hasitsthorns | erku ic holiday gifts. { 2021 }

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"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
–C.S. Lewis

Happy Holidays, Seteth. I hope the new year is wonderful for your writing and that this helps. The rest is because you can't be all work and no play!
-Rose

His gifts come in a basket rather than a traditional box and the reason is obvious. Nestled in the festive, shredded paper that lines the bottom stands a fancy bottle of wine. Wrapped up with a nice red bow is a leather-bound blank notebook, a fountain pen, and an inkwell.

When he opens the notebook, the first page will have a pressed purple rose. The effects of it have been nulled by the process of drying but, hopefully, the message still comes across if he knows what that color of roses her in Erku does to people. Half-hidden under the flower is a sexy pin-up photo of Rose. She's wearing a large red cloak with white fur trim that's rolling off her shoulders. Beneath, nothing but black lacy lingerie with garter belts and all. On the back, there's an additional note that reads

"Thanks again for helping me pick out some sexier style. This one and the blue are just for you. ♥"

Happy Holidays, Byleth. Music is one of the most beautiful forms of expression so my gift to you is an instrument to learn it on. I'll help you out anytime and hope it can be a nice way to bond.
-Rose

Byleth's gift comes in a large blue box with a white ribbon tying it shut. The first thing he will find inside is a piece of driftwood with a heart made of sea glass fastened to it. It comes with a small note that reads: "I know you talk about not feeling things but I made this to show that even parts of something can make a beautiful whole. I hope the things you feel now continue to grow." Good, bad, and everything in-between she doesn't actually say but had thought. It's part of the human experience, right?

The next gift is ukelele. It's an easy-to-learn instrument that can play an impressive number of songs. Besides, she thinks that Byleth is a man who would appreciate songs like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." Next to that is a glass of potpourri. The tag on the lid reads: "For when we next meet. ♥" The color of the petals inside are a deep purple and these do, in fact, incite lust and passion still. He can open it early, of course, but that might lead to an interesting interaction with his roommate if he does.

Happy Holidays, Felix. I didn't take you as a guy to really value more material things so I tried to make them practical as I could. I hope you like them.
-Rose

Felix's gifts come in a box that's vibrant red and tied with a large golden ribbon. Upon opening it, he will find two woven bracelets of red rope attached to a piece of paper that explains the meaning. A note from Rose also adds: "Where I'm from, the red string of fate is used to symbolize a love that transcends everything. I figured since you and your beau met again here, it's meant to be. One is for you and one's for him. Wear them and you'll always be connected."

The box also contains a tape recorder. While a bit antiquated, it was the smallest thing she could find that he would be able to play wherever he wanted to. The audio that comes with it? Three tracks of Rose herself singing with guitar accompaniment. It's a bit embarrassing, honestly, but since he was so supportive of her musical passions it had seemed like a good idea at the time.

Finally, he gets a pair of black, leather brawling gloves. The note with these reads: "If we're going to spar, we're going to do it brawler style. Practice and maybe you'll match my skill by the time we throw down. ‾͟͟͞(((ꎤˋ⁻̫ˊ)—̳͟͞͞o"

Happy Holidays, Lioriley. Thank you for all your support and talks over tea. I'm glad you've found some happiness here, but there's nothing wrong with still having a few fantasies, right?
-Rose

The note will make sense once Lioriley opens the first of her three, ornately wrapped gifts. The first one is heavy in her hand but tearing away the paper will reveal why. It's a stack of three trashy romance novels. Somehow, she thought the woman might appreciate them. They range in genres from fantastical, mundane modern-day, and science-fiction. While she imagines the first two might be more appreciated, the last was actually for Rose when she comes by to visit. She'll never admit it though.

The next gift is wrapped tightly in decorative paper and comes in a box padded with dark styrofoam. Inside is an antique tea set. While she's sure Lioriley has her own, she figures a backup set just in case can't hurt. Or it could just be for show. She doesn't take the other woman as one to have things just because but, hey, why not get a little fancy now that she seems to be settling in?

Finally, the last is a gift that comes in a colorful bag with brightly colored tissue paper stuffed inside. The gift unwrapped from said paper is a hand-croteched ear warmer. It's made to be a bit flexible and fit over any style of ears. Plus, it has the bonus of just being super cute.

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

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Upon receiving these gifts and finding out what holidays she's even talking about, he has a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, he usually doesn't like gift-giving holidays, because they seem so forced; why does he need to exchange material things just to prove he likes his friends?

On the other hand, he doesn't like receiving things without giving things back.

So the next day, Rose will find a gift left at her door in return. The box is plain, but inside there is a pair of black ice skates with roses embroidered on them and a note that reads:

You've proven you can dance, but can you do it on the ice? Meet me at the pond and I'll show you how.

He might have a little cry about this actually. It's such a startlingly thoughtful gift.

In return she will get a very cute sundress (it even has pockets), a warm blanket, and a hand-sewn dragon plush. The note reads:

Thank you for the wonderful gifts. I will endeavor to learn this instrument as best I can. This means so much to me. I have enclosed something for you for when you are warm, something for when you are cold, and something for when you need a friend. Whenever you hug it, imagine I am hugging you.

Edited 2021-12-25 02:58 (UTC)

[It's a puzzling but pleasant surprise, finding such thoughtful gifts. Is there some local holiday the robots haven't made him aware of? All he can think of is Garreg Mach Establishment Day, but that's hardly something anyone but those from Fodlan might care to celebrate. He will most certainly enjoy these, but.....

Well, he can hardly be the only person enjoying himself. If this is a gift giving holiday, then it must be traditional to reciprocate, as well. When Seteth arrives, he brings with him a jewelry box--and inside, a jasper pendant carved into a simple rose, strung on a leather cord.]

[ Since she hadn't expected any reciprocation for the gifts she'd given out, it doesn't occur to her that's why he's coming over. Of course, it could also be the sleep deprivation mixed with a spike of adrenaline at realizing her place is a disaster and it needs to be cleaned before anyone sees it in such a state. While she doesn't invite people over under the guise of keeping things casual and detached, what a mess it was 95% of the time was also a large factor.

But it's okay! She has some warning! She's pretty sure these plates don't go in the closet but whatever, it's fine! And, of course, she has to get herself looking presentable but at least that's easier thanks to stealing some of Lioriley's clothes. A cute red and black skirt, black leggings, and a white shirt. ]

Hey there, [ she starts, when she answers the door. ] Come on in. Sorry it's not much, I just- [ She stops as she finally catches sight of the jewlery box.

Wait. Wait. ]

Uh. What's-?

[ Just give her a minute. She'll realize what's going on. ]

He doesn't. But for someone who is garbage at actually expressing themselves? Gift-giving holidays are the absolute best. She doesn't have to try and fumble through her feelings but rather can state them in ways she hopes reflects them well.

She isn't expecting any reciprocation. In fact, she nearly trips over the gift at her door since it was the last thing she thought would be sitting there. The black with roses is a nice touch; it takes her back to her Guns'N'Roses days (she thinks, as if she ever truly left those days).

Felix gets a text message later in the day where Rose is laying on her back but her legs are lifted up straight with the skates on.

Just give me a time and I'll be there.

putting my skates on now.
don't keep me waiting.

[Then, about ten seconds later,]

⛸

On my way!
（ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ

[ It doesn't take long for her to find Felix (sniff him out, really) at the lake. While she couldn't get here with skates, she has them in hand and gets them back on swiftly. A step, step and glide across the ice towards him with a smile.

She does know how to ice skate. Growing up in the Hida Mountains, she had to. But she admits the idea of doing anything more than just getting across it had been more novel than anything else. ]

'Sup, dude! Ready to teach me a thing or two?

When Rose arrives, Felix is already warming up out on the ice, but he pauses to watch her with an assessing eye when she steps onto the lake. She skates well and seems comfortable doing it - good. And if he's a little pleased that she actually did wear the skates he gave her, well, he's not saying so.

He does tilt his head at her with a slightly perplexed look, though.]

I...assume by 'sup' you don't mean it's mealtime. And I hope to teach you more things than that.

[Then he makes a vague face.]

You call everyone 'dude.' Stop calling me that.

I don't, [ she answers. ] It's short for 'what's up' like... What are you doing? How are you? Those but kind of mixed together?

[ It's funny, in a way, how Rose was taught these things to blend into human society and is now teaching others under a wildly different context. While it's more likely that Rose will adapt to their language, maybe the ye oldes will pick up the habit of a slang phrase or two. ]

What's wrong with 'dude'? It's a good thing! It's a friendly way of addressing people. [ A beat. ] Plus, using people's names all the time is weird. [ Weird = Feels too personal. ]

Edited 2022-01-08 02:35 (UTC)

Huh. That makes no sense, but all right.

[Not that he answers either of those questions - she can see what he's doing, anyway, so what's the point?

His vague face becomes more of an obvious face.]

It isn't 'weird.' It's what names are literally for. I don't want to be addressed exactly the same as everyone else. I'm not any of them. I'm me.

[Granted, he didn't say he necessarily wants to be called by his name...just something different. Yes, that's what he meant, but Rose is free to interpret it however she wants.]

[ Okay, yes, that's what names are for. He has a point. But names are also personal and it... It's a personal thing as much as a cultural thing, maybe, but it just doesn't translate well in her brain. ]

Okay, so not dude... [ Hm. Hm.

She has an idea but he may not like it. He probably won't like it. She's going for it. ] Then you're my comet, always moving forward no matter what comes at you. How does that sound?

[Felix's eyes widen slightly and his face reddens. He doesn't know what a 'comet' is, but it hardly matters, given everything else she said! Obviously she can't possibly mean it as mushily as it sounds, but that doesn't make it less embarrassing.

He sputters for a moment, and then just says,]

I'm--I'm not a comet. What's a comet?

You are absolutely a comet! [ She didn't expect him to get so flustered but admits it's not a bad reaction. Cute. ]

Comets are sort of moving stars, like, if you've ever looked up and seen a big streak of light across the night sky for a while... That might have been a comet! [ A pause, considering. ] And if you haven't seen one, then I'm gonna have to figure out when one here will happen so I can show you just how cool they are.

It doesn't sound like you're describing a falling star, so no, I haven't.

[Felix clears his throat. Time to move on from this feelsy stuff! Even if it's not meant as feelsy as it sounds.]

Anyway, first things first. Show me what you're already capable of on the ice.

Then it's an evening out watching the stars whenever there is one here! [ 'It's a date,' she didn't say, because- Well, it wasn't. Not really.

Anyway, she knows that move better than anyone. The 'ah, yes, too many emotions so let's move on' tactic. Classic. ] Me? Hm, it's been a while... Haven't gone seriously ice skating since I was a kid.

Obviously, [ she starts, spinning around to glide backwards easily. ] I'm able to keep my balance. Might still be able to do a jump if I try but nothing fancy. [ That said, she does turn away from him again to lean down and push herself forward to build momentum. She makes an arch on the surface, reaching down to skim the ice with her fingertips and lift one foot slightly up off the ground. ]

Thank you. But please, there's no need to worry about that.

[Seteth lifts his free hand in a reassuring gesture, as though he can simply brush away the apology. He's the one coming into her space, after all--there's no need for her to interrupt her routine on his account.

He offers Rosie the box once she spots it, the corner of his lips quirking up; surely it can't be that surprising, after her thoughtful gesture, can it? Now the question is how fitting his own attempt is with..... whatever this tradition is meant to celebrate.]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your world's holidays or traditions, but I thought I'd like to bring over a little something, myself. I do hope it's appropriate for the occasion.

[ He says that but the state of her apartment usually might make him think otherwise. As it is, it's just sparse right now and could almost make someone wonder if anyone actually lived here. ]

That's... You didn't have to. I mean, I appreciate it and it's very sweet though. [ Truthfully, she hadn't expected him to. Or anyone, really. Her gifts usually went without being reciprocated; however, Charlie's always held a certain weight to them. He would buy or do something especially nice and how could she call him cruel or stay upset when he obviously cared enough to do that?

Despite herself and what she claims though, she does take the box since it'd be rude not to. Right? It's popped open easily and- ] Oh. [ It's jade. It's a rose. It's green like the Morgan brothers eyes, like his hair, like everything she's beginning to associate as good in her life. Her immediate thought is: Do not, for the sake of whatever dignity you're choosing to have today, cry in front of this man over getting a gift. ]

It's- It's perfect, actually. [ A smile up at him that rarely, sincerely reaches her eyes. ] Probably one of the best things you could get a lady for the holidays is jewelry so, like, nice call. [ She walks into her apartment with a small motion of her hand for him to follow. The box is set down and necklace removed, blond hair is swept forward over a shoulder, she clasps the cord around her neck before beaming when she looks back at him. ]

Ta-dah! How does it look?

Is that so? I'm pleased to hear it, then.

[There's absolutely no contest here, seeing the way Rosie positively lights up. The necklace looks good on her, but it looks far better still with such a dazzling smile to complement it. Who knew something so small and simple could bring about such a deep change?]

You look wonderful. I'd hoped it would suit you.

[ Her hair's flipped back over her shoulder and she looks back down at the necklace. 'Wonderful,' huh? Yeah, this thing is absolutely never coming off again unless it has to.

And who could blame her, really? One of the rare things she'll get to keep since nothing has truly been hers to have for a long, long time. ]

I've even got Christmas colors going on now with the green and the red, [ she hums, pulling the edges of her skirt out for emphasis. He doesn't know what Christmas is though, does he? And he still- Nope. No. Refusal to cry is staying strong.

Instead, he's going to get a hug with near no warning whatsoever. No escape, sir, it's happening. ] Thanks. Really, I... Again, you didn't have to but I'm glad you did.

[Seteth raises an eyebrow at that, eyes trailing down to the skirt she's displaying. Red and green are "Christmas colors"? How serendipitous. But who is this Chris, that a mass in his honor involves gift giving? Perhaps a patron saint of prosperity or generosity? Somewhat unusual, for a religious observance.....

There's a momentary startle as Rosie's arms wrap around him; honestly, he hadn't expected such affection from her. Still, he hugs back soon enough, a warm glow of satisfaction settling over him as he feels her warmth against him. It may not be his holiday, but if it makes her this happy? He's glad to be able to share it with her.]

Please, I did so only because I wanted to. It's been some time since I've put my hand to such things; I must admit, I had worried it might not be good enough.

[ Since he put his hand to-? The realization hits that he didn't just get her jewelry, he made it. That's a lot to suddenly take in and she almost breaks the promise to herself to not cry. Thankfully, she hides it by ducking her face into the hug with a barely audible laugh. ]

You made it, [ she mutters, a confirmation even though the tone speaks of disbelief. How is he even real? How can he just do something like that and because he simply... wanted to?

Once she's like 97% sure she isn't going to cry, she's smiling back up at him again easily. ] It would've been more than good enough on that alone, really, because like... Maybe just a thing for me, I guess, but a personal touch for stuff like this means more than anything else.

[ But, ahem, she's... probably been hugging him for too long, oops. She doesn't want to let him go - the opposite, honestly, with how emotionally charged she feels - but does tug on his shirt lightly. Hopefully, he gets the hint to bend down a little so she can stand on her tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. ]

I'm glad you think so.

[Just..... ignore the flush starting to creep in by the time she looks back up. It might have been a whim on his part, deciding to give her a personal token like this--but even so, that doesn't make it any less nervewracking, does it? Especially when he knows how lacking his artistic abilities are. Putting a piece of yourself into a gift, however small.....

Seteth leans down obligingly, head turning to return the cheek peck. He hardly minds if she wants to cuddle, but shouldn't they at least sit down in that case?]

I do, [ she answers near immediately. This might be the best holiday she's had in... a while, honestly. For the past few years, it's been-

You know what? She doesn't want to think about that. Rose doesn't want to ruin this moment by thinking more about what was or what she didn't have. She just wants to focus on right now and, like, the fact that he's an adorable color in his cheeks and kissed her too which is exciting in all the best ways.

Rose was going to offer tea or to order something for them to eat but, look, she is but a woman in the face of a handsome man 1) giving her an extremely thoughtful gift and 2) returning her affection so it can wait. Her next kiss catches the corner of his lips before he can raise back up, then just his lips aaaannnnddd she's going to tug again at the fabric of his shirt to move them back towards the couch. At least they're on the same wavelength in that. ]

[Oh, this is--the warm press of lips against his is enough to set his heart racing in spite of himself. One hand slides up to bury itself in Rosie's hair, eyes slipping closed to savor the kiss; he doesn't want to break away. Not yet. Not when the taste of her is so enticing.....

Seteth follows willingly enough as Rosie leads him, head dipping to claim her mouth again as they go. It is a little awkward to move like this, it's true--but better awkward than to stop entirely, right?]

[ Mmm, yes, exactly the reaction she was hoping for. His fingers entangling themselves in her hair, her sensitive senses picking up that increase in heart rate... She'll never get tired of it. It helps that he hasn't yet disappointed in that regard, too, going along with her kisses and seductive whims.

While guiding him back is supposed to be sexy, she uh. She also can't see so it misses that mark a little due to the fact that she trips over something she'd forgotten to kick entirely under the couch. The blond gives a startled squeak and, since she's clinging to him, he goes down with her. At least it's a soft enough landing onto the cushiony piece of furniture?

Either way, she's laughing before moving to kiss him again. Look, like a little hiccup is going to stop her now. ]

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erku ic holiday gifts. { 2021 }

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