... Leona-san. Do you really think it would be that difficult for me to find out something as simple as a birthdate?
[Maybe here, yeah, but back home... well. This is Azul Ashengrotto you are talking to, would it be that surprising that he and his eels gathered that kind of information on some of his fellow classmates before ending up in this place...]
No, but regardless, the point is that I happen to know, and now you have a birthday present in your hands. One that you still haven't bothered to open yet, by the way...
[He says, with a tilt of his head toward the gift. Come on, we're waiiiiiiting!]
[The chess set will be easy to find under the wrapping, carefully packaged in a way that the unique design of the board and pieces look pristine when Leona finally opens the gift.
Azul doesn't say anything, not rushing to try to go "well?? what do you think?" or immediately fish for praise for his "thoughtful gift" or whatever as he might have before back home: he actually stays respectfully quiet for once and waits, allowing Leona to take the time to really look it over as long as he wants first.]
[Even if Leona doesn't say it yet, Azul is observant enough to notice what looks like the beginnings of a grin on Leona's face, and so he can't help but do the same.]
As a matter of fact, I did indeed have it commissioned. I wanted to provide something unique and with the highest quality craftsmenship that I could find.
Hey, sometimes its necessary to pay a little extra if it's for good quality.
[You should see how much he spent once on a fancy teakettle and cups for customers to use in the Lounge, even if the value was entirely lost on them in comparison to himself.
However, it seems Azul truly can't help but pout a little now finally as he huffs dramatically.]
Still, the least you could do is say "thank you", you know...
What? Me appreciating it isn’t enough for you? You need a word of gratitude, too?
[Since when has Leona ever said thank you to anyone? He hasn’t even said that to the prefect and his own dorm mates after being snapped back to normal during the Spelldrive tournament.
So he can’t help but look amused at Azul’s theatrics.]
It's not so much a need so much as its simply the appropriate thing to do. Besides, its only two words, and if you say them, I'll be giving you two words in return as well that shows my own gratitude in having my gift acknowledged. A fair exchange, don't you think?
[... He really could have just said "yes, because it will make me happy to hear you say it" instead of any of that, couldn't he? What a dramatic-ass nerd...]
[Yeah, he knows, but this is funny to tease you with now.]
Does my own two words of reciprocation that you would thus receive in response not benefit you as well? I know I certainly feel like it does, when others say it after I have thanked them for something they've done.
[Plus, it could be worse. At least its not three words starting with "It's" and ending with "A Deal" like a lot of their interactions in the past heavily involved instead of actually thanking each other for repaid favors...]
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[Azul rolls his eyes at that, but fine, be like that about it...]
It's the 27th, which also happens to be your birthday today, if I recall correctly.
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Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall telling anyone when my birthday is.
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[Maybe here, yeah, but back home... well. This is Azul Ashengrotto you are talking to, would it be that surprising that he and his eels gathered that kind of information on some of his fellow classmates before ending up in this place...]
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[That's such a weird knowledge to have in his opinion.]
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[He says, with a tilt of his head toward the gift. Come on, we're waiiiiiiting!]
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[A click of his tongue against his teeth before he finally starts opening the present.]
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Azul doesn't say anything, not rushing to try to go "well?? what do you think?" or immediately fish for praise for his "thoughtful gift" or whatever as he might have before back home: he actually stays respectfully quiet for once and waits, allowing Leona to take the time to really look it over as long as he wants first.]
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Seems quite expensive even for you. Did you commission it?
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As a matter of fact, I did indeed have it commissioned. I wanted to provide something unique and with the highest quality craftsmenship that I could find.
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[He picks up a piece, running his thumb over it carefully as he takes in the details.]
Not bad, octo-punk.
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[And yet, Azul is in fact smiling rather than putting on the dramatic pouting and sighing he might have done before, at least not just yet.]
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[He tucks the piece back in.]
Wasn't expecting you to spend that much money on me even for my birthday.
[A lunch or dinner, he can get. This seems far more personal and expensive.]
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[You should see how much he spent once on a fancy teakettle and cups for customers to use in the Lounge, even if the value was entirely lost on them in comparison to himself.
However, it seems Azul truly can't help but pout a little now finally as he huffs dramatically.]
Still, the least you could do is say "thank you", you know...
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[Since when has Leona ever said thank you to anyone? He hasn’t even said that to the prefect and his own dorm mates after being snapped back to normal during the Spelldrive tournament.
So he can’t help but look amused at Azul’s theatrics.]
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[... He really could have just said "yes, because it will make me happy to hear you say it" instead of any of that, couldn't he? What a dramatic-ass nerd...]
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[He raises a brow at him. Leona isn’t one to say those two words easily, after all.]
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Does my own two words of reciprocation that you would thus receive in response not benefit you as well? I know I certainly feel like it does, when others say it after I have thanked them for something they've done.
[Plus, it could be worse. At least its not three words starting with "It's" and ending with "A Deal" like a lot of their interactions in the past heavily involved instead of actually thanking each other for repaid favors...]
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[Leona almost looks amused by that. There's something weird about hearing Azul saying any words like "You're welcome".]
So adamant. You wanted to be thanked that badly?
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If I said yes, would you actually thank me properly, then?
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[His tail flicks.]
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[Azul is still mostly just teasing though, because after a moment...]
But since it's your birthday, I'll indulge you this once with a bit of honesty: yes, I would appreciate it very much if you thanked me right now.
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[A sigh.]
Thanks, octo-punk.
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[Siiiigh. But alright, a deal's a deal.]
You're welcome, Leona-san. I'm happy that you like our gift.