Zane's POV

"Christmas is in two weeks."

I sighed into my mask, staring into a door shop window.

"I still don't have a gift for her."

Glimpsing at each and every mall venue, I found that most closed at 8:00.

It was 7:00 and I still had no idea what to get for Y/n.

"She's so perfect to me. Soft, sweet and caring. What do you get for someone like her?"

I would ponder, walking by each store with a skeptical look, window shopping  the finest things.

"Necklaces are cliche."

I negated a tacky jewelry store.

"A gift card isn't considerate, it's a cop out. If anyone knew what to give her, it should be me."

Cold air drafted from the outside whenever someone opened a door. It was snowing terribly, and I'd be stuck in the mall if I hadn't made haste.

Last minute, I might add.

I crumpled up my soda can, tossing it away as I passed by a Macy's.

"Cheap clothing. What am I?"

I sat on a bench, pressing my fingers against my forehead in angst.

"What do you get the girl who deserves everything?"

I asked out loud.

"She's nice enough to accept Gene, accept me. She's always been there! I want to make this so special, I want her to be happy."

Maybe I was overthinking this. Maybe she wouldn't mind something cute or stuffed. I mean, she's an adorable person who deserves something adorable. It's the thought that counts right?

No.

No one really cared how much thought you put into something if it doesn't look good.

"Maybe we can get matching sweaters."

I offered, before mentally smacking myself in the face at how awful that looked in my head.

I was inwardly offended.

"Never mind, earrings? A book? I took her to see that movie she loved last week and they have a novel."

I scanned the mall for a Barnes and Nobles, but they didn't have one.

"Course, the one time I leave the house alone is the one time I need guidance. Just my dumb luck."

Huffing slightly, I flicked out my phone. The case was broken, I put a new one on my list.

2 unread messages

Hmm... who texted me?

Best friend

"Hey! Make sure you get (Y/n) to make that special (food you can make/favorite food) for the party! Garroth and Laurance are spending their first Christmas together, and I want it to be great!"

"Pshh. (Y/n) would make it regardless."

I mocked, typing that in and sending.

I went on to read the other message.

Blocked number

"Oh. Must be Gene."

"Hey! I saw you at the mall! Searching for a gift for (Y/n) I assume? Meet me by the discount Starbucks. I'm having trouble as well."

Sent at 6:57

"I guess I'll go meet him, but only cause he can help me find a decent gift for her."

I mumbled, picking myself off the bench and making my way to the cafe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Zane! Glad you could make it."
"Shut up, I only came here for help."
"Hey, we promised (Y/n) we had a truce, alright? Let's not break it till after Christmas."
"Fine. I'll be less hostile. But I have my eye on you."

I glared slightly, but took a glimpse down at what he was carrying.

"Bought something already?"
"Actually, I was wondering what kind of candle flavor she liked. I bought a whole bunch and I'm just asking round what scent is best for which person."

He had an awkward smile on his face. Opening the bag slightly, he took out a total of 15 candles.

"I guess that might be everyone.."

Coughing, he allowed me to examine them.

"Aphmau loves toasted marshmallows, Aaron doesn't really care as long as she's happy. Garroth likes wintergreen, Laurance likes candy apple, Kawaii Chan would like the birthday cake one. And-"

I stopped at a (color) candle with (favorite flavor scent) on it.

"(Y/n) would love this one."
"You seem to know your stuff."
"I simply get advice from Aphmau. Although I've spent years watching Garroth and mother buying nonstop candles that made the house so terrible I had to step out."

I laughed sheepishly.

"So, what are you getting her then?"

Gene asked me, gathering the candles back in his bag and tying the loose knot.

"I can't decide. She really deserves everything. But unfortunately that's not for sale."

I sighed, brushing my hair into place as the wind kept blowing it away.

"Well, how long do you plan on staying with her?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, Christmas, the most romantic time of year? How long have you guys been together?"

An odd question, and it had an answer.

"4 years and 7 months if you count high-school."
"Sheesh. That's a while. Maybe, the perfect gift is staring you in the face."
"What do you mean."
"Look, I know your blind, but you aren't daft. Turn around you lamp."
"Where's that truce you were so keen on?"

I chuckled, but swiveled around to face a...

A jewelry store.

"You're saying I should.."
"Best time to do it."
"But what if she declines me.."
"I don't think she would ever say no. Inseparable since high school. You kids grew up."

He patted my back, grinning widely.

"If she would say no, then why would she still be with you right now?"

His question left me to ponder as he waved goodbye, walking in the other direction.

"The mall will be closing in 10 minutes."

The overhead messenger said.

I had to decide.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I got home, it was 9:00.

I had stopped by to get groceries, placing them in the fridge and making as much noise as possible to alert my sleeping princess.

"Zaneeee! You suck!"

(Y/n) whined lazily, hitting my arm.

"Next time just shout that your home."
"Honey, I'm home."
"We had an agreement dear."
"Alright."

Rule number one of the house:

No dumb nicknames

"What did you buy?"

She asked, going through the bags.

"Nothing much. Tea, chips, the usual."
"Good. I needed a-"

She glimpsed at the clock

"9:00 snack."

(Y/n) grabbed the chip bag, jumping into the sofa cushions.

"So why were you out so late?"
"I was helping Gene with gift buying."

It wasn't a complete lie.. was it?

"Cool! I wish you could have helped me, but you had the cafe to run."

She mentioned, rolling over the pillows.

So cute..

My breathing slowed as I saw her smiling at me, messy (h/c) hair in a loose (ponytail/bun/headband/you do you boo).

"Ground control to Major Zane."

She quoted, stepping out of her seat and singing softly.

"You should go back to sleep. It's gonna be late soon. Last minute shopping tomorrow before the wedding, remember?"

I remembered, exhausted.

She let out a yawn, wrapping her arms around my waist and tugging at my hair. I bent down so she could kiss my forehead.

"Night Zaney."

(Y/n) winked, leaving the room.

"Night.. my love."

---------------------

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