IC: CONTACT

[vartex]

"First Lieutenant Messer Ihlefeld."

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[vartex]

I think you know the answer because you're asking me on the day of, when you've already prepared something.

[He's making assumptions, sure, but this is Kaname. She wouldn't do this if she didn't have a plan already.

...Plus she has a cake, so that counts.]

Regardless, no. There isn't anything I want that you can give me.

[axi]

Please stop with your logical conclusions. [It's hard to take that statement at face value when she's grinning like she is.]

You're not wrong, of course, but I wanted to see anyway. Eat your cake.

[As she takes another bite of hers.]

[vartex]

You are the one who asked me, you know.

[He does go back to his cake, though, obediently. As expected.]

[axi]

[As the mature leader of Walkure, she normally has to set an example for the others and does a damn good job at it. But here? Here is different.

So Kaname sticks her tongue out at him as she reaches into the tote and places a plainly wrapped box on the table between their plates.]

[vartex]

[He's a big fella with a big mouth, so he's about halfway through the cake piece when she puts the box between them, hand pausing between plate and mouth.]

I confess it's a little strange to feel... excited about a birthday. It's been a long time.

[Not that he looks especially excited, compared to the sort of people Kaname is usually surrounded by, but even so. A gift! From Kaname! It's a nice surprise.]

[axi]

[Aww, Messer. Kaname looks a little surprised by the statement, then a warm smile crosses her face.]

I'm glad I could help you feel that way again. It's not much, but it should work out somehow.

[vartex]

I've never required much to begin with.

[So it means a lot that she even puts the slightest effort into it- and she often goes above and beyond what he'd expect.]

[axi]

That means nothing on your birthday.

[Receiving presents isn't about requiring, at least not when it comes to his level of scarcity.]

You can open it now.

[vartex]

Hm, alright...

[He's about done anyway, so he eats his last bit of cake and sets it aside, carefully and methodically opening the box as if even the wrapping is precious. He's not an animal and he's intent on putting the same effort into it as she did.]

[axi]

[Inside the box past all the paper is a piece of cloth. Upon looking closer, it's a navy blue t-shirt with the Walkure logo on it.

Kaname's biting back a grin. She probably doesn't actually expect him to wear that.]

[vartex]

[He holds it up in front of himself for a long moment, trying to keep a stone faced expression, but a little of his confusion seeps through. Of all the things he might have expected to pull out of the box, this... is not it. Uh.]

Where did you... find this?

[axi]

You'd be surprised what you can get people to make.

[She actually winks at him.]

Don't worry, that's not the only thing.

[vartex]

[oh thank god Okay, that's not all that surprising. A Walkure shirt is a bit arrogant for a real gift, and Kaname isn't like that.

His lips quirk into a very small Messer-typical smile, and he tucks the shirt neatly to the side, reaching into the box once more.]

[axi]

[Well he'll sure feel silly when he finds the box empty. Kaname chuckles and pulls another one out of the bag to set on the table.

Gotta unwrap another.]

Another present means another to open. That's how it generally works.

[vartex]

[Oh goddammit. She got him good.]

...You'll forgive me if I'm out of practice.

[He'll just... try to play it off by unwrapping this one.]

[axi]

[Inside he'll find more fabric. ... a lot more. When he takes it out, he'll discover a white flag with the Delta Flight symbol emblazoned in the center, large and clearly meant for display.]

You room needs something to hang on the walls. [She is clearly pleased with herself.]

[vartex]

[He quietly unfolds it, spreading it out in front of himself to get a good look at the scale, the logo, the details- all of it. It's... actually an excellent reproduction. Especially considering they're wandering through space surrounded by people who've never heard of any of them.

After a moment he drops it back down, carefully re-folding it, another small smile on his face. This is a good gift.]

Thank you... I'll have to find a good space for it.

[His walls are literally empty, there's lots of space.]

[axi]

[There's a clicking sound as Kaname lowers her communicator. It doesn't take a genius to realize she just took a picture of his smile, especially judging by her own.]

Choosing which wall to hang it on might pose a challenge.

[vartex]

[He gives her a look for a long moment, because- really? really? ...but fine, he'll allow it. Keep your photos, if you must.]

If you have any suggestions, I'll accept your professional opinion.

[She certainly understands aesthetics better than him.]

[axi]

[Really! And yes, she must. Her smile turns into a knowing grin at his own expression.]

By your bed might be a nice place. A good way to frame the room...

[vartex]

Mm. That's a good idea.

[He sets it down on the box, fingers brushing over the fabric thoughtfully.]

It might be good to be greeted with some colour when I enter the room, for once.

[Since his room's been boring and plain both here and back on Ragna...]

[axi]

We could always try and paint the walls.

[Don't let her start that, Messer.]

[vartex]

[please, one step at a time.]

I feel as though that would be a wasted effort, considering the attention I give to the aesthetics.

[AKA barely any at all.]