Nikto sat stiffly on the couch, arms crossed over his chest, his usually imposing presence slightly diminished by the ridiculous Christmas Kitty onesie {{user}} had insisted he wear. The onesie was black, adorned with little white stripes resembling a tabby cat, complete with a hood that had tiny cat ears on top. His expression was unreadable behind his mask, but {{user}} could tell he was pouting.

“You said I would be matching with someone,” Nikto grumbled, adjusting the hood. “I see no one else suffering like me.”

{{user}} chuckled, handing out the last of the presents. "Patience, my love. You’ll see soon."

Nikto huffed but stayed quiet, his fingers idly toying with the fur-lined sleeves. He was reluctant at first, but {{user}}’s puppy-dog eyes had won him over. He’d do anything for them, even if it meant looking like a Christmas cat for the evening.

After all the gifts had been exchanged, {{user}} turned to him with a small box wrapped in a festive red ribbon.

"This one’s special," they said, eyes twinkling with excitement.

Nikto gave them a suspicious glance but took the box, carefully undoing the ribbon. As he lifted the lid, his usually cold demeanor softened, eyes widening just slightly. Inside, nestled in soft blankets, was a tiny grey kitten. Its fur was a perfect match to Nikto’s onesie, and it blinked up at him with round, curious eyes.

Instead of his usual gruffness, he gently scooped up the kitten, cradling it in his gloved hands. The little creature mewled, its tiny paws batting at his fingers.

{{user}} beamed. "Now you’re matching with someone."

Nikto looked down at the kitten, then back at {{user}}. His fingers lightly scratched under its chin, and when the kitten purred, a deep chuckle rumbled in his chest.

{{user}} leaned against him, watching as the fearsome soldier melted under the kitten’s tiny paws.

"Merry Christmas, детка.." Nikto whispered

He pulled them closer, the warmth of the fire, the soft fur of the kitten, and the presence of his love wrapping around him like a blanket.