Nova Academy

M-O-N-S-T-E-R (Winter Break)

"We should go somewhere." Steven was practically glowing in the human way as they looked out into the snowy courtyard.

Adam tore his gaze away to glance at the awed hybrid. "Like, you and Connie–?"

"No," He turned to face his friends. "All of us."

"Okay, but I can't afford–," Jasmin tried but he held up a finger and pulled out his phone.

"Hold on, gotta take this."

They sat in silence as he tapped and scrolled silently. After a few minutes he grinned and looked up slyly. "Go on, Jasmin."

She looked perturbed, but muttered, "I don't think I can afford–,"

"Christmas," Was all he said. When they stared at him in confusion, he laughed merrily. "Guys, it's Christmas season! Normally you could tell me not to spend money on you guys and be all independent like Connie–," Connie grumbled to herself but he jumped up excitedly. "Guys, it's the one time of year when I get to spoil my friends and show them how much they mean to me. Let's go away." No one could say no to those puppy dog eyes, even if he was sounding fairly manic.

"What's got you so thrilled?" Jacob chuckled. "I haven't seen you this animated since you and Connie started dating."

"It won't even be on Christmas, so you can still spend time with your families if you want." He stood a little straighter and his smile softened. "I know it's sudden, but I was just sitting here staring out at the snow and I remembered the time Connie and I looked out at the snow during a storm and how cozy and together it feels. And then I looked over at all of you guys crammed by this tiny window and I thought to myself, 'This is the closest thing I've had to family in so long'." He paused and looked over all of them again. "And I realized it's cause we are family now."

"Boo, you whore," Alex scoffed, wiping away a wayward tear.

"I know," Anna sniffled. "That's so sweet."

"He's always had a knack for speeches that make people feel loved and cherished." Connie reached up for a nuzzle and he granted her one, still giddy from his never ending energy.

"I guess I'm in then. Not like I have anywhere else to be for Christmas anyways," Anna deadpanned.

"You were spending it with us, remember?" Hazel reminded her. Both boys kissed her cheeks and she smiled, though it was a bit wobbly.

"Happyface and I will come too, our moms are dead or hate us." Jasmin kissed Jacob's forehead. "You in, Snuggles?"

He looked confused by the kiss but nodded silently and soon everyone had agreed.

"Okay, we leave tomorrow at 5." Steven spun around to his room, leaving the rest of the crew speechless.

"Did Steven just Daddy Warbucks us?" Connie asked through a laugh.

Steven poked his head out of his room and smirked. "I mean, I'm pretty sure you've called me Daddy once or twice."

"I swear by the–," She took a deep breath and instead simpered. "You can't prove that."

"Guys come on, it's like, 9:45. Go pack! Hazel, can you uhm, help me with something really quickly?" Everyone teased him and his face reddened. "Fuck you guys, that's not what I was–,"

He caught Hazels grin and sighed. "I'm going to take a shower first."

*

"Connie!"

She groaned and turned over. "Steven, what? How did you get in my dorm?"

"It's time! We gotta go." He poked her again and she growled.