💖Solemn Love Together💖

Seasonal Clichés

Honestly, you weren't really a fan of the holidays. Now it wasn't that you hated it, you just never had the time to really celebrate it. It was a waste of time to you because there was always something in the way like snow storms, or just work, and that was the case this year as well. Being a hunter meant there was no shortage of necessary work that brought you closer to your goal, so you had to take any opportunity that came to you. Unfortunately, that put you in yet another year where the Solstice was just another lousy day you had to live through.

Technically, you did have at least the first day available, but the past week had been so harsh on you, working you every single day up to the night before. Now it was nearly eleven at night and you lumbered back home to Kite, tired out of your mind both physically and mentally. The snow gently fell but you found you had no interest to stop and watch like usual, pushing through the front door and into his dark home that lacked any festive decoration. Nothing but a sigh left you as you pressed on to his bedroom, wanting nothing more than to just sleep by now.

You walked in on Kite sitting up in bed, quietly reading by the dim bedside lamp. He looked up at you when you entered and watched quietly as you began to throw off your clothing with floppy arms until you were down to your underwear, replacing everything with a simple baggy t-shirt. With a deep sigh you then threw yourself onto the bed next to him face down into the sheets, groaning slightly.

"Are you alright?" Kite asked you with a gentle chuckle, putting his book down.

"No." You mumbled into the bed.

"Rough day then, huh?" He said quietly, reaching over to pull you closer to him and rest your head on his chest.

"Mhmm. I just want to sleep. I don't want to think." You mumbled, relaxing a little when you leaned against him.

"Then rest, love. The Solstice begins tomorrow after all." He told you reassuringly.

"Don't care. I'll probably have more work to do. Just want... Sleep." You mumbled weakly, already starting to doze off.

It saddened him a little that work had taken up so much of your life that you no longer cared for the holidays. He was quite busy himself too, so he understood, but it was a shame your heart didn't even flutter at the thought of the festive days off. The chances of you needing to do extra work were already so high, so he understood why you just gave up so easily.

He held you close and kissed the top of your head, mumbling for you to get as much sleep as you needed until you eventually dozed off on his chest. You were out like a light in seconds, the day having worn you down to the bone. Your breathing had steadied and muscles relaxed, indicating you were sound asleep. Though you said you didn't care, Kite still thought you might, and had an idea to help with your little holiday dilemma. He sighed and took one last look at you asleep on his chest before he made up his mind.

"It's now or never. You should enjoy the holidays too, _______." He mumbled more to himself than you.

Without another word, Kite carefully lifted you off of him and tucked you in neatly on a stack of pillows as he silently left the bed. You were thankfully far too tired to even be moderately disturbed, so he was able to sneak out of the bedroom while you slept to get started with his little plan: decorating.

He had the stuff, but didn't put it up yet. He was aware of your reluctance to relax and celebrate a holiday you had negative emotions for, so he kept it secret until he was able to find an appropriate time to put it up and surprise you. You definitely needed it now, and he hoped he'd be able to get it up before you did.

Kite got straight to work with his decorating plan, pulling out a box of relatively simple decorations. Garland, string lights, and a small evergreen tree from outside were the first things he got ahold of. Green garland was soon hung along the big window along with the lights, giving off a warm multicoloured glow. The tree was next, being the hardest thing to do. It was real, and brought in from outside, not super big but big enough to take up time decorating. He spent nearly two hours on those things alone, but it was well worth it when he finally topped it with a star. The glow it gave off was just as soft, barely lighting up his living room with coloured lights in just the right way.

Most of the festive atmosphere was set with the mixing of different traditions here and there, and now all that was left was the smaller things. Candles on the coffee table, a huge plush plaid throw over the couch, and hot chocolate to finish it off. Once the water was boiled and he had it all mixed up, he brought the mugs to the living room and set them out to cool a little, the only step left being to wake you. It was now past two in the morning so it would be mildly difficult to do, but he had to for the sake of seeing your smile. A few clichés should be enough to bring back a little of your spirit.

Kite carefully approached your sleeping form, still soundly tucked into the pile of pillows. He put a hand on your shoulder and gently shook you to try and wake you.

"_______, get up~" He hummed quietly.

With a bit more shaking and gentle words of encouragement, Kite was finally able to rouse you. You woke with a quiet little groan of confusion, the time lost to you as you blinked away the tiredness from your eyes.

"Wha... What time is it?" You asked groggily, rubbing one of your eyes.

"Just after two in the morning." He answered nonchalantly.

"Two in the- why? I'm so tired. What's happening at two in the morning?" You whined.

"Just come with me and you'll see." He answered.

Though you were grouchy from being woken up, you reluctantly pulled yourself out of bed to go and see what it was that Kite wanted to show you. He guided your tired body away from the bed and outside his room, and that was when the smell of chocolate hit you. Something was different, and when you forced your eyes open to see what specifically was changed, your heart melted.

You saw it all from the soft glow of the candles to the dim coloured lights that hung over the window. The snow still gently fell as it was when you came home, really authenticating the atmosphere of the room. Steam still rose from the cups of hot chocolate that sat on the coffee table, and the blanket looked so warm and welcoming. The sight of a tree nearly brought tears to your eyes though, the time since you last saw one decorated with such care being way too long. All the dumb little things you thought you'd never have time for again sat before you and left you speechless.

"I hope this isn't too much. I just want you to have a lovely Solstice this year _______." Kite said softly to you.

You squeezed his arm, a staggered sigh escaping you as you finished processing everything.

"You know... I've always wanted to find joy in the holiday season like I used to when I was a kid. This is... so sweet." You murmured.

"Now you can. You've been so flooded with work this past week, so take it easy love." He assured you.

"This is more than I could've imagined asking for. I just wanted to sleep." You laughed quietly. "This is so nice. Thank you, Kite. I seriously love you so much."

Kite offered you a gentle smile and pulled you towards the couch, throwing the huge plaid blanket over both your shoulders and his. Under its warmth, he stole a sweet kiss from you and rubbed his thumb sweetly across your cheek. Your smile was impossible to hide, and he felt it as he kissed you. He had done well, happy that you were smiling again and at ease with the occasion instead of bitter.

When you broke apart, he reached for your cup of hot chocolate and gave it to you while it was still warm. You nodded in thanks and took a sip while he grabbed his own cup, the hot liquid soothing your soul and warming your heart. Things felt at complete ease for once, and not a single worry for work plagued you at all anymore.

"Thank you again, Kite. It's all so cliché, but I love it. I love every bit of it." You huffed, leaning into his side.

"I hoped you would. Sometimes, silly little things like this are all you need to feel warm and welcomed on the holidays." He replied, kissing your forehead.

"It's honestly not silly. It's just... perfect. But then again, that's probably because I'm with you." You chuckled.

"That's perfect then." He hummed. "I love you _______. Happy Solstice. Let's relax while the season turns, shall we?"

You nodded, content with your drink and everything else. For once, you actually found joy in the holidays. Seasons changed, and so did your outlook on your time. It was worth spending with him. Perhaps you wouldn't do a bunch of excess work for once, and just focus on your time with him. That was a peace you were happy to indulge in.