the fire between us

chapter 38

The next morning, the house is filled with the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, and the warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the air. We gather around the kitchen table, the soft glow of the early winter sun filtering through the windows, casting a golden hue on the snowy scene outside. The crackling sound of the fireplace adds to the cozy ambiance as we dig into our breakfast, chatting about the upcoming day.

Nora takes a bite of her roll and leans back in her chair, her eyes sparkling. "So, what's the plan for today? When are we starting our Christmas showdown?"

Marcus grins, taking a sip of his coffee. "I say we kick things off today. The sooner we start, the sooner we can crown a winning team."

I smile at the thought of the competition ahead. "I was thinking, what if we start with decorating? Each team can take half of the house, and we'll have a showdown to see who can make their side look the most festive. Lights, wreaths, ornaments—everything. We can go all out."

Martinus, already looking competitive, leans in with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I like this. But we're going to need a serious supply run—tinsel, lights, ornaments, stockings... You name it, we need it."

Nora chuckles, shaking her head. "This is going to be so much fun. Let's see who can really bring the Christmas magic."

We quickly finish our breakfast, the excitement bubbling up among us as we talk strategy. Marcus and I decide on a warm, traditional theme—cozy garlands, candles, and classic red and green accents—while Nora and Martinus opt for a more modern and bold look, envisioning lots of bright lights, quirky ornaments, and fun, unexpected details.

Bundling up in thick coats, scarves, and hats, we head outside into the crisp winter air. The snow is piled high, blanketing the world in pristine white, and we crunch through the fresh powder as we make our way to the car. The drive to the store is filled with a mix of holiday tunes, playful banter, and laughter, each team already hyping up their decorating ideas.

As we arrive at the store, the festive spirit surrounds us. The aisles are bursting with Christmas decorations—everything from shimmering lights and tinsel to life-sized Santa figures and sparkling snowflakes. It's like stepping into a winter wonderland.

Marcus turns to me, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Alright, Y/N, let's load up. We're going to make our side of the house so cozy, it'll feel like a Christmas cabin."

I nod, already brimming with ideas. "We need warm lights, wreaths, and definitely a bunch of candles. I'm thinking a real rustic, homey vibe."

Meanwhile, Nora and Martinus are racing down the aisles, grabbing bold decorations—neon lights, shiny baubles, and all sorts of colorful, eye-catching pieces. Nora holds up a string of bright rainbow lights and laughs. "This is going to make our side of the house pop. We're going big!"

With our carts full of decorations, we regroup at the checkout, the energy between the two teams buzzing with excitement and playful rivalry. Marcus gives me a confident look as he pushes our cart. "You ready for this?"

I grin back. "Oh, you bet. We're going to crush this."

Back at the house, as soon as we unload the car, Nora and Martinus waste no time diving into the decorating frenzy. They're already buzzing with energy, unpacking their bold, colorful decorations with wide grins on their faces. The sounds of unwrapping tinsel, ornaments clinking together, and light strands being tested echo through the house as they get started.

Martinus starts stringing their neon lights along the banister while Nora unboxes a collection of quirky ornaments—giant candy canes, snowmen wearing sunglasses, and a vibrant array of multicolored stockings. They're clearly going for a loud, fun look, and I can hear their excited chatter from across the room.