Sasha

I'm always surprised when the decorations get pulled out. Sure, I know the date, but I always forget how close we are to Christmas. Then, of course, Tyler and a few of the other senior Greencloaks pull out the tinsel and the trees, and suddenly it looks like Christmas vomited on Greenhaven. We hang up lights, string up mistletoe and try to find ways to keep wreaths on the doors. In my room, especially. I have these Christmassy quilts that I always got from my grandma. She made them handmade, and gave them every year, so I have around ten. Six of them are currently piled on my bed, while the others are arranged in a nest on the floor. Delar really likes them. And me as well, now, apparently. He loves to sit with me on my bed while I read my Father's letters. Yeah, ever since we made up he's been sending me letters. He even promised to send me a gift.

As you've probably guessed by now, Christmas is a pretty big thing in my family. When I was younger and Father was still around, we'd always go out skating and make it a family day. But then Father left and Pa immersed himself in his work. Sure, we still celebrated, but it was less and always dampened by the reminder of Father's desertion. Anyway, let's leave the nostalgia for another time, shall we?

I currently sat by the roaring fire in the hearth. Dinner had been nearly two hours ago, but my stomach is still very much full. One of my quilts– embroidered with Rudolf's face– rested across my legs. My feet were propped up on the ottoman, while Delar laid his head on my lap. I stroked his ears absentmindedly, listening with half an ear to what Tazi, who was nestled in a red and white blanket on the couch beside me, was saying. The door to the chamber opened, drawing my attention. Delar swivelled his ears, but didn't lift his head. I let my eyes follow Zay as she made her way across the room.

"Budge over, Tazi." She murmured, shivering slightly. The young Greencloak obliged, squishing into Niko. I lifted the quilt as Zay took his spot at my side, draping it across her bare legs.

"Where were you?" I asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and letting her nestle into my heat. "Not outside, I hope." We were stuck inside because of a snowstorm and, according to Olvan and Tyler, it was extremely dangerous to get caught in one.

"No, I was wrapping gifts." She answered, reaching over to caress Delar's head. The jaguar purred in appreciation, his already half-lidded eyes falling fully closed. I smiled at the sight.

"So, are you almost ready?" I placed a hand on Delar's spotted flank and eyed Zay. "We just chose our Secret Santas yesterday."

"Yeah, I'm ready." She answered with a light smile. "You?"

"Pffft, no." I grinned. "Haven't even thought about it."

She burst into soft chuckles. I loved her laugh. It wasn't heard often, but when it was, it warmed me straight down to my heart. "You're serious?"

"Nope, I'm Sasha." I joked. She punched my shoulder. I smirked. "Yeah, I am. I honestly have no idea what to get them."

"I can help you." She stretched up and pecked my cheek.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna need it." I nodded and met her lips with mine.

We broke away, both feeling warm, as the door opened again. Delar cracked open one eye, but as I stroked his shoulder fur, he closed it again. It was Navia and Tyler who entered, each carrying a tray.

"Hot chocolate and cookies?" Navia walked over and offered her tray out to us.

Zay and I both took a steaming mug, and she also grabbed two cookies. "Thank you," We chorused. Navia gave us a small smile and nod, then moved away.

Zay wrapped a chilly hand around her warm mug, dipping one of the cookies in the steaming liquid inside. "Here." She offered me a bite. I smirked and took the whole cookie. Zay laughed and rolled her eyes. "I meant one bite, not the whole thing." She told me, dunking the other.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." I replied with a light chuckle. I sipped my hot chocolate, careful not to burn my tongue. Outside, wind and snow buffeted the castle.

"How long d'you think the storm's gonna last?" Zay inquired, her gaze reflecting the dancing flames as she glanced at the frost-coated windows.

"Not much longer, I hope. I'd rather not get snowed in." I answered honestly, taking another gulp of my drink.

"Would it really be that bad?" Zay queried teasingly.

I sighed dramatically, feeling the corners of my eyes crinkle as I resisted a smile. "Yes, it'd be terrible."

"You're such a drama queen." Zay giggled, smacking me lightly.

"But I'm your drama queen." I poked her.

"Yes, fine." She rolled her eyes. "You're my drama queen."

"Mmmm." I hummed happily, taking another drink of hot chocolate.

"You know," Zay said after a few moments of comfortable silence, "when I first met you, I never thought we'd end up as... well, as anything even close to friends, much less this."

"You're right." I agreed. "But I'm glad we did. I like 'this'."

Zay nodded, taking a thoughtful sip of her drink. "You know," she commented once she'd swallowed, "that's the first time I've ever heard you say that you were glad you summoned Delar."

I, too, was quiet for a bit. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"I'm always right. Gosh, it's about time you started catching on." Zay grinned.

I narrowed my eyes playfully at her, then returned to my previous train of thought. "I suppose I just never thought we'd be... like this." I gestured to Delar's head on my lap. He was asleep, a small stain forming on the quilt near his mouth where he'd drooled.

"It's beautiful, really," she murmured, "how our perceptions can be so wrong."

I looked at her, surprised at the wisdom in her voice. "Uh..." I didn't know what to say, but my vocal chords suddenly had a mind of their own. "Zay, I love you."

Zay turned her piercing black eyes to me, confused. "Sash–"

I leaned in and cut her off with a soft kiss. She tasted like chocolate and cookies, plus a touch of... was that mint? But the thought fled from my mind as Zay kissed me back, both of our eyes closing.

After what felt like an eternity, we pulled away for air. I rested my forehead against hers, our gazes locked. "Sorry," I mumbled breathlessly. "Couldn't help myself."

Zay was blushing. "It's alright, my dorky drama queen." A laugh, soft and light, spilled from her delicate lips. I joined in after a moment.

And as the storm raged outside, Zay and I snuggled on the couch and enjoyed each other's warm, comfortable company.

I think my heart exploded whoops-
Anyway, that's the first one. Stay tuned for tomorrow's! Love y'all ;)

edit: 21/12/22
sobbing fr
never thought I'd be so emotionally attached to a fictional jaguar but here we are
very few edits but I hope y'all enjoyed :)