Sleighed ✔

Oh, how the bells all seem to say throw cares away...
I wish I could. Ever since my mother died, I've found little joy in this holiday season. Sure, the lights are pretty. Yes, my little hometown of Antioch comes alive with the festivities. Tinsel and mistletoe, snow and moonlight, cocoa and carols.
The wonder is everywhere, heralding in a new year. It's a time for celebration, for family, and figgy pudding. Not a time to mope. Certainly not a time to fantasize about tall, dark strangers...right?
Forest Kirschner, the town Grinch. Brooding and handsome, all straight lines and rugged shadows. The perfect subject for charcoal and canvas.
He lets me sketch him, permits me close. Soon I start to see the broken man under the grim guise. And, oh, how I want to fix him.
Christmas miracle indeed...
**
Joy without end, their joyful tone to every home...
There's nothing joyful about this holiday. It's a capitalist marketing scheme aimed at people who can't possibly understand what heartbreak is. Full of people tripping over themselves and casting all sense and reason to the wind.
Left at the altar on Christmas Eve. Pardon me for my scrooginess. Bah humbug and all that.
I've locked my heart down and thrown away the key. I just wish someone told Nicasia Crest that.
This girl who trails me, draws me, sees me. It doesn't matter how much I try and hide behind my bitterness, she sees right past it. She mends my broken heart, helps me see the joy I was so ready to forget. She brings the world to life, sends color swirling around me like a whirlwind.
Too bad love can't conquer all...or can it?

Co-written with WriterNat_A.

Warning: Mature content.
Word count: 24,966