Chapter Text
Christmas was one of the few times the whole kingdom actually relaxed. Sure, there were still patrols and other things that needed to be done, but the shifts were shorter when they could be, and there were volunteers to celebrate at their posts when they couldn't be.
This was no less true for Skaia's castle, though sometimes Dirk had to be wrestled away from taking on some task or another that could absolutely wait until the holiday was over.
It didn't take quite as much convincing this year; just a glare from Karkat as he was released for the day, though the man himself was what kept him from fully relaxing this year.
As the days to Christmas counted down, Dirk had spent his time worrying about whether or not to get his guard a present. If he bought him an expensive one, would it seem like he was flaunting his status and wealth? If he got him something less expensive, would he instead seem stingy or uncaring? Did giving him a present at all seem condescending?
He had com to a decision eventually, but was it the right one?
Karkat, meanwhile, was having a similar crisis. Was it appropriate to get Dirk a gift? Would it be insulting if he didn't? And, more importantly, what could Karkat possibly give a prince?