"thank you, niko. that is very kind," edwin answers with a fond smile, her encouragement beneficial in getting him to start treading this unfamiliar territory. he's always been a quick learner - surely this couldn't be more difficult than mastering undead languages and perfecting demon-banishing spells.
however it's quickly proven an unexpected challenge to narrow down his choices of colors that remind him of niko. in edwin’s mind, niko is a rainbow of colors, nothing at all to do with the nature of circumstances that led him to meeting her, but rather a symphony of bright, happy, unwavering vibrance that encapsulates her entire being. it leads him into a sort of staring contest with the bracelet making kit, overanalyzing and overcomplicating as he usually does for something that he thinks should be a simple task.
finally, after too much deliberation, edwin plucks out a bright red bead from the kit, remembering the piece of red sea glass niko had gifted to him in his time of great emotional need. for courage. carefully guiding it onto the thin string with one eye closed in immense concentration, he plucks a pink bead out next and repeats the process. then, a green and white bead follows, before a thought suddenly hits him hard enough for him to stop entirely.
“do you think…” he begins, carefully straightening out the thread with its three grouped beads into a line onto niko's comforter. his hands begin to fidget in his lap, index finger tapping at his knuckles. “charles would be receptive to a gift like this? it is… rather unusual from the gifts we've given each other before."
charles had made it a mission to collect every single version of cluedo to give to edwin, for example, after he'd learned of edwin’s proclivity for the board game. he’s thoughtful like that. kind, caring. sweet. edwin feels the phantom sensation of a blush prickling at his cheeks, and he clears his throat. "i'm just - not sure he would actually wear it, i suppose. it is quite different from his chosen selection of jewelry."
