๋࣭ ⭑ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴀᴅᴇ ๋࣭ ⭑

The Greatest Gift

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
A few creatures were stirring, each person arouse
The mansion was decorated with garland and tinsel,
In hopes that the air was more merry and blissful

      ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

  It came as a surprise when The Mighty Monarch was hosting a Christmas party, albeit a small one consisting of himself, his wife, Gary, and one special soon-to-be guest: you.
  The whole house was furnished in Christmas decorations, making the place look jolly and bright. Everyone was surrounded by bells, wreaths, ornaments, and more.
  It was actually Sheila's idea to throw such a festivity. "To bring us closer together," was her reasoning. "And to give us a damn break from all Guild operatives." Still, everyone agreed and took this minute to breathe.
  All except for Gary, who was stressing beyond something mad. See, he had plans for this one particular person. Someone he's loved since that faithful day they met. He still has that coffee cup sleeve from the first date you both went on.
  A couple of days before the party (or rather, a small get-together), he had been looking for advice from his boss. Which became a lesson learned to not ask him.

"But what if (Y/N) doesn't like it?"

"THEN YOU MAKE THEM LIKE IT-"

   And then he gave the infamous "I'm The Mighty Monarch" speech, ranting that if it were up to him, you would faint on the spot because it was from him. Gary walked out in the middle of it.
He then went to ask Sheila, who told him something that really seemed to help.

"Listen, Gary. The only reason (Y/N) won't love your gift is if they don't love you."

   This really stuck with him. And she was right. But, there was still one other thing...
What will you say?

      ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

There was no reason to get nestled and snug in their beds,
While thoughts of cheeriness danced in their heads
The Monarch in his cloak and Gary in his sweater,
Were trying to keep calm and get things together

      ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

  Seconds ticked by, and you had yet to show up. Minutes turned to hours. The night nearly escaped from them. But The Monarch wouldn't allow it. Being fed up by waiting and waiting, he slammed his fists down and arose from his seat.

"Fuck this! I'm not going to sit around anymore and wait for someone for this stupid 'party' that isn't even a party to begin with!" He throws his hands up and waves them around as he exits the room.
Sheila gets up to follow him.

"Sweetie, it's also a big night for Gary. You don't want to support your best and only henchman?!" Her voice fades out as she leaves to catch up to him.
  Gary sat at the kitchen table, alone with his thoughts once more. The snacks that were laid out appeared to have gone to waste. He sighs and rests his face on his hand. A million thoughts passes through his mind.
  Maybe you're not ready yet. Maybe you got caught in traffic. Maybe you got caught in the snow. But if that was the case, wouldn't you give him a call?
  Wouldn't you be letting him know what's making you so late?

 Maybe this was a huge mistake...

  No!
  Despite his frustration, he fights to stay positive. You're just running late. No way would you ditch him. You would jump at the chance to spend time with him. Especially now during the holidays.

He just had to give you more time.

      ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his seat to see what was the matter
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
Threw open the curtains and saw what caused the clash