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You don't need to close your eyes, I have it wrapped. [ Royce calls to him from the bedroom. And indeed, when he comes out, he has a box that is - wrapped. Kind of. Royce has no idea how to wrap a present so it's kind of a disaster but. He tried!
A little nervously, Royce sits down on the couch with it in his lap, and hesitates. ]
A little nervously, Royce sits down on the couch with it in his lap, and hesitates. ]
[ Royce huffs. ]
No, but you don't have to. I just wanted to. That's all. [ That's what you do with presents, right? That's how it works.
When Alfie opens the box, he'll find a full outfit inside. It's made of soft, silky fabric, and it's a deep blue, trimmed with gold. Alfie might recognize some of the more fancy bits of the trim - it's distinctly elvish. Royce watches Alfie as he opens it, still looking nervous. ]
No, but you don't have to. I just wanted to. That's all. [ That's what you do with presents, right? That's how it works.
When Alfie opens the box, he'll find a full outfit inside. It's made of soft, silky fabric, and it's a deep blue, trimmed with gold. Alfie might recognize some of the more fancy bits of the trim - it's distinctly elvish. Royce watches Alfie as he opens it, still looking nervous. ]
[Oh, look at this. Alfie pulls it out so, so carefully, piece by piece, unfolding each one as best as he can over his lap. It's hard to get the full scope of it sitting down like this, but he can tell that it's fancy, and regal, and incredibly well-made. He runs his fingers over the intricately embroidered top, momentarily speechless.]
I was - reading. [ Royce says, a little haltingly. ] The elves have traditional formal wear, just like humans. You're not an elf, and it isn't your culture...
But you've shared so much of your own culture with me, and I - wanted to return the favor. Even if I still feel a little like an outsider in my own.
But you've shared so much of your own culture with me, and I - wanted to return the favor. Even if I still feel a little like an outsider in my own.
[Alfie grabs for Royce's hand, holding it tight in both of his own. His first instinct is usually to speak his emotions rather than sharing them, but there's no better way to convey his gratitude than to let Royce feel it, so he does exactly that, flooding him with warmth and affection and thanks.]
May I-- go try it on, then?
May I-- go try it on, then?
I would never. [ Royce says, lips twitching into a smile. More than anything right now, he's touched. There's a very warm, very soft feeling enveloping him. ]
You try the clasp before I help. [ Royce says, tilting his head back. The clasp is weird only because it makes the cloak fall in a very particular way. It'll be difficult without Royce's help, because things like these were made in mind for kings to have assistance with. ]
You try the clasp before I help. [ Royce says, tilting his head back. The clasp is weird only because it makes the cloak fall in a very particular way. It'll be difficult without Royce's help, because things like these were made in mind for kings to have assistance with. ]
[ Royce rolls his eyes at Alfie, but he gets up to help - he's not exactly practiced, but he knows what he's doing when he drapes the cloak over Alfie's shoulders. Carefully, he pulls the fabric into place, and then tightens the clasp, lips twitched into a small smile. ]
There. Not too tight?
There. Not too tight?
[ There's a little pulse of - something, something Royce doesn't know, when Alfie grips his fingers. It jumps, warm, like his heart skipping a beat. It feels nice. Feels scary, feels intensely vulnerable, after the day he's had, but. ]
No - no. Thank you. [ Royce whispers, unsteadily. ] It... it looks good on you.
No - no. Thank you. [ Royce whispers, unsteadily. ] It... it looks good on you.
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