Mistletoe '02: Mistletoe Snippet

Chris banked the fire, spreading the coals and making a bowl out of the embers. Into that he laid two thick logs - wood that would last while he and his lover slept the rest of the night away. He grinned at the thought.

Lover.

It was about damn time. Well, about damn time again.

Buck shifted in bed and he soothed with a quiet voice. Haven't gone anywhere, back in a moment, I swear. Back forever.

He'd barked that his oldest friend had to accompany him out to his ranch that day for the night. Christmas Eve. Buck had agreed but he'd seen the reluctance, seen the knowing blue eyes full of what they must do to get him through another holiday. Chris' smile gentled. Years past, yes. This year, no. This year he was ready for more than just a Christmas among the land of the living. He was ready for a Christmas marking the beginning of what he wanted with Buck from now on. What they'd shared before drifting apart - the drifting apart he'd fought against but somehow then couldn't prevent. Drifting apart coming before he'd met Sarah. Drifting apart that made it possible for him to have room to love and want Sarah as he had.

He shook his head. No more drifting. No more apart. Chris turned towards the bed and snuggled his way back under the covers, body instantly shaping against and molding to Buck's. The lanky man smiled in sleep, lips pursing to kiss against his forehead as arms banded closer.

Chris thought about that night. The look on Buck's handsome face at the state of his cabin. The tiny Christmas tree. The glowing candles burning in welcome. The come-hither voice he'd used and the warming fire and his warming hands. He'd put it all to their best use and it had made his soul laugh and heart sing when Buck had answered so fully, so happily... so eagerly and with equal desire for all Chris wanted. Shared love and shared loving that had left him exhausted but only partially sated. Shared promises that this was only the beginning.

Chris lifted his head and kissed Buck softly. "Merry Christmas," he whispered.

Arms tightened further and Buck's sleepy, "Merry Christmas, darlin'" was his answer.

End