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“So Nick, any plans for the holidays?”
Nick couldn’t help but startle slightly at the sudden voice, his hand jerking as he was trying to finish writing up a report. A slight line of ink marked the paper, which bothered him quite a bit. It was the last thing he had to do today, then he could go home to his warm house with a fresh pot of coffee.
Staying later than usual to finish this report wasn’t his ideal day but it needed to be done. He might be somewhat liked around this office space, but he didn’t want to be called out to be a slacker. Even if this job wasn’t something he would be working at. He shook his head before glancing over to the person.
The person in question was his nosy co-worker Gerald. The man loved gossip more than any of the women Nick had come to know. Which, admittedly isn't a lot but still counts for something. The point is, where there's drama, Gerald will be there scoping the scene to catch the latest droppings of melodramatic scandals. Well, as dramatic as it can get in an office space filled with your average white American men.
The question seemed innocent, but the look of mischievous wonders in his eyes tainted any chance that it was out of pure curiosity. They could practically pop out if it wasn't for the pair of thick glasses perched upon his broad nose. He liked the man well enough, he did help Nick settle into this position when he was just starting. But god knows that man can’t be bothered to stop himself from asking such invasive questions.
Gerald was still looking at him with expectant eyes, his foot tapping to the sound of the latest holiday carols that crooned out of the nearby radio. He really shouldn't be surprised about the question, it is getting close to that season.
Nick only shrugged in response as he looked back down at the report. “Can’t say I’ll be doing much. Too old to be asking Santa for that train model I always wanted,” he could hear the quiet snort Gerald let out.
“Oh come on, don’t be so secretive Nicky. You don’t have someone special to be seeing? Maybe a girl you have your eye on?”
Nick could practically hear the man giving him a smarmy smirk with a raised eyebrow. An exasperated sigh blew from his lips as he continued to mindlessly finish up his report. Just a few more lines then he can escape this awkward line of questioning. Well awkward for him, Nick’s sure Gerald has never felt an ounce of shame his whole life.
“First of all, don’t call me that. Second, why would I tell you? Mentioning anything of my love life around you would only be bad hindsight on my part,” he retorted, giving him a judging sideways glance before returning to his paper. He could hear Gerald let out a lowly chuckle, the sound bringing nothing but dread to his stomach.
“Or lack there I should say,” Gerald shot back as he leaned back into his seat with a nonchalant gesture. “You’re such a shut-in Nicky, you don’t even join the guys and me when we go out to the bars after work.”
Nick rolled his eyes,” I’d rather not drink myself ragged with the guys I see daily. It’s enough that you live in my neighborhood as well. The late-night drops to my house aren't appreciated by the way.”
Despite his words, he did quite like the visits. It was nice to know someone cared about him enough to check on him, even if the man also eats almost everything from his fridge. But he would rather die than say it out loud. He would never hear the end of it.
“I think that's a bit dramatic. We’re very sophisticated men who know how to handle their liquor. We aren't animals, Nicky,” he puffed out his chest as he argued his very wrong point. Nick only raised his eyebrow in response to his point.
“Right, if that’s what you want to tell yourself. And don’t call me Nicky. You sound like my grandmother.”
“Was she hot?”
“I’m ignoring you.”
Gerald laughed like it was the most hilarious thing in the world, he has the most childish sense of humor. A five year old could be more mature than him.
“But seriously Nicky.” Gerald shifted his chair close to him. “You’re not having anyone home for the holidays? Not even family?”
Nick took a moment for that before shrugging. “It’s just a holiday, it’s not like it’ll be the last one ever.”
Apparently that was the wrong answer because Gerald pouted like a wife would do when her husband says something profoundly stupid and depressing. Which is rude.
“It’s Christmas season! No one should spend it alone.”
Nick almost snorted at that before composing himself so Gerald wouldn’t notice. “It’s not a big deal, Christmas hasn’t been that special in my family for years. So I’ll be carrying my own tradition at home.”
He hoped that would be enough to get Gerald off his back before he accidentally reveals his real plans in an attempt to shut him up for good. Thankfully, the older man backed off with a defeated expression.
“Fine fine, I suppose not everyone sees Christmas the same as others. I will respect that.” He nodded, patting himself on the back like he did a good job. The amount of ego on this man was astonishing. But it was good enough for Nick.
The conversation dwindled after that with Gerald speaking eagerly with their other colleagues as Nick made the final touches to his report. He couldn’t wait to be finished so he could go home.
Five o’clock hit soon after that as everyone packed up to go home for the holidays. They had the next week off since Christmas rolled right into New Year’s, it was easier that way which Nick didn’t mind.
His briefcase sat by his side as he stepped outside of the building. His fingers tugged his scarf, a bright yellow that stood out like a duckling in a pond. It was horrendous, not that Nick would ever get rid of it.
A cold wind cut through the street, causing shivers down his spine. He had to hurry up to the store and get what he needed before heading to the subway. A bottle of wine, the expensive kind that he dreaded to get. But it was requested specifically.
Before he could take a step, an arm wrapped around his shoulder.
“Nick, I’ll sure miss you during this week.” Gerald grinned mischievously, leaning in close. “I suppose I’ll be too busy with the holidays to drop by your house.”
Nick shifted a bit to get comfortable underneath his heavy arm that belonged to his ridiculously huge body. The other man raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I’m sure your wife would want you at home more. She nags me that I’m taking away all the attention.”
Gerald waved him off. “Eh, anyways. I definitely won’t try to drop by and surprise you this week. Since it’s the holidays.” His smile looked way too bright for his words.
Nick narrowed his eyes but the other man slipped his arm off before he could question him. Gerald winked at him, shifting his green coat that contrasted with his darker skin.
“Bye, Nicky!” The man dashed off immediately as Nick watched on in a mix of amusement and confusion. The other man was a mystery at times and predictable in others.
He shook his head before turning around, time to head to the shops.
————————————————-
The kitchen was filled with the smells of food and sweets, creating an aromatic scent of Christmas spirit in the form of food. Nick prided himself on his ability to make a nice meal despite everything that happened in his life. It was nice to make food from scratch, tasting along the way of your hard work while it all falls into place.
The turkey was still in the oven, a small one since he has a limited guest list. The potatoes were whipped up with butter on top, glazed carrots and onions just came out of the oven, and a nice cream pie for dessert. A small version of the grand feast usually on Christmas but he wouldn’t have it any other way, especially with who he’s spending it with.
“Old sport? Are you sure you don’t need my help there?”
Speaking of, Nick glanced up from where he was putting some peaks on the pie. Gatsby, it was Jay now to Nick or else the other man would throw a tantrum, leaned against the doorway of his house. The blonde man’s hair was tussled in a way that made it look casual yet perfect at the same time. How he manages to achieve that look, Nick will never know.
“Absolutely not.” Nick huffed. “Last time you came in here, my house almost burned down. Twice.”
A sheepish smile crossed his face that made it hard for Nick to even keep up the act of annoyance. “How was I supposed to know oil could get that hot?”
Nick shook his head softly as he continued piping the pie. “I’m almost done anyway, it will only be a few more moments.”
He felt the presence of Jay behind him as the other man curled his fingers around his waist. The feeling of those hands on his body still make Nick’s heart skip a beat like a teen girl in love for the first time.
“I still don’t understand why we can’t have this at my mansion, my oven is far better for this,” Jay watched over Nick’s shoulder with an inkling of curiosity. It was adorable.
“Because your mansion is too big for us to have dinner in. Plus I like being at home.”
“But you would have a bigger kitchen to work in.”
“Not the point, Jay.”
“But I’m making a good one!”
Nick turned his head slightly, poking him in the nose with the end of the piping bag. A small dollop of cream ended up on the blonde’s nose, causing his eyes to cross. The other man snorted out a laugh before staring at him.
“Are you saying my house isn’t good enough for you?” An eyebrow was raised as Jay doubled back like a man who feared for his life.
“O-Of course not, old sport! I love your home and the fact that you’re in it.” A melancholy expression fell upon his face. “It’s better than being alone at my mansion.”
Nick’s gaze softened before he leaned in and kissed his cheek. “You already know you’re welcome here any time.”
Jay smiled happily, burying his face into Nick’s sweatered cover shoulder. It was a piece of misshapen artwork that was done by Jay’s attempt at making knitting his new hobby. A work in progress but Nick never says no to any creation the man comes up with.
“Is the food almost done?”
A few more whips of the piping back. “Almost, the turkey is still cooking.”
Jay moved away after a while, stretching his arms above his head. A sliver of skin popped from the sweater he was wearing, enough for Nick to be a little flustered.
“I suppose I’ll go wash up then. And perhaps find that missing bottle opener, I’ve been dying to try that wine since last night!”
The man left the room with a kiss on the cheek for Nick before he turned to the pie. A scene so domestic it made his stomach turn in circles.
Their relationship is still fairly new, only going on since June of this year. Before that, neither of them had much luck in love or relationships that they can draw good experience from. It was a rocky start between Nick’s independence and Jay’s need to take care of others. So many gifts that Nick definitely didn’t need stuffed up in his attic somewhere no one will find.
Jay’s toned it down since then after a blow up from Nick that ended in something leaving them sore the next day. Well worth it.
Reminiscing on his relationship with Jay almost made him miss the sound of his doorbell ringing. A frown crossed his face as he looked at the clock. He wasn’t expecting anyone else to show up, not like there were many people on that list. Jordan was off on a tour for her golf tournament and he hadn’t spoken to Daisy in a while.
He dusted his hands off, walking over towards the door. His face drained in horror at the sight of Gerald and a few other of his colleagues standing at his door.
Nick stared at them like a man who had just opened his door and discovered the apocalypse politely waiting on the porch. Only he had wished the apocalypse could’ve come and turned them all into zombies or something more sinister.
Instead Gerald stood at the front of the small group with the same mischievous expression he had just a few days before this. In one hand he held a paper bag, judging by the shape it was most likely liquor and in the other he waved enthusiastically as if they were far away across a field the size of a football stadium instead of right in front of each other.
Behind him were two other men from the office, Harris and Milton, bundled up in coats and scarves and looking just tipsy enough to be dangerous. A dangerous trio of men who have no sense of boundaries or self respect for anything. A disaster trio that was right at his doorsteps.
“Merry Christmas, Nicky!” Gerald cheered with an enthusiastic smile.
Nick did not move an inch.
For several long seconds, no one moved.
“…Gerald,” Nick said slowly, as if carefully pronouncing the name of a bomb that might explode with even the slightest hint of irony. Gerald raised his hand.
“I know what you’re thinking!”
“I sincerely doubt that.”
Gerald ignored the obvious sarcasm. “You told me you’d be spending Christmas alone.”
Nick felt his stomach plummet. He hated that being friendly for once was biting him in the ass like this. Goddamn Jay for making him try to be more social with his colleagues.
“And,” Gerald continued proudly, gesturing to the others, “no one should spend Christmas alone! So we thought we’d drop by and surprise you.”
Nick briefly considered slamming the door in their face, no one could fault him for this. He wanted to relax without the idea of his colleagues being here to ruin that.
Unfortunately, before he could commit to the idea,
Harris leaned sideways and sniffed the air like a damn dog.
“Smells like a whole damn feast in there.”
Milton craned his neck past Nick’s shoulder. “Turkey?”
Nick’s brain began rapidly calculating possible escape routes, lies, and methods of murder. He only sighed once he realized it would all be futile at the end. “Of course you would sniff that out, you two are like bloodhounds.”
Milton looked offended while Harris only sniffed again to get another whiff.
“Oh,” Gerald said suddenly, eyes narrowing. “Wait.”
Nick’s eyes glanced over to the man as Gerald’s head tilted slightly while peering over Nick’s shoulder.
“…Nicky.”
“What?”
“Why are there two coats on your rack?”
Nick blinked.
There were indeed two coats visible behind him in the entryway.
His.
And Jay’s very expensive camel-colored coat that looked like it belonged to a man who owned half of Long Island. Which Jay probably could do if he really put his mind to it, the charisma would be more than enough to convince many people.
Gerald tilted his head. “You said you only owned one coat when I asked, and I know that one isn’t something you would wear.”
Nick swallowed.
“I—”
A voice floated from the hallway.
“Old sport, I found the bottle opener! It was in the weirdest place, I couldn’t believe I—”
Jay stepped into view and time practically stopped at its place. The earth slowed its rotation and the universe seemed to hold its breath.
The blonde man paused mid-step in the hallway, sleeves rolled slightly, hair soft and tousled, looking entirely too comfortable in Nick’s home for someone as well known as he is.
He blinked at the crowd gathered at the door. and his coworkers stared back with equal amounts of shock. Nick felt his soul leave his body.
Gerald’s glasses slowly slid down his nose.
For a full five seconds no one spoke.
Then Gerald whispered.
“…Holy shit.”
Nick closed his eyes.
Of course this would happen.
Jay looked between them with polite confusion, still holding the wine bottle.
“Oh! Good evening,” he greeted pleasantly. “Old sport, are these friends of yours? I’m Jay Gatsby.”
Nick pinched the bridge of his nose. He hated and loved how friendly Jay is with others, even complete strangers he’s never met before. He’s like a dog, an adorable one like a golden retriever.
Gerald suddenly straightened “You’re Jay Gatsby.”
Jay smiled politely. “Yes.”
Gerald pointed dramatically between the two of them.
“You.”
Point.
“Him.”
Point.
“You—”
Nick cut in immediately.
“Gerald.”
“Yes?”
“If you finish that sentence I will push you down my stairs.”
Gerald looked delighted despite the threat. Jay straightened up a bit with a curious smile. “Ah, you’re Gerald. Nick has mentioned you a few times to me.”
That made the man even more delighted and Nick regretted all his decisions up to this point. “Really?”
Jay nodded as Harris leaned forward and whispered loudly as if they weren’t right in front of each other like an idiot. “Is he that Gatsby? The mansion guy?”
Milton nodded slowly. “The party guy.”
Jay chuckled lightly. “I hosted gatherings occasionally.” Nick shot him a look that was unamused, of course Jay conveniently dodged it.
Gerald looked like a man who had just been handed the greatest gossip of his career. Nick dreads the day he was even born at this point, he’ll never hear the end of it once he gets back to the office. Then his gaze moved to both of them at the same time and his body started buzzing.
“Matching sweaters?” Nick froze at that with his hand raising up slightly.
“Wait-“
Gerald didn’t care to stop because why would he? The man had no idea what self control was. “And there’s a hickey on your neck.” Which was something Nick didn’t even notice until now, his hand slapping the area it could’ve possibly been in. Jay had specifics.
“Gerald-“
“And there’s two wine glasses near the table!” Gerald gasped with the essence of a man who just solved the impossible equation. “You’re married to Jay Gatsby.”
Nick floundered embarrassingly while Jay laughed like the betrayer he was. Nick will make sure the man won’t get kisses tonight.
“Dating.” Jay corrected with a smile. “Though marriage isn't out of the cards.”
That was a line Nick pinned for another day to freak out about, it was already too much his colleagues were here at a time he rather he wouldn’t want them to be.
Gerald grinned. “You cheeky liar, Nicky! Telling me you were going to be alone and you have a whole boyfriend. You know what? This is even better than the time Harris fell into the office fountain.”
“That was one time,” the man himself muttered.
The other man waved his hand with a grin. “This is amazing, the entire office figured you were either divorced with a kid or living your life as a hermit man in love with his tv.”
A bewildered expression crossed his face. “Wait-“
Jay, the menace that he was, snorted out a laugh while Gerald had the most shit eating grin on his face.
“…You thought I had a child?”
Milton shrugged. “You pack lunch in glass containers. That’s divorced dad behavior.”
Harris nodded solemnly. “And you iron your shirts.”
“That’s called being an adult,” Nick said flatly.
Gerald waved both hands impatiently, completely uninterested in the defense of Nick’s domestic competence. “That’s not the point! The point is—” he leaned forward again, eyes glittering behind those thick glasses, “You have a boyfriend! And that boyfriend is party host Jay Gatsby, this is the most exciting news I’ve heard all day!”
Harris stepped in, apparently eager to speak again like someone asked him to. “Didn’t your wife say you guys were having another baby?”
Gerald ignored him to keep his gaze on the two of them with an enthusiastic smile. “I can’t believe grumpy Nicky can actually have a heart.” The other two laughed as well. Lackeys.
Nick sighed softly as the oven dinged in the background, the smell of turkey creating an aromatic atmosphere that cut into the growing tension in his neck.
Behind him Jay cleared his throat politely, still smiling like this entire situation was charming instead of catastrophic.
“Well,” Jay said warmly, “It is Christmas. Would you gentlemen like to come in?”
Gerald gasped like a house maiden, his hand placed over his chest. His eyes darted over towards Nick with a grin that made the dread slowly unravel.
Despite everything, Gerald was one of the few people at the office that liked Nick.
It wasn’t like Nick was rude or unlikable, it’s that his coworkers happened to be people he rather not interact with. Gossip hounds and lazy workers who like to talk about last night’s baseball game. Gerald didn’t do any of that, only talked about quiz shows and the occasional lunch gossip. Something that Nick could keep up with without having to compromise much.
Gerald was real and a nice guy to know, and he almost forgot about that part.
A brief fond look came over his gaze before smiling softly with a nod of his head inside. “Yeah, I made a lot of food anyway, I don’t want to go to waste.”
Gerald cheered along with Milton and Harris, rushing inside with a chant only drunken sailors would sing on a ship. It was loud and chaotic, just something perfect for the holidays that Nick couldn’t help but watch with an amused expression.
The turkey was carved and the side dishes were being passed around between all of them. With wine pours and the jokes already about, it was a table full of laughter and warm air of relaxation.
Gerald and Jay seemed to be getting along great, mostly talking about the state of fashion nowadays and weirdly they both liked yellow cars. Gerald always had a way of being able to talk to anyone about anything, no matter how different the other person may be.
It was something Nick envied and also admired, maybe he didn’t mind Gerald as much. Not that he’ll ever admit that out loud.
The conversations were moved onto the couch with more wine and food being placed on the coffee table. The game was on, baseball today despite the holiday. Though it wasn’t as bad when Gerald was making the commentary with Harris and Milton chiming in between sips of wine. They were expressive and dramatic, drawing a few laughs from Jay and Nick. When was the last time Nick felt so full around others?
Nick leaned onto the other man, Jay’s arm around his waist. The blonde man kissed the top of his head, warm and bubbly from the wine. Nick could feel his cheeks redden more.
“Good holiday, hm?” Jay mumbled softly, glancing down at him with a smile. The softest expression that Nick always loved to see. It was his favorite, Jay relaxed and unguarded. Nick smiled back as he leaned into him, watching Gerald using a firepoker as a bat to copy one of the batters, Milton criticizing him while Harris watched on with a face full of pie.
The fire was warm and bright, the wine settled into his belly. And a soft body of Jay warm and solid by his side. It wasn’t a perfect Christmas but he supposed it doesn’t have to be.
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Good holiday.”