Chapter Text
“Alright, how are we doing in here-oh for GOD’S SAKE LEWIS-!”
The dark-eyed boy glanced up from his threading of popcorn garlands, stealthily passing another handful of kernels to the dog hiding under the coffee table. “What’s wrong, Vi-ohgoodlord.”
The smirking bluenette gestured with both arms at the poor bundle of mechanical limb and Christmas light inching along the foyer floor, trying to escape the giggling swarm of mirthful deadbeats continuing to loop the glowing bulbs around his hindered legs. Lewis bit his illusory lip, trying to stifle a laugh, and the beleaguered blonde on the floor shot him a glare that was equal parts accusing and pleading. The master of the manor stood, leaving the popcorn bowl unattended (and vulnerable to Wheeled Hamster Assault) and kneeling to wave off his little minions. “Alright you guys, we have the tree covered, go be useless somewhere else.”
The little purple specters all squeaked playfully, one stopping to plant a little peck on a very unamused Arthur’s forehead, and the human girl and ghost boy quickly freed him from his festive bonds. The mechanic smacked his mouth, grimacing at the ghost of a plastic aftertaste, and then side-eyed Lewis. “Why exactly did you think they were capable of a serious task in the first place?”
The taller man shrugged, looking for all the world like a proud member of the living (save for his blackened sclera and slight glow). “Vivi wants us to go top down with the light stringing, we needed someone who could reach the top.”
Arthur rolled his eyes, rising to his feet and gathering up the end of the strand. “Go get a ladder; if nobody else is gonna do this right, then-”
“No need, hold on.”
Before Arthur had time to protest, or even process what was happening, he had a strong pair of arms around his scrawny midsection, and the tile beneath him gave way to the open air. He yelped, nearly dropping the cord, and the wide chest against his back rumbled with laughter. “Will this do?”
Arthur tried not to look down directly, only barely catching Vivi stifling a giggle down below in his peripheral, and took a deep breath, trying to ignore how comfortable the warm hold was, and how red his cheeks were growing. “Yeah. I can work with this.”