nerotealeaves | Nero Birthday SSR (2021)

On the night of Nero’s birthday, after we had a celebration in the garden, I found him in the kitchen.

Nero: Sage, it’s you.

Akira: Nero, are you... preparing for tomorrow’s breakfast?

Nero: Yeah, if I let it start simmering now, it’ll be ready just in time for breakfast.

Akira: You don’t have to, it’s your birthday today...you should take it easy tonight.

Nero: That’s true, but ironically, that huge celebration made me a little restless...I’ve never liked the feeling of having everyone fuss over my birthday, because it makes me feel like I’ve caused them trouble.

Nero smiled wryly as he stirred the pot with his ladle.

Akira: (Did we make Nero uncomfortable today? We did go all out with the celebrations, after all.)

Nero: Ah, no, don’t get me wrong, I just can’t help feeling that way, but of course I’m happy that everyone thought to celebrate my birthday. The Eastern and Northern wizards, the others, and you, too. That’s why I wanted to cook up a real good breakfast for you all.

Akira: But, didn’t you drink alcohol just now? I can help.

Nero: Don’t worry about it. I barely drank any, I’d say it’s already out of my system.

Nero: Rather, you must be tired from today, why don’t you get some rest?

Despite Nero’s suggestion, I found it difficult to just leave him to do the cooking all alone.

Akira: (...Oh, I know!)

Akira: Actually, I’m feeling a little hungry. Nero, may I stay to make something?

Nero: Sure you could. If it’s something light, I could do it instead.

Akira: Thank you, but it’s okay! I didn’t drink a single drop of alcohol, after all.

Nero: Haha, getting back at me for rejecting your help earlier?

I came up to the drawer beside Nero, and prepared a pot, some submerged algae, and almost-miso paste.

Akira: (Now I just need to boil some water…)

Akira: Done!

I made a simple bowl of mock miso soup using this world’s ingredients.

Nero: This was what you were making?

Akira: Yes. In my world, a common saying is that miso soup helps to soothe the body after a drink. Here you go

Akira: (....Ah, am I being too obvious with this? If he finds out I made it for him, he might feel obliged to thank me.)

Akira: I mean, I made too much, so..!

I tacked on an excuse in an attempt to draw his attention away from that possibility, and Nero broke out into a smile.

Nero: Ahaha, to think I’d receive such a present to wrap up the day...Birthdays really aren’t all that bad after all.

Nero lifted the bowl of miso soup with one hand, and took a sip from it.

Nero: Yup, this tastes delicious. It’s a warm, soothing, taste that puts me at ease...Thank you, Sage.