It is Christmas season in Leduc County, Alberta,
and everyone’s spirits were high
as the lights of the holiday joy shined bright
and touched the hearts of all the - >>
(OLIVER POV)
>> - WHAT DO I GET FOR KAI?
I consider asking her friends (since her friends are kinda my friends) but isn’t that kind of lazy?
I mean I’m her boyfriend - I should be able to go above and beyond for the one I love.
I know that’s not what Christmas is about (Christmas movies have said this enough times for me to know)
but seeing everyone else want to make their loved ones happy with gifts, how can I not want to do the same?
And besides!
It’s KAI.
Knowing her, she’s probably had gifts for everyone she knows lined up for MONTHS!
And she probably made a spreadsheet and a chart and graphs about it too.
She loves giving gifts and she’s great at it.
She puts 100% into things she cares about. It’s just right to want to give that same amount of effort back to her.
And besides…
How would I feel if she got me some awesome gift and I gave her something disappointing?
I’d be an insult to… well- everything!
Wait wait wait
This is KAI (😅) She’s not going to get upset because a gift didn’t blow her mind.
… right?
Or
Maye I only THINK that because she’s only held me to friend-standards?
Maybe now that we’re dating, she expects more?
Wait, “more” what?
Uh
Uh
Wait…
WHAT DAY IS IT?
How long do I have before Christmas is here?
If I order something online too late, it might get lost among the other gifts piling in last-second!!
What do I do?
Wait, wasn’t I thinking of calling her friends?
WHO DO I CALL?
~ (ONE MENTAL RANT LATER)
Alex picks up excitedly. “Hello Branch!”
I smile at the familiar voice and nickname. Alex calls me Branch because I’m “an Olive Branch from a tall tree” and we both like the TROLLS movies.
“Hey Alex -” I hear something fall. “ … Are you okay?”
“Yep!” I hear her strain something. “That was just Lucas’ present. Or- the means for it- rather. I’m making our brother-in-arms a friendship bracelet but the bracelet maker thing is kinda hard to use. I promise, I’m listening to you though. What’s up?”
I smile a bit because I can clearly imagine her clumsily making a bracelet. “Uh, I wanted some advice about another friend of ours.”
“Do you want gift ideas for Kai-Kai?”
How did she know? Actually- it’s Alex. Of course she knows.
I scratch the back of my head with my free hand. “Uh… yeah… I’m kind of overthinking everything and I needed another voice in my head other than myself… Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize! Your lover is tough, and I mean that in every way.” Alex’s energy goes down a bit. “Kai-Kai loves giving gifts to other people and she’s pretty good at it, yet she’s not great with getting gifts.”
“How come?”
I already have my guess that it’s because Kai is extremely practical, but I wanna hear Alex’s side.
“She’s just not easy is all. That said, I’ve learned the secret to how to make’er happy with a gift!”
“What is it?”
Alex sounds like she’s trying not to laugh. “You’re her boyfriend. What do you think it is?”
Oh goodness…
“Umm, give me a second to think please…”
I’ve been dating Kai for almost a year and I have been her friend for almost two years now…
How do I not know this??
There’s so much I know about Kai.
She has a very unique way of thinking yet she tries hard to understand other people.
When she reads books, her face tells you almost exactly what kind of scene it is.
She taps her pointer finger and thumb together when she lies, which isn’t often.
But there’s so much I don’t know about Kai.
Honestly…
“Uhhh …”
What would make the coolest, smartest, most down-to-earth person I know .. happy?
Wait…
down to earth…
“ … Is it a gift that shows you pay attention?”
Alex cackles loudly. “BINGO! I knew you’d get it!”
It was so obvious! Why did that take me so long? “Yeah…”
Alex starts talking at the speed of light again, and I’m kind of glad she can’t see my expression right now…
“The year I became close enough to buy a gift for her, I noticed she gets really fidgety, but I also noticed she doesn't like most fidget toys because she feels they’re too attention grabbing to other people. So I bought her a dark-colored small squishy ball. No extra detail or noise and it’s subtle and not overly noticeable to other people. She was over the moon for it.”
“That’s great, Alex.”
I’m trying to focus on what my friend is saying but I’m kind of mentally lagging behind.
Why did that take me so long?
I admit, “I’m kind of embarrassed… I feel like I should have thought of this myself…”
Alex’s voice calms down again. “You did, Oliver. I didn’t tell you. You already know that you have everything you need. I just helped you remember that.”
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
“Thanks…” Unsure what else to say, I ask, “What are you getting her?”
Alex jokes, “Trying to steal my ideas, Branch?”
“I dunno- I just wasn’t sure what else to say… though I wouldn’t mind knowing I don’t accidentally get the same thing as you.”
“Hmmm… Okie-dokie! In that case, I am getting Kai-Kai a book from a series she likes. I know she gets anxious over buying books when she’s at a store because she thinks people may look at her weird for liking certain things but I have no shame!”
That’s…
Brilliant.
How do I do something as good?
Hours later, after I’ve hung up, I’m unsure what to do.
Since when have I worried this much over a gift? Usually I just kinda… GIVE.
Like my dad collects dragon figurines so I always got some for him. Mom always likes new jewelry so I get some for her. Oriana likes fashion stuff so I get her hair clips and whatnot.
And my friends… I’d just get them a bag of their favorite treat.
But Kai isn’t just a friend anymore.
Then again- did I ever really see her like that?
Now I kinda wanna see her… (just to feel that calmness I get from her)
Wait, is that weird?
I’m feeling a bit down so I wanna see her but the reason I’m feeling down is kind of related to her….
Maybe I shouldn’t -
QUACK! (phone notification sound)
I startle a bit, but quickly relax and turn my phone screen-up.
(new message from) “Kai🖤 totally-tubular-tastic is what she suggested I put in” :
*Hey Hun-Bun🖤 I was wondering if you wanted to hang out soon? Everyone in my family is running back and forth for all their plans and it’s kind of annoying. Can you be my excuse to not be dragged through miles of glitter and tinsel? (I mean that in the most loving way ever)*
I smile.
Well, if she wants to see me, then I guess it’s alright.
Besides, knowing her, I’m sure she is kind of tired.
I’ve learned the long way that Kai adores her family’s enthusiasm for -well -everything, but she lacks that energy for most things so it’s still kind of a lot for her.
I tell her “of course” and we arrange for me to come over to her house tomorrow since her dad will be at the church with Bella, so it’ll just be her and her mom in the house and we can relax.
~ (THE NEXT DAY)
“I’ve missed this~” Kai murmurs while she pulls me closer as we cuddle, laying on her bed in her room.
I agree with her.
Between the chaos of the holidays and our different jobs and finishing up stuff for college before Christmas break, we haven’t gotten to see each other as much as usual.
I think back to how I thought of wanting to see her right before she messaged me.
I give my lover a small kiss on the top of her head. “I’ve missed you too.”
She buries her face into my chest and grumbles something I can’t make out. Probably more tsundere-ish insults.
For whatever reason, I find some comfort that she still gets flustered over stuff like this. That way I’m not the only one.
I close my eyes and focus on the sound of Kai’s breathing.
After some time passes quietly, Kai mumbles, “Olly?”
“Yeah?”
“... I’m kind of thirsty… but I don’t wanna move.”
I try not to laugh (she’s so cute). “I can get something for you.”
Kai tightens her embrace. “No, I don’t want you to move either!”
“Oh… well then we’re in a predicament…”
I can hear Kai’s smile. “Nice use of the word predicament… Bella keeps using it wrong, haha.”
A few minuets pass and she asks, “Are you hungry?”
Now that she mentions it, yeah. “A little.”
We have been cuddling here for a while…
“Then let’s get up. I’m still thirsty anyways.”
I almost cringe as I feel her move away from me, but we should probably move a bit. We might become potatoes at this rate.
~ ~ ~
As I watch Kai pur a drink for herself, I see her do one of her usual habits.
Kai has little things that she does.
I call them habits because everyone has things they do (even if Kai is autistic), but she calls them “dumb-sh!t ticks” because she finds them embarrassing for some reason.
When she pours a drink for herself, she always grabs a clear glass/cup, and she always puts three fingers to the side of the cup and only fills it up to there.
She told me why a while back: She handles smaller portions better. That’s why she also cuts up stuff like pizza when she eats.
Kai gently bonks my head and I turn to her. “Drink water. It’s good for you.”
I smile and take the cup of water from her, which unlike hers, is filled to a normal amount.
Wait…
WAIT
I KNOW WHAT TO GIVE KAI FOR CHRISTMAS!!
My thoughts are interrupted. “Olly? You good?”
“I’m great. Why?”
“You were staring off into space.”
“Well space gave me a good idea.”
“Ooh. What?”
“Uh, I’ll tell you later.”
Kai looks a bit confused, but she shrugs it off, and starts talking about the health benefits of water (I love her so much~)
(CHRISTMAS DAY)
As we agreed, we meet up at the cafe the night before Christmas morning to exchange gifts.
Kai got there first and she’s sitting at a two-person table with a green plastic bag that’s tied closed at the top with a christmas bow.
I gulp in anticipation, hoping I made the right choice with my gift.
“Hey baby~” Kai greets me with a hug.
My face heats up a bit. “Hi Kai.”
She looks at the wrapped box under my arm. “Wow, you wrapped yours and everything… I just have a boring bag I’m reusing.”
“Nah, you reusing the bag makes it cooler.”
“Sush, dork.” Kai looks down and smiles. “Do you wanna open yours first or do you want me to go first?”
Getting right into it! (maybe she’s eager to see my reaction too?)
I hand her the box, and I dumbly quip: “Ladies first.”
She cringes a bit so I try again:
“Okay. Esteemed-Kais first.”
Kai’s face heats up. “Ugh, you…”
She takes the box and opens it, trying not to make too much noise with the wrapping paper since we’re in public (even though nobody else aside from the staff are in this cafe).
I already opened box so after she takes off the paper, she sees what it is right away.
(KAI POV)
I open the box and see four bright colored containers with lids.
I pick one up and realize…
I laugh. “Ah! They’re tiny cups!”
“Yep! And they’re plastic so they won’t break easily and they’re easy to clean.”
“These are so cute! Thankyou!”
Oliver asks, “Do you like them? I thought you’d like small cups because you like to just drink a little at a time.”
Wait… WHAT
I look at him in shock.
My voice comes out soft. “That’s why?”
He remembered one of my dumb-sh!t ticks…
And…
He got me these because he knows I feel better with smaller portions?
That… stupid… perfect…
I put a hand to my mouth. “Oh my god, I love you.”
DID I JUST BLURT THAT OUT? (I mean I’ve it before but still!)
Oliver’s eyes widden. “So I made a good choice? - I mean- I love you too! Sorry!”
I get out of my seat and give him a hug and a small kiss on the cheek. “Don’t apologize!”
Wow…
I just can’t believe he did this for me!
This is completely from a place of giving.
He’s not making fun of my portions-thing (unlike my family) ... he’s actually encouraging it and made a way to make it easier…
Sh!t… I might cry- No!! DONT CRY! DONT CRY! You’re in public, Wimp! It’s just dumb cups!!
I pick up one of the tiny cups and put three fingers against it.
I gasp. “It’s only a little bit over that!”
Oliver looks shy. “Yeah… I measured three fingers of height and figured a cup that holds around five ounces would be about the same…”
I try to blink back any feeling of crying. I love him so much… I’m so happy.
“You put so much thought into this! Thank you, Oliver!”
“Of course. Merry Christmas, Kai.”
“You don’t understand- this means so much to me.” I look at the ground. “I think you know this but I’m kind of … touchy about my… habits…”
“Well I promise, I have nothing against your habits. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing wrong with them! And I’m the same way- like- anytime I put numbers in a microwave, I can’t put 1:10, it has to be 1:11.”
“Yeah… I know.”
I hug him again and tell him I love him again.
. . .
I hope my gift can make him just as happy…
you won’t believe the over-thinking I put into it!
Good thing I called Alex the other day!
(A/N: Isn’t that crazy ~? Can we just give a shout out to Alex for being the greatest friend ever~?)
(OLIVER POV)
“I’m going to give you yours now, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Uh, because this gift comes in parts, is it okay if I hand each to you slowly?”
Parts? Slowly? What IS this gift?? (excited)
I nod. “That’s fine.”
She reaches into the bag and hands me a picture frame upside-down.
I take it and turn it over.
Seeming shy, Kai murmurs, “It’s the first time we went to the fair together…”
“I remember this.”
In the photo, Kai and I have ketchup on our noses from the corn dogs we were eating.
I feel very touched seeing this as a physical photo in a frame.
“That’s one of my favorite memories.” I laugh. “We were there so long, one of the foodtruck staff told us we had to either buy more food or leave the table.”
I’m about to say thanks but Kai interrupts me by mumbling: “They’re hang-able and prop-up on a table… able” as she hands me another frame picture-upside down.
I set the other frame down carefully and look at this next one, and this one touches my heart too.
I grin. “It’s the CIS room” The computer lab is where we met!
Kai nods, looking even more shy, and she can’t seem to meet my eyes. “Y- yeah… Remember? We .. we accidentally were kind of matching like the yi- ying-yang symbol…”
Sure enough, I have a white hoodie on and she has a black long-sleeve on.
I smile at this memory too. “Yeah… you said it was a good omen we’d remain friends.”
Kai is actually turning red now as she murmurs, “Yeah, yeah, here’s the last part, Doofus.”
I smile as I set that frame down and she hands me one more frame.
I turn this one over and I’m surprised.
“I don’t think I’ve seen this image before!”
Kai hides behind her hair. “Yeah…”
“It’s me and you at the rollerskating rink! But it doesn’t look like a selfie we took like the other two were…”
“Charlie… took that image… I…”
I look at the image again. Kai and I are leaning on each other laughing, and it’s so sweet and touches my heart because it feels the most “us”.
Still red, Kai huffs, “I know it’s not a pretty picture but I just thought you’d appreciate it because you like candid stuff like that!”
“Is that why you’ve never shown me this one?” I finally tease her a little. “And why you’re turning red?”
“I’m turning red?” Kai whines and covers her face. “UGH!!”
“It’s okay- I love these photos! Thankyou so much!”
Kai ignores that. “It’s so bad! I look like I’ve been stabbed in the kidney!”
“No you don’t!”
Seeming to have not heard me, Kai rants: “I know you kept worrying about photos in your phone because of storage and whatnot so I thought you’d feel better with some printed physical photos! So I overcame my embarrassment and now you can keep images of us together and see my stupid expressions!”
Unsure how else to calm her, I pull her close and kiss her nose.
She stops talking and turns redder somehow.
“I love the gifts. Thankyou. Merry christmas, Darling.”
She covers her face. “Merry christmas.”
The cafe staff member says, “Merry christmas to you and to all a good night. Unfortunately, we’re closing soon. Wrap it up, sweethearts.”
. . .
(insert the random laughing zoom-out closing cartoons like to do)