A/N This chapter's title is the song Somewhere I belong by Linkin Park. I felt the song was fitting since Elyssa is really beginning to feel like she's somewhere she belongs. Please read and review and as always enjoy!
A loud bang against the wall by her door jolted Elyssa awake. She snapped forward, her eyes wide and alert, looking for the source of the sound. It didn't take her long to figure out the sound came from The Iron Bull, dressed in a full "Santa" ensemble, slamming her door open, a wide grin across his face. The way the jacket strained across the muscles of his arms yet hung open on his chest, showing no shirt underneath, made the entire presentation look that much more ridiculous.
"Wake up, it's Christmas," he exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
Elyssa glanced at the time on her alarm clock. "It's also 6 AM," Elyssa groaned, flopping back onto her bed.
"Which means it's time to wake up because it's Christmas," The Iron Bull answered.
"Dad, must you wake us up early every Christmas?" Krem groaned with a yawn from the hallway. He leaned against the door behind The Iron Bull, rubbing his eyes groggily. He didn't look any more pleased to be awake than Elyssa was.
"Yes," The Iron Bull answered simply, "Now let's go, we have two hours before Solas and Fenris' boy toy show up and we're doing family presents before they get here." His tone, though authoritative, was ringing with excitement. Elyssa chuckled and sat up. Who was she to rain on The Iron Bull's parade?
Once he saw her getting up, The Iron Bull left Elyssa to get ready. She dressed in an ice blue dress that Salem had bought her for today. It was beautiful, especially paired with the white leggings that came to wrap around the high arch of her feet like the footwraps ancient elves were known for. The only issue Elyssa had with the dress was the sleeves, they only came to just below her elbows, leaving the scars on her forearms more visible than usual. Still, Salem had asked her to wear it, so she would. She missed being able to wear shorter sleeves. The scars were the consequence of the choices she made, but sometimes she wished there was something other than long sleeves she could do to cover them up. She gathered the presents she had wrapped for everyone the night before and went downstairs. Lily, in an outrageous reindeer-themed Christmas harness, complete with jingling bells that Krem and The Iron Bull had insisted on getting her, followed. She had fought tooth and nail when The Iron Bull had put it on, definitely getting a few good marks in before he had accomplished his goal. It was interesting to see how much spirit and dedication The Iron Bull and Salem had when it came to celebrating the holiday.
When she made it down the stairs she saw the rest of the Adaar family sitting around the tree by the fireplace she had helped decorate. It was a real tree, something Elyssa had never had before. The tree was tall, the star on top barely grazing the ceiling. It's bright green pine needles were decorated with bulbs of red, gold, blue, and white as well as silver tinsel weaved artly through the branches. It had been different, everyone helping decorate and singing Christmas tunes, Salem making hot chocolate and insisting they watch the classic Winter's movies. Elyssa had enjoyed every minute of the holiday so far, a complete opposite when compared to previous years. She set her presents around the tree with the obnoxious amount of gifts Salem and Bull had gotten for everyone. Retreating to an unspoken corner of one of the couches quickly.
Salem, in a dress that matched The Iron Bull's festive ensemble, was curled in one of the living room chairs, a steaming mug of coffee wrapped in her hands. Fenris sat on one of the couches, staring into his mug as if the will to be cheerful at 6:30 in the morning could be found edmits the dark roast of his black coffee. Bull insisted on passing around the presents as he was "Santa''. The boys ripped into each present as it was handed to them, Elyssa smiled politely and sat the presents she was handed on the couch beside her. Elyssa watched enthusiastically as they started to get to the presents she had gotten for them. Fenris nodded approvingly at the blue phone box decorated lidded cup she had gotten him. Krem and The Iron Bull immediately dawned on the matching football jerseys she'd had made for them, bothing beaming from ear to ear. Elyssa saw a few small tears come to Salem's eye as she smiled lovingly down at the large canvas Elyssa had painted their family on. Everyone was there in the painting; Salem, The Iron Bull, Krem, and herself. She had even put Fenris there, though he wasn't an official member she had noticed he was still treated as if he were a part of their family by the Adaars.
"I hope it's not too forward of me," she murmured, "but you guys are the closest thing to family I ever had."
"It's perfect," Salem sniffed, "please open this one."
Elyssa took the present addressed from Salem and Bull. It was small, thin, and feather light. Trying to ignore the burning sensation of eyes on her, she opened the gift. Inside were legal looking papers, which at first confused her. After a few minutes of hard studying she realized they were adoption papers… for her. The Adaar's had formally adopted her.
"You guys want me to be a part of your family?" She murmured with glee.
"You're a part of this family even if you chose not to let us adopt you," Salem answered.
Elyssa looked at the people around her, the ones that already had proven to be more of a family than the one she was born into. "I would be honored to let you guys adopt me." Salem drew Elyssa into a hug, Bull and Krem joining as well. Fenris offered a warm smile, Elyssa knowing he wasn't the physically affectionate type appreciated the gesture.
After a few moments and hastily wiped away tears the attention went back to the presents, specifically the ones Elyssa hadn't opened. "Is something the matter?" Salem asked gently.
"No," Elyssa answered, "I just don't know how to act with presents. It's not something I got often before."
"What would make it more comfortable for you?" Salem asked.
Elyssa took a few moments to think about it. It wasn't that she was particularly uncomfortable, more like she was just unsure of how to act in front of everyone. Judging by how recklessly the boys had tore into their presents and Salem's gracefully excited demeanor, there seemed to be no wrong way to open gifts.
"I appreciate you asking," Elyssa finally answered, "but I think it's just something I have to get used to is all."
Salem nodded in understanding and let Elyssa open her gifts at her own place. Most of her gifts were various types of art supplies, for which Elyssa was grateful. Even with her discount at work, she still spent a substantial amount on her hobby. The decision to keep the baby meant she needed to spend her money on supplies for the baby instead of art. It was one of the many sacrifices she knew was yet to come.
It wasn't until Elyssa opened two gifts from Salem that she understood why she had insisted on a dress with shorter sleeves. One box held several different types of bracelets and bands that would easily cover most of her scars. The other held a small slip with an appointment date and time for a local tattoo parlor. "You're letting me get a tattoo?"
Salem grinned widely. "Yes, I know the artist and he has done wonderful work covering scars and things of that nature in the past. I thought maybe that would be something you would like to have done."
Elyssa glanced at her arms. Some of the scars had been there for years. She had grown used to covering her arms or looking at them in disgust and regret. To have the scars covered up would be something she hadn't thought of wanting before. Now, with the opportunity presented to her she grew excited. "I would love to," she answered.
"He's a close friend of mine so I know his equipment is sterile and safe if you wanted to get it before the baby. Or if you'd like to wait until after it is born, there's that option as well," Salem said.
"Is it safe to get a tattoo while pregnant?" Elyssa asked curiously.
"The biggest risk is infection or disease transmission through unsanitary equipment," Salem answered, "which is why I said I know Lue personally and I know his parlor is more than up to code when it comes to sanitation."
Elyssa turned it over in her mind. Now that the option for having her scars covered was within her grasp, she was eager to have it done; but she didn't want to harm her unborn child just for the sake of covering up her mistakes. She trusted Salem and if she said it would be okay, it probably would. Still, she decided to ask Dr. Leliana's opinion before committing to anything. She told Salem of her decision to talk to Leliana first, to which she agreed was a good idea. Even if she had to wait for her baby to be born, she was very happy to have the chance to cover up her scars regardless.
Once everyone had opened their presents, Salem and Elyssa set about cooking for dinner while the boys all went their separate ways to enthuse over gifts they particularly enjoyed. Fenris went to the room that was his whenever he was home from college to dress in something more than pajama pants before his mysterious new boyfriend got there. The Iron Bull retreated to the area of the house that stored his gym equipment to try out the new punching bag he'd gotten. Krem practically ran to his room, the small scruffy bundle of fur he'd been happily surprised to get cuddled in his arms. Seeing the scraggly little kitten take immediately to Krem had been the most heartwarming thing Elyssa had seen. Especially after it had taken Krem so long to figure out why almost all of his presents had been cat supplies of some sort. Elyssa chuckled, thinking that honestly Krem's overjoyed reaction to Bruise, as he was calling him, was the funniest part of the morning so far.
Salem hummed a familiar tune as she cooked. "Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now, " Elyssa began singing along with Salem's humming which gained a smile from the qunari woman.
"Have you thought about joining the choir when you go back to school next semester?" Salem asked.
"It hadn't crossed my mind," Elyssa answered.
"I think you would enjoy it. You have a lovely voice and I know Nira would be ecstatic to have you."
Elyssa pondered the idea. It wasn't the worst idea. She normally sang to herself but she had enjoyed the duet she had sung with Nira. Maybe, she would enjoy it. It certainly wouldn't hurt to see. "I'll give it a try," she agreed.
The doorbell rang, meaning someone had arrived. "I've got it," Elyssa said. She opened the door to see a familiar face she wasn't expecting. He was dressed in a nice button up shirt and a pair of blue jeans. His blonde hair was slicked back neatly and tied at his nape. In his hands was a novelty coffee mug with the words 'I like your' and a rooster picture on it. His brown eyes widened in surprise. "Anders?" Elyssa questioned in confusion, "what are you doing here?"
"I… was invited," he answered, equally as confused.
"O...kay," Elyssa said, racking her brain for any memory of inviting him since they had decided to be friends after he had helped land Justice in jail. They didn't talk much, she knew he had gotten a boyfriend but she didn't recall inviting him to Christmas at Salem's
"Is that coffee for me?" Fenris' gruff voice spoke from behind her. He didn't wait for an answer, instead reached around Elyssa to grab the cup and take a sip. He sighed in satisfaction, "thanks babe."
Elyssa looked from Fenris to Anders, putting two and two together. "Anders is your new boyfriend?" Elyssa asked.
"Is this a problem?" Anders asked her with concern.
"No," Elyssa answered honestly, "just unexpected. I'm happy you've found someone."
"Thank you," Anders smiled, going to Fenris' side.
"Though I should've guessed, you do seem to have a thing for white-haired elves," Elyssa chuckled.
Anders laughed as well. "His tattoos are what really did it for me," he grinned, "the hair was just a bonus."
"And here I thought it was because you liked my…." Fenris pointed to the picture of the rooster on the cup to finish his sentence. Anders blushed a deep crimson, but was saved by the ringing of the doorbell once again.
"That must be Solas," Elyssa beamed. Fenris nodded and pulled Anders by his hand into the kitchen to introduce him to Salem as his boyfriend. Elyssa opened the door to beautiful blue eyes swimming with affection. "Hi," Elyssa smiled shyly. Everything was still so new with them, she didn't quite know how to act. Her relationship with Solas was so different than her relationship with Anders had been. She hadn't really known how to act with Anders, always either showing too much affection or not enough. Now, with Solas, she was even more confused and the last thing she wanted to do was mess it up.
Solas eyed her with an appreciative hunger. "Ma ane ina'lan'ehn, ma lath (you are beautiful, my love)," he murmured a hint of familiar huskiness in his voice that brought a familiar heat to Elyssa's cheeks. He pulled her into him, kissing her forehead. Elyssa nuzzled into his arms, burying her smile against his green christmas sweater.
"That's enough PDA," the Iron Bull gruffed from behind them, pushing a hand between her and Solas.
"Ok," Elyssa agreed with a chuckle. The mood that had elevated since Solas arrived had her feeling a bit bold. She gave Solas a mischievous wink, enjoying his pink tinted she did, before turning and following Bull inside. As soon as she was inside she rushed to the tree where she had stored Solas' gift. She eagerly thrust the long thin, paper-wrapped box into Solas' hands as soon as he sat down on one of the recliners that sat in the living room. She began making her way to the couch she had sat on earlier when Solas called her name softly.
"Sit next to me, vhenan," he suggested, patting the large cushioned arm of the charcoal grey chair. Elyssa looked at Salem and Bull, waiting for their approving nod before she sat on the edge of the arm, putting what seemed like an appropriate amount of distance between her and Solas. Anders looked at Elyssa from his spot beside Fenris and smiled approvingly. Elyssa returned the smile. Though they hadn't had the best relationship, she and Anders had been good friends since middle school, before Justice. They had hurt each other in their relationship, and getting over that wasn't going to be easy. But, Anders seemed as willing as she was to do their best to move on and try to be the friends they once were.
Elyssa focused on Solas unwrapping his gift. Solas opened the small box to reveal the wolf jawbone necklace. She didn't know why, but when she saw it in the shop, she knew she had to get it for Solas. Something about it reminded her of him. He smiled and dawned it immediately, the necklace settling comfortably against his chest. He then handed Elyssa a similar sized box. She took a deep breath, trying to open the gift without hesitation. Inside the box was a beautiful necklace. Gently she lifted the necklace to look at it's design. The chain was small and delicate, the pendant was a rounded orb-like shape dark-grey almost black in color. Throughout the orb were a series of etched lines colored in a bright powerful green.
"It was unique," Solas explained, "much like you are. Though it would appear we had the same idea for gifts." He indicated to the necklace she had given him, then took hers into his hands. She moved her brown-rooted hair so he could fasten it around her neck. The familiar warmth that always accompanied Solas touching her krept along her cheeks.
The sound of fake gagging from Salem took Elyssa's attention away from Solas' orb that now hung around her neck. "Here open this one lover boy," Salem said, tossing a very small box to Solas. He opened it quickly to reveal yet another box containing a familiar product turning Elyssa's cheeks a bright crimson. Solas looked at Salem and The Iron Bull in confusion. "They're condoms," Salem said, stifling a laugh, "so you could wrap it before you tapped it." Her laughter burst forth. Elyssa had heard them discussing the idea of what to get for Solas' gag gift, a tradition they seemed to have. She hadn't imagined they would give him something such as a box of condoms.
"It would appear these are a mute point now," Solas chuckled.
"Yeah, because you won't be tapping it any time soon," Bull gruffed seriously.
"We couldn't pass up the opportunity to poke fun at you though," Salem teased, "but seriously no funny business you two." She turned her pointed stare to the two elves. "I know Solas is staying tonight and you finally have your phone back, but if I even suspect anything inappropriate going on and I will not hesitate to beat the point from both of your ears." Though her words were tough, Elyssa knew she wouldn't physically harm them, or her at least.
"Yes, mom," Elyssa jokingly called the qunari woman. She was tackled in a bear hug and lifted off the chair before she could even blink.
"You called me mom!" Salem practically screamed.
Elyssa laughed. She hadn't thought anything of the word until now. Now, with the Adaars formally adopting and accepting her, she supposed it wouldn't be such a bad thing to refer to the qunari woman as such. After all, Salem had been more of a mother to her than she'd ever really had before. Elyssa wrapped her arms around the qunari, returning her hug. This is what belonging felt like and Elyssa couldn't think of anything better to ask for, for Christmas.