Maliyahmoodsshi

When you're used to getting nothing, the smallest thing can feel like everything. That's how Marie felt right now, sat beside the Christmas tree next to Jordan in their female form. A pile of presents lay between them, as Jordan's parents watched from the comfort of the couch. Marie marvelled at the simple red and white box with a ribbon and her name written in cursive on top. Jordan had to point out that it was hers, Marie almost missing the swirly letters. She wasn't expecting a gift at all, just being here with Jordan and their family felt like all she could ever ask for. Yet a present lay in front of her. She didn't want to open it, fearing she'd tear the beautifully wrapped present but with a little encouragement from Jordan she began to open the gift.

Her fingers carefully unwrapped the paper, careful not to destroy the gift wrap. Inside was a velvety box which she opened. She almost gasped when she saw the pearl necklace inside, an intricate mixture of pearls and red beads. She's reminded of the jewellery she got to borrow for Brink's gala and how elegant she'd felt to getting to wear them for the night. This however was hers to keep, something she was still trying to wrap her head around.

"It's beautiful, I can't accept this." Marie pushes the box towards Jordan, who gives it right back.

"I just wanted you to have something as special as you are." They had spent a long time picking out a piece of jewellery that would compliment Marie well, settling on a balance of pearls and red gems. Subconsciously wanting her to have something that was a pairing of the two of them. No one wore the colour red as majestically as Marie and Jordan couldn't get the image of her in her red gala dress out of their head. The pearls a subtle nod to their own pearl and chain necklace that they seldom took off.

They'd debating giving it to her, wondering if it would be too much. So they turned to their friends for advice over the phone. Cate had gushed at the necklace the moment Jordan showed it to her, telling them it was perfect and that Marie would love it. Andre was just glad the Jordan was making a move, teasing them that it was about time.

"Thank you, now I feel like I should have gotten you something better." Marie glances at the poorly wrapped present under the tree. Both her and Emma had failed to get it right. It was the thought that counted right?

"You don't have to worry about that, I'm just happy you're here with me. You're kinda the whole reason I'm even getting a Christmas." Maybe Jordan's mom had been right, Marie was a good influence. She brought out the best in Jordan, allowing them to enjoy life and not always worry about deadlines and rankings. That's why it was so important they'd get her the perfect gift, even if they just been friends before. Now the present seemed fitting for a girlfriend.

"Okay well, don't laugh. Emma had helped me wrap it." Marie places the gift in front of Jordan. They pull apart the wrapping paper to find a satin bonnet underneath. Jordan smiles at the gift. "You always spend so much time on your hair in the mornings so I just thought this would be the right gift for you. Plus, as cute as your bed head is, this will help protect your hair. It was almost impossible finding one campus but Emma helped me. I hope you like it."

"It's perfect, Marie. Me and my bead head appreciate it." Jordan can't remember the last time someone had gotten them such a thoughtful gift. Their hair definitely had a reputation of its own. They were gald to have gotten something other than cologne sets and watches, the standard gift for a "guy" that most people stuck to if they didn't know Jordan well. They'd gotten plenty of games for their play station over the years too.

From the couch, Kayla directs Marie to the next present with her name on it, watching eagerly as Marie finds the bag sat under the tree. The red and white candy canes were a cute touch to the gift bag, adding to the festive spirit. "Open that one, dear."

She does as instructed and her hand brushes against something soft inside the bag. Marie doesn't waste time taking it out, finding a knitted hat. On further inspection she recognises the ears of her favourite character, a certain elf. How had Kayla even known about that?

The book series Marie grew up reading with her family and then at the orphanage. It had been the only familiarity she had, a set of books she was able to bring with her from home. She had often related to the main character, an orphan like her. Dreaming of the day she'd get into Godolkin University, where her own magical adventures would begin.

Except, the Compound V flowing through her was less than magical and more of a science experiment. She'd learnt that the hard way. She'd also learnt that sometimes reality wasn't like what you read in books. Marie had been the last one to know of the authors views, having limited Internet access through her teenage years. It was a punch to the gut. Nonetheless, the hat in front of her brought her a wave of nostalgia. She quickly puts it on smiling around the room at her new accessory.

Marie turns to Kayla, a question popping into her mind. "How did you know?" She was begining to suspect Kayla had her own magical powers.

The older woman gives Jordan a knowing look. Paul laughing quietly beside her already aware of what was to come next from his wife. "Oh Jordan talks about you all the time, Marie. I can't get one phone call without your name popping up. Marie this, Marie that. It's like a broken record, but it is sweet. I don't think I've seen Jordan this happy in a while." Jordan covers their face with their hands, their hair falling in front of their face like a curtain as their mom spoke. It didn't matter now that they were dating Marie but it sure was telling of how long they'd had a crush on her, even if they themself hadn't known.

Kayla continues, a mom in her element. "So when I heard you were coming I thought why not get you something you'd like. They've told me how much you read that book series of yours. The magic one. I saw this hat and thought it'd be just the thing for this weather."

Hearing this made Marie's smile widen, pearly whites on show. The fact that Jordan had long been smitten was a warming thought. She couldn't believe she hadn't seen it sooner. Though she had been too occupied on discovering her own feelings to notice how Jordan remembered every detail she every shared with them, so much so that their own mom would know. Maybe Marie did talk a lot, at least she knew Jordan would be listening regardless.

"This is definitely my new favourite hat. Thanks, I love it. I never really thought you'd even remember."

Paul speaks up from the other side of the room, having been silently enjoying the gift exchange. "Jordan has always had the best and worst memory I know. They- " Paul eyes Jordan willing them to notice his efforts. "Can memorise absolutely anything you teach them, but the moment you ask Jordan to remember to take out the chicken from the freezer, it's pointless."

"It's definitely selective, dear." Kayla adds on. "I think they just remember because it's you."

Learning about Jordan from their parents was an experience Marie wouldn't trade. They got to see a different side of Jordan and it was nice to know the full picture.

"Now Jordan, I got you something." Paul put his arm around Kayla as he speaks. "Well, it was originally for your mom but I spoke to her and I think you should have it. It's that purple wrapping over there." He points and Jordan locates it.

Jordan didn't know why their dad would swap gifts but by the anticipation on their dad’s face, they could tell it meant a lot to him. They unravel the wrapping slowly, a suspense building in the room. Jordan is taken aback by what they see, a branded eyeshadow kit, similar to one that their mom often wore. They look up quickly at their parents, as if this was some kind of prank. They only find genuine smile on their parents' faces.

The eyeshadow consisted of an array of colours and glitters, quite fitting for the festive period. It reminds them of the makeup they'd secretly use from their mom's makeup bag growing up, just wanting to feel as pretty as she always did when she went out. The simple gift felt priceless, a token of their dad’s support. Something they'd waited all their life for. Before they know it, a tear slips down their face and they feel Marie brush the tear away. The touch lingering as she cups their face for a moment.

"I don't know what to say. I- thanks, dad." Was this how the grinch felt when his heart grew three sizes at Christmas? Not only had they got a girlfriend but their dad's acceptance. Santa was definitely working overtime.

"You're welcome, kid. Though now I still owe your mom a Christmas present. At least I'll be able to get those boxing day sales." Paul chuckles at the idea, while Kayla merely shakes her head. "I'm kidding, love."

As family continued to open presents, laughs are exchanged. A feeling of gratitude is shared amongst them, Jordan's parents happy to have their child back for the holidays bringing their girlfriend with them. The new couple amazed at how easily fake dating could turn into something this real. It was exciting. Jordan clasps their hand over Marie's giving it a light squeeze. She truly was the best gift they'd gotten this Christmas. They wished it could be Christmas everyday, just to experience this festive joy all year round. They made a silent promise that it wouldn't be the last one they spent with Marie.

It was only the beginning.

Interviewer: (laughs) How modest! The whole campus has been talking about you guys. So, spill- tell us how two souls like yourselves, amidst the chaos of campus life while being superheroes, found their way to...well, this? Tell us your origin story!

Marie: (blushing) Oh, you know, we didn’t exactly get along at first. First time I met them, we didn’t immediately… click.

Jordan: (chuckles) Yeah, she stormed into my office, demanded to speak to Professor Brink, and insulted my intelligence all within the same breath. Not before flirting with me first.

Marie: (nudges Jordan playfully) That is not what fucking happened and you know it, Jordan.

Jordan: (raises an eyebrow at Marie) Yeah? What was inaccurate about what I said then?

Marie: (rolls her eyes) Shut up, oh my god. They (Jordan had) rejected me from Intro to Crimefighting so, of course, I had to come in hot. But it ended up working out for us anyway.

Jordan: Yeah

Interviewer: (teasingly) Great how that worked out for you guys! So, who made the first move? I’m feeling like it was Jordan? Tell me it was Jordan (laughs)

Marie: (laughs softly) Actually, it was me. We were “studying” (air quotes) in Jordan’s room and (we) decided to take a smoke break. Well, Jordan did and they had asked me if I wanted a hit (of weed) as well. Anyways, like an hour and a half later, I’m high off my fucking mind and I kind of just turn to Jordan and ask “I think you’re pretty, cool, and fun! Wanna go out?”

Interviewer: Awwww oh my god, that’s so cute! And Jordan you probably immediately said yes right?

Jordan: (smiling) Nah. I told Marie to wait a few hours after she came the fuck back to Earth to ask me that again. She (Marie) didn’t remember asking me that. Kinda had geared her to ask me again. Definitely said yes the second time though.

Interviewer: So I have to ask: there are still many on this campus and to be honest the entire country who find both of your respective powers to be… interesting. What do you have to say to that?

Jordan: (raises brow) If by interesting you mean fucking weird? I mean it does suck. I wish that people could see me as me and not some freak show you know? But in the meantime, they can all just suck my gigantic *bleep* and my *bleep* cause I could give less of a *bleeping bleep* and *bleep*everyone who wants to *bleeping* say *bleeping* otherwise.

Interviewer: (laughs nervously)  Wow… you are passionate about this topic-

Jordan: True

Interviewer: —so Marie, what’s your response?

Marie: (smiles) Yeah, I agree with Jordan. I don’t particularly like the fact that my powers are seen as unhygienic and whatnot but it is what it is. So yeah, everyone can go suck it!

Jordan: You’re so cute babe.

Marie: (smiling) I know!

Interviewer: I love it! So, shifting topics slightly, what do you guys like to do for fun then?

Marie: (looks over to Jordan) What do we like to do for fun? Uhhh… what do we like to do for fun Jordan?

Jordan: We like to fuck. Hard.

Marie: (slaps Jordan’s arm) Jordan! Be serious right now.

Jordan: (shrugs) I am serious though.

Interviewer: We’ll just cut that out and try that question again-

**************

Interviewer: So what do you guys do in your free time? Movies? Dinners?

Jordan: I am being silenced so no comment. 

Marie: Yeah we have movie nights and stuff. We also train a lot together! Jordan’s been really helpful to me with that (rubs Jordan’s thigh)

Jordan: We also like to fu-

Interviewer: Moving on! So, asking some stupid questions that I got from Google-

Jordan: (interrupts) Why are you asking us stupid questions?

Marie: Jordan my god! I will hurt you, stop it!

Jordan: Oh baby, please do.

Interviewer: (nervously chuckles) Anyways, the question is: “If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?”

Marie: Probably my knife and my journal. 

Interviewer: Yeah? Why those two things specifically?

Marie: Well, my knife goes with me everywhere, if I need blood, it's (the knife) the fastest way for me to get access to it. And I’d bring my journal so I can document everything. Keep track of how many days have passed, my thoughts, my feelings etcetera. 

Interviewer: Makes sense! Jordan, how about you?

Jordan: Easy. My phone, earbuds, and Marie.

Marie: (raises an eyebrow at Jordan) First of all; the question said two items not three and second of all, I am not an item.

Jordan: (grins) Didn’t say you were babe

Marie: But you implied it when you grouped me in your answer… with two other items Jordan.

Jordan: (grins fucking wider) No you did, just now. You referred to yourself as an item, not I (shrugs)

Marie: Jordan I will seriously fucking hurt you.

Jordan: (leans to Marie) Again, please fucking do.

Marie: Weirdo.

Jordan: I don’t deny.

Interviewer: Okayyyy so Jordan, why those three—sorry two items then?

Jordan: Bringing my phone so I can try my hardest to get the fuck off the island. My earbuds just in case I can’t escape, I can at least listen to good music while I suffer in my personal hell. And Marie so we can fu-

Interviewer: (shakes head frantically) Alright, I’m just going to move on to my last question then. (chuckles extremely nervously) How would you describe your partnership?

Marie: I’d say we're each other's anchors, a reality check when things get too…crazy. Jordan pulls me back from the edge, and I help them stay grounded. We challenge each other, support each other, and most importantly, have each other's backs.

Jordan: Definitely. Marie inspires me to be better, to never lose sight of what's truly important. And she's got this incredibly unwavering faith in me, even when I doubt myself. I couldn’t ask for anything better than that to be honest. I love her (Marie)

Marie: (smiles) And I love you!

Interviewer: Beautiful note to end with! Thank you, Marie and Jordan, for sharing your beautiful story. 

Jordan: Thanks for having us Jayda

Interviewer: (eye slightly twitches) It’s Justine.

Jordan: Oops

Justine: And thank you, to my listeners, for tuning in tonight and every Friday for The Late Night at Godolkin. Next week, we’ll have our very own Dean Shetty gracing our podcast and sharing her insights. Goodnight everyone, see you next week!

AND CUT 

******************

The air crackled with a sudden awkwardness in the podcast booth. Justine, the producer, dropped her headphones with a huff, the silence deafening after their segment. "Look, guys," she said, crossing her arms, "I know I said you could loosen up a bit, cuss here and there, but I didn’t mean in every damn sentence. This is a professional podcast.

"Well, shit, Justine," they drawled, "should've fucking clarified that from the start then-"

“What they mean,” Marie interrupted quickly, giving Jordan a pointed look, “is that we’re sorry and it won’t happen again Jasmine.” Marie finished flashing a warm smile in her direction.

“It’s Justine!” Justine snarled before storming off.