Alice Hobson

She calls into the night. The rain is hitting the window hard and the thunder woke her up. He’s not in the bed.

Alice gets up and wraps a nightgown around herself and she walks through the house to try and find her husband.

She won’t let the storm hurt him.

( @heyitsalicehobson )

John sits in the corner of their walk-in closet (a major upgrade from their closet in New York) It was silly, he knew the storm couldn't hurt him, and the likelihood of it actually doing anything was slim to none, but he couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut tight, covering his ears and rocking a bit.

"Fuhdge, that's loud."

“Damn.”

She says under her breath as she looks for John. He glances out of the window, it doesn’t look like the storm is going to let up any time soon. She about to head of of their room when she ears a noise come from their walk-in closet.

She makes little heartbroken sound as she slowly opens the door and peers inside.

She spots him, huddled in the corner all arms and legs and yet somehow quite small.

She closes the dome behind them and kneels beside her husband.

“Room for two?”

“I can’t say for sure.”

She pulls him closer and allows him to rest his head on her chest.

“I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

Alice kisses the crown of his head and continues to hold him closer. She idly plays with his hair to help soothe him, and rubs his arm with her other hand.

She tightens her grip as another thunderclap causes him to flinch.

"I... know. It just... sometimes I feel like you're taking care of me, and I'm... I'm not doing enough."

Thunder claps again, and he buries his face again.

She kisses his cheek softly.

“I like being able to help you. I like that you trust me enough to take care of you when you need me.”

Alice lets him get as close as he needs to. She continues to run her hand through his hair.

"FUH-"

He stops himself from cursing but holds her closer, and he whimpers just a little in panic.

“You can swear, John. You can curse and let it all out. All the pain, all the fear. I won’t mind.”

She counties to hold him. Not once does she laugh. She just holds his trembling body. Alice shifts her position a little so he can get closer still.

She calls into the night. The rain is hitting the window hard and the thunder woke her up. He’s not in the bed.

Alice gets up and wraps a nightgown around herself and she walks through the house to try and find her husband.

She won’t let the storm hurt him.

( @heyitsalicehobson )

John sits in the corner of their walk-in closet (a major upgrade from their closet in New York) It was silly, he knew the storm couldn't hurt him, and the likelihood of it actually doing anything was slim to none, but he couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut tight, covering his ears and rocking a bit.

"Fuhdge, that's loud."

“Damn.”

She says under her breath as she looks for John. He glances out of the window, it doesn’t look like the storm is going to let up any time soon. She about to head of of their room when she ears a noise come from their walk-in closet.

She makes little heartbroken sound as she slowly opens the door and peers inside.

She spots him, huddled in the corner all arms and legs and yet somehow quite small.

She closes the dome behind them and kneels beside her husband.

“Room for two?”

“I can’t say for sure.”

She pulls him closer and allows him to rest his head on her chest.

“I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

Alice kisses the crown of his head and continues to hold him closer. She idly plays with his hair to help soothe him, and rubs his arm with her other hand.

She tightens her grip as another thunderclap causes him to flinch.

"I... know. It just... sometimes I feel like you're taking care of me, and I'm... I'm not doing enough."

Thunder claps again, and he buries his face again.

She kisses his cheek softly.

“I like being able to help you. I like that you trust me enough to take care of you when you need me.”

Alice lets him get as close as he needs to. She continues to run her hand through his hair.

She calls into the night. The rain is hitting the window hard and the thunder woke her up. He’s not in the bed.

Alice gets up and wraps a nightgown around herself and she walks through the house to try and find her husband.

She won’t let the storm hurt him.

( @heyitsalicehobson )

John sits in the corner of their walk-in closet (a major upgrade from their closet in New York) It was silly, he knew the storm couldn't hurt him, and the likelihood of it actually doing anything was slim to none, but he couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut tight, covering his ears and rocking a bit.

"Fuhdge, that's loud."

“Damn.”

She says under her breath as she looks for John. He glances out of the window, it doesn’t look like the storm is going to let up any time soon. She about to head of of their room when she ears a noise come from their walk-in closet.

She makes little heartbroken sound as she slowly opens the door and peers inside.

She spots him, huddled in the corner all arms and legs and yet somehow quite small.

She closes the dome behind them and kneels beside her husband.

“Room for two?”

“I can’t say for sure.”

She pulls him closer and allows him to rest his head on her chest.

“I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

Alice kisses the crown of his head and continues to hold him closer. She idly plays with his hair to help soothe him, and rubs his arm with her other hand.

She tightens her grip as another thunderclap causes him to flinch.

She calls into the night. The rain is hitting the window hard and the thunder woke her up. He’s not in the bed.

Alice gets up and wraps a nightgown around herself and she walks through the house to try and find her husband.

She won’t let the storm hurt him.

( @heyitsalicehobson )

John sits in the corner of their walk-in closet (a major upgrade from their closet in New York) It was silly, he knew the storm couldn't hurt him, and the likelihood of it actually doing anything was slim to none, but he couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut tight, covering his ears and rocking a bit.

"Fuhdge, that's loud."

“Damn.”

She says under her breath as she looks for John. He glances out of the window, it doesn’t look like the storm is going to let up any time soon. She about to head of of their room when she ears a noise come from their walk-in closet.

She makes little heartbroken sound as she slowly opens the door and peers inside.

She spots him, huddled in the corner all arms and legs and yet somehow quite small.

She closes the dome behind them and kneels beside her husband.

“Room for two?”

“I can’t say for sure.”

She pulls him closer and allows him to rest his head on her chest.

“I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

She calls into the night. The rain is hitting the window hard and the thunder woke her up. He’s not in the bed.

Alice gets up and wraps a nightgown around herself and she walks through the house to try and find her husband.

She won’t let the storm hurt him.

( @heyitsalicehobson )

John sits in the corner of their walk-in closet (a major upgrade from their closet in New York) It was silly, he knew the storm couldn't hurt him, and the likelihood of it actually doing anything was slim to none, but he couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut tight, covering his ears and rocking a bit.

"Fuhdge, that's loud."

“Damn.”

She says under her breath as she looks for John. He glances out of the window, it doesn’t look like the storm is going to let up any time soon. She about to head of of their room when she ears a noise come from their walk-in closet.

She makes little heartbroken sound as she slowly opens the door and peers inside.

She spots him, huddled in the corner all arms and legs and yet somehow quite small.

She closes the dome behind them and kneels beside her husband.

“Room for two?”

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

“Red really does suit you.” She said as she looked between his scarf and his now flushed cheeks. She set the empty cup down and linked her arm in John’s elbow and rested her hair upon his shoulder for the duration of the ride.

When the driver stopped back in the park he helped them both down and smiled widely at them both.

“Now you two have a great time ya hear? It was a pleasure having you on my tour.” He nodded at them as they walked off.

Alice looked up at a John as they ambled through the park, the snow gently fell onto his dark hair.

It was beautiful, truly beautiful to be walking around Central Park with the man she loved at this time of year, even though it was busy the Christmas magic was still there. They walked by the lake as the lights slowly shone brighter as it got darker, illuminating it and everything around it.

“What are you…?”

Before she could finish the sentence the snowball hit her and she burst out into laughter.

“You know, I think that’s a great idea.” She grabbed his hand and held it tightly as they walked along to try and find the coffee shop.

“I know it’s around here somewhere.” She said as they walked along.

They eventually found it, Alice got into a little booth and pulled John next to her as they could warm up a little.

“Oh Darling I didn’t realise how cold you’d gotten!” She moved closer as he wrapped his arm around her and wrapped hers around his middle.

“I’m glad we did this too, it’s been so much fun, if you’re too cold though we can call it a night. I really don’t mind.”

She held his free hand in hers and rubbed her thumb over the back of it. Good luck superstitions be damned, her husband came first.

“Take as long as you need, we have all night.” She smiled gently and took a cookie, daintily biting into it as she looked at him through her lashes. There were enough cookies for both of them to have two each, but she was feeling mischievous and something about this magical night spurred her on.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

“Red really does suit you.” She said as she looked between his scarf and his now flushed cheeks. She set the empty cup down and linked her arm in John’s elbow and rested her hair upon his shoulder for the duration of the ride.

When the driver stopped back in the park he helped them both down and smiled widely at them both.

“Now you two have a great time ya hear? It was a pleasure having you on my tour.” He nodded at them as they walked off.

Alice looked up at a John as they ambled through the park, the snow gently fell onto his dark hair.

It was beautiful, truly beautiful to be walking around Central Park with the man she loved at this time of year, even though it was busy the Christmas magic was still there. They walked by the lake as the lights slowly shone brighter as it got darker, illuminating it and everything around it.

“What are you…?”

Before she could finish the sentence the snowball hit her and she burst out into laughter.

“You know, I think that’s a great idea.” She grabbed his hand and held it tightly as they walked along to try and find the coffee shop.

“I know it’s around here somewhere.” She said as they walked along.

They eventually found it, Alice got into a little booth and pulled John next to her as they could warm up a little.

“Oh Darling I didn’t realise how cold you’d gotten!” She moved closer as he wrapped his arm around her and wrapped hers around his middle.

“I’m glad we did this too, it’s been so much fun, if you’re too cold though we can call it a night. I really don’t mind.”

She held his free hand in hers and rubbed her thumb over the back of it. Good luck superstitions be damned, her husband came first.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

“Red really does suit you.” She said as she looked between his scarf and his now flushed cheeks. She set the empty cup down and linked her arm in John’s elbow and rested her hair upon his shoulder for the duration of the ride.

When the driver stopped back in the park he helped them both down and smiled widely at them both.

“Now you two have a great time ya hear? It was a pleasure having you on my tour.” He nodded at them as they walked off.

Alice looked up at a John as they ambled through the park, the snow gently fell onto his dark hair.

It was beautiful, truly beautiful to be walking around Central Park with the man she loved at this time of year, even though it was busy the Christmas magic was still there. They walked by the lake as the lights slowly shone brighter as it got darker, illuminating it and everything around it.

“What are you…?”

Before she could finish the sentence the snowball hit her and she burst out into laughter.

“You know, I think that’s a great idea.” She grabbed his hand and held it tightly as they walked along to try and find the coffee shop.

“I know it’s around here somewhere.” She said as they walked along.

They eventually found it, Alice got into a little booth and pulled John next to her as they could warm up a little.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

“Red really does suit you.” She said as she looked between his scarf and his now flushed cheeks. She set the empty cup down and linked her arm in John’s elbow and rested her hair upon his shoulder for the duration of the ride.

When the driver stopped back in the park he helped them both down and smiled widely at them both.

“Now you two have a great time ya hear? It was a pleasure having you on my tour.” He nodded at them as they walked off.

Alice looked up at a John as they ambled through the park, the snow gently fell onto his dark hair.

It was beautiful, truly beautiful to be walking around Central Park with the man she loved at this time of year, even though it was busy the Christmas magic was still there. They walked by the lake as the lights slowly shone brighter as it got darker, illuminating it and everything around it.

“What are you…?”

Before she could finish the sentence the snowball hit her and she burst out into laughter.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

“Red really does suit you.” She said as she looked between his scarf and his now flushed cheeks. She set the empty cup down and linked her arm in John’s elbow and rested her hair upon his shoulder for the duration of the ride.

When the driver stopped back in the park he helped them both down and smiled widely at them both.

“Now you two have a great time ya hear? It was a pleasure having you on my tour.” He nodded at them as they walked off.

Alice looked up at a John as they ambled through the park, the snow gently fell onto his dark hair.

It was beautiful, truly beautiful to be walking around Central Park with the man she loved at this time of year, even though it was busy the Christmas magic was still there. They walked by the lake as the lights slowly shone brighter as it got darker, illuminating it and everything around it.

She waits. No knowing if they’re in or if they are which one of them will even open the door.

She’s about to leave the package again but something within her is willing her to stay.

Alice waits.

Frankie looks to the door, he... he hadn't been expecting anyone. Donnie looked up from his homework from his tutor then looked over to Frankie.

"Were you expectin' someone?"

Frankie shook his head, "No? Were you?"

Donnie shook his head, Frankie got up and cracked open the door. His tense shoulders dropped as he opened the door fully to reveal Alice. Frankie immediately gave her a hug.

"I don't remember if we thanked you last time..."

"Oh, Hi!" Donnie waved from his bed, sitting up.

"How are you?"

“Hey, kiddo…” She said out of habit as he hugged her. “I didn’t hang around.” She admitted and pulled back a little, still offering that comforting smile. “Hey Donnie!” She looked around Frankie and waved at the younger brother.

"We've just been celebrating the holidays, I was actually hoping you'd make an appearance."

Frankie goes into the kitchen part of their cramped little room, gesturing for her to come on in. The room was definitely less dirty than it usually was for them, and 8 candles were propped up in the window sill as a place of honor.

Donnie got up and held out a hand for Alice to shake, "I'm Donnie. Frankie told me that you two talked. I mean, obviously, I was there." Donnie laughs a little.

"Thank you for the Pie during Thanksgiving. It was really delicious."

Frankie returns with a small wrapped gift. The wrapping paper is just an old newspaper, but there were clearly efforts to make it prettier with that bow put on it.

“Hey Donnie, Alice.” She says and goes over to shake his hand as a proper greeting. “You were pretty busy last time, so don’t worry. I hope it’s all going well though?”

She chuckles a little, still grinning. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

She places her package on the table and her eyes widen as Frankie hands her the gift. “Oh, this is so kind, thank you so much.” She unwraps i carefully to reveal a handmade deep blue knitted scarf. “This is beautiful. Thank you.” She hugs Frankie and turns to hug Donnie too.

Frankie smiles, tearing up a little as Alice loves her scarf, he had learned how to hand knit just for her. "You're welcome." as Alice hands over the package and Donnie and Frankie witness all of the things inside of the package. "aw shucks...You... You didn'... You didn' have ta." Donnie's eyes lit up, immediately pulling out the foods, "WOAH FRANKIE, THIS COULD LAST FOREVER!"

"Not with your hungry ass."

Frankie teased before sitting down and held out the carefully wrapped package for Donnie. Donnie grabbed it, and the two of them both looked at it for a moment, not knowing what exactly to do before they carefully opened the packages, Donnie placing his ribbon on his own head. In Frankie's package, a film Camera, to take pictures of their most cherished memories, and in Donnie's package, a radio to listen to music or shows. Donnie absolutely lit up, immediately, and excitedly turning on the radio and classical music started playing in the small room.

Frankie was a lot quieter in his appreciation, but he certainly appreciated it nonetheless, smiling happily towards Alice.

She chucked at their banter and sits at the kitchen table to watch them open the gifts like a proud parent. She squeezed Frankie reassuringly on the arm, she knows she didn’t have to get them anything but she wanted to. And she knew it wouldn’t go to waste and would be appreciated. She wasn’t doing this for some high moral ground. She found she really did care for these young men. Like a magnet pulling her towards them without ever really knowing why.

She smiled brightly as Donnie opened his present at almost lightening speed. The radio started to play and she couldn’t help but grin at the younger brothers wonderment.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

Especially when the snow started to gently fall and dot her brown hair. He loved how beautiful she looked, and with the snow falling so perfectly, she looked like a queen.

The city was a sight to see in all kinds of weather, but something about the snow, made everything so much brighter, bigger and beautiful. The lights glowed evanescently and the dusting of snow looked like powdered sugar. She fully relaxed as John idly played with her silky dark hair, she could sense how content he was; and then she heard him say those three little words.

She turned to see John was already looking at her. Her smile broadened as she looked at him, his eyes twinkled as the lights reflected in them. His handsome features seemed more definedand the tiny smile lines that made him look oh so distinguished. “I love you too.” She said softly and leaned over to peck him on the cheek.

The tour lasted a little while longer, the driver expertly telling them information without ruining any moments they were having. Everything seemed to slot into place. “They say that if you kiss at midnight in Times Square you’ll have good luck!” He said as the carriage passed by it.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

Her smile broadened as he lit up and she all but dragged him over to the carriage. She paid the fee and the driver helped them both on board.

“A romantic getaway, huh? I’m gonna make this real special for ya.” He said as he handed John a blanket.

“This is a relaxing short ride in Central Park, then we ride to the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, passing by Tiffany, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and finally Times Square. Sit back and relax I’ll take care of you.”

The driver smiled and played gentle instrumental Christmas music before handing them each a freshly made hot coco.

This was lovely. The hustle and bustle, the shouting from street corner merchants, the smell from food vendors. It was enough of an experiment as it was, but even better considering she was spending it with her husband. To her, this was all she needed for the holidays. They’d agreed that they weren’t doing gifts this year, that the trip alone would be enough, but she knows what he’s like and he knows her inside out. She smiles to herself as she walks down the street, she can’t wait to see the look on John’s face in the morning when she sneaks the gift under the small tree in their hotel suite.

As they walk Alice looks up at her husband and straightens his scarf. “You do look so handsome in red.” She smiles playfully and links back onto his arm.

The ride, not so much, he was terrified the whole ride to New York, but with Alice, he managed to get through it. And he absolutely adored Alice to let this opportunity go to waste.

When they settled in, he hid away his gifts to Alice, He knew that they said no presents, but he couldn't help himself. Soon, they made their way to the streets, and he made sure the two of them were bundled. The Christmas smells were wafting in the air, the noises all around, but he couldn't help but admire the most beautiful sight, his Wife.

When Alice adjusted his Scarf, he could feel himself blush a bit. "You always look amazing." He barely gets out, too stunned by her beauty, even after all these years. "Where to first?"

“Thank you, Darling.” She said and pulled the blue scarf around her. She loved the cold air of the city. It could be that it was because it was blowing off of the Atlantic, or just because it was deep winter, though she swears it has a climate of its own. A little bit of its own unique New York magic.

The trees may have been bare, but the park wasn’t. he ambled along, taking in the sites, the lights and decorations in certain places.

She waits. No knowing if they’re in or if they are which one of them will even open the door.

She’s about to leave the package again but something within her is willing her to stay.

Alice waits.

Frankie looks to the door, he... he hadn't been expecting anyone. Donnie looked up from his homework from his tutor then looked over to Frankie.

"Were you expectin' someone?"

Frankie shook his head, "No? Were you?"

Donnie shook his head, Frankie got up and cracked open the door. His tense shoulders dropped as he opened the door fully to reveal Alice. Frankie immediately gave her a hug.

"I don't remember if we thanked you last time..."

"Oh, Hi!" Donnie waved from his bed, sitting up.

"How are you?"

“Hey, kiddo…” She said out of habit as he hugged her. “I didn’t hang around.” She admitted and pulled back a little, still offering that comforting smile. “Hey Donnie!” She looked around Frankie and waved at the younger brother.

"We've just been celebrating the holidays, I was actually hoping you'd make an appearance."

Frankie goes into the kitchen part of their cramped little room, gesturing for her to come on in. The room was definitely less dirty than it usually was for them, and 8 candles were propped up in the window sill as a place of honor.

Donnie got up and held out a hand for Alice to shake, "I'm Donnie. Frankie told me that you two talked. I mean, obviously, I was there." Donnie laughs a little.

"Thank you for the Pie during Thanksgiving. It was really delicious."

Frankie returns with a small wrapped gift. The wrapping paper is just an old newspaper, but there were clearly efforts to make it prettier with that bow put on it.

“Hey Donnie, Alice.” She says and goes over to shake his hand as a proper greeting. “You were pretty busy last time, so don’t worry. I hope it’s all going well though?”

She chuckles a little, still grinning. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

She places her package on the table and her eyes widen as Frankie hands her the gift. “Oh, this is so kind, thank you so much.” She unwraps i carefully to reveal a handmade deep blue knitted scarf. “This is beautiful. Thank you.” She hugs Frankie and turns to hug Donnie too.