#hughlight

“Almost there.” You mumbled to yourself. You were the kind of cold where your skin was starting to hurt and you just wanted to be home. It was 20 degrees, but it felt like 15 in the dead of winter, as the unforgiving wind deflected off the tall buildings. Winter in New York was never fun. You were cold to the bone. It was a sharp contrast to the sweltering heat you’d felt in the Times Square train station. The subway underground stations were always so terribly hot this time of year. You wanted every layer you could find to walk outside, but the second you’d step downstairs it would be so hot you couldn’t breathe. Now you were off the train and it was the least of your problems, but the nearest subway station was a bit of a hike to the apartment. Usually a few city blocks would be just a little inconvenient, but now the 10 minute walk was unbearable in this weather. You could see the red awning to your small apartment sticking out down the street. You were so close, so very close. You wanted to put a pep in your step, but you were so cold you couldn’t manage anything more.

“God, I’m so fucking cold!” You stated as you walked through the door.

“Honey, why didn’t you take a Uber?” Annie immediately comes to meet you at the door, Hughie following not far behind her.

“Because an Uber from Times Square was $90 when it should have been $30, but of course there’s gotta be some big event going on to scam tourists. It’s the week before Christmas and everyone and their mother wants to come ice skating and see the tree because they watched Elf and Home Alone 2 about a hundred too many times.” You say through chattering teeth.

“Why were you in Times Square?” Hughie asks.

“That is none of your business!” You smile with rosy windburnt cheeks, a present for Hughie hiding behind your back.

“Oh really?” Hughie teases getting closer. You put the bag in one hand and wrap your other cold hand around his arm. He yelps, “Ah! Cold hands! Cold hands!”

“You walked right into that one.” Annie laughs. “Come here, baby.”

You take off your coat, hiding the bag under it and setting it on the table briefly before walking over to Annie. She takes your hands in hers. You watch her eyes glow and your hands instantly warm. You sigh in relief.

“Is that any better?” She asks.

“Much better.” You smile as she kisses your forehead.

“What about me?” Hughie pouts, wanting attention.

“You didn’t go out in the cold and fight every tourist in New York just to get us Christmas presents.” Annie says in a serious, but teasing tone that makes you giggle.

“Annie, I think I’m still cold.” You smile.

“Oh yeah? Where?” She asks.

“Everywhere.” You smile.

“Oh? Everywhere, huh?” She smirks.

“I’m so cold I might have to go lay in bed sandwiched between my lovely girlfriend and boyfriend for the the rest of the night.” You can’t help the big smile spread across your face. You were so happy to be home.

“Is that so?” Annie asks.

“That’s very so.” You respond.

You drag Annie and Hughie into the bedroom, getting comfortable while Hughie flips through Netflix trying to find a good movie to watch.

“I’m telling you all the Christmas classics are on YouTube ripped from old DVD’s or VHS’ for free.” You try to steal the remote.

“Give me a second. You’re so impatient! Cold! Cold feet!” You interrupt him by putting your cold feet on his legs under the blanket.

“I told you I was still cold.” You say innocently. Annie is laughing next to you.

“You are so annoying!” Hughie rolls over on top of you starting to litter soft quick kisses all over you.

“Hughie, knock it off!” You’re in a fit of giggles.

“You asked me to warm you up.” He pauses looking down at you.

“Annie, help!” You jokingly whine.

“You provoked him. You’re on your own with this one.” Annie laughs.

“Oh, some superhero you are. Thanks a lot.” You joke, before looking back to Hughie and stealing a kiss from his lips. “I wanna watch the Grinch. I don’t care which one it is, as long as it’s not the new one with Benedict Cumberbatch.”

“Oh, obviously.” Hughie agrees, sliding off of you. You settle with your head on his chest. He pulls you into his side. Annie settles in behind you, spooning you. You’re finally warming up, totally encased in your two loves. You sigh.

“I’m glad things are like this right now.” You smile, cuddling into Hughie.

“What do you mean?” He asks.

“You know…”, you pause, “…normal.”

“It’s really nice.” Annie smiles, her hold on your waist getting a bit tighter. You turn your head back and give Annie a soft kiss. The last couple years hadn’t been easy on any of you.

“Is it weird I’m worried it won’t last?” You ask. You didn’t want to ruin the night, but it was like word vomit coming from your mouth.

“No, I am too.” Hughie’s voice is more somber now. His hold on you grows tighter.

“Me too.” Annie admits. “But I am never going back to that tower. They can’t make me. I’m staying right here in this apartment with the loves of my life and we’re gonna keep each other safe.” She promises.

“Yeah, we’ll be okay as long as we stick together.” Hughie reassures. “Fuck Homelander, Fuck Vought, it’s Christmas.” Hughie smiles.

“Yeah. Too many people are buying merch right now. They care too much about their money. They won’t try anything. We’re in the safe zone.” Annie says, placing a kiss on your shoulder.

“You guys are probably right.” Your body starts to relax in their embrace. You didn’t even realize the tension your body was holding until it wasn’t there anymore.

“Even Homelander won’t risk ruining Christmas. His heart doesn’t need to grow two sizes, but his wallet does.” Hughie jokes.

“That and his sick need of approval. He’s not willing to make America hate him that much.” Annie adds, more seriously.

“I don’t know if it’s nice or scary that the world just pretends it isn’t shitty in the name of holiday cheer.” You ponder.

“Well that’s depressing.” Hughie sighs.

“Sorry.”

“I think the break is nice. I love when my biggest problem is having to see the relative I don’t like or that Grandma’s cooking has gone downhill with age.” Hughie gives a dry laugh.

“Yeah her cookies aren’t what they used to be.” You crack a soft smile, but it falters. “I guess… I guess it just sucks knowing that come January 2nd the world’s just gonna come crashing down again. I guess that’s capitalism for ya.”

“It might, but you know what doesn’t end January 2nd?” Annie starts

“What?” You ask.

“Us. Hughie and I love you very much and we’re always going to have each other. That part isn’t fake or waiting to implode.” Annie promises.

“Actually, speak for yourself.” Hughie jokes.

“Shut up and get over here.” Annie pulls him over you for a kiss. You watch them kiss above you. The two most beautiful people you’d ever seen and they loved you.

“My turn.” You pull Hughie down to kiss you, weaving your fingers through his curls. Next you shift to kiss Annie. “I love you both so much.”

“We love you too.” Hughie smiles.

“Do you love me enough to go make popcorn?” You smile innocently. Hughie steals another kiss.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.” He gets out of bed.

“He thinks I’m cute! He thinks I’m cute!” You quote.

“Now I kinda wanna watch Rudolph.” Annie pulls you closer.

“I could go for Rudolph.” You agree.

“I’ll be back. Just don’t start it without me.” Hughie pleads.

“Okay. I’ll go find it on YouTube! Because that’s where all the classics are!” You yell down the hall.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Hughie mocks over, slamming cupboards and clanking dishes trying to make your popcorn.