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[viver]

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(a gift )

[1966]

[ what do you give someone capable of infinite creation? adam’s not one for human tradition, especially not any centered around false gods, but he thinks on it a while.

close to christmas, but not quite on the day, adam leaves a single vial filled with a black liquid, thick and familiar. the same he spilled over zephir’s wrist, when he was elbow deep behind adam’s ribs. with it, there’s a small piece of simple card stock. it reads, in neat handwriting:

For the plant, or whatever else you have use for.
- Adam ]

[viver]

[ And through text, ]

Thank you, Adam.

I'd like to give you something in return. Your choice.

[1966]

[ curiously - ]

My choice?

[ ? ]

[viver]

What you'd like to get from me.

[1966]

Am I meant to choose just anything, or are there options?

[viver]

Don't overthink it. Just tell me what comes to mind.

1/2

[1966]

[ after... not very long, actually. ]

I told Sullivan he could collect a bone at his convenience.
I'd like you to help.

[ interpret that however you'd like. ]

2/2

[1966]

[ shortly after, almost like an afterthought: ]

How are you with citrus fruit?

[viver]

The same as with any other fruit.

[ most helpful answer 2007 ]

Which bone?

[1966]

I've left that up to him.

Do they wither the same as living creatures do?

[ per the manor's restriction on zephir's powers. ]

[viver]

They don't. Sully and I spent some time growing gardens here, when everyone left.

[1966]

[ right, yes. ]

Have you been to Florida?

[ what an odd question. ]

[viver]

I have.

[ He'll wait. ]

[1966]

Clementines.
Specifically, one that taste as if they were grown there.

[viver]

Specific indeed.

What earned your curiosity?

[1966]

Someone mentioned that they're their favorite.
I've never had one.

[viver]

Just someone.

[1966]

A friend.

[ friend. ]

[viver]

You're making friends. That's fun.

[1966]

Just one.

[ zeph and sully make three. ]

[viver]

Better than none, I think.

So, a friend who has a favorite kind of clementine. I can see why you get along.

[1966]

[ it's the clementines, among other things. ]

Will you assist me in adding to Sullivan's collection?

[ nevermind that sullivan probably doesn't need any help collecting bones. adam just wants the attention from both of them at the same time. call him selfish if you must. ]

You never said.

[viver]

I will, Adam. Of course.

Did he tell you why he's collecting bones?

[1966]

No.
It never crossed my mind to ask.

[ it just seems like a normal thing for death to do, you know? ]

[viver]

It's just something he does, to be honest. But I did promise I'd give him my ribcage if he gathered enough of them.