December, 27th

Bianca sighed and carelessly threw down the tattered paperback, allowing it to land onto the coffee table with a dull thud. With another sigh, she folded her glasses and placed them precariously atop the paperback before running a hand down her face.

She was tired, not the lack-of-decent-sleep tired. No, she had gotten her prescribed eight hours of sleep which was somewhat of a miracle considering the chaotic lifestyle she was currently living. It was more of a tired-to-the-bone kind of tired that seemed to accompany the holiday festivities.

With another sigh, she pushed herself out of the stained-aubergine recliner and padded over to the kitchen. She began ruffling through the overhead cupboards, the sharp clinking of Tupperware and crockery meshing with her groans and curses as she closed one cupboard just to open another.

“Wher- AHA!” She cheered, her winter-sky blue eyes lit up as she eagerly pulled out the bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. The white-gold liquid swished around in the bottle as she danced her way over to the countertop, her hips swaying to a music only she could hear.

“Babe?”

Bianca let out a squeak and briskly spun around, bottle clutched in hand, her eyes wide and doe-like.

“What the hell Matt!” She faked disgruntlement, furrowing her brow, but was unable to hide the loving smile that tugged at the corners of her lips.

The man in question simply smirked, revealing a set of deep-set dimples. A mischievous glint set fire to his sombre hazel eyes and he predatorily stepped towards his wife.

“What are you doing?” Bianca cocked her head to the side, her pearl white hair cascaded down her left shoulder, framing the left side of her face. Intrigued by the man before her, she set the bottle of wine onto the countertop, the hollowed echo of class on marble echoed between the two of them.

“Nothing,” the smirk on his face grew wider and Bianca found herself narrowing her eyes at him. She knew that smirk all too well.

“Mmmhmm,” she hummed and turned her back onto her husband, her attention returning to the bottle of wine. She began to salivate, much to her surprise, as she thought of the bitter sweetness that was awaiting her.

Matt watched as his wife dug through the top drawer, her hands furiously moving amongst the assortment of cutlery and cooking utensils as she searched for the corkscrew. He chuckled softly to himself, amused with the sight before him.

“Stop laughing and help me, damnit,” Bianca grunted and slammed the top draw shut, placing a manicured hand on the counter top.

“Nah, I think I like watching you squirm more,” Matt threw a wink in her direction. Secretly, Matt had hidden the corkscrew, knowing his wife all too well. It was the time of year again.

“Fuck you,” she rolled her eyes at him, flipping her hair. One way or another, she was going to open that wine bottle. Her life depended on it.

“Alright asshole, where did you put it?” She pinched the bridge of her nose and turned to face her husband.

He leaned onto the door frame, his heavily tattooed arms carelessly crossed over his chest, a sly smirk in place. “What makes you think I have it?”

Bianca found herself narrowing her eyes as she remembered last Christmas, more specifically, their anniversary. It had become, somewhat of a tradition for him to hide the corkscrew for some reason beyond her. “I know you have it.”

Matt shrugged, the smirk grew wider, and sauntered up to his wife. She looked on through narrowed eyes, her hand pressed flat against the cool, marbled surface. Matt was up to something and she could feel it! What it was, she didn’t know, but she would find out – hopefully.

“You don’t need it,” he stooped forward and brushed his lips against her ear, gently nibbling the soft flesh.

She stifled a gasp.

“Nope! No, I know what you’re trying to do, Matthew!”

He chuckled, low and husky. She felt herself melt, her knees started shaking. She gulped. Matt watched his wife squirm, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He knew the effect he had on her and he wasn’t going to lie, he enjoyed it. He loved that a simple touch would leave her wet and begging for more. He loved the way she always fought him but almost immediately gave in to him. He loved the way his kisses would set fire to her skin and the small moans of pleasure that would escape her plump, lips.

Lost in his thoughts and desires, he snaked his arm around her waist and drew her towards him, enveloping her in his arms. Caught off guard, she let out a small squeak, momentarily stunned. He took advantage and in one swift, but forceful movement he had backed her up against the corner of the counter, his body pressed firmly against hers.

“Matt!” she moaned as he attached his lips to her neck, suckling and nibbling on the soft flesh. Weakly, she tried to push him away but the further down her neck he nibbled and sucked, the faster she lost her will to fight him.

“Mmmm,” she moaned once more, her knees buckling beneath her. She suddenly lost her balance and sunk to the floor, dragging Matt with her.

Matt toppled onto her, his large body almost crushed her. Quickly reacting, Matt scooted off her only to drag her into his lap. Bianca stifled a moan as she felt his hardened dick grind into her. Completely forgetting the wine, she leaned down, pressing Matt further into the counter, and kissed him, grinding into him as she did so.

“Fuck!” Matt gasped a second later, his hazel eyes clouded over with lust. She bit her lip and gazed down at him. Holding eye contact, she reached up to her blouse and, one by one, she popped off the buttons.

Matt’s eyes grew wider, his anticipation growing with every undone button. He licked his lips. She smirked, her fingers lingering on the middle button.

“Momma?”

Bianca’s eyes grew wide and panicked. “Fuck!”

Chuckling under his breath, Matt lifted a finger to his lip, motioning her to be silent; a full, dimpled-grin spread across his face. A deep blush crossed her cheeks. Embarrassed, she tucked her head in the nook of his neck, muttering incomprehensible nonsense. Soft strands of pearl white hair softly tickled his neck and face.

“Momma?” a pair of hazel eyes peeked around the corner of the counter, followed by a mop of curly, sandy hair.

“Yes sweetie?” She sighed. All too quickly, she lifted her head and turned to face her pride and joy

“Momma, what are you doing?” The curious 4-year-old gawked between his mother and father, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“Nothing sweetheart, Daddy and I are,” she gazed up at Matt, hoping he would help her out, since he was the one that got them into this situation. Their eyes met, a silent conversation passed between them. Matt shrugged, a smirk in place. She rolled her eyes at him and climbed out of his lap before hastily getting to her feet.

“What’s wrong baby?” she cooed, crouching down, her arms open and inviting.

Nikolai shrugged and started forward, his short, 4-year-old legs carrying him over to his mother’s arms, a safe-haven for the boy. Once in her arms, Bianca swooped him up, supporting him on her hips. Nikki gently laid his head on her shoulder, thumb in mouth.

“Come on dear, we have to get you cleaned up and packed before Uncle Jimmy comes to fetch you.”

The boy’s eyes lit up with the excitement at the mention of his favourite uncle. He wiggled in her arms, a sign that he wanted to be set down again. Obeying, Bianca gently set him down and watched as he sped off.

“That goes for you too, Mr. Sanders,” She smirked at her husband before walking off again.

An hour or two later, the doorbell rang. It’s shrill ring echoed throughout the house, mingling with the hustle and bustle as Bianca frantically ran about trying to dress her 4-year-old son – who had been running around in his batman underpants. She had finally caught up to Nikolai – who had excitedly moved on to bouncing up and down on his bed - her breathing heavy.

“Yay! Uncle Jimmy’s here!” Upon hearing the doorbell ring, the toddler leapt off his bed and
sped to the door of his bedroom, his curly locks bouncing up and down. He ran straight into his mother’s legs, only to squirm past her and the door frame.

“Nikolai! Get back here!” Bianca sighed and ran a hand down her face. “Damnit, Nikki!”

She spun around on her heels and bolted after the four-year-old. At the back of her mind, she mentally cursed Matt for not helping her. Once again sighing, Bianca marched downstairs, knowing her son was bound to be there, along with her husband. Maybe he could convince their son to get dressed she bitterly thought.

“Uncle Jimmy!”

Matt had just opened the front door, when his toddler run up to him. Furiously, Nikolai pushed past his father, running directly for the towering man before him, and latched himself onto one of the man’s legs.

“Woah there, kiddo!” Jimmy’s laugh shook his body, his bright blue eyes lit up with excitement.

“Sorry dude,” Matt chuckled, stepping out of the way to allow his friend into the house. Jimmy causally strolled into the house, toddler attached to his left leg.

Jimmy shook his head at his friend, a huge smile lit up his eyes. “Nah man, it’s cool.”

“Oh good, you’re here,” Bianca interrupted them, hand placed firmly on her hip. She glared at Matt before throwing a friendly smile at Jimmy. “Maybe you can convince to get dressed.”

Both men gazed down at the boy, who was staring at his mother with a cheeky grin, before sharing a look.

“Sure,” Matt Shrugged and motioned for Jimmy to follow him. While he passed Bianca, Jimmy leant over and pecked her cheek as a form of greeting. She tiredly smiled up at him.

“Where’s Eva?” She frowned, noticing her best friend hadn’t followed her husband.

A pained expression crossed Jimmy’s features but Bianca paid no attention to it, she was too preoccupied with the thoughts of tonight. She frowned slightly as she wondered what Matt had planned.

“She decided to stay at home,” Jimmy’s voice broke through her musings.

Dazed, she smiled up at him, only half hearing what he had said. “Okay, I’m going to go finish getting ready.”

Time seemed to fly by and after heartfelt negotiations and a promise of a new toy, Matt and Jimmy had finally convinced Nikolai to put some clothes on.

“Remind me never to have kids,” Jimmy joked as he playfully swung Nikolai over his shoulder.

Matt rolled his eyes at his friend. “Don’t let Eva catch you say that.”

Once again, a pained look crossed Jimmy’s features but he expertly concealed it. “Yeah, she’ll probably kill me.”

Matt chuckled at his friend’s mock expression of fear. Shaking his head, he picked up the overnight bag that contained Nikolai’s pyjamas, change of clothes and Mr. Snuggles, the boy’s plushie, and speedily followed is friend out the bedroom.

“You ready for an adventure?” Jimmy set Nikolai down and grabbed the bag from Matt.

“Yeah!” the boy jumped up and down in his spot, eagerly clapping his hands.

“Alright Nikki, go kiss Mommy good bye and then you can join Uncle Jimmy,” Matt smiled down at the boy, roughing up his hair.

“’kay,” without uttering another word, Nikolai ran back up the stairs.

A couple of minutes later, both he and Bianca re-emerged. Matt bit into his knuckles when he caught sight of his wife, supressing a moan.

“You boys leaving already?” She smiled up at Jimmy once she reached them. Nikolai immediately let go of his mother’s hand and ran for his uncle.

“Yep,” Jimmy picked the boy up. She sighed, not wanting to let her son go.

“Okay, have fun baby.” She walked forward and pecked Nikolai on the cheek, leaving a lipstick stain much to the boy’s displeasure.

“And we’re off, I’ll bring him ‘round 8 tomorrow?” Jimmy lifted an eyebrow.

Matt smiled and nodded. “No problem.”

With a final wave from Nikolai, Jimmy spun around and walked back to his car. Carefully buckling Nikolai into the car seat he had installed when Nikolai had been born. Matt and Bianca stood side by side and watched Jimmy drive off.

“Our turn,” Matt turned to face Bianca once Jimmy’s car disappeared from view.

“Alright let me just grab my things.”

----

“Where are we going?” Bianca stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the asphalt.

“You’ll see,” Matt smirked, slamming the car door shut. With a click-clack­, he locked the car and strolled around the front and stopped before her.

She pouted and glanced up at him, hoping to convince him to tell her. He simply smiled, grabbed her hand and lead her onto the deserted beach. Although winter had formally settled over Huntington Beach, the evening was comfortably warm and a soft breeze blew along the coast.

“Surprise!” Upon reaching their destination, Matt let go of her hand and stepped out of the way.

“Oh. My. God!” Bianca’s crystal-blue eyes lit up with wonder as she stared at the scene before her. A beautiful, white tent, fashioned like a tepee with the front and back open, stood against a backdrop of pale-golds, pinks and oranges as the sunset painted the evening sky, spraying colours onto the calm ocean. Delicate candles in white paper bags where expertly arranged around the tent, steadily secured in sand, their golden light illuminating a pathway.

Bianca approached the tent, noting that someone had placed fluffy white cushions under it, blood-red rose petals where absentmindedly scattered across the cushions. To her left, she noticed a bottle of champagne alone with two flute glasses and an assortment of dessert-like dishes.

“Matt?” she whirled around, the skirt of her dress fluttering out around her.

He strolled up to her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah?”

“What is all this?” she frantically gestured to the scene before her. The cool ocean breeze, softly blew through her hair.

“Happy anniversary, love,” Matt wrapped her in his arms and leaned forward, softly kissing his wife.

“Matt, you-you didn’t have to do all this,” She once more gestured to the scene, her heart squeezing with love. “This is…”

“You deserve the best babe,” he chuckled, amused with his wife’s behaviour. “Besides, I love you and what better way to show just how much by spoiling you shitless?”

“How did I get so lucky?” she tiptoed and placed a kiss on his lips.

Matt grabbed her hand and lead her into the tent, casually throwing her down onto the cushions. She giggled as her back hit the plush cushions.

“I should be the one asking myself that,” he muttered, crawling on top of her and gently started placing kisses on her jaw and neck.

“Really?” she giggled.

“Yeah, I mean, damn woman! You’re beautiful, smart. You’re a wonderful mother and a wonderful wife. I’ve never felt so much love for anyone. And fuck, I’ve never seen someone deal with all my shit as well as you do! And I know, things aren’t great all the time – especially when I leave for tour – but you always stick around. You always find some way to brighten my life. You are my world and I love you.” Matt mumbled against her skin. His rough hands gently fumbled with the sweet-tied stand collar of her dress, trying to untie it.

“Shut up and kiss me, damnit!” Bianca wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her, closing the gap between them.

Matt happily kissed his wife. Once again, he was grateful that she had decided to stick around another year. He loved her more than anything and without her, he would be lost.

“I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

She stared into his eyes, her gaze intense. “I love you too, Matt.”

Notes

A'ight, so this chapter was incredibly difficult for me to write since I had no idea how to make it christmassy and lovey/dovey. So I do apologise for that. Also, I know Jimmy's featured in it, but I had to put him in.

Also, this chapter is dedicated to the bane of my existence – I kid, she’s actually quite lovely – AlloftheShadows, who without her, I wouldn’t be posting. Thank you asshole, love you lots!

C.H. Sullivan

Title Cred: Scream - Avenged Sevenfold