𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄!

𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍'
𝟏𝟔. 𝐒𝐤𝐢 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

       Gianna stretched as she woke up, the quiet morning settling around her. She glanced at the empty space beside her and smiled softly. Lando was already up, probably out enjoying the morning, maybe getting ready for the slopes. She quickly slipped out of bed, pulling on her sweater, and made her way toward the kitchen.

As she stepped into the living room, the sound of laughter caught her attention. She paused in the doorway, a smile tugging at her lips when she saw what was happening.

The boys were gathered around Lando, who sat in a chair in the middle of the room, his back to Gianna. Max and Oliver were each holding a pair of scissors, looking like they were trying to cut sections of Lando's mullet. Lando was laughing, shaking his head as they took small snips here and there, clearly not taking it too seriously.

Pietra stood off to the side, her arms crossed as she watched, clearly enjoying the scene. She was laughing, but there was a teasing glint in her eyes as she looked between Lando and the others.

Gianna couldn't help but laugh at the sight, the image of Lando sitting there with half his mullet being chopped off was almost too good to be true.

"You're letting them do this to you?" she called out, raising an eyebrow.

Lando turned to look at her, a sheepish grin on his face. "They insisted," he said, gesturing to the boys. "Apparently, it's a tradition to cut off part of the mullet when you hit a certain point on a trip."

"Tradition, huh?" Gianna teased, stepping into the room. "So this is your idea of bonding?"

Oliver chuckled, glancing up at her. "He's lucky we're not doing the full mullet-off. This is just... a trim."

Max looked over at her with a grin. "If you want, you can join in. We could make it a group effort."

"Please, no," Lando groaned, giving them a look of mock horror. "You guys already have me looking ridiculous."

Pietra laughed, stepping forward to get a closer look. "Honestly, I don't think it looks that bad. Just... a little less on the sides."

Gianna walked up to Lando, who was looking up at her with a playful expression. "I'm not sure if I should be impressed or concerned," she said, eyeing the half-done mullet. "I didn't take you for the 'let them shave your hair' type."

Lando shrugged, still smiling. "What can I say? I trust the boys. Plus, it's all in good fun." He tilted his head toward her, his eyes softening slightly. "It's just a haircut, right?"

Gianna raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smile. "Just a haircut, huh?" she repeated, then added, "Well, I think I need to see this through. Can't let them ruin the masterpiece without supervision."

Lando chuckled, looking over at Pietra. "Looks like I'm going to be here a while."

Gianna leaned down, brushing a lock of hair from Lando's face as she whispered teasingly, "It's all for the greater good, Norris. When it's done, you'll thank us."

As the boys continued to snip away, the laughter and easy camaraderie filled the room, and Gianna couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth, both from the connection between all of them and from the easy way things felt with Lando.

When it was done, Lando stood up, running his hand through what was left of his hair. "Well, that's... different," he said with a smirk, looking at Gianna.

She chuckled, stepping closer to him. "Definitely a change. But I think you still pull it off."

Lando smiled, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of amusement and something deeper. "Glad you think so."

Max, Oliver, and Pietra laughed, clearly satisfied with their handiwork. "Alright, I think that's enough," Max said, stepping back. "Lando, you look almost... respectable now."

Gianna grinned, her gaze staying on Lando for just a moment longer. "You'll do just fine. Besides," she teased, "you'll be too busy beating me on the slopes to worry about your hair."

Lando gave her a playful look, stepping toward the door. "We'll see about that."

With the boys still laughing behind him, Lando offered Gianna a final grin before they headed out for the day's adventure, the warmth between them still lingering like the early morning light.

        The afternoon light was fading as Lando and Gianna, along with their friends, returned to the cabin after a fun morning of skiing. The group had planned to head into town to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, and the excitement was evident as they dropped off their gear and bundled up for the outing.

Gianna found Lando in the living room, already pulling on his jacket. He looked over at her with a small smile. "You ready to hit the shops?"

She nodded, tightening the scarf around her neck. "Absolutely. Let's see if I can find you a gift that doesn't involve any mullet-related items."

Lando chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I'll leave it to you to find something truly spectacular then."

As they walked outside, the crisp mountain air greeted them. The town was just a short drive away, and as they got closer, they could see the Christmas lights twinkling along the street, giving everything a festive glow.

The group made their way through the shops, stopping in front of a small boutique with handmade decorations in the window. Gianna pointed at one of the delicate ornaments. "What do you think? Too much?"

Lando glanced at it and raised an eyebrow. "Maybe a little too cute for my taste, but I bet someone would love it."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "You have such refined taste."

"I do try," he said with a half-smile, walking beside her as they continued to browse.

At another store, Gianna picked up a small wooden box. "This could be something nice," she said, running her fingers over the smooth surface. "Simple, but elegant."

Lando leaned over to inspect it. "Yeah, I could see that. Looks like you have a knack for this."

"Of course I do," she replied with a teasing smile. "Who do you think I am?"

He shot her a playful look. "I was about to say... the expert."

They walked down the street, slowly making their way to the next shop. Gianna glanced at Lando, who seemed lost in thought, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. "You okay?" she asked, her tone lighter but with a hint of curiosity.

Lando looked over at her and smiled, his expression more relaxed than she'd seen it in a while. "Yeah. Just... enjoying the moment. It's nice being out here."

Gianna felt a quiet warmth spread through her chest at his words. She smiled, taking in the atmosphere of the town around them—the lights, the snow, the way everything felt a little more magical in that moment.

"I'm glad we're doing this," she said softly. "It feels... good."

Lando nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a second before he looked away. "Yeah, me too."

They spent the next hour strolling from shop to shop, picking out small gifts and enjoying each other's company. The ease between them felt natural, not forced, and Gianna couldn't help but smile whenever their hands brushed as they both reached for something on a shelf.

By the time they headed back to the car, the streetlights were twinkling more brightly in the dusk. Lando opened the door for her, and as she slid into the seat, she looked at him with a small grin.

"Now, you've still got to find me something," she said, leaning back in her seat. "You can't leave it all to me."

Lando smirked as he started the engine. "I'm sure I'll find something. Don't worry."

She raised an eyebrow. "Better make it good. I'm holding you to it."

He gave her a wink as they drove off, the town fading behind them. The day had been fun, but the evening had a certain quiet satisfaction to it—a comfort that they'd spent it together, without the pressure of anything more than just enjoying each other's company.

When Lando and Gianna returned to the cabin, the chill from the evening air still lingered on their skin. Gianna had noticed Lando's slight discomfort as they made their way back inside, his shoulders tense, and a look of fatigue on his face. As they stepped through the door, he gave her a small smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I think I need a rest," he said quietly, running a hand through his hair as he walked toward the bedroom. "Not feeling too great."

Gianna raised an eyebrow, concerned but trying to keep her tone light. "You sure you're okay?"

He nodded, though there was a hint of weariness in his voice. "Just need to lay down for a bit. I'll be fine."

"Alright, rest up. I'll check in on you later," she said softly, watching him head into the room before she grabbed a blanket and made her way into the living room where the others were gathered.

The rest of the group had settled around the cabin, talking quietly, laughing here and there as they enjoyed the warmth of the fire. Max and Pietra were curled up on one side of the room, Oliver and Martin chatting about something silly, and Tom was flipping through a magazine.

Gianna made her way to the couch, curling up with a blanket as the soft crackle of the fire filled the room. She couldn't help but glance toward the bedroom door a few times, her thoughts drifting back to Lando. She hoped it was nothing serious—just exhaustion from the busy day.

Max, noticing her distraction, leaned over and nudged her with his foot. "Everything okay?"

She smiled faintly, nodding. "Yeah. Just checking on Lando. He's feeling a bit under the weather."

"Oh, that sucks," Pietra said sympathetically. "Is he okay?"

Gianna shrugged. "I think so. Just needs some rest."

Pietra gave her a reassuring smile. "He'll be fine. It's just the time of year. Everyone's been running around so much."

Gianna smiled, grateful for the distraction. As the group continued to talk softly and play light-hearted games, she tried not to worry too much. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, after all, and it was supposed to be a time of joy and relaxation.

Around an hour later, when the group started winding down for the night, Gianna quietly stood up and made her way to the bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. Lando was lying on the bed, his eyes closed but awake.

"Hey," she said softly, stepping into the room. "How are you feeling?"

Lando cracked one eye open and gave her a small, tired smile. "Better now that you're here," he replied, his voice a little hoarse.

Gianna smiled, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "Want anything? Water, maybe?"

"Just... you," he said quietly, his eyes locking with hers for a moment. His voice was light, but there was a certain vulnerability in it that made her heart soften.

She reached out, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "You're sweet. But seriously, just rest. We're all hanging out out there, but if you need anything, just holler."

Lando nodded, his eyes fluttering shut again. "Thanks, Gianna."

She stayed for a few more moments, the quiet room a stark contrast to the laughter outside. There was a sense of peace in being near him, even if he wasn't feeling his best. She stood, brushing a light kiss to his forehead. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day."

As she left the room, she closed the door quietly behind her, her mind at ease knowing Lando was resting. She returned to the living room, settling back into the warmth of her friends' company, but a small part of her stayed with him, hoping he'd feel better by morning.

The fire crackled softly, the flicker of the flames almost matching the gentle hum of excitement building in the air for tomorrow's Christmas Eve celebrations.

Later that evening, after spending time with the group, Gianna could feel the pull of exhaustion settling in. The laughter and conversation had quieted down, and the warmth of the cabin made everything feel calm and cozy. She quietly made her way to Lando's room, checking in on him one last time before calling it a night.

The room was dimly lit, the soft light from a bedside lamp casting gentle shadows across the walls. Lando was already lying in bed, his eyes closed but still awake, a small, tired smile tugging at the corner of his lips when he noticed her at the door.

"Hey," he said quietly, his voice a little hoarse but still warm. "You're not going to scold me because I wasn't sleep right?"

Gianna smiled, her heart softening at his words. "I wasn't planning on it. You feeling any better?"

"Some," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just tired, I think."

Gianna sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers lightly brushing against his. "You should get some sleep. You've had a long day."

Lando nodded, his eyes heavy. "I will, but... I'm glad you're here."

Without another word, Gianna stood and changed into her pajamas in the adjoining bathroom, the quiet hum of the cabin surrounding her. When she returned, she slid into the bed beside him, the warmth of his body a comforting presence as she snuggled up close.

Lando shifted slightly to face her, his hand gently brushing against her arm. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to," he murmured, his tone light but sincere.

Gianna smiled softly and shook her head. "I want to. You've had a long day too."

They lay in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound the soft crackle of the fire from the living room and the gentle rhythm of their breathing. Gianna rested her head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart a soothing lullaby.

After a while, Lando's voice broke the silence. "You know, this is kind of perfect," he whispered, his hand brushing through her hair.

Gianna looked up at him, her gaze soft but playful. "What is?"

"This," he said, his fingers lightly tracing the outline of her face. "Just being here with you."

She smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest. "Yeah. It is. Christmas Eve tomorrow, huh?"

Lando nodded, his eyes brightening slightly. "Yeah. Can't believe it's here already."

"Better get some sleep then," she said softly, her thumb brushing his jawline before she kissed him lightly on the lips.

Lando smiled against the kiss, his eyes closing as he pulled her closer. "Goodnight, Gianna."

"Goodnight," she whispered, settling into his arms as they both drifted off to sleep, the warmth of the cabin, and each other, wrapping them in a peaceful embrace.

Tomorrow would be Christmas Eve, but for now, all they needed was the quiet of the night and each other's company.

#AUTHORSNOTE

I think they are the cutest ever, don't mind me saying that about my own characters lmao.

Thanks for reading and don't be a silent reader, I love to hear what you think!

J