I decided to make this one-shot extra long for the event. If ya'll be wondering why I hadn't published much was because I wanted this to be out on Christmas. So I had to count the days. I'm so sorry.

Hope you enjoy it anyway :)

~

Hailey loves Christmas, Everything about it was enchanting to her.

The only problem was that... Hailey tends to be a bit more...

"WHERE ARE THE ORNAMENTS?!"

...Aggressive during the holiday season.

But the newest member of the Music Club, Jake, had to learn that the hard way on the 23rd of December.

~

     Jake merrily skipped to the Music Room, whistling to 'Jingle Bells' all the way. One more day of school, then, it was finally over. He definitely was not gonna spend Christmas alone. Luke proposed they made a trip to the log cabin his uncle owns, saying they'll get to spread the cheer together. No one disagreed.

As soon as the singer step foot into the Music Room, things got messy. Real fast.

     Milly and Zander's arguing were heard from the back, while Sean was struggling from making their tree stand up. Hailey was yelling orders to Luke, who had a hard time balancing himself on a chair to hang decorations.

Jake considered going home that instant. Before Hailey spotted him.

     "STERLING! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?!" Jake stupidly looked behind him, checking to see if she were talking to another Sterling of sorts. She pulled him by the collar, dragging him before handing him a box of ornaments to get started with. He looked back at her, oddly confused. 

She sighed, "Go help Sean. Make yourself useful while you're here."

Luke gave a look of pity, before being startled by Hailey's orders. Damn, Christmas was hella important to Hailey.

Jake sheepishly walked to the large tree, stationed on the right side of the room, rushing to Sean's side at the sight of his bandmember being squashed. He lifted the prickly tree, giving Sean enough time to wriggle out.

     "When did you guys get this tree? It was normal yesterday." Jake asked. Sean coughed a few times before answering, "Hailey and Zander showed up with all of this. We're spending the whole day here." Jake's eyes lit up at the mention of a free day but quickly turned into a frown at the realization of how he'll be spending it.

He saw an ornament rolling at his feet. He kicked it back to the box, making it dent slightly. Hailey glared back.

Jake's shoulders shivered. "Was she always this scary during Christmas?" he gasped, "IS SHE THE GRINCH?!"

Sean chuckled, fumbling his hands through Jake's box for a particular angel. "I'd like to think so," he reassured, polishing the halo and wings before placing it among the other ornaments in the tree.

"Why is it so important though?" Jake wondered, not being helpful at all to Sean. He shrugged, he didn't mind extra work anyway. "Well, I'm sure you're familiar with the Christmas Club-Decorating Competition."

Jake nodded, before understanding.

     Every year, on Christmas, the Christmas Club-Decorating Competition was held. the Book Club would win every competition for the next five years. They were considered a rival, always boasting how they'd finish a book in less than an hour if given. A five-hundred-page book.

They would often taunt the Music Club for not being able to win a single trophy.

And Jake knew, Hailey really wanted to win. At least once before they graduate.

"HAS ANYONE SEEN THE MISTLETOES?! WE NEED KISSING TO HAPPEN IN THIS CLUB ROOM."

"As long as it isn't Zander and Luke, I'll be happy to find it." Milly retorted. Zander snorted, folding his arms, "Speak for yourself. And who is it that hasn't confessed to Elliot?" Milly's fist was brought up to her face.

Suddenly, Jake had a plan. And it was beyond brilliant. 

~

Jake waited for everyone to clear the room before he walked up to a pressured Hailey, rearranging the star on the tree. "Hey, I uh, think I found the mistletoe you were looking for." Jake smugly stated. The girl spun around in a flash.

     She glared darkly, realizing it wasn't with him, "Is this some kind of sick joke? 'Cause, it's not funny." Jake shook his head with a laugh. "I'm not lying, princess. Trust me. It's here." he said, his eyes motioning upward. Hailey raised an eyebrow, following his gaze. And there it was, hanging perfectly onto the ceiling.

Hailey's lips curved into a smile, bringing her face down, ready to thank the boy she doubted.

But Jake was waiting for something else. Another form of affection.

At first, she was confused. What more does this boy want? If he was looking for money, she definitely had no cash on her. A great big gesture? A pleasant handshake? He'd better speak up about it.

Then it struck her like a brick.

He was waiting for a kiss. From her.

Jake Sterling, was waiting for a kiss, from her, Hailey Austin.

JAKE STERLING. JAKE. FREAKING. STERLING.

Hailey hadn't known how much she'd stand there, silent. She was still questioning his intentions, of course. Jake bit his lip. Neither was interested in making the next move. They were just two friends, under a mistletoe. Was this planned? Is he being serious? Maybe it's all a prank. She hoped not. He seemed genuine enough.

Apparently, Jake couldn't wait any longer, pulling her close. Before the door of the room creaked slightly, followed by multiple grunts and muffled whispers. Kicking and shuffling were heard, and Hailey backed away. Jake too.

Zander emerged from behind the door, face red. Jake knew it was his cue to run into the forest and never come back.

     "Nooo, you ruined their moment!" Milly drilled, punching him gently on the shoulder. Luke and Sean peaked their heads out, like curious children, before completely leaving their posts. "Sorry... Zander forgot to call you home, so we decided we'd tag along..." Luke's face flushed apology.

     "I gotta say though, dude. It was real smooth when you were like; 'Wink wink, nudge nudge, mistletoe's up there." Milly commented, pointing to the stray mistletoe. Jake scratched his neck awkwardly. "We're sorry if we disturbed you. Zander was getting pretty antsy once you two started to... make moves." Sean explained. 

Hailey rolled her eyes playfully, "As expected. Thanks for saving me from giving a bad kiss. It's my first time."

Zander made a proud face, intentional for Milly to get a look at it.

     Jake quickly settled next to her, "Guess we'll have to practice." Hailey hid her blush from the winking boy beside her. "At least you have someone to spend Christmas with." Luke highlighted. "Oh, shut it, Peanut Boy. We all know you're thinking of Zander." Jake remarked, making Zander and Luke turn a shade of pink. 

~

Merry Christmas, ya'll! I can't believe it's December already. I don't personally celebrate it, but I'm sure most of you do. 

Season's greetings!

(Make sure to put requests in comments.)