Just what is a Perfect Present anyway? (Closed)

[protectingwishes]

[Sophie never celebrated her birthday. Asbel found it strange that he had never really given it much thought until now, a few days before the anniversary of the first time he, Cheria and Hubert had met Sophie. He thought Sophie would have asked him about birthdays as a hint about wanting to celebrate one, but she hadn't and so Asbel was convinced that she would have let the day pass without a fuss. He couldn't accept this. Sophie should celebrate her birthday, and he was going to do whatever it took to make that happen.

While organizing a party would be easy, getting a present for the guest of honor would to be more of a challenge. Asbel had scoured Lhant for the perfect present, but there was nothing there had really caught his eye. He didn't really know what to get Sophie for her first birthday and time was running out. That's why today he decided to enlist the aid of a pair of co-conspirators, Cheria and Hubert. The plan was for the trio to make a trip to Barona before sunrise and spend the day searching for something Sophie would love. The Windor capital surely had a greater selection of gifts than Lhant, or so Asbel believed.

----

Asbel steps off the boat and stretches. It's still early and many shopkeepers seem to just be opening their stores.]

It's a good thing mom was able to come up with a way to keep Sophie at home.

[He should have known that saying "We're just going to Barona to see Richard" was only going to make Sophie want to go with them. Luckily his mother managed to convince Sophie to spend the day with her instead.]

Comments

[dreamchasing]

[ Of course, when she heard this idea that Asbel had, she wasn't going to miss out on this. Sophie was very special and important to all of them, and if she could help in obtaining the perfect gift for her special day, she was all for it.

The issue was finding that something perfect, though. She knew as well as anyone that Sophie was very difficult to shop for. Trying to make food for her was sometimes a challenge. She had to tell Sophie many times not to be so picky with what she ate.

She really was like a child sometimes. But that was okay. She loved her anyway. ]

Yes, that was fortunate.

[ She put a finger to her chin and looked around at the opening of the shops. ]

Should we get some breakfast before we start looking? I think it's going to take a little bit of time for all of the shops to be ready for customers. I think some of the restaurants have been open for a little bit, though.

[painful_finish]

[And here comes Hubert, walking with purpose from the port and is that a small smile on those stern lips? Why, yes, it is. Asbel's idea of a party for Sophie--and to find a gift together--even caused him to use some of those vacation days he never seemed to have time for. Yes, this was A Most Important Mission, and he was pleased to be a part of it]

[As he approaches Cheria and Asbel, and hearing Asbel's musing about their mother keeping Sophie occupied, he gives a nod]

Good morning.
You'll have to explain how you managed that one or rather--how Mother did.

[A nod to Cheria]

Breakfast sounds wonderful. The ship had very limited options.

Sorry for the delay guys.

[protectingwishes]

I don't know, she just whispered something to Sophie before we left and Sophie seemed really excited. I guess mom can be really persuasive?

[Oh good! He wasn't the only one who was hungry.]

Great idea, Cheria! I know this place that makes really great curry! I'm sure they must be open by now.

[But curry for breakfast? Really?]

no prob husbando <3

[dreamchasing]

Lady Kerri seems to know Sophie well enough to know what she likes to do. I'm sure whatever they're doing will keep her busy for quite a while! And keep her from suspecting anything about what we're doing.

[ She's going to make a face at Asbel about his comment about curry. She should have seen this coming ... she sighs. ]

Un-believable, Asbel ... couldn't we find a nice restaurant to sit down in and have a normal breakfast?

Re: no prob husbando <3

[painful_finish]

[Hubert gives his brother that look. Y'know, the one that says "are you an idiot"]

I believe a more traditional breakfast would be much more welcome and appropriate. Regardless, time is fleeting and we should find our way to a place quickly.

[Touching his chin in thought, he looks between them, hoping for a more pleasant conversation than Asbel's eating habits]

Sophie is doing well, then?

[protectingwishes]

But Cheria--!

[Before Asbel can even voice his protest Hubert joins in.]

What? Not you too, Hubert!

[It's two against one here! If Sophie had come she would back him up, but that would have defeated the purpose of this trip. Asbel relents but he's pretty disappointed at being denied his breakfast of choice.]

All right, all right... I think there's a place that does "traditional breakfast" around here.

[He perks up a little at Hubert's mention of Sophie.]

Sophie's been doing a lot better lately now that she has less on her mind. She's really gotten into her hobbies too.

[dreamchasing]

[ MUWAHAHAHA, WE WIN, ASBEL. Cheria smiles a little in triumph, as they head to the restaurant. She's happy to hear about Sophie, though. She'd been on her own journey when Asbel had contacted her about his plan to throw Sophie a birthday party, so she hasn't been around quite as often as she used to be ... and of course, she hadn't been keeping up with the family as much as she should have been.

Fortunately, both Asbel and Sophie had been very understanding. She wanted to give something back to both of them. ]

That's good. We were all really stressed out for a while.

[ ... And there was still an elephant in the room. Cheria shifted a little. ]

So, ah ... Lambda hasn't been causing any problems, has he?

[ She looked over to Asbel, focusing her sight on his one different colored eye. She was understandably worried about Lambda taking residence inside of someone she cared about so much ... it was already a huge issue when he had taken up residence inside of Richard. Asbel seemed to be more than capable of defying the odds with things, though. ]

[painful_finish]

[Hubert raises a brow at Cheria's direct question. He had been wondering the same, and it was a matter that actually kept him awake at night. He hated to think that his brother was suffering in any way because of the...being...that lived within him]

[Crossing his arms over his chest, he waits for an answer]

[protectingwishes]

[Asbel walks a little ahead of the two as he thinks of about Cheria's question.]

He's been... really quiet since we left Fodra. In fact I haven't spoken to him since. But it's not like he's gone.

[It's a difficult feeling to express. It doesn't help that Asbel doesn't fully understand his current relationship with the entity known as Lambda. But Lambda is his friend, so his absence is one that Asbel feels even if he doesn't think about it all the time.]

I don't know how to describe it but I can still feel him there. But it's like he's asleep or really far away.

/COMES IN TWO MONTHS LATE WITH STARBUCKS

[dreamchasing]

[ She nods in response. ]

I'm just glad that he's able to live alongside you well.

[ And that he's not causing any problems for Asbel. She was definitely worried, seeing how Richard had gone completely off the deep end while housing Lambda, but Asbel's indomitable spirit seemed to be stronger than Lambda himself.

It was one of the many things she really admired about her childhood friend. Both of her childhood friends. They had both grown into such strong men. ]

Anyway, breakfast?

[painful_finish]

That's actually a bit of a relief.

[He sighs and adjusts his glasses, not wanting to say more or dwell on the subject. Asbel's description soothed his concerns. For the moment]

Perhaps the restaurant near the docks would be a good place?

[protectingwishes]

Yeah, sure. We're right here anyway.

[It's a small dockside cafe with half a dozen circular tables placed outside. Patrons are made to order at a window and dine outside, presumably to enjoy the sea breeze. Since it's early the place is still fairly empty, with only two or three other people enjoying breakfast.

Asbel was familiar with the establishment and it's owner, a retired sea captain called Mayhew. Asbel walks ahead of his companions and greets the old man at the counter. He casts a wary glance over his shoulder toward Cheria before lowering his voice to a whisper.]

Morning Mayhew! I'll have my usual thanks.

[Mayhew gave a grunt of approval. It had been a while since he'd seen Asbel but he remembered what the kid always had when he stopped by. Asbel turns to Cheria and Hubert.]

What will you guys have?

[dreamchasing]

[ She's giving you a look, Asbel. One of those 'I'm on to you, and I'm gonna nag you like you've never been nagged before' looks. She steps up to the counter and looks over the menu. ]

Ah ... I guess the breakfast omelette with a little bit of fruit sounds good, thank you.

[ Cheria dons a knowing expression, glancing over at her friend (boyfriend? they really hadn't talked in depth about that yet). ]

Unlike some people, I have a little variety in my meal choices.

[ ... love you, Asbel. ♥ ]

[painful_finish]

[And Hubert is also a creature of habit about his breakfast, but he'll tease his brother because...reasons]

I'd like the rice omelette with a side of salsa.

[The salsa won't be the same as his mommy's, but...in desperate times, one takes desperate measures!]

Yes, Asbel. If the proprietor knows your 'usual' that is rather disturbing to me.

[protectingwishes]

Why? I used to come here a lot back then, of course he'd know what I like to have.

[Missing the point, he retreats over to a table smiling back at Cheria as he goes.]

Well if you come to a place that makes your favorite, you should have your favorite, right?

[He pulls out a chair for Cheria and then one for himself. Sorry bro, you'll have to get your own.]

[dreamchasing]

[ Any retort she was going to give to Asbel was promptly cut off as he pulled out a chair for her. All of this was just so new to her ... she definitely wasn't used to Asbel being such a gentleman where she was concerned.

And now, of course, there was a blush on her face. Quick, hide it before you look awkward!! More awkward than you feel!

She takes the seat gladly and murmurs a quick "Thank you," to Asbel as she does so. ]

W-Well ... I suppose that makes sense. We don't really eat out all that often anymore. At least, I don't.

[ She was usually so busy helping people that she had to quickly pack her lunches and eat whenever she had the time for it. ]

[painful_finish]

[Well, Asbel has learned some manners. Color Hubert impressed. He was afraid he was going to have to school his brother in the proper deportment around ladies. That was at least one thing off his plate! Taking his seat, he smiled at the two of them]

How are things with you then, Cheria? It sounds like you are busy these days.