If It Weren't For the Two of Us only has a few chapters left. I appreciate those readers who have made it to this final arc.

Nifty is an abundance of material, thank you for choosing mine. Consider a donation to help support the platform. And now, Christmas ...

 

41

 

Mike was out for winter break. He didn't return to school until early January. Our hours were reduced a bit. The on-air personalities didn't have to broadcast Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That made for a four-day weekend for them. I would have to work a half day Christmas Eve but would be off by afternoon. The following week would be a three-day workweek with how New Year's Eve and New Year's Day fell. When I returned on January 4, it would be my first day as the producer.

I was just ready for some time off. I hadn't really taken any vacation time since starting. Having now worked there a half year, I had accrued a few days, but I felt like I should save them for some reason, perhaps to do something with Mike on spring break.

Before we got deep into family stuff, we planned on meeting with Lance and Jakob for a night out.

515 East was a well-established restaurant that had been around for many decades. It was one of the nicer places in town. Not quite Lawrence Creek, but still nice enough that we went to dinner a bit more dressed up than usual. Jakob was dressed in a nice red shirt for Christmas; Lance had on a long sleeve that looked freshly pressed. Mike and I wore ties. He had a sports coat on. We all looked sharp. I simply had a long sleeve shirt on. We hung our coats on the backs of our chairs. Jakob's jacket seemed a bit light for the cold temperature tonight. I thought about asking if he had a coat — at all — but that probably would have been awkward if he said "no." We had become so close, just like normal friends, that I sometimes forgot that he was homeless for a while.

"You two look very handsome," Jakob said.

We thanked him as we opened the menus. All four of us looked over our options.

"What are your Christmas plans?" Mike asked them.

"Ugh. Sadly, I have chosen to work on Christmas Day," Jakob said.

"It's killing me," Lance said.

"I know. But it has its advantages. It's double time. Plus I took extra hours so others could be with family. And by doing this, I was approved to take a few days off next week. I will be ready to move out, and I can enjoy the two days at the lake house with you all. It's a sacrifice, but it's worth it."

"Killing me," Lance interjected. "I offered to stay here with him. I wanted to."

"I refused. He needs to be with family. He will come back Christmas night and we'll share that together. We're about to move in with each other. We'll have plenty of time to get on each other's nerves."

Mike and I chuckled. Those two were so in love; I hoped everything would work out for them as they moved in together. It was going to be new for them, particularly with Evan there. Even when Mike and I moved in together, it was different than just simply spending the night now and then.

The waiter took our order. Lance ordered the pork chops. Mike chose a filet. I ordered the coconut mahi, and Jakob opted for teriyaki chicken.

"However," Jakob continued. "Both of us are going to my family's house tomorrow for lunch."

"That's HUGE!" I screamed, suddenly getting embarrassed by my volume. I looked around and grinned at my spontaneous reaction.

"It is," Jakob said. "Since Thanksgiving, I talk to my brother and sister every few days. Keaton and I have really reconnected. He's not crazy about the gay thing but misses us being brothers. We're in a pretty good place. I think with Mom and Teresa, they formed a united front to make Dad accept the idea of us coming over. It started on meeting out for dinner, and Mom said Christmas is about being home."

"Have you told them you are moving in together?" I asked.

"I have not really brought it up. But is it really any different? He's screwing my brains out anyway. Is being in the same apartment different that being in different apartments?"

We all laughed. I loved our time together. We had become such an incredible quartet of friends. I remember in college when Lance almost broke down at the thought of us not being friends any more. And now we are closer than ever.

Mike and I discussed our plans. I couldn't wait to see his family.

Our salads arrived.

"I'm so looking forward to all of us being at the lake house," I said. "Jakob, I'm so glad you could get off."

"Me too."

"The fact that all four of us could be off is great. Mike, of course, gets two weeks off for the holidays," I said.

"And your promotion starts with January, correct?" Lance asked me.

"Right. I'm excited."

Conversation remained light and enjoyable throughout dinner. When our meals arrived, I had the server take a picture of the four of us. We looked pretty sharp; it would be a nice one to have printed off. That reminded me that I needed to get their gift.

We declined dessert. Everyone felt they had eaten enough, not to mention the holidays the next two days would be delivering a truckload of calories. After the server cleared the table, I excused myself to get their gift. I darted to the car and was back within the minute.

"For you two. From us," I said.

They were caught off-guard. It was fun to surprise them.

"What's this? We've never said anything about gifts," Lance said.

"It's not much. Really. As you guys prepare to move in together, we just wanted to get you a little something."

Two things were taller in the tissue. They pulled them out. Jakob and Lance each held a framed picture. One was of the two of them, the other one was of the four of us.

"They are from Friendsgiving!" Jakob smiled. "I barely remember us taking these."

"We thought it might go in your place to remind you of good times," Mike said.

"Absolutely," Lance said.

Further in the tissue were two rolled-up soft items. They pulled them out. They were matching pajamas.

"Aww," Jakob said, holding it to his chest.

"That's probably really a gift for Evan," Lance joked. Lance is so open, I could see him walking around naked in the apartment. Hopefully, he didn't do that in front of Evan.

"At the bottom are some massage oils. We thought they can make certain romantic nights even more special," I said.

"You guys. This is so sweet," Lance said. "I feel bad. We don't have anything for you."

"Nor did we expect anything," Mike said, smiling. "We're just happy for you both."

The server came and handed the bill and Mike's credit card to him. He had slipped it to the server earlier in the dinner when the guys didn't see.

"Wait. What happened? You don't need to get ours," Lance insisted.

"We're happy to do it," Mike said.

"Jakob helped out so much at Friendsgiving. We needed to do something," I said.

As we gathered at our cars, we hugged. Lance and I being Lance and I, we told each other we loved each other. All four of us gave Christmas hugs. I loved these men. All of them.

"Good luck with your family tomorrow," I said to Jakob.

"Fingers crossed."

We kissed each other. We got a strange look from someone walking in, but we didn't care.

 

—

 

I wrapped my gift for Mike. I had seen he had placed his gift for me under the tree. Just two gifts looked ridiculously sparse, but that was what we agreed to.

I hadn't seen my parents since Thanksgiving. Dad had actually texted me twice, which was relatively rare. They were simple messages, but slightly kind. Mom and I talked a few times on the phone. She was excited that we would be there for Christmas Eve dinner. I couldn't say I was. My hostility toward my father had subsided, but I wasn't sure if I enjoyed his company. I was going to try at least for the holidays.

We arrived late in the afternoon. Both of them greeted us at the door. Mom hugged each of us; Dad shook our hands. As we entered, the tree was lit, and Christmas music was playing. I put down our gift under the tree.

Mike went into the kitchen to see if he could help. Mom appreciated the offer. That meant I was stuck with Dad in the living room. I figured it was safe to talk about relatives. We did. I hadn't seen any of them since graduation. Dad said my uncle was going to pop in briefly for dessert but couldn't stay long.

I looked out the backdoor and saw the garden overgrown.

"Did you all do any vegetables this summer?" I asked, searching for conversation.

"Only tomatoes, but they were good. It's amazing how rough it all looks so fast."

"The decorations look good out front."

"Thanks. Nowadays I feel too old to climb on the roof to hang lights, but your mother and I feel pretty good about doing things at ground level. We enjoy doing it together."

"That's great! I would imagine that a lot of couples leave it up to one person. Dads outside, moms inside."

"Nope, all our married lives, it is something we have enjoyed doing together, particularly decorating the tree."

"I remember doing it with you when I was young."

"When you were young ... ! Goodness gracious, shall I get you a cane, you old coot!" Dad laughed hard.

I made a fist and punched him in the shoulder. "Whatever."

Mom and Mike came out to join us. I told her the decorations looked nice.

"Thanks. I was delighted with the poinsettias I picked out this year. They've held up well. Did you two decorate much?"

We talked about the house. I mentioned we had started conversations about getting a dog but didn't pursue it seriously yet. They really didn't know Lance and Jakob much, but we updated them on how they were doing and that we were all looking forward to New Year's at the Owens' lake house. Dad didn't seem fazed by it this time, which was good. I talked about being nervous about the play, but also being excited. I also mentioned that with Ed out for the holidays, I got to co-host that segment on the air with Tara next week. That was cool. At least to me.

"Mike, will you be seeing your family?" Mom asked.

"Yes. Tomorrow. Trent and I wanted our first Christmas morning to be at our house. We'll get there early afternoon."

"You say, `our house,' but it really is your house, right?" Dad asked, which made me uncomfortable.

"Yes, Dad. It is in his name, but I still pay for half the mortgage. We're partners in everything."

Mike looked odd. He seemed thrown by Dad's question.

At 6 o'clock, we sat down for dinner. Everything looked beautiful. It had the quintessential appearance of a holiday meal.

"Your cranberry recipe is out of this world, Mrs. Kyriazi," Mike said.

"Please! Call me, Diane," she replied.

"Everyone always raves about her cranberries, but I'm just a simple mashed potatoes guy. I always loved how Mom made them," I said. "I go to some places and they are so creamy that you can't even get them to hold the gravy in the middle."

"I can say I picked up the ham today," Dad interjected.

We all chuckled. The visit was actually going better than I had expected. Dad was well behaved. Perhaps time was healing all wounds. I wasn't sure how I felt about him. Mike had forgiven him. I wasn't sure if I could, but at least the man that my father was right now was more tolerable. He knew my play was accepted for The Showcase but didn't know one of the characters was based on the relationship we had as father and son. They were certain to come see it. I would have to prepare him ... and Zach ... and Tariq.

By the time we had leftovers put away and dishes cleaned, Uncle Jackson came by. He had my nephew Conner with him. My uncle and aunt were separated; following dessert, he had to get Conner back to my aunt. Holidays seemed much more complicated as an adult.

"Uncle Jackson, I'd like you to meet my partner, Michael Terry," I said.

"Partner in ..." he wasn't sure what I meant.

"We're a couple. We're partners."

Dad's weight shifted a little. Clearly, he hadn't mentioned to his brother that I was gay.

"Oh, uh ... it's nice to meet you ... uh, Michael," he stammered.

"Call me Mike," my handsome boyfriend said, extending his hand.

Conner, who was 17, pulled on my arm. I looked over at him. He was a couple inches shorter than me.

"Does that mean you're gay, Trent?" he whispered.

"It does," I whispered back with a smile.

Conner looked blank for a moment. "Cool," he softly whispered.

"Trent got a promotion at work," Mom said. "He's now a producer."

"Congratulations," Uncle Jackson said.

"And he's a playwright too. The university chose his play to put in The Showcase."

"OH – KAY, Mom. Let's just calm down about me."

We all walked into the kitchen and Mom offered the choice of pumpkin or coconut cream pie to each of us. Both were delicious as I had a slice of each.

"So, Trent. Mike looks a bit older than you. How did you two meet?" Uncle Jackson asked.

Gah!! I hated that question! There is no way to answer it without people taking it a weird way.

"Well, actually, I ran across Mike this spring. Believe it or not, he was a former teacher of mine seven years ago. I saw what I liked, and I went after him. For some reason he has fallen for me. We don't let the age difference bother us. We don't even notice it now."

"Until some idiot like me brings it up, right?" Uncle Jackson quipped. "Well, I didn't know ... about ... you ... but I'm glad I do now. Knowing your father, that couldn't have been easy."

"Dreadful. It was actually bad a few months, but he's come around. We're doing better."

"Good for you. Live your life."

"I'm happy. Thanks, Uncle Jackson."

It was a short visit and we bid them farewell. Following that, the four of us played a round of Scrabble.

"This should be a challenge going up against a teacher," Mom said.

"Don't sell Dad short. He's a mean Scrabble player. It's all those crossword puzzles he did in the paper every day." I felt like I could throw Dad a compliment.

We had a good time. Before leaving, we gathered in the living room. My parents had a gift for each of us, as well as one for both of us. That was nice. Each of us received a sweater that looked really sharp, not some hokey holiday sweater. For the two of us was a simple basket of nuts, chocolates and coffees. Perfect.

We gave them a gift. One part was a framed picture of the two of us. It was taken at Matt and Ali's wedding when we were both dressed up.

"I just wanted you to have an up-to-date picture of us both."

"You both look so handsome. Thank you," Mom said.

The other part of the gift was a shallow bowl I had seen at a Christmas market from a glassblower vendor. I thought it was really beautiful. Both my parents seemed to agree.

As we were saying goodbye, Mike and Dad shook hands. I hugged Mom; so did Mike. Then I decided to hug Dad. I could tell he was startled at first, but then squeezed me tight.

"That's the best gift you could've given me," he softly said in our embrace. "Merry Christmas, son."

I wasn't sure I would ever truly be able to forgive my father for his actions, but I also found no reason to hang onto the pain and hatred and betrayal of it all. It served no purpose. I was happy. I needed to let go of that.

"That actually wasn't too bad," I said as we shut our car doors.

"It was a nice evening," Mike agreed.

When we got home, it was a quarter to 11. Our Christmas tree was on a timer, so it was lit when we came into the house.

"What are your thoughts, babe?" he asked. "Glass of wine and open our gifts? Or turn in and open them Christmas morning?"

"Hmm. I'm not overly sleepy. A glass of wine in front of the tree sounds nice. I want to put on pajamas though."

Unbeknownst to Lance and Jakob, we bought matching pajamas too. Just a slightly different shade than theirs. We thought about all four of us matching, but that was just overly cute. We didn't even know if they would bring them to the lake house or not.

When I came out, I was shirtless with just the pajama bottoms. Mike had a glass of wine waiting for me. He handed it to me and then went to change as well.

There was a light on in the kitchen, but otherwise, it was just the tree that illuminated the room. I was sitting on the floor with my back next to the couch. He came and reclined beside me. We didn't say anything for a few minutes. We just sipped wine and let our feet press into each other.

Halfway through my glass, I bent over and reached for my gift. We only had one gift for each other. I was worried I might blow it. I didn't know what the right choice would be. Something romantic? Something useful? Something he could wear? I struggled. Hopefully, he would like it.

Mike ripped the paper off the box. After opening it, he laughed.

"Oh, my gosh!"

He pulled out the complete series of Will & Grace.

"I know you are a big fan of the series. I thought this might be something you'd like but wouldn't buy for yourself."

"Oh yeah. I could watch these episodes a hundred times. Thank you, Trent."

I immediately hated my gift. I wished I had gone for something romantic. This was geared toward his interests, yes, but it didn't say "I love you."

He handed a small box to me. I pulled off the paper. It looked like a jewelry box. I didn't wear any jewelry. Maybe he felt I needed something. Hm.

I opened the felt lined box and found two gold rings inside that matched. I was momentarily perplexed that there were two. I looked at him.

"Why are ..."

"Trent Kyriazi, I want to spend my entire life with you. Will you marry me?"

A lightning bolt struck my entire body. I leapt three feet tackling him to the floor. I kissed him nonstop for two minutes. Our arms were wrapped around each other, and we rolled in our passion.

"Is that a yes?" he asked.

"It's a hell, yes. Mike, I'm so ... it's all ... I ... yes. I love you so much. I would love to marry you."

"The sad part is that those two rings are for our wedding day. So, we will put them away for a few months. It kind of seems like an unsatisfactory gift."

"Oh, please. I gave you DVDs. You propose! They don't equate. Michael, I can't tell you how much I am in love with you. I would be so proud and thrilled and honored to call you my husband."

"Good. I'm relieved. You just came out earlier this year; I was scared to death that it would be too fast for you."

"Maybe for some people. But I've never pictured myself with anyone else. I have thought about us spending our lives together all the time."

He held me in his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder.

"I was thinking about early June as soon as I got out from school. If it is okay with you, I have already made reservations for a cabin at the Grand Canyon. You've said you wanted to go. I thought it might be a nice honeymoon."

I kissed him. "I love the idea. It all sounds perfect."

"Merry Christmas, J.T."

We were out of our pajamas kissing and groping and sucking under the Christmas tree. Mike said the night was a special occasion. I went to get the lube, a towel and a spare blanket.

With the blanket spread out, we kissed some more, rolling on top of each other. Our breathing was heavy, almost to the point of panting between kisses. My fingers plowed through the chest hair on the man I loved so much. We inhaled air as if it were seeping out an airlock into the darkness of space.

"Take me," he breathlessly said.

He stretched his body along the blanket, lying on his stomach. I lubed my fingers and prodded into his hole, stretching his entrance to accept my erection. He hummed as I probed his depths. We had Christmas music on in the background. I pulsed my fingers in and out of his ass to "Sleigh Ride."

Slick with lube, my dick penetrated his ass. I moved slow. I could feel him relax and I slid all my length inside him. We groaned together. Holding myself up, I gently moved my hard flesh in and out. Ever so softly, I sang the words to "Winter Wonderland" as I glided my cock inside him.

I pressed my body on top of his. My hips thrust my member into his hole. His legs pulled back to wrap around mine. I moaned into his ear, then nibbled on it as we made love under the white lights of the tree. "All I Want for Christmas" came on. We sang together as we fucked.

"I love fucking you, Michael. My cock feels so good inside you."

"Me too, babe. Keep fucking me."

For several minutes I crashed my crotch into his cheeks. We moaned loudly, the loudest we had been in weeks. I came close to coming and pulled out. I wanted our lovemaking to go longer. I rolled him to his back and serviced him orally for a couple of minutes.

He stretched his legs wide open, and I lifted them aside my my shoulders. My cock found its way into Mike's haven again. As I fucked him from this position, I leaned over to let our tongues probe each other's mouths.

"I love you," I said as my erection continued to slide in and out of him.

"I love you, too. Fuck me, J.T. Fuck me with that beautiful cock."

The pleasure increased within my groin quickly. My hard-on was throbbing and pulsing and boiling.

I stiff-armed my upper body to power my steel rod inside him. I growled. He jerked his cock below me panting aloud, his breath haggard as he pleasured himself. It felt to be a moment of masculine eruption — hair and testosterone.

"I'm close, hon'."

I leaned over to kiss him once again. Then I screamed into his mouth as the first blast of cum shot inside him.

"I'm coming in you, Michael," I whispered. "I'm coming deep in you, my love ... my partner ... my fiancée."

I collapsed on him. We kissed. Gently I let my penis slip out of him. I rolled onto my side, and Mike stroked his cock until he sprayed his seed all over his chest in a growling orgasm.

"Merry Christmas, babe," he said looking up at me.

He grabbed my hand, and we sang the last verse of "Home for the Holidays."

I slid my fingers through his cum, licked them, then reached for the towel to clean up the man I was now engaged to.

Both of us needed wine. I now sat inside his naked embrace with his arms wrapped around me from behind. We each sipped wine gazing at the lights.

The time reached midnight and the timer turned the lights out.

"Merry Christmas for sure," I said.

 

—

 

December 25

Not much space left, but I felt I should write down one of the happiest moments of my life. Mike proposed for Christmas. I said yes. How could I not? I'm now engaged to the most wonderful man in the world.

 

I was dying to call Lance and tell him the news. I decided to wait until the lake house, but that was going to be tough. I was too excited.

We arrived at Mike's parent's house by noon.

Our gift to them was identical to what we gave my parents. They were delighted. When we told them the news, they were elated. His Mom hugged me in the tightest hug ever.

"You are the best thing to ever happen to him, Trent. I'm so happy for both of you."

The day followed suit to my parents' visit. Food, games, food, relatives, food, gifts. Mike's friend, Nathan, who thought him dating me was a joke when he met me, stopped by. We figured he would be freaked out with the news, but Mike was telling everyone. Nathan seemed happy for us. We felt he thought the whole idea was weird and crazy, but he legitimately seemed happy for us.

There was something about Mike as told everyone the news. I had seen him happy before. I felt I had experienced all his emotions. Mike was radiant. Had I turned down his proposal, he would have been crushed. I know that now. His love for me all but overpowered the Christmas lights. He was aglow with the news. Mrs. Terry came to my side and held my arm. She knew too. I moved my arm from her grip and put it around her shoulder.

"He's so happy," she softly said.

"As am I," I replied.

We packed to stay overnight. Mike was preparing to turn in. I was at the patio door looking out at the backyard.

"Trent? Do you need anything?" his mother asked.

"No, Mom, I'm fine."

"Mom. I like that."

"Did Ethan ever call you Mom?"

"Oh no. Mrs. Terry the whole time."

She held me from behind.

"I can't remember the last time it snowed at Christmas," I said.

"It's been several years, that's for sure."

"I always hope for one. I know it makes it hard for those who travel. But there is still something beautiful and peaceful seeing it fall on Christmas Day."

"I know what you mean," she said. "But you and Mike have made Christmas beautiful this year. Thank you, Trent. You have no idea how big a gift you are to my boy. I'm happy to have you as part of our family."

"Thanks, Mom."

* * * *

 

Look for the post "Christmas Part 2: Trent and Mike" on the blog: timothylane414stories.blogspot.com

For those readers who did not experience this story as the chapters posted, Lance and Jakob's Christmas chapter was the "Part 1" post. Hi, I'm Lance [Chap. 20]

Email your thoughts: timothylane414@gmail.com