A Monsters Christmas
The cabin smelled of charred wood and fresh pine, a crude excuse for a tree standing lopsided in the corner. Harry had dragged it inside yesterday, dumping it unceremoniously in a bucket of water. Decorations weren’t much of an option, but he’d found a string of old, rusted bells that jingled faintly when he’d thrown them onto the branches. It was enough to make the room feel festive, if you squinted.
Harry lounged in front of the fireplace, tearing into a hunk of roasted rabbit. His teeth sank easily into the tender meat, juices dripping onto his chin as he ate. He didn’t bother wiping it off. Why would he? Cleanliness wasn’t exactly a priority here.
Behind him, the monster shifted, its hulking form blending with the shadows.
Harry glanced back at it. “You going to hover there all day, or are you going to help yourself to what’s left of breakfast?”
The monster growled, low and guttural, but didn’t move. Its non existent eyes remained fixed on him, unblinking.
Harry shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He tore another bite off the rabbit, leaning back against the worn couch.
The room was quiet except for the occasional crackle of the fire. The monster finally moved, padding closer with a deliberate slowness. Harry ignored it, focused on his meal, until something dropped heavily onto his lap.
“What—” Harry looked down, blinking at the sight of a pile of bones. No, not just bones. Polished bones, their surfaces smooth and gleaming. A crude necklace strung together with strips of dried sinew.
The monster growled softly, nudging the necklace closer with its claw.
Harry stared at it for a moment, then let out a short laugh. A smile on his face. “You made me a bone necklace? That’s… disturbingly thoughtful.”
The monster huffed, its eye sockets narrowing.
“Alright, alright,” Harry said, setting the rabbit aside. He picked up the necklace, holding it up to the light. The bones clicked together softly, the sinew surprisingly sturdy. “It’s… not bad, actually.” He slipped it over his head, the bones cool against his skin.
The monster tilted its head, watching intently.
Harry grinned, baring his teeth in a way that was more feral than friendly. “Thanks. I’ll admit, you’ve got a strange sense of holiday cheer.”
The monster growled again, this time softer.
Harry leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You know,” he said, “I’ve been thinking. You’ve stuck around this long, saved my skin more times than I can count… You deserve a name.”
The monster stilled, its "eyes" narrowing slightly.
Harry thought for a moment, tapping his chin. “Can’t call you something too soft. Doesn’t fit.” He smirked. “How about Teeth?”
The monster rumbled, the sound vibrating through the room. It wasn’t displeasure—it was approval.
“Teeth it is, then,” Harry said, leaning back. He touched the necklace, the polished bones clicking softly. “Guess this makes us official, huh?”
Teeth stepped closer, lowering its massive head until it was level with Harry. It nudged his shoulder gently, almost affectionately.
Harry grinned again, a sharp, toothy grin that matched the feral glint in his eyes. “Merry Christmas, Teeth”
The monster growled softly in response, settling down beside him.
Outside, the snow fell in heavy drifts, blanketing the forest in silence. Inside, the human and his monster shared the warmth of the fire, their bond stronger than ever.