estoria | (closed)

[Chocolates? Check. She'd given some to IV, too, before they came; she wasn't going to give them to his friends and leave him out. After spending all that time learning how to make them, she's sad she ultimately couldn't show off her skills (freezing to death will do that to you)... but at least the store-bought kind still look good, and probably better-packaged than she would have managed.

Next up, she's got her own matching pouches of heart candies for each of them. Their tags hang neatly, blending in with the white until you catch a glimpse of all the colorful hearts on one side, accompanied by childishly colorful writing.

Lastly, the main present itself. There are two boxes each, draped in blue and purple wrapping that's otherwise plain: Ryouga's is purple with blue ribbons, while Rio's is the opposite, with her ribbons being purple against the dark ocean-like blue.

She goes over all this and finally nods.]

I definitely didn't!

[...It'll be a shock if she doesn't think of something later. But she continues, seeming genuinely concerned before being interrupted:]

But hopefully they don't think I--

[Sure enough, Rio's initial suspicions that someone is in the hallway are confirmed when there is a knock on the door. She peers her head around, looking little worse for wear from her earlier activities. (Frankly, she could've done without the penguin bra, but...)]

Ah.

[It's not what she'd been expecting, but her eyes scan them both up and down until her face brightens, obviously pleased by the thought alone. The thought for both of them, judging by the number and color coordination of packages Leia is holding. Birthdays for twins are always hard, after all.]

Hello! It's nice to see you two! Please, come in.

[Opening the door a little wider, she whirls around on the ball of her feet and shouts inside with a sing-song note in her voice.]

Ryouga, we've got visitors!

[A grunt sounds from the couch in acknowledgement - Ryouga doesn't much care for people coming in and out of his house, but that's the most protest he's gonna have for now. His sister seems to have trained him well.

Pushing himself to his feet, he turns to the door, quirking a brow at the pair of visitors. He cant help but notice the packages in their hands, and it seems to catch him a little off guard in his surliness.]

… What are you doing?

[Whatever Leia's concern is, IV doesn't think it'll be an issue. Anyway, it's no surprise that Rio, no matter how she appears, answers the door. With one glance past her to where Ryouga gives his sluggish greeting, IV smirks.]

Still bumming on Rio's couch? Honestly, Ryouga.

[He raises his left hand, with which he's holding the small pouches. A bigger bag containing their actual gifts hangs from his wrist. It would have been cheap to double up with Leia for a measly two items, so there's more – naturally.]

We brought presents.

[At the sound of the door, Leia of course drops it and gives them her full attention. Of the two of them, at least Rio is welcoming... but she looks amused at IV's teasing nonetheless.]

Sorry I missed your real birthday, but I thought I'd make up for it.

[A pause. It really does seem like a lot, and in truth, she worries about coming off a little too strong, maybe--especially when she doesn't know either twin very well yet.

But things have to start somewhere. She finally nods her head in IV's direction.]

He helped.

[It turns out Rio is brimming with glee over the whole thing, because before very recently, they haven't had anyone but each other for gift-giving occasions -- or, even more than that, thought-giving occasions. But now, this is all she really wanted for them. She glances from Leia to IV, and then puts on her best smile, a rare and honest one that is generally not seen in public.]

Thank you... truly!

[And to think they didn't pool into one set, either... She swears she must be flushed from the sheer intensity of her gratitude. Casting a look at Ryouga that says just how happy she is, she turns back to them and clasps her hands together.]

We don't have to do that right away if you don't want to. Please, stay a while and make yourselves comfortable.

[And then she steps back to prod a finger like a nail into Ryouga's back.]

Now, what do you say?

Who're you calling a bum anyway?

[Ryouga's expression seems to sour, but he's back to looking confused when IV shows that he's carrying even more stuff.

When Rio looks at him like that, he doesn't really know what to do. This is actually really awkward, isn't it? He thought he managed to avoid this since its been a couple of days, but these two really got them stuff… The weird NPC and IV both. He gives a little grunt at Rio's gesture and rubs at the back of his neck awkwardly as he manages to lose eye contact with everyone that isn't the wall. Like he knows what to say here!]

You're really late, y'know.

[Rio's invitation is plenty enough for IV to casually slide inside. He makes a beeline for the couch to set the bag and pouches down, and then makes himself comfortable by having a seat.]

I was going to give them to you when we met at the cafe, but you weren't exactly in the mood to be receiving.

[Nor was IV in the state to be giving. He couldn't see anything worthwhile at all. It's fortunate that he ran into Leia on the way earlier today, which doubles the merriment here. Rio looks happy.]

Would you rather we take them back? You should think of your sister.

[If being given the NPC label means that she's helpful to people, then she'll take it. She follows IV in, since it seems like the much better alternative to standing awkwardly outside in the hallway.

Similarly, she sets her bags down near his, and though she's rather anxious to see their reactions, she doesn't mind sitting for a while. She flash a smile to Rio at her mention before turning back to Ryouga, looking determined.]

Yeah! Besides, it's better late than never.

[It's not like they could help it, though Leia did try.]

That's very true. Don't be so stiff, Ryouga; a simple "thank you" would suffice.

[Breezing past him with a light jostle of his shoulder, she sits on the couch on the opposite side of IV and Leia, angling herself to face them. Rio can tell he's at a loss, though, for the very same reason she's so blown away by the gesture. Maybe they just need an icebreaker here...]

Would you like some cake? I decided to splurge once Ryouga's taste buds started functioning again, and you're welcome to some leftovers as well.

[Then she casts a glance at her brother, pausing to assess the mood. She sets her chin on her hands and grins at him.]

Do you want to take a look at the small bags? I'll even let you open them.

Nn.

[Ryouga just grunts at her in response, momentarily giving IV a dirty look for sitting in the spot he just left before setting himself down in the chair directly across him.

He glances at the bags - are they just expected to open them? In front of people? Like they're putting on a show…? He hasn't done that since they were little kids - isn't it sort of juvenile?]

Seriously? Right now?

[Ryouga is very welcome for giving up his VIP seat on the couch. It feels nice.]

Of course. Half the fun is getting to open them, you know. Rio's doing you a huge favor. [He throws up his hands like he's drawing an arch.] So how about it?

[First things first, the small bags. He takes the pink pouches and hands one over to Leia.] This is Ryouga's.

[Then he leans over to hold the other pouch out for Rio.] Here, this one's yours. And cake doesn't sound like a bad idea.

[Both of the pouches contain tiny heart candies of various colors: lavender, light blue, hot pink, and blue – all with meaning of their own, though IV neglected to add the accompanying legend. In the end, he didn't think they were all that necessary.]

[Leia tries not to seem too excited about cake!! Especially when there's candy to be given out... Suddenly there's a pouch in her hands and at his name, she remembers that she's got her own pouches for both of them, and she moves to grab them from below where her feet are.

She's interrupted by IV however, leaning back abruptly when he leans over towards Rio on her other side.

A LITTLE WARNING WOULD HAVE BEEN... NICE... She gets a nice view of the spikes in his hair and the gentle creases in the sleeve that runs along his arm; and she has to wait for Rio to accept before goes for her own pouches again.

Unlike IV, she's attached the appropriate meanings. When they open them, they'll see a lot of lavender, light blue, and darker blue colored candy hearts. Rio will even have some green thrown in there as well.]

Cake sounds amazing! But before that, I have some, too.

[She'll hand off the pouches: Rio's first, since she's sitting close by and it's easier. Then she'll give Ryouga's both of theirs.]

Happy late birthday... oh, and Valentine's Day, too.

[While she's sure Ryouga won't be as inquisitive about it, Rio is immediately drawn to the little slip attached to the bag of candies. She studies it carefully, then makes the observation that hers has a color Ryouga's doesn't, and... ah.

Assuming IV's goes by the same code, though... She flushes a little and pinches her shoulders in something like embarrassment. White Day isn't too far away; she'll have to come up with something good for that, then.]

This is so sweet, both of you... Thank you. I'll remember this.

[Fully intending to save them for later cravings, she pulls the drawstrings shut, then gets to her feet, briskly crossing the room to bring out the remainder of the cake.]

Corner pieces, right?

[And she tosses a wink to both IV and Leia.]

Ah, Valentines, too?

[Ryouga's lips curl into a sneer at IV which has melted into a defeated sort of look when he regards Leia as well. This has to be the most uncomfortable thing in the world - count this as another reason Ryouga doesn't broadcast when his birthday is. Rio's always been better with this sort of stuff than he has.]

Isn't this a little much?

[But, putting the candies aside for now, which he hasn't thought to look at the meanings of yet, he takes the presents that seem to be meant for him and pulls them into his lap. He doesn't have a real preference as far as opening them goes, but he's peeling into IV's first, whatever it is..!]

[With a faint smirk, IV nods at Rio. As he had thought, she's taking this in much better stride than her brother, to whom he turns while he folds his arms.]

The dates just happened to line up. It only happens once a year, so sit back and enjoy the occasion.

[IV's present to Ryouga comes in a velvet bracelet box. In it lies a dark leather cuff bracelet with sterling silver clasps and an amethyst inset. The design is simple yet elegant, and not too obtrusive – perfect for Ryouga to hide under his sleeve whenever he feels inclined to do so. He's just so shy about that sort of thing.

IV thinks it was a decent pick. Better than the shark-shaped disco ball, anyway.]

[Leia'd been afraid of them thinking that, honestly, but since Rio seems to be into it, she figures it's probably okay. Even IV doesn't seem to be pushing too hard, so she'll let Ryouga and Rio go at their own pace. When he decides to open IV's first, she'll watch, after winking right back at Rio when she crosses the floor.

She doesn't even have to ask what kind of cake it is, because she knows she'll love it regardless.]

We wanted to make it count, especially since this week has been such a mess.

I don't think any of us can deny that.

[Especially when Rio had been worried sick over Ryouga's well-being, while at the same time she felt like she herself was turning into a glacier. Returning with two plates and the promised corner pieces of what appears to be marble cake, she sets them down with two forks in front of IV and Leia, rounding the small table to grab the matching gift from IV and take her seat again. Since Ryouga's started off like this, she may as well follow suit -- if he complains about not getting one, well, she's only got two hands.]

See, Ryouga? Didn't I just say you should try wearing more jewelry?

[Inquisitively, she starts peeling away the layer of paper from IV's gift to her.]

[Actually, the gift is very nice, and very much Ryouga's style. He likes it, and he's sort of about to take it out of the case to inspect it when Rio's comment makes him come back to his senses a little. He scoffs and pulls Leia's present out.]

Keh! Candy and jewelry - you trying to woo me or something? Embarrassing, as usual.

[He rolls his eyes before flashing IV a smirk when he sets the box down next to him and starts opening the present from Leia.]

[IV nods his appreciation to Rio before leaning forward to take the small plate and accompanying fork onto his lap. And there it is – Ryouga's predictable quip, to which he gives a wide shrug.]

If you ask me, I think you like what you got.

[Rio's present from IV matches her brother's, only hers is a slimmer bracelet crafted from more sterling silver and numerous amethyst gemstones. Despite the greater abundance of precious parts, he still went for the elegant look. The twins don't strike him as the type to wear gaudy accessories.]

Edited (jk i want to stay on earth) 2015-08-17 02:43 (UTC)

[Leia thanks Rio as she receives the cake. Even though they're supposedly leftovers, she probably wouldn't have been able to tell unless she was told. It's cold though, like it's been in the fridge--a give away--but it otherwise tastes great.

As she takes the first couple bites, she notices Ryouga's reaction and looks amused when he suddenly changes his tone.]

I think he does, too.

[In fact, she can tell. Her tone is teasing, but all that goes out the window when she notices his hands on her own gift: a silver shark-tooth shaped locket, though it appears to be a plain necklace at a glance. Her fork hangs mid-air in her hand.

With Rio opening IV's gift, all she can do now is wait. She's...

Yeah, she's a little nervous.]

[Rio just laughs quietly at the dual remarks as she pulls away the last of the paper and opens the box, smiling at what glimmers up at her. She dangles it along her fingers to examine it closer.]

It's beautiful! I love it, thank you. I wonder, though...

[For a moment, she wonders what the significance of amethyst is in this case, but files the notion away in her mind to look up later, dropping the pursuit before it begins. Nobody ever befriended IV for his stunning insight, though; it may have simply been because it looked pretty, for all she knows.

Seeing what Ryouga eventually removes from the second box, though, makes her grin.]

Oh, look! You can add it to your cord!

[The thought that went into that one makes her a little more eager to see what's in Leia's gift to her, though. What if she's just difficult to buy for? She's partially nervous, but mostly excited; surely that isn't true at all. Casting a glance at the girl in question, she starts on the other one.]

[Ryouga huffs and shakes his head. So what if he does? Of course he likes crap like this - it's nice, and makes the awkwardness of playing this birthday thing out a little more tolerable.]

Whatever. Just don't get the wrong idea, Fabio.

[He examines the necklace when he takes it out, realizing it's a locket after a quick fiddling. It's a pretty convincing looking tooth after all - and it's not so out there as a present that it makes him uncomfortable. It's interesting that she picked up on the fact that it'd be an appropriate present for Ryouga, though... He gives Rio a nod and turns an approving smirk at Leia.]

Yeah. Not bad.

[Everybody befriended IV for his irresistible charm. All three of them. He's Fabio.]

Of course. I did help. And Leia spent a long time thinking about what to get you two, you know.

[That's about all he contributes as he takes a bite out of the marble cake. Despite the slight age, it tastes perfect in his current company. In the excitement of Ryouga opening his second present, Rio's trailing curiosity largely manages to sneak past, though not before IV gives her a brief glance.

Leia's picks have a certain charm about them, one that IV acknowledges probably appeals better to each sibling's personal taste. Thus, he's sure that Rio will like what she's about to open.]

[Okay, Fabio... keep dreaming and don't wake up naked again.

Leia figures that's the closest thing to approval she's going to get from Ryouga, so with the initial hurdle cleared, she looks relieved; but also a little embarrassed as she nudges IV.

No, it's not hard enough to knock over his plate of cake, shut up.]

I-It didn't take me that long...!

[yes it did, sit down, leia.]

He said you liked sharks, so that's what I looked for... There were a lot of necklaces, but I thought the locket was the best one. Subtle, elegant... and you can put someone's picture in it!

[GEE SHE WONDERS WHO... with that justification in the air, her gaze wanders towards Rio, who's already partway through opening her present. Inside, she'll find her own necklace that's also silver, in the shape of a conch shell. It's adorned with three ocean-blue jewel beads that remind her of the sea--and speaking of which, if she holds it up to her ear, she'll hear the distant sound of waves as well.

Grinning with anticipation, she finally takes another bite of cake.]

Oh, really? We're so easy to buy for, then? I suppose that is a compliment in its own way...

[But before she can tease about it further, her eyes light up a little at Leia's gift, turning it in her hands before testing the conch shell for the real draw -- and lo and behold, it's there. Rio grins, putting it away and setting it next to IV's gift on the table.]

Fufu... Thank you, both of you. I don't think you know how much this means to us. Now, if the two of you will kindly stop flirting...

[A gentle prod at Ryouga's shoulder with that mischievous, sisterly smile. These two are just... Well, at least there are two sensible ladies here to keep them under control.]

We used to like the beach a lot as kids, too. One time, the lifeguards were trying to get everyone out of the water because someone thought they had seen a shark fin, and Ryouga wanted to go back in the water to see it. Can you imagine?

Oi...

[Alright, that's two embarrassing things in a row, Rio…! And when he's just getting over being so nervous! He's distracted for a bit, nudging Rio away with a soft jab of his elbow.]

S-Shut up, will you? You don't remember how you cried like a baby for the rest of the day after that?

[He knows the reason wasn't the shark, but that's not the point. Ryouga makes a show out of shrugging widely and shakes his head.]

Then again, you cried over everything back then. It's not like we were even that little.

[And they were having so much fun. Well, with the presents out of the way, they can talk about whatever they want now.

IV imagines Rio's story well enough and smirks at the following addition, because this is so typical of them. He waves his fork in the air in a fashion meant to be mockingly condescending.]

Now, now. You mustn't make your sister cry, Ryouga.

[Ah . . . at the very least, it's easy for Leia to laugh along. As a sickly child who never really got to travel until fairly recently, it's not quite as easy for her to relate; but still, it's a cute story, and she's glad she prompted it (albeit indirectly) with her choice in gift.

She found the best feature of the necklace so easily, too--they both did.]

He's just living up to his nick name . . . right?

[But of course, that's what one does with a conch shell.

Rio laughs, and it's somewhere between sarcastic and humorous.]

Well, I suppose you could say that, although it wasn't his nickname at the time. I cried over everything, he threw tantrums over everything, and we were constantly pushing and pulling each other...

[In a sense, that hasn't changed much, only the intensity and frequency of it. There's parts of her that still want to cry sometimes, and she's sure there's parts of him that want to scream at the world just as much. But at least now, they're surrounded by friends and warmth, and while it won't replace things, it's enough to fill in for what they've lost in the past.]

But, look! We're fifteen now. So, shall we take bets over whether Ryouga will make it to sixteen or not?

S'not my fault she cries at the drop of a damn hat.

[Ryouga crosses his free hands behind his head and clicks his tongue disapprovingly, not giving anyone any ground even though it's long past the point where it matters.]

i threw tantrums, huh? Says the one that never grew out of it.

[He moves his hands in front of him when he thinks he's made his point, casually grabbing Leia's gift and giving it a good look-see now that he has a chance - concentrating on something else will help him in fighting his urge to really start sniping at his sister for trying to embarrass him...]

[Nobody cares about getting in the last word, you angry baby.

As far as IV knows, the nickname is a recent development, but he supposes then that the habits existed even in childhood. He lays almost curious eyes on Rio over her end of the fact – and then they've moved on from that story.]

Of course he will. We've established this before, haven't we, Ryouga?

[He flashes a smug smirk, reminding, before shifting to turn himself partway toward Leia. IV believes the incident with jellyfish venom (among others) more or less proves the following, which is spoken in an all too sarcastic tone, as a universal truth:]

No matter what you do, he always bounces back. He just won't die.

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