six ⇨ real life

CHRISTMAS MORNINGS WERE ALWAYS so hectic for the Matthews and Evans families. Especially now when young kids were added to the mix. But either family wouldn't change the tradition that was accidentally started decades ago.

Harper had been woken up at the crack of dawn by a very excited child. After calming her nephew down, she managed to get him and her niece ready for Christmas day, while getting herself ready. Then she had to deal with the crankiness of her own family as Chadwick woke the rest of the family.

Avalon and Brooklyn had stumbled their ways to the kitchen shortly after nine. Both children were full and content after Harper fed them both, though Chadwick was complaining that his family takes forever to get ready.

Both woman said good morning to Harper and kissed their children, then made themselves breakfast. Harper turned around as her phone buzzed on the countertop, and endured the teasing from her family.

"Is that Sebastian?" Brooklyn asked, smirking at her sister-in-law. "You went to your phone awful fast."

Harper rolled her eyes, "It's not Seb. It's just Chris letting me know that everyone's up so we can head over whenever. Besides, I don't get everyone's obsession of shipping me and Seb. It'll never happen anyway."

Aaron, who had quietly snuck into the kitchen and greeted his niece and nephew, then scoffed. His sisters look to him, surprised to even see Aaron there since he was normally louder, especially with the two kids.

"You and Sebastian flirt all the time over Instagram and Twitter." Aaron claimed, "Even in the group chats and in person. We've seen it, Harp. He has feelings for you, like you do him."

Again, Harper rolled her eyes and grew tired of talking about her nonexistent love life, or the man they claimed she had feelings for. With her new found sassy attitude, she picked her niece up from the chair and settled the toddler on her hip. She babbled quiet words to the child and left the room.

Ava sighed, leaning back against the counter with her bowl of Lucky Charms. She shook her head as she glanced between her wife and brother.

"She's always happy when she talks about him, right?" Avalon asked and they quickly agreed. She huffed, "I don't get why she's so defensive about it."

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

BOTH FAMILIES WERE GATHERED around the Evans' living room less than an hour later. Each person was snuggled with their kids or significant other and sparse around the room. Unlike Harper, however, who shared the loveseat with Chris and was snuggled into his side.

Chadwick got his auntie's attention by holding up a box she had bought for him. She smiled at the little boy, grabbing her phone and pulling up her camera to tape him opening the box.

"Go ahead, Chad." Harper nodded, pressing record on the camera.

The child ripped the wrapping papers and left the shreds on the floor. Harper laughed when Chad squealed once he caught sight of his new toys. He held up the box which held figurines of The Winter Soldier and Captain America.

Chris grumbled softly under his breath as he glanced at Harper. "Really?"

"It's uncle Chris!" Chad exclaimed, opening the box and holding up the Captain America toy, which in the end made Chris crack a smile.

"Who's the other guy, Chad?" Aaron asked, sending a cheeky smirk to his sister. Harper scoffed, sending him an obscene gesture which she was later scolded for by her mother and Lisa.

Chris leaned down, closer to Harper with his lips next to her ear and he smiled.

"I really can't stay mad at you after that," he joked, quickly kissing her cheek.

Chad jumped up and left the box on the floor as he bounced to his aunt. He landed in her lap and quickly threw his arms around her neck, then sweetly kissed her cheek with a big smile. Harper laughed, kissing his forehead and ruffling his hair.

"Thank you, auntie Harper."

Harper grinned, "Of course, Chadwick. I know how much you love Captain America and Bucky. Merry Christmas, honey."

Her nephew left her lap, and the other children began opening what was left for them and playing with each other's toys in fascination. Harper had picked up her phone again, opening her messages app and sent the video to Seb. Not a second later, she received a response from the same man.

'I knew you were secretly in love me 😉 however, that is quite adorable doll. Merry Christmas.'