Breakfast of Champions [RP for lapsedsaint and <lj site="livejo

[aesthetic_mojo]

Charlotte barely slept. Between the upcoming holiday, her discoveries about her family and Farah's impending visit, there was no way she could close her eyes. She sat up for hours just watching John sleep, petting one or the other kitten as they rotated in and out of the warmest spot between them.

Before even going to bed, she'd run out for the best pastries she could find as well as fresh sausage. She even bought fresh coffee even though they had excellent coffee in the apartment. When John woke, Charlotte had been up from the bed for almost two hours. She made a fruit compote, re-cleaned the kitchen and made sure all the Christmas lights were on.

She wasn't really sure why she was so frantic about it all. Farah was easily the sweetest woman Charlotte knew. John was certain to love her. How could you not? And John? He would smile and be gracious and Farah would blush. All would be well. And then, of course, the women would shop and all would be even better than well.

She paced the living room, waiting for John to wake, randomly abusing kittens as she went. As she wandered, it occurred to her that she had no idea if Farah would arrive right into the living room or outside the apartment door.

Comments

[no-rainbows.livejournal.com]

Farah purposefully ignored any playing and flirtation between the couple. She played oblivious.

"He wanted tickets, he said he hadn't watched hockey for a long time and so I got him tickets. Two games, right on the ice pretty much. Should be fun, or at least I'm hoping."

[aesthetic_mojo]

"I don't understand hockey, but it should be fun. You'll get to see him screaming at refs and the like. His face'll go all red..." She shook her head and sipped at her coffee, easily seeing her friends enjoying the game. The image did leave her with even less idea what to get for John, though.

She reached over and patted one of the kittens who looked up at her a little crossly. "This shouldn't be so difficult, but this is the first Christmas I've ever really bought presents."

[lapsedsaint]

John gave a soft chuckle. "I hope one of the people are are planning on buying for isn't me. I don't really need or want anything."

After a moment of Charlie petting him, Al reappeared on John's shoulder and laid down draped over it. He started purring and fell asleep a few moments later.

[no-rainbows.livejournal.com]

"Well, I wasn't sure if I was going to go at first but then I realized he would probably be yelling at refs and going red in the face. Thought it would be kind of cute, so I'm going to go too. I used to watch hockey with my uncle, so it'll be fun." She nods her head, "The goals and the fights, that's what I like."

She thinks for a moment, "This is my first real Christmas...elsewhere." She wasn't going to think about it, she didn't want to start to feel sad. So she clears her throat, "Plus I have a feeling Grady won't let me cancel."

[aesthetic_mojo]

"He won't. I asked him what he wanted and he said you with no stress anywhere. I'm pretty sure that meant behind doors with a tree. And egg nog." Charlotte looked around their apartment which was blinking everywhere. "I think we've failed rather spectacularly at my usual ignoring it."

She smiled gently at Farah. "I think you'd regret blowing it off, in the end. You'd feel the lack of it in ways you don't expect." She bit her lip. "First years away from home were filled with that. Weird things."

[lapsedsaint]

John nodded at this, even though he couldn't really remember his first years away from the home he'd known. Still, this was his first year spending Christmas with anyone and he still wasn't used to the idea of decorating, or being social, or buying presents. He, too, was failing at it.

[no-rainbows.livejournal.com]

"I think because me being stressed out is starting to stress him out. As stressed out as Grady will let himself appear to be." At least to her, he always tried to seem fairly calm. "But that sounds like a good idea." Just staying in behind closed doors and perhaps egg nog for her and bourbon for him.

Looking around the apartment, she smiled a little as she studied all of the different decorations, "It's kind of nice though." Looking back at Char, she nodded, "I know. I...it'll be fine next year." She tries to brighten. "Morsel will be eight months by then, not doing a lot yet but still."

[aesthetic_mojo]

"Maybe next year we should have a party? Show we've all survived a year of domesticity." She bit her lip. "Why does that sound so terrifying?"

The moment the words were out, she turned to look at John and her expression softened. It was more than a little terrifying, but she didn't like saying it. It wasn't enough of the truth. She leaned over and kissed John lightly enough for company, whispering "I love you" just before pulling back.

"Forget all the rest of the crazy stress. Today is about having fun, getting shiny things for people we love, and scaring a driver." She grinned at Farah. "I consider it part of my gift to you and to Grady."

[lapsedsaint]

He returned the kiss, then had the decency to blush as he looked back at Farah. He was not used to this, to being affectionate in front of someone who could be called friend.

He still had the good sense to smile and looked down at his hands. "You'll both have lots of fun.