Christmas was always a season of festivities, joy, and fun, new opportunities. Tuft had to shake his head at the latter. He was no stranger to fundraisers, but the role he was asked to play in this particular fundraiser was certainly different. But different in a most pleasant way. For this was a chance to join several of his friends to bring delight to their audience. Even if it did mean showing more skin than he ever had to a large gathering. Shirtlessness was typically reserved for home– or on his daily runs and workouts.

The backstage dressing room for the Kakariko Village hotel ballroom was filled with men's laughter and good-natured ribbing as the trio of men within changed into their modified

"Are you sure you don't want the oil? It does wonders for the skin." Fae offered with a smirk. The red-headed dancer massaged a touch into the muscles on his tanned chest and arms. "Not to mention, it'll make all the women swoon and go wild over you more than they did at the start of the fundraiser."

"You mean even more than they already do," Link corrected. The blond's fingers lingered over the Silent Princess tattoo on his ribcage as he checked himself in the mirror. Thanks to the reflection, he caught the bottle that Fae tossed in one hand behind his back before getting a couple of drops on his own fingers. "Don't need much. Only a little to catch the light. Is your girl going to be here, Tuft?"

"She's not my girl," he replied with a faint blush.

"Not yet, anyway. Are you going to finally ask her to be your girlfriend? You've had a couple of dates now, if you include the wedding," Fae pointed out. "Paya's a sweet girl, and it would be a shame for her to be snapped up by someone else because you're hesitating."

"I'm not hesitating!" Tuft protested. His hands went up defensively when two faces raised eyebrows at him. "Alright, alright! Maybe I am. Just don't want her to think I'm too–"

"What? Cautious? Self-conscious? Because that's how it looks to the casual observer. Anyone can see that she likes you, and you like her," the redhead said bluntly.

Link walked over and put a hand on the shoulder of the darker young man in front of him. "Look, as your friends, we want what's best for you. So, as friends, we're now telling you: grow a set! Show her that confidence and strength she loves seeing when you're doing your job as a cop."

"So, you're saying she likes a man in uniform," Tuft chuckled as a deflection. "I wasn't in uniform when we met though."

"No, but you were confident and flirtatious. That is the man she wants to see. Display that on stage tonight, take her home, and tell her how you feel. It will go well. I'm sure of that." Link's blue eyes sparkled as a grin crossed his face. "Who knows? You might even get a goodnight kiss out of it."

"Or more!" Fae crowed. "Probably not, given how conservative she is, but you'll never know!"

"Whoa, one step at a time here!"

"Right. One step– like using the damn oil before getting on the stage." Link pushed it into his hand. "C'mon. Our skit starts in five, and we all need to be ready."

Tuft huffed and turned to the mirror and opened the bottle. He made a face at the strange smell but still put a couple of drops on his fingers to spread over his skin. "You made your point. I'll talk to her."

"Good. It'll be a great early Christmas gift– for both of you. Oh, and something to remember? Women like jewelry. A pair of earrings, or a bracelet wouldn't be amiss if you're at a loss for what to give her." Fae came up behind him and checked his hair a final time. "Works on the female friends I've had, and my ex. Dunno why it wouldn't work for a new girlfriend."

"I'll keep that in mind," Tuft said sincerely. He exhaled and adjusted his suspenders. It was strange to see himself with glistening, deeply tanned bare skin. His violet tattoos that set off his matching eyes. The starkness of the red from his pants, suspenders, and hat contrasting with his body. In all? He looked damn good, and he was going to enjoy every minute of the ridiculous skit they had planned.

The raucous laughter from the crowds over the antics of the three men on stage made it all worth it for Tuft. Their excitement and joy was infectious, and it carried out the desired effect. Amusement. Celebration.

And then, as he joined the two dancers in lining up for performing the song and routine that followed, he couldn't help but scan the audience. There was only one person's approval and presence he sought. He found her in the middle of the room, seated beside a couple of faces that looked vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't put names to them. It didn't matter. He had eyes only for Paya.

His grin widened and cued the music. Sure, the song was cliched and horribly overplayed on ALL of the radio stations during the Christmas season. But that didn't mean he was going to give it any less than his all. Link had chosen to have him take the lead on the song for a reason. And damn it all, he only had one person to sing it for.

He locked his eyes with Paya and grinned as he began to sing while synchronizing his movements with the dancers flanking him from several paces behind. "I don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need…"

In a synchronized, practiced motion, all three men on the stage shed their white-trimmed red coats to reveal their suspenders over bare chests. All three of them sported tattoos in different regions of their torsos and arms, but Tuft knew from experience that many eyes would be drawn to his traditional Zonai-style wrapping around his upper body.

Paya's mouth fell open, and she threw her hand over her mouth, but not before Tuft saw her cheeks flush a dark shade of crimson. A red face against the Sheikah-white hair. Hylia above, he had it bad for this girl!

"Baby, all I want for Christmas is you," he crooned, looking her straight in the eye. He shot her a wink and then stepped back into line with Link and Fae.

Link took over singing, picking up the second verse. Tuft grinned at the crowd, glancing now and then at Paya. Her hand had lowered to rest on her chin, but her face was no less dark than before.

He focused on her when he faced the audience after two swift spins, then the transition into another body roll then dropped into a knee slide forward. The movements came naturally, easy as breathing. Dancing helped him relax after long days of work, and gave him something to focus his restless energy on during the weekends. There was still much to learn and he often found himself turning to Fae for advice and instruction on new moves to practice. Yet today, he was performing for an audience of one.

Tuft stepped forward to finish the song with a growing smile on his face. He needed to go out with a bang. "Baby, all I want for Christmas is you. All I want for Christmas… is you." It was the truth. Nothing would make him happier than to see her face shining while he walked her home. It was worth taking his shot.

Applause and cheers broke through his thoughts as he struck the final pose with Link and Fae both leaned against his shoulders. He couldn't hear her voice through the noise, but her expression showed appreciation and delight, which was all he could ask for.

"Great job," Link murmured in his ear. "That went off better than rehearsal."

"Thanks!" Tuft clasped their hands and took a sweeping bow before turning to snatch up his discarded jacket and jog off the stage.

The trio made their way around the building in silence to the back of the auditorium so they could hear the final performance of the night. Tuft bit back a smirk when he saw Fae's gaze never leave the young woman on stage. Fae was every bit as in love with Azzy as he himself was with Paya. Anyone with eyes could see that. But he kept his thoughts to himself even as they went back to the dressing rooms.

Fae wasted no time in singing Tuft's praises while they dug out their street clothes. "Seriously, Tuft, you were awesome up there. If you ever wanna moonlight as a dancer once you finish your day job–"

"No thanks! I've seen how handsy the women can be, and that's even with my clothes on! Can't imagine how much worse it is in a tearaway uniform when I'm coming off the stage," Tuft laughed with a shake of his head.

"Oh, I remember that! Those drunk girls were really after you and Revali. I can still hear him fussing in protest. Damn near squawked like a parrot in his haste to get their hands off him!" Link shared his amusement. "You can always do what I do and perform for special events and occasions. I'm sure Urbosa would love that, and you'd earn a bit more money on the side."

"I'll think about it. I make no promises!" Tuft grabbed a towel from his bag and worked to wipe the sweat off his brow, then the oil off his body. "You guys were great too, from what I could see out of the corner of my eye. And we kept in sync!"

"Amazing what practice will do, huh?" Fae nudged his shoulder. "Now, how are you boys going to celebrate?"

Link laughed. "I'm taking Zelda home for a glass of wine and a relaxing night in."

"A relaxing night in bed, you mean," the redhead quipped. He received a swift elbow to the ribs for his comment. "Owww. Dude, you don't have to hit so hard."

"That was a love-tap, and you know it. Get over it." The blond toweled himself off and grabbed his dark wash jeans. "What about you?"

"Think I'll get dressed then see if I can set up a date with a certain platinum blonde, especially after that amazing song she just performed." Fae shrugged. "Might work out. Might not. She might tell me to piss off because it's too soon since she broke up with her boyfriend."

"Oh, I doubt that," Link countered with a knowing look. "Remember Mipha's party? She's a sweet girl, and she seemed interested then. At the very least, she enjoyed the dance you gave her."

"Yeah, but she wasn't single then. And I don't wanna rush her. We'll see how it goes." Fae patted them each on the shoulder as he brushed past with his belongings in hand. "Have a good night. And if I don't see y'all before then? Merry Christmas."

"Same to you, Fae. Take care of yourself, Tuft. Have a good night." Link gathered the remainder of his costume in his hands and left the cop alone with his thoughts.

The Zonai glanced at the clock. Ten minutes had passed since the end of the fundraiser. If he was lucky, Paya was still lingering around and he'd be able to speak to her before she left. He hastily tugged his boots back on and ran a hand through his hair. Maybe he should've brought a comb to touch up his hair. But it couldn't be helped, so he shrugged it off, shoved his costume pieces into his gym bag and shouldered it before taking the faster route back to the auditorium around the outside of the building.

Light snow flurries were beginning to swirl, and Tuft pulled his black trenchcoat up higher around his neck as he walked. He wasn't overly fond of the cold, but around Christmas there was no escape from it when outdoors. The weather made him all the more thankful for the warmth of his apartment when coming home from his shift on patrol.

A lone figure ahead of him was pulling up the hood on her fur-trimmed navy blue coat to cover her white hair. Tuft's feet moved before he had time to formulate what he was going to say.

"Paya! Hey, wait up!"

She turned, clutching the strap of her red purse that hung over her shoulder. Her face was rosy, and Tuft couldn't tell if it was due to the increasing cold, or his proximity. "Tuft. Good job, and thank you for helping with the fundraiser. It sounded like Rhoam and Impa were going to do the math on how much money was raised, but I know it'll help."

"Anything for them," Tuft replied sincerely. "They've been great members of the community for years, and Link's a good friend of mine. Gotta help out our friends where we can, right?"

Paya nodded shyly and shifted her weight awkwardly. "I feel the same about Zelda. But uh, it's getting colder, and I've gotta start–"

"Let me walk you home," Tuft interrupted. He promptly dropped his head and exhaled to regain his composure before he tried again. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt or be rude. Will you please allow me to walk you home?"

"It's out of your way," she protested. "You'll have to walk back in the cold to get to your car and–"

"Then I can give you a ride," he offered. He gestured to the parking lot behind her. "I'm not far from here, and I don't want you to have to go alone, in the dark."

Paya bit her lower lip and looked over her shoulder at the vehicles, then past Tuft in the direction of her house. "I suppose you can drive me home. I didn't expect the snow to start til later."

"Nor did I, but if I can save you a mile's walk in the dark, it would be my pleasure." He switched his gym bag to his other shoulder and offered her an arm, which she hesitantly took.

"Thank you. I'm sorry for making you go out of your way," she began.

"Don't even begin to apologize, alright? Besides, what better way for me to spend a bit of time with you again? It's been a little while since we've last spoken. Has work been keeping you busy?" Tuft asked conversationally while he guided them to his vehicle.

When he wasn't restricted to the police-authorized cruisers, he chose to drive a small, dark green pickup. The truck was hardly new, but it rarely needed work beyond routine maintenance, and that was all Tuft could ask for. He made it a point to open Paya's door for her. "Do you need a hand getting in?"

"Oh, no thanks. I've got it." She slid into the seat easily, pushing aside a box of tissues and a rumpled uniform shirt.

"Ugh! Sorry about that. I keep meaning to clean it out, but then I forget when I get home, and I don't think about it again til I'm getting to work, but it's the wrong time then. And the cycle continues." Tuft flashed an apologetic smile. "You can shove the shirt onto the dash, or behind your seat if it's unpleasant."

"It's alright. I understand. You should see my car. It's a bit of a mess. I try to clean it once a week, but it still gets cluttered so fast. I basically live at the office during the week, so when I get home, I just want to rest and do my own thing."

Tuft closed her door and jogged around the back so he could throw his bag into the bed. He jumped in the driver's seat and turned on the heater as soon as the engine roared to life. "It should warm up in a second. I'll let it do that before I head over. Don't want to have you feeling just as cold in here as you were out there."

"You really didn't have to do that," she tried to protest yet again. "I'll fix myself some hot tea and get the electric blanket on my bed turned on when I get home. It's part of my winter routine." Paya set her purse in her lap and peered at the fog covering the insides of the window, and the snowflakes landing on the windshield. "I love watching it snow. I have since I was a little girl."

"Never was overly fond of it myself, but it's pretty. Like you are." The words rolled off his tongue smoothly. "And I mean that," he confirmed when she stared at him.

"I-is that why you kept looking at me while you were supposed to be singing? You…" Her cheeks were redder than ever. "Was that directed towards me?"

The jig was up, and Tuft knew it. He gave a slight nod. "It was. Link and Fae of course were performing for the women in their life, but I only have eyes for you. So, umm, would you consider being my girlfriend?"

There was a moment of silence when her mouth fell open, and Tuft thought his heart was going to beat out of his chest. He awkwardly wiped his sweaty palms on his pants and waited. He couldn't look away from her, even when she buried her face in her hands. But her head came up, and she nodded profusely.

"I will. I don't know why you chose me, but I'm really grateful you did! I like you a lot, Tuft, and I have since we danced at Mipha's wedding." Her red eyes glistened with tears despite the smile that crossed her face. Paya giggled and wiped them away. "Look at me, crying over something happy and exciting!"

Tuft let out the breath he'd been subconsciously holding and chuckled. "Why wouldn't I want you to be my girlfriend? I mean, look at you! You're beautiful, you're kind and compassionate. You've got a big heart for the kids you work with. Every time I see you, you've got this content smile on your face. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it all attractive, Paya. Besides, who else is going to laugh at my stupid jokes?" He winked at her, earning another giggle for his efforts.

"Oh, goddess. Are you sure I'm not dreaming?" Paya looked down at her dress and wrinkled the skirt in her hands nervously. "If it is, I don't want to wake up."

"It's not. Because baby, all I want for Christmas is you." Tuft couldn't help but go back to the song he'd practiced for weeks until he got every note just right.

"Oh my god. You're so cheesy!" Paya buried her face back in her hands as she laughed. Her cheeks flamed as she mumbled through her fingers, "but please don't stop. It's really cute."

"Welp, who needs a heater now with how hot our faces are?"

Her laughter only grew, and Tuft smiled. He could've taken a leaf from Fae's book and played into it with more flirting. But Paya was shy enough already and he didn't need to do more to convey his attraction to her. The message had already been sent and received better than he could've hoped.

He cleared the windshield of the snow with the wipers and put the truck in gear, pulling them out of the parking lot to the right and down onto the quiet side road.

"Thank you for taking me home. Do you remember where it is?"

"From here? Go to the end of the second block, make a right on Lantern Lake Court, and you're the house at the end of the loop." He didn't have to look over to know she was staring at him with jaw agape. "I dropped you off after the wedding, and I've had to deliver papers to your grandmother at home before. Besides, everyone knows that Impa's got the best flower garden in Kakariko. But only I know her secret."

"W-what secret?"

"Her granddaughter helps her tend it." Tuft turned down the street, humming quietly while Paya sputtered over his words.

"How in Hylia's name did you know that?!"

He laughed as he pulled into her driveway and parked beside her white sedan. "Relax. I'm not reading your diary or anything. I overheard Impa talking to our receptionist awhile back at the precinct about how thankful she was to have your help when the weeds were getting out of control."

Paya visibly sank back into her seat. "I guess it's not really a secret that I sometimes help Grandmother with the gardens. I just didn't expect you of all people to know it."

"What can I say? I've been trying to learn little things about you where I can. Not in a creepy way!" he quickly added, realizing how it could sound. "But so I would know some of your interests and find talking points so it's not all about me and my job, y'know?"

His words had the desired calming effect and she smiled. "That's really considerate of you. I like hearing about your work too, though!"

"Well, we've got a lot more time to learn about each other now, don't we?"

"I think so." She bit her lower lip while she thought it over. "I would hope so anyway!"

Tuft had a difficult time pulling his eyes away from her pink lips… it was almost unfair how pretty she was, and how soft they looked. But he didn't want to be caught staring, so he coughed awkwardly and reached in his pocket for his phone. "What days are you free this coming week? I know we've got Christmas just a couple days away so that might complicate setting up a date."

"Umm, I've got some Christmas shopping to do tomorrow. You can come with me if you'd like?" She pulled her phone out of her purse and checked her calendar. "Otherwise, I don't have plans the day after Christmas."

"I'm supposed to get off work at 2, so maybe I can pick you up around 3 to give me a chance to shower and change?"

"You don't want to be a mall cop after you get off work?" Paya asked. She tried desperately to keep a straight face but burst into giggles when Tuft shuddered.

"Pass. But thanks. I've got enough work on my hands without freelancing after hours. Anyways," he drawled. "That time work for you? Some shopping, and I can take you to dinner?"

The Sheikah young woman was back to blushing now as she nodded. "That would be lovely. Thank you."

"Of course. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to. Might make the shift drag but it's worth it if I know I'm getting to see you when it's done."

An awkward silence fell between them for a few moments while the truck idled. Tuft's eyes were on the steering wheel. He wasn't good at this. Never had been great with goodbyes in general but with his new girlfriend? Should he give her a hug, or plan on offering that after dinner? It was easier when they'd been dancing and had a reason to touch. Did he dare to ask for a kiss? Certainly he wouldn't want anything as forward as Fae had implied.

"Tuft?"

Her soft voice broke through his thoughts and he turned his head to look at her. "Hm?"

"Thank you for the ride. And for… for asking me out. I already treasure this night in my heart, knowing you were singing for me. I won't forget it."

"Nor will I," he admitted. "But Paya? May I give you a hug?"

He took the coward's way out. He knew it the second he saw the look of surprise and even mild disappointment in her eyes.

"Oh. Umm, of course!" She unbuckled at the same time he did and slid closer to him, leaning to awkwardly hug around his shoulders.

But the hand Paya put on the steering wheel for balance slid and she lost her balance, plunging her face squarely into his solid, muscular chest. She gasped and her head immediately snapped up, her cheeks flaming more than ever. "Tuft, I'm so sorry, I—"

Her lips were tantalizingly close, so he cut off the apology with a brief, gentle kiss. Her words were replaced with a faint exclamation and she pulled away with a start, her chest heaving with her fingers covering her lips. "Did that just…"

"Sorry. I should've asked if I could do that from the start. I kinda ruined that, huh? Some first kiss and—"

"Do it again." Her head was down and her voice low to the point of being barely audible.

"What?" Surely he heard her wrong.

"It doesn't count. Do it again," she repeated, loud enough for him to hear.

"Which part?" Tuft asked cautiously.

"The k-kiss."

The awkwardness was back, but Tuft swallowed it back. He used a couple fingers to turn her head back to looking at him, and lift her chin so they were on the same level. He leaned in again, pressing his lips against her soft mouth.

This time was different. There was nothing unexpected or abrupt in their movements. She responded to his kiss, wrapping her lips against his in a slow, tender caress. His hand cradled her face while he shifted the angle. The lingering hint of sugar cookie and cinnamon coffee on her breath intertwined with the warm feeling of her mouth on his, sending heat through his body.

He didn't chase her when she pulled away. Brevity was perfectly acceptable for him on a night like this. Memories were being made regardless, and they could take their time with this new, budding relationship.

"That… that was a first kiss worth remembering," Paya murmured shyly. She used his shoulders for leverage this time as she reached over to give him a hug. "Thank you, Tuft. For everything. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Of course. I'll be looking forward to it." He couldn't hide the grin that now covered his face from ear to ear. "Go warm up now. Get that electric blanket working its magic!"

Paya giggled as she slid out of the car. "Send me a text when you get home!"

It was the same exact thing she'd said when he dropped her off after the wedding. Tuft laughed and nodded with a two-finger salute off his head. "Yes, ma'am!"

He waited until she had gone into the house and flashed the porch light twice at him before turning it off. He took a second to grip the steering wheel before letting out a brief whoop of delight. All in all, he really couldn't have asked for a better night. A smooth performance, time with the girl he was falling for, and a kiss worth remembering. Merry Christmas to him, indeed.