Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Epilogue 2

Owen's POV

I wrap the scarf around my neck even tighter against the harsh cold, the soft wool brushing against my cheeks. The square was covered in lights, draping from one building to the next to create a glowing tunnel as you wander down the street. Ivy walks in front, hugging a hot chocolate from her favourite cafe, the one where we met, as the steam trails after her.

"It's fucking freezing," Leo grunts quietly to me. Ivy whirls around, narrowing her eyes. I smother a smile at the way Leo's eyes widen, swallowing guiltily.

"It's Christmas, it's supposed to be cold."

"I prefer to enjoy it from outside," he replies, blowing hot air into his hands.

"We're almost there."

We continue walking until we're stood outside the familiar block of grey flats. It looks the same as when we last visited and I wonder if Ivy views it differently now that she lives in the palace. An old man is hunched over a flower patch in the shared garden as if there isn't two inches of snow on the ground, with just a woollen jumper with elbow patches for warmth. He turns and spots us with a wide grin, struggling to get back on his feet. Ivy rushes over to help him and I have to hold Leo back from pulling her away from the man.

"Stanley! What are you doing outside when it's this cold?"

"Making sure my flowers aren't smothered by the snow," he says, hugging her tightly.

"Merry Christmas Stanley."

"Merry Christmas," he grumbles back wiping the snow off his hands. He steps back and surveys her, hands on his hips.

"Are they feeding you?" He asks, as if we aren't standing beside them. She just laughs, tossing her head back as her breath dances in the chilly air before helping him inside.

"Of course they are."

"Good," he huffs, finally throwing us a glance. "If they're going to whisk you off, don't expect me not to worry."

"Stanley, I'm fine. I promise." She smiles over at us softly. "I'm happy."

He gives us one hard look before turning to enter his flat.

"He hates us," Leo mumbles.

"We'll probably hate whoever our daughter ends up with," I reply as he frowns at the thought.

Ivy skips up the stairs to her flat, opening the door with a sigh. The place is pretty bare now after she moved most of her things out, but there are still hints of Ivy all over the flat, from her patchwork blanket strewn over the sofa, or the wilted flowers on her windowsill.

Ivy dumps her jacket and scarf on a chair and faces us, her hips on her hips and a determined look on her face.

"Okay, Owen and I will decorate and Leo you're on food."

Ivy walks off to rummage in her cupboard for her old Christmas decorations while Leo heads to the kitchen to unpack the supplies we bought earlier.

"Remind me again why we're not enjoying the feast our cooks spent the last month putting together?"

"Ivy wanted one last Christmas in her flat before she gives it up, so we're giving her one last Christmas." He grunts, but continues to prep the food, a soft smile on his face when Ivy drags a large box into the living room with a dramatic sigh.

Quiet Christmas music plays in the background while we work, taking breaks to snack on Leo's food despite him complaining that we're ruining the meal. After a couple of hours, the tree is up and fully decorated, and what's left of the dinner is finally ready.

"Oh god," Ivy groans, clutching her stomach. "If I even think about another piece of food, I might throw up."

"I told you we didn't need so much food for the three of us," Leo says even as he continues to shovel turkey and potatoes into his mouth. I push my plate away, kissing Ivy on the head as I get up and begin to gather the empty plates.

"Don't get up," I say to Ivy as she starts trying to help. She doesn't bother arguing, flopping back down onto her seat and resting her head on the table as I laugh. Leo helps after polishing off whatever food was left, piling the sink high with plates. Ivy giggles as we bicker, watching us from the table even as we throw water at each other.

When we're done, we head back into the living room, and snuggle on Ivy's sofa to watch The Grinch.

Ivy's head rests on my chest, her legs draped across Leo's lap as he traces shapes on her exposed skin. After a few minutes, a small moan comes from Ivy and I look down to see her fast asleep with her head tucked into my chest. Leo notices too and smiles as he leans back to stare at the ceiling. We catch each other's gaze, both thinking the same thing.

There's nowhere we wouldn't go to make her happy.