#da para16: merry christmas

[aidenoconnell]

merry christmas to you.

The first couple days of Christmas break has Rowan in a tizzy. Aiden excepted as much when his son would get up and ready for school only to realize it's closed until the new year. So instead they've been lying in bed and watching all the Christmas cartoons instead. The house is decorated, the gifts are bought, the house smells like cinnamon and hot cocoa a lot. Rowan beams every time they turn on the lights and Aiden feels as if maybe this Christmas won't be so bad, it feels lighter than the years past.

"Okay, who's this one for?" Aiden asks, getting an envelope ready.

"Um... Vic!"

There's art supplies all over the kitchen table, beautiful artwork made by Rowan for all his 'big kid' friends. They've been at it all morning, and now they can finally put it in the envelopes for everyone. "Alright ready," Aiden places the fresh envelope in front of Rowan. "V..." he says and Rowan repeats him. "I... C." He spells out and Rowan writes the letters down beside the To: and then his own name next to the From:

"Perfect," Aiden smiles and watches Rowan put some stickers on it. He glances at his phone for the time but also there's been this dangling feeling in his chest. He expressed it to his mom at the market the other day about wondering if it'd be too much to invite Luci to Christmas. He should have known that his mother would have been all over it, she's a more the merrier type of woman and perhaps he was just looking for the reassurance.

Rowan hands the envelope over to his dad and Aiden puts in the art, sealing it up. "Hey, Ro." Aiden watches as his son scribbles on another piece of paper, half his body sprawled across the table in concentration. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Yep," Rowan says.

Aiden breathes in for a moment, nearly nervous. "Are you okay if me and Ms Luci are friends?" He asks and lets the question sit in the air as Rowan stops colouring and looks at him.

It takes a minute to process and Aiden is patient, Rowan thinking, "Ms Luci is my friend."

Aiden smiles, "Yes she is. Do you think I can be her friend too?"

Another moment, consideration resting on Rowan's face. "Yeah!" He beams, "We all friends," he says, matter of fact. Aiden knows his son doesn’t fully understand how much it means, but it weighs on him in the best way.

Aiden breathes in and nods, reaching over to dust off some toast crumbs from Rowan's cheek. “Ms Luci doesn’t have family here for Christmas,” he explains gently.

Rowan stares at him like he’s just said the sky isn’t blue. “What?!”

Aiden's mouth twitches, “So I think I’m going to ask her to come to gramma and grampa’s for Christmas. Is that okay?”

"Yeah!" The kid nearly explodes. "She can come play! And eat cookies."

“Playing and eating cookies are very important,” Aiden agrees, leaning back in his chair with a smile. He feels lighter—this is a good start, something they can revisit in time. For now, it’s enough.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. It's a delicate balance she's straddling on. On the one hand, she wants to appreciate time she has with Aiden on her own, building their relationship, their intimacy, figuring who they are with one another. But at the same time, she wants to assure Aiden that she likes spending time with Ro too. That's important. She has a feeling that was a point of contention with Natalie. She doesn't want to push, obviously, but she wants to make it clear to Aiden that she's here, ready, when he is as far as Rowan is concerned.

"Okay," She grins, "Sounds good." She watches him with her hands and she leans down to press her nose and lips to his hairline, kissing his forehead.

She finishes her tea and snuggles closer, allowing her eyes to close as her face finds the crook of Aiden's neck.

“I’m sure he’ll love to do that,” Aiden replies as he watches the TV screen as the movie opens up. “I’ll look up the free dates and we can figure out which one works the best.” He hums and adjusts the duvet over him. He appreciates Luci wanting to include Rowan in some things and he thinks that might be good to slowly introduce Rowan into the concept of Luci being around but not just as his teacher.

He tugs Luci’s hands over and presses a kiss to her palm, setting them back down on her lap. Aiden closes his eyes for a few moment but ends up drifting for a few minutes.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci smiles, leaning over to plant a kiss to his cheek. They can agree to disagree on that--maybe she doesn't know what it looks like to have someone make sure she's happy in a relationship. But she'll continue to tease Aiden that she's being spoiled--he also deserves to hear that he's good at this. Looking after someone. She hopes that he'll let her do the same for him.

She chews on her lower lip, a nerve of butterflies alight in her stomach as she watches his hand on her lap. She moves one of her own to rest on top, tracing his veins.

"Maybe it's something we can do together?" She asks softly, "If Rowan wants to go? I like spending time with the both of you."

Aiden tips his head up to look at Luci, smiling yet shaking his head, “Not spoiled,” he tells her and how he doesn’t know how to say that this is just who he is. A giver? He looks back at the TV as he goes through to find a movie they had talked about not to long ago to put on. Not too serious of a movie to really pay attention or if they fall asleep.

“I took him last year, and he kind of understood it but he liked the free hot chocolate,” he laughs softly, resting his hand on Luci’s lap lazily. “I should take him again to see if he liked it or not. They do free skate days down at the outdoor rink by town hall.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci grins when she gets her hands on the hoodie. She sets the mug of tea aside, pushing her arms and head through the holes and settling into the warmth of the fabric. It still smells like Aiden, even though it's been washed, and it's far too big for her. But she loves it. Crawling into bed, she stacks the pillows up along the headboard so she can lean against them and still finish her tea.

"Told you I'm being spoiled," She teases, blowing on the tea before having a sip, "That sounds perfect." She smiles, "Thank you. Have you gone ice skating with Rowan yet?" She chews on her lower lip, "Does he like to ice skate?"

She hold her breath on the next sentence --maybe we can do something like that together.

Aiden looks over at Luci and chuckles softly at her, walking over to a door to the closet and opens it up. He takes out a hoodie for one, one that’s been freshly laundered within the last couple of days. He hands he over to her as he takes off his thinner pull over and puts it in the hamper leaving him a t-shirt and his pj bottoms. He pulls back the blankets and it is a bit cool in the house but nothing too bad.

He crawls into the large bed, inviting Luci to join him. Aiden stretches out, rubbing his face as he shifts to look at her, smiling softly. “I’ll make us some breakfast in the morning.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci selects a mint tea, her favorite, and adds the appropriate amount of sugar (a decent amount) before she wrap her hands around the mug and follows Aiden upstairs. She doesn't say it, but she thinks about how much this house reminds her of something that'd be in a Hallmark movie.

It's perfect, all the rooms holding a gentle charm, especially Rowan's. It's exactly as she pictured, all his favorite things an explosion of interests all around the room.

She wanders into Aiden's bedroom, a warm hum leaving her lips as she breathes in the scent of his cologne, laundry detergent, and something that's him.

"Oh you know--I decided on wearing a t-shirt with this Christmas PJ look and I'm kinda cold..." She grins, little impishly, wanting one of his sweaters or sweatshirts.

“Yes,” he smiles softly and moves to go grab a mug and boil some water. He lets Luci pick what tea she wants as he tidies up some things of the presents from this morning and turns off the Christmas lights on the tree and around the fireplace. He comes back over and pours the hot water and grabs himself a water from the fridge.

After he guides Luci upstairs and shows her Rowan’s bedroom and some of the other doors as well. Then he pushes open his door to a nice space, cozy with a big window on one side of the room. He turns on the lamp on the bedside table. The walls are a dark olive green making it comforting and inviting to spend all day in bed.

“I was going to offer you something but Christmas pj’s have come in handy,” he laughs softly, turning on the TV and untucks the covers of the bed.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci feels overwhelmed that he's allowed her into his home, that she's here in a place that's sacred to him and Rowan. And maybe that's a bit dramatic, but she knows that he wouldn't have invited her here if it didn't mean something. If their time together wasn't special. A soft smile tugs the corners of her mouth, her hands smoothing on top of his shoulders.

"Can I have tea?" She asks softly and leans forward to press a kiss to the bridge of his nose, and then the corner of his mouth. "Then bed please. Movie. That sounds perfect."

Aiden nods as he looks at her, knowing she means her ex and the situation she has been through. Maybe it a poor year for the both of them but Aiden thinks it has been redeemed too. It gives him some hope that maybe moving onto the next one that it won’t be too bad either. He smiles softly as he leans into her palm of her hand. “I’m glad,” he murmurs as he leans forward and presses a kiss to her forward.

“Do you want anything to eat or drink?” He asks her, squeezing her hips gently. “Or we can go lay in bed, find a movie or something. Whatever you like.”

[lucifitzgerald]

She knows it's probably lame to think about how many different ways you can kiss someone, but she does. She thinks about it. There are so many ways that she can kiss Aiden. Sometimes it's quick and fiery and it's like they can't get enough of one another, sometimes it's far too quick--a peck on the lips, sometimes it's incredibly tender, like the times he presses a kiss to her forehead or temple. And then it's like this, deep, intimate, like neither of them have thought of anything else all day.

She smiles when he lifts her up and sets her on the kitchen stool and she hums, hooking her legs around him just to keep him close. She lifts her hand to cup his cheek, her chest hurting at thinking last Christmas wasn't the best for Aiden or Rowan.

"Me neither," She admits, "This Christmas kinda helped redeemed it."

Aiden can’t lie, he’s been wanting to properly kiss Luci the entire day. It’s become a bit addicting once they start and pretty hard to stop but he doesn’t think either of them mind so much. There’s a smile on his face as Luci’s arms go around his neck and he lifts her up a few inches from the floor and rests Luci on a stool at the kitchen island, sitting her there as he continues to kiss her for another long moment.

“I’m happy you were here today,” he tells her and Aiden knows he already said that to her but, he truly means it. “Last Christmas wasn’t the best,” he admits. “But I think Rowan will remember this one a little more, better as well.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci was tired when she left Leo and Kim's but she's wide awake as Aiden drives towards his place. Excitement bubbles in her stomach as they pull up outside of Aiden's house. A full house, not just an apartment flat like she's used to. She can't help but grin, the outside with the tree shining and sparkling through the window like something in a storybook. It's beautiful.

She toes her shoes off by the front door, the house smelling like pine and cookies, hanging her jacket over to Aiden when he comes in as well.

"This is so cute," She says, wandering into the living room as he packs away food in the kitchen. A warm smile pulls the edges of her mouth as she looks at homemade ornaments, probably from Aiden and Rowan alike.

She turns to say something else, but Aiden surprises her with a kiss. She can't help but smile into it, pressing herself up on her toes to wrap her arms around his shoulders, keeping herself close as the kiss naturally deepens.

Goodbyes are said, a few hugs too as Rowan remains unmoved and passed out in the living room. Aiden knows that Rowan will he content waking up in his grandparents house so it’s not really too big of a deal anyway. He takes Luci’s hand, more purposefully, and walks with her out of his parents house and leads her to his car. He helps her in and blasts the heat after starting the car. The roads are empty, a short drive back to his place.

Christmas lights line the house that has a big porch and a tree in the front window. Aiden unlocks the door as they walk up and moved inside, warmth greeting them. He holds the door open for Luci before closing and locking, turning on a hall light do they can shed their coats and boots. Aiden stretches out big back as he takes the leftovers to put in the fridge, an open area with the dining table and a living room. He rubs one of his eyes as he turns back and looks at Luci standing in his home, it doesn’t feel too strange.

So he walks back over to her, wrapping his hands around her frame to pull her to him. Aiden presses a kiss to her lips, firm and meaningful.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci smiles as Aiden helps her with her coat and then nearly trips over her own feet at Aiden's invitation. For a moment, she doesn't think she heard him correctly, but then he's looking at her...waiting for a response and--

"Yes," She says and kinda winces, hoping she doesn't sound too eager. But she grins, "I would love to."

Her stomach butterflies excitedly as she thinks about that, going to Aiden's place. His home becoming hers just like hers has been to him. It feels full circle. She tears her thoughts towards Kim with a nod, buttoning up her coat and taking the leftovers.

"Thank you so much for having me, means a lot."

Aiden hums a softly chuckle at Luci’s old man noises, sounds like him sometimes getting up off the floor. He smooths down some of Luci’s hair and shakes his head, “No, he’s gonna stay here,” he tells her. It’s not late-late but it’s a decent time to go. He walks with her to the door and gets out her coat and helps her put it on. “Was wondering if you wanted to stay over at my place?” Aiden asks, a bold move but… again, it feels like the right thing.

Kim comes with a couple of containers of food. “Thank you for coming Luci,” she says to her. “I need to try your cupcakes one of these days.” Kim smiles as Aiden takes the bag of food. “Be careful, it’s icy on the roads still.” She adds, pressing a kiss to Aiden’s cheek.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci definitely dozes at some point, right against Aiden. And it must be a decent moment where she's asleep because the next thing she knows is that Aiden is gently rousing her. Her cheeks flush as she realizes the movie is over, people have started moving to leave. She tugs the blanket off her shoulders, stretching before a soft nod.

"Yeah," She yawns, running a hand through her hair as she looks down and sees Rowan conked out. A shame she won't be able to say goodbye but maybe they can get together soon so he can meet Sun.

She pulls herself off the couch and decidedly makes an old man noise.

"Well this just proves my theory that you're the comfiest pillow out there." She chews on her lower lip, "Did you need to get Ro?"

Rowan passed out on the floor in a mountain of pillows and a blanket. Everyone migrates to the living room to watch some old Christmas movie. Aiden looks over at his brother and Ryan and… it’s never quite been like this before. It’s nice, Aiden thinks, different too. As the movie wraps up, Aiden begins to gather all of Rowan’s toys together and puts them in his car, going back and forth twice. The kid really lucked out this year.

Aiden treks back inside and looks around to see if he’s missed anything before figuring out how he’s gonna pick up Rowan and not wake him out.

“Leave him,” Kim wanders to Aiden and motions to Rowan. “He’s fine here.”

“No, it’s alright.” Aiden says but Kim places a hand on Aiden’s arm. “Are you sure?”

Kim nods, “We’ll make breakfast in the morning, have a lazy day. You should go and enjoy the rest of your evening with Luci.”

Aiden glances into the living room to Luci and breathes in, adjusting the collar of his sweater. “Alright,” he smiles a bit, walking to the couch where he gently touches Luci. “Hey,” he says softly. “Ready to go?”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci grins, watching Rowan play with Leo for a few moments before her eyes slide towards the screen, perfectly content with dozing against the warmth and safety of Aiden's body.

It's a quick blur, he lifts his head, thinks he hears his cousin but...he never comes around the corner. His eyebrows draw together for a moment, hearing his mom, maybe? But then his attention is drawn back to Ryan where it belongs and he can't help but smile down at her.

He knows she's a little buzzed, so maybe he should have waited to see if she was okay with him doing that in front of other people before he did it but...this is his family. Who he feels most comfortable with.

She doesn't seem upset, at least.

Aiden chuckles and gently pats her shin, “It’s okay, it’s the couch. I used to fall asleep on it all the time.” He tells her, so it really won’t be a big deal. Rowan might fall asleep in Leo’s lap after he extracts some of these bones as well. Aiden leans over and sets his mug down on the coffee table. He leans into the couch and loops his arm with Luci’s under the blanket, content.

Ryan grins as August says he’s driving them back home. Well, maybe she’ll finish this glass of wine and switch to a coffee as a nightcap. Her eyes flutter shut at the kiss and she thinks that’s rather brave or well, maybe it just feels like it. Her mind is on a wine buzz so it feels extra special.

Rob wonders if he’s delusional until he sees fucking August kissing Ryan. He almost drops the cookies in his hand, gaining some strength in him not to react or do something stupid in front of his aunt and everyone else. He swallows and blinks, something uncertain sitting on his chest.

“I uh, gotta head out. Tell everyone I said Merry Christmas,” Rob mumbles the christmas part. Kim smiles for a moment, then blinks as Rob leaves so fast.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci smirks, knowing that he's probably going to crash later. She doesn't know for a fact that he had a bunch of sugary treats today but she can guess, it being Christmas and all. She watches him go with a fondness back to his grandfather, plopping onto the floor to build more dinos. She turns her head when Aiden takes her hand, leaning closer to snuggle against his side under the blanket.

A comfortable closeness but still rather friendly,

"Careful, I might fall asleep." She teases, so comfy.

August smiles as Ryan sits back down, an amused sound leaving his lips. He leans a little towards her as she fixes his hair (or musses it up, whatever mood she's in). His one hand falls to her leg, giving her knee a gentle squeeze,

"Yeah, I'm drivin'. Enjoy yourself." He wants her to have a good time, especially since the morning with her parents wasn't exactly...civil. His eyes find herself and despite everyone around, he doesn't care.

He leans forward and plants a soft kiss to her lips. It's quick, probably lost in the commotion of the house. But he's glad he did it.

Rowan shakes his head at Luci even though another yawn slips out of his mouth. “Gotta dig dinos,” she tells her, matter of fact. Once Aiden finishes building he hands it back to his son and he takes it, scooting back off to sit in Leo’s lap. Aiden smiles a bit, he admires that Luci is so responsive to Rowan. Kids are touchy and sometimes it’s too much for people but Luci is so good.

Aiden reaches over and squeezes Luci’s hand again, grabbing the blanket and drapes it over them as he takes the remote. He flicks through and finds a Christmas movie for them.

Beatrice raises a brow about Rob but doesn’t question it as Ryan returns with a small plate dessert. Beatrice stands to go walk around to move around her back. Ryan sits and pours some more wine, “Hope you’re driving. Or we gotta walk.”

There soft commotion in the kitchen as Rob comes through the back door with a basket of some gifts. Kim hugs him, thanking him and offers some drinks and food.

“Heading into work, unfortunately, aunt Kim.” Rob says, Kim nods but he does take a few cookies as he peers into the living and dining, stopping mid bite as he sees Ryan and August at the table. Ryan fixing August’s hair with her one arm draped over the back of his chair. He swallows and it kind of hurts, uncertain.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci raises her eyebrows, bright excitement over Mexican next. That sounds so good. She knows how to make basic tacos at home, but honestly anything that's going to up her game doing that? She's about it. Not to mention? Another date with Aiden bubbles warmth in her belly. There's hope there too, anticipation of the future.

"I can't wait."

She looks down as Rowan comes over with something from the dino set and she smiles as he begins to lean on her leg, something that happens at school all the time. She rubs his back soothingly as he yawns, her fingers scratching his hair a little.

"Tired?" She asks him

August blows a little air from his nose as he nods. Usually he's pretty confident when it comes to stuff like this but...a lot of what he's doing with Ryan is capable of throwing him through loops.

"Maybe she's just hoping Rob will show up." He jokes. But fuck, god, he hopes not.

“I figured we’d go back and try out the Mexican one,” he smiles at her, feeling good about it. It’s in a month’s time but he thinks they’re on a good track to moving forward together. Aiden knows he might be taking a risk here but he thinks it worth it. This is worth it to try with Luci.

“Dad,” Rowan says and Aiden looks away, shifting forward as Rowan comes over with something to build as Leo fixes something else. Aiden takes it from him and Ro leans against the couch, kind of Luci’s leg as he yawns softly.

Beatrice laughs as she takes up her wine and sips, seeing Ryan go to the kitchen as Kim stops her to talk for a second. “If she’s here, she’s here for a reason and that’s because of you. You’re already in your shot.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci shakes her head, wanting to assure him that...that they're moving at the speed that they need to. They're happy, they're figuring things out, she's happy. Honestly, she knows that Aiden has his own baggage, but so does she. It's probably best that they move at this speed for herself too. She's still figuring out how to live after Max. While they weren't together for something as long as marriage, it still left its scars.

She's glad she told Aiden that.

"I'm just glad we're figuring things out together," She smiles up at him, squeezing his hand again, "That's all I could want." Then she laughs, "And another cooking class, obviously."

August knows his grandmother means well, she always does. And this...conversation doesn't bother him like he thinks others think it well. Yeah, maybe him and Ryan are a bit unconventional but he thinks that works for them.

Sloane catching them together kinda...spurred everything forward, in a good way.

"I am interested." He smiles softly, "Think I got a shot?" There's always that stray thought in the back of his mind.

Aiden nods and looks down at their hands together. He knows this is slower, he’s trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. It’s not like there’s a handbook on dating post-divorce with a kid. “I appreciate you being patient,” he tells her sincerely and looks back at her.

“I know it’s not exactly linear but I am having a nice time, us,” he elaborates. “Getting to know you and everything. And—“ Aiden tugs out his phone and pulls up an email. “I was going to print this off and put it in a card but I booked us another cooking class.”

Beatice listens to August and nods, “Evolving is good. I think this would be good chapter for you to explore. If that’s something you’re interested in.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can't help but laugh softly, picturing Aiden talking to Ro about her coming over to eat cookies and spend the day with them. There's amusement pulling another laugh at her, thinking about how excited he must have gotten.

"You know, it means a lot to me that he like me." She says softly, thumbing over Aiden's knuckles. "I know that things are moving slower and that's completely fine with me. But that's important." She smiles, "And I wanted to see you today too."

August lets out a soft laugh and gives a mental apology towards his brother for the inquisition that is no doubt coming his way as well about Luci. He glances up in the direction of where Ryan's gone, making sure she's gone before he looks to his grandmother,

"I am happy," He tells her with a small smile, "I mean it's...it's still evolving." He says carefully, "But it's good."

Aiden smiles softly as he listens to her. “I’m glad you’re here. I know this is probably sudden and a lot. I asked Ro if it was okay if we’re friends and he said yes, and he said it was okay if you come here too. Mainly to eat the cookies,” he laughs softly, looking over at Rowan as Leo sets up the dino kit. Looks like it’s going well.

“And I wanted to see you today,” he admits, smoothing down some of her hair. “So I am happy you’re here.”

Beatrice smiles at August, leaning over and pats his hand gently. “I’m giving you advice because you look happy, August. I’ve always been curioud and you and Ryan,” She tells him, “Aiden has a more intricate situation, I’ll get to him late. Don’t worry.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci closes her eyes, smiling as Aiden presses a kiss to her temple. It's quick and gentle, something easily missed unless you were looking. And this is something she doesn't mind, the closeness between them, even if it's something she has to keep a bit hidden. For now, at least.

"I'm having a really good time," She assures him. It was a lot, being invited to someone else's Christmas, wondering if she'd fit in. She knows Rowan likes her in school well enough, but she was distantly worried he wouldn't be interested in her joining his Christmas. She's glad she was wrong.

"Thank you for having me here." She squeezes his hand.

August shakes his head, amusement tugging the corners of his mouth. First off, he’s not sure if Ryan and him are—well. He supposes they’re something, there’s no hiding that now. He’s not entirely sure what they are but…it’s more than just friends. It’s more than just figuring something out. They’ll figure it out. 

That’s what matters. 

“How come you think I need dating advice?” He teases. “Aiden has a girlfriend you know.” 

Aiden takes a sip of his coffee as he sits with Luci, curling their fingers together. He thinks it’s fine, Rowan is buzzing on his gift and Leo is with him. He looks at Luci and presses a kiss to the side of her head, smiling softly. “Are you having a nice time?” He asks her and Aiden knows it was probably overwhelming. It was a lot at once, it’s not a lot of people but it’s enough to be a little disorienting.

But he also thinks that his familh has been very welcoming and that’s who they are. It’s not a facade or anything, it’s just who his parents are.

Ryan looks at August as he returns, giving him a small smile. She finishes her wine and excuses herself to the bathroom. Beatrice sets down her wine glass and looks at her grandson. “Are you taking her on nice dates?” Beatrice asks him, “Your grandfather would take me on a date once a week, even if it was just a walk around the neighbourhood to the corner shop to get ice cream.”