[ the way he takes the present from her is cautious, like it's delicate (or like it's precious) and very much like... he isn't sure what to expect. before Eudio, he didn't think of ever receiving anything. since he's gotten here, it's still only a few people that have gifted him things, not realising the enormity of the gesture to Jack, and he still doesn't understand it. he hasn't done anything to earn this, to deserve it, so why — ?

but that only shows in his hesitance, the way he pauses, uncertain what to do with the thing once he has it. his eyes are still bright and he still smiles, cradling the box with one arm and plucking at the ribbon with the fingers of the hand that holds his staff. it's a bit of an awkward manoeuvre to get the lid off, and in the end Jack just sits down on the ground (not the bench, he remains as ever a strange creature) to open the present and pull out what's inside.

his face goes blank with shock and confusion. it's— it is a real gift. it's not that he thought Laura would be cruel and trick him, but presents, little material gifts, those aren't things that happen to him, for him. not ever. he just hadn't thought seriously on the idea that it would be happening now. there's a lot of feeling and thought tangled up in him over it.

but after that moment of incomprehension, his eyes go bright and he laughs, clear and soft, all childlike wonder and glee. ]

This is perfect! I lost my old sweatshirt, I've been stealing clothes from Katniss — it looks just like my frost lightning— [ and then he fishes the book out from where it had fallen back into the box, and he stops breathing. doesn't hold his breath, just stops, and it starts again on an exhale of mist: ] Oh. I—

[ his fingers shake a little as he touches the book cover. ]