［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

[arebornstar]

[Could be~ At least some folks!

Grinning at her from the couch.] Hey there, miss decorator~

[fallforthesky]

[She glances up from the gifts at the sound of Lavi's voice, then smiles brightly at him. Coming over to give him a hug and sit next to him, yes.] Merry Christmas.

[arebornstar]

Merry Christmas to you too. [Hugging back and promptly setting a drawstring bag on her lap.] Been waiting months to give you this.

[fallforthesky]

[-oh! Looks between Lavi and the bag.] You didn't have to get me anything.

[a_rebornstar]

I wanted to. [It's a zebra print headband and zebra plushie hidden away inside.]

[fallforthesky]

[Well, she can't exactly tell him what he can or can't want, so she ducks her head and begins to work the bag open. The back of her neck prickles uncomfortably; she's never sure how eager or reserved to look when she's opening a gift. Anticipatory, of course, but also nervous about coming off as greedy.

Really, she worries too much.

Her hands falter when she pulls out the gifts. For a second, she leaves them on her lap, simply staring at them while a feeling in her chest like a bubble expanding starts up. Then she brings the zebra plushie to her chest and hugs it, tightly, tucking her face down further.]

Thank you.

[It's really touched her.]

[a_rebornstar]

[Lavi would just be happy to see enthusiasm on her face at receiving something from a dear friend. He's all about giving when he can anyway and here where everything is provided for them...he's a bit pent up.

He smiles and reaches up to ruffle her hair, leaning in to set his head against her's.]

You're welcome. Thought about getting you more zebra things but I didn't want to overwhelm you with stripes.

[fallforthesky]

[While the expression on her face probably isn't enthusiasm, exactly, it's definitely nine-tenths gratitude and appreciation. She turns to embrace him proper, being mindful of the gifts on her lap.] I don't mind. They're lovely.

[a_rebornstar]

I'm glad. [A light laugh and he hugs her back.] I was worried you started liking elephants or pandas while you were gone.

[fallforthesky]

No, I still think zebras are pretty. [Pulls away and brings the plushie back up to look at it properly.] But I like pandas, too.

[Especially ones of the stern, grandfatherly, Bookman type.]

[arebornstar]

More of that black and white theme, got it. [Grins.

Yeah, he misses the old man too. ;;]

[fallforthesky]

I suppose I'm just used to those colours.

[It's been such a long time since she's last seen Bookman. Part of her wonders how much longer she has to wait.]

[a_rebornstar]

And not too hard to dye the fabric to get it those colors.

[Same, he's been away from the old man so long. The instant he goes home he knows he'll only see him for an hour more.]

[fallforthesky]

[They'll just have to keep their heads high until the day comes that they can all be together again. She shifts, running her fingers over the headband next.] Speaking of fabric, I have something for you, too.

[a_rebornstar]

[Lavi is waiting for that day, half of their circle is together. Kanda is somewhere.]

Oh really now?

[fallforthesky]

Mm! But I have to go get it first; I didn't bring it with me.