chikaidestroyer | ∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

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∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

[Takes place on the 28th.

Part of him is still surprised he made the suggestion a few days ago. If he tried to look for excuses, he could think of many -- the season, the new arrival of an ocean, the constant talk about holidays and good cheer. But whatever the reason, he had suggested to his housemates that they take their gift exchanging to an admittedly strange location: the mountain hot springs. And they had all agreed to it.

So in the early morning, he can be found in the clothing store looking for ... a pair of slippers. By noon, he will be on the way to the rec center to try out the teleporter and scope out the mountain hot springs for the first time.

And by mid-afternoon, he will be up in the mountains with his brother and Raine. Belatedly celebrating a holiday they don't know. Perhaps even celebrating the plaza fountain returning to normal after being shifted to resemble Bil for four days.]

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[By now, Albert has relaxed fairly well from their bath. He stops to one side of the room as he sees Caesar digging around in his bag, raising a brow.] Looking for something?

Uh... [I believe I left my confidence at home.] You could say that. Must be in here somewhere!

[Needless to say, he doesn't sound very convincing.]

[Not very convincing indeed.]

Considering what few things you would have needed to bring along, I presume it's a gift.

Then you shouldn't be so presumptuous, brother! [Not that it really could have been anything else. He should probably give Albert his gift soon or else he'll really be put on the spot... but nerves.] Of course it's a gift. But...

[Fortunately for Caesar, Albert isn't so curious as to put him on the spot. ...But he could be mean if he wanted to.] But?

It's just, um... I'm not very good at this gift-giving stuff. [It wasn't a competition, but from the gifts Caesar had received from him, Albert was surprisingly good at giving gifts. ...when he felt like it. Caesar was sure his own wouldn't even compare.] So promise to keep your comments to yourself for once, okay?

[He manages to fight back a snort at Caesar's obvious discomfort.] Shall I keep my comments to myself now or after you present your gift?

Both. [He's completely serious about that. Sure, he'd already worked out a way to make it slightly less awkward, but he still had to present it in order for that to even work.

Of course, he already knows where the gifts are, so he can stop pretending to be busy now. Still, he doesn't take them out just yet.] I guess you're supposed to wrap Christmas presents, but I didn't want to embarrass myself further, so close your eyes.

[Well. Now that he's been told to keep his comments to himself, he better do just that, shouldn't he? Frowning wryly, Albert shuts his eyes.] You also save yourself the need for trash collection.

I'm so glad I skipped out on that part, then! [It's a moment before he convinces himself to go ahead with it, but eventually, he does, and he takes his brother's hands to place a thick book in them. The book is a journal, and it is rather inconspicuous—it doesn't look like a journal at all. On top of that book is a dark green scarf with an unusual emblem pinned to it. If Albert bothers to check the book now, he'll find a relatively neatly written note tucked in there. What does it say?

With so much going on in that thick head of yours, this could be useful. These blank pages are just begging to read your thoughts. But private thoughts must be kept private, so be creative. I won't try to read it, promise.

Not only will this scarf forever remind you of me, but here is something to represent your position as leader of your rebel army. Wasn't that thoughtful of me, your most dedicated strategist, to decide on a symbol of leadership for you?

...one of these gifts may not be as serious as the other. He nods to himself before speaking up.]

Here.

Edited 2011-01-04 10:06 (UTC)

[Albert opens his eyes once he feels the thick book in his hands, looking down at the items in his hands silently for a moment.

He'll keep his comments to himself for now, though he does give Caesar a look for the emblem on the scarf. He then opens the book thinking it is in fact a book -- raising a brow when he sees the note in there.

So he'll be silent a little longer while he reads.]

[Despite the silence, Caesar feels a bit better now that the gifts are at least out of his hands. He'll just take advantage of the silence instead.]

There is something else, by the way. But I suppose that I forgot to bring it with me! [Not really forgot, since he left it at the house on purpose. It wasn't really something he wanted to mess with up here, especially if that particular gift didn't go as planned.] We'll just have to take care of that later.

Very well. [He nods slowly as he looks at the scarf and journal again, musing to himself.] Thank you for the journal. I'll make good use of it. [In his own way.]

And this scarf... [He trails off, looking from the item to Caesar. His expression is not particularly impressed.]

You don't have to wear that. [Caesar snickers quietly. It really was more of a joke than something serious. ...much funnier to him than Albert, probably. But the gratitude for the real present helps a lot, so he'll comment on that.] I'm sure you'll figure out a use for that thing. If you don't, I'll be disappointed!

Edited 2011-01-05 01:45 (UTC)

I already have a few ideas in mind. [He shuts the journal now, looking at the scarf's emblem.] Did you make this yourself?

Heh. Are you crazy? [He shakes his head.] I don't think I would have had enough time to figure out something like that. And besides, I have something more interesting in mind for later.

Ah, that's right. Your astounding work ethic. [He shakes his head, walking over to his bag to rummage through it.] I suppose I should give you your own gift.

Shut up. [Don't joke about his work ethic, he agonized over this. He tilts his head.] Uh... Do I still deserve it?

[His brother didn't seem angry, but he'd acted rather silly today.]

It's a supposed holiday gift. You receive it whether you deserve it or not. [He finally turns back to Caesar, holding a simple pouch out in one hand. If Caesar opens it up, he will find a mound of tiny seeds and a smaller pouch.]

Shibami grass seeds. I thought you would appreciate them.

[Caesar gives the pouch an odd look, trying to figure out what it could be. ...and then, his expression is blank as he hears Albert's explanation. He isn't sure what to say.]

...

[What is he supposed to say? Aside from maybe...]

I guess your memory's better than I thought.

It was a sound tactic. Was I supposed to forget it? [Despite his own amusement, he keeps a straight face.

If Caesar opens the second pouch, he will find a keychain ... and an even smaller pouch.]

[Oh, wait, was that a compliment?]

H-heh! It was so simple, I can't believe I was the first one to think of it! [But he still can't help but think that's the strangest gift ever, even if he'd also gotten him something unusual on purpose. In fact, he'll have to see it to really believe it, so that's when he opens the pouch to investigate. His attention immediately goes to that other pouch since he isn't expecting to see that there.]

Huh... What's— [He pauses to check out that pouch, too.

...and he's quiet again.]

[This time, Albert can't quite manage to keep a smile to himself. Especially when Caesar goes quiet.

But he's patient. He'll wait for Caesar's reaction.]

[He'll need a moment. He's speechless again, even as he takes the little keychain out of the pouch to get a closer look at it. He notices that there's something else in there, but he's kind of preoccupied by this little gift.]

It, uh... looks just like... [These gifts are getting stranger and stranger by the minute.] Wh-what's it for?

[Albert makes a slight motion with his chin, indicating Caesar should open the other pouch--which, thankfully, is the last one. Inside the pouch sits a little key.]

My apologies -- I couldn't bring the actual gift along.