#deliveries.

[ Cleo will find this invitation sitting on the register at Echo. ]

[ Left outside Jenny's door with a bow on it. Also, we're pretending this looks more like Rachel Sennott here. We're using our imaginations.

There is a small envelope tucked beneath the bow. It's pale purple, and a little glittery. Iniside, there's a note:

Jenny,

Happy birthday! The first one of a new life. I know it's not how you wanted it to be, but I know you'll make it into something beautiful all the same. You're good at that, I think. At making things beautiful.

I didn't put this one in the gallery show. Couldn't chance someone else snatching it up, yeah? It was meant for you. You're a lovely subject to paint. I think the greats would all be a bit jealous of me, if we're being honest. Mona Lisa can't quite compare to the look you get in your eyes when you're thinking of something clever, you know.

Come by this afternoon, if you'd like. We can have drinks and watch Taskmaster on the sofa, or we can go out and stay tipsy until the sun comes up. Whatever you'd prefer. I'm yours.

Baz ]

Hand-delivered to Cleo’s is a violin case with a bow on it. Once opened, inside is an old, well-cared-for violin. There’s a note on top of the instrument.

Cleo,

This violin belonged to my mother. I love music, but it’s not my go-to. This violin deserves someone who will cherish it the way only a musician can. As said, it was my mother’s, so it’s from the 18th century. It’s been modernized over time, replaced the tuning pegs, and re-stained the wood. But I want you to have it. Play it for me sometime, will you? I’d only trust a fellow muse with this, and I’d only trust a friend to handle her properly. Luckily for me, you’re both of those things.

Happy Birthday, we’ll have to celebrate together soon.

[ Tucked in an envelope with Daiyu’s name on it is this lovely little coupon, folded up in a note.

Hey, so, I was giving everyone nude portraits of myself for xmas but I was pretty sure if I gifted you something like that, your head would explode. So here’s this instead! (I do have an extra if you change your mind xoxo)

[ Given to Daiyu with a book of coupons that say things like: “I owe you a day of not bothering you”, “I owe you take out”, and “I owe you practice with REAL WEAPONS”. There is a note!

Thanks for helping even if you don’t really wanna. I’m glad I met you.