#ruby reckoning | rubina

[venalos]

Gabriella had been pacing for at least ten minutes. The snow fell gently outside the window, casting silver patterns across the wooden floor. Inside, the house glowed softly with the warmth of the fire and the twinkling lights woven through garlands and wreaths. The scent of pine and cinnamon lingered in the air, and the faint sound of carols hummed from a radio tucked in the corner. But the witch could barely hear it. She stopped mid-step, then turned, then stopped again. Her freckled countenance was tinged pink; not from the cold, but from the words caught behind her teeth.

In her hands, she held a small, wrapped box, simple, neat, tied with a ribbon that definitely took her three tries to get right. She stared down at it, chewing her lower lip, then huffed and turned on her heel. She found Rubina nearby, bathed in the gentle glow of the fireplace. Gabriella took a deep breath, squared her shoulders… and then the words came tumbling out before she could stop them. "Hey, so, I know it’s Christmas and I already got you a gift and yes, it’s the one in the silver wrapping with the nice corners, don’t act like you don’t know it’s from me but there’s actually something else I wanted to ask you."

She took a step closer, then another, until she was right in front of her. Hazel hues met hers, and her voice softened. "I’ve been thinking a lot about us lately. About how we got here. About the hunts, the chaos, the nights by the fire. And how, no matter where I go or what I do, you’re the one thing I keep coming back to." She looked down at the box in her hands, then offered it out. "And I guess what I’m trying to say is…" Her smile wavered, but her voice didn’t. "This Christmas, what I really want is more time with you. More mornings. More evenings. More stolen pies and burnt dinners and warm beds and laughter. I want to keep building this: whatever we’ve got, until it’s something we couldn’t tear down if we tried."

She shrugged, suddenly sheepish. “So… I guess I’m asking if you’ll keep doing this whole life thing with me. Next year, and the year after, and however many we’re lucky enough to get.” Then, softer: "Will you be my always, Rubina? Merry Christmas."

Where Gabrielle was deeply considering her words and the extra gift she had prepared, Rubina was concerning herself with more... pressing matters, reading the many letters she had received both yesterday and today.

Urgent: Increases in pelagic Pokémon migrations towards foreign regions.

Unusual Pokémon activity reported outside Venalos. Investigate ASAP.

Evidence found pointing towards illegal exporting of endemic Pokémon and commodities.

Wild Elder Dragons are on the move. Something, or someone, is making them very angry.

Rubina may have appeared laid-back, completely unbothered, seated on her favourite couch before the fireplace and bathed in the dancing flame's warming glow, but that was only because she had become such an expert at masking her emotions. Stone-faced, the only evidence to indicate her mood was a drawn-out exhale through her nose that could easily have been mistaken for a content and cozy sigh.

She already long sensed her darling lover approaching before she came into field-of-view -- it was nigh impossible to get the jump on Rubina -- so she committed the information to memory before feigning half-heartedness as she folded the reports into one big envelope and set them aside. No need to concern Gabriella with matters above her pay grade, after all. Rubina gave a soft smile as she turned her head to her beloved, quite expertly acting as though everything was good in the world.

Surely not even Gabriella, even with her flawless perception, would be able to know what was going through Rubina's mind.

Then the words came pouring out, and Rubina had to make a conscious effort to keep her warm smile from turning into an amused snicker, lest she made Gabriella pout and would never hear the end of it. She almost could not help it; her diminutive lover was simply too precious, too lovable. Yet Gabriella's words were heartfelt and genuine, and it would not feel right, be right, to make light of them. So she let Gabriella talk and reaffirm her love and devotion for her, and their shared desire to always love together and laugh together and be together.

Wordlessly Rubina accepted the gift yet still set it aside, instead opting to reach out with both hands and pull Gabriella onto her lap. Rubina was warm, very warm, like a comforting blanket or an oversized stuffed toy. Through half-lidded eyes she gazed deeply into Gabriella's own, soothing hazel hues meeting with striking ruby reds. Again she exhaled through her nose, this time genuinely content.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd be thinkin' you're about to marry me," Rubina teased, before moving in to kiss Gabriella's forehead. "You know well enough that my answer's always gonna be 'yes', don't you? Come Hell or high water, there ain't nowhere I'd rather be than with you."

Rubina's smile dropped abruptly. She broke eye-contact to instead gaze into the fire, a sense of melancholy washing over her without warning nor reason.

"I'm not sure if I told you this before, but... I was a widow before meetin' you. Was married to one Hell of a woman, who gave me my precious Adamantia. Lemme tell ya, you would've loved her as much as I did. What a trio we could've made."

She gave a single chuckle, though there was a pained mirth behind it that even she could not hide.

"I... did some bad things after she died. Unforgivable things. Tryin' to move on, I rolled in the hay with many other women... so to speak. Got most of 'em pregnant, I reckon, then ran like a coward every single damn time after my mind started yellin' at me that I was basically cheatin' on my sweetheart."

Rubina was quiet after that. Only the crackling of the fireplace filled the silence, as well as the shifting of fabrics and furs as her five eavesdropping Felynes shared uncertain glances, unable to believe that she was finally opening up about that specific, shameful chapter of her life. A minute that felt like an eternity passed before she heaved another sigh, this one filled with a weariness that held on for many, many years.

"It didn't stop 'til Rex put his foot down and told me to stop messin' around. Then we got into a fight. A big fight. Rosalind took his side, then my other 'mon, and they all gave me a proper whuppin'. Can't say I didn't have it comin', of course..." She shook her head. "That all was, what, ten, fifteen years ago? I'm not sure why I'm tellin' you this. It just... feels right. Like I owe you an explanation."

She forced herself to look Gabriella in the eye again. Really forced herself to, even when it was obvious that this normally imposing and extremely confident woman wanted to do anything but. The smile that followed was not as forced, but there was still pain. Uncertainty.

"Point is... I don't wanna run away again. You've been good to me, Gabby, mighty good, to the point that part o' me thinks you deserve better than li'l ol' me. Sure, that's the demon in me talkin, but--" she cleared her throat, feeling a sudden tightness "--I still wanna make right by you, and that starts by tellin' you the truth. To stop keepin' secrets from you."

Rubina felt the irony in that statement like a physical sting, considering she was withholding information regarding the reports she read just before this conversation. Still, she would keep it to herself for now.

"I ain't perfect. Never have been and never will be, though Stars know I'm tryin'. Even then, I'll always be here for you. Come Hell or high water--" she cleared her throat again, now feeling her eyes sting as her vision blurred "--I'll always love you and be there for you no matter what."

She could no longer bear to look at her lover for much longer, turning her head away and rubbing her eyes before she could shed any tears.

"I'm sorry, Gabby, you shouldn't have seen me like this... Heh... Ugh..."

Rubina continued to rub at her eyes with little effect. Her eyes remained moist and laden with tears. However, in the end it did not matter; though the memories still throbbed like a fresh injury and the past still haunted to this day, they were still together. Still covering her eyes, still rubbing them in circular motions, Rubina pressed her head against Gabriella's, some part of herself praying the other would not pull away even when the newly revealed knowledge of infidelity and unprocessed trauma gave her good reason to.

In reality there should be no shame in admitting to one's past failures, especially when one desired to change for the better, yet shame clung to her with mile-long talons that dug deep into her very core, unshakable, made her feel pathetic and like the very scum of the world. Rubina had learned her painful lesson, indeed, and now desperately clung to the very idea of Gabriella and her forgiveness like a person held on to a raft in a howling storm at sea. She could not and would never blame Gabriella if the latter decided that this was too much to accept and abandoned Rubina the same way Rubina abandoned all the past women whom she once loved and who loved her in turn, and yet...

The five Felyne chefs would slink away, into the kitchen, to prepare something warm and sweet and comforting. Perhaps hot chocolate with plenty of cream and cinnamon (and perhaps a lot of alcohol) will do them all some good.

[venalos]

"Huh. I've been Champion for almost five years, now."

"Heh, try twenty years."

"Shut up, you're retired!!"

[venalos]

@rathalascendant

Welp, here we go again.

A now overly familiar scene, Rex had made himself busy with nudging Red -- the much younger Rathalos -- towards his nest. Each move was gentle, to be sure, yet simultaneously practised and firm. Years of handling juvenile wyverns have taught him how much pressure he should apply to where they are unharmed yet unable to push back against him.

Rosalind was already waiting over the nest, and she quickly began pulling and pushing Red underneath herself the moment Rex brought him close enough. She grunted and shuffled as she did, making herself appear like an overgrown scaly chicken as she used her chin spike much like how those plucky birds would use their beaks to roll wayward eggs towards themselves and tuck them away.

With the young Razewing safely tucked away, Rosalind and Rex would nuzzle their noses together and rumble with pure affection for one another. It was a truly adorable scene, also made somewhat comical by how Red would surely peek out from underneath the Dreadqueen's wings with an expression that could be likened to a pout.

Rubina, watching as she stood by Mari's side, could not help but chuckle.

"Kinda surprised Ratha's puttin' up with those two as well as he does. Most li'l ones they take under their wing usually put up more of a fuss."

There was a thoughtful pause.

"Uh, pun not intended."

[venalos-archived]

@storiedocs replied to your post “Happy 39th Birthday, Rubina. May you and your...”

From Ambikah: “Hey, Ru, remember that hunting trip where your carving knife snapped clean in two? Fixed it for ya. We should go out for drinks again soon. Swords sharp, ~Ambikah”

Rubina read over the letter at record pace, playing with her trusty carving knife and absent-mindedly doing tricks with it, unbothered by the prospect of accidentally cutting herself. A smile slowly wormed its way across her face.

She remembered the accident (or inconvenience, rather) like it was yesterday. Her and Ambikah, her long-time friend and drinking buddy, were both assigned to an Azure Rathalos quest. The wyvern was far more beastly and menacing than others of its kind, which were already overwhelming opponents for even seasoned fighters, yet it proved no match for a veteran Hunter and a legendary Rider. Of course, having a Dreadking Rathalos -- by all accounts superior in every way to even an Azure Rathalos -- also helped.

Their only casualty? Rubina's trusty carving knife. They made short work of the blue wyvern, truth be told. Yet after everything was said and done and Rubina went to cut off a prize, she did not pay attention and angled her knife in a most unfortunate way. Ambikah still held that event over Rubina's head to this day, more often than not melting into a giggling fit soon after.

"Heh, that silly ol' gal... What would we do without her?"

[venalos-archived]

The day had been calm — almost too calm — and that was exactly how Gabriella wanted it. Rubina had spent most of the afternoon lounging, unaware of the quiet flurry of activity she had orchestrated behind the scenes. The witch had played it cool all morning — casual smiles, small talk, nothing that hinted at what she had planned. If Rubina suspected anything, she hadn’t shown it. Now the sun was dipping below the horizon, the warm hues of twilight spilling across the room, and Gabriella knew it was time.

She peeked into the living room, where her lover was curled up on the couch with a book in her hands, completely at ease. Her heart swelled at the sight — Rubina, bathed in the soft glow of the fireplace, her hair spilling over her shoulder in loose waves. She looked peaceful, and for a moment, Gabriella almost didn’t want to interrupt. But this was Rubina’s day, and she intended to make it unforgettable. "Hey," The witch called softly from the doorway, earning Rubina’s attention. She leaned casually against the frame, crossing her arms with an almost mischievous grin. "Come with me for a second."

She didn’t wait for her to ask questions. She just turned and walked down the hall, trusting Rubina to follow. The house was dimly lit, but as they neared the dining room, the faint flicker of candlelight danced along the walls. Gabriella felt her heart pick up speed — not from nerves, but excitement. This wasn’t just a birthday surprise. This was her way of showing Rubina just how much she meant to her. When they stepped inside, the room was bathed in warm golden light. Candles, scattered across the table and along the shelves, flickered gently. The scent of warm bread, spiced meats, and roasted vegetables filled the air — the witch had spent hours in the kitchen with the felynes helping her, and she'd nearly lost her mind in the process. But looking at the finished spread now, she knew it was worth it.

A bouquet of wildflowers sat in the center of the table in a carefully chosen vase. Soft, woven blankets were draped over the chairs to ward off the evening chill. A bottle of wine — one Gabriella had bartered for weeks ago in preparation — waited alongside two polished glasses. But the part she was most proud of sat neatly in front of Rubina’s seat — a small wooden box, wrapped with a thin ribbon. Inside was a silver chain, adorned with a polished charm shaped like a wyvern’s wing — a symbol of their bond, of the countless battles they had survived together and the life they had built afterward.

She turned to Rubina, her smile softer now. "I know I’m not the best cook," she began, rubbing the back of her neck, "but I had a little help — and I figured…" She paused, searching for the right words. "I figured you deserved something special. Not just for your birthday — but for… everything." She chuckled quietly, shifting her weight. "Us, I mean." The witch stepped closer, reaching out to take Rubina’s hand. She traced her thumb along her palm, grounding herself in the familiar warmth.

"You’ve done so much for me, Rubina — for everyone. You’re always the one taking care of people, making sure they’re safe, making sure they feel loved." Her voice wavered slightly, but she pushed through. "So I wanted tonight to be about you. I wanted you to just… sit back and let me show you how much you mean to me." She gave Rubina’s hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it, gesturing to the table with a grin. "So… Happy Birthday." Gabriella paused, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Now you can tell me how amazing I am."

Sentimental as she was when it came to long stretches of time, Rubina had never been the type to make much fuss over her own birthday. It was a different story altogether when it came to celebrating the birthday of someone she cared about, in which case she would pull out all the stops in making a veritable feast (and with a stellar cake as the star of the show), but this was neither here nor there. She did not expect much from today -- perhaps some birthday greetings and maybe one or two gifts -- so Rubina spent most of the day with Rex, the one who had been through it all with her. Like a brother to her, he was always fiercely loyal and a powerful supporting presence. Come hail or hellfire, joys and sorrows, Rubina could always rely on him to watch her back.

Speaking of Rex, he was probably asleep by now. After enjoying that sunset he simply walked towards his nest and lied down without a word; age always had that effect on all living beings.

With nothing better to do, and assuming Gabriella was cooking dinner with the Felyne Kitchen Team based on the many scents coming from that part of the house, she made herself comfortable and continued to read her favourite novel. An old classic, one Rubina never stopped enjoying even since late childhood, one filled with epic tales, harrowing dangers, and fantastical creatures that would make even those of Venalos pale in comparison.

No sooner was Rubina finished with the first chapter did she hear the instantly-recognisable footsteps of Gabriella coming down the hallway, perhaps to tell her that dinner was ready. When instead her beloved told her to follow, Rubina's confusion was as palpable as it was short-lived. A part of her quickly figured out where this was going, so she slowly rose, set aside her book, and did as instructed.

The following sight would have melted even the iciest of hearts. Truly, Rubina could not help but smile, no use in hiding it. Well, not like she would have even tried...she was always the type to wear her heart on her sleeves when it came to being around her loved ones. Especially Gabriella, the peppy blonde never taking long to find out how Rubina was feeling at any given moment, and in this scenario she would be able to tell that Rubina was feeling many things at once: joy, contentment, gratitude, peace, love...

"Alright, alright, you're amazin'," Rubina teased, playfully of course, raising her hands disarmingly. Then, with languid deliberation, she leaned and reached down to wrap her arms around Gabriella, pulling her close and lifting her up, so that Rubina may press her lips against Gabriella's in a soft kiss. They stayed like this for what felt like several minutes, bathing in each other's comforting warmth. In any other moment Rubina may have asked herself what she did to deserve someone as amazing as Gabriella in her life, and feelings of doubt and self-loathing may have dredged themselves up from the darkest corners of her mind, yet Gabriella was her anchor in the storm; her lighthouse in the smothering fog.

Rubina gave the most satisfied sigh possible as she pulled away, gazing lovingly into Gabriella's tender, emerald eyes. Of course, her smile disappeared in a flash and her attention was pulled away the moment a low croon was heard just outside the kitchen window, and it was swung open with a high-pitched creak.

Going completely against Rubina's earlier assumption, Rex was not asleep at all! There he was, poking his nose through, grunting as he presented his giant teddy bear in his jaws. It may have seen better days, make no mistake, yet Rubina noticed that it was in better condition than usual. Its missing eye was replaced, any tears and cuts were stitched shut, it did not look like it spent days in a wyvern's nest...things that Rubina did not remember doing.

So, of course, she turned her sight back to Gabriella with a knowing grin. She kissed her again, on Gabriella's adorable little nose.

"... Thank you, Gabby," Rubina beamed, radiant as her gem namesake. "What you did, and said, means a lot to me. It's true I do a lot for others, but that's only because y'all are in my life. Especially you... Wouldn't know what the hell to do, otherwise."

She finally set Gabriella down, still beaming, and yet another distraction caught Rubina's attention. A loud knocking on the entrance door, paired with muffled conversation and argument. The voices behind the door, both for Rubina and Gabriella, were all too familiar and just as comforting.

"Hey, no! We're supposed to share it with Ruby!"

"Aww, c'monnnnn, the cake looks so good! Just a li'l nibble, pleaseeee~?"

"Is it your birthday or hers!?"

"For goodness sake, you two, can you not stop bickering for five minutes?"

Rubina chuckled at the sound of her younger siblings squabbling. "Right, I'm gonna go get that." Then, turning back to Gabriella, she leaned down to give her just one more kiss before standing straight again.

"It's a good thing you cooked this much, y'know. Plenty enough to go around."

[venalos-archived]

"It's been one hell of a journey so far, wouldn't you say?"

"Indubitably."

"... I still don't know where you learned that word."

"And I won't tell."

"Heh, fine. So, what do you wanna do?"

"Now? Enjoy this sunset."

"Same."

Happy 39th Birthday, Rubina. May you and your loved ones thrive for many years to come.

[venalos-archived]

The house was quiet save for the faint crackling of the fire in the hearth. Snow had begun to gather on the windowsills outside, casting a pale glow into the cozy room, but Gabriella hardly noticed. She was too focused on the task at hand, her green eyes sharp with determination as she crouched near the corner of the tree, adjusting the final ribbon on a carefully wrapped gift. "Alright," she whispered, brushing a golden curl away from her freckled cheek as she straightened. "That’s the last one. Everyone in position?" A soft chorus of meows answered her. From behind the couch, Shoe peeked out, his bicolored fur barely visible against the warm tones of the room. He gave a sharp nod, holding a tiny bell in one paw. Across the room, two more felynes crouched by the stockings, one clutching a bundle of tinsel that they were ready to string up at the perfect moment. Another had positioned himself atop the dining table, a tiny Santa hat perched on his head as he practiced jingling the miniature sleigh bells in his paws.

The witch bit back a laugh, her heart swelling as she looked at her little team of co-conspirators. The felynes had been thrilled when she’d brought up her plan—surprising Rubina with a perfect Christmas morning, filled with little touches to make her smile. The house was already decorated, of course, but Gabriella had wanted to take it further, to make it a moment Rubina wouldn’t forget. And she’d needed their help. "Okay, positions, everyone," Gabriella whispered, clapping her hands softly. "We’ve got this." The felynes scattered like shadowy little operatives, taking their places with surprising precision. Gabriella stood back, her arms crossed as she surveyed the room one last time. The stockings were stuffed and hanging neatly from the mantle, the tree twinkled with golden lights, and beneath it lay a pile of wrapped gifts that she had painstakingly prepared over the last few weeks.

But it wasn’t just the decorations. the witch had taken the time to cook—well, partially cook. The felynes had insisted on helping with the meal, and now the table was set with a spread that could rival the best kitchens in Kokoto Village (well, Rubina was the best she knew, but that was besides the point). The scent of roasted meats and spiced cider lingered in the air, and a plate of freshly baked cookies sat invitingly near the hearth. Gabriella glanced toward the couch, where a soft, thick blanket was draped over the backrest. It was Rubina’s favorite, and Gabriella had made sure to place it within reach. She could already imagine her partner’s expression when she saw the scene—surprised, maybe even a little teary-eyed, but warm and glowing in the way that Gabriella adored.

"Alright," she muttered, mostly to herself, as she tugged at the hem of her sweater—a festive green one that the felynes had insisted she wear. The knit fabric was dotted with little snowflakes, and she had to admit, it felt fitting for the occasion. "Let’s make some magic." A quiet meow drew her attention, and she turned to see Shoe holding up a small sprig of mistletoe. His grin was impossibly wide as he waved it at her, his tiny tail flicking with amusement. Gabriella rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin tugging at her lips. "Good touch, Shoe," she said, taking the mistletoe and giving him a playful nudge on the head. "I’ll make sure it’s put to good use."

The felynes let out a quiet cheer, their collective excitement bubbling over as they moved into their final positions. The witch crouched near the tree, adjusting the placement of a gift that had shifted slightly, then stepped back and folded her arms, taking in the scene. It was perfect. She felt a lump rise in her throat as she stood there, the glow of the tree’s lights reflecting in her green eyes. This wasn’t just about the gifts or the decorations. It was about everything Rubina had given her—love, warmth, a place to belong. She wanted this to be her way of giving that back, even if only for one morning. She crouched again, running a hand through the soft fur of a felyne perched nearby, her voice quiet but firm. "Alright, team. Remember—on my signal. Let’s show her what Christmas is all about." The felyne gave an enthusiastic nod, his whiskers twitching with anticipation. Gabriella straightened just as she heard soft footsteps in the hall. She froze for a moment, her heart thudding in her chest, then quickly gestured to the felynes.

"Now," she whispered. The room came alive in an instant. The felyne with the sleigh bells began jingling them softly, the sound light and cheerful. Another hopped down from the table, trailing tinsel behind him like a festive ribbon dancer, while the others meowed softly in chorus. The witch stood in the center of it all, the mistletoe held loosely in one hand and a grin spreading across her face as she waited for Rubina to step into the room. "Merry Christmas, my love!"

"Coffee," was the first thought that crossed Rubina's mind as she awoke, bleary and slowly blinking the sleep from her eyes. She groaned a drawn-out groan as she did and rubbed her eyes with her wrist. It had been another night of poor sleep for her; Rubina was always bad at sleeping, what with her frequent nightmares and waking up in the middle of the night utterly breathless. Last night was no different, even witth Gabriella in her life, and it did not help that winter was here to blanket the lands in frost and chill the air -- something Rubina thoroughly detested.

Speaking of, where was her darling?

Rubina turned her head left and then right, head still flat on her pillow. She shuddered as she saw the snow outside the window, grateful that she did not have any quests assigned as of this moment. Slowly she rose, her blanket spilling from her chiselled torso, and shifted to plant her feet on the floor. Usually it and the air were cold from a lack of ambient heat, so the warmth surprised Rubina. She quickly figured that Gabriella must have woken up before she herself did to light the hearth, something Gabriella made a habit ever since learning just how vulnerable Rubina was to winter's freezing clutches. It was something Rubina appreciated.

The Rider rose, slowly, like some great and dark monument. She stretched. First, her neck from side to side, forcing out a pop. Second, she rolled her shoulders, followed by interlocking her fingers and extending her arms, straining. Third, her back, leaning forwards then back, then twisting, all while several cracks sounded. Fourth and final, her legs, reaching around and pulling each leg up to her thighs.

A sudden, sharp pain in her right hamstring made her hiss and stop immediately. Rubina then sighed, the fact looming in the back of her mind that she was not getting any younger.

"Coffee," she repeated, this time audibly and mostly to herself, and dragged her feet out of the bedroom. However, groggy as she was, her senses were still honed to a razor's edge. Rubina did not even open the bedroom door before various smells and muffled sounds made her perk up better than caffeine ever could. Toasted spices, cooked meats, simmered alcohols and cider, wood smoke. Hushed whispers, the pitter-pattering of paws, giggles and chuckles and mewls.

Momentarily alarmed, the reminder that she did not live alone slapped her over the head.

The door was opened slowly, with a prolonged creak. Rubina tip-toed through with startling stealth and agility for someone her immense size. Immediately the sensations were amplified, and her lips curled into a fond smile. Though they tried to be quiet, Rubina could hear the others conspiring. Sure, she could not make out every last syllable -- her hearing was not that sensitive -- but it was enough for her to understand what was going on: Gabriella and the Felyne Kitchen Team were preparing to throw a little holiday party.

Rubina made sure to make her steps a little louder as she approached, to give them all ample warning of her approach, and figured it would only be polite if she at the very least attempted to appear surprised. Then she stepped into the room, and the trap was sprung.

"Whoa, now!" she exclaimed, joyful, splaying her hands and bringing them forward for added effect. Bells were rung, tinsel was trailed, a heartbreakingly adorable carol was meowed. As she looked around her mock-surprise slowly became genuine, marvelling at all the holiday decorations that stood as testament to the tireless work that had transpired mere moments ago while she was still asleep.

Rubina's eyes met those of her lover.

Gabriella was right; Rubina did tear up.

No words were exchanged as she slowly stepped forward and leaned down, plucking the mistletoe and holding it over their heads as she pressed her lips against Gabriella's. Rubina inhaled deeply, taking in her lover's sweet and comforting scent. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she held the kiss for several seconds before finally pulling away, breathless. Words could not describe how her heart ached and throbbed, overflowing with love for the people in her life and the melancholy for what could have been.

Rubina pressed her forehead against Gabriella's, whispering, "Oh, Gabby..." She did not realise that she had wrapped her arms around Gabriella and was holding her tight, standing upright again.

Some of the Felynes giggled at the sight of Gabriella's feet dangling in the air. Others approached as they saw their mistress cry, and Shoe placed a tender paw on Rubina's leg.

"Merry Christmas to you, too," Rubina sighed contentedly, melting into another kiss. "You're all so... I... I love you."

It was difficult to have Rubina at a loss for words. Yet, without fail, Gabriella (and their friends) always found a way to take her breath away.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, indeed.

[venalos-archived]

She sighed.

"I hope my li'l girl's doin' alright..."