At Ramshackle dorm...

Mara lost count of the number of ornaments that adorned the massive pine tree. That didn't matter, though. She didn't feel fustrated. In fact, she hasn't stopped smiling at the Christmas tree that she sat in front of it with its lights illuminating the usual dark room of Ramshackle.

"You're still up?"

Her ears flicked up at a familair deep voice, but she didn't have to turn her head around to see who it was. She picked up their scent the moment they entered the room. For a beastman, the scent was sometimes quicker than the sight.

Still, Mara did turn around just to see him. Leona took a seat next to her as a yawn escaped from his mouth. "Yeah, and what's keeping you up? Grim's snoring?" She teased as he side glanced her. "Nah. Grim's snoring isn't as loud as his yapping. Besides, when that furball's asleep, it's actually nice and quiet." Leona explained, turning his green eyes at her completely.

"What are you doing?" He asked, tilting his head at her curiously. The cheetah glanced her eyes away, slightly reluctant to answer that. "I couldn't sleep. So I came here and thought maybe the lights would get me to sleep."

"Mara." He said her name firmly, raising an eyebrow as if challenging her to keep lying to him. Her ears fell flat in defeat, making him chuckle in amusement. The cheetah shot a brief glare at him before her eyes went to the tree. "I came down here to see the Christmas tree, alright? Now that everyone's asleep, it's more easy to see it up close." She confessed, referring to the Christmas sleepover set up by the prefect and Grim earlier.

Leona turned back to look at the tree and back to Mara with an unimpressed look. "It's just some tree dressed up in lights. Nothing worth seeing." He grumbled, earning an unamused look from the cheetah.

"Would it kill ya to pretend that the tree looks nice?" She asked as her tail swished in the air, which told Leona she was getting annoyed. Her golden eyes narrowed at him. "Like maybe oh yeah, it's pretty. Or wow, this tree lights up the place." She explained, motioning with her hands.

Ugh. You sound like Rook." He groaned. "Yeah, well if Rook were here, he would've been showering this tree with compliments. That's for sure." She commented, smiling in amusement at how the pomefiore housewarden was constantly complimenting and praising the decorations in the dorm.

"Well, if you want compliments, why don't you go see if Rook's awake and wake him up instead of me?" He growled, flattening his ears in agitation at the mention of Rook and how she smiled when she talked about him. His eyes went to the window where he could see the snow falling outside so he could avoid looking at her.

Then, Leona felt a hand gently cup his  face. Their fingers brushed the brown strands that weren't held back by the hair tie that formed his ponytail. He turned his face to look at her puzzled.

Mara studied his features carefully and noticed how the warm glow from the lights highlighted his features. His green eyes were glowing like emeralds, and she could see his scar. The more rougher skin stood out from the softer skin around his right eye.

"So, you're saying that I woke you up? How so?" She challenged him, running her fingers up his ear to scratch it. Leona shook his head to rid her hand, feeling his face getting warm. He assumed it may have been from the lights.

"I heard you quietly leaving your room. For a huntress and member of the royal guard, you need to work on your stealth." He pointed out, taking note of how the light made her markings have this golden tint to them. Her golden eyes seemed to sparkle like that big yellow star propped on the Christmas tree.

"Uh huh. And how come you came here? Hm? You're usually a heavy sleeper." Mara questioned, not satisfied with that answer. Leona rarely lied. Most times, he was dead, honest.

His eyes went to her lips, and looking back at her face, he found himself losing resistance in himself to keep his cool. Growling in fustration, his hands gently but firmly grabbed her chin. "H-Hey!" She exclaimed, startled as her ears rose up in alarm.

His thumb gently brushed her jaw, and his eyes held a soft look. It calmed her nevers as her ears lowered in a relaxed position. Leona looked at her lips, contemplating his next move. "Is this ok with you?" He asked, motioning to her lips for permission.

Mara felt her cheeks get warm, understanding what he was asking for. The cheetah smiled at him knowingly and nodded yes. Leona dived in to give her a quick peck on the lips.

Despite them dating for a while, there were times he asked her for permission to give a kiss. Mara told him he could go ahead without permission, but every time he stated it wasn't right, he didn't get her opinion on it. Not that she minded.

Mara suddenly felt his arm wrap around her shoulder and pulled her close to him. She blinked in surprise, not at all expecting that from him. Glancing her eyes up at him, his green eyes stayed on the tree. "I'll stay a little longer if you don't tell anyone about this, Mara." He stated casually.

Mara didn't mind, though, as she rested her head into the crook of his neck and continued staring at the lights. Leona glanced down at her, smiling softly at how happy she looked.

"Ok. The lights are pretty nice." He admitted, resting his head on top of hers. He didn't have to turn around to see her tail dancing happily at that. Truth was, she wasn't the only one that came to see the lights. And he wasn't gonna let her see it alone tonight.