Chapter Text
“Merry Christmas to us.” Harry muttered bitterly, his voice dripping in sarcasm as he climbed into his sleeping bag.
“Next year will be better.” Jace promised half heartedly, climbing into his sleeping bag. Making sure to keep his voice down so that he wouldn't wake their proteges up.
Harry didn't look convinced and neither did their turtle, Mystery, who was nosing at the red ribbon on his chew toy as he side eyed the brunette for the comment.
But Harry didn't bother to argue.
He didn't want to wake the sleeping proteges around him either.
There weren't many—most of their proteges were at home with their families. Most of them were far better off than Harry and Jace themselves were.
Zuri was sleeping with her mother, Shenzi, in their family’s cave.
Edith was at home with her mother, Eris, and her siblings.
Miriam was at home with her mother Mayor Monroe, hearing stories about the older brother she might never know.
Avalon was with her father, Sir Rothbart, and (unbeknownst to her) some of her (older) niece and nephews would be visiting her soon.
Lada was spending the holiday with both of her parents (Lawrence and Bridget the hag) for once.
Lazarus was doing a show with his sister, Sabina, and his parents (Stromboli and Zecora the Zebrataur).
Khalil was hunting with his father and Hadie, Paro, and Panos were having dinner with their parents in Hades Souvlaki.
Deja was having dinner with her family in Shan Yu’s Dim Sum.
Which just left the two of them with Red (who'd snuck out of her home to escape the screaming match between her mother, father, and siblings) and Everlee D'Aquire, who'd been more than happy to escape her father by accepting their invitation to stay with them.
The two were cuddled up in their own coats along with Jace and Harry's, as well as the spare blankets and pillows they had tucked away for this exact scenario.
This Christmas had been terrible, as usual for the two Badun cousins—but admittedly, it could have been worse. After all, only two of their proteges had needed their protection and their shelter. Which was much better than what others on the isle had to deal with.
It was much better than the alternative.
Red and Everlee and the rest of their proteges were safe for now, and, as far as the two cousins were aware, so were the rest of their friends. Which, they guessed, made things a little merry afterall.
( Something was better than nothing ).