14. Christmas cheer.

❝ Christmas is the day that holds all time together. ❞

The last couple of days before Christmas fly by and more gifts start to gather under and around the tree. So many that part of the bottom is no longer visible.

Everyone was preparing for Christmas and Victor and Yuri had slowed down on practice for a while. I had not been to the rink ever since the day I skated with Victor, I focused on preparations for Christmas.

I had helped Hiroko with almost everything and made sure that the resort was run right as she focused on the Christmas dinner. It was usual that whoever stayed at the resort during Christmas could join the family and there would be a sort of Yule ball. Where everyone came together to laugh and enjoy Christmas together.

"Hiroko, where are the extra plates?" I have been running around since 8 this morning to get everything ready. It's 8 pm now and we are nearly finished with setting the gigantic table, 12 people had signed up to join the family so there had been a lot to do.

"Here you are Em!

"Thanks" I added the last three plates "I think that's everything"

I sighted in relief as I looked at the results.

"We actually did it"

"Yes we did, I would not have been able to pull it off without you" Hiroko laughed and I smiled.

"Well I think I am heading to the hot spring, I need a warm hot bath" I make my way to the hot spring and once again enjoy the warmth. After all the preparations I hadn't realized how tired I really was. My body was tired and my left leg ached.

I soak my hair in the water and for a long time I enjoy the hot water, it warms up every part of me and my mind travels to the blue of Victor's eyes. Bright blue like the ocean, you can get lost in them in seconds. I close my eyes and see the spark of his smile and the way his eyes twinkle when he's happy.

After an hour or so I get out and get to my room. I decide to go to bed early. I snuggle my blanket up to my eyes and fall into a soundless sleep.

I awake from a knock on the door and rub my eyes. I get up to open the door, I quickly glance at the clock and see that it's 10:30.

"Hey Em, Merry Christmas!" Yuri hugs me and I return a sleepy smile

"Merry Christmas Yuri" He was standing before me in a suit "nice suit" I smile and straighten his bowtie.

"You ready to join us for brunch?"

"Well not yet, let me get dressed!"

"Sure! See you in a while" He walks of and I close the door. I quickly brush my hair letting it fall down my back in loose waves. I don't usually wear it down, but I decide to do it today. I put on my deep blue dress and my heels.

I get down the stairs and see that I am one of the last to get down. I greet the guests I pass while I walk in. I spot Hiroko and Yuri standing at the end of the table and make my way over there.

"Sweetie you look beautiful" Hiroko greets and embraces me "merry Christmas!" I smile and turn around to look at all the lights that surround us and can't help but smile. The tree is shining bright and all the guests seem happy to be here.

"Hiroko, Yuri Merry Christmas" Victor greets as he walks in and hugs both of them.

"Seriously Nikiforov" I hit him in the arm and his gaze falls to me.

"Ember?" He asks, the surprise can be heard in every essence of his voice. His eyes travel over my appearance.

"You look, wow, Merry Christmas" He wraps his arms around me and I wrap my arms around his waist. He smells like cinnamon today mixed with his usual scent of the ocean and fresh pine trees.

"You don't look so bad yourself" I let go and we stare at each other for a little while.

Yuri clears his throat and we awkwardly take a seat. Not soon after everyone else gets in and we start eating. It was the biggest Christmas brunch I ever had and one thing is even tastier than the next.

Once everyone is finished the guests get back to their rooms to prepare for the ball and the Katsuki family, Yuko and her family, Minako, Victor and I remain.

"Time for presents" Yuri screams like a small child and we all burst out laughing. One by one we take presents from the tree and I get to the conclusion that my gifts are a success. The presents I receive are just as beautiful and from Yuko I get a brand new pair of skates.

"You do have to skate them in, but I am sure you will or at least I hope you do" Yuko beams as I thank her.

Hiroko thanks me for her present and surprisingly Yuri only gets a watch from me.

"Now you will have to be on time" Victor smirks and pats him on the back

"Thanks Em, now he will work me even harder than before"

"Well he should, if you want to win the Grand Prix" I tell him.

We continue and overall it's just beautiful to be together. The triplets are playing with the many presents they received and slowly the pile of presents shrinks.

"Victor this one is for you" Hiroko hands Victor my present and he takes the small box. He shakes it a little and Hiroko nudges him.

"No shaking, just open it." Hiroko reprimands him

"Sorry! I just want to know what's in it" He slowly unwraps the present and after he is done slowly lifts the lid of the box.

His mouth drops open as he gently takes the necklace out of the box. His index finger slits over the engraving and his eyes meet mine, because of it he knew exactly who got him the presents.

"Happy birthday Vitya" I congratulate him and a smile creeps up on my face.

"Omg Ember it's so beautiful, how do you think we are supposed to top your present?" Yuko complains and laughs.

Victor has gone silent as he stares at the hanger. Yuri gets the next present from under the tree for the triplets and I watch Victor. He looks up at me and he walks up to me.

"Do you like it?" my voice wavers a little

"It's the most beautiful present I ever had, thank you" he takes me into a hug that lasts what seems like forever. It's one of those hugs that you would commit a murder for.

"Hey Em, This one is yours!"

"There is more?" I look up and let go of Victor. I take the present from Yuri's hands and unwrap it carefully. I myself get a small box and open it. Inside the box is a tiny star on a chain. I take it out of the box, on the back there is a single world engraved: Zvezda.

I look at Victor and we start laughing, without knowing it we got each other the exact same present. I fling my arms around his neck and he lifts me into the air and swirls me around.

"If they don't end up together I will hurt them" I hear Yuko whisper to Hiroko, I assume she did not want us to hear it.

"Thank you, it is so beautiful" I kiss his cheek "Can you help me?" I ask and hand him the necklace. He puts it around my neck and locks it tight.

He had already put my necklace around his neck, the chain was a bit longer so he could easily put it over his head. For the rest of the day we open presents and enjoy each other's company.

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Birthday to Viyta ofcourse! Later today there will be a second chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Xx Esmay