‘ Y’DIDN’T HAVE TO GET ME ANYTHING. ‘
‘ that’s a load of BULLSHIT, henry, ‘n you know it. ‘
the banter of brothers, wide smirks and light punches ( roughhousing is easier than SAYING YOU CARE, after all ). the package is passed from one to the other, and the slighter of the two can’t help but sit up a bit straighter on their shared bed, a private smile teasing up the corners of chapped lips. “well, go on; OPEN IT !!”
the suspense is drawn short once the top of the box comes off, and the grimace that slips across indiana’s face is the cue for a grin to completely light up finn’s. the present in question is a now SECOND HAND fedora, the brim thinly coated in dust, a testament to its spot at the top of finn’s closet for the last couple of months or so ( was it burma where indy’d picked it up for him ?? panama ?? san jose ?? ).
‘ REGIFTING DOESN’T COUNT AS AN ACTUAL
BIRTHDAY PRESENT, ASSHOLE. ’
despite indy’s grumbles, finn’ll still lean over, grabbing the hat from the box and setting it roughly atop his brother’s head, skewed dramatically to one side, like he’s some kind of ‘30s mobster. tilting his own head to one side, the clifton boy sits back on his haunches, a thoughtful expression flitting over his face before the smile is back to stay.
‘ i was RIGHT !! it does suit you better. ’
okay, so it’s a SHITTY excuse to regift, but did indy actually expect a real gift ?? from the kid who flunked his xenohorticulture final on purpose by writing his short answers entirely in french and about the detailed history of board games in the twentieth century ?? it takes a while, and a snort of a laugh from finn before indy gives in, cracking a smile of his own, shoving finn’s shoulder as he forfeits.
‘ I EVER TELL YOU THAT YOU’RE A JERK ? ’
‘ it’s come up once or twice. i did get you ANOTHER present, y’know.”
‘ MHMM. the gift of friendship. ‘
‘ WHERE’S THE GIFT RECEIPT ? ’
‘ you’ll be glad to know it’s NONREFUNDABLE. happy birthday, indy. ’
LOVE YOU. BROTHER.
