She was never disappointed to see Ziya â especially not because that usually meant Orpheus was there, and Ziya wasnât wrong, though they couldnât have known the other agreed with them on that front, because it was something Agnes would never voice â but she also hadnât been expecting to see him so early, either, and found herself genuinely surprised as she reached the bottom of the staircase. âGifts?â she repeated, laughing through her curious smile as she returned his cheek kiss, âPlural?â Of course, her laughter (and her surprise, and amusement) grew as he put his money where his mouth was (for lack of a better idiom at this moment) and left Agnesâ eyes darting between her hands and his face like an excited child on Christmas morning. âWhat?! What do you need to work twice as hard for? Youâve already done it, youâre here now, youâll be here later, thatâs twice, whatâs the problem?â she teased. Â
As he continued, though, the amusement on her face very swiftly and clearly turned to blatant confusion. âWhat do you mean this oneâs from Orpheus? Whereâs Orpheus, then? Did something happen?â It wasnât that she was surprised (in a bad way) by Orpheus outstripping everyone in comparison to what most people might have up their sleeve today, but now she was getting Orpheus gifts via their friends? What had necessitated the enlistment of delivery people? She had so many questions that she simply couldnât pick. âYou are family, Ziya, you know that.â Eyeing the parcels in her hands wasnât getting her any answers, though, and Agnesâ curiosity limit was about to reach itsâ peak. âAnd because youâre family, you have to tell me whatâs going on. Whatâs in here? Whatâs happening? Something is happening, I can smell it, what is he up to?â she squinted for a moment, staring him down, hard, then gave it up an instant later with a sigh. They were friends, yes, and they had Orpheus in common, but Ziya was Orphâs man through and through, and she respected that. âYouâre not going to tell me are you? ⌠Can I open them?â
  Seeing Agnes smile was satisfying. There was no denying that he cared about her, even if he claimed that his relationship with her was largely by extension. They both knew the truth of the matter, and he wanted to see her happy, and cared for. It was especially true that she felt that way for her birthday, anything else would just be wrong. He leaned into the kiss to his cheek, laughing along with her. âOf course, plural. Agnes, you have met yourself, havenât you?â He teased, though it was true. âThatâs not exactly what I meant darling, but thank you. I appreciate the approval.â He smirked. âI mean only to say that Iâd like to keep up with Orpheus here, but it seems heâs gone off the deep end this year and simply wonât be matched by anyone.â He confessed. He didnât care to fight it either. He knew what Orpheus was up to, sort of. âIâll be here later, of course, but indulge me and let me spoil you too. Itâs been a long year, you deserve the best start to a new one.â He added.Â
   âOf course not.â He reassured at once. âOrpheus is fine, heâs just being romantic or something.â He laughed, though he felt guilty for making her worry, even for a moment. It touched him though, to see her genuine concern and care for his dear friend. Orpheus could do a hell of a lot worse. âUnfortunately, Iâm bound to relative secrecy. I can deliver the gift, my own, and his, but it gets worse.â He smirked. âYouâre not allowed to open it until tonight, but it comes with some words to tide you over?â He offered, straightening his posture. âIâm saying it my own way, heâll have to sue me.â He smirked. âHe wants you to know this gift is special, delivered by family as we all know the importance of that. Youâre not only important to him, but also to the people he loves in a familial way. Therefore, this gift represents that. Your bond to family, and the loyalty and love that comes with it.â He explained, âwhich is why you can open my gift.â He added, knowing heâd need to placate her at least a bit. Inside his parcel was something far more sentimental than he typically chose for such things.Â
   The parcel contained a few pieces. The first was a family heirloom, one of several things saved from his familyâs recent struggles. It was small, a delicate hair comb with stunning emeralds nestled within beautiful closures. The shape of it seemed to reflect the shape of a blue clipper butterfly, resting on metal twisted to act like the stem and leaves of a flower. It had belonged to his great grandmother, and had been passed down. It was charmed as well, with a powerful protective spell. It was his way of ensuring heâd always be able to offer protection, even if he was busy and far away. The second item was to make her laugh ââ a picture, of her and him and Orpheus, three Christmases back, right before the snow from the roof had slid and buried them all. The last item was for Glitter Demon, sort of, as no gift was complete without thinking of the raccoon. It was a raccoon charm for a silver bracelet, so Agnes could carry him with her whenever she wanted.Â