VALENTINE'S DAY 2020

[siberia]

LET'S PLAY SOME CUTE SHIT BECAUSE I DONT HAVE A DATE

prompts:

a. love letter
b. give a present
c. invite on a date
d. confess your feelings
e. WILDCARD!!!

Comments

[unghost]

[ Of course thievery needs to be involved...... not that they really care. Well, not a ton. After six months of living here, it's more often than not that things go Lupin's way in that sort of procedure, so they've gotten less and less nagging. Sometimes, and now is one of those times. ]

I've read about the ballet. A little.

[ They nod with some interest, and they do remember his description, too - though their understanding of what the performance will actually be like remains rudimentary. Even a bookworm like Cairngorm can only absorb so much knowledge about the vast and rapidly changing human world. Their small smile stays for an extra second before relaxing again, and they tug on his hand to get him to sit on the bed next to them. ]

I guess I should give this to you now. [ Letting go of his hand, they're able to set the flowers to their side and offer the maroon box to him properly. ] Here. I've been holding onto this, but the more I thought about it, you should have it. I don't know much about these things, but...

[ With their disclaimer out of the way, they gesture for him to open it. Inside, on a bed of satin, is a dark, smoky crystal shard, with the clarity and perfection only a Lustrous could have. The piece has clearly been professionally polished by a jeweler, though only to improve the cleanness of the stone, as it remains the shape it had been when it had been broken off their body some time ago. (They also know nothing about what shapes crystals are supposed to be cut in to make them "attractive.") The shard retains the classic shape of other polished quartz shards, with the slight imperfections in shape assuring it's authenticity and assuring that the stone has not been cut or otherwise altered, aside from the polishing. Above the stone is a thin gold chain, and a holding clasp meant to secure around one end of the shard to display it as a pendant. Despite this, the chain and the stone remain unmarried, separate in the box from each other. As a whole entity, the necklace has a simple design, but is nonetheless beautiful - it's obviously something Cairngorm couldn't craft on their own. Money and consideration were spent on this gift, the piece of them aside. ]

[heartsteals]

[ as he predicted, he's somewhat disappointed by their lack of reaction - he's a showman at heart, always wanting to take the spotlight and impress, and he especially wants to do so with Cairngorm, both because it's a continuing pleasure to fluster and delight them and because he knows that they've never really gotten to be the object of anyone's attentions before. Still, he knew this would happen. Words are words and nothing more; words they don't know the meaning of are worth even less. Lupin's gambling everything on the performance itself. Those ballerinas better knock Cairngorm's socks off, or he'll have to take matters into his own hands to make the occasion special for them, damn it!

But he's not so petty that he's bothered by it, and these thoughts don't show on his face, as usual. He lets them lead him, gracefully taking a seat beside them, and when they let go of his hand, he leaves it near them, knowing that his curiosity is about to be sated - a curiosity that he allows into his expression plainly now. When they offer the box, he takes it with an especially delicate touch, a wry smile curling his lips. It's not sarcastic or mischievous; in fact, it seems closer to bashful than anything. He's not used to receiving presents like this. Certainly not from them. ]

If it's something you want me to have, then I happily accept. Thank you.

[ Lupin keeps his tone airy and light; in contrast, he's careful opening the box, not knowing what might be inside. Jewelry isn't on his mind, despite the obvious implication of the container - he can't imagine Cairngorm would give him something like that, considering what they were, what they still are, at heart. Yet when the lid is open, jewelry is exactly what's waiting for him. For a brief moment, there's confusion in his eyes. Then, all at once, he realizes what he's looking at. Cautiously, tenderly, he slips his fingers around the black shard, lifting it out of its satin resting place and holding it up - not to the light, but to compare to the person sitting in front of him. The rich tone of the jewel no longer matches their skin, not exactly, and they don't catch the light in a rainbow of facets anymore, but his memories of when they did are still fresh and vibrant, and he easily fills in the blanks between the stone and the seated figure.

Not that he could ever forget this jewel - not in a hundred years. His breath feels caught in his throat. For once, Lupin's taken by surprise. ]

... This is you. [ it's not a question - he knows it's them, without a doubt - but it begs an answer nonetheless. How? Is there some scar on their body where they removed it? He doesn't know. And even as he wonders, he's overcome by the weight of this little crystal. Regardless of how they managed to hold onto it, this must be the last remnant of their past life they have -- and they want him to have it. ] Cairngorm...

[ Judging by the time and effort put into it all, it wasn't a decision lightly made. They're sure that this is what they want: human life, with him, despite all the troubles and trials it's already presented. He never doubted them, because that's not his style; he's always trusted them, and believed, but that doesn't mean that having proof of their resolve in his hand doesn't move him. He lowers his hand, shuffling the stone into his palm, and breathes out a low, disbelieving laugh, shaking his head before meeting their gaze, eyes full of fondness too deep to properly express.

He's never felt more sure that he belongs here at their side. ]

You've completely shown me up.

[unghost]

[ They shake their head, almost immediately. No, naturally, they don't think they've outdone him at all. From their perspective, they don't think anything they can provide will ever match up to what he's already done for them... this exchange feels like the least they can do, to try and do something to show their feelings, their desire to stay. Even if their gift isn't like the ones someone normal from this world would give, they wanted to make up for it in sincerity, even if it pushes them out of their comfort zone, and even if its making their hands feel clammy with nerves. ]

I wanted to tell you that... um.

[ Maybe predictably, they stumble when it comes to the struggle of putting their feelings into words. They really do want to try to tell him, just this once, their thoughts. He's always speaking so openly to them, and the times they've been able to return the favor have been so few and far between - not that it seems like it bothers him. But they'd like it if they could stand on equal ground with him and pry their heart open to him fully - they trust and love him so completely that the prospect of doing it isn't what makes them nervous. It's just... the actual act. They're reclusive and have a hard time expressing themself; that part has never changed about them, freedom and a new lifestyle aside. That's just how they are at their core, and how they'll always be without an outside force trying to change them. ]

You told me that people in your time keep pictures with them of people they care about. So they can be together when they're apart. Do you remember? Well... if you hold onto this, whatever happens to either of us - a part of me is with you. My inclusions, my memory. [ A pause. Their eyes move from the shard in his hand to his eyes, their hands tightening against the comforter on either side of them. Then, after a slow breath, their pulse thundering in their ears, they murmur it like a confession: ] I want you told hold onto "me," the way that I was, and the way that I am now.

[ Will that make sense to him? They'd broken this piece off of themself (right where their collarbone is now; there is a faint scar he's likely never seen) to at least be able to remember what they once were - not that they could forget a thousand years of their life. But without it, they imagined they might grow to regret having no remnant of the gem they were. The way they see it now, though - they'll always be the same person, the same one he fell in love with. But this piece of them is immortal, alive and imbued with real memory. They're not sure if they'll outlive him anymore, because they could die at any time now; living without knowledge of what might come next is something they'd gladly traded for their immortal life, because they can live each day fully without dreading unavoidable days without him. They can feel at ease giving this piece to him, because in the event they disappear, they want him to still remember them, and more importantly, they still want to be by his side, somehow, some way. ]

If you don't want to wear something like this, it's fine. You can just keep it, or whatever you want. Its yours. [ In all honesty, they tried their very best to pick something that would he'd like and wouldn't be too out of place in this world's fashion. But, there was also always the chance a human like him would find wearing a physical piece of someone too weird, so even then, their efforts might have amounted to naught. ] But if you wanted to... I wanted to tell you that you have my permission.

[heartsteals]

[ when they speak, they get his full attention, as much as the little piece of quartz in his hands is beckoning to be stared at more; it's still unusual for Cairngorm to be so direct with him. Not all of their struggles are with their new body. Their indecisiveness, their lack of self-esteem, their difficulty in opening up -- they're still wrestling with the same problems that Lupin watched them wrestle with in Chroma. And, just like back then, there's not much he can do outside of supporting them and encouraging them. So that's what he does - he listens, and he waits, even as they hesitate picking their words.

Still... He looks at them, dressed sharply in clothes they chose, dark eyes bravely meeting his own, telling him I want -- I want to tell you, I want you to hold onto me -- and he can't help thinking that they've changed. Not just changed - grown. He loved the past them that he's holding in his hands - but he might love the Cairngorm sitting in front of him now, the one that has the strength to choose their happiness and picked him, even more. ]

... If you don't mind, I've two amendments to make before I can accept your demands. [ as he speaks, his hand quietly wanders back to the velvet box. ] I'll hold onto you the way that you were and the way that you are on one condition: you promise to hand over yourself the way you will be somewhere down the line, too.

[ maybe Cairngorm doesn't know much about it, but the topic of marriage has been on Lupin's mind since they came back with him. Not that he expects them to pick up that hint, as the somewhat devious glint in his eyes suggests. It's fine, though; he can explain everything to them when the time is right, whenever that might be. (He'll know. It has to be perfect, obviously.) ]

Secondly... I can't seem to clasp this. Would you do me the honor?

[ with that, he holds out the piece of cairngorm stone, now attached to the golden chain provided - his dexterous thief's fingers did it all without a single glance down, apparently. It's also apparent that he never tried putting it on even once, seeing as he's been sitting in front of them holding it this entire time, but he lies with charming ease, bowing his head a little so they can reach. ]

[unghost]

[ He's right - they're not thinking of marriage at all when he says that. Marriage is a human tradition they only ever saw between princes and princesses in fairytale books, and without seeing them in real life, they've never really confirmed how close a ceremony like that is to reality. Rather, when he says that, they just understand it as him professing that he'd like them in the future, too, which is close enough, and plenty good enough to them. For them, there will never be anyone else but him to give themself to.

They just nod, slowly, eyes showing some understanding of his request, before they widen at seeing the pendant attached to the chain so easily. Cairngorm had been under the impression they'd have to take it back to the jeweler with him to prepare it (and thus endure more insulting comments about the cheapness of a stone of this kind), but as usual... Lupin finds a way to surprise them. Now that they're in the world of humans, his talents really are so much more apparent. Cairngorm had always shown a small sliver of wonder whenever he did small tricks, and this time is no different. ]

Hmm.

[ A hum in affirmation. The chain admittedly feels slippery in their clammy hands, but they scoot closer to him so they can wrap their arms delicately around his shoulders, peering behind him at where the clasp should connect. And, they struggle to get it, of course. What's a gem to do with putting on jewelry... their eyebrow twitches on the third attempt, feeling embarrassed to take so much time on the task, before they're finally able to get it into place. Once the clasp is closed, they hook a finger around the chain and smooth it out, making sure the pendant is centered on him - but even while doing so, they don't pull back quite far enough to look at him properly, keeping one arm around him and their face beside his, and, with his head still bowed, they press a tender kiss to his temple while they can reach it, quiet and gentle - the way they'll only be around him. Happy Valentines Day, is what they should murmur against his skin, but don't, simply lingering and doing nothing to draw away from him. Wrapped around him like this, with the crystal glistening in all it's familiarity between them in the subtle light - they feel wholly his. ]

[heartsteals]

[ he is slowly but surely picking up on the fact that they're actually impressed by his sleight of hand prowess, which naturally means he wants to find more excuses to show it off (not that he ever needed a reason.) He might have been a little chagrined that Cairngorm finds that his most awe-inspiring skill, but it's hard to think it's anything other than cute in a moment like this. As they fumble with the necklace, he smiles to himself, quietly, patiently. He's not used to wearing one, but decides then and there that the weight of it is quite pleasant.

Maybe Lupin's still used to the way they used to be, too, for all their growth, because he expected them to pull away shyly when they were done and was already preparing to snare them before they could; before he can even lift his head, though, he feels their lips on his temple and their arm still around him, and he can't keep his smile from becoming a little more foolish. ]

I think I'm rubbing off on you. [ That was downright romantic! For Cairngorm, at least. Between this and the necklace, he feels like he's the one being romanced, which is as unusual as it is delightful. Whatever disappointment he might have felt over his own showing is quickly dissolving in the affection washing over him. He can't help but want to be closer; he leans in, arm sneaking around their waist as he nuzzles teasingly against their neck, his words a warm murmur. ]

You didn't answer. Should I take that as a yes?

[unghost]

[ At that, they breathe out a little huff, half out of being flustered by his question and half because the warmth of his face against their neck is ticklish - it makes them shift just slightly from where they are. ]

...Well, what else would I say?

[ They complain, pushy, like the answer is obvious. They went through all this trouble for him, didn't they?! And they came all the way here, too, to Steel London, far away from everything they've ever known just to be by his side. There's nowhere they belong except next to him. Their face burns, growing red just out of sight from him; even if expressing themself is what they set out to do, it's embarrassing to be teased by him when he knows the answer already - he has to.

Nonetheless, with him pulling them in around the waist, they loop their other arm back around his neck, letting their slender fingers thread through the hair at his nape, their touch delicate and ghostly light. It's as if they are holding back, tentative about touching him fully even still, but this time perhaps because they're shy about pushing to get closer rather than from lasting worry from their once chilling touch. They want to be, though - closer, that is, want time with him that isn't meant for anyone else. Cairngorm feels best when being given affection, unsurprisingly, going a life completely devoid of it, but it's only very recently they've had the capacity to ask for it, to push for it. They can tell he's always careful to give them space (which they appreciate), but sometimes, they find themself wanting more than what he thoughtfully gives out.

They've really become selfish ever since getting wrapped up with him, is what they think to themself. With the leverage they have, they pull themself closer until their hips brush, leaning their head against his. ]

I already gave you the answer. When we left.

[heartsteals]

Did you? My memory's failing me.

[ no, it's not, he remembers that very clearly, because of course he does - it's got to be one of the most important events in his life - but he's a liar and a thief, after all, and even more of one when Cairngorm is snuggling up with him like this. He'll happily cheat his way to getting more admissions of affection out of them. He's already riding the high of getting such a precious gift from them so unexpectedly. With a contented half-sigh, half-laugh, he presses a kiss against their neck, then pulls back a little - not enough to break out of their embrace, because he's quite comfortable there, but enough to look them in the eyes. ]

I like to hear you tell me. [ a pause; he smirks, a little, but it's a warm one, earnest in its playfulness. ] I like when you want things.

[ even though they're entirely right in this case; they've already given him their future just by coming here, and he knows it. But to Lupin, there's a difference between the reality at hand and the wishes in their heart. He wants to hear that they want it - he wants to hear that they're happy, still, and he'll keep making sure they stay that way. ]

[unghost]

[ They frown, almost pouting, tilting their eyebrows up helplessly. So he won't let them off with indirectness? It's obvious that he's just trying to pry more out of them - the only difference is how willing they are to put up with it.]

Fine...

[ Only because it's today will they push harder to be up front with him. That doesn't stop them from looking more than a little bashful. If this were any normal day, they'd probably put up a bigger fight, but instead, they just avert their eyes from his for a few moments to try to find the words for the thoughts in their head. ]

I don’t want to be away from you... [ Ever, is on the tip of their tongue, but they hold it back. ] It feels like I’ve already waited so long to meet you. 

[ They say, honestly, meeting his eyes again. It's the truth, too - it feels like their whole life led up to them getting snatched away and saved by him. They've waited terribly long for someone to cherish and treasure them the way he has, to be noticed, to be loved. Meeting him and coming here made everything that preceded it worth it, it made everything they endured mean something. Their thumbs come to rest on the line of his jaw, stroking the skin there gently while they tilt their head at him. ]

So, I want to be beside you as long as I can. That means "down the line," too. [ Their logic is simple. Handing themself over in the future - it's not really a question to them at all. Spending so long fearing the day they might part - it only makes them want to spend every last moment they can with him. They can't imagine leaving his side at any point in the future, not voluntarily, at least. A beat passes. ] "You'd get lonely if you didn't get to see me," remember?

[ They've preserved a crystal clear memory of him saying that, sure. But the way they ask is like they're asking for him to affirm it, prodding for him to commit himself to them the way they are to him. ]

[heartsteals]

[ earnestness aside, he was fully expecting them to brush him off with an embarrassed grumble, and he would have welcomed that with a laugh and more teasing - that's how things usually go, him seeing how much he can flirt before they get flustered and fed up. So when he gets "fine" in response, instead, he blinks, brows raising in mellow surprise.

They are being softer than usual today. Maybe it's the spirit of the season getting into them, maybe he really is rubbing off on them, he doesn't know. It doesn't really matter; either way, he was unprepared for a gift as heartfelt as the one they gave him, and he's unprepared for this, too, their hands framing his face, their words making his heart leap up into his throat. (Lupin doesn't really like the idea of fate. He might start liking it after the logical Cairngorm drops that line on him.) ]

I remember, [ he answers, succinct, the red in his cheeks giving away that they've caught him off-guard yet again today. His instinct is to try and take the lead once more - it's in his nature to chase, and to not be caught when he's being chased, in all things - but he meant what he said: he likes when Cairngorm wants. And, perhaps, he likes to remember that he can just be Arsène around them once in a while, too: a young man who is very desperately in love. ] I really meant it. I'm yours, Cairngorm. Always.

[ he considers dressing it up more, but it feels better to be honest and plain here, his words not punctuated by anything more than the arm around their waist squeezing gently, as if to affirm his presence. ]

[unghost]

[ Always sounds so lovely everytime he says it. There's nothing that can make them happier than being assured that they'll always have him beside them for the rest of their life. It's comforting, only made moreso by how long they feared letting go of him. They smile, quietly, meeting his eyes with a fondness fitting of their privately gentle nature, thoughtful and serious.

Without another word, they guide him to them, kissing him fully. It's without hesitance or clumsiness, despite the lasting nerves in their hands and their stumbling confession from moments before - they feel content, secure, from listening to him, and feel nothing more than a desire to be connected to him any way they can. To feel close to him in a way only they're allowed to be. Their kiss is lasting, Cairngorm lingering there for the simple pleasure of feeling his soft lips giving against theirs. ]

Are you satisfied? [ When they break away, they stay close, forehead just barely touching with his. ] You keep pushing me.

[ They pretend to complain - but truthfully, they're grateful they could express themself to him, because they'd like it if they could make him feel as safe and cherished as he does for them. ]

[heartsteals]

[ not that long ago, Lupin would have never believed Cairngorm could smile at him like that - not for more than an instant, and not without immediately trying to hide it from him, like it was a secret that he could make them that happy. He remembers, too, how not so long ago he'd been so taken off-guard when they'd kissed him of their own volition. Neither is as unfamiliar as it once was, to his great delight; nevertheless, he still feels the same low pride when he sees that small smile of theirs, and the same quick spark of joy when they're the one to lean in first. His eyes flutter shut, and he meets their lips without hesitation, all gentleness and patience, as always. In his heart, they're still the clumsy, awkward gem he stole kisses from when they'd let him. But that was the past, too; in the present, they linger long enough that he curls his fingers at their waist to press them in tighter, that he wishes he was sitting a little differently so he could pull them flush against him, that he wonders if they've learned how to breathe to make this last (surely) and if it would be going too far to yield even more and part his lips, but -- they break away, and he opens his eyes and bumps his forehead against theirs with a contented sigh. ]

That's my job, isn't it? I've pushed you all the way back to London with me.

[ and he teases right back, just as he always does. He has pushed them a lot, true - but he likes to think he's only pushed them where they need to go, mostly. Pushing them for his own selfish reasons, he tries to limit - he reminds himself of this, curtly, even as he lifts his free hand to playfully touch his finger to their lips as he continues. ]

But you should know I'm never satisfied when it comes to you. [ a wink; he drops his hand to his knee again, grinning. ] Since it is Valentine's, I suppose I can let you go with that.

[unghost]

[ That makes them quirk a brow, lips pursing even after his finger leaves them. ]

You are so selfish, [ They sigh, with no real grievance behind it. Leaning forward, they let their arms circle around his neck, giving themself just the right amount of leverage to slide into his lap, turning their body more so they can face him. They keep their legs off to one side, leaning their side into him fully - if not a little hesitantly. ] Don't you know how much effort I went through for this? Be grateful.

[ Obviously he is, and they know, but they can't help but jokingly scold him when he's been teasing them and trying to pull more out of them this entire time. ]

[heartsteals]

Heh heh. I am a thief. We're a selfish lot.

[ he's still up in the clouds from that kiss, and now they're going ahead and coming to sit on him. A few months ago, this would have been an invitation for some unpleasant bruises on his thighs and a heaping helping of guilt on Cairngorm's part if they ever saw said bruises and confirmed that he wasn't the iron man he portrayed himself as. Now, though, they're light as a feather, and not half as worried touching him so much, and he'd be lying if he said it didn't all make his heart skip a beat, though he accomodates them so smoothly that no one would ever guess as much. The little piece of quartz is the only reminder of how this posture used to be, its smoothed-out edges poking into both his chest and theirs as it's sandwiched between them. ]

To answer your question, though... I don't know, actually. I dearly hope you didn't hurt yourself for my sake.

[ the hand at their back draws up along their spine, as if he might feel some imperfection there from where they nicked a bit of themself to craft into a present; from anyone else, the motion combined with the comment might seem teasing, but Lupin seems at least halfway serious about it, one brow raised in faint concern. ]

[unghost]

There's a scar, [ They admit, aloofly. ] But you know already it didn't hurt.

[ Of course, they already know how he feels about them taking to breaking off parts of themself - and they know they promised they wouldn't do it again. But this was different, so they feel justified. ]

And I didn't break it off back then with you in mind, so don't think too much about it. The more hurtful part was taking it to the jeweler.

[ They're thinking Lupin will feel more guilty if he thinks Cairngorm broke it off solely with the intention of giving him a piece, so they do want to set that record straight. But they refrain from elaborating too far, thinking it would be more enjoyable (not to mention lighthearted) to complain about the mundane efforts they'd gone through than the grand ones. ]

[heartsteals]

[ there is a scar. That only piques his curiosity more, in a sort of romantic, mischievous sense (as most of his curiosities about Cairngorm are at this stage), but his actual search comes to a close as his hand slows to rest at the nape of their neck, leaving him half-embracing them. ]

The jeweler, huh? [ Lupin hums, amused, concern already dispelled by Cairngorm's measured reply - they know him well enough to guess what he's thinking, it seems. ] Give you a hard time, did he?

[ rather than getting boisterous and defensive for their sake, he's gently entertained, and it shows in his little smirk and soft gaze - they can handle themself perfectly fine, especially if it's the store he's thinking of. (Unsurprisingly, Lupin's familiar with mostly every jewelry store in the area.) He's not done prying into those 'grand efforts' yet, not by a long shot, but he can hardly resist hearing the details about this adventure. It's a testament to how much they've settled into this world, accomplishing something like this on their own. ]

[unghost]

[ The question makes them frown in earnest, breathing a short huff through their nose. ]

Yes. [ Seems like they're still sour over it, too. ] He said it was practically worthless.

[ Only at the jeweler did Cairngorm first learn that even a semi-precious stone like quartz is basically useless in a tiny amount like that. They thought all jewels had some sort of monetary value in human society - apparently, that isn't the case. They did learn that crystal of the same kind coming from the Scottish region could be highly valued if high in quality and authentically from the mountains there, but with no way of proving where they'd gotten the stone from, it was nothing more than a tiny rock. Not to mention that it wasn't the favored translucent shade. ]

Apparently it would be more valuable if they heated it so the color would lighten. [ Their pride clearly took some damage on that day. ] I didn't get it at all...

has it really been 3 months... closes eyes

[heartsteals]

[ His Cairngorm, worthless?! Terrible. He feels mildly offended on their behalf, too, despite his having all the knowledge of human culture necessary to explain why the jeweler said that, but mostly, he's amused, endeared by their grouchiness over the matter. Their pride is one of their best traits, and even moreso now that they've grown a little more self-confidence. Lupin smiles at them apologetically, shaking his head. ]

There's not much to get, I'm afraid. Just an unfortunate side effect of human nature. If something is rare, we want it all the more, and merchants want those rare things the most of anyone. [ his gaze is soft, growing fond as he speaks. ] Put a crystal in front of him that he thinks won't make him money, and he won't give it the time of day, even if it's the strongest, most beautiful specimen he's ever seen.

[ yeah, he passed the point of subtlety in this relationship a long, long time ago - but with the way Lupin looks at them, it's easy to believe he means every word of it. ]

What can I say - there's no accounting for taste. Even then, the poor sod had no idea he was handling the rarest stone in the world.

[ he'd like to see another quartz that has life in it - memories of a thousand years, winter and war and another world, feelings of loss, feelings of love, all uniquely Cairngorm's. (And they were entrusting it to him. The weight of it settles on him once more, and he almost feels like he should store it somewhere safe rather than wearing it, except he can't imagine not keeping something this precious on him at all times.) ]

maybe we will finish this thread by the time Next valentines day comes..

[unghost]

[ Their purse their lips throughout his explanation, staring hard at some particular fiber in his clothing. Yes, the comment about the stone being the strongest and most beautiful and best in every way is quite embarrassing, but they can't bring themself to rise up to push back against it. Not today, anyway. In this case, they feel the guy did pass up something extremely special and deserves to be treated as a fool accordingly. When they speak again, it's harshly. ]

So, I was right. That guy didn't know what he was talking about. [ Cairngorm sniffs, almost haughtily. Maybe that guy was a jeweler, and they're a clueless alien, but so what? With the way Cairngorm is acting about the matter, the man might as well have not been able to tell a pebble from a 24 carat diamond. ] Black luster was rare where I lived.

[ They're still sulking. Yeah, they're a boring old quartz, but they're special! Rare even! Their self-esteem is in the dirt on most matters, but there's a certain pride among all gems that just can't leave them even after all the distance, physical and metaphorical between them and their home now. ]

Anyway, I only needed him for that chain. Even that was a surprise. I thought those fairy tales might have exaggerated how treasured gold was in the human world, but they didn't at all...