"Here." During a lull between meals and rest, Veoc slides onto the bed and gives Eiden his long-awaited birthday gifts. "I'm sorry it took so long."
"I had your presents ready, but I added some more items last minute."
First is a light UV jacket and hat along with swimming trunks—ideal accessories for summer weather. There's a pair of beach slippers to match. With Eiden's birthday so close to summer, it's the ideal gift (not to mention he may or may not have bought a matching set).
Then comes...Delightful D***s, an adult coloring book along with colored pencils for Eiden to pass the time while he's in bed.
Finally is a box bigger than the rest. Opening it up, Veoc presents a bulletproof vest.
"It's lightweight enough that you should be able to wear it comfortably beneath your clothes," he explains. "When I get more of my abilities back, I'll make something better, but this is a stand-in for now. I had one of your angel friends bless it for extra protection and durability."
Reaching into the same box as the vest, Veoc unzips a padded case to reveal a pistol.
"Don't worry, it's non-lethal," he explains. "The bullets are capsules filled with oleoresin capsicum to irritate your assailants' eyes. They'll penetrate better than normal rounds because they've been blessed too, but you don't need to worry about fatal consequences."
After explaining all that, Veoc levels Eiden with a calm look. "I understand you've lived a different life than me, and that I can't be there to protect you 24/7. I'm not asking you to change your ways, but to have enough tools to protect yourself should you get in another difficult situation. If you'd like, we could...visit a firing range some time." He scratches his head sheepishly. "It's not much of a date spot...but I'd be happy to teach you how to shoot."
" I'll wait you anytime handsome. "
Eiden's grinning from ear to ear as he accepts the gifts and it certainly not about grow dim now. He turns around the clothes inspecting everything and turning materials.
" I gotta try them on later... " he then says as he pushes them aside (he's just excited) for the next one, " and this... pfffft. "
He burst into laugh seeing the dick colouring book.
" Where did you even FIND this? They sell some crazy stuff out there huh. "
When he's moved onto the next gift he grows serious again. Eiden's not too comfortable with guns, he's only held the one that works with essence. Sure, that too can be just as lethal depending on your essence output but that control is the big deal.
He's relieved to hear it's not actual one. Or at least that it doesn't hold actual bullets. Veoc's explanation helps too. He must given him quite the scare.
Eiden sits up which Veoc seems to be about to protest. Eiden lifts his hand up.
" Hold on. This won't take long ok? I've got something for you too. "
He pulls it from under his pillow and nudges Veoc closer, towards him. He then attached the pin to the lapel - it's a shooting star. If he wanted to be cheesy he'd say it's there so it can turn all his wishes true. This he seals in with a kiss.
" ...sorry again. For giving you a scare like that. "
" And thank you. We'll go there sometime ok? Now. "
He nudges him again turning his face a little more comically now.
" Now! As a birthday I have a demand! " he starts with a pouty sound and spreads his arms.
" Be good and fall to my arms! Give me some proper birthday cuddles ok? "
