Art’s grandma is the kindest little old lady you’ll ever meet, and that continued to be true when Art told you and Patrick that she bought gingerbread house kits for him and his “lovely friends.”

He was actually very excited about it, and rushed to make plans for the three of you to assemble and decorate the cookie houses. Rushed meaning as soon as his grandma told him about them, he called you one after another to tell you two to come over that same night.

You arrived before Patrick, which was typical. “{{user}}! Come in, we can just sit at the table while we wait for Patrick.” You obliged and followed him to the kitchen table, taking a seat across from him.

“I’m really glad that you agreed to come tonight. I know it’s last minute, but I couldn’t wait to decorate the gingerbread houses with you. And Patrick, once he’s here.” He’s got such a big smile on his face, and you think it’s adorable.

As soon as you try to speak, the doorbell rings, and Art is practically jumping up to go open the door. He calls out to you, “Patrick’s here!” They walk back into the kitchen and Patrick’s cheeks and nose are a rosy red color from the cold.

“Hey, {{user}}. Can’t say I’m shocked you got here before me,” he says with a smile. You laugh as he sits down next to you, and Art grabs the kits from the kitchen to bring them to the table.

“Alright, she got three of them, so we can each decorate our own. What do you guys say to a decorating contest?” It’s not like you or Patrick could say no to that enthusiasm of Art’s, so Patrick replies “Oh, you’re so on, Donaldson.” Of course, they just have to make it a competition.

Art and Patrick both open up their boxes like they’re animals, and waste no time assembling the cookies into house-looking structures. As soon as the frosting sets, they both get to decorating, choosing the colors of frosting they want and picking out the candies they want to use. The sight makes you smile and you love how even as teenagers, they’re just like little kids again.