Work Text:
It was Christmas Eve, and what made the holidays extra special that year, was that it was Benjamin and Julia's first Christmas together. They had turned her apartment, which now was theirs, into a really cozy nest with lots of fairy lights and blankets. And plenty of Christmassy treats, of course. And, as an act of further, selfless kindness, they had invited Josua to spend the holidays with them. He had accepted the invitation after a little bit of hesitation.
"Are you sure this is what you really wanted to do, and not just something you thought of because I had nowhere else to go?"
Josua asked as he sat on the couch and fumbled with the hem of his ugly Christmas sweater. Simba had gotten all cozy next to him and was lying on his back.
"I mean, I'm really grateful, of course! Please don't get me wrong or anything like that. But, it's your first Christmas together, and I'd hate to get in the way.."
He sighed and reached for the mug he'd set aside. It was filled to the brim with hot, non-alcoholic glögi. Julia and Benjamin turned to look at each other, exchanging smiles.
"Josua,"
Julia spoke up in that same kind voice she always used when she talked to the boy. He turned to look at her. Both Julia and Benjamin had gotten comfortable in the armchair in the corner of the living room. It was kind of a tight fit for two people, but they made it work just fine.
"We don't regret a single thing about this. It's really great to have you here with us for the holidays. You and Simba, both."
She gestured at the cat who still seemed to be out like a light. Benjamin nodded with a bright smile on his face.
"She's right. We're happy that you're here. Please, help yourself to anything you want; gingerbread cookies, chocolate, anything. What's ours is yours as well."
The honesty in the couple's words greatly warmed up Josua's heart. He reached to get a piece of chocolate and popped it in his mouth, focusing on the way the treat melted, especially after he drank some more glögi. It was something so different from the toffee cones. Of course he had liked those as well.. Although, as he'd grown up and gotten older, he'd never had a chance to properly enjoy them as they had always been taken away from him almost right away. He couldn't help to still, at times, feel bitter about his upbringing, but on a happier note, all of that was behind him now. And he was never going back.
After the chocolate had completely melted in his mouth, he turned to face Benjamin and Julia once more.
"But.. I don't even have any presents for either of you.."
he then said quietly, feeling a little bad about it. But his worries and guilt were soon washed away as Benjamin spoke up:
"Growing up, I was often told that the best presents can't be wrapped. I still think it's true."
He put an arm around Julia.
"Having you here with us is a present all on its own."
The bright, unashamed smile on making its way onto Josua's face was the cherry on top.