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]

"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.

[endsthegame]

"Unless we keep her off the 'net."

[momslilassassin]

Ben snickered. "Yeah, I don't think we're going to have luck with that."

[endsthegame]

"Well, then we might as well enjoy the one Santa year we have left with her," Ender said, "And then quickly move on to the next one."

A pause.

"They approved our paperwork."

[momslilassassin]

Ben's face lit up. "Really?"

[endsthegame]

"Yes," Ender said, smiling. "Come February next year, we can start the procedure."

[momslilassassin]

Ben all but tackled him in his exuberance. "That's the best present."

[endsthegame]

Ender laughed softly and hugged him back. "Merry Christmas, Skywalker," he murmured.

[momslilassassin]

"I love you a ridiculous amount, you know," Ben murmured back.

[endsthegame]

"I'm aware," Ender said, squeezing him tight. "But c'mon. Val--"

Had latched onto Ender's leg without him realizing it.

Other Val was laughing softly in the background.

[momslilassassin]

Ben chuckled and reached down to ruffle Val's hair. "Hi, little one. You'd like some attention too?"

[endsthegame]

"Time to read," Val said mulishly.

[momslilassassin]

"Which one have you decided on?" Ben asked.

[endsthegame]

"Aunt Val wouldn't read," Val sighed, tugging on Ben's leg.

That was an answer, apparently.

[momslilassassin]

"Fair enough," Ben said, lifting her into his lap. "Okay. Choose one."