daemonized | RECOLLE IC CONTACT.

[It's something Ardyn will only find once he's managed to get into his office, once all the balloons have been dealt with and his office unwrapped (or at least unwrapped to the point where it's usable again!). There's a USB drive taped to the screen of his computer, beneath the wrapping, separate enough that it wouldn't be missed and accidentally thrown away along with everything else.

When he plugs it in to the computer, there are only two files on it: a video and a text file.

>> 20171101153257.mp4

Since Ardyn's been to Dante's apartment now, he'll recognize the piano sitting in front of the large windows, Dante sitting at the bench. The smile that's on his face isn't his usual self-confident one (that one's hasn't been seen since everything had gone down with Malik), but it's a genuine one nonetheless.]

I know I promised to play this for you in person, but... well, the only reason I can do this right now at all is thanks to you.

I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with. But you've been looking out for me since before I was ready to accept it, even when I tried to push you away. [He glances away, and the smile turns a little more sheepish for a moment.] So... thanks, prof. For always being there for me. I don't know where I'd be without you.

This is one of the songs I was thinking about for you and Grell.

[He turns to the piano now, and you already know what song this is. It's not a self-indulgent performance, but there's definitely a sense of freedom to the music, a relief at how his hands can dance across the keys still. This is the gift you've given him, Ardyn, and he will never stop being grateful for it.

The text file, when Ardyn opens it, contains only a brief message:]

Happy birthday, prof. I hope it's a good one.

Edited 2017-11-05 02:42 (UTC)

[Of course he finds the USB, once he manages to clean up the birthday mess that's been left in his office. He can't even bother to be exasperated before then, and after he sees what's on the drive itself-

Well. To say that he's touched would be an understatement.

There won't be a response until he returns home, however. He wants to send his thanks without any potential distractions headed his way, and so later in the afternoon, Dante receives...

Actually, he receives a call. This mode of gratitude requires so much more than a simple text message.

So ring ring, Dante.]

[Dante's not expecting the phone call from Ardyn (when is he ever?), but he won't hesitate to answer it.]

Hey. What's up?

As if you don't know for what reason I would call.

[But it's not accusatory at all. There's a clear fondness in his tone.]

I have to say thank you, after all. It would be rude of me not to, especially after such a moving performance like that.

[He's definitely glad this is over the phone: there's really only one (two) reason(s) that Ardyn would be calling him right now, and with that tone of voice it's probably not because he found the portable stripper pole the three of them had wrapped up and left in his office. Feeling the light smile on his face, Dante's pretty sure he probably looks like a total idiot right now.]

You don't have to thank me. If anything, I should be thanking you. If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be able to do any of this.

There's one other song I've picked out too. I didn't want to give you all of them over video...

[Oh, he certainly found that mess in his office. How could he not? It wasn't exactly easy to miss, nor easy to situate so that any of it wouldn't get in the way. Thanks for that, Dante.

But right now, that much is a faraway thought. He only cares about what he saw in the USB, and is only focused on his gratitude regarding that.]

Another song? You spoil me. When do I get to know which one that is?

That one I'll save for in-person. I can't ruin all the surprise, right?

[A laugh.]

No, I suppose not.

[A surprise it'll be then. Something to look forward to -- no, one of many things to look forward to in the future, he thinks.]

You really didn't have to do all this, you know. You're making me feel dreadfully sentimental.

What, because I played the piano once?

[It's bigger than that, he knows. He knows, and he knows that Ardyn knows what just being able to play again means to him... but he wouldn't be Dante if he didn't try to brush it all off as no big deal.

Because it isn't, really. It's the least he could do to show his appreciation for Ardyn and the impact he's made on his life.]

You know it's more than just that.

[But perhaps he needn't point it out. They're both aware of the meaning of the gesture -- both for Dante's ability to play again, and for the performance being presented on today of all days. No, there's no brushing away that sentimentality, no matter how much they try to dance around it.

Ardyn jokes:]

Or would you rather me focus on chiding you over the state of my office? Hm?

I don't know what you're talking about, prof. What happened to your office?

[What audacity he has, lying so easily--the USB was wrapped in the same wrapping paper that had covered the rest of his office.]

[Yeah he's not buying that for a second. Not even a millisecond.]

Don't tell me you've forgotten how generous you were you nicely wrap everything up for me?

Nicely wrapping everything up for you? Nah, I really can't say that sounds like my style.

[Beat.]

But if I had done something like that, I don't know why you'd want to chide me for it. It'd be making your office festive for a change.

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