M.K. Lee's Blog: Telling Tales, page 43
December 13, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 13
More Christmas cards? Alex says when Jack gets home, huffing at the small pile Jack deposits in his lap in passing.
Jack thinks of the three cartons of chocolates hed bought for his colleagues instead of Christmas cards in an attempt to avoid having to give himself hand cramp, and sighs. Yeah.
Jack comes back from the kitchen with two cups of freshly brewed coffee. Since Alex mostly works from home and knows when Jack is due, he tends to put the coffee machine on in time. One of the many...
Winter Tales – Sweater
Max is up to something. Matthias knows this for how long hes been up in their bedroom, leaving him sprawled out here on the couch. There was a glint in his eye as hed said hed needed to get something, disappearing up the stairs without another word. Matthias is half-tempted to go to investigate but hes cosy here, and comfortable after a long day of work. He waits another five minutes then goes to stand, only to hear Maxs footfall on the stairs.
Hey.
Matthias grins as Max pops his head around...
December 12, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 12
In his panic over his proposal, Jack thinks he might have overcompensated with presents, intending to shower Alex with mounds of gifts even if the whole proposing thing doesnt work out. Which it will, he tells himself for the hundredth time, it will. Jack looks at those mounds of presents now labeled and wrapped, and wonders how hes supposed to hide them all from Alexs curious eyes.
Alex will love that theyre all differently wrapped, and will, without a doubt, pick up each in turn, press them...
Winter Tales – Gloves
I need new gloves, Matthias says as he wiggles his finger to show it poking out the end of his glove.
Every year, Max agrees, smiling as he pauses from zipping up his jacket, leaning into the cupboard beneath the stairs.
What?
Every single year you need new gloves. What do you do with your hands when Im not with you? Max asks, snagging their fingers together and kissing the one thats exposed.
I just use them.
Uh huh, Max replies, holding out a bag.
Matthias takes it and peers inside, smiling...
December 11, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 11
Annas got a new boyfriend, Alex announces as he walks through the door of their apartment, throwing himself down on the couch next to Jack and leaning in for a kiss.
Has she now, Jack replies drily, wondering if Alexs already planned his brotherly shovel talk.
Theyre spending Christmas together, Alex adds, sounding thoroughly unimpressed by the idea.
I see.
Looks normal, I guess. Alex pulls out his phone so he can show Jack the picture she must have sent him earlier. Not getting any serial...
Winter Tales – Light
Do you remember when it would stay light until almost ten oclock? Max says, glancing out their window as he lowers himself into the bath.
Yeah. Just a few months ago, Matthias agrees, pulling a chair to sit beside him and holding out a beer once hes settled.
Why does it always feel like its never going to be light again in the middle of winter?
Because youre maudlin, had a long day, and need some sun?
Good thing were going on holiday in January then, right? Max says, arching his head up for a...
December 10, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 10
Carol singers stand outside the restaurant theyre meeting friends in, dressed as elves, Santas, even a couple of stars. A woman to the front holds a baby, wrapped up looking very much like a cherub; Alex reaches out to play with their foot, smiles at their delighted squeals in response, as a wistful look takes over his eyes.
One day, thatll be them, Jack thinks to himself with his heart skipping in excitement. Theyve talked about it, often, which should be another reason for him not to be...
Winter Tales – Jingling
Shes going to fill this entire trolley, Max mumbles under his breath when Matthias comes back from picking up napkins and puts them in the shrinking section of the trolley thats been allocated to them.
Your Mum always goes overboard at Christmas, he says, wrapping his fingers around Maxs waist to tug him closer. No different than she is normally.
Your mum isnt like this.
Oh, she is, Matthias says, pressing a kiss to Maxs temple then pointing for him to push the trolley further up the aisle....
