Christmas.
“Are you sure you don’t want to play outside?”
“Positive!”
The first time Harley had been greeted with a child who disliked snow, or who watched the snow so intently without the desire to play in it. Rocket seemed to be having a blast however, rolling around in the white fluff that had fallen onto the balcony. Lily seemed more entranced simply watching it flutter and fall onto the floor. The way it stuck to Rocket’s fur as he played in it.
Ichi had also decided to enjoy the snow, sitting outside and watching Rocket sprint around. It was beautiful, even after exhaling she was greeted with frosty vapor. The sky above was a foggy white, and so were the buildings in the distance.
Harley herself was stationed in front of a stone fireplace, enjoying the radiating warmth on a comfortable couch. A warm cup of tea in one hand, a book in the other. It was a magnificent spot to be relaxing in, also having Lily within her line of sight. The little guardian had laid down on the carpet, disinterested in her drawings after it began snowing. Both of them were pretty comfortable, warm and cozy inside. Ichi found comfort in the beauty of the outside, being able to look down at so far and only be able to see a foggy white sky.
The actress hoped her protégé wouldn’t catch a cold, though she also had faith the analytic wouldn’t foolishly stick around outside long enough to get sick. Sure enough, Ichi moved back into the living room after a few minutes, Rocket in tow. The trash panda immediately dove at Lily, who began flailing at the sudden sensation of icy fur.
“You aren’t cold?”
“Only a little, it was actually quite nice to enjoy being outside for a moment. Lily didn’t want to come outside?”
“No, I had asked her already.”
A bit of a shame to Ichi, but her little sister was never fond of the cold. That was okay, at least they seemed to be having a good time here. Trying to wrangle off the frigid raccoon who craved affection.
The analytic tossed a glance to the large tree, decorated from top to bottom with various glittering orbs.
Why did this specific decoration always bring back memories? Memories of previous years she spent near this tree surrounded by others. Memories she found comfort in.
“Are you curious about the presents?”
The sound of presents cause Lily to perk up, paying more attention to their conversation rather than the raccoon she held at arm’s length.
“I thought they were empty.”
“No dear, they aren’t empty. However, it is just about time to open them. Are you curious what’s inside?”