IC Contact [ryslig]

[catphishing]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, OLIVER. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 142.58.303.67 *** oliver has joined 142.58.303.67 <oliver> So this is my private channel. <oliver> Talk to me?

Current Usernames

<trashpanda>
<mothman>
<oliver>
<deBricassart> (anon)

Former Usernames

<creepypasta>

Throwaways

<zx01r3z>
<tfk>

Changeling Throwaways

Comments

[fourthsaken]

If you want to help, that'd be nice. [It's a testament to how much closer Jade feels to Oliver and Soeki, how much they're her family, that this year, she doesn't insist on doing all the work herself. She doesn't want to give up a holiday she could spend with them by cooking for them, as long as Oliver doesn't mind helping her out.]

The apple pie's a family recipe. You should know it.

[catphishing]

Of course I want to. I like cooking too, you know.

[He's touched that she's actually willing to though. Especially if the things she's cooking are family recipes.]

[fourthsaken]

Yeah, I know. Sorry I don't always let you help. I just... [She pauses for a minute, suddenly very interested in the marshmallows melting in her hot chocolate.] I feel like I owe you and Soeki so much. Cooking's something I could do to not be like, a weird burden.

[catphishing]

You don't owe us anything. How many times do we have to tell you?

[He sounds like he's teasing, but he means it. If Jade could start seeing herself the way everyone else did then he would be far happier.]

[fourthsaken]

[Jade ducks her head, embarrassed. By now it's clear to her how much Oliver and Soeki care about her, that they really mean it when they tell her she doesn't owe them anything, but that doesn't mean it's easy for her to accept.]

Maybe this'll be the last time. [Even as she says it, she's aware it probably won't be.]

[catphishing]

I hope so.

[But he doubts it somehow.]

Do you want us to start on dessert prep soon? Most of the dinner stuff should be okay for a while.

[fourthsaken]

Can we do presents first? I started some prep before I left for Bert's last night, it can wait a bit...

[catphishing]

Sure we can. It's Christmas. We can do things however we want.

[His parents would probably disagree with that sentiment, but they aren't here.]

[fourthsaken]

Awesome. Hold on.

[It doesn't take long for her to float over Oliver's gift. It's an... interesting shape, a slightly lumpy looking roll wrapped in traditional holiday paper and tied on both ends with bright red ribbon. It looks like a wrapped candy, if wrapped candy's were nearly 3 feet long.]

[catphishing]

[Oliver laughs, taking the gift from the air once its within easy reach.]

What is this?

[fourthsaken]

Something cool. Just open it.

[Jade grins, watching as Oliver unwraps his present. Inside he'll find a hand-made front door mat, constructed from one of the carpet choices he loved, but Soeki and Jade had veto'd immediately. A non-slip backing has been added and a welcoming message painted on it in black (in her defense, it coordinates with everything) "Home Sweet Home", with each word carefully mimicking one of each of their handwriting (Soeki's, Jade's, and Oliver's).]

[catphishing]

Okay, okay.

[He unwraps it at her insistence, grinning as he unfolds it and realizes what it is.]

You guys hated this one. Are you really going to let us use it?

[fourthsaken]

I am. If Soeki hates it, I can't promise he won't tear it up when he's a bear...

[catphishing]

If Soeki ruins something you made he'll have bigger problems than a rug he doesn't like.

[He doesn't really think he would. Bear brain or not, he'll know Jade put work into making it.]

Thank you. I love it, even if you guys don't.

[fourthsaken]

[She pauses, lowering her voice to almost a whisper.] Don't tell Soeki, but I actually don't hate it that much anymore? I stared at it for so many hours when I was painting, I almost like it now...

[catphishing]

[Oliver grins widely at the admission.]

No way. If you're on my side now Soeki has to know. I'm totally telling him.

[Soeki had railed so hard against some of his choices he's pretty much obligated to tell him even if she only almost likes it.]

[fourthsaken]

Oh my God, you can't! [She practically screeches, hitting him with a piece of wrapping paper that she crushed into a small ball.]

[catphishing]

Why not? It's only fair.

[He knocks the paper ball away before she can hit him again with it, laughing.]

It's okay to take my side sometimes.

[fourthsaken]

I take your side like all the time. [She definitely doesn't, but she's been trying to be better to not follow her initial instinct and immediately side with Soeki always.] I mean... I'm trying to. You don't think Soeki and I gang up on you, do you?