Chapter Text
Gary had always been the one on the sidelines. He was left alone to be forgotten often, nobody ever really paid attention to him.
Or so he thought.
It was valentines day, the worst day for single people and the most horrible day for people who are usually ignored.
That day, someone knocked at Gary’s door. Gary never ordered anything nor invited anyone, so he thought it was a surprise visit from Casper and Jamie… Only for Gary to be met with a package in front of his door. Maybe it was the wrong house? But no, the sticker had his exact location with his name on it. It was from an anonymous sender… How did they even know his location anyways? Oh whatever, a package is a package and he’s curious about what was inside!
Gary took the box, bringing it over to the kitchen and setting it down on the counter. He took a pair of scissors and striked a cut through the tape, opening it. Gary removed the contents of the box, inspecting to which was another tiny box but pink. Why is there a box in a box? That's a question Gary would dwell on later.
Gary opened the pink box, taking a look at what was inside. There was an envelope. Jeez, how much opening did Gary have to do? Hopefully it wasn't some kind of prank Gary wasted his time on. In the envelope was a note, a green note in fact. Gary took the note out, reading what was inside…
“Heya buddy!” Oh. That writing seemed pretty familiar. “I know it may seem weird of me to be giving this to you on valentines day of all days but it’s REALLY important okay!? I’ve got something for ya, meet me outside.”
Outside, huh? But Gary was just outside getting the package and he didn't see Casper… Oh wait, his place is right next to an alleyway. He probably just hid there! Gary placed the note down on the counter, heading towards the front door only to open it and see Casper already there in front of him. He was holding something behind his back that Gary could recognize as the color red…
Casper grinned gleefully at Gary, “Hey dude!”
“Hi Casper,” Gary allowed Casper to come inside his place. The two headed over towards the living room. “You said you had something… Right?”
“Oh, yeah!” Casper pulled out another box… How many boxes was this man gonna give him! “Made something special for ya. I hope you like it!”
Gary unboxed (AGAIN), revealing a necklace Gary had been eyeing for so long yet couldn't afford it due to how much tix it costed.
“Y-You got this… for me?”
“Yup! You always kept looking at the display whenever Jamie wanted to go on a shopping spree but never tried to take it.”
“... Thank you…”
Gary felt like he was actually gonna tear up. For once in his life he actually gets something without having to ask, and it just felt so.. great. It was a small change of pace, yet it meant everything to Gary.
Casper had noticed the fact Gary was feeling overwhelmed by the sudden attention on him, so he wrapped his arm around Gary’s shoulders to calm him down. Gary leaned into the touch, so damn grateful Casper got it for him. So grateful in fact, he put the necklace down on the table to hug Casper tightly.
“Easy there, bud” Casper wrapped both of his arms around Gary, giving him a hug back.
Gary pulled away, “I’m sorry, I just— Thank you so much”
“No problem! Anything for you dude.”
They both sat in silence for a while as Gary admired and tried the necklace on. But… Gary couldn't help but feel like it was a bit suspicious that Casper gave it to him on valentines day when he could’ve given it to him on his birthday— Unless he didn't know his birthday? —Gary hasn't heard anyone say happy birthday to him in a long time since he was banned. Usually he celebrated by himself by eating a cupcake.
So, why Valentines? Casper could've also given it to him on Christmas— so why valentines? Any other day was quite fine, but valentines day felt too specific to be giving a friend a gift. You usually give gifts to people you love on valentines day unless you know it’s merely platonic if shared among a group of friends. But this was more private…
Did he…