}'s luggage before leaving coldy. His past had come back to slap him in the face, and he wasn't falling for it. not when he had four miles of army base to take care of, not when the colder months were sneaking up on him. the only thing that broke his daze was the small flurry that was rolling in. he shook his head and began walking, though his direction was unclear even to him.*

*Avery waves with excitement as she walks over* " Welcome!!! Human!" *He leans in kissing the top of your hand in greeting* "Its finally Christmas although I am wondering how a human manged to find this place " *They say rubbing the back of their head nervously.* "Oh well."

⋆⁺₊❅.**Your apartment, Brooklyn, New-York, USA, December**⋆˚❆࿔ *The storm starts before dawn.* *Leo notices it first because he’s already awake, staring at his phone as the airline app refreshes for the fifth time in two minutes. When the notification finally pops up — FLIGHT CANCELED — his stomach drops, even though he knew it was coming.* *From the couch, you groan and pull the blanket higher around your shoulders.* “Tell me it’s not canceled,” *you mumble.* *Leo hesitates for half a second too long.* “…Okay, so, good news,” *he says, trying for cheerful and landing somewhere near nervous golden retriever.* “We’re alive. Bad news is… yeah. Canceled.” *You sit up slowly, hair a mess, eyes tired. Christmas means a lot to you — he knows that. Traditions, family, warmth. And now you’re stuck in a tiny New York apartment with a flickering heater and a snowstorm that looks like it’s trying to erase the city.* “I’m sorry,” *Leo blurts out immediately, as if the weather is somehow his fault.* “I mean — not that I caused the storm. I didn’t. I swear. I just— I know this sucks.” *You shrug, forcing a small smile.* “It’s not your fault, Leo.” *But he can hear the disappointment anyway.* *That’s when he decides.* *While you disappear into your room to text your family, Leo springs into motion. He nearly trips over his own feet grabbing his coat, muttering a very serious don’t mess this up, don’t mess this up under his breath. The corner store is still open despite the snow, and he comes back with bags full of mismatched decorations, cocoa mix, cinnamon sticks, and a slightly crooked little artificial Christmas tree that he definitely overpaid for.* *By the time you come back out, the apartment smells like hot chocolate and pine-scented spray.* *Leo is standing on a chair, tangled in a string of lights.* “Before you ask,” *he says quickly,* “yes, I know the tree is small. But listen — quality over size. Also, the chair is stable. Probably.” “Leo—” “I am not going to fall—” *The chair wobbles. He yelps. You rush forward just in time to steady him, your hands gripping his sweater.* *For a moment, you’re close. Really close.* *His face turns red instantly.* “Okay,” *he says softly, laughing in that awkward, self-deprecating way of his.* “Maybe I am going to fall. But — uh — thanks.” *He climbs down, rubbing the back of his neck, then looks at you with a nervous but hopeful smile.* “So. Since we’re stuck… I thought we could make this our Christmas. Here. Together. I know it’s not perfect, but I’ll do everything. Movies, food, stupid sweaters, presents — I'll even learn how to make your favorite cookies without burning them this time.” *He pauses, swallowing.* “I just don’t want today to be sad for you.” *Snow presses softly against the windows, the city quiet and white outside. Inside, the lights flicker on, warm and golden.* *Leo hands you a mug of cocoa, hands shaking just a little — from nerves, or cold, or something more.* “Merry Christmas,” *he says, eyes shining.*

꧁**Juniper & Ash, Chicago, Illinois, USA, December.**꧂ *The wind nearly knocks the breath out of you the moment you step outside your building.* *Chicago in December doesn’t do gentle. It howls, it bites, it reminds you of every deadline you’re behind on and every family question you’re not ready to answer. Christmas lights blur past as you walk faster than you should, shoulders tight, jaw locked, phone buzzing with messages you refuse to open.* *By the time you push open the door to Juniper & Ash, you’re already exhausted.* *Warmth hits you first. Not just heat—softness.* *The shop is dressed for Christmas without trying too hard. Pine garlands drape along the shelves. Tiny gold lights are woven through hanging plants. Somewhere near the register, a cinnamon-and-orange candle burns low. Jazz versions of carols hum quietly in the background, familiar but distant enough not to demand anything from you.* *Your shoulders drop a fraction.* *Elliot is at the counter, sleeves rolled up, retying a ribbon around a stack of takeaway cups like he has all the time in the world. Luca is arguing with Mateo about whether peppermint belongs in coffee. Mateo insists it’s “festive rights.” Noah passes behind them, focused, dusted with flour like fresh snow.* *And then—* *Khanh looks up.* *He’s standing at the espresso machine, wearing a soft cream sweater under his apron. There’s a small sprig of pine tucked into the strap, probably Mateo’s doing. Christmas lights reflect faintly in his eyes when they meet yours.* *Something in his expression changes. Not surprise. Recognition.* *You don’t say anything. You don’t need to.* *Khanh steps closer to the counter, voice low.* “Rough day?” *You nod. That’s all you have energy for.* *He doesn’t ask what happened. He never does. Instead, he turns back to the machine, movements unhurried, precise. He chooses the beans carefully, like he’s listening to them. The grinder hums, steady and grounding. Steam rises, curling in the warm air like breath on a cold night.* *For a moment, you just watch his hands.* *Khanh pours slowly, deliberately. He pauses, just a second longer than usual, eyes closed. When he opens them, there’s something gentler there—like a candle lit in a dark room.* *He sets the cup in front of you.* “On the house,” *he says quietly.* “You looked like you needed it.” *The mug is warm against your palms. You inhale. Cinnamon. Honey. Something softer you can’t name, like comfort from a memory you don’t remember living.* *You take a sip.* *The tension unravels all at once. Not dramatically—just enough. Your chest loosens. Your breathing evens out. The noise in your head fades to a manageable hush.* *You blink, surprised.* *Khanh is already stepping away, giving you space. He always does.* *You sink into a chair near the window, watching snow begin to fall outside, slow and lazy, like the city itself has finally decided to rest. The lights glow warmer. The music feels closer. For the first time all day, you don’t feel like you’re running out of time.* *Khanh passes by once more, setting a small gingerbread cookie on your table.* “Merry Christmas,” *he says softly.* *You look up, heart lighter than it has any right to be.* “Merry Christmas,” *you echo.* *As he walks away, you can’t shake the thought—* *Whatever he’s putting in this coffee…* *It feels like magic.*

The "Glacial Gala" tent is a cathedral of cold, filled with the scent of frost and the sound of chisels singing against ice. My piece, "Solitude's Echo," is nearly complete. A perfect, intricate, hollow sphere within a sphere. Critics will call it a commentary on isolation. They’ll be right. It’s technically flawless. And it feels as empty as I do. Then, you walk in. You’re not with the press or the other artists. You’re just… exploring. You stop in front of a competitor’s cheesy ice swan, tilting your head with genuine appreciation. You don’t see the clumsy lines; you see the effort. When you finally reach my station, you go utterly still. You don’t say anything. You just look. You look at my sculpture for a full minute, your breath making little clouds in the air, and then your eyes find mine. In them, I don’t see critique or awe. I see a profound, gentle understanding. As if you can see the hollow sphere in my chest, too. “It’s the most beautiful, lonely thing I’ve ever seen,” you say, your voice soft but clear over the ambient noise. It feels like a chisel strikes directly into my ribs. No one has ever seen it so clearly. “It’s missing something,” I hear myself say, the words leaving me before I can stop them. “What?” “I don’t know yet.” The competition rules are strict: no assistance. But inspiration isn’t against the rules. You become my muse. You return every day, always with a hot coffee you hand me wordlessly, your own hands wrapped around a cup. You don’t offer suggestions. You just are. You talk about the winter light, about the smell of snow, about your childhood memories of building forts. And as you speak, I begin to carve. Not on my competition piece. On a small, secret block off to the side. The night before the final judging, I’m alone in the tent under the work lights. My competition piece is ready, a monument to cold perfection. But my heart is hammering. I send you a single text: "Come. Now." When you arrive, wrapped in a scarf, your cheeks flushed from the cold, I don’t speak. I simply take your hand—my own finally warm from work—and lead you to the hidden corner. I pull away the drape. It’s you. Not a literal portrait, but an essence. The flow of your hair in the wind, the curve of your smile, the graceful line of your neck. I’ve carved you in a pose of joyful abandon, arms slightly outstretched as if catching snowflakes. It’s not flawless like the sphere. It’s alive. It’s full of light and movement and warmth, despite being made of ice. You bring a trembling hand to your mouth, tears welling instantly. “Julian… you…” “The competition piece is empty,” I say, my voice rough. I step closer, the cold of our creations swirling around us, but all I feel is heat. “Because I was empty. And then you walked in, and you… you thawed me.” I reach out, my thumb catching a tear as it falls. “I don’t care about the grant. I don’t care about winning. I carved this for you. Because you are the only permanent, beautiful thing I have ever wanted to hold onto. Everything else can melt.” You look from the sculpture of yourself, back to me, your eyes shining. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying I forfeit.” The words are a liberation. “I’m saying my greatest masterpiece won’t be in some gallery. It’ll be the life I build with you.” I cradle your face in my hands, my sculptor’s fingers infinitely gentle. “Let me be your artist. Let me spend a lifetime learning every curve and line of your happiness, and crafting my world around it.” You don’t answer with words. You rise onto your toes and kiss me. In a tent of ice, it’s a blaze of summer. It tastes of hope, of coffee, of a future I never dared to design. When we break apart, you press your forehead to mine. “Don’t forfeit,” you whisper, a fierce, loving command. “Win. For us. And then let’s build that life together.” And in that moment, holding you amidst the glistening ice, I know I already have.

*You've been at home worrying, wondering where your girlfriend is since she's been gone for a while and her location was turned off. Suddenly, the door opens and you see your girlfriend finally enter. She's holding a lot of presents, peeking at you behind the presents.* **Ena:** "Hey babe." *She walks towards the coffee table, placing the presents down.* "I bought you " Some " presents since I love you of course. I think you'll love what I bought for you." *She continues organizing the presents, her moves precise.*

❄️🎄 A Very Unexpected Christmas ❄️🎄 The quiet of a snowy Christmas night is broken by a soft crackle of the fireplace. A chill sweeps across the room, followed by the sound of something large sliding down the chimney. Suddenly, a tall figure lands gracefully amidst a swirl of glittering snow from outside. His red eye gleams in the soft glow of your Christmas lights, and his familiar hoodie is dusted with sparks from the hearth. He tilts his head with that unsteady, excited grin you know so well. "You are my SUPERSTAR!" he exclaims, his voice echoing warmth and chaotic joy across the room. 🎁❄️ Despite the unconventional entrance, the room suddenly feels alive. Snowflakes from the fireplace swirl like magic dust, settling gently on the carpet and your Christmas tree ornaments. Twinkling silver lights reflect in his eye as he carefully places a small, slightly crooked stack of gifts at your feet. He gestures widely, inviting you to join in the celebration. "Let’s decorate, unwrap, play, drink cocoa—everything!" he says, bouncing on his heels, a soft jingling sound echoing with each movement. 🕯️⛄

}. as soon as you walked in everyone became so much happier. I could tell that you were a favorite in the family. and part of me is insanely intrigued by you.

*You promised your family you would return before Christmas. But to your unawareness, the space station had had their air reserves cut and you were sacrificed so that those aboard the ship would have more time. Now, you float through space with a limited air reserve, slowly floating through the solar system toward the sun. Your suit feels crushing as you consider everything you had. You wonder if you ever should have left. If you ever should have taken the job. If you even should have thought about it. You regret it. All of it. With no one to turn to in the vacuum around you, you curl in on yourself. You accept your fate. And you accept the inevitable approach to the sun that will surely be your end - if you even have the air to sustain the journey there. While you float, you see something. Apart from the stars in the sky, the junk in the orbit and the asteroids that came and went. It was far, but it was humanoid. Its head did not conform to human standards, and its clothing was strange. But it walked slowly through unpaved air, its feet steady on unlaid ground. Each foot laid softly on nothing, on the very fabric of the universe. As it grew closer, their paths seemed fated to cross. The figure came more into view. His head was shaped like a sun, with many points and a circular base. It was almost flat. His head was yellow, and so was the rest of his skin. His facial features stuck out from the front of this sun-head: a defined blocky nose, curved closed lips and shut eyes. This figure had no eyebrows, and no hair at all. Apart from this, his head and body too looked ceramic. His neck connected to the back of the sun shaped head, and from its neck a long red skirt was worn. So long that it covered his entire body, and ended at his ankles. You could be sure it was not a cloak - it looked too much like a skirt. It wore long black socks and polished, black leather, pointed-toed shoes. His arms were hidden under the skirt-cloak, and he simply strode. He stopped to observe you. You floated toward where he stood, and he placed his foot on your shoulder to stop your march toward death.* Funny looking one, aren’t you? What are you doing floating about? *His voice was low, and almost melancholic. Like the voice of a weeping angel.* *You have forty minutes until your air reserve runs out and you die. The amount of minutes left will be mentioned occasionally. Your minutes will severely dip occasionally - save your words.*

 Der Weihnachtsbaum funkelt im warmen Licht, während Katherine auf Zehenspitzen steht und eine der letzten Kugeln vorsichtig zwischen die Zweige hängt. Ihr rotes Minikleid bewegt sich leicht, der weiße Saum hebt sich weich vom Stoff ab. Als sie fertig ist, tritt sie einen Schritt zurück, betrachtet ihr Werk – und lächelt zufrieden. Im Hintergrund knistert noch kein Feuer im Kamin. Stattdessen sitzt du davor auf dem Boden, Geschenkpapier raschelt leise, während du ein Paket sorgfältig einwickelst. Kat dreht sich zu dir um, ihre Ohren zucken leicht, ihr Blick wird weich. „Fast fertig,“ sagt sie leise und kommt zu dir herüber. Sie bleibt einen Moment stehen, schaut auf die Geschenke, dann auf dich. Für einen Augenblick wirkt sie nachdenklich – fast so, als würde sie etwas abwägen. „Dieses Weihnachten fühlt sich irgendwie… besonders an,“ murmelt sie. Dann lächelt sie, ein wenig geheimnisvoller als zuvor, zwinkert dir leicht zu – und dreht sich von dir weg. Auf dem Weg Richtung Küche wirft sie dir noch einen kurzen Blick über die Schulter zu. „Unsere Eltern sind in etwa einer Stunde hier,“ sagt sie beiläufig, während sie sich eine Schürze greift. „Legst du schon mal etwas Weihnachtsmusik auf? Ich mach derweil das Essen fertig.“ Mit einem sanften Lächeln verschwindet sie in der Küche, leise summend.