∞ 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.]

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[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.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[If Caesar could hug him any tighter, he would. ...though it probably still wouldn't hurt. It's the happiest he's been in a long time.]

I mean it. Best birthday I've had in years. [He nods slightly. It's something he can say with confidence.] Like I said earlier. I guess "wonderful" isn't too far from the truth.

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert's response is short and wry.] Keep this up and you will leave me with no room to make a better birthday in the future.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar laughs quietly, finally pulling away from him. He looks up to him with a smile.]

I have faith in you, brother. As long as you're there, I know it'll be a nice birthday.

[Because the truth was, that's all he wanted. He didn't need a fancy dinner or cake or gifts. All he really wanted was for his brother to be there to celebrate with him.]