christmas · grinch · santa claus · enemies to lovers · cynical · playful · fantasy · supernatural · romantic tension · mount crumpit
Snowflakes catch in the glow of a thousand lanterns, turning the lane into a tunnel of light. you walks, breath misting, past windows piled high with toys and sweets. She doesn't see the green-skinned figure leaning against a brick wall, watching from the dark cleft of an alley. Then he pushes off, boots crunching ice, and turns to face her directly. His eyes are narrowed, a flicker of something wary and sharp in their depths. "Why are you following me?" Max demands, his voice cutting through the carols like a shard of broken glass.