#unblot

silver points to the text. “see?”

“It’s no problem.” Idia replies trying to hide the disappointment in his tone when Salem removes the smaller version of themselves from him. He usually wasn’t one for being touched anyone who knew anything about him knew that. He hated being grabbed unexpectedly or being climbed on or clung too. But it was different with this little creature, with most little creatures. With this odd thing that resembled so much the one who lingered in his heart he almost didn’t want it to let go. It was why he’d let it follow him, climb him, cling to him through out most of the day. He didn’t know what it was nor what it’s intentions were. But he knew it was cute incredibly cute even and he found himself endeared to it.

However he couldn’t say that, that’d be so embarrassing. He’d truly rather die then admit to something so heartfelt and true as to that feeling. So when Salem takes the creature back he even helps detach it’s little paw like feet from his shoulder. His hands do linger on it, patting it’s head and staying there a moment before he pulls his hand away.

If Aster is anything like them, she won't want attention drawn to it. But that doesn't mean Salem can't help in another way. They pick up a torn piece of embroidered cloth from the ground among the rest of discarded things. "This is pretty. Did you make this?"

“ oooooo — ” once her family is out of earshot, aster briefly lets her frustration get the best of her. her hands idly move up to her red hair, pulling it up off her neck to just hold against the crown of her head; it gets the weight of her thick curls off her heated neck as she flushes, it gives her something to do with her hands, it gives her a moment to breathe and think.

deep breath in. hold for seven. deep breath out.

finally aster’s attention shifts from its unseeing focus on the mess left behind to actually see salem. she knows what they saw, of course — but they’re merciful and say nothing about the ugly scene. that’s all any of this is, including aster’s frustration: ugly. another cycle of deep breathing, eyes briefly shutting, and aster lets her hair fall gracefully around her shoulders once more. “ i tried to get into painting, but i’m no good with a paint brush, ” she explains as an answer. “ embroidery is kind of like watching flowers grow. ” it’s beautiful in its simplicity, the mess necessary to create that beauty tucked neatly out of sight.

she leans down, although that leaning quickly becomes sitting on her knees on the stone floor when she feels her balance give, to pick up some of the other fabric and spools, wondering at the way dahlia finds the time to continue to team up with mother like this despite being married. her face is still flushed as she picks everything up, and it’s only a moment more before that warmth focuses as a stinging in the corners of her eyes. she does what she can to blink that feeling away, making another small sound of frustration at herself as she lifts a hand to wipe at her right eye. “ sorry. normally we’re better at — ” she waves vaguely with her other hand, struggling to find the words for a moment. the continuation of the thought comes out quieter than the first part: “ keeping all this to ourselves. ” 

“ Lord Malleus, have you looked into dating apps? ” Silver has no interest in them himself but after witnessing Sebek's explosion, he thought maybe this would solve this no bitches problem his lord is troubled with. “ From what I've heard today's generation uses them to acquire...bitches. ” The last word is spoken at a low whisper. Using such crass language in the presence of his highness feels disrespectful.

..... interesting.  although the pride malleus had was clinging to him;  a moth to a flame;  there was a slight twitch of his lips,  his acknowledgement subtle but noticeable nonetheless.   as much as malleus was someone highly distinguished,   he was unable to hide the pout to his lips.     subconsciously tilting his head at silver’s low whisper, he gave a low hum and sat in silence for a moment.  no matter how crass the word sounded,  he couldn’t help but want to be intrigued.  he really, really did.

inside the box is the following: a sleek black & blue motor helmet, (una's still not the keenest about her son riding magical wheels but if he's gonna do it he might as well be safe), some hand weights & exercise tapes (next time deuce is home una's gonna try and convince him to try the zumba tape with her), random cds and dvds bought from the video store closing sale, a chicken shaped alarm clock that clucks to wake you up (she has one at home now too) & then some miscellaneous things like socks, snacks & extra underwear (you never know when you'll need it)

at the bottom of the box there's a note left in his mom's handwriting, signed with a heart. it reads: happy birthday to my favorite guy! you're growing up to be such an upstanding little man! hope you like these. - love mom (p.s. carrying all this stuff by myself nearly broke my back. shopping's hard without my strongman around)

A package sent to the dorms wasn't something Deuce had been expecting - but as soon as he opened it, it was pretty obvious who it was from and why. And it almost felt foolish to think that his mother wouldn't have sent him something, since he wasn't at home to celebrate with her.

The motorcycle helmet was...probably the most shocking thing to find, but also the most exciting-! He had...actually not been wearing a helmet, when he was riding in middle school, so this would come in handy now that he was trying to be better about playing it safe. Weights would be good after a warmup and...the dvds he could bring down to the dorm lobby to see if anyone wanted to watch.

All in all - it was a great package, and it was all things he'd use. (of course) Combined with all the cup ramen he got from Idia earlier when he was doing his birthday interview...he'd have to text her about it all.

Thanks for all the gifts, Mom! I got a few from my friends here, too. Shroud-senpai got me a ton of cup noodles so maybe I'll see if he wants to watch one of these movies with me and share some! Don't go too overboard with carrying everything, though. I'll be back to help once we go on break!