Kumi and Misato Birthday

It was already past midnight. Misato spent her evening locked away in her room and lost herself in history books and television serials that romanticised historic periods. She wanted no part of the celebration that took place that evening. It had been Kumi's birthday but the sly vixen had burned the bridge between them in an argument.

 

Misato folded back her bedding and sheepishly kicked her legs back to let her slippers drop to the floor. Her tanuki companion was already curled on the end of the bed and snoring. It made an attempt to stay up and wait for Misato but couldn't stave off the urge to sleep any longer.

 

Misato sat in bed and untied her hair. She got one tail undone when there was a sharp knock on her window.

 

'Huh?' Misato squeaked.

 

There was another knock. Someone was out there.

 

Misato leaped from her bed using it as a barrier between herself and the window. Her tanuki was on all fours and let out an attempt at a growl.

 

The knocking became more urgent.

 

Misato clutched her tanuki to her bosom and tip-toed towards the window. She pulled back the curtain and unlatched the window and shutter. The window frame was covered by a dark figure silhouetted by moonlight.

 

'Nightstalker!' Misato shrieked.

 

The figure pounced upon Misato and covered her mouth.

 

'Quiet!'

 

Misato's assailant was revealed in the light. It was Kumi.

 

'If Yuuyaki hears us we'll get in troub--yeow!'

 

Kumi was cut off. Misato's tanuki was pulling on the nine-tailed foxes' blonde hair in an effort to protect its master. Kumi spun in circles to try and grab hold of the stubborn minion.

 

'Get off me you little rat!'

 

Misato rolled her eyes and called out to her tanuki. It released Kumi's hair and raced to Misato's warm chest for safety.

 

'What are you doing here?' Misato pouted.

 

'Well it's after midnight so-'

 

Kumi stopped herself in her tracks and pointed at Misato's lopsided hairstyle. Misato had forgotten to fix her hair before opening the window.

 

Kumi had a big, dumb grin plastered on her face.

 

'What happened to you?'

 

Misato blushed and raced to let her hair down'I was getting ready for bed okay? Now, answer me already.'

 

Kumi anxiously wrapped her hair around her finger. 'Well it's technically your birthday so, ya'know.'

 

'So?' Misato puffed her cheeks.

 

'Well I know we don't get along most of the time but I got you something.'

 

Kumi pulled a package stowed away in her jacket and handed it to Misato.

 

'Happy birthday.'

 

Misato eyed Kumi suspiciously and reluctantly reached out to accept the gift. Her eyes darted between the package and Kumi as if she waited for some trick or reveal. But there was none. She peeled back the wrapping and inside was a boxset that she had her eye on but couldn't afford.

 

'I saw you looking at it.' Kumi tried to play cool. She anxiously awaited Misato's approval.

 

Misato smiled warmly and set her tanuki companion down to retrieve a package she hid in one of her drawers. She skipped over to Kumi and presented it.

 

'I got you something to.'

 

Kumi accepted the gift 'I wasn't expecting you to get me anything.'

 

'Well I guess I can forgive you for breaking my ceramic pot.' Misato muttered 'But only this one time.'

 

'Hey, it was an accident!' Kumi snapped.

 

'You called me a crybaby afterwards!'

 

'Well that pot wouldn't have gotten smashed if I didn't have to chase your little pet!'

 

Their argument built up until their team mates, asleep in the neighbouring rooms, were woken by the shrill voices and shouting. Yuuyaki and Nachi burst into Misato's room to the sight of Misato and Kumi on the floor grappling with each other. Misato and Kumi were dishevelled and panting.

 

Nachi was the first to spot the open window.

 

'Sneaking in through the window to meet in secret? Is this what they call forbidden love?' Nachi cradled her head in her palm.

 

Yuuyaki's shoulders tensed and her vision blurred. 'F-fraternisation isn't allowed!'

 

'It's not like that!' Kumi roared.

 

'She's the one that pounced on me!' Misato blurted out. Her face flushed.

 

'Don't say it like that!'

 

'This is all your fault!' Kumi and Misato yelled in unison.