［２５］ One seems to hear, words of good cheer...

[bloodyapplepi]

[There's a grand tree set up in one of the rooms of the DR - or perhaps there's a private tree set up for you somewhere - with presents underneath. The labels aren't particularly clear when you try to read them and they won't be until the person they're from has given them to you!

Opening someone else's gift? Tsk tsk, a pie in the face for you.]

Comments

[bystarscrossed]

[The man stopped off at Rene and Tyki's room to drop off a little card from he and Nea and paused when he saw the lit tree, smiling at the sight of it.]

[a_rebornstar]

[See your gift on the tree? It's right near the top.

Sitting on the bed in the room, a wrapped present in front of him.]

Tyki's with the twins if you're looking for him.

[bystarscrossed]

[He hadn't been looking for a gift actually. He was of the mindset he had no right to get one. He certainly hadn't earned one.]

I was looking for the both of you actually but I'm happy you're here.

[The former exorcist moved over to Rene and leaned down to hug the younger for a moment.]

I haven't seen you since we decorated the tree.

[arebornstar]

[Earning one or not he'd still get one. It was just perhaps a bit less grand.]

Oh? [Hu-hugged and manages to hug back before Cross pulls away.]

I tend to visit the horses a lot if Tyki is with the twins.

[bystarscrossed]

[He'd be genuinely surprised over the fact. Getting a gift from his son was the last thing on his mind.]

Of course. You don't think I'd be happy to see you?

[The card gets set on the younger's nightstand.]

Ah... That explains it. How are you handling all that, by the way?

[a_rebornstar]

You saw me last week. Not much has changed since then.

[Glances at it and then down at the present he has for Cross.]

Fine, I'm alone a lot but they're still getting used to having two hungry mouths or two dirty butts.

[bystarscrossed]

Still...

[He's working on that, being around more. Especially now that Nea's here to keep him sane.]

Well, I'm sure they'll all manage that well enough. At least they're not yours. I don't think being a grandfather would suit me.

[Cross gives a small laugh at the idea. For God sake he can barely manage the idea of having a twenty year old son.]

[arebornstar]

They're nice...the boys. [He's babysat them with Tyki a few times.

Snorts.] I've got no interest in procreating. [Pushing a gift at you, a book on rare magic.]

[bystarscrossed]

That's good.

[He looks down at the offered gift before taking it, moving to sit beside the younger as he unwraps it.]

Oh... What an amazing find. Thank you Rene. This means a great deal to me.

[a_rebornstar]

You'll be able to use it then? [A relieved look on his face.] I wasn't sure and I didn't know another Cross to ask. But... [Slight blush] You're welcome.

[dreamsthief]

[She's not those two, but she does leave a present in his path with her powers. Peering around a corner at him.]

[bystarscrossed]

[Seeing the package on the floor, Cross stops and crouches down to pick it up, looking about for the one who left it.]

[dreamsthief]

[Trying to root the little sorceress out, Cross?

Good luck~

It's signed simply R and inside is a salve that erases bruises and other minor injuries.]

[bystarscrossed]

[Maybe.

Ugh. Hunting down Nea is hard enough.

Cross stands there and opens up the package, giving a small chuckle at what he got.]

Thank you, my dear Rhode.

[The bottle is tucked in an inside coat pocket carefully for safe keeping. He'll be using some as soon as he gets back to his room.]