[CLOSED] It's a Marshmallow World~

[foxfireheart]

WHO: Ishkode (foxfireheart) and Zoey (colorsinmyhead)
WHAT: Ishkode asked Zoey over for Yuletide. So dinner, presents, skating and general adorableness.
WHEN: Christmas!
WHERE: Ishkode's apartment and then out at the skating rinks.
WARNINGS: None! Unless you gotta warn for adorable sweetness and gremlin antics, as I'm sure they will get up to both. Will update if necessary.



Ishkode's got his whole apartment decorated for the holiday.

He's never had the chance to celebrate, really. When he was very young his grandparents always did things for the solstice and Christmas time, but ever since then he hasn't ever been able to. Here in Ellipsa, Yuletide has been everywhere and the turtle has been all too eager to finally enjoy it again.

He's got a brightly lit tree in one corner of the living room, sparkling with garland and ornaments and even popcorn strings. There's lights hung around the big window and on the door that heads to the little balcony outside. The balcony railing is also wrapped in garland and lights. Some of the Labuwus all lined up on the window sill seem to be sporting tiny Santa hats!

His outfit is just as festive as his apartment is, having forgone his usual crop top for an actual sweater with "I'm the Reason Santa has a Naughty List" emblazoned on it. He's even got a Santa hat on! Though it's over top of his ball cap, like the dork he is.

He hums along to the Christmas music he's got playing, quietly, as he makes sure there's a selection of drinks in the fridge to chill. He wants to make sure everything's set for when Zoey gets here! It's not only his first Christmas since he was a little kid, it's the first time he's had anyone to share it with this way. He's really hoping he can make it special for her.

Comments

[colorsinmyhead]

Zoey pauses outside his door for half a heartbeat longer than she needs to.

Not because she’s nervous—okay, maybe a little—but because she has to shift the weight of the presents in her arms and make sure nothing slides. One is wrapped in dark green paper with silver snowflakes, corners sharp and precise. Another is softer, bundled in kraft paper and twine, a tiny charm tied into the bow that jingles when she moves. There’s a third tucked into her tote, smaller, secretive.

She’s dressed for the cold in a way that’s very her—a cozy oversized sweater in soft cream, the sleeves slightly too long, cuffs brushing over her knuckles. The front has a subtle winter design stitched in pale blue thread, nothing loud, just thoughtful. Fuzzy boots hug her calves, warm and impractical in the cutest way, and when she shifts her feet on the welcome mat, they make a soft little shh against the fibers.

She exhales, visible in the hallway air, and smiles to herself.

"Okay, you’ve got this."

Zoey knocks—gentle, but bright. A knock that sounds like anticipation instead of hesitation.

While she waits, she takes in the door, the faint glow of warm light spilling from the edges, the muffled hum of music behind it. Christmas music. Real Christmas music. The kind that makes something old and soft stir in her chest.

[foxfireheart]

He's totally gone into 'fussing just to keep busy' mode. He's rearranged the gifts under the tree twice now and has taken to fussing with the strings of popcorn on it, instead. When he realizes what he's doing, he laughs, shaking his head at himself.

"You're acting like she's never been here before. Chill out." he says to himself. His grin widens a little and his cheeks flush as he thinks about the first time he had her over, though. That was... very nice and while dancing for her isn't in the plans for today, it's more than pleasant memory.

The knock on the door has him brightening up, instantly, and he goes over to open it for her, already beaming and excited to see her.

"Hi! Oh..!" he blinks at the fact that her arms are full and he's already stepping in to take the packages from her. "Here, lemme get those for you."

When he does, though, he's absolutely going to turn to the side a bit and lean in so he can give her a quick and affectionate little kiss~ His tail is already swaying, happily, and teal eyes are bright as he lets her in to close the door.

"There's a boot mat you can put your shoes on so we don't wind up with snow puddles." he says, and then his beaming smile softens as he looks at her. "That sweater is adorable on you."

[colorsinmyhead]

Zoey laughs softly as the presents leave her arms, the relief immediate—and then his kiss lands and the rest of the world narrows to that familiar, grounding warmth. And she quickly returns it a small one on his cheek as he goes to close the door.

"Hi."

She steps inside, toes brushing the mat as she slips out of her boots, careful and practiced. When she straightens, she finally really looks. And—oh. Her eyes widen, slow and bright, taking in the lights first. The tree. The garland. The ridiculous little Santa hats perched on the Labuwus like they’ve formed some kind of festive council. Her mouth opens, closes, then opens again as a laugh escapes—soft, delighted, almost reverent.

"Ish…"

It comes out hushed, like she’s stepped into a snow globe and doesn’t want to shake it too hard.

She turns in a small circle, sweater sleeves sliding down over her hands as she hugs herself without realizing it. The music hums through her bones. The apartment glows warm and gold, and suddenly her chest feels tight in the best way.

"You did all of this? It's amazing."