This was written as a secret santa post but I'm only updating it now because I've been lazy xD
╔═══*.·:·. ✧ ✦ ✧ .·:·.*═══╗
Deck the Halls With Crowns and Roses
╚═══*.·:·. ✧ ✦ ✧ .·:·.*═══╝
Jazzy holiday tunes casting their unbreakable enchantment on the atmosphere. Trendy winter ensembles displayed behind snow sprayed show windows. Eye-catching deals on top quality toys and household appliances. Minimum wage workers decked in seasonal costumes, enticing passers-by into their stores with promises of discounted prices and clearance sales.
Commercialism at its finest.
The mall was busier than usual today, with shoppers swarming every store, hauling multi-coloured totes across intricately decorated halls. Christmas Day was right around the corner after all. Three days to be exact.
As Rosa strolled towards the ascending escalator on her way to the second floor, the reason behind this last minute shopping adventure came to mind.
: *. .* :
~NXX Headquarters~
"Christmas shopping?" The question tore Rosa away from exploring a digital winter catalogue on her phone. Marius was hovering over her right shoulder, vibrant violet eyes perusing the pair of cozy yet elegant coordinating couples outfits she'd been eyeing. The screen went pitch black at the press of a button.
"No, just browsing this catalogue my co-worker sent me." A half-truth. Kiki was actually the one who forwarded the clothing line to Rosa. It was the seasonal collection from a relatively new company – one that didn't fall under the Pax Group umbrella…yet. The strawberry blonde had been assisting her with finding the perfect holiday gift for someone who already had everything. Over the past few months, Marius had really grown on Rosa, to the point where they'd been spending much more time together and she figured it would be nice getting him a Christmas present.
"Mhmm." Suspicion danced across his visage but Marius dropped the subject. Waltzing around the brunette, he settled himself beside the central table in the room, slightly leaning against it, "Speaking of Christmas, have any plans?" A smirk curled his lips, making its way up to those deep violet eyes.
"Hmm..." Rosa shook her head, feigning disinterest but was actually curious to hear what he had in mind, "None that I'm aware of."
His suggestive smile grew even wider, "Well how about we-"
"Have a little get together?" Vyn's vocals ripped right through the conversation. The silver haired psychiatrist appeared from thin air, directing his innocent smile her way, but the look in those bright golden eyes as they peered at Marius was anything but wholesome. Violet eyes slightly narrowed at the older man. Rosa had spent enough time around the Pax heir to know when he was unimpressed.
He was unimpressed.
Vyn knew it too and was enjoying every second of it, "We can have it here. Nothing fancy, just the five of us, if Luke and Artem are free of course."
"Hmm?" Everyone's attention was stolen by Luke as he emerged from the stairs leading down to the file room. Rosa's childhood friend easily took up residence on her left, "What's going on?"
"Dr. Richter was suggesting we all meet up during the holidays next week." She briefly explained to Luke.
The caramel brunet nodded in agreement, "Sounds like a great idea."
Marius didn't seem to think so but kept his thoughts to himself. Having his plans hijacked left a bitter aftertaste that bled into his tenor, "It's whatever."
Sliding up beside Marius, Rosa nudged his left shoulder with her right one. A sympathetic smile graced her strawberry tinted lips, "Come on Marius, it'll be fun." The annoyance creasing his brow eased up a little.
Vyn looked pleased with himself, nodding at no one in particular, "We're all in agreement then, except for Artem."
"I can tell Mr. Wing about it when I get to the office tomorrow." Her colleague was currently working on a big case, one that had him practically living inside the law firm for almost a week now. A small gathering after he wins would be a well deserved break for the senior attorney.
"Alright then, should we delegate roles like who's bringing food, drinks, stuff like that?" Luke crossed his arms in thought.
Adjusting his glasses, Vyn mused, "We should. I can take care of the desserts and will liaise with Artem about the food." No one had a problem with that in the slightest.
"Then I'll handle the drinks and disposables." Luke chipped in, "Cups, plates and cutlery, right?"
Rosa nodded, "Sounds good." She looped arms with Marius, tugging him a little closer, "That leaves the two of us with handling the decorations." The instant he met her chartreuse gaze, the frostbitten aura surrounding him finally melted away, "What do you think?"
A signature smirk she knew all too well curved along his lips, "Sure. You're the boss."
Luke and Vyn were silent for a moment, until the older half-heartedly agreed, "It's a plan then."
: *. .* :
Stepping off the escalator, Rosa strode along, taking the quickest route to the rendezvous point. On the way were multiple pop-up shops taking residence inside the wide walkway towards the central boulevard. One in particular was quite popular, with kids of all ages flocking the handicrafts station where custom bauble ornaments could be designed by patrons.
However, the real showstopper was up ahead in the form of a massive Christmas tree. Ruby, bronze and emerald ornaments adorned the evergreen pine, glistening as they reflected the haloing lights above. Rosa's shimmering eyes took in every inch of the immaculate sight with every footfall towards her destination. Then she noticed the second – or rather, competing – main attraction standing near the tree. Wireless earphones in each ear, hands stuffed inside a thick, midnight blue winter jacket, keen violet eyes skimming the crowd left and right for an answer they couldn't seem to find.
Until they met hers.
Removing his black earbuds, Marius met Rosa halfway. There was a fondness laced within his gaze, those bright eyes refusing to let her out of their sight as he finally cleared the distance, "Hey."
"Hey!" The brunette waved, "Sorry I'm late, hope you weren't waiting long." The traffic was brutal, as it usually was around this time of year.
A melancholic pout overtook his features, "I've been standing here for three hours." The mall opened two hours ago, "I thought my hands were going to freeze off." That teasing smirk of his revealed itself like Rosa knew it would, "How will you make this up to me?"
"But you're wearing glo–" A large right hand gingerly intertwined with her left, igniting a heat in Rosa's fingertips that made the warmth from her glove almost insignificant. Marius gently pulled his shopping buddy along until Rosa fell into step with him, casually swinging their conjoined fist up and down as he led the way.
"As punishment for being late, we're holding hands until I say so." He gave Rosa's smaller hand a soft squeeze, his smile both mischievous and affectionate. A cherry hue dusted her warm cheeks. If she glared at him long enough, maybe he'll become less attractive. Somehow.
It took little time finding the department store where they planned to purchase the decorations. A hoard of customers had flooded the ground floor, swarming self check out lanes and cashiers. The solid hand caressing Rosa's grew even firmer as they both fell into a single line, weaving through the mob of queued shoppers. Violet eyes shifted every few seconds between locating the first floor escalator and making sure she was okay.
The upper floor had much less people and the chances of getting separated from Marius were slim to none. However, his grip on Rosa's hand never wavered. He might've even forgotten about it, but the store attendant guiding them towards the selection of Christmas trees probably won't. The raven haired woman had been eyeing the two from the minute she first walked up to them, enjoying the pair's every interaction.
"We'll take this one." Marius pointed to the tallest, widest, most expensive tree available.
Rosa yanked on his hand a little, "That one's way too tall, we can't buy it."
He begged to differ, "What are you talking about, it's perfect."
"It would touch the roof Marius."
Persuading him was a back and forth that went on for over two minutes.
"Alright, fine. I'll give the lady what she wants." Marius finally conceded, "Can we get that one please?"
He pointed to a tree that barely scratched four feet.
One look at Rosa and a smug smile accentuated his lips, "What's wrong with it?" Was he seriously asking that question? "You clearly have no argument."
"We're taking this one, thank you." Rosa matched glances with the attendant, gesturing to a tree that wasn't too short but wasn't lofty either.
The woman nodded, "No problem. Will you be getting any lights or ornaments to decorate it with?" She was more than happy to assist with finding other embellishments that Rosa and Marius found tasteful.
Waiting on the check out lane took almost ten minutes, but the lines had thinned out by the time Marius was ready to pay. He'd insisted on covering the cost and refused to take no for an answer. The brunette's hand still remained a prisoner, even after its captor took well over a minute fishing out his wallet.
"Excuse me." The long haired employee who'd helped them earlier called out to Rosa and Marius on their way out of the store, "The cashier forgot to tell you guys about the free gift you've won. We have an ongoing promotion where, if you spend up to a certain amount from the nineteenth to twenty-fourth of this month, you win a prize."
Chartreuse eyes met violet ones and Marius smiled down at the little lady, the same one who surprisingly hadn't pulled away from his loosened grip, "Let's go see what we've won."
"Okay." The brunette nodded back and they followed the dark haired store attendant.
Situated on the opposite end of the ground floor was a large, colourful prize wheel. There were twelve prize types total, from vouchers, wares, even cash. Two employees were setting things up while the duo waited on them. Marius released his hold completely, leaving Rosa's hand grasping for a ghost. The realization hit her seconds later and Rosa's empty hand drifted down to her side. The dark haired artist noticed it too but said nothing.
The raven haired worker beckoned them over a moment later. Donning an encouraging smile, Marius gently pushed Rosa forward by her shoulders, "What are you waiting for, go spin the wheel."
"But it's your money that paid for everything. You should be the one who gets the prize." Rosa shot back. It was only fair.
"Well, looks like we're leaving it behind." Twirling on his heels, Marius started for the exit but Rosa caught his lean left arm. Faking indifference came way too easy for him, "Yes?"
Plush lips puffed into a pout that Marius was unprepared for, "Fine. I'll spin it."
Gripping one side of the wheel, Rosa gave it a whirl and everyone watched as the vivid kaleidoscope slowed to a halt. The arrowhead landed on a sparkling sapphire question mark, "Ouu, you've won a mystery prize!" The raven haired attendant cooed as her co-worker selected a lavender gift bag from a large box, handing it to Rosa.
"Thanks!" She politely accepted the token.
While the brunette was out of earshot, however, the raven haired staff member leaned towards Marius, a teasing lilt to her soprano as she whispered in his ear, "I had her throw in a little something extra." The woman pulled back, winking before she rushed over to Rosa with congrats.
They left the store soon after, making their way out of the mall. Marius carried most of the bags while on the phone, making arrangements with his assistant to have the Christmas tree transported to headquarters. At the end of the call, a lavender gift bag was shoved in his face, "Here."
"Nope." Marius made a popping sound, stressing on the 'P'. He continued down the hallway, ignoring Rosa's offering as they exited the building.
"Take it, Marius." His car was waiting near the sidewalk and the brunette did everything she could to make him take the gift bag but he wouldn't budge.
"Don't wanna." He stuck his tongue out just as the driver came around to open their doors.
After sitting through half an hour of traffic, Rosa was dropped off at her apartment.
"Thanks for the lift." The brunette got out of the luxury vehicle, waving her friend and the driver goodbye, "I'll see you in a few days."
His gaze softened, "Yeah, see you soon." The vehicle lingered outside her apartment until Rosa was safely inside, then pulled into the road en route to the von Hagen Estate.
"Master Marius." The driver quickly caught his attention before Marius crossed the front door's threshold, "Your guest left an item on the back seat."
A lavender gift bag.
The driver handed it over and the bag dangled from a careless index finger. An unbothered sigh escaped him and Marius entered his abode, "She really doesn't know when to give up, does she?" Rosa wouldn't be a top notch attorney if that were the case.
Marius closed the door behind him after stepping into his bedroom, setting the gift bag down on the nearest chair before shedding his coat. If he dropped it off for Rosa now, they would definitely end up in yet another stalemate. He glanced at the bag, unable to deny his curiosity. Sinking a hand inside the bag, Marius dug through folds of crepe paper until something small and solid brushed against his knuckles.
A jewelry box.
Unveiling the treasure hidden inside ignited a rosy blush on his cheeks and Marius almost closed the box. Picking up the offending item revealed yet another surprise, one that had him smiling.
ToHe capped the lid on the amethyst box.
─ ・ 。゚ : *. .* : ゚. ─
Christmas Eve arrived in a wink. It was evening time when Rosa and Marius arrived at the NXX headquarters to decorate the place for the team's little gathering on the morrow.
"What do you think of my scarf?" Marius tossed a string of shimmering silver tinsel around his neck and across his shoulder, striking what he thought was a sophisticated pose.
Meanwhile, Rosa was unpacking the other decorations at the center table, not knowing whether she should be scowling or laughing at Marius' antics. She settled on the latter.
"It's...incredibly tacky." The brunette snickered, unravelling lengths of pine garland for the archways and staircase railings.
Marius walked over to Rosa, plucking a plain emerald wreath off the table and placing it atop her head. He was trying – and failing – to look hurt, "You wound me, my princess." Medieval flare garnished his tone, a spell so powerful that the brunette couldn't rid herself of the everlasting stain of rouge enchanting her cheeks.
Picking up her own wreath, Rosa raised herself up on tipped toes, honouring Marius with his own crown, "Didn't know you've been demoted. 'Queen' would've been a more appropriate...n-never mind!" There was now zero contest between her embarrassed features and the darkest shade of red in existence. Rosa would win by a landslide.
He could've remained oblivious. Let it slide under the radar, "Oh?" But no. He was Marius von Hagen, "A more appropriate what?" A devious smirk coiled those lips of his and Rosa subconsciously stepped back, bumping her hip against the table behind her, "Go on, say it with your chest."
"L-lets start decorating already!" Rosa slipped past Marius before he could corner her completely, rushing towards the partially assembled Christmas tree slumbering inside a brown box near the main entrance.
Pure amusement highlighted his features, a stark contradiction to the inward fluster he miraculously kept buried all this time, "Whatever you say." My Queen.
Poinsettias and roses were in full bloom, adorning fresh ivory tablecloths with a festive splash of scarlet. Snow white bows and silver bells complimented the evergreen wreaths accessorizing every door. Rose gold and ruby baubles descended from irregular lengths of cord attached to the intricate ceiling lamp at the epicenter of the lounge area.
The Christmas Tree was the penultimate piece of the puzzle, embellished with white gold ornaments and ribbons, string lights and tinsel.
"Everything looks so great!" Rosa beamed. If working as an attorney goes bust, she could always become an interior designer. Then again, her decorating partner had a good eye for detail and things could've gone south if he wasn't here.
He nodded with a smile, "We're just missing one last thing." A glowing golden star was cupped in his palms and Marius passed it on to Rosa.
Chartreuse eyes gave him a confused look, "Aren't you tall enough to reach it?"
"But I want you to put it up." Violet eyes pleaded with the brunette to grant his request.
"Okay." Dainty hands took hold of the star, briefly nestled within a toasty embrace before Marius pulled his hands away.
Cautiously ascending a stepladder, Rosa raised the golden star up high. She wobbled slightly, spurring a hasty pair of hands into keeping her steady by the waist, "Careful!" Marius meant well, Rosa was sure, but his help caused her to teeter even more, "You okay?"
"Yeah...I'm good." Uncertainty leaked into the brunette's voice but she pushed the thought of his firm hands out of her head, positioning the star at the top of the tree, "It's on."
Marius helped Rosa all the way down, his touch lingering longer than necessary before slipping away, "You did it." His endearing gaze sparked a flutter within her.
"We did it." Rosa winked at her partner.
A trail of silence soon followed with neither of them resolving it.
Until...
"There's-" "There's-" They simultaneously cut each other off.
"You go first." Marius offered.
With the spotlight now centered on the brunette, her flush intensified, "I...have something for you."
Marius blinked. He'd seen Rosa skimming through that winter catalogue but wasn't expecting some high end outfit as a present from her.
She'd gone over to her belongings, pulling out a small crimson gift bag, "It's a little early but, Merry Christmas Marius!" A wide smile took over Rosa's features as she held the bag out to him, "I know the party tomorrow probably wasn't what you had in mind, but I still hope we can spend time together, with or without other people around."
The heartfelt awe on his face as Marius claimed the gift was everything Rosa had hoped for, "Thank you, Rosa." His tenor melted into something softer. Opening the bag, violet eyes widened. He found a tiny canvas inside.
Reds, greens, blues and browns formed the imperfect portrait of Marius standing next to a huge Christmas tree. Having seen that handicrafts booth at the mall during their shopping trip, Rosa figured that something handmade would really suit Marius, "It's not that great but I hope you like-!"
She was swallowed into the biggest hug imaginable, "I love it."
"I'm glad." Rosa's own vocals decrescendoed as she hugged him back, unable to distinguish her erratic heartbeat from the one belonging to the guy whose stolen said heart.
Marius pulled away first, grinning from ear to ear, "I have a gift for you too." He pointed to a spot beneath the Christmas tree where a familiar lavender gift bag sat on its lonesome.
"Wha- Marius!" Rosa flashed him a levelled stare, "I said it's yours."
He picked up the bag, clasping it around Rosa's delicate fingers, "Just trust me and take it." The brunette was not convinced, "Please?" Marius batted his long eyelashes, pouting like an overgrown child.
"Fine." She sighed, finally giving in.
Rosa dipped a hand into the bag and latched onto a small box, "Besides, I already have two." The brunette opened the jewelry box and gasped, "Merry Christmas."
"Marius..." A breathless whisper filled the room. Rosa gingerly stroked the silver necklace, a diamond snowflake pendant dangling from its end as she drew it out of the box completely.
He held out a hand, affection radiating from his smile, "May I?" Marius captured the necklace, taking two strides until he stood right behind Rosa. Brunette tresses parted sideways and the finer hairs along her neck stood on end as a hot breath raked against them. The silver chain snaked around Rosa's neck, its frosty pendant centering itself on her chest. Marius took a step back after clasping the necklace in place, twirling Rosa around, appraising his handiwork, "It looks great on you."
If she wasn't a blushing mess before, Rosa definitely was now, "Thank you, Marius." She pulled him into another embrace, one he didn't mind in the slightest.
"But wait, there's more." Marius let her go, "Close your eyes."
"Another gift?" Chartreuse eyes wearily fluttered closed. This was too much.
Hesitation tainted his tenor, "You...could say that." Shifting fabric, then silence, "Alright, you can open your eyes now."
Bright eyes opened to witness a great big smirk, "We forgot to put up the most important decoration." Suspended from his hand above their heads was the tiniest shred of greenery but Rosa recognized it for what the plant really was.
Mistletoe.
has stopped working.
A 'freebie' from that cheeky department store attendant. Marius debated taking this huge leap of faith ever since he recognized the item sitting on top of the necklace a few days ago. He could only hope that the woman staring after him, eyes brighter than the diamond at her throat, would respond in kind.
"Marius. Von. Hagen." Rosa chewed on her lower lip, that never ending blush on full display. Yet, backing down from his challenge was in no wise part of her plan.
Neither of them knew who exactly instigated the kiss. They only knew that their lips met, barely brushing. So faint a touch, yet it felt like the crescendo of a song.
