Gamble Everything For Love

“Okay, who spiked the eggnog?!”

“I think the better question is, who didn’t. Seriously, have you had a sip? It’s like 80% alcohol at this point.”

“Who knew something as enjoyable as Christmas music could be so… exhausting?”

“So besides all our Christmas drama, how’ve you been Mac?”

“Can I just say, I love you for asking? I feel like I’ve been surrounded by the idiots too long and I honestly can’t remember the last time someone asked me how I’ve been.”

Hunter gave her a look, “Shame on you for assuming that my brother doesn’t tell me everything. I know about the knew one and honestly I think a puppy will smooth that over too. Everyone likes puppies.”

“Hey, I don’t know what he does and doesn’t tell you! If I suddenly found out I had a secret kid you would not be the first person I’d be telling, no offense,” Mac laughed for a moment. “Ok, I realise that’s physically impossible, shut up. But you really think a puppy would help? The kid, well, he isn’t a kid anymore. It’s not like he’s going to scream ‘PUPPY!’ and suddenly be cool with everything.”

“Honestly? Same here. Don’t we have some wizards or witches who’ve written more iconic Christmas songs than hers? Because as much as I appreciate muggle music, I just really can’t hear Mariah’s songs anymore.”

“Welcome to the magical word,” Mac laughed. “Merlin forbid we integrate properly.”

“Oh, you suck.” Hunter laughed. “Nevermind. I originally wanted to just wrap Juliette in a bow, but people have said that’s bad. I think I may get her a puppy just to piss Gray off though.” He laughed, “Can you imagine him a puppy?”

“Says the guy who’s also going for a joke present,” Mac laughed in return. “A puppy? You don’t think he has enough to, uh, deal with?”

“I may just see that happens. I’m sure between the three of us we can grab some feminine attention.” 

“I’m not sure you’re going to get the type of attention you’re after, but you’ll definitely get some attention.”

“Exactly! I mean there’s so many times one can listen to ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ before wanting to cave their head in.”

“It’s like the whole Magic world has finally started listening to muggle music, and all they can do is listen to her. If I get one more request for that song on the radio I’m going to start throwing hexes.”

“While her Christmas album is truly marvellous, I couldn’t agree more. Besides, I’m more of a Wham or Elvis Presley girl myself.”

“Thank you! Give me some ‘Last Christmas’ any day!”

Hunter snorted and tossed an arm over his sisters shoulder. “No. I make the rules. You know that.”

“Oh hey, i’ve been meaning to ask you, what are you getting Gray for Christmas? Can I climb onto that gift? I don’t really feel like shopping this year.”

“And then I break them,” Mac replied in a faux rebellious tone.

“Well, love, my actual name may be a good start.”

“Right, yeah, of course, uh, Emmalyn Westenberg? Ms Emmalyn Westenberg? You’re going to have to give me more to go on here.”

“I thought you knew what I meant!” He cried, unable to help but laugh. He flinched as she hit him, only making him laugh harder. Trying to get a grip on himself, he shook his head as he made a grab for the tree. “Of course I’m keeping it, Mac. But I think we might need a second if Juliette’s going to be satisfied.”

“I- eurgh! I went to a garden shop for this, a garden shop. You know what, maybe Juliette will like this, think of it like a project or something, she can look after it and water it and... I’m not going to get out of getting an actual Christmas tree, am I?”

Grayson couldn’t help but laugh as she held up the small pot. “Thats….a tree.” He agreed, shaking his head. “But I….sort of meant I needed a Christmas tree, Mac. Not a tree for Christmas.”

“What the fuck, G!” Mac exclaimed before quickly covering her mouth as she looked around to make sure Juliette wasn’t around. Only when she was satisfied they were alone did she slap his torso with the back of her hand. “Why would you say you wanted a tree for Christmas, who the hell even says that! You know what, no. I’m not taking this tree back, and neither are you. You’re keeping the tree, Grayson.”

“You know, darling, if you’d been quiet and hadn’t been oh-so-loudly mumbling to yourself, your hasty exit would have been a lot more successful.”

“Wha-, a hey Prof-Ms- Yeah, I don’t know what I’m meant to call you.”

“Are you going to drink that? No, okay.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t do- Please tell me you’re over 17,” Mac cringed, looking from the heavily spiked eggnog to the girl who was now drinking it.

“Which one? Cause Hunter could teach me a thing or two.” 

“You may have a point there,” Mac laughed. “I was talking about the dorky dad, but maybe the three of you should get together, make a dorky dance trio.”