[ic] [hector] Birthday

[lacroix_styles]

For the better part of the week Lacroix had been carrying own his own plans amid the usual background buzz of tasks around Castle Styles, as some things just couldn't be done under the watchful eye of his mentor. Thankfully that had been made easier by the fact that Hector had been hiding away in his room even more so than usual, sneaking around

Comments

[hector_styles]

Hector hadn’t been inquiring where Lacroix found the clock so that he could take it back; on the contrary, he was curious about what other pieces this artist might make. Zander didn’t exactly flaunt clock-making skills, so Hector didn’t consider that the vampire might be capable of something like this. He was far too used to seeing Zander’s grotesque taxidermy instead of refined projects like this.

“With some rearranging, I do think I’ll find an appropriate spot for it in the sitting room,” Hector replied, carefully replacing that clock back in the box for now; even though he had strengthened it, he still treated it gingerly because it was a gift, and he didn’t want anything to happen to it.

Hector wasn’t really good at voicing gratitude, but he made the attempt anyway because the time Lacroix had spent planning all of this was worth the effort. “I do appreciate your thoughtfulness, Lacroix.” He just... wasn’t used to presents, and he hoped he wasn’t appearing ungrateful, because he really was appreciative. It was just difficult for him to express positive emotion.

[lacroix_styles]

"I'm glad you enjoyed everything, I know I make your life hell sometimes with the complaining about wanting to go out and the grumbling about how unfair life is, but that's just...frustration; you really are my best friend and I really wanted you to enjoy your birthday." Unlike Hector, Lacroix had very little trouble in expressing positive emotions, that spark was still very much alive in him. And that smile was still set firmly on his lips; because he knew that with Hector the uncertain effort meant as much as the exuberant effort from most people.

But since it wasn't easy for Hector, he wasn't going to drag it out and make it awkward for him to attempt to show those fractured emotions. "I better start cleaning things up, I still haven't packed yet, of course; waiting until the last minute. And no arguments, it's your birthday, you're not allowed to do any cleaning."
Playful chiding, since Lacroix couldn't keep Hector from doing whatever he wanted; but did want Hector to just relax and let him worry about getting everything back in order.

[hector_styles]

It was probably a good thing that Lacroix shifted the subject a little. Even though Hector would have continued to try really awkwardly, talking with emotion wasn’t altogether comfortable for him. Despite that, he did feel very loyal and protective toward Lacroix. Hector’s relationship with his own mentor had waned over the years as Hector turned to self-study rather than needing to rely on Ghede. After being alone for years, Lacroix was the one person he saw most often, and he couldn’t help but feel closest to him. Even though they’d only known each other a few months, he already felt like family.

“Once you’re finished cleaning, do return a while to converse,” Hector suggested, agreeably not getting up to help clean. He didn’t have anything in particular he needed to talk about, but he wanted to give Lacroix at least a little more social time before encouraging him to go pack for the trip. It was the least he could do to continue to show his gratitude. In the meantime, he pulled that box closer again so that he could inspect the clock once more; it really was a thoughtful present from an equally thoughtful young man.