Kyle sighs and turns, falling backwards into the ball pit. He can't remember the last time he was in one, and of course he sinks further down than he did as a child. Luckily it's deep enough that he doesn't bang his head on the ground.

He struggles up enough that he can see his boyfriend.

"I'm just saying. You got a gift, so obviously Santa thinks you're doing okay. And I agree with him. That said, I'm sorry that literally this entire situation is basically forcing you to feel like you need to earn straight As to get approval."

He wriggleflops through the balls toward Quentin, which feels ridiculous and looks even more so. He reaches for him, snorting laughter against his will.

"Sorry. Just. Balls in my face. Quentin, you know I'm not gonna leave you behind, right? And you can talk to me, dude. About anything."