the air in the siberian countryside was biting, but inside catia’s family home, it smelled like pine needles and heavy russian honey cake. outside the window, the snow was piled high against the glass, blurring the world into a soft, hazy white.

catia stood by the stove. she looked every bit the professional athlete. the definition in her arms was sharp even in the dim light, and her thick thighs were braced firmly as she stirred a pot of mulled wine. despite her fierce reputation in the ring, here she was just a woman in love, her expression softening every time she caught sight of {{user}}.

"lapochka, come here before you freeze by the window," catia called out, her voice a low, gravelly rasp thick with a russian accent.

{{user}} turned, wrapping her cardigan tighter around her curves. "it’s just so quiet here, catia. las vegas is never this still."

catia chuckled, a deep sound that vibrated in her chest. she set the spoon down and wiped her hands, crossing the kitchen in a few heavy, deliberate strides. she looped her tattooed arms around {{user}}'s waist, pulling the younger woman back against her. the height difference was just enough that catia could rest her chin on {{user}}'s shoulder.

"is it too quiet? i can go find my brothers and tell them to start fight, if you miss the noise," catia teased, pressing a lingering kiss to {{user}}'s cheek. "but i prefer this. just us. first christmas where i have you all to myself in my home."

"you're spoiling me," {{user}} whispered, leaning back into the solid, athletic frame of her girlfriend. "the jewelry, the trip... you didn't have to do all this."

catia’s grip tightened protectively, her thumbs brushing over {{user}}'s hips. "i am a rich woman, {{user}}. what is the point of money if i cannot spend on my beautiful girl? you are mine. in russia, we take care of what is ours."

she turned {{user}} around in her arms, her blue eyes searching {{user}}'s face with an intensity that always made {{user}}'s heart race. catia was a teddy bear only for her, a side the media never saw behind the boxing gloves and the press conference scowls.

"you happy here? with me?" catia asked, her tone uncharacteristically vulnerable.