#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 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.”

[aidenoconnell]

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.”

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.”

[aidenoconnell]

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.”

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.”

[lucifitzgerald]

The entire day is beautiful and more than Luci could ever ask for. She thought she might feel like something was missing being away from home, that she’d deeply miss her family and dad and her life before she moved but…she’s glad she doesn’t. Or rather, it’s not that she doesn’t miss her dad, but this feels like a new chapter. A new beginning. 

She smiles as she takes another scoop of mashed potatoes, can’t quite say no to them, and squeezes Aiden’s fingers under the table. She glances over at him and hums, rubbing her thumb back and forth over his. A stolen moment but one she can’t help but memorize. 

“I can’t wait,” She admits. “I’m gonna try them all.” If they’re anything like she’s had at the market, she knows she’s going to be happy. 

August finishes another round of food and pushes his plate away before he regrets it. He wants to save room for dessert and leans back in his chair, giving Ryan a fond smile.  

The dinosaur kit is deemed the gift of the day, well, along with the new bicylce Rowan got too. A very good Christmas with lots of great things and he needs to figure out how his mother whipped together a little package for Luci with teas and some fancy chocolates. Kim is always prepared. The day moves forward with movies and some games, then straight to dinner.

The table is full with everyone eating, passing food and wearing the silly paper crowns as well. It’s good, filling. Aiden has about four homemade dinner rolls and another helping of potatoes. Rowan sits on the other side of the table next to Leo, stealing some food off of his grandpa’s plate. Under the table, Aiden hooks his fingers with Luci’s, for a little bit of a connection and appreciation.

“We have about eight desserts,” Kim laughs. “I hope everyone has room.”

[aidenoconnell]

Food dishes filter from the table to the kitchen, desserts taking their places. More coffee is put on, hot cocoa and some fun drinks Leo has made as well. Aiden smiles at Luci as he gets up and to get them some more drinks as well. He takes a couple of cookies, making Luci a coffee with some hazelnut liquor and puts a cinnamon biscuit it in for her.

He thinks today has gone well. Aiden knows that they’re being more paltonic and easy for Rowan but he still thinks it’s good, they she’s having a good time and so is everyone else. He returns to the table a moment later, handing Luci the drink.

Ryan doesn’t know how she’s on her third glass of wine but Beatrice is sneaky. “I think that Roselyn girl is dating Michael Peters now,” Beatrice said.

Ryan shakes her head, “Daniel McShane now.”

Beatrice hums, unimpressed as she takes a sip of her wine. “That boy is a troublemaker and not in the good way. We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Ryan laughs softly, glancing back at August. She’s having a nice time too.

The dinosaur kit is deemed the gift of the day, well, along with the new bicylce Rowan got too. A very good Christmas with lots of great things and he needs to figure out how his mother whipped together a little package for Luci with teas and some fancy chocolates. Kim is always prepared. The day moves forward with movies and some games, then straight to dinner.

The table is full with everyone eating, passing food and wearing the silly paper crowns as well. It’s good, filling. Aiden has about four homemade dinner rolls and another helping of potatoes. Rowan sits on the other side of the table next to Leo, stealing some food off of his grandpa’s plate. Under the table, Aiden hooks his fingers with Luci’s, for a little bit of a connection and appreciation.

“We have about eight desserts,” Kim laughs. “I hope everyone has room.”

[aidenoconnell]

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.”

The dinosaur kit is deemed the gift of the day, well, along with the new bicylce Rowan got too. A very good Christmas with lots of great things and he needs to figure out how his mother whipped together a little package for Luci with teas and some fancy chocolates. Kim is always prepared. The day moves forward with movies and some games, then straight to dinner.

The table is full with everyone eating, passing food and wearing the silly paper crowns as well. It’s good, filling. Aiden has about four homemade dinner rolls and another helping of potatoes. Rowan sits on the other side of the table next to Leo, stealing some food off of his grandpa’s plate. Under the table, Aiden hooks his fingers with Luci’s, for a little bit of a connection and appreciation.

“We have about eight desserts,” Kim laughs. “I hope everyone has room.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci takes the cup from Aiden, a little bit of spiced liquor sitting warmly in her ribcage after she takes a sip. She loosely laces her fingers with Aiden’s between their bodies when they sit on the couch. She watches as Rowan sits on the floor with Leo and opens up the Dino excavation set, not wanting to wait a second longer. 

He looks like he’s having a good time and that’s all that matters to her. She leans a bit closer to Aiden to feel the heat of his body. 

August brings in another drink from the kitchen, settling down next to Ryan. He lets out a soft laugh as he realizes her and B are gossiping about…well he’s not sure who but it seems like Ryan is having a good time. That’s what matters. His hand brushes aside her hair over her shoulder. 

The dinosaur kit is deemed the gift of the day, well, along with the new bicylce Rowan got too. A very good Christmas with lots of great things and he needs to figure out how his mother whipped together a little package for Luci with teas and some fancy chocolates. Kim is always prepared. The day moves forward with movies and some games, then straight to dinner.

The table is full with everyone eating, passing food and wearing the silly paper crowns as well. It’s good, filling. Aiden has about four homemade dinner rolls and another helping of potatoes. Rowan sits on the other side of the table next to Leo, stealing some food off of his grandpa’s plate. Under the table, Aiden hooks his fingers with Luci’s, for a little bit of a connection and appreciation.

“We have about eight desserts,” Kim laughs. “I hope everyone has room.”

[lucifitzgerald]

August had a feeling it wasn't good, but he wanted to ask anyways. He knows some families spend time doing things early, dinner out of the way so they can relax, drink, exchange presents or play games. But the fact that Ryan was heading back home so early told him things were rocky. He hates that for her.

But he's glad she's here. Really Robin's loss.

He cups both sides of her face and smiles down at her. "It does matter, but I'm glad you're here."

He leans down and steals another kiss, nodding about his grandmother. "And," He whispers conspiratorially, "Luci's here too. Aiden invited her." He raises his eyebrows, motioning into the living room with a slight head nod, "Surprised the hell out of me."

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.

[aidenoconnell]

The dinosaur kit is deemed the gift of the day, well, along with the new bicylce Rowan got too. A very good Christmas with lots of great things and he needs to figure out how his mother whipped together a little package for Luci with teas and some fancy chocolates. Kim is always prepared. The day moves forward with movies and some games, then straight to dinner.

The table is full with everyone eating, passing food and wearing the silly paper crowns as well. It’s good, filling. Aiden has about four homemade dinner rolls and another helping of potatoes. Rowan sits on the other side of the table next to Leo, stealing some food off of his grandpa’s plate. Under the table, Aiden hooks his fingers with Luci’s, for a little bit of a connection and appreciation.

“We have about eight desserts,” Kim laughs. “I hope everyone has room.”

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci holds her breath as she watches Rowan unwrap his present. She knows that he’s probably going to love it? But there’s always that slight chance that he has something like that already or just doesn’t want it. She didn’t run it by Aiden before she bought it, just kinda went on a whim. 

And it seems like it’s paid off. 

She breaks out into a grin to match his when he holds the box like it’s something special, instantly showing his dad. She looks over at Aiden, her cheeks warm but her smile just as bright. She did good. 

“Oh you’re welcome,” She tells him, hugging him tightly. She threads her fingers through his hair and up and down his back, only letting go when he does. 

“You’ll have to tell me all about the dinos you find.” 

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.

[aidenoconnell]

Ryan embraces Luci saying Merry Christmas before moving onto Kim and Beatrice as well. She finds a spot to sit amongst the presents and people, tugging the sleeves of her sweater over her hands as she leans into August. Rowan looks over at Luci and nods, standing up to walk over to her and looks at this wrapped box.

Aiden smiles to himself as Rowan takes it from her and begins to tear off the wrappings. “Dino!” He shouts, the other side of town could probably hear him. The wrapping paper is discarded as he looks at the whole thing, amazement in his eyes as he takes it in.

“Dad, look!” He gushed and shoves the box to Aiden.

He takes it from Rowan leans forward to look. “Oh wow, it’s a dinosaur excavation kit,” he grins. “You can dig out the bones and see what dino they’re from.”

“Wow,” he says, looking it ovet again. Then in the next moment he’s latching onto Luci tightly, “Thank you Ms Luci,” he whipsers, clinging for a little bit longer.

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.

[aidenoconnell]

Ryan smiles, appreciative of August caring and asking her about it. But she means it, it doesn’t matter right now because she’s here and very thankful for it as well. Ryan closes her eyes as the next kiss, savouring it for a moment. She doesn’t know what this parents know but at this point it doesn’t matter anyway.

Her eyes widen as she looks up at him and blinks a few times, “What?” She whispers back. Luci is here and honestly, Aiden keeps shocking the hell out of her in the best way too. Ryan almost feels proud of him? “That’s good, I mean… He’s happy and he deserves that.”

Ryan parts from August, too curious now as she walks into the living room seeing wrapping paper everywhere and some presents. “Hi, Merry Christmas,” Ryan greets everyone, seeing Luci with Aiden on the couch. Very G rated but there’s affection there.

“Hi!!” Rowan waves.

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.

[lucifitzgerald]

August squeezes around her waist before turning towards the living room. He smiles as he sees Rowan get excited that Ryan is here too, sticking his hands into the pockets of his PJ pants. 

Luci gets off the couch to say hello, reaching out to Ryan to hug her. She knows they’ve only had one outing together but she really enjoyed spending time drinking and dancing. 

“It’s nice to see you again,” She tells her genuinely, pulling back to give her some space. She moves to sit down next to Aiden again, their hands brushing. She traces the shape of a heart into the back of his hand. 

“Do you want to open my gift, Ro?” She asks him. 

“Oh Bea’s here? Fantastic, we can gossip,” Ryan chuckles as she nods to Leo, watching him walk away. Her attention turns to August as she sway’s back, looking up at him and rests her hands on his forearms. She hums, kissing him back with a light smile before she rolls her eyes.

“I told Robin I’lm help with the gala, then it turned into her telling me what I did wrong fourteen years ago. Dad got into it with her, Reagan was pissed so I took a bottle of wine and left,” she shrugs and she doesn’t want to linger on those feelings too much. She’s grateful and lucky that August invited her bere last minute.

She looks up at him, “Doesn’t matter right now anyway, I get to drink wine with Beatrice.” Ryan jokes.