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((Xiu-> Doucette, Zeke, Hazeline -> Zeke))

“Yes, it has been a while hasn’t it?” said Xiu nodding in Zeke’s direction. The Sigel was tempted to ask after Anya but was spared the question when the vet answered it to a passing Frei that Xiu had never met before. But the meeting was brief and the Frei was gone before Xiu could get to know her. Perhaps next time thought the Sigel as he turned his attention to the Doucette once more.
“Doucette, that is a pleasant sounding name,” said Xiu in earnest. “May I know where you are from? Err...if it isn’t too forward of me,” added the Sigel with a sheepish smile that did little to mask his curiosity. It was interesting; especially if said person was from somewhere far away. Then noticing that the young lady was clutching her chest, Xiu became concerned. “Is something wrong? I apologize if I have stepped out of line,”

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“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” said Hazeline as she took Zeke’s hand. “Xiu has mentioned you before but I believe this is the first time that we have met,”

A look of astonishment then passed by the guardian’s face when Zeke decided to open his gift then and there. Taking a step back to allow him room, Hazeline watched as the vet struggled with the wrappings before pulling out a rather large sweater. A chuckle escaped when Zeke comically set the lights of the sweater to “fast”, grabbed the gift boxes and disappeared out into the night with the promise of returning as soon as possible. “Wow...umm,” said Hazeline with a shake of her head. “Definitely lively,”

((LuLu > Dinner table > Exit Genie + Zul > Josh
Josh > Alcohol table > Xmas tree > Exit Riv + Aphi + Camille + Mordekai > LuLu))

LuLu was delighted that Genie had enjoyed her gift. At least, she interpreted the woman's dreamy sighs and groans as enjoyment. She had not doubled over yet so it certainly was not in pain. Once Lu got a thumbs up, it was confirmed. It seemed as though Josh would be spared from Lu's wrath for the night. One point to her guardian. The rabbit made a mental tally before she puffed up with a small air of pride. She then turned her attention to the retreating Zul.

She accepted his hug and smothered him in one of her own. Her shorter arms struggled to lock around his frame, but LuLu surged up towards the kiss and gave their embrace every once of energy she had in her. She could not help the glowing grin that formed on her face though she really did not want to pull away. However, with the promise of them reuniting, Lu just barely managed to scrounge up the will to part from her brother. The younger sigel touched his forearm lightly before he left. She spoke softly, "Until then. Stay safe and happy Zul."

As he left, she was suddenly aware of how much time had passed since they had arrived at the party. Certainly, it was most likely drawing in on the time for her and Josh to make their departure as well. The sigel gave Genie one last look and a bow to bid the human goodbye, "You are welcome. Good night Ms. Genie." She spun on her ribbon and took off to where she had last seen Josh.

Fortunately, the boy did not have a habit of wandering around like she did. He was still glued firmly to the alcohol booth. The girl floated over and tugged on his sleeve lightly. Josh looked down towards her and could practically read the question in her tired eyes. In case he had missed it, Lu prompted, "It is getting late, hm?" The girl then tilted her head and ears towards his companions and the gift he had yet to exchange on the table.

Josh snorted and agreed with a nod. "It is." In fact, whatever buzz he had been working on had faded long ago. He rapped his fingers on the wrapped box beside him to get everyone's attention before he spoke into the small group, "I should be heading off now, guys. It was a real pleasure seeing you all. Merry Christmas and keep warm." He picked up the present and headed towards the tree where other gifts had been stacked. He hoped Lillian would manage to get it somehow before too much time had passed. He felt a sadness p***k in his chest knowing that he would not be able to see her expression when she opened it and saw the flower crown inside that Lu had crafted. Though the flowers would wilt, the historical romance novel underneath should stay fresh.

Once the package was slid into the safety of the tree, Josh rejoined his raevan and they made their leave through the front exit.

[Domevlo w/ Revontulet --> heading toward Thanatos and Cruz near Christmas Tree and Exit ]


He didn't see her right away but then he noticed that she was in conversation with others. A sigh escaped his lips puffing out from under his mask as he looked around. He spotted Thanatos speaking with Cruz who had informed him not too long ago that Anita was his guardian. He decided it was best to hand off his gift to the other frei for his nerves were becoming more rattled by the moment. "Domo will give his gift to the green one, Cruz." He told Ren turning an apologetic look her way. She had made quick work of her visit with everyone to drop off her gift. Promising to help Domo deliver his own, only he really didn't want to be in a crowd of unfamiliar faces. Handing off a gift to someone he had never met also seemed a bit out of his comfort zone. "Domo is sorry." He spoke, moving closer to take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. "This one is not well, Domo will go home now." It was a half truth, something wasn't right.

Perhaps it was nerves? There was no way to tell but he knew his next destination did not entertain a boisterous woman and a mingling group. No. It was a cop-out but he would take it over diving into unfamiliar territory. He reached out once more to give Ren one last squeeze. "We will meet again." Of this he was certain if their gathering to see the lights were any indication. "Goodnight." On a final farewell he turned to make his way through the throng of raevans and guardians to finally stopped short of his own guardian. Tugging on the man's shirt. "This!" He shoved the gift in the man's hand. "Domo does not feel well." He half lied. "We must go." It was his usual tone that brokered no argument. He simply had to go and without much warning he was floating toward the exit as Thanatos looked after him.

Chagrined from his charges abrupt departure, Thanatos looked at the gift then Cruz. With a weary smile he handed the item to the young raevan. "I'm afraid this was to be your guardian's Secret Santa gift." Sighing he awaited Cruz to take it before stepping back a few paces. Inside her gift bag she would find the latest video game, two of Xan's recycled stolen erotic novels, a mini-care package of snacks ordered online from around the world (courtesy of Xan's credit card), and a handmade Christmas card made from construction paper, with crayons and lots of glitter and macaroni.

"I do apologize but would you be kind enough to deliver this to her. There is a card inside from Domo." He allowed a moment to look behind him to find the faint glint of gray escape behind the tree toward the exit. "I really must be leaving. I'm glad you enjoyed your gift I hope Anita will be please with hers. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year." On that note, he turned on his booted heels slipping through the crowd to catch up with his charge. Giving brief but cajole nods on his way out the door."

[ Woo.. thanks for the RP. And sorry to cut and run on ya kitten! ]