Chapter 15 - Birthday Boy

Yasu pivoted to face his mother, a warm smile spreading across his face as he carefully placed the gloves on the bench. "What is it, Mom?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
His mother, with a playful glint in her eye, moved behind him and gently covered his eyes with her hands. "Nuh nuh, it's a secret," she whispered, her voice tinged with excitement. "We have to wait until you see it for yourself~"
Yasu let out a surprised yelp as his vision was suddenly blocked by his mother's hands, blinding him to the world around him. He couldn't help but give a small laugh, his curiosity piqued.
"Hey, hey, no fair!" he protested, his voice filled with laughter. "You can't just cover my eyes and not tell me what's going on!"
Kasumi chuckled behind him, clearly enjoying the anticipation she was creating. "It's a surprise, sweetheart. Just be patient a little bit longer, okay?"
Yasu fidgeted impatiently, his excitement growing with each passing moment. "But I want to know now," he whined, trying to peek through the gaps between his mother's fingers.
Kasumi chuckled, keeping her grip firm. "Ah ah ah, no cheating," she scolded him playfully. "You'll see what we've got planned soon enough. Just trust us, it's going to be worth the wait."
Yasu slumped his shoulders in mock defeat, a dramatic sigh escaping his lips. "Fine, fine," he muttered, feigning annoyance. "I guess I have to be patient, like usual."
Kasumi laughed at his over-dramatic reaction, still keeping his eyes covered. "Exactly, just a little more patience," she said, leading him towards the house. "Now come on, no peeking until we're ready."
Yasu stumbled along blindly, trustingly following his mother's guidance. He was used to her surprises and knew that he had to wait a bit longer to find out what was in store for him. "This better be good, Mom," he grumbled, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Kasumi chuckled, guiding him up the steps of the porch. "Oh, trust me, it will be," she assured him. "You're going to love it, I promise."
As Kasumi gently guides Yasu to the table outside, she uncovers her hands off Yasu's eyes, allowing him to feel the world around him once more. As his vision adjusts, he is greeted by a sight of pure wonder. The table is a vibrant display of celebration, adorned with colorful decorations that dance in the gentle breeze. A platter of savory meats, refreshing water, and fine wine awaits, each item carefully placed to create a feast for the senses. At the heart of it all, a delectable chocolate cake takes center stage, promising a sweet end to the festivities.
Kasumi steps back, and both she and Raeleanore raise their voices in unison, their excitement palpable.
"Surprise, sweetie!"
Kasumi wraps Yasu in a warm, affectionate embrace, her laughter filling the air as she nuzzles her cheek against his head. "I can't believe my baby is eleven years old!" she murmurs, her voice filled with a mix of pride and nostalgia.
Raeleanore, his father, nods with a smile, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Look at you, little knight. Growing up so fast, it's like a blink of an eye!"
Yasu's eyes widen with a mixture of surprise and excitement, his mouth dropping open in awe. The vibrant decorations, the mouth-watering spread of food, and the delectable cake all come together to form a perfect scene that leaves him speechless. His mind races to process the scene before him.
"You... you did all this for me?" he stutters, unable to believe that his parents went through all this trouble for him.
Kasumi laughs heartily, her affectionate nature shining through. "Of course we did, sweetie! You're our precious birthday boy!"
Yasu's emotions spill over, his tears falling freely. Every year, he finds himself overcome with emotion during his birthdays, a combination of his innate sensitivity and the love his parents pour into each celebration. He often tries to hide his tears, not wanting to come across as too emotional, but in moments like this, he can't help but feel overwhelmed.
As he quickly wipes away his tears, he thinks to himself: "Why do I always end up crying on my birthday? I don't want to seem weak, but I can't help it. My parents always go all out for me..."
Kasumi, noticing his teary eyes and watery smile, pulls him into a tight, comforting hug. She gently rubs circles on his back, offering silent comfort. "There, there, sweetie," she murmurs, her voice soft and soothing. "No need to hold back those tears. It's your special day, and it's okay to feel your feelings."
Raeleanore, joining in the embrace, adds his own voice to the mix. "We don't expect you to be strong all the time. Let it all out, son. Today is about celebrating you."
Yasu manages to put on a brave face, plastering a smile on his face as he looks up at his parents. "This.. this is amazing, Mom, Dad. Thank you so much."
Kasumi and Raeleanore exchange a loving glance, both their hearts swelling with pride and affection. "No need to thank us, sweetheart," Kasumi replies, her voice soft and warm. "Seeing your smile is all the thanks we could ever want."
Raeleanore nods in agreement, his expression filled with paternal love. "We want your birthday to be special, son. And seeing you happy is the best gift we could ask for."
As the celebration continued, Raeleanore reached beneath the table and withdrew an elegantly wrapped weapon. The silk cloth gleams in the sunlight, and Yasu can already guess at what lies beneath it. 
"Before we get too carried away with the food and the celebrations," Raeleanore says, his voice filled with anticipation, "we have one more surprise for you, son."
Yasu's curiosity is piqued even further, his eyes widening in anticipation as Raeleanore presents the wrapped weapon. He can't help but gasp, his heart racing with excitement and a hint of trepidation. "Is... is that what I think it is?" he blurts out, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kasumi laughs softly, nodding in confirmation. "Yes, sweetheart, it is. Your very own sword."
With a grand flourish, Raeleanore peels back the silk cloth to reveal the gleaming sword. It shines beautifully in the sunlight, the blade perfectly balanced in his hand. Yasu's breath catches in his throat, his gaze fixed on the weapon with a mix of awe and anticipation.
"Go ahead, take it," Raeleanore encourages, holding out the sword towards him. "It's yours, after all."
Yasu steps forward, his hands trembling slightly as he gently takes the sword from his father's outstretched hands. The weight of the weapon feels both foreign and familiar, a new yet right fit in his grip. He holds the sword with a mix of awe and caution, as if he can't quite believe that this blade now belongs to him.
"It's beautiful," he whispers, running his fingers along the smooth blade with a sense of reverence.
Kasumi, her arms crossed under her chest, raises an eyebrow at her husband. "Don't tell me you found that sword buried in the basement," she muses, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth.
Raeleanore let out a hearty chuckle at his wife's teasing. "I know it's not some fancy magic sword," he responded, a hint of pride in his voice. "But it's sturdy and well-balanced. Perfect for a growing boy like him, don't you think?"
Yasu, caught between his parents' banter, couldn't help but laugh softly at the familiar dynamic. He held the sword in his hands, marveling at the way it felt in his grip. The weight, the balance, the craftsmanship... it all felt perfect for him.
"It's the perfect size for me," he said, testing the sword with a few practice swings. "It's like it was made just for me
The parents both nodded in agreement, their hearts swelling with pride at the sight of their son holding the sword with such ease.
"Exactly," Raeleanore said, a smile spreading across his face. "It's like it was meant for you, son. A sword that fits perfectly in your grip, like an extension of your arm. It's a sign, I tell you."
Kasumi chuckled softly, shaking her head at her husband's enthusiasm. "Or it's just good timing and a lucky find," she teased, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
Yasu laughed at his parents' banter, enjoying the familiar rhythm of their friendly banter. "I don't care if it's a sign or just luck," he chimed in, still swinging the sword with a sense of wonder. "I just know that it feels right."
Raeleanore placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression filled with a mixture of pride and affection. "And that's all that matters, son. Trust your instincts. Your sword is a part of you, now and always."
Yasu nodded, the weight of the sword in his hands a comforting presence. He understood, in that moment, that his sword was more than just a weapon. It was a symbol of his strength, his courage, and his determination.
With a final swing, he looked up at his parents, a smile on his face. "I'll take good care of it, I promise," he said, his conviction unwavering. 
Kasumi and Raeleanore exchanged a knowing smile, confident that their precious son would cherish this gift for years to come.