Before The War Starts (FrUK)

Chapter thirteen

December 18, 1938
"Darling!! I got you a gift!" I heard a shout come from the bakery which caused me to peak out in a nervous way. Francis was standing in the center, carrying a Christmas tree. "What are you doing with that?" I asked shocked. "For us! Our first Christmas together, so it needs to be special. We can set it up by the shop window, and decorate the place." Francis jumped around as he showed me every inch of the Christmas tree. "Are you sure it won't get in the way? ....or.... cause a fire?" I asked a little scared.

I always heard of people burning their houses down with Christmas trees. "We are smarter than that. We will only light the tree for thirty minutes a day or an hour, I promise to be careful," he was begging me to keep the tree. "We can put the tree up and decorate it, just be careful with the lighting it up. Maybe put up a few candles?" I suggested to him. "Yes!!! Anything for you darling," he smiled with joy. "Oh calm yourself; it is not a big deal," I laughed at his behavior from behind the counter.

"I guess tomorrow I can pick up some decorations after work?" I suggested, and he smiled brightly. "That would be lovely," he placed the tree down by the window and looked at me with a smirk. "What are you doing Francis?" I asked as I saw him slowly come towards me. I backed up a little, and he came closer. "No! Leave me alone," I laughed. I turned away and ran into the room. However, Francis caught up to me and grabbed me. "No, Francis! The shop is open," I laughed. "I don't care," he continued to carry me to the bed.

I heard the bell from the door ring as I tried to get Francis off of me. The door was closed, but he had to go. "Francis, you have a customer," I laughed as he tried tickling me. "The customer can wait," he laughed. He soon started to kiss every inch of my face as if he wasn't going to stop anytime soon. "Francis," I laughed, pushing him off. "Go now!" I smiled slapping his butt. "Ohh, as you wish, master," he joked. He kissed me on the lips for a solid ten seconds before rushing out the door.

After I heard the customer leave, I finally stepped out of the room to see what Francis was up to. "What do you feel like eating tonight?" He asked. "You" was all I thought of saying. But didn't. "It is pretty cold out; how about soup? I wouldn't want you getting sick on me," I smiled at him. "Of course, my love," he smiled, messing with my hair. I looked around, and everything seemed so peaceful today. It made me happy. When my brothers called tonight, I will make sure to mention to them how we got a Christmas tree.

December 25, 1938
I feel bad that I was not able to make it to Christmas this year, but I hope my brothers understood. I looked around at the Christmas decorations as I waited for the last few customers to leave. Francis was inspired to work on Christmas since he thought he would make some money. He was right, he made a lot of money; it was like everyone from Paris came for bread. We wanted to celebrate tonight, so once he closed, in about thirty minutes, we were going to spend time together.

I walked into the kitchen to check on some of the food Francis and I were cooking together. We made a little bit since it was the two of us, but it looked like it was still enough to feed a whole family. I checked the hot chocolate that I was making and put the stove lower.  For some reason, I am enjoying myself this year. I am thankful for having Francis and everything he has done for me these past months. I walked out of the kitchen and saw Francis closing up early. "I guess you decided to finish?" I asked with a smile.

"I wanted to be with you; could you blame me? Also, because I sold out," he laughed. My eyes widened as I looked at the empty bread cases. It was amazing how many people loved his bread. "Now then, let's eat," he smiled. He grabbed my arm, pulling me into the kitchen. "You know this is the first time I am spending today with someone special like you," he smiled. "Me too, and I am loving it so far," I laughed. Francis led me to a seat and gestured for me to relax. At the same time, he served both of us food.

"I got you something that you might like," he laughed nervously. He placed the food on the table and ran to the closet to pull something out. I had a present hidden too, but I suppose I can humor him for a bit longer. I took a quick bite of my ham as he placed a gift neatly wrapped in front of me. I smiled at his excitement as he sat beside me. I unwrapped the gift slowly, smirking at him. "You are the slowest unwrapped," he laughed. I opened the gift, and my face lit up. "Oh, Francis," I smiled with joy. It was a book for sketches. I needed a new one for my job.

"I have something for you too," I laughed, running over to the cupboard. He laughed at my excitement and opened it, soon smiling brightly. "That's why your hands were dirty," he laughed. I had used pottery to make him a cup. It was lavender and probably poorly made. "I love it," he smiled. I had scribbled his name on the side, and he just looked at the glass cup with joy. "Merry Christmas," we said in unison. Soon laughing afterward. "I love you," he said, kissing my cheek. "I do, too" I kissed his cheek in return. Seeing his cheeks flush pink was perfect, just like him.

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