[KH/FF] Secret Santa 2017

An Unexpected Talent By Aliinicole

To: YellowBlackBumbleBea

From: Aliinicole 

∞

"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."

Noctis scoffed and leaned back, having no faith in himself whatsoever. Before long everyone had finished up their drinks/snacks and exited the little café, all headed their separate ways.

The cool night air nipped at the exposed skin on Noctis' face as he walked down the snowy sidewalk. He reached up and pulled the collar of his coat up higher on his neck, trying to block out as much cold as possible, before sticking his chilled hands into his pockets. As he walked along he wracked his brain for ideas on what he could do for your Christmas gift. He knew Yuffie was right in the fact that you would love something homemade, but he also knew he was not very creative. A sigh escaped his lips as he realized how difficult this was going to be.

Once back in his warm apartment, Noctis pulled out his laptop and got comfy on his bed, determined to figure this out. He spent the next few hours on the internet looking at your social media for some inspiration. He had a few ideas, but nothing solid had come from it yet. Finally, after scrolling back through your instagram, he stopped on a picture and he knew it was exactly what he had been looking for. With that, he closed his computer and settled into bed, content with, yet worried about his master plan.

❆ ❆ ❆

For the next couple of weeks Noctis spent his time working around your schedule so he could take a few classes at the town's art studio. It wasn't always easy, but he was impressed with the results he was getting so far, though still nervous for your reaction.

Finally the day had come — Christmas Eve. Noctis was finishing up getting ready to head over to your place, where the get-together was being held this year. Once he was all ready —and he had inspect the wrapping job on last time to insure it was perfect — he picked up the gift and headed out the door.

Noctis feet hit the pave, the door slammed shut behind him, and all sense of warmth he had left his body. It was times like this that he was thankful that you lived less than five minutes away, as he surely looked strange speed walking in the freezing cold with an awkward to carry present in his arms.

A few minutes later Noctis found himself staring at your beautifully decorated door. He drew in a deep breath as he knocked, feeling nervous about his gift again. You opened the door and greeted him with a smile, moving to the side to let him in. Once inside Noctis set his gift down with the others by the tree and plopped himself on the couch, crushing the legs of Prompto who was sprawled out across it.

The four of you spent the next few hours chatting, eating, playing games, and watching movies. It was a simple tradition, but you all loved spending the holiday time together. Once it hit about midnight you all decided you should open your gifts and head home to sleep before your family dinners later that day.

Yuffie went first, opening her gift which turned out to be from Prompto. As always he brought the most random crap. "Really, Prompto? A potato clock? The hell am I going to do with this."

He shrugged and grinned, "I just thought it looked cool."

Next went Prompto, whose gift was from you. You got him an Instax camera, some refills for it, and a scrapbook, knowing he would enjoy the old school style of capturing memories.

It was now your turn to open your present and Noctis was trying to keep his nonchalant expression, though on the inside he was nervous. He watched as you carefully tore open the edge of the wrapping paper before yanking it all off in one swift movement.

"Noct, where did you get this?" You gaped at the painting in front of you. "It's beautiful! It's just like my picture from our trip to Altissia."

"Lemme see!" You turned it so Yuffie and Prompto could both see it. "Oh wow."

"It is your picture. I uh, I made it." Noctis said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck. You could see a faint pink tint spread across his cheeks.

You were about to reply when Prompto beat you to it, "Fuck off." Yuffie smacked him, even though she was having a hard time believing it too.

"What do you mean you made it?" You couldn't believe it. Your fingers lightly traced over one the boats as you admired the painting. You were completely in love with it. The memory was fresh in your mind, almost like it was yesterday that you were on your school trip in Altissia, sitting in that boat, snapping a million pictures. This was definitely one of your favourite pictures from one of your favourite memories.

"I uh, took a few classes, and learned some basics." He shrugged, trying to play it cool.

You leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I love it!"

"It was no trouble." Noctis cheeks flushed a bit, but he tried to quickly hide it by starting to unwrap his gift.

"And you guys thought my shirt idea was too much." Prompto mumbled to Yuffie, thinking how this was an obviously huge display of affection.

He pulled out a beanie, and a matching hat and scarf. "You're always walking around looking like you're freezing and you're too dumb to just go buy some for yourself."

"Thank you." He smiled at her, happy with his, for once, practical gift.

"Alright, well it's late. I should get going." Yuffie stood up her spot and picked up the wrapping paper from her gift.

"Yeah, me too." Noctis followed her lead. "I need all the energy possible to deal with family dinner."

Everyone helped clean up some of the mess before grabbing their coats and readying to leave. You gave hugs to Yuffie and Prompto, who were rushing out to catch a cab — and to give the two of you alone time — and wished them a Merry Christmas.

After a few more minutes Noctis had gotten his stuff together and was ready to leave too. You walked him to the door to say goodbye, the same as you had the other two.

"Hey Noct," you leaned into the door as he stopped and turned to face you. "Thank you again for the painting, it really is the best present I've ever gotten."

"I'm glad you like it. I wanted to get you something unique." He leaned on the door frame, closing the distance between you a bit.

"Well you definitely did that." You gave him a sincere smile and your eyes locked onto his.

You held each others gaze for a moment, but neither of you spoke or moved. Feeling in the moment you leaned in slowly, Noctis quickly following your lead, until your lips met. His lips felt warm, and surprisingly soft, as they moved against yours. Noctis lifted his left hand and rested it on your cheek as he momentarily deepened the kiss. It only lasted a minute before you both pulled away, smiles on both of your faces. A slight minty taste lingered on your lips from the candy cane Noctis had been sucking on moments prior, making the moment feel all the more Christmasy.

"Merry Christmas, Noct."

He grinned, "Merry Christmas, [Name]."


❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆

Merry Christmas, Lily! ❄️

Sorry it's up so late, Christmas was a little more hectic than anticipated and I've been trying to nurse an awful cold lol. I hope you can find some enjoyment in this though!

Best wishes and have a Happy New Year 🎉