Every Little Thing || Pulisic/Evans

27.

~ December 25, 2021 ~

Christian forced a smile as he looked around the room. Deedee, James, Maggie, and Timothy were all sitting around the tree along with his parents. He was the only one who didn't have a significant other with him. And he was really missing his kids. He was planning on FaceTiming them later while they opened up the gifts he had sent them.

Christian couldn't believe he had been divorced from Hallee for a whole year. It didn't feel like he hadn't been with her for a year, but at the same time, it felt like a lifetime ago. He had to think really hard back to their last true family vacation.

"I'm going to call Sabrina and Morgan," he said, standing up.

"Tell them hi!" Maggie grinned.

"Got it," he nodded.

Christian walked up to his childhood room and looked around. He hadn't been home in over a year. There were pictures of him and Hallee everywhere ranging from when they went to prom together to their wedding day. Christian picked up the one of them kissing at the alter with shaky hands.

He remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was perfect. A lot of people thought they were too young, but he figured they proved everyone wrong by starting a beautiful family.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

He sat down on his bed and rubbed his face. He pulled out his phone and pressed the button to FaceTime Hallee. It took a while before she answered. Sabrina and Morgan's faces filled the screen.

"Daddy!" Morgan waved.

"Hi daddy!" Sabrina added.

"Hi! Merry Christmas! Are you having a good morning?"

"Yes! Mommy and Chris made pancakes."

Christian's jaw twitched slightly. He hated that there was another man doing what he should. Maggie and DeeDee told Christian that Chris was just Hallee's friend. He had apparently been a good shoulder for her to lean on. She lived next door to his parents, so Sabrina and Morgan were good friends with his niece and nephews.

Hallee always said that Captain America was her favourite Avenger. He couldn't help but wonder if that played a part in why they were close.

"Do you have the presents I sent you?" He asked them.

"Yep. They're right here," Hallee's voice said as she took the phone.

"Hey. Merry Christmas," he said softly.

"Merry Christmas," she forced a smile before flipping the camera.

Christian smiled and watched as they both excitedly tore the paper off the boxes. Sabrina cheered when she saw the doll she had asked him for. Morgan got a new train set and was just as excited.

"Now what do you say?" Hallee prompted.

"Thank you!" Sabrina grinned up at the camera.

"Thank you!" Morgan smiled.

"Of course. I'm glad you like it!" Christian smiled, "what are you doing for the rest of the day?"

There was some fumbling as Hallee flipped the camera and handed her phone to Sabrina. In the process, he saw Chris leaning in the doorway with a mug. It made his jaw twitch a little. Sabrina and Morgan tried to share the screen. He smiled seeing how happy they were.

"Gonna watch some movies!" Sabrina grinned.

"That sounds so fun! Well enjoy. I will see you guys soon okay?"

"Okay!" Morgan smiled as Sabrina nodded.

"I love you both so much!"

"I love you too!" Sabrina smiled.

"Love you!" Morgan giggled.

"Bye," he waved.

They waved goodbye before he hung up the phone. He stared at the picture of him and Hallee getting married before he threw it against the wall. The glass fell down and shattered everywhere.

There was another man doing Christmas morning with his kids. There was nothing he could do about it. And there was no one to blame but himself.