“Happy Birthday!”

December 21st, 2013, is Shen’s 20th birthday, which Nikolay ought to celebrate. Shen had forgotten that day since he had no reason to celebrate growing up. His lack of reaction concerns Nikolay as he slowly takes hold of his gift.

“Are you okay?” Nikolay asks.

“No! Thank you!” Shen replies hastily as he attempts to unwrap his gift. Carefully picking it apart to keep the wrapping paper intact, he finally reaches the small box containing the gift itself. His eyes bulge open as he attempts to wrap his mind around the price. An iPhone 5s is occupying Shen’s hands. Spending 549€ on an iPhone… Shen had never expected anyone to be willing to spend that much money just on him.

“Are you sure? Isn’t that too expensive? I-”

“Stop!” Nikolay interjects. “Don’t worry about it! My wallet gets to weep for a month, and you get to have fun. Don’t sweat it.”

“But I didn’t gift you anything nice for your birthday. How is that fair?”

“Then repay me next year!” he offers as some sort of respite to his worries. “I already charged it. You just have to set it up.”

After a rather short process, Shen set up his new phone replacing his shabby old one. With haste, Nikolay adds Shen’s new phone number right before helping him transfer his photos onto his new phone. Switching from buttons and outdated tech to WhatsApp and other messengers that wouldn’t cost him a fortune for just one tiny text is a massive upgrade. You’d think with their Vambrances that the world would be much more advanced, yet they’re dealing with what once were outdated models ten years ago in the world of dream catchers.

“You don’t have any plans for today, do you?” Nikolay asks.

“No. Nothing.”

Nikolay cheers as he dusts off an old cassette player and the PS3 of the former inhabitant of this apartment. He has several movies on deck, waiting to be criticized and ridiculed for their lackluster plots. Pizza, shortcakes, fizzy drinks, popcorn… everything you need for a perfect birthday hangout.

“Last night, I had a strange dream about some record keeper who observes those she has taken interest in…”

Nikolay sighs.

“Are you okay?” Shen asks.

“More information I have to keep track of! That’s all…” Nikolay grunts. “But you’re okay, right? Nothing done? Nothing said? No hurt feelings?” he asks.

“I’m fine. I-”

“I honestly hate it,” he interjects.

Shen is puzzled.

“I hate the thought of you being out there getting hurt because I’m not strong enough to protect you. When we were fighting that Fusion or whatever it’s called with you passed out below while I had my own duties… Not to mention when I almost lost it against SID,” he moans. His frustration with his lack of strength is understandable. Smoker was more powerful and possessed far more authority over others than he likely ever will which is keeping them apart. “After absorbing that blood-water flood, I had to purge it in my domain, and I’m not sure if it’s still there.”

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“We can check right now if you want to.”

“Nah. Today’s your day. We’ll talk about what you want to talk about. We’ll worry about your problems. Let’s just focus on you,” Nikolay says with his mind fixed on Shen. “So, your dreams and your powers? What’s up with that?”

“I don’t know. I’m honestly just as clueless as you are. But I think I know what I want to do. Like how you’re invested in studying demons.”

Nikolay nods.

“I do want to venture out into the world with you, but I don’t want to do it just because of you. I want to see more people and see many more sights. That domain we fought in was beautiful. I’m sure there are many more out there worth exploring. If not, there are worlds out there worth seeing. I’m not just going to embark on a huge quest because of you but with you… together.”

Nikolay turns away.

“Oh,” he says, grinning as he’s tapping his foot.

“So that’s what you found out in your dream? Curiosity in people? That’s your journey?”

“I guess… Meeting Smoker and the rest has me intrigued,” Shen says. “None of that would have happened without you,” he sneers, knowing Nikolay can’t contain his excitement.

“Well… What’s up with her?”

“She was kind of strange. She kinda bowed while introducing herself as Viatrix. She also used a lot of flowery words I’d use on whatever I had to submit for uni. I think she’s also kind of lonely. Apparently, she’s always just been in that lonely stumbling upon people. But she can just manifest stuff in there. Maybe that’s keeping her entertained.”

“Do you want to help her?” Nikolay asks.

“How would I even do that?” Shen counters.

“We can try. We’re meeting Schmidt tomorrow. Right before New Year's Eve, we can make time for Railgun. Maybe even go on vacation. While we’re doing all that we can figure out how to make money. Smoker has given me enough clues to figure that out. Maybe we can even cooperate with these shady Zs… And talk to Mirage even though she’s creeping me out.”

“Right,” Shen says, feeling a little floaty. “There’s so much we have to do.”

Thinking of the future feels strange to Shen. Until recently, there wasn’t anything he’d ever look forward to. Having a future was just incomprehensible to him. He’d keep himself busy in school by being a good student so that he wouldn’t have to think about the future. He’d keep his mind occupied with music or reading when he was trying to get to another destination. He’d walk and shut his mind off so he wouldn’t have to confront the future.

“It’s quite cold… Maybe we should get you some blankets? Wanna leave for a bit before getting dinner?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

As such, they embark on an evening walk as the winter sun sets as early as ever. There hasn’t been a lot of snow, and Christmas likely won’t be as pretty as they hope. It’s also a little warmer than they’d expect, meaning their winter wear doesn’t have to be as heavy.

“Winter hasn’t been as cold as it used to be. Used to wear mufflers and all that at this time,” Shen claims.

“I guess? The last two years haven’t been that cold either, so I can’t tell.”

The streetlights begin to turn on. It’s barely past 4 pm.

“Isn’t today the shortest day of the year? Or was it yesterday?” Shen asks.

“Yesterday.”

“Didn’t think you’d know that,” Shen jeers.

“Well… You may be book smart but not… smart smart… Something smart, okay!”

As Nikolay huddles up to Shen to make space for someone walking by, Shen’s heart beats out of turn. With Nikolay’s arms crossed, there’s not much of an opportunity with so little bravery. Yet, despite his closed-off stance, Shen reaches for his hand. Hand in hand, they head off to buy some blankets and dinner.