Alise after alise of seasonal displays, all being stocked by young workers in cheap, ill-fitting elf uniforms, who moved methodically, their eyes reflecting a mix of forced cheerfulness and the weary detachment of minimum-wage labour. Each shelf was meticulously arranged, showcasing an array of festive items, from dazzling ornaments to plush holiday figures, all vying for the attention of eager shoppers.

Jerome grabbed a metal trolley and put his arm around Y/n in such a way that she had no choice but to stand between him and the trolley with his hands on the handle on either side of her. "Can't you just smell the holiday cheer, my dearest?"

"I guess," she agreed as they slowly began to wander the store. She watched Jerome, rather confused at his desire to look at so many items, "What has gotten into you?"

"Whatever do you mean?" He asked, laying his head on her shoulder and pouting dramatically,

"Why are you so giddy about Christmas shopping?"

"Can I not be excited?"

"You can, but you never usually care. You didn't care even half this much last year."

"Yeah, well, that was last year," he shrugged,

"And pray tell, what makes last year so different from this year?"

"Not important," He said, kissing her cheek,

As they meandered through the vibrant displays, their voices mingled with the soft background music, lively discussions and animated debates about each item. Soon enough, they filled their trolley with a captivating assortment of decorations, glittering ornaments in rich jewel tones, handcrafted garlands adorned with delicate pinecones, and twinkling fairy lights. Although the collection was not strictly themed, the eclectic mix seemed to harmonise beautifully, as if each piece complemented the next, creating a unique and inviting aesthetic.

Once they checked out, Jerome loaded the back of the car up and climbed in to see Y/n glaring at him.

"Yes, my dearest?" he asked sheepishly,

"Jerome..." She glared, "You going to tell me why you're so excited now?"

He sighed, "You really wanna know?"

"Yes, Please."

Jerome softly took Y/n by the hand, squeezing tenderly, "You know that... I never really got to spend much time with my family. I got tossed from summer camp, to boarding school, to winter education programs... My dad was locked up, my mum was always busy working or off on trips, even my sister was usually half a country away." He explained, "My- memories of Christmas time were always long coaches in the snow, delayed trains, sitting alone with awful, cheap gingerbread cookies, looking at Christmas trees in shop windows." He sighed, "But this year... we have a home of our own, a little place that's all ours. And I get to spend this year... with you. We get to bake fresh cookies, make a whole Christmas dinner, wrap gifts, watch awful Christmas movies, decorate our own Christmas tree and the whole house however we want! It's... all ours." He cooed, "I'm just... excited, I get to make memories with the woman I love so much."

Y/n found herself almost tearful, squeezing his hand back. "I'm sorry, Jerome, I suppose I... took such little pleasures of the season for granted." She said, "You can be as excited as you like."

"I can?"

"Of course, you can," she smiled, "How about we go home, make some sugar cookies, put on some festive tunes and start decorating?"

"Really!?"

"Mhm, and we'll do it, together."

"Together," he agreed, leaning over to share a soft kiss with her, "I love you so much, Y/n."