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The winter season was upon them again. Soft snow decorated Magnolia in a pure blanket of white. Children could be heard playing outside, screaming in joy as snowballs flew through the sky. It was a bustling day, so one Lucy Heartfilia was thankful she was inside. She'd set the day aside to dedicate it fully to making her home look more festive. She was currently standing on a stool, putting up some hanging lights around the outline of her living room ceiling. It would look a pure scene she supposed, if not for a certain man's hands rubbing her hips.
"Loke. You're supposed to be supporting me, not touching me up"
"I can't do both, my love? Such a shame, you have such great hips"
His sentence ended with a purr and she couldn't help the sigh that escaped her. He did dutifully return his grip to a normal, steadying hold on her. So there was that. With a flourish she finished tying the end to a hook on the wall (Loke had kindly set them up for her) and stood tall to admire her handiwork.
"There, all done!"
Her pride lasted only a second before she let out an undignified squeak as she was suddenly off the stool. Loke pulled her down into his arms to give her a congratulatory hug. She'd appreciate the gesture more if she wasn't ready to swear at him for scaring her.
"It looks brilliant Lucy-love"
She swallowed her anger and allowed herself to relax into his embrace. It was the season of caring she supposed and she did deserve a reward for decorating and tidying all day. Her home was much cosier now with lights and tinsel adding colour to it. It was sweet that someone appreciated it.
"Thank you Loke. There's one more thing to do, then we can stop for hot chocolate and marshmallows"
"And cuddles?"
She heard his voice chirp gleefully by her ear before she felt the familiar weight of his chin on her shoulder. His arms were wrapped comfortably around her waist and if he had his way they wouldn't be moving anytime soon.
"Yes, lots and lots of cuddles"
She felt his lips turn up into a grin against her cheek. His joy was infectious and her own mood rose with his. His grip tightened, pulling her up closer to his chest.
"Then what have we got left to do?"
"The Christmas tree of course"
She couldn't say she'd fully decorated the house without that after all. It was a lot of effort though and he almost rightfully huffed. She could agree with his disappointment. She wanted her home to be festive, but that was a lot of time and effort for a tree she would be taking down again in a few weeks.
"How about we cuddle first then put up the tree?"
There was almost a whine to his tone, he was being more than a little childish. She wouldn’t let him sway her, she would not be tempted by love and chocolate. This had to be done now before her fatigue from running around all day set in.
"Because we wouldn't leave the couch and you know it. You've gotten incredibly clingy lately"
It was perhaps a bit harsh to just come out and say it, but he had been demanding more and more snuggles lately. It was like he just wanted to spend all day every day cuddling her and doing nothing else. He seemed sheepish as he responded, a little guilt sprinkled into his words.
"I'm sorry. It's a feeling that came over me as the winter months set in. The colder it gets, the more I just want to lie in a pile on the couch. As much as I do enjoy cuddling you, I can't help but wonder if it's another surprise from my lion side"
It startlingly made sense and she wondered how she hadn’t seen it coming. Lions lived in savannahs, in hot places where the sun and heat was a constant. They simply weren’t designed for the slightest bit of snow, their fur was too thin to protect them. He was now probably feeling the cold a bit more and thus wanted to snuggle down and stay warm. Her sympathies did go out to him, but she wanted this tree up before the end of the day.
“Ok, new plan. I’ll put a bunch of blankets in the dryer to heat them up. We can move the table away from the couch. We’ll then make a little shelter over the couch using some chairs to keep it stable. We’ll sit in that warm little cave with hot chocolate and cuddle. How’s that sound?”
She knew his answer when she felt the beginnings of small vibrations spread up his chest ending in a soft purr that filled the room.
"That would be perfect Lucy"
He waited for a purr to leave him before he said her name, adding a deep rumble to her name that he knew she enjoyed. How devious. Her hand went into his hair to retaliate. Where his lion ears would have been is a particularly sensitive spot for him, so giving him a few light scratches with the tips of her fingers was a fair revenge. A giggle escaped her as he predictably melted against her, grip loosening as he leaned into her hand. Just as he was starting to relax she pulled her hand away, leaving him to blink owlishly at her. She easily got out of his startled grasp, walking over to her storage closet in victory.
"Tree first, remember Loke?"
He grumbled his discontent, shooting her an incredibly unimpressed look. Yet he obediently stomped over to help her get everything out.
It took a bit of wrangling and cursing to get the boxes out and into the living room, nevermind actually assemble the tree. She'd bought a fake tree her first winter in Magnolia and it had served her well over the years. But that didn't stop it being a nightmare putting the tall, three sectioned thing together. Everything had to clasp together just right or it would undoubtedly fall over. She was glad of Loke's help throughout their relationship and honestly had been a major reason she should have just married him sooner. But even with his expert help, it still took some time. Eventually, they stood in front of a bare Christmas tree.
"Ok, now here's the fun part. Time to decorate the tree!"
Around them were several boxes filled with tinsel, baubles and small decorations. She’d gradually grown her collection over time, buying something she thought was cute or pretty on a whim. It always surprised her just how much she had each time though. She looked over them, wondering where to start.
"Got any preferences for the decorations Loke? Because I know what ornaments I want to use"
She focused on a box smaller than the rest, she'd finally found enough ornaments to match a theme she'd wanted to try for years. It'd been a nightmare to find them all though and she'd gone through several towns to manage it. She was about to pull the first one out when she realised he hadn't responded to her. Concerned, she turned to ask if he was ok, but paused when she saw he was staring into a box of tinsel. He was frowning in thought and a part of her just knew he wasn't thinking about the tree. She sighed, moving over to him to place a hand on his shoulder.
"This is Lucy Heartfilia with your daily reminder that you are a grown man, not a wild cat. You will not fit in that box"
He paused, expression relaxing as he focused on her.
"You don't know that"
"I absolutely do. Now come with me, I want to show you my idea for this year's tree and get your opinion on it."
It was a tactic she'd learnt very quickly. If the feline in Loke was being naughty, you just distracted him with something else. It worked a charm as he looked over the box with her, curiosity winning over the need to lay in tinsel.
"What's in that?"
She knelt by the box to open it slightly, so he couldn't see in.
"I wanted a themed tree this year. What do you think of these?"
She blindly put her hand in the box, carefully trying to find the two ornaments she wanted. After a second of scrabbling, she thought she found them. A very quick peek confirmed it and she quickly pulled them behind her back as she shot up. She was grateful that Loke had kindly looked away, he'd probably figured she wanted to surprise him. With renewed excitement she held out the ornaments for him to take. He took them from her with a bemused smile before taking them in, one was a solid male lion and the other was a round, fluffy plush sheep.
“They’re cute Lucy. Is it an animal theme?”
“Close! I’m actually thinking of doing a Celestial theme this year. I have an ornament to represent each of my keys, some were much easier to get than others. You’d be surprised how hard it is to get a compass tree ornament, I had to go for a penguin instead”
“I’m sure Pyxis won’t mind-Wait! That means these are me and Aries?”
She almost laughed at how long it had taken him to realise that. She’d have thought that by now he’d know to be more on his toes around her. Perhaps the cold had made his mind a bit sluggish. Despite her best attempts the outside chill had made its way indoors, which was why they were both still in sweaters and thick trousers. She would not freeze in her own home thank you very much! And besides, he looked so cute in the red Chritsmas tree winter jumper she’d bought him last year. She absolutely had to get him matching gloves and a wooly hat. Whether he’d actually wear them outside the house in front of their friends was another thing entirely.
“Yeah, I figured you’d want to be the one to put them on the tree. I can work out where to put the rest”
A childish glee took over him as he practically rushed over to the tree. His eyes briefly scanned the tree as he actually pondered the best place for the little animals, before gently placing them at the front of the tree, about halfway up. Predictably he put them on two of the closest branches he could, so that the ornaments were practically touching. She watched quietly as he patted the small sheep ornament, a soft look on his face. It was a personal moment to him in which he was thinking of the real Aries, currently an entire world away, before he pulled back, turning to face her. The loving expression never leaving his face.
“This was incredibly sweet of you Lucy, thank you”
Somehow, having his soft approval flustered her worse than any flirting could. She could feel her cheeks heat up as she had to look away from the sun that was her husband.
"I wanted you all with me during this season of family, even if I couldn't physically have you all here. You’re all important to me, you know?*
She hadn’t thought it physically possible for him to get any brighter and yet…She swore she heard a small squeak from him as he sped back over to her, pulling her into a large hug. There was a small pressure on her forehead as he kissed her and she could feel her heart exploding with the outpour of love that simple action created.
“You’re the cutest person in existence Lucy. No arguments.” He began to punctuate each complement with another kiss. “The cutest. Most brilliant. Perfect. Smartest person ever"
At this point it was safe to say she was a little bit overwhelmed. She pushed slightly against him and he stopped kissing her but refused to let go of her.
"Sorry Lucy, I'm in a love high right now"
"You're always high on love, maybe you're just clingy"
"Or maybe everything you do and every part of you is worth loving"
Flustered by his quick comeback and infuriating smirk, she pulled out of his grasp. She turned away from him, desperate to hide her scarlet face and preserve some dignity.
"Why are you such a loser?"
There was a slight chuckle behind her and she silently cursed him for all the amusement he was no doubt getting out of this. They'd been together for so long and yet he still affected her, it was sickening.
"It's just who I am whenever I'm around you. Would you really want me any other way though?"
She thought about it for a moment, thought about a world in which Loke was more serious. A world in which his overly loving ways were non-existent. He was brutal in jobs, but less fun to be around. He never flirted and didn't try as hard to make her laugh. He was incredibly professional as a spirit, but as a friend… she inwardly shuddered. No, she much preferred her dork over someone cold and distant. She sighed as she turned back toward him.
"No, I wouldn't. I somehow find it in me to actually enjoy your nonsense, aren't you lucky?"
He had the gall to crinkle his eyes as he smiled softly at her.
"Incredibly. I thank the stars for the blessing of your existence everyday." Ok, he needed to stop, he was going to kill her. He was either showing mercy or knew she was about to die because he turned back to the tree. “We should use the gold and silver baubles and tinsel then, to keep in line with your theme”
Huh, that was actually a good idea. Her brain slowly chugged back to life after his terrible harassment, she could definitely work with that.
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I couldn't get eighty-eight ornaments so they'll help to represent the other spirits I don't have the keys for. If we use the star for the top this year, then that can represent the Celestial Spirit King too."
"I'm really starting to like this idea Lucy, let's do it. Just one caveat, what's representing you?"
That threw her for a loop, yet he seemed to want an answer. The silence was expectant but she really didn't know what to say.
"Nothing? I don't have anything to symbolise me, why would I?"
Gobsmacked was the word that immediately came to her mind as he openly stared at her. That and aghast. He was fully offended on her behalf, though he had no right to be.
"Because you're our owner?! The best one we've had in a long time?! You're a friend to all spirits, we all love you and you should be on the tree with us"
She heaved a heavy sigh, he got so wound up about the smallest, most inconsequential things.
"Even if I should, I don't have an ornament for that. I didn't think it would be this big of a deal."
“Don’t worry I’ll fix this! You keep decorating the tree and I’ll be right back!”
Before she could stop him or even reply, he was gone. He just vanished, misusing his power to travel through the Celestial Spirit World. There was no stopping him now. She shook her head fondly, she’d just have to wait for him to return and hope that whatever he bought would actually fit on the tree and not be too extravagant. She took out a small mermaid ornament from the box, she might as well put up all the ornaments while she waited.
She was just putting up the last of the ornaments, a cute little puppy to represent Plue, when he was suddenly back with her. A flash of magic beside her announced his arrival, though she could have already guessed by the massive increase of energy in the room. He bounded up to her, showing off what he’d found, eager for her approval.
“Look Lucy! It’s you!”
He held it up to her face and she had to step back to actually focus on it. It was a glass ornament shaped like a clear diamond.
“A-a diamond? You actually found a diamond ornament?”
“Yes! I’m sorry it took me so long to come back, you would not believe how many stores only had boring samey ornaments. But I found a diamond for my diamond! So it was all worth it I think”
Before she could blink he was back to the tree, carefully placing the ornament on the tree. He hadn’t even needed to think, the small diamond was now hanging beside the lion, which was now sandwiched between it and the sheep ornament. Pleased with himself, he gave a small hum as he turned back to her. His shining smile almost blinded her as his joyful energy was now directed fully at her.
“Doesn’t it look perfect Lucy?”
“Y-yeah, it looks lovely.” It wasn’t necessary, he didn’t need to go to the trouble. Yet, seeing it on the tree made her feel stupidly warm. It was sweet, rather like her husband himself. She’d allow him this indulgence, it was the season after all. And if she was actually touched he’d go out looking for something like this just for her, well he didn’t need to know “Thank you. You were right, it really helps bring the whole tree together”
Her approval almost made him physically light up. He swayed up and down on his heels as he had to prevent himself from rushing around the room. She was impressed that he managed to restrict it to bouncing on the spot, it must have taken a lot of self control for him.
“I thought so. Just don’t forget yourself again, I won’t be so kind next time. I may have to punish you”
She snorted, surely he knew how ridiculous he sounded? This lug of a lion was trying to be threatening? To her? She’d seen him crying at too many romantic plays for that.
“Punish me? Please, you’d never raise a hand to me and we both know that”
He raised a brow at her, visibly confused. Perhaps that had been a bit of a strange comeback, but it was really hard to take the word 'punish' seriously when it came from his mouth.
"Well, yeah? I meant that I was going to smother you in kisses and compliment you for an hour. Just an overflow of adoration to teach you to think more of yourself. I will kill you with kindness if I have to."
"How is that any different from your usual behaviour?"
The jab covered up how different that actually was for her. Their casual time sitting on the couch and laying on each other was so much different from the concentrated love attack he was suggesting. She actually kinda liked the idea of being completely swamped by love every once in a blue moon, but whether he kept it that irregular was a wholly different issue. If she actually was being down on herself, the affirmation and comfort would be nice...and she'd do the same for him in a heartbeat!
"It is different and we both know it. Though you sometimes still try, you can't hide how you feel from me"
"Fine. But only if, when you're down on yourself, I can smother you in love too and listen to whatever's on your mind. Otherwise it wouldn't be fair"
He frowned for a moment, arms crossed in silent rebellion. That had clearly not been how he wanted that to go, but he also knew at this point that fighting her was pointless. They were both incredibly stubborn when it came to the other, it was really the only thing they seriously butted heads on. That and whether Loke was allowed to spend all his money solely on her. She shouldn’t have to give a grown man, especially not one centuries old, an allowance and yet...
"Ok, I guess. I can't exactly argue that you're wrong"
"Good. Thank you again for the ornament Loke, I love it." The compliment helped bring him back around as she tried to steer them back towards their comfy atmosphere. "Let's finish the tree"
“Time to make this the best tree on the planet!”
Thankfully for her heart and mind, he jumped right back into decorating the tree, rummaging around for the right baubles in the boxes. She wasn’t sure what would have happened if she took him ‘punishing’ her seriously, or if he’d talked about kissing her for much longer. Shaking herself to pull her mind back into more safe territory, she untangled and pulled out some tinsel, she might as well get to work on this. She’d managed to get a nice silver piece that she was satisfied with when she turned to gauge her husband’s progress. She hadn’t expected it to be fully done yet, but more than one bauble on the tree would have been nice! He’d started with a shiny golden one and had successfully managed to place it on the tree. But it’s reflection must have caught his eye or something because in the brief moment she’d looked away, his cat nature had taken over again. He was smiling blissfully as he lightly battered the bauble around with his fingers. It swayed gently, he was keeping it on the branch thankfully,but he was enthralled by its movement. He looked cute and at any other time she’d have been content to just watch him, but she’d really hyped up their little cave in her mind and wanted to just relax with him in luxurious warmth. So instead she made her way over to him, gently prying him away from the bauble and putting the tinsel into his hands. He stared at it, a little dazed and confused.
“Maybe you’d be better off putting these up, they’re not as shiny right?”
He hummed slightly before closing his fingers around the tinsel. He paused in surprise before opening and curling his fingers into the tinsel. He slowly repeated this, staring in fascination at the feel of tinsel in his fingers.
“Loke” His head shot up to face her and his eyes were blown wide. She sighed, shaking her head. “You’re lucky you’re not a real cat. I would have kept that far away from you in case you ate it.”
He opened his mouth to argue and all sense seemed to come back to him. He hung his head in shame as pink dusted his cheeks.
"Sorry, I don't know what came over me. Well, I do but…just when I think I have some semblance of control, it's ripped away from me"
"It's alright, I should have expected it. Felines like shiny things and they like new pleasant sensations. And that clearly was nice for you, considering you're still kneading it"
He glared in frustration at his hands, at their apparent betrayal. He clenched the tinsel harder and for a brief moment she feared he was going to rip it.
"It also makes me pretty useless"
He let out a small huff of air and the mood dropped heavily. Despite all she tried to make him see how happy she was with him, feline tendencies and all, doubt still crept into his thoughts. A small part of him feared she would get sick of him and it was going to take a lot to relieve that fear. But she'd always try.
"Hmmm, I think you mean it makes you pretty cute." She reached out for him, cupping his cheeks in her hands. "Absolutely adorable, full of love and kindness. Purrfect even"
"Did you just make a pun?"
"Maybe"
He stared at her in disbelief before shaking his head. He leaned out of grasp, fighting the grin on his lips.
"You're ridiculous...Thank you"
"It's no problem. I wouldn't mind if you just sat on the couch playing with tinsel. But if you need to feel useful, then how about you move the table? Get all that set up for our cave and then maybe start making our drinks?"
"...That would be a help to you?"
"Of course it would. It'll get us snuggling quicker too which is a bonus. Plus, there's nothing to distract you from your tasks. When I'm done here I'll get to warming the covers for us"
He looked a little sheepish as he handed her the tinsel back, very apologetic too.
"I'm sorr-"
"No. Loke, you helped me put up the tree, which is the hardest part. You're doing other tasks so that we can relax faster, that's not nothing. Now get moving, go on"
"Yes ma'am!"
He mock-saluted her with a cheeky grin, confidence quickly returning with a task now relying on him. She could only hope that one day he'd understand he didn't need to be useful to earn her love, he got that for free. For now though if making her a drink cheered him up she was all for it, even if personally she saw no issue with his feline side. She hadn't been lying to him. He could have sat watching her while playing with a bauble and she'd still be at peace. As she turned back to the tree she heard the telltale noises of heavy lifting as he moved her living room table. A small smile returned to her as she went back to decorating the tree, her happiness was safe and secure after all.
It took a lot longer on her own to finally finish the Christmas tree, but she managed it. When she stood back to gaze over it proudly, she saw a large tree sparkling with ornaments and baubles. There was a line of silver tinsel along the bottom and a gold ring wrapped around the top. Faint lights were minimally hung on the tree, so it shone but didn’t outshine her ornaments. The whole thing was topped off with a star on the top of a tree. She took it in for a moment, satisfied with her efforts, before turning around to try and find her husband. The living room floor was cleared away, so that job was done. A soft smell from the kitchen gave her the next clue to his location. She steadily made her way to the kitchen, where she was assaulted by the smell of chocolate. Following that delicious scent, she found him by the oven with a pan on the stove. As she leaned on the counter by him, that rich creamy smell was stronger. She breathed it in happily.
“Making it the old fashioned way are we?”
He spared her a quick smile before focusing back on the pot, making sure their hot chocolate didn’t become burnt chocolate.
“I think you mean the right way Lucy. If we’re going to drink this, then we’re going to drink it right”
"Of course, silly me" She walked past him, ruffling his hair as she went. "I'll be back in a moment"
"Going to get the blankets?"
"I will be"
She left him on that as she made her way to her bedroom. She had to keep it together so she didn't react to his comically confused expression. The moment she closed the door however, she allowed the grin to form. She wasn't stupid and going into that heat trap fully clothed was stupid. So it was time to slip into something more comfortable.
A few minutes later she was dressed in more appropriate attire with a bundle of covers in her arms. Ignoring Loke and his careful pouring of their drinks into mugs for the moment, she casually switched on the dryer and stuffed the blankets in to start their cycle. In a spur of the moment thought she turned the heating up too. Satisfied that the living room was soon to be the warmest and cosiest place in Magnolia, she went back to her husband. He was humming a cheery tune as he haphazardly sprinkled marshmallows onto their drinks. A bit too eager perhaps but his joy quickly spread to her and she felt lighter for having watched him.
"Having fun?"
"Yep! Drinks are-" He cut himself off as he actually got a good look at her. She had chosen a light nightie to wear and though it did go down to her knees, he was probably enjoying the view. "Why Lucy, no need to get all dressed up for me. You're sexy in everything"
She gave him a light tap on the shoulder for that, pulling a chuckle from him.
"I'm trying not to overheat, thank you very much! You should probably take off your jacket too"
He gasped like she had said something scandalous. Too late she saw the playful twinkle in his eye.
"Lucy! First you undress, then you try to strip me down! If I didn't know better I'd say you're making an excuse to set a mood. So you can make lov-"
"Loke!" Her yell came out garbled, mangled by mortification as her face no doubt shot straight to scarlet, skipping pink entirely. "Not everything is an excuse for that!"
He leaned forward, face much too close to hers. He was every inch a predator as he encroached into her space and she couldn't stop the sudden feeling she was his prey. One hand was on the counter by her while the other rested on his hip. His eyes gleamed with something dark, he had an infuriating smirk as he lowered his voice.
"Hey, I'm not judging. You know I love it when you're in charge"
"Okay, that's enough!"
She ducked around him to dive for her drink, a shelter from his smoulder. She breathed in the sweet scent and took a tentative sip to soothe her nerves. How could he still affect her like this? All thoughts of his annoying sexiness were immediately washed away when she got a proper taste of her drink. She took a much larger sip and revelled in the sweet flavour. It was so smooth and rich she could easily see herself getting addicted to the taste. She plucked out a marshmallow to chew as the drink warmed her. She hummed in bliss before going in for another sip.
"Is that nice?"
She had expected him to be smug, instead he was uncertain, hanging on her every word.
"Heavenly. You've outdone yourself"
He beamed at her, taking his own in his hands before standing at her side.
"Good...I'm sorry"
"Don't be. I forgot how scandalous seeing a woman's ankles was"
He spluttered into his drink, almost choking in surprise. He coughed and for a brief moment she panicked that she'd seriously hurt him. But his coughing gave way to strangled giggles before bursting into laughter. He wiped a tear from his eye as he shook his head fondly.
“How do you always manage to catch me off guard?”
“I could ask the same of you”
“Yeah…I guess so”
He looked into his drink for a moment, before holding out his free arm for her in silent invitation. He’d have held it there all day if she made him, but thankfully for him she couldn’t ever make him wait more than a few seconds. It was much too tempting. She snuggled up to his side and enjoyed the bliss that came with him putting his arm around her and pulling her in. Instinctively she relaxed against him, letting herself fall into the calming mixture that was hot chocolate and the warmth of her love. Resting her head on his shoulder she resisted the urge to close her suddenly very heavy eyes. His breathing was a soothing rhythm and it very nearly lulled her to sleep. Instead she fought off exhaustion with the cup in her hands, desperate to finish it and not drop the mug.
“I thought the plan was to drink these in our little base thing”
All the days decorating and week of festive rushing around was catching up to her. Her brain had been barely awake enough to register he had spoken.
“Well, it would be inviting spillage to drink while laying down. And we have to wait for the dryer, so this is only logical really"
"Mmhm, it has nothing to do with the fact you're comfy as you are"
"Nope"
They fell into a peaceful silence, though she didn't think he believed her for a second. Well that was fine, as long as he didn't leave she'd be happy. Unfortunately for them both, the dryer let out a small ding and came to a stop, it was time to rush again. With a reluctant heave on her conscience she put her mug in the sink to be cleaned later. Loke followed suit and looked to her for the game plan.
"Ok, I'll grab the largest one and use it as the cover, you go underneath and start covering the floor with the rest ok? I want layered comfiness when I join you"
"Understood princess!"
They needed no further communication. She opened the dryer and pulled out a large queen size blanket ( Loke had bought it for her based on its name alone, misunderstanding the size of her bed), happy to finally use the overly vast thing. She ran to the living room and draped one end over two chairs she put together, she then took the over end and draped it over the couch, creating a small but effective heat trap. As she was messing with the couch she heard Loke dive under the covers to loudly place down his bundle. She heard him messing around in there and she realised she still had a minute or so. She rushed over to her boxes once more and rummaged around until she found a golden bauble. Clutching her prize, her self congratulations were cut off by a very loud rumble.
"Lucy! I'm done"
Yeah I can tell from your purring .
Thoroughly bemused, she made her way back over to their little base and pulled up one side to look in. She was greeted by the sight of Loke in just his shirt and boxers laying flat out in what she could only describe as a nest of blankets. He'd folded and layered them, giving him a soft barrier against the floor. His hands were gripping the blanket in front of him and she could tell it was taking everything he had to not knead into it.
"Comfy? Because I'm coming in"
It was the only warning he got before she crawled in to struggle her way to his side. Laying next to him she immediately sank into the cosy, soft heat, almost closing her eyes right there. This would cool down eventually, she hadn’t put the heating up too high after all, but for now the bitterness of winter couldn’t touch her. A pleased sigh escaped her as her body relaxed.
“This has been your best idea ever Lucy”
“Even better than marrying you?”
“Second best idea”
An instantaneous reply, one that was filled with mirth. He leaned against her, nuzzling her head with his nose and earning a small giggle from her.
“I know how to make it better”
“Hmm, how's that?”
She placed the bauble in front of him, watching with delight as his eyes lit up and he grabbed it. An amused grin spread across his face as he lazily turned his head to face her.
“You're lucky I love you Lucy, this is a little cheeky, even if a part of me is happy you’re allowing me to play with it” He idly started batting it around, the playful action a stark contrast to the sudden dark gleam in his eye. “I warned you earlier about being silly. This time I will punish you”
She straightened her shoulders, looking him dead in the eye as she readied herself for this new challenge. He didn’t look angry, in fact he was barely keeping his serious demeanor. His lips were twitching against the urge to curve upward into a smile and his frown was barely held together. So she felt safe in being a little silly, it was moments like this with him that were the most fun after all.
“Oh? And how will you do that? I’m not feeling very scared here Loke”
“Like this”
He quickly pushed himself up and before she could stop him or react he’d placed one hand firmly on the other side of her, before just dropping himself on her. She let out a small gasp as she felt some of his weight pinning her down, he was half on her, half still on his nest. His weight forced her back down, making her lay flat again. He rested his head on her shoulder, leaning it against her own. He was pretty pleased with himself, if his loud purring was anything to go by. His arm on the other side of her curled under her to cuddle her while the other put the bauble in front of them so he could play with it.
“Behold my mighty plan! You’re stuck here resting with me now”
Oh no, stuck cuddling with her husband in a comfortable position, how ever would she survive? They both knew this was just an excuse to lay with her all day. If he could not work and just relax with her for the rest of time he would, especially if she kept her home savannah levels of warm. It wasn’t viable, but what a retirement that would be. Now if she could only stumble into a job that paid her enough to at least holiday for a month, that at least was doable. He’d make it the most stress free time of her life no doubt and she’d love and adore him for it. Well that was a fantasy for another time, right now she had to pretend she wasn’t following along with his plan.
“Jokes on you, I’m exhausted and want to sleep. And I like cuddling with you, so this is more of a reward. If you want to punish me, you should stay away from me”
He huffed, doubling down on his ‘punishment’ as he snuggled into her and fully relaxing on her. She was definitely stuck there now, how sad for her.
“Like that would ever happen. No I’m afraid you’re here with me until I decide you can leave”
“I can live with that. Love you Loke, you big goof”
Her heart fluttered as he kissed her cheek softly and squeezed her gently. He nuzzled her and she felt fur tickle her skin. She maneuvered her free arm out from under them to give his head a quick pat and, as she suspected, felt a furry ear on the top of his head. Not even a moment later she felt fur bristle down her leg before it wrapped around it. She had to hold in her giggles as he accidentally tickled her with his tail. A soft, ever present rumble sank in as he got himself snug against her.
“I love you too Lucy…It fully hit me while I was moving the table, that it hasn’t even been a year since you fully accepted everything I am, that you encouraged me to be all of me. Both Loke and Leo. I’m still remembering things about myself that I’d hidden deep down and yet you roll with everything that comes our way and you love me through it all. Thank you”
“You act like it’s some big task I’ve got to force my way through. I’m happy that I get to learn more about you and that you’re this comfortable around me, to the point where you’re nearly naked laying in what's basically a makeshift sauna with me. There’s no one I’d rather spend my time with, no one else I’d want to learn about and love”
His purr got louder and she could feel his cheek warm against her skin. A small squeak escaped him as he buried his face into her neck. His tail curled tighter around her leg and if she hadn't been certain about where she was staying tonight before, her words had cinched it. She’d filled his heart up with such simple acts and now it would take a long while before he got rid of all the love that was pouring out of him. That was absolutely fine, she needed a rest before the mad rush that was Team Natsu during the holidays anyways.