Mark listens to the runaway by Aurora. It'll be pure ecstasy for someone, who would love to get out of the cruel aka reality which restricts their freedom.

....now take me home
Take me home where I belong
I got no other place to go
Now take me home
Take me home where I belong
I got no other place to go
Now take me home
Take me home where I belong
I can't take it anymore

═───────ꗄ───────═

He and his songs.

"Mark?" I shook my mate who was completely unaware that his mother is watching him questioningly.

"Why in the hell? Can't you stay silent for even a second?" he shouted like I was disturbing his beautiful art as if he's painting a masterpiece.

"Shh, your ride is over. Get out of my car." I snapped back then climbed out to say 'hi' to Jane.
"Hiya, Jacky, how is my chipmunk doing?" Mrs. Sullivan cooed.
"Jane-momma do you miss me?" She shook her head while embracing me with all her love. "My Jacky baby, yes!".

Mark sighed in the car.
'These two' Mark step up to the lounge.
He doesn't want to engage in our mom-son rituals, yet couldn't control his envy.
Jane pulled the boy who was not interested.

"Mom..."
"Hug Time". I was the one who captured him and hugged him hard at the end.

"Merry Christmas, my boys" Jane took out her special choco cookies. She couldn't believe the time --passes very soon. One day those kids in front of her were studying in pre-primary school, now, One is the cop, while the other is studying forensic science.

"Kiddos, take these", she feeds us each cookie.
"Mhmhh, why this is so melting?"
"Freshly baked. Guys, waiting for you." Jane gave us another one.
I couldn't help but lick the melted chocolates on my lips.
Is he eating or not?
I stalked Mark, he just ate and walked away from us with a simple, "Good as always".

Typical Mark the moody as always.
"I don't have to see this drama" Mark left the lounge.

"Wait, You can't see it tho-" I called back. Mark didn't reply instead, I got head smacked by momma.

"Ouch...Jane, it's hurting, I'm your favorite one, right?" I wailed.

"Stop your drama. Tessa is in the town."
"Yes, momma. Err, Today at midnight their Vineyard and cellar burnt."
"What are you saying? Oh my gosh? Was Tom there at that time?"
"Yes. But just wines got damaged. And you know, what?"
"What my boy?"
"It happened because of the meeting between Mark and Boo"

Jane was about to hit me... "Momma...Merry Christmas" I shouted with all my heart out. The hand was about to hit me, now, caressing my head. 'I'm a good boy too.'

"Get out of my house. Your ride is waiting." Mark shouted from his room's window. I turned to look at my car, it's working a lot today. Mark is the Jealousy's incarnation. "Mate. I forgot something"
"What the hell you want?"
"Happy Christmas, mate". Mark closed his window with " Go away". I know he's smiling.

"It's nice to see you today, Jack. But tomorrow if you come here means."
"Means?"
"That will be your last Christmas-- having this pretty face, my boy" I gulped at her sweet face having a cruel mind.
"Umm, momma.."

"Don't drag Mark for two days, for anything." with that Jane hugged then closed the door in my face.

"Momma why? Ahh, Sullivans and their secrets" I need a drink.

"Don't disturb him for two days. Got it?" Jane opened the door and yelled again.

"Ya, sure. He's working as a cop, not me. Already, asked me to pick him up tomorrow."
'What did I say?'
"What? "
"Okay, momma, I won't come, bye". It's hurt

Jane came outside."Jack baby, Don't come, until supper."

"Thank God. You didn't cut my Christmas dinner." Uff my heart beats again after a sudden halt.

"Sure, momma." See y'all today at dinner. My car's engine wakes up again at 3:30 AM after her 15minutes break. "Deice your deck. Otherwise, all your favorites will be cut."

"Aye aye, Captain" She won't forget. When will these old mommas grow up?

My phone vibrated -- Caller ID was Boo.

"Hey, Boo. You won't sleep, right?"
"I couldn't."
"I'm driving Boo, can I call you in the morning?"
"Okay, go." But she didn't end the call. Boo, my pumpkin what happened? That Mark. I got it now.
"..."
"Boo, am sorry. Your brother is so fond of both you and his mate at the same time."
"I know this confession at my 14th itself."
"That's why I couldn't take a stand between you two, do you think I shouted at you for Mark?"

"Then for who? My mother?"
"Ahh, please Oliver save me. Why in the world? You remind her now?"
Boo is laughing at my misery. That's her favorite job.

"Lemme say it clear. You both will end up hurting each other if you guys do these unhealthy banters all day." I can hear her sigh. "Jackey, that's why I have you, bro. Help me"

"Come to Jane's tomorrow. Sorry, today. Ahhh, today's Christmas dinner. Got it?"

"Bro, you alright?"
"Yes, Boo. Okay, let's take every step slow and steady."

"Okay, I think I understood."
I know you didn't.
"I'll send the first and foremost tip, once I reached my home. Now, sleep. At least lemme sleep, Boo."
"You know what?"
"What it is, Boo?"
"Shut your mouth then drive safely." This girl follows her mother's sarcasm. Believe me, she only follows that only.

Why is everyone in the town disturbing me? Ahh, I can see my house--I have to do deice soon. Walking is so difficult man.

I opened my abode so cozy warmer than my mate's mood. If we disturb him on his daily rituals with songs. Believe it or not, you'll hate him for decades after his feisty talk.

Okay, it's time for Jack with his favorite person on the planet. I opened the door where my favorite person will be there.

"How was your day, sweetheart?"
The person, I'm looking at, in the mirror asked.

"Everything and Everyone is just annoying."
"Are you tired, Jack?" I couldn't help but laugh at my reflection in the mirror.
"Nah, I'm super excited about"
"About mate?"
"No, no, about my slumber," I said with a wink.
"Idiot, first take your bath." "I will do, my better half", I started the cleaning-myself ceremony.

Perks of being single. No one is there to micro-manage you. 'cause we can do that shit ourselves merrily

Sleep is the cure for everything. "Good Night, my love", I said after tucking up myself in the bed.

▬ ▬ ▬ ▬
Sullivan House

"Woof woof woof..."
Pikachoo is running wildly around Mark. "Pika, come here." Pikachoo, the Maltese breed. Mark's best companion after his mate Jack is Pikachoo.

Initially, it was owned by Jack. But, Jack wants Mark to own him now. Whenever you feel alone, play with him. He will be your Jack in my absence.

"Pika Pika. Did you eat?"
"I fed him. Don't worry." Momma answered to the portraits (Mark's) on the wall. Speaking to his Portraits (or speaking to him directly) don't have a difference.

Mark thought she was speaking to him and about to say something. But, ended up being silent while cuddling the Pikachoo.

Jane slowly walked back while saying "Good night Kiddo".

Mark just sat on the floor and with tiredness, he slept there itself. Pika slept on the bed after Mark's snoring sounds. A dog with royalty, its mother was also raised by royal Jack only.

═───────☃───────═
Christmas Day

Mark is sitting on the couch with one earbud, listening to morning podcasts. Another ear is observing the group of neighborhood boys talking to his Mother.

The group of four at 10-14 aged boys are helping his Mother to re-decorate the Christmas tree which was wasted by Mr.Pika the slayer (sometimes). The poor Christmas tree went to the garbage.

Mark was happy that one Christmas tree is ruined because he now hates all trees.

"Mrs. Sullivan, I think we are doing it perfectly this time." One kid called while placing the ornaments.

"Please do fulfill Pikachoo's wishes before he does anything again." Another teased the Pika.

A cute little "Woof woof" came from Mark's lap. Pika is watching his grandma's decoration.

Mark caressed his Pika with pride. Am I evil now? Mark questioned himself with a devil smirk.

"Mark, when the oven timer is off. call me," Jane said before joining the team of decorators.

After some more minutes, the decorations are done. Jane packed some of her candles with her special cookies to them as a gratitude gift.

"Wow, excellent my champs", Jane handed them the boxes then waved them off.
"Thanks, Mrs. Sullivan", the kid's chorus was like autotune.

The timer goes off and the doorbell rang at the same time.

"Mark, please answer the door. I think they're kids. They left something I guess."

"And you want to check the oven too?" Mark continued on behalf of his mother.

"Right, my boy". Jane smiled at her son's calm behavior.

Jane took out the cake.
Pika ran towards the oven when the delicate and luring aroma of Chocolate hits his nose.

Mark was fed up with chocolate before ages, because of Tessa. She and her chocolates.

Speaking of her.

The Door opened by Mark revealed to be...