∞ 100: Silent night [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Backdated to the late evening of December 24.

He is not surprised to find it snowing when he returns to Luceti and climbs out of the tunnels. The snow had proven to be irritating while he was outside of the barrier, and he is looking forward to getting inside before heavier snow begins falling.

He walks with a slight limp and stops once in awhile on the snow-covered streets, looking at the pale lights decorating various houses as he catches his breath. In the artificial light, the dark bruise across his left cheekbone may be visible.

Despite his frequent pauses in the snow, he walks with purpose. He'd like to sleep in his own bed tonight.]

Comments

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I'd have to agree. But you've been gone for so long, we haven't been able to do any seasonal things at all! So we'll have to make up for lost time.

[chikaidestroyer]

[...] Doing seasonal things? [He doesn't sound particularly impressed.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[...now that he says it out loud, he realizes how silly that sounds, so he's a little embarrassed. Oops.]

O-of course. Shoveling snow isn't much fun when I have to do it by myself.

[Or ever. And that's not what he had in mind, either, but it helps to lessen the embarrassment.]

[wise_maiden]

There's enough.

[She tilts her head at that next revelation though.] I see. Mind propping it up so I can take a better look?

[mindgooshed.livejournal.com]

[ albert silverberg. he knows that name. barnaby narrows his eyes, leaning back in the window frame. ]

Barnaby Brooks Jr.

[chikaidestroyer]

Ah, I see. And here I thought you were referring to those inane undertakings like snow animals and snowball fights. [He doesn't sound convinced by Caesar's attempt.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I guess there's that stuff, too. [It's not like he wanted to do any of those things or anything. Gosh.] Anyway, there's something I'd like to try, and we only have a few months of winter left! So try not to take up too many more of these missions unless you have to, okay?

[chikaidestroyer]

Hah... I will certainly try. [If only he was the type to roll his eyes. Instead, he shuts his eyes tiredly.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Good. [Caesar leans forward, reaching out to pat his brother lightly on the head. He's totally not taking advantage of this, don't be silly.] I'll see you in the morning, then. Or the afternoon. Whenever I wake up.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He nods faintly at the question, frowning as he moves over on the couch to lift up his leg. The swelling on his ankle isn't nearly as colorful as his face, but there is noticeable discoloration on what would otherwise be a very pale foot.]

I suspect I will be staying off of it for awhile, now that I'm back.

[wise_maiden]

Indeed. [She moves in closer once more to take a better look at it.] I can speed up the healing process, but sprains are trickier than outright breaks. By the looks of it, you were on it for a while as well.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He nods, though the action may be lost in the midst of the falling snow.]

My thanks for your help, Mr. Brooks.

[With a sigh to himself, he starts walking back towards the plaza, trying to walk in his footsteps as much as he can.]

[chikaidestroyer]

No rest for the weary. [...Well, to be fair, they were given some time to recover when the Third Party attacked. It seemed they were trying to keep the missions humane.]

Nothing broken, fortunately. Small favors.

[wise_maiden]

Hopefully these next few weeks will be quiet, then.

[She closes her eyes for a moment, focusing some of her magic onto the sprain.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He twitches his foot in reaction to the magic, then leans back on one of the throw pillows as muscles seem to relax. After a few moments of the healing magic, he shuts his eyes and seems to doze.]

[wise_maiden]

[When he starts to doze, and after she has a moment to recover from the casting, Raine will take a moment to gently slide the new, comfortable slippers onto his cold bare feet.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He stirs when he feels the slippers being slid onto his feet, and he looks blankly at them for a moment before raising his gaze to Raine.]

Where--?

[wise_maiden]

They're custom made. [Soft, lined, covering the entire foot. Knowing his size, having once been in his shoes.] They should keep your feet warm around the house.

[And then, a small smile.] ... Merry Christmas, Albert.

[chikaidestroyer]

Ah... [He looks somewhat embarrassed, caught off-guard by the gift and its delivery. He moves his good foot experimentally.] Thank you, Raine.

[...] I'm afraid my own gift is a bit out of my reach at the moment.

[wise_maiden]

I understand. ... Besides, I did have something else properly wrapped, but we could always properly exchange later, once you've rested. It just seemed easier to gift them like this.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He gives a faint nod, looking at the slippers another moment.]

...I'm suddenly glad I did my shopping early this year.

[wise_maiden]

Who could have predicted that you'd be sent on two missions so close together. It is lucky. [She gives a shake of the head, and lifts up his cup.] ... Here. Have some more tea, Albert. You need to warm up a little more.

[chikaidestroyer]

Two missions in two months. It would ... probably not be as concerning if it wasn't this particular month. [But he takes back the tea cup, holding it for a short while before taking a slow sip.]

...I may end up falling asleep here at this rate, you realize.

[wise_maiden]

I'll help you down the hall once you've finished. Do you still want to take a shower?

[chikaidestroyer]

[He has to debate how to answer that question.] I should. I likely will not be getting out of bed for awhile once I get there.