A celebration of family, eh?

[sweetlies]

who: Ciel Phantomhive, Undertaker, Vincent Phantomhive, those invited to spend the holiday
what: Celebrating Hygge with cocoa by the fire
when: Second day (and on? maybe?)
where: Phantomhive/Undertaker house
warnings: None

He'd spent a late day in the store the day before, having several Bitter Rabbits customized to share at least a passing similarity to their recipients. And when they'd been finished, he carefully wrote out notes for each, boxed them, and set them out to be delivered the next morning. Two of them, he packed up to take home with him, to give to their new owners personally. They were in an unmarked box at least, easily covered up as something for work that he didn't want to leave.

He hoped the invitations would be accepted. At least in their own home, his father and Undertaker seemed at least a bit excited for Hygge. Even if it was something unique to this world.

Ciel also made sure the had plenty of ingredients for cocoa and plenty of marshmallows for it. His sweet tooth demanded as much. Anything else he was sure would be asked for. A shop wasn't too far away that they couldn't get anything needed or wanted. Or so he hoped.

Comments

[shoplifter]

Laura is admittedly a bit surprised to be invited. Because it was -- a celebration of family, wasn't it? And she had a difficult time accepting the thought that someone would consider her family. Maybe he'd just been... inviting her mainly as a friend. Even so, she couldn't help but faintly feel like she was trespassing in on a special occasion, when she finally does arrive.

She can be caught looking around and investigating just about everything in the house, now.

Because, well. She's a curious creature like that. Give her a sec.

[sweetlies]

That was true but Ciel was a bit lacking in family, instead inviting the people who felt as close to family as possible to celebrate with the actual family he had with him.

He didn't mind her looking around, there was nothing any of them really wanted to keep hidden. Not that Ciel knew, anyway. And his gun was always on him, even asleep it stay under his pillow. Eventually though, he did approach with a mug of cocoa.

"Make yourself comfortable, Laura."

[shoplifter]

"... Gracias..."

She carefully takes the mug, the warmth not really a bother to her when she sips it. It's not like anything that burns her mouth leaves any injury -- but she's cautious enough that she can at least enjoy it. Looking around the area, she can't help but let her eyes roam again.

"It must be nice, to live away from a lot of people in one area."

[sweetlies]

He'd have probably still worried if she had burned herself, not really having a full idea of what she was capable of. He, at least, knew she could take care of herself. Although it hadn't stopped everyone else from worrying.

"It is. I was never great with people, but it was a cozy house that Undertaker and I both liked. It worked out in our favor."

[shoplifter]

Laura nods, understanding that sentiment; she wasn't very good at people, either.

She glances down at the cup, feeling slightly guilty.

"... I did not bring you anything."

Was she supposed to? This holiday thing is hard to understand. And so many all at once, lately...

[sweetlies]

Oh, was that was that was? Ciel just smiled and shook his head at the thought of a gift. Honestly, it was so close to his birthday that gifts made him feel a little awkward.

"That's alright. I'm just glad you came. Especially since I wasn't sure if you'd gotten close to anyone else yet. I didn't want you to be alone for the holiday."

[shoplifter]

She can't help but turn away a little at that, not because she doesn't have people who'd visit her for Christmas, but... she's not sure how to even act in those situations, so it's been a bit of an internal struggle to seek such company out. Even Linda, bless that social worker of hers. She'd dropped off a gift and made sure she was doing alright...

"I've made — friends. I guess."

It doesn't sound right, but it's not like she's lacking friends at home, right?

Even if they were... odd circumstances.

[sweetlies]

"I'm glad. You deserve to have made friends." Laura deserved a lot. Including the chance to spend time with people who care about her over the holidays. Even if Riverview had an obscene amount of holidays to deal with.

"And you're welcome to visit us here whenever you'd like. I hope you know that." Holidays not necessary. Although he wasn't sure she'd enjoy spending too much time around the Victorian household.

[shoplifter]

Rubbing her arm, she feels a little self-conscious, but it's — also a relief.

She's glad she deserves friends here, that is. She knows she frustrates some people... a lot.

"I know... You've been nice to me," she says at length, lips turning just slightly. "You're my friend, too."

She'd help him whenever you needed it, to be sure.