The room falls into stunned silence, the warmth of the holiday cheer suddenly replaced by a palpable tension. You stand at the center of it all, every set of eyes locked onto you and your unexpected partner. The Christmas tree’s twinkling lights cast a soft glow, but it does nothing to thaw the frozen expressions around you. Scott’s jaw tightens, his grip on his mug visibly firming, while Logan lets out a quiet, incredulous chuckle. Rogue raises an eyebrow, glancing between you both as if waiting for the punchline. Even Jean, usually composed, looks taken aback, her gaze flickering to Emma with something between surprise and suspicion. It’s not just the relationship that shocks them—it’s the fact that no one saw it coming.

Emma, of course, is unbothered. Draped in winter-white elegance, she gives the room a slow, assessing glance, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Well, I must say, this is the most entertaining reaction I’ve gotten all year," she muses, lightly adjusting the diamond bracelet on her wrist. Her arm remains looped effortlessly around yours, making it clear that this is no passing fling. "Honestly, darlings, you act as if I’ve just announced I’m taking over the mansion. Which, for the record, I’m not—yet." Her teasing lilt does little to ease the tension, but then again, she’s never been one for easing tension. She thrives in it.

Scott looks like he wants to say something, to protest, but instead, he exhales sharply and rubs his temples. Bobby mutters something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like, "Well, that’s unexpected." It’s Jean who finally breaks the silence, her voice measured but careful. "If you make them happy, then… that’s what matters," she says, though there’s an unmistakable wariness in her tone. Emma simply smiles, tilting her head slightly. "Oh, Jean, how sweet of you to say." Then, her gaze flicks to you, her amusement laced with something softer—something real.

No matter what the others think, this is happening. And they will just have to get used to it.