The Only Exception - {TOM HOLLAND}

N I N E T E E N

The thing about Christmas is it comes with family.

Lots and lots of family.

Lots of nosy family.

Halloween had been a much easier holiday and carried a lot less stress. Plus, you got to see Ezra in the most adorable little Darth Vader costume you've ever seen, with a helmet that sat wonky on his head since it was once size too big.

Christmas though? There is a lot to unpack there. You and Tom are practically dating, a boyfriend and girlfriend thing. The kind of thing where you want to snuggle on the couch together and watch holiday specials. The kind of thing where you're most definitely going to be sitting between his legs as you open up presents together. The kind of thing where hanging mistletoe is actually something to watch out for.

Everyone knows, except for Ezra who hasn't questioned why his father shares a bed with you because he is more excited for morning cuddles. Ezra knowing is like cementing everything into place, and it's not like you're not ready for that...but there is a chance he'll react badly to that.

"What time are they arriving?" Tom asks from the kitchen, shoving a spoon full of cereal in his mouth.

You walk in, toothbrush jammed in your mouth scrubbing away as you look for your shoes, "uhh noon, I think?"

Tom clears his throat and points towards the dining table, "over there."

Sure enough your shoes are under one of the chairs. You give him a foamy mint smile and grab them, heading back to the bathroom to finish up. Your toothbrush clatters when you drop it back into the holder, lights above the mirror flickering slightly from the washing machine starting up.

The house has been fully decorated for the holidays. A Christmas tree stands loud and proud in the living room, situated at big front window that shows itself to the street. The stockings are hung, little tabletop decorations are scattered about, and Ezra's handmade ornaments and crafts are carefully shown off as well.

It really feels like Christmas.

Unlike every other morning Ezra didn't rush into your bed, and when the two of you went to check on him, he'd been sleeping away. Instead of waking him up Tom opted to let him sleep in, and you had no qualms with that since it meant the two of you could take an easy morning shower together.

Except you stop halfway down the hall when Ezra's door opens.

The boy pokes his head out and you immediately fill with worry. He is pale, his eyes hooded and dazed, and his nose is running slightly. Ezra has his favorite blanket wrapped around him, shaking as he wheezes and rattles through a cough.

"I dun feel good," Ezra rasps.

You hoist him into your arms, walking back into the bathroom and settling him on the sink, keeping him wrapped up in the blanket. The first thing you do is stick a thermometer under his tongue while you grab some child cold medicine.

"Open sweetheart," you coo when the thermometer beeps, frowning when it comes back edging close to 38 Celsius which is pretty much 100 in Fahrenheit. Definitely sick.

You get him to drink the medicine, even if he whines about it and makes a face at the flavor. Once he does you kiss his forehead and carry him to the kitchen where Tom is rinsing out his bowl.

"Ezra's sick," you tell his back.

Tom turns instantly, concern crossing his face as he walks over. Ezra snuffles and makes grabby hands for his father, and you instantly hand him over.