Jingle Bells

Rockin' around the Christmas Tree

Rockin' around the Christmas tree, have a happy holiday...

He washes up to blaring Christmas music yet again, and he groans, reaching over to Nini's side of the bed. Of course, she isn't there. He doesn't know what he was expecting.

"Nins, please turn that down!" He calls.

It's Saturday, and he refuses to have his weekend sleeping in compromised by his girlfriends Christmas spirit.

When the music continues to blast throughout the apartment, he sighs and gets up to start going into the kitchen to tell her to turn it down. But then he realizes the music is coming from her office across the hall.

He walks in and sees that the music is coming from the speaker next to her computer. She's fast asleep with her head resting in an uncomfortable-looking position on her desk while her hand sits on top of the volume button on her keyboard. It must've fallen there when she fell asleep.

He sighs and turns off the music before before shaking Nini's shoulder gently. Her eyes flutter open, and she knits her eyebrows. "What time is it?" She asks him tiredly.

"Seven in the morning. Did you even come to bed last night?"

She shakes her head. "I was getting in the Christmas mood and I got all these ideas for the party."

He sighs, smiling slightly. Then, he realizes she's wearing her reindeer onesie and there's a plate of crumbs that look suspiciously like gingerbread.

He runs a hand through his curls. "Nini, baby, you haven't left this room all week."

"That's not true. I come out for most meals and go to the bathroom. And to sleep... most of the time."

"This is getting out of hand."

"I just want it to be perfect."

"I'm sure what you have is better than what anyone else could've come up with."

"But-"

"You've still got over a week until the party, Nins. Why don't you take a break?"

"Because it's a Christmas party."

"You're letting this consume you like I knew you would-"

"No I'm not."

"Yes, you are. It's the weekend. You shouldn't even be working."

"The weekend means I have more time to work."

"The weekend means that I finally get to spend time with you after stressing all week."

She smiles. "Awe, that's sweet. But I have to get this done. Goodbye."

He exhales. "Fine. Desperate measures."

He picks her up off her chair bridal style.

"Hey- "

"You are taking a break from planning this party whether you want to or not."

"Why are you like this?" She whines.

"Because I miss you, Nins. And you're going crazy."

She pouts as he carries her to the bathroom and sets her down.

"Now you take a shower, and I'll make you breakfast that isn't gingerbread cookies. Okay?"

She sighs. "Scrambled eggs, please."

He smiles and kisses her cheek before walking out, shutting the door behind him.

He hears the shower turn on, and then smiles to himself when he hears her faint voice singing a Christmas song. Just as he finishing the eggs, she walks downstairs rubbing her eyes as she sits at the counter. He sets the plate in front of her.

"Tired?"

She nods. "I don't feel good."

"You're probably getting sick from being cooped up in that room eating nothing but gingerbread and hot chocolate for a week."

She pouts at him and he sighs, kissing her head. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Watch Christmas movies with me all day?" She asks, giving him her best puppy dog eyes.

"Only because you don't feel good." He says.

She smiles a bit and starts to eat while he goes and grabs the movies.

Suddenly, he sees her run out of the room from the corner of his eye. He knits his eyebrows and follows her, but she rushes to the bathroom and shuts the door before he can ask what's wrong. He hears her gagging, and he frowns.

"Baby, are you okay in there?" He asks gently.

"No." She manages.

"Need anything?"

"No." She chokes out again. "Please just... go away."

He presses his lips in a tight line. "Okay... I'm here if you need me."
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