Hey, guys! So surprise, we updated, and it hasn't been three months! I know it's still been a week or two, but at least it hasn't been a month or two. I also apologize in advance because I am leaving for a two and half week trip and I probably won't write much. I might end up writing in the car or on the plane or something, but I don't think I will be able to upload. Anyway, even though it's summer who doesn't love Christmas? Here's a fluffy holiday chapter, enjoy!
Phil's POV
It was December 25, 2024, Christmas Day. For a really long time, I've been planning to get Dan a special present. I could tell that he was starting to get suspicious but for the most part, he just shrugged it off, we were both pretty busy getting Christmas presents for Ruby. Just like every year, she came bouncing into our bed early in the morning. It might seem silly, but we had kinda had our own secret tradition; I would let Dan sleep in, and I would watch Nightmare Before Christmas with Ruby while we waited for him. It was one of my favorite festive traditions, and I love spending time with Ruby.
Once Dan woke up we all headed to the living room to open presents. Dan sat on the couch smiling as we watched Ruby look through her stocking and rip open her presents. When Ruby was done she handed each of us a card that she made at school. They had glitter and finger paint everywhere, and they couldn't be more perfect. Dan hands me his gift which is an adorable miniature Christmas tree, which is fake so we can save it for next year. He also gives me a picture of the three of us, in a custom frame that says "The Lesters" with a heart after it. I smile and almost cry before kissing Dan and pulling him into a kiss. Afterward, Dan smirks and asks excitedly "Ok where's my present?" I smile mischievously and taunt him "I can't give it to you yet" Dan raises his eyebrows. Ruby suddenly asks, "When are grandma and grandpa coming?" We have a tradition of Dan and mine's parents all coming over for Christmas dinner. It's really nice to be able to have everyone over to celebrate, even though Dan and I have to make a lot of preparations before everyone arrives. "They'll be here later for dinner," Dan answers. I smile and ask Dan, "Can you start dinner? I need to go out and get some stuff, but I'll be back to help". Dan agrees, and I quickly go to get ready to pick up Dan's present.
Dan's POV
Phil quickly kisses me goodbye before walking out the door. He didn't mention what he was going out for, but it's not unusual for us to need stuff for dinner on Christmas, so I don't question it. I put on Princess and the Frog, one of her favorite Disney movies, for Ruby to watch while I'm cooking. I start to cook and wish Phil was here to help but he says he won't be gone for too long so I work on what I can.
When Ruby's done watching her show, she comes into the kitchen to help me. She sits on the counter, and I decide to hand her the ingredients to pour into the bowl. "Where did Papa go?" Ruby asks after I put everything into the oven. I smile and reply, "He's just picking up some stuff for dinner. Don't worry, he'll be back soon". We keep working on the dinner for another hour or so before Ruby eventually leaves to play in her room. I really hope Phil will be home soon, it's barely been any time, but we haven't been apart at all on Christmas in years.
Finally, I hear the door open, and Phil call out, "I'm home! Can you help me with the bags?" Since the food was cooling, it wasn't a problem leaving the kitchen for a few minutes. The very last thing I was expecting to see in the living room was Phil standing in front of the door, holding a Shiba Inu puppy. "Phil…?" "Merry Christmas Dan!" "You got me a dog?" I tried to sound irritated at the surprise, but I couldn't suppress my huge smile "Well you've always wanted one and Ruby's been asking too" I laugh and kiss him squatting down to pet the dog "Hey there buddy" "She's a rescue" Phil smiled at my amusement. "You had to get a shibe didn't you?" I joke. "Hey, I happen to like shibes very much. Besides I thought it would be a fun reminder of your love of the meme" Dan smirked, and we called in Ruby to meet the dog "Puppy!" She squeals. She sat down in front of her and started to play with her. Phil and I are both smiling down at her. When she's excited, she gets a certain smile. It makes her dimple apparent, and her eyes twinkle just a little bit brighter.
I decided to let Ruby name the dog "Alright Ruby what do you want to name her?" "Winnie!" She smiles. "Like Winnie the Pooh?" she nods enthusiastically, and Phil chuckles "She really is your daughter" I roll my eyes. "I hope she talks like you when she's older!" Phil jokes. I don't even bother to think of a comeback. Phil offers to make final preparations before everyone gets here while Ruby and I play with Winnie.
Phil's POV
I open the door and instantly smile when I see my parents. As we're hugging and greeting each other Dan comes over with Ruby so they can say hi too. "It seems like it's been forever! How are you all doi- wait….is that a dog!" My mom exclaims as Winnie, previously wandering around the house, runs over to us. Ruby happily says, "Papa just got him for daddy! I named her!" Mom crouches down and starts petting Winnie. "That's amazing, Ruby! And what did you name her?" Dad asks her. Ruby tells about why she named her Winnie as Dan's parents approach the door, which was never fully closed due to the reveal of Winnie. We go through pretty much the same process of greeting them and introducing Winnie. Eventually, we all sit down at the dinner table so we can eat and catch up. It's always really fun to have the whole family together since it doesn't often happen due to our house being a good distance away from both mine and Dan's parents. Once we're done with dinner, we move to the sitting room to open gifts. Dan and I decided to give our parents a framed picture of all of us that we took around the time we adopted her. "Oh Dan, Phil! This is beautiful, thank you so much!" My mom says I swear she's on the brink of tears. We continue talking until it gets pretty late. "Looks like Ruby's had enough," Dan laughs, and I turn to see Ruby asleep on the couch. "As much fun as this is, we should probably be going soon," Mom says, followed by Dan's parents agreeing.
We briefly wake Ruby up so she could say goodbye, but as soon as our parents are gone, she goes directly back to bed. Neither of us are really surprised when Winnie decides to stay with her, but we are pretty much dying from the cuteness. We take a few pictures of Ruby and Winnie together before quickly get to bed seeing as we're both exhausted. "Hey, Phil," Dan says before we fall asleep, "Today has really been great. I love you". I smile and reply, "I love you too, Bear. Merry Christmas, now go to sleep".
Hope you guys enjoyed a bit of winter fluff, even though it's July. Remember to follow and send any prompts to danpotatosackhowell (the co-author of this series) on Instagram. Thank you so much to everyone who shows support and actually reads Our Little Family, it means so much to us when we see that you guys are somehow enjoying our trash writing. Next chapter will hopefully be out soon so stick around for that, and our awesome plans for future chapters!