“I didn’t,” Alex said. “But journals are great for everyone. Can’t go wrong either way.”
Kenji smiled, suddenly realizing there wasn’t a gift from Qylar. In a way, he was relieved. He’d expected a big deal compared to his little gift and the potential for embarrassment. But it was also weird the way that he’d been adamant about having something under the tree for him and there being nothing.
“Who’s next?”
“Qylar?” Alex said, frowning.
“Oh? Me next? Okay,” Qylar said, grinning.
He opened the two boxes from their family first. Then he got to the thin package wrapped in colorful tissue and saw it was from Kenji.
“It’s probably really silly and stupid, but I thought it might make you laugh,” Kenji said.
Qylar tore through the tissue and lifted the t-shirt out. He read it, but said absolutely nothing, his face blank.
Panic ran through Kenji. Had he completely missed the mark with his cheesy, little gift?
“I love it,” Qylar said quietly before leaning over and pressing his lips to Kenji’s.
Kenji stared up at him and then noticed a shine to Qylar’s eyes. He hadn’t expected that.
“What’s it say?” Alex asked. “You’ve got to show everyone.”
Qylar’s face seemed to grow a bit red. He unfurled the large, dark blue t-shirt emblazoned with glittery planets and the words‘Universe’s Greatest Dad’and showed it to his friends.
“It’s stupid, I know,” Kenji said. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“It’sperfect,”Qylar said, his voice raw.
“I like the glittery planets,” Zaadi said, smiling at Qylar.
“Me, too, princess.”
“You should put it on,” Zaadi told him.
Qylar’s cheeks grew red, but he slid out of his robe and pulled the t-shirt on. It was a perfect fit. After another kiss, he slid his hand into Kenji’s and squeezed it.
Alex and Cryss opened their gifts next. After, Cryss rose. “Let me go check the brunch casserole.”
“Oh, hold on,” Qylar said. “I missed a gift.”
He slid onto the floor on one knee in front of Kenji and pulled out a small velvet box.
Kenji’s eyes widened.“No… no, no, no…”
Qylar frowned.
“I gave youa t-shirt.You cannot give me—”A ring.He knew it soul deep as soon as he saw it. “Whatever’s in that box.”
“This isn’t a competition,” Qylar whispered. “And I happen to love this shirt, thank you very much. Now everyone will know I’m the best.”
Kenji sighed. “I feel terrible.”
“Don’t,” Qylar said. He popped open the box and a diamond encrusted gold band sat in the middle. “Kenji Gibson, mate of Qylar, House Qlr—will you be my husband?”
Kenji covered his mouth with his hand, tears filling his eyes.
Qylar watched him.
