003 ☎ video

[tragicomedienne]

[Nanami's sunburn has mostly healed and peeled away by now, but she still shows signs of having been out in way too much sun for way too long. For once she's speaking very politely, aware of both of the subject matter and the adults who might be watching.]

It's my birthday on the 8th.

[If the potential selfishness is broadcasting her birthday for the entire network has dawned on her at all, she doesn't show any signs of recognizing it. But, for a moment, her expression becomes closed off and drawn.]

I already had a birthday, technically - on a mission. It was a long time ago, but only a few weeks here. But we all know that doesn't count!

[She lifts up again, pointing her index finger at the camera.]

There's no way I'll let this opportunity go by! This is the most important event in my life! I can't possibly let it pass without the appreciation it deserves! That's where some of you come in!

You should all be planning to attend!

[Attend what? Attend where? She's doesn't...know. Details.]

More to follow!

Comments

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[transgressed]

Your birthday, huh? That's a big deal. [She actually sounds sincere, a little sympathetic.]

How old are you gonna be, kiddo?

video;

[tragicomedienne]

[Nanami almost immediately colors a pink a little bit deeper than her blush.]

Y-yeah, that's exactly how I see it! Shouldn't everyone?

Fourteen, if you don't count the weird one that just happened. I don't think you can - I don't want to remember something like a freak birthday.

permavid

[transgressed]

Fourteen — I'd say that's cause for a coming of age celebration. Where I'm from, we'd have a big party for days like that. The whole village would chip in.

[She seems lost in thought for a bit, then adds, amused:] I figure this PSA's for gifts. Where are you holding it?

[Video]

[speakveryclearly]

[Kanaya is getting less and less fond of this function. But Nanami knows what she is and she doesn't want to lose ground. Lose face, you could say. She appears to be answering from her bedroom.]

If you're celebrating the advancement of your age, what makes this year's version of the date more important than any other? Is it because of the likelihood you'll never experience this date again in Exsilium? Or is this year the peak of your life's achievements meaning all future ones will pale in comparison?

video;

[tragicomedienne]

Do...whatever-you-are...not have birthdays?

That's sad! Poor thing.

video;

[buttpunch]

What birthday is it? [She doesn't know Nanami terribly well, but she must be Tsubomi's age, or a little older, right? She is once again sad she doesn't have access to her parents' flower shop. A bouquet would have been a nice gift. Cosmos--a maiden's heart--mixed with jasmine--happiness. If only she had the seeds...]

Have you thought about what kind of theme you'd like?

video;

[tragicomedienne]

Oh, fourteen, like I said -- well, I guess there's no reason you would have noticed it.

[Theme? Nanami perks up; she even looks a little smug.]

I thought maybe couture? If you could find anything like that in the stores here. [Without the store owners raising a big fit about it, anyway.]

video;

[redheadcarrier]

Why would anyone care about your birthday?

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[tragicomedienne]

It looks like a lot of people care!

[You lose, Asuka! ]

Don't worry. I'm inviting anyone who's anyone!

video

[stonewall]

[ is this how he announces his return? it sure is.

surprise. ]

Congratulations, kiddo! [ 100% SINCERE ] You got anything planned?

perma-video;

[tragicomedienne]

Well! [Hesitatingly:] It's still being finalized. [She doesn't know at all.]

Hold on...

[Nanami freezes mid-scrutiny of her screen.]

It's you!

...Did you come back?

[salvagedsoul]

Happy birthday. How old will you be?

[tragicomedienne]

Oh. [It's this guy again. Her face shows the recognition (namely, that he's a weirdo) before she's back to overly sweet.]

Thank you. It's my fourteenth birthday. My real one, this time.

action;

[therealrisette]

[Rise caught the video announcement, of course, but what's the point of responding on a tablet when she can just walk into the other room and talk to her about it there?

Rise's definitely all smiles when she comes out into the common room. It was really nice seeing Nanami cheerful about something!]

I didn't think you'd plan something like a birthday party, Nanami-chan!

[tragicomedienne]

What-?

[She scrambles to turn off the video function so her conversation with Rise doesn't broadcast.]

Why not? It's my birthday. Of course I should do something for it.

[That's just what you do.]

video

[andagain]

Great! A birthday does indeed call for a party. What would you like as a gift, lady?

[tragicomedienne]

[She's not sure she's ever spoken to him before... Nanami is flatteringly sweet.]

Oh, it's not the gifts that matter! They just usually get you in.

I usually just get little things! Jewelry, dresses...nothing big, just whatever's in for next season!

hehhh i knew i should have asked what day it was specifically

[spiderwife]

you too huh
shit, that DEFINITELY doesn't count. you should have two more birthdays here, to make up for it.

oh no birthday twins?

[tragicomedienne]

[Her eyes widen a little as she reads (jealously, she thinks she wouldn't really want to share).]

It's yours, too?

Maybe I'll just expect a celebration good enough for three!

voice;

[revolutionized]

You're not roping people into stuff are you?

[The cute act might work for the adults and uninitiated teenagers, but Utena's spent the better part of a year with Nanami (almost two, if you counted New Orleans), and countless times before that, in Ohtori. She knows what's up.]

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[tragicomedienne]

I don't see anyone doing anything like that! People are offering.

After the other one... [She clears her throat.]

What, maybe you're jealous? It's not fair to accuse me of something I'm not even doing!

[How black is the kettle?]

video; and late...

[painfeels]

Woah, your birthday? Really? That's great! Are you going to have some big party to celebrate?

[tragicomedienne]

I hope so!

[Very carelessly, she says,] So, you understand about things like birthdays?

video;

[worldswillburn]

What exactly are they going to be attending?

[tragicomedienne]

A soiree, of course! I don't think it would be worth mentioning if there wasn't going to be some kind of party.