Play the Leader

Alone on Christmas

A/N: Merry Christmas Eve to everyone who celebrates it!

Violet stomped her boots on the landing outside of Brody and Marlon's house, trying to kick off any dirt they had accumulated on the way from her apartment to their house. It was cold outside, colder than she had realized when she had decided to walk. Brody didn't live far away though, so she didn't have to suffer in the freezing weather for long.

She knocked, hearing a, "Come on in, Vi!" through the door, she pulled out her key and let herself in. She was immediately hit with warm air.

Violet hung her jacket on the back of the door, brushing her hair out of her eyes as she did so. The intoxicating smell of fresh food hit her nose and she couldn't wait any longer as she approached the center of the home.

"Hey, Brody!" She greeted the auburned haired girl who smiled brightly back and greeted her before pulling her in for a hug.

"Merry Christmas. I got your gift." Violet holds up the modestly sized box and sets it on the end table.

"Merry Christmas," She smiled, "You didn't have to do that, but thanks. Are you hungry?"

"I didn't have breakfast,"

"Who has breakfast on Christmas? Gotta save room for the good stuff." Brody laughed with a cheerful smile, pulling a delicious looking turkey out of the oven. Violet's mouth was salivating at the look and smell of it. She wasn't used to eating this grand. Her usual dinner consisted of macaroni and cheese, something from the freezer or fast food. This was heavenly.

"Looks like you've been working hard all morning, I really appreciate you having me over." Violet leaned on the counter, watching Brody work, "Can I help with anything?"

"No, just have to let the turkey rest for a while, carve it up and it's all ready to go!" Brody grabbed Violet's hand and pulled her to the nearby sofa. Both women sitting down.

"Where's Marlon?" Violet looked around the room, finding it devoid of other humans, an extravagant tree in the corner with white lights and fancy ornaments. 

"Sleepin' still. He was up on the computer late last night. Probably playing some silly game." Brody shrugged it off but Violet could tell that she was upset.

"That's not right, it was Christmas Eve and today's Christmas, he should've spent it with you." Violet glared, angry on her friend's behalf.

"He don't mean nothin' by it." Brody assured, "He'd spend time with me if I asked him to, but I don't wanna be a bother."

"A bother! You're his wife! Being with you should never be a bother." Violet fumed.

"I just don't want to take him away from what he wants to do, be one of those naggy wives, ya know?" 

"Brody, I don't think it's naggy to want to spend time with your husband on Christmas."

"I'm sure he'll be up real soon." Brody was starting to look visibly agitated, "Let's talk about somethin' else. How are you and Minnie doing?"

Violet squirmed in her seat. She had confided in Brody many times about her and Minerva's 'relationship', leaving out some very important details, mainly the unrequited feelings part. As far as Brody was concerned they were in a very healthy mutual, albeit private, relationship.

"That's... that's over. She didn't want to be public about our relationship, she wanted to keep it between her and I. I can't live like that anymore. I need someone that's going to be there for me, someone that's not ashamed to be seen around me." Saying it out loud made it feel more final, more real.