"It is Christmas eve," he points out, lips flicking up into a smile as he scoops out dry dog food into a bowl. Lily watches intently, ears pinned toward Lancelot's every move. "Which means, after midnight it will be Christmas day..."

He shrugs, setting down the bag and putting down the bowl for Lily -- who surges toward it as if she hasn't seen food in days.

(She has, but it feels like she hasn't.)

"You don't have to stay up, of course, I just usually do."