Submission (#672) Approved

Its a little late for Xmas, but Klawd and Briar Xmas story!
Word count: 1000 exactly


When normal people go to visit someone, they tend to knock on the door first or maybe even call ahead (do they have phones??.... it's still polite to give notice). But not Briar. And so begins our Christmas story.
It was Christmas eve and Klawd was minding his own business relaxing in his house, looking around to the shining decorations Briar had put up without his permission. The tree had tinsil and some fake frost on the tips of the branches. The stocking were hung by the chimney with care, he wasnr sure why briar gave himself one when he doesnt even live there. The names on the stockings were sewn on the tops and Klawd wondered why he went through so much trouble for it?
There wasn't even a warning when the door slammed open and an excited Briar came charging into the room. Klawd nearly jumped out of his skin, his heart hurt from the sudden scare. Briar had a big smile on his face, his rosy cheeks reddened from the cold. He closed the door behind him and started taking off his winter attire at the door, putting a box down he had carried in with his back to Klawd.
"What in Burrogatory are you doing!? Did you have to charge in like that??" Klawd exclaimed, his heart still pounding.
Briar put his scarf on the coat hanger and half turned around to look at Klawd, an innocent expression on his face. "It's cold outside."
Klawd gave up and his anger deflated. "What are you doing here?" he asked as he tried to relax back into his seat. Briar finished taking off his cold outer layers and picked the box back up and ran to Klawds side, jumping onto the comfy couch in Klawds personal space.
"I got you something!" he said holding up the box. Klawd looked wearily at the blue wrapped box, the silver ribbon on top, it smelled like trouble. He slowly put a hand out to touch or grab it but Briar pulled it away and set the box down behind him. "But you have to open this one first." he said, pulling out a much smaller wrapped gift, it was pretty flat and had the same wrappings as the bigger box. Klawd looked to Briar confused.
"It's not Christmas yet. Why do I have to open these today?" he asked.
"Because it'll expire if you wait too long." Briar said happily. That did not help his confusion at all! "I was going to wait until tomorrow but the stores are closing tomorrow so I couldn't have picked it up."
"I didn't get you anything." Klawd admitted sheepishly.
"I know. That's fine, you can pay me back in other ways. Take it." Briar said nudging the gift closer.
Klawd took the little gift and opened it slowly, afraid of it like it was a bomb. Briar caught his eye as he gave him a look like he thinks Klawd is pathetic. "It's not going to bite. Now open." he said. Klawd opened it a bit faster and saw red fabric in his hands, unfolding it he sees its another stocking to match the two already hung by his fireplace, but there was no name on this one. He stared at it confused for a moment before muttering a "thank you...?" he wasnt quite sure why he needed another one, but could understand the rush needed now. Briar giggled and gave him a kiss on his temple.
"Now, open this one!" he said excitedly. He handed Klawd the bigger box and watched him excitedly. Klawd felt examined, and was getting a little bit of stage fright. This gift, unlike the other, had a lid and it was secure with the ribbon on top. He pulled an end of the ribbon, watching as the knot slipped itself away and fell to his lap. He glanced at Briar once more before lifting the lid and peaking inside. Eyes stared back at him as the light trickled into the box. "The f-" he removed the lid entirely. There stood a little imp, examining him as intently as Klawd did to him.
"Do you like him!? He's a Freign. I got him from the emporium, looking at his little antlers." Briar said gushing. Before he could figure out how to respond, the imp jumped out of the box and began to explore his domain.
"Why...?" was all Klawd could say. He could barely care for himself and now he's expected to keep an imp alive? Briar, completely ignoring Klawd, jumped up from the couch and went to his jacket. His jacket just like Mary Poppins bag, pulled out too many things to be possible. Klawd saw a new pet bed, food and water dishes, treat bags and toys and began to spread them out across Klawds home.
"Hang on, I don't think this is a good idea." Klawd protested.
"Why not? you need a friend and he's adorable." Briar said bluntly. "Besides, do you even know the best thing about this type of imp??"
Klawd stared at him confused. What could there possibly be about an imp that's 'best' or even good??
The little imp started to sniff around as he was looking for something, his nose leading him back to the couch as he dug under it. "What are you doing?!" Klawd said as he jumped up to grab it. He's had enough of it already. Pulling the wedged imp out from under the couch, he noticed it had something shiny in its mouth.
"They're amazing navigators and can find carats anywhere. Take him on a few walks and he'll pay for himself and his upkeep in no time." Briar said with an evil grin, knowing he won.
Klawd took the carat from his mouth and looked at it, then the imp. "I suppose he can stay for a little while." he mumbled.
Briar jumped up from the couch and kissed Klawd. "Marry Christmas my deer Klawd."