The Sense (scents) of Christmas

Title: The Sense (scents) of Christmas
Author: Rolf
Characters: Rolf & Matthew
Prompt: Tree

"Come here."

Matthew turned from the corner he had been occupying for the past fifteen minutes and made his way slowly over to where Rolf was sitting. His stomach was tight, certain that he was going to be spanked for arguing.

Instead, Rolf pulled him down into his lap and wrapped an arm around him. "Can we talk now, rather than yell?" Rolf continued after Matthew nodded. "I know you're disappointed about the hockey game on Sunday. It's just too late in the day to make that trip, especially with the test you have on Monday. We also don't want to start a long week out with a very short night of what would be sure to be restless sleep anyway. You didn't give me a chance earlier to say that we can trade Sunday's game for one on Saturday the 6th in Nashville."

"Against who?"

"The Sharks."

"Really?" Matthew asked, his still wet eyes starting to brighten.

"Yes, really. Isn't that better than the 'A'?"

Matthew nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth for a fraction of a second.

Rolf set Matthew on his feet, then stood up and kissed him, wiping the last of the tears away with his thumbs. "Just so we're clear, raising your voice isn't an acceptable means of communication?" Rolf nodded when Matthew responded. "Then how about we head out to pick out our tree?"

A little over an hour later, Matthew and Rolf stepped from their truck into the parking lot of a small tree farm just outside of town. The air was crisp, with a bite to it that you had to get used to. The sky was heavy and just dark enough that at four in the afternoon the lights were on in the parking lot. Their boots crunched in the muddy snow covered gravel as they made their way to the plywood constructed shed that served as the sales counter.

"What can I do you for?" asked a jolly man with the bulk of Santa's beard hanging from his chin.

"We're looking for our tree this year," Rolf said, inhaling the pungent aroma of hot cider while Matthew warmed his feet in front of a floor heater.

"Looking for a fir, a pine or a spruce?"

"What are the differences?"

"The firs are usually the favorites as they have the strongest aromas, though they don't have the strongest branches. The pines smell a little less, but the scotch pine has the strongest branches of the bunch if you have heavy ornaments. The blue spruce is the best of the spruces, but it costs a bit more as they are a little more rare around here."

"I think we'll take a look at the firs. The smell is the reason we wanted a real tree over plastic this year."

"You'll head out on the path marked in green then. The path has at least been cleared of snow and is flat, but watch out for your footing once you leave it. There will be a hut in the middle of the main tree stand, make your pick and let him know and he'll cut it down for you. Take one of the wagons to make it easier to carry back to your car."

"Thanks," Rolf said, shaking the man's hand before putting his gloves back on.

"Stop back here to pay, and make sure to take a cup of the hot cider," the owner said as the two men headed out to pick a wagon.

Matthew pulled the wagon, walking behind Rolf down the mulch covered path, the sounds of the Christmas music slowly fading in the background. The trees started to thicken as they made their way further from the hut, closing out any of the sounds of civilisation. The two men carried on a conversation as they made their way further into the tree stand, their voices getting steadily quieter as all the other sounds had disappeared. Matthew saw the sign pointing to the hut where the worker waited, and continued on past him until they'd reached the end of the path that had been cleared.

"Leave the wagon there, we'll walk around and see what we like."

Matthew pushed the handle back towards the wagon and followed Rolf, looking at the various trees. He stopped and turned around, looking at the still pristine white of the snow, marked in places by footprints and in one or two more places, by the trail left as someone had pulled a tree out to the path. He bent over and packed a small snowball together, then rolled it in the snow. Finding that it stuck, he quickly built a small snowman, then two more, going to the path to find some mulch to make facial features. He looked up when he felt he was being watched to find Rolf smiling at him.

"Come here, you," Rolf said, giving his partner a chest crushing hug. They kissed, feeling alone in a forest of trees. Rolf tasted the hint of cherry in Matthew's lip balm, the smell of the fruit a warm contrast to the smell of fir and cold snow. Far in the distance someone yelled "Timber!". Rolf breathed deeply, closing his eyes and kissing Matthew again, stopping only when something cold his the back of his neck.

"It's snowing!" Matthew said, his face lighting up immediately. "It's snowing!" He did a little happy dance, then stuck out his tongue to try and catch a few of the very large flakes coming down. Rolf couldn't help but smile, appreciating yet again his partner's very childish reaction to falling snow. Rolf's first thoughts usually turned to the roads and what accidents could happen because of it, rather than the pure joy that Matthew exhibited whenever the snow fell. He stood there, watching his partner spin around, looking at the sky, taking in the beauty and joy of the moment.

"Do you like this tree?" Rolf asked a few minutes later, looking at a balsalm fir.

"Yes, it's nice," Matthew said, giving the tree a two second look over before returning his gaze back to the sky. "It's so thick up there."

"Yes, it is. I'm going to find the worker, you stay here so we don't lose the tree."

"Okay." Matthew continued watching the snow, then went back over to his three snowman arranged by a much larger tree. "You need some kids, a dog and a cat." And by the time Rolf came back with the worker, Matthew had quite an extended family. He stopped his artistic work to help with the harvesting of the tree, yelling timber as it slowly sank to the ground. A couple minutes of wrestling and they had it bungeed to the wagon and were heading back down the path.

Matthew headed immediately to the large container of cider, pouring the hot liquid into one of the paper cups standing ready for duty. He wrapped both hands around the cup for warmth and inhaled the steam, hoping his nose would quit running from the cold. He sipped the hot liquid, tasting more of the cinnamon and spice than the apple at first. It felt good going down, thawing out his face and throat from the cold of outside. He refilled the cup and put that in the cupholder of the truck before helping Rolf secure the tree to the roof.

"Want some of this cider?"

"Thanks," Rolf said, taking off his gloves and blowing on his hands as he waited for the truck to heat up. He accepted the cup and closed his eyes, breathing in the spicy aroma before he downed half of it in a couple of swallows. "We need to try brewing some of that ourselves," he said, handing the cup back to Matthew, who polished it off in two swallows of his own.

"Yes, we do."

*****************

"Merry Christmas!" Matthew and Rolf said as they closed the door against the cold December air and the last of their guests. Rolf picked up a few of the glasses and looked at the rest of the mess, about to tell Matthew to help when he changed his mind. Pouring a fresh mug of cider, he joined Matthew on the couch in front of the crackling fire. He pulled Matthew against his side and settled his arm around him, holding the mug of cider up to his partner's lips to drink.

"It was a very nice party, wasn't it?" Rolf asked, putting the mug down on the table beside him.

"Mmmhmmm," Matthew said, snuggling deeper against Rolf.

Rolf closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He could pick out the faint scent of the fir tree that was sitting, lighted and decorated in the corner of the room. The closer and stronger scent of the spicy cider, the steam wafting slowly from the cup. The sweet scent of fruit from the shampoo Matthew had used in his shower. The smile playing quietly across his face couldn't be denied when he thought of Matthew's pure joy at the sight of snow.

"You're the best gift a man could ask for."

The only sound for the longest time was the crackling fire. Then...."You mean I don't have to get you anything?" Matthew laughed and tried to shrink away as Rolf's mouth closed on the sensitive part of his neck.

~The End~

Amends--Chapter One – Ianto

Title: Amends--Chapter One – Ianto
Author: Cat2000
Fandom: Torchwood - Spoilers through Episode 13 of Season 1
Characters: Jack and Ianto
Prompt: Candy Cane

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything from Torchwood and I’m not making any money from this fic

Summary 1: Nothing was really the same between Jack and his team after the Rift was opened... It’s going to take something drastic for things to get back to normal

Summary 2: It’s Christmas after the episode End of Days, and Ianto brings up his willingness to turn against Jack, since it’s supposed to be a time of new beginnings

Author’s Note: The first chapter of this is inspired by the prompt Candy Cane. I have also only seen up to the first season of Torchwood before writing this, so I apologise for any mistakes with the canon

*******************************************

When Jack opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was that Ianto wasn’t lying next to him anymore. He frowned slightly, and sat up, looking around. A glance at the clock revealed that it was eight in the morning... Unless there was an emergency, it was the day off for the people of Torchwood.

And Jack was supposed to be spending it with Ianto. It was unlikely that the other man would have left the base... which probably meant that he was in the other room, where Jack had put the Christmas presents. No matter how old he was, Jack was never going to get tired of Christmas on Earth.

After he pulled his clothes on, Jack headed through to the office and paused as he saw Ianto standing there, just inside the door. “Hey there.” He came up behind the other man and kissed him lightly on the back of the neck. “You should have woken me up... Merry Christmas, Ianto.”

“Merry Christmas.” Ianto didn’t turn round, though, and he sounded quite subdued.

“You know... Christmas is supposed to be a happy time,” Jack commented. “Season of goodwill and all that. It’s almost illegal to be so quiet.” He gave his usual grin. “Are we going to open some of these presents? Or just stand around doing nothing?”

Ianto took a slight breath, and picked out a gift that was in the shape of a curved stick. He handed it to Jack without a word, and didn’t meet the captain’s eyes.

“What’s this? A giant candy cane?” Despite the light-heartedness of his tone, Jack was more than a little concerned about the way Ianto was acting. As he held the gift, he tried to remember if he’d done anything potentially upsetting to the other man. Trouble was, Ianto could be extremely sensitive at times – and he was the sort to hide it away if someone had upset him.

“Would you just open it, please, sir?”

Jack raised his eyebrows at the ‘sir.’ Ianto only used that when they were playing – but the other man wasn’t acting like he was playing. Shrugging slightly, he opened the present; and smiled as he saw that it was an old-school cane. “Ianto... Where did you get this from?” he asked, delighted. “Did you want to use it in anything in particular? Perhaps a headmaster with a bad pupil?” he suggested.

“I was thinking that it would be a good thing to use on a disobedient member of Torchwood who helped to open the Rift and nearly caused the whole world to be destroyed.”

Looking up at him, Jack realised that Ianto was serious. “You know, Ianto, we’ve already talked about this... I thought we were past it.” He dropped his joking tone, and thought that he probably should have seen this coming. Even though he’d been acting like everything was back to normal – because as far as he was concerned, it was – the rest of the team had been acting like they were walking on eggshells around him. He’d ignored it in the hopes that they’d eventually get over it.

Apparently, though, they hadn’t. Or, at least, Ianto hadn’t.

“What we did was unforgiveable. We should have – I should have – realised that you had a good reason for refusing to open the Rift.” Ianto finally looked up at him. “I don’t know if the others feel the same – but this is how I feel.”

For a few moments, Jack considered it. Personally, he didn’t feel that punishment for what had happened was necessary. If one looked at it from a certain angle, he was almost as much at fault as the rest of them. He could have handled the whole thing in a better way, rather than force the team to join together in order to bring back what they’d lost.

But if Ianto felt like he deserved punishment, Jack knew that he was going to have to provide it; though he could think of much better ways to spend his Christmas.

Jack indicated the desk. “Bend over.”

Ianto pushed some of the presents to one side, and leaned over the desk, his fingers clutching the wood on the other side. The desk was wide enough that he had to stretch up on tiptoes to be able to do that.

Standing behind him, Jack lightly rested the cane on Ianto’s jean-clad backside. For a few moments, he just tapped it lightly against the other man’s trousers, waiting for Ianto to relax. When he did, Jack lifted the cane, and snapped it down hard.

Ianto gasped, and his fingers clenched hard on the desk. Jack waited for him to relax again before delivering the second strike, and this time, Ianto almost stood up. Jack said nothing – simply waited for him to get back into position again, so that he could bring the cane down for the third time.

Ianto’s breath hissed out sharply, and when he delivered a fourth strike, Jack heard the man’s breath hitch. He brought the cane down twice more, and heard the first sob wrenched from Ianto’s throat. When Jack paused, Ianto started to push himself up; but Jack pushed him back down again. “We’re not finished yet.”

Though he ducked his head in acknowledgment, Ianto didn’t say anything. Jack kept his hand on Ianto’s back as he brought the cane down again – this time across the other six strikes. The eighth and final one, he landed diagonally the other way, and that was when he could hear Ianto’s sobs grow in intensity.

Dropping the cane onto the floor, Jack helped Ianto up, and held the other man close, letting him cry on his shoulder. As Ianto sobbed out apologies, Jack listened, knowing that he needed to let it out; that he’d needed the freedom to cry for some time.

End of Chapter One

My poor Bum

Title: My poor Bum
Author: Tarabeth
Characters: TJ and Katie
Prompt: Drummers


Come she told me
I’m da dumb, dumb, da dumb

A big new paddle to see
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

She begins the undressing
To bare my bum, ba bum, bum

I lay across my darling
my poor bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum

So to honor her
I present my bum, ba, bum, bum

Sweet Lady
I’m da dumb, dumb, da dumb

I’m a naughty girl too
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

I have no excuse darling
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

That will stop the beating
my poor bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum

Will you paddle me?
my poor bum, ba bum, bum
On my bum

TJ nodded
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

Fred and George kept time
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

I cried to her
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

I apologized to her
my poor bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum
bum, ba bum, bum

She still loves me
my poor bum, ba bum, bum

Me and my bum.

More TJ & Katie.

Hot Chocolate

Title: Hot Chocolate
Authors: Tarabeth and Jo
Characters: Mason and Billy
Prompt: Hot Chocolate

~*~   ~*~   ~*~

Billy was unpacking. They'd been back from their honeymoon for ages now but he'd only just got around to emptying his bag. He looked at a t-shirt "Hmmm," he thought to himself "I wondered where that had got to." He grimaced as he remembered how the slogan on the front 'If I gave a shit, you'd be the first one I'd give it to,' hadn't gone down to well with Mason.

He scrambled in the bottom of the bag and came up with a plain, brown, heavy bag. ‘What the hell?’ he thought to himself as he opened the bag. His eyes lit up, and he smiled a wicked grin as he saw the chocolate body paint they'd purchased at the sex shop in Vancouver.

"Mason," he said, bouncing into the main room. "Look what I found."

Mason pushed the newspaper to the side, and looked towards his Brat. "What's that Monkey?"

"That body paint we bought in Vancouver," Billy replied. Billy cocked his head to one side. "I have an idea but you have to trust me," he said, his eyes uncertain.

Mason smiled. "Of course I trust you, what's your plan?"

Billy took a deep breath "I want to tie you to the bed, paint chocolate designs on you and lick them off," Billy felt himself grow hard as he outlined his plan. He wondered how Mason, the ultimate Top would react to the idea.

"Well let's go!" Mason got up from the couch, took Billy by the hand and pulled him towards the bedroom.

Billy grinned, this was going to be so much fun. The ropes were already
attached to the bed, it was Billy who was usually tied up. Billy
started to undress his lover who was already hard. "Impressive, " he
said laughing, "On your back," he ordered, pushing Mason onto the bed. He worked quickly buckling the cuffs on his lover's wrists and
ankles. He knew from experience that Mason would not be able to escape.

He surveyed his lover as he slowly opened the first jar of body paint.
He took out the brush provided and started painting designs on Mason.
He focused mainly on Mason's nipples, groin and a swirling pattern on
the stomach. "You know I was never good at art," he told Mason "Maybe I
just needed the right inspiration."

Mason arched and wiggled from the intensity of the feeling of the paintbrush strokes. His passion grew as Billy licked the paint from Mason's body with the tip of his tongue. Mason's cock was standing firmly erect, and was beginning to ache from Billy's lack of attention. "Billy," Mason said in a warning tone. "If you know what's good for you, you'd better start painting and licking my cock!"

Billy looked up and grinned, he had a chocolate ring around his mouth. "You're not really in a position to give orders," he replied. He bent over to lick Mason's nipples again and slowly ran his tongue down his lover's stomach. Then moved and ran his tongue down the trail of body paint he'd applied to the inside of his lover's legs.

Finally he started to lick the chocolate off Mason's erect cock. "Hmmm salty chocolate," he joked looking up at Mason, his blue eyes twinkling.

Mason felt a twinge shoot through his cock, when he saw Billy's eyes twinkle at him. He decided this pleasurable torture might be better with his eyes closed, this allowed him to focused on the light touches and immense pleasure his lover was giving him.

Billy chuckled and continued to play with Mason's cock. He made sure it was licked clean and then stopped and coated the erect cock with a generous amount of lube. He positioned himself carefully and lowered himself onto Mason’s cock. He paused as the cock passed the tightest ring of muscle, then he fully impaled himself on Mason. He moaned in pleasure.

Mason's eyes shot open, and he thrust his hips up into Billy. "Oh, fuck that's good," Mason moaned. "Untie me, I want to touch you."

Billy leant forward bringing another moan from Mason. He undid the cuffs and leant back. There was a certain tone in Mason's voice that Billy rarely argued with. He began to move up and down Mason's cock, determined to make his lover come before he did.

Mason placed his hands on Billy's hips, helping to set the pace at which Billy was fucking him. Mason moaned as Billy clenched his muscles around him as he rode up and down the big fireman's cock. Mason felt his balls pull in, and he knew he was going to come soon, so he took hold of his husband's beautiful cock and began to stroke it to completion.

Billy knew by the way Mason was stroking him that his lover was close 
to coming. He managed to keep himself under control and as he felt his 
lover cum he followed him, shooting high and covering his lover with 
his cum. "Oh God, that was so good," he said once he got his breath 
back. He rolled off Mason to cuddle close. "My new favourite, chocolate covered Mason."

Mason kissed Billy, and then teased, "More than chocolate cake?"

"Well....," Billy paused, his eyes twinkling. "I can eat chocolate cake in public.....and somehow I don't think you'd let me do this in public." He laughed at the expression on Mason's face. "So it's a draw. You don't get out of making your special chocolate cake for me."

For more of The Fireman's Brat.

Flashing in the Snow

Title: Flashing in the Snow
Author: Carol
Characters: Gary & Dillon
Prompt: Decorations


I stood quietly in my corner. ‘Of course it’s my corner,’ I thought as I picked at the paint. ‘It’s not like he stands here to think.’ I let out a heavy sigh, and took a chance peeking over my shoulder when I heard the door shut and the click of the lock. I saw an irritated Gary, which was not good, for me at least. He bent down and unplugged the extension cord I had running out the window and up to the roof of our apartment.

“Eyes foreword. Stop picking at the paint,” Gary ordered as he walked into the kitchen. I heard the refrigerator door open then shut, the clink of ice hitting a glass, and of something being poured. “ Awwww,” Gary sighed.

‘Oh God, a stiff drink. I really screwed up at this time,’ I thought laying my head on the wall. I heard Gary come back into the living room, and the sound him sitting and pushing back on the recliner. “Come here love,” Gary called to me.

I didn’t hesitate; I turned quickly and went to the man I loved.

Gary held out one hand to me, and patted his lap with the other.

I sat and snuggled deep into the arms of my lover, laying my head on his strong shoulder and toying with the button on his shirt.

Gary bent his head and kissed my forehead. “Can you tell me why, love?” he asked, while he played with my hair.

“It’s not like I didn’t have permission to decorate for the holidays. I asked the manager if I could put stuff up on the roof, and he said he didn’t have problem with it,” I presented my case.

In return I got a sharp slap on the thigh.

“Okay, so I bought a Mrs. Santa that flashes her breasts, and a Santa that moons people. It was suppose to be for the police chopper. I didn’t know people could see it from the street.” I told him.

I knew I was no longer in trouble when I felt Gary’s chest shake with laughter.

Happy Holidays

From Gary and Dillon.

Ode to a Cowboy Christmas

Title: Ode to a Cowboy Christmas
Author: Tarabeth, with lots of help from Mel
Characters: Zane and Vaughn
Prompt: Vixen

Twas the night before Christmas, all over their land
The creatures were stirring, even the ranch hand

Zane was well hung, by the chimney he stood
Sporting some rather impressive wood

The cat was snuggled all happy in bed,
While visions of tuna swam ‘round in her head.

Zane was quite naked, and so was his Bloke
They lay on the floor for a long winter’s poke

When down on the rug, Vaughn arose from Zane’s sucking
He said, “What we need to do, is get fucking.”

Zane grabbed for the lube, he flew like a flash,
Pushed his fingers in deep and slicked up Vaughn’s Ass.

The sweat on Vaughn’s breast, from a good fuck and blow,
Gave the luster of gods to Zane’s handsome beaux.

When, what to their wandering ears should they hear?
But Vaughn’s little brother, the software engineer.

They cackled and shouted, the brother and his chicks,
The men had but moment’s to climax their pricks.

More rapid than eagles, the cowboys they came,
Zane grunted, and shouted, and called out Vaughn’s name

“Mmm, oooooh! Vaughn! I’m cuming, my sweet little Vixen!”
“Oooooh, ahhh! That was Good! My handsome, big strong Texan!”

The Top went to the porch, yelling “you might have called!”
The Brat waved his hands crying “Now Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, the Top gives the eye,

So up to the housetop the Brat he now flew,
With a hand full of clothes, his brother and crew.

And then, in a twinkling, he heard at the door
A piqued and peeved top, out to settle the score.

He drew back his hand, as Vaughn turned around
And down came the swat with a most forceful bound.

His bottom was spanked, from his cheeks to his thighs,
And the sobs they did come, as tears fell from his eyes;

As the big wooden paddle crashed down on Vaughn’s bum,
He cried and he sobbed until his voice was numb

His eyes didn’t twinkle, his dimples weren’t merry!
But his cheeks were like roses, and his butt like a cherry!

Zane drew Vaughn up and cuddled his lover,
He wiped off the tears to help him recover.

He dropped little kisses, and held tight in his arms.
The love of his life, who had so many charms.

It was the handsome face and tight little belly
And the hard round ass that he lubed well with jelly.

The life of a cowboy made Vaughn fit and trim
It made Zane so proud to say Vaughn was with him

A lonely young rancher was the life that he led,
‘Til he met this Brat, he knew now he must wed

The law was not with them, they must fight and work
To be wed like the straights by their county clerk

They marched with their signs and flags of rainbows,
Gave lots of money to help beat their foes.

They sprang to the streets, the masses did bristle,
They stood strong and proud like a field full of thistle

But I heard them exclaim, “We won’t go out of sight.
We love one another and marriage is our right!”

To more Zane and Vaughn stories.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Title: Dreaming of a White Christmas
Author: Jet
Fandom: Queer as Folk - Season 1 - Spoilers for the Entire Season
Characters: Brian and Justin
Prompt: Carols

Brian walked into the ballroom of the hotel and scanned the room for hot men. He was slightly late, so the festivities had already started. There were a couple hundred people mingling around the ballroom, which was heavily decorated for Christmas. There were two large Christmas trees on opposite sides of the room, and there were colorful lights, large wreaths, and garish red bows ordaining every wall. Some of the people were dancing to ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ which was blaring from the speakers in the front, some were in line waiting for drinks at the bar or food at the buffet table, and some were sitting at tables eating and talking with friends. Once Brian had made note of the men who were of interest to him, he decided to get down to business.

He was about to step away from the entranceway and go down the stairs to the dance floor when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked down and saw an attractive blond woman with half a martini in her hand. He smiled and said, “Yes?”

She grinned back at him and pointed up, “You’re under the mistletoe.”

Looking up, Brian saw the mistletoe and said, “Guilty as charged.”

“You owe me a kiss.” She said, obviously pleased with herself for having found him.

Playing along, Brian leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Beaming, she said, “Want to go get a drink?”

“Sorry, I’m spoken for.” Brian often found this the simplest thing to say when trying to get rid of unwanted attention from women.

Frowning slightly she said, “Oh. Oh well, thanks for the kiss.”

As she walked away, Brian looked through the crowd to find his client. He spotted the older man sitting next to his wife at one of the tables. Brian made his way through the crowd, making eye contact and smiling at a couple of potential conquests on his way. Reaching the table, he raised his voice to be heard above the music and said, “Mr. Miller, it’s good to see you again.”

Wayne Miller stood up once he noticed Brian, and held out his hand to shake. “Brian, thank you for coming.”

Brian hated Christmas in general, and hadn’t actually wanted to come, but his boss had made it clear that the party wasn’t optional. After the handshake, Brian looked at the woman sitting next to Wayne’s place at the table. “And this must be your lovely wife.”

Wayne smiled, nodded, and said to his wife, “Judith, this is the young man who wants to take over the advertising for our clothing line.”

Brian shook hands with her as well, and soon they were all talking about some of Brian’s ad ideas for their business.

************************

Justin felt a little twinge of guilt as he closed the door to the house. He’d told Debbie that he was going to go out with Brian, and that he’d probably spend the night at his loft. As he got in the cab, he told himself it wasn’t really a lie. He did plan to spend the night with Brian; Brian just didn’t know about it yet.

Leaning back in his seat Justin envisioned the party in his mind. Yesterday at the diner, Brian had bitched and moaned to everyone within hearing range about having to go to the Christmas party. Justin wanted to surprise him, and could just picture the smile on Brian’s face as they ducked out of the party early to go spend some quality time fucking at the loft.

Soon they were at the hotel, and Justin paid the cab driver. He went to the ballroom and spotted Brian almost immediately. He was sitting at one of the tables and obviously still discussing business with his client. Justin made his way towards the bar biding his time until Brian was done. He looked at the bartender and said, “Scotch and soda.”

The bartender smiled and said, “Lets see some ID kid.”

Justin rolled his eyes and said in his most annoying teenage put upon voice, “It’s for my dad. I wouldn’t drink that crap if someone paid me.” Making a quick scan of the nearby tables, he saw a man and woman sitting together who looked about the right age, and were looking in their general direction. He pointed them out to the bartender and said, “He’s right there.”

The bartender seemed skeptical. Justin waved at the couple, which caught the woman’s attention. He smiled and waved again once he had eye contact with her. She gave a tentative smile and wave back before turning and talking to the man who then also took notice of Justin. Justin smiled and nodded a hello, and the man gave him a short nod back before turning to talk to the woman. Justin turned back to the bartender and said, “So are you going to give me the drink, or do I have to make the old man get up and stumble over here.”

The bartender poured the drink and handed it to Justin. Justin could feel the bartender’s eyes on him as he walked over to the table where the people he’d waved at were sitting. He sat down and set the drink down a little further away from himself then would be normal. He smiled at the woman and said, “Aren’t you Kayla’s mom?”

The woman looked somewhat relieved and smiled, “I’m sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. We don’t have any kids.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, you look a lot like her.” Justin glanced over at the bartender who was helping the next customer and not looking in their direction. Standing, Justin picked up his drink and said, “Enjoy the party.”

He walked towards the buffet table while sipping his drink. He took a couple of crackers with cheese and leaned against a wall while watching Brian. Ten minutes later Brian stood and shook hands with his client. Knowing Brian was close to done; Justin downed the rest of his drink, set it on a nearby table, and waited for his chance to talk to Brian alone.

*****************************************

Pleased with the conversation he’d had with Wayne and Judith, Brian was sure the contract was as good as signed, and he’d set up a time for Wayne to stop by the office before leaving the table. As he walked away he looked around trying to find one of them men he’d spotted earlier in the night, only to find a pair of familiar blue eyes looking back at him. Brian’s automatic response was a warm smile, but he caught himself in time and forced his face into a frown.

Justin smiled up seductively at the frown and said, “Imagine meeting you here.”

Refusing to play the game Brian said, “I’m working. Go home.”

Undaunted Justin said, “You were working, but you’re done. So why not take me home? I’ll let you play Santa.”

Brian had to close his eyes for a second to block out the look Justin was giving him. He refused to admit to himself or to anyone else how much power the eyes of this eighteen-year-old teenager had over him. He refused to admit that Justin’s unexpectedly playful words had sent an immediate jolt to his dick. He refused to admit that spending the night with Justin sounded better then spending the night with any of the other guys he’d seen here at the party. Admitting any of those things would be admitting that he was falling in love, and Brian didn’t do love. He opened his eyes and scowled down at Justin. “I am still working, and I have better things to do with my time then take you home.”

Justin’s smile turned to a pout, “No you don’t.”

Brian was about to steer Justin towards the exit while calling a cab when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Wayne Miller looking at him curiously. “Friend of yours Brian?”

Forcing a smile on his face, Brian turned to Wayne and said, “Not really.”

Getting no further explanation Wayne turned to Justin. Justin smiled and said, “My Uncle’s just pissed because he told me to stay home and I crashed this party. Can’t really blame him though since my mom just dumped me on his doorstep with out warning a few days ago.”

Brian clenched his jaw and said in irritation, “Justin,” hoping that he would get the hint and shut up.

Wayne smiled and clapped Brian on the back and said, “You should have told me your nephew was staying with you. Both of you should stay for a while and enjoy the party. We’re going to sing Christmas carols in just a few minutes.”

Trying hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, Brian said, “That does sound like fun, but…”

Justin interrupted, “I love singing carols. Come on Uncle Brian, pleeeeease let’s stay.”

With a tight forced smile and a fake chuckle Brian put an arm around Justin’s shoulders and looked at Wayne. “Well how could I refuse after a plea like that?” Brian said while digging his fingertips into Justin’s shoulder to show him he wasn’t happy.

Looking pleased Wayne said, “The more the merrier!” and headed off towards the front of the ballroom where there was a small stage.

Once Wayne was out of hearing range, Brian turned a furious look Justin’s way. “Uncle Brian?”

Justin wiggled out of Brian’s unfriendly grip, and shrugged with a self-satisfied smile on his face, “Should I have called you my lover instead?”

Brian grabbed Justin’s upper arm and pulled him close to his in his ear, “Listen up you little twat, these stunts you like to pull to get my attention are getting old. We’ll make sure he sees you singing one song, and then you’re taking a cab home to Debbie’s.” Brian pulled a pouting Justin through the crowd to get a spot near the front where Wayne was sure to see them when the caroling started.

While Wayne was onstage trying to get the microphone to work, Justin stood next to Brian and berated himself for going too far. Most of the time he could get what he wanted out of Brian if he worked at it hard enough and long enough, but once in a while his plans backfired and he ended up home alone while Brian took someone else home.

A few minutes later Wayne had gotten the microphone working and was thanking his employees for all their hard work that year, when Justin saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned and saw Brian walking away from him and towards a handsome looking man who was sanding by himself and watching Brian approach with a smile on his face. Justin glared at Brian’s back and thought that he wasn’t going to let Brian just walk away without a fight.

Brian was busy seducing the well built man next to him when the first song started. All around him he heard the crowd singing ‘Deck the Halls’. He talked to the man through the song, and had made arrangements to take the guy home later that night before the song ended. Brian turned back towards Justin for the last few lines of ‘Deck the Halls’, only to see him grinning ear to ear and singing loudly while those around him were looking somewhat concerned. Sighing as he wondered what the kid was up to now, Brian made his way over to Justin.

By the time Brian got to Justin’s side, the crowd had started singing ‘White Christmas’. Once he got there he heard Justin’s voice loud and clear along with the other people around them as he sang:

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the cock tops glisten
So I can lick them
And watch all of them shoot their loads

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every thick cock that I blow
May your men be……

Justin was cut off mid sentence as Brian put a hand on the back of his neck and squeezed. He roughly pulled Justin’s ear towards him and said, “Knock it off right now. Grow up, and sing the song right.”

Pleased that he’d gotten Brian’s attention away from the other man, Justin looked up at Brian and said sweetly, “Sing with me and I will.”

Glowering, Brian kept a hand on Justin’s neck, turned towards the stage, and the two of them finished off the song together with the correct lyrics. The instant the song was over, Brian headed the two of them towards the exit. As soon as they were outside of the hotel, Brian got out his cell phone and called a cab company. He gave the pick up instructions and hung up. He glared over at Justin who had his arms crossed and was glaring at the pavement. Brian said, “Go home, I’m tired of your shit tonight. I’m calling Debbie in half an hour to make sure you’re there.”

“Asshole.” Justin tried to put some feeling into the word, but mostly it sounded whiny even to his own ears.

Brian stalked back into the party trying to get himself back in the mood to talk to the attractive man who’s name he couldn’t remember just now.

After five minutes of flirting with what’s his name, Brian was ready to take him home. They were headed towards the exit when Wayne walked up to Brian with a concerned look on his face. Brian’s would be date decided to make himself scarce. Brian said, “Something wrong Mr. Miller?”

Wayne put a hand on Brian’s shoulder and said apologetically, “I’m gonna have to ask you to take your nephew home.”

“I already called him a cab. He’s waiting outside.”

Wayne nodded his head in the direction of the bar, and Brian saw that Justin was in fact not waiting outside. He was instead trying to harass the bartender into serving him, and making a bit of a spectacle of himself.

Shaking his head with disbelief Brian said, “I’m so sorry Mr. Miller. I’ll take him home right now. I hope this doesn’t change your mind about our meeting.”

Wayne smiled at Brian and said, “No need to worry, I have a couple of teenagers myself. You just need to set him down, and let him know his behavior is out of line.”

Scoffing Brian said, “Now why didn’t I think of that.”

Wayne patted his shoulder in consolation and said, “Good luck.”

Sighing Brian headed over to Justin, grabbed him by the arm while he was in mid rant with the bartender and started walking the two of them towards the exit. Justin said, “Hey, I was in the middle of a conversation!”

“And now you’re done.”

Justin rolled his eyes, “Leave me alone.”

“Oh we’re way past that portion of the evening.” Once they were out of the hotel, Brian headed them towards his Jeep.

Justin had trouble keeping the corners of his lips from turning up in a smile of victory. Instead he tried to sound sincere as he said, “Come on Brian, don’t be mad. I just wanted to spend some time with you. It’s gonna be Christmas in a few days.”

Brian was silent as they walked. Justin bit his lower lip while being tugged along, and thought about what Debbie had said. Debbie had told him that Brian wasn’t overly fond of Christmas. She’d told him that it reminded Brian of his family, and that his family had basically sucked. But Justin loved Christmas and wanted to share his happiness with the person he loved.

Once they made it to the Jeep, Brian unlocked the doors, and Justin said, “Take me to your place?”

“No.” Brian got in behind the wheel and waited for Justin. When he didn’t immediately get in too, Brian said, “Get in.”

“Why? You’re just going to take me back to Debbie’s.”

Brian got out of the Jeep and slammed the door. He started pulling Justin to the passenger side, and put him in the Jeep himself as he said, “Damn right I’m taking you back to Debbie’s! How did you see this night ending Justin? You could have wrecked a really important deal for me in there, and for what?”

Justin found himself close to tears of frustration. He refused to look at Brian and looked straight ahead instead. He said, “Never mind. Take me to Debbie’s.”

Brian found himself feeling like a jackass as he walked back to his side of the Jeep. He knew Justin just wanted to spend time with him. He knew Justin was in love, or at least thought he was, and that if he’d just agreed to take Justin home with him in the first place, the night would have been better for the both of them. But he didn’t want to let Justin close to him around Christmas time when his emotions were already on high alert.

Starting the Jeep up, Brian headed towards Debbie’s house. Not wanting the silence of Justin’s sulk to be too overpowering, Brian turned on the radio. Brian and Justin looked at each other as the words of ‘White Christmas’ came out of the speakers. Brian’s lips twitched in a slight smile as he thought about Justin’s earlier rendition. Justin caught the twitch and said with a smile, “It was funny. Admit it.”

“It was a little funny.” Brian conceded.

“It was hilarious, completely inappropriate, and you loved it.”

Brian didn’t comment, and Justin took that as a good sign. He said, “Debbie said you hate Christmas.”

“Debbie has a big mouth.”

“But she doesn’t lie.”

There was a bout of silence, and then Justin said, “Why don’t you take me to your loft, and I’ll show you the best way to celebrate the season.”

Brian didn’t immediately say no this time. He didn’t have anyone else lined up, Justin was there and obviously willing, and in all honesty he’d missed him over the past few days. He made a turn and headed towards his loft instead of Debbie’s house.

Justin’s whole face lit up as Brian turned the Jeep in the other direction. He put a hand on Brian’s upper thigh and moved it towards his groin as he said, “Still want to play Santa?”

“You do have a thing for older men don’t you?”

Laughing out loud Justin said, “Only the hot ones.”

Brian tried to make it playful, but it came out sounding a little too honest when he said, “You’d better be careful what you wish for Sunshine. My guess is that you’re on the naughty list. Playing Santa might end badly for you.”

While working on getting Brian’s pants undone Justin said with a smirk, “I know I’m on the naughty list. Who wants to be nice?” Having said that, Justin leaned his head down and gave Brian a blowjob as they drove the rest of the way to Brian’s loft.
*********

Brian’s mind was busy playing out Santa ideas as he kissed Justin on the way up to the loft. Once inside, he gently pushed Justin away and said, “Strip.”

Justin quickly complied while Brian got a couple of bottles of water out of the refrigerator. He set one bottle on the counter for Justin, and took a drink of his own. Once Justin was naked, he walked towards Brian, but Brian held up a hand to stop him and said, “Wait here.”

Justin watched curiously while Brian went into his bedroom and looked through the drawers. He heard Brian mutter, “Now where did I put those?”

A few drawers later Brian found what he was looking for, grabbed it, and brought it back to Justin. He handed it to Justin who just looked at Brian with confusion. “Pajamas?” Justin noticed the tags and said, “Is this a Christmas gift or something?”

Brian leaned down and kissed the side of Justin’s neck before whispering in his ear, “It was a Christmas gift from my mother last year. I didn’t think I’d ever have a use for them, but if we’re going to play Santa, you need pajamas.”

Justin was already hard, and Brian’s words sent an extra jolt of lust through him. They had screwed often enough, but they’d never actually done any sort of role playing game before, and Justin was more then a little excited by the thought. He ripped the tags off the blue and white striped pajamas, pulled the button down top over his head, and pulled the pants with the elastic waist up over his legs. He looked up at Brian for further instructions.

Leaning down, Brian gave Justin a soft kiss on the lips and then said, “Go get in bed, and close your eyes.”

Hurrying to comply, Justin walked to the bed, got in, and closed his eyes. He heard Brian walking around inside the loft, and impatiently waited for him to come to the bed. A few minutes later Justin opened his eyes and looked around to see where Brian was. Brian was sitting at the counter writing on some paper. Hearing some movement from the bed Brian said without looking up, “If you don’t keep your eyes closed, Santa won’t visit you.”

Justin closed his eyes again, and wondered if Brian was finishing up some work or waiting for him to fall asleep. Soon he heard movement again, and knew Brian was in the bedroom with him.

After what seemed like a very long time to Justin, he finally felt a hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw Brian had changed clothes. He was wearing black slacks, a red button down shirt with the collar unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled up, and a red fuzzy Santa hat with a white rim and a white ball at the top. Justin noticed that the lights were dim in the loft and that Brian had a black pillowcase slung over his shoulder with something inside it other then a pillow. Justin couldn’t help but smile as he said, “Where in the world did you get that ridiculous hat?”

Smiling back Brian said, “It’s not ridiculous. It’s the only part of my traditional outfit that I’ve kept throughout the years.” He thought that sounded better then the truth which was that Mikey had tossed it at him in a huff two days ago when he refused to join in the Christmas cheer that seemed to surround Michael when he talked about Dr. David.

With a soft chuckle Justin said, “It looks good on you.”

Brian’s countenance became serious as he tapped Justin’s leg and said, “Sit up. We’re going to go over my list.”

Justin sat up, and Brian sat down next to him on the bed, and put the pillowcase on the floor between his feet. Justin noticed that Brian had black biker boots on. He said, “Boots?”

“I have to wear something sturdy to walk through the snow.”

“You really went all out didn’t you?” Justin said both pleased and surprised at the same time.

Brian held out a piece of paper for Justin to see. Written at the top in big letters was ‘Justin Taylor’ and directly under that was the word ‘Naughty’. Justin smiled at that, and then looked at the three items that followed. He lost his smile and his face started to heat up as he read it. He’d expected to read things like ‘Sucked Brian off in the backroom of Babylon 130 times’, but instead the list was real. Once he was done reading it, he found he was somewhat ashamed of the things on the list, and had no idea what to say to Brian. He looked up at the man sitting next to him and said, “Brian I….”

“Shhh.” Brian held a finger up to his lips to indicate that Justin should be quiet. He reached down into the pillowcase and pulled out an unwrapped box. He set it on the bed next to Justin and said, “This is for later. For now I want you to stand up and lay across my lap for a spanking. We’re going to take care of this list so you can start this next year off with a clean slate.”

Justin’s already pink face turned bright red and his voice broke as he said, “S….Spanking?”

Loving the sight of Justin so unsure, but still sitting there and trusting him, Brian caressed Justin’s face with his hand and said, “Were you expecting a gift for your naughty behavior?”

“Well… no… I mean not exactly… but…this isn’t what I had in mind either. Well maybe something like this, but not with this list.”

Leaning down to whisper in Justin’s ear Brian said, “I told you to lay across my lap. I won’t force you, so if you don’t think you deserve it, then we can stop.”

Justin leaned into it as Brian’s warm breath hit his neck. Justin looked at Brian for a second and then stood up. He looked down at Brian’s lap and said, “But… it’s play right? I mean it’s not gonna hurt too much.”

Worried eyes darted over to meet confident ones. “Santa doesn’t reassure or bargain with little boys who’ve been naughty.”

Biting his lower lip, Justin thought about it for a couple more seconds before lowering himself down onto the bed and across Brian’s thighs. Patting Justin’s back, Brian said, “Good boy.”

Brian put the list on the bed in front of Justin’s face and said, “Read number one to Santa please.”

After clearing his throat Justin read, “Lied to Brian about his age and experience when they first met.”

Brian had plenty of experience in both spanking and being spanked for fun, and trusted himself to make it mostly good for Justin. He brought up his hand and slapped it down on Justin’s pajama clad rear hard enough to sting a little, but not to really hurt.

Grunting in surprise at the first swat, Justin quickly settled down and relaxed into it once he realized it was play. He crossed his arms on the bed and rested his head on the crook of his elbow. As the swats warmed him up, he felt himself starting to get hard again now that he wasn’t as nervous about what was going to happen to him.

After twenty swats Brian stopped and said, “Read number two.”

“Manipulates people and vies for Brian’s attention daily, no matter who he may hurt in the process.”

Brian started swatting again and said, “Give me an example of this from tonight.”

“Briaaaaan.” Justin whined, not liking that idea.

Brian swatted him hard enough to hurt.

“Ow!” Justin looked back over his shoulder at Brian accusingly.

“Give Santa an example, or the pajamas can come down early.”

Rolling his eyes Justin said, “Come on Santa, we both know it’s true, why do we need examples?”

Brian put his fingers in the waistband of the pajama pants and started to pull them down. Justin quickly put his hand back and held onto the pajamas so they couldn’t go down as he said, “Okay, okay! I sang raunchy lyrics to a song to get your… I mean Brian’s attention, and it probably wrecked the caroling for the uptight assholes around me who can’t take a joke.”

“Move your hand.”

After a couple of seconds of silence Justin put his hand back up front. Brian left the pajamas in place and started spanking again not particularly hard. He said, “Sing it for me correctly.”

Groaning in irritation before he started, Justin sang ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ all the way through. As soon as he got the last word out, Brian stopped spanking. Brian put a hand on the back of Justin’s head and played with his hair as he said, “I usually hate that song, but when you sing it, it’s tolerable.”

Brian looked back at Justin’s ass and pulled the pajama pants down slowly. He said, “Lift your hips for me.”

Justin complied, and soon the pajamas were down around his knees. Brian rubbed the warm pink skin and said, “That was one example from tonight’s fiasco. Give me another.”

Justin was enjoying the feel of Brian’s hand soothing his rear and said, “How about you just fuck me instead.”

Brian gave him a sharp slap, and Justin’s body jumped slightly at the impact. “How about you do what Santa tells you.”

“I told your client that I was your nephew hoping he’d let me stay.”

Brian started spanking again, a little harder this time, knowing it would be on the verge of unpleasant for Justin. As he spanked he lectured, “Manipulating people while they are working is very naughty. Santa doesn’t want to hear about you doing it again.”

As the spanking kept going Justin started squirming a little and said, “Okay, I’ve got it. I said I’ve got it. I’m sorry okay? Come on Santa, I said I’m sorry already.”

Brian stopped and let Justin catch his breath for a few seconds. Then he put the unwrapped box that was sitting on the bed in front of Justin. “Open it.”

Justin did, and found a small leather covered wooden paddle. It was only slightly smaller then a ping pong paddle. Justin looked back at Brian with wide eyes; “I haven’t seen that toy before.”

Shrugging Brian said, “I usually only get it out when it’s time for the leather ball at Babylon. Hand it to me and read me the last one.”

“I don’t want to play anymore,” Justin said with some panic in his voice.

“Because you’re afraid I’ll hurt you, or because you know you deserve it and don’t want to admit it?”

Brian made sure his hands were loose on Justin so he could get up if he wanted to, and let him think it over. Feeling tears in his eyes as he thought that over, Justin picked up the paddle and handed it back to Brian. His voice wavered as he read, “Stole Brian’s credit card and ran away to New York.”

Tightening his hold on Justin, Brian brought the paddle down hard enough to do more then just sting. Justin’s body jumped over Brian’s lap and he yelled out, “OW! That really hurt damn it!”

“Yeah? Well Santa’s really not happy about that one.” Brian glared at the boy across his lap as he remembered worrying about him and trying to find him all those months ago. “Five more, and then we’ll be all done.”

“Five more of those?! OW!!” Justin asked with disbelief before another hard swat landed.

“Stealing is naughty.”

“OW! Please stop!!” Justin begged.

Brian wasn’t swayed. “Running away is naughty.”

“OW!! I’m sorry!”

“You’d better not do it again.” Brian brought the last two swats down quickly, while Justin cried out and kicked his legs.

Setting the paddle down behind him on the bed, Brian quickly flipped Justin over and lifted his upper half into a hug. Justin rested his head on Brian’s chest and after a few seconds said through some tears, “You’re mean.”

“You’re a brat.” Brian said without apology. After a few minutes of quiet sniffling from Justin, and soothing back rubbing from Brian, Brian said, “Santa forgives you, and he’s sure you’re going to be on the nice list next year.”

“I don’t want to play anymore.” Justin said, clearly still unhappy with the way the night had turned out.

“Are you sure about that? Santa brought another gift for you.”

Justin wiped at his eyes and said, “The first gift sucked. I don’t want another one.”

“This is your gift for all the nice things you’ve done this year.”

Justin looked down at the pillowcase that was still on the floor between Brian’s feet. He looked at Brian who was smiling and gave him a wary, “Okay.”

Justin stood up and kicked the pajama pants all the way off. Reaching down into the sack Brian got out a small box that was wrapped in silver Christmas paper and handed it to Justin. Opening the gift, Justin found an expensive watch that he’d told Brian he liked at one point months ago. Justin looked at Brian with surprise; “You bought this for me?”

Turning away from the adoring look Justin was giving him, Brian said, “Well… Santa loves you and wants you to be happy, even if you were naughty this year.”

Justin climbed onto the bed straddling Brian’s lap. He took the hat off Brian’s head and kissed him. After a few seconds of kissing, Justin pushed Brian back onto the bed leaned down on top of him and said, “I love you too.”

Brian rolled the two of them over, so he was on top and started kissing Justin passionately. In the distance Brian heard someone say, “Mr. Kinney?”

Brian pulled his head up and looked towards the sound but saw nothing. He looked back at Justin to kiss him again, but saw that Justin was asleep. While thinking about how odd that was, Brian heard, “Mr. Kinney? It’s six AM.”

Brian jerked himself awake. He heard the familiar sounds of the hospital around him, and saw a nurse at his side trying to wake him up. She said, “His mother will be here soon.”

Brian looked over at Justin in the hospital bed, and the night of the bashing came rushing back to him. Justin looked like he was asleep, but Brian knew better, and even if he hadn’t known better, the bandages on Justin’s head would have been a dead give away. Brian turned to the nurse and said, “Thank you.”

She left, and Brian sat up straight. Stretching, Brian felt his back complain about sleeping in a chair again. He thought about it and said to himself, “Christmas? Where the fuck did that come from?”

Shaking his head in confusion, Brian stood, leaned over Justin and kissed his cheek. Standing back up he said, “It’s been a week Sunshine. Time to wake up.”

He looked at Justin’s face for any kind of response. Getting nothing, he sighed and said, “I’ll see you tonight.”

Brian walked out of Justin’s room and he saw that the person in the next room was watching a Lawrence Welk Christmas special on TV. Brian stopped and stared at the screen for a few seconds watching excessively happy people in ridiculous clothes singing Christmas songs, and thought to himself that his dream must have come from overhearing the show. As he watched, he was struck by a wave of unwanted and unexpected sentimentality. He took a quick look around to make sure no one was watching him, and went back into the room. He leaned down to whisper in Justin’s ear, “I…” He cleared his throat and tried again, “I… Santa loves you, and if you wake up, I promise we’ll spend Christmas together.”

Feeling himself close to hated tears, Brian stood and quickly left the hospital. He stepped into the bright June morning, and in an attempt to push his feelings away muttered, “Stupid fucking Christmas.” as he headed off to work.