Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String (Eli)

[Deleted]

Ashley stood alone on the busy Hogsmeade street the morning of December 28th, dressed in a warm, but very cute blue coat with layers under her dark jeans and boots. It was about 10 in the morning and she was literally bouncing up and down on her feet as she looked this way and that. She'd never seen the place so busy! Okay, so she'd only seen the little village a few times, so that wasn't a surprise at all, but this festival was a much bigger deal than she expected it to be. When she heard about it, she begged her parents to let her go, mostly because she wanted to be able to see Eli sometime during the break, before New Year's Eve of course. The festival seemed like the perfect place to do that. Lots of people were meeting their friends there, so hopefully Eli wouldn't be able to read how much she cared for him just by her inviting him to do something with her. 

Also ... even though it was a few days past Christmas, she had a gift she wanted to give him. She thought about bringing the gift in her purse that had an undetectable extension charm, but she didn't want to carry it all day, so she simply brought the present with her, carrying it in her hands. Joe gave her a weird look when he saw the neat little package- the only way her parents would let her come to the festival was if Joe came as well- but she didn't tell him who it was for. Once they arrived at the village she promptly shooed her brother away, not wanting him to do something to make Eli nervous or mess up their meeting. She just wanted today to go perfectly. 

It also didn't help that since the last time she saw Eli, she was pretty sure he'd gone on his blind date. She had, with Nate, the guy who saved her in the owlery. At least she knew his name now! And the two were ... kind of getting along now? Ashley wasn't quite sure how she would define her relationship with her fellow Slytherin student, but at least it wasn't super negative anymore. The thing was ... what if Eli really liked his blind date? What if, in the past few days, he found someone that he wanted to spend more time with than he wanted to spend with her?! Ashley knew they were friends, but she also knew that if Eli started dating someone, they likely wouldn't get to spend as much time with one another and she hated that thought. 

So she stood in Hogsmeade, glad to be holding her gift because it kept her from wringing her hands as she looked for Eli. She was waiting at the entrance to the village, where she'd suggested they meet in her owl. He should be here any minute. 

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

IT HADN'T BEEN TERRIBLY DIFFICULT FOR ELI TO slip away from home and disappear off to Hogsmeade for the day. His dad had been a bit of a mess since Christmas. Eli had been sure he'd heard him crying the night before. The Fleming tradition of 'Leftover Surprise' a chunky mess at the bottom of the garbage can. While Christmas hadn't been bad, they were never the same without mom. Eli didn't think it helped that his dad upheld every last tradition so it was like her ghost lingered in every wrinkled wrapping paper corner, and stuffed stuffing platter.

So, arranging to meet with Ashley had been a blessing. She'd been the one to suggest it over owl's, surprising Eli as he'd thought she'd be much too busy with her family to have time for the Winter Festival. But, he was thrilled, it beat waiting until New Year's Eve. He thought he might have just burst with anticipation had he waited much longer.

Ashley's gift was tucked in to the front of his coat. He'd kept patting it while on the train, carefully ensuring the sizeable package hadn't dissolved under his coat. It hadn't. By the time he'd arrived at the entrance to the village the brown paper he'd wrapped it in was all crinkled and skewed. He grumbled at it with his head down as he tried to smooth out the creases. But, when he lifted his head it was to see her standing there. He quickly tried to hide the soft rectangle behind his back, but failed miserably in being smooth about it.

"Hey!" He squeaked, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. His face split in to a hesitant grin and he shrugged helplessly. "Merry Christmas?" 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Eli wasn't late, he was actually right on time when Ashley first spotted him making his way toward her. He wasn't looking at first, instead fiddling with something in his hands ... was that a gift? She couldn't help but smile as she watched him approach. He was here! They could really talk with each other for what felt like the first time in ages. She missed him more than she would admit. She glanced away when he looked up to her, pretending that she hadn't spotted him yet. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him moving his hands behind his back. He was trying to hide his gift when hers was held out in front of her? Interesting. That just made her smile more. 

"Hi!" Ashley replied back, overly enthusiastic. She nodded awkwardly, "Yeah, Merry Christmas to you too," Ash echoed. "Did you have a good day with your family?" The words slipped out, making Ashley feel even more awkward than she already did. She knew that the holidays were hard for him because his mom wasn't there anymore. "I'm really glad you could come today," Ash tacked on. Ugh, why couldn't she just talk to him like normal? The package in her hands felt heavy now. What if he thought her gift was stupid? Ashley doubted Eli would ever let on, even if he did, but she'd worry all the same. She couldn't help it. 

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

KNOWING ASHLEY TO WORRY ELI SHRUGGED AND nodded easily. "Yeah, it was good." It hadn't been bad, just tense. Holiday's often were when there was a parent missing. Especially when things were eerily the same. "You?" He imagined hers was extravagant. Lush with decoration and a sweet pine smell, open fire and all.

And then her soft, sweet smile brought him back and he instinctively reached forward to wrap her in a one armed hug. His other hand gripping the gift behind his back. "I wouldn't be anywhere else," He muttered in to her hair, giving her a quick squeeze before letting go. "Honestly, it was just good to get out of the apartment." He shrugged, shoving her gift up the back of his coat and hastily tucking it in to the back of his jeans in the hopes that it would stay.

"I know you seen it..." He teased, a smirk on his face as he patted its hiding spot before tucking his hands in to his pockets. "But that's just a sneak peek until we've got a butterbeer between us." He warned her, tilting his chin down as if in warning, his brows raised. He jerked his chin for them to walk alongside each other. "Three Broomsticks before we scope out the stalls?" He asked her expectantly. They'd both made the journey to get there, the least he could do was offer her a butterbeer. 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Eli shrugged, saying his holiday was good and Ashley didn't push it. She probably shouldn't have asked him that in the first place, she just couldn't seem to help herself. She wanted to know about him and how he was doing. When he returned the question at her, she smiled. "It was ... different." Ashley chuckled a little. "I think my parents missed us more than usual. We only had to go to one party that night and we spent the entire day together before that." It was different than normal, when they'd wake up and exchange gifts before going to a list of parties lasting the entire day. The day was more peaceful and calm and Ashley really enjoyed it. 

He hugged her and Ashley hugged him back, following his lead and only using one arm ... mostly because her other arm was busy holding his gift out in the open. Goosebumps covered her arm when he whispered into her hair, saying he wouldn't be anywhere else. She loved it, but mentally told herself that it didn't mean anything. Eli was just being a good friend, like always ... but after that kiss the other week ... she wasn't going to think about it. She smiled up at him, "Well I'm glad to be an excuse to get you out then," Ashley told him cheerfully. 

Ashley laughed when Eli started talking about his gift, saying that he wasn't going to let her see it until they got a drink of butterbeer. "Okay fine," she answered, pouting just a little bit. He started walking and she stayed beside him as he suggested the Three Broomsticks. "Sounds good to me. We've got to get this drink started ... cause I'm dying to give you my gift." She raised hers just a little bit, though she was sure he'd already seen it. Ashley looked up at him, her expression entirely impish. "Aren't you the least bit curious?" she asked teasingly, shaking her wrapped box. He likely was, but she couldn't help herself. 

They entered the building and Ashley looked around, pointing out a booth to Eli. "How about that one?" she said, looking up to see if he approved. 

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

ELI KNEW A LITTLE ABOUT ASHLEY'S FAMILY AND how they loved 'fancy parties', but he'd always thought that Ash enjoyed them. She was a wonderful singer and he knew oftentimes she sang for family events. He'd never been to any, but she'd told him about a few. "That sounds really good." He nodded, though he looked at her to double check she felt the same way. "I guess with the move and all," He shook his head. "It's been a crazy year." It was hard to tell in the Fleming home, since their house was often hectic.

As they walked towards the Three Broomsticks, Eli felt light on his feet, laughing at her eagerness as he waved her down gently. "Don't get too excited," He joked, shrugging his shoulders loosely. "You might hate it." This idea had scared him ever since he'd had it made, his hands sweating at the mere thought. But he still rolled his eyes and nodded when she gestured to her own. "Obviously," He scoffed, pretending to reach out and snatch it but pulling back at the last second. "That's exactly why we're doing drinks first."

They entered the Three Broomsticks to the sticky sweet smell of foamy butterbeer, and tangy ale. Eli barely even glanced at the booth Ashley suggested, nodding blindly as he pointed at the bar eagerly. "I'll grab us a couple of butterbeers?" He was off before she could refuse, pulling a little leather pouch of coins out of his pocket as he waited to be served. It was fairly quite, considering how busy the place was for the holidays and Eli was juggling the two tankards back to the booth in no time. He felt antsy, both to give his gift and receive. Setting the tankards down, some foam sloshed up and over his hands and he rolled his eyes at himself as he sat down. "Okay, chug!" He joked, making as if to grab for his drink but stopping at the handle. 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ashley smiled when Eli said that her Christmas sounded very good. "It was. It was nice to spend some good quality time together." Honestly, she'd be happy if more of their get-togethers were like that, especially now that she and her siblings were growing up. Next year she wouldn't have Joe at school with her. She wouldn't get to see him every day. Good quality time when she did see him was exactly what she wanted. She nodded at his comments about it being a crazy year. "Yeah, I can definitely agree with that." Even just talking about the two of them, it had been crazy, but he was probably talking about something else. That was fine. He didn't have to always be talking about them. She didn't either, though she was normally thinking about them. 

Eli told her not to get too excited and Ashley rolled her eyes at him, "Oh come on! I don't think I could hate anything that came from you," she answered without thinking. A small blush covered her cheeks when her words registered to herself, but she pretended like nothing happened. "I mean, maybe you'll hate mine." She really hoped not. She'd worked hard on it, actually made her gift for him this year. She really wanted him to like it, even though she didn't know if he would. She turned, pulling the package out of his reach when he playfully reached for it. "Oh I get it! You want to torment me. Either that or you're trying to force me to learn howto be patient," she teased, giggling as they finally reached the Three Broomsticks. 

He nodded when she suggested a booth and Ashley smiled, moving to sit down. She looked back to Eli when he said that he'd grab the drinks and before she could say a thing he was gone. Ashley chuckled quietly to herself before sliding into the booth, gently putting his present down on the bench. It wasn't fragile or anything, but she was still careful with it. She looked around the room, people watching until Eli showed up again, plopping the drinks on the table and spilling a little. Ashley grinned, especially when she saw him rolling his eyes. Then he told her to chug and she rolled her eyes. "Now, if you really think that's going to work, you don't know me at all," she teased. So he wanted to wait until they were done drinking before they exchanged gifts. Maybe this would be a good time to ask about his blind date ... she didn't really want to, but at the same time she was dying to know about it.

Ashley took a few swallows of butterbeer before looking back to Eli. "Sooooo, while we're waiting you should tell me about your break. Like," she paused a moment, looking up thoughtfully like she didn't already know what she was going to ask. She snapped her fingers, "like that blind date. How was it?" Her heart pounded furiously as she waited to hear about his experience. Did he want another date with the girl? Was he smitten? Had she lost her chance with him entirely? Ashley took another drink, hoping to hide some of her anxiety. 

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

ELI FELT A SMALL BUT SATISFIED GRIN SLOWLY overwhelm his face as Ashley exclaimed. Though she looked like she'd revealed a little too much, he found it endearing. "Guess I've got a point to prove then," He teased, nudging her slightly as they walked. He obviously wouldn't try, but it made him feel better about his gift, crinkling audibly under his shirt. "Maybe I will..." He said, pursing his lips before guffawing. "But I doubt it." And he really did, she'd never disappointed him yet. In fact, she often set the bar.

In the Three Broomsticks, Eli leaned forward over his tankard as he played around with her. There was an easy air between them, and he lapped it up while it lasted. Unlike how their last encounter had been - after the events he'd witness in the courtyard his behaviour had deeply embarrassed him. He'd overreacted, more so than she even knew, and it itched his skin when he thought about it.

"Break..." He leaned back with a smile, turning his tankard slowly as he kissed his teeth. "It was typical." The blind date, however, had not been. He'd been hoping she would bring it up first so he could ask her and was pleased that she had, though now he had to actually think of something to say in turn.

"I almost forgot about that," He lied, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table casually. "It was... funny." The last thing he'd expected was to turn up at the theatre and find one of his best friends waiting for him there. "I got paired with Zeke," He revealed, straining the name so that it might register with her. "One of my like... bestest friends." He shook his head, still wondering about that. "I suppose it makes sense - we got a lot in common, but-" He shook his head over a gulp over butterbeer, licking the sweet foam from his upper lip. "I never expected it, I guess." He shrugged his shoulders with a happy laugh. "Didn't even know he'd signed up."

After a moment he set his tankard down and finally gave in as he asked. "Wh-what about yours?" He wondered, digging his stubby thumb nail in to the handle of his tankard. He finally found the courage to look up over a fringe of curly hair. "Tell me about it." Did he really want to know? Well, that really depended on how it ended. He asked anyways, because wondering was worse. 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

He teased her, nudging her with his shoulder and Ash returned the gesture, rolling her eyes at him but also unable to keep the smile from her face. She couldn't help but smile when the atmosphere between them was so light. She loved it. "I hope not. It would definitely be awkward if you do," she couldn't help but say something in return. Ashley wasn't in the kind of a mood to walk in silence. She wanted to be talking with Eli. 

Talking with Eli was so easy. He was in a good mood, happy and cheerful and Ashley couldn't help but feel the same. She was in Hogsmeade with her best friend, with the guy that she had a major crush on. She had no reason to be anything but happy right now. Except for the topic that was looming over them now. Stupid blind dates. 

Ashley held her breath as Eli answered ever so slowly, saying his break was typical. She rolled her eyes when he said that he almost forgot about the blind date, but Ash didn't say anything she was waiting for him to speak. She leaned forward as Eli did, her eyebrows furrowing when he said that it was funny. The date was funny? The girl he went on a date with was funny? The fact that they met blind dating and were now really dating was funny?! What was he talking about?! She forced a smile, though her heart was beating a million times a minute. Her hands were starting to get all clammy too. 

Eli finally explained who he got paired with. Zeke. She knew that name. Ashley's mind started whirling as she tried to figure out who that was. Then Eli added that he was one of his best friends and she finally realized. Eli got signed up with his best friend. Not some random girl ... that was good, wasn't it? Her smile became a little more real. "So did you guys have fun then? What were you doing on your date?" Now that she knew who he went out with, she felt much less nervous about the whole situation. 

He asked about her own date and Ashley shrugged. "Ummm, I got set up with Nathaniel Forrester. He's a sixth year slytherin like me," she explained, trying to figure out what Eli would want to know, since she doubted he and Nate would know one another. She snapped a finger as a thought came to mind. "He's the one that, in the owlery," she hesitated, not liking to think about that day. "You know, the day we became friends again. He was the one who helped me ..." Now that she and Nate were kind of friends, she felt weird describing him to Eli as the guy who was mean to her and teased her. Maybe Eli would remember that on his own. "We hadn't really talked since that day. It was nice to get to know him a bit better." Ashley shrugged again. She definitely didn't have romantic feelings for Nate- like there was any chance he could have pulled her attention from Eli- but she did think the two of them could be friends now. She trailed off, not really knowing what else to say, forgetting to tell him what they did or any of that. 

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

TELLING ASH ABOUT HIS BLIND DATE CAME WITH an immense feeling of relief. Like he'd been forced to keep something from her and was finally able to take the weight off his shoulders. He hadn't met anybody he didn't already know and think of as a brother. He hoped the same could be said for Ashley. "We went to The Phoenix Theatre," He said, still smiling. "Saw a show." Sitting back, he rolled his eyes, trying to convey how causal it all was without saying as much. "Zeke is like my brother," Crossing his arms, he sighed. "It was like something we'd have done for fun anyway." Looking down at his lap, he pulled his lips between his teeth and added, almost tentatively. "It wasn't really a date, you know." Just so she knew.

Though, Eli enjoyed it less when he had to hear about her date. He'd wanted to know, really. But, he was so anxious that it had gone well that his palms began to sweat immediately. He didn't really know who Nathaniel Forrester was, but he hated the name on instinct. It was too fancy, and he was a Slytherin too, so he was probably annoyingly confident too. "Oh, right!" He'd saved her from falling that day, he hadn't know that was Nathaniel, but knowing it didn't make him feel better. Who did he think he was? Some kind of knight in shining armour? But, then again Eli knew he'd teased her before too. He worried that she didn't mind that much anymore.

"Yeah..." He said, forcing a smile as he looked down at his hands, he was twiddling his thumbs. "Uh, that sounds cool." He didn't ask what he really wanted to know. Would she be seeing him again. At least not right away. "What did you guys do?" He asked instead, because it was innocuous enough that he didn't feel so bad doing so. He grabbed his butterbeer instinctively. Intending on cover up his reaction with a big drink. 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ashley listened, feeling a little more cheerful as Eli continued to explain about his date. He said they went to the theatre and saw a show. "That sounds like so much fun!" Ashley answered enthusiastically. She loved seeing shows. Suddenly, she was imagining what it would be like to go to one with Eli, to sit there in the dark theatre, possibly holding hands with him as they watched people perform. It sounded perfect. She pulled herself back to the conversation as he explained that Zeke was like a brother to him so it didn't really feel like a date. "I'm glad you were able to enjoy it with him," she tried to keep her relief in check. She'd already basically showed Eli how jealous she was when she saw him and Ana in the library that one time. She didn't need to make it worse. 

She watched Eli's face as she explained who Nathaniel was. She was hoping to see what he thought of the kid, but maybe Eli just didn't have any thoughts about him. At least, it didn't seem like he remembered that Nathaniel had been mean to her. Eli never knew about the teasing that happened before that day either. She smiled, shrugging when he said that it was cool she got to know Nathaniel better. It was cool. She still wished she'd been able to meet with Eli instead. "Umm, we went to see some Kelpies. It was really neat. I kept thinking that you would have loved to see them. Maybe ... we could go sometime." While she did have fun with Nathaniel, she knew he wouldn't be anything more than a friend. "If you want," Ashley tacked on, not wanting Eli to feel like he had to. She shrugged, "It was fun, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't want anything more than friendship, which is good because I definitely don't see him that way." Not after the way they met. It wasn't that people couldn't change, more that Ashley was so enamored with Eli that she didn't see anyone else that way. "Does that make sense?" she asked with a small laugh, looking over at Eli with a hopeful expression. Normally he understood her pretty well. Hopefully he'd be able to do that now still. He knew her better than anyone else, after all.

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

NODDING HIS HEAD ELI AGREED, IT HAD BEEN A fun show. Even if he would have preferred his blind date to be her, he still felt better that he'd spent the night with a friend and not a stranger. Especially not a stranger with romantic intentions. He hadn't wanted to let anyone down, which was why he'd almost backed out. "It was really good." He said, smiling cheerfully. Plus, he liked that it meant he could make her feel better about it. If she needed to feel better about it. He couldn't tell, but he thought maybe she was happier to hear him say it wasn't a date. However, Eli slumped a little when Ashley told him where she'd gone.

"You went to see Kelpies without me?" He cried, his bottom lip pouting. He'd wanted to see the water horses since he'd arrived in Britain, but he hadn't had the chance yet. It was like a double edged sword. A date, and an experience he'd have loved to have with her. "We gotta." He replied, lifting his tankard once again and taking a sip to stop himself sounding even more stupidly jealous. But he almost choked when she told them they weren't seeing each other.

"That's..." He set his tankard down and licked foam from his lips. "That's unfortunate." But, he felt an immeasurable amount of relief. He turned his tankard and managed a small smile, keeping his cool. "It makes total sense." He told her, before letting go of his tankard and slowly reaching back to grab his gift from behind him. "I have a gift to make you feel better." He said, his smile turning in to a smirk. "It's also your Christmas present." Like she didn't already know. He placed the wrinkled package on the table and gestured for her to the do the same. 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ashley felt significantly better, now that she knew Eli's blind date was with his best friend, who he was not into romantically. Maybe she should've hoped that he found someone he could really like, but Ashley wasn't that selfless. She wanted to be with Eli, so badly. She couldn't help but be happy that he hadn't found his true love on his date. 

She laughed, unable to help herself, when he whined about her seeing Kelpies without him. "Hey! It's not like I really had a choice," she argued, still a little bit amused by the disappointed expression on his face. He said that they had to go together and she nodded. "It's a date!" Then her words registered. "I-I mean, we totally should. I'd love to go back with you." Why did she feel like every time she got together with Eli, she made her feelings for him obvious. She took another drink of her butterbeer, looking away from him in embarrassment.

Eli said it was unfortunate that she and Nathaniel hand't connected that way and Ashley shrugged. She didn't see it that way. She already knew who she wanted to be with and it definitely wasn't her fellow Slytherin. Then again, she didn't know if she'd ever get to be with the person she wanted to be with. That wouldn't stop her from trying. He brought out his gift, saying it would make her feel better. Ashley smiled and pulled hers out at the same time, placing the wrapped present on the table between them. Inside the box she had a handmade scarf for him, kind of as a sort of thanks for him letting her borrow his scarf for so long. She'd actually taught herself how to make it, and added her own twist with a little magic. It was reversible. Right now, the scarf was the Hufflepuff colors, with a button that had the Hufflepuff emblem on it. If one were to push the button quickly two times, it would change to Slytherin colors with a Slytherin-themed button. Ashley didn't know why she'd added that onto it, except that she wanted to be a part of the gift. She wasn't even sure if she'd tell Eli about that part of the gift, but it made her happy to know it was there. If he even liked the scarf, which she wasn't sure if he would or not. 

Ashley smiled at him. "Do we want to exchange on three then?" she asked, suddenly feeling nervous about the entire thing. What if this was just awkward for the both of them?

Elijah Theron Fleming

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

SHAKING HIS HEAD SO-SO, ELI HAD TO AGREE with Ash's logic. The blind date venues were seeming picked at random and Eli couldn't really blame her for going to see kelpies without him. He slumped in his seat and let it go, smiling as she called it a 'date'. She looked shocked to have done so, her words fracturing as she tried to correct herself. Eli was a little disappointed that she did. "It's a date, then." He echoed. before taking a drink from his butterbeer as he pretended to be distracted.

Pulling out his gift, Eli set it on the table between them. He was a little nervous as his fingers drummed on the crinkly brown paper. He'd wrapped it himself and the abundance of sticky tap glimmered in the low, orange lighting in the pub. He'd agonised over what to get Ashley ever since they'd decided to exchange gifts. She was much better at it than him and he worried her tastes had changed since the last Christmas he'd bought her something. Eventually, he found a lovely shop in Diagon Alley advertising hand-made scarfs for the holidays and it had clicked.

Inside his poorly wrapped gift, Eli had had a scarf made for Ashley. He'd known how much she'd liked his own and had and thought maybe she'd like one of her own. Plus, she had a habit of being cold. It was a lovely deep blue, almost black like the night sky. On it he'd had silvery stars sewn like little dazzling gems. Constellations scattered in streaking silver thread that danced under the light. The ends were fringed in silver too, and near the hem he'd had her name embroidered with a little ice cream cone at the end. The seamstress had been very proud of it and Eli couldn't believe how soft it was.

Pushing it across the table, he reached for hers simultaneously. "One, two, three!" He said in a rush, grinning at her as he pulled his gift towards himself, eager to see what was inside. He pulled the pretty ribbon by one end and watched it unfurl. She was much better at presentation than him, and it made him careful as he peeled the crisp corners up and pulled back the paper to reveal a box inside. He lifted the lid excitedly and stopped. Was that what he thought it was? Eli dropped the lid and very gingerly lifted the soft fabric between his hands.

Ashley had bought him a scarf. A beautiful black and sunflower yellow, a button proudly displaying the Hufflepuff emblem. He'd never seen anything like it and he laughed in shock. "A scarf!" He said, rubbing it between his fingers as he looked at it and back at Ashley, beaming all the while. "It's perfect..." He told her, pulling it to himself. "Where'd you find this?" The unique weave and colour creation made him think immediately that it was hand-made. He wondered if she'd gone to the same person he had. "Great minds, huh?" 

@ashley

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Eli looked so calm and put-together as he echoed her, saying it was a date. Ashley could only nod, feeling somewhat like an idiot. Why was she falling all over herself, trying to correct her words. She liked Eli, she'd love to go on a date with him, especially one where they got to see a creature he'd never seen before. She could only imagine how excited he would be to see the Kelpies. 

Eli counted quickly, pushing her gift and pulling his toward himself. Ashley laughed as she reached for his gift as well. She was excited to see what he got for her this year. She still kept his gift from last year with her always, the charm bracelet that she couldn't even stop wearing when everything was wrong between them. It meant too much for her to keep it off. She unwrapped his present, her eyes staring at the beautiful dark blue fabric inside. Shimmering silver bits woven through the fabric gently, like stars in the night sky. She exhaled a quick, soft laugh. It was beautiful, just like the night they sat and watched the meteor shower together. She pulled the fabric out of the box gently, grinning when she saw what it was. A scarf. How much more perfect could this be? She touched the silver stars gently. "It's so pretty and soft," she told Eli, not pulling her eyes from his gift. How did he always know just what to get her? 

Ashley hear Eli's voice, announcing that his was a scarf and she laughed as she looked up at him, holding her own scarf gently in her hands. He didn't seem annoyed that they got one another the same thing and she wasn't either. It was perfect, almost like it was meant to be. She nodded when he said exactly what she was thinking. "Yours too," she said, rubbing the soft fabric against her cheek. Was it possible that this was even softer than the scarf he'd let her borrow the past while? At his question, Ashley looked up and blushed a little. "I ... made it for you." Ash didn't know what he'd think about that. She'd never actually made someone a gift before, but she was still proud of it. She smiled a little, "Try pushing the button two times," she suggested, deciding she would let him in on the magic of the scarf. Better to tell him now than let him accidentally do it and wonder what happened. Ashley chuckled and nodded, "Only the best minds," she agreed. "I love it Eli." Ash wanted to make sure he knew that. She glanced down again, admiring the beautiful scarf, laughing when she noticed her name and an ice cream cone embroidered on one end. She grinned up at him, "Now, even though everyone's going to want this scarf, it's undeniably mine," she teased, unable to hide her delight. It was perfect.

Elijah Theron Fleming