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[Jaeger's still disappointed that he wasn't able to get Wesker anything for Christmas, but nothing can really dull his holiday cheer. He's up early today, waiting for Wesker in the study as usual, cheerfully humming holiday music as he messes around on his phone. He's in no particular hurry for Wesker to show up, but he's certain his boyfriend will make an appearance at some point. If not, he's tracking him down because there's absolutely no sense in working on Christmas. You're going to spend the whole day with him whether you like it or not!!]

[Don't worry, he'll show up soon enough.

Wesker does have a tendency to wake up reasonably early; it isn't that he's a morning person so much as it is that he doesn't usually require much sleep. Today is likewise the same, though he'll be less urgent about everything he does this morning simply because he doesn't have work, nor does he have plans outside the house for that matter - the party of sorts at Elda's was yesterday, and today is the holiday proper, and as such it's not as though he has work.

There's always the basement, granted, but he suspects that if he tries going down there Jaeger will ensure that he won't be there for very long before dragging him back upstairs.

So he'll arrive in the study eventually, because that's where they tend to be when they want to spend time, and it's good to see that today isn't an exception.

(It's also good to see that Jaeger isn't just hovering in his kitchen this morning.)]

...You seem to be enjoying yourself.

[What with the humming and everything.]

I am, but I'm sure I'll enjoy myself more now that you're here!

[He'll set his phone down and look over; he's already looking too damn pleased with himself, so we're off to a good(?) start.]

Merry Christmas, Albert!

[Well, this seems. Promising?]

...Merry Christmas to you as well.

[This sort of thing still weirds him out a little - it's been a while since he last celebrated anything at all, Thanksgiving notwithstanding - but it's not altogether a bad thing, either.]

And what a wonderful one I'm sure it'll be! As much as I love my family, being around them during the holiday season is exhausting. I'm glad we can do something low-key like this!

Yes, of course.

[...]

What are we doing, exactly?

[wesker, please.]

Whatever we want! It could be nothing at all! Or maybe we could watch the horrible holiday-themed movies they play all day, that could be fun!

The only thing you're not allowed to do is ignore me for work, but you already know that, ja?

Just as I'm sure you already know that I don't ignore you, in favor of work or otherwise.

[It's a token protest, though; he'll come join you properly and sit nearby, regardless.]

You're good to me like that, yes! It's appreciated~

[And for a moment it seems like he's just going to leave it at that, but...]

You've been incredibly good to me in other ways too, you know~!

[...Ohhhh, what are you doing, and more importantly can he cut you off at the pass- ]

You've let me know that, yes.

[That gets him to pout for a moment before he bounces back to his usual level of cheer.]

Of course I have, but I haven't always been specific about it! You were remarkably patient with me while I was still working out how to tell you important things without immediately dismissing them as unimportant or otherwise acting like... well, like everything was fine, even when it wasn't.

...Especially when it wasn't.

It really does mean so much to me that you would help me with that, even if it wasn't always appreciated at the time!

[...Ah.]

It isn't as though you haven't been without a large amount of patience for me as well, in that regard. You know that, don't you?

I do. It's never been a problem though, I've never minded it any.

[He reaches out for Wesker's hand.]

I never would have imagined that we'd end up this close, but I'm glad things have worked out like this. I really am the happiest I've been in such a long time.

[He'll let Jaeger take his hand readily enough, though he still looks somewhat like he wants to die.]

...Likewise, of course.

[Good. He squeezes Wesker's hand and grins.]

I'm always pleased to hear it! Being around you really does make me feel like I can get through anything Retrospec throws at me. I...

[...he still can't say it and he frowns for a moment before he rewords it.]

You mean so much to me and I'm so happy to have you in my life.

[He understands; he lets Jaeger just take a moment to work himself out, he doesn't try to press it or anything, though he does let his grip tighten a little against Jaeger's hand.]

I love you too. Always.

Always.

[The word leaves him in a rush. His expression is bright and his grip on Wesker's hand is tight. Of course Wesker knows exactly what he means, but it's still so wonderful to hear it.]

I'm so happy to hear it. Thank you for everything you've done for me so far!

[He'll reach out to play with Jaeger's hair a little at that, the gesture light and easy.]

...You've saved my life, you know. Several times over by now.

[It's...awkward to say, perhaps, but it's as straightforward as he usually is, and he doesn't stop with that hair-playing as he says it.]

[Honestly, he's a bit relieved at the hair-playing because it gives him an excuse to close his eyes so he doesn't have to look away when Wesker says that. It's not like he's bothered by it at all, but he's not really sure what to do with that. He still looks pleased, of course - and he is - it's just a lot to take in.]

Well, you know I do what I can for you! I'm happy I've been able to help.

I know. But you haven't had to do any of this; it's something I appreciate, even if I haven't really told you as much.

[Thankfully, the hair-playing gives him something to focus on that isn't just the words alone; it's easier if he has something else to do with himself while he tries to find words.]

...Thank you for approaching me with this when you did, and for asking me to be with you. I know I had my apprehensions, but I don't regret any of it.

Of course, Albert. I certainly don't regret it either! I've really enjoyed our time together so far, after all!

[...]

Though to be honest, I was really afraid you were going to say no! I had prepared myself for that possibility, or at least, I tried to.

...In fairness, I was certain that I was going to until shortly before we spoke.

Why did you change your mind?

...You kept asking me what I wanted. No one's really taken that into account before - not like that, at any rate. And while a good amount of my hesitation was due to the person that I used to be...honestly, I didn't have any opportunities to make genuine decisions for myself then, either.

But I thought I could be happy with you. That it was something that I wanted. And I wanted to make that decision for myself.

I suppose that's what it comes down to.

...I'm glad I could offer you that, then. Obviously, since this has been working out so well for us!

[But once that's out there he'll settle a bit, taking it seriously.]

I always do want to hear what you want, Albert. That's important to me. So don't ever hesitate to let me know, ja?

12/25

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