"Hey guys, sorry I'm late!" You slid into the booth beside Yuffie, unwrapping your scarf from around your neck.
"You've got a little something on your face there." Yuffie said while reaching up to wipe your cheek, "painting again?"
"Yeah, got a little lost in the moment and didn't realize the time."
"What else is new?" Prompto mumbled into his cup before taking a sip. Someones foot connected with his shin and he let out a cough, which caused coffee to drip from his mouth and nose.
A slight chuckle escaped Noctis as he watched the smug look appear on your face. You hadn't bothered trying to tame your windswept hair, and your cheeks were rosy from the cold, but something about the twinkle in your eyes as you teased Prompto was what really drew in Noctis' attention to you. He always loved seeing you in your natural, happy, laidback form.
You ordered a drink and a snack and chatted with your three best friends, feeling like it had been weeks since you had seen them last. After about an hour of talking and laughing the conversation took a turn to the reason you all had planned to meet today.
"Alright, Secret Santa time!" Prompto was always excited about this tradition — because it meant he only had to think of one half-ass gift to give as opposed to three. He quickly scribbled all of your names on a napkin, ripped it into four and put them in his hat, which Yuffie snatched. "Hey!"
"[Name], wanna draw first?" She held the hat with names towards you. You reached in and pulled out a slip of paper, being careful not to let your facial expression give away too much. Noctis drew next, then Prompto, and Yuffie took the last one.
After everyone had a chance to look at the name they drew, you went to put the little piece of napkin in your pocket and glanced at your phone while doing so. You gasped a bit as you realized you needed to be at work in 15 minutes. "Shit, I've gotta go!"
"You just barely got here." Noctis said, trying to seem casual and not disappointed.
"It's like we never see you anymore." Yuffie threw in, and Prompto gave a 'yeah' in agreement.
You slid out of the booth and wrapped your scarf back around your neck, then grabbed your phone, stuffing it quickly into your coat pocket. "I know, but I'm gonna be late to work. I'd prefer not to get fired right before Christmas."
Everyone said a reluctant goodbye as you quickly made for the exit, promising you won't be late next time.
"I have no idea what to get her for Christmas." Noctis said, resting his cheek on his fist as he watched you walk away. He, of course, wanted to get you a gift but, he was almost hoping he wouldn't draw your name because he couldn't think of anything good enough for you.
"Just give her a shirt with your face on it and proclaim your love." Prompto nudged him, clearly finding himself amusing.
Noctis shot him a dirty look, "I don't love her." Both Yuffie and Prompto laughed out, knowing he was full of it.
"You know," Yuffie calmed herself, staring at Noctis grumpy expression. "Prompto may be onto something there."
The look he gave her was a mix of a scowl and confusion. "You're kidding, right?"
"I mean obviously not the stupid t-shirt but, you could definitely make her something."
Prompto crossed his arms and leaned back in a mock sulking manner. "I thought it was clever."
They both ignored the blonde. "What the hell would I be able to make?"
"I dunno. I'm sure you can figure something out with that big ole brain of yours."
