M.K. Lee's Blog: Telling Tales, page 44
December 9, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 9
They Skype Alexs parents, who are setting off for a Christmas-themed cruise in the morning, having decided to have this one just for themselves. Alexs parents adore Jack; its clear in the way they smile at him through the screen, remind him openly without hesitation how proud they are that he loves their son, and demand they both come to see them once theyve got back home.
I dont know what they bought you, but the parcels huge, Alex tells him, smiling when the call is ended, and pressing a...
Winter Tales – Gift
I think I just got your last gift.
Matthias looks up from the sofa as Max blasts through with his hands full of bags, swivelling to put his feet on the floor so he has room to sit. Oh, really?
I think so, Max says, leaning in to kiss him before hes even let go of everything hes carrying. Im not saying that if I see anything else I think youll like I wont pick it up, but yeah. This is the last intended gift.
Any others are accidental?
Exactly, Max agrees, smiling as Matthias picks up his hand...
December 8, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 8
Three days later, and theyre Christmas shopping together. Hand in hand walking down decorated streets, peering into windows at twinkling lights, and buoyed by the bags of intended gifts already in their hands ready to be wrapped, as well as the general festive mood. I cant wait to spend Christmas with you, Alex tells him softly, with a nudge against his arm and a sweet smile lighting his face.
I cant wait to spend forever with you, Jack thinks to himself, heart soaring, but answers only with...
Winter Tales – Melt
Alright. How long is this thing gonna take to melt?
Maxs smile is one of indulging patience that leaves Matthias prodding him in the thigh. Not long.
I just drop this thing in the milk?
Max smiles again, holding up the stick with the block of chocolate on the end then stirring it into his cup. Like this.
Dont we have a shelf full of hot chocolate?
Not like this.
Matthias watches the swirl of chocolate leaving a trail through his milk, glancing over to see the heart Max is drawing in his own.
...December 7, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 7
They are so very, very drunk. Alex keeps trying to kiss him. But they keep missing for how much theyre giggling, trying and failing to keep each other upright as they fall out of their taxi, then wave at the bemused-looking taxi driver as he pulls away, calling a loud bah humbug after him as he goes.
Look what Ive got, Alex whispers at himloudly, pulling mistletoe from his pocket and holding it somewhere almost above their heads.
It was a good party, Jack declares as he kisses him, hearing...
Winter Tales – Desolate
The streets are desolate. Matthias smiles as he watches the curtains of the neighbour opposite twitching as he and Max dig a path out to get their car off the drive.
Whod have thought two guys out in the snow would be a source of gossip? Max asks getting his attention, then nodding to show he is looking at the same house.
Poor old bat doesnt get out much. We must be the highlight of her week, Matthias replies, turning and waving enthusiastically until the curtain gets violently pulled across.
...
December 6, 2020
A Christmas Surprise – 6
But Alex does love him, Jack thinks to himself a few hours later, panting breath back into his lungs as Alex does the same beside him. They turn as one, rolling together, fingers tangled between them and sated smiles across their faces, and Alex tells him how much he loves him. Mumbles it against his forehead as he kisses him, then behind his ear as he eventually wraps himself around Jack as they prepare for sleep. Jack allows himself to settle in Alexs arms, and thinks of the work Christmas...
Winter Tales – Warmth
Remind me why we agreed to this? Matthias says, snuggling closer to Max for warmth.
Max nudges back, lifting then wrapping his arm around Matthias shoulders before kissing his temple. Because. Your brother wanted to see the Christmas lights switched on.
In the rain?
Hey. I didnt say he had any sense. Where is he, anyway?
Max squeezes him closer, leaning in as he points him out across the square. Looks like hes making friends.
Thats Cassie, Matthias replies, smiling as he watches, his...
December 5, 2020
Raife and Dexter Are Getting Married
A Christmas Surprise – 5
Theyve been together more than five years now, already live together, and are so in love, that Jack sometimes wakes in the early hours of the morning just to stare at Alex as he sleeps, barely able to believe his own luck. He wants Alex forever, and hes pretty sure Alex wants him like that too. But does he want that, with a symbol of commitment that ties him to him for that forever? The very idea that he might not makes Jacks heart pound, sends him seeking comfort in festive cafe corners,...
