A boy flutters among the guests. Soft laughs, hopeful questions. They just can't leave him alone. One question burning in everyone's mind.
Light Christmas music sputters out the stereo, but most pay it no mind. The food had been devoured long ago, most people nursing egg nog or some sort of beer now.
A hand latches onto the boy's shoulder, pulling him around to face them. The boy smiles at the person, offering a half-hug.
"Vik! It feels like it's been forever, man!"
The cinnamon boy laughs at his friends dramatics.
"I hardly count last week as forever, Josh."
His bearded friend shakes his head in mirth. He reclamps his hand on the smaller one's shoulder.
"So much has happened in that week though."
The question blazed through the elder's eyes. Everyone had been asking Vik outright, leave it to Josh to try to subtly wiggle his way in.
"I'll tell you what I've been telling everyone else, I'll go check on him soon, but no promises."
The man sighs, but nods in understanding. Vik slips away into the crowd again, only to have another friend stop him from his mission.
"Vik! I need to see him!"
"Harry, chill. I'll go get Cal to come out then."
"Thanks, Vikkstar!"
The now annoyed chestnut boy slips down a hallway. The door at the end cracked open just a centimeter. He lightly knocks before entering, hoping he doesn't startle the occupants.
"Cal?"
He pokes his head around the door, seeing his beloved standing on the other side of the room. Quietly, he sneaks over to him, wrapping his arms around the other's waist.
"Hey, sweetheart."
Cal turns and presses a kiss to Vik's forehead. He also wraps his arms around the smaller, turning back to face what he had been looking at.
"Everyone bugging you?"
A heavy sigh leaves his lips. He snuggles his face into Cal's chest, breathing in the familiar and comforting scent. A little cry caused him to pull away and look down.
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