mylandmyrules | A Celebration for Nell

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A Celebration for Nell

Nell had tried something a little different for dinner tonight. She'd made a large, and hopefully tasty, vegetable stir fry and had stir-fried some beef in a different pan so those wanting meat could have some. She also had homemade sourdough bread, salad, and a vegetable broth based soup to start the meal.

The apartment was spic and span, the cats were happily curled up on their cat trees, for however long that would last, and she thought she was prepared as she could be for her first ever birthday celebration. Now to wait somewhat anxiously for her guests.

[For those who know who they are.]

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"Maybe I will," Nell said. "I can see if I like it and go from there."

"Do let me know how you like it," Steven said. "Won't ever be able to cook the way you do but at least I'll know what to order if we're having takeaway."

"I will," Nell assured him. It looked like everyone was mostly finished eating. "Maybe I should open the presents now? Before Lana brings the cake out?"

"If you like," Steven said. "Do you need help bringing things back?"

Steven was already moving to stand up to aid her.

"If you'd like," Nell said, clearing the dishes near her. "I'll wash up later, so just stack them by the sink, if you please."

Steven was thrilled to be able to help - and Marc could just shut up later when he made his little comments about why couldn't Steven be that helpful about cleaning up at home?

Steven gathered up the plates and dinner specific silverware. "Are we leaving the glasses?"

Nell was a little shocked at her own daring in telling a man what to do in the kitchen, but he did offer.

"Glasses... Yes, let's leave them for now, I think."

Steven was likewise pleasantly surprised that Nell had taken him up on it, but he wasn't going to make a fuss so as not to discourage her from doing it again.

"Easy enough to do," he said as he brought the dishes in as instructed. "Let me know if you need any help with the washing up later as well."

He highly doubted she would take him up on that but at least she could get used to hearing the offer.

"Mmm hmm," Nell said noncommittally. "Thank you." She scraped the plates, rinsed them quckly and set them to the side. "All right, I think it's time for presents."

"Some say that's the most fun part," Steven said. "Though hard to go wrong with the cake, I think."

"Well, I already know I like cake," Nell pointed out. She made her way back to the other room where the Detective's book shaped parcel and Marc and Steven's considerably larger package rested on a counter.

"That's true," Steven said as he followed her and resumed his seat at the table. "Guess this is where we find out if you like this bit as well."

Nell opened the Detective's packege first and her eyes lit up. "Ohh, The Viper of Milan. It's historical fiction, right? That's one of my favorites. Oh thank you, Detective!"

"You're quite welcome," Watts smiled at her. "I had a feeling you'd appreciate it, and I'm glad my instinct was correct."

It was quite possible Nell was going to end up with a number of books that would make serious collectors both deeply envious and terribly confused with how well-preserved they were.

"It's beautiful," Nell said. "I will treasure this and I can't wait to read it."

She set it aside, along with the carefully preserved and refolded wrapping paper and turned to the rather large package. Her eyes went wide when she opened it. "Oh my. This is... it's beautiful, but it's too expensive!"

She looked over at Steven. "This is - it's amazing, but I don't know if I should - I priced something like this and - oh, thank you, but are you sure this isn't too much?"

"Well it's me and Marc," Steven pointed out. "So half cost, really, when you think about it."

Which didn't actually make sense for how their finances worked but shh, he was giving Nell something to try to help her feel comfortable.

"And it's all right?" Steven asked, looking hopeful. "Only I remembered you saying you did everything by hand and I thought maybe this would be helpful? And look - it's got flowers on it."

It was possible that "has flowers on it" had been the criteria by which Steven had made the final decision about what sewing machine to buy since it wasn't as though he'd the faintest idea of what made a good sewing machine for Nell's needs otherwise.

"It's wonderful," Nell said," And the flowers are a beautiful touch. It's just such an expensive gift - even if it's from both of you."

But, oh, how she wanted to keep it. It had all the things she looked for when she was pricing them out and a few extras even.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course," Steven said. "I mean if you don't like it you can return it. Get something you'd rather have. There's a gift receipt in there if you need it. But it's yours. From both of us."

"No, no, I love it," Nell said. "So, thank you, it's amazing. I never dreamed I'd have one of these. Thank you."

"Oh. Good." Steven relaxed. He'd worried maybe he'd picked the wrong one, or perhaps Nell preferred doing things by hand and would be too polite to tell him. "Then that's wonderful then, isn't it? Happy birthday. Hope you get good use out of it."

"Thank you all," Nell said. "Sincerely. The three of you have made this a wonderfully special birthday. I will cherish all of these gifts."

"Well we cherish your friendship, don't we?" Steven pointed out.

"And I cherish yours," Nell said. She was feeling a little emotional. She could't remember the last time she'd ever felt so cared about.

"All right," she said after a long moment. "I think it must be time for cake." Give her time to collect herself.

"Right. I can get that." Lana went to retrieve the cake and the ice creams.

"This one," she floated it toward Steven, "is the vegan one."

"You're welcome," Lana said. "It's an honor to celebrate with you."

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A Celebration for Nell

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