Same warnings and such apply.
Quick note: They are speaking English in this chapter, because no one else is around.
Oliver pinched the bridge of his nose. The case was over. Finally. As amusing as it had been to watch Lin cower at the sight of childlike attentions, there were only so many emotions and carols he could handle before he burned out.
And he did burn out.
They'd dropped Mai off at her house by 2 AM (literally, as she'd fallen asleep during the ride and not even poking her with the spine of his book had managed to wake her), but he'd had no desire to head back to the western-style hotel, the halls bedecked and the staff cheery. Back at the office, Lin had retreated behind his door, and Oliver went right for one of the couches, too exhausted to even attempt reading. It had been a disgustingly emotional day.
"Noll." Lin was towering over the couch, leaning over him like some dark, overbearing version of a guardian angel. A guardian angel with a permanent scowl and a less than delicate way about him. He managed a half-grunt, half-sigh in reply.
"Noll, check your desk. I believe Taniyama has left a gift for you as well."
The idea of opening a gift had his stomach turning and his mind sifting through the years unbidden. Noll, open mine first! When they were eight, and Gene had to practically shove the overtly colorful packages into his hands. All you got were books, idiot scientist. Thirteen, and Martin had done most of the shopping. I'm older, of course I get more presents, he'd teased before dropping a heavy box into his lap, Happy Christmas, little brother. The last time they'd stayed up together until midnight as they did every year, laying under the tree to watch the light refract off the ornaments, Gene plucking the book from his hands and insisting they enjoy the moment.
He needed to stop thinking about it. He needed to sleep, or read, or shut down. A distraction, that's what he needed. One that had nothing to do with this damnable holiday. It was then that he noticed something glittering from Lin's hand, a yin-yang sign, crafted from glass and dangling by a black silk ribbon.
"An ornament for the tree, I believe," the older man explained unnecessarily, holding the trinket up to the light with a fond smirk, "I wonder what she got you?"
"She shouldn't be wasting her money on us," he grumbled as he rolled off the couch after a long moment's deliberation. Lin (thankfully) said nothing while he appraised his charge, chuckling with a little too much mirth given the circumstance. Oliver had hoped, if anyone would allow it, Lin of all people would turn the other cheek to his sulking. Evidently not.
"It's only a waste if you don't accept it, Noll."
But he was already in his office, inching towards the desk as if it would explode if he moved too quickly. Staring at the neatly wrapped package resting innocuously atop a stack of files. A small card hung from the bow. After some exploratory prodding, he deemed it safe to engage while blaming his irrational suspicion on a combination of sleep deprivation and grief.
The card was handwritten, he realized, recognizing her comparatively graceful calligraphy that spelled the words 'Merry Christmas!' and wondering how she managed to write cheerfully too. There was another symbol, one that seemed to be written with more care than the others. Reverent in its meticulous shaping. He couldn't help but be impressed, even if he couldn't identify the meaning of said symbol. He'd have to ask her tomorrow. Or Lin, that worked as well.
He faced the wrapping paper with some trepidation, carefully tearing along the seams until a small, naked box sat in his hand. Now to open it, if he could find the will. He was suddenly very tired.
But he was curious too. Lifting the lid, he peaked inside.
There were two offerings, nestled in tissue paper and winking beneath his lamplight. One a small ornament, in the shape of a cartoonish ghost, its face two black rhinestones and a gaping mouth. If he were another man, he'd almost call it….cute. At the very least, it was very, very Mai.
The next was a Polaroid, a little dark from poor lighting, but the angle was nice, and he wondered who'd been the photographer. The team at midnight mass, heads bowed as Father Toujo led the prayer, down the line so he could see each face staggered one after the other, including his own. But he was focused on the one right next to his, the soft features and gentle smile. He suddenly wished her eyes had been open, like his were.
Lin was standing in the doorway. "Should we get her something?"
He didn't look up from the picture, his fingers skimming along the profile of each face absentmindedly. Some feeling had settled over him, something like calm, or maybe peace, but either way he felt as if he could breathe again. The turbulence in his mind came to a hush.
"Yes," he whispered, and even if it was irrational he was afraid of shattering the tenuous grip he had on tranquility, "we should."
Lin nodded and turned to leave.
"Merry Christmas, Lin." The words didn't burn as much as he thought they would.
"Merry Christmas, Noll."
Lin secretly loves Mai like a daughter, I know it. And Noll just loves her.
Hope you enjoyed Part 2!