barrierabovethecrowd | 名前を呼んで

Well, I--

[So the present was for him after all? This was something he had never expected. Even the look on his face indicates how surprised he is.]

It's more that, well, I wasn't sure if it was for me.

[Athrun takes his seat at the desk, and moves the present in front of him. He methodically opens it, pulling the wrapping apart where it's been taped together, rather than tear into it.]

[New Jersey's content to laugh it off and leave him to it; as he unravels the carefully wrapped package, though, he'll find... maybe a bit more than bargained for. It seems like an overpackaged mess, even; whoever put all this effort for a humble present box (no doubt the boisterous secretary next to him) probably should have dialed it back a bit. But when he gets the rest of the way in and lifts the lid, he'll find New Jersey's signature -- a sticker of a black dragon wearing what can only be described as 'glasses for the overly excitable' -- and the blue book that it was applied to. There's a note, with a collage of well wishes from the other kansen on base on it.

Within the book itself, if the bluehead opens it up, is pages upon pages of memoirs from recent shore leave. If he looks close enough, he'll even see a few shots of himself being pulled along by New Jersey; though his head ends up being inconveniently blocked in the first few pictures, there's at least two where they manage to finally get him into frame. They're at the end, but it's the thought that counts.

Also packaged with all this is a smaller box, one just big enough to house some form of accessory in it. "This one's on the house, nya! Pay me later!", says the taped note -- along with a paw print that only hammers home who else decided to pitch in.

Inside is a careful remake of an emblem -- of the land he served prior to his assignment to the Azur Lane.]

This is...

[Athrun trails off as he inspects the scrapbook. He takes a look at the note, then opens the book and flips through the pages. He doesn't look at any particular photo for very long, opting to skim through them for now -- he can take a closer look when he has some more free time.

Then he picks up the smaller box, examines it, and opens it. He takes a look inside...and finds himself looking at the logo of the Orb Union. This causes his mouth to open in surprise; he hadn't expected something like this. And though he very rarely cries, he can feel a few tears building up. He rubs his lower eyelid to keep them from rolling down his face.]

This is incredible...I can't believe you went to these lengths for me.

[He then turns to New Jersey.]

This is far more than I could have anticipated today. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

[She just grins her cheeky grin, a gleam in her eye.] Only the best for a Commander that's helped us keep things afloat! After everythin', I figured you could use some actual appreciation on your birthday! Ahaha~

I mean, treatin' it as normal aside, don'tcha just like getting some proper affection for a change?

Huh, you know, I'm not sure what to say.

[Athrun thinks it over for a moment, looking at his gifts.]

Ordinarily I would say it doesn't matter that much to me. But when gifts carry this degree of sentimental value and effort put into them, well...I can say that makes it different. I do appreciate this.

Aww, come here, you!

[Well, then--Incoming hug from a starry-eyed bunny dragon! Have fun with that, Athrun.]

I knew you'd like it~! Yanno, I could get used to seein' you more chipper day by day~ It's a nice change of pace!

ACK!

[Somehow, Athrun's Coordinator reflexes always seem to fail him whenever New Jersey gets overly affectionate. So he finds himself stuck to the chair with the shipgirl more or less draped over his body.]

I-it means th-that much to you!?

[He's also fervently hoping that no one walks in on them to see this.]

Well, duh!

[Spoken like she was speaking the gospel and someone didn't take the hint.]

Nothin' warms my heart more than a Commander that's got a big ol' smile on their face! Especially, especially if it's a cutie like you~ Ahaha!

[...there's tapping of some sort coming from down the hall. Footsteps?]

[Athrun feels a chill run down his spine as he hears what sound like footsteps. He begins to squirm in his chair, but he simply doesn't have the strength to get New Jersey off of him in this position.]

I-I appreciate the sentiment, but you can let go at any time...

Come ooooooon, just a little more? Please~?

[Those footsteps are getting closer by the minute. And there's a voice that can be associated with it, too.

...is that Enterprise?]

Someone's -- someone's coming, though... Enterprise...?

[The squirming intensifies.]

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