Snow drifted softly from the sky, blanketing the town in powdered white, glittering like sugar under the morning sun. Chimneys puffed, windows twinkled with fairy lights, and everything felt slower — warmer — like the whole world had finally exhaled after a long, exhausting year.
December break had officially begun. No more school, no more homework, no more study... For now.
Eliza sat curled up by her bedroom window, chin resting on her knees as she watched delicate snowflakes dance through the air. She was wrapped in her favorite oversized sweater, legs covered in fuzzy socks, and a soft blush touched her cheeks when her phone buzzed.
Lucifer:
Mom's inviting you, Ava, and even that disaster named Ryan over today.
Don't ask me why she likes him.
But come. Bring warm clothes. And your cutest self.
Eliza grinned at the screen, heart flipping like it always did whenever he texted her.
She quickly dressed — cozy cream coat, a plaid scarf that matched her red earmuffs, and black leggings under a soft skirt. Just enough to stay warm… and still make Lucifer's brain short-circuit.
---
By the time Eliza arrived at Lucifer's house, he was already outside, brushing snow off the porch railing, cheeks flushed pink from the cold.
The second he saw her, his whole face lit up — like Christmas came early and she was the gift.
"There she is," he beamed, jogging toward her through the snow like a puppy with that stupidly perfect smile. "Took you long enough."
Eliza raised a brow. "I had to walk carefully! I'm not trying to die tragically on my way to see you."
He stepped closer, brushing snowflakes off her hair. "I missed you."
"You saw me yesterday," she teased, scrunching her nose.
Lucifer leaned in just a little. "Still too long. Can't I miss my girlfriend?"
Before Eliza could answer, Ava's voice rang out from the porch.
"Okay, okay — save it for under the mistletoe, lovebirds!"
Ryan stood beside her, arms crossed and grinning. "Get a room. This is a public winter."
Lucifer rolled his eyes. "You two are just jealous."
"Please," Ryan said. "You'll see jealous when Ava lets me hold her hand for more than three seconds."
Ava flipped her hair dramatically. "Earn it."
Ryan winked. "Oh, I will."
Lucifer clapped his hands. "Alright, enough flirting. Come on in — my mom made lasagna. Real, cheesy, soul-healing stuff."
---
Inside, the house looked like a holiday postcard.
Warmth wrapped around them like a hug — the scent of cinnamon, garlic bread, and baked cheese floating in the air. Fairy lights twinkled up the staircase, and a tall Christmas tree sparkled in the corner of the living room, loaded with ornaments and glittery ribbons. Eliza spotted a few handmade stars hanging crookedly on the branches.
"Did you make those in art class?" she teased.
Lucifer coughed. "No comment."
His mom peeked out from the kitchen, apron dusted with flour. "There you are! Come in, darlings. Eliza, sweetheart — it's so good to see you again."
She pulled her into a warm hug before waving Ava and Ryan in too. "I made plenty. Eat until you can't breathe."
Lucifer leaned toward Eliza and whispered, "Told you she likes you best."
Eliza rolled her eyes but smiled.
---
Dinner was everything a winter night should be — delicious, loud, and full of playful teasing.
Ryan managed to eat six slices of garlic bread before Ava started flicking crumbs at him. Lucifer and Eliza sat close, knees brushing beneath the table, fingers sneaking little touches like a secret language between them.
After the plates were cleared, the leftovers packed into glowing Tupperware, they all migrated to the living room. The fireplace crackled. Mugs of hot chocolate steamed in their hands. Blankets were piled on the couch like a warm mountain.
They played Truth or Dare, shared school memories, and laughed until their cheeks hurt.
Lucifer, as usual, couldn't keep his hands to himself.
He pulled Eliza under the same blanket without even asking, tucking her into his side, arm draped around her like he was claiming her for the hundredth time. Not that she minded
In fact, she leaned into it — into him — resting her head on his shoulder and letting her fingers find his beneath the blanket.
Ava slapped a pillow between them like it was a buzzer. "Alright, Lucifer — truth or dare?"
"Truth," he said, raising a brow. "But I swear if anyone asks about my first kiss—"
"Too late," Ryan grinned. "Was Eliza your first kiss, or were you out here practicing on your pillow?"
Lucifer blinked. "That's your question?"
"Answer it," Ava smirked, eyes twinkling.
Lucifer shrugged, casually pulling Eliza closer beneath their shared blanket. "She was my first… and last."
Eliza blushed so hard she nearly sank into her mug.
"Aww," Ava mock-sobbed. "That's so disgustingly adorable."
The dares got sillier as the night went on.
Lucifer dared Ryan to sing All I Want for Christmas Is You in a dramatic opera voice. Ryan stood tall, placed a hand over his chest, and belted it out with such flair that Lucifer's mom peeked in and clapped, cheering, "Bravo!"
Later, when the game faded into warm chatter and soft yawns, Ava and Ryan slipped out to the backyard for some "fresh air."
Which really meant snowball warfare.
---
Lucifer and Eliza stayed curled under the blanket, now stretched out on the plush rug in front of the fire.
Lucifer glanced over at her, brushing the snowflake-patterned throw over her legs. "Comfy?"
Eliza nodded, her eyes soft. "Mmhmm."
Lucifer smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Best Christmas ever."
She laughed gently. "It's not even Christmas yet."
He chuckled. "Still counts. I've got you."
And it did feel different this year. Every other December had come and gone like routine… but this time, it was filled with warmth, comfort, and feelings they finally didn't have to hide. For once, it all meant something.
---
Meanwhile, outside…
Ava yelped as Ryan nailed her in the back with a perfect snowball.
"You little—!" she spun and tackled him into the snow, both landing with a dramatic puff and loud laughter.
Ava ended up underneath him, both of them covered in snow, noses red and breaths puffing in the cold.
Then it got quiet.
Their eyes locked.
Neither of them moved.
Ryan slowly brushed a flake of snow off her cheek, his voice soft. "you look cute"
Ava blinked, heart racing. She shoved at him, flustered. "shut up."
But before she could walk away, he grabbed her wrist "still pretending?"
Her face went redder than the lights wrapped around the porch railing.
She pulled away quickly and stormed back inside, muttering, "Idiot."
Ryan watched her go, a big stupid grin on his face.
To be continued....
💬Author's Note:
Woohoo! Looks like our second ship is already on its way to almost confessing, huh? 👀
Ava and Ryan are seriously out here serving that "enemies-to-lovers-but-in-denial" energy.
So what do you think... should they finally get their own scene?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!