Tis the Season (for Rat)

[silenttrainbaby]

The cheer and the color of the holiday had an unexpected effect on Grey. That most things didn't seem terribly expensive made it nearly irresistible. He'd just gone looking for two more knives and had left with a large bag of things from the store.

He's carrying this bag when he taps his fingertips on Rat's door. Unbeknownst to him, he's like Santa, bringing his gifts in a sack for Rat, who's been very, very good.

Of course, what's in the sack is a hodge-podge of things that caught his eye in the store. Something called an "Elf on a Shelf," two stockings with spangles on them, a string of lights, a package of tinsel, among with some other things.

Ho-ho-ho, indeed.

Comments

[silenttrainbaby]

No complaining on Grey's front. The longer they are together, the more it seems that Grey orbits around Rat, the sun to Grey's planet. His arms go around Rat's shoulders again, cheek to his boyfriend's temple.

[plaguedrat]

Leaning into his embrace, Rat kisses him and then lays his head on Grey's shoulder. He loves him, feels safe with him.

[silenttrainbaby]

They make each other feel safe. They love each other.

If Grey knew to make a Christmas wish, he wouldn't need to. He's already gotten more than he could ever wish for, right here.

[plaguedrat]

It's the stupid stores and the inescapable music, Rat swears. It has nothing to do with the low light brought only by the fairy lights Grey brought and the sense of peace.

It has nothing to do with the simple joy of being near Grey that makes him sing. "It's the season of possible miracle cures, where man is saved by a voice in the distance..."

[silenttrainbaby]

Grey goes still, listening, not wanting to give Rat any reason to stop. He watches and he listens and the words wash over him.

It's beautiful.

[plaguedrat]

It's not the cheery, manically happy Christmas song that every store has been pumping out since the middle of November. This one is something softer, somber and hopeful.

Sincere.

"It's the season of scars and of wounds of the heart, of feeling the full weight of our burdens...It's the season of bowing our heads in the wind and knowing we are not alone in fear, not alone in the dark."

[silenttrainbaby]

They aren't alone. And the dark here - unlike the train - is like a cocoon that is warm and safe.

Rat's voice is pure sounding and sweet. Grey touches his chin, fingers along his throat to feel the vibration.

[plaguedrat]

Knowing what Grey means, Rat tilts his chin up, offering his fingers more space.

"Don't forget. Don't forget I love, I love, I love you."

[silenttrainbaby]

Fingers from both hands, now. Grey can feel his throat, his jaw. Only making the tiniest of noises, this is endlessly fascinating.

He loves, loves, loves Rat, too.

[plaguedrat]

Leaning in, Rat seals off the song with a kiss, threading fingers though his hair again.

"I guess Christmas isn't so bad."

[silenttrainbaby]

Not if it's like this, no.

Resting his forehead against Rat's, a smile flickers over Grey's face.

Ho-ho-ho.

[plaguedrat]

Rat smiles and just leans there for a second, sharing in Grey's warmth.

"I love you," he says again.

[silenttrainbaby]

I love you too. Grey mouths the words against Rat's skin.

If for no other reason, he wants to speak so he can tell Rat that.

[plaguedrat]

Even without a voice, Rat knows and believes him.

"Food should be ready." He makes no move to leave Grey's arms.

[silenttrainbaby]

Soon, they'll move. And they'll eat. And maybe Rat will read some more to Grey. The dwarves are in the middle of a great battle. It doesn't seem to be going well. But it's this, isn't it? Just this.

Happiness.

[plaguedrat]

"Come on," Rat finally peels himself from Grey's embrace. "Before the cat beats us to it."

[silenttrainbaby]

Following close behind, Grey gets his plate and waits for Rat to get his. Then they can curl up onto the couch and eat and just be together. It's a good night.

[plaguedrat]

"Eat as much as you want." It doesn't matter that Grey knows; it's still important to say.

[silenttrainbaby]

Grey always does. He likes that fullness in his stomach, the warmth that comes from that.

He snuggles tight against Rat, his bowl resting on his knees. The lights twinkle on the bookshelf. They warms the room.