We share a room. We also share a room with Ji-chan.
[She's just.... pitying him so much. There's so much pity it pushes away her ordinary reaction of amused laughter. She's found someone even more innocent and delicate than Yoichi. That's a huge achievement.]
I don't mind the obvious burning smell in our room, but how close are you to bankruptcy right now?
[There's a long pause on his end, just like he was struggling with his thoughts. It's most likely the case, because the thing he asks of her is rather morally questionable.]
Could you...have look through Jiroutachi's things?
[He feels ashamed of asking about something like that, but on the other hand, he's not going to accuse someone without a proof. He could but...he always considered Jirou rather playful but harmless.]
I'll ask the chief, maybe he'll let me prepare meals for myself on Mondays.
[Ah...he didn't expect that she would take it so personally.]
I-It's not that! It's just...just... [What is it Gil.] Uh, I'm sorry. Truly sorry.
[Just a short while later, he presses play and finally listens to the recording. The line remains open, so Shinoa may listen to it with him no problem. Not that she has to, but...
When it reaches the end, Gilbert is so thankful that the girl can't see his face. His cheeks are flushed and burning hot and while he's not crying, he looks like he may burst into tears in any moment.
What is he even supposed to say? He feels like an idiot who he is.]
T-Thank you, Shinoa. I-I'll make it up to you, I promise.
Shinoa had been prepared to start teasing him. Truly, it would have been terrible. But now Gil-chan is so sad and wrecked, and she finds she doesn't have the heart to.
There's silence at her end of the line too. She'd been snickering through the recordings, but when she speaks again her voice is a lot softer.]
Aww. Do you want a hug? If you're near our room you can come get a hug.
[ on the morning of the 23rd, you receive a package, wrapped neatly in glossy white paper and gold ribbon, with a photo attached to it. It’s a picture of Teddy, your resident Prime Minister, giving puppy dog eyes at the camera and holding up a sign that reads “I ♥ HEROES”. the message on the back of the photo says: ]
Dear Gilbert Nightray, I am happy to see that you made it back from Gammon, safe and sound. War is truly a terrible thing, and I can only imagine the horrors you had to go through. I thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Blanc’s citizens. We are truly grateful.
Commander Pinta has informed me of your valiant efforts in the recent battle to protect the Kingdom of Gammon. Gammon is an important ally of the Republic of Blanc, and though a battle is never an enjoyable ordeal, I do hope you enjoyed the sights and celebrations our sister nation has to offer.
But not too much! Gammon is a great place, but Blanc missed you, Gilbert! I missed you. I thought it might be nice to send you a little gift, which I hope you’ll enjoy.
Warmest regards, Thierry Toussant
[ Unwrap the box and you will find:
A very tight leather thong.
If your eyes happen to wander over to your window, you notice you’re not alone. Wait a minute, is that… Teddy peeking in, watching eagerly as you unwrap your gift? Was it just your imagination? Whether it is or not, he’s already gone! ]
[IF THOSE ARE ANOTHER THONGS THEN HE'S GOING TO MURDER—
Oh, that's not the case. The kiss mark on the note doesn't fail to fluster him, but actually...the coat looks pretty nice. That's why Gilbert, taking advantage of the fact that Jirou isn't around, puts it on.]
What an idiot...buying something like this for me.
[However, as he says that, a smile curls up at the corners of his lips. The next thing Gilbert does is writing a short response:]
Thank You. Gilbert
[It's...not much, that's for sure. But they're going to see each other sooner or later, so he'll thank him properly then.]
But once Jirou gets back to their room, there'll be lots of food on the table (those are mostly Japanese dishes, or well, Japanese-like dishes, because once he asked about Japan in the library, the lady gave him an apologetic smile) and even a bottle of sake. Whether it's not the only way to thank Jirou, it's something he does best.
As for Gilbert, he's sitting on his bed doing...well, nothing. Just waiting. From time to time he just gets up and takes a look at the coat in the mirror. He really likes it.]
[Jirou comes in and is surprised by the smell of food. This isn't what he was expecting! He blinks and comes further in and lets his carrier down to wobble about the room too. It takes a second before he realizes that...these are Japanese foods!]
[No draping all over him? No teasing? Gilbert blinks at first, but instead of just standing there and blinking he should answer the question, shouldn't he?]
Um...oh, yes. For you...
[That goes without saying, but well.]
It's not that difficult at all... [Maybe it's not difficult per se, but it's time-consuming. Especially arranging the dishes.] I could do this everyday, I think.
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