Hiiro's Logs
Input 11: S-Surprise?
Nov 3, AC 201
Today Wufei called me. I felt odd picking up the phone to hear his voice. I'm lucky there was no work today, or I fear I might have worried Duo. I audibly tripped over what to say to him. Wufei told me that he was to be back in town in two to four weeks, jobs depending.
He told me that I should make plans to get together with him. While I miss how we used to interact, I still don't think I am worthy of Wufei's respect and friendship. I feel as though I let him down in a critical moment and I can't seem to forgive myself that. Much like I couldn't forgive myself of the Noventa incident, taking months off during the war to personally apologize to his family. I still feel a little guilty that Trowa had to follow me around during that whole ordeal.
I just suppose it all translates into me not taking personal failure very well…
Nov 21, AC 201
I, uh…
Today is my legal birthday. It's not the real date, but, for some reason, Duo insists on celebrating it anyway. I don't know why…
I still have his gift from last year. I think he's forgotten about it… The dancing girl, sitting on the windowsill behind my desk. She's in the corner. I feel rather odd keeping her there. I'm starting to think that I don't want him to realize that she's been sitting there this whole time. I can't think of why, though.
I believe I am seriously confused.
I can't say I like this feeling.
Today, yes. Well, it is my birthday, so Duo – well, he wasn't in the office when I got in. I know he came in before me, though. There was a rather considerable wrapped mass sitting on my desk where I usually set my notebook computer, right next to my desktop…
I was curious, startled – possibly a little concerned as well. I stood over it a while, and he came in. He looked nervous, but smiled at me anyway. I heard him ask if I was just going to stare at it, or if I intended to open it. I believe I glanced back and forth a few minutes before finally sitting in my chair. The object was about half the length and width of my notebook, but at least 3 times thicker.
War and Peace Volumes I and II, by Leo Tolstoy. First edition, leather bound, the same cover format they had in the first printing, pressed gilt decoration…
I stared at it a full ten minutes before I could look up. I know how much this cost; I'd been looking at it for weeks. I didn't think I ever said anything about it, though. I have no idea how he knew. I have no idea why he spent so much on getting me a gift for a day that is likely to not be my true birthday. Even then, that's still ridiculous.
I don't recall getting any work done today… I don't even remember what I was supposed to be doing. I almost forgot to grocery shop, if not for the little sticky note reminder I made up. I usually don't forget these things. I was just – I am just that thunderstruck.
I can't honesty believe that he spent – maybe he saw it somewhere cheaper. The place I was looking still has it listed. But still, 2380 for the two of them… They don't print these anymore, all digital now…
Holy, fucking, shit.
Nov 22, AC 201
I went in to work today with a mission. I had to find out what Duo was thinking when he bought those books. I had to know how much he spent. I swear to god I was about ready to beat it out of him.
He knew what I was going at. He stopped me right at the main entrance.
"Wufei and I pitched in together and Quatre said he'd reimburse us soon to cover his and Trowa's portion. Plus I didn't get you anything last year, so don't bother."
And that was it. He wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. The one time when I actually want to talk (yell?) quite extensively with him, he wouldn't let me. I don't know how he knew, and getting the others in on his little scheme…
Gods, he just. How?
Paz Note (Lots today):
Sorry guys. I've been going a little crazy here. There's a major conference coming up this weekend and I have quite a lot of work to do for it (still), plus my regular workload…
First Edition Notes:
Bibliographers definition: a book made in the same way, with the same materials using the same characteristics and fonts of the original printing
Collectors definition: First commercial printing of the novel or story, excluding journals or newsletters (or of the sort)
Publishers sense: A first printing by a new publisher or with a new set of illustrations, or a likewise variation to set it apart from the previous printing.
I used a mix between the Bibliographers and Publishers definitions because, frankly, if he had an ORIGINAL copy of that book it'd be like, 500 years old, or something. That's old. You know how much that'd cost? SHIT-TONS, that's how much.
Other asides: Duo DID forget about the dancing girl, those of you who read Duo's Journal might know something that happens to it ;D
Duo was nervous the week prior to giving the gift to Hiiro. He was afraid Hiiro wouldn't like it. He had convinced the others to help him think of something and Trowa had mentioned the books, Wufei seconding and the two then deciding to help Duo pay. Quatre didn't get back to Duo until that night to let him know he'd be able to split the cost as well. So that's why Duo was so confident on the 22. Whoo
I'm starting to contemplate doing Wufei's side now, HAHA! I won't for a long time though, assuming I decide to do it at all (he's the smartest, so he might be toooo hard for me)