#trholiday

It was harder now, after the wedding. She’d been staying at the palace since then, wanting to give Drake and Riley some privacy as a newlywed couple, both for their sake and for her own. But going forward, she wasn’t sure if she would really be welcome to return to Valtoria. Drake and Riley likely didn’t want a friend hanging around, disrupting their family, intruding on their private life like a stray kitten, so pathetic and pitiful that they couldn’t say no to taking her into their home.

She knew that neither Riley nor Drake were big on planning, so she hadn’t wanted to bring up her living arrangements. But the clock was ticking down on their time in Lythikos, and while she had plans to head to Ramsford with Maxwell to help him prepare for the New Year’s Eve Beaumont Bash, the fact that she didn’t have firm plans after that was quite unsettling.

All these thoughts ran through her mind as she touched up her lipstick and tucked a stray hair into her braid, but she resolved to shove them aside as she made her way to meet up with the group on Christmas morning. Everyone was festive in their own way, even Drake deciding to forego the grumpy act, and the cheer was starting to lift Hana’s worries. But when it was Riley’s turn to show off her holiday outfit, Hana was floored when she stepped out not in the new red ball gown, but in the dress Hana herself had given her back in Shanghai.

As the boys complemented Riley on her festive attire and Olivia scoffed that her choice was more appropriate, Hana just stood there, partially in awe, partially worried. Riley hadn’t chosen to forego a more stunning piece just as a gesture to her, had she? So, as the group moved to head out of the boutique into the entry hall, Hana caught Riley’s eye and jerked her head, signaling her to stay back so she could talk to her.

“Please don’t feel like you have to wear that dress just because we’re here together. I completely understand if you’d like to wear a new gown for this occasion.”

“Don’t be silly, Hana. This is the dress I want to wear.”

“You’d really rather wear that dress than the beautiful gown Olivia selected?” Hana was sure her eyebrows were nearly at the top of her forehead, but she was just so surprised by that statement. 

“Of course. When have you ever seen me in something so poofy and over the top? That gown isn’t me at all.”

Hana tried to maintain a neutral face, but Riley’s words stung more than they should. She just didn’t like the other option. She’d probably just picked out a random red dress to pack, so that was why she’d chosen this dress. Forcing a smile, Hana nodded gently and moved to rejoin the group, but she must not have kept her face still enough, because Riley grabbed her forearm and tugged her backwards slightly.

“Hana, this a beautiful dress, but that’s not why I love it. No one has ever given me anything so personal, so thoughtful. You designed this piece that looks amazing and suits me and my personality so damn well. You somehow blended my style and your background into a dress that’s basically a work of art. All for me. Hana, I never thought anyone would put such thought into a gift for me.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ve gotten better gifts in the past.”

Riley shook her head, raising her eyebrows and letting out a little sigh, “Trust me, Hana. Before you met me, no one had given me so much as a Starbucks gift card in years. You, on the other hand, crafted a very personal and time consuming gift within months of knowing me, a gift that I will treasure forever.”

“You aren’t just saying that?”

“No, I’m not just saying that,” said Riley. “Wanting to fit into this dress will serve as my diet and fitness inspiration for years to come,” she added with a wink.

Hana laughed at that, linking her arm through Riley’s and walking out of the boutique. As they made their way towards the entry where Liam, Maxwell, Drake, and Olivia where undoubtedly waiting for them, Riley kept talking.

“In addition to this gift, I should properly thank you for your very thoughtful wedding gift.”

“You already thanked me for the shoes.”

“No, I meant the fact that you stayed at the palace for the past couple of weeks. We’ve really appreciated having a bit of time with just the two of us, particularly since we couldn’t schedule our honeymoon right away. But Drake and I want you to know that you shouldn’t feel like you have to keep staying away. You can come home with us tomorrow if you want.”

Hana swallowed carefully, not wanting to start crying over something Riley was treating as so matter of fact, but the combination of relief and love she felt at that moment was nearly overwhelming. But it wasn’t the time for an emotional outburst, it was a time to celebrate, so Hana just smiled and shook her head, “I wouldn’t want to disappoint Maxwell; he’s so been looking forward to us party planning together. I’ll return to Valtoria after New Year’s.”

“Sounds good,” said Riley as they rounded the corner, breaking off to go talk to Olivia once they reached the entryway. While Riley had made her gratitude for the dress known, Hana couldn’t help but feel like she had been given an even greater gift just now. Her best friend planned to share her home with her even after getting married.

And so she thought until she arrived at Valtoria just over one week later, finding a framed photo on top of the dresser in the bedroom she’d been using. The photo had been taken by Maxwell when they were leaving Shanghai; Hana remembered it well. Riley had been telling her about all the wonderful things about New York City and how excited she was to share them with her. They’d both been giggly and giddy, and Hana had hugged Riley, laughing and silly. And here that photo was, framed and sitting on top of a piece of paper on which Riley had scrawled

Welcome home!

This time, Hana couldn’t help but cry, a few tears trailing down her cheek. Because her best friend didn’t think she was sharing her home with Hana - she saw her home as Hana’s home. And that degree of love was simply overwhelming.

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