Prose log with Sigurd
Who: trueltning_fury and pirate_sigurd
When: over the weekend while away on the supply run
Where: Vinay del Zexay
What: two guys giving each other new year's gifts
Geddoe was used to booking separate rooms at the inn in Vinay del Zexay for traveling with a female, but this time, it seemed more for his and Sigurd's privacy than Kika's. He stood at the window that overlooked the ocean, gazing out at it as he had many times before. "Come to think of it," he mused, half to himself, "it's been probably five years since I've been in the city."
"Really? I'd imagine you'd need to make trips more often than that," Sigurd responded, laying on the bed and reveling in the comfort it presented his back after the long walk there. He hadn't had this sort of non-familiar comfort in a long time. It was nice...reminded him of life at travel.
"Not here." He turned from the window and took off his gloves, rubbing his hands. The cold made them stiffer than usual. "In the years following the war, most of my jobs were in the Outlands. I didn't need to come anywhere near Zexen until last year - when I arrived at Budehuc." Geddoe smiled faintly at the memory.
"Well it certainly is a nice city. I haven't been here since I was a dock worker, you know? And I hardly got to stay in so nice a room as this," Sigurd remarked, sitting himself up to look over at Geddoe with a similar smile.
Geddoe came over to sit next to him. "I can imagine. That was a year ago, already. Huh." He sighed contentedly. "I'm glad you don't have to leave again for the sake of money. It's not even an issue now."
"You and I both know it wasn't just about money...," Sigurd's voice grew a bit distant. He was so lost back then...confused.
"I know." Geddoe leaned closer, brushing his lips across Sigurd's ear. "But there, too...everything's changed. For the better."
Sigurd wrapped his arms about the other, letting out a content sigh. Geddoe was right...so so right...it was all so much better now. He was happy, in love, and complete. He had a place in the world. That was a far better gift than he could possibly think of.
Geddoe embraced him in return, chuckling a little. "Well, we've got our errand taken care of. The rest of the day is ours. What do you suppose we ought to do with it?" His good eye narrowed in humor. "Besides the obvious."
"Well, I never really had the chance to be here as a tourist," Sigurd remarked, smiling. "Maybe you can show me around town?"
"What I know of it, anyway," Geddoe smirked. "I'm intimately familiar with the tavern downstairs, you know."
"Sounds like an excellent place to start!" Sigurd laughed.
Geddoe forced himself to let go of Sigurd so he could rise and fetch his gloves. "All right. I don't see why we can't wander around. I'd offer to let Kika tag along for the tour, but I think we've already disgusted her enough with our behavior." His brow twitched in a suppressed smirk.
"Hey hey, I'm sure she doesn't mind she's just....lonely, you know? And knowing her history, well...it's best I let that dog lie," Sigurd responded, still keeping his attitude high, though.
"Ah." The mercenary nodded. "I gathered something like that. Even so. If I plan to indulge you, it's better not to subject anyone else to having to watch." He held out a hand to pull Sigurd off the bed. "Besides. I'm sure she's never seen you like this before."
"You're right about that," Sigurd smiled, taking the hand. He motioned to the door. "Shall we? First round's on me!"
"You drive a hard bargain," Geddoe said dryly, opening the door and leading the way downstairs. The bartender greeted them with something of a familiar look, but without the others of the 12th around, the captain could remain somewhat anonymous. "Just a beer for me," he decided. "I want to be able to walk straight."
"Same here. A simple ale, nothing heavy," Sigurd ordered, taking his eat and taking a look around. It was homey...nice and warm. Definitely not something he expected from a city this large. The snow on the windowpanes just completed the classic look of it all.
Geddoe had even chosen the table nearest the hearth. The tavern was not crowded at this time of day, certainly cozy and conducive to relaxing. "Six years and not much changes on the fringes of the continent," he said thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure that's the barmaid Ace used to hit on every time we were in town."
Sigurd could only chuckle in response, still taking in the sights around him. He could see why Geddoe liked this place...
Savoring a long sip of his beer, Geddoe cast his partner a lingering look. Sigurd's smile was infectious, it made him completely weak inside. It was hard to keep his hands to himself in public, seeing the younger man laugh like that.
Sigurd couldn't help but take Geddoe's hand as well, gently petting the knuckles with his thumb. It was almost like a date, really...just the two of them in the big city in a nice tavern. It felt amazing, if a bit cliche.
Geddoe thought he had left the blushing stage behind long ago, but the light touch brought a bit of heat to his cheeks. He coughed and covered it with another drink. "What do you think?" he asked idly. "Any personal shopping to do as long as we're here?"
"Oh I made certain to get all of my shopping done well in advance. The matter is simply timing, you see," Sigurd remarked with a smirk. "Your gift, for instance, was finsided up and stored away a month ago, waiting for the right moment."
Geddoe's head turned fully toward him. "What? A month ago?" Sneaky bastard, he wanted to add, but didn't. "...well now I feel even more stupid."
"It's not a matter of stupid. It's a matter of me knowing you well enough to know where you wouldn't check," Sigurd smiled, almost smugly as he took a long pull from his mug.
"Ah, it's not that..." Geddoe squeezed his partner's hand a little. "You see, I have a small problem." He stared into his tankard. "I have no idea what to give you."
"Oh ho?" Sigurd remarked, smilling still. "I mean, well...I would have taken anything. I'm hardly picky. I still keep all those little things you've given me over the year, after all." he responded, his voice a bit more gentle.
"I know," Geddoe sighed. "But...a year ago, you gave me something very heartfelt. I wanted to return the favor...as if I didn't already outdo myself over the year," he added wryly, lifting his head. "I should have saved the Ritapon set."
"Hey, you know...it's not a competition. Like I said, so long as it's from you and is given with love in your heart, I will cherish it. Even something as simple as a wooden amulet," he responded, giving a warm smile to the other.
Shaking his head, Geddoe lifted Sigurd's hand to his lips for a brush of a kiss. "Silver-tongued devil. But I have so little to my name in the first place. I have nothing to give but myself, and even that seems cheap because you've already received it willingly."
"You're thinking too much, love," Sigurd remarked, chuckling.
Geddoe's smile warmed up. "I'll take you out on the town and buy you anything you want."
"See? That's a prefectly good solution, yeah?" Sigurd brightened, raising his glass as if to toast. "I'm not difficult to please love...I don't like seeing you becoming worried over something so simple. So long as I have you, I have everything."
Geddoe tapped their mugs together. "And you'll have that, no question. Ah, I just...want to do right. I'm still learning." He took a sip, and then wondered with a curious frown. "Where in the hell could you have hidden something from me?"
"In a place I would never expect you to be. It was hidden in Queen's kids' room," Sigurd said proudly. "Of course, it's with me now, amongst my packed things, but that was a good enough hiding spot at the time," he remarked, finishing hs drink and rising from his chair.
Geddoe sighed long. "You're terrible. Absolutely terrible." He, too, downed the rest of his beer and pushed away from the table. "Well, then. To the hunt first? I'm curious to see what you've got up there, but it can wait."
"The hunt always comes first. I promise not to be too indeciscive," Sigurd joked, adjusting his coat and making his way to the door. If this were Budehuc, he would have felt the liberty to wrap an arm about Geddoe, but...maybe it was best to keep themselves inconspicuous for now.
Breathing a quiet chuckle under his breath, Geddoe pulled on his gloves and followed, likewise keeping control on the public streets of Zexen. They walked close enough to be swordbrothers, anyway. There was a basic selection of shops along the port street, but Geddoe knew of a few specialty places ducked back away from the shore. He was ready to guide Sigurd anywhere if he so much as asked about particular items.
"Hmm...I wonder I wonder," Sigurd spoke to himself, keeping a hand to his chin as they walked along. Some of these shops he knew wtill simply because he had delivered goods to them once upon a time.
"Feel free to indulge yourself if you like," Geddoe noted. "I know you like to be practical, but you don't have to be." Potch was also no object, but that didn't need to be stated.
"Well, you know something I've actually really needed?" Sigurd remarked, piquing up a bit. "Leather working supplies. I figure my seamwork will be needed for repair of that sort of material more than anything in our line of work."
"Leatherworking...?" Geddoe mulled it over in surprise and interest. "Good point. I tend to damage this thing often." He patted his leather-clad chest. "You know, there was an odd shop around here once, had all kinds of tools you couldn't find at other places. Ace needed something there...something to repair his weapon's holsters." It took a minute or two, but then he remembered which street it was on and gestured to lead the way.
Sigurd followed along eagerly. A new direction in his favorite hobby was certainly a great gift. He'd have to give Geddoe a little extra something in bed that night in thanks of this...
There wasn't much to the general store on the outside; inside, it was a mess of bins and shelves, all of them well-stocked with everything from fishing awls to giant sledgehammers for fenceposts. There wasn't so much a leatherworking "section" as random groupings of tools, though the hand-stitched tool cases seemed to be nearby. Geddoe looked around, mystified - he probably didn't know how to use half this stuff.
Sigurd, however, was quite in his element. Many of these he had recognized from the various publications he had read on the art. Odds are he'd have to ask the proprieter a few things, but for now hie was grabbing and examining several whathaveyous.
Geddoe folded his arms to keep from touching anything (which he would, if he got fidgety enough) and simply watched Sigurd with an amused gleam in his eye. "While you're at it, throw in one of the cases to hold it all," he suggested.
Already on it, as Sigurd grabbed on of the bound cases and made his way to the counter. A short conversation with the clerk and he was well set with everything he could possibly need, including a needle press, the illusive tool of the trade. That would make things much much easier, he thought.
Tearing himself away from pondering just what the hell that was, Geddoe drifted up behind his partner and drew out his bag of potch, not even batting his good eye at the total. It was what Sigurd wanted, and the innocent glee with which he selected his tools made Geddoe happy in turn.
Sigurd thanked the clerk graciously, gathering his items into the case and closing it with a satisfied sigh. As soon as they were out of the store, he couldn't help but plant a grateful kiss on the other. It did mean a lot to him...just as he said it would.
Geddoe smiled contentedly. "You're welcome. Now what do you say we get in out of this cold..." He laid a hand gently on the back of Sigurd's shoulder as they walked away. "...and satisfy my curiosity."
"I think you're on to something," Sigurd chuckled, letting him lead the way back to the hotel.
Once inside, there was no need to dawdle, they could go right up to their room and close themselves away. Geddoe turned to his companion with a raised eyebrow. "All right. Time for you to spill your secrets, pirate."
"Very well," Sigurd responded with a grin. "To the room!"
Geddoe followed this time, not wanting to appear too eager. He wasn't much for gifts, generally, but he made exceptions.
As they made their way into the establishment and up the stairs, Sigurd begain to feel giddy. He dropped the keys a few times trying to open the room, actually. Something was making him rather excited.
By the raised eyebrow, Geddoe certainly noticed. His lips twitched. "Would you like me to do that?"
"Erm...yes, actually, ha ha!" Sigurd laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "My dexterity is terrible right now for some reason. Some knife thrower/stichworker I am, eh? Ha ha!"
Geddoe took the key and had the door open in a second, giving Sigurd a peering look out of the corner of his eye. "You're awfully nervous for such an innocent thing," he noted.
"Well, I just get excited, that's all!" Sigurd said, looking a might sheepish as he stepped in. It really wasn't anything THAT amazing, but he couldn't help how he felt. It was odd...something he wasn't used to.
Geddoe wisely locked the door behind them, tossing the key with his gloves on the table. Around Sigurd alone, he had gotten in the habit of actually not wearing them all the time. "And it's damn adorable, if you ask me," he said dryly. "I've seen many sides of you that others don't see, but this is a new one."
"A word of it to anyone and I'll slit your throat," Sigurd joked, going over to his luggage and digging about for the gift in question.
"You know the deal," Geddoe chuckled. "Nobody knows anything. About either of us." He folded his arms casually, simply waiting to see what the fuss was about.
After a moment, Sigurd produced a package. It was non descript, inconspicuous, and would have generally been overlooked by just about anyone. That was the plan, after all. He wanted no suspicion drawn to it at all. With that same, almost child-like smile, he handed the package over to Geddoe.
Geddoe took the package with only the slightest eyebrow-twitch, stepping over to the table to lean against it while he unwarpped it. His eye widened upon seeing the collection of implements and the sheath. "Is this...it's for the knife, isn't it?" he realized.
Sigurd could only nod and brighten his smile. The look on Geddoe's face made everything worth it. He'd put a lot of work into it, after all. Making more things like this was why he asked for the leatherworking tools anyways.
The captain picked up the leather sheath and studied the design, almost immediately envisioning how it would secure either to his belt or under his leather in a hidden spot. He almost laughed. "So, despite my failure at trying to use it once, you're encouraging me to try again. Ah...Sigurd..." He set the box on the table and moved to wrap the young pirate up in his arms.
Sigurd accepted the hug warmly, a bit taken back by it at first. He could only think "jackpot" to himself. This was the exact reaction he was aiming for...and was so happy to have it.
Geddoe buried his face in Sigurd's neck for a moment, laughing weakly under his breath. A year ago, he had been the one surprised by a powerful hug upon receipt of the original gift. "You're brilliant," he murmured against the other's neck. "Thank you."
"Hey hey now, talk like that and my ego will become to large for those arms of yours to hold, love," Sigurd joked, pressing a kiss to the temple of the other, still holding him close. "I love you, Geddoe...you're welcome."
"You could stand to have your ego inflated once in a while," Geddoe laughed, turning it into a growl as he squeezed tighter for a moment. "God, I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you." He let his arms relax, but only so he could take one hand and curl it around Sigurd's neck, caressing the soft skin at his hairline with his fingertips.
"Let's say you and I just spend the rest of the night downstairs, eh? A few more drinks and then it's back up here for a little fun, eh?" Sigurd remarked, easing his head in the direction of the touch.
Geddoe shared his smile. "One or two more. I want to be able to remember tonight, after all." He leaned in and rested his forehead against Sigurd's. "You've certainly outdone yourself, Sigurd. I'll have to show you just how grateful I am in my own way."
"Well, that's certainly a reaction I like," Sigurd teased, a smirk on his lips.
"Come on." He stole one kiss for now, with the promise of more to come. "Before I decide to forget about the drinks and company and just get right to the rest."
"Very well. Shall I grab Lady Kika as well?" he said parting from him almost reluctantly as he moved towards the door. "I'm sure she'd like to have a few with us."
"I wouldn't be opposed." Geddoe picked up his gloves to follow along, though his eye lingered on the gift box once more. The sheath and care kit were practical, but also special, in their own way. It made him smile once more before continuing on. "Two pirates and a mercenary drinking together is perfect company, I think."
((add'l note: in case it wasn't clear, Sigurd made him a special sheath for the throwing knife he gave Geddoe a year ago, so he can use it as a secondary weapon, along with fresh sharpening/polishing supplies to care for it))
When: over the weekend while away on the supply run
Where: Vinay del Zexay
What: two guys giving each other new year's gifts
Geddoe was used to booking separate rooms at the inn in Vinay del Zexay for traveling with a female, but this time, it seemed more for his and Sigurd's privacy than Kika's. He stood at the window that overlooked the ocean, gazing out at it as he had many times before. "Come to think of it," he mused, half to himself, "it's been probably five years since I've been in the city."
"Really? I'd imagine you'd need to make trips more often than that," Sigurd responded, laying on the bed and reveling in the comfort it presented his back after the long walk there. He hadn't had this sort of non-familiar comfort in a long time. It was nice...reminded him of life at travel.
"Not here." He turned from the window and took off his gloves, rubbing his hands. The cold made them stiffer than usual. "In the years following the war, most of my jobs were in the Outlands. I didn't need to come anywhere near Zexen until last year - when I arrived at Budehuc." Geddoe smiled faintly at the memory.
"Well it certainly is a nice city. I haven't been here since I was a dock worker, you know? And I hardly got to stay in so nice a room as this," Sigurd remarked, sitting himself up to look over at Geddoe with a similar smile.
Geddoe came over to sit next to him. "I can imagine. That was a year ago, already. Huh." He sighed contentedly. "I'm glad you don't have to leave again for the sake of money. It's not even an issue now."
"You and I both know it wasn't just about money...," Sigurd's voice grew a bit distant. He was so lost back then...confused.
"I know." Geddoe leaned closer, brushing his lips across Sigurd's ear. "But there, too...everything's changed. For the better."
Sigurd wrapped his arms about the other, letting out a content sigh. Geddoe was right...so so right...it was all so much better now. He was happy, in love, and complete. He had a place in the world. That was a far better gift than he could possibly think of.
Geddoe embraced him in return, chuckling a little. "Well, we've got our errand taken care of. The rest of the day is ours. What do you suppose we ought to do with it?" His good eye narrowed in humor. "Besides the obvious."
"Well, I never really had the chance to be here as a tourist," Sigurd remarked, smiling. "Maybe you can show me around town?"
"What I know of it, anyway," Geddoe smirked. "I'm intimately familiar with the tavern downstairs, you know."
"Sounds like an excellent place to start!" Sigurd laughed.
Geddoe forced himself to let go of Sigurd so he could rise and fetch his gloves. "All right. I don't see why we can't wander around. I'd offer to let Kika tag along for the tour, but I think we've already disgusted her enough with our behavior." His brow twitched in a suppressed smirk.
"Hey hey, I'm sure she doesn't mind she's just....lonely, you know? And knowing her history, well...it's best I let that dog lie," Sigurd responded, still keeping his attitude high, though.
"Ah." The mercenary nodded. "I gathered something like that. Even so. If I plan to indulge you, it's better not to subject anyone else to having to watch." He held out a hand to pull Sigurd off the bed. "Besides. I'm sure she's never seen you like this before."
"You're right about that," Sigurd smiled, taking the hand. He motioned to the door. "Shall we? First round's on me!"
"You drive a hard bargain," Geddoe said dryly, opening the door and leading the way downstairs. The bartender greeted them with something of a familiar look, but without the others of the 12th around, the captain could remain somewhat anonymous. "Just a beer for me," he decided. "I want to be able to walk straight."
"Same here. A simple ale, nothing heavy," Sigurd ordered, taking his eat and taking a look around. It was homey...nice and warm. Definitely not something he expected from a city this large. The snow on the windowpanes just completed the classic look of it all.
Geddoe had even chosen the table nearest the hearth. The tavern was not crowded at this time of day, certainly cozy and conducive to relaxing. "Six years and not much changes on the fringes of the continent," he said thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure that's the barmaid Ace used to hit on every time we were in town."
Sigurd could only chuckle in response, still taking in the sights around him. He could see why Geddoe liked this place...
Savoring a long sip of his beer, Geddoe cast his partner a lingering look. Sigurd's smile was infectious, it made him completely weak inside. It was hard to keep his hands to himself in public, seeing the younger man laugh like that.
Sigurd couldn't help but take Geddoe's hand as well, gently petting the knuckles with his thumb. It was almost like a date, really...just the two of them in the big city in a nice tavern. It felt amazing, if a bit cliche.
Geddoe thought he had left the blushing stage behind long ago, but the light touch brought a bit of heat to his cheeks. He coughed and covered it with another drink. "What do you think?" he asked idly. "Any personal shopping to do as long as we're here?"
"Oh I made certain to get all of my shopping done well in advance. The matter is simply timing, you see," Sigurd remarked with a smirk. "Your gift, for instance, was finsided up and stored away a month ago, waiting for the right moment."
Geddoe's head turned fully toward him. "What? A month ago?" Sneaky bastard, he wanted to add, but didn't. "...well now I feel even more stupid."
"It's not a matter of stupid. It's a matter of me knowing you well enough to know where you wouldn't check," Sigurd smiled, almost smugly as he took a long pull from his mug.
"Ah, it's not that..." Geddoe squeezed his partner's hand a little. "You see, I have a small problem." He stared into his tankard. "I have no idea what to give you."
"Oh ho?" Sigurd remarked, smilling still. "I mean, well...I would have taken anything. I'm hardly picky. I still keep all those little things you've given me over the year, after all." he responded, his voice a bit more gentle.
"I know," Geddoe sighed. "But...a year ago, you gave me something very heartfelt. I wanted to return the favor...as if I didn't already outdo myself over the year," he added wryly, lifting his head. "I should have saved the Ritapon set."
"Hey, you know...it's not a competition. Like I said, so long as it's from you and is given with love in your heart, I will cherish it. Even something as simple as a wooden amulet," he responded, giving a warm smile to the other.
Shaking his head, Geddoe lifted Sigurd's hand to his lips for a brush of a kiss. "Silver-tongued devil. But I have so little to my name in the first place. I have nothing to give but myself, and even that seems cheap because you've already received it willingly."
"You're thinking too much, love," Sigurd remarked, chuckling.
Geddoe's smile warmed up. "I'll take you out on the town and buy you anything you want."
"See? That's a prefectly good solution, yeah?" Sigurd brightened, raising his glass as if to toast. "I'm not difficult to please love...I don't like seeing you becoming worried over something so simple. So long as I have you, I have everything."
Geddoe tapped their mugs together. "And you'll have that, no question. Ah, I just...want to do right. I'm still learning." He took a sip, and then wondered with a curious frown. "Where in the hell could you have hidden something from me?"
"In a place I would never expect you to be. It was hidden in Queen's kids' room," Sigurd said proudly. "Of course, it's with me now, amongst my packed things, but that was a good enough hiding spot at the time," he remarked, finishing hs drink and rising from his chair.
Geddoe sighed long. "You're terrible. Absolutely terrible." He, too, downed the rest of his beer and pushed away from the table. "Well, then. To the hunt first? I'm curious to see what you've got up there, but it can wait."
"The hunt always comes first. I promise not to be too indeciscive," Sigurd joked, adjusting his coat and making his way to the door. If this were Budehuc, he would have felt the liberty to wrap an arm about Geddoe, but...maybe it was best to keep themselves inconspicuous for now.
Breathing a quiet chuckle under his breath, Geddoe pulled on his gloves and followed, likewise keeping control on the public streets of Zexen. They walked close enough to be swordbrothers, anyway. There was a basic selection of shops along the port street, but Geddoe knew of a few specialty places ducked back away from the shore. He was ready to guide Sigurd anywhere if he so much as asked about particular items.
"Hmm...I wonder I wonder," Sigurd spoke to himself, keeping a hand to his chin as they walked along. Some of these shops he knew wtill simply because he had delivered goods to them once upon a time.
"Feel free to indulge yourself if you like," Geddoe noted. "I know you like to be practical, but you don't have to be." Potch was also no object, but that didn't need to be stated.
"Well, you know something I've actually really needed?" Sigurd remarked, piquing up a bit. "Leather working supplies. I figure my seamwork will be needed for repair of that sort of material more than anything in our line of work."
"Leatherworking...?" Geddoe mulled it over in surprise and interest. "Good point. I tend to damage this thing often." He patted his leather-clad chest. "You know, there was an odd shop around here once, had all kinds of tools you couldn't find at other places. Ace needed something there...something to repair his weapon's holsters." It took a minute or two, but then he remembered which street it was on and gestured to lead the way.
Sigurd followed along eagerly. A new direction in his favorite hobby was certainly a great gift. He'd have to give Geddoe a little extra something in bed that night in thanks of this...
There wasn't much to the general store on the outside; inside, it was a mess of bins and shelves, all of them well-stocked with everything from fishing awls to giant sledgehammers for fenceposts. There wasn't so much a leatherworking "section" as random groupings of tools, though the hand-stitched tool cases seemed to be nearby. Geddoe looked around, mystified - he probably didn't know how to use half this stuff.
Sigurd, however, was quite in his element. Many of these he had recognized from the various publications he had read on the art. Odds are he'd have to ask the proprieter a few things, but for now hie was grabbing and examining several whathaveyous.
Geddoe folded his arms to keep from touching anything (which he would, if he got fidgety enough) and simply watched Sigurd with an amused gleam in his eye. "While you're at it, throw in one of the cases to hold it all," he suggested.
Already on it, as Sigurd grabbed on of the bound cases and made his way to the counter. A short conversation with the clerk and he was well set with everything he could possibly need, including a needle press, the illusive tool of the trade. That would make things much much easier, he thought.
Tearing himself away from pondering just what the hell that was, Geddoe drifted up behind his partner and drew out his bag of potch, not even batting his good eye at the total. It was what Sigurd wanted, and the innocent glee with which he selected his tools made Geddoe happy in turn.
Sigurd thanked the clerk graciously, gathering his items into the case and closing it with a satisfied sigh. As soon as they were out of the store, he couldn't help but plant a grateful kiss on the other. It did mean a lot to him...just as he said it would.
Geddoe smiled contentedly. "You're welcome. Now what do you say we get in out of this cold..." He laid a hand gently on the back of Sigurd's shoulder as they walked away. "...and satisfy my curiosity."
"I think you're on to something," Sigurd chuckled, letting him lead the way back to the hotel.
Once inside, there was no need to dawdle, they could go right up to their room and close themselves away. Geddoe turned to his companion with a raised eyebrow. "All right. Time for you to spill your secrets, pirate."
"Very well," Sigurd responded with a grin. "To the room!"
Geddoe followed this time, not wanting to appear too eager. He wasn't much for gifts, generally, but he made exceptions.
As they made their way into the establishment and up the stairs, Sigurd begain to feel giddy. He dropped the keys a few times trying to open the room, actually. Something was making him rather excited.
By the raised eyebrow, Geddoe certainly noticed. His lips twitched. "Would you like me to do that?"
"Erm...yes, actually, ha ha!" Sigurd laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "My dexterity is terrible right now for some reason. Some knife thrower/stichworker I am, eh? Ha ha!"
Geddoe took the key and had the door open in a second, giving Sigurd a peering look out of the corner of his eye. "You're awfully nervous for such an innocent thing," he noted.
"Well, I just get excited, that's all!" Sigurd said, looking a might sheepish as he stepped in. It really wasn't anything THAT amazing, but he couldn't help how he felt. It was odd...something he wasn't used to.
Geddoe wisely locked the door behind them, tossing the key with his gloves on the table. Around Sigurd alone, he had gotten in the habit of actually not wearing them all the time. "And it's damn adorable, if you ask me," he said dryly. "I've seen many sides of you that others don't see, but this is a new one."
"A word of it to anyone and I'll slit your throat," Sigurd joked, going over to his luggage and digging about for the gift in question.
"You know the deal," Geddoe chuckled. "Nobody knows anything. About either of us." He folded his arms casually, simply waiting to see what the fuss was about.
After a moment, Sigurd produced a package. It was non descript, inconspicuous, and would have generally been overlooked by just about anyone. That was the plan, after all. He wanted no suspicion drawn to it at all. With that same, almost child-like smile, he handed the package over to Geddoe.
Geddoe took the package with only the slightest eyebrow-twitch, stepping over to the table to lean against it while he unwarpped it. His eye widened upon seeing the collection of implements and the sheath. "Is this...it's for the knife, isn't it?" he realized.
Sigurd could only nod and brighten his smile. The look on Geddoe's face made everything worth it. He'd put a lot of work into it, after all. Making more things like this was why he asked for the leatherworking tools anyways.
The captain picked up the leather sheath and studied the design, almost immediately envisioning how it would secure either to his belt or under his leather in a hidden spot. He almost laughed. "So, despite my failure at trying to use it once, you're encouraging me to try again. Ah...Sigurd..." He set the box on the table and moved to wrap the young pirate up in his arms.
Sigurd accepted the hug warmly, a bit taken back by it at first. He could only think "jackpot" to himself. This was the exact reaction he was aiming for...and was so happy to have it.
Geddoe buried his face in Sigurd's neck for a moment, laughing weakly under his breath. A year ago, he had been the one surprised by a powerful hug upon receipt of the original gift. "You're brilliant," he murmured against the other's neck. "Thank you."
"Hey hey now, talk like that and my ego will become to large for those arms of yours to hold, love," Sigurd joked, pressing a kiss to the temple of the other, still holding him close. "I love you, Geddoe...you're welcome."
"You could stand to have your ego inflated once in a while," Geddoe laughed, turning it into a growl as he squeezed tighter for a moment. "God, I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you." He let his arms relax, but only so he could take one hand and curl it around Sigurd's neck, caressing the soft skin at his hairline with his fingertips.
"Let's say you and I just spend the rest of the night downstairs, eh? A few more drinks and then it's back up here for a little fun, eh?" Sigurd remarked, easing his head in the direction of the touch.
Geddoe shared his smile. "One or two more. I want to be able to remember tonight, after all." He leaned in and rested his forehead against Sigurd's. "You've certainly outdone yourself, Sigurd. I'll have to show you just how grateful I am in my own way."
"Well, that's certainly a reaction I like," Sigurd teased, a smirk on his lips.
"Come on." He stole one kiss for now, with the promise of more to come. "Before I decide to forget about the drinks and company and just get right to the rest."
"Very well. Shall I grab Lady Kika as well?" he said parting from him almost reluctantly as he moved towards the door. "I'm sure she'd like to have a few with us."
"I wouldn't be opposed." Geddoe picked up his gloves to follow along, though his eye lingered on the gift box once more. The sheath and care kit were practical, but also special, in their own way. It made him smile once more before continuing on. "Two pirates and a mercenary drinking together is perfect company, I think."
((add'l note: in case it wasn't clear, Sigurd made him a special sheath for the throwing knife he gave Geddoe a year ago, so he can use it as a secondary weapon, along with fresh sharpening/polishing supplies to care for it))