This one-shot was written for TV Haven's 5 Parts Fanfiction Challenge.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from the work on this site. No copyright infringement is intended.
Five Days of Christmas
December 21
You groan as you glance at your watch: 11:55 pm. Did you seriously wait in line for two hours? Your key elicits the familiar click as you twist it in the turnkey. As you load your shopping bags into the back seat something silver catches your eye. Lo and behold, behind the passenger seat lays a lone silver package. You quickly climb into your seat, locking your doors before you pull the package closer for inspection.
You cannot but help notice the pineapple motif or the taunting script, which reads 'open me today,' in the ever so familiar scrawl.
At first you feel hesitant to open a gift so early, but you decide it is only fair to appease him. The paper is quickly shed, revealing A Partridge Family's Christmas Card. Not your choice of music, but it is holiday music, so you pop in the compact disc and the songs start to falter out your stereo.
--
December 22
Your stomach produces its well-versed grumble, signaling your hunger. You debate whether you should go search for a quick snack or continue on with your paperwork. However, not a moment too soon, a container lands on your desk.
"Hey Jules, I sensed you wanted to share a piece."
You watch as he opens the container to reveal two slices of chocolate turtle cake. You flash him a grateful smile as he hands you a fork, then you both dig in.
Your senses fill you with delight, and a pleasant murmur escapes your lips. You cannot help but silently praise your chocolate piece of heaven. It was amazing. His timing was amazing. He was amazing.
--
December 23
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Groggily, you wake up to the faint buzz of your alarm. You gingerly roll out of bed, careful not to wake the sleeping form to your left. Softly you pad to the bathroom where you get ready for a hectic trip to the airport.
Before you leave, you head to the kitchen. You reach into your pantry for the bag of kibble. Taped on the bag a note reads: 'Prize inside. Happy December 23rd. Or is it Meowry?' You slowly pour the kibble into their shared bowl as you await the prize—out pops three catnip hens. You scoop out the toys and place them on the floor for your beloved kittens to enjoy.
You exit the front door, while your cats feast on their new toy prey.
--
December 24
You sit in a circular cluster around the dinner table as your great-uncle Charlie begins grace. As you bow down your head, you hear a faint crowing.
Cock-de-doodle-do.
"Julie, dearie, I think your chest is crowing."
You feel the blood rush to your face, tinting your cheeks crimson. As you frantically reach into your chest pocket, your uncle bursts into a boisterous laugh, which induces an eruption of laughter from the rest of your family.
As you silence your phone you see Shawn's well-placed smirk. In the instant it takes you to nudge him, his demeanor switches from one of glee to one of pure innocence. However you know only one pseudo psychic who would dare to change all your ringtones to birdcalls.
The laughter ends and everyone returns to saying grace. As you bow your head again you hope you will not hear anymore crowing, cooing, cawing or chirping for the rest of the night.
--
December 25
You feel his hot sticky breath tickle your ear as he whispers, "Merry Christmas."
As you turn to face him you feel cool metal press against your skin. One quick glance at your left hand shows a twinkling diamond.
"Jules, will you marry me?"
The world fades out—it is just you, Shawn and the golden ring that resides on your finger. In one breathless reply you say, "Yes."