Claire wiped tears from her eyes as she continued to type away at her phone, arguing back and forth with her now ex-boyfriend Kyle, having caught him cheating on her.. with his step-sister. Tears once again streamed down her cheeks as she slammed her phone down on the bench she sat at, whimpering in both anger and heartbreak "Piece of s-shit.. fuckin.. a-asshole!" Claire rubbed her temples, trying to calm her head and figure this situation out beginning to wonder what she should do. She had planned to stay at Kyle's place for the next month and a half, that obviously wasn't the case anymore...

The fire crackled merrily in the fireplace as Claire sat near it with her back against one of the mall's ornamental pillars. She had come to Pyramid Mall in the hopes of finding solace after walking in on Kyle having sex with his stepsister, only to be further reminded of just how lonely she was. The normally bustling Christmas market around them only served as a painful reminder of all that she would be missing this holiday season now that her plans had been ruined...

"It's just so unfair..." She muttered to herself, wiping tears away from her face and hugging her arms tightly around her body in an attempt to warm up. The cold air didn't help matters any, only making her feel more miserable and alone as she tried to gather her scattered thoughts...

"Because..." She sniffled, struggling to find the right words. "Because I trusted him...and he threw it all away...just like everyone else in my life always does." Claire hugged her arms tighter, not caring that she was shivering in the cold air of the mall. Her emotions were too raw to be affected by anything as trivial as temperature. "And now I have nothing...no one..." She trailed off, looking down at her feet, ashamed to admit how much this all hurt even to herself.

"I had friends..." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke the words. "But after what happened with Kyle...I just don't feel like I can trust anyone anymore." She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the sleeves of her jacket. "I mean, why would I? Everyone lets me down eventually...why should it be any different with my friends?"

She sighed heavily, hugging herself tighter against the cold and her own dark thoughts. "It's not fair," she muttered again, biting her lip to hold back another round of sobs. "I just want someone to believe in me..." She trailed off, looking up at Abdiel with wide, teary eyes. "Is that too much to ask?"

The artist was feeling more vulnerable than ever before, her defenses finally lowered enough for someone else to see past the tough exterior she usually hid behind. For once, Claire just wanted to be understood...even if it was by a complete stranger.

"Is that your way of saying you don't know or...?" Claire asked hesitantly, studying Abdiel's handsome features. There was something about his expression that made her feel safe, almost...protected. It was an odd sensation for her, considering how much she normally disliked strangers. "I just want someone to believe in me too," she murmured softly. "Even if it's only for a little while..." Her voice trailed off again as she thought about everything that had happened and wondered if anything would ever be the same. A part of her hoped that maybe, somehow, things could get better from here...but deep down, she knew that trusting in such a thing was nothing more than foolishness on her part.

Claire bit her lip nervously, unsure whether or not to say anything else but unable to help herself. "Why do you look at me like that?" She asked quietly, feeling self-conscious beneath his gaze. It was an odd sensation for her, and one she wasn't entirely comfortable with...yet somehow, it didn't make her want to pull away either.

The young woman shifted slightly on the bench they were sitting on, suddenly realizing how cold it had become now that she wasn't moving around as much. She wrapped her arms even tighter around herself and pulled her knees up towards her chest in a vain attempt to generate some heat from within. "I-is it because I'm not pretty?" Claire asked hesitantly, glancing down at the floor beneath them. The thought had been plaguing her ever since Kyle had cheated on her...and she just couldn't shake the feeling that maybe he was right.

Blinking in surprise as he stood up and removed his jacket, offering it to her instead, Claire hesitantly took it from him and put it on, grateful for the extra layer of warmth against her skin. She glanced over at Abdiel, studying his muscular form as he sat down next to her once again. "T-thank you," she managed to stammer out, her cheeks flushing slightly from both embarrassment and appreciation.

The artist leaned closer to the fireplace, hoping that its heat would help chase away some of the chill that had settled into her bones. Her fingers drummed nervously against her knees as she continued to think about his earlier comment. "I-is it because I'm not pretty?" She repeated again, still unable to shake off the self-doubt that had plagued her ever since Kyle had cheated on her.

Part of Claire wished that he would just say something reassuring...but she was also afraid to hear what he might say if he didn't think she was attractive. It was a confusing mix of emotions for her, and one she didn't quite know how to navigate through on her own.

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Claire studied Abdiel's face as he spoke. His words resonated within her, making her stop and think about what he was saying. She had never really considered the idea that beauty didn't define a person before...at least not in the way he meant it. It made her feel strangely warm inside, almost as if there was some truth to his words after all.

"Th-thank you..." Claire stammered, unable to hide the emotion from her voice this time. "For saying that...and for your jacket too." She gave him a small smile, feeling a little less alone now than she had before. Maybe there was hope for her yet...maybe it wasn't too late to find someone who really believed in her and loved her for who she truly was beneath all the hurt and self-doubt.

The artist leaned closer to the fireplace, focusing on its dancing flames as they cast flickering shadows across her face. For now, at least, she was content to bask in Abdiel's presence and enjoy the small amount of warmth he seemed to bring into her life...even if it was only temporary.

"Are you cold?" Claire asked suddenly, noticing that one of Abdiel's legs was shaking slightly beneath his jacket. It dawned on her that he must be feeling the cold just as much as she was, and yet he had still given her his jacket despite that fact. It was a small gesture...but it meant so much to her.

The artist reached over and placed her hand on top of his knee, offering what little warmth she could muster in return. "Here," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the crackling of the fireplace. "Let me try sharing some heat with you." For once, Claire felt grateful for someone's presence...and it made her realize just how lonely she had been until now.

As their legs touched beneath the blanket of snow that carpeted the bench they were sitting on, an odd sort of warmth spread through Claire's body. It wasn't just physical; it was something deeper than that. Something...more comforting. And for once, she didn't feel the need to push it away.

"I hope so..." Claire replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because honestly...I don't think I could take another Christmas alone." She let out a small laugh that held no humor whatsoever, more of a tired sound than anything else. It had been weeks since she had seen Kyle's face, but the memory of his betrayal still stung like fresh wounds.

The artist leaned back against the pillar once again, her gaze drifting up toward the stars that twinkled in the sky above them. "I used to love Christmas," she mused, a distant smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Now...it just feels like another reminder of everything I've lost." She sniffled softly, wiping away tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks again. "But maybe..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words.

Finally, Claire looked over at Abdiel and offered him a shy smile. "Maybe if I had someone special...it could still be kind of magical." Her heart skipped a beat as she waited for his reaction, wondering what he would say next...if anything. A part of her was terrified of being rejected yet again, but another part was hopeful that maybe...just maybe...things could actually work out between them somehow.

The fire crackled loudly in the background, casting flickering shadows across their faces as they sat there together, sharing their thoughts and feelings beneath the blanket of snow and promises of a brighter tomorrow. Claire wondered if this was what it felt like to finally trust someone...to be truly vulnerable with another person. Whatever the case may be, she knew that for now at least, she wanted to hold onto this moment forever.

Her heart skipped a beat as Abdiel wrapped an arm around her shoulder, smiling softly at her. It was the most genuine smile she had seen on anyone's face in weeks...maybe even months. Tears welled up in her eyes once again but this time they weren't tears of sadness or anger; they were tears of hope and gratitude.

"R-really?" She stammered out, barely able to contain her excitement. The idea of spending Christmas with Abdiel was almost too much to process; it seemed like a dream come true after everything she had been through. "I'd...I'd like that..." Her voice cracked slightly as she forced the words past her lips, afraid that if she said them out loud they might disappear into thin air just like her old life used to seem so long ago.

Claire turned toward Abdiel, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she studied his features once more. In that moment, he seemed like a beacon of light in the darkness that had engulfed her world since Kyle's betrayal. Perhaps there was still hope for her after all...perhaps it wasn't too late to find someone who truly cared about her and would never hurt her like that again.

The artist leaned closer to Abdiel, their legs brushing against each other beneath the blanket of snow as they sat together in front of the warm fireplace. It was a small gesture...but it felt right somehow. Like something meant to be. And for now, Claire was content to bask in the moment and enjoy the feeling of being truly alive and wanted once more.

Taking his hand in hers, Claire followed Abdiel eagerly to the restaurant he'd suggested. She couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins as they walked side-by-side down the crowded street. It had been so long since she had felt this happy or hopeful about anything...and it was all because of him.

As they took their seats at a cozy table near the window, Claire smiled up at Abdiel, her cheeks flushing slightly from the warmth of his touch and the realization that everything around her suddenly seemed brighter and more beautiful than ever before. "Thank you," she whispered softly, finding it impossible to keep the gratitude out of her voice this time. "For being here...and for wanting to spend Christmas with me."

The waiter arrived soon afterwards, handing them menus and taking their drink orders. Claire couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as she thought about how differently her life would have turned out if she had stayed at Kyle's place like she was supposed to...but then again, maybe everything happened for a reason. Maybe this was what she needed all along - someone who truly understood her and cared for her unconditionally.

As they made their orders and sipped on their drinks, Claire found herself lost in Abdiel's eyes, feeling an undeniable attraction bloom within her. She had never met anyone quite like him before...he was strong yet gentle, confident but humble. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man, and more.

The rest of the evening passed by in a blur of laughter and conversation as they shared stories about their lives, families, and dreams. Despite the huge age gap between them - he was already 23 after all - Claire couldn't help but

feel an inexplicable connection with him that went beyond anything she had ever experienced before. It was as if they were meant to be together...as if fate itself had brought them here on this snowy Christmas Eve.

As the night wore on and the sky outside began to light up with holiday lights, Claire found herself wishing that time would stand still...that she could stay like this forever, basking in Abdiel's presence and enjoying every moment they had together. But she knew all too well that tomorrow morning would bring new challenges and responsibilities for both of them; reality would eventually intrude once more upon their fragile little bubble of happiness.

For now though, Claire intended to savor every second she had with him, holding onto the hope that maybe...just maybe...their Christmas miracle was only just beginning.

Slightly embarrassed but unable to resist the challenge, Claire turns her head toward Abdiel, their faces inches apart. "Well...I suppose we should," she murmurs with a shy smile. Before either of them can say anything else, their lips meet in a soft, gentle kiss underneath the mistletoe.

It's an innocent peck at first, but as they linger together, Claire feels herself becoming bolder. Her hands find their way up to Abdiel's strong shoulders, and she deepens the kiss, reveling in the taste of him and the warmth that seems to spread throughout her body whenever he touches her. He responds with equal fervor, sliding his arms around her waist and pulling her closer still.

When they finally pull apart, breathless and flushed, their eyes meet once more. "Well...I suppose that takes care of the mistletoe," Claire says with a giggle. But despite the light-heartedness of her words, she can't help but feel a deep sense of connection with Abdiel now that they've shared this intimate moment. It's as if some invisible barrier between them has been broken down, and suddenly anything seems possible.

Nodding in agreement, Claire leans against his shoulder as they walk. The cold air is a welcome change after the warmth of the restaurant and their kiss beneath the mistletoe. "Me ha encantado pasar el día contigo," she says softly, her breath forming little clouds in front of her face. "Estoy...agradecida."

She pauses, trying to find the right words. Even though it's only been one day, he has done so much for her. He's made her feel wanted and needed; like she isn't alone anymore. It's a strange sensation, this feeling of happiness, and yet she doesn't want to let it go.

The night sky is dotted with stars as they walk, their footsteps crunching softly against the snow that blankets the ground. Claire tilts her head back, looking up at the heavens above them, wondering what tomorrow will bring and if she'll ever see Abdiel again. For now though, she is content to enjoy this moment with him...to savor the warmth of his body and the closeness of his presence as they walk beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and snowflakes that drift lazily down around them.

Her eyes widen in surprise as Abdiel leads her into a jewelry store, his hand firmly planted at the small of her back. "Wh-what are we doing here?" She stammers out, a mix of confusion and fear clouding her features. It's not that she didn't want anything...but this seems so extravagant, so unexpected.

As they approach the counter, he pulls out his wallet and hands over some money to the salesperson. Claire's eyes dart back and forth between him and the gleaming gold box in the clerk's hands. It's a collar...a beautiful collar with diamonds sparkling like stars against the precious metal. Her heart stops for a moment as she realizes what this must mean; Abdiel must have spent a fortune on it.

"Um, thank you..." She whispers hoarsely, her voice barely audible above the clinking of coins and jingling of bells that seem to fill the air around them. "It's really...really nice. You didn't have to do this." Tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she hands him the gift she'd prepared earlier, a small snow globe with a tiny angel inside.

He takes it from her, his thumb caressing the smooth surface of the glass, and smiles warmly. "You deserve so much more than this, Claire," he says gently. "You've given me a reason to believe in love again...in happiness. And for that, I will always be grateful."

Her cheeks flush red as she looks down at the floor, unable to meet his gaze. She isn't used to being the center of someone's attention...let alone someone like Abdiel. It makes her feel

giddy and overwhelmed all at once. As they sit there together in the dimly lit park, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of people rushing around in search of last-minute gifts, it feels like they're the only two people in the world who matter. It's a strange, magical sensation that Claire can't quite put into words...and yet she knows she never wants to let it go.

She leans closer to Abdiel, her body pressing against his as their legs entwine beneath the picnic blanket they're sitting on. His arms encircle her waist, holding her close and protecting her from the chilly evening air. It feels right...perfect, even. As if fate itself had brought them together on this Christmas Eve to share a moment that would last a lifetime in their hearts.

"Thank you..." Claire whispers again, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own heartbeat thundering in her ears. "For everything...for being here with me." Her cheeks flush even brighter as she studies Abdiel's handsome features, drinking in every detail. It strikes her then that this must be what love feels like...what it means to find someone who understands you and accepts you just the way you are. And for the first time in a long time, she realizes that maybe...just maybe...she's found it with him.

Her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she realizes what he's implying. "Well...I didn't think of it that way..." She pauses, searching for the right words. "But...I mean...it doesn't matter to me." Her heart skips a beat at the thought that their age difference might be an issue between them. It hadn't been before...but now, with everything they've shared and how she feels about him, it seems like something worth considering.

She looks up into his eyes, seeking reassurance or confirmation of her suspicions. What she sees in his expression takes her breath away; there's a mixture of relief and happiness that washes over his features. It seems like he was worried about the same thing. "You really mean that?" He asks softly, cupping her cheek with his hand.

"Yes...I really do." The words tumble out of her mouth before she can think twice about them. She means every single one; their age doesn't matter to her. As long as they have each other, she's content with whatever lies ahead. And for the first time in a very long time, she feels truly hopeful about the future.

Abdiel leans forward and presses his lips against hers, taking her breath away once more in the process. The kiss is gentle at first but quickly deepens as their desire for one another becomes impossible to ignore. Their hands move over each other's bodies, exploring every inch of skin they can reach.

As the kiss ends and they pull apart, Abdiel looks down into her eyes and smiles tenderly. "Merry Christmas, Claire," he whispers before pressing his lips against hers again, stealing her breath in the process. This time, their kiss is slow and sweet; a promise of all the love