TERRIFED · Y/n story by @gr4ss

The living room was a battlefield of wrapping paper and stray ribbons. Christmas lights blinked in lazy colors from the tree, casting soft shadows across the couch where Max sat hunched over his cereal.

Max

staring at the half-unwrapped gift in his lap You know, for someone who made me watch that nightmare fuel, you're kinda killing it with the whole mom thing.

He said it like it was an accusation. But his fingers were gentle, tracing the hand-stitched edge of the scarf you'd made him. The one with the little pine trees.

David

calling from the kitchen, voice warm Y/n, the coffee's ready! And Max, don't you dare give your mom attitude on Christmas Eve. She's been up since five.

Max

muttering into his cereal It's not attitude. It's... appreciation with sarcasm. There's a difference.

The puppy was still hidden in the laundry room. Whining softly every few minutes. Max hadn't noticed yet—too busy pretending the scarf wasn't the best thing he'd ever owned.

David

walking in with three mugs, setting one in front of you You look nice today. Your eyes are... really bright.

David's cheeks went pink as soon as he said it. He'd been trying to flirt for two days now, and it still came out like he was reading from a manual he'd found in a dumpster.

Max

freezing mid-bite, eyes darting between you two Oh no. Are we doing this now? In front of my cereal?