There are also another series of boxes under the tree, having been placed there sometime in the night--each box a simple puzzle, and bearing the name of its intended recipient
( ... )
This will teach Ali to inspect things more carefully, next time the pets are upset. She'd dutifully looked around the night before when they all started complaining of funny smells, but hadn't seen anything that looked out of place. Another half-dozen presents under the tree wasn't unusual; nor was twice as many. She and Sasha both spoiled the children tremendously, and neither always kept very careful count of how many presents there would be. And if things were a little glittery, well, isn't this the time of year for such
( ... )
"The slippers?" Ali receives one of Sasha's rare looks of surprise, sitting up a little from where she'd started to snuggle in to Ali's hold. "I was about to congratulate you on keeping them from me..." Unspoken are the rapid conclusions to which she leaps. Doubtless, Ali is reaching the same even now. "Are they safe, do you think?"
Ali gives Sasha an equally surprised look, then turns her attention to where Ingress is dancing. The girl certainly looks well, and happy enough. Dismissing any immediate danger, Ali slides out from beneath her wife to tear through her own presents, looking for a tell-tale clue.
Like the crystal, which is held in a death grip once she finds it.
"I," she whispers through her teeth, "am going to kill him."
*Samus brings gifts for the children, wonders from her era that won't give anything away, a book collecting some of the better-known ghost stories passed among spacers for Sasha, and a NuSkin glove for Ali.*
*Of course she'll be staying for brunch! What kind of future-space-bird auntie do they think she is? She'll stay for brunch, and let all of them regale her with their morning present-opening adventures, and show her whatever wonders they've gained. She'll even tolerate a few ankle-attacks from the cats.*
Linda arrives with a very large sack, which of course to her weighs virtually nothing. Over her wig, she wears a set of antlers with built in lights that blink. Very cheesy, but fun.
Poor Kara. It make be a while before she gets to talk to Ali; as soon as she comes in, the goslings want to claim her attention and show her all the amazing things they've been given this year. She would get a quick hug from Ali when she can get close enough, and a mug of hot chocolate to tide her over until the meal is ready.
She is excited to hug the children and to see all their loot. She opens the sack and passes out presents to the children and then hugs Ali in return. She takes the mug of hot chocolate and in exchange hands her the box containing the gift for Ali and Sasha. "You like them?" she grins, looking up at her antlers. "I thought they were very festive." she giggles and sips her hot chocolate.
"Very much so. It seems like you got the hang of this 'winter holidays' thing quickly!" But Kara had better watch out, because she's got an Alured who has decided he simply must sit in her lap now. He's a bit spoiled, and doesn't know yet that sometimes people might not want him climbing all over them.
There is a not so sneaky member of the household getting the presents out for her mothers, aunts, and siblings. She had been oh so careful to find things for everyone and was in a not very ninja like way slipping gifts under the tree. She couldn't stop giggling and tucking her dark hair out of the way every time it slipped forward.
Clara was indeed very happy to be up to her form of mischief.
The giggling is a tell-tale clue to any good mother that somebody is up to mischief! But when a quick glance shows that it's the good kind of mischief, Ali smiles and edges around the tree to where she can't see Clara anymore.
"Uh oh," she says, knowing her daughter will hear her and trying to keep the laughter out of her voice, "I hear giggling. Sasha, do you think we should investigate?"
Sasha, too, hears the giggling, and shares a smile with Ali. "I think we must, darling," she answers, in the loudest whisper she can manage, "for you know what that can mean."
Clara can't help herself. She is giggling again because of course they caught her! Or maybe she was home free.
They didn't see her yet. Clara peers around with a curious look before turning right back to the wrapped gifts at her feet. She wanted to be sure they were in place before she skipped off to play with everyone.
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Like the crystal, which is held in a death grip once she finds it.
"I," she whispers through her teeth, "am going to kill him."
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At least the food is good?
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"Cute antlers."
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Clara was indeed very happy to be up to her form of mischief.
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"Uh oh," she says, knowing her daughter will hear her and trying to keep the laughter out of her voice, "I hear giggling. Sasha, do you think we should investigate?"
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They didn't see her yet. Clara peers around with a curious look before turning right back to the wrapped gifts at her feet. She wanted to be sure they were in place before she skipped off to play with everyone.
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