Wreathed in Cheer - Lyra & Jupiter

Lyra’s Home, Midday

As the light of the crystals lining Burrowgatory shine with a bright and beautiful hue, Lyra oddly finds herself humming and hawing while pacing around her living room. Today’s a very big day for Lyra after all; Jupiter promised to come over today to show her how to properly decorate her home for Cherubmas. And Lyra doesn’t wish to disappoint!

Normally she would prepare everything herself in advance; whether that meant getting up early to get a head-start, taking initiative to help others, she would put that effort in so nobody else felt upset. The satisfaction of it all leaves her feeling happy with herself. But this was different. As much as she wanted to ask around and surprise him with her keen knowledge, she also knew that he felt a bit… sensitive with the home he grew up in. On one hand, he may feel uncomfortable if she just made her assumptions about how to decorate. On the other hand… No no, let’s not even go there. Today’s about supporting him!

She had put on one of her coziest sweaters and had some warm drinks ready to go whenever! She made sure to grab some pre-packaged winter-y coffee that Beanny was selling too! While hers has some cream liquor for that morning kick, she made sure Jupiter would have his with some of the cultivated milkweed cream! Only the best after all, especially for someone as charming and sweet as him! What he saw in Lyra though, she didn’t know… 

Before she could indulge in more of her inner labyrinth of thoughts, a clumsy knock is heard at the door. Lyra almost leaps up in shock, then scrambles to open it, only to find Jupiter struggling to hold a massive box in one hand, the other stretched out to knock said door. 

“Oh! Lyra, great timing! I got-” he shifts a little to keep the box from spilling over. “- everything we need for today!”

Lyra can only stare on in bewilderment.

Jupiter, as expected, walks on in, a little exhausted from carrying this stuff. With a huff, he sets the box down in the foyer, and tries to catch his breath. “I got a-a lot today! Holy holly-” he pauses, taking another breath. “-very abundant this morning!”

He wasn’t wrong; one of the boxes on top was stuffed to the brim with the newly discovered ‘holy holly’. She didn’t expect him to bring so much too!

“How did you get this much? Please tell me you didn’t spend your life savings just to-” Lyra brings up, a slight bit of concern growing on her face.

Jupiter holds up a hand to interrupt. “Haha, don’t worry! This stuff blooms like crazy during this time of year! Plus I helped Primrose with something for a fresh box of theeeeese~” he replies, trying to be lighthearted despite still being slightly out of breath.

He continues. “And that’s not all I brought too. I left behind… a lot of my old decorations and stuff when I left the meadow, but I bought the supplies needed to make some new decor!” He points out, a tinge of sadness thinking about the meadow. “I know you said you’d be happy to help, but I was hoping you’d help me make the decorations first? Figured it’d be fun to share the process with you at least…” fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat.

Lyra couldn’t say no to him! He looks almost sheepish but it’s just so charming the way his smile reflects his many emotions. And his eyes, they darted downwards but honestly she could get lost in them for hours~! And his chest, glistening in the warm light of her home… Oh he’s just so-

She snaps back to the present, realizing she spent too long gawking at him. “O-of course! I shared a lot of my culture through our letters, and then when you came here! The least I can do is learn more about yours!”

He perks up, immediately diving into an explanation about the supplies he got; opening up all the boxes and pulling out a mix of craft supplies, some bendable wires, little crystals and more! “Alright so, let’s start with a proper wreath! Normally we hang these on the front doors for all to see!” putting up one hand for gesturing. 

Lyra lifts an eyebrow in confusion. “Front door? Where it can easily be stolen?” 

Jupiter pauses. “Ah- yeah haha, I can see the confusion. We wouldn’t steal though, Melangel would-” he wilts a little at the mention of his caretaker, then shakes his head trying to move on. “Anyways, normally it was fine! Maybe this time around we can hang it on the other side of the door, there’s no umm nobody here to enforce the rules after all…”

Lyra frets over Jupiter’s change of mood, this was what she was trying to avoid! So without thinking, she immediately dives for the wires and shouts out “So HAHA wires right? What do we do with them??”

Jupiter notices her attempt to lighten the mood, so he puts on a half-smile and gently grabs the wires from her hands. “Well you see, first that thicker wire needs to be bent into a couple circles, one bigger than the others. We use the smaller wire there to connect them and reinforce the structure.” He points out, looking handsome while he gently explains.

He demonstrates his own instructions by effortlessly creating the pieces that will become the bones of the wreath. After creating his example, he passes on the wires to her, and watches as she assembles her own base. A smile on his face as he gets to guide her hands a little. With that they then proceed to fill out the wreaths with the collected holly, seemingly prepared for something like this. (“Wow, did Jupiter prepare all this just for me?” Lyra wondered to herself, a blush forming over the thought of him going the extra mile for her…)

In no time two wreaths are finished, one a little more wonky than the other. Lyra pouts a little at the difference in quality. Hers has holly falling out a little, and the wire can still be seen in places, while his is immaculate… He doesn’t seem to notice though, immediately bouncing with excitement over starting a new craft. Before she can protest, she’s swept up in his excitement and just moves on to making other decorations, making sure to pause so Jupiter can enjoy a white chocolate hot cocoa (with extra cream, of course!). Lyra sips her own drink, the warm buzz of liquor and the warmth of Jupiter's kindness flowing through her. It takes them a few hours but they’re eventually overflowing with many different crafts and decorations perfect for the season. The process of making them all tires them out, so instead of hanging everything up, they agree to continue everything tomorrow.

Before Jupiter leaves, he picks up the wreath that Lyra made. Sure it’s not the most elegant; given that Lyra doesn’t do this type of work, but Jupiter treasures it just the same. After all, it’s filled with fond memories of them spending time together! As Lyra waves him goodbye, he flashes Lyra a cheeky grin; holding up her wreath, then immediately breaking out into a playful sprint. Lyra can only watch in embarrassment as her creation is whisked away by the love of her life, for anyone to see. Her mouth wide open in shock, face flushed a bright red. 

He better apologize tomorrow!!!