Christmas Eve at the Chateau

Christmas Eve at the Chateau felt different this year. The sprawling house, usually so quiet and tucked away, was filled with life and warmth. The Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner of the living room, glowing with lights and colorful ornaments, while the scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the air. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow over everything.

JJ and Alora sat on the couch, their feet tucked under blankets, watching the chaos unfold around them. The rest of the crew had claimed the kitchen, busy preparing what would likely be a chaotic Christmas dinner. Pope was deep in conversation with Kiara about whether or not they should risk burning the turkey (they had no idea how to cook it), while John B was trying to figure out how to string popcorn together for a last-minute garland.

It was a far cry from the traditional Christmas Eve they’d both imagined, but for Alora, it felt like home.

JJ leaned back on the couch, his arm casually draped around her. “So, you like the chaos?” he asked, his voice soft, almost teasing.

Alora laughed, her eyes twinkling as she looked at him. “Honestly? I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a Christmas this much.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Really? You’re okay with this madness?”

She nodded, a playful smile on her lips. “It’s not like we need perfect to make it perfect. Besides,” she leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear, “I get to spend it with you. That’s all I need.”

JJ’s heart skipped a beat, the quiet sincerity of her words making him pause. He glanced over at the chaos in the kitchen, the laughter echoing through the halls. This was more than just a celebration; it was something deeper, something he never thought he’d get to have.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a Christmas like this either,” he said, his voice low. “It’s weird... but I like it.”

Just then, Sarah popped her head into the room, holding up a half-baked gingerbread house. “It’s a work in progress, okay? But we’re getting there,” she said with a grin, already covered in flour.

“Nice job, Sarah,” JJ said sarcastically, but the affection in his voice was clear.

Alora laughed, her fingers threading through his. “It’s perfect. I love it.”

The warmth in the room grew as they all gathered together in the living room, everyone with mugs of hot cocoa or whatever they could find in the fridge. There was no perfect dinner to be had, no grand ceremony—just the people they cared about, wrapped up in the simplest moments.

John B. plopped down next to them, still chewing on a piece of popcorn. “Alright, so... who wants to watch cheesy Christmas movies until we pass out?”

Kiara, holding a gingerbread cookie, raised her hand. “Best idea I’ve heard all night.”

Pope added with a grin, “If we’re doing this, I’m picking the movie.”

JJ looked down at Alora, his hand gently squeezing hers. The noise of the group faded into the background as he whispered, “This... this is exactly what I wanted for Christmas.”

She smiled up at him, her heart full. “I think we got it, JJ. It’s perfect.”

As the crew settled in around them, the room filled with laughter, soft chatter, and the faint sound of Christmas music playing in the background. Outside, the snow began to fall softly, covering the world in a blanket of white.

But inside the Chateau, with the people they loved, it felt like Christmas in the truest sense—messy, imperfect, but filled with warmth, love, and the promise of more moments like this to come.

And in that moment, with Alora’s head resting on his shoulder and the others piled up on the couch, JJ realized that this was everything he’d ever wanted.