The noble placed an unwrapped gift on his valet's nightstand. The present was the latest edition of a book series that the bookworm had adorned. "Happy Birthday Leo."
Although he didn't feel tired nor drowsy, Leo was laying down on his bed. With crossed arms under his head and pitch-black eyes remaining shut, the young man drank in the comfortable atmosphere of sweet quietness born from a late sunset. However, this was swiftly broken as the thud of books hit the nightstand beside his head rather smoothly.
A single eye cracked open to stare at Elliot, silently questioning him, before he rolled his body to the side to welcome a full view of his friend's present. It could be seen as silly on his part, but for a moment he had forgotten his birthday had yet to finish. Yet, for the servant it was a good sign if anything, since it meant the day had advanced without any unwanted noise or attention.
He recognized the book series' most novel edition that he had seen a while ago at a bookshop's window display almost immediately, and a grin couldn't help but play on his lips as his mind drifted back to all those times when he would fail to conceal his excitement regarding said series.
❝ Why, these look pretty fancy. I'm relieved to see even you can appreciate a nice book cover. ❞ His tone was laced with tease, his attention having returned to the noble; it was always amusing to witness which witty remark would be the next to get on his nerves.
When he finally decided to rise from his position, Leo seated himself over the bed's edge and while his smile did not falter at any moment, it acquired a different caliber, a mirth that he knew would express the gratitude that swelled in his chest. ❝ Thank you, Elliot. ❞
