mika

She bounced down the long hall to a song only she could hear. Things were quieting down as the semester drew to a close. The only sound came from the jingling of small silver bells in her earrings. She paused a moment, catching her reflection in the glossy frame of one of the many film posters adorning the campus. The smile on her lips curved higher as she took in her perfectly appropriate holiday appearance, even if he would think it too much. Her Santa hat perched perfectly on her head, her holiday jacket wrapped warmly around her, and the perfect gift cradled securely in her hands.

The back of her knuckles hesitated just a breath above the dark wood of his office door. She held her ear closely, listening for any signs that he was anything but alone. Hearing nothing, she slowly turned the doorknob, taking care as she inched it open to avoid the creaking floorboards. Most professors' offices were located in newer buildings, which were covered in identically patterned carpeting. But not his. Not Thomas Hunt's. Of course, his office was in the oldest building on campus, a historic landmark filled with whispers and stories of times that came before. He said that's why he loved it. The building preserved the past while keeping its soul and vision alive. He hoped to honor the legacy of the filmmakers before him. 

And there she was, wearing a bright red suit representing the hope of children everywhere, a stark contrast to the weight of the dark office before her. The thought almost made her giggle, ruining her surprise entrance. 

She closed the door behind her, letting the moment linger. She loved him like this, focused, enraptured by the project before him, like the world could fade away into the one he was reading, seeing every detail before it was even brought to life. This was clearly not a student's work; there would be far more sighing under his breath and eye rolling if it had been. She would have let the moment rest a bit longer if the jingling of her bells hadn't given her away. 

"To what do I owe such a festive display of holiday cheer?" he questioned, his gaze drifting over her from head to toe, before returning to the manuscript on his desk. But not before he could hide the smile that grew on his face at the sight of her. 

"You know you love it, Professor Scrooge." She pranced over, hopping up on his desk beside him. "Aren't you even a little interested in what this could be?" She carefully shook the box, holding it to her ear; her eyes sparkled with curiosity and wonder before placing it on his desk in front of him.

"You are aware this is highly irregular. Christmas is still two weeks away?" He turned toward her, admiring the joy and cheer she brought with her, not just at the holidays, but every day. He couldn't help but smile in return.

"You say that as if Christmas can only be celebrated on a singular day?" Before he could protest, she continued. "Christmas is all around us all the time. It's hope and wonder, kindness and goodwill. It's what every day should be." 

"I beg you not to wish that upon us!" He replied with a chuckle, his brow arching at her enthusiasm. 

"But what if that were my Christmas wish?" She batted her eyes at him. 

"To have Christmas every day?" 

She let the question hang in the air, pondering it before replying. "Don't be absurd, if we had Christmas every day, it wouldn't be special anymore. Christmas once is just right, but with little sprinkles of magic and presents before." She inched the gift closer. 

He exhaled a sigh through his nose, his head shaking lightly to the sides. "You're impossible, you know that, right?" He paid little attention to the wrapped present on his desk, his focus entirely on her. 

"Am I?" she feigned surprise. "Good thing you love me for it."

He reached up, his hand cradling her face. "That I do." 

The pair drifted closer, their words fading away. A quiet stillness fell around them. The worn walls of the office welcomed a new story that had been growing over the past year. His thumb brushed gingerly over her cheek as he guided her lips to his. It didn't matter how many times their lips met before or how many times they would again; it would always feel like a whispered welcome home, back together, where the world was still and waited on them in reverence. 

The kiss was soft, and the warmth of their breath tangled together. It could have been a second or an hour. It didn't matter. Time was relative, and it would never be enough. They had overcome so much to get to this moment, but their journey was still beginning. They had a lifetime before them, a world of possibilities waiting to be unwrapped. 

I haven't written Thomas and Alex and what feels like forever. I had originally planned a RCD fic for this art, but had this idea tonight, so I went with it. I hope you enjoy it. The last line is my favorite, I don't even know if it's good or too much but I felt very clever writing it since the true gift wasn't what's in the box but them 🥺🥰❤️.

"Next," the barista gestured toward Olivia. "Good morning! What can I get you today?"

"I would love one of your decadent hot chocolates!" She began, her eyes brightening with the possibilities.

"Of course. To start, do you want milk or dark chocolate?"

Olivia hummed in thought. She had considered the toppings but not the base. "I'll take dark chocolate."

"Cinnamon or nutmeg?"

"Cinnamon and nutmeg, please."

"Sure thing. Okay, next, whipped cream or marshmallows?"

Olivia's nose scrunched as she bit her lower lip, "and... please."

The barista let out a soft chuckle. "Not a problem. Lastly, and I feel like I know the answer already, a peppermint stick AND chocolate curls?"

"If that's not too much of a problem," Olivia offered warmly, knowing the "or" was there for a reason.

"Not at all. We typically charge extra for more toppings, but I got you today," the barista responded.  

"Thanks. It's just my first hot cocoa of the season and it has to be the ultimate! I want my little one to enjoy the full wonders of the season." Olivia swiped her card at the register.

The barista moved with delicate speed, making sure everything was just right. As she returned to the counter, she halted a second, turning back for one last thing. She placed the large mug filled with gourmet cocoa on the counter. "I may have added a few sprinkles, too. Just for fun. I didn't think you'd mind."

Olivia beamed, "I very much do not mind. Sprinkles are my favorite! Thank you, this is perfect! Happy holidays!"

"To you as well."

Olivia settled in at a quiet table near the window, cradling the large mug between her hands, letting its heat seep into her fingers. It was a little cool from the draft of the door opening and closing, but the warmth of the cocoa sheltered her. She smiled contentedly as she watched the busy people of Boston go about their day. She would be joining them soon, but for a few moments, she would pause, letting the world go around her as she savored her sweet treat.