twas the night before christmas (set on 12/24)

This time of year is especially hard for Derek. Part of him wants to just keep to himself, to disappear for awhile, but that won't solve anything. It won't make him feel any better. So he does his best to keep moving forward, and he seeks out the people who make him feel good.

It's Christmas Eve, and Derek heads out into the chill to bring Bitty's gift to him. It's neatly wrapped, and he's pretty excited to give it to him. He thinks it'll go over pretty well, and he has a small smile on his face by the time he knocks on Bitty's door.

"Open up," he calls out, "Santa came early."