He had made sure to take the time to prepare the gift within a mindful white box wrapped in a lavender colored bow. Of course, parties are a thing- but Dusk made sure to find her quite quickly before either family would notice his absence. Once he noticed her, Dusk offered the palm-sized box to her with a sheepish yet gentle smile.
"I wanted to make sure I could give it to you without being interrupted. I know today will be busy for you, so I tried my hand at something a little more handmade. It's... it's not perfect," He adds, glancing back at the box with slight hesitation.
"...but I think it makes it up for its use for you. Happy birthday, Mariko." Dusk's smile warms from awkward to comfortable. He really is no good at being genuine, but with friends like Mariko he felt like this was something he absolutely couldn't miss for her!
Within the box itself is a colorful pin of purples and pinks- in the shape of a cat! With a little bow around its neck too, and although it doesn't look perfect, it looks well enough that the gem facets alternate colors when held in the light!
"I'm not planning on contributing to my family's wealth on becoming a jeweler, but I wanted to make it anyway because you seem to enjoy the little things in life. That way, you can put it on anything you'd like." Dusk adds, his attention drifting from her gift to her.
Then, he laughs quietly!
"Maybe it was the costume from before that made me think of you and cats as being similar in a way. I think it suits you."
( Happy birthday Mariko!!! Dusk is giving you a pretty cat pin he made <: )
{ Mariko Day!!! 🕊️ 🎁 🎉 }
Big parties were something Mariko had for pretty much all her life. If not celebrating at home with the staff of the Shiratori Mansion, then it was her parents throwing her a big dinner party. They had rented out a banquet hall, in which they invited close colleagues and friends, including Dusk's family. He was the closest friend she has there, so she was happy he attended. While their parents were somewhere else in the place talking, Mariko was relaxing in one of the corridors to catch a breather. "Hey there, Dusk. Hah, don't worry about me, I'm used to eventful days whenever my birthday comes around." Then at the mention that he made something for her as a gift, her eyes blink in surprise as she looks at the gift box he holds out to her.
"You... made me something?" He claims it's not perfect, but the fact alone that it was handmade automatically makes it a great present, no matter what, in her book! Most people probably think that rich only care to receive lavish and luxurious gifts, but Mariko was actually pretty modest when it came to gifts. No matter if pricey or cheap, if it's something that fits her, she will love it. That goes doubly for anything that someone took the time to make for her. "Dummy. You think I care about perfection?" She snickers as she finally takes the box. "I appreciate the fact you wanted to go the extra mile and make me something. Thank you, Dusk."
She carefully undoes the lavender bow before opening the box... and seeing what was inside, makes her gasp in awe. "...!!! This is...! You...made this?!" She picks the colorful pin up to give a full glance. The adorable cat shape, the beautiful purples and pinks, and its little bow... it was one of the most beautiful pins she's ever seen! And as she holds the pin up to the light, watching the colors alternate... "This is amazing.... I've never seen a pin as beautifully made and pretty as this, before... and you seriously think it's not perfect?!"
She was mesmerized, truly. Something this beautiful... made specifically for her! "Despite that...you still wanted to use those skills to make me something like this...." It made her wonder...how did she get so lucky to have a friend like him? Someone who understood her on a personal level in so many ways, treated her like a normal girl who she could talk to about anything. When he laughs and says that, she gives a small laugh of her own. "Heh, I guess you're right. I'm glad you think it suits me. I...love it, Dusk. I really love it! I'll think of different things I can put it on. Like..." On her dress's collar, she carefully places the pin on it. Then with a satisfied smile, she asks: "A nice place to put it, don't you think? I'll take good care of it, I promise. Thank you again, so much! I'm really glad you came here to the part, Dusk."
Her smile as she gives him a quick, but big hug. "You made today even better for me. I hope you know that."















