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[advisors]

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gift; (dec 21st)

[terraria]

[ There's a large wrapped box on Ja'far's desk, this morning. It's a little heavy, actually! The wrapping is a dark, jewel-like red, the big bow on top a similar shade. Hanging from the bow is a little card that glitters like snow.

Merry Solstice! reads Aspen's now familiar, messy script. His handwriting has gotten better, but only his cursive. His print is still a mess. I hope you won't see this as me pushing you to do this... but I thought you'd like this, with how much you like to challenge yourself. Please let me watch once we move in. I love you!

Inside the big box is a set of cookware - not just regular pots and pans but specialty pieces as well. He's gotten a taste of what Ja'far has cooked and it seems most similar to a kind of cuisine that employs more rustic and traditional means that can't be found in most 'professional' sets... he tracked them down anyway. There's still more, though! Underneath the cookware is a flatter box with a smart, black suit with teal pinstripes and a matching tie, dress shirt and socks.

There's also a pack of no-bake cookies - peanut butter balls rolled in white powdered sugar to make it look like snow, chocolate-hazelnut truffles, and dipped pretzels studded with peppermint candy. They're not the neatest... Aspen clearly had some trouble making them, but they're quite tasty. ]

voice;

[advisors]

( Ja'far is absolutely touched by the gift - he's grinning from ear to ear when he opens it, surprised and overjoyed with Aspen's choices and attention to him.

He's very happy when he calls Aspen, knowing he prefers that to text. )

Thank you so very much for the gift! I will treasure it, all of it.

[terraria]

[ Aspen can feel the happiness radiating off of Ja'far and just feels himself smile all over again. It's so nice, getting to spur that reaction in others. ]

I hope you eat the cookies and not treasure them.

[ Wait - ]

U-unless they aren't any good! They are, aren't they?

[advisors]

( He laughs, bright and happy. ) No, I had a few when I opened it. I haven't had sweets like these before, but they're very good. Thank you, Aspen.

[terraria]

[ He lets out a soft breath of relief, cheer returning to him. ]

Good... you're welcome, and Merry Solstice, Ja'far. I love you!

[ He loves saying it. ]

[advisors]

( Ja'far shakes a little, joy thrilling through him each time he hears that. )

I love you, too!

[terraria]

Gods, when you sound like that, it's a wonder I don't just fly over there and kiss you all through your day.

[ But he's a Good Birb so he won't. ]

I'll see you back home. Be careful if you're outside.

[advisors]

That sounds inviting, but I wouldn't get any work done at all if you did that. I'd be too caught up in you-

( Wait, did he just-

Oh gods. ) I-I'm sorry, that was- ( Too forward? Ja'far you told the man you love him. Are you stupid. )

You, too.

[terraria]

[ Yeah he's absolutely going to fuck you once he gets home, too precious to ignore. ]