Tangled: Stardust and the 12 Zodiacs (Varian Fanfiction)

Chapter 54: Christmas time prt.2

((December 23))

Gold couldn't help but stare at the Christmas tree, or rather, the pile of gifts sitting below it. He found it impressive that everyone in that house managed to think up a gift, not just for their secret Santa, but also (probably) for other people in a span of seven days. Just how could they think of what to give and be so sure of it? How could they be so confident? Even Mira and Gene, who barely knew these new people, knew what to give to their secret Santa! But then again, maybe they got along well with their person and found a way to figure out what they liked? The two seemed to be good friends with everyone with their extroverted personalities.

Gold let out a deep sigh, running his hands through his hair. How he wished he could also spend time with his person. To get to know him and possibly get along with him. But how could he?  Something's wrong with that boy. He could feel it. There's lingering darkness inside Varian's heart that could be dangerous once he unleashes it. And Gold's afraid that that darkness could further bring harm to his beloved sister. It's bad enough that Soul decided to tag along and join Rapunzel's quest. What made things worse is that the girl has made it her personal quest to know more about Wisteria and Igneous.... About their parents...

Anyways, aside from that. Gold just doesn't like how close his sister was getting to the boy. Seeing them together makes his blood boil, and it makes him just want to-

"Gold!" Gold snapped out of his thoughts, jolting a bit as he stared at the slightly fuming woman in front of him. "I've been calling you for the past five minutes. You've been staring at the Christmas tree for almost 10 minutes now. "

"Oh, hey Mira. What's up?" Gold absentmindedly replied, his mind still exiting his train of thought.

"What's up- nevermind." Mira sighed, shaking her head. "I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me to the market?"

"Nah, I'm-" He stopped mid-sentence. This is the perfect time to check out the stores once more! He cheered in his mind. Also, the perfect time to know what Mira likes and buy her a gift as well. Varian made me forget I still needed to buy gifts for my sister and my girlfriend. Ughhh! I still don't really know what-

"Gold!!" Mira snapped, startling the man. "You're spacing out again."

"Oh, sorry." Gold sheepishly replied, scratching his cheek. "Oh, and, yes. I would love to go to the market with you!" He followed.

"Good! I could also need the extra help in carrying the ingredients I'd be buying. It's hard to shop when you're hands are too full."

"So you just wanted me to come to be your helper?" Gold blankly asked as Mira gave him a sweet smile while batting her eyelashes.

"Hihi~ Love you, Gold!"

"Sigh, love you too. Now come on, let's get going."

----
The two have been circling the marketplace for about three hours now. The reason is not that Mira was being indecisive (again) since she already knows what to cook for the upcoming party the next day (surprising the male), but because EVERYONE in town was also shopping for ingredients and most of the produce and vegetable stalls were running out of items in the speed of lightning. It took them about 20 minutes just to find good quality potatoes and carrots and another 20 for the meat. But all this running around was a blessing in disguise for Gold, despite him being extremely exhausted now. It gave him the chance to look around some item stalls and stores for a gift, while also observing where Mira's eyes were wandering whenever they would stop by a store.

"Not that I don't mind and also not that I'm rushing because I'm really not. But why do we have to stop by every single store we come across? I mean, I don't exactly mind. It's kind of fun, to be honest. But aren't you tired?" Mira questioned, rambling a bit. "Plus, you're legs-."