Apen looked up to see Berlyne smiling down at him. She held out a parcel-wrapped box that was tied shut with string.
The parcel passed owners, and Apen inspected it from all angles. “Did you make this?”
“I did most of the work, but Dad got me the supplies and Chara…gave unhelpful commentary.”
Apen laughed and set the box down. “You really didn’t have to go through all this troub-”
He saw Berlyne’s expression and backtracked quickly. “I’ll open it now.”
Apen wasn’t the kind to rip off the paper from his presents, so he carefully removed the string and uncreased the wrapping, trying not to think about the argument he was about to have with Enel when they inevitably crossed paths. Shreds of wrapping from Enel’s earlier massacre still littered the floor.
The gift was fully unwrapped now, and he lifted it up appreciatively. “An advent calendar.” It was surprisingly heavy for its material (it was likely built from balsa wood) and brightly painted, with 25 marked squares meant to be popped out of their frames.
Of course, Apen was drawn immediately towards the inside of the boxes. Having his unique skillset honed for such an occasion, he smelled the chocolate immediately. “How did you-?”
“Dad has his ways. But you like the rest of it too, right?” Berlyne’s eyebrows raised, half-joking.
“It’s great! Really, thank you.” Apen’s brow suddenly furrowed. “But it’s already December 25th.”
Expecting another thunderous expression at his words, Apen cautiously peered up, only to find the opposite.
“I guess that means you’d have to open them all today.”
Apen’s eyes widened as he processed the words.
“Or sometime soon,” Berlyne added quickly. “Don’t eat them all in one sitting.”
“Thanks, Berlyne.” Apen grinned, before adding sincerely, “And the box is a work of art, too. I’ll keep it after I’m done.”
Berlyne snorted softly. “Good to know. Merry Christmas, Apen.”
Not one to be rude, Apen stood up and gave her a proper hug. “Merry Christmas!”
(He waited about a second and a half after she left before opening the first box.)
Merry Christmas, @calf-artist!