InsaneJournal

They ventured out into the bustle of the streets on a top-secret mission, bundled to the tips of their noses and ready to purchase any appealing item. Tiki was carrying a pile of boxes tall enough to almost block his face, peering just over his cargo and dodging passersby with skill perfected by many years of moving through crowds. A light snow was beginning to fall, just enough to add festivity to the occasion. Carolers were standing on the corner in a huddle of green attire, singing the arrival of the season with angelic tones.

The Earl kept pausing at every glass window, staring and observing carefully before deciding to continue onward or duck inside the shop. Pinks, greens, blues, frilly dress after frilly dress was placed in a neat box and tied up nicely with a bow on top. A pair of shoes to match each dress accompanied, joined by new boots for the twins. The boys would be getting suits this year, apparently, measurements given to the half-inch and written down for a custom tailoring.

The Christmas ham and sweets were ordered for pick-up on the Eve, and with a small box of chocolates for Rhode under his arm, the Earl began to waddle off down the street, ignoring Tiki’s call for a slowing of pace even as the boxes began falling toward the icy cobblestones. The man let out an irritated cry as his load scattered, foot catching a piece of ice and sending him flying. The Earl’s smile increased ever so slightly as he disappeared around a corner, toddling away at top speed.

By the time Tiki had finished crawling around and picking up all he had dropped, the Earl had reappeared with a fresh stack of very large boxes, an akuma that hadn’t been with them before following with a third stack. Tiki went pale with something akin to horror as he saw the new packages, looking to his own as though expecting the Earl to dump them on him, but he was safe for now. A broad grin from the Earl, and they were on their way, heading back to the house with their loot in tow.