Why Should I Tell You Anything? COMPLETED

Christmas Eve

"You remembered..." Adrien murmurs gently, holding his new book close to his chest. "I can't believe you remembered..."

Shiloh smiles warmly at him. "Of course, you're my brother after all."

Adrien picks off the last bit of wrapping paper before gazing at the book with interest and yearning. He looks at the books the same way I do. He brushes its leather cover before setting it in his lap. He catches my gaze before scowling at me. "Silence yourself, no one asked you."

I stiffen but relax knowing he won't hurt me anymore. Such an odd thought now, but natural.

"My turn!" Gideon shouts trying to grab his present from Shiloh. Shiloh yelps but slaps his hand away. "Wait!"

Gideon slumps back against the wall with a pouting face. "No fun," he sticks his tongue out acting like a child.

I can't help but giggle at the sight. "Have patience," I chaste with a soft smile remembering all the kids I've babysat. It's a phrase I had to use often. "Your turn is coming."

Gideon brightens at the sight of my smile before returning it. "Only for you, little Eve."

Shiloh clears his throat loudly and spreads his arms apart for dramatic effect. "The second present of the evening will be given to Sir Brave Gideon!"

Gideon eyes the present with sparkling golden eyes.

Shiloh laughs before handing it to him. "Here, I think you'll like it."

Gideon grins widely as he rips open the paper in large movements. I smile warmly as I wonder how he'll react. I lean back on the mountain of pillows with my legs propped up on the curved couch bench. I am wearing Tressa's dress again since my other clothes are ruined. And this time, it was Adrien who asked if I could wear it. I couldn't say no.

He opens the box before pausing. His eyes widening with excitement before it is quickly replaced with fear. He glances up nervously at me before trying to hide the box. He flashes Shiloh a grateful smile, "Uh thanks."

"What is it?" Adrien asks distantly, already fingering through the book with wide eyes. He sits criss-cross on the floor surrounded by heaps of blankets. His mug of warm spices and sugar sits at his side, still steaming from the hot milk.

"Um," Gideon hesitates before putting on a grand smile, "a new knife sharpener! It's really nice, thanks Shy!"

Adrien slowly looks up from his book before raising an eyebrow. "That's all?"

Gideon flashes him a pleading look before smiling at me. "Such a nice present, right?"

Adrien watches him blankly before slowly nodding. "Uh yeah... sure..." He gives Shiloh a confused look.

Shiloh only shrugs.

"Thanks though," Gideon repeats before reaching over to pat Shiloh's shoulder. Shiloh smiles at him before nodding. "You're welcome."

Gideon must feel embarrassed about his stuffed animal gift because of me. Shiloh said he didn't want to tell me that he collected them but I think it's really sweet. It's as if Gideon never grew up.

Shiloh turns to me with warm eyes. "And the final gift goes to Eve."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Really?"

Adrien and Gideon exchange a confused look before looking at Shiloh. "You got her a present too?" Adrien asks curiously.

"Oo nice!" Gideon cheers with a curious look.

"Yeah, after all..." Shiloh turns to me with a kind look. "She helped me realize something."

My heart lifts with sudden excitement. Is he talking about earlier? About... his feelings? I scold myself for thinking such air-headed thoughts. I have to stay strong. He's a friend. Just a friend.