It was Christmas morning at the Chateau, and the Pogues were gathered in the living room, surrounded by a mismatched pile of presents under a scraggly but endearing tree. The smell of burnt toast—thanks to Pope’s attempt at breakfast—lingered in the air, and Kie was draped across the couch, sipping hot chocolate while teasing John B about his bedhead.

JJ sat beside you on the floor, his arm casually slung over your shoulder. “Alright, who’s next?” he asked, tossing bows at everyone’s heads. But something about his energy seemed different. More nervous..

“Your turn, JJ,” Kie said, pointing at the gift tucked near his leg. “We saw you sneak that under the tree last night, so don’t even try to play it cool.”

JJ rolled his eyes but turned to you, his grin softening. “Alright, fine. But it’s for her.” He held out a slightly crumpled package, his blue eyes darting nervously between your face and the present. “Merry Christmas, {{user}}.”

“JJ, what is this?” you asked, surprised.

“Just open it,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Carefully peeling back the wrapping, you revealed a little velvet box. Inside was a delicate gold promise ring, simple yet stunning.

“JJ…” Your voice wavered. “How did you—?”

He cut you off, cheeks pink. “Extra shifts. Figured you deserved something nice for putting up with me.. and I know you love gold jewellery.”

“Are you kidding? I love it,” you said, throwing your arms around him.

“Way to raise the bar, Maybank!” John B joked, earning a pillow to the face from JJ.

JJ slipped the ring onto your finger, hands slightly shaking. “Looks good on you,” he said, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

You grinned, handing him your gift—a band tee and a new pocketknife. “It’s not much,” you said shyly.

JJ’s eyes lit up. “Are you kidding? This is sick. And the knife? Badass. Thanks, babe.”

“You guys are disgustingly cute,” Sarah said, shaking her head.

JJ grinned, pulling you closer. Peppering your face with quick kisses—making you giggle.