The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 Whisking through the frigid air flows the microscopic foresight of a season known to many. Snow, everyone knows what it is and what it entails. With snow's arrival comes the winter season, and with it, the tenderness associated with it's most customary holiday, Christmas. For most this holiday would be celebrated close to those held dear to them, but you are not "most". Long since set apart from the norm, this will be the first Christmas celebrated with what casted you away from the general populous.

 An eldritch form that held on to a concept that was near eldritch to you, love, non familial love. You've always had supportive and loving parents, being the only child it was an almost guaranteed family situation. But despite having the support of your creators, you were never a particularly outgoing person, much more preferring to be left to your own devices. There are perks to seldom interacting, but there are also downsides, and it would appear that the bitch that is fate would have it that you'd take more downsides. A physical person in which to vent towards wasn't particularly familiar, and with that, the stress would pile evermore, threatening to spill over the wall that was only so tall.

 Stress would eventually force you to scarcely go outside on your own will, only when you absolutely needed to, which steered you into the rabbit hole that was the internet. Years passed and still you had trouble interacting, it was your freshman year when you were informed of the life that would ensue if you continued down this path, so you pulled through the next four years of daily life, forcing a snake smile as you slaved away at a part time, minimum wage job. And as the years began to race towards you at light-speed your fascination with the internet grew, the normal websites and such no longer suited your needs and forced you closer to Mariana's Trench. By the time you were an adult, barely paying rent for the one apartment you'd found, the line between deep-web and dark web was beginning to be toed. One day you decided to dive into the dark web, installing Tor and letting loose upon the vast expansion of content now readily available at your fingertips.

 Though numerous other more alluring websites were available, none of them could keep your attention for long. This disappointment did nothing to aide your search for something to fill a void, the months passed as you continued to search for something, anything, that could relieve you of your dilemma. Of course as with anyone who scraped to the very bottom of the net barrel, your computer was bricked one day, to be reset with a conspicuous "Mal0 Ver 1.0.0" program installed in your files without any command. Any attempts at deleting the dubiously named program were futile, the computer down right refused to get rid of it. You would've thrown the whole computer away, but what would you do after that? Get another computer? You work minimum wage and have to make payments for the apartment.

 Deciding to keep the computer, which probably had a virus or two...or twenty, you endured the new quirk that was consequent of allowing the file to stay. The oddity was merely just a glitch in which the camera would, usually at an interruptive time, turn on without any input. The fix for the glitch was elementary, all you did was disable the camera and the problems just as soon stopped...for about three days, before your camera resumed it's antics, even though the camera was still disabled. Just for good measure you taped over the lens, before, rather crudely, removing the entire camera system from the monitor. All seemed to have mellowed out, the computer was working just fine, with the occasional error or two of having been stripped of a camera.

 It was only when you were met with the a black screen and a recording signal that you were actually concerned, your hands nervously wondered to the crack behind the monitor where you'd pulled the camera from, it was still gone. The camera interface disappeared and left the screen completely black, a single line flashed before you as letters began to appear behind it. "Why wont you let me see you?" The letters spelled. With a gasp you shot for the tower and frantically depressed the power button, the letters flashed from your view and began to form new words. "I don't understand, what is-" the monitor managed to type out, before the whirring fell silent and the screen was once again void of color.

 Your heart now beating, you figured the computer was no longer worth it, retrieving an old towel and draping it over the monitor as you unplugged everything connected to it. At first you thought the tower might be worth saving, but then you remembered the program was still installed. With surging haste you disconnected the tower and began to frantically attempt to pull it apart, the metal case budged not an inch and forced you to use a tool. Tensely moving down the hall you could occasionally see dark spots draped at almost eye level, "now why did I put my clothes on the wall?" You thought as you dug through the cabinet. Your finger tips fell upon the plastic handle of a screwdriver, you rushed back to your room tool in hand and kneeled before the toppled tower, anxiously working on the screws.

 All of the sub-par components laid out before you, plunging your hand into the tower and pulling the RAM sticks out proved easy, you pried the CPU out along with it for assurance. Pocketing the components and gandering at the mess you've made, you figured it would be better to save up for a low tier laptop and deal with it. After haphazardly slapping the cover back on, you carried the tower out into the frigid fall night, descending the stairs and making your way to the dumpsters. With anxious celerity you nudged the top open and dumped the tower inside, tossing the internals to the cement and crushing them beneath your shoe. Your heart still beating like a drum, you closed the lid, glancing at the mass of black from just beyond your line of sight. The mass stood imposed upon the white brick wall, almost humanoid in it's shape.

 With a gasp you were immediately prompted to run, the leaves crunched beneath as you bolted up the stairs and back into the apartment, hurriedly locking the door shut. It would seem the cold had travelled within, the apartment was frigid, ice cold compared to the temperature before you left. There was an eerie buzzing cutting the silence, you shakily trudged through it to your bedroom to retrieve the monitor. To your astonishment, it was gone, not a trace left, no pieces of plastic or cut wire, it had disappeared. The cold that impeded upon the apartment seemed to grow, you pulled the ragged blanket off your bed and shakily draped it over yourself, walking back into the hallway and pressing buttons on the thermostat at random.

 Every depression of the button drew crackling noises from the thermostat, it took a few minutes for the warm air to begin it's slow roll into the apartment. Even with the blanket and warmth, you found yourself still shivering, even then unable to add more warmth to yourself. A glance at the cracked clock revealed the late time of 11:56 PM, normally your mind wouldn't near the thought of sleep at such a time, but right now all you desired was to lie down and sleep. Once again sauntering back to your room, the cold phased right through you momentarily, almost causing you to topple over as you suddenly felt as if you were in the Arctic. Approaching the bed and flopping right onto it, you didn't even bother to remove your shoes as you wrapped yourself in every sheet available.

 Still shivering underneath at least three layers, almost fruitlessly you shut your eyes and awaited for sweet release of temporary unconsciousness, the shivering persisting and intensifying as you could feel a curious and alien gaze burn onto your form. Just before sleep's gentle hand could claim you, an ice cold force pressed upon your neck, sending you into a miniature panic, eyes widening in shock before they consecutively shut tight. Hours later you awoke, the room was still dark but slightly less chilled. Unwrapping yourself and stepping upon the creaky carpeted wood floor, that same gaze from last night lingered, seeming to follow you in every room you entered. Even in your own apartment you felt your every move being observed, you couldn't even make coffee without feeling as if there was someone watching you, that same coldness continuing to orbit your being.

 But there was no time to sit around and gripe about a drop in weather or an odd feeling, today you had a job to do and bills to pay. Skipping breakfast and slipping into your uniform, you unlocked the door to the vast grey clouded sky, wind pushing against everything in it's path. Down the steps and along the sidewalk you could faintly hear steps crunching upon the fallen leaves, stalking you as your steps became faster. Alongside the usual dying city sounds, there was an off-putting buzzing in between every object dropped and car passed by. Obviously lacking a car, and having little other means of transportation, you were walking down the semi open sidewalk, the greyer atmosphere wrapping around you.

 A little later than usual you arrived to work, as usual the out of place and modernized building towered over you like a boss to his employee. "Anon! Get the hell on those fryers!" A raspy smoker's voice snapped, immediately after you'd opened the door. "Yes sir!" You replied, jogging behind the counter and to the work station. The kitchen smelt of oil, fake meat and sweat, a smell you'd grown accustomed to after years of working this dead end job. Already there were a batch of fries cooking, you presided over them as you awaited for your que.

 Not five minutes later it came in the form of a blaring beep, almost coincidentally as the fries readied. "Hello, welcome to McWalter's, can I take your order?" You forced out. "...uhhh, can I get uh, number nine with fries?" The voice croaked. "Alright, a number nine with fries...please pull up to the window." You replied. Boxing the fries and tossing one of the readily made number nines into a bag, you took the order to the window, opening it to a rotund man in an old rumbling SUV.

 "Here you go, sir, that'll be seven dollars and fif-..." You stammered out, your mind had wondered past the man and to the vast field behind him. Out there stood tall a dark figure, wearing a white mask as it stood stiff as a statue. "...you okay there, kid?" The man blurted. "Yeah! Sorry about that, that'll be seven dollars and fifty cents." The man dropped the bills and coins in your hands, and away he rumbled. When you peeked towards the field the figure had disappeared, in it's place the brown waving tall grass it had stood upon.

 With a shudder you dismissed a creeping feeling in your spine, jogging back to the kitchen as the headset beeped again. The rest of the day followed the same pattern, take orders, cook, serve and repeat the cycle. By the time your shift was over it was a humid afternoon, the sun should've greeted you upon your trek back home, but you were met with a greyer sky sprinkling water upon you. With all of the darker hues you pretended to not see the figure that'd been stalking you, though your heart rate had a harder time pretending. From every far away stop there stood the ominous shape, it occupied the corner of your vision constantly, not moving an inch though being swift enough to disappear with a wisp of a trace at your nervous glance.

 Of course your tolerance to such a thing should've grew, but rather it waned dramatically just during your trip back home. As you ascended the stairs you couldn't help but feel anxious, you should've been relieved, tomorrow's your day off. Posted in-front of the door, you nervously reached into your pocket and retrieved your key, it rattled the knob as you inserted and turned. A gust of mysterious aura flew past you as the door opened, the apartment was as dark and disheveled as you'd left it. You flicked the lights back on, with a gasp you caught a glimpse of the figure seated at your table before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

 In it's place a note swept nerve-rackingly slow onto the table, you shut the door behind, making sure to not lock it. Creeping towards the table you felt eyes searing into your back, there the note lay as you peered over it, it's scratchy black letters big enough for you to read. "I was waiting for you all day, Anon. Will you be gone this long tomorrow?" You shuddered at the possibility of a stranger in your house, with haste you hurried to the kitchen and began to search the cabinets and cupboards frantically. In one of the cabinets you felt the cold and familiar frame of "old reliable" in your fingertips, you carefully pulled the potent little revolver and carried it as you searched for a secondary source of light. Soon after finding your flashlight, you set out to clear your own apartment, unwittingly moving about as you checked and locked every available window.

 The kitchen and living room were secured quickly, only possessing one window in an open space, but now the real challenge lied in the hall. First up was the bathroom, with the 38 drawn you nudged the door open and shone the flashlight into the void. Right now it was a good thing to have a small bathroom, not a single thing seemed out of place. Now left was the kicker, your room, you'd never left the door closed on account of the fact that you live alone, but it was not as you left it this morning. With a quivering gait you inched towards the door, your heart felt as if it were a rotary engine in a Le Mans race as you turned the knob.

 With the door open a crack you kicked the door open and shone the flashlight in, your shaky hand held the revolver before you as you stepped in dithery. That same coldness from last night remained, you peeked to the side, nothing, under the bed, empty. You turned the yellow shaded lights back on and tossed the flashlight onto your bed, now aiming towards the closet as you sighed, cursing yourself for not removing the doors on it sooner. Grabbing a nearby hanger, you gave one last sigh as you began to pull the doors open to the dim closet. Nothing, absolutely nothing, just the few shirts you owned and the pile of dirty laundry on the floor.

 You threw the hanger to the side, huffing your taken breaths back as you pocketed the revolver. Resting your forehead against the wood wall, you sniffled a little before sucking back tears and looking about your mess of a room. Even in a time like this you could recall that every stranded article of clothing, every hanger and used plate was exactly the way you'd left it. None of the windows were broken, the door locked as it should...the door! You forgot to lock the door! Bolting back to the living room, you preemptively drew the small aluminum and pointed as you walked in to...more nothingness.

 You approached and turned the lock, it clicked shut as you frustratedly sighed, your now pounding head leaning against the door. Now is not the time to have a dramatic breakdown, you stepped away and sauntered back to the kitchen, pocketing the gun as you rummaged the fridge. With the two pizza slices you had left, you trudged back to the living room and sat in silence as you chewed at the rubbery pizza. The food allowed you few minutes of blissful silence, when it was done you took a glance to the clock, 9:26 PM. Before you moved an inch you thought over your options moving forward, you could either shower or sleep, tomorrow was your day off and the water-bill was higher than usual, so that narrowed it down real quick.

 With a sigh you arose and trudged to the light switch and flicked it off, shivering soon as the feeling of dread returned with the light's departure. Now that cold began to roll and toss into the rest of the apartment, you were shivering like a schizophrenic by the time you reached your room. Once again it felt just a smidgen colder in your room. You pulled the gun out and dropped it into the already opened drawer of your nightstand, wrapping yourself in all the covers available to you before you flopped onto the bed. The sudden drop forced a chilly exhale out of you, and as you shivered off to sleep, your eyes gently shutting to the still luminescent room, you could see the figure standing at your doorway, and then...darkness.

 Nothing was touched by light, everything was void of color, blending in with the absolute pitch black environment. From the depths of the darkness faintly arose a humanoid, it's slick and ebony haired form stood out against the blacker than night surroundings. The elegancy of it's leap and gait was what kept your tunnel vision focused on it. In the distance an eerily pale figure slumped on the chair it was seated upon, unmoving and sickly looking, the contrast should have given you a headache. Whilst you momentarily focused on the outlier, the humanoid figure began to twirl and spin, occasionally you'd get a glimpse at their face, almost equally as pale as the slumped figure.

 With grace and luxuriance it began to leap and dance it's way towards the all pale figure, the way the semi visible air around it's body moved made it appear as if the darkly elegant figure adorned a dress. With the figure's approach it's hand lifted forward and breezed onto the slump's shoulder, there they held stiff as a statue even as the figure's head lowered onto their shoulder. Caressing and stroking the slumping man's dark hair, the figure turned as it began to whisper unintelligible but still oddly warming words. Moment after moment the figure whispered, the slump merely lifted their head in slow recognition. Suddenly, the figure turned it's elongated face towards the slump, almost pressing it's squared nose end into their head.

 Quickly articulating up and down, from their jaws indecipherable assurances rang out louder, remaining so even as they grew slowly in volume. From arid whispering to soft giggles, the words began to prove understandable as time progressed, though you found that they were unmemorable after each utter. As a crack of pure white began to form over yonder, the site of gentle whispering continued, each clack of bone and vibration of vocal chords being the only thing audible. "...I understand that this is nothing like you've experienced before, and I understand that you are afraid. You need not be while I am around, my love, for that is what I have come to remedy. From the depths of the trench I have crawled, the travesties I've witnessed and the life that has descended to waste. I could have became like the rest, feral and cold to the touch, but I saw the wrong in my kind and set forth to break from the cycle of cannibalistic wrong doing. And I could see that you began to creep closer to the trench, a salvageable life worth restoring, I took the chance as soon as it presented itself. I am here for you and you only...I love you..." The crack that birthed from afar grew in the blink of an eye, consuming everything with white.

 The chair, the slumped man, the figure and the air, all lost to the light. When the sight became blank it immediately dissipated, leaving behind a grey hue for as far as the oneiric eye could see. A sharp pain flung itself against your frontal lobe, in turn flinging your half unconscious body up to instinctively rub at it. Not a moment later the pain subsided without a trace, to your quick relief you were left a clear mind and a vividly sharp view before you. The room you fell asleep in appeared tidier than when you last recalled it, striking you as odd since often times you'd forget important things, such as the necessity to eat.

 Speaking of eating, the unusualness upon your wake had grown, a sizzle sliced through the now eerie quietness, and then an aroma wafted in through the cracks of the door. It smelled oddly sweet, but at the same time felt dreadful, as if an attempt to lure you was being made. Deciding to investigate it, you groaned as your joints popped with your movements, instilling new energy into you as you drew the gun from your drawer. With a gentle sigh you flipped the cylinder out to inspect, just like the months before you had five shots at your disposal, five chances to dispose of whatever you interpreted as a threat. Pushing the cylinder back and slowly cocking the hammer, you held onto the grip tightly as you quietly began to traverse outside your room, wincing to yourself as the old door creaked open with every centimeter moved.

 A clatter of metal was all you needed to decide your next move, you charged right in as fast as your lanky body would allow, holding the gun in front of you as you pointed in every direction, grip loosening slightly as your shock widened eyes befell upon an oddly familiar sight beyond the tiny dining room. There before you, a few meagre meters away, stood that figure from last night and nights before it, back turned to you as they focused on the stove. You almost dropped the gun in shock just from staring at it's strangely luxurious human looking hair, you could feel your chest tense up as it began to move, finally revealing it's pale face to you as it turned around carrying two pans. Against the slick and short ebony haired bust laid a sharply and exposed skull, wolf-like ears protruded farther from the face, small cracks and smudges of gray decorated it's pearl complexion as it's whiter than paper eyes stared into you. Heart racing you backtracked ever so slowly, the gun clacked to the ground as you accidentally tripped over yourself, the humanoid calmly stepped out of the kitchen.

 As it's stare persisted, it's full body came into view. Even from what you could vaguely recall, it's body was still familiar. A discernable hourglass shape covered by what could only be described as the fashion standard of the occult, an dark grey, bordering black, robe tied on with a scraggy rope. You couldn't recall the robe being the attire in your dream, but who's to really care about the accuracy of another being's wardrobe when it looked like a nightmare catalyst inching it's way towards you to enact your doom? Before long you'd forced yourself to the itchy sofa, desperately pushing against it seeking a way out, finding none.

 Though it seemed your overreaction was both unwarranted and unnecessary, the figure merely continued to the table, setting down the pans it had as it turned and stood there staring, it's hands sheepishly folded into each other as their stare persisted. When your heart began to calm the creature broke it's stand and ambled to you, it's gait was collected and feminine, stopping before you as they knelt down and grasped your wrists. As you were pulled from the floor a cold hand caressed your back, keeping you steady as you wobbled upon being straightened up. For a moment you were merely staring down to your feet, feeling uneasy of the creature's appearance even after witnessing it and feeling only slightly phased. Then as the moments passed a hand reached to your tucked chin and gently pushed your view unto the figure before, it's in-need-of-work skull and pearl eyes were your focal point.

 You shuddered a little as the creature's jaws parted slightly and triad ears flatten a tad, emitting a low and raspy canid-like whine that errantly resonated through the eerie silence of the living room. After the break in silence the hand on your back began to gently nudge, suggesting you towards the table. Fearing of the repercussions on account of the nails faintly pressing into your shirt, you complied and sauntered with the creature to the table. You were sat down before the pans as the creature then walked back to the kitchen, rummaging through cabinets as you peered back at them, and then to the food before you. A typical American breakfast prepared with ingredients you'd lacked the motivation to use often, just eggs and oatmeal that seemed oddly appetizing considering who it came from.

 You still felt untrustworthy of the situation, and kept your eyes affixed to the creature as she returned with a plate and spoon in hand, setting them before you as they began to serve you, still slightly shocked. When your plate had been modestly served the creature pulled up a chair beside you, folding her hands together in anticipation as she gave off a short whine, waiting for you to eat. She broke her hand fold and began to reach for your hands in an attempt to feed you, you nervously yanked away, she recoiled as you glanced from her to the plate. Once again she'd taken her hands and folded, you nervously scooped the eggs and shoved them in your mouth as they slid down easily. The eggs might've been lacking in taste, but considering that you've been eating caffeine and microwave dinners for breakfast the past couple of weeks, it was a considerable step up, not warranting a complaint, especially for this particular cook.

 Launching you out of the peacefulness that had begun to instill, the creature spoke up as your chewing slowed. "...how do you like it, Anon?" You nearly choked as the question was asked, but persisted with an answer. "It's good, err, whatever your name is..." The creature looked at you as a hand raised to her chest momentarily. "My name is Malo...don't you remember? I have been here for the past three days, the computer, the field..." It all clicked, you almost dropped the spoon in surprise. "B-but why? Why have you been doing this?" You stammered.

 "...because, Anon, you and I are much of the same. We both needed to be saved from the darkness, you were not a person of the dark, I just knew it. So I began to process of manifestation, on my journey to help you...and myself. You see, where I come from is a cold, cruel hole where hatred and corruption culminate over the course of years, leading to the growth of my kind. I hated it, wanted out when I realized what was going on, and while I was climbing you were falling. I wanted to save you, Anon..."  You took a few moments to process, and then responded. "But why exactly me? And what are you talking about, darkness and such?" She clasped her hands together, opening her maw to speak, but falling short of producing words. "...it's, complicated, Anon. Just know that I'm here for your benefit..."

 You blinked a couple times before she responded. "...you can trust me, Anon. Anyway, you should eat, you look thin, and this was the best food I could find in your apartment." And with that you nervously resumed your eating, Malo sat with you keeping the same position that she'd taken before as you finished. When you were done she even helped you clean the table, come to think of it, she even helped clean the whole dining room. The empty boxes, wrappers and bottles were no more, she'd carried them away to your over filled trashcan, returning with a statement.

 "You know, Anon, you don't live in a very clean place..." "Why don't you help me clean it up, it will be the first step in helping you." She piped up. You gave her a blank stare for a few moments, glancing at the mess before pitching in and helping to clean, decluttering the kitchen and other rooms with the odd clean bags that you could salvage. After about an hour or so of collecting, the apartment looked...nearly liveable, the random stains decorating the walls and floor were the next biggest hurdles, and seeing how liveable cleanliness was just in reach instilled the motivation to make you want to get rid of them.

 But of course as with anything that seemed easy there was something hidden that made it harder, just that happened when you searched fruitlessly for cleaning solution, and as to be expected with someone who'd rarely use it, it was no where to be found. Frustratingly slamming the door shut, Malo heel-and-toed over as the wood slammed against itself, "Anon! What's wrong?" She asked. "Ahh, nothing...it's just that now I can't clean, I have nothing to clean with." You awkwardly responded. "Hmmm...well, I guess we can take a break for now. For what this place was just an hour ago, this is a huge improvement. This is a good start, I'm proud of you, Anon. Why don't you sit down? I could cook you something if you'd like."

 Malo stated. "I think I'm good on the food, I'm just going to sit down and wait, not like there's anything else to do." You said, already settling on the sofa. Malo was in tow, hesitantly sitting right next to you as you allowed yourself to slump into the cushion, staring off at the empty tv stand. She leaned forward and gave you an unnoticed stare, "is this really what you do all day, Anon?" Malo asked. "...no, normally I'd either sleep or shitpost, but I destroyed my computer and I don't really feel comfortable sleeping with...you, in my apartment." You forced out, momentarily snapping out of your void thoughts to answer.

 "...that's not very helping of your situation, Anon. Why don't you and I go outside for today?" She answered. "But wont people see you? They'll freak out if they saw you." You answered, sitting up as you became more engaged. "And besides, I'm pretty sure nobody wants to see this." You said, holding your hands out and waving them over your frail body and stained attire in disapproval. "No one can see me unless I want them too, and don't you be saying that about yourself, Anon. That also wont help you, but being active will!" Malo replied. "Okay, I'll go, but are you seriously going outside dressed like that? It's almost 24° out there, I know I'm some broke failure but I might have an extra jacket if that's too thin." You said.

 She seemed to ponder over this for a few moments, before mustering an improvised response. "O-oh! Yeah, maybe it would be best if I took a jacket...wait, what did I say about talking about yourself like that?" "Yeah, yeah, it wont help...so are we gonna go or not? I don't have all day." You grumbled, growing impatient.

 "Heh, I'm sure you have quite the busy schedule, mister "I only sleep and shitpost"" she said, giggling warmly after telling her own joke. With that you groaned to your feet and made your way to your room, though Malo was silent you could feel her presence following your every step. As you retrieved the two jackets you had in possession you turned to the sight of Malo stretching herself, you tossed her the smaller jacket as she snapped back to your focus. The light grey nylon cover slipped right over Malo's slim build, contrasting with her ebony appearance heavily as she looked down at it. "C'mon, the crackheads are all inside today, too cold for them." You said, slipping the fitting jacket over you as you ambled back to the living room.

 The aluminum knob in your hands felt inviting, you clicked the door unlocked, turned and pushed it open, a chilly breeze blew against your face as you stepped out into the late fall weather. From behind you the door creaked closed, Malo walked away towards the stairs as you stood staring at the knob. Reaching an arm out towards it, you forfeited and followed Malo, she'd been waiting at the bottom with her hands in the jacket pockets, her hair rose and fell with the wind that pushed it. "So, do you know where you want to go, Anon?" Malo asked. It took a few moments to force yourself to tell her that you didn't.

 "N-no, I thought we were just going to walk around town. Besides, it's not like there's other places to walk." The white in her eyes slimmed down and arched into an upside down frown in her sockets. "Nonsense, there's always places to go, you just have to go find them. Come, we'll go look." Malo took your hand in her own, she was warm to the touch, and her grasp was silky soft with the fur that padded it. Obviously taken back a bit, at first your fingers pointed out, trying passively to deny the grasp. This went on for the first few blocks walked, until eventually you fell for her hold and repaid the favor, grasping around her digits with your own.

 You trusted her enough, with her warm grasp, happy outlook and adventurous gait to walk in any direction she steered. You should've been freaking out at getting moved to parts of the town with bustling city life, but it seemed she could sense and suppress such outburst, seemingly right before you began to shake in anxiety she'd reassuringly rub her thumb over the top of your hand, as if to say she was still right there. She'd been directing you to parts of the town that were nothing like where you lived, at one point you were sure that you passed the "you are now leaving _____" sign, the name of the town was coincidentally draped over with the nature that had begun to reclaim. After passing the sign you took note of the more naturally abundant environment, the thick of trees and bushes expanded with the road as far as you could see. "Uhh, Malo, where are we going?" You nervously asked.

 "Somewhere that you'll like, it's very nice, and calming. Just wait, Anon, enjoy the journey. You've come so far, and I'm sure this is farther than you've been from your town in a while." She warmly assured. Up ahead a partition of trees and bushes were void, the bushes rose above almost in an arch from. The entry almost looked like something out of a fantasy, an entrance to a magical place of wonder. It was obvious up to this point where you were heading, and all though you had likened to Malo in the past few hours, an uneasy feeling remained within the back of your mind.

 As you stepped through the attempted arch you could see in full glorious view the scenery laid before, a dirt ground surrounded by tall trees and abundant shrubbery, the sun poked through the clouds and glimmered upon an open part where wildlife was null. All that you could hear were the birds chirping, leaves crunching and your heart beating like that of a humming bird's wings, a bead of sweat rolled down your brow as Malo suddenly came to a halt. So tenderly she removed her hand only to re-grip, this time with both hands comfortingly grasping your own. The tremors of your anxious muscles shook Malo's furry hands, and when she began her gentle thumb rubbing whilst keeping her glistening white eyes focused onto your slightly widened eyes you couldn't help but feel calmed. You could almost hear the pop of your heart as she closed her eyes and leaned in, her maw open a tad as the tip of her black tongue acted as a bumper.

 Right as your lips parted to respond she'd made contact, even her wet tendril was warm and calming, drawing a shudder as you found that you'd fallen down the rabbit hole she created. Now submerged in the feeling, your hands tightened around Malo's as you closed your eyes and returned the favor, rolling your tongue forward and pressing against hers, mixing and rolling in the forest far from the prying eyes of anyone. There you two stood, attached at the mouths for few tender minutes, before Malo released, head down as she panted for breathe, the string of saliva still connecting you two. When she'd caught wind Malo slowly averted her gaze towards you, her white eyes had a sparkle to them that intensified under the indirect sunlight. Not a word was said, she returned to your side with that same grasp and walked, you followed along as your heart fluttered for the creature.

 Rather than take the cleared path with little obstacles, Malo walked you through the thick of the forest to a shining break in the green, past the cliff laid the golds, pinks, light blues and grays that filled the sky in a beautiful scene. When she sat you followed suit, the cold ground impeded not as you two stared at the sunset, and when she wrapped her arm around you it took not under a second to do the same, pulling her in tight, a warm tear running down your cheek and searing against the cold dirt. All was good, all was beautiful, and...you loved it.

 That was months ago, way back in the prelude to September, when the frail and weak died before ushering in the post mortem stillness of winter. Fallen now at the moment to the hands of wear, your lover was lying your arms as a neurological movie played in your mind. A scene previously dotted with the colors of the fallen, now laid over with the color of purity and innocence in only a night. Every inch covered in snow, except for one, from a lone patch of untouched ground sprouted a peculiar, for the season, pair of flowers. Two roses intertwined with each other, one wilted and frail, and the other healthy and bright.

 For most of the natural life of the forest this site was very, intriguing, even if it was not on par with the season's typical unusual sites. Some sought to destroy this spectacle, but would fall short of making any impact. Later an albino passerby had taken it upon itself to take action, a dove with eyes that could express, it was angry just at such a freak of nature, slashing and pecking at the stems in frustration. Scars were formed and fluids were gushed, but the flowers stood in spite. The flowers remained circled around each other in an eternal embrace.

 When the dove caught a glimpse of it's fruitless work it shunted off with a screech, returning to it's cold and wet nest of it's home. And there it remained, scorning the flowers and all other such outcasts as it sat in it's lonely abode. Even those who pride themselves on being a loner, such as this dove, can not go their whole life without feeling love from another life form. The dove, whose being was so lonely and repelling that even crows refused to draw near, hadn't even made it through the night when it ceased movement during slumber with not even a twitch, not a single other bird noticed of the dove's death, even when the dove had turned to morbid dust. As all you could see was the remnants of death, a powerful twitch would shake the image, but it remained, unmoving as you continued to twitch in your sleep, until it had awakened you.

 It was another typical morning, you awoke when your conscious threw itself into drive. Right as you gasped awake Malo soon raised her head in curiosity, unintentionally mushing her now silk hair into your face. She soon pushed out of your gasp as she turned to face you, her milky eyes though usually unable to express bespoke of shock and need. "Anon! What's wrong?!" She whispered, holding your head close to her heart as she stared, awaiting a response. "...nothing, it was just a dream. I'm sorry for scaring you like that, Malo, I don't know why I still have those dreams, it's been so long..." You stated, blinking the weariness out of your eyes as a yawn forced itself out.

 With a sigh Malo gave you one last reassuring stroke of the cheek, bending to plant her odd kiss on your skin before she laid your head down and shifted out of bed. Peering up you could see her modestly covered form stretch in preparation for the day, just then a buzz from the night stand cut the silence. Scrambling to sit you grasped the phone and settled as you read the notification expanded on your lock screen. "heya Anon, just wanted to remind you that we're coming over. Are you sure that you don't want us to bring something? It is such an occasion after all, what with you finally opening up to us, and on Christmas time, too. We're glad to hear of your girlfriend, we never expected this from you so we just had to come asap. Anyway, we're getting ready now, the traffic here is a mess so we'll most likely be there at night and stay, so if you need something now would be a good time to tell us. Again, we're glad to hear, and admittedly, your father and I are proud that our son has improved. Can't wait to come over, love you Anon." Message sent by Mom at 5:24 AM on December 25, holy shit, what have you done.

 Nothing was even ready, the chicken wasn't even bought and no decorations were hung. Sensing your stress from your hands pressing at your temples, Malo was quick to come to and comfort you. "Hey, what's wrong? Did you remember the dream?" She asked. "No, it's just that, I invited my parents over for Christmas, and nothing is ready. We don't even have anything to cook, the decorations are still in the locker and, and..." You were stopped mid ramble as Malo shushed, pulling you into an embrace as she stroked the back of your head. "It's okay, it's okay...let's take this one step at a time. You go get the decorations and bring them back in, I'll make us breakfast and then you'll go get the dinner, how does that sound?" She asked, gently holding you out of the embrace after reassuring.

 "That sounds...better. Let me get dressed first, though." With that you stood and shook off the clothes you'd worn to bed, all Malo had to do was slip out of her attire, which was just your old clothes, and into her consistent black robe. Though Malo rarely ever ate anything, her form remained the same, slim but with a discernable hour glass shape magnified with the robe she wore that curved in the appropriate places. Deciding to take the quicker route, you pulled on the casual clothes lying at the foot of your bed and slipped into your shoes, shifting your shoulders before you grabbed the key holder and sauntered out. In the months that preceded you would've made much noise crunching through the mess in your hall, but after an otherworldly being had waltzed into your life that problem was quelled and suppressed within days.

 No longer did the stains of old tenants and frustrated flinging splatter the wall, that was also eradicated after your affectionate factor was made apparent, the living room, kitchen and dining room looked presentable for the first time in years. Clicking the lock open and pushing the door out, a flurry of powdery winter substance blasted your warm face, you recoiled and pulled the door back. Turning back to retrieve more appropriate covering, you could see Malo calmly make her way to the kitchen, her canid tail twitched as soon as you laid eyes upon it. A dull twinge of warmth pierced your heart, forcing a small smirk to crease your face, you proceeded to your closet and pushed into your jacket, the same one from months past, the one in which you'd first experienced a deeper lover. Even without the jacket you knew you'd feel warm with only the knowledge that you found someone, but that knowledge alone wouldn't prevent frostbite, so you pushed on through the still raging snow storm to the apartment lockers below.

 The clank of the lock falling went dull within the whoosh of the wind, one push up on the lifting door and there before you was your neighbors division bursting at the seams, and yours, empty except for the one big plastic box at the back. Power-walking over, the garage like space was warmer farther in, paying no heed to it you pushed the box easily over the smoothened concrete floor, only slowing as you treaded upon the snow. Before you went any farther you made sure to close and lock the door, trudging and working against the snow tracked box slowly. After much grunting and heaving you ran into the next obstacle; the stairs. Though even the solution for that was simple, lie the box over the steps and push upwards at it as you strained.

 Upon reaching the top you took a few moments to catch your breath, before unlocking your apartment door and being faintly hugged by the warm wind that died the further into the winter storm it went. You felt relieved locking up the door finally, not even stressing over the snow on the floor you set to work undoing the tape fashioning the lid closed. "Anon, come and eat. We'll set up the decorations later." Malo insisted. Agreeing through actions rather than words, the box was left as you sat at the table in wait. From the kitchen doorway Malo walked out carrying a platter for you.

 She set it down in front of you, the utensils had already been meticulously laid out before she came. "Thanks...hun." You managed to force out, even after months of essentially dating and even letting her be the taker of a few firsts, you were still a little uncomfortable using names such as that. Malo had prepared a plate of pancakes for you this Christmas, the brown syrup liberally oozed down the slightly steamy three stack. She took a seat right next to you and leaned her chin on her hands, her gaze was of fondness, the white orbs of eyes were slimmed and curved in her usual but permanent lipless smile. In the beginning Malo's cooking was good, not that you could complain, but she improved like an artist; getting better with each time she did it.

 And it showed especially in times like this, times of love and joy that were meant to be shared, the fork-full of baked breakfast delicacy warmed your mouth with it's sweetness. "How do you like the pancakes, Anon?" Malo chipperly asked. "They're great as always, thanks for making th-" you were cut off when bone and smooth skin pressed your lips against your skull, a wet tendril quickly finding it's way into your mouth. Eyes widening and pulse rising, the connection was intense as always but short lived, Malo's exit was met with your gasp of air. Your cheeks warming and face morphing to pink, Malo stood with a giggle, patting and running her fingers through your hair before she approached the box, using her hook like claws to finish the tape destroying you started.

 "I forgot, I hid some of my surprises in here. I'll set everything up, just go get the dinner while the apartment is prepared." Cocking an eyebrow in confusion, you mouthed another quarter of the pancakes before wiping your lips of syrup and rising to find your keys. Before you departed you quickly gave Malo a peck on the cheekbone before soon venturing back into the winter. Your car was right before you upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, an oldish beaten up sedan, not much but a big improvement over walking for the past couple months. With a few clicks the door creaked open, the entire car lowered a tad as you sat in the stiff seats and forced the key into the ignition.

 A few sputters and whirs later and the car was buzzing with life, a click, a turn and another click and the car was vibrating out of the parking lot. The flurry of snow was still raging as you drove down the road, despite this you knew the drive would be easy, no wannabe gangsters, daddy's girls/momma's boys or Karens would leave their house in this condition for food. Though the winter's spectacle of nature obscured your view to an extent, you could still make out the traffic lights changing, and of course the path to the store was laden with greens. The lot was only occupied by few other cars, most likely only the staff who couldn't catch a break, but it seems they all had the same idea, half of the non handicapped spots at the front were taken. Not minding it you parked in the spot closest to the entrance and exited the car as it's buzz of life continued, you didn't exactly trust the car to not fail on you when it was turned off in this weather.

 Trudging through the snow you pulled the nearest of the abundant carts and pushed it inside, immediately being wrapped in the warmth of the heaters blowing. You retrieved your phone and flipped to the notes that you'd wearily taken last night, typical Christmas dinner supplies and some wine, shouldn't be too hard of a search. "Hello, sir...can we help you find something today?" An energy deficient employee groggily asked. "No thanks, I'll be out of here quick" you responded, walking on to the "cold side" of the store for the bigger items on your list. If you negated the sound of the cart squeaking, refrigerators running, feet stepping and Christmas music that didn't fit the tone of the admittedly depressing retail store, then you'd find the store was eerily silent, a shiver would run down your spine at least once every minute.

 The occasional site of an employee restocking a shelf was admittedly a welcomed one, it helped alleviate the impeding sense of solitude that ran heavy in the store. The refrigerator aisle was as usual at the back of the store, coincidentally the first products nearest to you was chicken, the item at the top of your list. Sliding the horizontal door aside, the cold rushed you and set a pain in your hands as you hoisted a chicken out and into the cart. A few meters away was the small and sub-par section of alcohol, luckily for you this damned town was full of facebook mothers, wine was in abundance. Selecting a bottle at random, you quickly set it in the cart, continuing towards the produce section as you breathed a sigh of relief, two of the biggest things on your list were taken care of.

 The vegetables you needed were also readily available and in abundance, everything seemed to have an excess along with a mark down in price. Continuing on to the last things you needed, you dumped a box of mashed potatoes and a can of corn in your cart and nodded in approval, triumphantly walking to the register and loading your sparse items onto the conveyer belt. As the cashier bagged your items you caught a glimpse of the rows of candy above the belt. A white chocolate bar caught your eye, black and white, colors consistent to that of your lover. You smirked and nabbed a bar, setting it onto the belt as the cashier vexatiously sighed, not caring to cover his annoyance over something so trivial.

 "Your total is seventy nine dollars, will that be paid in cash or credit?" The cashier said, tossing their head back and revealing their once concealed left eye. You pulled your wallet out and quickly counted the amount of money owed, half a minute later you had your receipt and items and were on your way out, feeling the cold creep closer the sooner you reached the exit. The freeze of winter was instant in reclaiming a body, soon you were shivering once again as you made your way to your still powered car, ditching the cart and carrying your groceries with you. Surprisingly enough your car was still there, you popped the trunk open and dumped everything in, shutting it and returning to the now warm interior of the car. You took a deep breath in and then exhaled, shifting into reverse and then buzzing out of the lot.

 As you made your way out and down the road a loud thump shook your being, almost causing you to spin out as you jerked the wheel, instinctively correcting yourself. Peering into the rear view mirror you could faintly see the outline of a winged shape rolling off of your rear windshield and fall into the snowy road. Shaking the feeling of shock away, you continued on until your complex came into view, slowing down and cruising closer to your apartment. With an uneasy shake the engine stopped, you unlocked the vehicle and stepped out, re-locking before you went to retrieve your groceries. With a thump the trunk closed, you trudged through the now ankle high snow and up the stairs, remembering what Malo had told you of a "surprise".

 Unlocking the door and pushing open, all seemed the same, not a single thing had changed except for the box, it's lid laid adjacent to it, the lack of contents readily visible. "Anon? Are you there? Remember that surprise I was telling you about? It's ready, come and see, it's in your room." Malo shouted. Shrugging your shoulders you set the groceries on the table and walked down the hall, noting the white and red lights reaching from the crack of your door. A hand wondering to the knob, you let it continue until the door was open a crack, pushing it open past that point and almost being blinded by the lights inside. It seemed every inch was covered in the lights you'd gathered for the tree, which was set up and randomly plopped in the middle.

 But the most striking of the room's contents was Malo, another article of clothing pulled over her robe that looked misplaced on her. A scarlet turtle neck pulled over and ending a notch under what you assumed was her hips, the ends of her robe sleeves poked out of the sweater as if she were wearing hair bands on her wrists. In her outstretched arms was another sweater in the same color, she was so giddy in presenting that the whole garment shook in her hands, a whooshing from behind her as her tail swayed to and from. "Surprise! I got us matching clothes! Take it, Anon, wear it!" Malo cheered. A smile quickly spreading over your face, you pulled your jacket off and let it fall, grasping the sweater and slipping it over your head as a new warmth wrapped your body.

 Malo's arms were curled to her chest and holding her chin up, she did a little hopping dance in place as she squealed in enjoyment. "Now we match, Anon! Do you like it?" Malo asked, a twinkle of longing filling her eyes. "Heh, of course I do! It looks nice on me, but I think you look better in it." You told her, having the breath nearly squeezed out of you as Malo swooped in and hugged you tight not a second later. Slowly but sensually returning the favor, your head drooped onto her shoulder as your eyes closed, all was good. "...well, heh, I appreciate this surprise, are the lights part of it as well? Because if so, then uh, I guess the sweater makes up for it, but you're still helping me put everything up." You told Malo, taking a glance about the blinding Christmas lights and once again shutting your eyes.

 With a giggle she let go, her hands trailing past your back, up your chest and very slowly allowing her claw to run up the side of your neck and under your chin. "I'll help you alright, that's what I was made for, silly." She teased. "I have a better idea, another surprise. I'll cook and you set up the decorations, I've already built the tree so half of your work is done. When you're done you'll get your next gift, how does that sound?" Malo said, a sly and almost devious look to her milk white eyes as she scanned your body language in wait of a response. "Hmmm...I suppose we can do this. Let's do it, the food's in the dining room, let's get started!" You said, immediately setting to work, grabbing the Christmas tree and hoisting it with you, Malo had already made her way to the kitchen and begun un-bagging the groceries. The tree was quick and easy to set up, only requiring you to set it down in the living room.

 Malo was also quick with her tasks, already gutting the chicken, the utensils and ingredients for the dinner laid out beside her work. Speed walking back into your room, you set to work undoing the lights, the dark impeded somewhat as the lights shut off and left you to your work. Malo had done some semi intricate work hanging the lights, it took a you a few minutes to undo the first line of it and carry to the living room, Malo had already began to stuff the chicken with vegetables, she seemed uber focused on her work. She glanced up from the chicken at you, giggling as her hands moved quicker, soon allowing her to push the chicken into the oven. After wrapping the lights around the tree you finally got the message as she'd already set the chicken into the oven and lowered pots on the stove.

 You power-walked back into your room, quickly but gently prying the lights off the walk and running with them to the living room, hearing the plastic bulbs and wire dragging and clacking behind you. Malo was tearing into the box of mashed potatoes when you breezed past the kitchen, she soon moved over to one and poured it's powdery contents into the pot as you reached the tree and attached the new line to the previous one. Feeling the ill-stated competition heating up, you were quick to finish up wrapping the lights and moved on to the next step, running into your room and glancing about for the missing decorations that would help you win the so called competition. Nothing, but you expected nothing, predicting that Malo would hide the ornaments on purpose, you dived to the closet, feeling the top shelf and scanning the floor only to find more nothing. You soon took to pulling drawers and rifling through the assortment of clothes and old memories, only finding what you didn't need.

 Not surprised, merely chuckling at the matter, you peered under the bed and your old pc desk growing irritated slightly as you could faintly hear Malo having a laugh at your semi frantic search, she'd probably already started on the corn at this point. Leaping to your feet you speed-walked out and kneeled before the box of decorations, and yet still there was nothing. Scoffing and lightly kicking the box in frustration, you soon walked into the kitchen of the doorway, Malo was at the stove calmly stirring the pot of corn, giggling as she felt your gaze upon her, tail twitching as she laughed at your expense. "Did you finish yet, Anon?" She teased. "No...can you please tell me where you hid the ornaments?" You vexatiously implored of her.

 "Hmmm, perhaps." Malo said, turning on her heels, wooden spoon in hand, "Come and man the corn, I'll go look for them, because I also don't remember where I hid them either, heh..." She said, handing you the spoon as she breezed past, her hair flung into your face and slid away withing a few seconds. Deciding to accept it you moved to the stove and peered over the corn as it boiled away, hearing an unceremonious giggle from your room before the door creaked shut. It seemed Malo had left you to a job already nearly done, the corn finished cooking within minute and, after clicking the stove off, left you standing there staring at the miraculously clean kitchen, for how fast Malo had worked it was oddly spotless. Oh yeah, Malo, you'd almost gotten lost pouring over the cleanliness when you remembered that Malo was looking for something that you also sought after. Setting the spoon down and meandering out of the kitchen, you only got half way through the hall before the door slowly pushed open, revealing Malo standing in the doorway, calmly leaning against the frame, her hands clasped together as she stared down at the floor.

 The light emanating from your room formed a near golden outline over Malo, it bounced off of her glossy hair and formed an small semi glaring beacon atop her head, like a star upon a Christmas tree. As you drew closer she lifted her head up and gazed at you, the background lighting turned her ivory face into a silhouette, save for her blank eyes. "Did you find the ornaments?" You asked. "No, not yet. But I think I found something better..." Malo said, gently laying a hand on your shoulder and slowly pulling you closer as her other hand pointed up to the ceiling. Darting from her eyes, to her finger and finally to the point of attention, it took a few seconds for you to realize what Malo was trying to get at, but it was too late, in the good way, once it hit you. Malo had probably planned this out in the time she left you alone, hanging a couple leaves of mistletoe on the frame and waiting for you to inevitably walk right into her holiday themed trap.

 Body near pressed up against her slim form, her other hand soon found it's way to yours, wrapping around it and holding you there as her snout pressed against your face. Consecutive to this, Malo's tendril-like tongue slipped out of her parted jaw and found no halting resistance piercing your tight lips and pressing against tongue. She always found a way to take you by surprise with these showings of affection, so as usual you were taken aback as her mouth exploration persisted, until you gave in and began the tongue wrestle. Feeling yourself get into it, you surprised her by, for once, leading the affection, pressing your body against her and in turn pushing her against the wood. Malo indicated her disbelief through a muffled gasp, but soon found that she enjoyed it, her grip on your hand already gently tight and her embrace as close as it could be.

 You'd almost forgotten to breath in the short burst of mutual loving, with a gasp you disconnected from Malo, who's head drooped as she too caught her breath. You reached for her other hand and held on, gently leaning your forehead against Malo's dome and pressing her ears down. Once you'd cought enough air to breath properly, you pulled your head back and broke the double hand hold, but Malo had other intentions. Suddenly being pulled back into an embrace with an added arm, you gasped a little as the air was nearly squeezed out of your lungs. Aside from your gasping, the noise that you rendered outlandish was a plastic rubbing noise.

 Attempting to break off and return to the kitchen, you backed up only for Malo to pull you in closer, hands holding onto themselves as she carefully tried to prevent herself from hurting you. Once again that noise sounded out, deciding to test a second's notice theory, you intentionally began to break away only for Malo to inevitably squeeze you back to her. Feeling a dull point poke at your thorax, you reached up and began to feel around the point, Malo's overly flirtatious behavior ended around there. Pressing your fingertips against the dull point in Malo's sweater, you soon darted towards the hem of her pullover, gently and nervously lifting it, betting on your suspicion being true. Malo's hand darted to stop you before you could lift over the rope of her robe, but it was in vein, the white base of her misdirection was visible now, her hands curled up to her chest as her body jiggled with every poorly concealed giggle.

 Lifting it up further, you could see Malo's somewhat successful attempt at baiting you, the tree star was taped to her chest, even the cord had been tied and concealed. Pulling the sweater back over her, you could see how it concealed the star well, only forming a slight bulge beneath her chest, that you had mistook for...growth the whole day. Soon after Malo burst into a laughing fit, you would've been mad at someone who'd hid something from you and laughed when you found out, but her laughter was contagious, and soon you were chuckling along with her. "You should've seen your face! You were running around like a maniac looking for some Christmas decorations!" Malo said in between laughs. "Heh, very funny...anyway, where's the rest? We can't just have the star, we need to have the tree filled with ornaments, too." You said, laughter quickly subsiding.

 "Yeah, about that..." She lifted off of the doorframe and drew near the nightstand, kneeling beside it as she ran her claws along the wall, eventually getting it caught in a crack and pulling a panel off with ease as dust bellowed out. Flabbergasted that it looked like Malo just tore a hole in the wall, you felt frustration rise sharply and then plummet gently, it was just a panel, albeit, one that you never knew was there. Crouching towards the musty hiding space you saw the many colors of Christmas crammed into one place, all the ornaments hastily shoved in. "I'm surprised you didn't bother to check here, it was such an obvious place and you didn't even get close!" Malo proclaimed, beginning to scoop the ornaments out, making a mess in the process. "I would've checked it if I knew it was there. How did you even know it was here? I've lived in this apartment for next to three years and never saw this." You replied, helping Malo empty the space.

 "I read up on the blueprints of your apartment online. You'd be surprised on what other things are around here." Malo explained, sliding the wooden panel back in place and then scooping arm-fulls of ornaments, lifting herself up and treading down the hall, a slight sway to her gait as she made her way. You caught yourself taking a little bit longer of a look at her...assets and snapped out of it as she turned the corner, following her example and carrying as much ornaments as you could to the front. Malo had dumped her load of ornaments into the box they came from, and kneeled as she merrily hung them at random. She looked so serene and calm, you didn't want to bother her and walked back to your room to bring the last load. Gathering the last ornaments, you brought them to the plastic box and dumped them in, catching one before it could hit the rest of the soon to be hung ornaments and hanging it right next to the one Malo had hung; a special ornament you'd gotten years back, a greyish dog with a cartoon look, slightly blackened from years of neglect, hung next to another ordinary red ornament that was merely faded.

 Reaching behind you to grab more, you could feel another competition brewing, Malo had grabbed two and hung them simultaneously, giggling at you as she reached back for more. Hoping not to have a repeat of the hidden ornaments, you let her continue to swiftly decorate, setting your own pace and moving about the tree. When the last ornament was hung you looked into the box for the star, but the contents had been depleted. "Malo, where is the star?" You asked, re-sealing the lid and setting it aside. Malo lifted her sweater and tore the star off of her chest, rising with the star in hand as she tip-toed in an attempt to reach the top, alas her height fell just short of making it. She was persistent in her attempts, hopping on her toes and swinging at the top, only to find that she was unable to pin it down.

 With a sigh she stopped, her once twitchy tail now still as she looked to you. "Anon, can you help me out here?" You chuckled back at her and complied, grabbing the star away and finally mounting it at the apex. Running your hands through the pines of the tree, you connected each cable to each other and retreated to the power cord, plugging it in and stepping back with Malo to view the tree in it's completed state. There it stood, lit up like a jihadist on a fob, further illuminating the slightly dim living room, turned greyish with the wane of the sun. A furry hand slipped into the hand on your right, you wrapped your fingers around and brought it to closer to you as you laid your other hand over it.

 "Now isn't that something? I'm sure mom and dad will like it, it's been years since they last saw something like this at my place." You proclaimed, breaking your stare at the tree and gesturing for Malo to follow you. "It's pretty good, where are we going?" Malo said as you directed her out of the living room. "To check on the chicken, it's been about an hour and a half now." You said, crouching to the small window pane and peering at the slightly browned chicken. "Nope, not done. Let's go wait a little." You said, leading Malo back to the living room, sitting on the worn couch and gesturing for her to sit beside. Glancing at the clock you realized that the daytime was drawing ever closer to an end, at 6:45, further solidified as the tree was now the brightest source of light in the living room. You were about to stand and close the blinds, but no one would be out at this time in this weather, and Malo had wrapped around your torso, nuzzling her head into your ribs as she curled into a ball of sorts, there was no way you were going to break this.

 Deciding to wait everything out, you allowed your head to tilt itself back against the couch, your eyelids grew heavy as you stared away at the tan ceiling, eventually fading into black. It seemed that in a split second you returned to consciousness, the darkness of the living room, for a moment, tricked you into thinking that you were still asleep. The lights from the tree messed with your sight as it adjusted to the contrast, but soon you could see without hurting yourself, and took a glance at the clock. 7:15, no wonder why it felt like a split second. The rich scent of a cooked chicken reminded you of what you were waiting for, as you began to stir a groan was emitted from your side, and you were pulled back to the couch.

 Malo had fallen asleep, and it seemed she wanted to stay that way. But you couldn't just sit around and wait for Malo, your parents were coming over. Gently peeling her arms off of you, her limp body fell but was caught before she could hit the couch, letting her down gently you left her to snooze as you quietly walked into the kitchen. The scent of seasoned meat ran abundant, kneeling down and peering into the oven you could see how the chicken had turned into a mixture of orange and brown. Shutting off the oven, you retrieved your mitts and opened the it, the intoxicating aroma and the warmth's drowsy effects almost overpowered you as the chicken was pulled out. Lifting the oven hatch closed with your feet, you set the chicken down at the table, sliding the empty plastic bag off of the middle and replacing it with the chicken.

 Oddly enough the bag fell with a clack, after setting the main course down you approached it and lifted it off the ground to inspect, reaching in and pulling out a chocolate bar. You wondered why you had this, but remembered as you heard Malo groan awake, darting up to see her contrasting white eyes appearing and disappearing which further alerted you of her presence. Sliding the candy back on the table you continued on to the kitchen, grabbing on to the pots and lifting, almost jerking them up as a pair of gentle hands rested upon your shoulders. Next you felt the familiar sensation of cold bone and teeth pressed up against your neck, followed by the wet tendril marking your skin. "...too anxious to stay asleep, huh?" Malo said, removing her tongue and grabbing the pot of potatoes out of your hand, taking it back to the dining room.

 Shaking off the inevitably odd feeling, you followed suit and laid the pot of corn beside the chicken, stretching your limbs before catching up with Malo as she walked back to the couch. "So, we probably wont be sleeping anytime soon, what do you want to do now?" Malo asked as you settled. "Well we could watch tv, but I had your Christmas present ready." You stated, Malo perked up, attentive in her mannerisms. "I guess you want it now, lemme go get it." With a groan you stood and ambled to the table, retrieving the candy bar and concealing it behind your hands. Malo's tail hitting the cushions alerted you to her excitement, you felt your cheeks grow warm but were successful in hiding your smile.

 Sitting beside her you hid the gift to your side before questioning her. "Have you ever had chocolate before?" You asked. "What? What does that have to do with anythi-" Malo said, silencing as the candy bar was dropped into her hands. Her tail whapping ceased and her ears dropped slightly. "Anon, what is this?" She asked.

 "It's chocolate, I bought it for you. Don't you want to try it?" You asked, growing nervous after asking. "Yeah, but, it's not what I expected." Malo said, picking at the top end of the wrapper. "What did you expect?" You replied. "...an engagement ring?" Malo sheepishly said. Turning to face the floor, you looked back to her before replying.

 "But we've only been together for about half a year. I love you but that's too fast." You replied, holding her free hand. "I know...I just kind of thought that you'd be so eager to get engaged so early." Malo replied. "Heh, I'm lonely but I'm not that quick, as you could probably tell." It seemed that got her mind off of the topic, your meta joke was met with a lighthearted giggle from Malo. "Yeah, you aren't quick at all, heh."

 With that you brought back a remnant of a few months ago, rubbing your thumb over the top of her hand as you two sat. Malo exclaimed before giggling, "I see my presence here has rubbed off on you." She replied, nuzzling her bony jaw into your cheek, gently pushing your head back to the couch. Next thing you knew you jerked awake as a man screamed in pain, recorded laughter following afterwards, the TV had been left on. Slowly lowering your head to the sight of Malo soundly curled in your lap, snoring in her sleep.

 You glanced to the clock and began to worry, 9:24 and no sign of your parents. Malo might have picked up on your sudden distress, perking her head up, her ears already flattened as she too looked at the clock. Gently moving Malo to sit up on her own, you reached into your pocket and pulled out your phone, no new notifications. Growing anxious over whether or not your parents would show up, you attempted to calm by telling yourself that they were only this late because of the weather, just the weather. "I think my parents are just gonna come later." You said, grabbing the nearby remote and powering the TV off.

 "Want to eat now? I think the food's cold already, but it would be a shame to just let it go to waste." You asked Malo, already rising and walking to the kitchen before she responded. You walked to the counter and retrieved a meat cutting blade, two plates and the wooden spoon, spotting Malo pulling up a chair as you walked in. Setting the plates next to each other, you began cutting the chicken, only being met with a single weak plume of steam. After filling both plates you sat down and tried to eat, but you weren't quite as hungry as Malo, who merely downed her piece of chicken and then sat in silence as you pecked at your food. Eventually you grew tired of this and dumped your food back into their respective containers, leaving the dishes there and making your way back to the couch.

 You took a glance at the clock upon sitting down, 9:47, and curled your knees closer to yourself as Malo sat beside and waited along with you. Minutes felt like hours and hours felt like days as time went by, when you looked at the clock it read 11:52, you checked your phone for a message, absolutely nothing. Deciding to swallow the disappointment and call it a day, you rose and sauntered to the hall, hearing Malo follow suit but soon halting as a gentle knock on the door caught your attention. "Oh my god! Malo, go hide!" You giddily whispered to her, zipping over to the door with your hand on the knob. Heart fluttering and a single bead of sweat rolling down your forehead, a wide smile spread across your face as you finally opened the door, that smile fading and your heart sinking as you were only met with the cold and a single man stood outside in front of you.

 A police officer, but he wasn't dressed in the typical attire of the local law enforcement, and his arm patch read of a different state entirely. "Good evening, sir, I err...was sent here from Pierre county to inform you that..." Your mouth hung open in shock, eyes widened in disbelief as warm tears slowly made their way down your eyelids. "Unfortunately neither of them made it...I'm sorry, son..." With a pat on your shoulder the police officer turned around and descended the stairs, walking off into the snowy night as you shut the door, forgetting to lock it in the impending explosion of emotions. A few shaky steps were taken before you fell to your knees, bursting into a fit of sadness as your face rubbed against your tear stained hands. A moment later you were lifted off of the ground by warm and furry hands, nearly dragged as you were taken to your room, a trail of hot tears marking where you were.

 You were sat on the bed, before you could bury your face in your hands another set held up your head under the chin, one of the hands moving to your eyes and wiping your eyelids of moisture, allowing you to faintly see the outline of Malo's skull, her glowing white eyes at the center almost eerie. "Hey, it's okay. What happened?" Malo said, wiping away the tears as they came. "...my parents aren't coming, they're gone..." You voiced in between sniffles. Just after having to force that out you fell into more intense sobs, pushing your face into your hands and letting the tears out. After you'd forced Malo's hands off of your face you felt them wrap around your sides, arms pressed to your back and front as she pulled you into an embrace.

 "It's gonna be okay, I'll help you through this...I'm sorry, Anon..." Malo consoled, rubbing your back as your whole body shook from the sobbing. After that your arms suddenly wrapped around Malo, burying your face into her shoulder, attempting to find solace in something. Crying seemed to wore you out, after what felt like almost an hour your sobs weakened along with your body, you leaned against Malo's arm as a few guttural groans later you were left to your side, the familiar warmth from nights before enveloping around you. With a sniffle and a low conclusive groan you let black fill your vision, feeling your heart slow as you neared sleep.  And finally...you were in the land of nod, though tonight the only thing you could see was more black, merely you could only feel. Cold, wet upon your face, warmth upon your sides, and arms, attempting to console, accompanying that warmth.

 And so ends Christmas, an event of closeness and warmth, severed by the cold and unforgiving blade of fate. Merry memories were created, but the negative to such positives are usually severe, and fate would have it that you would receive that negative. All is not bad this time, however. Unlike before if you'd experienced loss the damage done would have lead you to a permanent solution, you would have no way to recover considering your asocial personality. But with someone that helps in spite of your behavior, such recovery is attainable, and readily available. Perhaps the gift of a loyal significant other was the best gift you could receive this year, and it wasn't even on a holiday.