An Angel's Whisper

Part 37: Surprise

Haku, Neru and Luka got out of the car to enter back into the house - but Haku noticed something.

"Neru? Why is the door open?"

"What?! Did you not shut it?"

"Yeah! Oh my God, I'm really really sorry, so sorry, I-"

"God's sake, just go in."

"What if there's someone in there?"

Neru rolled her eyes and walked in. The lights were completely off, but she could hear giggling from her living room.

She immediately remembered what Miku had said.

"Haku, I think you better come in. Give Tsuki to me."

Haku nervously handed over the crate, and walked inside. The giggling had been replaced by a sudden shushing hiss, and then silence.

"What was that noise?!"

"Just go in."

Haku walked toward the living room, glancing at Neru, who nodded to her to go in.

The lights flicked on. Miku, Gumi, Rin, Len, and Nero were in different corners of the room, hopping up and blasting party poppers, clapping and shouting.

Haku jumped, and reached out for Neru, who came up to her and took her hand.

The five visitors all placed gift bags on the table, before rushing around to Haku and hugging her.

She put her head down, and though crying, smiled.

"T-thank you. Thank you all. Whatever did I do to deserve this?"

Neru placed her hand on Haku's shoulder, and said,

"You graced us with your presence. Obviously, dumbass."

"We love you, Haku-nee," Rin said, pulling herself away from the huddle. Soon enough everyone else had pulled away too.

"Oi, I get a hug too," Neru said, wrapping her arms around Haku. She leaned up and kissed Haku on the lips.

Miku made a gag noise, which was followed by a slap and a,

"Lesbians exist, idiot," from Rin.

Neru unwrapped herself, and went to get Tsuki from the front door. Luka was stood in the doorway, looking outside.

"Hey? Luka-san? You alright?"

"Huh? Me? Oh, yes. Don't worry. I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"Not much. I should get going-"

"Huh? Where?"

"I'll- go and get my gifts, I suppose. I need to collect Meiko's gifts and bring them here too."

"Where is she?"

"In court, trying to get custody of Miyuki."

"Oh, yeah, okay. Well, be back soon."

"I will," Luka said, stepping out and turning to close the door,

"See you soon."

"Bye."

Neru picked up the cat crate and bought in into the living room.

"Neru! Don't put her in here! There's lots of people! Take her into our- um, your- bedroom."

"Jesus, okay," Neru sighed, taking Tsuki upstairs and letting her out on the bed. The cat immediately laid down, and started to sleep.

"Aww. Aren't you sweet."

She left the crate open incase she wanted to go back in, and went downstairs.

"Damn, already opening gifts?"

"Ah, Neru! Heh, yes..."

"I have no idea what anyone else gave you but you better like them."

"No, no, I will! Definitely!"

Neru sat on the floor - the only available option - and looked up at Haku.

Everyone else was staring at Haku, too, which made Neru feel slight jealousy.

"What's this?" Haku asked, holding up a studded leather choker.

"It's a choker."

"A choker? If I wear it, will I die?"

"No. You won't."

"Well, thank you, Gumi. I appreciate it, but it doesn't look like something I would wear a lot. I may share it with Neru, if that's alright?"

"No, that's fine."

"Thank you for those lovely gifts. They were great," Haku smiled, putting Gumi's bag down.

She next picked up Nero's. Neru glanced over at him, who seemed to already be looking at his sister. She scowled, and he bit his lip, trying not to laugh.

'You didn't," Neru mouthed.

'I didn't! I didn't! Damn!' He mouthed back.

Haku pulled out a can, that had no label. By this time, Nero was already laughing.

"Don't open that," Neru said, "It'll really frighten you."

"What is it? A mirror?" She asked.

"I- No-"

"Oh. I'll just... Put that here, okay?" She said, putting it down on the floor.

"Wow Haku. You're no fun," Nero said, partially jokingly.

"I'm sorry!"