Work Text:
Tsumugi was in a bit of a pickle.
Kaede's birthday was coming up very soon, and Tsumugi had no idea what she should get her. Kaede wasn't hard to please in terms of gifts, but Tsumugi wanted to get her something special. Tsumugi couldn't make her a dress, as she had already done that last year, and she didn't have enough time. Anything music related was always a safe bet, but Tsumugi couldn't think of anything that would be special enough for Kaede.
she tried asking her friends for help, but none of them had any good ideas either.
So that's how Tsumugi wound up staying up till 3:00 in the morning googling "Best birthday gifts for the best most beautiful most talented girlfriend that are music related." With no other bright ideas, Tsumugi resorted to the internet, hoping someone would have the faintest idea on what to get.
but then, something caught her eye. it was an article about custom made music boxes. Tsumugi clicked on it, and read all about how music boxes are made, and how special they can be. Tsumugi was sold the instant she saw the word special, and she knew that this would be the perfect gift for her beloved Kaede. But she didn't have the time to order one, and she didn't know squat about making a music box.
so, she asked the person she thought would know what he was doing. Kazuichi Souda, the ultimate mechanic. She and Kazuichi hadn't talked very much before, but they were friendly with each other and would help each other out from time to time. that morning, Tsumugi stopped by Kazuichi's research lab, and asked him about making her a custom music box for Kaede.
"I see, a music box." Kazuichi said once Tsumugi was finished explaining. "I have made custom music boxes before. I can make something for you by tomorrow."
"Thank you so much! Do you think Kaede will like it?"
"I'm sure she will love it! What song were you thinking you wanted?"
"Well, i was thinking maybe the song Junky Night Town Orchestra by Surii."
"I could do that. why that song specifically?"
"Well, it's the song we danced to on the first school dance we went to as a couple. it always brings back memories." Tsumugi said. just thinking about the song made her recall fond memories of that night. Kaede, with her pretty dress and hair, dancing like no one was watching, the kiss they shared on the dance floor, and the fun they had talking together after. Tsumugi's heart swelled at the memory of that magical night.
"Thats so sweet of you! I'm sure that Kaede will cherish it forever. come back tomorrow morning, I will have it by then."
"Perfect! Kaede's birthday is tomorrow, so I can grab it in the morning and give it to her that afternoon. thank you so much for doing this."
"Anytime, I'm always happy to help." Kazuichi said, an assuring grin on his face. Tsumugi left his research lab, excited about the music box that Kaede would soon receive. she spent the rest of the day working on other unrelated projects, while daydreaming about Kaede's reaction to the gift.
the next morning, Tsumugi hurried to Kazuichi's research lab. she pounded on his door, and a sleepy Kazuichi appeared, groaning,
"Tsumugi, its 5:00 in the morning, this had better be important."
"Did you finish the music box?" Kazuichi perked up at the mention of the music box.
"Oh, that's what you came for! I finished it, let me go grab it really quick." Kazuichi disappeared into his lab for a moment, then returned to the door with a small wooden box in hand. "I'm really happy with how it turned out. What do you think?" Tsumugi wound it up before opening the box. the soft notes of the song made her heart swell with joy and gratitude.
"I love it. Kaede will love it too. Thank you so much for doing this."
"Anytime. tell me what Kaede thinks of it, ok?"
"I will, Goodbye." Tsumugi said as she headed to her own room. Kaede had work to do in the morning, but she had agreed to meet Tsumugi in her research lab that afternoon. when the time came, Tsumugi anxiously headed to Kaede's research lab, hoping that the present would make Kaede feel the same way it made her feel. She approached the door, and softly knocked. she was quickly greeted by Kaede, who said.
"Hi Tsumugi! How are you?"
"I'm good. Happy birthday Kaede!"
"Thank you! Did you need something?" Tsumugi held out the small wooden box and said.
"I got you a surprise for your birthday. I hope you like it." Kaede carefully took the box out of Tsumugi's hands, and noticing the crank on the bottom, said.
"Cool! Is this a music box?" Tsumugi nodded, and Kaede turned the crank. Kaede opened it, and the soft notes of the song echoed through the room. Kaede's eyes stared in wonder as she said "I- Is this?"
"It's the song we danced to on our first date! Do you like it?" Kaede smiled and her eyes filled with tears as she hugged Tsumugi, saying.
"I love it! Thank you so much! I will treasure it forever." The pure gratitude in Kaede's voice made Tsumugi feel warm and fuzzy inside. to know that Kaede found the memories associated with the song as special as she did made her happy beyond words.
because no matter what happened, they would always have the song and the happy memories that they would treasure until the end of time.