Advent has always been a unique bunch of misfits trying to accustom themselves back into society. They have found a family amongst themselves and formed strong bonds with each other. Even so, each of them have varying different interests and ideas. The twins and Bijou have always been the moodmakers, bringing cuteness and joy whenever they’re around though they may have their own moments of silliness. Shiori, known as the leader of Advent, tends to keep to her space most of the time. She still enjoys everyone’s company and will suggest fun activities for them to take part in as a group, but she still likes to keep to her calm and doesn’t take the initiative unless absolutely necessary. Now for Nerissa though, she loves being with everyone even if she is drained. She has always been the one to volunteer to help with an event, first to join in on an activity and never one to cancel on anyone unless she was absolutely dying in bed.
This has become more apparent when Shiori and Nerissa started their relationship. Shiori has noticed how the songbird would always greet her first when their eyes meet, how her servings are larger whenever Nerissa made her favourite dish and recently with every outing(date) they’ve been on, she made sure that everything was perfectly planned. Shiori has honestly been having a nice time being pampered considering she’s usually having to be the responsible one in the group and make sure the girls don’t get themselves captured or hurt, plus who doesn’t want to be treated like a princess every now and then. The archiver appreciates all that the songbird has done for her and showing her love without it being overwhelming. Shiori isn’t one to be in debt to someone, especially someone dear to her. Shiori needs to start thinking of a gift or something to repay her partner’s efforts.
Hmm what does Reese like? I mean I already got her self insert art of her and that vampire dude. Food seems a bit too mediocre since Rissa knows how to cook anyways and well…asking me to make something fancy in the kitchen is just inviting Mori to our doorstep. What else…?
Shiori kept pacing up and down the hallway but an optimum choice just can’t seem to show itself. The archiver’s line of thought was interrupted when she heard excited noises from the living room. Intrigued, she walked towards the chatter and was slowly able to hear what the excitement was about. It was the twins and Bijou.
“Woah~this store is doing a couple’s discount! I’ve seen people post these on TikTok and the food is all so cute!” Bijou showed her phone screen to Mococo, a video introducing the menu from the store. Mococo’s tail starts wagging, seemingly getting excited at the thought of tasting some of those dishes. “You two definitely have it easy, you get discounts left and right!” Fuwawa only giggled as she tried to calm her sister down before she got too excited and jumped around. Approaching footsteps caused her ears to perk up, she didn't need to turn around to tell who it was. The familiar boots of their beloved leader are not hard to miss.”Shiori! Are you done doing your thinking steppies?” Shiori chuckled at the way Fuwawa called her pacing, it is a common habit she does unconsciously when deep in thought. “Haha well I was thinking but nothing came out of it. Was there something interesting on the TV? You guys sounded extra excited.”
Bijou shot up from her position and started pointing at the advertisements being played on the channel. “Shiori! Shiori! This popular cafe is having a couple’s discount! They’ve been very trendy on TikTok. I was telling FuwaMoco how it’s probably easy for them to get these discounts since they literally come as a pair. Maybe I’ll drag Kaela out of her cafe so I can take cute pictures.” Shiori hummed in response, watching what the channel had to say about the place. A thought came to mind, “Wait, I can go with you beebs, you don’t have to keep troubling Kaela with your random wimps.” Bijou only looked at Shiori like she just said something weird. “Eh? I mean, wouldn’t you want to go with Nerissa? You know cuz you guys are a thing now?”
Oh that does make more sense I guess.
The twins chimed in at the mention of the raven. “Yeah! It’s also Valentine’s soon! The 2 of you can go on a date and have some fun!”
“Yeah! Nerissa would be very happy! I know this cuz she’s my sister.” Mococo puffed out her chest as she finished her sentence. Fuwawa only sighed and pat her on the head. “I’m your sister Moco chan~”
Right a date would make sense. Especially considering it’s for Valentine’s. Since it’s always been Rissa planning these, I should return the favour and plan a nice day out for her. Sounds easy enough, planning things is my forte anyways.
Shiori beams at the 3, finally coming to a satisfied decision. “Thank you three. I’m going back to my thinking steppies.” The three looked on as Shiori went back into the hall, all of them having the widest grin on their faces. Bijou was the first to speak up but not to address the two demon dogs but another fourth person hiding in the shadows. “I better get that special gem from the demon realm Nerissa. I wanna add it to my collection!” A giggle can be heard and a tall figure walks down from the stairs, “Of course Koseki Bijou. Only the finest gem for the service you provided. And I’ll buy you 2 some ice cream later, my adorable puppies.” The tall woman ruffled the twins' hair and looked at them with warm smiles. They didn’t have to do any of that but it was a thoughtful gesture. Shiori might have still been overthinking things by the end of the week if they didn’t plant some ideas into her head. Well whatever Shiori comes up with, Nerissa will be happy regardless since it’s from her favourite archiver.
===
And thus D day had arrived, well V day to be precise. Shiori is going around her room and double, triple, quadruple checking her preparations. Even though she likes to plan and prepare her activities ahead of time, it doesn’t mean she loves the process but oddly enough planning this date had been a nice time. Planning something nice with someone dear in mind made it less tedious in a way.
Wallet? Check. Phone? Check. Tickets to musical play? Check. All reservations? Booked and timed perfectly. Nicely laid out in my excel sheet with extra notes and backup plans. A nice day out if I do say so myself. Plus I look cute in this cute dress. The frills are so cute and fluffy. Now time to pick up the girl of the hour.
Shiori stepped out of the house and went to their agreed upon location to meet up with her songbird. Shiori was a bit confused on why they needed to meet up somewhere even though they lived together but Nerissa insisted it adds to the experience. Welp anything to add to her happiness. Throughout her walk to her destination, Shiori checked on her schedule and the time. Their first activity is to grab something to eat at the cafe that had the Valentine’s event going on. It comes with a strawberry parfait that is probably too sweet to be having in the morning but Nerissa didn’t seem to mind the idea. As she walks up to the park they were supposed to meet, the archiver hears the sweet familiar hums of her songbird. Nerissa was admiring some flowers as she hummed along with the chirping of the birds. Since this was a date, the taller woman was wearing something more casual. She had a nice dress paired with a warm cardigan. The scene was like it came out of a story book, a princess connecting with nature and sharing her beautiful voice to the world.
I should bookmark this memory later…
The humming abruptly stops as Nerissa turns to face the archiver. She had long sensed her presence and waited for Shiori to greet her but got worried as that moment didn’t come. “Shiori? Why are you standing so far away for? Come on~ the sun isn’t gonna make you shrivel up.” Nerissa had walked up to Shiori and extended her hand. Only then did Shiori notice that her feet had stopped moving as she was admiring her partner. Her eyes finally focus back onto red orbs and she clears her throat. “Oh sorry m’lady, I was too captivated by your pretty voice and face. Didn’t know I was in the presence of a real Widsney princess. Tips fedora.” Shiori tips her air fedora, still maintaining eye contact. Nerissa was taken aback slightly but she couldn’t hold it in anymore and started laughing. Shiori smiled smugly, her whimsy self has always worked to entertain the taller woman. “Well now Shiowi, always the charmer huh.” Nerissa linked her arms around Shiori’s, still giddy from the compliment. “So where are you taking me Miss? I heard that Miss Shiori Novella had planned out a perfect date for me.” Excited red orbs meet with warm golden eyes. Seeing Nerissa so delighted at the fact that she planned a whole day for her made the time spent worrying worth it. Guess taking the initiative every now and then can be rewarding. “Well if I told you everything it wouldn’t be any fun.” She snickered as she gently tugs Nerissa towards their first location of the day.
They banter along the way, a comfortable and familiar pastime for them. Nothing changed much other than the extra warm feeling of calling each other their own. When they arrived there was already quite a line waiting outside the store which is to be expected considering the occasion. Shiori did try to make a reservation beforehand but the store didn't have that option during that event and is running on a first come first served system. They joined the line and wait for the store to open. The line eventually started moving at a steady pace and they got their table fine. The advertisements and trendy videos didn't lie about the cute interior design of the cafe but it's unfortunate that the crowd made it hard to enjoy the atmosphere properly. The noise too is starting to get on Shiori's nerves but she suppressed the urge to just seal everyone in the room into bookmarks and chose to focus on her songbird. Nerissa was practically bouncing in her seat, ecstatic from being in such a cute cafe with her beloved archiver. She scanned the menu and picked out some things that they can share together. Stacked fruit pancakes along with the signature event strawberry parfait.
“I’ve been seeing this cafe being mentioned by a lot of influencers but never got the time to swing by. They really kept to the theme and didn’t skimp out on the decorations. The food also looks delicious.” Nerissa’s eyes had been darting all around the place to look at every detail. Shiori chuckled at the childlike excitement the demon was showing. “Glad you like it. Would have preferred it if it were a bit quieter but it can’t be helped. But don’t get too excited, this is just the first place of the day. There will be even more amazing stuff throughout the day.” Shiori declared smugly, waving her phone that had the excel sheet up. They continued chatting and eventually their food arrived. Red rubies sparkle at the stacked fluffy pancakes and the beautifully decorated parfait. The fruits looked fresh and placed around the stack neatly accompanied by a scoop of ice cream. The parfait on the other hand had a perfect swirl of strawberry jam along with bits of cake and freshly cut strawberries in the shade of hearts. Nerissa squealed at the cute display and quickly took a picture before anything started melting. Shiori enjoyed the sight of the excited expressions of the demon. Many times Nerissa would have a more serious expression mostly from worry or overthinking certain things. Other times her face is forced to smile as she tries to fight the pain from her broken horn. Despite all the pain and time wasted rotting in The Cell, Nerissa is still kind and gives so much love to people she holds dear. Shiori smiles warmly at the demon but can’t help to also sigh internally, wishing she could do something to help lessen the burden of her punishment from the Gods but as of now, Shiori still didn’t have the right knowledge to do so.
“Shiori?”
Ugh I don’t need to be thinking about those old farts right now. I’ve done what I can with making connections and owing favors to the necessary people. It’s just a matter of time and moment.
“Uhh Shiori? You listening?”
Just gotta focus on today for now. Everything’s gonna work out fine. Leader of Advent afterall, gotta make sure everything is in order.
“Bro Shiori? You need to sit back down before they kick us out.”
“Huh?”
Shiori finally snapped back out of her internal monologue and noticed she’s a bit further away from their table, and she’s standing, next to another couple that isn’t all too happy to have a stranger disturb their time. Shiori had started pacing during her thoughts, she rubs her temples and sighs before she apologized to the staff and the customers. The archiver sat back down, chuckling awkwardly. “Uh don’t worry about that. Was just lost in thought. Now how bout we share the strawberries, I know you really like them.” Shiori held out her strawberry for Nerissa to bite onto. Nerissa was a bit concerned but she trusts in Shiori more than anything so she just let it be and bit into the strawberry and she hummed in satisfaction. Shiori smiled softly, clearing her mind of anything unnecessary.
That’s right. Nothing’s gonna go wrong. We’ll have a great time together.
Famous last words of a certain archiver…
The Gods were out to get her. That’s the only conclusion Shiori could come to after having encountered lame excuses or canceling reasons for the activities she had planned for the day. Even her backup plans did not work out. What do you mean the main singer of the musical suddenly had a sneezing fit to the point they had to cancel the whole thing?! And what do you mean your store’s VVIP bought out the whole stock so his girlfriend is the only one that owns the limited set??
Gonna ask Bae to cause some chaos for me at this rate. Maybe I’ll pay Justice a visit just to mess with them to make myself feel better…
“Ughhh this sucks! How dare you!” Shiori exclaims at no one in particular, an angry fist aimed at the sky. Nerissa looked at the annoyed display of the shorter girl, while she understands Shiori is frustrated at the turn of events of the day, she can’t help but giggle at the cute way Shiori is whining. The demon does feel bad still because she knows how much Shiori cares about her schedules and things going the way it’s supposed to, especially when it’s a special date like this. Nerissa sighs, soft eyes looking at her beloved archiver that was still mumbling to herself.
Always the perfectionist with your plans huh? You always care so much but don’t show it often, such a soft cutie oreo.
Nerissa walked to the shorter girl's side and gently held her hand. That seemed to finally grab Shiori’s attention as golden orbs darted up meeting with rubies. The demon lifted their joined hands together and laid a feather light peck on the back of Shiori’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as good measure. “Come on Shiori, it’s fine. Things happen y’know. And it’s not like we can’t do this again another time.” “Yeah I get it but I feel so lame now! My beautiful excel sheet is useless now. I’m sorry if this ruined your enjoyment for our date.” Nerissa continued to hold her hand, seeing Shiori this dejected is breaking her heart (an exaggeration). She tried to think of something that might take her mind off things, she obviously doesn’t want to go home yet, she wants to end the day with both of them happy. A fluttering banner caught her attention and an idea came to mind. The taller girl looked back to her partner with an expectant look which made the archiver give her a questioning look in response. “What are you thinking about Rissa?” “Hehe, a final activity to end the day. Maybe you’ll be less mopey. Come on, it’ll be fun.” This time it was Nerissa leading Shiori to her impromptu plan. Shiori simply followed, hardly having the mood to protest but she can never truly deny Nerissa anything anyways.
When Nerissa told her it’ll be something fun, she expected an amusement ride or an arcade maybe, she would have never guessed it was a skating rink. Shiori wasn’t even aware that there was a rink so near the area. Luckily for them, the area had cleared out as the day was ending, many visitors were on their way out leaving only a few left to enjoy the twilight of the sunset. The two of them went to get their tickets to join in. It was honestly a beautiful sight. The gentle rays of the setting sun reflecting off the layer of ice, the fluttering ribbons and banners hung above the rink, it really gives off a beautiful stage made of ice waiting for its star. And there she was, the diva of the hour, gliding elegantly onto the rink, dress flowing with the wind as she maneuvers around, her jet black hair shimmering as it reflects the warm light of the setting sun, showing off a contrast of the blue undertones much like her feathers. The scene looked like one of the fairytales that Shiori had witnessed herself while book jumping. While she can never interfere while inside those books, right now this is her story to experience and continuously archiving all these precious memories, but she doesn't feel the need to interrupt this beautiful moment.
Nerissa was skating freely, trying to get the flow of things but she realised that she was the only one alone on the rink. She slowed down her pace and scanned the crowd for familiar split toned hair and her eyes landed on gentle ambers that had never once looked away. After being in Advent for a few years, Nerissa can tell each of the girls mannerisms and personality and while most of the girls didn't really change much Shiori did show more or her inner self the longer you get to know her. Like an oreo with a very thick cookie shell, even though the cookie isn't that bad, what's inside is even sweeter and softer. She noticed how Shiori always had an air of indifference whenever they're out and meeting with others but her expression immediately softens whenever she's around the girls and especially when she's around her songbird. And right now it's no different – Shiori had the softest of expression, one that she only shows to Nerissa. She had been admiring her songbird from afar, her eyes locked on her form. Well it was from a distance away but why is the pretty blue woman's face coming closer?
“Hey there gorgeous, you came here alone? Why don't you join me in the center?” The demon jokingly said as she held out her hand. Confused golden orbs blinked a few times before registering where she was. “Oh I came here with my partner but she's been off fulfilling her duties of being a star on this icy stage. Couldn't take my eyes off her.” A slight dust of pink bloomed on the taller woman's cheeks as she giggled at the archiver’s response. She held out her hand, urging Shiori to join her. An awkward chuckle was heard from the archiver as she gingerly held the offered hand. “Truth be told, I’m not really good with my feet, especially when it’s slippery. I don’t want to ruin your fun by being a baby that needs hand holding.” Nerissa gave a reassuring smile, gently guiding Shiori to follow her in. “That won’t be an issue! I love taking care of my beloved leader. Plus it’s only fun if I’m with you.”
The two started out slow, Shiori occasionally losing her balance but Nerissa was there to catch her everytime. They skate in tandem, little hiccups here and there but nothing a few laughs and giggles can’t fix. The couple begin to immerse themselves in each other’s presence, having a magical time in their own little world, bantering but also encouraging each other as the stars gradually come out to greet them. Shiori had a constant smile plastered on her face. It really felt like all the unfortunate things that happened earlier were so miniscule compared to the amazing moment she’s experiencing. Her songbird really is the one thing keeping her sane, showing her that there are still many beautiful experiences to be had even if you’ve gone through countless stories. They slowed their little dance and ended up near the middle of the rink, hands held together with their heads resting on each other.
“My dear songbird, I am so graciously grateful for your company and your acts of service for planning our outings together. Clearly I have much to learn to orchestrate an amazing date.”
Nerissa giggled in response, “Why thank you my dear archiver. I am simply following my heart and just want to see you having a great time. You’re not too shabby yourself if I do say so myself.”
Shiori scoffed lightly, “Oh please, today’s been a mess of a date.I swear the Gods’ are out to get me. They hate me as per the usual. How can I make it up to you?” Golden orbs locked with Rubies, eagerly awaiting a reply.
Nerissa sighs as her expression softens. Shiori has always been her own worst critic, never making things easy on herself. She puts too much on her plate and has too high of an expectation for herself to the point that she beats herself up if things go slightly wrong. But Nerissa knows that’s just how much Shiori cares about the things she does, the amount of thought and consideration for others has always been an admirable trait that the demon loves so much. She smiles at the archiver, full of appreciation and love, “Hehe, I told you didn’t I? As long as I get to spend time with you, that’s enough for me. And today has been one of the happiest I’ve been amongst the many other times since you got me out of that cell.” Nerissa gently cups Shiori’s face in her hands and brings their faces together, foreheads resting on each other. “I know it’s hard for you to accept compliments and words but that won’t stop me. I’ll keep saying them and showering you with love and care. I’ll keep waiting till you are able to open yourself to these words and rely on others more.” Shiori was stunned by her songbird's sudden declaration. Not that she’s not used to Nerissa’s words of love, but they felt like they weighed so much more and held so much emotion. Tears threaten to spill as she brings Nerissa closer, burying her face into her chest in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. She wishes to gift the world to this person but she can’t, not right now anyways but there is something she can give right away.
“Thank you. I love you Rissa. Thank you for sticking by me.”
“I love you too Shiori. And thank you for allowing me to be with you. Happy Valentine’s.”
They shared a gentle kiss under the star filled sky. A silent promise made that is only known to their hearts.