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Moonlight reflected off the glimmering snow as it drifted down, covering the world in a soft hug. Virgil looked at it briefly, thinking of what to say next in his letter home. It was mesmerizing, and he turned on his music to shut out the world a little bit more. He sat there in peace, writing and watching the snowflakes.
Roman was humming to himself, whirling around the kitchen, occasionally bumping into Patton while looking for more cocoa. More cocoa powder here, a dash of nutmeg there. It really smelled like the holidays, and he was going to make the best hot chocolate anyone had ever seen. His sweater and the heat of the microwave really made him feel cozy, like he was home again.
Logan was standing by the tree, or perhaps guarding would be a better word. Remus kept trying to rearrange the ornaments in a visually unappealing way, which completely ruined his own vision. Everything needed to be kept nice and neat, which was near impossible when a little imp was always nearby, attempting to add small taxidermied rodents everywhere. It was quite the mess, but he could pull it off, he was sure of it.
Janus sat in their room, carefully wrapping one last gift. It was pristine, just how they wanted it. They hoped it would be the best gift they gave, but of course... there were always other possibilities. They were confident though, that the recipient would love it. It was everything he had asked for, and everything Janus wanted. There. It was done. Perfect.
They carefully slipped out into a small gift bag and went to the den where everyone else was. They all day in a circle, happy murmurs going around as Roman passed out his hot chocolate. It was good. It was warm, with a slight hint of spice and nuttiness. Roman grinned, and Janus could see the pride beaming through that smile.
"I BAKED COOKIES!"
Patton bumbled through the doorway, holding out a fresh batch of sugar cookies, all in little on theme shapes. Janus took the ornament one, since it was the only one with red sprinkles, and dipped it into their hot chocolate. They could see everyone else had gone for a couple more, but they were content. Despite this, Roman shoved a couple more in their face, encouraging a couple more bites.
It was a real lovely moment. They were sitting around the Christmas tree, eating snacks and talking amongst each other, without argument or debates. The snow falling outside added a tranquility that Janus suspected helped with the moment, although they believed it didn't need to be Christmas for everyone to get along...it just gave some encouragement.
Once the warm treats had filled them up, and everyone was digesting and cozy, they began to fall asleep one by one. Janus silently got up to put the final gift away before returning to everyone else. Roman had woken up when they got back. Janus sat back down beside him, and he put his arm around them. Janus smiled as he nodded off, leaning on their shoulder as he did.
"This is going to be a really nice Christmas."
Roman was right.
This was going to be a nice Christmas.
~
Warm pinks and yellows, and the smell of coffee woke Janus up, telling them it was morning. Christmas day had finally arrived. Roman was gone from his spot the previous night, he was now munching on crescent rolls with Virgil in the kitchen. They stretched, and realized Roman had put his sweater around them.
Patton's face lit up when he saw Janus was up, and hastily brought him some food. He and Logan had been baking all morning, smiling at each other the whole time. Remus apparently made each of his rats little holiday hats, and was proudly showing them off. Janus could see Virgil was enjoying his coffee, and when they turned to Roman, they saw a big grin.
"Alright guys, what do you say we start presents?"
Back to the circle, everyone started handing out gifts, laughing and smiling joyfully. They each got their own turn to give and receive a present, and watching their friends have fun and just look so happy was nice. Seeing their faces and the pride really made the moment seem special.
Patton gave Logan a big jug of Crofter's, Logan had bought some paints for Roman, Roman had made little costumes for Remus' rats, Remus got Virgil new poem collections, and Virgil gave Patton a crocheting kit for beginners. Around and around the gifts went, each sparking a new smile. Once the presents under the tree dwindled to none, everyone moved around, chattering merrily. Now it was turn for Janus' gift. Their special gift.
Without the others noticing, they quietly got Roman's attention. Slipping his hand in theirs, they led him outside. Letting the crisp air flutter at their faces, they walked down a well-worn path. It ended at a pond, now frozen over thick enough for ice skating. But that wasn't what they were here for. All bundled up, as Roman admired the beauty of the quiet world around them, Janus tugged something out of their pocket.
Patton was lightly laughing at Logan, who had eaten almost all of the jam he had gotten. Virgil had laid down on the couch, fiddling with a gadget, and Remus was scuttling about the house somewhere. Squeals of joy sliced through the coldness that surrounded the cabin, and Patton beamed. It sounded like Janus had gotten what they wanted for Christmas.