Celebrating Obon a little differently this year

[atoberex]

 These last two years I haven't been much of a fan of Obon. It was a too bright reminder that my parents were gone from this world.

But, thanks to the hard work of several people, including Inui Sadaharu and my dearest heart, Momoshiro Takeshi...this year I get to celebrate two fewer of my ancestors.

How do I put this? I HAVE MY PARENTS BACK!!

We found them in a small village in Switzerland, less than 100 km from where the plane went down. Mother is in need of some surgery on her leg, and Father...well, Father is recovering from amnesia. Apparently I was the catalyst in his sudden memory return. This was last Monday. We flew back to Japan today. I'm...I'm still stunned. 

Kabaji, Yuushi...Hyoutei. Thank you for your support. I am...beyond words right now.

Comments

[atoberex]

We arrived yesterday, actually. While the doctors in Switzerland were anxious to keep them, I was able to convince everyone that Japan's doctors would be just as capable of seeing them back to health. Mother was very grateful. She has seen enough of the ancestral homelands on her grandmother's side for this lifetime, I think.

[gekidazejanai]

I bet she has! I'm glad you were able to get them back in time for Obon, too. If they're feeling up to it, or if you're willing to leave their sides, Arashi and I will be at the festival all night. I'll be spending part of it at the zoo, though, but Kabaji has very graciously offered to watch the munchkin while I'm working. You should come by and see us.

[atoberex]

I will be setting the water on fire with the number of lanterns I intend to put out. But, perhaps I will see you there. Kabaji has a knack for finding me.

I believe my parents will be celebrating quietly at home, surrounded by a few comforts of home that they have been missing.

[gekidazejanai]

I'll have to get pictures when I go to put out lanterns, then. I'm sure I'll still be able to see yours. And Arashi will be thrilled to see you when Kabaji does find you. If she ever lets him take her anywhere other than the Night Safari. That kid is as crazy about animals as I am.

I can't say I blame them there. I'm sure there's going to be enough of a media circus interrupting their lives despite best efforts for the next few months.

[atoberex]

By all means. This is Arashi's first real Obon, yes? She already has a yukata? I could send over a selection for her to choose from if not.

Indeed. Fortunately the servants are very good at keeping them away.

[gekidazejanai]

It is and she does. My mom got her a really cute red and pink one that she loves. And she's already insisting on doing Arashi's hair.

It's good you have such skilled and diligent staff.

[atoberex]

Oh, fine. But I get to pick out her first formal kimono, understand?

They are the best Kageyama and his predecessors could find.

[gekidazejanai]

Hai, hai, my mother will thank you for taking on the expense of it, I'm sure.

That's good to hear. Your parents have been through enough, but at least now they're back where they belong.

[atoberex]

Expense? Oh, right. Yes, yes, of course. Not a problem. Nothing is too good for my perfect niece.

Yes, they are. And, by the way, they are quite looking forward to meeting Arashi.

[gekidazejanai]

Yeah, I know, you don't think of money the way the rest of us do. And I used to resent that, but now it's kind of a relief to know that when I'm struggling to do something for Arashi, you'll step in probably without me even needing to ask. I do appreciate that a lot.

Assuming, of course, that she's not so enamored with your boyfriend's huskies that she pays no attention to your parents at all and just plays with the dogs instead.

[atoberex]

A little girl who likes dogs is not going to go down in their estimation. Mother may just have them fetch her so they can all play in front of her instead of across the room, however.

[gekidazejanai]

I'm sure that would be easy enough to do. Though she might just talk their ears off about wolves, so I hope they're prepared for a talkative little girl rambling at them.

[atoberex]

They are prepared for perfection, I assure you.

[gekidazejanai]

Good to know you'e been so modest in your descriptions of her.

[ooc: Shishido laughs at how much Atobe dotes on Arashi. He thinks it's cute.]

[atoberex]

Naturally. I didn't want to build her up, after all. They'll see her for themselves.

[gekidazejanai]

Yeah, they will. When will be a good time to bring her by?

[atoberex]

Next Wednesday for dinner?

[gekidazejanai]

Casual or formal?

[atoberex]

Casual is fine.

[ooc: Of course, this is ATOBE's version of casual, so...]

[gekidazejanai]

Ok, I'm going to assume you mean your definition of casual and not normal people's definition of the same word. So Arashi and I will be suitably dressed up in nice clothes. I think I have some slacks that still fit somewhere in my closet...

[atoberex]

Been putting on weight recently? Tsk. Perhaps you should get some exercise. Like tennis. I hear tennis is good.

[gekidazejanai]

No, I've lost weight. And the last time I needed slacks, I'm pretty sure I was shorter, too.

[atoberex]

Wait, you've grown taller? What is this world coming to?

I'm sure you still only come up to Kabaji's chest, however.

[gekidazejanai]

Not a lot taller, just a few centimeters. It's enough that any old slacks would look like high water pants now, though. Maybe I should just buy new...

[atoberex]

Well, naturally. You wouldn't want to be seen in last year's trousers, after all.