Midnight

Middie is so predictable when it comes to certain topics or situations – and I like using that to my advantage. A subtle note about an obscure car model she hadn't heard of has set Mid into a search and perusal of a YouTube video on the subjects for more information.

Just as planned.

Free to make my way from the couch to my room without question, I still try to make little noise while Midnight is enamored with her current interest. Still, I push the bedroom door closed to just a crack before scampering to my closet.

Tonight's the night I spring my surprise – as long as the item I've had tucked away for a few weeks has not been disturbed. Midnight rarely noses through my closet, as it is just a catch-all for stuff that doesn't get jammed into my dresser, so I'm not concerned. Pushing past the properly hung clothes, I start gingerly plucking away the disheveled mess I left atop the box for extra guarding – from prying eyes and possible damage to the wrapping paper.

I had to buy wrapping paper specifically for this occasion, though I was fortunate enough to find a roll with silly reindeer characters all over it on clearance. But everything about this is specific – from the LED lights I've put up in the living room to cast a cheerful and colorful glow at night to this gift to teaching myself how to wrap something up without looking like a total hack job.

I've not bothered with Christmas or the festivities it brings for many years. But this year is... it's different. Midnight has changed a lot of things for me. And an opportunity presented itself to make this worth the time and effort, just to see the look on her face.

Picking away at the pile for a minute or two finally reveals the wrapped package with no tears or other visual disturbances... though the shiny blue bow on top is a bit smushed after a few weeks of clothes sitting atop it. Not a big deal – much like the paper, it is just gonna get trashed anyway.

I drag it out with as much care as I can, hoping not to tear it open against the floor. Weight isn't so much an issue as it is the sheer awkward size – almost waist high and even a bit longer than that, though the depth is reasonable slim, similar to what I'd expect from a TV.

But this is a different form of entertainment. And... well, it does benefit me too, but—

"What the hell are you doing in there, fighting with yourself?" Midnight's voice hollers from the living room.

"Yeah, I was in need of an ass-kicking," I manage to holler back while moving the box into a position for me to pick up.

"I would have been more than happy to help with that."

"Shut up and watch your damn video."

"Erm, no. I skipped through that," Midnight answers with a hollow chuckle. "The narrator's voice was making me want to stab my eardrums with a screwdriver."

"I can't ever trust you to follow the rules, can I?" Despite my attempts to speak that in a sour tone, it falls flat in practice, amused by Midnight's description.

I hear her snort before offering her a verbal retort. "Really, there were rules for me to follow while watching this video?" She challenges. "Starting to sound to me like you're up to something in there."

I'm dawdling too much, talking too much... and she's getting suspicious. Time to move it along. Before taking my haul into the living room, I settle upon tucking the errant attire and blankets back into a neatly disheveled pile in the back of the closet once again...

That's a mess for another day.

With a grunt, I heave the gift off the floor and head back out into the living room, sidestepping through the doorway thanks to the dimensions of this box. While I'd like to believe it's that awkward shuffle drawing Midnight to peer over the back of the couch toward me, I know full well she's likely been staring and waiting this whole time.

It's a stone-cold staredown as I get closer and walk around the couch toward her, the glow of her eyes dimming only as her gaze narrows. "What the hell is that?"

"Merry Christmas, Mid!" I call out, ignoring her skepticism and holding the wrapped gift out toward her.

While hardly at a volume above normal speaking, Midnight recoils at my declaration, silently mouthing the phrase to herself.

"I... thought you knew what Christmas was. You know, from... I guess I thought that might have been something put in your memory from the start," I mumble, feeling a bit stupid now that I realize I'm just going on assumptions.

"I'm aware. That's why you have the lights up," she mutters, glancing at the strand currently up near the ceiling above the TV. "I just didn't think much of it. You haven't said anything about it... and the lights are all you've done."

"Yeah, I decided against a tree. More money than I wanted to spend, and I was afraid you might try climbing up it or attacking it like a cat."

Midnight scowls at my joke, thrusting a hoof forward in an attempt to smack me in the jewels – but I thankfully dodge it, since I expected something for that joke.

"I couldn't resist... but what's the problem here? I got you a gift, no strings attached here," I crow, thumping the side of the box with my hand. "It's the season of giving, or some lame shit like that."

"Yeah... and I didn't get you shit, because I didn't know we were doing this," she mumbles, her muzzle creasing with a frown.

Biting my tongue to prevent a wild 'awww' from escaping, I once again hold the box out toward her. "Don't worry about that. I didn't get this with the anticipation of receiving something in return," I assure her. "Besides the fact, the purchases you make are on my credit card, so I would have known something was affordable when I looked at my bill, you know?"

Midnight's somber mood isn't swayed by my arguments, preferring to hold onto that dour look. I set the box on the coffee table in front of her, circle around, and take a seat beside her.

"C'mon, really. Open it up," I continue to goad her. I lean over her and give her a light shove on the shoulder toward the gift for added effect.

That finally spurs Midnight to perk up a bit, looking back at me and forming a thin smile before a couple of her metal tools rise up off the coffee table and hone in on her gift. They cut through the wrapping paper with ease, tearing and uncovering a plain cardboard box underneath in a matter of seconds.

"It doesn't even look like the paper was necessary – it's not like you covered up any writing or labels," Midnight comments as she turns the box for inspection of the other side.

"Yeah well... that's just part of the fun, right?" I suggest. "Open up the box now – I promise that's the last hoop to jump through."

Without another word, Midnight turns her attention to the flaps on the top, held in place by backing tape now rather than the large copper staples that held it closed upon arrival a month ago. I had to make sure everything was correct, as this is a rather expensive gift...

Middie tips the box toward her as the flaps come loose, allowing her to peer inside – and her eyes widen at the sight. She doesn't need any light to discover what I've gotten her, though I do spot a glint of the mirror-like finish thanks to some errant lighting.

"Headers... headers for the Chrysler?" she gasps, turning to face me now with no restraint on her awe.

"Ceramic coated, no less. I figured you might like em," I crow with an air of playful arrogance.

I blink and miss it – one moment, Midnight's face breaks into a wide-fanged smile... and then she's smothering me. Both legs and wings are determined to wrap around my form and snuggle me close, and I'm not one to argue with that. Still, her grip makes it difficult for me to hug her back; I end up waiting until she releases me

"I know we talked about it but... well damn, I guess I wasn't sure if you would really pull the trigger!" she exclaims. One of the headers sneaks out of the box a bit for a proper view of the finish. "God damn, and I didn't get you anything – and you bought this."

"To be fair, it's kind of a gift for me too, you know?" I remind her.

"Yeah, but..."

Her hangup on the lack of gift exchange is something I would have never anticipated. That's not to say I'm necessarily surprised by her feelings – at least upon initial reveal. But I expected those would be going out the window upon realizing what I bought. But she refuses to let go of the little fact while she sets the box on the floor, her face lined with a hint of regret now underneath that placid and now rather shallow smile.

It takes some of the wind out of my sails now, and I try to brainstorm something, anything that can placate her. But what the hell would I have wanted for a gift anyway? I can't think of a damn thing I would ask for.

...which brings to mind why I'm even in a giving mood to begin with, what's spurred me to celebrate the holidays for the first time in years. What's brought my mood around – in fact, turned my whole life away from chronic bitterness.

Midnight.

The wrapping paper torn from her gift lays on the coffee table, with the shiny blue bow sitting atop the heap. Without a word, I reach forward for it, working to peel it off the paper as best I can.

I feel Midnight's eyes upon me, trying to discern my sudden interest now in what is essentially a pile of trash. "Suddenly mesmerized by a shiny thing, huh?" she remarks.

"Kinda." That's all I give her for a response; when I turn to look at her, confusion wins out over any other expression on her face. That only grows when I reach over and tuck the bow in her hair.

"Uhh..."

"Oh my gosh, it's what I always wanted!" I gasp, bringing a hand over my mouth in mock shock and awe. "I thought you said you didn't get me anything for Christmas?"

Midnight lowers he head, trying to mask the bashful look forming on her face in unison with a noticeable blush. "God damn, you're painful to be around," she mumbles.

"What if I wasn't fooling around? What if you're all that I want for Christmas?"

"I'd tell you that is really lame and cheesy... and I guess kinda sweet, too," she finally admits.

"That sounds like maybe my stunt isn't so bad after all," I comment, leaning toward her.

"No, it's still awful," she shoots back, trying to fight back a smirk. One of her metal tools rises up and fiddles with the bow, adjusting it in her hair for what I assume is a more comfortable position. Satisfied, she takes a step forward, into my lap. "I'll let it slide for the occasion."

"Merry Christmas, Mid." I put my arm around her just as she leans in to nuzzle me.

"Merry Christmas, you weirdo."