Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2023 20:08:09 +0000 (UTC) From: "man_at_work_us@yahoo.com" Subject: Rendezvous with Jayson - Christmas Memories Previously: Two years had elapsed since Derrick asked Jayson to leave after finding out that he was cheating on him. Little has been heard about Jayson since the separation. Derrick, however, met a guy named Alex. The two were instantly attracted to each other and ended up moving in together. And now for the latest installment in the continuing story of: Rendezvous with Jayson. In this episode, Derrick and his new partner spend their second Christmas together making new memories. Crisp morning air nipped at Derrick's nose as he stepped onto the porch, his breath puffing like smoke trails against the charcoal sky. Sunlight, the color of honey, spilled over the snow-dusted roof of their cabin nestled within the whispering pines. Christmas, even in its quietude, hummed with magic here. Inside, Alex was a flurry of flannel and flour, laughter bubbling from his throat as he wrestled dough on the countertop. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg swirled with the crackling fire, weaving a symphony of Christmas comfort. "Morning, sleepyhead," Alex greeted, dusting flour off his nose and planting a kiss on Derrick's cheek. "Did you see the deer tracks by the birdbath? Santa's reindeer aren't the only ones checking Christmas lists this year." Derrick chuckled, pulling Alex into a hug. "Their list must be short. All they want is carrots and maybe a good scratch behind the ears." He inhaled the delicious scents. "What are you baking, baker extraordinaire?" "Cinnamon rolls, of course," Alex winked. "Your favorites. Now, get the coffee going while I work on my masterpiece." The next few hours were a whirlwind of sugar, laughter, and whispered secrets. Derrick helped knead the dough, stealing floury kisses whenever Alex wasn't looking. They exchanged silly presents, giggling at mismatched socks and personalized mugs depicting their dogs in reindeer antlers. The radio played nostalgic Christmas carols, each song a shared memory, a whispered joke, a promise for the future. As the sun sank below the snow-laden pines, bathing the cabin in warm gold, they settled by the fire. Outside, dusk dusted the world in twilight, stars beginning to pepper the black canvas. Alex snuggled into Derrick's side, a mug of hot chocolate warming his hands. "Remember our first Christmas together?" Alex asked, eyes reflecting the flickering flames. Derrick smiled, pulling him closer. "How could I forget? You set the tree on fire with the fairy lights." Alex snorted, laughing. "It was only a minor singe! And it added a certain...rustic charm." "The fire department didn't think so," Derrick teased, but his voice was laced with fondness. "But at least you got your wish for a white Christmas." "And a grumpy but handsome firefighter to rescue me," Alex added, squeezing Derrick's hand. "That was quite the entrance, if I say so myself." Derrick chuckled. "Well, I couldn't let you freeze. Besides, I knew then I wanted to spend every Christmas with you, even the ones with singed trees and fire alarms." They fell silent, memories dancing in the firelight. Their first Christmas was far from picture-perfect, but it was filled with a raw, joyful love that had only deepened over the years. "I'm glad we have our own traditions now," Alex said, breaking the silence. "Baking cinnamon rolls, watching trashy Christmas movies, fighting over who gets the last gingerbread cookie." Derrick laughed. "Wouldn't want it any other way. Though, I might have to put up a fight for that last cookie." "Oh, you're on," Alex mock-growled, nudging Derrick playfully. Later, wrapped in each other's arms beneath a tapestry of stars, they watched the moon cast an ethereal glow on the snow. The silence around them was a comforting blanket, punctuated only by the crackling fire and the soft rhythm of their breaths. "Merry Christmas, my love," Derrick whispered, tracing the curve of Alex's jaw. "Merry Christmas," Alex replied, his voice thick with emotion. "My greatest gift is you." Their lips met in a kiss that tasted of cinnamon and snow, of warmth and belonging. It was a kiss that held the promise of a lifetime of Christmases, each one richer than the last, each one overflowing with love and laughter. As they drifted off to sleep, hand in hand, the stars outside winked their approval, whispering a silent blessing on their quiet, perfect Christmas in the woods. Stay tuned for the next episode as the past comes calling for Derrick. Will he be strong enough? If you would like to offer feedback or comment on this story, please send email to: man_at_work_us@yahoo.com. Thank you.