"I'll be with you until the spring runs by and the summer starts to burn. I'll be with you when the autumn wind returns, don't you want to say you'll stay?"

pairing: Koli
story: Epiphany

context: Here's a piece of Kellin and Oli's future post-epiphany events. Where they celebrate Christmas together but what's special about it this time is that there's no Christmas concert, no trips, just them in the comfort of their home for the first time.

(I suggest not reading till after chapter 22 of Epiphany due to some spoilers but if you don't want to wait/care then read away :)—if it's not up yet then, personally, screw it maybe?)

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"Hi mom," Kellin smiled as he sat down in front of her, "...It's been a while since I last visited." Kellin frowned, looking at her, before sighing, "I want to say it's because I got busy with the new album coming out but... You told me not to keep things from you anymore."

Kellin blinked a couple of times, trying to rid the tears away. He promised he wouldn't cry though considering how easily accessible she is to him still, those promises he makes to her get easily broken. A soft chilly breeze passed him as he placed the bouquet of flowers on her grave, they were alstroemerias, his bottom lip quivering as he tried to smile. "I really wanted to visit you for Christmas Eve," Kellin continued, knowing if he didn't, he'd leave and he shouldn't do that.

Not when he was just able to finally convince himself to come back to her again. It's been a couple of months since Vivian passed away and it still doesn't feel real to him. Being here feels wrong for multiple reasons but one of the main ones was because she's gone. Kellin shook his head a little and wiped his tears away, "I'm sorry I didn't spend more of these days with you when I had the chance..."

Another breeze passed by, making him shiver, "But, I'll try coming more often... especially for the holidays um..." Kellin trailed off a little awkwardly. He didn't really know what else to say. He could probably sit here apologizing for an entire hour but even he knew that Vivian wouldn't like that.

She'd probably show up in his dreams and start scolding him. Kellin smiled softly at the thought.

"Oli's here," Kellin said, glancing back to see him a couple of feet away—giving Kellin his privacy. He looked back down at the tombstone with her name carved onto it. "You know... he asked me to move in not that long ago, thought you'd get a kick out of that... I haven't said yes yet but, I'm going to." Kellin suddenly felt warm.

Oli was extremely nervous when asking him—the last time Kellin saw him so nervous was when he realized he just confessed to loving him. "I know what you're going to say," Kellin could already hear the nagging. Asking why he just hasn't told Oli yes already—put him out of the unsure misery—but, he just wants to make sure it's the best decision for them, "I just wanted to make sure first, that it was the right decision... and it is. It's kind of my Christmas surprise to him."

Sure, they've been together for a while and they have their stuff at each other's places but moving in together? Into one place? That's a whole different ballpark.

That could change everything.

But, Kellin wasn't really thinking about all the things that could change in a negative light. Which was why he was going to say yes. It just—like everything with Oli always does—makes sense. He'd miss his loft, for sure, it was the first time his space was... his. No bad memories or another presence haunting every corner of the house. Just Kellin.

And being just Kellin was good for a while but, he's more than ready for him to be more than that now. Now he can be just Kellin but with Oli who does everything he can for Kellin to be Kellin. Comfortable in his own skin, supportive, and loving.

He smiled at himself over that and looked back at Oli again. Oli instantly walked over with a smile on his face when he saw Kellin wave him over. Before anything, he looked over at the tombstone, "Hi Viv, Merry Christmas Eve."

Kellin smiled up at him and tugged at his pants, Oli got the message and sat down on the grass next to him. "I was just telling her how you asked me to move in," Kellin said, feeling his heart swell when Oli brought his hand up and wiped away the remaining stray tears that slipped through.

"Did you also tell her how you haven't given me an answer?" Oli asked before looking at the grave, "Can you believe him?"

Kellin rolled his eyes and looked up the grey skies. It looked like it wanted to rain but it probably wasn't going to. California winter wasn't that gracious enough to give them that luxury. "You think she's happy we're here?" Kellin asked, still feeling that guilt weigh on him, "This is only the second time I've come visited her since..."

Oli looked over at him, smiling sadly, and putting his arm around his shoulder as he hugged him into his side. "You know she knows you get busy," Oli said, "I'm sure she was watching over you anyway and is more than happy that you're here with her."

Kellin sighed a little, letting his eyes flutter shut as he leaned his head against Oli, "She's always been understanding... I kind of wish she got mad at me for running away so much."

Oli chuckled, "That wouldn't help with anything. She knew you'd come back no matter what anyway."

"A little too late," Kellin mumbled. Oli squeezed his shoulder, "Sorry, this turned into a really depressing Christmas Eve." He looked down at the grave again, "Also I would've brought you more than flowers but I think you'd be happy with them."

"I picked them out," Oli grinned proudly. Again making Kellin roll his eyes but still he smiled up at him, endeared.

Immediately after they heard thunder above them. "She knows you're lying," Kellin stuck his tongue out at him, "You didn't pick shit."

"I'm offended by both you and your mum, you showed me two bouquets and I picked those."

"You were on your phone," Kellin laughed, "You didn't even see which ones you picked!"

"I just knew which ones were better without needing to see," Oli shrugged. Another roll of thunder hitting. To be fair, Oli didn't mean to ignore Kellin during that, his phone was blowing up with multiple calls about some issues with his Vegas location. Something Oli definitely didn't want to hear considering he's nowhere near that restaurant to fix the issue.

But everything was resolved in the end and he ended up silencing his phone for the rest of the day.

"Whatever," Kellin shook his head as he stood up and started to dust himself off, "Let's go before you make her rain on us."

"She wouldn't dare," Oli said as he stood up but the sound of more thunder said otherwise. Oli's jaw dropped as he looked up at the sky, as if he was truly looking up at Vivian offended.

Kellin gave him a smug look, before looking down at the grave. His gaze softened as he leaned over to touch the tombstone, "Merry Christmas mom. I'll be back soon, I promise."

And maybe they were being silly about tying the weather to her. It was a comforting notion, to be able to pin someone's spirits onto something and pretend they were answering to you. Or maybe it really was her sending the wind and answering with thunders, letting Kellin know she was there. Listening.

And maybe. Just maybe when the grey clouds in the sky separated, letting a sliver of the warm sun to shine down on them was her own way of giving them an embrace.

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Christmas (Eve) was... different this year.

For multiple reasons, really. Firstly, Kellin had this overwhelming urge to go to the cemetery today. Which was odd to him mostly because he couldn't even stand being there the day she was buried. For, again, multiple reasons. There was so much guilt he felt when he'd see her tomb there, knowing fully well she didn't want that. But, at this point there wasn't much he could do.

Secondly, the most shocking of all things, there wasn't going to be a yearly Christmas concert.

Okay. That's a lie. There was a Christmas concert this year but they already performed the week before instead of Christmas like they usually did. The rest of the band thought they'd cancel it all together when Kellin brought it up. That he didn't want to do a Christmas concert this year on Christmas.

And... well, Kellin wanted to cancel. The last months of the year had been so emotionally taxing he seriously doesn't know how he's even standing right now. From Vivian passing to arguing with Vic again, to Gabe's wedding to the album being released to press for said album to- It was just a lot. Kellin wanted to burrow himself into the earth and never come back out again.

Of course, that didn't happen. He just switched gears and planned the annual concert to be early so he can be home for Christmas. After all, he also couldn't take that small gift away from their fans who look forward to finding a place to be during the holidays.

Now he was home. Well, Oli's home—soon to also be Kellin's home—and he was sitting on one of the empty counters in the kitchen with Otto. The usually excitable cat was curled up on Kellin's lap, wearing a mauve colored knitted Christmas sweater—that he definitely didn't appreciate wearing at first.

When Kellin thought of things to do for Christmas now that he wasn't doing his usual, he ran through a lot of things to do.

#1: Host a party.

That was immediately thrown out the window. Mostly because everyone had plans since the Christmas concert was scheduled earlier. All of his bandmates had gone off with their families, Denis also decided to go visit his family, which he hadn't in years, Jesse and Zach took a vacation, and well... At that point a party didn't sound fun.

#2: Travel back to the UK and celebrate with Oli's family.

Almost. That was almost the plan. Unfortunately though Oli's family decided to vacation somewhere else for the holidays and Kellin just didn't want to go anywhere.

#3: Say screw it and just do his own solo Christmas concert because he genuinely couldn't think of anything else.

Clearly. That was brought up once and immediately thrown out the window. Eventually Oli sat him down and reminded him that it's okay for them to do nothing but be with each other. And, well, that sounded like a damn good idea.

"You know," Oli started after he slid the pan of cookies into the oven, "When I said we could bake cookies for Christmas, I was expecting for you to help me actually make them."

After coming home from visiting Vivian, the two started to prepare some vegan sugar cookies so they could decorate after. "The two" being just Oli while Kellin sat on one of the empty counters—before Otto jumped up to join him—and watching his boyfriend do most of the work.

"I am going to help you," Kellin pouted, "I'm decorating the cookies." Oli looked over at him with a less than impressed look. This feeling awfully familiar. "Hey, you told me to just sit here and look pretty, and that's what I'm doing."

Oli chuckled softly and walked over to him. Otto—as if sensing his parents were about to start acting gross—immediately jumped off before Oli got to Kellin and scampered off to go eat out of his bowl. Kellin grinned when Oli placed his hands on his knees, spreading his legs apart so he can slot himself between them.

"You kept having me repeat the recipe," Oli said as he wrapped his arms around his waist, "And you still kept messing it up."

Kellin shrugged, throwing his arms over his shoulders, fingers gently brushing through the tips of his growing hair. "It's not my fault you look good while cooking," Kellin said, a very fake pout on his lips.

Oli rolled his eyes before leaning in to kiss him. Kellin immediately melted against him, kissing back with a smile on his face. Oli kept a hand at the small of his back, the other planted on the counter so he could lean in deeper.

Before they could go too far, though, Kellin pulled away giving him a mischievous smile. "Aren't we supposed to be watching a movie now?" Kellin asked, innocently.

And Oli, with darkened eyes, scoffed, "We could make our own movie if you want?"

"Oli!" Kellin laughed and pushed him back as he slid off the counter, "Not on Christmas Eve."

"May I remind you the last time we spent Christmas together and-," Oli started as he let Kellin drag him towards his living room that looked like Christmas tried to throw up on it. When Kellin decided to spend Christmas at home... he wasn't exactly sure where they'd spend it but they both decorated their place as much as they could on such short notice.

They had a tree. A real freaking Christmas tree. Kellin's never had a real Christmas tree before. One day, while driving around the city to figure out what to do for the night, they found a place where they were selling Christmas trees. Kellin looked all over the place, trying to find the perfect one till he found a grand fir. It just looked like the kind of Christmas trees he'd see in movies and decors.

Full and fluffy looking. Obviously they needed to get it. And they did and took it back to Oli's apartment. Honestly speaking, when thinking about it now, they should've bought a fake tree. Getting that tree up into Oli's apartment wasn't easy whatsoever. But they did, and thankfully there wasn't any damage to it. Now it was at one corner of the room decorated to the brim. Just like they did with Otto, they mass bought so many ornaments and lights, they ended up with leftovers.

Kellin opted for a fake tree at his loft.

There were multiple gifts at the bottom of the tree. They weren't supposed to gift each other this time around. Opting to just spending time with each other and maybe—definitely—delving in some non-holy things. But, one gift turned into two gifts and then Kellin kept buying more so Oli kept buying more and-

Kellin's pretty sure they have at least 15 things to give each other. How could they come up with that many gifts for each other when they have practically everything they needed already? Who knows but it didn't help that when Oli kept buying, Kellin didn't want to fall behind.

And of course, they also bought Otto a couple of gifts. Small toys they knew he would play with once and never again, more Christmas sweaters because Kellin couldn't help himself, and just for funsies... some catnip. Otto definitely knew it was there since the day Kellin put the present down with it, Otto kept sniffing and rubbing up against it.

"That doesn't count," Kellin blushed as he sat Oli down on the couch.

Oli was quick to pull him down with him, sitting Kellin on his lap, "And why the hell not?"

Kellin glared playfully at him, throwing his arms over his shoulders again, "Because it was the week before Christmas."

"Same difference," Oli shrugged.

Kellin laughed and pushed himself off of Oli's lap, sitting next to him but keeping his legs over his lap. "C'mon, I wanna watch the Grinch."

Oli rolled his eyes, reaching for the remote control, and turning the tv on and putting the movie on. Otto came back to them after munching on his food and hopped back onto Kellin's lap. Curling up immediately and purring softly when Kellin started to run his fingers through his orange fur. He's gotten so big, Kellin could cry.

Then the funny Jim Carrey movie started, officially starting off their peaceful Christmas celebration.

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Okay. So, maybe Kellin didn't realize how tired he was that day.

He could've blamed it on not sleeping well the night before, because he definitely didn't, but really it was just the emotional toll from earlier. Even if he felt much better after visiting Vivian and getting to talk to her, it left him feeling tired. It was overwhelming, especially when he couldn't forgive himself for not trying hard enough to complete her wish of being buried next to her husband.

Oli didn't realize how tired he was until he looked over at him halfway through the movie because he'd gotten unusually quiet. The 'You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch' scene and Oli knew he'd hear Kellin at least humming it. But it was quiet and when he turned to look over at him, Kellin was fast asleep. Otto still on his lap also sleeping. It was an adorable sight and he sooo didn't take a picture of it.

He slowly got off the couch, making sure not to disturb him, before going to take out the sugar cookies that unfortunately wouldn't be getting Kellin's expertise decor tonight. Oli then went back to the living room just as Otto woke up again from the noise. Otto stretched onto top of Kellin, paws clawing at Kellin's shirt, before—thankfully—hopping off him again, letting Oli pick up Kellin so he could take him to bed.

Once Oli settled Kellin into bed, pulling the covers over him, he brushed his fingers through his hair. Kellin sunk deeper into the mattress, muttering something incoherent, before huffing softly and staying asleep. Oli smiled down at him, leaning to kiss his forehead, "Merry Christmas, love."

Before Oli could let himself also fall asleep next to him, he went to go clean up the kitchen and put the decorating things away. Then he went back to his room and slid into bed with Kellin, he instantly cuddled up next to him, letting himself sink into peaceful sleep.

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

When Kellin woke up on Christmas Day, he was a bit disoriented.

The last thing he remembered was watching a movie and then he blinked and now he was staring at Oli's sleeping face. He immediately felt terrible realizing that he fell asleep and they couldn't do all that they had planned that night.

They were supposed to decorate cookies together and build this very large and unnecessary gingerbread house that will end up making them annoyed at each other because WHY would they decide to do this. Watch more Christmas movies and at midnight open one Christmas present before going to "sleep."

Kellin sighed softly, feeling himself pout, "Dammit." What a way to celebrate their first official Christmas Eve together.

Oli shifted a little, his eyebrows furrowing a little, before he threw his arm around Kellin and pulled him closer. Kellin felt his heart flutter until he felt it jump when Oli's deep sleepy voice filled the otherwise quiet room, "Why are you pouting already?"

How Oli could even possibly know Kellin was pouting when he still had his eyes closed was beyond him. But Oli just knew him and he was already starting to wake up when he heard that soft 'dammit.'

"I fell asleep," Kellin mumbled.

Oli's eyes fluttered opened, smiling sleepily at him, "That's okay."

"It's not," Kellin huffed, "We didn't get to do anything we planned."

"That's not true," Oli buried his face into the crook of Kellin's neck. He felt his heart skip a beat and instantly squirmed when he felt his breath on his neck, "We baked cookies."

"But we didn't decorate them."

"We watched a movie."

"We didn't finish it."

Oli sighed softly. Smiling against his skin before placing a soft kiss on the smooth skin. Kellin squirmed again, still pouting, as Oli pulled away and looked at him with lovesick eyes, "You're not goin' to let me win this, huh?" Kellin didn't answer and kept the pout on his face, "'Course not." Oli sat up on his arms, looking over at him, a grin on his face, "Stop your pouting, it's okay."

"I fell asleep on our first Christmas Eve together," Kellin whined as he buried his face into the pillow. Oli laughed, "It's not funny!"

"It's not," Oli pursed his lips, trying to stop himself from laughing again. "Love, you do know this isn't our first Christmas Eve together, right?"

Which, okay technically that was true. Since they've met each other they've always been around together during Christmas Eve and Christmas. All because a) the Christmas concerts and b) Oli would watch them practice on Christmas Eve. He's missed maybe one practice and that was only because there was an emergency at the restaurant which was opened that Christmas Eve. The last time, by the way, because Oli wasn't going to let that happened again.

Why did it take Kellin so long to realize Oli loved him again?

"But it is," Kellin insisted as he sat up from bed, "At least... our first one together as... you know... boyfriends."

Oli couldn't stop the big smile from growing on his face. Kellin blushed and Oli could honestly die a happy man right then and there. Even after making it official, Kellin still gets so shy whenever he says it. To him, at least. He has no issues saying it out loud to others.

"God," Oli groaned and brought his hands to cup his cheeks, pulling him in close. "I love you," then Oli leaned in to kiss him making Kellin's heart start pounding against his chest.

"Oli," Kellin laughed between kisses. "We," kiss, "haven't," kiss, "brushed-"

Oli deepened the kiss making him shut up. Kellin brought his hands up to wrap around Oli's wrists but didn't pull him away as he melted against him. Oli pulled away first after a second, brushing his thumb along his blushing cheek, "Our first Christmas Eve together as boyfriends was the most perfect thing ever and I don't want to hear you saying it was anything but."

"But-"

"What did I just say?" Oli laughed, leaning his forehead against his. His eyes fluttering shut, "Plus there will be plenty more Christmas Eves together as boyfriends."

Kellin felt his heart skip a beat, seeing the sweet smile on Oli's face and he ended up leaning up to peck his lips, "Okay... but today can't be ruined by me falling asleep. You have to wake me up."

Oli chuckled and nodded, "Deal." He wouldn't follow through with that deal if it were to happen. "Now, come on there's a shit ton of presents to open and cookies to decorate."

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

After the two brushed their teeth together, bumping against each other's hip while doing so, they headed back to Oli's living room. The tree was still lit up since Oli didn't turn it off last night and Otto was curled under it as if acting like another present under the tree. Which, Kellin could argue that he definitely was one.

Oli wanted to eat breakfast first but Kellin ignored him and walked over to plop himself down in front of the tree and immediately started looking for the first gift to open.

"Love," Oli walked over to him, "Don't you want to eat first?"

"You said, and I quote, 'A shit ton of presents to open,'" Kellin said, making air quotes. "Now does that sound like 'eat first'?"

Oli narrowed his eyes down at him but considering he never wins, nor does he want to if he was being honest, he ended up sitting next to Kellin on the ground. Otto immediately got up from his spot, walked over—as he made a big stretched—and plopped himself down on Oli's lap.

In less than half an hour there was more wrapping paper and tissue paper all over Oli's living room floor than he has ever seen in his life. Oli ended up getting Kellin a lot of small things he knows he'd like—Copeland t-shirts, big fluffy sweaters, some Lego flowers that they were missing from their collection, a new journal since his old one was running of pages were he'd scribble lyrics in, and a new skateboard.

Kellin's gifts were... themed? Well, Oli thinks they followed a theme. There was a large wooden shelf which was the biggest box there for Oli. They'd have to build it together. Then there was a cheesy 'His and His' mug set, matching pajamas, more Lego sets that Oli doesn't even know how Kellin even got ahold of them. Then there were the ones that made Oli feel little more giddy even though he was giddy the entire time he was opening the presents. There were new kitchen knives that he was eyeing months ago but didn't get because the ones he currently had still worked okay. Plus they were expensive and he didn't want to splurge on them.

He was close to getting them the other day. Thankfully he didn't. Then one of the cheesiest and cutest present amongst the pile of gifts was matching aprons. They were expensive, good material, kinds because of course Kellin was going to buy the best for Oli. The thing that made them stupidly adorable was the writing on them. One had 'Oli (the chef)' while the other had 'Oli's Assistant (the one who watches the chef).'

It was cute and he thinks it's probably his favorite of the gifts—yes, they really did beat the knives.

But the gift that took Kellin's breath away was the matching silver chain bracelets with a bar linked in the middle. It was engraved in the back with their initials on it, a small heart in the middle. The front had a familiar date on it.

"It's um..." Oli started, cheeks growing pink, suddenly looking incredibly shy, "The day we met. The first time."

Kellin blinked. "You remember the exact date?" He asked softly. It wasn't like Kellin didn't remember, because he did. He remembered the day like it was yesterday and not five years ago, knew it like the back of his hand.

"Of course," Oli grinned and took the chain bracelet from him as he helped put it on his wrist, "It's one of the best days of my life, how could I ever forget meeting the love of my life?"

Kellin felt his chest grow warm, butterflies erupting in his belly, and the next thing he knew he was launching himself forward and, almost, smashing their lips together. Oli was caught off guard and almost fell back against the ground but caught himself with his left arm while wrapping his right around him, kissing back.

"I love you," Kellin breathed against his lips, pulling away and looking at him with glossy eyes and a big smile on his face, "I love you so much."

Oli felt like fireworks were exploding in his chest.

"But," Kellin started as he pulled away, "I can't let you one up me today."

"Excuse me?" Oli grinned, "I didn't know we were in a competition."

He was lying. Lying right through his teeth but all Kellin did was scoff as he reached over behind Oli to grab the aprons he gifted him. Oli in the meantime couldn't help himself as he grabbed hold of Kellin's waist and started to plant kisses along his neck—trying to distract him so he'd win- Coughs.

"Don't even think about it," Kellin patted his hands away as he sat back on his knees. He grabbed Oli's apron and reached into the pocket it had in the front. Oli frowned looking incredibly confused as Kellin pulled out a paper and handed it to him, "I think, I won."

Oli eyebrows furrowed and grabbed onto the document. His eyes widened when he saw the 'Official Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order' at the top. Then he realized the form was already filled with Kellin's information and the address-

"You're saying yes?" Oli asked, looking up at Kellin who had a proud grin on his face.

"I'm saying yes," Kellin said, leaning forward again and draping his arms over his shoulders. "We're in this together right? I think that means we have to live in the same place."

Oli dropped the paper and pulled him in to kiss him again. But they were smiling too big to even keep up with it as much as they tried. Kellin started to laugh and Oli opted to kiss around his face; planting a sweet kiss on each cheek, his forehead, nose, chin. Anywhere till he was satisfied.

"You make me the happiest man alive," Oli said, shiny eyes looking up at him, "You know that?"

"Of course, I do," Kellin giggled, "Because you also make me the happiest man alive."

Kellin still doesn't know how he got so lucky when he looks at Oli. To have someone so patient love him and wait for him till he was ready. He allowed him to heal and to remind him that life was more than his past and his regrets. Oli let him take his time and he hopes Kellin was worth the wait.

And of course he was, Oli would've waited forever. Done it all over it again because Kellin was worth waiting a million years for.

"Okay," Kellin kissed him again before pulling away and standing up, grabbing his hand even though Oli just kept staring up at him in awe. Unable to move, feeling so overwhelmingly in love. "I was promised decorating cookies, and food. So, let me take my new kitchen out for a spin."

"Jesus," Oli said as he stood up, "I don't think I'm goin' to make it to you moving in if you keep talkin' like that peach."

"Too bad," Kellin giggled as he led him towards his- their kitchen. "You promised me forever and you better keep it."

"Of course," Oli smiled, big and sweet, "But, I think I'll promise eternity instead."

°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

a/n;

Well.

Of course, I had to end it off with my Koli bbys living their best lives :(

I would like to dedicate this one to one of the biggest Koli lovers I know dustontherecord 🙂‍↕️ she's been rooting for them since day one before I even saw something going on there!

I thought about this one a lot and what I wanted to do. Considering epiphany still has a little bit left till it's finished I wasn't sure how far into the future I wanted to do it. Or if I even wanted to make it canon to the timeline. But I thought only a little bit after epiphany's ending worked out well, sort of like a reassurance of what's to come of our lovely Koli after their story wraps up :)

(If you see any editing mistakes... no you didn't-)

Anyway! As I said this is the last cozy little christmas story and I'm so sad it's over :') but it was so fun getting to explore old and new couples on what they'd go through during the holidays. I'm a sucker for Christmas fics and I've been desperately wanting to write one for ages.

Well, that's it for me <3 thanks so much for joining along and I hope you enjoyed this last part as well as the other stories :)

Thanks for reading and stay safe <3