[He crumples up the napkin and tosses it into the trash, not quite looking at Dantes. It seems he's struggling to find words - a rarity for him - before he finally acquiesces with:]
I trust you've put butter on my pancakes?
[He'll go and take his seat before he slides the thin present towards himself to open it.]
[It's a weapon simple enough for even a novice like Andersen to understand. He open it delicately, as if afraid he'll accidentally cut himself, and turns the blade this way and that in the light.]
I appreciate the thought. [He folds the knife carefully shut with the clumsy caution of a novice, sets it down on the table.] But this gift leaves me with more questions and concerns than it does reassurance.
That was not my intention, yet I understand. With everything I have heard about this place, it feels better to be prepared than not to be, and should I not be at your side...
[he shrugs, and because it's Christmas, he will actually take Andersen's plate to butter his pancakes. enjoy being spoiled, it's not happening for another year.]
Use it to do nothing more than cut slices of fruit and open letters, if you please.
With how you presented it, it's only natural my mind would lean towards violence.
[But he understands the sentiment. Stay safe. Use this well. Even if Dantes doesn't give voice to these thoughts, Andersen can read them well enough. He picks up the next gift and opens it.]
[this one, Dantes says nothing for. it's heavier, and when the paper is torn away, it's a black velvet box. opening it, a silver pocket watch complete with chain is resting there. if he wants to click it open, it's running, synced to the clock in the living room, and in very good condition.
that had been the one he had seen and thought that it would do for his Bonded. something to cater to his dandy nature while still being stylish and something he might actually use. he'll work on setting up his own breakfast now.]
[He's at a loss for words. Andersen runs a thumb over its intricate design and when he opens it he finds that it's in proper working order. He's received gifts before - their foolish Master running about on Valentine's Day comes to mind - but he's never gotten one so thoughtful.
Ah. So this is how much importance Dantes places in their Bond. He's somewhat relieved to know there's reciprocity.]
What kind of question is that? You've been my partner and we've stopped each other from losing control due to the forces in this world. Isn't that what's required?
[your pancakes are going to get cold at this rate.]
Never, but if you didn't have me, you would have. Magic bursting you apart at the seams, and everything else Witches are supposed to go through should they not have a proper outlet.
[homemade, fluffy, flavored with vanilla. it seems Dantes has more cooking talents than he's let on. thanks, Dumas, for making a protagonist.]
Beyond that, we maintain our mutual home, we conduct investigations, we've made financial strides - yes, even though it came at the cost of you nearly severing your leg - we have productive discussions, and you've even seen fit to outfit me for special occasions. None of that is what I would consider lacking in a partnership, particularly since you do not attempt to order me around as though you were my commander.
... hmph. How can I argue when you present such an airtight list?
[And with delicious food, to boot. Andersen isn't accustomed to being treated so kindly - and it's apparent by how his sharp tongue is dulled during this conversation. He cuts more pancakes for himself, chewing each piece slowly to savor the flavor.]
I'll remember that the next time you call me a sulking housecat.
[truth be told, none of it would stop how Dantes ordinarily was. he did it exactly because he wished to, and if Andersen was so stunned by his moments of magnanimity, then he had forgotten some key details.]
Hold on, this exchange isn't finished yet. Wait here, why don't you?
[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
[Andersen's haste surprises him, and he takes the envelope with his free hand, swallowing his bite of food before he'll set the fork down to open it up. an exchange? this had been something he didn't expect anything in return for.]
[Inside are two tickets. They're to a show titled The Duke of the Cwyld - likely illegal, gauging by the poor packaging they've come in. Andersen begins to scoop more pancakes into his mouth.]
Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
[tickets to the illegal theatre. Dantes actually laughs, sharp in the air, but the grin on his face says it's not so cruelly meant.]
You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
You said this was meant to be a break. Meaning, something outside of work. Going to the opera with an ally would be work. If you refuse to go, I'm going to anonymously gift these to someone else entirely and feel satisfied that they might be happy.
Are you sure? No carefully laid Christmas plans you must attend to? I would wait so that I could be graced by the presence of the newest best selling author.
[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
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... presents?
[Not present, singular, but presents, plural. He's having trouble wrapping his head around it.]
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[he gestures at the wrapped items near Andersen's plate. one is a square shape, the other thinner.]
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I trust you've put butter on my pancakes?
[He'll go and take his seat before he slides the thin present towards himself to open it.]
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Dantes looks at him over his coffee, watching his reaction.]
That one is the necessity. There are many occasions to need a knife, and it's simply handier to have one on you than to search about.
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I appreciate the thought. [He folds the knife carefully shut with the clumsy caution of a novice, sets it down on the table.] But this gift leaves me with more questions and concerns than it does reassurance.
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[he shrugs, and because it's Christmas, he will actually take Andersen's plate to butter his pancakes. enjoy being spoiled, it's not happening for another year.]
Use it to do nothing more than cut slices of fruit and open letters, if you please.
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[But he understands the sentiment. Stay safe. Use this well. Even if Dantes doesn't give voice to these thoughts, Andersen can read them well enough. He picks up the next gift and opens it.]
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that had been the one he had seen and thought that it would do for his Bonded. something to cater to his dandy nature while still being stylish and something he might actually use. he'll work on setting up his own breakfast now.]
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[He's at a loss for words. Andersen runs a thumb over its intricate design and when he opens it he finds that it's in proper working order. He's received gifts before - their foolish Master running about on Valentine's Day comes to mind - but he's never gotten one so thoughtful.
Ah. So this is how much importance Dantes places in their Bond. He's somewhat relieved to know there's reciprocity.]
You've gone much out of your way for me, Dantes.
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[he applies butter and syrup to his own pancakes, pausing before he cuts a bite.]
I'm glad it's to your tastes.
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[He likes it. Andersen sets down the watch.]
Have I really acted as a proper Witch?
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[your pancakes are going to get cold at this rate.]
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Hold on, when did I ever lose control?
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[homemade, fluffy, flavored with vanilla. it seems Dantes has more cooking talents than he's let on. thanks, Dumas, for making a protagonist.]
Beyond that, we maintain our mutual home, we conduct investigations, we've made financial strides - yes, even though it came at the cost of you nearly severing your leg - we have productive discussions, and you've even seen fit to outfit me for special occasions. None of that is what I would consider lacking in a partnership, particularly since you do not attempt to order me around as though you were my commander.
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[And with delicious food, to boot. Andersen isn't accustomed to being treated so kindly - and it's apparent by how his sharp tongue is dulled during this conversation. He cuts more pancakes for himself, chewing each piece slowly to savor the flavor.]
Thank you. You're not a bad partner, either.
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[truth be told, none of it would stop how Dantes ordinarily was. he did it exactly because he wished to, and if Andersen was so stunned by his moments of magnanimity, then he had forgotten some key details.]
Merry Christmas, Caster.
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[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
Take this.
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What's this, then?
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Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
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You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
So, which upcoming nights are you free?
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An opera is a chance for you to strengthen your bond with one of your important friends, perhaps even a much-needed ally. You'll squander it on me?
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[truly....his circle of friends is very small.]
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If you insist on my coming, I guess I can clear tonight for you.
[baka]
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[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
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[Nobody would enjoy his company.]
I've no friends in this city.
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