Welcome to Gaia! ::

Nataniel slid into one of the wrought iron chairs on the little patio outside of a familiar coffee shop, warm drink in hand. The weather was brisk, with a crisp wind stinging his nose from where it was exposed over the high collar of his winter coat. Snow was piled up at the edges of the road and side walk, banked against the buildings that lined the street on either side. He’d pulled up his hood as a guard against the chill wind tousling and tangling his hair, and his glasses were fogged from his own breath blowing back into his face. There was nothing about him that looked like someone who wanted to be here, and he sat alone at the little table, with only his drink and phone to occupy him.

Most reasonable people would find a warm place to sit inside on such a day- and most had. The shop was densely populated, despite the unsavory weather, too much so for Nataniel to find comfort there. Noisy and bustling and too warm inside for all the garments he’s worn in preparation for being outside.

Besides, he wasn’t planning on staying long, if he could help it. He doubted Mier would be late, and once he was here, it would just be a matter of passing off one of three small trinket boxes Nataniel had with him in the inside pocket of his coat. Mier wasn’t the only stop he was making, but the young man was his first, a testament to the pride Nataniel felt to have the young man at his side. But because it was to be a long day of social interaction, he was determined to keep each meeting brief, enough to give his gift with maybe a small explanation to accompany it and little else. He’d grab Basyl’s favorite drink from the shop in order to get as much value from the expedition as possible, and then be on his way in a matter of minutes.

Being one not enamored by the holidays, he wasn’t typically interested in gift exchanges. But this was important in its own way. And not an “exchange,” besides.

Not a nicety. Just necessary for the security of his subordinates when Rakovanite was unable to be everywhere at once. His crew should have a succinct way to communicate with him and each other, even if he wasn’t powered up. And magical trinkets were slightly more uncommon than the typical candle or candy usually handed out to coworkers, so it wasn’t just a waste of time, effort, and money. And Diasporite was always so enthusiastic… He deserved something nice for the past few taxing months.

Especially when even Nataniel had to admit that he hadn’t been tossed into a huge battle when he’d first joined.

So Nataniel sat at a table, one gloved hand wrapped around his drink, the other tapping lightly at his phone where it was propped up before him, posture upright and stiff as he stared expectantly down the sidewalk.

He could spot Mier practically frolicking toward him the second the boy was on the street, and Nataniel steeled himself for the younger man's vibrancy. He appreciated Mier's excitement and enthusiasm, particularly when so many lacked it towards their "unsavory" tasks. But it was still a lot for Nataniel to handle. He could hardly fathom how anyone could have such bubbly energy.

"It has been," Nataniel agreed quietly as Mier dropped into the seat across from him. Too long and no acceptable excuse for it. "My apologies for the distance during this hectic season. If you ever need me, I am only a message away. I do check the tablet daily, and my personal number is available to you, as well." The last thing he wanted was to be inaccessible to someone he had specifically chosen to bring in. He would not be like his first general, and he would not allow Mier to get in over his head because of a fear of contacting him. They were teammates. Nataniel would honor that.

Though here, in public, where any passerby could overhear was not exactly the ideal location to share very much information out loud. Still, he was curious what Mier had to say. "Now is fine, if you would prefer. Incidentally, what I have brought for you should be handy for such a location." There weren't many people out loitering nearby, but the shop had its fair share of customers.

It would only take one misspoken word to give them away.

Better to not speak, then. "First, here." Nataniel retrieved one of the boxes from his pocket and slid it across the table toward the other man. "I hope you are not opposed to jewelry: earrings..." And then, in a quiet murmur, almost to himself, "I never asked if your ears were even pierced..."

Shiningamisgirl

"They are not a 'gift,' exactly," Nataniel admitted softly, trying to get ahead of any disappointment at the fact that he'd brought along tools for work, despite the festive occasion. It wasn't lost on him that he should probably anticipate most people giving some priority to their civilian lives over their powered ones. So many Negaverse agents were incredibly young, just teenagers, with families craving their attention during this season. He wouldn't begrudge Diasporite or Vauxite if they felt compelled only to complete the bare minimum through an otherwise busy schedule...

At the risk of making it sound like he hadn't shown up to give Mier a treat, though, Nataniel added, "But they are yours to do what you like with. It is my hope that they will find use while you are on patrol." But even Nat had found recreational uses for them, and he was sure Mier could too.

And the young man was so happy, so eager. Nataniel could hardly help but be very silently pleased by the acceptance, and maybe even a tiny bit eager himself to show off the magic.

"You can wear them at length, if you are partial to their appearance. I expect it would do little harm to wear both and would even be convenient to have them on you consistently, but the magic is in wearing only one, while someone else wears the other. Here." With a deft flutter of fingers, he reached to remove one of his own studs, while the other extended toward Mier to take one of the earrings. "These are special and will keep you in contact with someone even while you are alone. If you need to transmit information, or if you need to signal for help, something of that nature."