∞ 95: A quaint birthday [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[An early birthday dinner. That was what Albert had proposed, knowing it was likely Caesar would want to nap as soon as he was full. And so, with Caesar's Luceti birthday having arrived, there were light preparations for a quiet celebration. After all, Silverbergs were intensely private as it was, so there would be no invited guests unless Caesar himself decided to invite them.]

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

Yes, I am sure she would have chosen you as the ideal traveling companion and heir to her knowledge of Mathiu.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine why else she would bother.

[chikaidestroyer]

She could have gone on and found someone else entirely more appreciative of her efforts.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I never said I didn't appreciate it. I just don't understand why she does it.

[chikaidestroyer]

Were you in fact so full of yourself that you did not ask?

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Th-that's not it... I never thought about it before. She was always so busy telling me what to do, so I never wondered why. [In other words, he was too busy being annoyed over how strict she was to think about why she did it.] Anyway, I don't think she'd give me a straight answer even if I did ask!

[chikaidestroyer]

It might have something to do with your normal tone of voice.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing wrong with my normal tone of voice. [He says this casually as he goes for another bite.] You must be imagining things.

[chikaidestroyer]

I suppose I also imagined that I actually had a birthday gift to give you. My poor mind must be slipping away.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[...

Caesar lets the fork hang from his mouth for a moment as he gives his brother a look. Is he serious...?]

W-well... I suppose there must be some truth to the things you're imagining.

[chikaidestroyer]

No, no, I must have been imagining it. Why in the world would I get you a gift?

[For his part, Albert is doing very well with that poker face of his.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Because... it's my birthday and you're the most wonderful big brother in the world?

[Isn't that what people like to hear?]

[chikaidestroyer]

That cannot possibly be right. That does not sound like me at all.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[He shrugs.]

I'd say it's not that far from the truth.

[And he means this one!]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert snorts, glancing at Caesar in amusement.]

Fine. I suppose you deserve something, even if you have much more growing to do.

[He stands, moving to leave the room. He'll be back shortly, really.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

What does that have to do with anything? [...because more likely than not, that was another height joke. He moves the plate with the rest of the cheesecake onto the bed and leans down to pet Kogoro. He's watching his brother, though, not the dog, so he might miss him.] You'd better not leave me hanging, okay?

[It's a gift—a birthday gift—and he can't pretend that he isn't eager to see what it is.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[And just like any good brother, Albert completely ignores Caesar's questions as he leaves. When he returns, it's with a simple little gift box. He doesn't give it to Caesar just yet.]

What was that about leaving you hanging?

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Nevermind. [He's back now, so it doesn't matter.] No one said anything about gifts.

[chikaidestroyer]

That's right. Perhaps calling it a gift is excessive. [He comes back to the bed, offering the box to Caesar.

When Caesar opens up the box, he'll find a rather complex knife.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar accepts the box, looking it over for a moment before he opens it up. He never knew what to expect when it came to his brother's gifts, which was why it was so important that he hid his eagerness. This gift, of course, is no exception to that.

He takes the knife out of the box and examines that, too. He tilts his head.]

What is it?

[Better to ask before he started playing around with it. Just in case.]

[chikaidestroyer]

Several small tools in one compact device. It might help make you a little more useful. [Perhaps. If Caesar knew what the different tools even did.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar glances down at the knife in his hand. Huh. He'd have to look over it properly later on.]

Is that so? I suppose if I have this, I will truly have no choice! [He puts the knife back into the box and sets it on his bed. Despite the comment about usefulness, he stands up with a shrug, and smiles at him.] I guess my only option is to try and put it to use.

[It was just like his brother to give him a gift like this. He's happy with it.]

[chikaidestroyer]

Good. I expect you to talk in the future about what uses you have found for it. [Not anytime soon, but he can hope.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I guess I can handle that much. Look forward to it. [He looks down to make sure he won't trip over his dog or something, and steps forward to trap his brother in a hug. ...well, assuming he doesn't try to stop him or anything.] Thank you, Albert. For the gift, for today, for... everything. You really outdid yourself!

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert had ... somewhat expected the hug by now, but that doesn't stop him from tensing up. He tentatively pats Caesar once on the back, unsure what else he can do besides accept the hug at this point.]

...You're welcome, Caesar.