CHAPTER 63 CHRISTMAS WITH LOVEHONEY

CHAPTER 63 – CHRISTMAS WITH LOVEHONEY

Javi gradually opened his sleepy eyes when he felt Kurt stir, his arm creeping around Javi’s waist, cuddling into his body and with a short sigh, returned to his dreams. He allowed his eyelids to slip shut again, taking Kurt’s relaxed hand in his, and sending up a thought prayer of thanks for…..everything. Tranquility had reigned this week…and after the turmoil of Monterrey he needed the undisturbed, conflict-free life that more often than not San Diego provided. A lazy smile crossed his face, astonished by the energy Kurt and his friends had put into making their home feel like he’d stepped into a Christmas card in his absence. Trees of all sizes everywhere, each one a miniature reminder of memories from around the globe. He’d had every intention of immersing himself and his friends in this, what had become a tradition for some of them, upon his return home from Mexico, but after Kurt had introduced him to their handiwork, he was unexpectedly pleased it had been done for him. Monterrey had drained him of so much…. and yet had filled him as well. He’d already determined it would be wise to put any thoughts of a reunion with his family off until January. He wasn’t ready to discuss it with Belita, except in very general terms. He anticipated this holiday he loved above all others, so much of his life being rooted in its traditions, and the decisions he would have to make regarding his future meeting his past needed to be done with as little distraction as possible. And this year was his first Christmas with the gift that rested beside him, surrounding him with the love of his body and allowing him the ownership of his heart. Kurt had given his life substance and meaning. He hadn’t even perceived they were missing….creating a wall high enough to make him emotionally unavailable even to himself. He repositioned himself onto his back and Kurt adjusted himself in his sleep, his arm still draped over Javi’s chest. The cute little tree in their bedroom sparkled with ornaments he’d lovingly chosen from every city he’d ever traveled and if asked he could tell you the origin of each bauble. Some were tiny decorative picture frames containing photos of people he’d spent time with in his travels, and a few of his family, back when he really had one. He caressed the hand that lay over his heart reminding himself he still had a family, Kurt and his friends right here in San Diego, they were his family.

Tonight they’d celebrate Christmas Eve. He contentedly peeked at Kurt trying to imagine his reaction to the gifts he’d chosen for him, all carefully wrapped and residing under the gigantic tree in the media room. His happy heart skipped a beat; sometimes he still marveled at just how stunning….how exquisitely handsome his Kurtito was. The mental image of him twirling around to watch Javi’s approach when they’d first met still surfaced every so often and it caused him to catch his breath every time. He crept quietly from the bed, hoping not to awaken him, heading for the kitchen to whip up a tasty breakfast. Today and tomorrow were once in a lifetime days, never again would they celebrate their first Christmas together, and he wanted to create a memory that would last for the rest of their lives. His phone would be taking more pictures than texts.

He sort of sensed Javi leaving the comfort of his arm, but sleep recaptured him, half-dreaming. He snuggled Javi’s pillow into his body, relaxing into the contentment of his scent. Before long his dreaming led him away from the peace of their bedroom, dropping him into what appeared to be a different bedroom, Kurt and Javi, Blaine and Antonio shards of broken glass on the floor again, a mangled photo…..Antonio indignantly shouting at Blaine, handing him a shard of glass? “This is what’s left!” And then Kurt startled awake….again. He’d almost become resigned to these dreams, the details shifting but always the same cast of characters. He clutched the security of Javi’s pillow closer and once he had reoriented himself got up to use the bathroom, quickly returning to the warmth of their bed, tucking the covers under his chin. As his mind awakened, the thoughts of where he’d been this time last year made him shiver. He’d still been in New York, frigid, gray New York, sidewalks covered with dirty snow. Even Lima, the climate not much different, was more inviting when he’d flown home the day after Christmas. He’d phone Burt and Carole tomorrow, hoping they were enjoying the time they were spending with Carole’s family. Although reconnecting with some of his Lima friends, taking advantage of the holiday to do so was always a blast, despite the memories that often came with that, just the thought of this Christmas made him lighthearted. He felt tingly all over, almost like a little boy again! He made every excuse to walk through this abundantly decorated house, and as silly as it sounded for a twentysomething, bubbly was the only word he could come up with to describe his feelings. He’d already had his Christmas in July….. and now he got to celebrate Christmas with the gift he’d received during the summer. He rolled over, grinning at Javi carrying an overloaded tray of breakfast goodies. “The best way to start the day! Breakfast in bed with dessert already waiting!” “Dessert with breakfast?” Kurt questioned. “White chocolate is one of my favorites! Kurtito, you’ve never had white chocolate? I’m sure you’ll love it. You get to be the white and I’ll be the chocolate!” Kurt just shook his head and took the tray from Javi, setting it carefully on the bed so that he could receive his good morning kiss.

“Wow! Haven’t had a breakfast feast like this in….forever!” Nate had flown in from Chicago two days ago. Living in Chicago, he was accustomed to the hustle of New York City and was thoroughly appreciating his introduction to The Big Apple. As a surprise, Blaine had made arrangements for them to tour the Empire State Building by night and even though the weather was less than ideal, it had certainly been worth it. Weatherwise, New York was much like Chicago in the winter, but he was loving the change in scenery. “Still okay with the party tonight?” Blaine asked, pouring more coffee for both of them. Last year there’d been a Christmas Eve get-together for all the tenants in the building who had nowhere else to be. “Of course! It sounds like fun, unless of course you’d rather just hang around here and watch old Christmas movies…..not!” He laughed. “And I’m damn sure you could use some socializing and Christmas cheer, cuz.” Blaine wasn’t quite as sure about that as Nate, but he was right about one thing, hanging around the apartment, beautifully decorated though it was, certainly wasn’t going to put either of them in the Christmas spirit. “Good! Later we’ll pick out some liquid Christmas cheer and see what we can find around here to feed the hungry hoards.” Nate was a reasonably good cook, or so he claimed, and had told Blaine he’d help him create a culinary masterpiece for the party.

Belita had been in contact with Enrique, who wasn’t at all thrilled about the idea of trying to reconcile with his father….not even for his mama’s sake. And he knew she would never agree to having a secret relationship with him as he had with Bela. And Javi? He knew all about Javi. Not knowing who Javi was in Mexico was like saying you lived under a rock. He was pleased that life had been kind to him in that he’d followed his dream and it appeared to have come true. Imagining the conversation he’d had with their father in Monterrey gave him chills. Bad enough that Javi had left to pursue his own dreams and not his father’s, but being gay? Of course, he wasn’t openly gay, but Bela had told him years ago, and it wasn’t like he hadn’t suspected, being the oldest, observing Javi’s childhood years and then into his teens. He’d love to see Javier, or Javi as he was known by, but he’d given up on a relationship with Julio years ago and was at peace with that. He sighed, Feliz Navidad? No, he could live without a backhanded gift like that.

Kurt didn’t bring the dream up to Javi. He tucked it as far away as he could in his mind; it wasn’t like a conversation would make it magically disappear. His fondest wish was that their first-ever Christmas would be as memorable as all their other firsts together, unforgettable, fire and iron like the first time they exchanged I love yous, except for Christmas something a little more in the spirit of the season like…forged hope and trust. It had already been made memorable by Javi’s reaction to all the hard work….and play that had gone into decorating. It was a delight to listen to the stories behind the pretty ornaments, the tiny bejeweled picture frames, the homemade trinkets from his childhood, every tree in every room revealed a different tale of its own.

Reservations had been made while Javi was off being JAVI. Christmas Eve, an intimate dinner at one of the top of their list restaurants, dressing for each other just as much as for the occasion. Despite Javi’s predilection for nudity, there was still a fashionista making a home in his heart. Kurt carefully studied his suit, crimson velvet jacket, coordinating bow tie and hat, highlighted with gold accents and a snow-white shirt; Javi’s choice was a glossy black suit coat with a top hat to match, featuring a wide band studded with gold sequins, hints of gold sprinkled on the hat and a sparkly black and gold top underneath. Life seemed to have gotten in the way of their romantic evenings in cozy restaurants. They’d chosen Saltwater for its extraordinary seafood. Their “normal” had been disrupted with the excitement of the holidays and the flurry surrounding Javi’s trips. They held dear these windows of time to refresh themselves and their relationship.

They were dressing in different bedrooms so they wouldn’t see each other in their fancy evening attire before their magic pumpkin arrived. Figuratively saying “don’t open your eyes yet” was half the fun. As Kurt finished buttoning his shirt, adjusting and readjusting his bowtie, watching himself carefully in the mirror, he smiled at the thoughts of when they first met, when every article of clothing he tried on or discarded seemed significant, right down to the number of shirt buttons he chose to leave undone. And he still sought to catch Javi’s eye with compelling and sensual clothing. His appearance, he never planned to take that for granted just because their relationship had matured and deepened; if anything it was more relevant than it had been when they’d first laid eyes on each other. The mirror reflected his crooked smile as he tweaked the tie once more and confirmed the velvety hat was angled to his liking. Velvet for his Javi with crimson red, an early Christmas present for himself, contributing to the exhilaration of the season and the anticipation of a night out with his love.

They almost collided in the hallway. Javi bowed gracefully, allowing Kurt more space, holding the top hat on his head with a single hand, laughing merrily, “Now do we look gay or what?” Tipping his hat, Kurt couldn’t deny it and cracked up himself. Javi got behind the wheel of the SUV. The supper club offered its patrons a most impressive and tranquil view of the ocean which meant the picturesque excursion was well worth driving oneself. And besides, he was out of practice, he didn’t want to forget how to drive he thought to himself. Winter in San Diego was now one of Kurt’s four favorite seasons. His Midwestern blood was positive it was more like spring and as they neared Saltwater the scent of the ocean tickled his nose making the idea of winters in Lima and New York quickly recede. The holiday allowed them the rare opportunity of dining in this popular restaurant undisturbed by the usual din of busyness. And for once, Kurt was victorious in reaching the door before Javi, politely opening it for him instead of the other way around, and in a gentlemanly fashion pulled his chair out for him. After they were comfortably seated, both requesting club soda and cranberry juice, Kurt joined Javi’s right hand with his, holding only his fingers and thanking him for the suggestion of this eventide date. Removing his hat and placing it beside him on the table, Javi exclaimed, “But of course, my oh so handsome Kurtito! That red velvet….it’s giving me all sorts of thoughts, totally inappropriate for dinner conversation…” Kurt leaned across the table and whispered, “So what’s appropriate for dinner conversation? After all, I think we’ve tasted just about every inch….” “Kurtito! Shhhh…what will people think….” Kurt looked around and then back at Javi, “People? There are only two other couples here and….” “I have my reputation to maintain you know!” Kurt could barely contain his laughter, “Yes! As I recall your reputation preceded you, Javito, Mr. Honorary Citizen of San Diego!”

They were interrupted in their silliness by the waiter, wondering if they needed more time, so they got down to the serious business of examining the variety of dishes on the menu. It was late in the year for catching the sunset, but the topic of what they’d been doing the previous year at this time arose. Relaxing to the murmur of the ocean tide, they each recounted their whereabouts, contrasting then and now…now winning hands down. They’d both been at the kind of parties that a person went to when they had nowhere else to go for the holidays, trying to flee their loneliness if only for one night, Javi in Mexico City and Kurt in New York. As their eyes met over their delicious meals, Kurt blew a kiss to Javi, mouthing, I love you, toasting him silently.

The promise that Javi had made to Kurt had not been forgotten. Attending a worship service was an integral part of Javi’s Christmas Eve celebration. When Kurt had raised the subject this week, Javi had offered to let him choose the church. Kurt had discovered a Unitarian Universalist Church located only a few blocks from Javi’s house. He had continued his reading and meditating throughout the summer and fall, his curiosity peaked by the descriptions found in a variety of books and comparisons to other denominations. Their openness and apparent acceptance with an eye towards a world view attracted his sense of burgeoning spirituality. Still, he was kind of anxious, not having been to a worship service since he’d attended one with Mercedes way back in the Glee Club days. They made their way into the sanctuary, Kurt trying not to be obvious in his curiosity. They were warmly received and welcomed by a handful of people waiting expectantly for the service to start and offered seats as everyone gathered toward the poinsettia-decorated front of the room. The program outlined the content of the service, singing, story-telling and celebrating the hope that Jesus offered; not all UUA churches placed emphasis on Jesus, but that was precisely why Kurt had chosen this church, to continue his quest of discovery. About 20 minutes into the service everyone was given a short white candle. As one of the choir members intoned the reverent words to O Holy Night, they lit a candle at the end of each aisle and without speaking passed them from person to person, each lighting their own candle, until the entire sanctuary was filled with soft light representing worship and hope for peace. After a few more carols and prayers for the world, the lovely service came to an end, people voicing their hopes that they’d return, wishing them both Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. They left holding hands feeling thoroughly warmed by the people and the meaningful service.

Javi glanced at his phone as they approached the front door, noting that it was only a little after nine. The flameless candles greeted them, carrying over the sense of peace and comfort provided by the worship service.

Wandering room to room, they activated the tree lights, tiny twinkle lights, multicolored bulbs, also reminiscent of the subtle lighting brought to life by the white candles. Making a game of racing each other to the sprigs of mistletoe scattered abundantly by their friends, the lights sparked the rooms and their kisses sparked their playful celebration. At last, they took up residence on the couch tossing their hats into an easy chair.

Javi wove his fingers into Kurt’s own and laid his head on the back of the couch, “Tell me… what were your Christmases like growing up? You hardly ever talk about your childhood…unless of course you don’t want to…” “Oh, no, no, I actually have wonderful Christmas memories, despite all the whining I do about snow and cold. I barely remember what Christmas was like before my mom died, but my dad always made sure there were lots of relatives and friends around. Someone was always leaving cookies or cakes….and my friend’s mom’s always liked having me around because I loved to bake. And back then, I had a few cousins close by and if it snowed we’d be outside building snowmen or having snowball fights….but I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly an outdoorsy kid,” he laughed, “I was the one that liked being inside where the hot chocolate was, designing clothes for my stuffed animals. Dad and I usually went to a midnight service when I got old enough to stay up that late….and I think I believed in Santa until I was nine or something, just didn’t want to give up the fantasy. In fact, he brought me my first sewing machine when I was six; not a real one, but it worked! When I was really young, we’d always be at my uncle’s house along with what seemed like a whole hoard of Hummels, and I tried to have fun with the boys and their trucks and toy guns and stuff, but you could almost always find me with my girl cousins. My poor dad…it must have been hard raising a gay son back then. What about you, mi amor, you’ve never talked about your Christmases either.”

He laid his head on Kurt’s shoulder, “Mmmmm….Christmas was….colorful….that’s what I remember most, I think. All the color! And we started celebrating on December 16, parties everywhere! And of course the religious aspect…..oh, Kurtito! So much pageantry and music and joy! I was singing in a choir by the time I was six….such a gift that was and I didn’t even know it at the time! And our family was so large! Like you I had cousins all over the place, but snow wasn’t a part of our celebration,” he laughed, “And mi papa, he wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Santa Claus, but he always managed to make an appearance somewhere in Quintana Roo. I remember wondering why he was all dressed up in that heavy red suit when it was 80 degrees outside…..even then I was fashion conscious! In our family, the tree and the gifts were all secondary to the Nativity….and I loved it all…and still do obviously! I just celebrate it differently than I did then. When did you open presents?”

“Well, my dad would usually let me open one on Christmas Eve, but he always chose which one, since he kept the others hidden for Santa to bring, and then he and I would open ours in the morning….well, actually closer to the middle of the night sometimes because I just couldn’t wait…and then he’d make pancakes for breakfast…always pancakes. What about you?”

“Christmas Eve was spent in church and Christmas morning as well, so we didn’t open our presents until almost noon. We weren’t rich or poor, but there were so many of us, that each of us only got two presents. When we were little, usually a toy and some clothes, and when we got older, mostly clothes….but there were always different kinds of candy hanging from the tree. To be honest, with all the parties between the 16th and the 25th, Christmas itself was more about our faith. I loved every second!”

“And now….I have my own red-velvet suited Santa right here….and he’s so much prettier…..” Javi leaned over and kissed Kurt without closing his eyes, “and he doesn’t come just once a year…” he laughed at his own unintended pun, “and now that I think about it….yeah, I meant that….so? shall we open one present like you and your dad used to?” Kurt was still smirking over Javi’s supposedly unintended pun, “You mean opening a present like when you got home from Monterrey?” “Nooooo, but I certainly wouldn’t reject that idea….”Yes, let’s open just one, but we get to pick which one….Santa has to bring the rest.”

Kurt walked over to the tree and perused the packages, pretending to take his time because the right selection was so important. He picked up a package Javi could tell he’d spent a lot of time wrapping and decorating. The paper was a deep navy blue imprinted with white angels that looked almost luminescent and a silky white bow to match. He almost hated to open it. It was so pretty. Javi felt like he was sitting next to a six-year-old Kurt unable to contain his excitement over watching someone else open a gift from him. “It’s not a cat or a bird is it?” Javi said as he lightly rattled the box. “Well, if it was I’m pretty sure it would have responded to that! Come on, open it!” Javi took his time: the wrapping really was unbelievably beautiful. Kurt was almost bouncing on the sofa. He set the paper and the bow aside, finding two lookalike red velvet boxes inside. “Which one first?” Kurt shrugged, giving him a half-smile, his hands firmly clasped in his lap. He carefully opened one of the jewelry boxes and inside was a wide gold bracelet with a raised infinity symbol of black onyx in the center. It was engraved on the inside with Kurt’s first name and the words, “My lover, my friend, my soulmate December 2″….Javi glanced at Kurt, and then opened the second box just as carefully. It contained the exact same bracelet, except the engraving was his first name and “Mi amante, mi amigo, mi alma gemela December 2.” Obviously, he knew what the words meant and the second was his birthday, but what was he missing or forgetting? “It’s what you said to me right before you said I love you for the first time…and the date. The one with my name is yours and….” Kurt didn’t even get a chance to finish. Javi’s strong arms swept around him and he toppled backwards onto the couch. “Sometimes I don’t think you’re real…..I’m so hopelessly in love with you…..can I pinch you just to be sure? You’re real that is?” he asked while starting to remove the red velvet tie and unbutton Kurt’s shirt. Kurt giggled, and grabbed his hand, “No you may not! I haven’t even opened my present yet!” “It’ll still be there later….” Javi unbuttoned another button, “And so will I….I hope…now, be a good Santa’s elf and let me open my present…” he playfully pouted and reluctantly Javi stopped, or at least he pretended to be reluctant. Kurt’s gift….it was actually the one he’d planned to give him last, but after what Kurt had just given him…he didn’t want this one to wait. He took his time ambling over to the tree and bent down choosing a box wrapped in blue silk sporting a large red bow. He knew he was taking a risk here, but since when hadn’t their relationship been about risk? He said a quick prayer that Kurt would like it.

Kurt had removed his tie and sat up, just as eager to unwrap the tastefully wrapped box as he had been to watch Javi open his gift. Instead of offering it to Kurt, Javi set it gingerly on the couch as if it might bite one of them. Kurt picked it up, turning it from side to side, admiring the wrapping, and then shook it just like Javi had, but nothing rattled or barked or chirped. He shook it one more time and then began opening it just as carefully as Javi had his. When he undid the silk, he found another layer of red velvet underneath it covering the box. He continued slowly unpeeling the covering until finally the box appeared. There was a cutout piece with a glittery little dot on it and it was taped shut. Kurt looked up at Javi as if to say, What? “It’s a door, Kurt, open it.” He peeled the tape aside and inside surrounded by tons of gauzy material, obviously so it wouldn’t make noise if it was rattled, he found a key ring with several brand new shiny keys on it, the key ring beribboned in blue.

Javi leaned over and took Kurt’s hand, “This is one of those gifts you can choose not to accept. Kurt, I want you to move in with me….permanently….I know you and Adam’s lease is up at the end of Jan…..” Kurt let out an excited yelp and attacked Javi, Javi trying to maintain his balance as Kurt chirped, “Yes! Yes!” Javi started laughing and pulled him close, “You are so damn cute, Kurtito, so adorably cute!” “You really thought I’d say no?????” “Well….” “Well what? If I said no, the way things are, I’d basically be moving out, you mad Mexican!” Javi couldn’t stop laughing…or smiling, “You do have a point….and now we need to hope that Adam says yes…” “Yes to what?” “To Ethan! Ethan and I talked about this…..” “Ethan knew before I did?” “Of course! We had to talk about it, just in case…” “So what are all these keys for then?”

Javi took the keys and went through each color-coded key – one for each of the doors to the outside, one for the basement and one for the bedrooms that Javi always kept the doors closed to; Kurt hadn’t even realized they were locked. Javi looked at Kurt again and said, “The only thing I ask is that before you use the keys to the other bedrooms or the basement you tell me first; let’s just say there are things there I want us to share together.” Kurt raised that eyebrow in the way Javi loved, “Hmmmm…..my mystery man….” “Yes, I am….I don’t want you getting bored.” he smiled. “Why do I feel like Goldilocks all over again?” Kurt questioned.

Kurt undid the rest of his buttons, looking up at Javi with a sly smile, “now, where were we again?” Javi took his face in his hands, “This is where we were…” he took Kurt’s hand and lifted him up off the couch, “we were about to get into nothing more comfortable….” and he led him down the hallway to their bedroom, closing the door firmly behind them, before helping Kurt get into nothing….more comfortable.

Blaine was feeling almost buoyant. For the first time in what seemed like eons, he was really having fun…and Nate had no trouble making friends of total strangers. Annnndddd….Blaine dared to think….his time was actually occupied with someone interesting and charming. Was this really a genuine conversation they were having? In fact, they’d been conversing for over 2 hours. Jeff….his name was Jeff. He was a physician’s assistant at Metropolitan Hospital Center in the surgery department. He’d graduated a year ago and had started at Metro almost immediately. PAs were in high demand in every hospital it seemed.

They exchanged the usual get-to-know you questions and answers, trying not to be obvious about checking each other out. Blaine liked his Oklahoma accent and Jeff liked Blaine’s beautiful eyes and chiseled features. Blaine liked Jeff’s smile and Jeff liked Blaine’s curly hair. And most of all Blaine liked Jeff’s what appeared to be genuine interest and Jeff liked Blaine’s sense of humor. And they both liked the fact that neither were native New Yorkers. Their future plans did not include settling down in New York, city or state. As Nate grabbed another drink it had not escaped his notice that his cousin was finally focused on something other than his past and the problems that had carried themselves forward into his present. He liked Blaine a lot; he had his issues like everyone else, but he was a good guy…..becoming an even better friend.

Bela clicked her phone off and sighed, recounting the distressing discussion she’d just had with her mama. Poor mamacita! She was still biding her time, waiting for her “chicks” to return to the nest at least for a visit. She knew kind-hearted Javi would never forsake his mama and that he’d stayed away only because he was afraid of causing even more dissension between his parents. But….Enrique? He’d been the first to leave and for many years had bore the brunt of his father’s derision. The one time he’d tried to reach out to his mama, his father adamantly refused to even let him talk to her by phone, despite his mother’s pleas to the contrary. Bela had chosen the role of go between knowing as the only girl her father might actually soften for her. She’d wait until after the New Year to speak with Javi about it again and perhaps make plans. One step at a time. Maybe Javi would bring it up when she called him tomorrow to wish him Feliz Navidad.

“Good morning, my sleepy-headed roomie!” Kurt beamed at him; God! He was the sexiest, most enchanting man on the planet! “Does this mean I can start leaving the toilet seat down and leave blobs of toothpaste in the sink and quit doing my own laundry?” “As if!” Javi laughed, “But maybe I can, Mr. Clean!” Kurt threw back the covers and started pulling on Javi’s arm, “Come on!” “What? I just woke up!” “Coommmeee onnnn!” “Geez, Kurt, I’m the one who loves Christmas…” “But I love opening presents….and giving them….I love watching you open presents…come. on.” “Can I at least take a shower?” “No!!! Come. On!!!!” Javi couldn’t help but catch his excitement.

Javi insisted that he at least be allowed to make coffee, having picked up some special blend for the holidays mostly for Kurt, but he could always have some espresso later. The novelty coffee filled the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon with a hint of chocolate. Kurt sat at the kitchen table, his chin in his hands, observing Javi making coffee in the nude. There was nothing he didn’t love about his body and watching him move…..he was so graceful, his hands in constant motion. Handing Kurt his Santa Claus mug, noting Kurt’s posture, he asked him how he liked the view. Kurt said, “I’ll tell you AFTER we open presents! Otherwise, it’ll be next Christmas before….” Javi chuckled, “Oh, shush, Kurtito! If I didn’t know better I’d swear you were two instead of twenty-two.” He followed him into the media room where Kurt had already turned on the tree lights and had some instrumental Christmas music playing in the background.

Carefully placing their coffee mugs on a table beside the tree, Kurt reached for a package and cautiously handed it to Javi, emphatically instructing him not to shake it. Again, there were two boxes inside and he could tell whatever they held was delicate and feather light. He carefully opened both lids at the same time, drawing back the light blue tissue paper, and inside he found two ornaments made of blue-tinted blown glass, their initials intertwined on each. Javi smiled, this was so very Kurt. Without saying a word, he got up off the floor and placed each one on the tree, “Our first Christmas ornaments! Merry Christmas, mi bebe hermoso, you are so sweet,” Javi picked up another gift and handed it to Kurt as he kissed him. “This is sort of for both of us….at least I hope it is!” Kurt quickly opened the package, abandoning his careful layer by layer unwrapping technique. The room was suddenly filled with a mixture of wonderful smells. The card inside read, “Life With You Makes Perfect Scents” and the basket contained massage oil, chocolate body paint, a Bluetooth speaker, bath salts and several photos of Javi and Kurt to add to their out-of-town play collections, and Kurt thought that was so Javi! Engaging the five senses! They had agreed that both of them could go totally overboard buying gifts for each other, so they’d allowed themselves only three gifts each. The last gift was one that Kurt had needed to do a little research for, but it had certainly been fun and rather eye-opening…even providing ideas for future gifts. When Javi tousled the box, this time it did rattle, although he still had no clue what was inside. “Give me a hint,” He playfully asked. “It’s…..from someplace…..um….you’re probably familiar with?” “Can I wear it?” “Maybe….some of it….” “What color is it?” Kurt started laughing, “Just open the damn box, Javi!” he said as he gave him a shove, and when he shook it one more time and then opened it, he started laughing, too! “Oh, mi Kurtito! I’m impressed…..and delighted! Look at all this…” He started removing item by item, sex toys! A Wartenberg pinwheel, a couple different types of cock rings, a black velvet blindfold…and..oh…..this from my Kurt? a vibrating butt plug? some fur-lined hand and ankle cuffs, and something Javi could only laugh at! Kurt had made him two different thongs, one of black velvet and the other of what felt like gold silk! “You just keep getting cuter, muy lindo!” He exclaimed, pushing Kurt to the floor, showering kisses all over his face, wrestling with him until he had his hands held firmly against the mass of wrapping paper, “Someone’s been doing his research…how did you….”

“God, Javi! You’re not the only one who can figure out what a site named Lovehoney probably sells! Pretty sure it wasn’t jams and jellies! Remember the package that got delivered to Karen by accident?” “Hmmmm…..indeed I do remember….and I just happen to have it handy.” Javi reached behind him and let go of Kurt’s hands so he could open it. Kurt got up on one elbow and rolled onto his side to open the last present. He saved the bow, but tore off the paper finding what looked like a clothing box inside and when he lifted the top…..there was a leather gladiator costume inside, a well-made costume…..and it looked sexy as hell! He looked up at Javi, “And where am I going to wear this? Certainly not to a Halloween party unless it’s just you and…..” “Of course you’re not wearing it anywhere near anyone but me! I may love to show you off, but I’m not completely crazy. You’ll wear it for me and you’ll wear it in our own personal fantasy world right here….or maybe on the road somewhere????” Kurt finally pulled it out of the box, inspecting it like he would any other piece of clothing…thoroughly. Oh, yes, this was certainly the stuff of fantasies….

When Nate wandered into the living room Christmas Day, Blaine was wide awake, humming in the kitchen and again fixing what smelled like a wonderful breakfast. He smiled to himself, wondering how Blaine managed to keep himself in shape if he ate like this every day. They’d left the party at around two in the morning, glad neither of them had to drive anywhere. Despite having lived in large cities where driving wasn’t always the norm, their upbringings reminded them that drinking and driving was a definite no. Neither were drunk, but they were certainly happy…and tired….so sleep came easily last night.

“Well, good morning, Mr. Sunshine! What’s on the menu this morning?” It was almost noon, but…. “French toast and eggs! Want some coffee?” “Sure, but I can get it. I’m assuming the happy pill you took must have a name?” He joked referring to the night before. Blaine turned around and said, “Yes, thank you, I had a very good time last night!” “And…..his name?” “Okay, if you must know….and apparently you must, his name is Jeff.” “And….? Do I have to drag the details out of you?” “Let me get this on the table first, okay?”

Once they were settled, with food on their plates and coffee beside them, Blaine gave Nate all the pertinent details about the man who’d kept him occupied for the majority of the party. “And….?” Nate said again, he was having fun teasing his cousin. “And….what?” “Are you going to see him again?” “Um….yeah….do you mind that I asked him over for dinner tonight? He’s not from around here either and…” “You would hate to see him spend Christmas alone, right? How thoughtful of you, Blaine!” Nate chuckled. Blaine sort of half-smiled and said, “You don’t mind….do you?” “Hey! If he can take your mind off of …..and maybe even, I don’t know….” “Don’t say it! I don’t want to jinx it.” Nate nodded and kept his silence.

They’d spent the day watching It’s a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz; it wasn’t a Christmas tale, but it was still one of Kurt’s favorite movies. “So….while I’m dressed like Spartacus, what are you going to be wearing?” “Whatever you want me to wear….or not,” Javi smirked, “After all, you won’t be wearing it all that long. I guess it depends on whose fantasy it is.” “It doesn’t require learning to maneuver a chariot, does it?” “Only if it’s an outdoor fantasy….no moving chariots in the house.” “Are you going to share your toys with me?” “Well, I didn’t plan on playing with them alone! What fun would that be? But, I might have to read the instructions to you….”You don’t think I can read? And what makes you think I don’t already know how to use them?” “Tell ya what, I’ll let you read the instructions AND then I’ll let you practice….on me!”

Kurt grabbed his messy curls, pulling him down onto the couch so they were facing each other, “You make a very sexy Santa, ya know, and I know I said I quit believing when I was nine, but…..I do believe there must be a Santa for every decade, which means you must be my very own Mexican Santa.” Kurt gazed into Javi’s eyes, running a finger along his lips, “But…. Santa never let me do this….or touch him….here….and especially not…..here?…when I sat on his lap….” His hand slowly wandering Javi’s nakedness. “I did get to kiss him on the cheek…..but I have a feeling that this Santa would rather I……kiss him here behind his ear..so I can whisper what I reaaalllyyyyy want…or here….oh yes I can tell…definitely here,” Kurt whispered, kissing him softly…..and then not so softly….on the lips, teasing him with the tip of his tongue..”

Your eyes are giving you away…..almost black….like when you want me…tell me you want me Javito…show me…..I promise I won’t tell… Santa deserves a gift too……” his hand still moving, feeling Javi respond to his touch…but before he kissed him thoroughly, he murmured, “Merry Christmas, my naughty Santa…….I love you and….I need you and….I want you…all of you….every inch of you, mi Santa. Ramos. Ruiz,” finally showing Javi he wasn’t teasing anymore.