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Warm morning sunlight filters gently through the towering branches of the Sacred Sakura, casting shifting patterns of light across the grounds of the Grand Narukami Shrine. A cool breeze carries the delicate scent of sakura blossoms through the air as shrine maidens quietly begin another peaceful day of sweeping pathways, preparing offerings, and welcoming the first visitors of the morning.
Yae Miko stands behind the shrine counter. A steaming pot of tea rests upon a nearby table alongside a plate of freshly made dango and several sweet pastries she had picked up earlier that morning. She has every intention of enjoying them once she has finished her morning work.
After all, it is her birthday.
Naturally, she intends to make the most of it.
Unfortunately, birthdays do not exempt the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine from her responsibilities.
With a quiet sigh, Miko settles before her desk and reaches for a stack of blank fortune slips.
Yesterday's events have left the shrine's fortune supplies in a rather unfortunate state.
Thanks to a certain Electro Archon insisting upon drawing not one, not two, but three Great Fortune slips in rapid succession, the shrine's supply has dwindled rather alarmingly.
Miko lets out a soft, amused sigh. "It seems I'll have to prepare another batch."
Just as she reaches for a fresh bundle of paper, a familiar presence catches her attention.
Turning towards the shrine entrance, she finds Ei making her way up the final stone steps, the morning sunlight catching the violet strands of her hair as she approaches.
Miko's smile brightens almost immediately.
"My, my." She clasps her hands together with obvious delight. "Ei, whatever brings you here so early?"
A playful glint dances within her violet eyes. "Don't tell me you were so eager to wish me a happy birthday that you simply couldn't wait."
Ei comes to a stop before the counter, her expression as calm and composed as ever.
"I did come to wish you a happy birthday." She pauses. "But there is another reason."
Miko tilts her head. "Oh?"
"Yesterday, you told me that drawing a fortune slip on one's birthday has become a popular tradition." She folds her arms. "I wish to see you draw one for yourself."
For the briefest of moments, Miko's smile falters.
Oh my dear god… Surely she cannot still suspect me of a little foul play, even after a full day has passed?
...Or perhaps she is simply far more stubborn than I gave her credit for.
The thought lasts only an instant before her usual composure returns. "Very well. If that is what Her Excellency wishes."
With practised ease, Miko gives the fortune box a gentle shake before tipping it slightly.
A single bamboo stick slips free.
While she walks over to retrieve the corresponding fortune slip, Ei quietly helps herself to the cup of tea Miko had prepared earlier, taking an unhurried sip as though it had been intended for her all along.
Miko notices immediately.
For the briefest moment, she simply watches in amused disbelief.
She has just stolen my tea... on my birthday.
The sheer audacity is almost impressive.
Returning to the table, Miko unfolds the slip and scans its contents. "'Good Fortune.'"
She holds up the paper for Ei to see.
"There, you see?" A smug smile spreads across her face. "Proof that the shrine's fortunes aren't rigged after all. You're simply an exceptionally fortunate deity."
Ei lowers her teacup, her gaze lingering on the fortune slip. "...I see."
Miko recognises that expression immediately.
The distant look in Ei's eyes.
The slight furrow in her brow.
The quiet silence that settles over her whenever she disappears into her own thoughts.
She has seen it countless times before.
She can already guess what is weighing upon Ei's mind.
Ei thinks far too much, and allows herself to accept far too little.
Even something as simple as 'Great Fortune' cannot be received without wondering why it was granted.
She spends so much time questioning whether she deserves happiness that she rarely allows herself to simply embrace it when it arrives.
Miko has never quite understood that way of thinking.
When luck smiles upon you, surely the simplest response is to smile back.
The world is already complicated enough without searching for reasons to doubt every kindness it offers.
Her gaze falls once more upon the slip in her hand.
'Good Fortune'.
A gentle smile touches her lips.
Perhaps that is why, despite drawing only 'Good Fortune' herself, she finds she is the happier of the two.
After all… Contentment has never depended upon drawing the very best fortune. Only upon appreciating the one already in your hands.
Ei remains silent for a long while, seemingly lost in thought.
At last, she calmly sets her teacup back upon the table. "I would like some more tea."
Miko blinks. She stares at Ei for several seconds before letting out an incredulous laugh.
"My birthday has scarcely begun, and already you're treating me as though I'm your personal attendant." She places a hand dramatically against her chest. "Honestly, Ei... how absolutely heartless."
Ei remains entirely unfazed.
"I was under the impression you were hosting some grand birthday celebration." She gestures lightly towards the tea set. "As the host, should you not be serving the tea?"
For a brief moment, Miko is left genuinely speechless. Then she laughs.
"And who said anything about a grand celebration?" She asks, pouring another cup regardless before sliding it across the table. "I was planning on keeping things rather peaceful this year."
Ei accepts the teacup with a quiet nod. "That is unlike you."
"Oh?"
"You usually make far grander plans for your birthday."
Miko chuckles as she pours herself a fresh cup to replace the one Ei had quietly claimed earlier.
"Perhaps," she says, a knowing smile touching her lips, "I've been influenced by a certain someone."
She lifts her teacup slightly. "It turns out a quiet birthday spent with good company has its own charm."
Ei cradles the warm teacup between her hands, thoughtfully considering Miko's words. "...Then what do you intend to do for the rest of your birthday?"
Miko hums softly, as though she has given the matter considerable thought.
"Oh, nothing particularly extravagant." She smiles, lifting her own teacup. "A quiet morning beneath the Sacred Sakura, some tea, a few snacks..." Her eyes meet Ei's. "...And pleasant company, should she choose to stay."
She rises gracefully, gathering the tea set before making her way towards the Sacred Sakura.
"Care to join me?"
Ei inclines her head. "Very well."
Together they settle beneath the ancient tree, where Miko arranges the tea and sweets upon the wooden veranda. Overhead, the Sacred Sakura sways gently in the morning breeze, scattering pale pink petals that drift lazily through the air.
For a while, neither of them speaks. They simply enjoy the tranquil morning together, tea warming their hands while birdsong and the rustling blossoms fill the comfortable silence.
Then, from somewhere amongst the shrine grounds, a small fox with pale pink fur comes trotting into view.
The little fox pauses briefly before making its way straight towards Miko as though following a familiar routine. Without the slightest hesitation, it springs lightly into her lap, circles twice, then curls into a contented little ball.
Miko lets out a delighted laugh. "Well, look who's decided to visit."
She strokes the fox's back with slow, affectionate movements. "Good morning, little one."
The fox answers with a soft, contented chirp before happily nuzzling into her hand.
Ei watches the exchange with mild surprise. "You never mentioned you kept a fox at the shrine."
"Oh?" Miko smiles as she scratches gently behind its ears. "This little one doesn't belong to the shrine. She simply enjoys visiting from time to time."
Her smile softens as she looks down at the fox. "I imagine she knows exactly where the best snacks can be found."
The fox lets out an indignant little squeak.
"Oh?" Miko chuckles. "Was that a protest?"
She looks back towards Ei. "Would you like to pet her?"
Ei hesitates only briefly before reaching out.
Rather than shrinking away, the fox happily leans into her hand, its fluffy tail giving a pleased little flick.
"She's remarkably soft." Her fingers continue absently stroking its fur. "...Rather like you in your fox form."
For the first time that morning, Miko is caught completely off guard.
A faint flush colours her cheeks as she clears her throat into one hand. "Ahem..."
Almost immediately, her usual composure returns.
"My dear Ei..." A sly smile gradually reappears upon her lips. "Let's not encourage comparisons that might give people rather dangerous ideas."
Ei continues gently stroking the fox, who seems more than content to remain sprawled across Miko's lap. "...But you are rather adorable in your fox form."
She glances towards Miko with quiet curiosity. "When will I have the opportunity to see you like that again?"
Miko doesn't even hesitate. "In your dreams."
Ei lets out a quiet huff. "Hmph."
Her attention soon returns to the fox. "Does she have a name?"
Miko glances down at the little fox.
"Now that you mention it..." She taps a finger thoughtfully against her cheek. "I don't believe I've ever given her one."
The fox tilts its head as though listening to the conversation.
Miko's gaze drifts upwards towards the countless blossoms swaying overhead.
"How about 'Sakura'?" A satisfied smile spreads across her face. "It seems rather fitting, don't you think?"
Ei softly repeats the name to herself. "Sakura..."
The fox's ears twitch, almost as though acknowledging it.
A small smile finds its way onto Ei's lips. "I like it."
"So do I."
For a while, they simply watch Sakura dozing peacefully between them while delicate petals float through the morning air.
Miko's gaze lingers on the tranquil scene before a soft chuckle escapes her. "You know..."
Ei looks towards her. “Hm?"
"This scene rather reminds me of the opening lines of a new novel the Yae Publishing House is going to put out."
She gestures idly towards the drifting blossoms, the tea set between them, and the little fox sleeping soundly in her lap.
"The moment the cherry blossoms fall, the fragrance drifting from a lunchbox, and a mysterious traveller passing by just at that moment…”
She pauses, allowing the image to settle.
"Put these pieces together..." The corners of her lips curl into a mischievous smile. "...and they might just form quite an interesting little scene, don't you think?”
Ei considers the idea for a moment before giving Miko an unconvinced look.
"...That's rather ridiculous." A brief pause follows. "...Am I the mysterious traveller?"
A quiet laugh escapes Miko. "It could certainly be interpreted that way."
She leans back against the trunk of the Sacred Sakura, a knowing smile never leaving her face.
"Think about it, Ei. Two people sharing tea and sweets beneath a blooming cherry tree, with an impossibly adorable little fox sleeping between them as delicate petals drift upon the spring breeze."
She places a hand lightly against her cheek. "If I were to publish that as the opening chapter of a romance novel..." Her smile grows ever so slightly. "...I'd wager it would become quite the bestseller."
Ei follows her gaze, taking in the drifting blossoms, the tea set, and Sakura curled peacefully in Miko's lap.
After a thoughtful silence, she gives the smallest nod.
"When you describe it that way..." A faint smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "...I suppose it does sound rather charming."
"If you'd like, I'll have a copy sent to Tenshukaku the moment it's published."
Ei gives a small nod. "I would like that."
The conversation falls into a comfortable silence.
Then, without the slightest warning, Ei slowly raises a hand.
Miko watches the movement with mild curiosity. "...Hm?"
Before she can react, Ei rests her hand atop Miko's head.
Her fingers smooth a few stray strands of soft pink hair before giving the gentlest of pats.
Miko freezes. "E-Ei?"
Her violet eyes widen in genuine surprise as she looks up at the Electro Archon, momentarily forgetting every witty remark she has ever prepared.
Completely oblivious to the effect she has just had, Ei gives her another soft pat, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"Happy birthday, Miko."
A faint warmth creeps onto Miko's cheeks.
"W-When..." She clears her throat, desperately attempting to recover at least a shred of her usual composure. "...When exactly did you become this bold?"
Ei lowers her hand as though she has done nothing out of the ordinary. "I only learn from the best."
The answer comes so naturally that Miko is left staring at her in stunned silence.
Seeing the uncharacteristic silence, Ei tilts her head. "Would you like a few more?"
Before Miko can answer, Ei's hand hovers politely above her head.
"It is your birthday, after all."
For perhaps the first time in many years, Yae Miko finds herself completely at a loss for words.
She really ought to stop this.
She ought to have a clever remark ready.
Instead...
She simply sits there, allowing Ei to affectionately pat her once again.
"...Just this once." She murmurs beneath her breath.
"So that's a yes."
Before Miko can amend her answer, another soft pat lands atop her head.
The warmth lingering across her cheeks deepens ever so slightly.
Perhaps… being spoiled every now and then isn't so bad after all.
