Merry Christmas! Hope the holidays are treating you well. Here's some fluffy Jori for your day. Enjoy!


After making sure my mother would be okay handling the brood I left home and practically ran through town. I didn't exactly tell her why I needed to go, but I did tell her it was something I had to do and it made me happy. That seemed to be enough for her. I rushed towards the gate but halted when I realized I had nothing to barter with. The Gatekeeper looked down his large beak at me and I looked back at him.

"You're lucky Jack ordered that I let you pass from now on. Something about a special job," he said in his nasally voice. He leaned on the edge of the window and squinted his beady eyes at me.

"Yup, sounds about right. So what are you waiting for? Let me out. I have things to do," I demanded, gesturing at the gate. He rolled his eyes with a sigh and opened it. I couldn't help but grin as I raced out, jumping into the air a moment later to take advantage of my swift wings. I traveled over Curly Hill, across Pumpkin Field, and then navigated through the trees of The Hinterlands, landing hastily in front of the door marked with a Christmas tree. I threw it open and welcomed the gust of frosty air. I couldn't wait so I jumped in, riding the currents into a flash of light. This time I was ready. When I came out the other side I used the force of ejection to pull up into the air.

I scanned the ground for any sign of Tori and grinned when I spotted a lone figure laying spread out in the snow, the only thing in the middle of the smooth white landscape outside of town. I swooped down and landed not too far away but close enough to approach silently yet swiftly. I slowed, staying down on my hands and feet, stalking until she sat up. Now that her back was to me I scurried closer and then pounced as soon as she was standing. She cried out in shock the moment I collided into her with a playful snarl, sending snow everywhere as we tumbled to the ground. I held her down gently, but she must have taken it as an attack because her eyes were squeezed shut and her arms were held up defensively.

"Tori, you dork," I growled low, leaning in to nuzzle under her jaw.

"Jade?" she gasped, pushing on me so that she could look me in the eyes. I gave her a toothy grin, full of fang but idiotically happy as chiz. A big grin brightened her face and then her arms wrapped around me, hugging me close.

"I thought I'd never see you again," she muttered in my ear. Her voice made me tremble and my breath caught.

"I wouldn't allow that," I responded, leaning back to look at her when her arms loosened so that they rested at the small of my back.

"Oh, you wouldn't, would you?" she teased, skeptically raising a brow.

"Nope. I couldn't go too long without seeing you again," I admitted honestly. She blushed and I took in the addition to her beautiful face. Her shyness was remarkably endearing.

"Really?" she questioned, uncertain but hopeful. My eyes cast a pale blue glow on her face and it was noticeable now that we were so close.

"Yeah," I assured, brushing her nose with mine. She giggled and kissed my cheek before pushing me off her.

"Hey, I was comfortable," I complained.

"While I was buried in snow," she remarked, sitting up.

"You can never have too much snow," I teased. She turned to glare at me but I had been waiting with a snowball in hand. I got her right in the face as soon as I could.

"Hey! Jade!" she yelled, wiping at her face. I laughed so hard I almost fell back into the snow. She tackled me and grunted at the force but succeeded in knocking me over. Now she was leaning over me, smiling and out of breath. The air leaving her mouth escaped in puffs. I gazed up at her with a crooked grin, brushing back her hair and kissing her nose. I remained close to her, waiting, but she pulled away with a nervous chuckle. She got to her feet and ran a hand through her chocolate tresses.

"Um, do you wanna spend the rest of Christmas Eve with me?" she asked, the words leaving her mouth in an awkward manner. I got to my feet and slid my fingers between hers, our palms meeting. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Relax, Tori. It's just me," I reminded her.

"Yeah, it's just you. No big deal," she scoffed half-heartedly, shrugging her shoulders. I chuckled and pulled her forward.

"Shall we fly?" I offered, smirking when she hesitated.

"Yes," she answered, surprising me.

"You sure?" I checked, glancing at her.

"I haven't seen you in what felt like forever. You love to fly and I know you like the thrill of freaking me out, so, yeah, let's go," she rambled, brushing it off. I scooped her up and tucked her close to me. She draped her arm over my shoulders and got comfortable.

"You good?" I asked her.

"Yep," she replied, her hand subconsciously smoothing over my shoulder. I smiled and then looked to the sky, pushing off the ground and spreading my wings. They caught the cool air currents easily and I listened as Tori directed me to a small house. I landed behind it as she instructed and then set her down.

"Wait right here. I'm going to make sure Trina isn't home," she said, disappearing into the house a moment later. Tori told me about Trina, her older sister. She sounded annoying, but what did I know? I never even met her. I didn't ever want to either. I waited with arms crossed for Tori to return. She came back out with a smile and indicated for me to enter. I walked in behind her, looking around at the small kitchen. The colors inside were just as bright and vivid as all the lights outside.

"And your parents?" I asked, looking at her.

"Working, as always. They're one of the top supervisors at the factory," she shared. I leaned on the counter, arms crossed once more. It was oddly relaxing in her home. Maybe because it smelled just like Tori.

"That sounds pretty important. My mother is stuck taking care of rowdy demon spawn while Praxis, my step-father, helps keep the town in working order," I replied. Tori glanced at me with a concerned frown, likely wanting to ask why I was so bitter about that piece of information, but she didn't. She let it go. She let me share at my own pace. It was yet another thing I liked about her.

"Well, with my parents absent you're free to get comfortable. You could help me decorate our tree. We're running behind and should have already had it done by now. Oh! And cookies! We can make cookies! Aw, but I wish I had a present to give you at midnight…I mean, if you stay that long. Or if you even want a gift," she babbled. I chuckled and walked over to take her by the hands.

"Tori, relax. Breathe," I advised, rubbing my thumbs against her palms. She took a few deep breaths and then laughed, embarrassed. She pulled her hands free from mine and covered her quickly reddening face.

"Don't. It's cute," I told her, removing her hands and holding them down.

"Oh my gosh," she muttered, further mortified. I took in her blushing face and hoped there would never be a time when I couldn't see her.

"Hey Tori?" I inquired, remembering our last meeting.

"Yeah?" she replied, bringing her eyes up from the floor. I began rubbing at her hands again, soothing me as much as I was trying to do the same for her. The feel of her warm skin calmed me.

"Was that really going to be the last time I would see you?" I questioned, trying to keep the sadness from my voice but failing utterly. I hated the vulnerability in it but I had to know. Sadness of her own creased her face.

"Yes. I planned to stop the meetings. I was trying to keep us out of trouble. I didn't want to but it had to be done," she replied truthfully.

"Then why even start at all? Why did you let me hope when you could have turned me away and just be done with it? At least then I wouldn't have gotten hurt," I replied, a little peeved.

"I know! I was going to, but…you interested me. Then I stopped seeing you as just some intriguing anomaly and began seeing you as someone I could trust. A friend. Someone I actually…liked," she explained. My hands gripped hers and I sighed.

"I'm guilty of that exact same thing. I wouldn't have walked away if you did. Knowing me I would have been stubborn and chased you down until you gave in. We'd be right where we are just with a rough start," I mumbled with an off-kilter shrug.

"What a pair we make, huh?" she said with a shake of her head. Suddenly realizing how that could be taken she hastily began rambling again.

"Not that we're a pair, or even together, but I just mean-um, well, you know what I mean. Right?" she stammered.

"Don't hurt yourself," I jested. She laughed.

"But you do, right?" she persisted.

"I do," I reassured her. She nodded and then looked towards the doorway into the living room.

"Oh yeah, the tree. Let's get it decorated and then I'll show you how to make cookies," she said, rushing to change the subject.

"Gingerbread cookies, I hope," I replied, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind and burying my face in her shoulder as she walked. Faint traces of the warm treat still clung to her.

"That's right, you haven't had them yet. Yeah, we could make that," she agreed. I smiled at the thought. I had no idea how to bake but learning with Tori sounded fun. She left me in the living room to get the boxes full of decorations. As she pulled them out she explained the tradition the mortals picked up from them, how the electric lights on strings went on first followed by shiny stuff called tinsel. After that the ornaments went on. She talked about other forms of decorations but these were just what she used every year. She gave me the honor of putting the star on the top of the tree. I stepped back and looked at Tori just in time to see her pick up something we must have dropped. She held it in her hands delicately and a nice blush colored her cheeks. I was instantly intrigued.

"What's that?" I asked her. She jumped as if she was caught and glanced around like she wanted to hide the plant she held. In the end she gave up.

"It's, uh, it's mistletoe," she finally answered.

"You say that like it explains everything," I deadpanned.

"The origins the mortals came up with probably might interest you," she mentioned, twirling it in her hand now.

"And that is?" I encouraged.

"It was once hung over doors as a promise to guests that their host wouldn't kill them, even if they were sworn enemies," she shared.

"Neat," I replied, wondering how a measly plant could prevent that. I guess it was symbolic enough to delude mortals. What was with their strange traditions?

"They got it right eventually though," Tori amended, like she was excusing them for their mistake.

"What's the real use?" I asked her. She became nervous again and I smirked at the uncomfortable reaction.

"You, uh, well...when you're caught under it with someone, um, tradition dictates that you kiss. It's a form of encouraging affection with those you love," she stiltedly explained. My brows rose and I crossed my arms, cocking my hip casually.

"Oh. That's…unique," I commented, further enthralled.

"Yeah, ridiculous right?" she dismissed, tossing the plant over her shoulder and heading for the kitchen. I quickly recovered it and stuffed it in my pocket.

"Do you want to make cookies or not?" she called to me.

"Yeah, I'm coming," I replied.

"Then get in here, slowpoke," she commanded. With a content smile I joined her. She showed me step by step instructions on how to bake gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies. She hummed a song and only sung out loud when I asked her to. It was a Christmas song. I had her sing another, just to hear her voice, but she wouldn't unless I sung with her. I complied, but just a little.

"Your voice is beautiful," she complimented, barely keeping eye contact.

"Thanks. I never really sung before. Not even when I was required to. But I guess I'm willing to humor you," I responded, easing her of her bashful behavior. She relaxed after that. I tried the cookies when they were cooled off enough. They were addicting. Tori had to stop me before I ate them all.

"Right now, in the mortal world, all the children will be going to bed, excited to wake up in the morning to presents that Santa left for them under the tree," Tori explained when she checked the time.

"He goes to every single house all over the mortal world?" I questioned, amazed.

"Mhm. Effortlessly," she confirmed. I wondered how he managed to do that and then realized why he needed so many helpers in order to get everything prepared on time. I leaned on the counter and looked outside while munching on another cookie I snuck from the plate. Tori followed my gaze and then noticed the cookie I held, snagging it from right under my nose. I tried to get it back but she shoved it in her mouth before I could, causing me to pout.

"No more cookies for you," she reprimanded, tapping my nose. I snapped at her finger but made sure I wouldn't really bite her. She smiled adoringly and I returned it.

"This was fun, but I figured out what I want to give you for Christmas," I told her. Her smile fell a little.

"But I didn't get you anything…" she began to protest. I just shushed her.

"You gave me your friendship and trust. I couldn't ask for more," I pointed out. She didn't look placated but she fell silent anyway.

"Come on," I said, grabbing her hand, another cookie, and then pulling her to the door as I ate it while simultaneously keeping it well away from Tori who was trying to get it back. She failed but it was fun playing keep away while it lasted. Outside I picked her up and flew us to the top of Yuletide Hill. When I set her down she gave me a confused look.

"Why are we here?" she questioned.

"For your gift you'll have to come with me to Halloween Town," I answered, uncertain if she would.

"I-I can't," she denied, taking a step back. Slight fear showed in her brown eyes and I was quick to calm her.

"I won't let anything happen to you. In fact, I'll make sure no one sees us, ok?" I promised.

"But…Jade," she huffed.

"You trust me, right?" I inquired hopefully.

"Yes. You know I do, but-" she tried to say. I already heard what mattered so I shushed her again.

"We won't be going anywhere near town. There's this place I like go to be alone. You know, to think. It used to be at a lake but no one really goes to my new spot so it's better. Maybe Jack and Sally, but not recently," I explained. She seemed more inclined now that she heard of my mentor and his significant other. She liked them and I had told her about them in the past. She found them to be sweet and cute and all manner of words I couldn't bear to hear anymore. What a hopeless romantic. Which was why I needed her to come with me. I knew she would love her gift. I was surprised it even occurred to me in the first place.

"So it that a yes?" I pressed. She rolled her eyes but nodded. I grinned, pulled her to the pumpkin shaped door, and then opened it. I kept her close when we entered and caught her before she could fall when we came out on the other side. I didn't give her time to feel any more uncomfortable than she already was. I understood that she didn't feel safe here so I quickly wrapped her in my arms and flew straight for Pumpkin Field. Traveling backwards, we arrived at Curly Hill where I landed at the top. I set Tori down and let her look around while I watched her. Here it was tranquil and quiet. The only sounds present came from the leaves and the wind that pushed them along. I tapped her shoulder to get her attention and then pointed up at the moon overhead. Her jaw dropped slightly and her eyes widened.

"It looks like you can just reach out and touch it," she commented, raising a hand. I nodded, my eyes fixated on her. I still had no idea how I found her so fascinating, so beautiful. She was just Tori but I liked everything about her. I never wanted to let her go. She was quickly becoming my dearest friend and I was convinced I wouldn't feel the same way for anyone else.

"Take a seat. I want to give you your present," I told her, joining her shortly after she was settled.

"You mean this isn't it?" she asked, gesturing to the moon. I shook my head. I reached out and held her hand in mine, turning my eyes to the scatter of stars because I was starting to lose my cool. Tori must have caught on because now it was her turn to rub at my hand.

"Jade?" she finally spoke up when I didn't say anything.

"The stars are pretty here but they won't cure your nerves," she teased playfully.

"Nerves? What nerves? I'm, uh, just enjoying the night sky," I forced out, biting at my lip. Tori laughed lightly, the sound like a wind chime, musically melodic. It helped me to relax.

"Tori…I, uh, I…aw chiz," I stammered, giving up saying anything and just pulling the mistletoe out of my pocket. I held it over us with a shy smile but I kept my eyes on her. Tori stared at it with a gasp of parted lips before her soft browns found my glowing blue-greens. I placed my free hand over hers that rested between us and leaned in slowly, gauging her reaction. She didn't pull away or decline so I closed the rest of the distance to press my lips to hers. Her own free hand came up to stroke my cheek before resting there, encouraging me to keep going. The kiss was slow and sweet yet chaste, melting my heart.

The amount of emotions I was feeling at the moment were overwhelming but exhilarating and I hoped Tori was experiencing the same thing. We parted briefly before moving in for one last kiss. Our eyes met and a genuine grin lit my face, Tori's following right after. I dropped the hand holding the mistletoe to my lap where Tori's hand slid off my face to join it. We simply stared into each other's eyes, completely content in the moment, but it broke when a snowflake perched on my nose. I pawed at it and Tori laughed. I knew she must have found it cute so I frowned at her. Another fell in its place and I raised a hand to remove it but Tori stopped me, kissing it away.

"It's snowing," I stated, surprised. Was it a show of gratitude from Santa or just pure coincidence? I looked around at the snowflakes falling in abundance all around us. Tori caught some on her tongue. I did the same and Tori caught me right when I smiled like an idiot.

"Don't say a word," I grumbled, pocketing my hands and trying to play it off.

"You're too cute not to," she replied. I groaned a complaint but she just snickered and pressed into my side, resting her head on my shoulder. I held her around the waist and she did the same while I rested my head on hers.

"Merry Christmas, Jade," she whispered. Our hands met and intertwined between us.

"Merry Christmas, Tori," I responded. We both basked in the joy of just being together. I had never felt so complete, filled with warmth that permeated deep into my bones. It felt right. Being with Tori was the best thing in any world, and by the giant smile she was currently giving me, I knew for sure she agreed with me.

{For it is plain as anyone can see, we're simply meant to be}