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shadowphantomreaper · 22 days ago

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Summary

As the holiday season unfolds, Sage Swan stands ahead of the festive chaos, having meticulously planned and sent out gifts well before December arrived. With tranquility on his mind, he envisions a peaceful December and New Year's Eve in the comfort of his home, with the added joy of hosting his twin nieces for the same duration.

Christmas Eve

It was nice. To wake up without feeling a hint of pain or an ounce of sickness. Anymore. It still feels like a dream at times, to wake up in my own bed without any of those terrible sensations, only the feeling of a good night's sleep. My sheets fall off my body sitting up to stretch. To my relief there was no pain. Everytime I close my eyes I hope this will never end.

Getting up, my bare feet hit the warm floor boards. Heading towards the bathroom for a nice long shower. I have nowhere to go this holiday. I had everything done months before December even rolled around. No last minute errands or gifts. Everything has been dealt with according to plan. With just a flick of my fingers the shower turns on. Letting the water warm as I undo my bed braids from my hair and brush my locks.

Steam began to fog the mirror. Undressing and getting into the wonderful water. Music began to go from the shower speaker that was stuck to the shower wall. The familiar warm guitar strum of Highway 80 album by Adrian echoed off the walls. Don't get me wrong I like Christmas but there is so much cheer I can take before I say no. Christmas happens to beat the bottom of my list. Well curtain songs I will listen to, the rest no. Unless they're a metal version then I will listen to it. Either way I have to be in the mood for it which is not much.

This year I plan to spend the holiday by myself in my own home. Well......I was going to spend the holiday by myself till, sadly, at the last second my nieces wanted to spend Christmas with me. From what I could tell at the family meeting, to discuss the holiday schedule, the entire family wasn't expecting the twins to say anything. Not even from their parents much less Jacob. Which is fine. I'm happy to have my nieces over for the holiday. Even if I told them at the meeting I wasn't going to be doing much, just a tv and movie marathon along with some horseback riding. Just slow boring fun in my book.

Both girls just said simultaneously,"That's fine with us."

I mentally banged my head on the table. In the present I just nodded in acknowledgement.

Come to find out they wanted to spend Christmas Eve and the first to weeks of January with me. Now that was suspicious to me, but if they wanted to spend that much time with me on the holidays that is fine with me. This time if the year is about family coming together. So that is what we are going to do.

With my shower complete, towel wrapped around my hair. Dressing in black knee length sports shorts with two parallel white stripes topped with black sleeveless shirt with a tall neck. Making my way to the hall down the stairs towards the kitchen. With each step on the wooden floors warmth touched my feet. With all the fireplaces lit in the house and with the help of magic it helps spread the warmth in the house and keep it circulated so I don't have to worry about messing with my heater to keep the house warm much less keep it circulated in one room much less the entire house which. And if the fire needs to be fueled my magic can pick from the never ending piles of I have spread out near the fireplaces.

It was too early in the morning for anyone to be awake, much less at my door. Looking at the clock to make sure it was early, it read five thirty. Yep early. Then again I know a few people that wake up to go to work at three or four in the morning. So I have no excuse to say it's early. Putting the pot under the brewer to make coffee. The fumes waft the surroundings of the beginning of coffee. Leaning on the islander to look over the dining and the living room where the tree was twinkling two patterns of lights. One solid color of yellow then twinkles in various colors of purples, greens, reds, and yellows, then blinks back and vice versa. The colors go beautifully with the black tree fake fir needles. Objects here and there glide through the house.

And speaking of objects, my favorite mug with a skeleton holding a book to its chest with the saying: So Many Books, So Little Time. Lands in front of me with the coffee pot levitating over the mug. Alongside the pot was my favorite powder mocha creamer and small stirring spoon. Altogether the coffee and creamer poured while the spoon stirred. Once almost filled to the top the pot and creamer went back to their places on the counter and the spoon in the sink.

Blowing on the hot liquid before taking a sip. Groaning, "ah, good joe."

Grabbing the mug and heading towards the living room. Taking a seat on the couch, crossing my legs, placing the mug on the side table and grabbing the throw blanket over my legs. Untangling my hair from the towel and laying it on the back of the couch. Taping play on my phone to continue the previous album from when I was in the shower. The speakers all around the house were on low as the strum of guitar played around the house. With that I placed the phone on the side table and grabbed my book. I read while I wait for my nieces along with whoever they arrive with.

As I read and drank coffee, actionably my mug would refill without my notice. Time passed, the morning shines brightly through the windows to brighten up the house. The snow sparkled along the bright sunny morning. Tracks of rabbits and deer littered the once untouched blanket of white powder. Birds chirped happily for a beautiful winter morning. The rooster crowed, signalling for everyone to wake up. And the horses neigh among each other or to the neighbors horses a few miles away. In the far distance one can hear the horses reply to their friends.

The noise of the doorbell broke my attention from my book. Looking up at one of the clocks in the house read seven thirty. Marking my place in the book. Getting up towards the door, opening it to reveal Nessie and Etta close together, holding their suitcases and string bag on their free side, with their parents behind them. All giving him cheery smiles.

Smiling back, I greeted everyone. "Hi, how are we doing this morning?"

"Good Uncle Sage." The twins said together.

"We're doing just fine, brother." Bella answered for her and Edward.

"Good, " stepping aside to hold the door for everyone. "Please come in, I am not heating up the countryside."

Everyone strode on in. Taking off their shoes and boots near the door and hanging their jackets up on the hooks. The girls instantly rushed up the stairs to unpack while whispering among each other. Why they would bring more stuff to my house I will never know. The girls treat my house like it's their second house. There are enough things in that room to prove more than one person lives with me. I lead their parents to the kitchen to talk for a bit before they have to head for their own holiday getaway.

"So," I began. Taking a seat across from them at the island. "Got any plans involving bed breaking?"

"Sage!" Bella squawked in embarrassment. Hiding her face in her hands. Edward beside her looked amused at both of us.

"What? You would think your wedding night would speak for itself." I teased back. Adding with a mutter, "so glad you're not human with how many times you and Edward do it."

"Well at least we do it." Bella shot back.

Ever since she was turned into a vampire she has become more confident, graceful, and less awkward. It's a good look but I will miss the times I could make fun of her awkwardness and clumsiness.

"-ile Carlisle and the Kings are getting none."

"Eh, it's not going to kill them if they go without sex. They survived this long without sex, going a few more extra years without pleasure is fine with me." Sighing in exasperation, "if only Carlisle and the Kings could get along and not knock heads every few seconds they're near one another."

"Why, do you want to get married too, brother?" Bella teased.

"Hell no, why would I want to marry any of them, no offense Edward." I accidentally overheard Carlisle have expressed to tie the knot with me to Edward a few months after Bella's wedding. And I might have let my barriers down for Edward to hear my thoughts on the matter. Seriously he couldn't at least wait till I was in my mid twenties, damn. It was bad enough my sister got married, had kids, and changed at the age of 18.

At least Bella and I will still look the same age after the whole thing with Volturi and me almost dying had it not been for my four bonded working together, something I didn't account for, along with me working ahead of time planning for my supposed death when I had a few backup plans. Either way once I died my soul didn't go to the reaper but instead I bound my soul to something precious to me while at the same time my bonded worked together to simultaneously bite me. Not only did I become a lich with fangs but my body over time won't lose its flesh thanks to their bites.

"Because getting married might not be too bad for you." Bella said with a smile.

"I can already tell that will be a total cluster fuck between Carlisle and the Kings."

Their conversation came to a stop to the sounds of stomping feet, like a herd of elephants, down the stairs. Etta and her sister round the stairs towards the dining room.

"Well I think it's time we head out." Edward informs, getting up from his seat. Bella is not far behind him.

Once they got their shoes and jackets on. Hugs were given all around. Each girl hugged one parent then switched. Bella hugged me while I shook Edwards hand. We watched Bella and Edward drive off in one of Cullens fancy cars. I still wonder why everything they own has it be fancy. I get it they got money no need to show it off. Or maybe it's just me cause I hate the attention and prefer to look somewhat normal and not a target for all sorts of crazy people.

Retreating into my home. Shut the door and turned to face the twins who were looking at me with blank faces.

"So," I began. "What's on the agenda since I didn't have anything really planned?"

Both girls looked at me then each then back to me giving me small smiles.

"We haven't had breakfast yet." Nessie said.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

"Whatever you cook is fine with us. Your cooking is always the best." Etta compliments.

"Okay." Pointing my arm towards the kitchen. "March to the kitchen we go."

Walking into the kitchen a decent size cast-iron skillet levitated off its hook onto the gas stove. The stove turned on with a few clicks before a low flame warms the skillet. While that was going on I was grabbing the ingredients from the fridge and freezer. Laying all on the counter from eggs, bacon and sausage, and small diced square potato wedges. Add the sausage and bacon first so it will add some grease to the skillet before adding the eggs and wedges.

The sizzle and pop along with the smell of cooking pork is always the best smell to wake up. The aroma would no doubt cover the whole house.

While I watched the meat cook I decided to make some small talk.

"While I'm cooking, what would you like for lunch or dinner? Also, what do you think we should have for Christmas Day for food? To tell you the truth I wasn't going to do anything big or fancy."

"For lunch I think something light would work since we're going to have a big breakfast I would say butter noodles." Nessie said.

"Not a bad idea," Etta agreed. "And for dinner what do you think of beef tips and gravy with mashed potatoes on the top."

Nessie dramatically agreed,"yuuuuhum! What do you think of Uncle Sage?"

Turning over the meat and seasoning the eggs and wedges before answering. "All very good choices. I'll see what I have to make. Now what about for Christmas?"

"It would have to be something with enough serving left over for a few days." Etta thought.

"And some sides to go with it. Maybe we can spend all day making snacks since we're going to be here for a while." Nessie added.

"Start making a list of what you want to make and we'll go from there." I called over my shoulder.

"Kay." Both girls said together.

I turned off the stove and plated our plates with two sunny side up, wedges and an equal portion of meat. The plates and silverware moved in front of the twins. Two more mugs of coffee with my favorite creamer gently placed themselves beside the plates.

"Thank you Uncle." They said before digging in.

We sat in silence enjoying our breakfast. The skillet began moving over to the sink, the hot water on high steam could be seen for the side of my view. The sounds of running water and scrub brush were the only things that could be heard. Taking a sip out of my mug before I broke the silence.

"Why did you both want to spend so much time with me this holiday then with the rest of the family?" I asked, curious why for so long right now would be the best time.

The twins stopped eating, placed their silverware on the plate and just stared at their plate without saying a word.

"I'm not mad, just curious. You sure surprise everyone at the last family meeting. I am happy to have you both here. I just want to know why for a long amount of time."

Silence. The twins didn't say a thing for a whole five minutes. I'm a patient person. I can wait forever if I have to. Thankfully my patients were awarded when Nessie decided to start.

"It's not that we aren't grateful for everything the Cullens have done for us. We just feel they treat us a bit differently than most kids."

"Well you both are hybrids, you are not what everyone sees in the world. Dhampirs' are not uncommon but that doesn't mean we know much about them. Each Dhampir is different from one another so of course your family wants to watch out for you both."

"We know that," Etta said. " But it gets so frustrating to have to be watched by one or more of the family and if it's not the family it's Jacob. It becomes frustrating Nessie can't stand being around her own mate. They watch us like we'll slip up or something. Hovering over us like a helicopter just makes us try to avoid them even more till they want us to stay in our room."

I can't really find anything to say to that. I wouldn't know what it's like to be in their shoes.

"But you're different Uncle Sage." Nessie picks up where her sister left off. "You treat us like people that can think for ourselves. Sure we have screwed up and misbehaved a few time that got spanked with a belt-"

"Damn right," I gritted out, still fresh in my mind. "I told you both not to mess around my work place when I'm handling delicate potions that can kill you and I. You're both lucky we didn't blow up the entire house. I tell you both that not to be mean but because I care and love you both, and I would never forgive myself of anything ever happening to either of you."

Etta picks up with, "we know that. It's not only you treat us like helicopter parents do but you're not afraid to discipline us when it is called for. When parents want to discipline us they send us to a room you do not. You take away are privilege's,tv, phones, and games, and will give us things to do till meal time then back to doing over things with your supervision of course but not hovering over us.

"Thanks," I said hesitantly. "I was going off of what grandpa Charlie and uncle Billy Black did. So you both want a break from all the overprotective family and that I treat you like normal kids."

"Yes." The girls said tiredly. Actually seeing it on their faces.

"Okay I can do that."

"Thanks uncle Sage."

"Yep."

We continued breakfast and finished off the coffee before they floated to the sink to be washed. After that time just flew by and we stayed in most of the morning. Hanging out in the living room with low calm guitar music of various musicians playing in the background. The girls had notebooks and pens out making plans for what to do while they visited, occasionally adding my thoughts when I felt like it. While they did that I continued my book before I had to get up to make lunch. Thankfully I finished the book an hour before noon. Thinking that was a good place to stop before starting the next book in the series. The girls were still discussing their plans when I headed back to the kitchen to make lunch. After lunch, the girls finished up their plans before asking me if we could all go riding together before it got too dark.

That was fine. Once we got ready, the girls bundled up and their cowboy hats were out the door with me not far behind with my own hat. Heading for the barn where the tackle room was. Grabbing are halters we head for the pen where three fluffy horses were eagerly waiting to greet us. Coincidently the girl's horses were also twins. Both were beautiful silver dapples, with dark chocolate coats and silver manes. The only way to tell them apart is that both boys have half a star on their faces. Nessie's horse Colt had left half while Etta's Horse Blaze had the right half. Mine was a handsome blue roan called Bones.

Wrapping the halter around his neck before putting it on his face and tying it so it will stay. Following to the barn after I closed the gate. Entering the barn with the sound of clip clop of horse hooves on concrete floors. Tying bones to one of the free posts. I left to get some brushes and a can with a small scoop of grain to dump in his bucket while get him ready for a ride through backwoods. Brushing Bones fluffy before adding the blanket and the saddle. Once he was cinched up tightly did I go back to grab my bridle. Untying the halter from his face I put the bit in his mouth, noseband slid on while the headpiece went behind his ears and browband in front. With one peice of the rein was already over the back I tossed the other rein over the other side.

I got there with my nieces following after me to behind my house where the path is no doubt covered in snow.

Muttering under my breath even if the girls hear me. "I swear Nessie if your boyfriend is in my backyard."

"He's not. I made him promise not to follow me or be on or near your property for the entire time I'm with you." She said.

"He better." All I say before we continue is through the woods.

At some point we decided to race to our favorite spot. It was hard for everyone involved trying to avoid trees and deep spots in the snow. We eventually won, unimportant that the scene in front of us. On a cliff big enough for three grown horses, we just stared at the beautiful scene of a tree covered in snow in the far distance, the ocean rolling in and the afternoon sun beginning to set, making it evening paint its rays to make the snow sparkle in orange and red.

The ride back was nice, calm and quiet. Unsaddling are horses and brushing them one more time before putting them back into the pen where Nessie has a bucket full of grain to portion it out in three different feed buckets. While they take care of the chores for the rest of the little critters running around I went to the house to make dinner.

Food was almost done when the girls took their seat at the island fresh out of the shower. Follow behind them after dinner.

After dinner I took a shower with the twins cleaning up what they could before the house took over. Coming down stairs feeling fresh I ask them what they wanted to do or watch.

"We feel like Home Alone." They both said.

For almost an hour we enjoyed and laughed butts off before we got ready for bed. As we went up the stairs the house turned off all the lights except the tree and little decorations here and there. I helped tuck the girls into bed. The girls are getting comfy in their bunkbed.

"Can we have a bedtime story uncle Sage?" Nessie asked.

"Aren't you a bit mature for a story?" I can't say old 'cause they are not old. Mature, yes. Physical appearance, yes. Old, no.

"Please, uncle Sage." Both girls plead.

"Alright, fine," sighing as I pulled a chair from the corner of their reading corner. "What would you like to hear?

"A Christmas story but in your own version. You can tell some great stories, Uncle Sage." Etta compliments.

"I second that." Nessia adds.

"Fine." Clearing my throat. "'Twas the eve before Christmas, the moon cold and gray, Not a creature was stirring, in the village far away. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

"The children were nestled, all snug in their beds, While visions of shadows danced in their heads. And Mamma in her corset, and I in my cape, Had just settled down for a long winter's escape.

"When out on the rooftops, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my coffin to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a bat, Tore open the shutters, and hissed, "Who is that?"

"The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the luster of midday to objects below. When, what to my unnatural eyes should appear, But a skeletal sleigh, and eight ghostly reindeer.

"With a bony old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment, it must be St. Nick. More rapid than vultures, his coursers they came, And he whistled, and moaned, and called them by name!

" "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the tomb! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

"As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the mausoleum-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of horrors, and St. Nicholas too.

"And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each skeletal hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney, St. Nicholas came with a bound.

"He was dressed all in black, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a ghoul just opening his pack.

"His eyes, how they glowed! His dimples, how scary! His cheeks were like corpses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

"The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a gaunt face, and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

"He was spooky and frightening, a right jolly old wight, And I screamed when I saw him, in spite of my might. A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

"He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

"He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a dark night!" "

When I finished girls were smiling but having a hard time trying to keep their eyes open. I gave each a kiss on the head and I love you. I turned of the light and shut the door. Going across the hall to my door. I slipped under my newly made covers and fell fast asleep.

-AN

(*I do not own the creepy version of the Night Before Christmas. I got that from ChatGPT.)

Christmas Morning

I was sleeping so well till was interrupted by cold lips on both sides of my neck, cheek, and hand. Ignoring the cold lips I tried to go back to sleep. I could feel their smiles on my skin so they decided to continue to kiss me where my clothes would allow them. However when you're not used to skin contact in upper parts of your body it becomes unbearable. I had to shake them off and bury myself under my blankets.

Chuckles could be heard from under the covers.

"It's bad enough you are coming through my window and wasting my precious heat but now you got the other three doing it too." I said under the blankets.

"Merry Christmas to you too, my love." Carlisle says above me in a chuckle.

"Yes, Merry Christmas mio amore." The familiar cheeriness of Aro on the other side of me. After that I got a few more 'Merry Christmases' from Marcus and Caius.

Lifting myself up from under the covers to reveal my bedhead. Getting a better picture where everyone is at. Carlisle on my left with Aro on my right. Caius and Marcus sitting at the foot of my bed. Marcus gave me a small small. Caius gave me his signature smirk.

"Ba Humbug," I sighed out in a deadpan.

That got deep chuckles from all around. I leaned my head on Carlisle looking at everyone with sleepy eyes. Trying to mentally form sentences before saying anything, I couldn't. Sighing I uncovered my arms and spread them out for everyone to come near. Gently I layed back down with all four vampires covering themselves over my body. Carlisle, Marcus, Caius, and Aro all making a vampire pile. Without knowing I fell back asleep with my vampire bonded near me, to comfort me. I hope someday we'll all say I love you to one another and not just to me.

Sleep came fast and ended just as quickly in the form of my nieces yelling at the top of their lungs.

"WAKE UP UNCLE SAGE, IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!"

I just groaned, getting even more chuckles out of my bonded.

"Ba Humbug."

~~~~~~~~

You can find this story here @ Wattpad or AO3