This is a work of fiction; all characters' names are randomly generated, and the places in this story are complete works of fiction. If you disagree with two men loving each other, leave now. Yes, this is a Christmas story, so you are free to move on if you don't want to read it. However, if you're going to read it, I hope you'll enjoy it.

Copyright © 2021, 2022

From the North Pole to Indiana

Date?

Chapter 4, Part 1

The guys are already awake, have had breakfast, and are out the door. Again, the ride home is filled with sounds of Christmas music. It's also filled with memories of an evening spent watching movies and enjoying each other's company. They even shared a bed. Shea thought it was a great night, a perfect first date. Mick and Shea are walking on cloud nine right now as long as the other guy doesn't crush the other guy's heart, but on the other hand, this first date could lead to something extraordinary down the road. There is a lot of potential between the two of them.

***

Shea arrives at Mick's apartment building and walks him to his apartment. Shea doesn't want to assume that any date would want a good night kiss after their first date.

"Do you want a kiss good night?"

Mick smiles and leans in for a kiss. The kiss is perfect in every way. It's electrifying for both guys. Shea gives him a hug. Mick's heart swelled a little bit. This guy is too good. Shea is sweet and kind. Shea heads home but finds himself thinking of Mick all the way home.

***

Sheas knows he likes Mick, but he needs to decide if he should officially ask him out. He doesn't want to lose him. Once he makes it home, he grabs a piece of paper, he decides to write out a pros and cons list:

Pros:

Cute in a geeky sort of way

Single

Has an innocence about him

Has a job

Has his own apartment

Interesting

Mysterious

Fun to hang out with

Makes me feel good

Craziness could be good

Cons:

No car

A feeling of him being secretive

Something off

Could be crazy

It's pretty clear that Mick's pros far outweigh his cons. Shea decides to move forward with getting himself into Mick's heart. Shea knows that if he doesn't make a move on Mick, someone else will make Mick their boyfriend.

***

Shea can't take a chance on not going after Mick. If he doesn't make this move, someone else will, and that bother him. He knows he needs to do something to impress him. The problem is how do you impress him. Mick seems to be happy just hanging out with him. What to do that will influence Mick enough that he'll want to be Shea's boyfriend? He starts running ideas through his head. He decides to see the Christmas lights and then hot chocolate at Shea's house, and then they can move on from there.

***

He doesn't spend any more time thinking about it, and then he simply surprises himself by calling Mick.

"Hi, Shea! How are you? What's up?"

Shea is so glad to hear Mick's voice.

"I'm good. I called you to see if you wanted to get together and see some Christmas lights and then if you want we can go to my place for hot chocolate. Are you interested?"

Shea hopes he'll say yes. He wants to see Mick so badly. He knows that it will not be as romantic as their last date. Still, it's free, and he thinks Mick would love it.

"I would love to see the Christmas lights with you. Are we doing this tonight?"

He needs to know so he can plan for the evening.

"Yes, I thought it was a little spontaneous."

Milke the plan, and he loves the idea. Shea is glad that Mick wants to actually do this for the evening.

"What time should I be ready?"

Shea thinks about it for a second and then quickly answers him.

"Can you do 6:30 pm?"

Mick is for sure available at that time. The guys are so excited for tonight.

"Yeah, I can do it tonight."

Mick's response makes Shea feel good. It would suck so much if anything got in the way of the date. Sadly, they both have to work tonight.

***

The guys are literally walking on cloud nine as they get ready for work. Shea can't believe he scored another date with his dream guy. He isn't about to call this love, but it feels great whatever this is. Mick loves his job, but he likes his date for tonight even more. Shea would love to not have to go in for work at all. He texts Mick to see if he is excited as well. Those minutes with Mick this morning just felt good. They chat, laugh, and then it's time to say goodbye.

***

Mick's workdays are always good days. Something about baking those cookies just feels good. He is in his element for sure. Today though, something breaks down, which causes Mick to get sent home. No, it wasn't his fault either, but he'll have to go home because they can't make cookies without this piece of equipment. Mick's manager is kind enough to drop him off at home. Now, he needs to fill time.

***

Shea is excited for this date. He's been able to work with a smile on his face all day. Towards the end of his lunch, Shea calls his parents to tell them about this date.

"Hi Son, how are you?"

Shea's mom asks.

"I'm good. The reason I called is that I have a date tonight. I'm feeling really good about this guy. We actually had a date last night, so I guess this is our second official date."

His mom smiles even more. She hopes that this guy her son is dating is good for him and that Shea is good for him too.

"Is this guy cute?"

Shea thinks about his babe. He knows his mom would approve of Mick.

"I think he's cute, but more importantly, he's sweet, kind, and smart."

She is happy to hear her son's date's qualities. It won't take much convincing for Shea to realize what he has in Mick.

"I hope good things for you, Shea. I can hear the excitement in your voice."

Excitement really isn't the word for how Shea is feeling, but it works. While it may not be the best word to use, it fits.

"Thanks, Mom! I need to run."

His dad comes in wondering who his wife is talking to, and he gets a quick recap of it.

"Before you run, Dad says good luck."

He's glad that his dad is happy for him.

"Tell Dad thank you for me. But I do need to run."

With that, Shea ends the call and finishes his lunch.

***

Meanwhile, at Mick's apartment, he calls home to share the thrill that he's feeling. He calls his mom since he knows his dad is super busy. She answers immediately.

"Mick, what's the scoop?"

He's quick to respond.

"I have a date with Shea tonight. We are going to see Christmas lights."

It seems like the perfect date for someone from a family that is a massive part of the Christmas holiday.

"Was this Shea's idea or your idea?"

It seems like something that Mick would pick for a date for Shea

"No, this date was all Shea's idea."

She knows that her son will love it. For that matter, he would be okay with just about any activity as long as Shea is with him.

"It seems like the perfect way to charm a Claus."

His mom and dad haven't done it while driving, but they have done it while riding in the sleigh. She loved the experience. The hope is that something will happen on this date to make it more than memorable. Knowing Shea, this evening will be remarkable.

"I'm sure it will be perfect. Mom, I need to run."

Someone is about to leave a surprise on his crush's front door.

***

A certain guy is about to deliver a package for Mick. He secretly arranged with the apartment complex owner to get buzzed in to deliver it. He carefully sets the box down on the floor, then he knocks. As quickly as he knocks, he runs away so he won't get caught delivering the goods. The mission was successful. He was able to get away without being seen.

***

I'm going to start using this email for my stories cbabraham23@gmail.com

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