For the next week, Vastra fretted. She had hidden the blade in her study (and told Jenny not to bother cleaning in there for a while) and had to exert more self-control than she'd like to stop herself checking on it multiple times a day. She dearly hoped Jenny would like it.
She debated getting some wrapping paper, but she had no idea how to wrap such an object, not to mention the wrapping paper itself would be hard to get into the house unnoticed. She decided to just get some ribbon and tie a bow on top.

February 12, Vastra accompanied Jenny grocery shopping, on the excuse she was bored from not having a case for so long. She followed quietly, occasionally stopping to look at something.
"I'll be right back." She touched Jenny's elbow lightly. "I need to find the loo."
"Would you like me to show you where i' is?"
"I'll be fine, you finish up here and I'll find you."
"Of course, ma'am."
Vastra headed back to where she'd seen some beautiful fabric ribbon a few minutes ago. She picked out a wide deep red ribbon with gold edging, paying for it and discreetly slipping it into her hand muff before going to find Jenny.

The rest of the shopping trip went well, and Jenny made sure her mistress kept warm. Perhaps Jenny was a bit doting, but Vastra knew the girl was just worried they might have a repeat of the other night. She wasn't the best when it came to reading humans' emotions, but Jenny was like an open book to her. When they got home Vastra smiled as Jenny shooed her out of the kitchen to put the groceries away without Vastra getting in the way. She headed up to her study to tie a ribbon around the katana currently hidden on top of one of her bookshelves.

Vastra cussed as - once again - the bow she made failed to live up to her expectations.
"Ma'am?" Jenny knocked on the door, startling Vastra.
"Just a moment." She replaced the katana and ribbon on top of the bookshelf. "Come in."
"I brought you some tea." Jenny entered, holding a teapot and two cups on a serving tray. "D'you need 'elp with anything? You sounded frustrated."
"I'm fine. Perhaps a break is just what I need." Vastra smiled and cleared a spot on her desk for the tea service, pulling up two chairs. Jenny poured the tea and they sat in companionable silence for a while, enjoying their tea. Vastra forced her eyes to stay away from the bookshelf where Jenny's present was sitting, poorly wrapped.
"Ma'am?"
"Yes?"
"If you don't mind me asking, how long until you deal with that secret package and I'm allowed to clean in here?" Jenny eyed one of the small piles of books and papers around meaningfully. Vastra laughed and Jenny smiled, glad she wasn't being impertinent.
"I did manage to keep things tidy before I met you." Vastra teased, grinning.
"Barely." Jenny teased right back.
"A few more days, my love." Vastra put a hand over her girlfriend's. "It will be dealt with within a week, I assure you."
"Thank you, ma'am."

Vastra noticed Jenny's eyes roving the many bookshelves.
"I always wonder, when dusting the bookshelves, but I forget to ask, 'ow do you 'ave these organized?"
Vastra smiled and set her teacup down, holding a hand out. She lead Jenny around the room, explaining each section of books she had. A research section, a reference section (she had so many books of each that the seperate sections were necessary), a section on early and general history, a section on recent history, a section on police history, a section on human behavior...
"You studying us, ma'am?" Jenny teased.
"What do you think the authors of those books were doing?" She enjoyed matching the sharp wit of her girlfriend. Jenny inspected what Vastra internally referred to as 'the mammal section' closer, a hand reaching up to pull a book out. She paused to glance at Vastra, asking permission. The Silurian smiled and nodded, stepping closer.
"You are welcome to read any of my books, my dear. All I ask is that you only read one at a time, refrain from marking or damaging the book, and return it to it's proper place."
"Thank you, ma'am." Jenny smiled. Her slender fingers drifted, hovering over titles. "D'you think it'd be alright if I read a book on human be'aviour?"
"I'm... Not sure I understand what you mean." Vastra frowned. She had just given permission for all her books.
"I mean..." Jenny sighed, frustrated. "I'd 'ave more knowledge of people, and I don't know if that'd be right. If I could tell things about people without talking to 'em."
"My dear, in our line of work, knowledge of people is essential." Vastra laid a calming hand on Jenny's shoulder. "Besides, I can't imagine these books were written with me in mind as the intended reader." She smiled and Jenny did, as well. Vastra returned to her chair, sipping tea and watching as Jenny browsed the mammal section. It was the smallest section, only taking up a single shelf.
"I think I'd like to read this one." Jenny smiled, holding out the book.
"A fine choice. Would you be alright if we talked about the contents when you finish reading?" She knew Jenny sometimes took offense to talking about humans in generalizations.
"I think I'd like that." Jenny grinned and set the book on the tray, collecting the teacups and saucers. "Now, then. Break's over, back to working on your secret package." Jenny grinned and exited the room with the tea service as Vastra rolled her eyes. Jenny rolled her eyes often enough that it was a human trait Vastra had picked up very quickly. She imagined it had to do with asking their God for patience. She waited a moment after the door shut, then retrieved the katana and ribbon from her hiding place, determined to get this bow right.

That night at dinner, Vastra couldn't help but ask Jenny what caused her to bring tea.
"I 'eard you, cussin' in Silurian quite loud. From your office clear to the kitchen. So I put the kettle on."
"You're jumping to conclusions." She minded gently.
"Yes, sorry. I 'eard you speaking a language I don't understand, and your tone of voice wasn't 'appy. I was in the kitchen and could tell you were at least on the first floor."
"Much better." Vastra grinned.

Thank you for reading! One chapter left, I'm always open to hearing what you think.

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