Timeline - December 24th | ( 12 Days later)

Eko took the final bite of her sandwich, the cafeteria's hum bringing a rare sense of comfort amidst the upheaval of recent weeks. The familiar sounds—the clatter of trays, soft murmurs of students—felt like a brief oasis of normalcy, a small reprieve from the chaos that had taken over since Matthew's surgery. The weight of everything that had happened still sat heavily on her, but here, for just a moment, things felt almost... ordinary.

Toni had been by her side for most of the day, his presence constant. Ever since the surgery, he hadn't let Matthew out of his sight, guilt and worry gnawing at him visibly. He seemed to feel responsible for all that had happened, his protective instincts sharpened, though they both knew he couldn't have changed what had unfolded.

Matthew, however, had needed his own space to breathe—a difficult reality that had come to light after a heated argument between the three of them. It was clear he'd felt suffocated by their constant watchfulness, their shared worry chaining him down in ways he wasn't ready to accept. And so, they'd come to an unspoken truce to step back, even if loosening those reins didn't come easily to either of them. But despite their best intentions, they couldn't shake the lingering fear that, left unchecked for even a moment, something would happen to him.

That was why Richie, sensing their relentless worry, had insisted on giving Matthew space, encouraging Eko and Toni to step back for a day. "He's not alone," Richie assured them, arranging for Jesse to stay by Matthew's side while they attended a crucial board meeting. The meeting addressed escalating tensions across the academies—tensions that had erupted in Matthew's absence, demanding his steady leadership to calm the storm.

And so, Toni was with Eko now, in the cafeteria, almost as if he were babysitting her. He understood her better than anyone else, knew how her mind spun in anxious cycles, and when the weight of everything began to overwhelm her. Toni was the only person, aside from Matthew, who could calm her, who could pull her back from the edge when it felt like too much. He was attuned to her in a way only someone who shared her experience could be. Perhaps it was because they shared the same pain, the same intense need for Matthew. They both carried that burden—that deep, unyielding love and the equally relentless fear of losing him again.

The truth was, they were both struggling with it—especially as they watched Matthew return to work less than a week after his surgery. That moment had marked a turning point for everyone. Despite the gravity of his condition and the high-risk nature of his heart transplant, his recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. Eko knew that the crystal had accelerated his healing, but even the doctors were stunned. His heart was stronger, faster, and more resilient than it had ever been. Dr. Keaton had explained that, without the genetic disorder weighing him down, Matthew's physical potential had reached its prime.

Eko had seen the change in him firsthand. Watching him on the training grounds just days after the operation had been surreal. He moved with a swiftness and power that seemed almost otherworldly, a man finally unleashed from invisible shackles. Pride swelled in her at his resilience, at the strength he now wielded. But, beneath that pride, a new fear had taken root.

For all the power he now commanded, she knew better than anyone that Matthew was not invincible.

Then the first time Matthew left her sight after the surgery, something inside Eko broke, unraveling into a full-blown panic attack. She hadn't seen it coming, hadn't realized just how tightly wound her emotions had become. But the moment he was gone, her magic spiraled violently, lashing out in all directions, her breathing became erratic, her chest tightening painfully. It felt as though her body was rejecting the very idea of his absence, as if his presence was the only thing anchoring her to reality, keeping her grounded.

She'd needed him to come back—his absence had triggered something raw and uncontrollable within her. Her magic continued to slip beyond her grasp, flaring until the moment he returned. It took hours before she could calm herself, to regain control over her own power. And while it wasn't her proudest moment, it had brutally reminded her of just how deeply she was tethered to him now, the bond between them stronger than ever.

Even now, with Matthew just a meeting away, a familiar knot twisted in her chest, gnawing at her peace, as if it were only a matter of time before something else went wrong. No amount of rational thought could silence those fears, nor could she shake the protective instincts that had only intensified since his surgery. It was as though every part of her being was on alert, tuned to his presence, ready to defend against any threat, real or imagined, that dared to come their way.

As she sat across from Toni, watching him engrossed in his tablet and the book he used to retreat from their chaotic world, she couldn't help but notice the parallels between their situations. In many ways, Toni's relationship with Jesse mirrored the struggle she felt with Matthew. Jesse's moods had become increasingly volatile, oscillating between deep worry and fiery frustration every time Toni took on a mission without her. The tension between them was palpable, each argument leaving Toni worn down, so his day at Allegiant felt like a much-needed reprieve—a break from the intense protectiveness Jesse had wrapped around him.

After everything that had happened in December, somehow Christmas Eve had arrived. Amidst the festivities, Eko and Jasmine had taken charge of organizing a special dinner for the group. The office upstairs had been transformed into a warm, festive haven, twinkling lights and holiday decorations casting a cozy charm over the space. The kitchen staff had prepared an exquisite meal, every detail carefully crafted for the intimate gathering. Though there were still a few hours before everything was set to begin, Eko's thoughts began to drift, and she absentmindedly pushed her plate aside, her mind wandering to a more personal matter.

Across from her, Toni remained absorbed in his book, though he noticed her faraway look and raised an amused eyebrow, waiting for her to break the silence. Finally, she tilted her head toward him, a playful glint sparking in her eyes.

"Toni, do you think adding a Christmas tree would be over the top?" she asked, toying with the idea of one final festive touch to complete the setup.

Toni glanced up from his tablet, shaking his head with a soft snort. "Eko, have you looked around lately? There are Christmas trees literally everywhere." He gestured around the cafeteria, where every corner was aglow with holiday décor. "Jasmine's practically turned this place into a winter wonderland. If you add one more tree, she might go on another decorating frenzy, and who knows when we'd escape from that."

Eko chuckled, her gaze sweeping over the room. He was right—Jasmine had outdone herself, transforming every inch into a festive oasis. The white trees, a detail everyone knew Jesse had insisted on, cast an ethereal glow. Eko and Toni had witnessed the back-and-forth on tree color, with Jesse ultimately winning; the white trees reminded her of home—snow-covered, peaceful, a touch of normalcy amidst their chaos.

Toni's voice broke her reverie. "We don't need another tree down here, that's for sure."

Eko smirked, leaning in. "Oh, I know," she teased, waving him off. "I was thinking more about the office. We don't have one up there yet. But now that I think about it... does Matthew even celebrate Christmas? I never got around to asking him."

Toni's laugh was warm, his expression softening. "Matthew does," he said, leaning back, caught in a wave of memories. "We usually have a Christmas midnight mass after all the main festivities in the hall. It's become our little tradition—vodka, whisky, and everything we're grateful for. We watch the fireworks from the skydeck—it's kind of a tradition for us."

Eko nodded, her mind turning to the private celebration they'd planned for just the seven of them later that night. The chefs had everything prepped, and knowing Matthew would be back by six, she felt a surge of excitement. Her mind drifted, and before she knew it, she was sharing something she'd kept tucked away for years. "You know... I've actually never celebrated Christmas. Not as an adult, anyway."

Toni almost choked on his coffee, lowering his tablet in disbelief. "Wait, what? You've never celebrated Christmas? But what about all those royal events and everything?"

Eko paused, searching through the faint memories of her early years. Most of it was blurred, but one stood out—her best Christmas. She remembered staying up all night with her brother, waiting for Santa to arrive. The palace ballroom had been alive with festivities before everything changed.

"Before the war, I think we celebrated," she said, her voice softening. "After... the queen just didn't want it. I think it reminded her of everything we lost. Madison tried to make it feel like Christmas, dragging me to any party we could find at the other palaces, but the queen... she never showed up."

Toni's expression softened as he raised his coffee cup in a casual toast. "Well, tonight's your chance to experience it again. We'll make sure it's a Christmas to remember."

Eko smiled, touched by his words, and Toni, always quick with humor, leaned in closer, a playful glint in his eyes. "So," he said with a grin, "what's the grand plan for this office Christmas tree you're so set on? I can see it brewing in that head of yours."

Eko clasped her hands together in a prayer-like manner, her eyes gleaming with excitement as if Toni had just granted her every wish. "We need to go Christmas tree hunting!" she squealed, nearly bouncing in her seat. "I want to make all new traditions and memories for our family here."

Toni couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, knowing full well it would keep her out of mischief—at least for a little while. "We can do that," he nodded, fully aware that keeping Eko grounded, especially on the field, was a full-time job. While he and Richie were more than capable, Eko had an almost cathartic intensity when facing down youmas. Matthew's consistent training had shaped her into someone far more formidable than the woman she had been just months ago.

"Come on," he said, rising from the table with a mischievous grin. "You still have his platinum credit card, right?"

Eko shot up from her seat, her face lighting up with pure glee. "Only for emergencies, of course," she winked, her tone hinting at the fact she fully intended to stretch the definition of an 'emergency.'

***** *****

It was just after five when Matthew returned home, his powers brushing through the stillness of the office that had remained undisturbed. He had managed to escape his meetings earlier than expected, hoping to surprise Eko. He knew how her anxiety had been building lately, and he hoped this unexpected visit might soothe some of the tension that had been haunting her ever since the surgery. He wasn't sure if it was a short-term thing or a lingering effect from everything they had been through, but he wanted to help her find some calm.

As he took in the sight of the office, the first thing he noticed was the long table set up for their Christmas dinner later that evening. It was beautifully decorated, ready for the private festive celebration they had planned after Allegiant's grand party downstairs. The table settings, the glittering lights—it all hinted at the warmth and normalcy they were all so desperate to hold onto after everything. His eyes moved to the projectors, showing the progress reports of various academies, a testament to the hard work the group had been putting in while he recovered. Emails had been typed up, and the news on the TV screen from Isadora's capital flickered with updates.

He stood there, just for a moment, allowing the quiet to wrap around him like a protective shield. The bag in his hand slipped from his grasp, landing on the floor with a soft thud. Dressed in black suit pants and a matching collared shirt, he undid the top two buttons, loosening the fabric's grip on his neck. He exhaled slowly, though it did nothing to ease the persistent tightness in his chest that had clung to him all day.

Not that he'd tell anyone. The last thing he needed was more concern. But the moment he'd stepped back into the spotlight—the royal board, the courts, the media—everyone wanted a piece of him. Everyone wanted to see the man who had survived an assassination attempt by Ezra herself.

His hand brushed absently over the scar on his chest, the physical proof of what he had endured. The attack that had nearly taken his life. Yet even this scar wasn't enough to quell the thirst for blood that now hung over everything. Everyone wanted war—desperate to take advantage of the chaos, to lash out against those who had come for him.

War. The word echoed in his mind, tinged with bitterness. But where would they go? Xero's network had been systematically dismantled in his absence. Allegiant and the umbrella academies had torn through his forces, and Ezra's army had been decimated. His death—or near death—had flipped the war on its head, and now they were left in a kind of a weird limbo, caught between the aftermath of the slaughter and the unknown threat still lurking in the shadows potentially

So why the fuck were they still pressing for war when it looked like peace was finally within reach?

Exhaling, Matthew shifted his attention to the dual screens mounted on the wall, displaying a constant feed of information: the Christmas parade winding through the districts, various camera angles around the academy, and the head counts of his soldiers, along with their vitals. Meiko, one of the local reporters, appeared on one of the screens, cheerfully broadcasting the festive atmosphere while subtly weaving in the latest political developments.

People were coming and going, most heading to Isadora for the holiday celebrations. Despite the apparent peace, Matthew remained vigilant, knowing full well that the calm could shatter at any moment. If an attack or disruption were going to occur, tonight—Christmas Eve—seemed like the most probable time. And while Matthew had hoped for a quiet night with Eko, spent celebrating their first Christmas together, he couldn't afford to ignore the looming threats.

His thoughts drifted to Eko, to the engagement ring tucked away, waiting for New Years Eve. But something else snapped his attention—a sound. Soft music and... an awful, off-key voice singing?

He furrowed his brow in confusion, his curiosity piqued as the sound filtered through the office walls. More suspicious, however, was the faint glow of lights coming from down the hallway, leading toward their bedroom.

His instincts kicked in, the sense of something unexpected waiting for him just ahead.

"-from now on your troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days-"

As he walked down the corridor, Matthew slid his hands into his pockets, his footsteps silent as he followed the off-key singing and the soft music echoing from the other room. The closer he got, the more amused he became. He couldn't help but chuckle at the fairy lights strung haphazardly along the hallway, zig-zagging in a manner that would make any interior decorator wince. Eko's enthusiasm for festive decor was undeniable, but her execution? Well, it left something to be desired.

Turning the corner into their bedroom, Matthew stopped dead in his tracks, his usual composure slipping away.

For one of the rarest moments in his life, Matthew was left speechless.

The room was aglow—fairy lights draped across every available surface, twinkling in every direction like stars had descended from the sky and chosen their bedroom as a new home. A large Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, decorated with ornaments that seemed a bit too mismatched to have come from a single collection, and yet, somehow, it worked. The sheer volume of lights, though... It was enough to make anyone blink twice. The room practically radiated with festive energy, and Matthew wondered if it would melt under the heat of all those bulbs.

"-If the fates allow

Hanging a shining star upon the highest bow-"

Then there was Eko, standing in nothing but a black bra and matching lace panties, blissfully unaware of the effect she was having on him. Her attire left little to the imagination, and the sight of her sent a wave of instant arousal through him.

Lost in the moment, she continued her off-key Christmas concert, her voice unconcerned with pitch or rhythm. But it was the sheer joy and carefree spirit radiating from her that made the scene even more captivating to him. The authenticity of her happiness, combined with the sensual sight before him, made it impossible to look away.

"-So have yourself a merry little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas-"

"Hi baby," he smiled broadly.

Eko spun around, her eyes lighting up as brightly as the room she'd decorated. The joy in her voice was unmistakable, completely unbothered by the fact that she was standing there in nothing but a black bra and lace panties, serenading a room filled with fairy lights and a massive Christmas tree.

"You're home!" she squealed in delight, practically bouncing on her toes as she dashed toward him.

Without hesitation, she leaped into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist as if she couldn't bear to let him go for another second. Matthew laughed, caught off guard by her excitement but quickly adjusting, holding her tightly as he spun them around, her happiness infectious. He kissed her senselessly, feeling the weight of the past weeks melt away. 

"Merry Christmas, Eko," he murmured softly against her lips, a touch of giddiness seeping into his tone. He eased back, allowing her fingers to thread through his slightly unruly hair. As he looked into her eyes, he noticed a glow—a softness and lightness he hadn't seen there in weeks. There was something about Christmas that did that to people, he realized.

He remembered his conversations with Teddy from years back, when they talked about how hard it was to enjoy something as simple as Christmas without the ever-present weight of guilt. Survivor's guilt, Teddy had called it, something that clung to so many who'd gone through war or loss. And in a place like Allegiant, Matthew knew it all too well. If he had to guess, he'd say Eko was feeling some of that, too—this was her first Christmas away from the palace, from the fragments of her family, the only home she'd ever known. That sort of change wasn't easy. He'd seen it affect countless soldiers, and now it seemed to be touching her, despite her infectious cheer.

But before he could say anything, the familiar chorus of a holiday song kicked in, and, to his delight, Eko started singing along, her voice joyfully off-key. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and despite himself, Matthew burst out laughing. Her performance, so full of passion and wild abandon, dissolved any lingering heaviness in the air. It was a ridiculous, perfect moment of pure joy, the kind that left him feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

"-So have yourself a merry little Christmas

A merry little Christmas-"

Eko beamed, letting the last note of her off-key singing fade. "Our first Christmas together," she said, a softness in her voice.

Matthew took in the scene, savoring the cozy warmth of the room she'd transformed. Soft lights glowed, casting a festive charm over every corner, wrapping them both in a holiday magic that felt like their own. His gaze shifted back to her, and he smiled, his voice low and filled with appreciation. "And you've decorated our home," he murmured, the words rich with a gratitude that tugged at her heart.

For Eko, hearing him say our home sent a wave of warmth through her, a rush of excitement she hadn't expected. That simple phrase meant more than she could express—it was grounding, a reminder that this was their shared world now, a place of love and new beginnings.

Unwrapping her legs from around him, she lowered herself to the ground, wrapping her arms around his neck as she looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with a blend of pride and mischief.

"I didn't expect this when I got back," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her—the brunette goddess standing before him in her barely-there lingerie, a playful glint in her eye. "This is the perfect Christmas gift," he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

"Well, baby, we couldn't celebrate our first Christmas without a tree," she teased, pouting playfully as she turned, pressing herself firmly against him, feeling his reaction grow with every inch. She grinned, her movements deliberate, knowing just how much he wanted her.

"Jesus Christ, Eko," he muttered, his voice thick with need as he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as they swayed in time with the soft music. "You make me love Christmas again."

His gaze traveled around the room, taking in the glowing fairy lights and the towering Christmas tree that filled their space, a symbol of the home they were creating together. It was perfect, almost unreal, and he wanted to hold onto every second, to keep her close in this dreamlike moment.

Eko tilted her head, looking up at him with a gentle smile that matched the warmth spreading in her chest. This Christmas was different—special in a way she hadn't expected. For so long, holidays had been lonely reminders of what was missing, but now, everything had changed. With Matthew, she was beginning to see a future filled with celebrations and moments to cherish, each one brighter than the last.

Because, for the first time, he made her want everything. She wanted birthdays, Christmases, lazy Sunday mornings. She wanted to build a life with him and protect it fiercely. She'd once felt as though being a Crystal Warrior had taken her choices away, that her path had been set for her. But with Matthew, she saw something worth fighting for, something worth every sacrifice. And it made her want to tell him everything, to reveal every piece of herself, because if anyone would understand, it was him.

The words she had wanted to say dissolved into a breathless moan as Matthew's lips brushed over her shoulder, his hands slipping past the delicate fabric of her G-string. His fingers found her, intimate and commanding, drawing a deep shudder from her. His mouth moved to the curve of her neck, lips grazing her skin, and a wave of shivers surged through her as her hand found the back of his neck, her body surrendering entirely to the exquisite sensation consuming her.

This was the kind of gift she hadn't anticipated— and what better present could she receive than when the man kneeled before her as if she were his god to be worshipped. His hands were firm, possessive as they gripped her hips, lifting her thigh effortlessly over his broad shoulder. With practiced precision, he pushed aside the flimsy lace of her G-string, his mouth on her sex with a ravenous hunger that stole her breath.

His tongue traced every inch of her with relentless, expert strokes, igniting her senses in a way that made her entire body tremble. Each flick, every swirl, sent bolts of pleasure through her, and soon her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as the sensations built, wave after wave, each more intense than the last. She was on the edge, and there was no holding back.

Her cries filled the room, raw and unrestrained, as an earth-shattering climax tore through her, her body arching in surrender. His hold on her was unrelenting, grounding her as the pleasure ripped through her, and still he continued, each movement of his tongue prolonging her ecstasy, sending her soaring higher. Her fingers tightened in his hair as the waves crashed, the pleasure rippling through her like fire, leaving her breathless, utterly claimed by him, her man, unstoppable in his desire.

As he finished, Eko's body trembled beneath him, every part of her alive and buzzing with the intensity he'd stirred within her. Matthew rose slowly, his gaze dark and intense, a fire of undeniable desire crackling between them. With a swift, possessive motion, he wrapped her leg around his waist, guiding her down onto the bed. Their bodies entwined, her hands shaking with anticipation as she fumbled at his belt, urgency making her heart pound. The moment he was free, he claimed her, fully, deeply, in ways that sent a fierce surge of pleasure through every inch of her.

With every movement, every kiss, he gave himself to her wholly, as if they were the only two people in existence. His touch was raw, his love fierce, and it set her soul ablaze, the connection between them building with a feverish intensity. His hands roamed her body with both reverence and need, as though he were memorizing every curve, every breath. Eko could feel it—his need, his devotion—through the way he touched her, how he held her close, as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

With each powerful thrust, the intensity between them escalated, every motion raw and demanding, leaving her gasping and clutching him closer, her nails digging into his shoulders. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him deeper, her body arching up to meet every inch of him, craving him with an unrestrained, desperate need that left her breathless. Their gazes locked, his eyes dark with hunger, fueling the fire between them.

As his pace intensified, her body surrendered completely, that familiar rush building inside her with an almost overwhelming force. His hand slid up her back, pulling her closer still, his hold possessive, relentless, and she could feel him everywhere—commanding, consuming, hers in every way.

When the wave finally hit, her release shattered through her, and she cried out his name, her voice raw and pleading. He followed, his rhythm pushing them both to the brink, a guttural moan escaping him as he surrendered entirely, her name spilling from his lip in the most beautiful surrender.

And in that moment, Eko realized there was no better Christmas gift she could ever receive than him—body, heart, and soul.