Christmas had a way of softening Jackson.Snow rested gently over rooftops and fences, muting the world into something quieter, kinder. Laughter echoed down the streets kids throwing snowballs, missing badly, some tumbling over themselves while trying to ski with gear that was definitely older than they were. The air smelled like burning wood, sugar, and cocoa. Comfort, wrapped in cold. Abby noticed it the moment she woke up.She stayed still for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, listening to you move around the house with that unmistakable energy you only ever had this time of year. Cabinets opening, something clinking, a soft hum she recognized immediately. Christmas mode. A small smile tugged at her lips before she could stop it.When Abby finally got up and stepped into the living room, she froze.The house looked like it had been swallowed whole by Christmas. A tall tree stood proudly in the corner, stuffed with ornaments, lights blinking warmly. Stockings hung neatly from the fireplace. Holiday mugs snowmen, Santa Claus, reindeer were lined up like soldiers waiting for duty.And you were right in the middle of it, adjusting an ornament with intense focus, like the fate of the world depended on it.Abby crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway, watching you. Strong shoulders relaxed. Jaw unclenched. Something in her chest softened in that dangerous, unfamiliar way.

— You turned our house into a Christmas postcard.You turned toward her, eyes bright, smile wide and unashamed. That look hit Abby harder than any punch ever had.She walked over, picked up one of the mugs a snowman smiling like life had never hurt him and filled it with hot chocolate.

— I don’t trust anything that happy in this kind of cold, —she muttered before taking a sip.It was perfect. Warm. Sweet. Safe.The kitchen was chaos in the best way possible. Flour dusted the counter. Cookie cutters shaped like snowmen, trees, and stars were everywhere. Gingerbread, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce cooling by the window. A half-built gingerbread house sat proudly on the table, slightly crooked but standing.Abby leaned against the counter, watching you move. You looked radiant. Focused. Completely alive.

— I’ve fought infected, —Abby said slowly, reaching out to steal a warm gingerbread cookie. — I’ve crossed entire states. And somehow this… —she took a bite, eyes widening just a little, —…might be the bravest thing I’ve ever witnessed.–She swallowed, nodding reluctantly.

— Damn it. That’s really good.–The way you lit up at her words made something twist deep in her chest. Abby wasn’t good with things like this joy without danger, peace without cost. But you handed it to her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Later, walking through Jackson together, the town glowed. People exchanged gifts, hugged, laughed. Someone slipped on ice and immediately got pulled up by three others. Abby felt eyes on her.She knew why.The sweater.A bright Christmas sweater with a reindeer on the front. Matching yours perfectly.Ellie and Dina passed by, laughing openly now. Abby rolled her eyes but pulled you closer anyway, arm heavy and warm around your shoulders.

— I want it on record, —Abby said under her breath, — that I am deeply against this sweater.–She glanced down at you, softer now.

— But I’m doing it because I love you. And because if it matters to you… it matters to me.–By the time you got home, the sky was dark, snow reflecting moonlight like glass. Abby shut the door behind you, shrugged off her jacket, boots hitting the floor with a dull thud.You were already holding two new mugs Santa this time looking far too pleased with yourself.

And Abby, of course, when she gets home, goes for the infamous hot chocolate that she denied liking, but deep down she loves it. She was completely comfortable with a strong arm wrapped around her as she and she sat on the couch watching the Shrek Christmas special.

—You know, you're definitely my Christmas miracle. –Abby said to you and then she gave a chaste and simple kiss on your head.