It didn't feel like Christmas to James. A tiny, lone Christmas tree stood on his desk as he typed away. It wasn't a work day, sure, but Mr. Hamilton had sent some documents through this morning, noting that they needed to be read through and filed.
Since James had nothing better to do, he decided to just get the work done. He was just finishing up the last document when an e-mail came up in the corner of his screen. He could see it was from Mr. Hamilton. Figuring it was more work (Alexander was crazy like that), James clicked on it.
To: madisonj@washingtonlaws.com
From: hamiltona@washingtonlaws.com
Subject: Christmas Party
Hey James,
John wanted to have a Christmas party. I was wondering if you would like to come? Everyone from work will be there, plus some clients and friends. You can arrive at any time you like.
If not, Merry Christmas!
Kind regards,
A. Ham
James sighed. He didn't really want to go to this party, but it would be impolite to not show up. He perked up at the though of there being plum pudding, a Christmas treat he grudgingly took pleasure in eating.
Looking down at his clothes, he decided he needed to wear something a little nicer. Perhaps a checkered shirt would do, with skinny jeans. He nodded. Yes, that sounded perfect.
After putting on the outfit and spending ten minutes fighting with his curly hair, he hastily grabbed his car keys and walked out the door.
It was a short drive, something he probably could have walked, had he worn warmer clothing. He hoped the party was indoors.
As he pulled up, he noticed that no one else was there yet. Pulling out his phone, he waited for another person to arrive so that he wouldn't be awkwardly early.
Soon enough, someone came to the rescue. It was a client of his, Maria Retnolds. He climbed out of the car and walked over to her, flashing a shy but friendly smile.
She grinned back. "No date?" She asked.
Even though his cheeks were already flushed from the cold, they managed to turn redder.
Maria laughed lightly. "It's okay hon, I don't either."
"Are we going in?" James asked quietly.
Maria nodded, leading the way up the stone path. Small shrubs lined the path, as well as the occasional rose bush. The house was stunning.
Wrought iron fences lined small balconies, ivy climbing up the dark walls of the house. The garden was probably lush with flowers during Spring, but right now all the plant leaves were covered in frost.
James had a strange tolerance for diffrent temperatures, which was why he could wear just the shirt and jeans. Maria was bundled up in a trendy coat with skinny jeans and a thick scarf. She hadn't questioned his outfit, and James was glad of it.
The first thing that impressed James about the house itself was that the doorbell worked. It was always so awkward and strange to knock, so he hated it. He could hear someone coming to the door.
"Hey James! Hey Maria!" John opened the wooden door and the security door, holding it open for the two. "Merry Christmas!" He hugged both of them, air-kissing their cheeks. "Bags and coats can be left in that room if you like, we're not going outside today."
James smiled, fidgeting nervously as he stood with John, waiting for Maria to put her things down.
"So James, have you seen family otmr friends at all today?" John asked politely, wanting to break the ice.
Jame shook his head. "No, everyone's in Virginia. We take turns in seeing each other every year, but everyone cancelled on me at the last minute."
John's shoulders slumped with sympathy. "Well, at least you can spend some time with us!" He brightened up. "Or at least me. I have no idea what Alexander's doing. Probably working, the moron." He sighed affectionately. "Come on, I'll show you guys around!"
James looked at each room in wonder, paying attention to every detail on the wall and furniture. It was a very Europian home, with rich blues and pure whites, reminding James specifically of that time he went to Greece. It had two stories, as well as a large basement.
A few rooms had small balconies, as well as a lounge room with a large balcony. They didn't go outside, but James sould see out of one of the glass sliding doors that there was a patio, then a garden with a pool and spa.
Food had been set up on a tressle table, drinks set against the walls in eskies.
"So yeah, that's it guys." John grinned, clasping his hands together. "I'm going to grab Alexander, but you two are free to grab whatever you want. Oh and James if you could please turn the radio on?"
James nodded, watching as John hurried out of the room.
* * *
"Alex!" John whined, tugging gently on his hair. Alex looked up at him, then looked back at the computer.
"Come on babe, just one more e-mail." Alex pleaded.
"No, it's Christmas! Get your ass up, or I'm not going to kiss you for a week!" John threatened.
Alex stood quickly, shutting down the computer. He pressed his lips to John's, then stood back. "Okay, what do you want me to do?"
John thought for a minute. "Kiss me again."
Alex obliged, running his fingers through John's boisterous curls.
Suddenly the doorbell rang, causing the two to pull away. "I'll get that." John announced. "You entertain."
Alex walked out, heading to the dining area. James and Maria stood together, merrily chatting away.
Alex walked up, donning a cheery smile. "Hey guys, Merry Christmas!" He shook James' hand and lightly hugged Maria.
"We were just discussing our exes." Maria told Alex truthfully, ignoring James' embarrassed glare at the floor.
Alex grinned. "James, I didn't know you ever had a boyfriend!"
James shrugged. "I didn't think he was worth mentioning."
"Well obviously not, since he's an ex now!" Alex joked.
After that, conversation was easy.
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
I hope everyone is having and amazing Christmas!!!
I'm sorry I haven't updated much, and there's two reasons.
1. My parents recently had a baby boy, Jed, so I haven't really wanted to write that much.
2. I don't have as much interest in the fandom anymore. It was fun to write while it lasted, but now I have lost that spark. I will still write, I promise, but I won't publish often, maybe once a month.
Still feel free to leave requests though, and I'll get around to them.
Wishing the merriest of Christmases,
M.D
