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It had just been an idea uttered as an afterthought of watching the news—but it turned out to be one of their best decisions this month. After all, Obi-Wan jumped at any excuse that offered itself to hold hands with Qui-Gon—and to wrap his finger around his beloved’s, so they would not lose each other in the turmoil of a milling crowd, was logical and sweet at the same time. Therefore, they did just that while they strolled through the bustling Christmas market. And while nothing could ever compare to Qui-Gon’s presence, Obi-Wan enjoyed everything he experienced at this glorious moment.
Thick snowflakes danced around them, their warm breath formed tiny clouds in the crisp air, and there were even some icicles hanging elegantly from some roofs nearby. The scents of roasted chestnuts, sugar-dusted pastries, and sweet drinks mingled with the faint tang of hot alcohol being sold in the small stalls all round them. Thousands of lights blinked joyfully above their heads, casting a kaleidoscope of colour onto them and the little shelves filled with candles, all sorts of toys, and ornaments fitting the festive occasion. Christmas music blasted from a speaker not far away, and some already tipsy visitors sang along, their off-key singing thankfully swallowed up by the laughter spilling into the air. Children of all ages dashed past them, cheeks flushed from the cold but also excitement and joy.
Since they were both wrapped in their thickest coats, there was no reason for Qui-Gon to share the warmth of his body to keep Obi-Wan warm. He draped an arm around him because he wanted to, and this made Obi-Wan unbelievably happy. They remained in their loose embrace while they slowly wandered from stall to stall, curiously studying every product even though there was no intention to purchase anything anymore.
“You do not really want to buy these ones, do you?” Qui-Gon laughed when Obi-Wan took off his gloves and cap to try a pair of fake reindeer antlers on. “As cute as you may look with them.”
“Actually,” Obi-Wan grinned at him, “I thought that they would look marvelous on you. Kissable even!”
“How could I refuse when you use such advanced advertising strategies against me?”
There was more laughter when Obi-Wan bought not only the antlers but some fake cat ears for himself. If he made his husband ridicule himself, it was only fair to do the same, so both of them could have some innocent fun with one another.
After the quick purchase Qui-Gon offered his hand again but frowned when he queezed Obi-Wan’s finger tight. “You are freezing,” he stated and looked his husband caringly in the eyes before brushing snowflakes away from Obi-Wan’s hair to put his cap back on. “Come on! Let’s get you a hot punch or something else to warm you up a little.”
Obi-Wan looked up at him with the softest look and sparkling eyes—and doing so won the competition against the most beautiful of flashing Christmas lights. A loving smile appeared on his lips, too. “You know,” he whispered and tilted his hand so their fingers intertwined fully, “I think holding hands like this is warming me up way better than any beverage ever could.”
“Well, I really can’t argue with that.” Qui-Gon drew Obi-Wan closer and wrapped both arms around him in a protective hug. “But you could have a warm drink and my hand in yours at the same time.”
Around them there was a whole world buzzing with colors, smells, and sounds, but for this one moment it was just the two of them, wrapped up in each other and touched by their love and the beauty of this Christmas night.