The familiar tones of “Let it Snow” trickled over the surround sound in the living room and into the kitchen where stood at the counter. She had the perfect view of him. She absent-mindedly poured the milk into the measuring jug as she watched the tall brunette hang ornaments on the family Christmas tree, laughing as his mother told age-old jokes that he had heard a hundred times before. The corners of his mouth flicked upwards in a grin. He was just so mesmerising.

“Careful!”

A hand covering hers and pulling it away sharply snapped her out of her daydream. She looked at the person; it was her best friend, . Something cold splashed onto her hand, startling her and averting her attention to it. The milk she had been pouring had overflowed and was seeping all over the counter.

“Oops.”

rolled her eyes as she handed her some paper towels, “Could you be any more obvious?”

“I’m sorry… what?”

smirked, “You ogling .”

tried to soak up the mess, “I was not.

” “You so were,” she cheekily hit the back of her leg with a rolled up tea towel.

“Hey!” laughed as she scooped up the wet towels and put them in the bin, “I can’t help it. If he wasn’t so good looking then I wouldn’t have this problem. I don’t want be so cliché but he is rather dreamy,” she sighed contentedly, “Especially when he walks around with no shirt on…”

pulled a face of pure disgust, “I refuse to think of my brother half-naked, thanks very much for that image.”

chuckled, “Be honest though; if he wasn’t your brother – “

“ – Eww no!” she covered her ears, “Lalalalalalalala!”

“What pervy thing has she said this time?”

’s face flushed as she realised who it was who had spoken. She hadn’t realised that he had finished decorating and had crossed the threshold into the kitchen.

He gave her a grin as he reached out for an already-baked cookie that she had prepared earlier. Biting into it, he winked cheekily at her. felt for sure that she was gonna pass out. She braced herself on the counter as he sauntered away. She let out a loaded sigh. It was going to be one long, awkward night.

spent the rest of the day avoiding most of the festivities going on during “Friend-mas”, an early Christmas day celebration that ’s family were hosting before the actual day so that they could see their friends without the rushing around from house to house. She had also spent it avoiding ’s older brother, , and any attempts at her friend trying to get them to kiss under the mistletoe for fear of giving herself away.

The fire had yet to die down and the last of the guests had long left. ’s family were now soundly asleep and that left alone in the living room, unable to sleep. She was stood at the window watching the snow fall with a deep grey woollen blanket draped over her shoulders to keep the chill off. There was nothing she loved more than seeing the snowflakes gracefully float down from the Heavens. A small cough alerted her to the fact she was no longer alone. She turned her head to see stood at the door. He padded his way across the wooden floor, the slats cold on his bare feet. When he reached her she gave him a small smile before turning back to the window.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

She shrugged, her breath fogging up the glass as she spoke; “I was tired but as soon as I saw that it was snowing I suddenly got really excited.”

“I know what you mean. Christmas isn’t as exciting when you’re an adult but as soon as there’s even the hint of snow I start to feel like a kid again.”

“Do you think there will be snow come Christmas day?”

He thought for a second, “If there’s not then I will make it my personal mission to bring some to you – even if it means flying you to Alaska.”

She giggled, turning to him, “That’s very sweet of you to offer but I think, regardless if there is or not, Christmas this year will be pretty exciting.”

“How so?” he leaned against the wall, folding his arms over.

“Well, for one; you’re home this year and I don’t recall us ever having a dull Christmas when you’re around. I still get a chill down my spine when I remember that time you put snow down the back of my shirt in the middle of your parent’s hallway!”

He laughed, careful not to wake anyone up, “I guess not. Sorry about that, by the way. I was just trying to get your attention.”

“And what was wrong with simply opening your mouth and talking to me?”

“I wasn’t as cool as I am now,” he joked, “I couldn’t even face looking at a pretty girl back then, never mind actually speaking to one.”

Her cheeks tinted pink, “You thought I was pretty?”

“Still do. You grew up gorgeous. Beautiful, even.”

“You’re not so bad looking yourself.”

He grinned widely at her, “I hope I’m not over-stepping the mark here but would you like to go with me to our Aunt’s Christmas Party on Friday?”

“I’m already going, doofus.”

He snorted, “I meant as my date.”

She pretended to think for a second, not wanting to seem too eager, “Sure. I’d like that.”

“So I’ll pick you up at 7 then?”

“I’ll be ready.”

He nodded at her, “Sorted, then.” He stepped a little closer and pressed a kiss to forehead, “Goodnight.”

“Night.”

As she watched him make his way back to the stairway just beyond the hallway from which he had originally come from, she sighed contentedly. This was definitely going to make for a very exciting Christmas indeed.

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