middaeg | [Open] Catchall Chambers Cottage Log

[ Vanitas can’t keep it in. He starts laughing. ]

A joke, Sora! I didn’t have to fight off anyone.

Vanitas!!

[Sora laughs too although he's still blushing!! What a relief. He then carefully holds the glass rabbit like his new treasure!]

Good! But- I really love this too, you know! You're really good at picking out thoughtful gifts. Thanks.

[ He ducks his head again. Shifts his weight a bit even though he is sitting. Embarrassed. ]

You were the easiest since I know you the best.

[ Sora and Mira had been kind of easy. Not that he hadn't put thought into them! ]

[Sora can definitely tell all the thought and care that Vanitas put into these gifts. He feels really special. So he makes sure to tug Vanitas and reach out touching his chin gently when he ducks his head down. Please look at him!]

I love everything!

[While still holding Vanitas' chin he gives Vanitas a soft sweet kiss.]

Do you wanna open yours now?

[ When Sora touches his chin, Van looks up. There are days that he misses looking into those blue eyes. Yet most days? All he can really see is Sora in them. The smile and the affection that the other holds. It's amazing and Vanitas can't parse, sometimes, that this is all happening. That this is real. That he could feel like this.

It's been almost a year since they've Bonded. So close and Van has plans for that. Yet a year ago he had rejected bonds to the point of nearly death. Sora had saved him at that point. A demand. A stubbornness that wouldn't let Van go and all Vanitas could do had been to aggree.

Now here they are. Van leaning into the touch. The kiss. He has a soft spot for Sora that he shows no one else. ]

...Yeah.

[He wonders all the time how it is that they've come this far and how much he loves that they have come this way. Sora never thought his heart would lead him in this direction. But when he looks at Vanitas with his amber-yellow eyes and spots the speckles of blue-green in Vanitas' yellow ones he remembers how much he's growing and how far both of their hearts have really come. And it all makes perfect sense.

He smiles at Vanitas' reaction, feeling a flutter of giddiness as he pats the gift that is in Vanitas' possession. While he didn't plan a shower of gifts like Vanitas has Sora certainly thought very hard about what would be good to get Vanitas. He wanted to get something super cool for Vanitas. Something the would be able to help him in his daily things too. Sora had picked three things for that which are all tucked inside the wrapped red box.

The first item is a leatherbound journal that has a rather intricate binding. Inside are seemingly blank pages but there's a note written inside that it's meant for creating spells from scratch. The second item is a pair of gloves with a curious charm attached. Sora will perk up at those,]

Those gloves are supposed to enhance evocation spells!

[So bigger, badder explosions. He gave Vanitas bigger firepower. Go boom.

And lastly is a small trinket that is warm to the touch. There's a small tag attached saying that it's a remembering charm. That any memories wished into the charm will be repeated in dreams should the holder want to revisit them.]

I figured that might be good for all the stuff you've gotten to see here. And for our trip when we go.

[Like recording all the good memories!]

[ Again, it doesn't matter if Sora gives him a showering of gifts or not. Sora gives him so much. Most of those things don't come in the form of something physical. The Puca has given Vanitas a part of himself. The person that Vanitas is becoming is influenced by Sora ( and Mira too ). They are the ones filling in the gaps in his heart. Therefore, Sora is always going to be a part of him. To Vanitas, there's no greater gift. There's nothing that can "top" that. And he intends to say something about that eventually...

So when he opens the first gift, his hands run over the journal in almost a reverent fashion. Creating his own spells. Vanitas is always looking to improve his spells. Modify them to suit his needs. It really is a thoughtful gift and even Sora should be able to sense that Van's mind is already racing with thoughts of how to put it to good use.

Then come the gloves. Once again his hands run over them as if he has been given something precious. Special. Vanitas looks up when Sora explains what they are used for. He grins. ]

You know me so well. Maybe we should test the charm out and see how strong it really is.

[ He snickers and then sets them aside, carefully on top of that journal. The final gift... Vanitas is patient with opening them. He doesn't tear into everything like Sora does. When the witch opens the gift, he reads the tag. ...Remembering charm. Something to put memories into and then can relive them in dreams. ]

S-Sora...

[ This one. This one hits hard. Vanitas holds it to his chest for a moment, feeling the swell of emotion building. His eyes sting and he doesn't want to cry in front of his boyfriend! Memories... Vanitas had been robbed of everything that he had been prior to splitting from Ventus. He had nothing. Nothing until coming here. Then the biggest worry that he's had is losing everything. But with this...

With this he can remember. These precious memories can be preserved. They don't have to be lost.

He clears his throat and hands it over to the Puca. ]

P-Put it on me.

[He grins with delight at Vanitas' reactions. Truth be told he is super excited to see how well those gloves do- he wants to see some big explosions!! Sora is just as destructive sometimes it seems. And without his own magic, he has to enjoy Vanitas getting his own!!

He hears the quivering in Vanitas' voice too and while he doesn't mean to make Vanitas tear up Sora does feel really happy that he seems to like it. He takes the charm and scoots closer.]

Okay.

[Sora knows how awful it is to lose memories. Important things and feelings lost or forgotten. He figures Vanitas would think that too seeing as he's built up so much in this world. He brings the charm to put the chain around Vanitas' neck and while doing so puts their foreheads together.]

Merry Chr- Happy Modranicht, Vanitas.

[ The whole magic thing is twofold isn't it? Of course Sora wants to live vicariously through Vanitas because of not being able to cast magic. There's another reason though, isn't there... Sora has a bit of a problem being attracted to magic. Specifically, Vanitas' magic. If this enhances some of his spells, then won't the reaction from Sora also be stronger? Hmm! Either way, Vanitas has no issues going to practice and seeing how these gloves hold up.

That's not quite on his mind though. Right now he's scooting closer to Sora. Getting Sora to put it on him is just as important as receiving the gift in general. When their foreheads press together, Vanitas sighs and closes his eyes. Yes. Yes, these are the things that he's wanted. To be strong. To be whole. To be accepted by the Light that he is missing. Sora has given him all of these things. ]

[Sora has gotten to see a lot of different expressions from Vanitas since they came to this world. Sora thinks that this is probably his favourite one. This contented happy looking Vanitas. That small smile on his lips, the ease in his features. Sora watches him for a moment before he closes his eyes too. And he pats the spot where the charm rests near Vanitas' heart against his chest.

And then after a moment of soft silence,]

Oh, I got some white chocolates in the kitchen too. that's a gift for both of us.

[Hehe.]

[ His heart. Not Ventus'. Not anyone else. His. No longer just a missing piece, but something that is coming into its own. Perhaps it is a silly thing to get so worked up over. Yet he wouldn't change it, even if the bubbly giddy feeling knowing all this seems more like Sora's thing than his own.

Though right now he is content to sit in this silence. Bask in the warmth that he's come to depend on. ]

White chocolates, huh? Why didn't you say so?

[He's more than happy right now. It feels like his heart could grow three times as big even if it's so big already. Sora has always given bits of his heart to other people. Almost too much until it was damaged. But when it's Vanitas it doesn't feel like he's always just giving. It feels like he's getting back too. And that mutual feeling makes him happier than ever.

Their first Christmas together. It's really picturesque! And he lets out a happy chuckle, nose nuzzling Vanitas once more.]

Next time I'll lead with the sweets.

[He grins.]

[ That's because Sora needs to take back. Vanitas doesn't allow for Sora to just give and give and give with nothing in return. Oh he supposes that he could and the brat really wouldn't complain. However, Vanitas does take his word somewhat seriously. Obligation that's turned into actual loyalty. Somehow.

But really this is all rather picturesque isn't it? Snuggling by the tree. Presents and wrappings everywhere. ]

Yeah maybe you should. Because then we wouldn't have to get up to get them.

[ Not that it much matters. Vanitas and Sora will spend the rest of the night together. It is a day early, after all. However Vanitas has plans and they are meant for the actual day. The gifts are really only the material things that he had wanted to share. Eventually the both of them will head up the stairs and then into bed. Sora will curl up against Vanitas and sleep while Van himself will read until he goes to bed.

Then the morning comes and Vanitas extracts himself from Sora to deliver presents that he's gotten others and to prepare for the afternoon. Sora will probably do the same... At least until Vanitas comes up behind him and ties a blindfold around those eyes. ]

Hope you don't have any more plans for the day.

Edited (FOR THE FUN STUFF) 2020-12-26 20:46 (UTC)

[The next day is a busy one for them indeed. And Sora manages to sleep in just a little but not as much as he usually does. Because he has his own gifts to give to friends around town and people to meet. So, once they'ere both back around the house later on Sora is surprised when he feels Vanitas' presence behind him and the soft blindfold over his eyes.]

Huh? Huh?

[Sora laughs and lets his hands touch the blindfold. What is this about?!]

I think I'm all done! But it sounds like you've got more plans.

[Plans for them?]

[ After he makes sure the blindfold is tied on, Van runs his hands over Sora's soft ears. His fingers pass over the earring and there's the light sound of metal clinking. ]

You're right. I've got more plans. It's been a bit difficult, so you should appreciate what it is I am doing.

[ He slips off real quick to the kitchen, snatching up items that he had been collecting over the last couple of days. It's been really hard hiding them from Sora but well worth it. Then he gently tugs the other along by the arm. ]

Too bad it will be a bit of a walk. Don't worry. I won't allow you to bump into anything.

[With his eyes covered Sora can only listen and feel what Vanitas says and does. His ears twitch considerably when Vanitas runs his fingers over his sensitive and soft fur.]

Huh? Wait-!

[He stands there like a deer in highlights when Vanitas leaves and comes back. There is some giddy curiosity in his chest.]

We're going somewhere like this? Don't let me trip on anything, Vanitas!

[Of course Sora trusts Vanitas but does Sora trust his own two feet? That's the real question.]

Where are we going?

I'm not going to let you trip. Geez. What do you think I am.

[ Vanitas hooks his arm into Sora's elbow. This is how they intend to walk. Van hadn't lied. Because they are going beyond the Wall and into the Wilde. Vanitas has been setting this up for weeks. He's careful to make sure Sora doesn't trip, telling him when there's a drop. When there's a root or an incline. Oh there's a bit of a hole there.

Eventually... He leads them to a little place that Vanitas himself had cleared out. This is where he finally unties the blindfold. ]

Aaaaand here...

[ Nestled inside the woods and snow is definitely an igloo. This one isn't made out of plastic, but pure and clear ice. Guess how long it took Vanitas to magic this up correctly! That's not all either. Inside? Well...

The inside is all decked out too. How Vanitas has managed to put this together? Well... Sora might have to ask. Rather than electric lights, it's all enchanted little gemstones dangling from various places within the structure. There is a small stove that does lead out of the igloo for warmth. There's also more of a lounge/couch there that definitely has room for two. ]

Happy Modranicht, Cottontail.

[ But what else does Van have up his sleeve? Because there is a table there that's all set out but no food? ]

[Luckily it's a fairly short trip for Sora with no tripping necessary. When he feels the chill of the winter air he shivers with a wiggle of his ears. And he holds onto Vanitas gently and trusts him full-heartedly to guide him. When the blindfold slips off Sora isn't really sure what to expect. They had already exchanged a mountain of gifts with each other what else could there possibly be as another surprise?

But when he opens his eyes and blinks at the entire set up, cozy igloo and all...?

Sora's heart skips so many beats. His heart absolutely flourishes.]

Vanitas?!

[This place is really breathtaking. Like a little secret oasis just for them. Sora inhales dramatically and his ears perk straight upwards. He's not speechless very often but he has to admit this is one of those times?!]

Van- This is ...!? Amazing??

[Vanitas thought of all of this on his own?? And set it up too?]

You didn't have to do all of this?!

[ A secret oasis that will vanish once spring comes. For now, while the cold remains, it will linger. They'll be able to come out here at any point if they so desire. Just some time to themselves and to get away. ]

You're right. I didn't have to. [ He leans over and gives Sora a peck on the cheek before moving away. ] But I wanted to do something for us.

[ With that said, he wanders inside and then starts the little stove. Van begins to unpack the food. There's also something to drink soon. Rather, he's setting up a kettle for hot water and he's picking out a bag of marshmallows. Hot chocolate for them! ]

Because... It's not just the holiday that's here today. There's... Something I want to ask.

[ Which he feels silly about. Vanitas doesn't know how to ask this. Nervous about it. ]

[This is all just so sweet and well thought out and put together Sora almost feels so silly for it. His heart is bubbling with joy and this romantic sappy rabbit is so happy he could die. Before Vanitas can do anything more with the packed food he quickly goes up behind him and wraps his arms around Vanitas' torso and hugs him close. Can Vanitas feel how quickly and warmly his heart is beating?]

I really love this, Vanitas! ... I can't believe it. This is so awesome. You did this for us!

[He nuzzles Vanitas before he rests his chin on Vanitas' shoulder.]

What did you wanna ask?

[What else could there be?! Sora's flourishing!!]

[ Vanitas blinks! He can sense Sora's happy and giddy energy. Knows that he feels silly and happy all at the same time. Like the other's heart is just ay too full. That's fine. Vanitas feels the same way sometimes - overfull.

His expression settles as Sora nuzzles and hugs him. The arms don't deter Van from putting stuff out to get them warmed up. Van has... A really special treat for Sora. ]

I just wanted to do something you wouldn't forget.

[ As for the question! ]

But I'll ask after we eat. There's some sparkling grape juice in the basket and some salad if you want to get that out while I do this.

I don't think I could forget something like this in a million years.

[He'll just stay happily attached to Vanitas' back, hugging him gently as he works those lunches. But he does finally let go so he can retrieve the juice and salad as told to set it out.]

You've got me curious, how am I supposed to sit through a whole lunch when you're got something to ask?

[He's mostly just joking. He wants to eat this wonderfully prepared lunch!!]

[ The salads themselves aren't overly impressive. An arrangement of greens and veggies. However there are strawberries cut up inside with walnuts. There's a sweeter vinaigrette to serve as dressing. Vanitas had just thought that it would be a nice change of pace to put fruit in there. ]

Because you're going to get a taste of something that you haven't had in a while.

[ It's only a couple of moments to warm the main course up. Van grabs the plates that aren't adorned with salad and slips something that looks like a chunk of meat onto Sora's plate. On top is smothered with some kind of mushroom and sauce. ]

It's not real meat, but it tastes like the real thing.

[ Vanitas has a real steak to put on his, but then he serves up some carrots on bother of their plates as well. They've been cooked in brown sugar and honey. ]

[It's the fragrance of the meal that hits Sora first. The smell of cooked carrots and sugar and honey sauce and something meat like that even as a rabbit still has Sora's mouth watering just a little. He blinks and sits down in his spot and really can't help the way his ears perk so straight up at the sight of cooked- mushrooms? Meat-like something?]

Wh- Whoa?!

[Sora's stomach is already grumbling so loudly. Brrrbrbrbb.]

It even smells like real meat?! How'd you make it?!

[Something that isn't meat that tastes like meat? Sora's in blissful heaven. He can't wait to try it?! Put it in his mouth?!]

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