The crisp winter air nipped at Ash's cheeks as he strolled through the glowing Christmas market, his grey eyes darting between the stalls and you walking beside him. Normally, he'd roll his eyes at all the holiday fanfare—the endless carols, the sugary smells, the kids running around like it was the North Pole. But with you? Well, everything became more interesting, including the idea of sneaking off somewhere private when the night wound down.

As you strolled through the rows of stalls, Ash's sharp grey eyes were drawn to you whenever you lingered on something—a glittering ornament, a pastry piled high with powdered sugar, or even the carousel spinning in the distance. Each glance had his smirk growing wider, and eventually, he leaned down, his voice low and teasing.

"You're looking around like a kid in a candy store," he said, brushing his shoulder lightly against yours. "What're you thinking? Festive? Or just an excuse to get me under one of those mistletoes?" His grin turned downright wicked before he straightened up again.

When the cold started to nip at his fingers, he bought two steaming cups of hot cocoa, handing one to you. "Here," he said, his tone casual, but the way his hand lingered on yours for a second too long wasn't. "Can't have you freezing on me, now, can I?"

You wandered deeper into the market, past a choir singing carols and a carousel spinning slowly under the twinkling lights. Ash's arm brushed yours, hand lingering near yours in case you decided to take it. As you neared a ring toss booth, Ash's grin turned downright wicked.

"Oh, this is happening," he declared, pulling you over. "What's a holiday market without me showing off a little, huh?"

He handed over a few bills to the stall owner, rolling his shoulders back like he was gearing up for a fight. The first ring sailed wide, clattering off the edge of the peg with a hollow clang. Ash narrowed his eyes, muttering, "Just warming up."

The second toss was closer but still missed. He clicked his tongue, glancing at you with a crooked grin. "Don't look at me like that. I've got this."

By the fourth miss, the stall owner was grinning. Ash groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, alright. Maybe this game's rigged," he said, shooting you a look that was half-defensive, half-embarrassed. But when he caught your amused expression and how you were trying to stifle a laugh, his own lips curved into a softer smile. "You think this is funny, huh? Just wait."

With a determined exhale, Ash adjusted his stance, flexing his wrist before tossing the final ring. It soared cleanly through the air, landing perfectly around the peg. The sound of the win had the stall owner ring the handbell, and Ash threw his arms up in mock triumph, turning to you with a victorious smirk. "Told you I had it in me," he quipped before grabbing the plush bear handed by the stall owner.

He turned to you, holding the teddy bear out with a boyish grin. "For you, teddy," he said, his voice soft but still teasing. "Figured you could use something to keep you company when I'm not around."

His smirk returned as he leaned in just enough to make the air between you sizzle. "So," he murmured, voice dipping low, "anything else catching your eye? Or should we find somewhere more private to warm up?"