Beautiful

Birthday

Chapter 4

"Yuri!" Jessica ran up and jumped into her aunt's arms.

"Happy birthday." Yuri grinned, kissing her cheek.

"NATSUKI!" Jessica screeched, wriggling out of Yuri's arms to race towards the woman.

"Hey, Squirt." Natsuki stumbled a bit and hugged the girl back, giving her a good squeeze.

"How are you? How's the shop? Did you bust any perps on the way here? Can I see your tazer?!" Jessica bombarded her with questions.

"Yuri!" Marcus quickly strode towards the tall woman, hugging her briefly, "How are you?"

"I'm doing well. How are things with you and Jessica?" Yuri smiled, patting his head.

"I'm fine. Jessie has some news, though." Marcus glanced at his sister who was clinging to her God-Ma.

"Oh? Is it something bad?" Yuri asked worriedly.

"No, she's just not sure how everyone will react. I'm sure she plans to tell you and Natsuki soon, though." Marcus said softly as he twirled some hair, a habit he picked up from his godmother.

"Alright. I wonder what it could be..." Yuri pondered, glancing at the birthday girl.

~~~

"Happy birthday, partner." Summer nudged Jessica's shoulder with a grin.

"T-Thanks!" Jessica blushed, tapping her fingertips together.

Sayori giggled from afar, watching the interaction.

"What's so funny, Sayo?" Natsuki walked over with a cup of punch.

"Oh, nothing! Just watching Jeejee enjoy her party!" Sayori chuckled nervously.

Has she told them yet?

"Yeah, she sure is growing up." Natsuki grinned.

"Totally." Sayori agreed.

In more ways than you think!

"Cake time!" Monika announced, bringing out a cake in the shape of a horse head.

Jessica squealed, grabbing Summer's arm as she rushed to the table.

"Happy birthday, Jessica!" Jessica's neighbor, Jack, smiled and sat beside her.

"Thanks, Jackie." Jessica giggled, making the boy blush softly.

Natsuki and Yuri sat at the table as well, chuckling at the eager birthday girl.

"Happy birthday to you..." everyone sang.

"Make a wish, Jess!" Monika grinned after they finished.

Jessica squeezed her eyes tight, blowing the candles as hard as she could as everyone clapped.

"Whatcha wish for, kid?" Natsuki asked as Sayori passed out slices.

"Nope! If I say, it won't come true!" Jessica crossed her arms in a huff.

"Fair enough." Natsuki shrugged, eating her cake.

"Hey uh, guys?" Jessica asked her aunts, who looked for her to continue, "Can I talk to you guys after the party, please?"

"Sure." Natsuki said skeptically.

Weird... She almost never asks politely...

"Of course." Yuri nodded.

This must be what Marcus meant..