eyes relax, taking a deep breath as she smiles.
“Yeah! Anything for you, Junie.”