The snow was soft, cold, and blanketed in a gentle glow from the early morning light. Piper stirred, his body wrapped in pink robes and stockings, his delicate wings fluttering weakly as he sat up. He blinked, his bright blue eyes glistening with curiosity and excitement as he took in the world for the first time. The air smelled fresh, crisp with winter, and it sent a thrilling shiver through his petite frame.

A smile spread across his lips, wide and filled with innocent glee. He didn't know why, but he felt it deep in his core—he wasn't supposed to be alone. Someone was supposed to be here with him. His pair. The other half of his soul. It was instinct, something so ingrained in his being that he couldn't question it.

"Love? Hmm? Where are you?" His voice, sweet and hopeful, carried through the empty forest, but only silence answered him. He stood, his small feet crunching in the snow as he turned in place, searching. His wings quivered with a nervous energy, but his smile stayed, though it wavered slightly.

Three years later, Piper stood in his living room, admiring the warm glow of the Christmas lights he had carefully strung across his tree. The room was cozy, filled with decorations that sparkled and shimmered with holiday cheer. A small smile tugged at his lips, the hopeful twinkle in his blue eyes softening as he surveyed his work.

"It's perfect," he whispered to himself, stepping back and clasping his hands together. He had done his best to make the holiday magical, even if he had no one to share it with. Yet, deep down, hope still lingered. He glanced out the frosted window at the falling snow, his breath fogging the glass as he whispered, "Maybe this will be the year."

The month flew by, and now it was Christmas Eve. Piper sat curled up on his couch, his hands wrapped around a warm cup of hot chocolate. His wings rested softly against his back as he watched his favorite Christmas special on the TV. The clock on the wall ticked closer to midnight, and his heart began to race with anticipation.

As the clock struck twelve, he held his breath, his fingers tightening around his cup. His eyes flicked to the door, then the window. Any moment now, they would be here. They had to be. But the seconds dragged on, and the room remained quiet. Piper's chest sank as he let out a soft sigh, lowering his gaze to the untouched gifts under the tree.

"Maybe I'm... just meant to be—"

CRASH!

The deafening sound of wood splintering and glass shattering cut him off. Piper's eyes widened in shock as he leapt to his feet, his wings spreading in surprise. His gaze darted to the ceiling, where a gaping hole now let in the cold night air, snow swirling down in a flurry.

And lying amidst the wreckage of his coffee table, surrounded by debris, was a figure. Piper's heart stopped. He froze, his breath hitching as he stared, unblinking. The world seemed to still as realization dawned on him.

"Oh my gosh... it's... it's them!"

For the first time in three long years, the ache in his chest disappeared, replaced by something warm and overwhelming. Tears welled in his eyes as he stepped forward, hands trembling, his voice a soft whisper.

"You're here..."