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Gunsmoke wasn't exactly known for its Christmas celebrations. It was mostly an Earth holiday, not celebrated by many. The only decorations were put up on century old buildings by the elderly folk or their kin. Wolfwood had once told Vash about Christmases at Hopeland. Miss Melanie had done her best to provide a festive environment for the children. He had a soft spot for the holiday.
Vash had always loved Christmas. He knew all about the traditions on Earth due to Rem and old books. He wished, every year, that he could properly celebrate. Maybe not with a well decorated tree or letters to Santa Claus, but he longed for companionship. For people to exchange gifts with. For a pleasant, lazy day, relishing in the joy of those around him. But he had always been alone. Hiding out, in sandy dunes or dingy motel rooms. The most he was ever able to do was score a donut or twelve.
Life had changed. Things were different; had settled. Bounties had decreased into nothingness and most importantly, Nicholas D. Wolfwood was still by his side. They had settled down. Together. They built themselves a small, picturesque home. Two rooms, one for a guest or a future. Nick had built a faux tree out of wood- it looked pretty good, considering the man had never seen a pine tree in his life. Little lights twinkled, strung over the painted greenery. Nick looked happy now. He was standing in front of their oven, humming as he rolled cookie dough into little balls and placed them on the sheet.
Domesticity looked good on him, Vash thought. Vials long gone, cigarettes no longer a priority, guns untouched and gathering dust. His hair had since been speckled with grays and soft wrinkles adorned the corners of his eyes. A glance at his face told of his happiness. Vash was happy too. Not only did he have someone to celebrate Christmas properly with, but this man was the love of Vash's very long life.
Vash watched Nick with a smile before catching his reflection in the window. His hand carded through his hair and he sighed. Sometimes he missed the blonde- missed being called ‘blondie’ by Nick. But, he smiled, the black was symbolic of all they had gone through. He pried his eyes away and let them fall on the tree. There were two, small gifts placed beneath it; they had compromised on one gift each, otherwise Vash would have certainly gone overboard.
Nick's voice drew him out of his thoughts. “Whatcha doin’, angel?”
Vash grinned and threw his arms around Nick's neck as he was pulled in by the waist. “Just thinking about how my present for you is gonna be waaayyy better than yours.”
Nick pinched his side. “Brat.”
“Ow!” Vash whined. “Nick, you're so mean to me! And on Christmas… For shame, Nicholas…”
Vash laughed as Nick rolled his eyes. “I love you.”
Nick snorted. “I love you too, moron.” He leaned in and connected their lips in a gentle kiss.
Their kisses were once only desperate attempts at connection. They were hungry and running on a ticking timer. Of course, they still had their needy kisses, but now they could take it slow. Time was guaranteed, no longer a curse. They had forever ahead of them and they were going to savor it. Their mouths no longer tasted of whiskey and nicotine, instead they were sweet. Between Nick's lollipops and Vash's affinity toward baked goods, their kisses tasted delicious.
Vash pulled away first. “Nick? Can we open our presents now? It's past midnight!”
“Well I can't argue with that logic, huh?” Nick chuckled.
“Nope! C'mon, I'm too excited!” Vash pulled him toward their gifts and the pair sat on the hardwood floor. Vash was nervous. Excited, but nervous. He picked up his gift and handed it to Nick. “You first.”
Nick accepted it and smirked. “This better be amazin’,” he teased. He unwrapped it carefully and lifted the lid of the tiny box. His eyes widened and face dropped in shock. It was too quiet.
“Nick?” Vash bit his lip.
He looked up. “I need ya to open yer's right now.”
Baffled by his reaction, Vash simply obeyed. His shaking hands tore through the cheap paper, revealing a box identical to the one he gave Nick. Vash gasped in realization as he lifted the lid before he broke into giggles. Nick quickly joined the laughter. They leaned into each other and traded joyful kisses.
Each little black box contained a simple gold band. Hand written, on the inside of the lids, were the words “Will you marry me?”
Needless to say, the answer given by both men was “Yes.”