Chapter Text
Ace sits in his newly decorated living room, the merry voice of his best friend instructing his parents on where to put things. His brother, Chance, sits next to him, sipping on the hot cocoa she made.
“What’s this called again? This holiday Yuu is so insistent on?” Chance sighs, sinking further into the soft brown couch.
“Christmas.” Ace responds, voice even as he watches her move about his family’s home.
His eyes dart over to the mantle above the fireplace, locking onto the newest photo. It’s of Yuu and him at school, sitting at a table with the rest of their friends. She’s smiling brightly, tucked between Ace and the large presence that is Sebek.
It’s their second year at Night Raven, and Tori had decided to stay at Ace’s for winter break. She informed him of a tradition back at home, surprised when she learned they didn’t celebrate here in Twisted Wonderland. So upon meeting his parents and brother, she almost instantly convinced them to partake in the Christmas holiday.
So that led to now, Ace watching colorful lights strung about the house, handmade ornaments littering a small tree in the corner of the living room, and the lingering smell of homemade cookies and hot cocoa throughout the house. Ace’s eyes gravitate towards the boxes under the tree, wrapped in paper with “Happy Birthday!” plastered across its bright and glittery surface.
His fingers are wrapped around a checkered mug, a steady pillar of steam rising from the light brown liquid inside. He takes a sip, internally winced at the heat. It’s rich, something he wouldn’t mind drinking a lot. Yuu got the recipe from Trey, wanting to try it over the break.
“What’s Christmas?” Chance breaks the quiet of the living room, snapping Ace out of his thoughts.
“Dunno. Yuu says she doesn’t know either. She only ever celebrated the familial and gift-giving aspect. I think she was just more upset that we don't celebrate it here.” Ace mumbles, taking another sip of his drink. Chance only gives a short hum in return, watching Yuu tape lights around a window.
“I like it. The house feels warm.” Chance glances at his younger brother, smiling at the half-asleep look on his face. Ace nods, thumb rubbing against the warm porcelain in his hands.
Chance stands, knees popping as he gets up. He heads towards the kitchen, setting his own mug in the sink before retreating upstairs for the night. Ace sets his cup on the coffee table, on top of a playing card coaster their father had gotten ages ago. He swings his legs up, sprawling out across the old couch. He sinks into the plush fabric, blinking slowly as he feels himself start to drift off.
His brother was right, having Yuu here to do this was nice. It added a little more warmth into the otherwise dreary home.
Ace often spent his days off alone, with his mother and father at work, and Chance off working somewhere, so he tended to get lonely a lot. He got used to it as he got older, and being able to go to Night Raven eliminated those feelings for the most part.
He opens his eyes to find Yuu standing over him, a soft smile on her face. He returned it with his own, much sleepier smile, moving to get up. She’s in his bright red hoodie, having stolen it as soon as she got to his house a well ago.
“Sleepy?” Her voice is soft, hands helping him up. She huffs a laugh at his small grunt, moving to grab his mug to drop it in the kitchen before going to bed. Yuu all but drags him up the stairs, and into his room.
It’s as red as the rest of him, leaving no doubt as to what his favorite color is, and covered with various memorabilia. From basketball posters, to various magical trinkets from his father, Ace’s personality is plastered all over the space. They both slide off their slippers, and Ace pulls back his covers and flops into his bed as Yuu shuts his door. She turns to look at him, finding cherry colored eyes staring right at her.
Yuu giggles, moving into his open arms and turning off the lamp on his nightstand. She tucks herself under his chin, letting him wrap around her completely. Her hands rub and gently scratch his back, hearing his soft snores within a couple minutes.
——
Another week passes, and it’s finally the long-awaited holiday. Yuu’s downstairs helping Ace’s mother make breakfast early in the morning. She and Mrs.Trappola laugh upon seeing all three ginger men shuffle sleepily into the kitchen to eat. She plates her and Ace’s food, moving to sit next to him, earning a small noise from him.
Breakfast is quiet, the five of them enjoying the peace of it all. Forks and knives gently scraping along the red plates, the scent of pancakes and coffee wafting through the space. It’s peaceful, a nice change of pace from the chaotic mornings at school.
Slowly but surely, the quintet start to wake up more, beginning to chat lightly. Chance talks about his work in the Shaftlands, Mr. Trappola discussing his next birthday party, Ace complaining about his schoolwork. It’s a domestic noise, reminding Yuu of her home back on Earth.
A little while later, they migrate towards the living room, Yuu handing out their presents once they settle into their spots around the space. The brightly colored wrapping paper is smooth under her fingers, the rustling of ribbon filling her ears. Ace watches as she passes them out, taking both his and hers as she hands them out. He smiles softly at her joyful expression, knowing it makes her happy to share a tradition from her home.
Yuu sits down after a minute or two, cross-legged with her presents in front of her. Everyone has four gifts each, one from everybody.
“Merry Christmas everyone!” Yuu says, the signal for everyone to start opening their gifts.
Ace ends up getting a new deck of cards, some pajamas, a new basketball, and a grey and blue bracelet. He smiles upon seeing the jewelry, knowing Yuu and Deuce made it for him. He looks over, looking at Yuu’s gifts. A new makeup set from his mother, a couple board games from Chance, and a set of pajamas from his dad. Yuu smiles, thanking the three of them for her gifts.
——
Yuu sits in Ace’s desk chair, eyes closed as she waits for his gift. He had told her that his gift was something a little different and that she’d receive it after everyone was done. She spins slightly in the chair, waiting for the ginger to return.
Ace eventually pads into the room, closing the door with a soft kick. He’s nervous, and Yuu can tell by the way his breath is shakier than normal.
“You good?” She murmurs, hearing his footsteps get closer.
“Mhm. Peachy.” He looks down at her face, fighting the urge to touch her cheek. “You can open your eyes.”
When she does, she’s met with his face close to hers, cherry colored eyes boring into hers. She moves back for a moment before leaning back forward.
“Ace?” She questions quietly, sensing the nervousness in his gaze.
“Could you close your eyes again?” He whispers back, hands resting on the arms of the chair. She nods, shutting her eyes once more.
He takes a deep breath before inching forward, mentally preparing himself. Ace’s own eyes flutter shut as he makes contact, sighing softly. Yuu doesn’t react, only cupping his cheeks with her hands and pulling him closer.
The kiss is brief, but it’s all the two of them need before breaking into a fit of laughter. Ace rests his head on her shoulder as she slides her fingers into his terracotta colored hair.
“Thanks, Ace.” She giggles a little more, feeling him nod against her. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Yuu.” He stands back up, offering his hand for her. She takes it, and Ace leads her to his bed.
The pair has been close ever since they became friends, Deuce often finding them napping together or cuddling while doomscrolling on Ace’s phone. He’d never comment on it, usually joining the pile more often than not and enjoying the warmth. Physical affection just came naturally for them.
It’s something neither of them would trade for anything, finding comfort in the embrace of the other. Yuu ends up dozing off, feeling him kiss the top of her head, murmuring goodnight as he sets his phone down.
He follows shortly after, tropical shores filling his dreams.