Chrissa's POV

I walked up the mountain of stairs to the lounge and collapsed onto the couch. I had just returned home from hanging out with Jade. She has become one of my best friends. Today we just hung out and drank tea and discussed books. Oh, yeah, she also showed me more about Tumblr. I'm scarred. I like the memes and the aesthetically pleasing aspects but, there are some things that are just…very new to me. Just when you think you know everything.

I shrugged off my coat and kicked off my boots. "Dan?" I called into the void of the rest of the flat. "Phil?" No one answered. "Is anyone home?" Still silence. "Oh come on, it's…" I glanced down on my phone clock. "5 pm! It's 5pm, y'all have to be home!" I groaned which turned into a whine. "Fine." I crossed my arms and pouted. I groaned again. "Ugghh fine." I pushed myself up off the couch and walked down the hallway leading to our bedrooms. I went to Phil's room first. I went to knock on the door but I heard the faint sound Dan's voice coming from his room. "Is it wrong…would it be wrong if I just listened in just a little bit."

I continued to have a moral debate with myself when I was almost scared right out of my skin when Phil poked his head out of his room, "Just do it. He's listened in on your phone conversations. "

"God, Phil. You scared me half to death." I gasped and put my hand over my chest.

"Sorry." He smiled cheekily. "But you should go listen in."

I crossed my arms, "Phil you're not usually the one to suggest doing anything even remotely bad."

"This isn't bad. It's just levelling the playing field." He smiled.

I glanced over at him then at Dan's door. I still heard Dan's voice. I looked back at Phil, "Okay…But you have to stop enabling me." I turned and stood in between my door and Dan's door. I saw Phil give me a thumbs up and go back into his room. I stood in between my room and Dan's and leaned my ear closer to the cracked door.

"I don't know, Mum." Dan voiced into his phone, "Mum…Mum…We've only been dating for like three-ish months." I blushed, it's still oddly foreign to hear about how Dan and I are dating. "Yes, Mum. I will ask her if she's doing anything."

"Doing anything for what?" I very very very quietly whispered to myself, "Focus Chrissa." I reprimanded myself again, very very quietly.

"Fine, I'll invite her okay? Just please, for the love of god do not make or buy her a Christmas sweater. I have to suffer enough." There was a slight pause. "No mum… I-I love them, I really do." He recovered awkwardly. "I just…she doesn't need one yet. Okay? So just don't- what do you mean you can't make any promises? Mum? Mum?" He sighed and hung up his phone. I quickly tried to act natural and walk into my room as if I wasn't just listening to my boyfriend talk to his mother over the phone.

I walked into my room and flopped on my bed. I just laid there staring at my ceiling trying to decipher what they were talking about. It was really bothering me; I like to know things, everything. "This is driving me nuts. I need a distraction." I starting thinking. "Oh my gosh! Cookies!"

Baking is always relaxing. I hopped up from my bed and swung my door open, ready to rush to the kitchen. Instead I collided with a wall- like thing. I recoiled and rubbed my nose. "Oooowww" I whined quietly. I looked up to see Dan smiling down at me with his goofy smile that shows off his dimples. I pouted whilst rubbing my nose, "walking into you is like walking into a brick wall."

His goofy smile edged toward a smirk, "Kawaiiii."

I frowned but in a 'I'm so done with you stawp kind of way.' "No, stop. Don't ever-"

He leaned down and kissed my lips and then my nose, "I'm sorry, you're just so cute. I can't help it."

"You're such a weeb." I muttered to myself.

He grabbed my chin playfully, "Someone's learning some internet lingo." He winked at me.

"I knew some 'lingo' before I was forced into the clutches of the internet." I defended, "I liked anime before meeting you."

"I know, I know, love. I'm just teasing you." He kissed my cheek.

"Oh! But there is something I did learn!" I exclaimed. "And now I'm very well versed in it."

"And what would that be darling." He purred.

I gave him a devilish smile, "Memes."

His eyes went wide, "Memes?"

I nodded my head, "Yes, all of them. Even the ones of my dear boyfriend." I saw him blush. "I've heard you're the Meme Lord."

He straightened his posture, "That is true. I hold that title with both pride and shame."

I grabbed him by his shirt collar and pulled him down to my level. I brought my lips to his ear then whispered, "Well, say hello to your Queen." I ended my statement by kissing the spot on his neck right below his ear. I felt him shudder. This very unusually bold for me. I then let go of his shirt put on a less devious face. "Well, I'm going to go make cookies now." I chirped innocently. I felt his eyes on me as I walked away.

It was a good five minutes before I heard Dan yell, "Wait! Chrissa, I need to talk to you about something." He strode into the kitchen and saw that I had already grabbed all the ingredients to make sugar cookies.

I looked up at him with a smile plastered on my face, "What's up?"

He awkwardly scratched his neck, "So I was talking to my mother and shewaswonderingifyoudwantto-"

"Dan, you're mumbling." I said as I started to measure out flour.

"Oh." He blushed, "Well, um…" He looked me in the eye.

I stopped measuring and gave him my full attention, "Dan, what's wrong?" He was starting to make me really nervous. I know I eavesdrop- overheard his conversation with his mother but, I don't actually know what they were talking about.

"Nothing!" he shouted, obviously louder than he meant. His tense form softened when he saw me flinch at the harshness and volume of his voice. He grabbed my flour dusted hand, "Nothing's wrong love. My mother was just wondering…" he trailed off.

"Your mother was wondering….what?" I questioned.

"If you want to spend Christmas with us. Like with my family. And me." He rambled out anxiously.

I smiled brightly, "I'd love to!"

"Really?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah! That sounds really fun."

"Are you sure?" He questioned again.

I frowned, "Dan, it almost seems like you don't want me there."

I tried to pull my hand away so I could continue baking but he just yanked it back and pulled me into his embrace. "No. Trust me, I want you to come. I do." He pulled away a bit so he could look me in the eyes, "I do." He leaned down and kissed my nose, "My family just is very…affectionate."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." I chuckled. He gave me a hard look. "W-what?"

"My family is very affectionate. They will hug you and there is no way out." He spoke in a completely serious tone.

I couldn't help laughing, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I forced out through laughter. I covered my mouth with one hand and put my other hand on his chest.

He pouted, "It's not funny."

I swallowed my laughter, "Of course it isn't, honey." In that exact moment I realised that I still needed to bake cookies, "Oh my gosh!" I slammed my hands down on his forearms. "I need more ingredients!" I removed myself from his embrace, "Get ready, we're going to the store."

"Do I have to- wait why?" He whined, "You have all the ingredients here."

I crossed my arms, "If I want to make enough cookies for a reasonably sized cookie platter, I need more ingredients." I huffed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

He cocked his head to the side, "Cookie platter?"

"You know, a large plate with cookies on it."

"Yeah, I know what a cookie platter is. But why?"

I grabbed both of our coats, "For your family. You never go to someone's house empty handed."

He took his coat from me and put it on, "Oh, Chrissa you don't have to do that, they're family."

I put on my coat and slipped on my boots, "Yours, not mine. I'm your plus one." I winked, "Now get your shoes on."

"You really don't have to bake for my family. You're a guest. My mom invited you." I glanced at him, sadly. Obviously using my manipulation skills in this moment. "I mean… of course I wanted you to come too, I was just afraid to ask yo- I'm just going to put my shoes on."

I smiled and grabbed my bag. I started down the stairs only to hear Dan stampeding down them. He rushed past me, almost dragging me down with him. He flew out the door and I quizzically stepped outside to see an out of breath Dan standing with his hands on his knees and panting as if he just sprinted a 10K. "Dan…Hun are you okay?" I asked rubbing his back.

"I'm fine," He gasped, "I thought you left without me."

I chuckled a little then grabbed his chin to look at me, "You didn't need to charge down the stairs like a raging bull." Then I chastely kissed his lips. "Let's go to the store, yeah?"

He straightened his posture, "Okay." He grabbed my hand pulled me in the direction of the store.

I had to speed walk in order to keep up with him, "Dan, your legs are longer than mine." I reminded him.

"Oh, right." He scratched the back of his neck nervously as he matched my pace. "I forgot you have little hamster legs."

I glared up at him. At first I was silent, my mind going completely blank of all snarky remarks, "Well, uh…You're a giant! Your legs are like beanstalks." I looked away, ashamed of that poorly executed comeback. I felt his eyes on me. I glanced at his face to see a smirk, "I swear, if you say what I think you're going to say, I'm gonna…fight you."

His smirk got wider as he spoke a little above a whisper, "kawaii."

"I'm going to fight you Daniel." I muttered looking straight ahead. He chuckled in response. I just gave him a quick glare followed by a small smile crossing my face. I love this man so much.

We walked in a semi comfortable silence until we got to the store. I grabbed a basket for myself and for him, then dragged him through the aisles. I grabbed a few things when I noticed Dan had wandered off. "Dan?" I wandered into the next aisle over and didn't see him. "Did he leave?" I walked into the next aisle and saw Dan browsing the various cereals. "Dan, what are you doing?"

He jumped slightly at me addressing him. "I'm looking at the cereal."

"Well, yes that is quite obvious."

"I need to buy more." He playfully glared at me, "I have TWO people stealing my cereal now."

I put my hands up signifying I surrender, "Hey, you said I could eat your cereal. You think I'm pretty." I smiled innocently and batted my eyelashes.

He grabbed my face with one of his hands and squeezed my cheeks, making me look like a fish, "You're lucky you're cute." He smiled before letting go of my face.

"ooooouuuuuccchh" I rubbed my cheek. "But thank you."

He pulled me close to his side, "of course, short stack."

I glared up at him, "I'm not short-"

"You're average." He finished for me before leaning down and kissing my cheek. "Do you have everything you need?"

"Not yet. There's one more thing I need…" I trailed off.

"Well, what is it?"

"Shredded coconut."

"Okay, go grab it, love." I mumbled something in response. "I can't understand you when you mumble."

"I can't reach it, okay. It's on a high shelf." I could basically feel him smirk. "Stop smirking and grab it for me."

"What's the magic word?" He teased.

I looked up at him, my eyes dark but still playful, "Now."

A look of fear flashed across his facial features. "O-okay." He rushed out of the aisle and went to go get me what I needed.

I smiled, "He's so cute." I gushed to myself.

As I was about to walk out of the aisle, a woman stopped me, "Hi, excuse me," I turned to her and smiled. "How did you do that?"

I sent her a look of confusion, "How did I do what?"

"Well, I'm assuming that's your boyfriend. I would think that you two were married if it wasn't for the lack of wedding rings."

Was that rude? Is it acceptable for someone to ask that? I… I don't know, "Uh, yeah, he's my boyfriend."

"How did you get him to be that obedient?" She asked as if talking about a dog.

This question oddly made me angry. She was talking about Dan as if he was an animal that I trained to do tricks. "It's not obedience. I didn't get him to be that way. He cares about me, we joke around. We take care of each other." You could hear the slight edge in my voice. "People who love each other take care of each other." I froze. I just basically said that I love Dan out loud. What if he heard. I quickly glanced around, trying to be discrete.

I looked back to the woman who was staring at me, mortified. She brushed her honey coloured hair off her shoulder and rolled her eyes like a defiant teenager, "Whatever." When she turned, and walked away, I made a gross, but funny, face at her.

"That's a cute face." I jumped as Dan placed his hand on my lower back.

"Jesus lord on a flying horse, Dan you scared me." I held my heart.

"Sorry, love." He apologised awkwardly. "Hey, was that woman bothering you?"

I tensed up slightly, but then realised that if he's asking that, he didn't hear the conversation, "Oh, it was nothing. She just bumped into me and then yelled at me a little." I lied. "Can we go now?"

"Yes of course." He guided me towards the checkout counter, "You know that a flying horse is a Pegasus, right?"

"I'm going to fight you, Dan."

Dan's POV

I grabbed the shredded coconut and chuckled a little imagining how Chrissa probably struggled trying to reach it. She hates asking for help reaching things; it makes her feel inferior. I put it in my basket and headed back over to find her. I rounded the corner to see Chrissa talking to some woman. "Who is she?" I've never seen her before, and by the looks Chrissa didn't know her either. And Chrissa didn't look happy with this woman. I quickly hid behind one of the shelves to watch how this would go down. I secretly want to see Chrissa deck someone.

"We care about each other." Oh boy, she sounded really pissed, but she was trying to hide it. "People who love each other take care of each other."

The world around me froze as those words left her beautifully shaped lips. Does that mean she loves me? Does that mean she knows that I love her? Oh, so many emotions.

I saw her glance around anxiously before turning back to woman who dismissed her rudely. As she walked away, Chrissa contorted her face to show her distaste for the woman.

I smirked and walked over to Chrissa, "That's a cute face." She jumped as I put my hand on her lower back.

"Jesus lord on a flying horse, Dan you scared me." She clutched her chest as if I actually gave her a heart attack.

"Sorry, love." I apologised. I didn't mean to startle her. I keep forgetting that she's quite jumpy. "Hey, was that woman bothering you?"

I felt her tense slightly under my touch, which made me a little nervous. "Oh, it was nothing. She just bumped into me and then yelled at me a little." She eased up as she spoke. It sounded like a load of bull but, I didn't say anything. "Can we go now?"

"Yes of course." With my hand still on her back, I lead her to the check out, "You know that a flying horse is a Pegasus, right?" I teased, knowing the reaction I would get from her.

"I'm going to fight you, Dan."

"Of course you are, dear." She glared at the smirk that crawled onto my face. As the cashier rang up the items, I noticed Chrissa rummaging through her bag. She pulled her wallet from her bag and got a credit card out, ready to hand it to the checkout girl. "Oh, no no. I'll pay."

"Dan it's fine." She half chuckled.

I pulled out my wallet and pulled out one of my credit cards, "I'm going to pay. You're making cookies for my family, you don't have to pay too."

She glared at me, "I will pay."

I glared back at her, "You don't have to."

"I know I don't have to, I want to." She slightly gritted her teeth.

We both knew that neither of us were mad, or that this was an actual argument, but the cashier didn't know that, "Um, who's card should I take?"

Chrissa's entire demeanour changed, "Please just give us one moment." She gave the girl a sweet smile then turned back to me, "Dan," she had a slightly threatening tone.

"Chrissa," I matched her tone. I knew we weren't getting anywhere like this and I absolutely couldn't let her pay and bake. So I did the one thing that would make her break. I stuck my bottom lip out slightly and made my eyes big. Yes, the puppy dog face.

"That's not gonna work." She deadpanned. I held it for a couple more seconds before I realised that it actually wasn't going to work…so I was wrong, that isn't the thing that will make her break.

I dropped the puppy dog face and tried to think on how to win. I got another idea, "I'm older."

"What?" She slightly tilted her head to the side in confusion. God she's so cute.

"I'm older, respect your elders."

"Wha-what does that have to do with anything?"

"It's- I…uh…It's a thing!" face palmed.

She frowned and crossed her arms, "Dan, just let me pay, I wanna go home." She whined.

I suddenly knew how I was going to win. A smirk crossed my face, "Kawaaiii."

She dropped her arms to her sides and frowned, "Ugh fine, you pay." I saw the blush start the rise to her cheeks as she put her card back into her wallet. "I'm going to wait outside." She turned to cashier, "I'm sorry for wasting your time." She then sped out of the store, radiating embarrassment.

I handed the cashier my credit card with a triumphant smile plastered to my face, "Sign please." The checkout girl handed me the rescript and a pen; I signed quickly and gathered my bags. As I was about to leave the girl spoke up, "Hey, is that your girlfriend?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah, she is."

She looked slightly disappointed, which didn't make sense considering she just witnessed that entire interaction. "Oh…" She perked up a bit, "Weeeelll, if she breaks up with you, send her my way." She winked and then greeted the next customer.

That was unexpected. I walked out of the store and met up with Chrissa. "I'm not the only one who thinks you're cute." I smiled.

She looked at me confused as she took some of the bags from me, "What? Who?"

I chuckled, "The cashier said that if you ever break up with me, send you her way."

"Oh…Well that's very nice of her." She started walking and I followed, then she mumbled something that i couldn't quite hear.

"What was that, I didn't catch that last part."

"Let's go make cookies!" she exclaimed and pulled me along.

Chrissa's POV

When we got back to the flat, I got to work on organising and measuring ingredients. I was making five types of cookies, so I needed to stay organised. Dan sat down in the kitchen on one of the chairs. "Do you want help, love?"

I looked up from what I was doing, "Um…" I touched my finger to my chin, "Can you preheat the oven please?"

He smiled and did what I asked him. Then he walked over to me and ran his thumb quickly across my chin. He smiled, seemingly holding back laughter, "You had flour on your chin."

I smiled timidly and looked down, "Thank you." I continued to make the first batter.

Dan sat back down and watched me, "Is there anything else I can do to help?"

I looked up briefly, "No, not really. But thank you." He looked slightly defeated. I stopped what I was doing and walked over to him. He looked up at me, I smiled in response, "You're amazing." I stepped between his legs and wrapped my arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around my waist, completing the embrace. I pulled away slightly so I could look him in the eyes, as uncomfortable it is for me to look anyone in the eyes, "Thank you."

He nodded his head in response, "Of course. I love- uh cookies. And I bet yours are out of this world amazing." I felt my heart bang against my chest, threatening to burst.

"Yeah, my cookies are the best." I really thought that he was going to tell me he loves me. I know I told that woman in the supermarket that we love each other but, in all honesty, I don't know if he does. We haven't been dating that long so I don't expect much but, it would be nice if-

My thoughts were cut off by my sides being squeezed causing me to yelp and jump, "Sorry," Dan apologised, "You were spacing out and it was the first thing I thought of." He smiled sheepishly.

"It's okay, hun. I'm going to go make cookies now." I said awkwardly. Why do I feel uncomfortable? Idiot!

"Okay…" He released me and quickly went back to what I was doing.

Many, many, MANY batches of cookies later

"Phew." I wiped my forehead free of non-existent sweat, "Finally done." All the cookies were out of the oven, cooling. I stretched and turned around to see both Dan and Phil about to grab cookies, "Don't you dare." Both of them simultaneously jumped back at the sound of my voice, "They are still hot and not for you." I directed my next statement at Phil, "Don't worry Phil, I have some set aside for you."

His face brightened like a puppy when you give it a treat, "Really?" I nodded my head confirming. "You're the best!" he came over and gave me a bear hug which I gladly returned.

Once he released me, I saw Dan going to grab a cookie again, "Daniel!"

He jumped and looked back at me, eyes wide, "I was just…I…Uh-yo…What if they're poisoned?"

I frowned, "I made them, they're filled with love." I gave a cheesy smile and winked. "And plus, you sat here and watched me the entire time, you would know if I poisoned them."

He pouted, "But-"

"No." I cut him off.

"Please?"

"No."

"But-"

This time Phil cut him off, "Patience is a virtue, Young Daniel." He finished off this statement by bowing very sensei-like.

Dan made a stink face at Phil, "I'm patient." He mumbled bitterly.

"Of course you are, Danny boy." Phil patted him on the shoulder and walked out of the room.

"Hey!" Dan called after his best friend, "I'm patient! Hey!" He then proceeded to chase after Phil.

All I could do was laugh, "I love living here." I spoke to myself with a smile gracing my lips. I then pulled out my phone and started scrolling through Instagram. It was actually kind of fun. Posting pictures and such.

After mindlessly switching between the same three apps for about an hour and a half, I decided that the cookies were cool enough to be put onto platters.

Dan's POV

After chasing after Phil to convince him that I am patient, I just laid down on my bed. I stared at my ceiling for I don't know how long. I was just thinking about all the things I have to do, which isn't the best idea. Phil and I have pre-recorded some Christmas videos, which isn't cheating, it's just time efficient. Is there anything else I need to do? Am I actually going to do any of the things I have to do? Probably not, I'm Dan.

/

I groggily opened my eyes. "When did I fall asleep?" I stretched a bit and rubbed my eyes. I reluctantly sat up, knowing that there is probably something that I need to do that I will still procrastinate until that last minute. "How long was I asleep?" I looked over to the clock in my room. "Woah, it's 12 am already?" I looked down at my bed to see a small plate with a cookie on it. "Toriel?" I smirked at my reference. "Chrissa's so cute." I picked up the cookie and saw that there was a napkin with a note written on it.

I gave in

3 Chrissa

I smiled and took a bite of the dessert, "Oh my god, this is so good!" I shoved the rest of the cookie in my mouth, "She is the best baker ever oh my gosh." I picked up the plate and contemplated if it would be weird if I kept the napkin. Do I really want to be that boyfriend? Is it cute? I don't know. I just put the napkin on my bed and got up to put the plate in the kitchen. I walked in and saw Chrissa with her head resting on her arms on the counter. I couldn't help but smile. I put the little plant in the sink and then noticed the three giant platters of cookies that were very prettily wrapped up with cellophane wrap and bows and ribbon. I brushed her hair out of her face, "You're such an amazing person." I kissed her head before I decided to wake her up and bring her to bed. "Chrissa," I nudged her arm gently. "Chrissa, love, your back will hurt in the morning if you continue to sleep here." She groaned and buried her head in her arms. "Chrissa, please, for me." I feel the absolute worst when Chrissa is ever in pain; it hurts me to see her hurt.

Chrissa moaned again before lifting her head, "fine" she mumbled as she slowly opened her eyes. She got up off the chair she was sitting on and started to walk out of the kitchen.

I couldn't tell if her eyes were open whilst she was walking but she was heading directly towards the blasted glass kitchen door, "Chrissa, wait the-" she collided face first with the door, "door."

"owww" She moaned, "Why do we have a glass door? That's so dumb, especially because everyone in this house is clumsy."

She wasn't wrong, "I know, love." I opened the door for her and walked her to her room. As soon as her bed was close to her, she flopped down and fell asleep. I smiled, "Baking that insane amount of cookies really tired you out didn't it?" I chuckled before going and plugging her phone into charge. I decided to lay with her for a bit, it comforts both of us.

As soon as I lied down, she wrapped her arm around my waist and swung her leg over my hip. She shifted until she was comfortably pressed completely against me. I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. I kissed her forehead before she nuzzled her face into my chest. Her hand slid down my back until it was resting inside the back pocket of my pants, "This is something I'm going to have to live with, isn't it?" I whispered to her, knowing that she wouldn't answer. I went to pet her hair but she abruptly pushed herself away from me and rolled to the other side of her bed. I know she was asleep and she didn't do it deliberately, but it oddly still hurt.

It grabbed my attention when she started to talk in her sleep, "No! wait! I'm sorry. I didn't mean…" I watched as her fist tightened around the pillow she was now holding. "I didn't mean…to….don't leave..."

"What could she possibly be dreaming abou-"

"Dan, I'm sorry. Please don't leave me." She whimpered in her sleep. I felt my heart clench at the sound of that. She was dreaming about me leaving her?

She rolled back over to face me and I saw the tears staining her still sleeping face. I scooted closer and wiped the tears away from her cheeks. My hand drifted down her cheek to her jaw, then to her neck and then her shoulder until I grasped her hand. "Chrissa." I gently squeezed her hand, "Chrissa, everything is okay." I wasn't trying to wake her up. I was trying to do that weird thing where you can help people dream a certain thing by talking to them in their sleep. I don't know, it works in movies. "Don't worry, I'm here, I love you." I guided her hand to my chest and placed it over where my heart was beating. "That belongs to you." Her face relaxed. Her face melded from pained to content. I pulled her close to my body and feel asleep with her head to my heart.

Chrissa's POV

I woke up clinging to a pillow. Which was odd, I swore I fell asleep curled up to Dan's side. Did I just dream that?

I reached behind me and felt around blindly until I felt a face. "Yes, love?" I heard Dan chuckle.

I rolled over abruptly and kissed him on the nose. Then I rolled back over and clutched the pillow I was previously holding. "Good morning." I muttered whilst snuggling into the pillow.

"Good afternoon." Dan responded.

I shot up into a sitting position. "What?!" I looked over the clock. It read 2pm. "You let me sleep that long?!" I asked Dan. "Why?!"

He smirked, "Those dark circles, love…"

I touched the skin under my eyes, "Are they really that bad?"

He sat up next to me and grabbed my wrists, making me turn to him in the process, "No, babe. I just know you're over tired. You work almost seven days a week, even though you don't have to because half of it is overtime work. You always come home late. Even though you go and visit Jade, you guys go shopping and spend time around people. You're an introvert, you're wearing yourself down." I tried to interrupt him. "I'm not done." I shut my mouth tightly and Dan continued. "You then come home and make sure that both Phil and I have eaten and if we haven't, you cook for us. You clean the flat. Heck, you do our laundry. For the amount of work you do around here, I feel like we should pay your rent or pay you or something."

I shook my head, "No Dan, it's fine really."

"And I know you started a volunteer job." I opened my mouth to ask him how he knew but it seemed like he already knew what I was about to ask, "You come home with dog hair on your pants. Even though you carry a lint roller in your bag, you wear black pants it won't matter." He smirked, "I'm a little offended that you didn't tell me you were working at an animal shelter and got to play with puppies for hours. I'm joking." He let go of my wrists and brushed his thumb over my cheek, "Anyway, as much as I, and everyone around you, appreciates everything you do, you need to take care of yourself, love."

"But-"

"Nope. I called your boss and you're taking the next few weeks off."

I frowned, "Dan! You might as well quit my job for me!" I batted his hand away from my face.

"Chrissa don't be like that. You'll work yourself to death this way. We're going to my family house soon," He pulled me over so I was sitting in between his legs with my back to his chest. "And you'll meet my family and they'll love you."

"I know they will cause I'm great." I turned slightly, "I am great, right?" I asked timidly and self-consciously.

Dan kissed my forehead, "You're the best. The best of the best!"

I yawned and rested my head on his shoulder, "Dan, maybe you're right. I need to rest more."

"I know, love. And I'm always ri-"

In my half asleep state, I interrupted him, knowing what he was going to say, "Hey. My name is…Dan." I did the finger box from his first video. And then did it again to replicate the video's actions.

I felt him physically cringe, "That is so cruel. Why must you torture me? This is bullying."

I groggily chuckled, "Phil taught me that trick on how to win an argument with you."

"Phiiiiiillllll" He growled, annoyed. "Watch, one day I'm going to be immune to that and then I'll win every argument."

I patted his chest, "Whatever you say Mr. Law school drop out." I pulled away from him and flopped back into my bed.

"Hey!" Dan exclaimed with a mock offended tone.

"Am I wrong?" I mumbled into the pillow.

"No…" He admitted.

I snuggled my face into a pillow and hummed contently. Then the pillow was ripped from my arms. I whined and cracked open my eyes to see Dan holding the pillow, "Nooooo. Daaaaaan. Whyyyyy?" I pawed at him so he would give the pillow back. He just silently laid down next to me and pulled my arms so it was draped over him. I smirked drifting off to sleep. "Were you really jealous of a pillow?"

He pulled me closer so I could hear his heartbeat, "What can I say? I don't like sharing the things I love."

I hummed and mumbled, "I love you too." and fell asleep. Let me point out that I was half asleep; my filter was not working. So I just told him that I love him.

Dan's POV

I laid there with Chrissa snuggled up to me, smiling like an idiot. Chrissa said she loves me! But she was partially asleep so that could either mean that that was just a default Chrissa-half asleep answer or she didn't realise that she said. I'm just going to not mention it to her. It's fine…When did this become my life? This feels like some cliche fanfiction where saying 'I love you can make or break a relationship. But this is real life and this is ridiculous. I'll just stoping being dumb and tell her…later.

I looked down at my sleeping girlfriend, "You're just going to sleep for the rest of the day, aren't you?" I sighed as she shifted to get more comfortable. She needs more sleep. Or she'll die which is not preferable. I pet her hair and she shifted again, "You need to rest up, especially because we're leaving tomorrow to go to my parents' house." I paused for a moment, "Did I tell you that already?" Whoops. She rolled over out of my embrace and pulled a pillow to her chest, "I'm always going to lose to that pillow, aren't I?" I sighed and got out of bed, "I love you."

I got up off her bed and walked out her room, looking back to see Chrissa almost fall off the bed but quickly scramble back to the middle of the bed, still asleep. I chuckled and lightly closed the door behind me.

"Chrissa sleeps like a rock; You could slam the door and she would still be fast asleep."

I jumped and turned around to see Phil in his pyjamas on, wearing his glasses and holding a toothbrush, "Jesus Phil" I clutched my chest, slowing down my heartrate from the scare.

"Good thing she is a heavy sleeper, that scream of yours would have woke her up." He teased.

I crossed my arms, "I did not scream." I defended. "Wait, did you just get up?"

"Well I woke up before and then scrolled through Tumblr for a couple hours." Phil explained.

"So, you just got up."

Phil shrugged, "Yeah, pretty much." He walked into the bathroom to put his toothbrush away. When he walked back out, he was already mid-sentence, "-left her room."

"Phil, I missed most of that sentence."

"Oh. I asked if you just woke up because you just left her room."

"I actually woke up early-"

"Early meaning…?" Phil questioned.

"I woke up at 9 am and edited our video for today." I said, proud that I was actually slightly productive so far.

Phil smiled, "You're the BEST!" he exclaimed like a child who got a puppy for Christmas. He excitedly turned and half-skipped down the hall, heading toward the kitchen.

I chuckled, "Phil, you are too precious for this world." My ears perked up when I heard cereal being poured into a bowl, "Phil?" more sounds of cereal being panickly poured, "Phil?" I started down the hall, "Phil? Is that my cereal?"

I heard the refrigerator close quickly and then a quiet. "no"

Rest assured, when I got to the kitchen, there was Phil, caught red -handed eating my cereal, "Dammit Phil!"

"I ran out of mine." He stated innocently.

I sighed, "This is never going to end, is it?"

"Well," Phil put a spoonful of cereal in his mouth, "I already ate all of Chrissa's cereal."

I paused, "Wait, so Chrissa actually has been eating my cereal? Does that mean we're out of cerea-"

My sentence was cut short by Phil turning the cereal box upside down just for nothing to come out, "Yes."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, "It's fine. It's fine. You both are very lucky I love you guys." I opened the refrigerator and peered in to see what food we had left. "Phil, stop smiling."

"I'm not smiling." I turned around to see, yup, Phil smiling. He quickly tried to hide his grin, "I'm not smiling. I'm grimacing with joy.

I rolled my eyes and turned back to look in the fridge, "Do we have any fruit?" Phil and I looked at each other, then burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. I can't. Me? Eating fruit! That's grand."

"The thought of you eating anything healthy in general is hilarious." He spoke through fits of giggles, "And when you do eat anything relatively healthy, the faces you make!"

"Well I'm sorry food that actually nourishes my body tastes like dirt and sadness."

There was a period of silence after I decided to make a cup of coffee. "Actually, Dan, I think we might have an apple or two in the fridge."

As the Keurig gurgled, I shot him a glare, "Too soon."

"It was like 10 years ago."

"Tell that to my tooth." I pointed to my mouth and the tooth that was wounded by a cold apple given to me by my grandmother. (lamest way to chip a tooth, I know.) "You're going on the next cereal run."

Phil put the last spoonful of cereal in his mouth, "Do I have to?"

I took a quick picture of him whilst he was complaining about not wanting to go buy more cereal. "For Twitter, you cereal thief."

"Hey! No! Not again! Dan!" Phil whined in protest.

"Hey, if you didn't eat ALL the cereal in the house and maybe this wouldn't have happened." I shrugged dramatically and tried to exit the kitchen but I walked right into the damn clear glass door.

Phil laughed, "Karma."

"For wha- you know what, never mind." I pinched the bridge of my nose. I opened the glass door and headed for my room.

"You love me!" Phil yelled.

"Buy more cereal!" I yelled back.

I walked into my room and sat down in front of my computer and took a minute to think, "Phil! Phil come here!"

Within minutes, Phil was in my doorway holding a ceramic bowl and a spoon, "What's up?"

I glared at him, "Is that a bowl of my cereal? Whatever." I sighed, knowing I was getting too caught up on the cereal. "You know how we have been talking about moving?" Phil nodded, "You are okay if Chrissa move with us, you know if she wants to, you're okay with that, right?"

"Of course I want to keep her!" Phil exclaimed as if he was insulted that I even insinuated him not wanting Chrissa around. "She's like the little sister I never got the opportunity to have because I was so strange my parents stopped procreating."

I sighed and couldn't help laughing at the obscurity of my best friend's mind. "Okay I was just making sure."

"Do you want to start looking after the holidays? We can all go to some open houses or whatever."

"Phil, shouldn't you know all about this kind of stuff? Isn't your mom a realtor?"

Phil shrugged, "Either that or a nurse, or neither. Or both. She's a Jackie of all trades."

All I could do was roll my eyes and laugh.

~~~~~~~~(I don't know what to do with this its super long and annoying im just bad writing im sorry.)~~~~~~~

Chrissa's POV

"DAN!" I yelled as I stormed into his room. "DAN! WAKE UP!" I saw him shift a little under his duvet. "DAN! GET! UP!" I picked up his Haru pillow up off the floor and chucked it at him. "DAN!"

He abruptly sat up, "I'm up!" he turned to face me, "Good morning bab- you look mad."

I crossed my arms, "Yeah, I am. Why didn't you tell me that we were leaving for your parent's house TODAY?"

He put his head in his hands, "Shit! I knew I forgot something."

Dan looked up at me apologetically. I sighed, "ugh it's fine. Just get ready."

He smiled and jumped out of bed to give me a kiss on the top of the head, "Thanks, love." I just mumbled in response. "My mom is going to adore you. She also accepts that I'm a just a flop of a human." He winked and finger-gunned at me.

I couldn't help but smile but, it was accompanied by a playful eyeroll. "Shut up and get ready." I turned around and started to walk out of his room. I felt him tap my ass as I passed him. I flinched then flicked my middle finger up at him as I left the room. I heard his laugh as I walked into my room to finish packing.

I packed my stuff relatively quickly. It is a skill that I acquired due to being heavy sleeper so I would wake up 15 minutes before school started and I was forced to get ready super quick or Grey would leave without me. I wheeled my suitcase out of my room and put it against the wall. I stretched and walked into the bathroom to check my makeup. I opened the door and came face to face with Dan. (More like face to shoulder because he's taller than me but whatever.)

"Oh, you're ready." I spoke as I squeezed past him so I could check to see if there was any lipstick on my teeth.

"Yes, I am ready." He said matter of factly, "And before you ask, I'm all packed too."

"Good. You're not straightening your hair?"

"My mother likes it curly more. She gives me shit about it every time I visit with my hair straightened."

I turned around to face him, "Well, I like it curly too." I smiled and ran my fingers through some of his hair. "The taxi should be here soon." He was looking deep into my eyes, causing me to blush a deep shade of red. "What?"

He put his hand on the side of my neck, his thumb brushing against my cheek, "You are just so beautiful and amazing and I'm so lucky to have you."

I smiled and I felt tears start to form, "Thank you Dan." I chuckled a bit, "You're going to make me cry and my mascara is going to run. Then your family will think you're dating a raccoon person."

He laughed in response, "You are absolutely adorable." He leaned down and kissed my cheek. "And before we go to meet my parents, I just want to stop beating around the bush. Which is very difficult for me because I'm not a very confrontational person and I'm a procrastinator but, this is important to me. You are important to me."

The amount of anxiety and confusion that filled my body was extremely overwhelming, "Dan what are you-"

"Shh shh shh. Just listen okay love?" I nodded my head, "I planned to say this in a more romantic place and not a bathroom but, you already know my life is a mess." We both laughed at this. "I feel dumb that I've been so nervous about this and it might be stupid that I'm making such a big deal out of this but I just don't want to scare you off or get hurt again. I just, I know-"

I put my hand over his that was still resting on my face, "Dan, relax. It's me. You can't scare me off…you're not like some sort of murderer or cannibal or something, right."

He chuckled, "No, I'm not a murder or a cannibal." He suddenly got all serious again. He looked deep into my eyes. I saw his pupils grow ever so slightly. "Chrissa, I love you." I smiled, completely overjoyed, "Chrissa, I'm in love with you. Like head over heels in love wi-"

I cut him off from his mushy rambling by pulling him down and kissing him lightly on the lips. "I love you too, Daniel." He looked at me and smiled the biggest smile I have ever seen on any person. But I couldn't help but giggling a little as I looked at his lips. "Dan, babe. You got a little something," I gestured to his lips.

He looked in the mirror and saw that some of my lipstick had imprinted onto his lips, "Ugh this isn't my shade at all." He mock whined followed by a smirk.

"Shut up, the taxi is waiting and we still have to drag our stuff down the stairs." He groaned at this. He then grabbed a tissue and wiped the lipstick off his lips.

We both dragged our luggage down the millions of stairs and out the door. As we were putting our stuff in the taxi, Dan was still out of breath. "I really fucking hate those stairs."

I climbed into the back seat, "We all do, Dan. Between the glass door, all those stairs and the fact that it's a shoebox of a flat for three people, I don't know why ya'll haven't moved out yet." I could feel the smirk on his face, "Don't say it."

"Y'all" He giggled.

"I hate you." I fake grumbled before kissing him on the cheek…and then wiping the lipstick off his cheek.

"Phil and I actually have been talking about moving." Dan said to me after giving the cab driver the address of his parents' house.

"Really?" Him saying that weirdly stung. That means he's planning on moving out. Moving away from me. Since I moved in with Dan and Phil I haven't thought of what it would be like to live alone or what it would have been like if I did move into an empty flat all those months ago. This is going to be the first time I'll truly be alone.

Dan waved his hand in front of my face, "Earth to Chrissa."

I blinked a couple of times, "Oh shit. Did I space out? I'm sorry." I apologised awkwardly, "What were you saying again?"

He rolled his eyes playfully, "I was saying that Phil and I have been looking for places that will accommodate the three of us and all of our shit, because we're all hoarders. Mostly Phil though."

"Wait, you want me to move with you guys?"

He gave me a confused look, "Well of course. It would be weird not having you around." He smirked, "Phil would miss you a lot and then I would have to listen to all of his complaints. I mean I love the guy but…"

"Dan? Shut up." I said with a smile.

"Only is I can…" He trailed of and leaned down to kiss me gently.

"Hey! If you two lovebirds are going to shag on the back seat, I charge an extra £150 for cleaning fees." The cab driver called back to us in a very gruff and intimidating voice.

Both Dan and my faces went beet red. We looked at each other trying to figure out which one of us was going to respond. I finally wore Dan down with the fact that my eyes were filled with just pure panic and terror, "That won't be necessary, sir." Dan said in a slightly higher pitch voice. He was obviously anxious.

"Don't call me Sir. It makes me sound old." The cab driver responded.

"That won't be necessary, fam." Dan corrected awkwardly. I could see him cringe at his own words. The cab driver just stopped talking, probably realising that both of us were just two very socially awkward young adults.

I leaned my head on Dan's shoulder and he wrapped his arm around me. I felt myself start to doze off.

And before I knew it, I was being shaken awake. My eyes shot open, "I didn't fall asleep." I exclaimed as I took in my surroundings. I was weirdly tangled around Dan's body.

I looked up at him and he kissed my nose. "The princess has finally awoken."

I untangled myself and sat up, "It's woken. The princess has finally woken." I grumbled.

"I can never escape people fixing my typos, can I?"

"People wouldn't have to correct your typos if you didn't make so many." I retorted.

"People wouldn't have to correct your typos if you didn't make so many." He mocked because he knew, HE KNEW that I was right.

I rolled my eyes with a smile plastered on my face. "I'm right and you know it." I smiled and nuzzled my nose into his neck.

"Fine. You're right. Are you happy now?" I nodded into the crook of his neck. He chuckled. "Ready to meet the fam?"

I shot up, my eyes wide with panic, "I…what if they hate me?"

Dan stroked my hair, "poppet, they're going to love you."

"What the fuck is a poppet?" I asked through laughter.

He sighed, "You bloody Americans and your lack of class." He smirked as I pouted, "It's a pet name. It means pretty or doll-like."

I frowned, "You know I hate dolls. Don't you remember that I have like fifty porcelain dolls because my Great, really old, great grandmother Scarlet thought they were just 'too beautiful for someone not to have more than one.'"

He cringed, "And you had them in your bedroom from years until one fell off your shelf and you refused to step foot in that room, which is completely valid."

I nodded, cringing at the memory, "As much I hate dolls, the nickname is cute."

"As long as you don't wake up with nightmares of dolls." He smiled and kissed my forehead. I jokingly grimaced followed by a smile then opened the door of the cab. As I slid out, I glanced down at Dan who was opening the door on his side. I looked over to his house. The house that contains his parents and all his family that could potentially hate me. "Chrissa," Dan looked at me from across the top of the taxi, "Breathe. They are going to love you. Just like I do."

We grabbed our luggage from the trunk and paid the taxi driver. Dan grabbed my hand as the car vanished from our sight. He squeezed my hand reassuringly. I looked up at him and gave a weak smile. He gently pulled me forward towards the door. I took a deep, calming breath as Dan rang the doorbell. When door swung open to reveal an older woman a little taller than me with shoulder length, wavy brown hair and a warm smile, I have to say, my nerves settled a little.

"Bear! I'm so happy you're here!" The woman, I'm assuming Dan's mother, pulled him down into a hug. I couldn't help but smile at the nickname. When she released Dan, her eyes landed on me. "And you, must be Chrissa."

I smiled and nodded, "Yes. That's me. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Howell."

She swooped in and enveloped me in a hug, "oh, you can call me mum, honey."

"Mum!" I saw a blush work itself across Dan's face.

"Oh, hush. The amount you talk about this girl, I wouldn't be surprised if you already had your wedding planned out."

"Mum!" Dan exclaimed with quite a red face. My face probably was a very similar shade but, despite that, I squeezed his hand reassuringly. He looked down in response and smiled.

"Okay love ducks, come inside."

As she ushered us inside I remembered that I had the cookie platter for her, "Oh, Mrs. Howe- I mean mom," She turned to me with a smile which I couldn't help to return. I released Dan's hand unzipped the bag where I kept the platter, "I brought these for y'all." After handing the platter over, I felt Dan lightly grasp my hand and I knew it was him non-verbally commenting on my use of 'y'all'.

"Oh gosh, thank you!" Dan's mother squealed, "This platter is so beautiful."

"Thank you!" I beamed at the compliment.

"I'm assuming you put it together." I nodded at her assumption, "Dan told me how artistic you are." I smiled, not knowing what to say. After a pause Dan's mom pointed her attention towards Dan. "Go introduce her to the rest of the family, okay Bear?"

"Yes Mum." Dan then put both of our suit cases by the stairs grabbed me by the shoulders. "Hey, they're going to love you. Okay. My mom already adores you."

"How many more people are there?" I asked, dreading that there were a hundred people in this house at the current moment.

Dan rubbed my shoulders a little, "My dad, my brother, my gram and grandpa and Colin." My eyes brightened up when he mentioned his dog. "And before you ask, I usually hang out with Colin halfway through but they're going to want to talk to us. But, yes, we can isolate with Colin."

I gave him a bright smile, "yay!"

He chuckled and kissed my forehead, "There we go." He pulled me into the living room. It was a very homey, very warm. I instantly felt more comfortable. And then I felt everyone's eyes on me. "Um, everyone, this is Chrissa."

I waved awkwardly, "Hi."

The teen on the couch who was mostly paying attention to his phone spoke up immediately, "So Dan finally got a girlfriend. It's about time, I was worried about you, mate." I saw him smirk

"Shut up!" Dan exclaimed with a both annoyed and playful edge in his voice. Dan turned to me, "That's my younger brother, I try to think if I ignore him, he'll disappear." he glanced over at his brother, "As you can see, it hasn't worked."

Dan's father then stood up to address us, "Daniel, it's good to see you. Merry Christmas." He gave Dan one of those weird "man hugs"

"Merry Christmas, Dad." Dan, then put his hand on my lower back, "This is Chrissa, my girlfriend."

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Howell." I smiled and then was pulled in a bear hug.

"Merry Christmas." He responded joyfully which encouraged me to return his hug with the same affection I would give my own father. When he released me, he turned back to Dan, "I like her. You picked a good one this time, much better than that last one. What was her name again?"

Dan's eyes widened at the mention of one of his ex's, "It doesn't matter." He pulled me towards the little older lady sitting on the couch. He leaned down and gave her a hug before ushering me in front of him. "Gram, this is Chrissa."

"I know Daniel, you said her name at least twice already. I'm old, not deaf." I couldn't help but laugh. "Sit down here Chrissa." she patted the cushion next to her and I quickly followed her instruction. She grasped my chin firmly and turned my head from side to side, inspecting my face. "She's pretty." She said more to Dan than to me. "She has big bright eyes and good shaped lips." She grasped a strand of my hair, "Thick, healthy hair, that's good." She retracted her hand and placed them on her lap. "Is she fertile?"

Dan's eyes widened at her question, "Gram!"

She shrugged as if it wasn't an inappropriate question to ask, "I want to be the first in my knitting club to have great grandchildren."

Then the elderly man seated in the recliner spoke up, "You don't knit!"

"Because I have no great grandchildren to knit for!" She snapped back.

"Okay, that's enough." Dan pulled me up by my arms and guided me over to the only relative left. "Merry Christmas, Grandpa."

"It's not Christmas yet Daniel." he deadpanned

Dan opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say. I looked at his grandfather and the glint in his eyes showed that he enjoyed watching Dan flounder. I had to hold back my laughter a bit, "Dan, honey, he's joking."

The old man smiled at me, "You got a smart one here, Daniel." I smiled, feeling proud that Dan's family liked me.

"I know." He smiled down at me, lovingly.

"Obviously not smart enough, she's with Dan-" Dan's younger brother's comment was cut off by his dad throwing a coaster at him.

"I'm so sorry about him." his dad looked genuinely embarrassed.

I smiled and signalled that it was okay, "Don't worry about it. I have a brother too, I understand."

Dan's father smiled in what seemed like relief. After a moment of silence, Dan guided me to the open couch and sat me down, "So, Chrissa is your brother older or younger than you?" Dan's dad inquired.

"Oh, dad, she doesn't really lik-" Dan responded but I quickly cut him off by putting a hand on his knee.

"He's my twin brother. But he's three minutes older than me and he'll always hold that above me." I smiled. I decided that now wasn't the time to spring the whole 'my brother is dead' thing now. I usually slip it into conversations subtly.

"Her brother is dead." Dan blurted out as if he was holding his breath by not saying it. I glared at him as he mouthed "I'm sorry".

I looked back to his father who was looking at me with a sad and surprised expression. "Um, where's the bathroom?"

"Down the hall, first door on the right." his dad spoke in a slightly dazed tone, as if someone just handed him a guinea pig randomly.

I got up and Dan grabbed my hand, "Dan, I need to use the bathroom. Let go." I said as cheerily as I could when I was the most angry at him. He gave me an apologetic look before letting go of my hand.

I followed Mr. Howell's directions to the bathroom and quickly locked the door behind me. I looked in the mirror and just stared at myself. "You are not the girl with the dead brother. You are not that girl." I willed myself not to cry. "You are more than that. You are Chrissabelle Marie Kaliyah Jenkins, a strong independant woman who has her own image." I pointed to my reflection, "You are fierce. You can do this." I took a deep breath and walked out of the bathroom. I made it halfway to the living room before I ran into Dan.

"Chrissa I am so sorry. I don't know wh-"

"Dan," I cut him off and held his hand, "It's okay. It was going to come out eventually. I guess now is better than at our wedding or something." I joked

"Our...our wedding?" Dan stuttered out in a mix of confusion and worry.

"I was joking." I patted him on the arm, "Let's get back out there shall we." I pulled

him into the living room and sat down on the couch. I smiled at the family around me as Dan cautiously put his arm around me. "I'm really happy that I was invited to spend Christmas with you guys. I feel honoured."

I received smiles from entire room. And soon the little bit of awkward tension cleared up. Which is good, Dan and I are going to be here for three days, I don't want it to be uncomfortable. Dinner was full of laughs and jokes and hearing about Dan's childhood. He stop protested halfway through and just sat with a face as red as a Santa hat. After dinner, I helped Dan's mother clean up.

"So Chrissa, forgive my memory, but how did you and Daniel meet?" His mother asked as she put away some of the leftovers.

"Oh, um, our landlord messed up and leased me their flat as his and Phil's roommate but didn't tell anyone that there would be three people living in the flat." I blushed slightly.

Mrs. Howell put a tupperware container in the refrigerator and turned to me. She had a smile on her face as she cupped my cheek with her hand, "I think that was the best accident that were ever to occur."

I returned her smile, "Yeah, I think so too."

She then pulled me into a hug. When she released me, she had a wide smirk on her face, "So you've been living together for a while now, huh?"

My eyes widened and my face reddened because I knew what she was insinuating, "I-he-we...he hasn't-we haven't"

My uncomfortable stuttering was cut off by Dan swooping in and placing his hand on the small of my back, "Mum, stop interrogating my girlfriend. You're going to scare her off."

"Oh Daniel hush." She swatted her dish towel at him.

Dan looked down at me, "Do you want to go settle in a bit."

I smiled and nodded in response, "Okay."

"Oh, Dan, Chrissa, why don't you two stay in the guest room together." My eyes widened. Maybe I'm still stuck in a high schooler's mindset or something but parents don't usually recommend their child sleeping with their significant other. Or maybe it's different during adulthood. I don't know. "It will give you two some more privacy." She winked.

"Okay, mum. Thanks." He quickly pulled me out of the room.

He grabbed some of the luggage and I followed suit, "Chrissa, I am so sorry about my entire family."

I giggled as I followed him down the hall, "It's okay Dan. I actually really enjoy being around your family. They're very real and genuine."

When we got to the room, we placed our bags off to the side. Dan turned around and grabbed my shoulders abruptly. He gazed into my eyes before leaning down and giving me a tender kiss on the lips, "I love you."

I smiled up at him, "I love you too." I buried myself into his embrace. With my face still slightly squished against his chest, a loud yawn erupted from my body.

Dan's chest vibrated against my ear signalling he was trying not to laugh. When I pulled away from him, he grasped the sides of my face, "Is my little introvert tired?" he teased and smooshed my face a little. In response, I gave him a pout, that was kind of distorted considering he was squishing my face, and nodded. He leaned down and kissed my nose. "Okay. let's get ready for bed, yeah?" He then released my face and turned to unpack a little bit. I just decided to perch myself on the side of the bed and watch him. That sounds really creepy… but he's such a pretty man. "Are you going to help me or continue to fangirl over my dashing good looks?"

I flopped backwards onto the queen sized bed, "Dan I'm so tired." I whined, ignoring his teasing. When he didn't respond, I closed my eyes and relaxed. That was until the silence started to make me uncomfortable. I opened my eyes at the exact moment that I felt Dan step between my legs and hovered over me with his hands on either side of my head. He looked deep into my eyes, making me blush. He started to lean in but, I felt a yawn bubbling up. I quickly covered my mouth with my hands and turned my head to the side, all while letting out a yawn.

"Way to ruin a mood." Dan teased and laid down next to me.

"I told you I was tired. Did you listen? No." I fake- angrily pouted before turning my head and smiling at him. He faced me and returned my smile. "I love you." I whispered as I gazed into his chocolate brown eyes. I leaned forward and kissed him before pushing myself off the mattress. I rummaged through my suitcase and grabbed my pajamas. I scurried off to the insuit bathroom and changed and brushed my teeth.

When I returned, Dan was laying in bed, facing away from me and under the blankets. I carefully slipped under the covers and slid my hands around his waist. He jumped slightly and hissed in response, "Jesus! Your hands are freezing!" He grabbed a hold of my hands and pushed them back off of him.

I know that he wasn't rejecting me but that does mean I didn't feel rejected by him pushing me off of him. "Sorry." I turned over, facing away from him and curled my hands in the duvet.

Maybe about five minutes later, I feel the bed shift and then a pair of hands grab my waist, pulling me back. I obviously responded with a yelp. "Hey, it's okay. It's just me." Dan whispered then kissed my ear. "I responded wrong before. You're always so warm, it was just unexpected. I didn't mean to make you feel unwanted in any way."

I turned over, his arms still around me, "It's okay." I smiled, "Just remember that your hands are always like encased in ice cubes. So…" My smile turned into a smirk real fast.

"Okay, okay, that's fair."

I smiled and then yawned, "Good night, my love." I turned away from him and snuggled down closer into the mattress. He responded by slinging his arm over my midsection and kissing the back of my neck.

Dan is my home.

Christmas Morning

Chrissa's POV:

Being around Dan's family for the past few days haven't been bad at all. I feel like they think of me as part of the family which is nice considering sometimes I don't even feel apart of my own family. My parents love me, they are (they meaning my mom) just very much about appearance and looking good in front of others.

I opened my eyes and stretched (AKA body yawning, duh). The first thing I saw on the morning of December 25th was my wonderful boyfriend, Dan walking out of the ensuite bathroom in only a towel. Blush creeped up onto my face as I tried to pretend to still be asleep. "I know you're awake, Chrissa." Dan spoke, still digging through a drawer to find something to wear.

My eyes shot open, "What? How?"

"Well first off, you squeak when you stretch." He paused for dramatic effect, "And second off, I didn't actually know for sure but, if I was wrong I knew you wouldn't wake up because you sleep like the dead."

"Hey!" I grabbed one of pillows on the bed and threw it at him which obviously hit him.

He pointed at the pillow amo, "Okay rude."

I rolled out of bed and grabbed my clothes and a spare towel, "It was well deserved." Before I closed the door, I stuck my tongue out at him in a very childish manner.

I stripped off my pj's and hopped in the shower, letting the warm water run over my morning chilled skin. "Dammit!" I cursed as I reached for my shampoo and found nothing. "I guess I'll just used Dan's." I shrugged as I squirted a palmful of the musky shampoo into my hand. As I hummed along to an unknown song in my head, I finished washing and conditioning my hair with the borrowed products.

"Chrissa! Hurry up! It's Christmas morning! It's time to be festive!" I heard Dan yell through the door so I quickly finished up, not wanting to keep everyone waiting. I got dressed in jeans and the Christmas sweater that Dan's mom had bought for me. I towel dried my hair and put on a little makeup before walking out of the bathroom to see that Dan was wearing the same sweater I was with a only a few differences.

"Aww! Look! Your mom bought us matching sweaters. That's so cute!" I squealed and spun around. I've always thought couple clothing was super adorable.

"Don't encourage her." He groaned.

"Nooo couples who wear matching clothing are so cute!" I whined and sat down on one of his thighs. "And we're cute, right?" I cupped his cheeks and then gave him an eskimo kiss. I stood up and grabbed his hand pulling him up with me. "I can't wait to give you your gift!" I exclaimed as I pulled him out into the hallway. I heard him laugh behind me. He stopped walking causing me to be yanked backwards. He took that opportunity to pin me against the wall. He looked down at me, he stared down at me, "what?"

He shook his head with a smile adorning his face, "Nothing I just...I love you to bits." I smiled as he dipped his head down, closing the space between us. Our mouths perfectly molding together and separating. He moved his hands to my hair, deepening the kiss. In this moment, I was in heaven. An alternate reality where everything is perfe-

"EW! Get a room!" Dan's brother cried as he stormed back down the stairs.

Dan just chuckled. He grabbed my hand and whisked me along into the living room where the rest of his family was.

"Sorry we're late."

Dan's mom smiled, "Don't worry about it, love! If I'm being honest, I thought the two of you would still be asleep." she spoke with a laugh, "Come, come!" She indicated to the sofa, "sit down. Do you want coffee or anything?"

"I will. With sugar." Dan responded with a dazzling smile.

"I'm fine thank you." I responded, ready to give out my presents.

After Dan got his coffee, it was decided that it was time to hand out and open gifts. His family exchanged gifts in a way I haven't seen before. They actually give each other the gift they got for them. In my house, after Grey and I turned eleven or twelve, we would basically have our own Christmases. Our presents would be under the tree and we'd open them together. Our parents worked a lot. Most of the time they had to spend holidays overseas so holidays were spent with the nanny. Every once and awhile, when my dad forced my mom home for Christmas, it was nice to have them home.

I watched as Dan's mom opened the present from me. Her eyes lit up as she pulled out the chiffon pink scarf out of the box, "Oh Chrissa! It's absolutely divine!"

I smiled, not knowing what to say. Then Dan's dad jumped up from where he was sitting, "Spices of the World! Oh god you're a saint! Dan if you don't marry her, I will!"

I think my face was as red as rudolph's nose as he guided Santa's sleigh. "Dad, calm down." Dan scolded.

"But she bought me a membership to get different spices from around the world, every month."

"Yeah, I understand that but...it doesn't matter." He sat back, sulking.

I leaned back to him and kissed him on the cheek, "I love you." I whispered and placed a box on his lap.

He looked over at my smiling face before gently tearing the paper off of the box. When he saw what it was, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. "You got me a VR sert?" he whisper-yelled

I frowned, "Do you not like it?"

"No no, baby that's not it. It's just that these, this one in particular, are really expensive. Are you sure?"

I booped his nose, "Well of course I'm sure, silly."

"EW! Mom! They're doing it again!" Dan's little brother complained.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" I got up and walked over to my pocketbook. After a bit of rummaging, I found what I was looking for. I handed Dan's brother the green envelope and sat back down next to Dan, "Merry Christmas."

He opened the envelope and slide the card out. Once he realised there was some sort of money inside of the card, he chucked the Christmas hat wearing penguin card onto the table and pocketed the gift card.

A look of horror spread across Dan's mother's face, "Hey, that was very ru-"

"Oh no, don't worry." I interjected, "I was a teenager not to long ago. I knew that was coming. The card is blank."

Dan's dad picked up the card and look inside, "Well, what do you know," he turned the card around to show the blank, white insides. "That's pretty smart."

After Dan's grandparents thanked me for their gifts, which they loved by the way (I'm really good at buying gifts.) Dan leaned down and whispered in my ear, "I want to give you my present later. In private." He leaned back to his original spot as my face blazed. What could that mean? He wants to give me my gift in private? Why? Why can't he give it me here? Is it something that he can't give to me in front of his parents? Oh God!

"Chrissa, dear. Are you feeling okay? You look a bit flushed?" Dan's mom said, her voice laced with concern.

"Ah, oh, yes I'm fine. I'm just really grateful to have had the opportunity to meet y'all." I smiled.

"Oh it was a pleasure to meet you too." Dan's mom smiled back to me. "I'm so happy Dan found a nice and caring girl such as yourself."

"And she's quite a looker!" His grandfather chimed in.

A deeper blush spread across my face as I heard all the compliments from Dan's family. I'm so happy they like me. I felt Dan drape his arm around me and kiss the side of my head, "See, I told you they would love you." he whispered into my hair.

After staying a little bit longer, Dan and I decided we didn't want to outstay our welcome. We packed up our luggage and got ready to say goodbye.

"Dan, bring this one around more often. She's a good catch." Dan's dad said as he helped load our suitcases into the back of the taxi.

"Will do, dad."

I waved to Mrs. Howell who was standing by the door, "Bye Mrs. Howell. Thank you for everything." She blew me a kiss and waved then walked back into the house. "It was nice meeting you Mr. Howell." I smiled

I was then pulled into a hug, "It was so nice meeting you too!" Then he said something quietly so Dan couldn't hear, "Thank you for making my kid happy." He pulled away and smiled before releasing me from his grip. I stood there, not really knowing what to say or do. It's okay though because soon Dan ushered me into the car and we drove away from Dan's childhood home.

I leaned on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around me, "That was nice." I mumbled as I nuzzled my head into his chest.

"Yeah, it was." he started to stroke my hair in a loving manner. "I think they like you more than they like me." He chuckled. I giggled along with him and the words from his father echoed in my mind, plastering a smile on my face.

As Dan continued to smooth my hair, I started to drift off into a place in between asleep and awake."Hey, Chrissa,"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, Dan?" I mumbled back

"You just did." I smirked

"No, I mean like a question that's not that one."

"Yeah, of course."

"You know how we're planning on moving this year, eventually?"

"Yeah…" at this point I was starting to get nervous. What if he asked me not to move with them. Yikes.

"Well this might be a stupid question or a thing that- whatever I'm just going to ask it. Do want to share a room? Like us live in the same room."

I didn't even realise my eyes were closed until they shot open in shock. I mean I know I've slept in the same bed as Dan a bunch but, not having my own room. I don't know. Maybe. Not knowing what to say, I just pretended to be asleep and I'm guessing that he feel for it because he didn't say anything else. He just continued to stroke my hair lovingly.

Okay. So I'm awful and I'm so sorry. I was planning on posting this LAST CHRISTMAS but, I'm awful and procrastinate. So my thought process was "I'll just wait until next Christmas". Moral of the story: I'm terrible and I'm sorry. Hopefully I'll be able to update more frequently and not be awful. But I do love and appreciate everyone who reads LINOF. Don't forget to review because they make me feel better about everything and such. Yeah...thanks for reading! Have a nice holiday season! Go eat a gingerbread house, you deserve it.