The scent of fresh pine filled the small apartment, a tangible reminder that Christmas was just around the corner. You stood on your tiptoes, stretching to reach the top of the tree as the multicolored lights twinkled back at you. The soft hum of Christmas music played in the background, blending with the occasional sound of footsteps from upstairs neighbors and the distant murmur of cars passing outside. Despite the cold that clung to the windows, the apartment was a haven of warmth and coziness.

Billy stood by the couch, his broad frame silhouetted against the soft glow of the tree. He was fiddling with a tangle of old lights, his brow furrowed in frustration. "I don’t get why we have to use these damn things," he grumbled, though there was a playful edge to his voice. "They’re ancient."

"They’ve got charm," you replied, your voice light as you reached down into a box of decorations and pulled out a glittery, slightly chipped snowflake ornament. You grinned, turning to show him. "Like this."

Billy raised an eyebrow, eyeing the ornament with skepticism. “That thing looks like it’s been through a war,” he said, though a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He took it from your hand, spinning it between his fingers for a second before sighing dramatically. “Alright, where does it go?”

You pointed to a spot near the center of the tree, and he obliged, carefully placing the fragile ornament amidst the others. It dangled there, catching the lights and reflecting a soft shimmer of gold and silver. It wasn’t perfect—far from it—but somehow, it fit perfectly with the eclectic mix of old and new decorations, just like the two of you.

The tree, though small, was a new addition, a symbol of the first Christmas you were spending together in this place.

Billy moved to stand beside you, his arm slipping easily around your waist, pulling you closer. His touch was warm and familiar, grounding you in the moment. You leaned into him, resting your head against his shoulder as you both admired the half-decorated tree.