"Cake and food and happy family time is better than drinking vodka and being an asshole," Thomas nodded sagely. "I'm a grownup!"
Serenity laughed and then she stood again, but only to retrieve the present from the kitchen counter where Thomas had left it. She carried it over to him before sitting down again. "You didn't open your gift."
"You didn't need to get anything," he protested, feeling umcomfortable.
"Shut up and open it!" Serenity commanded, but she smiled as she said it.
"Yes, ma'am." Thomas ripped into the paper and the moment he saw what was in the tiny box his jaw dropped.
"I know you might not play anymore, but-" Serenity started, but she was cut off by an exuberant Thomas jumping up and then onto the sofa where he whooped and performed a ridiculous happy dance.
"I can't believe you found this!" He exclaimed and then he showed the box to Jamie as he climbed down off of the sofa. Inside was a guitar pick signed by Robert Smith of The Cure. "Jesus, Serenity." To Jamie he explained, "once I told her if I could have anything, it would be a guitar pick signed by Robert Smith. I can't believe you even remembered!"