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It was only her 8th and already young Peruere was tired of birthdays. The cold blooded child was already surrounded by death and brutality at the House of the Hearth; She didn't need more reminders that hers was always getting closer with each cycle around the sun. She had been lucky enough to escape any birthday celebrations during her time at the house, never sharing her birth date with any of the other children. Mother never made an effort either despite knowing the date, taking any chance to spend less of her funds on the children and use it for herself. Peruere’s efforts to keep it a secret were eventually foiled by her new friend Clervie who had been snooping around in mother’s office and "coincidentally" came across Peruere's papers. It had gained her another beating, but to her it was worth it to have more excuses to get closer with her friend.
When the day finally came, Clervie kept wishing her a happy birthday and encouraging the other children to sing the ridiculous birthday song to her, much to Peruere's annoyance. It was the first time anyone had ever actually sang happy birthday to her, and while she appreciated their efforts it only caused her discomfort being the centre of attention.
Later that night the dorm was dark and quiet, the only sounds filling the room being the snores of the other children - exhausted after a long day of training - and the gentle breeze of wind flowing into the room. Peruere was staring up at the dirty ceiling, contemplating if sleeping was worth the night terrors it would bring her. She was snapped out of her daze by the sound of someone sneaking around the room putting Peruere on high alert, ready to fight off any attackers. It was only when a familiar bright smile popped up by her side that she relaxed, blinking in confusion at Clervie’s sudden appearance.
"Perrie, your birthday is almost over. I have to show you something!" The girl whispered with urgency as she gently shook Peruere who only blinked slowly in response. She wanted to reject the request and tell her to go back to sleep but instead she found herself climbing out of bed, curious about whatever Clervie wanted to show her.
As they walked through the rows of beds Peruere stared down at their intertwined hands, a confusing feeling enveloping her heart. She had never particularly enjoyed anyone's company before she met Clervie, always tolerating people for the sake of survival rather than to form a relationship. When she met Clervie, her entire outlook on life had changed. Now she wasn't just fighting to come out on top, she was fighting to escape and live an actual life worth living with her new friend. Seeing Clervie happy made Peruere happy, even if she wasn't able to express that the way the other children could.
"We're here~" Clervie sang, her chest puffed out proudly as she put her fists on her hips.
"You wanted to show me your bed...?" Peruere blinked in confusion and tilted her head, curious about where this was going. The scratchy blanket and lumpy pillow seemed to have disappeared from the bed, leaving Peruere even more curious. Clervie huffed and lifted the sheets as she bowed dramatically to reveal the space underneath the bed which was dimly lit by a single candle.
"After you, my lady." She said in a silly voice, mocking one of their teachers as she held back a giggle.
Hesitantly Peruere crawled underneath the bed followed closely by an excited Clervie. The candle cast a gentle orange light onto the sheets surrounding them, its warmth providing a small respite from the cold outside. Peruere took a small glance around the makeshift tent, spotting some handmade paper bunting that read 'Happy Birthday P!'.
"I didn't have enough paper to spell out Perrie." Clervie pouted, waiting with bated breath for her friend's reaction to her efforts. "Do you like it...?"
Peruere took a moment, absorbing the gentle atmosphere that had been created in the safety underneath Clervie's bed; A moment away from the mindless cruelty and torture from their dear mother. She gave a small nod, not quite finding the words to vocalise how she felt. Peruere wasn't even sure what it was she was feeling, just that it was better than the constant dread she had always felt. Clervie didn't take offence to the lack of enthusiasm though, in fact she seemed overjoyed by the reaction. She was used to Peruere's cold blooded nature and could tell she was pleased with the set up just by the subtle changes in her posture.
"Good! Now open your gift!" Clervie thrust a parcel into her lap before she could even process what was being said.
"Gift…?" She looked down at the parcel which was wrapped in regular paper, red pencil scribbled all over the poorly held together lump.
Carefully Peruere pulled on the red string that held it together, savouring the excitement of opening a gift. She didn't know when the next time she’d get to open a gift would be (if it ever came at all). The paper was slowly unravelled in her hands until Peruere was left with two dolls made of popsicle sticks, the wood still stained with the fruit juices of the frozen treat it had held before. The dolls had strands of string for hair - one red and one white. They looked like mini versions of the two friends, their stubby popsicle stick arms glued together to look like they were holding hands Peruere wasn't sure how to feel, but a warmth spread through her chest at the idea someone cared enough to give her something- to make her something. The usual harsh burn that spread through her blood was replaced by a gentle warmth that enveloped her heart causing it to beat just a little bit faster.
With a snap the two dolls were pulled apart and before Clervie could cry out in disappointment, the white haired doll was shoved into her lap.
“Now we can always be together.” Peruere murmured, squeezing the Clervie doll gently in her hand. Clervie didn't say anything, instead chosing to leap forward, catching Peruere in a tight hug.
“Happy birthday, Perrie…”
Clervie was always very touchy, enjoying giving and receiving affection whenever she was able to. Still, it always caught Peruere off guard, the child still not quite grasping the fact that she had someone that cared for her outside of her unique abilities. Hesitantly she hugged back, wrapping her arms around Clervie and resting her chin on her shoulder.
“Thank you, Clervie…”
The next morning when mother caught them curled up together under the bed amidst the pile of blankets and pillows, they took their punishment without fear, confident that as long as they were together they had nothing to be afraid of.