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ONE MONTH LATER
I can't help but smile at Elowyn. When she catches my gaze, she smiles back, and I continue to watch and smile. She's wearing an oversized sweater and jeans, with Doc Marten boots. I only showered an hour or so ago and haven't even gotten ready, wearing just a pair of grey sweatpants and my socks.
Right now she's looking over the Christmas tree that's just been delivered to my apartment. I finally agreed to get it after she whined and begged me to. She motions me to go to her. I take a sip of my wine, then slowly walk to her. It smells very strongly of pine and is much bigger than I had expected it to be.
"So... what do you think?" She smiles widely.
"It's... something."
She rolls her eyes with a laugh, "It's the middle of December and you didn't have a tree. You have to have a Christmas tree, Harry."
"Trees belong outside, Elowyn." I shake my head.
She laughs and nudges me gently.
"I've never put a tree up in my home." I grumble.
She's messing with the branches that are wet from the snow that's been coming down since this afternoon, and glances at me.
"Why not?"
"I... don't really know. After my mum and sister passed, I guess it's just never been the same. I've always been alone, unless my brothers and sister invite me to see them."
"Have they asked you to come spend Christmas with them this year?" She asks.
I nod.
"Are you going to go?"
"I don't know. I don't think so. Don't really feel up to traveling that far."
She kisses me, wraps her arms around my waist, and rests her cheek on my chest. I kiss her hair and inhale her perfume, squeezing her tightly as I hold her.
"We were going to spend this Christmas in Florida with Orlando's parents. I'll stay here and be with you."
I look down and raise my eyebrows, smirking, "You want to stay?"
"Yes. I don't want you to be alone."
I smile and kiss her slowly.
"I would like that." I say quietly, "When is Orlando leaving?"
