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Snow crunched under their boots as the three of them made their way up the familiar stone path of the King mansion. The house glowed from the inside out, windows spilling warm golden light into the cold December air. Garland wrapped around the balcony railings, tiny white lights twinkling like stars. It looked like a picture-perfect holiday postcard, but Brandon’s stomach twisted all the same.
He shifted the small girl in his arms, kissing the top of her head. Leigh clung to him silently, her mittened hands locked in the collar of his jacket. “Almost there, pumpkin,” Bran murmured, though he was mostly saying it to himself.
This was their first Christmas as a family of three. And the first time bringing Leigh into the full King chaos. Yes, she met everyone that’s in the house already, but this time, they were all gathered in one space.
A gloved hand touched the small of his back; Nikolai, warm even in the winter chill, leaning close enough that Bran felt his breath on his cheek. “Deep breaths, lotus flower,” he whispered. “Everything’s going to be fine. You know they love her.”
Brandon nodded but didn’t trust himself to answer. He wasn’t afraid of his family. Everyone had been ecstatic when they announced the adoption and when they met her for the first time. He was afraid of… everything else. Of Leigh feeling overwhelmed. Of him slipping into old patterns of anxiety. Of the memories tied to this house, both sweet and painful.
Nikolai’s thumb rubbed slow, grounding circles over his spine. The heavy wooden door swung open before they could knock.
Glyndon stood in the doorway wearing a red sweater three sizes too big, eyes lighting up like an entire Christmas tree. “THE BABY IS HERE!” she yelled back into the house. Brandon barely had time to brace himself before chaos erupted.
Killian appeared behind her, nearly slipping on a stray ornament. Mia gasped loudly and rushed forward. Somewhere deeper in the house, Levi shouted something about hot cider.
It was loud and it was messy, but it was his family.
Leigh’s small body tensed in Bran’s arms, her face burrowing into his scarf. He tightened his hold instinctively.
Glyndon must’ve noticed, because she lowered her voice, smiling softly. “Hi, Leigh. It’s me, Auntie Glyn.” She held out a hand, not too close, just enough to show Leigh she had a choice. “We’re really happy you’re here.”
Leigh peeked out with one eye. A shy nod and a tiny smile appeared on her rounded face. No words though.
Brandon’s shoulders dropped in relief. Then Astrid appeared, wiping her hands on a festive apron, eyes softening the moment they landed on Leigh. She didn’t rush. She didn’t overwhelm. “Welcome home, sweetheart,” she murmured.
The word home punched something loose in Bran’s chest. Leigh reached out timidly and placed her tiny hand into Astrid’s. Nikolai’s fingers brushed along the back of Ban’s neck, a silent see?
“Come in, come in,” Astrid said, ushering them inside. “You must be freezing.” Warm air swept over them; cinnamon, vanilla and pine. Decorations everywhere. Laughter spilling from the living room where Landon and Killian were arguing about tree symmetry.
Then Landon himself poked his head out of the doorway. He and Mia were the only ones who haven’t met Leigh face to face yet because they spent the last few weeks in the States with Mia’s family. So far, Brandon had only sent them some pictures.
He stared at Leigh.
Leigh stared back.
“Is that her?” Landon asked, voice rougher than usual. Brandon frowned. “Don’t be weird. Yes– this is–” Before Bran could finish, Landon walked over slowly, cautious… then stopped directly in front of Leigh. “You’re tiny,” he declared. Bran opened his mouth to scold him, but Leigh blinked once and answered, “I’m five.”
Landon nodded, impressed. “Good. You can help me but the angel on the tree.” And just like that, Leigh held out her arms to him. Bran froze and Nikolai smirked behind him while Astrid covered a laugh. Landon scooped her up with surprising gentleness, tucking her against his hip.
Brandon watched them disappear toward the living room and whispered, voice thin with emotion, “What the… fuck just happened?” Normally he wasn’t one to curse, but considering this bizarre situation, he had to.
Niko pressed a kiss behind his ear. “Your brother just fell in love, apparently.” Finally, Brandon relaxed a little bit and turned around to look at his husband. He wrapped his arms around Nikolai’s waist and pressed his face into his neck, pressing a light kiss onto his warm skin.
Niko enveloped his lotus flower in his arms and rubbed his back in slow circles. “I told you it’ll be fine. Everyone’s literally in love with her. She’s the first grandchild to our parents and she made the others in the family to Aunties and Uncles – she’ll always be special,” he said lovingly into their shared space.
While Niko and Bran spent some time in the kitchen, Landon carried Leigh into the living room like she weighed nothing at all, even though she was still bundled in a puffy coat, scarf and snow boots that doubled her size. The giant tree stood in the corner; at least ten feet tall, dripping with golden lights and ribbons Astrid probably spent hours arranging. The only thing missing were the ornaments, which sat in open boxes on the carpet.
Leigh’s eyes widened. “It’s… huge.”
“Yeah,” Landon agreed, deadpan.”Mom thinks bigger trees make us behave.” Glyndon, who was untangling a string of lights on the couch, snorted. “Pretty sure that doesn’t work on you.” Landon ignored her completely and lowered Leigh to the floor and helped her get rid of the coat and the boots. “Alright, kid. These–” he kicked one of the boxes closer, “-go on the tree. Simple. Don’t let Killian touch any.”
“Hey–” Killian protested from behind the couch, “I haven’t broken anything yet.” Leigh stared between them as if trying to solve a puzzle. Then she reached into the box, pulling out an ornament shaped like a tiny glass star. She handled it so carefully that Landon’s brows lifted in approval.
“Good,” he said. “That one goes somewhere high. If you put them low and Killian can touch it, it’ll die.”
“I’m right here,” Killian muttered.
Landon crouched down beside Leigh, pointing to a branch about his shoulder height. “Can you reach that?” She shook her head. “No… I’m short.” She sounded strangely resigned, like this has been a life-long burden at the age of five.
Landon hummed. “Okay. We can fix that.” And without warning, without even checking if she was ready, he scooped her up under the arms and lifted her into the air like she was as light as an ornament herself.
Leigh gasped, her tiny feet dangling. “Put it right there,” he ordered. She leaned forward carefully and hung the star exactly where he pointed, tongue poking out in concentration. When she pulled her hand back, she glanced down at him nervously. “Is that okay?” Landon nodded once. "Perfect.”
She beamed, a small, proud and radiant smile that hit Brandon like a punch when he peeked from the doorway. Niko wrapped a steadying hand around his waist. “She’s already part of them,” he whispered.
Meanwhile, Leigh tapped Landon’s shoulder. “Can we do another?” Landon lowered her to the ground. “Obviously. But we need rules. Rule one: if it looks expensive, only I can touch it.” Glyndon scoffed. “Oh, shut up.”
“Rule two:” he continued, ignoring her, “If Killian gets too close, throw something at him.” Leigh looked scandalized. “But… throwing is bad.” Landon leaned down conspiratorially. “Not at him.” Killian made a noise of offense. “You are poisoning her.” Landon smirked. “Just teaching her survival skills.”
Leigh giggled, a tiny shy sound, but a real one, then picked up a glittery snowflake ornament and held it up. “Where does this one go, Lan?”
Landon blinked.
Lan.
Everyone else other than his siblings and Mia called him Landon or King or his favorite - asshole. But now, this sweet little girl, his niece, decided Lan it is.
His voice softened. “Come here. I’ll show you.” She slipped her small hand into his without hesitation. Landon led her around the tree, pointing out branches like he was teaching her something sacred. And in a strange, quiet way… he was. This little girl would from this year on be part of this family. And hopefully, Landon thinks, she’ll always remember this moment for the many more Christmases to come.
When Leigh hung the snowflake and stepped back, Landon asked, “You like it?” She nodded hard. “It’s cute.”
“Yeah,” he said, staring at her instead of the ornament, a soft smile gracing his face. “It is.”
The kitchen was warm, lit by golden under-cabinet lights and the soft hum of Astrid’s classical playlist. Brandon stood at the counter with a mug between his palms; hot chocolate he hadn’t touched once. The steam curled into the air, but he didn’t see it.
He was staring at the doorway where he’d just watched Leigh and Landon. Something in his chest ached, but in a good way. Something he never thought he’d feel again.
He’d seen his daughter laughing.
With Landon.
Comfortable, safe and happy.
It should’ve made him smile. But instead, it made his throat tighten. A soft scuff of footsteps behind him broke the silence. “You’re crying,” Nikolai murmured gently, before Bran even realized a tear had fallen. Brandon pressed a quick hand under his eye. “No, I’m not, it’s just– the heat, or–” But his voice trembled.
Nikolai stepped behind him, placing his hands on Brandon’s waist, chest warm against his back. “Lotus flower,” he said softly. “Don’t hide.” Brandon closed his eyes. His breath shook. “I just…” He exhaled shakily. “I didn’t expect them to look so natural together. Lan and Leigh.”
His fingers tightened on the mug. “And I suddenly remembered all the Christmases when I was a kid. When I thought I’d never get to have this. Not for real.” Nikolai rested his chin on Bran’s shoulder, arms wrapping fully around him. “You do have it. You built it.”
Brandon let out a small, wounded laugh. “Did I? I feel like I nearly ruined everything.” Nikolai tightened his hold immediately. “Don’t,” he whispered, voice quiet but fierce. “Don’t rewrite the story as if you weren’t fighting every damn day to survive.”
Brandon’s breath hitched. “Your family,” Niko continued, “never stopped loving you. And Leigh–” His voice softened. “She is the proof that your heart didn’t break past repair. She's proof that you give love better than anyone I’ve ever known.” Brandon inhaled shakily, eyes stinging again.
He put the mug down before his hands could shake it. Then, he turned around and pressed his forehead to Nikolai’s chest. “It just feels unreal sometimes. Seeing her happy. Seeing us like this.” Nikolai kissed the top of his head. “It’s real, baby. And it’s yours.”
They stood like that for a long moment, Bran breathing against him, Niko’s hands stroking slow lines across his back. Then, soft footsteps pattered across the kitchen tile.
“Papa! Papa, look!” Leigh skidded to a stop in the doorway, holding something glittery in her small hands. Her cheeks were flushed from excitement and branched probably scratched her sweater. Brandon lifted his head, wiping at his eyes quickly. “What is it, sweetheart?”
She ran toward him, lifting her hands to show him the tiny ornament she’d hung herself. “Lan helped me put it high! Really high! I did it by myself!” The pride in her little voice cracked Bran’s heart open in the best way. He crouched down and pulled her into a hug, quick but fierce. Leigh giggled into his shoulder.
“You did so good, pumpkin,” he murmured, voice thick. “I’m so proud of you.” Leigh pulled back, blinking up at both of them. “Papa? Daddy?” She whispered. “Can I hang more?” Niko smirked. “You want me to pick you up this time?” She gasped dramatically. “Yes!” Bran laughed, the sound still wet.
He stood and took her hand. “Then let’s hang more,” he said softly, squeezing her little fingers. As Leigh dragged them both out of the kitchen, her tiny hand in his, Niko brushed his fingers against Brandon’s knuckles—a silent I’m here.
Nikolai lifted Leigh easily when she tugged at his shirt, her little hands tapping insistently at his shoulders. “Daddy, higher! Higher!” she chirped, and he chuckled, murmuring “Careful, malyshka, I’m not tall enough to reach the moon,” as he steadied her toward a bare branch.
Bran stepped back for a moment, just watching them, warmth pooling in his chest at the sight of his daughter perched proudly in Niko’s arms. Nikolai caught him staring and smirked over Leigh’s shoulder. “What? Admiring the view?” he teased, earning a dramatic eye roll from Bran and an enthusiastic, “Papa, look! Daddy is funny.” from Leigh.
Landon hovered nearby, pretending not to pay attention until he muttered, “That one’s crooked,” which made Leigh gasp loudly and declare, hands on hips, “It’s not crooked, it’s art.” Landon blinked at her, then sighed. “Yep. You’re definitely Bran’s kid.”
Glyndon and Killian wandered in just in time to hear it, Killian grimacing at the glitter explosion on the floor while Glyn whacked his chest for being a Grinch. Leigh proudly handed Bran a sparkly ornament next, her voice softening. “Papa, this one is special. You put it.” Bran smiled as he took it from her tiny hands and Nikolai leaned in to kiss his temple before watching him place it on the tree.
Later that evening, the house had settled into a comfortable glow. Soft lamps, the fireplace crackling and the finished Christmas tree twinkling quietly in the corner. Leigh was curled in Nikolai’s lap on the big living-room sofa, her energy finally giving out after hours of chaos and glitter.
Her tiny fingers toyed with the collar of his shirt as her eyelids drooped, her cheek resting heavily against his chest. Without even thinking, Niko began humming something Russian and low, the kind of melody that vibrated more than it sounded, warm and steady like a heartbeat.
Bran watched from beside him, his shoulder pressed against Niko’s, feeling something in his chest soften almost painfully. Since Leigh has been part of their family, Nikolai always tried to include Russian in their everyday language. Either he’s singing something or reading her a book in Russian to fall asleep to. Nikolai always talking about her getting her “Russian card”.
Across the room, Landon caught the look on Bran's face and nudged him gently with his foot. “She adores you, you know,” he murmured. Bran swallowed, his gaze flicking to Leigh’s sleepy form. “I hope so,” he whispered back. Niko didn’t open his eyes, just squeezed Bran’s hand under the blanket and murmured against Leigh’s hair, “She’s safe… Papa and Daddy are right here.”
Bran felt the words as much as he heard them, something inside him loosening. By the time Leigh finally drifted asleep, the room felt wrapped in quiet magic. Warm lights, soft breaths and three steady heartbeats pressed together beneath a winter-lit sky.
A few hours later, when the table was set and everyone was milling around in the dining room, Bran woke Leigh and Niko up, because he also fell asleep. Leigh blinked up at him in confusion. “Papa, is it dinner time?” she yawned, rubbing her eyes with her fists.
Bran scooped her up and carried her into the dining room, Nikolai following them. Dinner was loud and warm. Levi was telling old family stories while Glyndon and Landon were bickering the whole time. Leigh sat proudly between her two dads, swinging her legs under the table.
After dinner though, her eyes started to get droopy again. She was trying to fight her sleepiness with all she had, saying she wasn’t tired but yawned in the next second.
Nikolai carried her upstairs, her arms tightly wrapped around his neck and her eyes opening and closing every few seconds. She didn’t fully wake as he laid her down on Bran’s old bed, just mumbled a sleepy “Daddy?” before he tucked her in with her favorite stuffed unicorn. “We’ll be right downstairs, sunshine,” Niko whispered while kissing the top of her head.
“Are the presents coming tonight?” she mumbles, her eyes closing again. Nikolai smiled softly and nodded. “Tonight Father Christmas gets ready. Tomorrow morning we will open them. So you better sleep now, malyshka,” he said and kissed her on the head again before he shut off the bedside lamp and left the room.
When he shut the door behind him, he immediately embraced Bran, who was waiting for him. “She’s sleeping?” Brandon asked quietly. Nikolai nodded, kissing his cheek. “Let’s go to bed, lotus flower,” he mumbled, staring lovingly at his husband.
A few people already made their way into their bedrooms while the others were still downstairs, drinking and talking a little bit. Nikolai knew the day was weighing on his husband and therefore made the decision for both of them to go to bed as well.
They took a nice and warm shower together, Nikolai massaging Bran’s back and whispering multiple love declarations into his skin while placing kisses all over his body.
“Fuck, Nikolai… don’t stop,” Brandon groaned and spread his legs, his head resting on Niko’s shoulder. Nikolai’s one hand was stroking Bran’s cock in a leisurely pace while the other was rubbing over his hole, the tight ring of muscle relaxing slowly.
Brandon grabs the lube from the shelf in the shower and puts it into Nikolai’s hands. Soon after a wet finger enters him and his body fully relaxes. “That’s it, lotus flower,” Niko whispered into his neck, biting and sucking the skin.
Nikolai added a second finger, curled them and hit Bran’s prostate, making him moan out loud. He loves when his husband gets vocal and loses himself in the pleasure, but he has to remind himself that they’re not alone in this big house tonight. “You know how much I love your sounds, baby, but you need to tone it down a little if you don’t want your dad knocking on the door anytime soon.”
Brandon was already gone with Nikolai’s fingers completely wrecking him, but knew he needed to limit his moans if he didn’t want to die of shame tomorrow morning. He could already see Glyn’s cheeky smile or Landon’s glare in front of him.
Suddenly, Nikolai’s fingers disappeared and a clap to his ass followed. “Let’s continue this in bed,” he said and dragged them out of the shower. Brandon was shortly hypnotized by his husband’s beautiful cock which was having a standing ovation while Nikolai dried them off.
He dragged Bran into his old bedroom, but instead of laying him down on the bed, Niko himself got on it and scooted all the way up, leaning against the headboard. “Come here, baby. You’ll have to ride me tonight if you don’t want the bed to shake everyone awake.”
Brandon couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head, moving toward his husband. He settled on his lap, their lengths aligning and creating delicious friction that made Bran’s toes curl. His hands found their way to Nikolai’s shoulders and he lifted himself slightly. Niko got the message and positioned his dick at Bran’s hole, slowly pushing in.
Brandon immediately groaned and slapped a hand over his mouth while sinking further down. When their hips met, Bran lowered his hand again and put it back on Nikolai’s shoulders, who was breathing more heavily now.
They were basically face to face and as Brandon started moving back and forth, Nikolai leaned forward and captured his lips, swallowing his noises. He grabbed onto his husband’s ass, lifting Bran up and down his cock the way he knew he liked it.
Brandon moaned into Niko’s mouth and pulled on his hair, separating their faces for a second. Nikolai looked as gone as Brandon himself did, eyes half closed and lips swollen. He slowly started to smile and leaned in to give his lotus flower another kiss on the lips. “You look so fucking good, baby,” he mumbled.
Brandon chuckled but ended up moaning when Nikolai’s piercing hit his special spot. “Could say the same about you,” he answered and buried his face in his husband’s neck, kissing and tracing the tattoos to keep himself quiet even though the sounds of their bodies meeting was loud enough.
Nikolai’s thrusts got quicker and more sloppy, his climax approaching. “Touch yourself,” he whispered into his lotus flower’s ear. Bran got his hand on his cock and started pumping himself in the same rhythm Nikolai was fucking into him.
And just a few thrusts later, both of them reached their limit, Nikolai pulling Bran fully down on him and cumming inside his husband’s warmth, while Brandon was emptying his release into their shared space. Nikolai kissed his lotus flower’s cheek and pulled them down so they were fully laying on the bed.
Brandon whined and cuddled into Nikolai’s side. “Now we have to shower again,” he mumbled in a sleepy tone. Nikolai laughed and pushed Bran’s hair back to give him a peck on the forehead. “I can draw you a bath if you want,” he said, nuzzling into Brandon’s hair.
“I think I’d very much like that,” he replied, kissing his husband on the mouth.
...
The next morning, Nikolai got woken up by a certain someone tapping onto his arm. He opened his eyes and squinted into the darkness, noticing a tiny silhouette standing in front of him. “Papa, it’s Christmas!” she whisper-screamed at him, holding her stuffed bunny tightly to her chest.
Nikolai turned shortly and looked at the clock. 5am. Of course his daughter was awake at 5am in the fucking morning, just like his husband was all those years ago. “I know, sunshine, but it’s a little too early. Maybe the presents aren’t even here yet?” he told her while sitting up.
Leigh frowned but nodded her head, looking at the floor. “You want to cuddle, malyshka?” Nikolai asked quietly, opening his arms for her. She immediately climbed onto the bed and sat on her Papa’s lap, cuddling into his warm chest. Nikolai wrapped his arms around her and laid back down on the bed, now with his daughter on top of him. And just a few minutes later, both were deep into slumber again.
A few hours later, Brandon was the one to wake both of them. He and his family had prepared everything downstairs as his husband and daughter were unknowingly sleeping.
As the three of them went downstairs, everyone was already in the living room, waiting by the tree. Leigh ran toward the pile of presents, her eyes literally glistening and a huge smile on her face. She turned back around. “Daddy, Papa, look!” she exclaimed then ran over to her parents to grab them by the hands and drag them toward the tree.
“Can I open my present?” she asked shyly, still smiling at them. “Malyshka, you’ve got a lot of presents to unpack,” Nikolai stated, nodding towards the pile on the left side of the tree. “They are all for me?” she asked curiously, walking over to them. Brandon followed her and bent down to kiss her on the head. “Of course, sweetheart. You deserve all the presents in the world," he whispered into her ear.
Landon came over then, grabbed a box and handed it to her. “I say you start with this one. I have a feeling that this one is nice,” he exclaimed, looking at her with big eyes. And then the big unpacking began. A hoodie here, a blanket there and a new art set of course, because she is Brandon’s daughter after all.
At last though, she opened a small and flat box. Nikolai and Brandon were sitting next to her on the floor as she unwrapped it, looking at her expectantly. She opened it and inside a delicate necklace with a lotus flower charm greeted her. “Do you like it?” Bran asked her quietly.
Leigh simply nodded, her eyes glassy as she pushed the necklace into her Daddy’s hands, wanting him to put it on her. She might be only five years old, but she already knew the lotus flower meant something special in her family. Countless times, she saw the tattoo on her Papa’s chest and heard the nickname Nikolai had for Brandon.
Bran immediately got up and put it around her neck. “Now I also have a lotus flower, just like Papa,” she said happily, ran toward him and basically jumped into his arms.
The living room was a mess of torn paper and ribbons by the time the last present was opened, the tree lights blinking softly. Leigh sat cross-legged on the rug, surrounded by her new treasures, humming to herself as she lined them up with careful concentration.
At some point, she’d migrated into Landon’s side without anyone noticing, leaning against his knee while he helped her open a stubborn box, his voice low and patient. Glyndon snapped pictures on her phone, Astrid kept insisting everyone eat more and Levi watched it all with that quiet, content smile that meant he was committing the moment to memory.
Brandon sat curled into Nikolai’s side on the couch, their fingers loosely intertwined. Leigh climbed up between them eventually, presenting one of her gifts like it was the most important thing in the world. Nikolai praised her in soft Russian, words warm and gentle and she beamed like she understood every syllable.
Outside, the world was cold and quiet, but inside the King mansion everything felt full. Many laughter and too much love to fit into one room. This was the kind of Christmas Brandon always dreamt of, and now, he finally had it.