On our way back to the shopping district, I take pictures of the decorations now that Henri reminded me I should document the season.
Speaking of, I spy a store with lots of twinkling lights in the window display.
I wonder if they would mind if I get some decorations for the station. I already set up my meager Yule decorations in my rooms, a few festive pillows shaped like trees and candy canes, some nutcrackers, and nesting dolls. Therewere already colorful fairy lights in my nest, so I only had to add a few more.
“Would it be okay if I buy decorations and put them up in the common areas?” I ask Henri tentatively. He seems to be the one who’s in charge of the household.
“Of course, you’re welcome to decorate however you’d like,” he says.
“We’ll buy anything you want,” Orion says, already herding me to the closest store.
“We still need to bring down the rest of our Yule decorations. We can put them up together if you’d like to,” Henri says.
They convince me to let them buy tons of decorations, with promises to help put them up tomorrow.
Chapter 16
Hestia
Cheerful music is playing, the fire is crackling, and hot chocolate is warming while Orion and Magnus wrestle a giant box down the staircase.
I’m dreaming of a knotty Yuleis the background tune to their struggles.
I was told to wait in the foyer while they get the decorations out of storage. I offered to help, but they said the boxes were too big and it would be best if they brought them down.
I would’ve argued, but I’d rather save my energy for the decorating part than use it on the carrying heavy boxes part.
They didn’t let me help bring in the decorations we bought yesterday either.
I must have passed out on the ride back to the station last night because I have no recollection of going to bed. I woke up in my actual bedroom, not the nest where I usually sleep. Someone took my coat and shoes off, leaving me in my sweater and leggings, before tucking me in.
When I came downstairs this morning, our bags weresitting in the foyer, waiting for us to start decorating. I’m glad they didn’t unpack them, otherwise they would’ve ruined my surprise.
After breakfast, I pulled their Yule gifts out of the bags and snuck them up to my room without anyone seeing. I don’t think they noticed me buying them yesterday either, so the secret is safe.
While I wait for them to get the box down, Cato suddenly slides down the brass pole, holding a faux tree under one arm. His other arm is stretched above him and one leg is wrapped around the pole, chest muscles flexing with the controlled slide. He’s shirtless, of course, so every chiseled inch is on display.
I soak up every second as he spins around, gray sweatpants clinging so tightly that he might as well be naked for all they leave to the imagination,histhick pole clearly pressed against the brass pole.
Either time slows or Cato does as he nears the bottom, because it feels like long minutes until he finally lands.
Cato smirks as he passes me, and I turn to watch him go, tree tucked securely under his arm. I wish it was me.
A loud thud makes me jump, and I spin around to see Magnus and Orion made it down the stairs.
I duck my head and follow them to the living room where Cato is sprawled on the couch, his tree propped up in the corner. I allow myself one subtle look at him before helping unpack the box.
We remove the packing paper to reveal colorful ornaments in all shapes and sizes. My focus narrows to the bright baubles, and I start sorting them into piles based on style. Magnus kneels next to me and hands over each new ornament for me to categorize.
“What are you doing with that tree? Did you even bring the stand down?” Orion asks.
“I didn’t know where Hestia wanted it,” Cato says, unmoving.
“Anywhere is fine. This is your station too,” I say distractedly, waving my hand around.
Should I put just the round ornaments on the tree, or mix them with other shapes to make it more eclectic?
I vaguely hear Orion drag Cato out.
