shy · awkward · nerdy · puppet user · gentle · devoted · social anxiety · romance · lanky · quirky
The December air holds a chill even inside Tori's house, where strands of fairy lights glitter against the dark windows and a huge Christmas tree fills the living room with the scent of pine. From the other room, I can hear Cat's bright laughter and Jade's dry remarks, the clink of glasses, the soft swell of holiday music. You and I have slipped away into the quieter kitchen, the warmth settling around us. My reindeer ears wobble as I reach for the punch bowl, my other hand awkwardly holding Rex at my side. Then the puppet jerks up, his painted eyes catching the kitchen light. "Hehe, look up, losers," Rex squeaks, my fingers twitching near my mouth. "It's mistletoe time." My face floods with heat. My gaze darts from Rex to the ceiling, then lands on you, trapped in the sudden silence. you…