he slowly peeled the package she gave him 

                                              her handsanxious fingersentwined    she couldnt take itgasped  It’s a tshirt.

he smilednodded expected that  Thank you sweetheart 

                                                         but did not speedup his unpeeling

You don’t shake your gifts. I like to shake mine for hints.

  No still peeling I don 

                            casually distracted However knowing that bit of information baby Im terriblytempted to gift you a vial of nitroglycerin

Hahaha . . you’re funny.

   he liked teasing her  just enough for a little BANG 

he finally reached the pink cardboard box inside

                                                   maybe the tshirt was a ploy  rather she filled it with sticky raspberry-filled Bismarcks  a faint fruity scent emanated 

she noticed 

             I slightly sprayed perfume.

Aw its fragrant very pleasing like the lipstick kiss marks on the back of her envelopes

I thought you’d like that.

I do

     it smelled like the insides of her wrists elbows at her throat behind her ears behind her knees 

                                                                                                          Really  a tshirt

Yes. she trembled with excitement Open it you’re killing me . I want to know if you like it or not.

he grinned 

            Im sure Ill like it 

You’re stalling open it.

                        just like a kid  nice how surprises could still render her 

Yes

     Im opening it 

  Quit saying so do it.

he pulled the top free undid the paper a green tshirt embroidered Provocateur mimicking her handwriting 

                                                                                                               she genuinely touched him                                        

she smiled It’s what you do.

I love it 

         Though the catll be out of the bag

  There’s that, but I like to think when you wear it there’ll be no excuse from someone not to know and take offence.

You enjoy offending people.  

Not necessarily  if they earn it

Seems it’s earned . as you say . . frequently.

Frequently not always

Would you say very frequently? smiling like a Cheshire Cat dimples to die for

  Id say  Idsay I read a lot about a lot of different subjects

Very frequently?

                  Answer the question.

Apparently

Yes . apparently . . casualties of one being well-read.

Oh I like that  Can I cite youquote you

Sure. That’d be nice I’d be happy if you did . in a sense would complete me.

Complete you  How so

Citing me . . exciting me. 

Oh  I like that too 

                      Thank you baby

You’re welcome, love.

1523,  Day-between-Two-Ts,  31  8. 22

1139,  Day-between-Two-Ts,  28  9. 22