yes!! i mean, um.. if you insist. ^^

..! shall i show you all my new plants? spring is just about here, so i'm excited to finally be able to grow all my favorites for this season!

[ oh, gosh. they're not quite sure what words to use to tell her what she looks like now, so they fish out a pocket mirror instead and hand it to her, gently whispering, ]

..please don't freak out.

well.. i have time right now! ^^

[ a blush creeps on their face at the sight of those fangs.. okay, focus. Focus. ]

you seem a bit, um.. oh goodness, how do i say this.. 💧

i don't feel like i have to.. that makes it sound like it's a chore. i *want* to make time for you. you're much more important than anything at the castle!

p.. pearl?! is that you??

[ they frown, genuinely apologetic. ]

i know, i just.. mmh. i know.

[ shrinking a little like a child getting scolded. ]

have you been okay..?

[ opening their arms for a hug!! ]

i know, i know..! things have just been super hectic back at the castle.. i really missed you.

awww. yes, i do!

// YEAH. YOU SHOULD

// i was gonna wait till i finished her carrd but i got sooo impatient

// you know her.

temp pinned. penned by richie

// ok whatever go my catgirl

— i always really love when you make me things.. it's really special.. and i've kept every single thing you've ever given me.

[ it's true. they have an entire shelf in their room just for that. ]

[ oh. ohhh.. rosie immediately slips them on, flexing their fingers. it's soft. comfortable. but even more than that, it was made by io's own hands, and that makes them priceless. they look up at him with a bright smile before they launch themself at him to embrace him. ]

iooo—!! it's perfect! —

me?

[ they're surprised.... as if corravan doesn't give them something Every year. but it's always so sweet! ]

what is it?

[ seeing corravan and io giving eachother gifts from afar (they don't know) ] awww they're getting along ^_^

[ pulling her in for a quick smooch. ]

[ they carefully open it, giving him a knowing smile as they do. ]

merry christmas, io..! it's really nice for you to think of me.. and i hope this is what i think it is!

🥺

i've always really loved christmas..!

for me?

[ looking very curiously at the box.. ]

she didn't bite me that hard, though..!

i—is it really that bad?

... 💧 i hadn't thought of it...

ehe.. i almost feel guilty getting such special treatment from you all the time...

..what would you have done if it were anyone else?

oh, shoot, i was late!! :(

yes, corravan? ☺️

// oh my god its spreading