estdeus_innobis | O the rising of the sun / And the running of the deer (Reply)

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

Christmas morning

The sun has risen slowly this morning, white thin light coming through a gap in the curtains. I yawn and turn over. Tess's hair is across the pillow, and I smile and curl into her side, listening to her breathe.

I never really expected to wake up with someone on Christmas morning. Certainly not with a woman. Perhaps the strangest thing is that it doesn't feel strange at all, now. It should, I am sure. We have only been together for a little while. But... I know now that Tess is where my heart has found a home - and oh, the journey here has been so long.

I put my arm around her waist when she stirs.

"Merry Christmas," I say quietly against her hair.

[OPEN to Tess, and then JOHNNY and DAMIEN]