It might be a small box that she leaves addressed to him, but it’s the thought that counts more, isn’t it? There’s several ribbons in the box that might be intended to be used as hairties, and what might pass as one handmade worm on a string! It’s fuzzy and filled with those foam beads used in stress relief toys. There’s also what’s supposed to be a handmade card, though the writing has been smudged a little: Dankeschön for everything you’ve done for me this year. I’m very glad I gotta meet you here. I dunno know how to repay you for your kindness if I’m being honest, putting this together was a lil tough. Please don’t feel like you needa give me so many gifts next time, okay? Knowing you care is better than any other kind of gift, I promise. So, let’s spend more time together next year, okay? That’s the only thing that I’d really want to ask for.
Chuuya doesn’t expect to get anything back from Ahiru; or, rather, he does at first, knowing her generous and kind nature, but it slips his mind to the point he’s surprised when he does receive it.
He can’t hide the smile on his face, though Nicolette and Hawks are shushed with a glare if they mention it as he heads to his bedroom with his cute little gift box.
Once he’s seated on the end of his bed, he finally opens it! The ribbons are wrapped around his wrist, to keep track off whilst he opens the rest, and the worm on a string is met with a guffaw -- “Have to make sure Hawks doesn’t find and eat you, huh, lil guy?” -- and the card is left until last.
Which, turns out, is a good idea, because Chuuya is maybe sort of (definitely) tearing up a little, man still not quite used to little child’s sincerity. The picture is absolutely adorable, and he’s going to hang it on the fridge, Nicolette and Hawks’ teasing be damned, and the words cause several emotions to cross his face quickly, though he settles on a soft smile in the end.
“How’re you gonna say that, when you got me such a good gift?” he speaks to himself, thumb running over the card. “Ahiru... You don’t have to repay me at all. Your smile’s enough.”