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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It isn't uncommon to vacation somewhere warm when it's cold out -- even if this is a bit of a stretch. And this seemed like the best time, with the holidays keeping others in their own houses. [But part of him had just wanted to get out of the village, too ... and not for "business."] We can prepare better the next time we come up.

... Fair enough. [She nods, acknowledging both points. It's not as if she's properly taken real vacations before.] Although admittedly it's a little different, taking a vacation of our own volition.

One of the reasons it's pleasant -- this was a choice of ours, not something thrust upon us. John's vacation was pleasant for the same reasons; we could have chosen not to enter the park when it appeared.

The power of choice. I suppose that does make all the difference. [Especially after long periods of helplessness.] The idea of time off didn't sit so well with me then.

Well, you were also kept busy by your students' curiosity. [He seems to remember someone making the amusement park visit into a homework assignment.]

I suppose it didn't help that Genis decided to run off in the middle of the night without asking, either. [Well she didn't give permission for a vacation in the middle of a school semester. It colored the experience a little... but it was oddly reflecting, to think back on those times.]

Was that a habit of his? Running off without asking?

Not usually, though sometimes he'd go visit Lloyd on his own when I'd ask him to wait. [And then somehow end up befriending a woman at the human ranch. What the heck, Genis. But there's a reflective pause, there.] ... I suppose you could say that running off is more of a habit of mine, rather than his.

He would have had to learn it from someone. [And while he could believe that Genis had learned it from Lloyd, Raine's admission also makes sense.

He turns now, back to his nearby pack.] ...Since you are here, this might be a good time for us to trade presents.

Perhaps so. [But Genis didn't run away from things nearly as much as she did. Of course, he probably had a much thinner skin where getting hurt was concerned... but that could just have been the age difference. Food for thought.

... but Albert had brought up a point, and a better change of subject, besides.] Hm? Yes, I think that's a good idea. It's one of the reasons I came looking for you, anyway.

One of the reasons I was hoping the bathhouse would be empty when we came up here -- no prying eyes. [He retrieves a small gift bag and a small box that fits in the palm of his hand. The small box has no wrapping paper -- just a simple silver ribbon neatly tied into a bow.]

Prying eyes? [She tilts her head a little, watching him retrieve the gifts.] I have to say, I'm very curious.

I hope this will satisfy your curiosity, then.

[Once he has gathered the little gifts, he crosses over to Raine and offers the small items. Inside the gift bag she will find a pearl white wool scarf. And inside the small box ... a brooch he doesn't recall shopping for himself.]

[She opens the gifts carefully, one at a time. The bag first, and she admires the scarf, especially for how nice and warm it seems. A practical gift, so fitting of Albert.

The gift inside of the little box visibly surprises her. She blinks down at the broach, reaching in to touch it.] Goodness, this is ... [Expensive? No, money isn't an issue in Luceti. Jewelry just isn't a gift she's ever received often... and somehow coming from Albert, it catches her more off guard than those earrings Chopin had given her did.]

Unexpected? [He presumes that's what Raine may think. He wonders if he should tell the story behind it, but waits to see what she may say.]

... Yes, very. I've never received anything like this before.

[... And she's never owned a broach before. Would it even go with her clothing? Or would it be something she could simply look at, since it seems to have been meant to be a private gift. She looks down at it for a few more moments, though smiles softly.] It's a very lovely piece, though I have to admit I'm even more curious about it.

It's a gift that I did not choose, technically. [He watches Raine as he speaks, gauging how she reacts.] During the experiment before the draft, there was a brief period of time where I suffered another of those reality shifts. That other self chose that gift for you.

[She listens to that carefully. It was a strange thought, that such a gift didn't come from Albert, but another version of him. One she wasn't even certain if she had met, considering how hectic those two weeks were. She studies the gift, then looks back up at his face again, after a couple of moments of silence.

... There's a larger picture there. Maybe.]

... You... still chose to give it to me, even though you hadn't selected it yourself. You didn't have to do that.

It seemed like a shame to not give it, after it was thoughtfully chosen. [He gestures slightly with his chin.] I chose the scarf to complement it.

[She lifts the scarf once more, holding it together with the brooch. Yes... it would go together quite nicely. But of course, he had known that it would. Such a discerning eye.]

It does look like it will go together quite nicely. [She looks back up at him, a brighter smile this time.] Thank you, Albert.

[He nods slowly, his expression relaxing as he notices the smile.] You're very welcome, Raine.

I suppose that means it's my turn, then.

[... But first she'll put the new scarf on and attach the brooch to it. It's still clear she's unfamiliar with how it should go, but it seems fitting to try it on anyway.]

[He nods in approval as Raine tries on the scarf, smiling faintly as he waits patiently.] It looks nice.

... Thank you. [It really is a lovely gift. Though if he keeps that up she'll start blushing. If she isn't already.

... Maybe it's just time to return the favor. Raine holds up a finger, and moves over to her bag. It doesn't take long for her to retrieve the gift inside. Hers wasn't wrapped the conventional way, either, though when she turns back around to hand it to Albert, it seems to be in a simple wine-red colored velvet pouch, tied at the top with gold ribbon.]

[He tilts his head slightly when Raine holds up her finger, falling silent while he waits for her to return. He lifts a single brow at the sight of the pouch, taking it carefully into his hands before glancing at her.

His expression is somewhere between amused and curious as he pulls one strand of the ribbon to unravel it.]