abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] the river's overrun

Entry tags:

[ OPEN ] the river's overrun

Who: Claude and various
When: July + August
Where: The Free Cities, the Horizon, TBA
What: Catch all for both months + open TL for Free Cities quests for July
Warnings: None currently, will add/mark as needed

( open + closed starters below | action, prose, and wildcards all welcome | find me at

indech, by PM, or on discord to plot something! )

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[ The rest of the library might as well be a distant memory as Hilda moves against him. Both her hips which give Claude a fleeting sense of satisfaction, and her hand's movements when that gets his own cant into forward more of her touch. A noise which could only be described as muffled at a bare minimum also escapes him when one of his hands starts to join his leg between her thighs.

Timed right with Hilda pulling away as he blinks at her in equal confusion, mind still on what'd only just started as it takes him a second to process what she's asked. ]

What? What--

[ Things which would've been ideal to check for instead of reaching for whatever solid surface he could find for them first: whether this was one of the permanent bookcases or one of the temporary ones he's seen around meant to hold tomes yet to be filed and moved around. Usually mostly empty, and not at all anchored.

Unfortunately for them, it's absolutely the latter.

No sooner than Claude starts that sentence which is still a half formed thought does the noise catch his attention - because now it's a vibration, and right after that he's grabbing onto Hilda to keep them both upright when the shelf behind his shoulders simply disappears. And not at all silently as the shelving unit tips over, deposits the books onto the floor in varying levels of volumes, and then hits the next (actually solid, he hopes) bookcase with a loud clang. ]

Holy shit.

[ It also turns out there were also some library apprentices in the next aisle who first look at the books and then at them with something between confusion and mild horror. It's that which finally makes Claude very aware he's about to laugh, and clap a hand over his own mouth just in time. Mostly. A snicker might still escape him even though it's totally not funny. Not even a little bit. ]

[ Everything happens so quickly that she can barely comprehend exactly what they had inadvertently set in motion. Despite being pulled into Claude's arms to steady the both of them she can still see just past him to watch as the bookshelf that had been subject to their very inappropriate library shenanigans sways - and then promptly falls. The bookshelf that it had hit is also of the unanchored variety and does the same. They (she, Claude and the poor library apprentices) watch in sick fascination as the bookshelf begins to fall, hitting the ground with another sounding crash.

But whereas Claude has enough sense to clap a hand over his mouth, her hands are otherwise preoccupied, one still in his hair while the other is still not so subtly palming against his length. Could she have pressed her lips hard enough together to stifle a laugh? Absolutely. But she doesn't. Instead she lets out a brief, very loud, laugh that threatens to get louder if she doesn't think to bury her face in his chest.

Her shoulders shake as she laughs into his warmth. And while her words are muffled, he'll be able to hear them as the assistants immediately scatter collecting books, while another one hurries off to find a librarian, no doubt to tell them what happened and who they suspect was responsible. ]

Liesel is going to be so mad at us.

[ If he were the type to feel shame in this sort of situation: between the bookcase falling and realizing Hilda's hand is still on him in a way which leaves exactly zero doubt about what they were doing (or about to do) which knocked it over, this would be a prime time for it.

Instead he even less subtly shifts enough so her hand isn't so immediately suspect and tries to think of what to say, feeling zero regrets at all though that won't help salvage the situation. Something about offering to help clean up would be a good start, probably.

As Hilda continues to laugh it makes it all the more difficult for Claude to not do the same even with that tight grip on not showing anything but what he wants to. Though he's aiming to look concerned, maybe even supposedly contrite given the flurry of activity around them picking up what'd been knocked over while they just stand here, it probably looks too much like a smirk to be fully effective. Still, now that they're not in any danger of falling over themselves he places a hand on the back of Hilda's head in feigned consolation while he pats her back with the other one. ]

She's just really overcome right now.

[ Even if his face isn't conveying it, Claude's tone feigns apology well enough. He'll settle for one out of two. The nearest apprentice looks appropriately skeptical since it's not difficult to tell Hilda's shoulders are shaking not from tears. Before he can do anything else - there's Liesel looking at the books and then them with what's an absolute glower telling them to leave.

Well. Turns out he can feel slightly bad about this after all. ]

[ It's only as she feels Claude shift that she remembers that they're now fully exposed and moves her hand away to the small of his back instead to hold onto him tighter. That in turn means she presses herself deeper into the fabric of his shirt and hopefully muffling whatever laughter that escapes her further.

When she feels like she can subdue her laughter enough Hilda chooses that moment to look up. Her timing has rarely ever ben poor, but when she's with Claude all variables seem to become jumbled and it's truly anyone's guess as to what could possibly happen next. And of course Hilda making direct eye contact with Liesel is inevitable.

Thankfully she had had enough sense to arrange her expression into something looking remorseful before she had looked up and she had the added benefit of tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. But the moment she makes eye contact with a very disappointed librarian who is now delegating some of the library aides the feigned remorse becomes real. She has enough grace to look sheepish and looks up towards Claude. ]

We should probably help them right?

[ But Liesel, whose hearing is far better than Hilda would have thought is already making her way towards them. I think you two have done enough for today. And for the next little while. I'll have to ask you to refrain from visiting for the next several weeks. Remorse and guilt turn to shock. ]

Wha - but I have a project due!

[ He's opening his mouth to answer her question since the least they could do is help - and actually help this time when it comes to putting books away and things back as they were rather than getting distracted by each other all over again. Or not distracted to quite that extent which had the bookcase tipping over since that might be a good start in righting things literally and figuratively.

Claude never gets to start his own thoughts when Hilda's question is overheard and apparently the wrong thing to offer when Liesel rounds on them. The scolding doubles and he has the grace to wince slightly, though their librarian friend doesn't stop there. No, what's handed out as a punishment is something he can't argue with right in this moment as he moves to take Hilda's hands in his with a quick squeeze. ]

You've got it. We'll be out of here in a minute.

[ That banning is the sort of thing to be bargained later, he thinks, with a bit of distance between now and whenever 'later' is. Other staff might be more amenable to the idea of helping out to lessen the time involved in being told to stay away; that's the sort of thing Claude's already putting on his mental to do list to circle back in a few days to begin that bargaining process.

Either way, he's already tugging Hilda back to make sure they're really out of hearing range before muttering to her while still doing his best to not openly laugh, ] We'll ask someone else to get what you need. Sylvain will probably think this is funny enough to volunteer.

[ In all fairness her question had been totally rhetorical. Lest they forget, she had been the one to suggest (or insist, rather) that they put the books back first. It isn't her fault that she had chosen to abide by the fact that it was his birthday. Of course they were going to help pick up the books. But surely both of them deserved a second to collect themselves after the chaos they had just witnessed. ...Or maybe it would be better phrased as the chaos that they had been the cause of without even really trying.

Still reeling from the consequences of their actions turns out to be a good thing however because it means that Hilda doesn't inadvertently end up digging them a deeper hole. Hilda doesn't put any resistance as Claude leads them out of the library doing her best to ignore the pinpricks of heat blooming on her cheeks from the embarrassment of being scolded by Liesel.

When they emerge back into fresh air and Claude says what he does, another snort leaves her unbidden. And while this will absolutely throw a wrench in her plans to complete an assignment on time, she can't help the laugh that mixes with her attempt at a groan knowing that they'd have to go back to the loft and recount this tale to Sylvain. ]

We're never going to hear the end of it. Do you think the professor will believe me if I tell them that I got banned because I knocked over a shelf?

Oh, we're absolutely never going to hear the end of it. Something tells me this might just become etched in Sylvain's memory permanently.

[ All said in fondness, of course, especially when there's a zero percent chance that Claude wouldn't also immediately remember this For All Time if the situation was different. It's difficult not to grin in what's not quite anticipation but something like it since he can already picture how this conversation's going to go - and he's pretty certain Hilda can too based on her reaction - though he's in no rush to encounter it.

Better instead to wrap an arm around her waist to pull her in close to his side again while they walk with no destination in mind (that he knows of, anyway) and now it's his turn for a laugh. ]

I think it depends on how quickly the librarians decide to tell anyone else about what happened. Your professor might know a little more about how the shelf got knocked over than you bargained for.

[ If it's anything like Garreg Mach, well. It might not be long at all before lots more people know though Claude's as unbothered as the grin on his face suggests as he leans over to kiss the top of her hair and then adds, ] Not that I mind being infamous, of course.

[ As embarrassing as this is, she can still appreciate when something is objectively funny. And knocking down several shelves because they got a little bit carried away definitely falls into that category. But there are few things in life that bring her more joy than recounting tales and funny stories that can be accurately reenacted to their best of their abilities with people they care about - or in this specific case someone that they love.

She allows them to meander for the time being. While she does have one or two last gifts in store for him, there's no rush when there's still plenty of daylight hours. And technically one of them didn't really need to be gifted during the daylight hour so they truly wasn't beholden by time anymore. ]

I thought you would have wanted to keep good standing at the library of all places.

[ She lets out a noise of understanding, as if something has just occurred to her. ]

Oh, is that why you've been buying so many books lately? You're trying to turn the loft into the next Cadens library branch. [ Even though she gives him a gentle hip bump in chiding she winds her fingers through his at her waist, bringing his other hand up to kiss. ] You know you're supposed to tell us these things beforehand, right?

I have my methods of getting back in.

[ Less ominous than it sounds given that he knows the route across rooftops and a way in thanks to his own explorations not long after arriving and also from Altaïr's routes, but something Claude will also have to consider carefully lest that ban become permanent. A temporary one is one thing but not being allowed back in this library he's spent the most time in would be a different trouble entirely.

A future problem since for now there's Hilda's fingers in his and the brush of her lips against his hand, a small pleasure he never tires of feeling the thrill of each and every time when his skin feels extra warmed by where they pressed. Claude might devote a little more focus to that in the moment if it wasn't for what else she's said. ]

Wait, are you saying my copious amounts of books weren't enough of a clue? [ At this he's going to look at her to blink guilelessly in the perfect picture of innocence well crafted from infinite times of using it before. Does it matter that she won't fall for it? Not at all; that's at least half of the fun. ] Or the bookshelves we keep adding since the owner's far too nice to us? Actually, maybe you're onto something here. We could totally just add an extra room to make it its own library.

[ He's ignoring that they already more or less have that, of course. ]

[ Being in Claude's life for as long has meant that she's had the unique opportunity to get to know his brain on a far more intimate level than most. Which means that she has an inkling of how exactly he would plan to go about doing that. And as much as she knows how much he enjoys a good dare, she knows full well that he isn't about to jeopardize his access to the library for good. And neither is she for that matter (though, admittedly, that's a surprising thought to have all things considered). ]

Well if you're feeling daring enough, I could probably foresee one or two big huge kisses with your name on it.

[ She's kidding of course. Not about the kisses, but the being daring enough to sneak back in. Sylvain will have to be their temporary library book mule. If he ever stops laughing after they tell them this particular story.

Her expression falls flat as she looks at him from over their intertwined hands. ]

We'd probably have to ask the owner of the building before we add any rooms.

[ The unimpressed look turns into something sharper, more mischievous not so unlike the look she had given him in the library before they had been unceremoniously kicked out. The next kiss across his knuckles lingers. ]

And we'd have to make sure that they're sturdy enough to hold us up.

Just one or two after I'm being incredibly brave and risking my life for the books you need? I'm wounded, my love.

[ Because that's the main issue here, clearly, and Claude's not going to miss a chance to spiral it out into something more even if in the next breath he's waving a hand as though to dismiss concerns about adding rooms. Just another matter of spinning it to be something of value - sort of like sneaking back into the library except with less risk. Probably.

That's how he'd phrase it if he had another chance to latch onto it for humor's sake when there's no telling just where he might take it from there. Hilda's faster with a distraction and one he certainly isn't going to set aside for any changes back to prior topics. Those are all well forgotten when her lips brush against his hand. ]

Their number one requirement along with skipping the carpenter who put the library's together.

[ Something substantial's the way to go much like their other shelves around the loft. A thought which has Claude stopping in the sidewalk to tug Hilda forward by their joined hands to lean in for a kiss meant to pick up right where they'd left off prior to those shelves betraying them.

Or it would be if this kiss lasted longer; it's all of a few seconds before that they're on a rather busy sidewalk interrupts via someone shoving past with a grumble about blocking everything. It's not a rough motion but enough to jostle them about to where Claude places both hands on Hilda's waist in the aftermath to steady them both. ]

Sheesh. Doesn't anybody appreciate a couple having a moment anymore?

[ It's not the first time she's heard the term of endearment, but she seems to preen under the sound of it all the same. The words dancing off of Claude's tongue leave her all but unfurling towards him like a flower towards the sun and her eyes seem to shine a little brighter. ]

We both know that you're never really going to have your fill of kisses. And what if you get tired of them? I have to use them sparingly.

[ Though they both know that the word isn't really something that Hilda puts into any serious practice. A nobleman's child's behaviour can change but she'll always fall back on old habits. And giving kisses sparingly isn't where she's about to start. She's pleased that he seems to have that mentality too as he captures her lips in his. It never takes long for her to lose herself in their kisses but there's hardly enough time to really settle in when they're jostled. A quick glare shot to the back of that someone who had interrupted them replaces the dreamy expression she'd had on her face. And it proves to be effective - the retreating form has them looking back as if feeling a distinct sharpness thrown at the back of their head. They're quick to continue scampering off with a little more of a sheepish look to their face. ]

Apparently not. [ The momentary annoyance is smoothed away as she returns her gaze up back towards him a curl of mischief still on her lips. ] But if you want quiet, I did have one more gift in mind if you think you have the energy for it after solving my incredibly difficult scavenger hunt.

Get tired of them?

[ There's no end to the scandalization! Nor is there any hesitation in that response leaving Claude's mouth the very second Hilda stops speaking to replace his supposed annoyance about getting bumped in the middle of the sidewalk. Easier still to focus on running with the joke when Hilda more than takes care of sending them on their way, even if Claude himself is now occasionally glancing around a bit more for anyone else approaching. Just in case. ]

I've never been more offended in my life over the very idea I might ever get tired of them. I need a moment to recover.

[ Of which he's going to do by pressing the back of a hand to his forehead as if seeking to compose himself and there's no smirk threatening to pull at the corners of his mouth or any amusement in his eyes. Or that a second later he shrugs, apparently over whatever the supposed trouble was to take Hilda's hand in his to tug her along to his side. ]

Alright, recovery complete. I'll let you lead the way to where we're headed next which hopefully won't be another scavenger hunt.

[ The universe and Abraxas' gods certainly seemed intent on telling them that they should probably be a little bit more mindful of their surroundings when it came to their public displays of affection. But if causing bookshelves to fall in a library, getting banned from said library, and then being jostled in the streets for a little kiss hadn't deterred either of them yet, it's impossible to say what will.

It doesn't help matters either that they both seem to take turns egging the other on with their behaviour. Case in point right now.

There's no stopping the snort and the laugh that follows that Claude immediately pulls from her at his dramatics. He'll meet no resistance as he pulls her into his side or a missed beat as she begins to lead them towards their final destination for the evening. ]

Do you know how much work that would take? One was enough. I'll need at least eleven months before I'm ready for another one.

[ It doesn't take them long to reach the Old Public Hall. With a lull between shows it's blissfully quiet which is exactly what she had hoped as she leads him towards her office. For once all of her projects are tucked away into their respective areas leaving the couch and desks in a rare clean form. Which means that it would be impossible to miss the beautifully wrapped package lying in wait on the couch. She's quick to lead him over before holding it out towards him. When he begins to unwrap it she explains, perhaps with the first sign of nerves that she's displayed all day, a preface to what he'll find. ]

Now, I didn't have much to go off of but I wanted to get you something that blended something of home and here.

[ Lying in the box wrapped in delicate tissue is a beautiful silk outfit not so dissimilar to what he'd find in Almyra. And naturally, it's made fit for a crown prince. It's made of deep greens and golds, and embroidered with motifs of deer and the clockwork of the city that they were slowly coming to call home. Her eyes search his face watching for any signs of distaste or offence. ]

...Do you like it?

[ As they continue back to her office, continuing to tease her about this scavenger hunt and any future ones (including the one he's quite serious about putting together himself now that the challenge is here) comes easy. So does following her where she leads to a place he's become familiar with minus the package waiting that his gaze falls upon. Before Claude can ask Hilda's already handing it to him and he holds onto it for a second to study her after she prefaces what it might be inside while sliding fingertips beneath to unwrap it. It still hasn't quite connected though when it's revealed, when it clicks? His breath catches at the sight.

For all his many reflexive responses to something, for all those repartees waiting to be used - they fail him now. Or more accurately, Claude doesn't even start to reach for any of them. Doesn't want to when even if it's something to be expected, an easy balance between them long established by years of the same, it would feel so out of place.

Because it would here and now where sentiment tightens the back of his throat, does something to the expression on his face he doesn't feel compelled to tuck away from being seen; to allow anything else in would be a jarring discordance with what's in his hands as he traces the pad of his thumb along embroidery, over antlers and something so close to what he might've once worn in another life. A feeling of being seen but also far more than that when it's plain to see in each and every stitch the love Hilda put into the garments in a way which still hasn't quite allowed him to catch his breath. No words could compare to that, and now isn't a time to try.

Instead, Claude gently sets the outfit down with great reverence to make sure it stays safe. It's perfect, he could say, and it'd be true. It doesn't feel like enough as instead he turns to Hilda properly. This time to pull her in for another kiss, this one more weighted than the many others from today alone. One meant to linger, and one that's confirmation and adoration both. ]

[ Any time she delivered a gift or now finished pieces, and whether they be for friends or paying clients, worry always prickles at the back of her mind. The myriad of thoughts that seem to never cease dancing through her mind seem to slow to a halt as she watches for reactions of displeasure or dissatisfaction. And if there's any sign of that to be found she's ready to leap right into trying to fix it. For as much joy as gifting and creating and art seem to give her, it does little to dispel the worry that what they've been given is disappointing in some way.

Though she wouldn't admit as much, Hilda approached everything she made with a sense of seriousness. This was her art. Her craft. An extension of herself put out into the world so that those she cared for would be able to have a physical, tangible form of what they meant to her. It's something she's begun to think about more and more as the days blur by here in Abraxas. How does she create while also ensuring that those she loves are protected in some way? All of which is to say, the baseline of concern is there but it's tenfold because of the person standing before her holding what is probably the equivalent of a love letter to him in clothing form.

The silence is almost too much. Seconds seem to stretch and she practically blurts out something to break the tension. But then she watches his face shift and he's moving towards her though her brain doesn't seem to register that fact until he's pulling her close. The kiss that he gives her is less heated than before but no less full of affection and tenderness so much so that it makes her heart hammer against her chest. In the same instance it serves to quell whatever nerves she had flitting at the back of her mind. When they break apart it's only a hairs breadth as she lets out a quiet, relieved laugh. ]

I'm going to take that as a yes.

[ The danger in not responding as expected - something said aloud no matter how much it might simultaneously fit and also not in the same moment - is leaving too much room for the interpretation of something else. On this Claude's willing to take the risk even as he knows Hilda is waiting to hear something. But from the sound of her laugh when the kiss ends: she's heard it loud and clear even if the delivery wasn't what was expected. ]

It's perfect, my heart.

[ The term of endearment is easily slipped in like all the rest since the teasing ones they'd invented as teenagers who thought they knew better as the first steps on the path that'd eventually led them here even with all the twists and turns. Those words he'd thought weren't enough seconds ago now feel right when used to underscore the sentiment voiced first through another method as he rests his hands at her waist, his forehead against hers, and with a smile that isn't one of the many in his arsenal but something quieter, more private, more meant for moments just like this one. ]

It's incredible, but more than that you are for both taking the time and for making it. I'm already looking forward to wearing it with pride the first chance I get and telling everyone who asks where it came from.

[ Something he'll do with even more pride, truthfully, since Claude's already looking forward to telling people about Hilda and her talents rather than letting all any forthcoming compliments fall upon his own shoulders. That simply won't do when there's nothing better seen there than her gift for putting it all together. It's both a tease and a promise in one since he means to hold to it. Of course, perhaps a little more teasing will have to come through, too. ]

Should I get a journal ready to take orders since you'll be rather busy after that?

[ The kiss and the care that he showed the garment would have been enough but then he has to go and layer praise on top of it. In spite of herself heat rushes to her face and a blush becomes evident on her cheeks, unable to stop the flood of sudden embarrassment that comes over her. Very quickly she goes from gazing at him in adoration to pressing her face into the nape of his neck in what is probably a failed attempt at trying to conceal how overwhelmed she's become in one fell swoop.

It probably goes without saying as well that making a love letter as personal as this would only ever happen for one other person that currently resides in Abraxas. ]

Stop that! I just wanted to make you something nice. And I know it it probably isn't exactly what you'd wear in Almyra but I wanted to try and -

[ Realizing that she's rambling she buries her face further into him with a disgruntled groan. This wasn't exactly how she had planned on giving him the present but she's managed to get through life thinking on her feet when spanners are thrown in the works. ]

You know what just go and try it on, okay? [ No matter what he says she will take his present and all but force him towards the changing screen. ] Come out when you're done!

You did make me something nice!

[ That's interjected in there even as he's laughing when she sputters, grabbing for one thing after another in what Claude would be lying if he said wasn't his aim in taking the conversation that direction. The same for not letting her hide even if it's just by leaning down to press kisses to whatever he can reach of her face while she presses it against him, and for chuckling as she groans then pushes him away with a goal in mind. ]

Alright, alright. I'm ready to show off all your hard work even sooner if that's what you want.

[ A wink goes with that before he ducks behind the changing screen like this will spare him any further commentary from Hilda (or being swatted, for that matter). Claude makes quick work of toeing off his boots to make sure they don't accidentally dirty anything and then stripping off his shirt and trousers to toss aside for later. Putting on the garments Hilda's made, however, gets far more care put into it to make sure nothing happens to them as each layer falls into place. Hardly any straightening of any kind's needed from him thanks to her talent in making them, and it's with a small smile of homesickness for the familiar feeling of the clothes and delight in what she's accomplished he adjusts the cuffs while stepping back out from the changing screen. ]

If you were hoping to avoid more praise after I put everything on, you're gonna have to suffer even more of it now.

[ The kisses serve their purpose in only flustering her further - hence the strength behind the way she forces him towards the other side of the room and leaves her cheeks burning with a warmth that she quickly tries to dispel once he disappears behind the screen.

There is one final element to his scavenger hunt that she has to implement after all.

And while she knows that Claude enjoys the rare opportunities when he can make her blush, a flushed face simply doesn't fit into the overall aesthetic that she had been going for. She works quickly and by the time he steps out from behind the changing screen she's changed into something else too. Mostly.

What greets Claude is Hilda who has made herself comfortable on the couch in far less clothing than she had been minutes before. A long length of red ribbon is wrapped around her body covering all the indecent bits before being tied at her breasts with a comically huge bow. There's nothing to imply that anything is amiss however. In fact, she looks thoughtful as she admires him from her spot on the couch. ]

I was hoping to praise you instead. Isn't that what a birthday is supposed to be about? You?

I'm certainly not going to complain if you--

[ That's where that thought ends once he looks up from tucking one of his cuffs into place and everything about Claude comes to a complete halt. Not just physically as he stops in place but also mentally and whatever else might be included in a rather rare complete breakdown of his usual comportment. There's also, tellingly, no attempt to play it off as being anything but that as he stands in place with his gaze locked on her. It's a surprise with that to match, but more than that: it's a delight.

If praise was supposed to be involved, it's lost on him along with the rest of what Hilda said as his gaze travels over her to take everything in about her own outfit change with a slightly raised eyebrow and a smile curving up one corner of his mouth to go with it. Rather clever to insist that he needed to try on his new clothes right then, he thinks as he remembers how to move and steps forward towards the couch. Leave it to Hilda to think of this. ]

Well. I think I'll be the one doing some praising for a while yet. [ Perhaps that goes without saying as he takes a seat next to her on the couch and reaches out to run a fingertip along the top of one length of ribbon before next sliding it beneath to run it along her skin just as appreciatively as his smile morphs into something decidedly resembling a smirk. ] Do I get to unwrap this present as well?

[ An entirely shameless question and he knows it. ]

[ To say that Hilda had conjured up the ideal reaction in her mind to her little surprise would have been a bold faced lie. But whatever she had imagined pales in comparison to seeing Claude react in real time. The relief and warm glow that she had felt earlier witnessing him open the final part of her gift to him is different than what sparks now as he emerges and she feels his gaze settle upon her.

She's admiring him in her own way of course. Marveling at the way he fills out the fabric, brings the garment to life in a way that only he could. Though she had gone to pain staking lengths to pick out the fabric there was a warmth to it now that she can't explain. With only pictures to go off of she didn't know how the fabric would move or what it would embody - but she has to imagine that it looks like this. Ironic then that she had plans to see him out of them before the day was done.

Though Claude's touch has her skin pebbling in its wake she plays it off like nothing at all as she stretches her arms above her head akin to some lounging cat. His smirk had to be matched after all if not with another smirk, but the air of one. ]

It is your birthday. I think it'd be a shame not to unwrap it but far be it from me to tell the birthday boy what to do.

[ Her head tilts to the side regarding him briefly as she nudges him gently with her foot. ]

Unless he wants that, that is.

[ Even as a man who enjoys predicting every last possibility of what could happen at any given time, and sometimes out of habit more than really wanting to know: this hadn't been something he'd foreseen when she'd ask him to try on the incredibly thoughtful gift she'd made. Something he's still conscious of wearing and not wanting to wrinkle it too prematurely even as he brings his own hand to rest on her thigh.

The reaction telling on her skin compared to the slightly aloof smirk on her face is a contrast he'll never tired of, and now is no exception. It's as impossible as ever to ignore the small rush of desire it brings when he knows exactly what it looks like to be on the other side of one of Hilda's calculations when that's something she could say just as easily.

All the more reason to keep his fingertips running beneath that ribbon without skipping over any sensitive spots as he goes in search of what else it might bring. No reason to stop as she contemplates him with that tilt of her head in another expression he loves clearly, and then it's Claude's turn to grin both at the nudge and the words following. ]

You know me too well.

[ In this, in other things - in all of it in the slow unraveling of everything it'd taken to get them here. For now there's nothing presently in mind but Hilda in this ribbon as he leans forward with a grin until their lips meet in a kiss while reaching for the bow to begin unraveling it, too. ]

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[ OPEN ] the river's overrun

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