Aria -
Seren was glad that today was just a run day for her... Yes, it meant Rhys had to hit the gym alone on Christmas Day, but it gave her some time in their room to set things up. She had a second plan, for ending Christmas, but that was for many hours from now. For the moment, she had a small table she had stolen from the lounge, and a spare chair, set up. It had some fresh made Crepes on it, pre-prepared the way he liked them... she'd even gotten bananas... And a canister of whipped cream to the side. There was also a plate with bacon, some sausages, and sliced fresh fruit, along with a hot thermos full of coffee.


Once she'd gotten that all in, and done, she'd sighed, wishing they had a tree of some nature, then used her scarves to make 'garlands out of, at least, before setting a wrapped box and another wrapped package, of a slightly odd shape, to one side, before settling down to wait.


Pao -
Knowing it was a holiday made Rhys work a little extra in the gym that morning, so he took a little bit longer and was a little more sore on the way back to his dorm but he knew it'd be worth it. He got the door open and he beamed at Seren as soon as he saw her again, and his eyes fell on the table she readied with their breakfast.


"My favorite, huh?" he chuckled as he slipped out of his shoes and shirt. He eyed the presents too, which were what gave him pause. "If we're exchanging gifts now I'm gonna go grab a quick shower. That okay, love?"


Aria -
She blinked, and laughed. "I figured you'd have showered already, honestly. But go on, if you want. I'll wait right here for you." She settled herself on the bed, beaming at her boyfriend, amused that he hadn't thought to do that first. "And yes, your favorite. It seemed the right thing for a wonderful Christmas morning, baby." She relaxed, her legs crossed and her expression calm.


Pao -
He smirked. "I didn't bring anything with me to grab that shower before I got back," he explained as he grabbed his things, "I'll be real quick, though. Back soon."


Rhys hurried out and through his shower and was back in about fifteen minutes, his hair still a wet and floppy mess but he was freshly showered and already feeling happier about his day once he got his dirty clothes in the hamper and his things put away. He moved over to his girlfriend's side, leaning in for a long and loving kiss.


"Ready now. Breakfast or presents first?"


Aria -
She chuckled and called after him "Planning ahead, my love." I'm a lovingly kidding tone. She relaxed until he returned, just comfortably zoning out. When he walked back in, though, she refocused on him, her lips curving up into a warm smile as she watched him move.


The kiss was returned happily, and when he broke it, she slipped off the bed, and hugged him, before answering. "Breakfast, baby. I don't want the food getting stone cold." She walked over to the little set up, and then waited for him to pick his seat.


Pao -
He chuckled and followed after her and pulled her chair first, and only once she was seated did he go and settle in his own chair. His eyes were down and focused on the little spread of all good things in his book, his favorite, of course, being the crepes. And then he looked up at her, all the love he had for in his gaze.


"Thank you, baby," he started, reaching over to take her hand so he could give it a little squeeze.


Aria -
She sat down, his ongoing gentlemanly care making her smile sweetly. He was just so caring in how he treated her, and it amazed get every day that someone would put that much care and gentleness into how they treated her. It was a weird but wonderful feeling, and she just watched him, eyes shining with how much she loved him and how happy he made her, every day. Once he was seated, she prepped a plate with several crepes for him, then gestured in question, to indicate he should tell her what else he wanted.


"You're welcome, baby. I love you. Merry Christmas." She returned the squeeze, and waited for him to make his choices.


Pao -
At her gesture he considered his options for a moment before saying, "Bananas and whipped cream, please. And...mmm...bacon, for now?"


It was surreal, having a quiet and simple breakfast with the woman he loved on a holiday he couldn't ever remember celebrating after his Pops passed away. It was always just like any other day, and he would work when he could to get a little extra pocket money for the coming year. But now he had a reason to celebrate.


Honestly he felt like he had a reason to celebrate just waking up every morning with her beside him, but all the more on a holiday like today.


"Love you, too," he then replied, eyes soft and steady on hers. "Merry Christmas."


Aria -
She got him everything he asked for, then set his plate down for him, then poured him a cup of hot coffee. She set it with his plate, then prepped her own food, before settling back to smile lovingly at him. "You're the best, baby." She sighed in a very happy way, then waited to see him start, because she enjoyed watching him enjoy his food.


Pao -
He took an extra second to watch her as she set up her own plate, and then when she finished he let her go and focused on his food finally, expression eager and excited to dig in. Which he did as soon as he picked up his fork. He worked his way even through hs food, quietly groaning every now and again as he got perfect bites of the crepes.


He was halfway through when he stopped to pour himself some coffee, and then he gestured to offer her a cup if she wanted.


"It's amazing, as always, baby. Always makes me feel like the luckiest b*****d in the world."


Aria -
She smiled softly, watching him eat, then began on her own plate. She ate quietly, enjoying the meal, and his responses to his own food. She pondered when they were gonna next work on cooking lessons. The cookies were what was next but maybe after they, she could teach him how to make crepes.


She blinked, her focus coming out of her head when he gestured, and she nodded to indicate she would like a cup as well, her lips curving up in a grateful smile.


"Glad to hear it, love. Making you happy makes me happy." She brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, and ate a few pieces of fruit.


Pao -
He poured her a cup before starting to sip his own and getting back to his food. His mind, unlike her, was mostly just focused on his food now and it stayed that way until he finished his plate.


"Same for me, but I can't cook so hopefully some other things that I do make you happy, too." He gave her a little smile and sipped his coffee some more, then considered his options for the moment.


He was more than a little excited to get to presents, but he got himself another full plate of crepes and started working his way through them with as much gusto as he had when he started.


Aria -
She accepted the cup and began to sip it, eating slowly, but still watching her handsome boyfriend working his way through the meal she had made them. She finished her plate, and took a few more pieces of bacon, nibbling them.


"You do many things that make me happy, baby." She said, with quiet earnestness, her eyes soft as she gazed directly into his. "You take such amazing care of me, and you show me you love me in so many ways, every day. How could I not be happy?"


She reached out, and caressed the back of his hand, before leaning back to watch him eat again. She soon finished her meal, and just sipped her coffee.


Pao -
He smiled at her caress, turning his hand so he could take hers and just gently hold onto it until he got through the rest of his plate. Once he was down to just sipping on his coffee, he finally said, "If you're not happy about anything just lemme know so we can figure out how to change that. Kinda one of my goals in life now, keeping you happy and feelin' loved and all that good stuff."


He beamed at her, and then finished his coffee before going for a refill. "So. Presents soon? Or tonight?"


Aria -
She chuckled softly, giving his hand a squeeze. "Generally, can't think of anything I would change, honestly, baby." She finished her cup, then set it down, head tilting. "You do a really good job at making me feel happy and loved..." She paused, and softly teased "In and out of bed." She winked, then let him finish his cup.


His question had her laughing, a warm, rich sound. "Whenever you're ready, baby. Your gifts are right there, feel free to pick whichever one you want to start with."


Pao -
His expression brightened considerably when she said he could take his pick of the two that she'd set out, considering for a moment as he sipped his coffee. When he did finally decide, though, he set his coffee down and got up to go and dig in his drawer for a moment, pulling out a small box that was neatly wrapped and even had a little bow on top as a final touch.


"Only got you one, baby, so you won't need to pick." Smiling, he set it on the table right in front of her before getting back into his own seat and reaching for the oddly shaped present first.


Aria -
She took the small box, and turned it in her hand, and then settled back to watch him unwrap his gift, making the decision to wait until he had finished. Once he got it open, he would find a basket, with five bottles of different kinds of massage oils. They were Neroli Oil, Lavender/Vanilla Oil, Jasmine/Vanilla Oil, 'Nooky' brand massage oil (Yes, it was intended for a more... romantic... massage), and Eucalyptus Spearmint.


She grinned at him, lovingly. "I hope they will all smell good to you. Some are intended as more sensuous scents, some are for relaxing. All are for me to use on you." She settled back, and began to unwrap the box, her eyes widening when she realized it was a jewelry box. There was a momentary pause, as a smile crossed her face, and her hand slid up to brush the clips in her hair, then she opened the box.


Pao -
Rhys had a very childlike look on his face as he got his present open, and his expression upon seeing the various oils went from childlike to very curious and interested as soon as they were out in plain sight. He inspected each one, reading through the brands and the ingredients in each.


"Thanks, baby," he beamed up at her once he set the bottles back into the basket, and the basket down before he reached for his other present. "We could probably use these together, though. You know I'd be okay with that, right?"


Rather than open it though, he watched her work through the wrapping on his present, incredibly curious what her reaction might be.


Aria -
"Whatever makes you happiest, baby." She said with a softly loving voice, her eyes gentle as she watched him inspect the gifts. She was glad to see how much they interested him, and once he set them aside, she went back to inspecting her own gift.


Her eyes widened as she pulled out the fairly simple silver ring, and the chain attached. She examined the engravings, and her expression froze for a moment, then melted into a look of pure love and surprise, a few happy tears at the corners of her eyes. She turned it in her hand for a long moment, then immediately slipped the chain over her head, so that the ring hung prominently, for everyone to see.


She sat there, looking at it for a moment, then stood up, and walked to him, then leaned down to press a long, loving kiss to his lips, her hands sliding up to cup his face. When she finally broke it, she whispered "Yours, always..."


Pao -
He set the unopened box on the table as he watched her expressions change as she inspected the ring that he had decided to give her this Christmas. It was a simple one, and really just a small piece of metal to tell the world what they meant to each other, but he hoped that she liked it. His gaze was a loving one as he noted what he thought were tears, hopefully happy ones...


And when she came and kissed him he happily, very lovingly, kissed her back, easing her down into his lap until she finally broke it. "Yours, always," he echoed in a whisper, then reached to grab his own chain, pulling it out from under his shirt to show her that he was wearing a matching ring.


Aria -
She snuggled against him, and looked at the matching ring with a soft smile. After a moment, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, and cuddled close against him, arms around him, as she enjoyed the feeling of knowing, once again, how serious he was, and how real this was. There was nothing better in her life then these moments.


After a minute, though, she smiled a little and said "Why don't you open your other gift?" She laid her head against his shoulder, eyes focused on him, and on the box, waiting to see what he thought of her other gift for him. She did not, really, feel anything she got matched what he got her, in meaning... But she hoped that this gift might turn into something like that.


Pao -
He left his ring to dangle from his neck as it please when she she cuddled in, and his arms instinctively went around her, hugging her close but hopefully not too tight. At her suggestion he reached for the other box and unwrapped it slowly on her lap. When he saw what it was his expression brightened as he inspected each item, ending with the note that really made him chuckle.


"For our memories, huh?" he asked as he set everything on the dining table again so he could give her a proper kiss, his hand reaching up to rest on her cheek. Any chance he could get--or really, they could get--to have physical pictures of their most memorable times together was one he would absolutely take, so this was perfect for that. Plus they could use the framed to decorate their home in towns together, eventually...


When he broke it he was still smiling, saying, "I love it, baby, thank you."


Aria -
She giggled a little as he used her lap to unwrap it, and watched his expression, because that was what was most important to her. The way his expression got brighter with each thing made her own smile grow, happy that she had guessed right about how much he enjoyed taking photos of their life together, and how he might want to print some of them.


"Yeah... Exactly, babe." She murmured, and then kissed him back, her arms tight around him. It might be a small Christmas, with not a lot going on, but in her mind, it was a perfect Christmas. They did not need giant piles of presents, just one or two that had meaning, and would make each other happy. Outside of that, all she felt they needed was each other... and they had that, every day, and it was the most wonderful gift he could ever give her.


"Good... I wasn't at all sure what to get you at first, but... I'm glad it's a success." She gave a soft, happy sigh.


Pao -
It was a small Christmas, their first together...and in his opinion it was a perfect Christmas, too. All he really needed or wanted was in his arms, so with or without the quaint breakfast and the presents and the effort his lady love put into decorating at least a little bit it would have been a perfect Christmas for him either way.


"It's a success, love," he said softly as he started a series of short, loving kisses, not wanting the morning to end just yet. "It was perfect, thanks again."


Aria -
She kissed him back, each time, quite happily, her cheeks pinking in her pleasure at all of this. "That's exactly what I wanted to know... I'm so glad. Your gift was... Perfect doesn't begin to describe how good it is, or how much it means to me, baby..." She sighed again, contentment in the sound of it, and in her expression too.


Because she was content, content with how good her life had become since they'd gotten together, and days like this one were just another reminder of how good things were. "A perfect Christmas, with my amazing and wonderful boyfriend. 6 months ago, I'd never have believed this could happen, and yet here I am..."


Pao -
Her pink cheeks had him smiling just that much wider, and he caressed her cheek ever lovingly as she spoke and made him feel that much better about what he got her. "Was honestly worried you'd think it's a little too soon for that kinda gift..." They'd only been together what, a few months? But he kissed her again, sighing his own contentment as he pulled away.


"Most of my whole life I would never have guessed I'd be with someone as amazing as you are to me. Gorgeous, inside and out, thoughtful, patient..." He could go on for a while but he decided to just punctuate his statement with yet another kiss, soft and slow and full of his love.


Aria -
She leaned into his touch, as she often did, eyes closing as her lips curved into a wider smile. "Babe, I've told you, over and over... I don't want anyone else, you're the one I want to spend my life with. I don't see how it would be too soon, given that." She opened her eyes again, and shrugged. "I'm yours... Giving me something that shows that, and reminds me that it's mutual, is... wonderful."


She blushed, bright red, as he once again reminded her of how he saw her, and kissed him back, letting herself get lost in the kiss, and the emotion she could feel from him. She returned the love, and let him decide when to break it.


Pao -
It wasn't for a little while but he did eventually break the kiss, though he didn't move back far and he kept his eyes closed as he caught his breath. "I love you, Seren," he murmured, just reveling in the moment. There wasn't much else to be said about it; he'd never been more certain about anything in his life.


Aria -
She sighed, soft and happy, and whispered back "I love you too, Rhys." She didn't move, just stayed where she was, letting herself settle comfortably in the place she was happiest. She took some slow, quiet breaths, and then murmured "My brother has a gift for you, by the way. At some point we definitely should visit him. I'm in no rush, mind, and I do have gifts to drop by other doors, but... Just something for later."


Pao -
He settled back, happy and content to just have her in his arms. It was always the most relaxing for him when they were snuggled up just like this, so when she spoke it barely registered but he did nod a little bit to show that he heard her.


"I got him a little something, too, actually. But later sounds good..."


Aria -
She chuckled and nodded, then kissed his neck softly, shifting carefully on his lap to face him, a warm smile on her face. "Yeah, I wasn't suggesting we rush off now, like I said. Later... Now is time for us, to relax and just spend time enjoying this peaceful Christmas morning."


She kissed his lips, softly, her arms resting on his shoulders, her expression full of her contentment.


Pao -
He hummed softly at her kiss, the sensation on his neck sending a little shiver down his spine. He looked at her, a soft smile on his face as he nodded at her words. "Sounds good to me."


He kissed her back, arms gradually pulling her a little tighter against him.


Aria -
She broke the kiss after a moment, her lips curving into a soft, admiring smile. "In the mood for a different form of celebration, baby?" She said, her tone amused but not at all displeased. She was happy either way, frankly, but the way he was pulling her tight made her think he was having some ideas of... well, reindeer games.
)
Pao -
He blinked at her for a second, curious where her question might have come from but eventually just smirked, as equally amused as she seemed to be. "Wasn't on my mind, actually, but I wouldn't say 'no' if you wanted to spend a little bit of Christmas that way."


Aria -
She shrugged, and chuckled softly. "Well I was thinking of something along that lines later, perhaps, originally. I just was wondering... with how close you were pulling me in." She leaned up and kissed his nose softly. "I'm happier either way. And I'd hope you wouldn't say no." She gave a faux-pout. "I'd worry I'd gotten boring or something if I asked and you said no."


Pao -
He made a little "o" with his mouth when she explained. "I just like keeping you close," he said after she kissed his nose, and he retaliated by giving her a smooch as she pouted. "If the mood is right I would never say 'no' to you, baby," he chuckled, then kissed her again, just short and sweet.


"So now or later?" He reached a hand up to her cheek, caressing as he locked eyes with her. "Or now and later?"


Aria -
"I like being close to you, just was checking..." She chuckled at the smooch, and just kissed him back, soft and loving, then tilted her head curiously. "Well, now you have my interest. What makes the mood right, or not right, to you?" She snuggled in close, waiting for an answer, because until her curiosity was satisfied, she was going to be in a mood for nothing else.


"Mmmm now and later does sound sublime... Once I get my answer, baby." Her eyes were focused on his, a smile on her face.


Pao -
He took a second to think on her question, and then finally said, "Somethin' kinda like the mood after you came in the day your brother woke up?" It was the most recent thing he could really think of, and he wasn't sure how to describe it with just a list of adjectives.


Aria -
"Ahhh, yeah, gotcha." She did not comment on the fact that he'd tried, a little, that night. After all, when she made it clear she was Really not in the mood, he'd accepted it more then willingly, and been everything she could have needed. In fact, being reminded of how much he did for her all the time had her leaning up and murmuring "Well, now that that's settled..." and then kissing him, slow and deep, letting him take the lead from there.


Pao -
It was a while later that the sheets were in a tangled state of disarray around them as they lay in bed, snuggled up and sated and happy. Rhys sighed his content as he watched her, his gaze full of love and joy and gratitude.


"That might've been a good chance to use one of those oils, huh?" he murmured, smirking as he leaned in for a little kiss, still finding himself so incredibly drawn to her even though they just finished. "One was a brand specifically for this, right? What was it, Nooky?"


Aria -
She lay there in his arms in the bed, head against the pillows, eyes half closed. Nothing was quite as good as these afterglow moments, snuggling with her love and lover, the warm feeling of being together in all the wonderful ways they could be now.


His words drew her eyes to his face, and she kissed him back, perfectly happy to have him in all ways he wanted to give himself to her right now. "Mmm well if you had wanted to start with a massage, yeah... It's definitely intended as a massage oil, not lube, so..." She shrugged, and smirked. "At least two of the other scents are sensuous as well, just that one's name..." She chuckled and shrugged.


Pao -
"I know it's not lube," he laughed lightly, "was just sayin'." He lay back then, head sinking into the pillow as he let out a happy sigh, eyes closing as he relaxed even further. He absently sought out her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze once he found it before he twined their fingers together.


"Got any good Christmas stories from before, babe?" he asked, well aware of the likelihood of her answer being "no" but still just a little hopeful.


Aria -
She laughed as well, and said "Good. I've heard stories about people thinkin' the two can be interchangeable... and while some can, others can't and I'd rather not find out the hard way." She returned the gentle squeeze, and sifted on the bed to cuddle even closer to him, her eyes closing as well.


His question, though, had her tensing a little, and she sighed softly, and forced herself to relax again. She then shook her head. "No... I really don't..." Was all she whispered.


Pao -
Her answer had him sigh and bring her hand up to his lips, gently pressing a kiss to the back of it. "So this is a first good Christmas for both of us," he murmured, "from here on it'll only be good holidays for you and me."


He hugged her close for a second, then loosened his hold just enough for them to be comfortable. "That's a promise, love."


Aria -
She caressed his lips with her thumb at the kiss, her eyes opening again to watch him, softly. His words made her lips dip a little, sad that he didn't even have memories of a good Christmas from before he lost his dad. She just cuddled herself against him, sharing her warmth and her love for him.


"I promise to do my damndest to help make that happen, too, love..." She murmured quietly, and then shifted to kiss him properly, before whispering "Thank you for helping make this the first real Christmas I've had."


Pao -
His memories of good things with his Pops were never on Christmas itself--the man always worked, and he understood why a lot better once he found himself doing the same thing when he was older--though he did recall decorating and having a tiny, tabletop tree, but that was about it. He was usually on his own, and presents just weren't a thing. Which he'd always been okay with, even now that he was with Seren.


He smiled softly when she kissed him, eyes opening finally when she pulled away. "Thank you, too, baby," he whispered before leaning to give her another kiss. "For this Christmas, for...everything, really."


Aria -
She hugged him tight in turn, then just rested against him, enjoying the feeling of being cuddled in close against him, kissing him back happily. "You're welcome, of course. You're always welcome. If I can make things better, I want to... please, always tell me."


She reached up to run her fingers along his face, soft and loving, her eyes focused on him. "You always make things better for me, after all." She sighed happily, and her hand dropped back to her side, and she just lay there, admiring her beautiful, handsome boyfriend.


Pao -
He closed his eyes, his smile widening at her touch. "Just being here with me," he said quietly, "that makes everything better, believe me. I'd feel a little spoiled if I asked for anything more." He opened his eyes again when she took her hand back, and he turned to face her, his adoring gaze settled on his gorgeous love.


"So when did you wanna go drop off the other gifts?"


Aria -
Seren blushed, a happy blush, and she peppered his lips with kisses for a good long minute after his words, glad to know she made his life better. After a little bit, she finally said "I'm glad... but remember that I enjoy spoiling you, just like you like to spoil me, baby. It makes me happy, seeing how I can make you smile, or blush, or just look happy."


His question had her humming thoughtfully, and then she nodded, but added "Shower first, unless we want everyone to know what we've been up to."


Pao -
He kissed her back each time, smiling all the while. When she stopped he reached up, tracing her bottom lip for a second. "I know, babe. And honestly? I kinda love it when you do. But even when you aren't doing anything to spoil me, you still make me feel loved and cared for and like I matter to someone."


And he watched her, gaze still as soft and as loving as it always was when he was looking at her, soon smiling at her answer to his question.


"I really wish we had a shower in here, to share, whenever this comes up. Makes me not wanna let go, maybe dare to ask for another round." He smirked and again brought her hand to his lips.


Aria -
She kissed his finger that he traced her lips with, and she smiled sweetly at his words, her eyes focused on his with love and happiness. "It's the same for me, babe, and it's why you're the center of my world. You make my life so much better, and I just don't really have the words to say how much. I'm not sure the words really exist."


She chuckled at his words, her head tossed back for a moment in her amusement. "If you did ask, you should know the answer is yes, then we can shower. I'm always interested in spending time with you, baby."


She smirked at him, then, and shifted so that she settled on his lap, leaning down to kiss him softly. "So if you want, then we can put off visiting for a little more... just let me know."


Pao -
He all but melted at her words, by now familiar with them but still just as affected as the first time. Gently he caressed her cheek, any words he might have thought to say having left him. So instead he went a bit quiet, only smirking at her amusement and response.


"I'm letting you know, then," he murmured as he pulled her in for a kiss, "this is me asking."


Aria -
Rather later, she returned to their room, clean, but still almost glowing from how happy she was, and how good she felt. Her hair was still rather damp, but not dripping, and she'd put it up into a braided bun before she had returned. She gave him a smile, since Rhys had beaten her back, as per usual, then went and got dressed.


After her clothes were on, she gathered up a bag she'd packed with all the gifts she needed to deliver. She turned to him, and said "Who do you wanna go to first? Joy and Kai are the farthest, so maybe them, then work our way back?"


Pao -
Rhys was dressed and straightening out their bed when she got back, and he shot her a smile, bright and beaming. Quickly, while she got dressed, he got their bed done and the dishes taken care of (which, given they had no sink, just arranged on the tray so they could take it to the kitchen whenever they wanted). And then he grabbed his presents, just two small ones, and put them in his jacket pocket as he considered her question.


"That works for me, love, but what if Joy asks us to stay and hang out a little?"


Aria -
"We do the polite thing and hang out for a bit. That's what friends do, right?" She said, surprised at the question." She pulled her coat on, and put her keys in her pocket, then headed to the door, to lean besides it, while looking at him, with her brows raised up.


Pao -
He got his keys as well, snorting at the very obvious answer. "Right. I keep thinking we're on some strict schedule or something." He got the door open and stepped aside as she went ahead of him, and then followed and locked the door behind them.


He took the bag of presents first once they were out, and then her hand in his free one as they headed for the door. "So Joy and Kai...and then?"


Aria -
"Why would we be on a strict schedule, you silly man?" She laughed and followed him out, her head shaking in amusement. One thing she knew for sure... She'd never be bored with him in her life, he kept her happy and surprised and amused, all the time.


"After that, I was thinking Melvin... start at the top... I'll drop his cookies off, wish him a merry christmas, then October and do the same, November and Ditto, Terry and Kim... They might ask us to stay, so we might have to visit for a few, then we can plead family obligations, and head to see Dai from there."


Pao -
Her laughed filled him up with warmth and joy and more love for her than he thought a laugh ever could, and he listened quietly as she ran down her list. "Sounds good to me," he just wound up saying, his smile curiously bright when she said "family" obligations. He did already think of her and Dai as family, but for her to say so meant a lot.


Aria -
"Awesome!" She said, brightly, and headed for the door to the outside. Once they got to it, she waited for him to open it, patiently as ever, then headed them down the path towards Joy and Kai's house. She blinked as she glanced at the sky, and suddenly laughed, shaking her head. "It's so weird, thinking that it's Christmas, when it's so warm out, ya know?"


Pao -
He snorted, clearly amused and nodding slightly. "Yeah, I spent the last two in ********' Mexico, after years of freezing cold New York winters for years. I didn't even notice it was December there, to be honest." He loosened his hold on her, not wanting to keep her from enjoying the weather. On normal days they didn't get much time to appreciate the weather because they were either between shifts or wanting to rest, so this was something of a rarity.


"Next year did you wanna go someplace for a white Christmas?"


Aria -
She did not let go of his hand, to be honest, because she wanted to stay close. Nice weather or not, she liked being close. Walking in his arms, or hand in hand, all of it was super nice to her. "We didn't get freezing, back home. Cool, probably, in comparison, but damp. In December and January, we tended to have lows in the mid 30s and highs in the mid fifties... So at night it could be pretty cold, but below freezing was pretty rare. Snow was not at all common, but rain, we'd get rain. And tule fog, which... made coming home from night shifts scary."


She tossed her head a little, to get hair from her eyes, as she thought. "Maybe? Might be fun."


Pao -
He was glad she stayed close, and occasionally squeezed her hand as they went and she talked, describing her old home and the winter weather. Or...seemingly winter weather. The temperatures she mentioned were like winter birthing pains in New York, but he didn't say anything. Winters were harsh for both of them for various reasons, be it the weather or the lonely holidays...


"Wish you had a good strong boyfriend to walk you home every night?" he smirked, gently tugging her in for a little kiss to her cheek. "And if we did go, where didya have in mind? Somewhere in Europe, maybe? Or somewhere in the USA or Canada?"


Aria -
She slid in willingly at the tug, and leaned into him. "To be honest, back then I just wanted to be able to get the hell out of that town. A strong, loving boyfriend would have made it harder to leave, in the end." She leaned against him, eyes lost in the past for the moment. "No, when it came to getting home safely, I wanted like... a headlamp, and juijitsu lessons. Those were the two things that I think would have made me feel safe..."


She blinked a few times, and refocused on now, with him, and smiled a little. "I honestly have no idea where is best for that. Maybe we should do some research between now and then, yeah?"


Pao -
He laughed, a strong and almost bellowing sound as he wondered what she might look like wearing a headlamp while walking down a normal, if foggy, street. It was a silly thing to think on now, but if he had met her back then he would for sure have offered to walk her home every night even if it didn't make her feel as safe as a bright light and knowledge of the martial arts. "We got all year, so research for sure," he nodded, soon letting go of her hand in favor of wrapping his arm around her.


"And so does that mean you wouldn't leave Deus without me, even if they offered you whatever else you wanted in life?"


Aria -
She slipped her arm around his waist, her brows raised in amusement at the way he was laughing. He clearly found something very funny, though she was not at all sure what it was. "What's the joke, babe?" She decided to ask, bemused and curious. "And you can bet I'll do all the research... but we might want to make plans early, since it's for Christmas... I bet that gets booked up pretty fast."


She blinked at his question, and stopped, then turned to face him, her expression one of confusion. "Why the hell would you even wonder that? I wouldn't give you up for anything, not even my parents coming back from the dead to beg for my forgiveness on bended knee, with the addition of telling me that they were proud of me and loved me, and they were fools. I wouldn't give you up for the world. There is literally nothing anyone could offer me that I would give you up for."


Pao -
"You wearing a ridiculously bright headlamp walking down a street," he had tuned down to a chuckle, then quieted down as best he could as she explained her plans to book things as early as possible. Which made sense to him; it was a major holiday, after all, and anywhere they picked was likely to get fully booked if they didn't plan far enough ahead. And then she pulled them to a stop and he blinked.


By the time she was done he was smiling warmly, if slightly amused, as he moved in to give her a slow and loving kiss. "I wasn't wondering, it was more...rhetorical? That's the type of question that doesn't actually need an answer, right?"


Aria -
She blinked a little, and then chuckled softly, realizing she probably would look very silly in such an outfit, then shook her head in amusement. "All right, fair enough. I can see that, yes." She nodded a little, then said "We should plan to set aside a certain amount each month for our trip, too, so we know what our budget can and will be, don't you think?"


She blinked at the amusement in his smile, but then kissed him back, more than happily. His answer made her brows come together. "It... didn't come across as rhetorical, at least to me? I honestly thought you were asking me seriously about it, so I answered seriously."


Pao -
"A monthly savings for it is a good idea, yeah. I think for any holiday we wanna kinda go on a mini-vacation for, actually. So next one coming up, Valentine's Day?" And he only said it because it would be the first time he had reason to even look forward to that holiday.


When her brows came together he gently and playfully poked the spot between them, his smile still loving as he shook his head. "I still really gotta work on my joking tone, I guess," he murmured before kissing her again, just short and sweet and hopefully to reassure her that he really wasn't worried about that. "Sorry to worry you, love."


Aria -
"That sounds like a good idea. Maybe set aside a 'vacation fund' for our planning." She blinked at the Valentine's Day comment, then smiled slowly, and said "How about we find somewhere we can go camping? Skip the overpriced 'IT'S VALENTINES YOU'RE A COUPLE EXTRA FEES' charge and just go do things as us. I'm sure this island has camping equipment we can borrow."


She took a half step back, surprised by the poke, then laughed when she processed what he was doing. His comment earned him a smile, and she kissed him back, her hands sliding up to his face for a moment. "Forgiven, of course. I just thought, for a moment, you were suddenly unsure in us again, and I want you to be confident in what we are, what we have."


Pao -
"Vacation fun, yeah," he nodded along, eyes going a bit wide at her suggestion for Valentine's Day. "Camping sounds like fun. Some place we can maybe do a short hike through, maybe get a beautiful view in a picture?"


He leaned into her touch as he often did, smiling as he shook his head lightly. "I just got us a matching pair of promise rings," he said, turning to kiss her palm, "'cause I feel pretty confident about anything and everything involving us, love."


Aria -
"Fund, not fun. Though vacation fun is good too, of course." She laughed at his words, amused at her silly man. "Awesome. Never been camping before, so I look forwards to giving it a try with you." She grinned and added "Wonder if you can zip sleeping bags together, so it's one big bag... That would be even more fun. And sure. We should look into good camping places in the Southern Hemisphere, it'll still be late summer/early fall for them."


She shivered, as she often did when he kissed her palm, her lips curving upwards. "I should hope so, baby. Part of why the question surprised me so much. It was a moment of 'Didn't we go over this this morning?' mixed with 'I will always reassure you no matter what, if you're unsure.' so..."


Pao -
Her excitement was endearing and it was tempting to pull her in for a series of little kisses, but he kept that urge down in favor of them getting to Joy's in a timely manner. "We'll find something that'll work for us, babe," he chuckled. "And Southern...like Australia?"


He laughed lightly as he took her hand again and got them back on track of getting to Joy's. "I'll keep working on my joking tone," he grinned. "But thanks for still being willing to reassure me if ever."


Aria -
"New Zealand, maybe. I'll go to Australia with you, but I'm not camping in Death Island's outback. Not happening..." She shuddered at the idea of waking up to a Sydney Funnel Web in their tent or something. "Too many things out to kill you, I'd much rather be in an at least semi controlled environment."


She laughed as well, and happily followed him up the path. They were getting close now, and looked forwards to arriving. "Sounds like a plan, then, baby, so I won't end up all panicked and worried that somehow I'd worried you." She squeezed his hand, and then nodded. "And always. Always."


Pao -
"Doesn't New Zealand have cannibalistic tribes or something?" he squinted, somehow recalling reading about something like that in the magazines at the Lighthouse. "But good idea, pass on camping where things wanna kill us. We deal with that kinda s**t on almost a daily basis."


Her reassurances always brought a comforting warmth to him and he gave her his best smile, the kind he still only reserved for her. Really he ever only smiled when she was with him anyway, but there was the kind he knew he never gave anyone else. "Thank you, always," he repeated, bringing her hand up for another kiss.


Aria -
"Not that I know of? We can check when we're in New York, I guess." She said, sounding confused. "Or I can see if there are any books on the issue when I'm next at the library. And yeah, that's what I was thinking. Save the thrills for work, make vacation actually relaxing for us." She smiled at the hand kiss, and his words, and then knocked with her free hand when they got to Joy's.


After some time, they finally got every visit taken care of, and every gift dropped, except for Dai's. Seren was a little nervous about this, because she still wasn't sure about her brother, and what he might be into, but she stealed herself as they approached the door. When they got to it, she lifted their joined hands, and knocked. "Time for a visit to our family..."


Pao -
It still brought a smile to his face when she referred to Dai as their family, but he did notice how nervous she was so once she finished knocking he leaned over to gently kiss her temple. "Relax, love," he murmured, then kissed her once more before pulling back. "I'm sure he'll love whatever you got him."


Aria -
She kissed him back, her fingers gripping his a little tightly, and she murmured back "Still getting used to him being here, too, but I'll try. For all of our sakes." She took a few deep breaths, as they heard 'ONE MOMENT' bellowed through the door. By the time it opened, she had calmed down completely, at least on the outside, and was able to beam and say "Merry Christmas, Dai! Can we come in?" to her brother.


_________________________________________________________________


Dai blinked when he saw who was at the door, for a moment, then smiled in a warm and welcoming way. The slender young man was dressed in a, for him, very casual fashion... Simple slacks, and a button up. He didn't even have socks on at the moment. He stepped back, with a sweeping bow, and said "Come in, come in! Merry Christmas to the both of you! You're more than welcome."