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Soft gusts of wind, a chilling yet inviting blow. Snowflakes descend from the sky. Those specks of white frost covers the city of Phosphorus in its cold and gentle embrace. Nourishing. Nurturing. The city whispers its beautiful Winter farewells across the darkened evening sky as the holidays gradually approach.
Inside the Ark is a much warmer and even much more fonder environment. Crackling wood. Tender flames that adorn the fireplace. A light of a brilliant red that illuminates the living space of the space craft. Decorated walls, many having long been splashed with paint and filled with hung up art work from the young ones. The air smells divine. Smells of freshly baked sweets - cookies and cinnamon rolls. Comforting. Pure and utter joy. To one’s ears, all that would be heard is the delightful sound of children’s laughter.
It’s that time of year. Vita thinks. Winter wonders.
Beams of red, greens, and whites adore the Christmas tree - a blossom of green that stands tall. Lights sparkling, twinkling like the starry skies of a romantic cosmic night. They glow bright like the fuchsia eyes of the seven adorable children who were gathered around the tree. Small ornaments in their hands, smiles on their faces, hearts ever so present on their sleeves.
“Mama Vita, aren’t you going to come help us?” Red beams. She flares her arms out and fills Vita’s view. “We can’t reach the top. I want to put the big star up!”
Vita had simply been sitting on the comforting cushions of the couch, watching her children work. There is a soft and warm smile on her face with something even warmer blossoming in her chest. A swirl of joy. Feelings of sincere content. What made everything all the more better was that the kids were joyous too. Out and about, dressed in their colorful holiday pajamas.
Red, Orange and Cyan were currently decorating the tree. They worked hard to place vivid ornaments all around in a lovely pattern. Clearly, they’ve been determined to set up the tree in a certain manner.
(Vita found it to be quite adorable. The way the kids made their own big choices as to how they wanted things to look. Creative freedom, she thinks. A means of expression.)
Meanwhile, Blue, Purple and Green were busy wrapping up a - as Red puts it - Super Duper Awesome Amazing Spectacular Gift they all crafted together earlier in the week for their Mama Griseo.
…Speaking of Vita’s dearly beloved, that lovely blue haired beauty was currently in the kitchen with Little Yellow. The two were spending quality time together, bonding as they worked on making hot cocoa for everyone.
Ah, yes..
Quality time and bonding. That is exactly what Vita was doing with her precious kiddos right now! — Idly observing each and every one of her children with a big and bright smile on her face as they decorate the tall tree and prepare gifts.
With a chuckle, Vita brings a hand up to ruffle Red’s messy locks of hair. “Little Red, you and your siblings need to put up all the other decorations first, then we’ll put the star up last.”
At that, Red puffs her cheeks up in obvious annoyance. She stomps her foot like she’s throwing a small fit. “But I want to put the star on nowwww!”
Green, who had been helping her siblings wrap up gifts by the fireplace, lifts her head up and turns her attention to Red. She shakes her head disapprovingly before speaking. “Red.. You should listen to Mama Vita. Now go help Cyan and Orange finish up with the decoration duties.”
Vita glanced over at the two kids beside the tree. Orange had a lollipop in her mouth with a smile on her face - an even brighter gleam in her eyes. Cyan stood atop a stepping stool as he placed gold colored ornaments onto the tree.
“I just want to see how the Christmas tree looks with the star on..” Red pouts.
Green gives her a stern look. “You just have to be patient.”
“I just want to see how pretty it shines!”
“Red.”
“I just want–”
The sisters’ banter continues on and on. It was pretty amusing. But alas, the lovely Mama Vi knew the right thing to do would be to intervene.
“Little Red, you seem persistent. Is there something more you’re trying to say? Or do you really only want to put the star atop the tree?”
After hearing Vita’s question, Red seemed to grow shy, shifting her gaze away.
“It’s just..” Her voice is low. Her arms hide away behind her back as she swings her body slowly side to side.
Orange and Cyan come up to stand behind her. Their presence is quick to ease her growing nervousness. Still though, Red could find the words she wanted to say.
So softly, Orange gathers up the courage to speak up instead.
“Mama Vita.. While we were decorating, Cyan mentioned that it would be really nice if we could decorate with you.”
“O-Orange..!” Cyan flushes immediately upon hearing her words. Orange only smiles and continues her speech.
“We were too scared to ask you directly.. So me, Cyan, and Red decided to come up with a plan to get you to come help us instead..”
The three children looked away shyly.
Vita blinks. Once, then twice. And for a single moment, she was at a loss for words. In a way, it sort of tugged at her heartstrings. In a way, it reminded her of the past.
Blue suddenly steps up with a box of small golden ornaments, a sheepish look on his face. “Mama Vita.. We would all like to spend time with you if that’s okay.”
Purple speaks next. “Mama... Can you help us with the tree? Since Blue, Green and I were so busy wrapping gifts.. We don't know where anything goes..”
All the kids are looking at her now. Fuschia eyes open wide like a puppy, full of glistening hope.
Vita’s expression softens as she watches the scene before her. The children seem to have continued to come up with more and more reasons for Vita to help. And deep down, the woman felt something in her heart melt. A sort of pleasantly unfamiliar feeling. Like remembering something so beautiful that you’ve long forgotten. A kind of warmth she had only felt twice in all her magnificent years of living.
Once when she first gained consciousness. Twice, back then when the little Vitas all pulled her into a tender hug. When all they wished for was for Vita to stay. For Vita to be there with them. For Vita to spend her time with them.
(And this time, she will. Without any restrictions and without the dreading fear of an omniscient presence. Of a hidden knife pressed against her neck.)
“Alright, alright!” Vita muses with a warm laugh. She takes steps towards the little ones - many coming to surround her with happy smiles on their faces. Though she enjoyed being observant and idle, of course it wouldn’t actually take much for Vita to agree to spend time with them. After all… “How can I ever reject my cute little family?”
A few precious minutes have passed.
Time moves. As does joy. As does laughter. As does love. Each flows. Cascades like a snowflake. Tranquil and light. The cold that falls from the sky is warm and gentle when it kisses the earthly land below.
A chorus of happy whispers and giggles erupt from the kids as they each took their time to put up ornaments onto the Christmas tree. Some of the children handed Vita a few baubles and garlands, their tiny little hands and wondrous eyes growing with anticipation.
“Orange, Cyan!” Vita hears Red say in a shouting-whisper. “Look over here! This present has my name on it!”
Red makes a squealing noise as her siblings scoot over to take a look.
“I wonder what’s in it!”
“You’ll find out soon. Christmas is coming up in a few days.”
“I want to see now!”
“Red..”
“Let’s take a little peek!”
“Red!”
Vita couldn’t help the soft smile that spreads across her face. Couldn’t help the warmth that blossomed in her chest. She did not quite understand all the eagerness that came with such a holiday, but she did enjoy witnessing the children’s excited antics nonetheless.
“Psst! Hey! These ones have your guys’ names on it… And it says it’s from Mama Vita!”
From the corner of her eye, Vita catches as curiosity swirled within Orange and Cyan. Saw as the two inched closer towards the mischievous Red and tilted their little heads to peek at the gift bags under the tree.
Cyan’s eyes seem to glow when he sees that there was, in fact, a gift bag with his name on it.
How interesting.
“Mama, what are these?” Purple walks up to Vita with a bag in hand. Vita takes it from her and finds a few packages of candy canes inside.
Instantly, a vividly bright idea comes to mind.
Vita smiles down at the children. She knows just how much they love sweets, and she can already imagine the excited gleam in their eyes at the prospect of earning one.
“Kids,” She says, and it immediately catches their attention.
“What is it?” Red tilts her head in wonder. Orange follows suit.
Vita smiles. “I have a game I want to play. You all have to answer my questions about Christmas, and if you get the answer right, you’ll get…” She takes one candy cane out of its boxed packaging and raises it towards the little Vitas. “A very special Christmas candy!”
As predicted, excitement seemed to sprout. Blossom. Bloom. Erupting in the form of giddy eagerness, enthusiasm and elation.
“First question,” Vita wastes no time to get straight to the point - clearly wanting to do nothing more than spoil her creations with such treats. “Why is Christmas celebrated?”
She expected the kids to give it some time and thought. After all, the small city representatives have hosted a series of celebrations in the past, yet Christmas specifically was never really celebrated in Phosphorus.
In fact, the children haven’t come to know of such a holiday until they began to explore different bubble universes alongside Vita and Griseo. They’ve come to witness many outwardly traditions, wanting to bring them back to their beloved home of Phosphorus.
(Though Vita had known of Christmas a millennia ago, she never once was able to tell the children about it. The festivities. The bonding. Sa never found such fond holidays important, and she didn’t want her creations to be tainted with knowledge she deemed unnecessary.)
To Vita’s surprise, the kids immediately began to share their answers. Red is the first to shout: “For kids to get cool gifts!”
Vita nods her head and hands the girl a single candy cane. “Correct!”
“No. Christmas is celebrated so families can spend time together during the Winter time.”
Vita nods again. “Correct!”
“It’s because Santa said so.”
“Correct!”
“And Santa created Christmas!”
“Correct!”
“Is Santa the weird looking old red man?”
“Correct!”
“No! Santa is the Star Traveler!”
Oh. Vita likes that statement very very very much. “Correct!”
“Vita. Do not let the kids believe in false information!”
Stern and powerful, yet gentle and caring.
Griseo enters the spacious lounging room with a tray full of color coded mugs and with a smiling Yellow right beside her.
“Children, you should be aware that your Mama Vita likes to lie sometimes.” Griseo says. “You have to be careful to not get fooled.”
Vita fakes a hurt gasp, a wide grin on her face. She sets down the bag of candy canes and reaches over to help Griseo with the mugs.
“Me? Lie? I would never.”
Griseo raises a brow. “Twist the truth?”
“…That, yes. Indeed.”
“Same difference.”
“No it’s not actually!” Vita begins to pass the mugs to the little Vitas. Making sure each one of them was given the correct colored cup. Then she places the tray down and takes a sip from a mug of her own.
“Mm.. Delicious as always, Griseo.”
Yellow makes a face. “I made it!”
“Oh!” Vita looks down at Yellow with a smile. “You must have mastered your Mama Griseo’s secret hot cocoa recipe then.”
(Griseo finds adoration in her chest. Watching as Vita makes efforts to help her with the mugs and actually spend time with their family.. It makes her feel warm inside.
Truthfully speaking, she never once thought her and Vita would be able to peacefully be a part of each other’s lives - despite their complex connections to the little Vitas… However, some months ago, when Vita returned to Phosphorus with a heavy chest and colors that yearned, something changed between the two.
Call it a spark. Call it an ignition. Tender flames that cast fireworks of blue and greens.
Something happened. Things changed. And now the two act as the parental figures of the Vitas. Living together in the Ark. As guardians. And maybe, maybe as something more.)
“Mama Vita?”
“Yes?”
“Are you super strong?”
Vita blinks. What kind of silly question was that. “Yeah.”
“We have an idea.” Bright smiles all around. “Can you please lift up Mama Griseo so she can put the star on top of the tree?”
Vita blinks again. Then grins widely. “Oh most definitely.”
“No.” Griseo says, arms crossed with cheeks that begin to tint a slight pink. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Aww come on,” Vita steps towards her before musing with a cheeky grin. “Do it for the kids! Our sweet little family.”
Griseo looks at her. “Vita. Don’t you dare.”
“Awww.. Why not?” She’s already making her way behind her.
“Vita, I swear—”
Vita giggles and slides her hands around Griseo’s waist. The tint on Griseo’s cheeks brightens just a bit more.
Yellow comes up to hand Griseo the star. And with a soft hum, Vita lifts the woman up before saying, “The days are only growing colder my dear, have a warm heart!”
When midnight comes, the kids would have already been put to sleep, peacefully tucked in their beds, resting beneath warm and fluffy blankets.
And at this quiet time, Vita would find herself alone outside the Ark.
Biting gusts of wind.
Reflection. Transition. Resilience. Snowflakes fall, fall, fall, like the white feathers of an angel cascading down to bless the lands below.
Vita stares out. Eyes blank. Mind blank. Not quite focusing on any specific thing. Only taking in whatever scenery decides to make their way into her view.
The stars are twinkling. Some city lights too. Snow falls. Winds blow. It’s a bit cold. Chilly. Though temperature doesn’t really have much of an effect on Vita’s being.
“How do you feel?”
A soft whisper chimes and lightly echoes. Vita jumps slightly at the sound of Griseo’s gentle voice, though she quickly regains her composure.
She didn’t notice the woman approaching. Didn’t hear a single footstep too. Maybe her mind wasn’t as blank as she thought it was. Maybe it was full. Maybe it was racing.
“What do you mean?” Vita says, her gaze still lingering about the vast city, already knowing where this conversation is leading.
Truthfully, she dreads Griseo’s next words. But even with the slight pang forming in her chest, she couldn’t help but to feel grateful for the day’s experience.
“How do you feel about today? Having the kids put up the tree?” Griseo asks and she wraps her arms around Vita’s waist. Slow. Steady. Careful. As if to not alarm her.
Vita appreciates the gesture. Really. She leans back slightly into Griseo’s warmth. Into Griseo’s embrace. Her body relaxes a little as she sinks into the comfort of her touch. She allows herself a moment of vulnerability, letting her guard drop as she contemplates the day’s events.
A wave of mixed emotions hits Vita. And it all feels a bit surreal. Like a strange, strange feeling.
Celebrating such festivities. Christmas. It feels so different from anything she’s experienced before. Watching her creations. The children. Spending time with them. With Griseo. With her family. With her family. Her family.
Vita takes a deep breath. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts. Eyes still sort of staring blankly at the vast view of Phosphours. Her gaze finds one single snowflake. She follows it. Tracks it. Watches as it floats down, down, down. Until it meets the pile of snow that lies atop the grass.
“I never really participated in holiday festivities.” Vita says. “I’ve seen a lot of bubble universes celebrate. I’ve seen different forms of celebration too. Though I’ve never once truly participated in one myself.”
Vita hesitates for a moment, debating whether or not to continue to share her thoughts. Griseo’s grip on her waist slightly tightens - a quiet signal of reassurance, patience, and love.
“I guess it's just... Things like this have never been such a big deal for me. My controlled life under.. Under Sa,” She pauses for a moment. There’s a sudden lump forming in her throat. For some reason, saying her creator’s name outloud sort of hurts.
“I didn't really ever acknowledge the festivities. It just feels strange, I guess. Seeing the kids all excited for a holiday I don't really understand myself.”
Griseo listens intently, her gaze soft and understanding. Just as her heart. Just as her soul.
“I can see how it might seem a bit out of place for you. But it's okay to feel a little detached from it. Even I don't even fully grasp the significance of many of the Current Era’s Earth’s festivities…” Griseo says with a small smile, “But... the joy the children feel... It's a beautiful thing, isn't it? Seeing them get so excited and happy. That's what holidays are all about.”
Vita nods slowly, her expression growing clear and thoughtful. “It is beautiful..” She says and rests her hands along the arms that hold her. Gentle strokes, soft rubs. Acknowledgement. A silent agreement. Something so tender, unspoken between the two.
“I know I may have never outright admitted it but.. Their happiness.. does truly mean something to me.”
Watching the kids make their own choices. Taking huge steps in life. Getting to live their lives, for once.. For once without harm. Without an ending. Without forgotten memories and without a dreadful reset. Watching the kids stand up and do what feels right to them, do what they want to do. Those little representatives have created Phosphorus into what they wanted it to become. A planet they call home.
It’s nice. Having been able to give them the kind of freedom - the kind of warmth that Sa has never given her.
It’s beautiful.
Ah.
Something starts building up around the corners of Vita’s eyes. Starts threatening to leak. To pour. She blinks it away furiously though. Quickly, as to not alert Griseo. As to pretend that the much needed rainfall was never to come in the first place.
She feels Griseo’s embrace tighten just a bit more. And as her chin comes to rest on her shoulder.
Griseo is awfully close. Not that Vita minds. It does make her heart beat a bit faster though. Feel a bit warmer too. She was never one for closeness or for physical contact.
But gosh. Since returning to Phosphorus.. She’s done nothing but simply crave - she dares to say - for Griseo’s touch.
“I just..” Vita begins, and does her best to ignore the sudden surge of blooming feelings and warmth in her cheeks, “I never thought I would have this, you know? An actual family, a home. A place that truly feels right to me.. It's all so new. Especially truly being here for the little Vitas. Spending time with them and taking care of them and all. Not having to worry about.. about..”
Griseo hums. “It's a lot to take in, I'm sure. But hyou've adjusted so well, especially considering your past. You should give yourself a little credit, Vita.” She gives Vita a little squeeze. Like a hug. She’s hugging her. Holding her. “And besides, you're not exactly alone in this. We're both still learning the gist of this co-parenting thing together.”
At that, they both smile. They both laugh. They both share this tranquil moment of serenity.
Then, when laughter falls and the rise of tenderness submerges Vita’s chest once more, she simply whispers: “..Thank you Griseo.”
“For?”
Vita blinks. “For.. Not entirely giving up on me, I guess? I know I’m terrible. I think you’re insane for keeping me around.”
Griseo smiles. “Maybe I am.”
Wow. Griseo is quite… something, Vita thinks.
She’s quite something, with her body close, pressed against her back. Comforting and warm with her arms laced round her waist, her head resting atop her shoulder, and her heart beat pounding with every rise and fall of her chest. Those calm and relaxed breaths, gentle like the color of her very hair. The sound of her voice, an angel’s harp— and perhaps she is such a divinity sent from above the cosmic skies.
She’s quite the beautiful being. With her words. Her understanding. She’s soft. Soft, warm, and kind.
It makes Vita feel a certain way. A deep and intense emotion. Tender and light, yet lonely and heavy.
Ah, Vita tries not to dwell on her ever so obvious yearning for the woman any longer.
(Although the two have already established their parental roles and guardianship towards the little Vitas.. the two of them aren’t actually together. Unfortunately.)
“Hey, Griseo?”
“Yeah?”
“Were you shy when I lifted you up to put the star on the tree?”
“..Maybe a little.” Griseo admits. “Are you asking because you feel shy right now?”
Vita feels her heart flutter just a bit. “Who knows.” She turns around and wraps her arms around Griseo’s neck. A bold choice, yes. But the woman’s reaction was worth it. “Maybe I am. Maybe I’m not. What does it look like to you?”
Pink paints the canvas of Griseo’s skin. Cheeks. Neck. Ears. Vita thinks she looks pretty like this. Flustered. Rosy-cheeked. Simply enchanting. She prefers it this way, being the one to tease. It helps calm her nerves down. The way she feels too, too vulnerable right now.
“I think..” Griseo speaks ever so softly. “..Your colors have been much more present as of late.”
(Oh.)
Vita looks at her with eyes widening slightly. Griseo stares back with a sort of tenderness. With a sort of affection. With a sort of..
“Is that so?” Vita smiles. She hopes she doesn’t look or sound too nervous, that’d be so unlike her. But she probably does.
“Yeah,” Griseo pulls her a little closer by the waist. Gosh. “You’re usually hard to read. Your colors were always.. blurry. Foggy, in a way. But now.. your colors are..”
Vita tilts her head. “Are?”
“They’re beautiful.”
The two didn’t realize how close they'd gotten. How quickly the distance between them closed. Didn’t notice that they were even leaning closer and closer to one another in the first place.
But noses brush against another. Breaths tickle skin. Eyes daring not to look away from each other’s gaze. Lips almost, almost touch.
Almost.
A loud creak breaks the mood.
The sound of the Ark’s door opening, followed by a quiet voice.
“Mama?” Ah. It's Red.
Both Griseo and Vita are quick to separate. Fuming. Blushing. Hearts racing. Minds too. They look towards the voice of their child.
“Little Red,” Griseo says. “What are you doing awake?”
Red looks up at her guardians with her hands behind her back, shifting nervously. “I couldn’t sleep. Can you and Mama Vita read me a bedtime story?”
“Of course,” Vita chimes. “How about you go pick out a fairytale and your Mama Griseo and I will be there shortly?”
At that Red beams, doing a little “yay” before heading back inside, leaving the two women alone together outside.
Vita looks at Griseo. Griseo at Vita. Their gazes are so unintentionally intense, fuschia eyes on extremely flustered purples.
Without a word, the two exchanged shy smiles as they walked back inside the Ark together, side by side, hands brushing faintly before they intertwined.