WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND / private

[dannychan]

he nodded. “well.. they’re about to start gift opening..”

[peridot.]

Nines blinked and said, getting to his feet, "Ah, yes. I want to see what Gavin got me.."

[dannychan]

he stood and offered his little brother s hand.

[peridot.]

Taking the other's hand, Nines got to his feet and headed over to where the gifts were, scanning the tags over until he saw the one from Gavin. Picking it up, he inspected the wrapping curiously, wondering what it was.

[dannychan]

connor happily grabbed the ones with his name and watched hank move over.

[peridot.]

Once everyone had their gifts, Nines carefully tore into his gift, blinking at the storybook inside curiously. Beginning to flip through it, his heart practically melted when he saw what it was about. Despite seeming still as stiff and calm as always, tears began to cloud the edges of his vision.

[dannychan]

connor, when he opened his, got very excited. “hank! look!” he said brightly and held up the tie.

[peridot.]

Nines blinked and swallowed the lump in his throat, looking up to glance over at Connor. He smiled a bit and said softly, "That's really nice, Con."
Hank, meanwhile, looked up and smiled, saying with a small chuckle, "Aww, that's really cute, Connor. Make sure to thank Reed after the holidays." He then glanced over at Nines and noticed the tears running down his cheeks slowly, "Nines? Are you okay...?" Nines blinked in surprise and nodded quickly, scrubbing at his eyes, "Y-Yes, I'm fine. Just open your gift from Gavin... Please.." Hank blinked and frowned, hesitating, but then he opened his gift, smiling when he saw the alcohol, "Holy shit, this is great.."

[dannychan]

connor looked t his brother and his smile instantly fell. he moved to wipe at his cheeks and frowned softly. he looked at hank and his eyes widened. “that’s.. a large bottle..”

[peridot.]

"I know. He seemed to like the gifts I got him, though. And apparently he got me a gift.. I liked seeing him happy, just for a bit, but he left..." Nines said, sighing heavily.