Moctezuma, Christmas Day

[momslilassassin]

After wishfully believing Val would let them sleep in after their trek to the local cathedral to celebrate Midnight Mass with the rest of their neighbors (yeah, no way. She was up at 5:30, just like every other morning), Ben was--in the spirit of the season--bringing Ender and Big Val giant mugs of coffee from the kitchen while Little Val gleefully made confetti from wrapping paper in the living room.

The house was smelling promisingly of pork and chicken tamales--they were trying to embrace the local traditions this year, and Ben was always in favor of experimenting with anything food related.

"Merry Christmas," he said, heading back into the living room levitating two coffee mugs in front of him as he held his own in his hand. Force powers were so handy.

Comments

[momslilassassin]

"Maybe in the next one?" Ben said.

[endsthegame]

"The next one will probably be flying circles around the house at age four," Ender said dryly.

[momslilassassin]

"My kind of kid, actually," Ben said. "We should ask Dad. I think I did that."

[endsthegame]

"I would not be even the slightest bit surprised," Ender said, guiding Ben into the living room. "That's why that's my bet."

[momslilassassin]

Ben kissed him again because it was Christmas and he could.

"It's a sucker bet."

[endsthegame]

"Does that mean you're not taking it?" Ender teased.

[momslilassassin]

"Well, no," Ben said, grinning back. "I'll take the bet just in case I'm wrong."

That's not how betting works, Ben.

[endsthegame]

Ender laughed softly. "Remind me not to let you set foot in a casino," he said.

"We're waiting," Big Val chanted.

Well, both Vals, after the first time.

[momslilassassin]

"And you've both been extremely patient, thank you," Ben said, grinning at them both in reply.

[endsthegame]

"I wanna know," Little Val said, grabbing for one of the presents.

Ender sank down next to her, taking the present and putting it in her tiny hands. "There you go."

[momslilassassin]

"Thank you," Val told him solemnly before tearing into the paper with glee.

"I'm glad she's so into this this year," Ben said, sitting next to Ender and stealthily pulling his gift to Val out of its hiding place.

[endsthegame]

"I'm not sure how long we can keep 'Space Santa' going," Ender whispered, as Val found the tablet in the package and let out a happy laugh.

[momslilassassin]

"Maybe another two years," Ben murmured back, "but she's smart."

[endsthegame]

"I think you're being optimistic," Ender said, kissing his temple.

[momslilassassin]

"I'm always optimistic," Ben said, grinning.

[endsthegame]

"It's usually one of your better qualities," Ender said.

[momslilassassin]

Ben grinned. "Which reminds me of your present," he said, holding out a small box.

Inside were season tickets to the local theater. He was optimistic they were any good.

[endsthegame]

Ender laughed softly. "You got me a present?" he said, taking the box. "And here I thought we were all about pampering Val now."

He opened it, smiling at the contents. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

[momslilassassin]

"I am," Ben said, smiling back. "Are you going to say yes?"

[endsthegame]

"Yes," Ender said, without hesitation. "I'd love to."

[momslilassassin]

Ben leaned in to kiss him softly. "Astral," he said.

[endsthegame]

Ender smiled and kissed him again.

"Now let's help Val navigate all her new books," he said.

At least she'd already worked out that that was what the tablet was for.

[momslilassassin]

"How old were you when you were reading on your own again?" Ben murmured.

[endsthegame]

"Three or so?" Ender asked. "That's also when I learned arithmetic."

[momslilassassin]

"So that's how long we have for Santa, too," Ben said, smiling wryly.