volkamenia | thread dump, oc edition

[Gracie doesn't know if he's lucky or unlucky.

He's gotten Jyoti as his "secret friend" for this years Feast of the Winter Star gift exchange. And - first of all - what the hell is Mayor Lewis thinking. Why doesn't he ask people if they want to participate before sending off these stupid letters? Gracie hadn't even been planning on going but now he'll look like an asshole if he doesn't. So he has to get Jyoti a gift.

That's where his luck (or lack there of) comes in. With Jyoti, getting her a gift should be easier. He practically lives with her. They sleep together; he knows her (or her lies) pretty well. But because of this and other reasons that he doesn't want to think about (like how he actually wants to get her a meaningful gift. he wants to make her happy) there's a weird pressure to get her the "perfect" gift. If his secret friend were anyone else, he could get them anything. It wouldn't matter.

(but jyoti matters. unfortunately.)

Hayley has given him some ideas - Jyoti's kinda feminine and fashionable so she'll probably like some clothing or jewelry. But that's only the starting point. There's still a matter of style, and patterns, and color and -- WHY are girls so complicated?? Hayley has also agreed to go into the city with him to help but he still.... needs to at least know Jyoti's favorite color. Or something.

Despite living together, Gracie hasn't really.. paid much attention to things like that. Like, Jyoti has that one top that he really likes on her but... that's what he likes. Also it's not the color that he likes about it.

So, he finds himself digging through her drawers to get an idea. And perhaps he's gotten a bit distracted looking through her underwear drawer. He shouldn't linger too long: she wears mostly dark undergarments and that doesn't feel right but ... panties. Pretty panties.]

[ Despite the face she puts on (friendly, social, the kind of girl who you'd want to be friends with), Jyoti's never been the type to enjoy gift shopping. Having to find that perfect middle ground between Something The Recipient Would Like and Something The Recipient Wouldn't Receive A Million Of is a giant hassle. Before, she'd give an excuse of being totally broke, sorry she can't afford gifts this year but here's a card you're honestly not going to keep past the day. But since Mayor Lewis was ever so kind as to give her Jas as her secret friend... well. It's unavoidable this year.

After a day in Zuzu City fighting crowds at toy stores, Jyoti's looking forward to stripping off her too many layers of clothing and staying off her feet for the rest of the day. But when she steps inside her room, halfway through shrugging off her heavy winter coat, she's greeted by the sight of Gracie mid panty raid.

Um. ] ......................... Gracie.

What are you doing?

[Oh. Gracie had expected her to be out for longer. Not that it's a problem: Jyoti already knows Gracie's kind of a tactless weirdo (amongst other things). There's just a moment now, a long pause consisting of Gracie staring at the particular pair of panties he was already holding up, where Gracie has to deeply consider how he's going to explain himself out of this.

Eh. Gracie looks Jyoti dead in the eye, but doesn't put the garment down.] Window shopping.

Did you get everything you needed?

[ If Jyoti didn't sleep with him on a semi-regular basis and hadn't seen him the morning after with other people, she'd probably be grossed out. But she's (unfortunately) used to him, so she doesn't give him more than a squint before walking past him to her bed. Unceremoniously, she makes a pile of winter gear on the side and sets her shopping bag down beside it, then flops onto her back on top her blankets. ] It was a pain, but... yeah.

How about you? [ Not to judge his tastes too harshly, but the pair of panties he's holding is hardly the sauciest she owns. ]

[This is why he really appreciates Jyoti. He doesn't need to defend himself against her. If she were his sister or any other girl, he's sure they'd be lobbing the closest solid object at him regardless of how long they'd been in a relationship.

(oof, yikes, let's not call it that)

Gracie looks back to what's in his hands, considering.] Not really. [All these have a little bow and or at least some lace on them. There's not much to go on.] I didn't realize how much black you had.

[ Now that he mentions it... she sure does, huh. There's some pastels mixed in there, mainly for when she's wearing lighter bottoms that the black would obviously show through, but otherwise... ] Well, they're comfortable. And they don't stain as easily as other colors.

[ Jyoti tilts her head back to look at Gracie, and lifts her hands in an "ehhhh" motion. ] I had more variety before moving out here, but the last thing I want to do is sweat all day in lace. It's as unpleasant as it sounds. [ A beat. ] I still have some of those on the right side.

[ Y'know, in case his what she assumes to be nasty "window shopping" hasn't made him check that part of the drawer. ]

[Gracie wrinkles his nose. Makes sense.

But more importantly. Of course he's noticed the saucy panties on the right. He wasn't ignoring them. But since Jyoti's pointed them out... okay, he starts pilfering through them.] Uhhhh right.

[A beat.] What's your favorite color?

[ ? ???? ? ? ? ?? ? ??? ????????? ] Lilac.

Why are you asking? [ Why would Gracie care about that???? ]

No reason!

[Gracie brushes her off fast, and is up from his prior position to hover in her field of vision just as fast.] I'm heading out with Hayley. Probably wont be back until morning.

[He dangles one of Jyoti's spicier pairs of underwear in his hand.] And I'll be holding onto these.

[ As he leaves, Jyoti calls out ] You better clean those before you give them back! [ Not that she expects them back any time soon. Just. Putting that out there.

Once silence returns to her home, his weird behavior and odd question is quick to leave her mind. She's wanted to relax since her shopping trip, after all. It's only as she's preparing for bed that it hits her.

He's getting her a gift, isn't he? It's the holiday season. Why else would he ask about her favorite color when he really doesn't care about that sort of thing normall? But why? Sure, they're close, and her relationship with him's different than with, say, Hayley or Emily, who she also sleeps with on occasion, but still... they aren't like that. Or has she misjudged him? She did offer him, a complete stranger initially, land on her farm to call his own. Is it gratitude for that? Does he think of her as a friend? Fuck, she's going to have to go back into the city now, isn't she.

Luckily, Gracie doesn't seem to suspect a thing when she goes shopping in Zuzu City a second time - that, or he doesn't vocalize his questions. Either way, the Feast of the Winter Star rolls around, and Jyoti opts to leave her gift for Gracie hidden away at home. It's embarrassing enough that some of the older townsfolk assume they're dating - she rather not deal with the extra attention. Especially today.

After getting a big ol' hug from Jas in thanks for her new doll set, Jyoti makes her way to Gracie, standing separate from everyone else. ] Have you given your "secret friend" their gift yet? [ Translation: can they go home yet? ]

[In truth, Gracie isn't sure how to give Jyoti this gift. It really isn't a huge deal considering the other townsfolk, including Jyoti, are handing out their "secret friends" gifts, but it feels like it is.

He doesn't have much of a choice once she approaches, though. Okay. He just has to play it cool.] Oh, yeah, not yet. I didn't want to interrupt you and Jas. [Precious, by the way. Gracie's a slimeball but he will admit he likes kids.]

You're my "secret friend." [He snorts. His "secret friend" in more ways than one. But yes.

Gracie reveals a small square box wrapped up in newspaper. And within that box, as Jyoti will see once she opens it, is a small dainty necklace. Its very simple; a single teardrop shaped lilac gem hanging from a silver chain, but he got it in hopes that it wont get mangled if she wears it while while she's working on the farm or anything.] Uhhh, go easy on me. I had no frickin' clue what to get you.

[He scratches the back of his neck.]

Gracie... [ Oh. That explains things. (and it looks like she guessed wrong in regards to his motives... that's awkward.)

Gingerly, Jyoti takes the box from him and opens it to reveal the necklace tucked away inside. For a few seconds she's silent, just staring at his gift.

Then... she smiles. Not one of her easy, fake smiles that look happy or polite but never reaches her eyes. But the one that leaves her cheeks a little pink and her nose scrunched up. ] I love it. Thank you.

[ She plucks the necklace from the box and parts her hair to the side to try and put the necklace on now. "Try", because she can't quite get the clasp on her own... oops. ]

[Jyoti has a beautiful smile. Ew.

With her approval, Gracie breathes a sigh of relief and finds himself smiling, too. Though, whatever soft moment they’re having is promptly ruined by Gracie snorting at her struggle.] Geez, let me.

[Gracie hasn’t handled many delicate things (wafer ice cream cones, bra clasps, baby animals) but he manages to get the clasp closed and secured, and lets it fall gentle at her nape when he’s done.] There.

[ As forward as they get with each other on their shared farm, kissing Gracie where others can see them (in public) leaves her a little... embarrassed. But perhaps it's the magic of the Winter Star, or the genuine flood of emotion she's experiencing that compels her, after a quick glance to see if any eyes were on them, to lean up and quickly, gently, press her lips to his.

It's almost as though time slows to a halt. But the spell breaks with the soft crunch of her boots in the snow as she settles back on the ground. ]

... Let's go. [ Home. To their home. ]

[ Five years ago, Akihi might've convinced himself that this life he shares with Gracie - a cafe built with their own two hands, walls and shelves filled with trinkets from their travels - was just a dream. But each day is vibrant, vivid, filled with sugar and flour, the aroma of tea and baked goods filling the air. Akihi speaks easily with regular and stranger alike, taking order and brewing pots of Almyran Pine and Lavender while Gracie whipped up batch after batch of bear claws.

If he's being honest, he's not sure if the life he has will never not feel like a dream. He's... happy. Happier than he ever thought possible.

And he has Gracie to thank for that - Gracie, who saw worth and potential in him when he couldn't even look up from the ground, who cheered him on day in and day our and always found reasons to celebrate him, the fact that he tried, that his heart still beat for another day. Everything that he is now, all the strides he's taken to become a better, brighter Akihi Kalwat... would he have made it without him? Even if he could (he's really not sure) the journey would've been much lonelier without him.

He loves him. He's said so more times than he can count now (the first being in the midst of the war, shortly after the destruction of fort mercius. he'd clung to gracie like he might vanish before his eyes otherwise and whispered i love you. i love you. into his shoulder.) but it never felt enough.

A ring (silver, simple so it wouldn't get in the way of his baking, but with eternally yours and a star engraved inside) also doesn't feel enough, but it's a step in the right direction. They've yet to talk about marriage. Living and opening a business together, yes, but tying the knot... ... but even if he doesn't know what Gracie will say, he wants to be brave. Ask. Take the leap.

Outside the Big Bear Cafe, Akihi shifts a large bag of sugar in his hands to quickly pat his pocket. Satisfied, he opens the door and makes his way to the kitchen, where Gracie's hard at work.

With a small smile, he presses a soft kiss behind his ear. ] I'm back... [ He's home. ]

[If you had told the Gracie of fiveish years ago that he would eventually be settling down with the timid twin brother of that one girl he was trying to bang, he would have laughed. The idea of making a home of a little café with someone, spending his days knuckle deep in dough, and the same person tucked against his side every night was ridiculous. It was so out of his realm of possibilities – and yet, here he is. Gracie is, in fact, knuckle deep in dough waiting for the soft jingle of the bell outside their door to let him know the love of his life is home.

A lot can change in five years. Even in just one.]

Welcome back! [Gracie pulls away from his kneading to kiss Akihi full on the lips, arm around his lower but not touching since his hands are still sticky.] Thanks for making that run. I didn't realize we were so low on sugar. [Oops.] Lemme help with that.

[ Gracie could kiss him a million times (honestly, he's probably close to that number) and Akihi would still blush on the millionth and first. His cheeks are a pleasant pink, that small smile slightly brighter when the kiss breaks. ] O-oh - thank you.

[ He lets Gracie take the bag from him (he's not weak, but his arms were starting to get tired) and just... takes a moment to admire the scene. The love of his life, with bits of dough clinging to his fingers, moving about their comfortable, cozy kitchen with a handsome smile on his face.

Once the sugar's safely tucked away in its place, Akihi leans up to kiss Gracie again, this time on the corner of his lips. ] Is there anything I can do?

[The sugar is tucked away and Gracie has washed his hands of any stubborn dough when Akihi kisses him.

Gracie puts his arms around Akihi and his hands link together right at the small of his back.] Hmm, you can kiss me again?

[ There's a brief moment in which Akihi feels tempted to tease him a little - maybe kiss his cheek instead of what he actually wants - but he looks up at the love of his life and without thinking, without any hesitation, he leans up to kiss him once more. His hands bunch lightly in the front of his shirt as he melts into the warmth of Gracie's lips, his embrace.

(he can feel the ring burning a hole in his pocket, and he briefly entertains the idea of popping the question right then and there. but that wouldn't be true to himself, now, would it?)

Once they pull away to catch their breath, he laughs softly. ] I meant with baking... [ Not that he'd ever mind kissing Gracie. ]

[Gracie nearly purrs as they part.] Did you? Silly me.

[As he thinks, Gracie rocks on his feet and sways a bit with Akihi still in his arms.] That dough needs to rest now, but I was thinking about making tarte tatin with the dough we already have on ice.

Help me peel some apples?

[How utterly domestic.]

Edited (whoops minor changes) 2020-09-14 07:51 (UTC)

[ Akihi’s eyes light up in uncontrollable delight. Of course he loves everything that Gracie bakes, but his tarte tatin is divine. He can’t help but get a little excited whenever he catches a whiff of caramelized apples.

Though reluctant to part, the promise of one of his favorite desserts gets him to loosen his grip on Gracie’s shirt. ] Of course. [ Once Gracie lets him go (or, at least, lets him turn around in his embrace, depending on how affectionate he’s feeling) Akihi grabs a small knife and gets to work on those apples.

After a minute or so of comfortable silence, he chimes in again. ] Would you- like to go stargazing tonight? With me? It’s supposed to be clear... [ Perfect for a proposal. ] We could even have dinner... if you want.

[Gracie perks; Akihi's soft chime of a voice snapping him out of his quiet daze. (something else gracie never thought would happen. enjoying a comfortable silence with someone? unthinkable before. but now he wants nothing more.)]

Like a picnic? You know I can't say no.

[Not that he's taking this invitation lightly. Stargazing has always been Akihi's space much like baking is Gracie's. They've gone stargazing before, too, but every time Gracie is welcomed in to that space is special to him.]

[ Were they a few years earlier in their relationship, Akihi would comment how he could say no. Because yes, they're dating, but that doesn't mean he has to indulge him like that... stargazing isn't for everyone. He gets that. He's not going to force Gracie to do anything he doesn't want to. But he's right that it's a special space for him. After all, the first time he'd mustered up the courage to approach Gracie on his own and ask for a moment of his time was on a starry night, not unlike this one.

But also - also, he used to always feel lonely. Insignificant, smaller than a speck of dust. Like his life - his entire existence - had no value. The feeling's faded over the years since meeting Gracie and others at Garreg Mach, but the way the universe humbles him hasn't. Like, he hasn't gotten any bigger. He's not sure how much more important he's become in the grand scheme of things. There's a peace, though, in knowing that no one is larger than the stars in the sky. Not Claude, Dimitri, or Edelgard... or even his sister.

What he has now - his hand in Gracie's, a blanket to sit upon tucked under his other arm, and the wide expanse of sky above them - is enough for him, and therefore enough for the universe.

... But he does have to let go of that hand so they can properly set up their dinner picnic. And even then, it's not long before Akihi stops unpacking their basket to instead tug gently on his love's sleeve and point upward. ] Gracie- look! [ Even in the darkness, his smile is still evident. ] You normally can't see those stars at this time of year...!

[ It has been several months since Lyric first found herself in the Freyr estate. She doesn't put much weight in things like fate or destiny, but it truly feels as though the stars aligned this time.

After the war's end, Lyric had some soul searching to do. She knew this - anticipated it, even. Her parents, grandparents, great grandparents, as far back as she can trace lived and died for Adrestia. Liters upon liters of Anglin blood has spilled for the sake of nobles who didn't even know their names. She knew she didn't want to follow that path. One long, bloody war that cost her eye and several classmates was more than enough to last her a lifetime.

But it only took a few weeks for her to become restless. Staying still and thinking about what to do without acting drove her up the wall.

So she got a job as a guard for the von Freyr family. (sure, she was able to say that she was duval's classmate in school, but she'd like to think knocking their current head guard straight on their ass was what really got her the position.) While far from glamorous (at times, she wonders if she's in charge of security or a glorified maid), it paid well, and kept her busy while she figured out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.

It's a quiet night - or, at least, it's supposed to be. But as Lyric paces through the dim, quiet halls of the manor, the sound of rustling and a door opening catches her attention. Hand around the hilt of her sword (not her weapon of choice, but much easier to wield than a lance in close quarters) she calls out into the darkness. ]

Halt. Who's there?

[Lyric isn’t the only one who has had some soul searching to do. After the war, Duval returned to the Freyr estate only to disappear again not even a month later.

He traveled across Fodlan. Wandered aimlessly. Sold his trinkets made of wildflowers and cloth. Talked to so many people. Learned a lot about himself and others. He allowed himself to finally feel his way through the knot that’s been present in his chest for the past six years. He pulled the thread loose and let himself to mourn in the way he hadn’t been allowed to before.

In front of Delilah’s grave, he cried. He sobbed, ugly and hollow. Cried out like a wild animal. Wounded. His hands stained with the dirt clenched in his fists. He cursed Owen, who’s grave sits neatly beside Delilah’s, but mourned him as well. He cursed them both for leaving him with nothing. Leaving him all alone. And then he cried some more. Eyes burning. Throat sore. Head and heart pounding.

And finally, he felt ready to return home.

Duval knows he doesn’t want to deal with his parents upon his arrival. They’ll be in such a tizzy given how suddenly he’d left and how long he’d been gone. So in the evening, he sneaks into his own home through the back door. Only for a guard to stop him? Really?

Her voice is both unfamiliar and familiar. She’s certainly not a guard that has worked at the estate before. But Duval knows that voice: soft yet determined. Strong. It almost sounds like...

Duval wrinkles his nose into a sneer and swings the door open to allow the moonlight to illuminate the space between them.] The lord of this house. Who the hell are you –

[Oh.]

[ Oh.

Lyric visibly relaxes, hands falling back to her sides as she stands to her full (tiny) height. ] -- Duval.

[ The war feels ages ago - lifetimes, even. But no matter how much time passes, she'd never forget Duval. With a heart surrounded by barbs and thorns, and a tongue as sharp as a blade, it's no wonder few tried getting close to him. But Lyric did anyway - despite the thin cuts covering her arms she reached toward him, stood by him, remained by his side. And in time, those defenses slowly rescinded, revealing the breathtakingly beautiful rose garden within.

She cares for him, dearly, truly. And she knew he did, too - it showed in the tolerance of her presence, his softer expressions, and the hair bows she still wears to this day.

So despite herself - despite how truly odd of a reunion this is - she smiles small. ] You're okay.

[For a moment, its like Duval never left. You could convince him they were still stationed at Garreg Mach and Lyric was greeting him after a skirmish.

But that would set him back so far. Duval squints and focuses on Lyric's face. The changes are small, minor, but they're there. Her eyepatch is different. She looks a little softer. Less tired, for sure.

He relaxes. His shoulders slack just an inch. If there's any one person Duval would have wanted to see after his emotional bender, it would be her. Her smile, as small as it is, is calming.]

What are you doing here?

[ As easily as ever, Lyric closes the gap between them. She rests a gentle hand on his arm to guide him inside - into his own home, for better or for worse. ]

I work here now. [ Surprise? ] Your parents pay me well.

[Duval is indeed surprised to hear this.]

Work here doing what? [Lyric is a soldier, not a servant? What on earth would his parents want from her? And - ] I thought you'd still be at the capital.

[With Edelgard.]

[ While she's not sure where exactly he planned on going, she begins the slow walk to his room. It's late, after all. Who knows how long he's been traveling to get here.

Her voice is as quiet as her footsteps as she mulls over her words. ] I considered staying in Enbarr. Edelgard even offered me a place amongst her most elite soldiers.

But I turned her down. [ Much to the shock and disappointment of her parents. But- ] I realized that's not what I wanted.

... Though, truthfully, I still don't know what I want. [ ha ha... ha... ] But one day, as I was lost in thought, I overheard talk of the Freyr estate looking for some new guards. So I figured here is as good of a place to start as any.

[ It's a decision she made for herself, at the very least. ]

[ Kenta is, in theory, a good student. When he's able to attend classes, he excels. But in that lies his problem - his health (a poor constitution, weak immune system, and chronic illnesses) often keeps him sick at home. And while homeschooling is definitely an option, he didn't want to take it. How else was he supposed to make friends if he never got to interact with people his age?

If not for this stubbornness (this tenacity) he's sure he'd never have met Vero. Vero, with his kind heart and sweet smile, tutors him multiple times a week so his off days aren't so detrimental to his grades.

Which, coincidentally, today is one such day. Kenta wakes from a fever-induced sleep to the ring of the doorbell and several notifications on his phone.

Realization dawns on him as he takes in the time (it's that late? has he really been sleeping all day?) and clumsily sends a few texts to Vero. ]

im comfing
sorru i was skeeoung i forgot abou5 todya

[ He stumbles out of bed and, with a hand braced on the wall, slowly makes his way to the front door. After a few minutes, Vero is greeted by a very flush and exhausted looking Kenta who still manages to smile up at him. ] Hi...

[Vero’s a simple guy. Put a soft, good-looking, not completely intolerable guy in front of him and he will probably develop even the tiniest of crushes. Most of those insignificant crushes don’t become anything more than that. Unfortunately, this is the one time that isn’t the case. Vero is in deep and crushing hard on the student he’s currently tutoring – Kenta.

Kenta is so sweet and life has been unbearably cruel to him. Though, Vero supposes, if he weren't as sick as often as he was (and yes, Kenta's tenacity) then Vero would never have gotten a chance to meet him. And Vero wont allow himself to pity Kenta when Kenta makes so much of his life despite it all. He's a little fire cracker; he doesn't let his illness stop him and Vero admires him so much for that. He wants to help Kenta however he can . He'll do anything to help him succeed in school and keep going, just keep going. Getting to spend time with him - an actual angel - is just a bonus.

All in all, Vero's not surprised when he goes unanswered at the door. He's doubly not surprised when Kenta's text comes in. It must be a pretty bad day if Kenta forgot.]

Hi. [He smiles soft, almost guilty. He should have left but Kenta didn't give him a chance to text back. He can make up for it, though. In an instant, Vero is at Kenta's side with a steadying hold on Kenta's arm that isn't braced against the doorframe.] You should get back into bed. Come on.

[ There's the tiniest of protests on the tip of his tongue - he's sick, please don't touch him!!! - but the hand against his bicep is grounding, comforting, and he swallows the words down and smiles even brighter. ] Thank you, Vero...

[ With his assistance, Kenta manages to crawl back into bed - but he remains sitting up for now, blankets wrapped tight around him. ] What are we going over today? [ because he's clearly going to still tutor him, right??? right????? ]

[????? Kenta's in no shape for tutoring right now. Maybe the next day - after a solid day of rest - Vero can come back and tutor him. Not now.] Nothing. You're going to lay down for now.

[Vero pulls out his phone to look up where the closest store is.] Have you eaten recently?

[ Kenta knows, perhaps better than most, how kind Vero is. How much he wants to take care of the people in his life. But that doesn't stop him from apologizing as he pulls his blankets up toward his chin. ] I'm sorry...

[ He's not sure if he could understand anything even remotely related to math at the moment. It's difficult enough for him on a normal day. (how do numbers work? he just doesn't know.) ]

But please, don't worry- [ - but before he could finish his sentence, his stomach lets out a loud guuuuuu of hunger. If he wasn't already flush from his fever, he'd certainly blush. ]

[Vero can't help but laugh a little at that.] Pff -

Lay down. [He repeats, but fondly.] I'm going to raid your kitchen.

[Since clearly the answer to his question is a strong "no" there is no time to be wasted by going to the store.

By the end of his raid, Vero is able to scrounge together a makeshift soup which he brings back upstairs along with a couple slices of toast. Kenta better be horizontal when he enters that room again.] Okay, sorry about that. This should be easy enough for you to eat.

[ In his defense, he was horizontal for most of the time Vero's out of the room. It's only when he hears his footsteps get louder that he forces himself to rise, blankets and sleepiness still clinging to him tight.

He shakes his head in response to Vero's apology, and graciously takes the soup and toast from him. ] You're so nice to me, Vero... thank you.

[ Maybe it's because he's sick, or because he's so in love, but his eyes brighten as he takes his first sip of the soup. ] It's so good...!

[ Kenta's world has always been small. His first memories are... well. He prefers not to think on those. But his days since light broke through the dark have been set in stone. If he was well enough to work, he'd wake up with the sun, tend to the community's animals, help cook for his neighbors, and sleep once night crept over the horizon. Not that he hated this life - not in the slightest. These people he grew up with, these farmers that tended their itty bitty amount of land in southern Faerghus... they were his family.

But his soulmate, one Yajerit Parash, began opening up the world, little by little. With each passing day, his curiosity grew - a curiosity Yajerit seemed more than happy to feed, if the large expanses of writing over his skin were any indication.

If not for Yajerit, he may have never been so bold. But he took a risk - a leap, because life is so short and precious - and goddess it paid off.

Letter still in his lap, only half-read, he clumsily fumbles for a quill and writes frantically into his forearm. ] rita i'm going to ~~gerrig~~ ~~gari~~ school!!! ☺ [ Oh, if only he could see the warmth that spreads across his face, or his bright, radiant smile. He can't communicate his happiness in a way that feels like it'll be enough, but he can draw multiple arrows pointing to the message. ]

thread dump, oc edition

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