Gus laughed as he rubbed the back of his neck. If anyone understood dodging family members for no apparent reason other than he didn’t want to immediately face them, it was him. He’d spent far too many months making up excuses to not visit Fig, and it only been a few weeks ago that he’d visited his parents for the first time since Christmas - that had been an awkward encounter altogether. At least Fig had extended an invitation for him to meet her husband sometime in July, when they were back from their vacation.New York, she'd explained, and Gus just laughed because it was one of the few places he hadn't been yet. He dropped his hand back to his side. “Well, I’m glad I got to run into you.” Gus stated, as if it was a normal occurrence to continuously see Foxwood.

He eyed the package on the counter next to him, although the next set of words made his eyes snap to Basil’s face. They widened, and he fiddled nervously with the edge of his sleeve, having forewent any sort of gentleman clothing for robes. It was the summer and the only time he planned on wearing the stuffy clothing was when he absolutely had to; Gus still had to actually fill his closet with things that were deemed acceptable, but that meant he had to drag himself shopping. And that was at the very bottom of his to-do list. He certainly couldn't do it alone (Gus swore he was colorblind because he couldn't match anything to save his life, and when Fig said it was blue, he saw black.)

He shook his head. “I… well,” Gus cleared his throat. “Well, I’m actually going to play tennis with a couple of people I met in Irvingly for a late birthday thing. I’m living there for the summer while I figure out something more permanent.” If I even want to stick around forever or go back to curse breaking. Gus licked his lips, not sure why he felt the need to explain himself to Basil, but he did. Normally he’d jump at the chance to hang out with him, especially because it wasn’t often that Basil was the one to initiate. He felt his body release some tension as the other finally seemed to look at him. A grin spread across his features, and then a lightbulb finally seemed to go off his head.

But then the woman cleared her throat and Gus turned around with a smile on his face. “I’m sorry. You can help someone else. I'll only be a moment.” He shuffled off to the side before he turned his attention back toward the man. “The gift, Basil, you didn't have to, but thank you. I appreciate it.” It had been a surprise to find a package with his name on it from Basil Foxwood. The sweets had been tucked away because he wasn't ready to share them with Algernon yet, and the book he'd leafed through. But it had been the pocket watch he'd been most surprised to find nestled inside the package. He had barely noticed the inscription - he would have had it not been ingrained in his brain for a decade to look for miniscule details when it came to objects, as missing anything could have dire consequences. Gus had rubbed his fingers across the initials and the date; it hadn’t been the first time he’d laid eyes on Basil, they had shared classes over the years but never ran in the same circles, but rather the first date he’d talked to him, begging for help before he failed Transfiguration. The date had changed his life.

The pocket watch was heavy in his pocket, and he knew from the moment he opened it, it would be something he’d never be without again. In a split decision, Gus wrapped the box off the counter, not realizing he’d knocked the letter tucked into the twine free, leaving it on the counter behind him. “You’re here. So, happy birthday Basil.” Gus grinned at him and held the box out to him. He really did have to go, so he wouldn't be late. This would only take a second.

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