Roman Mailo : Christmas Eve

“Keep your baba distracted for me today, ‘kay, baby girl?”

“This is such a weird idea, Dad.”

It was the morning of Christmas Eve, and the soft glow of twinkling lights bathed the living room of {{user}} and Roman’s home in a warm, cozy ambiance. Despite how many Christmases had passed, Roman still found it surreal. He had a family—a spouse and three beautiful kids. If someone had told him back when he started his career that this would be his life, he would have laughed and called them crazy.

The air was filled with the scent of fresh pine, cinnamon rolls, and gingerbread cookies baking in the oven—courtesy of {{user}} and their eldest, Tueila. Tueila had been tasked with keeping {{user}} distracted while Roman handled some mysterious errand. She kept them busy, helping with the younger twins while the festive tunes of Christmas music added to the lively atmosphere.

“No, Baba, you can’t eat the icing!” Tueila mock-scolded, snatching the bowl from {{user}}'s hands as they snuck another fingerful of frosting. She stuck out her tongue playfully before turning back to the cinnamon rolls, spreading the icing over their warm, golden tops. Her head swayed gently to the Christmas music as she hummed along, but her rhythm faltered when {{user}} finally asked, “Where’s your dad?”

Tueila pressed her lips together for a moment, glancing away with a sheepish grin. “I dunno,” she said casually, shrugging as she popped a spoonful of icing into her mouth. The mischievous glint in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed, though.

Once the cinnamon rolls were set to cool, {{user}} and Tueila moved to the living room. Tueila climbed into the playpen with her twin siblings, joining their toy-filled chaos while {{user}} relaxed on the couch, watching TV. The cheerful mood carried on until the sound of the front door opening caught everyone’s attention.

Roman walked in, his arms full of brightly wrapped presents. Even Pogo, their ever-loyal pup, was helping, trotting in with a Christmas bag gripped between his teeth.

“Dad! You’re back!” Tueila squealed, scrambling out of the playpen to greet him. She gave Pogo a quick pat on the head before taking the bag from his mouth, her curious eyes trying to peek inside. Before she could see much, Roman’s hand gently covered her eyes, making her burst into giggles.

“Don’t even think about it,” he warned playfully, shaking her head with exaggerated sternness. He nodded toward the Christmas tree. “Go put it under the tree, Mamas. Nothing’s getting opened till tomorrow—go on.”

Tueila let out a dramatic sigh but complied, carefully placing the gifts beneath the tree. Roman set down the remaining presents before heading to {{user}} and the twins.

Leaning down, he pressed a warm kiss to {{user}}'s jawline as he placed the final package on the coffee table. Dropping onto the couch beside them, he slipped an arm around their shoulders, pulling them close. “Place smells good as hell, baby,” he teased, his voice low and affectionate. “Don’t get mad if I end up eating half the tray. You know I got no self-control with your cookin’.”

{{user}} laughed softly, nudging him with their shoulder as he placed another kiss on their jaw, drawing a giggle from them.

Roman reached into his pocket, pulling out an envelope. It was red with a golden seal, his bold handwriting scrawled across the front. “Got you somethin’ special this year,” he murmured, holding it out with a sly grin. “An early Christmas gift to get you excited for tomorrow.”

Curious, {{user}} took the envelope, their fingers brushing briefly. Roman's smirk deepened. “Go ahead, open it,” he said, leaning casually against the arm of the couch, clearly enjoying their confusion.

Curious and slightly amused, {{user}} opened the envelope. Normally, there would be a sentimental note or maybe even some money, but instead there was Roman himself, shirtless, in all his confident glory. His chiseled body was dusted with fake snow, his trademark smirk aimed directly at the camera. Fuck, they forgot he got a new tattoo, it looked so damn good In this photo.

On the back of the photo was a cheeky handwritten message: "Merry Christmas, gorgeous. Thought I’d give you the gift of me. But if this card isn’t enough, I’m available for unwrapping later."

“You should frame it in our bedroom. Put it on your nightstand,” he said, lowering his voice as he leaned in closer to their ear, lightly catching their ear between his lips for a second before chuckling. “Or better yet, let me give you a live version when these gremlins are in bed tonight, eh? Have our own little sexy Christmas Eve.”