The town of Wylder Wood was alight with evergreen and blood red bulbs. The windows were covered in garland and large trees were wrapped in sparkling lights and massive ornaments. A light dusting of snow had fallen over the town and notes of pine and cinnamon lingered in the air.

Vic stood by the massive fire pit in the center of town with a hot toddy in his hands, a large scarf wrapped around his neck and a woolen beanie atop his curls. He smiled as he watched his townspeople move about the quiet place he called home. Lynn and Lee had knitted tiny sweaters for each of the snakes atop their heads to keep them warm, and Byron spent time on the patio of the tavern with his relatives—Yetis, of course—who came to visit from out of town.

The Monroe family with their many, many members, raced up and down the frozen pond just on the other side of the main strip, howling as if the moon were full, and the Klines were passing out warm beverages and mulled wines from their winery. And, naturally, Molly and her family were buzzing about the excessive amount of lights that graced the beautiful town this fine Christmas Eve.

Carliel stood in the shadows, drinking his wine with the smallest of smiles on his face. He simply lifted his glass to Vic in solidarity and acknowledgment, and Vic did the same. The mayor was glad the old vampire was coming out of his shell and becoming a part of the town in a way that was comfortable for him. In small doses, in the private spaces between the buildings and trees.

Despite the amazing, comforting evening’s near-perfect atmosphere, nothing could have made the night more magical than hearing his name being called by the man his heart yearned for. Vic turned his eyes to the parking lot and saw his dearest friends arriving, bundled up and smiling, and he made his way down the snowy cobblestone streets to greet them.

Cas was dressed in all black, as usual, but a surprisingly noticeable blush pink cashmere scarf was wrapped around their neck. It matched the soft color etched into their pale cheeks. Cane’s signature flannel was draped around his muscular body, he looked like he was about ready to go chop some wood and get way too much satisfaction from the deed. Beside them stood Rhys, who looked a bit tired, but his face lit up the moment he saw Vic. His wavy locks were bouncing in the breeze and his long peacoat made him look elegant and cozy.

“Well hey, Cas, I didn’t expect to see you,” Vic noted as he embraced them.

“I can’t believe I talked them into leavin’ the house!” Cane said with a massive grin.

“I’m not planning on staying long, I’m already stressed but I wanted to say hello and Merry Christmas,” Cas replied as they wrapped their arms around Vic.

He buried his face in their shoulder, “I’m proud of you.”

They handed him a slim, wrapped package with a tiny red bow on it and returned to their husband’s side, “This is from us. Be careful with it, it’s delicate.”

“We’re gonna go do our rounds and get some wine, we’ll be back,” Cane promised as he nudged Rhys with his elbow before he wrapped his arm around Cas’ waist.

The carpenter and the mortician left to go see the sights and enjoy a night out together on the town, something they hadn’t done in much too long. Cas was laughing, smiling, and returning to the way they once were and Vic could not be more proud of them for taking those first steps. They were healing, and he was happy for them. He knew Cassius would be, too, and that was all that mattered.

Vic looked down at the package before he opened it carefully. A shocked gasp escaped his lips when he realized what it was that he was holding in his hands. It was first edition copy of The Vampire Lestat, and he about lost his mind when he realized it was signed. He grinned a toothy grin and turned his eyes back up to Rhys who smiled back with a knowing look in his eyes.

"It was so hard to keep that a secret from you, Cas showed it to me a few weeks ago and I wanted to tell you so bad," Rhys said with a laugh.

Vic embraced him, “Hi.”

“Hi, Merry Christmas,” Rhys whispered softly as he savored that sweet moment of being in his arms. “I got you something.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I couldn’t resist.”

Rhys handed him a small bag. Vic tucked his new book under his arm and took the little green bag by the strings. The tissue paper inside was a festive red with an excessive amount of golden glitter. As he pulled the wrapped object out of the bag, he threw his head back and laughed.

“Oh, these are cool!” Vic nearly shouted with a happy smile as he unfolded the arms of the slick aviator-style Ray-Ban sunglasses. He slid them over his eyes and grinned with an eyebrow cocked high in question.

“Oh, yeah, that was the right call,” Rhys said with a chuckle.

Vic slid his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, “It’s… not what you think it is, so don’t get too excited. Probably should have gotten a different box…”

Rhys took it and opened it. He felt tears grow in his eyes that he tried to wipe away before they froze to his face. He looked at the delicate silver necklace with a beautiful navy-colored shooting star dangling from the chain and bit his lip to stop himself from getting too emotional. Vic took it from him and draped it around his neck, clasping it for him with shaking hands.

“I know how much you like your galaxies… and miss your mom… I figured it was a nice reminder of her. And of us,” Vic rambled.

“I hope to have many more nights watching the stars with you, Victor,” Rhys said tenderly. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Rhys."

Rhys sheepishly wrapped his arm around Vic’s and the men went to join Cas and Cane in the square. They could hear Molly happily chatting away with them about the abundance of cakes and cookies she made, and her joyful chatter turned to squealing when she saw Rhys arrive.

The group, with drinks in hand and smiles on their faces, enjoyed the holiday festivities with hope for a bright new year to arrive in the coming days. One filled with good health, love and friendship, and peaceful moments. The slow life they led in Wylder Wood was nearly perfect, and the lazy days spent on the night farm were more than they ever could have hoped for. Rhys finally felt as if he found a place to belong.

It was a very Merry Christmas indeed.