* T I T A N. ᵃᵖˑ

“Perhaps. Then again, one might consider it helpful advice. If you ask me, sleeping in the comfort of one’s tent, does not only help one wake feeling rested- but makes it so they aren’t forced to sleep uncomfortably in the back of the Regalia on a winding road. If I had to choose between one or the other, I believe I’d choose the tent…” Fingers tightened their grip atop his shoulder, if only for a brief moment before they moved, knuckles brushing against the cut of his jaw in a tender display of affection. “Not only that, but might I remind you these are the few fleeting hours we have to be.. close to one another. It would be a shame to have it go to waste.” 

It had grown late, having watched the sun fade as the moon was quick to take its place. Instead, it was the fire that offered what little warmth and light as they were left to the silence of the night. What with dinner having been made, and the younger two in their tent, it was he who moved to his side, a hand placed to his shoulder as a cup of tea was offered. “It is getting rather late, do you have no desire to rest tonight? We’ll be back on the road in the morning, might be good of you to catch some shuteye.” ||  @otraditor

 it’s difficult to chase away the chill of the early morning; heat’s been stolen by that pesky jack frost and leaves the bed the only warm place in the house until someone  (  preferably not him  ) untangles themselves from their sheets to switch it on. it seems chris isn’t willing to be that person either, if the press of his lips against his nape and the rasp of calloused fingertips ghosting over his ribs are any great indicator to go by, and, regardless of how late they’re going to be for work, he can’t find it in him to shift away. it’s laziness through and through, and even as he leans over to slap the snooze button on their alarm clock   (  five more minutes won’t hurt  ) he turns as he settles back down, brushing his nose against the ridges of Chris’ bare collarbone with a tired hum. 

“Well, as long as it’s good things…” Surely it wouldn’t be so bad, it was merely the thought of a family gathering that was a concept unfamiliar. It had always seemed, for as long as he could remember, just he and his sister more often than not. Any Christmas spent with their mother and father, lay non existent in his memory. Perhaps locked away, yet never something he cared to dwell upon.

The ding of the oven tore his thoughts away, a temporary distraction as the glass bowl was plucked from his lover’s hands as he nudged him so he could stand. “It wouldn’t be a bad way to spend the weekend, better than sitting here and watching movies alone.” Maybe it would be for the best, after all, if they were to progress in their relationship, meeting his parents was simply part of the ritual. “Just as long as he’s not expecting some girl at your hip- I suppose it won’t hurt. By the way- you decide on what you want for dinner? I can order something.” Yet he was already in the kitchen, calling back to him as he dropped the dish into the sink to grab the cake from the oven.

   “   --- ...   from iris  ?   glowin’,  ”   he replies, arching into a stretch with a very satisfied groan. honestly, in lieu of nervousness there settles a childish excitement : coupled with findng out what the hell those damned presents under the tree were, Gladiolus would get to spend the holidays with his family. Chris and Claire are absolutely a part of it by now by extension, but the option remains for them to deny it if they so wish. 

@otraditor

            “How about you drop and give me filthy.” 

Gladio truly was like a pup, going from a thing so confident, to a pout that could easily sway any heart. Thankfully he’d talked to Iris, convinced his sister to be on his side of things, just to keep the man from spoiling everything they worked so hard on. It was why, despite his grumbling, he managed a chuckle, sauntering his way over to the couch as if he won a might battle and damn well knew it. 

With a grunt he his the cushions, one foot following another as they crossed and settled atop the coffee table. A swig of beer taken, left him glancing to the side at his partner, free hand reaching over to clasp his nape, pull him in close with a playful tug. “Might have to keep your feet warm, if you look at your presents- because who knows, I might make you sleep out on the couch and keep Santa company until he finally shows up if you peek.” 

That was never the case however, and he damn well knew it- despite all his talk, his heart was never in it to be so cruel. “You should know by now teasing is my specialty. It’s what got us together in the first place right?” That, and his confidence with alcohol- but the second part he cared not to think about. “I thought I’d deserve a kiss at least for all this hard work- it’s not easy wrapping and decorating a tree…” 

        it’s no use attempting to get the captain to budge. he’s as stubborn as mule and he doesn’t need to think about it to realise that he’s dug his heels into the dirt and will refuse to move any time soon. there’s a brief curl of his lip, quickly hidden by a beer bottle and a last lingering look at the colourfully wrapped presents scattered underneath the tree before turning to follow his husband to the couch, flopping into it like a child after a god scolding.

       what was the word ignis had used the other day  ?    dour.   gloomy.   ‘    wouldn’t that be a mistake leavin’ me with ‘em in the first place.   ’   gods, he’s going to drive him to madness, leave the curiosity to gnaw and niggle until it grows unbearable and chris eventually caves. he prays it’s one of those years.