A Christmas Accident

A Festive Family

A short while later, whilst the boys hung out in the kitchen and she sipped from her second cup of peppermint tea, the doorbell rung – drawing everyone's attention.

A big smile slipped across Luke's face and Sang wondered if he was close to this 'Uncle' Erica had been speaking about earlier. Rising to her feet, Sang tightly clasped her mug in her hand as she peeked around the corner in curiosity just as a loud booming voice echoed from the direction of the foyer.

Nervous, Sang pulled back just as a large hand wrapped around her own, drawing her eye up to North who was already looking down at her. Expression soft, he tugged her towards him and wrapped his arm around her shoulder – making her press her mug to her chest so she didn't accidently spill any of her drink.

Anxious about meeting the owner of the voice, she pressed herself closer to North just as wiry man stepped through the doorway.

"My boy! Merry Christmas!" He exclaimed as he caught sight of Luke, and a large smile carved his thin lips, brightening his aged face.

Sang's eyes widened when she realised this man who was only a few inches taller than her, was in fact the owner of the booming voice. Stepping forward, he wrapped the slightly taller Luke in a warm hug and Sang couldn't help but relax.

Something about the older man seemed sweet and protective – reminding her a bit of North and Luke.

"Is he your...?" Sang asked, and North rumbled a laugh at her unsure question.

"He's our Uncle." Nodding as that made sense, she smiled and squeezed his hand that was hanging over her right shoulder, as she lifted her cup and took a sip of her warm tea. Curious about the man they called Uncle, she turned back and watched as he greeted the others – his wide grin growing with each person he hugged.

As he pulled away from Nathan, Sang caught a closer look at his eyes and noticed with surprise that he carried Norths and Luke's eyes as well, and with his long white goatee and red Santa's hat – he kind of resembled father Christmas also.

"And who might this treasure be?" He questioned, and she jolted as she realised whilst she had been busy staring at him, he had made his way closer to her until he stood a few feet away.

Swallowing, she straightened her shoulders – wanting the guys families to see her as more than just a shy wallflower – and held out her hand, even if it trembled.

"Hi, I'm Sang. It's nice to meet you Mr..." She trailed off, realising she hadn't been told his real name. A blush stole across her cheeks as he took her hand and pulled her into a quick, warm hug – that surprisingly reminded her of North's.

"Call me Uncle, and it's a pleasure to meet you little bird." He told her as he pulled away. Smiling she nodded, unsure what else to say – and he rumbled a laugh at her unsure expression.

Winking, he patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll get used to us lot rather quickly." Nodding, she breathed a quiet sigh of relief as he turned away to hug his other nephew. Sang wasn't used to being surrounded by so many people, and she was starting to feel overwhelmed. But she refused to ruin the guys special day and decided to suck up her fear and be brave for once.

Jumping when the doorbell rang again, Sang stepped away and turned until she was facing the entrance to the kitchen. Biting her bottom lip, she held her breath as Gabriel ran from the room – curiosity helping her to keep her rising worry under control.

"Right – where's my sous chef?" Uncle called out as he looked around the room.

Erica rolled her eyes as she stepped up beside the slight taller man. "I think not old man. If anyone is the sous chef – it's you." She told him, and he roared out a laugh as he threw his arm over her shoulder and led her around to the other side of the kitchen – their heads bent together as the whispered amongst themselves.