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Christmas time was sacred to Scar. Any holiday was really if you let him collect enough joy and whimsy for it but Christmas especially.
There were certain things that simply had to be done no matter what in order for it to properly be christmas. Some in specific order, others whenever time could be found, and where Scar was concerned, time would be found.
His boyfriends weren’t as inclined towards the holiday season as he himself was. Not in the sense that they disliked or refused to celebrate properly, Scar wouldn’t be caught dead near either of them if that was the case, no. They just needed some help to get into the spirit of the season! Help, that Scar was more than happy to provide.
Grian was the kind of person the holidays snuck up on. While he was ahead of the others in keeping track of changing seasons depending on how much his instincts to nest and huddle up with as many sources of warmth flared up, the actual holiday would take him by surprise almost every year as he got way-layed by either his many projects, his instincts, or other general hermitcraft stuff. Sometimes he didn’t even notice other Hermits setting up decorations and preparing gifts while out and about, flying around the server. Though that could in part be because the avian was less inclined to go out and fly once it got cold.
The latest Grian had ever noticed Christmas approaching had been a week before, when he’d visited Scar and found him humming Christmas songs while baking with a still undecorated tree in his main living area. Since then, Scar made sure to drag Grian into the festivities a lot sooner.
Mumbo was a bit different. The mostly redstone powered cyborg simply didn’t have his own attachment to the holiday. To his mind the word “christmas” was just something that happened but held little to no personal significance. Scar had over the years shown him all the traditions, his favorite things to do, and Mumbo would follow along, happy as long as Scar was such.
As time passed, Mumbo did develop an attachment to the event. It was something both his partners enjoyed, something Scar in particular got very excited to do together and if it made them both happy, then Mumbo considered the holiday important. Scar still needed to drag him in a little bit, but like Grian, once he passed on the abundance of Christmas cheer he carried around, the cyborg followed.
You could never ask Scar to pick a favorite part of Christmas. He couldn’t even decide if he preferred the suspense of christmas eve or the surprise of christmas day let alone his favorite holiday activity or christmas carol. Every year consisted of baking, decorating, snow, song, and those ugly christmas sweaters that really weren’t all that ugly and Scar didn’t understand why they were called that.
This year though, this year would be different. Scar was planning something that would very much change how Christmas usually went and he was nervous. Hopefully it would be a good change! A whimsical and happy change! He knew it was unlikely it wouldn’t be but he was nervous. Something that Cub got to hear him ramble about almost every day as the holidays grew closer and closer.
Scar was going to propose to his boyfriends this year.
He had it all (mostly) planned out. Everything would be as usual, their routines, them, it would all be the same as every year, and on Christmas morning he’d surprise them both and they would say yes and it would be the best Christmas ever!
All he had to do was act normal. And keep his plan a secret.
There were exactly three weeks left until Christmas and Scar now had a list. A list of what? A list of the various Christmas activities he needed to get through without revealing his surprise or making Mumbo and Grian suspicious. Admittedly it was difficult for him to hide anything from his boyfriends, especially anything good, hence the list. This list would help him keep a system and organization so he wouldn’t let anything slip with excitement. Scar looked down at the paper in his hands.
- Decorating the tree
- Baking
- Snow day
- Movie night
These four staples of the holidays were always done with all three of them, Scar immensely looking forward to each the closer December got. Full of confidence, Scar messaged the group chat he and his boyfriends had, letting them know when to meet him for the first event.
2 ½ weeks until Christmas
Scar was practically vibrating around his base living space. His tree was standing in the very center, boxes upon boxes of ornaments scattered around him as he waited for Grian and Mumbo to arrive.
Mumbo arrived first, on the dot, at 11am just as Scar had asked him too. Grian flew into a window not long after, bundled in his thickest sweater and scarf, complaining loudly about the cold. Scar was prepared though, a mug of perfectly warm tea to warm the pesky bird as they spent a few minutes chatting before starting the main event of the day, decorating their christmas tree and Scar’s living space.
They had their routine, their system for how this worked. Each of them being in charge of either different kinds of decorations or a different part of the tree.
This year, Scar found himself wheelchair bound on the designated decoration day so he was in charge of most of the lower half of the tree that he could reach comfortably, excluding the very low branches he couldn’t bend to reach. Those were taken over by Grian who was also less on tree deco duty and more on hanging up garlands and streamers from the ceiling seeing as he could use a ladder (there wasn’t enough room to fly) without any angles getting awkward for him.
As the tallest, Mumbo was in charge of the top half of the tree. He could comfortably reach high enough and was thankful to not have Grian’s job since climbing even one rung off the ground made his long limbs far more awkward than he believed they had any right being and threw his balance off strangely.
Despite his best efforts, Scar’s hands were shaking slightly and he dropped more than one bauble that Grian picked back up for him. When the other two asked he dismissed it as him not having as much strength that day, waving off their concerns for him by assuring them he’d ask for help if he needed it. In truth, his mind kept drifting to the rings hidden away where neither of his partners would hopefully think to look or accidentally come across.
Decorating was one step closer to Christmas, one step closer to him proposing and already he could feel the anticipation in him growing beyond that of a normal Christmas of years past.
When they finished, Grian perched on Mumbo’s shoulders to place the star at the very top, they all counted down to turn on the lights. Scar’s voice shook a little bit and he hoped Mumbo and Grian didn’t notice the way his heart was hammering away in his chest as they cuddled on the couch after helping Scar out of his chair. He loved them both so much.
2 weeks until Christmas
Baking was an all-year-round hobby of Scar’s. There was something so satisfying when everything worked out right to make some kind of delicious dessert or bread. He liked having staple recipes to fall back on to destress, repetitive and familiar movements able to calm his mind when he got overwhelmed.
Christmas was always full of baking, he did so much of it in the season that he would usually provide every Hermit with at least one box of cookies fit to their personal tastes and dietary restrictions.
He loved making all kinds of fancy treats for himself and others to try, and loved experimenting when he had a lot of time on his hands. But there was always one batch, on one day that was made with the help of his partners.
It wasn’t anything fancy they would bake together that required much coordination. They always made simple sugar cookies when all together, something safe for all of them to consume and easy enough to make that the process would be fun and stress free even for the two less culinarily inclined of the three. The real purpose of baking was decorating after all.
Somehow, despite being simple, something they had all done many times together, by the time the cookies were in the oven the entire kitchen was covered in flour and Scar was certain he’d need to change his sweater despite wearing an apron. How Mumbo’s suit was still flawless was a mystery beyond him.
While waiting for the cookies to cool to prevent any icing from melting right off, Grian asked him to dance, something Scar happily agreed to, standing in the center of the room while keeping his hand on his cane.
Dancing had been another thing they’d had to figure out with time and patience. Even on the best of days, Scar liked to have his cane in arms reach and often needed it midway through a song while Grian turned out to have a tendency to accidentally flare his wings out in excitement. Many hours of practice outside, away from anything that could be knocked over but near enough to something for Scar to sit down if he needed to did the trick though.
Mumbo preferred not to dance, content to watch, it simply wasn’t in his nature and Grian and Scar had been quick to reassure him they weren’t upset that he declined every time they asked. They always asked, it was a matter of showing if he ever changed his mind they were willing.
After dancing to a few songs left Scar a little bit winded, they waited idly talking about various personal projects or Hermitcraft gossip until the cookies were ready to be iced. Grian created an army of sugarcookie chickens, dramatically telling the story of their enslavement and their now subsequent rebellion and uprising that had Scar holding his breath to not interrupt laughing. Mumbo decorated like it was a science, lines somehow perfectly straight, shapes and colors on point even if he himself never seemed to see it as such.
Scar decorated his designated cookies with all the joy and whimsy in his heart. Sure they weren’t perfect but they didn’t need to be! The lopsidedness was part of the charm! He made little replicas of himself and his boyfriends as gingerbread men as well as jellie and his kittens Katy Bee and Mr. Finnegan who all watched the chaos of their dads unfold in front of them with various degrees of disinterest.
Jellie was more used to the going-ons of Christmas while the kittens were newer and a bit intimidated, hiding more than normal.
Scar couldn’t wait for them to actually all be a proper, proper family.
1 ½ weeks until Christmas
Scar was up bright and early on snow day beyond overjoyed that his legs were holding well and he wouldn’t need his chair. While it was of course possible to do everything he wanted to on a chair day, he preferred the mobility advantage of a day where his legs weren’t causing problems and pain.
Hermitcraft didn’t have changing seasons and biomes weren’t moved around at Christmas. Most Hermits used snow Golems if they wanted their bases to look more wintery or, in Scar, Grian and Mumbo’s case, on snow day they traveled to one of the colder, snowy biomes. They always made sure to bring at least one blanket to sit on if they needed a rest, warm drinks and snacks also being a must.
Snowmen were built, snow angels made, snowballs thrown. Scar loved being outside in the snow despite the cold and his afterwards wet clothes.
He loved that his boyfriends played along with his whims despite both being far less fond of the cold and damp.
He supposed Grian didn’t mind his feathers being wet so much if he had the promise of cuddles at a warm fire while being properly preened. And Mumbo was likely happy to risk certain joints if it meant spending time together. Scar and Grian also helped Mumbo dry the tough in between bits on his hands that he couldn’t quite reach on his own.
Once they were all taken care of back at their bases, it didn’t take long for Grian to drift off, soon followed by Scar who was cozied up, one of Grian’s wings in his lap, Mumbo’s head leaning against him as his rested on Grians, Jellie and the kittens against his other side, already asleep, purring away.
“Love you.”
He was pretty sure he mumbled and that Mumbo responded before he properly fell asleep.
½ week until Christmas
Scar was properly nervous now. Only a few days left until the proposal and he really didn’t want Mumbo and Grian to catch on, not when he’d done so well keeping it secret until now.
Movie night was supposed to be a casual relaxed evening of treats and more cuddles, arguing over what movie to watch next when they all knew exactly which one they would pick.
Scar was, however, struggling to contain his nervous energy, constantly fidgeting with something or bouncing his leg. He knew Mumbo and Grian would notice but he could hopefully pass it off without them getting worried. He was fine after all and he’d feel bad upsetting them so close to Christmas.
To no one's surprise, they watched the same movies they did every year. A mix of Scar’s favorite Disney films, some specific selection of star wars, a documentary for Mumbo and something more mystery based for Grian that included comedic elements.
Even while nestled up as they always were, pressed against one or both of his partners, Scar couldn’t stop fidgeting, either with the blanket, his hands, or one of his boyfriend’s hands.
Two movies in, Grian tilted his head to ask him. “Are you okay, Scar?”
Scar moved to peck Grian’s forehead humming slightly.
“Of course, just… restless energy.. Don’t worry about it.”
Whether or not they decided to buy it he didn’t know but it was a few hours before Mumbo asked him again.
“Are you really okay? Nothing’s acting up is it?”
Scar felt a bit guilty as he always did when keeping secrets but it was for a good reason! He was so close! He decided to shake his head as an answer, smiling at both of them, afraid if he spoke now he would blurt out the question he was saving.
The two didn’t seem fully convinced but didn’t press further that evening besides shifting positions so that Scar was firmly wedged between them, Grian practically in his lap with Mumbo carding a hand through his hair.
Scar couldn’t wait for Christmas day.
Christmas
Christmas was usually celebrated at Scar’s. Because the tree was there, because there had been years he couldn’t leave his base, because Mumbo and Grian sometimes called his base home without realizing. So on Christmas eve they stayed the night to not waste a second of the following days that would be spent together.
Scar always had a hard time sleeping before Christmas, the excitement getting to him and burrowing deep into his bones. This year was worse, excitement mingling with anxiety and what if’s that plagued his mind and didn’t let him rest until it was far later than he would like.
Luckily for him his partners enjoyed sleeping in, something he in the past was a hindrance of, allowing Scar to still get a decent enough rest to get him through the day.
Presents weren’t laid under the tree for them, rather pulled out of their secret hiding spots as the time to give them came.
As always they started with the cats. The kittens were given new toys that were promptly put into use, distracting them all for more time than any of them would admit to before showing Jellie her new bed since the old one had been taken over by smaller balls of fluff.
She seemed happy enough with it, laying down for a nap shortly after. Katy Bee and Mr. Finnegan played hide-and-seek in the boxes as the three boyfriends started sharing gifts with each other.
Uncharacteristically, to Grian and Mumbo’s perspectives, Scar asked to go last. Suspicious in the eyes of his partners but he wanted to properly enjoy their gifts before presenting them with the rings he’d gotten for all of them.
Thank you’s, kisses, and hugs were shared. Scar was once again reminded of just why he loved these two so much, why he was about to ask them the question that had been just behind his lips for the last few days of restraint.
When Mumbo and Grian turned to him, curious as to why he wanted to go last, Scar took a shaky breath while reaching for the small box he’d hidden by his side.
“I love you both more than I could ever say. You’re the best boyfriends I could ever ask for and everyday I’m amazed at how lucky I am to have both of you.”
He pulled the box into view, watching the realization in his boyfriends’ eyes as he continued, trying his best not to tear up, his voice cracking slightly despite his best efforts.
“I thought about planning more of a speech but I don’t think I could have managed that so this is it.”
He opened the box, displaying the three rings inside.
“Will you both marry me?”
He had exactly one second to breathe before Grian all but barrelled into him, whispering a rather breathless “yes” before kissing him. When Grian pulled back Mumbo was at Scar’s side, also confirming yes before getting his kiss. Scar was laughing, that kind of shaky laugh when something you were equally anticipating and dreading goes as right as it possibly can, one of two happy tears escaping as he was embraced by his now fiancés.
Suddenly Grian asked: “Wait you have three rings, which one is yours?”
Eager to show off the designs he picked, Scar pointed at each ring individually.
“This one is for you.”
He picked up the simple silver ring with a ruby embedded, two smaller blue gems on either side. The Elf took Grian’s hand, pressing a kiss to it before asking.
“May I?” Sliding the ring on when Grian nodded, letting go of his hand so he could admire it.
Turning to Mumbo, he picked up the other silver ring, all around studded with small red gems, slightly more vibrant than Grian’s ruby, slipping the ring on his hand as well, being rewarded with another kiss.
“And this one is mine.”
The ring in question was gold with three emeralds clustered togeter.
Grian picked it up out of the box giving Scar a cheeky smile before holding the ring out to Mumbo so they could both hold it in front of Scar.
“You may have already asked us but let us do the honors ourselves.”
“Will you marry us, Scar?”
Happy tears once again building, Scar nodded, his hand being lifted and a cool new weight added. It felt foreign, it felt right. He would never take it off. The three kissed again, and again, and later again, caught up in each other and the start of their new future.
Much later, the Hermitcraft main chat was sent a picture of three hands all wearing their respective rings.
The best Christmas any of them (especially Scar) could have hoped for.