Page 24 of Wrap Me Up

Tinsel

Sexting isn’t a bad way to fall asleep and waking up to a cum shot may be the best way to wake up. That’s been our ritual for the last week. I can practically taste his cum on my tongue and I’ve only tasted him once. But I’ve been frantically working through as many orders as possible while keeping the quality up to my high standards, so I’ve been too busy to go on any dates.

“Tinsel.” Of course it’s Snickerdoodle that pulls my attention away from my soon to be tumbling thoughts.

“Yeah?” I blink up at her.

“Put the harness down and take a breath.”

“No time.”

“Yes, there is. We’re making excellent timing. We can probably recruit Snow for shipping now if you want.” Her hand is soothing on my shoulder. “I know you’re anxious about making sure orders get out, but you need to take a few breaths right now.”

I finally put the harness on my worktable and suck in air. “You’re right. I don’t know why this year is different.”

She sits next to me and forces me to face her. “You want to make an impression. You’re aiming for first place in the competition and you want to prove our work matters. Everyone knows it does, and the competition is just for fun.” She sweeps my bangs from my eyes. “I think you should take tomorrow off from orders.”

I try to protest, but she holds up her hand.

“But you can work on the competition piece. We’re making amazing time with the special orders. Tomorrow you’re taking the day off or playing with the competition entry.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek. I’m the one that’s supposed to be running this studio, but she’s the one calming me down from a mini freak out.

“Promise me, Tinsel.” Her stern eyes take me in.

“Promise. Won’t touch one special order.”

“Good. Now finish up here, then we’re going to karaoke. Do you want to join us this time? We’re trying Snowflake Lounge for this round. We may have invited a certain elf to join us.” She winks and hands me a small package. “He may or may not have dropped this off for you and said to wear it for him.”

When Snickerdoodle stands, I grab her wrist before she can leave. “Thank you for calming me down. I really needed it. I’ll meet you there.” I’m glad the weather is back to being warm again because I can show up in shorts and a harness again without freezing my nipples off.

She nods, and soon it’s just me and the gift from Noel. The package is about the size of my palm. I shimmy the box open and grin. It’s a silver necklace with a star pendant. For some silly reason, back when we were talking last year, I’d told him I wanted one. I never bought myself a star necklace because, just like going to the ornament workshop, it felt too romancey. Though I never told him that part. Usually I’ll just purchase whatever it is I want, or do whatever I want. But there are those few times I feel like I need a partner to enjoy it. Call me strange, or wrong, I don’t care. It’s how my heart feels.

I put the necklace on and run to the bathroom to look at myself in the mirror. I’m not sure anything can wash off my smile. I finger the edges of the star. They’re smooth and I have to wonder if it’d be comfortable to sleep in because I never want to take it off.

I know exactly the best gift for him, something I’d completely forgotten I got him from before. I rush back to my apartment to freshen up and dress. A pair of sparkling hot pink shorts and a matching harness. Not just any harness, my most glittery one. Okay, my favorite one. I hand painted the glitter to the leather and touch it out whenever I need to. And because I’m extra, I wear my hot pink combat boots. I dust glitter over my cheeks and in my hair. I’m a basically a disco ball, but I don’t care.

Dressed, I grab the gift for Noel. The Magical History of the North Pole. It’s hard to come by, and when Dylan said he found a copy in the back of his closet, I begged him to have it. I had intended to give it to Noel a long time ago, but we got busy and it slipped my mind. I grab a gift bag from my closet and drop it gently inside. Luckily, the North Pole has no crime, other than bullying, which I think should be a crime. In any case, we don’t have to worry about anyone stealing the gift.

Ready, I head out. Despite loving the cold, I’m grateful the weather is warm again. Warmer weather really does make it easier to wear what I like, but that’s me. Most elves prefer the warmer clothing for cold weather, but I’ve always wanted to show off as much of my body as possible without being inappropriate after getting top surgery. There’s no reason to hide who I am just to make others comfortable. So I don’t.

When I arrive to Snowflake Lounge is packed. There’s a cute little snowflake on the sign. It’s the newest karaoke club in the North Pole. You wouldn’t know it, but karaoke is hugely popular here. Especially after Snow came out as part siren last year. It’s become a booming business.

It’s much bigger on the inside. Bright neon lights. Huge screens on all the walls for the lyrics. A stage. Tables line the walls. A bar spans the whole back. There are several numbered rooms.

I find my group, and Snow already has a tray of shots at a table. Snickerdoodle pushes me to him and puts a shot in my hand. “Drinkity drink drink it up. And stop worrying.”

I happily do so, but grimace as the tequila hits my tongue. Dylan shoves a lime in my mouth. He gives me another shot, and I slurp it down. Not a fan of the flavor, but it’ll get the job done.

Noel isn’t with us, and I search the crowd.

“He’s around,” Jolly says. She’s in a sparkling cocktail dress. There’re glitter strands in her hair and I have to wonder how out of it I’ve been if I haven’t noticed how she’s starting her annual Christmas-ification. Snowflake, Mistletoe, and Peppermint must already be here or they’ll show up later like usual.

Someone’s giving their all to Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On. It’s not bringing down the house, but it ain’t bad either. A few people sway along, clutching drinks.

A group of five elves stand in the wings, dressed as the Spice Girls. I wonder if they’ll sing Wannabe. Everyone does Wannabe.

“Give it up for Sprinkle!” Orny—the MC—yells as soon as the Titanic song ends. “We got a special treat for ya’ll. One of the best girl groups of all time. The Spice Girls are here to Spice. It. Up!” He rattles off the names. I don’t care.

---