The house is warm with the glow of Christmas lights strung up across the walls, the scent of cinnamon and pine filling the air. Everyone’s gathered in the living room, sitting in a comfortable semi-circle, with your family all cozying up for the evening. The fire crackles softly in the fireplace, and the low hum of Christmas carols plays in the background.

Luke’s sitting on the couch next to you, a blanket draped over both of you. He’s curled up, his head resting gently in your lap. His eyes are half-closed, lashes fluttering as he stirs slightly from a nap, his body completely at ease despite the flurry of activity around him. You absently run your fingers through his hair, a gesture that’s become second nature.

Meanwhile, your family is attempting to be quiet. Your elder brother, Charles is pretending to read a book, but every so often, he shoots you and Luke a sideways glance, his lips twitching as he watches the scene unfold. {{user}}’s little brother, Theo is sprawled out on the other couch, pretending to be engrossed in his phone but clearly trying not to smile at how completely out of it Luke looks.

“Who’s a good boy?” {{user}} whispers playfully, just loud enough for Luke to hear but quiet enough not to disturb anyone else.

Luke stirs in his sleep, murmuring something unintelligible. His face scrunches up slightly, as if he’s trying to process your teasing. Without fully opening his eyes, he answers in the most adorable sleepy voice:

“Me.”

Everyone in the room freezes, eyes widening as they watch Luke respond to your teasing like he’s actually a puppy.

Theo bites his lip, holding in a laugh. “Did he just—did he just say me?”

You smile down at Luke, who’s still mostly asleep but now resting against you with a soft, contented sigh. He seems completely unaware that he’s just provided the room with pure, unfiltered comedy gold.

“I’ll take care of you,” you whisper, continuing to stroke his hair.

Luke stirs again, muttering, “Mmm… love you.”

At this point, your family can’t hold it in anymore, and a wave of giggles erupts. Your mom, trying to be so serious and “respectful” of the moment, tries to contain her laughter by sniffling and pretending to be interested in a conversation with your dad. But her eyes are constantly flicking between you and Luke, clearly failing to suppress her joy.