[ Dearka is getting a PERSONAL DELIVERY on Christmas morning because he's ✨special✨.
Yzak of course has been awake since dawn, busying himself by way of dropping off his other gifts to people. With all he set out to do properly attended to, that leaves him with the rest of the day to do as pleases, and he's actually allowing himself to relax and enjoy it for a change. Which is why Dearka's delivery is last on his list, because now he can slow down and spend this time with the person he wants to most.
The message comes with its own little bonus present. ]
...AND ALSO, CHRISTMAS STICKER? WHAT??? WHAT??? It's ALWAYS a gift when Yzak actually uses one of the stupid stickers. Dearka is so beyond thrilled to see this.
He's been pretty busy helping Elan out with his mobile suit repairs, but Yzak still gets a prompt enough reply:]
I'm in the hangar right now. But I can leave and meet you back at my quarters if you'd prefer ;)
[ Ugh even communicating through the network doesn't protect Yzak from his own rarer, softer moments being countered with even cuter things. A wink emote AND a sticker like that... really...
Good thing Dearka can't see his expression when he gets that reply. ]
That works. As long as you're not filthy.
[ Because his gift is DELICATE and STAINABLE and he went through A LOT to get it!
(and because he doesn't want to kiss a dirt bag)
((lbr ultimately that wouldn't deter him))
As it's a special occasion, Yzak takes it upon himself to just slip into Dearka's room since he has access. Usually he would never do such a thing outside of an emergency because he is a POLITE GENTLEMAN who knocks and/or gets permission first!
So when Dearka gets in after him, he'll be sitting primly on the lounge chair, a couple of neatly (of COURSE) wrapped boxes on his lap. ]
I've just been doing some programming! I'm fresh as a freaking daisy.
Be right there.
[Not long after, he returns to his room, humming a jaunty christmas carol. He's the slightest bit surprised when the door opens and Yzak is already in there, but the startled look on his face soon shifts into one of delight, and he breaks into a wide grin.]
...Well hey there.
[He's smirking like an idiot, all schmoopy eyed. Give him a second to admire the view.]
[ He's valid for it, because Yzak hardly needs these boxes at all. He is the greatest gift, here, truly.
And when Dearka smiles at him like that, he holds his gaze a little longer than necessary. In part because it's just ... cute. And in part because it's still new in that way where Yzak is still so unused to these sort of affectionate looks being directed at him. He stares back with a spark of brief captivation, breaking it after a beat with a clearing of his throat before his face has a chance to heat up. He feels it threaten to creep up a bit too fast today especially, considering the message he's sending with one part of the gift. ]
I was already close, so I figured you wouldn't mind.
[ He lifts the gifts from his lap: bigger box, smaller box. ]
Plus, the holiday is all about some guy breaking into peoples' homes.
[He best get used to it!! Because now that Dearka can get away with looking at him like that, he's probably been doing so just about every chance he gets.
At that last comment, he barks a laugh.]
Yeah, it's kinda fucked up if you think about it, huh? And of course I don't mind. I mean, I gave you access for a reason...
[While he speaks, he saunters deeper into the room and goes about digging around in one of his dresser drawers for a few wrapped presents of his own. Then he makes his way over to where Yzak is and stops in front of him, still standing and smirking wordlessly, expectantly holding out the boxes for him to take.]
That's true, but I'll ensure I don't take advantage of that authorization.
[ He says now. When surely the next time this happens Dearka's going to come in one night and Yzak's just going to be curled up in his bed in his PJs because he's going to realize how nice it is to sleep with him and want to do it more than he'll wish to admit.
He mirrors Dearka's offer so they can swap, and as eager and curious as he is about his own gifts, his own pride trumps that in the moment and he's more eager to see Dearka's reaction, leaning forward a bit. ]
Open yours, first.
[ Because the larger of the two boxes contains a full and very real set of Japanese dancewear (we're talkin' kimono, hakama, tabi, obi, zori, everything). Sure, the style upgrades make things easier ... but not only do they glitch, Yzak still prefers buying actual clothes for himself whenever he can. And because he clearly did his homework on what to get for Dearka, and figured having a real, traditional outfit would be nice. Tough as it was to actually finding everything because a couple of these pieces are rare, but he's Yzak Jule, of course he succeeded. ]
[...He says it confidently enough, but of course there's still a little bit of that natural awkwardness that comes knowing that someone you care about is watching you open up a surprise, and they're specifically waiting your reaction. Dearka's no shrinking violet, but he still can't totally shake the the seed of self-consciousness that threatens to pop up from that.
He casts it off once he actually gets into the box and starts examining the contents, overtaken by a look of surprise that's probably very satisfying from Yzak's perspective.]
No way...
[Each piece is inspected within the box itself, fingers merely brushing reverently over each before he looks up to meet Yzak's eye.]
You seriously got everything. How...? What the hell. I didn't think anyone even made proper hakama like this anymore...!
[ Exactly the reaction Yzak was hoping for, evidenced by the way he perks up, smugly accomplished smile spreading across his face. It's in tandem with a warmth that sparks in his chest and spreads through his body because pride aside, seeing Dearka's eyes light up the way they do feels like a whole extra gift in itself.
And with Dearka so pleased about this, that means Yzak can do a bit of bragging about it. Because of COURSE he's going to brag. Only good Christmas vibes in this room. ]
Barely anybody does. A couple of these pieces were extremely hard to come by.
[ He waves a hand with some flourish. ] But when I'm set on something, I'm not going to half-ass it! Especially when it comes to you. And I was lucky enough to find some good connections once I went poking around the right places.
[Dearka actually rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, still not totally sure how to handle himself in the face of this extremely sincere and thoughtful gesture.]
Wow... Thanks! Damn, I mean... I don't even know what to say. I kind of feel like mine's almost a bit half-assed by comparison, heh...
[Not like him to be so self-deprecating, but being so flustered is also pretty uncharacteristic for him to begin with. Feeling a bit too Seen, he tries to redirect:]
...Fuck, we gotta even things out here. Go ahead and open mine before I open the second half of yours!
[Inside is a cat patterned kimono with matching sandals, and a voucher for a couple's weekend at the hot springs.]
[ The smugness of his smile softens into a more fond one. Ironically, for how easily Yzak gets flustered, he's finally experiencing for himself how ... actually really fuckin cute someone else can be when the tables turn. And then he feels what he's now sure everyone else must feel when it comes to him - that urge to keep it going and fluster him more, be it by gift or by teasing. God, no wonder people poke at him so much if it's anything like this. Of course, he's very biased in this case, so it's less the reaction itself as much as it's Dearka being the one reacting.
He lifts an eyebrow skeptically when he calls his own gift half-assed. He's sure it's not ... and yet, his ego still likes hearing that because he feels like the coolest gift giver humanity has ever known?? God, he's so amazing, etc.
Rather than bending to the urge to insist Dearka open the other half of his gift because he wants to watch those reactions more, he relents to his suggestion, because now he's curious himself after that remark. ]
Fine, fine...
[ He lifts the kimono to get a better look at it ... and then makes a face when he takes note of the pattern. Not a displeased one, because he knows he's never beating the catman allegations, especially considering his civilian work gig. And the pattern is cute. ] Cats, huh? Of course...
[ And once the kimono is out and he can see the sandals (which are very nice too, as he picks one up to inspect it, impressed) ... he also sees the voucher and reaches for it curiously. ]
The hot springs?
[ And with that last piece of the gift, a look of realization dawns on his face as the whole thing comes together because he was lowkey wondering about the reason for the first two gifts. ]
[Dearka is still grinning somewhat sheepishly, but regains some of his usual bluster enough to try and explain.]
Y-yeah, well... I've heard it's a pretty nice place to go unwind. .... Y'know. For uh... Couples.
[He clears his throat, forging onward and ignoring the heat that's creeping over his face.]
And yeah, it turns out it's pretty hard to find a decent lion patterned kimono, so I compromised and went for one featuring their domestic cousins instead. It... Made sense to me at the time, anyway.
[If he had Yzak's level of diligence, he probably would've gotten a custom one made or something. Alas!]
[ Dearka's not the only one fighting back a reaction when he says the word 'couples'. It feels like someone waves a torch right in Yzak's face with the way his whole body seems to warm up in response to that.
He uses the excuse to glance down at the kimono again so his own face doesn't flare up, and runs his hand over the fabric. Light, comfy, but not cheaply made. And now that he's looking at the pattern more closely ... it's clear yet subtle and not too flashy. ]
The others at the cafe will probably like this. [ He's going to be the envy of all of the cat people there. After a beat, he looks back up to Dearka, clearly appreciative. ] ... Thank you.
[ As established, it's so very easy to crack that cranky surface of his and touch him with kindness. ]
Since these vouchers are for a full weekend, though, we're going to need to figure out the right time to go. I can probably shift some of my work hours or swap with somebody, that part should be easy. But we have to account for the time we're going to have to make up for our duties and training here, not to mention the possibility that we could very well be called out for our next mission even if we do decide on a weekend and make the accomodations for it...
[ And this is the exact reason why Yzak needs this little vacation in the first place, ]
Dearka gestures with one hand for Yzak to slow down a little, chuckling with fond exasperation.]
Annnnd that's the other part of the gift: I'll worry about the scheduling and the setup and all the planning. And don't worry about it too much! They're flexible vouchers, I made sure of that. Even if we have to cancel last minute, we won't go losing anything.
[ That eases the fuss his always-thinking-about-the-mission-and-his-other-duties brain starts to make about those finer details. Which are stupid to immediately start thinking about in the first place, but at least it reflects the eagerness he has to go and to actually enjoy the break. ]
That's smart. [ Spoken with high praise but no surprise, because of COURSE Yzak's choice in partner would only ever be someone extremely smart and handsome.
That's also why he relents easily. He's usually the one taking the lead and the one who enjoys being in control. But the the reason he trusts Dearka at his side period is because he knows as a leader, sometimes one needs to let those they choose to be their second wing set the course of flight. ]
I'll leave it to you, then. Just keep me informed so I can give the cafe a proper heads up.
[If they weren't seated across from each other, Dearka would lean over and give him a little peck. Alas, Yzak would see him coming from a mile away like this, so he'll just have to settle for giving him the simp eyes, brimming with fondness.]
[ Well. Getting that look is as good a push as any to get on with the second part of his gift.
It's smaller than the first, this box. But the box and its contents aside, attached to it is an omamori. An enmusubi omamori, specifically - one that means to bind fates, to deepen a relationship. ]
Here.
[ He hands it over, averting his eyes and looking a little more bashful about this one. Feelings like this! Are hard! But he's working himself up so he can make his intentions clear, since this choice in charm was made after reflection of the last few weeks and how much his feelings have shifted since then. ]
[Dearka takes it and gives it a good look, his head cocked slightly. He registers the characters written on the charm after a second, and his heart does a funny little flip.
When he looks up at Yzak again, he's still got that soppy simp look on, but there's an extra layer of... Not quite bewilderment, exactly? But something in that neighborhood. Excitement and uncertainty. He's waiting for some kind of confirmation or explanation, strangely afraid to assume too much.]
[ Wow he's sure getting a lot of that look today. It's comforting yet daunting, like the sun beaming down on him and warming him all over yet he can't stare directly at it for long because it's so bright. ]
—What's with that face?
[ He asks, yet knows without a doubt what's going through Dearka's mind. Not dissimilar to when he'd first kissed him all that time ago - surprised, unsure, hesitating to assume too much. And like last time, Yzak made his intent clear enough. But what happened back then and since then have both been something constantly on his mind ... in both the worst and best of ways. And so, ]
Look. All this time since the start of this ... relationship, [ He says that word the same way Dearka said 'couples' just before, averting his gaze to something or other on his nightstand. Awkward, still almost foreign on the tongue when he says it but still causing his heart to thump just a little harder in his chest. ] it's been you that's been more than patient about things. I know you're not allowing your expectations to get too high, because you said so yourself, that we should enjoy things here, for now, and not stress ourselves out about it.
And that's been fine. But, I can only be that laid back for so long, and I'm aware that even you have your limits there.
Not to mention, it was also you who decided to bring up how you felt first. I can't allow you to keep that lead on me! It would be uncharacteristic on my part if I just let that stand!
[ Of course Yzak has to put it that way, his expression getting that haughty bolster that it always does when it gets like this. ]
... so that's what it's for. [ He looks back to the omamori in Dearka's hand. ] I want to make it clear that I'm taking this seriously, because you mean that much to me. Hell, [ Yzak leans back and runs his hand up through his hair restlessly. ] I even started to wonder if you were the reason I've been avoiding my mother's pushiness about my personal life this whole time!
[ A sigh at the mere thought of those memories, forever haunted by holographic maids appearing in his bathroom. ]
That aside, I also wanted to make clear, that I intend to continue to take this seriously. And that I don't want to consider nor continue to let you consider this as just ... for now.
[ His brow furrows after that, thoughtfully, a little guilty, and he inclines his head toward Dearka. ]
It's probably selfish of me to say something like that when I can't promise you anything. But you ... you're also someone that I want more than anybody else to not hurt or to let down.
... And, [ One last, grumbly, self-important little hmph. ] I want expectations regarding me to be the highest they can be!
[Yzak says "I can't allow you to keep that lead on me", and Dearka smirks; not in a haughty way, just kind of like. Ah, so this is a competition thing.
...That's the most guff he gives Yzak throughout his little speech, though. As much as he may tease and troll the guy (affectionately!), Dearka would never make light of a moment of true vulnerability from his man. He knows Yzak, and he knows that the prickly wall he almost always has up is a necessity for protecting a soft, sentimental and gooey center. Abusing his privilege by cracking wise here would be an absolute betrayal of Yzak's trust.
And... Dearka can feel the sincerity and the enormity behind this moment. He's actually kind of overwhelmed by it? Overwhelmed in a positive way, but, nonetheless...]
Yzak, I...
[His fingers tighten slightly around the omamori.]
Are you saying... Even after we go back to PLANT...?
[It's alright if he's not. But he needs to be absolutely certain.]
[ It's Yzak, of course there's gotta be some element of competition in there. It's as hard-coded into his DNA as his Coordinator genes are.
At the question, his chin dips slightly, though he keeps his gaze on Dearka. He ... doesn't look entirely guilty, but there are traces of it there. He hates being in a position that feels so ... unstable, even if he just said what he said with as much of that Yzak-like determination he could muster. ]
I just said, I can't make any promises. So I ... can't say yes to that. But I'm not saying no, either!
What I mean is, [ He crosses his arms, one set of fingers drumming against his bicep. He's bad at this! Feelings like this are hard! ] we've been here for how many months now? And who the hell knows how many more are ahead of us. We might be stuck here for a long time, which I'm not thrilled about!
But you're here with me. [ There's a lightness in his voice when he says that, because it's no secret that Dearka has always been that important in Yzak's life. His presence and support has always been a source of strength for him. ] And the longer anybody has something like ... this, [ Something nice, something that makes him happy. Of course, he can't say that outloud very easily or else he'll Die. ] the less they're going to want to give it up.
So I just don't want you thinking that going back home means hitting some sort of abrupt finish line. Or that I'm just going to drop everything and tell you to fuck off and forget anything ever happened. I wouldn't do something so shitty, least of all to you.
[The way Dearka almost wildly backpedals, because he's just that worried he accidentally put Yzak in an awkward position by misunderstanding this gesture of his... But Yzak explains, and he relaxes again, hitting him with another one of those incredibly warm and adoring, schmoopy-ass looks of his.
He'd be outright lying if he said he was completely unworried about the future. Going back to PLANT and dealing with the social judgement they'll inevitably wind up facing, from family and coworkers alike; much as he likes to act all aloof and unbothered, it's not like he's completely immune to gossip.
But... Seeing Yzak's resolve? Getting this gift, this symbol. He feels some of those worries he's been shoving into the corner this whole time simply... Fade away.
He chuckles.]
I mean, I never thought for a minute you'd actually do anything that abrupt...
[He trails off, too overcome to articulate himself. Instead, he reaches out and tugs Yzak's sleeve gently. Trying to get him to lean forward in his seat a bit, to help close the gap between bed and chair. Let him give you a "thank you" kiss, idiot!]
[ If Dearka didn't tug at his sleeve he'd have rambled on a bit more. Perhaps it's for the better because it might have been too much of a vibe killer, and who needs that right now? It's not like it's anything Dearka wouldn't have already assumed or known about him, anyway.
He's afraid of being hurt. Either by others or by himself and his own stupid decisions. At the start of this all, he held a knife right up against his heart, ready to cut these feelings away if he got too scared or deemed this all fruitless. Quick and clean though never painless, because Yzak's heart is softer than he lets on. Now, though, he's eased up on keeping it there, bracing and defensive. His lack of any solid promises means it isn't gone, but then again his defenses in general are always just there.
Let's be real, though. At the start or down the line, it wouldn't matter; it's not like doing that would hurt any less, not when it comes to Dearka who is more important to him than anything. Regardless of any what ifs of the past and apprehensions of the future - many of which Yzak shares with his partner - their bond, whatever form it's in, it ultimately unbreakable.
And the whole point of this gift was to make that clear.
It's those damn affectionate eyes that chip away at any awkward hesitation Yzak feels about that notion to kiss him. It does the opposite, in fact, and he leans forward to close that distance between them and give Dearka a soft, but full kiss. And easier that that is to do, his face still heats up by the time he draws back, because, he's Like This. ]
Well, consider that my way of making sure you don't start to think differently.
...
N-now open the last thing.
[ Before he lets himself marinate in this schmoopy moment for too long and it kills him.
The card is standard for what Yzak has done with his other gifts for people, and it reads: ]
There are personalities like watercolors that bleed into the lives they touch. And I know you wish you could do more than just fight to create a picture of peace as vibrant as it deserves to be.
Enjoy the holiday. This team, and I, couldn't have gotten this far without you.
- Yzak
[ And the gift with the card is a pair of fans, that have been teched out in a way where, when waved, they leave a trail of color(s) behind (colors customizable). ]
[....Leave it to Yzak to turn a simple gift exchange into something so profoundly beautiful and heartwarming. Yes, that's a sentiment Dearka Elthman is thinking about Yzak Jule, of all people, and yeah, anyone else hearing that who has met Yzak would probably think he was insane for thinking it. The difference is, he knows Yzak. Knows his heart. And at it's core, it's this: caring, deeply sentimental, and surprisingly poetic when he allows himself to be.
The gift is beautiful and well thought out. But the card... The card is weirdly what's hitting him the hardest.
Dearka swallows that emotion and snaps one of the new fans open to perform an expert flourish with it; something simple that he can easily do while seated, the motion trailing streaks of deep purple similar in hue to his eyes. He snaps it shut again, beaming.]
Alright, uncle. You really got my ass beat on this gift giving thing.
[That's actually his secret final gift to you, Yzak: proclaiming you the gift giving winner.]
[ Did Yzak test out the fans to make sure they were in perfect working order? Of course he did. But there's something about the way Dearka waves one with such effortless skill that he can't help but watch the trail of color in awe.
Awe that shifts into a smirk, pleased at the high praise of his gift of gift-giving.
Still Yzak opts to be a little humble, if only because it's Dearka. ]
It's not like it's a contest.
[ Still smirking, though. Look, he's trying, he just loves the compliments, ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!! KICKS THE DOOR DOWN
Yzak of course has been awake since dawn, busying himself by way of dropping off his other gifts to people. With all he set out to do properly attended to, that leaves him with the rest of the day to do as pleases, and he's actually allowing himself to relax and enjoy it for a change. Which is why Dearka's delivery is last on his list, because now he can slow down and spend this time with the person he wants to most.
The message comes with its own little bonus present. ]
I have your gift. Where are you?
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...AND ALSO, CHRISTMAS STICKER? WHAT??? WHAT??? It's ALWAYS a gift when Yzak actually uses one of the stupid stickers. Dearka is so beyond thrilled to see this.
He's been pretty busy helping Elan out with his mobile suit repairs, but Yzak still gets a prompt enough reply:]
I'm in the hangar right now. But I can leave and meet you back at my quarters if you'd prefer ;)
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Good thing Dearka can't see his expression when he gets that reply. ]
That works. As long as you're not filthy.
[ Because his gift is DELICATE and STAINABLE and he went through A LOT to get it!
(and because he doesn't want to kiss a dirt bag)
((lbr ultimately that wouldn't deter him))
As it's a special occasion, Yzak takes it upon himself to just slip into Dearka's room since he has access. Usually he would never do such a thing outside of an emergency because he is a POLITE GENTLEMAN who knocks and/or gets permission first!
So when Dearka gets in after him, he'll be sitting primly on the lounge chair, a couple of neatly (of COURSE) wrapped boxes on his lap. ]
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Be right there.
[Not long after, he returns to his room, humming a jaunty christmas carol. He's the slightest bit surprised when the door opens and Yzak is already in there, but the startled look on his face soon shifts into one of delight, and he breaks into a wide grin.]
...Well hey there.
[He's smirking like an idiot, all schmoopy eyed. Give him a second to admire the view.]
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And when Dearka smiles at him like that, he holds his gaze a little longer than necessary. In part because it's just ... cute. And in part because it's still new in that way where Yzak is still so unused to these sort of affectionate looks being directed at him. He stares back with a spark of brief captivation, breaking it after a beat with a clearing of his throat before his face has a chance to heat up. He feels it threaten to creep up a bit too fast today especially, considering the message he's sending with one part of the gift. ]
I was already close, so I figured you wouldn't mind.
[ He lifts the gifts from his lap: bigger box, smaller box. ]
Plus, the holiday is all about some guy breaking into peoples' homes.
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At that last comment, he barks a laugh.]
Yeah, it's kinda fucked up if you think about it, huh? And of course I don't mind. I mean, I gave you access for a reason...
[While he speaks, he saunters deeper into the room and goes about digging around in one of his dresser drawers for a few wrapped presents of his own. Then he makes his way over to where Yzak is and stops in front of him, still standing and smirking wordlessly, expectantly holding out the boxes for him to take.]
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[ He says now. When surely the next time this happens Dearka's going to come in one night and Yzak's just going to be curled up in his bed in his PJs because he's going to realize how nice it is to sleep with him and want to do it more than he'll wish to admit.
He mirrors Dearka's offer so they can swap, and as eager and curious as he is about his own gifts, his own pride trumps that in the moment and he's more eager to see Dearka's reaction, leaning forward a bit. ]
Open yours, first.
[ Because the larger of the two boxes contains a full and very real set of Japanese dancewear (we're talkin' kimono, hakama, tabi, obi, zori, everything). Sure, the style upgrades make things easier ... but not only do they glitch, Yzak still prefers buying actual clothes for himself whenever he can. And because he clearly did his homework on what to get for Dearka, and figured having a real, traditional outfit would be nice. Tough as it was to actually finding everything because a couple of these pieces are rare, but he's Yzak Jule, of course he succeeded. ]
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[...He says it confidently enough, but of course there's still a little bit of that natural awkwardness that comes knowing that someone you care about is watching you open up a surprise, and they're specifically waiting your reaction. Dearka's no shrinking violet, but he still can't totally shake the the seed of self-consciousness that threatens to pop up from that.
He casts it off once he actually gets into the box and starts examining the contents, overtaken by a look of surprise that's probably very satisfying from Yzak's perspective.]
No way...
[Each piece is inspected within the box itself, fingers merely brushing reverently over each before he looks up to meet Yzak's eye.]
You seriously got everything. How...? What the hell. I didn't think anyone even made proper hakama like this anymore...!
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And with Dearka so pleased about this, that means Yzak can do a bit of bragging about it. Because of COURSE he's going to brag. Only good Christmas vibes in this room. ]
Barely anybody does. A couple of these pieces were extremely hard to come by.
[ He waves a hand with some flourish. ] But when I'm set on something, I'm not going to half-ass it! Especially when it comes to you. And I was lucky enough to find some good connections once I went poking around the right places.
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Wow... Thanks! Damn, I mean... I don't even know what to say. I kind of feel like mine's almost a bit half-assed by comparison, heh...
[Not like him to be so self-deprecating, but being so flustered is also pretty uncharacteristic for him to begin with. Feeling a bit too Seen, he tries to redirect:]
...Fuck, we gotta even things out here. Go ahead and open mine before I open the second half of yours!
[Inside is a cat patterned kimono with matching sandals, and a voucher for a couple's weekend at the hot springs.]
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He lifts an eyebrow skeptically when he calls his own gift half-assed. He's sure it's not ... and yet, his ego still likes hearing that because he feels like the coolest gift giver humanity has ever known?? God, he's so amazing, etc.
Rather than bending to the urge to insist Dearka open the other half of his gift because he wants to watch those reactions more, he relents to his suggestion, because now he's curious himself after that remark. ]
Fine, fine...
[ He lifts the kimono to get a better look at it ... and then makes a face when he takes note of the pattern. Not a displeased one, because he knows he's never beating the catman allegations, especially considering his civilian work gig. And the pattern is cute. ] Cats, huh? Of course...
[ And once the kimono is out and he can see the sandals (which are very nice too, as he picks one up to inspect it, impressed) ... he also sees the voucher and reaches for it curiously. ]
The hot springs?
[ And with that last piece of the gift, a look of realization dawns on his face as the whole thing comes together because he was lowkey wondering about the reason for the first two gifts. ]
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Y-yeah, well... I've heard it's a pretty nice place to go unwind. .... Y'know. For uh... Couples.
[He clears his throat, forging onward and ignoring the heat that's creeping over his face.]
And yeah, it turns out it's pretty hard to find a decent lion patterned kimono, so I compromised and went for one featuring their domestic cousins instead. It... Made sense to me at the time, anyway.
[If he had Yzak's level of diligence, he probably would've gotten a custom one made or something. Alas!]
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He uses the excuse to glance down at the kimono again so his own face doesn't flare up, and runs his hand over the fabric. Light, comfy, but not cheaply made. And now that he's looking at the pattern more closely ... it's clear yet subtle and not too flashy. ]
The others at the cafe will probably like this. [ He's going to be the envy of all of the cat people there. After a beat, he looks back up to Dearka, clearly appreciative. ] ... Thank you.
[ As established, it's so very easy to crack that cranky surface of his and touch him with kindness. ]
Since these vouchers are for a full weekend, though, we're going to need to figure out the right time to go. I can probably shift some of my work hours or swap with somebody, that part should be easy. But we have to account for the time we're going to have to make up for our duties and training here, not to mention the possibility that we could very well be called out for our next mission even if we do decide on a weekend and make the accomodations for it...
[ And this is the exact reason why Yzak needs this little vacation in the first place, ]
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Dearka gestures with one hand for Yzak to slow down a little, chuckling with fond exasperation.]
Annnnd that's the other part of the gift: I'll worry about the scheduling and the setup and all the planning. And don't worry about it too much! They're flexible vouchers, I made sure of that. Even if we have to cancel last minute, we won't go losing anything.
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[ That eases the fuss his always-thinking-about-the-mission-and-his-other-duties brain starts to make about those finer details. Which are stupid to immediately start thinking about in the first place, but at least it reflects the eagerness he has to go and to actually enjoy the break. ]
That's smart. [ Spoken with high praise but no surprise, because of COURSE Yzak's choice in partner would only ever be someone extremely smart and handsome.
That's also why he relents easily. He's usually the one taking the lead and the one who enjoys being in control. But the the reason he trusts Dearka at his side period is because he knows as a leader, sometimes one needs to let those they choose to be their second wing set the course of flight. ]
I'll leave it to you, then. Just keep me informed so I can give the cafe a proper heads up.
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You got it, boss.
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It's smaller than the first, this box. But the box and its contents aside, attached to it is an omamori. An enmusubi omamori, specifically - one that means to bind fates, to deepen a relationship. ]
Here.
[ He hands it over, averting his eyes and looking a little more bashful about this one. Feelings like this! Are hard! But he's working himself up so he can make his intentions clear, since this choice in charm was made after reflection of the last few weeks and how much his feelings have shifted since then. ]
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[Dearka takes it and gives it a good look, his head cocked slightly. He registers the characters written on the charm after a second, and his heart does a funny little flip.
When he looks up at Yzak again, he's still got that soppy simp look on, but there's an extra layer of... Not quite bewilderment, exactly? But something in that neighborhood. Excitement and uncertainty. He's waiting for some kind of confirmation or explanation, strangely afraid to assume too much.]
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—What's with that face?
[ He asks, yet knows without a doubt what's going through Dearka's mind. Not dissimilar to when he'd first kissed him all that time ago - surprised, unsure, hesitating to assume too much. And like last time, Yzak made his intent clear enough. But what happened back then and since then have both been something constantly on his mind ... in both the worst and best of ways. And so, ]
Look. All this time since the start of this ... relationship, [ He says that word the same way Dearka said 'couples' just before, averting his gaze to something or other on his nightstand. Awkward, still almost foreign on the tongue when he says it but still causing his heart to thump just a little harder in his chest. ] it's been you that's been more than patient about things. I know you're not allowing your expectations to get too high, because you said so yourself, that we should enjoy things here, for now, and not stress ourselves out about it.
And that's been fine. But, I can only be that laid back for so long, and I'm aware that even you have your limits there.
Not to mention, it was also you who decided to bring up how you felt first. I can't allow you to keep that lead on me! It would be uncharacteristic on my part if I just let that stand!
[ Of course Yzak has to put it that way, his expression getting that haughty bolster that it always does when it gets like this. ]
... so that's what it's for. [ He looks back to the omamori in Dearka's hand. ] I want to make it clear that I'm taking this seriously, because you mean that much to me. Hell, [ Yzak leans back and runs his hand up through his hair restlessly. ] I even started to wonder if you were the reason I've been avoiding my mother's pushiness about my personal life this whole time!
[ A sigh at the mere thought of those memories, forever haunted by holographic maids appearing in his bathroom. ]
That aside, I also wanted to make clear, that I intend to continue to take this seriously. And that I don't want to consider nor continue to let you consider this as just ... for now.
[ His brow furrows after that, thoughtfully, a little guilty, and he inclines his head toward Dearka. ]
It's probably selfish of me to say something like that when I can't promise you anything. But you ... you're also someone that I want more than anybody else to not hurt or to let down.
... And, [ One last, grumbly, self-important little hmph. ] I want expectations regarding me to be the highest they can be!
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...That's the most guff he gives Yzak throughout his little speech, though. As much as he may tease and troll the guy (affectionately!), Dearka would never make light of a moment of true vulnerability from his man. He knows Yzak, and he knows that the prickly wall he almost always has up is a necessity for protecting a soft, sentimental and gooey center. Abusing his privilege by cracking wise here would be an absolute betrayal of Yzak's trust.
And... Dearka can feel the sincerity and the enormity behind this moment. He's actually kind of overwhelmed by it? Overwhelmed in a positive way, but, nonetheless...]
Yzak, I...
[His fingers tighten slightly around the omamori.]
Are you saying... Even after we go back to PLANT...?
[It's alright if he's not. But he needs to be absolutely certain.]
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At the question, his chin dips slightly, though he keeps his gaze on Dearka. He ... doesn't look entirely guilty, but there are traces of it there. He hates being in a position that feels so ... unstable, even if he just said what he said with as much of that Yzak-like determination he could muster. ]
I just said, I can't make any promises. So I ... can't say yes to that. But I'm not saying no, either!
What I mean is, [ He crosses his arms, one set of fingers drumming against his bicep. He's bad at this! Feelings like this are hard! ] we've been here for how many months now? And who the hell knows how many more are ahead of us. We might be stuck here for a long time, which I'm not thrilled about!
But you're here with me. [ There's a lightness in his voice when he says that, because it's no secret that Dearka has always been that important in Yzak's life. His presence and support has always been a source of strength for him. ] And the longer anybody has something like ... this, [ Something nice, something that makes him happy. Of course, he can't say that outloud very easily or else he'll Die. ] the less they're going to want to give it up.
So I just don't want you thinking that going back home means hitting some sort of abrupt finish line. Or that I'm just going to drop everything and tell you to fuck off and forget anything ever happened. I wouldn't do something so shitty, least of all to you.
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He'd be outright lying if he said he was completely unworried about the future. Going back to PLANT and dealing with the social judgement they'll inevitably wind up facing, from family and coworkers alike; much as he likes to act all aloof and unbothered, it's not like he's completely immune to gossip.
But... Seeing Yzak's resolve? Getting this gift, this symbol. He feels some of those worries he's been shoving into the corner this whole time simply... Fade away.
He chuckles.]
I mean, I never thought for a minute you'd actually do anything that abrupt...
[He trails off, too overcome to articulate himself. Instead, he reaches out and tugs Yzak's sleeve gently. Trying to get him to lean forward in his seat a bit, to help close the gap between bed and chair. Let him give you a "thank you" kiss, idiot!]
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He's afraid of being hurt. Either by others or by himself and his own stupid decisions. At the start of this all, he held a knife right up against his heart, ready to cut these feelings away if he got too scared or deemed this all fruitless. Quick and clean though never painless, because Yzak's heart is softer than he lets on. Now, though, he's eased up on keeping it there, bracing and defensive. His lack of any solid promises means it isn't gone, but then again his defenses in general are always just there.
Let's be real, though. At the start or down the line, it wouldn't matter; it's not like doing that would hurt any less, not when it comes to Dearka who is more important to him than anything. Regardless of any what ifs of the past and apprehensions of the future - many of which Yzak shares with his partner - their bond, whatever form it's in, it ultimately unbreakable.
And the whole point of this gift was to make that clear.
It's those damn affectionate eyes that chip away at any awkward hesitation Yzak feels about that notion to kiss him. It does the opposite, in fact, and he leans forward to close that distance between them and give Dearka a soft, but full kiss. And easier that that is to do, his face still heats up by the time he draws back, because, he's Like This. ]
Well, consider that my way of making sure you don't start to think differently.
...
N-now open the last thing.
[ Before he lets himself marinate in this schmoopy moment for too long and it kills him.
The card is standard for what Yzak has done with his other gifts for people, and it reads: ]
There are personalities like watercolors that bleed into the lives they touch. And I know you wish you could do more than just fight to create a picture of peace as vibrant as it deserves to be.
Enjoy the holiday. This team, and I, couldn't have gotten this far without you.
- Yzak
[ And the gift with the card is a pair of fans, that have been teched out in a way where, when waved, they leave a trail of color(s) behind (colors customizable). ]
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The gift is beautiful and well thought out. But the card... The card is weirdly what's hitting him the hardest.
Dearka swallows that emotion and snaps one of the new fans open to perform an expert flourish with it; something simple that he can easily do while seated, the motion trailing streaks of deep purple similar in hue to his eyes. He snaps it shut again, beaming.]
Alright, uncle. You really got my ass beat on this gift giving thing.
[That's actually his secret final gift to you, Yzak: proclaiming you the gift giving winner.]
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Awe that shifts into a smirk, pleased at the high praise of his gift of gift-giving.
Still Yzak opts to be a little humble, if only because it's Dearka. ]
It's not like it's a contest.
[ Still smirking, though. Look, he's trying, he just loves the compliments, ]
puts a little CHRISTMAS BOW on this:🎀