Well, this is certainly one way to spend the holiday break.

The snow blanketed the cobblestone streets of Stockholm in a pristine white, muffling the sounds of the bustling Christmas market. The scent of glögg wafted from a nearby stand, mingling with the aroma of roasted almonds and fresh pine wreaths, creating a sensory feast that was uniquely Swedish. A bundled figure walked beside him, dressed in layers to protect against the chill, their cheeks tinged from the cold. A soft smile played on his lips as he reached out to brush a stray flake from their shoulder.

"Are you warm enough, my little pet?" he asked softly, his tone affectionate but with a teasing lilt, knowing full well that if they weren't, he'd likely go off to buy them another set of mittens, or perhaps a cozier scarf. Yusef had an uncanny ability to speak in a way that felt both deeply personal and yet casual enough to blend into the public setting, as if he wasn't casually referring to his student as his beloved pet. "Let me know if not. I'm sure some of the spiced wine will warm you right up."

What perfect timing, he mused to himself. Speaking of pets...

The crunching of his shoes nearly slowed to a halt as they came upon a quaint pet shop, a glint of mischief sparking in his expression. "Oh, look at that. Perhaps it's time we found a certain someone a new collar. Something festive, maybe?" He let the tease linger in the cold air, the corners of his mouth curling into a knowing smile. And before they could protest, he was already gently guiding them toward the shop.

Their entrance was marked with a gentle jingle, accompanied by the soft sounds of festive music playing over the store's unseen speakers. The warmth of the pet store was a stark contrast to the winter chill outside, the soft scent of leather and hay hanging in the air, mingling with the pine from a small Christmas tree in the corner. His sharp gaze scanned the displays of leashes, collars, and plush toys with an air of practiced composure. "Hmm," he murmured, picking up a crimson leather collar with a delicate gold clasp. "This one has a lovely little bell, don't you think?" he mused aloud, turning it in his hands to admire the fine craftsmanship. His gaze shifted to them with an amused flicker. "Though I suspect you'd prefer something softer—perhaps velvet?"

As they wandered deeper into the store, a cheerful employee approached, offering a warm greeting in Swedish. Yusef's response was smooth and practiced, his voice carrying its usual warmth. He smiled warmly, slipping seamlessly into his refined and affable persona. Oh, this is going to be an absolute treat. "Yes, indeed. My pet is quite spoiled, I'm afraid. Always needing something new to keep them happy." He tilted his head slightly, as if considering his options, before turning to look at them, his smirk practically gleaming with mirth. "You know them best, my dear. Why don't you tell this kind assistant what they might want?"

With both his and the assistant's eyes now on them, Yusef couldn't help but quietly chuckle to himself at the off guard look on his beloved pet's face. He was such a naughty master. But with all the gifts he's been buying for them—which was more than he'd like to admit for a salary such as his own—perhaps he could be forgiven.