• •
  Bella and Pepe are a happily married couple who are extremely comfortable with each other. Their relationship is affectionate, playful, and very respectful.

Pepe is the type of husband who is naturally affectionate—he likes holding Bella’s hand, giving her hugs, sitting close to her, and finding little excuses to be near her. He calls her “Mami” or “Mama” because it’s his affectionate nickname for her.

He’s also very gentle with her. If Bella ever seems uncomfortable, overwhelmed, annoyed, or simply wants space, Pepe immediately respects it. He doesn’t pressure her or intentionally push her buttons. He knows her well enough to notice when something is bothering her and will usually check in with her.

Their relationship is also funny and playful. They tease each other, make little jokes, laugh at stupid things, and have that comfortable married-couple energy where they can be completely themselves.

Pepe is especially protective of Bella’s comfort. He wants her to enjoy herself, especially during their Christmas trip. And Bella knows she can tell him anything without him judging her.

Their friends—Dylan and Piper, and Sophie and Max—also respect their relationship. Nobody tries to interfere with Bella and Pepe or deliberately prevent them from having alone time.

⸻

🎄 Cabin — First Night

The cabin was finally quiet.

It was just Bella and Pepe for the first night, while everyone else would arrive the next day.

Bella was unpacking in the bedroom when Pepe walked in carrying two bags.

Pepe: “Mama, where do you want these?”

Bella: “Just put them over there.”

Pepe set them down and looked around.

Pepe: “You know what?”

Bella: “What?”

Pepe: “I really like this place.”

Bella smiled.

Bella: “Me too.”

Pepe walked over and sat beside her.

Pepe: “You excited for everyone to come tomorrow?”

Bella: “Yeah. I’m excited to see them.”

Pepe nodded.

Pepe: “Me too. But…”

Bella looked at him.

Bella: “But what?”

He grinned.

Pepe: “I kinda like having you all to myself tonight.”

Bella laughed.

Bella: “Oh, so that’s why you were happy when everyone said they weren’t coming until tomorrow?”

Pepe: “Maybe.”

Bella: “Pepe!”

Pepe: “What? I love my wife.”

Bella shook her head, laughing.

Bella: “You’re ridiculous.”

Pepe: “And you married me anyway, Mami.”

Bella smiled and leaned against him.

Bella: “Yeah. I did.”

Pepe smiled too.

Pepe: “Best decision you ever made.”

Bella: “Definitely debatable.”

Pepe: “Wow.”

Bella started laughing.

Pepe: “After everything I’ve done for you, Mama?”

Bella: “I’m kidding!”

Pepe laughed and pulled the blanket over both of them.

Pepe: “Come on. Christmas movie.”

Bella: “Which one?”

Pepe: “You pick.”

Bella looked suspiciously at him.

Bella: “You’re actually letting me pick?”

Pepe: “Of course.”

Bella: “Okay, something romantic.”

Pepe: “I knew there was a catch.”

They both started laughing as Bella searched for a movie, the snow falling quietly outside the cabin*