Enjoy my late, sloppily made one-shot that I made for Christmas. I was originally going to make a different one-shot for Christmas, but it quickly became boring and more of a hassle to work on than this one was. I'll probably post that as a Tumblr exclusive.
Any comments or critiques are welcomed.
Ships: Lostglaciershipping (Cole/Geo/Zane), Lostshipping (Cole/Geo), Glaciershipping (Cole/Zane), Geo/Zane
Tags: Christmas (it happens more in the background than it does pertain to the story lol), Christmas Fluff, Snow, Quiet, Hot Chocolate, Canon Divergence, Fluff, Light Angst, Feelings Realization, Misunderstandings, Character Study (kind of... not really), Kissing Under the Mistletoe, Getting Together
Zane considered himself a kind person.
Rarely did he find himself upset or angry. A little stubborn and impatient, sure, but that was just human. If there was a mess someone else "forgot" to pick up, he would wordlessly clean it up for them. If someone backhandedly complimented him, or accidentally insulted him, he wouldn't say anything. Hell- there was even less of a chance that he'd actually spit back if someone was openly rude to him. He was no doormat, just quiet.
So - at first - he didn't understand why he felt the way he did whenever Cole and Geo were together. Especially if they were being overly affectionate with one another.
Cole and Geo gazing at one another with near heart eyes? A burning sensation in his chest. Cole and Geo holding hands? His metaphorical heart would drop into his metaphorical stomach. Cole and Geo kissing? He felt nauseous.
Of course, he had figured out he had had romantic feelings for Cole a long time ago. Who wouldn't? He was strong, ambitious - if a little lazy at times, caring - especially towards children, sweet… He always seemed to understand how Zane was feeling and what to say to attempt making him feel better.
But he had put those feelings to bed years ago, sometime around when everyone thought he liked Vania. He hadn't felt any of these feelings when he thought they were together. Nothing burned or ached when he had seen them being somewhat affectionate.
So, yeah… he had realized his feelings for Cole had maybe not been as put to rest as he thought they had… If anything, they seemed to be far stronger now. Even if he had been sleeping for five years, it still had felt like so long since he had seen Cole, and the immense relief and happiness he had felt when he got back was… well, there was no word strong enough to describe it.
Zane didn't know why he felt anything less than happy for him when he told him about Geo, about how much he… loved Geo.
Geo was nice. He was quiet at first, but had started to become as rambunctious as Cole. He was stubborn, based on how hard he tended to fight for his and Cole's family, being beside his partner every step of the way. He was supportive in that aspect, too. He clearly cared about Cole and his well-being, and had a good read on him. He and Cole had a shared interest in art, his interest being sculpting and land art while Cole focused on drawing and doodling. The two also seemed to share being physically affectionate with the ones they loved.
It was all a little heartbreaking, to know that the one he liked would never feel the same. He had silently shed tears a few times over the week he was told, during the night when no one would find out. But he should be over it by now. He rarely lingered on feelings for long, finding that it made working diligently far more difficult.
But the feelings just wouldn't leave.
Why should he feel jealous? He hadn't allowed Cole to know about these feelings, too scared to find out what would happen after, no matter how ridiculous every conclusion he came to felt. He should feel happy that Cole had found someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with- he was one of his best friends!
The inner turmoil Zane felt was beginning to make his metaphorical skin itch. He felt close to bursting, and not in a good way. He had to take more breaks than he normally would have, and people were starting to notice, namely Nya. He didn't need to pile his problems onto hers; the poor woman was still trying to figure out how to get Jay back. And Zane was too focused on his own emotions to help her come up with anything.
How selfish could he be?
Zane needed to get over this. He had to help his friends and students with their problems and forget about his own. He hated how focused he was on himself. Why was this so hard for him to get over?
Over the last few months, he had been tempted many times over to turn off his emotions.
While Cole was out on patrols of the city, and while Zane was stuck at the monastery, it was easy to find Geo, Bonzle, Fritz, and Spitz out and about. Usually they would be playing, pretending to be ninja and using the training station to further their imagination… Well, Fritz and Spitz would, anyway. Bonzle was still recovering from Raz, Cinder, and the Forbidden Five using her, and Geo - when he wasn't caring for the kids - would be there to comfort and ground her.
It had been months since then, since being betrayed by Jay, since they got Kai and Bonzle back, since they had lost Arin. It was shaping up to be a not so merry winter, and while Zane was trying not to focus on all of that, he would once more find himself focused on his thoughts and feelings.
Mr. Frohicky helped him decorate for Christmas, and though he could sometimes be… a lot, his company and his various ramblings were greatly appreciated. Plus, his clean, creative touch was well needed for the monastery's decorations. He honestly didn't remember what he would do without the assistant keeper; the extravagance he introduced with each new thing he added was quite entertaining and he didn't remember what Christmas was like without such giant, beautiful decoratives.
Still, though, the heaviness in his chest that would come with being alone was - at times - overwhelming.
One evening, closer to one or two in the morning - hours he never stayed up to, he found himself making himself hot chocolate. He had a heavy blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he made his way out to the balcony with his hot mug, and just… stood there, looking out.
It was snowing, the gentle downfall of the snowflakes calming to watch as they danced down to the stone floor of the monastery. The darkness of the sky was lightened, the snow still bright enough to cause disturbance to the pitch black. It was silent outside, aside from the occasional sound of the wind hitting the roof above, making the snowflakes swirl around beautifully.
He held out his hand, allowing the snowflakes to land on it before bringing it back to study them. Each one individually designed to be delicate and intricate, even when some would have broken pieces. He brought them to his mug, holding his hand above the steam to watch them quickly evaporate.
Winter was Zane's favorite season, and not because of the obvious connection he had with it. The quiet was like no other. The silence wasn't so quiet that he felt too alone. It felt like he was welcomed with open arms by it, felt like it held him together even when he couldn't do it himself. The snow was always calming to watch fall, even if it would be too bright to look at in the morning. It was therapeutic.
He sipped from his hot chocolate. It felt like if he was too loud, everything else would be too quiet to bear, so he was careful to drink evenly. Then he sighed, watching his breath turn to fog before drifting away from him. He wished his problems - and everyone else's for that matter - would do the same just as easily.
Zane jumped as he heard a floorboard creak behind him, and he whipped around to see…
"Geo?" he whispered, soft and quiet as he breathed out, relieved yet confused. "What are you doing awake?"
Geo was still stuck in the middle of a wince, jaw clenched and face scrunched. He roughly sighed and relaxed his comical sneaking pose. "Maybe I should take some ninja lessons," he mumbled to himself. Then he wore a more regretful expression. "I… couldn't sleep. It's too quiet."
Zane tilted his head at that. "I would think that would make it easier."
"Well… when you spend years listening to the neverending wind of the Land of Lost Things, or spend hours listening for dangers, it tends to keep you on edge. I sleep better hearing people happy and safe, and when Cole's not even snoring, it's kind of… difficult, I guess."
The nindroid couldn't help but chuckle a little. "I suppose everyone is a little different. I quite enjoy the silence. It puts me at ease."
Geo snorted. "... Mind if I join you, then? Maybe I'll be able to see it your way."
Over the last few months, Zane had learned that Geo was quite awkward, endearingly so, so it was a little bit of a surprise to hear him ask. "... I don't mind at all."
The Geckle-Munce stepped over beside him, arms crossed tightly over his chest now. Zane had also learned that he very easily got cold. Standing with the fridge or freezer or open - even when necessary - made Geo skin burst into goosebumps and made the hair stand on end. Hell- he could barely have a cold treat without needing to wear a coat and bury his face in his scarf after each sip or bite.
It was snowing, and Geo was in his ragged shirt and a pair of sleep shorts, scarf still comfortably wrapped around his neck. He was probably freezing…
The nindroid put his mug down on the railing of the balcony for a moment before taking the blanket from his own shoulders. Then he took it upon himself to cover the other with it, thoroughly protecting him from the cold. Strangely, the other's purple cheeks darkened.
"... Th-Thanks," he managed to say, holding the blanket around himself as he looked up at Zane with just his eyes.
It was quite cute, really, he admitted to himself.
"You needed it more than I do," he assured with a smile before returning his gaze back to the drifting snow.
Stood together, they silently took in the view. Zane wondered if this was Geo's first time seeing snow, but he couldn't really tell. Perhaps he had seen snow before, but it was more of a distant memory. He had been trapped in the Land of Lost Things for… First Master only knows how long…
"How are Fritz And Spitz?" he asked quietly, yet still somehow startled the other.
"Oh- well… they're doing fine. Mostly. Fritz seems to miss our old home, and Spitz has been clinging to Bonzle." He rolled his amber eyes affectionately, but it was easy to see that he shared in the young serpentine's feelings.
"How has Bonzle been doing? Has she mentioned anything… off-putting?"
Geo was quiet before giving the tiniest nod. "She probably doesn't want me to say anything, but she has admitted to feeling weaker than she used to," he mumbled. "It's consistent, and she has theorized it was just a part of her magic that is no longer with her, so that's… that's good. But…"
He sighed heavily, his breath fogging before him unnoticed. He pulled the blanket tighter around himself. "I know she's not my kid, but she's… she's kinda like a younger sister I guess you could say. Not that I would know what that even feels like. I just… I don't want her to… to disappear? To die?" He shivered, but not from the frigid temperature.
Zane looked at him fully, noticing his distress. He nodded. "Bonzle clearly means a lot to you, and if you want to describe her as a younger sibling, then that is what you see her as, regardless of whether you've known what it's like to have a relative." He placed his hand on the other's broad shoulder, thankfully still covered by the comforter. "We will keep her safe… and if I know Bonzle, she won't be defeated anytime soon, especially not without a good fight."
Geo looked up at him, eyes flickering over his facial features, before he looked down again with a shaky sigh. He rubbed at his eyes, and only when Zane saw the shininess coming from his palm did he know just how long the Geckle-Munce had been thinking about this.
"... Let's go to the kitchen. I know something that might help you feel better."
So, the two went towards the kitchen, Zane keeping a gentle guiding hand on Geo's back while his other hand held his now cold mug. The immediate relaxation of his shoulders once they entered the warm room was quite amusing, but the chattering of teeth and sudden shivering fit had him continuing towards a spare seat he had kept in there for various occasions. He helped the master of fusion into it before getting to work.
Homemade hot chocolate was something he had originally never thought about, until it came to his ninja family. Of course, they could always go out and get it store bought, but the passion and heart put into hot chocolate when it was made by a person just seemed to make others feel better faster and for longer.
Young Lloyd riled up and refusing to go to bed? Trick him with something sugary and sweet, that stayed warm in his stomach. He'd be out within the hour. Nya having cramps during her week? Give her a heating pad and hot cocoa. It helped her feel wanted and cared for, and ended up helping her cramps calm some. Jay's too wired and anxious? Hot cocoa and video games, of course!
It seemed near universal for the ninja. Even Wu had occasionally asked for a mug from time to time, and he always looked just a tad younger after. The only one that happened to not like it was Kai, and that was just because it was a hot beverage. He'd at times drink the beverage cold because he liked the flavor.
With the liquid in the mug, steam rolling from the top, Zane shook a canister of whipped topping and swirled it on top. Perfect! He grabbed a candy cane and crushed it before sprinkling it over the white spray, then he squirted some chocolate syrup over it in zigzags. It was a work of art he had perfected long ago.
Geo had watched him all the while, ears slightly perked, but still flinched when it was pushed towards him. Looks like the cold had only made his senses more sensitive. He looked quizzically at the mug, and for a moment, Zane worried that he might not even like hot cocoa. Then he looked back up at the nindroid, brow raised just slightly.
"Did Cole teach you how to make this?" he asked, a glimmer in his amber eyes and the beginnings of a smirk playing on his lips.
He didn't know why, but his face warmed up. He grinned wistfully. "Yes," he answered honestly. "It was a long time ago, around the time when we were just barely becoming friends. I believe he had said his parents had made it for him when he was young, to make him feel better. He taught me after I discovered that I was not human… I hadn't thought something so simple would actually make me feel that much better, but… he proved me wrong…"
Zane couldn't help but look back on that memory fondly. He didn't really think about it much, but when he did, he still vividly remembered the gooey warmth that sat in his stomach.
Geo hummed as he carefully drank his cocoa. Then he gently set the mug down. "He really is a big sweetie… I guess he's always been like that?"
"Well, when we first met, he was working on being a leader. He wasn't quite used to anyone except Jay. He seemed stressed a lot of the time, and was sort of rough when it came to anything that wasn't battle training. He has certainly mellowed out throughout the years, though…"
The Geckle-Munce tilted his head and was quiet for a moment. Then he quietly cleared his throat. "Sorry, this might be a bit of a personal question, but… How long have you liked Cole?"
Zane's eyes widened, for once shocked into silence.
Geo couldn't help but laugh, full of mirth. "I just kind of noticed a few things here and there over the last few months," he explained with a smile. "I'm not mad or anything! I'm just curious."
There was no way Geo was this nice. "Why… Why wouldn't you be mad? Aren't you worried I'll do something terrible?" He couldn't help it. "What if I say something to him? Wouldn't that put a strain on your relationship?"
Geo hummed, feigning thought. "Well, I know you wouldn't do that, first of all. Second of all, I'm not going to be mad at you for feelings you can't control. Honestly, who wouldn't like Cole? Look at him!" He laughed again, taking another drink.
Zane didn't really understand. Perhaps Geo was confident in his and Cole's bond, which would make sense. Five years alone together with their own little family would certainly help that matter. He sighed, still feeling shame deep in his gut. "... To answer your question; it's been many years. Almost as long as I've known him, aside from the first three years where there were only inklings of moments that made me feel in any such way."
Geo blanched. "That long?!" he exclaimed, instantly being shushed loudly by a very flustered nindroid. "And you never said a thing to him?"
His face burned. "No… I didn't want to risk the team's well-being. I was just… too frightened at the possibility of losing him as a friend."
The Geckle-Munce gaped at him. Then he closed his mouth with a shake of his head. "You both are crazy. Oh my god," he muttered to himself incredulously. "How had Cole never noticed- wait, nevermind. He's so oblivious. I had even asked him about you a couple weeks ago, and he never mentioned how obvious you were."
"I was obvious?"
"Is that really a question?"
Zane covered his face with his hands, feeling so many emotions; embarrassment, shame, amusement… His face was so warm, and it was spreading to his ears and the back of his neck. "I'm sorry- I hadn't thought- oh First Spinjitzu Master. I can't believe myself. I'm so sorry-"
He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Stop apologizing, Zane. It's okay-"
"It's not!" he cried. "I'm so selfish. You and Cole are perfectly happy together, and I feel so much… envy. I despise it, and feeling as if my head is threatened by static. It isn't right for me to feel anything towards someone who is not interested and is very much taken-"
"Zane!"
The raising of his voice and the sudden burst of it, was enough to stop Zane's train of thought. He blinked at him for a moment before noticing that he had accidentally frosted the counter between them. Though Geo looked to be fine, aside from how concerned he seemed, the tips of his ears trembled and he held the blanket tightly around himself. Zane must have caused the room to change temperature.
He rolled back his power, recentering his focus and emotion. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize-"
"No, I'm sorry," Geo interrupted again, the hand on his shoulder sliding down to Zane's hand, going over his knuckles. He frowned. "I know this is difficult for you, for you to talk about. For you to feel. But I still pushed." His hand didn't linger, flinching back a little. Must have gotten too cold.
He sighed. "I still want you to realize that it's fine," he continued. "There's nothing wrong with having a crush, and you haven't acted on it in any way for years. I personally think if you talk to him about it… you might be able to come to a conclusion."
Zane didn't say anything, all the more guilty. But he quieted down and said nothing more, allowing the other to finish his hot cocoa. Then he watched as Geo's ears drooped a little and a yawn slipped from his mouth. "... Perhaps it would be best to get going to bed."
"Oh- uh… yeah. Yeah." Geo abruptly stood, wincing at the scratch of the seat on the floor.
Zane and Geo made their way back through the halls of the monastery, silent, not wanting to disturb the silence of the snow. The nindroid walked him back to his and Cole's shared room, nodding respectively. But the Geckle-Munce paused.
"... Thanks for taking care of me for an hour," he hesitantly started, the teasing tone clear. "And for the hot cocoa. It really helped." He took the blanket off of himself and gave it back to Zane, amber eyes heavily lidded and looking more tired now that he was in the warmth of his shared room with Cole. "... Maybe we can talk again at some point, when neither of us can sleep."
Zane felt a little lighter at that, and he smiled softly. "I think I would like that," he muttered, wrapping the blanket back around himself. "I enjoyed talking with you… Get some rest. You'll most likely need it when Fritz and Spitz wake."
His purple cheeks darkened, and his smile turned more shy. "You too. Think about what I said earlier."
"I will." With near-reluctant steps, Zane turned away and headed towards his room.
When he got into bed for the final time that night, buried in the blanket, he realized that it now smelled of salt and lavender. Geo had worn it for long enough that his scent was now on the fabric…
He pulled the blanket tighter around himself and tried not to feel guilty as he closed his eyes.
The next few days were full of confusion for Zane.
Cole seemed to be trying to spend as much time as he could with Zane. When he wasn't watching after Fritz, Spitz, or Bonzle, he would be there when Zane trained on his own - mostly because nobody else really wanted to train in the snow - he would be there when he made dinner, he would be there when dishes had to be done… He didn't even really say much while he was around. He just seemed to want to help with things.
Zane didn't mind, of course, but it still felt strange. What was even stranger was the fact that Geo was also beginning to spend more time with him.
Well, perhaps not stranger, as Geo had suggested they hang out more often anyway…
Geo tended to hang out with him when he would be reading a book, when he'd be bird watching, when he'd be cleaning around the monastery. Though he didn't help with cleaning, he couldn't say he really minded. His company was quite lovely… as lovely as Cole's.
Zane sighed as he idly knit. With nothing better to do than worry about himself, he played back his memories to try and predict what came next. His hands were quick and steady with each stitch, barely paying attention as he sped through making a sweater for Geo.
He can't believe he fell for Cole's boyfriend. It was bad enough he had his previous feelings resurfaced for the taken man, but now he was crushing on both of them. Taken by each other because they were practically made for each other.
He didn't even know the first thing about Geo, aside from his personality and a couple of his hobbies! But… it meant a lot that the Geckle-Munce would come along and quietly enjoy Zane's activities with him. It was like he was trying to get to know him without asking too much…
Zane paused for a moment, then rewound his memories again. He observed them closely, closer than he had before.
Now that he was really looking at the videos of him, he noticed the other's subtle facial expressions. Though adorable, he couldn't help but notice the softness in his eyes, the gentleness of his smile. His ears would prick up as Zane explained something about birds to him, the confused lowering of one ear as he talked about his robotics, the sympathetic droop of both ears when he would whisper about his father.
He was paying attention to every little detail Zane gave him about himself and about his activities. And when he wasn't doing that, he just stared at him with… yearning in his amber eyes. Maybe. He wasn't one hundred percent on what that emotion was.
Zane blinked his eyes open and looked down at the sweater in his hands, only two thirds of the way done. He had messed up a stitch, his hands having begun to quiver lightly.
There wasn't a chance, was there? That at least one of the two returned his feelings? That… That couldn't be. That could only end in disaster!
Quickly, he went to look through his memories of both Cole and Geo, the sweater forgotten for the time being, as he meticulously looked through each and every memory. He swore to the first master that this wouldn't happen, that he would not destroy the perfectly healthy relationship the two shared.
"Zane- there you are!"
The nindroid jumped at the exclamation of his name, stood before the Christmas tree that Cole had grabbed and that had been decorated by Kai and Nya. He turned to the gruff voice, belonging of course to Geo.
The other wore the sweater he had gotten for Christmas, wearing it alongside some gloves Mr. Frohicky had gotten him and a hat Cole had made - with Fritz and Spitz's help. Thank goodness he was more prepared for the chilly air now than he was a couple of weeks ago. He certainly looked much happier about it. In his hand was a little baggy, which must be holding some leftover sweet.
"You've been so busy, I've barely seen you the last few days," Geo continued with a grin, standing before Zane.
"Oh… I apologize, Geo," Zane hummed, feeling guilty despite his intentional actions. "Well… I have not been that busy, but I had figured you would want to be left to your own devices with Cole, Fritz, Spitz, and Bonzle."
Truthfully, he just hadn't wanted to start anything during the holidays, and the best way to do that was avoidance.
"Don't be so humble; you've been cooking and baking non-stop!"
"I enjoy doing such."
"Doesn't make you 'not busy,'" Geo chuckled. "But I s'pose you are a busy body… Anyway, um, I noticed you didn't get a lot of gifts."
Zane tilted his head. "Don't worry. That's quite intentional; my gifts are less physical, but more demanding. I don't have a lot of things that I want, so I exchange it for having things done around the monastery and throughout the city… Though, I suppose that is bound to change a little with Alfonzo's help to keep things tidy and the extra ninja around the city…"
He shook his head and smiled. "It's not something that bothers me."
Geo suddenly looked more… hesitant. "Oh- do… Do you not like presents?"
"I don't typically like surprises… But I can't say that I dislike gifts."
His face immediately lit up, ears pricked high. "Thank God- here!" He pushed the little baggy into Zane's hands with care. "They're from Cole and I, and decorated by the kids."
That peaked his interest, and he held the baggy for just a moment before carefully stripping off the ribbon and slowly opening it.
Inside were various winter-themed chocolates; there were a few shaped like candy canes, Santa hats, snowmen with top hats, ornaments, and snowflakes, while the rest were just little balls. All of the chocolates had a sloppy white scribble of drizzle on them, along with some edible glitter and candy cane crumbs.
"... When did you all have time to do this?" He asked as he breathed out, plucking a chocolate hat out to further observe it. He found himself breathless, warm, and welling up with emotion. This was so cute-
"Yesterday morning, when you were asleep- or well, that was when Cole and I had the time to shape 'em. The kids stayed up late last night to decorate them."
The nindroid shakily laughed. "No wonder they've been yawning all day." He rubbed a wet eye with his palm, smiling. The chocolate in his hand disappeared past his lips, and he found that it was dark chocolate with tiny cookie crunch dots speckled inside. He stared in wonder at the bag. "How did you two know that that was my favorite chocolate?"
Geo's brow raised in surprise before he bashfully looked away. "We didn't. That was a happy accident," he admitted. Then he looked up with a sheepish smile. "But I guess I'll know for next time…" Before Zane could ask what that meant, the other was fiddling with his scarf, tugging at it.
Belatedly, the nindroid noticed Geo was blushing.
"I… also, have another present for you." The arm he hadn't noticed staying hidden behind his back suddenly wound up around the other's front. It was wrapped rather poorly. "Sorry about this mess; I'm still learning how to wrap."
"Oh, there's nothing to worry about," Zane assured merrily. On the inside, he was about ready to start crying. "... That's for me?"
"Don't act all surprised- of course it's for you!"
His nimble fingers gently shook as he carefully took the package from the other. Hesitantly, he began to unwrap it, and the end result shocked him.
It was the top of a bird bath. The bath seemed to be a conveniently shaped rock, though perhaps Cole had shaped it? The uniqueness of the design came in the rim and little metallic birds perched on it. The rim - though clearly man-made with each dent - was intricate, metal curving over tiny little pebbles in all sorts of naturally different colors. The birds looked to be modeled after chickadees, one lowered to look as if it was drinking and the other peeking over it.
Zane's mouth hung open, for once left speechless. He stared at the gift, even as tears began to blur his vision.
"Whoa- uh, okay, I-I didn't think…" Geo stammered a little longer before nervously swallowing. "You should sit." He gently put his hands under the nindroid's arm and began to lead him out of the room.
They didn't get very far, though.
Zane's trance was soon broken and tears began to pour down his face. The fusion elemental was forced to stop when there was no movement to be had. "Geo, th-this… You made this?" he whispered, voice trembling as he tore his gaze away from the bird bath.
His ears lowered a little, amber eyes wide. "... Yes- well, mostly. I obviously had some help from Cole. He also made the stand, which I decorated." He fiddled his thumbs a little, looking worried. "We both know how much you like birds, and I wanted the first present I gave you to be special, even if I had some help along the way."
Zane blinked owlishly. "Why would it need to be special?" he sniffled, wiping at his face to rid of the old tears, making way for the new.
Geo flushed at that, and he looked about ready to say something, when they were interrupted by-
"Did he like it?" Cole came walking over to them, each step quick. The Santa hat he wore and the rather inappropriate Christmas joke that was on the sweatshirt made the intimate moment turn more humorous. He looked to Zane in anticipation.
The nindroid gathered his bearings, feeling their gazes flicker all over him. He didn't understand why they were so antsy; it was quite obvious how he felt about the gift.
He gave a wet laugh, looking down towards the chocolates and the top of the bird bath. "... I love it," he assured, voice hushed as he looked between the two with a genuine smile, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. "You two are so thoughtful, and creative… I never thought I-I would ever get such a lovely gift, nor that I would be getting it from the two people that I… that I care for the most."
The two blushed, before Cole smirked a tiny bit. "C'mon; we all know that it's more than just 'care' at this point," he hummed, a teasing tone in his voice.
Zane sniffled before he raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
The earth master rolled his eyes playfully, before pointing above both Geo and Zane. "I think you forgot what time of year it is. Maybe you shouldn't be standing in random door frames."
The fusion and ice elementals froze before taking a peek up. Neither of them had noticed that they had stopped where they had stopped, and now they were trapped beneath a sprig of mistletoe.
Geo gasped. "I thought we were waiting until after Christmas to say anything!" He panicked, looking over at Cole with wide eyes.
Cole shrugged. "Not my fault you weren't paying attention."
"But you were supposed to-"
"Life happens, Geo-"
Zane laughed cheerily at their little bickering before he leaned down and pecked Geo on a rather warm, purple cheek. He smiled at him. "Merry Christmas, Geo," he whispered. The Geckle-Munce was left frozen in the door frame as the ice master moved onto Cole, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Merry Christmas, Cole."
Cole blushed, and smiled shyly before returning the kiss to his nose. "You too, Pinky… I hope this didn't come up too suddenly for you."
"The feelings? No, I've been quite aware of them for the last few days. The gift, however…" He looked down at it again, and his grin only grew. "It was a lovely surprise. Thank you - both of you - dearly. I only wish I had given you both more."
"Nah, you give us plenty," Geo managed, happiness clear in his eyes. "Go sit down now. You need it… And if you want, we can join you."
Oh, how did he get so lucky?
"I would love that."
Once more, with a hot mug of cocoa and his warm blanket, Zane stood.
His breath fogged as he watched the last snowfall of the season, the silence of the moment soaked up by the dark sky. With nothing to think about, he just enjoyed the moment. It was his favorite kind of weather after all.
He had felt nothing but happiness since the night the mistletoe had struck. He had already set up the bird bath, which sat uselessly catching snowflakes. But he loved it dearly even now; it was beautiful. He still felt like he owed Cole and Geo something in return, but…
Zane jumped as he felt two bodies lean up against him, one trembling and the other steady and supporting. He looked down to see his boyfriends, of course, Geo freezing and Cole barely affected by the weather. He couldn't help the smile or the light chuckle.
He gave Cole the hot chocolate before taking the blanket off of his shoulders and wrapping it around the Geckle-Munce, who burrowed into it without breaking away from the nindroid. He pressed a kiss to the top of his head before taking his mug back and gathering Cole under his other arm.
"I told you two I'd be back soon," he murmured, hushed in order to not break the silence.
"We didn't want you to have to brek away from this too soon," Cole hummed, nuzzling into his neck as he held both of them. "You don't get a lot of nights like this."
The three stood together as they stared into the hazy darkness of the horizon, the snow reflecting up and brightening the place up.
"... It's really pretty," Geo whispered, gruff voice rough with sleep.
"It is," Zane agreed. "I wish there were more nights like this… Especially now that I have you two to keep me company." He was glad that they enjoyed the view as much as he did. But he looked down at his lovers with a grin. "But I've seen enough. Let's get inside, get warm, and get some sleep."
"Sounds perfect."