Page 24 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

Key immediately perks up, always ready to jump into conversation. “I like where this is going. What do you want to know, Sugar?”

I lean back against the arm of the couch, tapping my chin as if in deep thought. “Let’s start with something easy. Favorite color?”

Teddy pauses from untangling the lights, his eyes flicking up to meet mine. There’s a warmth in his gaze, something thoughtful behind his words. “The color of your eyes,” he says softly. “That blue...so light it almost looks silver when the light hits just right.”

I blink, caught off guard by how easily he says it, my cheeks flushing despite myself.

“Ugh, Ted, don’t make the rest of us look bad,” Key grumbles, but then his expression shifts into a playful smirk. He steps closer, eyes narrowing as he studies my face. “Pink,” he says slowly, “like the exact shade of your blush right now.”

I open my mouth to protest, but I feel the heat rise in my cheeks even more. I slap a hand over my face, trying to hide it. “Oh, come on!” I mutter, embarrassed but laughing anyway.

Key grins wider, clearly pleased with himself, while Teddy just chuckles quietly. I shake my head, trying to redirect my attention to Atlas, who’s been extra quiet in his sleepy state.

“And what about you?” I ask, hoping to change the subject before my blush gets any worse.

Atlas, still working on untangling the mess of tinsel-garland, doesn’t look up as he mutters, “Green. Reminds me of the woods.”

The simplicity of his answer makes my chest tighten. There’s something grounding about it, and for a split second, I imagine him out in the forest, at peace, far away from all the chaos. I nod, though he’s still not looking at me. “Mine’s lavender,” I say softly, “It’s soft, but...it has a little bite.”

Key’s head pops up, and he shoots me a wink. “Like you,” he says, his tone playful.

I laugh, shaking my head as I step over to help with the tree. We move around each other, stringing lights, hanging ornaments. There’s an ease to it, as if we’ve been doing this for years, not just days. I carefully place a glass snowflake near the top of the tree, my fingers lingering on its delicate wings. It’s beautiful, fragile–kind of like how I feel right now, trying to navigate all these unfamiliar feelings.

“So, favorite Christmas movie?” I ask, deciding to keep the conversation light, even though something else has been gnawing at me.

Immediately, all three of them answer in perfect unison: “Die Hard.”

I burst into giggles, the synchronized answer catching me completely off guard. “Seriously? Die Hard?”

Key grins, crossing his arms proudly. “Hell yeah, it’s the ultimate Christmas movie. Action, explosions, a dude saving the day? What more do you want?”

I roll my eyes, still laughing. “I mean, come on, isn’t that just...an action movie? You know, with some tinsel thrown in?”

Teddy finishes testing a string of lights, looking over with a soft chuckle. “It’s got Christmas spirit. Family, togetherness, a guy fighting to reunite with his wife and kids on Christmas Eve. It counts.”

“Exactly!” Key jumps in, clearly excited to defend their choice. “And let’s not forget the Christmas music. You’ve gotLet It Snowplaying while the place is going up in flames. Classic holiday vibes, right there.”

I shake my head, still giggling. “Okay, okay, but there are so many actual Christmas movies. What aboutIt’s A Wonderful LifeorHome Alone?”

Atlas puffs his chest out as if daring me to argue, adding in a gruff tone, “Nah, Die Hard’s better. That kid in Home Alone is clever, but John McClane? He’s a badass. And he’s got Christmas spirit–he tapes a gun to his back with gift-wrapping tape.”

I burst into another round of laughter. “Gift-wrapping tape? That’s your justification?”

Atlas shrugs, but there’s a faint smile tugging at his lips. “It works, doesn’t it?”

Key leans in with a wink. “Plus, let’s face it, theYippee ki-yayline? That’s basically holiday cheer wrapped in a bow.”

I throw my hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright, you win! Die Hard is a Christmas movie. I can’t believe you’re all this passionate about it!”

Key grins wider, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Welcome to the dark side, sweetheart. We’ll have you quoting lines from the movie by Christmas Day.”

I roll my eyes, but the warmth in my chest only grows as I look at them, their playful banter making the moment feel even more perfect. It’s silly, but their enthusiasm–and how much fun they’re having–makes my heart flutter.

We fall into a comfortable rhythm, passing ornaments back and forth, decorating the tree together. It feels...intimate. Key is draping tinsel on anything that stands still long enough, including Atlas, who grumbles under his breath but lets it happen. A strand of silver tinsel lands around his broad shoulders, and Key steps back, admiring his handiwork.

“Look at you, big guy, you’re practically a Christmas tree now,” Key teases, narrowly dodging a playful swat from Atlas.

I’m about to ask about their favorite foods when the thought that’s been lurking in the back of my mind pushes forward. My fingers trace the scarf on a snowman ornament, and I feel a flicker of nerves.ShouldI ask? Maybe I should’ve asked before…last night.

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