you expect me not to analyze it?

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[glow=#000,2,300]☣ —[/glow] Leadership had never troubled the lion. In fact, he rather enjoyed it. The power held many positives that stroked his ego the right way and gave him the thrill he dearly wanted, but it did expose him to unwanted judgement. Despite how much Stryker wanted all the eyes on him, that did not mean he wanted to be negatively criticized, only positively. If he wanted to do what he truly enjoyed, they would of scolded him further. At least he thought so. Snowbound's passive attitude was ingrained into him. Those such violent and cruel desires were being forced to be forgotten by their gun being held to his head, despite the group being dissolved. If only he could break free from the chains. Without any acknowledgement to judgement, the former ardent would prevail to be who he truly was. All he needed was a little push... If leadership wasn't it, then something or someone else had to be.

As a result, the lion had been doing some soul searching. During this time, Secret Santa had begun. As a leader he was forced to participate in the event. When results were drawn, Ninazu had been his partner. After the Caesar's disappearance, he defaulted to no gifts. 'No gifts? That's fine.' It seemed like a mutual agreement between each participant.But as his searching continued and his reign fell into pieces, his mind kept defaulting to a certain someone. Stryker had mistaken this for appreciation. To show his respect, the former ardent had planned to gift them with one of the highest of honors and a gift for their liking. For once, he was not trying to please himself, but instead was instead sacrificing his own time for someone else in hopes of seeing their smile. If only the lion could connect pieces of the puzzle together he would realize the truth behind the situation. If only...

With a gift near his paws, he sat in the corner of the camp awaiting his noble prize. His gift was a simple white box with black trim, topped with a black bow. What sat inside it was more intriguing than the outside. Stryker waited for a few until finding her broodish gaze within the crowd. A smile grin grew on his lips. "Ninny," he called out. His paw gestured for her to come towards him. "Come here, sweets." For now, he was unaware that she too had a gift to share.

Thinking she didn't hear him, he spoke out again. "Ninazuuu," came his glorified coo. It was not mocking whatsoever, but rather loving and appreciative.