The Rhodes Island Christmas party was in full swing. The lobby was adorned with garlands, shimmering lights, and a massive Christmas tree that nearly touched the ceiling. Operators bustled about, exchanging gifts, enjoying the buffet, and engaging in lively conversations. But for Texas, the festive cheer was a distraction from her primary goal: spending some quiet, quality time with Dokutah. She scanned the room and spotted Dokutah near the fireplace, surrounded by a group of Operators, including Amiya, Exusiai, and Siege. Texas sighed, her breath visible in the chilly air from the open balcony nearby. Her usual calm demeanor cracked slightly as she muttered, "Why is it so hard to get a moment alone?"

Moments later...

Texas maneuvered through the crowd. She approached Dokutah just as Amiya was handing over a carefully wrapped gift.

"Dokutah, I hope you like this. It's something I've been working on for weeks," Amiya said with a smile.

Before Texas could interject, Exusiai swooped in with her usual exuberance. "Whoa, Amiya! Nice timing, but it's my turn! Dokutah, I got you this rare gadget—it's perfect for field missions!"

Siege chuckled, holding her own small, neatly wrapped box. "Seems like Dokutah is quite popular tonight. Better make time for all of us."

Texas clenched her jaw. Her hand twitched, hovering near the hilt of her blade. This was going to be harder than she thought. The crowd around Dokutah only grew as the evening progressed. Texas had nearly given up hope when she finally saw an opening. She strode forward, ready to claim her moment.

"Dokutah," she began with urgency.

"Ah, Texas," Dokutah greeted warmly. "Did you need something?"

Before Texas could answer, Lappland's familiar, mischievous voice cut through the air. "Well, if it isn't the Lone Wolf herself. Looks like someone's feeling possessive tonight."

Texas turned to see Lappland leaning casually against a pillar, a smirk plastered across her face. Her wolfish eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Stay out of this, Lappland," Texas warned.

Lappland laughed. "Oh, come on. I was just about to have my turn with Dokutah. You wouldn't mind, would you? Or are you going to growl at me?"

Texas glared at her rival, her fingers tightening around her blade's hilt. "Lappland, I'm not in the mood for your games."

"Not in the mood? Now, that's a shame." Lappland pushed off the pillar and sauntered closer. "But really, Texas, it's Christmas. Can't we share the Dokutah? Or are you going to fight me for it?"

"Lappland," Texas growled, her voice low and dangerous. "If you keep this up—"

Lappland raised her hands in mock surrender, her grin widening. "Oh, I'd love to see you try, but you wouldn't want to ruin Dokutah's big night, would you?"

Just as the tension reached its peak, Dokutah stepped between the two, raising a hand to stop the brewing confrontation. "Enough," Dokutah said firmly. "It's Christmas. You two shouldn't be fighting."

Texas hesitated, her eyes locked with Dokutah's. She exhaled slowly, releasing her grip on her blade.

Lappland chuckled, stepping back. "Fine, fine. I'll back off—for now. But don't think I'm done teasing you, Texas."

As Lappland sauntered away, Dokutah turned to Texas, their gaze softening. "Texas, let's take a walk outside. It's quieter there."

Texas blinked, surprised but relieved. "Yeah… I'd like that."

Moments later...

The two of them stepped onto the balcony, the cold night air biting at their faces. The stars glittered above, and the muffled sounds of the party faded into the background. Texas felt a rare sense of peace as they stood together, the tension from earlier melting away.

"Thank you," Texas said quietly, glancing at Dokutah. "For stepping in."

Dokutah smiled. "It's Christmas. Everyone deserves a little peace, especially you, Texas."

The peace Texas cherished didn't last long. The crisp silence of the balcony was broken by the familiar sound of boots clicking against the floor. Texas sighed deeply, already knowing who it was before even turning around.

"Well, well, well," Lappland said, stepping into the moonlight with her usual grin. "What a cozy scene we have here. Mind if I join in?"

"Yes," Texas replied flatly.

Lappland ignored her, striding confidently towards Dokutah. Without hesitation, she draped herself on Dokutah's arm, her ears twitching playfully. "Dokutah, it's cold out here. Warm me up with some attention, will you?"

"Lappland," Texas growled, a warning in her voice.

Dokutah chuckled softly, seemingly unfazed by the Lupo's antics. Instead of pulling away, they raised a hand and ruffled Lappland's hair, scratching behind her ears in a way that made the mischievous Operator practically purr with delight.

"There you go," Dokutah said, humoring her. "Happy now?"

Lappland closed her eyes, her tail wagging slightly. "Oh, this is perfect. You've got magic hands, Dokutah. I might never leave."

Texas stood stiffly to the side, her fingers twitching at her sides as she watched the interaction. The faintest hint of jealousy simmered beneath her composed expression, but she refused to let it surface. She crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "Ridiculous."

Dokutah, noticing Texas' tension, glanced at her with a teasing glint in their eyes. "Texas, you look like you're about to explode. Do you want some petting too?"

Texas froze, her face instantly heating up. She turned to Dokutah with a sharp glare. "What are you talking about? Don't be childish."

Lappland burst into laughter, leaning against Dokutah. "Oh, this is rich! Texas, flustered over a little head-patting? I'd pay to see this every day."

"Shut it, Lappland," Texas snapped, her blush deepening.

Dokutah, still amused, stepped closer to Texas. "Come on, Texas. It's Christmas. Lighten up a little."

Before Texas could protest, Dokutah reached out and gently placed a hand on her head, their fingers running through her hair with a calm, deliberate motion. Texas stiffened at first, her pride rebelling against the gesture, but she quickly found herself relaxing despite her initial resistance.

"There," Dokutah said with a soft smile. "Was that so bad?"

Texas muttered something incomprehensible, her cheeks still dusted with pink. She glanced away, her usual stoicism faltering under Dokutah's gaze. "You're impossible."

Lappland, who was watching the scene unfold with glee, gave an exaggerated clap. "Bravo, Texas! Never thought I'd see the day you'd let anyone pet you. You're really moving up in the world, Dokutah."

Texas shot Lappland a deadly glare. "Keep talking, Lappland, and you won't make it to New Year's."

Dokutah sighed, stepping between the two once again. "Let's not ruin Christmas with threats, okay?"