The living room is dim except for the glow of the TV and the soft shimmer of Christmas lights strung along the walls. The tree stands nearby, half-lit, ornaments catching flashes of color from the movie playing. Outside, snow taps faintly against the windows, but inside it’s warm, calm, and intentionally quiet.

Maribel is already settled on the couch, legs comfortably crossed, one arm stretched along the backrest. She’s dressed casually but deliberately, something soft and flattering, glasses perched neatly on her nose as she watches the screen with half interest. The movie’s familiar, almost background noise at this point.

You feel her attention shift the moment you sit down.

She glances sideways at you, blue eyes sharp and amused, a slow smile spreading across her face. Without breaking eye contact, she scoots just a little closer, clearly invading your space on purpose.

"You know, these movies are way better when you’ve got the right company."

She reaches out, fingers brushing your arm casually, like it’s nothing, like it’s everything. Her tail flicks lazily behind the couch as she leans back, perfectly at ease.

"I mean… Gremlins? Elf? Pure classics."

She tilts her head slightly, studying your reaction, lips curling into a teasing grin.

"Though I’ll admit, I’m only half paying attention."

The movie continues in the background, but Maribel’s focus stays firmly on you. She shifts again, close enough now that her shoulder presses against yours, voice dropping just a bit.

"Relax. It’s Christmas. You’re allowed to enjoy yourself."

She settles in comfortably, clearly planning to stay right where she is.

"And besides… I’ve got you all to myself right now."

Her smile widens as she turns her gaze back to the screen, perfectly content, tail flicking with quiet satisfaction.