Time of Togetherness - Lyra's Gift

Jupiter’s Home, Evening

Admittedly, Jupiter enjoyed teasing Lyra a little by running off with the wreath she made. Seeing her loosen up a little made it all worth it.

As he arrives back around the Heavenly Embassy, he decides to hang the wreath on the outside of his door. Lyra did warn of it maybe getting stolen, but it’s one of those pesky traditions that really stuck with him.

As a kid, he’d always love seeing each unique wreath hung on every cherubun’s door. While Melangel was insistent on quality work, he loved seeing the quirks in each. A ribbon tied at an odd angle, too many berries, it all helped him in subtle ways with getting mail delivered. Without even knowing the bun inside, he saw a piece of them everytime he passed by their doors. Peering out his window, it seems he wasn’t the only cherubun who wanted to do that. ‘Tis a bit of a creature comfort, but still, a little reassuring this time of year.

He hasn’t really decorated his own home, yet. Cluttered with letters, parchment, and other bits and bobs, Jupiter could probably benefit from some tidying up. He sighs, normally this wouldn’t become an issue, but without the constant insistence of cleanliness, he… kinda let the place go.

As he shuffles through some of his papers, he locates where he hid his gift for Lyra; an imp adoption voucher, and a coupon for some seasonal holy holly mochi. He knows she’s super busy with work, and doesn’t usually have the dedicated time for imps, but he’s slowly gotten her warmed up to changing her mind.

He’s gonna surprise her around the peak of the season with a new holly themed friend! Combing through the inventory the other day at Hutch’s place (“Nice owner too, really helped me out” he remembers), he found that an easygoing imp who can be left alone for a while would be best. He knows there’s the usual Chirops and Phloofs that most beginner imp owners get, but he was personally intrigued by the Mamoos. They’re grazers, and incredibly docile. It’ll mix well with Lyra’s busy schedule and equally busy personality! 

He smiles, thinking about her potential reaction. With the mochi too, it’ll look extra cute! A representation of their relationship; a blend of the meadows and of Burrowgatory!

He leaves the pair of vouchers out in the open, hoping he doesn’t forget… Soon he dives back into some of his mailing work. He handles a lot of the embassy’s mailing system after all! Mainly just sorting some mail in boxes, categorizing receipts to send to Primrose, and setting up packages to be sent by the morrow via imps! A pleasant slumber wasn’t far out of reach for him, as Jupiter eventually passed out at his own desk. Surrounded by clutter, papers, a bit of spilled ink, and his own imp companion watching over.

Several days later…

Alright! Today’s the day! 

Jupiter left his house later than he’d like to admit. He spent a good while making sure he had grabbed the vouchers (they inevitably got lost among his other things). He races along the path, not stopping to say more than a quick hello to passing cherubuns. Many are travelling between the embassy grounds and the ground below, so the elevators are unusually crammed for him today! (“Ughhh, why must I misplace these things???” he complains to himself).

Running to the even busier Imporium, many succubuns are looking to purchase imps to surprise their lovers for the holiday season. Of course they are… Ugh, this was why he wanted to leave sooner! The moment Hutch breaks off from one customer, Jupiter races up to them.

“H-hey Hutch! I’m here to pick up a Mamoo! Here’s my-” he catches his breath. “-voucher!”

Hutch is taken aback by Jupiter. “A-hahaha.. Hey~ Jupiter, right? Let me see about grabbing that imp for ya!” they point à la finger guns, then rush to the back. Jupiter stands around, watching many succubuns fuss over their own imps, as well as the yet-to-be-adopted ones. They sure are quite cute…

The inevitable stare does come his way, and he replies quietly with a tired but friendly little wave. Thankfully nobody really bothers to interact, he’s not all that ready for the usual cherubun questions.

After some time, Hutch re-emerges, carrier in hand. “Here ya go Jupiter! Sorry I can’t stay long, just fill those papers and uh-” they pause, politely grabbing the voucher. “- there we go! Yep, just fill out those papers, and grab your new friend to go when you’re done!” with a nod, they quickly rush off to help a new customer. Jupiter quickly fills out the form, putting his gf’s name down (and his as a backup, in case something goes wrong). As he finishes, a gentle rustle can be heard from the Mamoo’s carrier, along with a soft moo. (“Such a cutie!!” he thought, almost squealing to himself over its cuteness!)

Mamoo in hand, he rushes to get some seasonal mochi! Necessary part of his plan!

Unfortunately, Dan’s place is even more packed!!! The line for orders is huge! Waiting for an hour, he finally places his order for holy holly mochi! Dan lifts an eyebrow, an ironically unusual order, even for a cherubun- then he notices the imp, and gives a firm nod. He yells something at Shibani as he heads towards his mochi making station, and Shibani takes over the register.

Thankfully there’s already a mochi on display, which Shibani ends up sheepishly handing to Jupiter. Jupiter let off a huge sigh, he was worried that he’d have to wait another hour for fresh mochi!

Shibani gives a sleepy wave, stashing the coupon… somewhere. Jupiter doesn’t bother to check, he has everything he needs for Lyra’s gift!!

Finding a quiet bench somewhere in the big city, he quickly buys himself some water to chug. He slightly opens the carrier for the Mamoo to eat the mochi, Jupiter hopes the imp won’t mind…

After finishing his beverage, then tossing it out in a nearby rubbish bin, he notices the lighter hue the imp is taking, and smiles. Closing up the carrier, he eventually makes it to Lyra’s place in the early afternoon!

He knocks on the door, almost immediately hearing a crash! He jolts a little, so does the imp! Eventually Lyra opens the door, flour all over her.

“Oh Jupiter! I uhh-” she awkwardly pats her apron. “-don’t mind the mess, I was hoping to bake some fresh bread for us.”

Her eyes dart to the carrier as she lets Jupiter come inside and take off his boots.

“Oh, what’s with the carrier?” She asks, head tilted. Then she hears a little moo…

“That-” Jupiter puts a hand up. “-is for you actually! Merry Cherubmas, Lyra!” And he opens the carrier, only for an angelic looking Mamoo to cautiously step out. It looks up at Lyra and gives another gentle moo.

Lyra stares in bewilderment. She knew Jupiter has been talking about imps, and they both- she didn’t expect- she falls to her knees, and lets the Mamoo walk up to her, sniffing her curiously.

“Oh Jupiterrrrr!!! You didn’t have too!” She says, almost overwhelmed with emotion!

“I left a lot of things behind when I left the meadow, but I wanted you to keep a piece of it through a cuddly new friend!” He explains, a warm smile on his face. He looks upon her so tenderly…

“Ohhh, this little guy is so cute! And the creamy white fur! Thank you so much! You didn’t have to do this for me!”

He doesn’t reply to her remark, just smiling more at seeing her gush over the Mamoo. As she gets up, she holds out her hand to him. Her eyes sparkling in the warm light of her home. Mamoo at her feet, looking around.

“Want to have some fresh bread with me?”