Original: Home is Where the Heart is
Title: Home is Where the Heart is
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: What would have been a sad Christmas is made better by a simple act of kindness…and maybe love.
Rating: PG
Warning: Slash. Male/Male.
Disclaimer: None, all characters are original.
Dedication: This story is dedicated to all the new friends that I have made this year. Especially starry_nights88, who is my twin in every way except for our opposite love of musicals/Disney, and who would like to be known as "The Ever Amazing, Absolutely Astounding, Supreme Mega Goddess Starry".
Home is Where the Heart is
“This is it…” Devin thought as the captain turned on the fasten seatbelt sign for their descent. His hands shook as he pulled out his mother’s letter. Five years of infrequent letters that promised no hope and then this… it was a small hope… but it was a hope he did not have a year before.
Devin -
I cannot promise anything as we still do not agree with your choice of lifestyle but if at least one of us is at the airport to meet you, then that is reason enough to come home.
-Your mother
“Are you heading home for Christmas?”
Devin looked up from his letter to the direction that the voice had come from. An older woman with graying hair gave him a kind smile. Devin returned the smile and ran a hand through his hair. “Yes ma’am. It’s the first time in five years that I’ll be home for Christmas.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “My goodness! What could have kept you away for that long? The holiday’s too?”
Devin looked down at his lap a bit bashfully. “The holiday’s too. My family and I…well we had a bit of a disagreement and it was just easier to leave. I’m hoping this letter…” He held it up, though it was folded now so she couldn’t read it. “Means that we can make peace.”
“Oh that would be lovely. It’s awful to be alone for the holidays. I’m glad I have my grandchildren, Christmas is so magical when children are there,” she told him. “So are your parents meeting you at the airport?”
“Well… that’s how I will know if peace has been made… if they meet me. If they aren’t there then…” Devin trailed off as doubt started to take over his hopeful feelings. The older woman watched with sad eyes as the black haired boy looked back at his letter and he bit his lip. Without another thought she reached over and held his wrist, when his green eyes met hers she smiled.
“I’m sure they will be there. I’m Janet by the way,” she told him. Devin smiled.
“Devin.”
---
Devin bounced on his toes trying to see over the man, who was taller, in front of him. Seeing it was useless he sighed, his shoulders slumping, cursing himself for being 5’6’’. Janet, who was walking beside him, chuckled. “They will still be there a few minutes from now,” she said. Devin blushed and nodded.
“Who is meeting you?” He questioned.
“My son and his two daughters,” Janet answered. Devin smiled and gave her a quick hug.
“Thanks for the pep talk on the plane, I needed it.”
“You’re welcome sweetie. Oh look! There they are!” Devin looked up as they came out of the tunnel into the terminal. He immediately spotted a man in maybe his late thirties that looked a lot like his new friend and two girls nearing the age of ten. Both girls were holding onto a sign that read, ‘Merry Christmas Nana Janie!’ Devin smiled and squeezed her shoulder.
“Have a merry Christmas Janet.”
“You too dear!”
“Nana Janie!” Devin stepped to the side as the two little girls came running up to hug their grandmother. The waiting area for their flight was packed with people, many coming to meet their loved ones. Devin looked around hoping to see a familiar face but he didn’t see anyone. After a few minutes he climbed up into a chair and looked around. His green eyes searched faces, so many different faces, none being the one’s he wanted to see. No one had come. No one…
Janet watched as Devin jumped down to the floor from the chair he had been standing in and then as he slumped down into it. The look of sadness and dejection on his face cut her to the core. It only took him gathering his carry on backpack to his chest and him burying his face in it for her to make up her mind. She was just about to walk over and invite him into her home for the holidays when a male voice called out to him.
“Yo! Devin!”
---
Adrian Scott fiddled with his camera on automatic. If people suspected he was taking their pictures they would act differently than if they remained clueless. Taking pictures of people unknowingly was sneaky but very hard to do and in the world of photography it was admired by those that love the human form. Turning the flash off Adrian sat back and brushed his brown hair out of his face, fifteen seconds later the ten shots were snapped in rapid succession as people from Flight 186 departed from their plane.
Looking down at the screen Adrian went through the photos. His brows went together in confusion as he saw a boy with black hair walking out with an elderly woman. If he didn’t know better… he would say that boy was Devin Morris, the boy he had liked in high school but never had the guts to talk to. Zooming on the face Adrian’s blue eyes widened, it was Devin! There was no mistaking that black hair and green eyes. Grinning, Adrian looked up just as Devin stepped up into a chair and started looking around.
“Someone must have come to meet him…” Adrian thought watching. He watched as Devin looked at faces closely, his face becoming sadder each moment until the sadness turned to downright dejection and he jumped down from the chair only to sit in it. Adrian knew by the slightly shaking of Devin’s shoulders that he was crying. “Bastards… whoever said they would be here and now aren’t…”
Adrian didn’t know what came over him but he found himself standing, camera bag in hand, walking toward Devin. “Yo! Devin!”
---
Devin looked up at the sound of his name, quickly wiping his eyes, had someone from his family just been running late? The 6’ man with brown hair and blue eyes was not someone from his family… but there was something familiar about his smile. Who was it?
Adrian’s grin widened at Devin’s look of confusion. “I’m not surprised you don’t remember me… we maybe spoke two words to each other in high school.”
“…We went to high school together…?” Devin questioned. “I’m sorry but I…”
“Don’t remember me? Yeah, I kinda figured.” Adrian held his hand out. “Adrian Scott, you graduated a year before me, we had art together one year.” Devin’s eyes widened, with that said he did remember…barely… but he did remember Adrian.
“Hey, sorry… you caught me at a bit of a bad moment,” Devin apologized rubbing his eyes again. Adrian nodded as he put his hands in his pockets.
“I noticed. Let me guess, someone didn’t come to meet you?”
Devin nodded. “You could say that.”
“Do you need a ride home?”
“No home to go to,” Devin answered quietly looking down at the floor. Adrian’s eyes widened a bit.
“Well that just won’t do. Would you like to spend Christmas with my family?” Devin’s head snapped up, his eyes wide.
“W-what?”
“Well it won’t do to not have a home and family to spend it with on Christmas. We have plenty of room and I’m sure my mom won’t care,” Adrian explained. “I can call and ask if you would like.”
Devin nodded numbly, what else was he supposed to do? Adrian smiled and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He hit a button on the speed dial and waited for his mother to answer.
“Hey mom, yeah I’m almost done. Listen, I met an old high school buddy at the airport. He doesn’t have anywhere to go for Christmas…” Adrian trailed off and listened. “No I don’t know why, no one came to meet him.” He listened again before smiling. “Yeah I can share my room, tell dad to get the air mattress from the hall closet and set it up in my room.” He nodded even though his mother couldn’t see him. “Great, we’ll be there soon. Love you.” After a moment he hung up and looked at Devin with a smile. “Welcome into the home of the Scott’s for the holidays. I hope you don’t mind sleeping on an air mattress in my room.”
Devin shook his head. “No, I don’t mind… but… Adrian… why are you doing this? I… we barely know each other.”
Adrian shrugged, smiling again. “It’s Christmas,” was his answer, though his thoughts continued, ‘and I like you.’
Devin stared at him. “Are you for real?”
“100%, do you have any other bags?” Adrian questioned.
“No, this is it,” Devin answered holding up this carry on. Adrian nodded and sat down beside him.
“Just let me put my camera up and we’ll be on our way. So what have you done since high school?”
“Well… After graduating I went west to Washington for college…” Devin started.
---
Janet watched the two boys talk, a smile growing on her face. It looked like Devin had a home to go to for Christmas now. She was happy about that, a sweet boy like Devin deserved no less. And from the look in the other boy’s eyes when he looked at Devin she thought she might have an idea of what Devin’s Christmas present would be. They were a match made in Heaven.
“Do you know that boy Nana?” Her elder granddaughter, Elisa, asked.
“I met him on the plane, he’s a sweetheart,” she answered.
“Ready to go mom?” Her son questioned.
“I’m always ready,” she answered with a laugh.
---
Adrian zipped his camera bag up and looked at Devin with wide eyes. “You graduated in four years with a degree in business while working two side jobs? How did you manage?”
“I didn’t have much choice,” Devin replied as they stood.
“Your parents couldn’t help you?”
“More like they wouldn’t.”
“Oh…why?”
Devin sighed. “I might as well go on and tell you, that way if you want to change your mind about this whole thing we can just forget this ever happened… I’m gay. My parents are very religious and don’t support me or as they put it ‘my choice’.” Devin didn’t notice the way Adrian’s hands changed into fists.
“Is that why they didn’t come to meet you?” Adrian questioned. Devin was silent and Adrian had his answer. “Devin, I swear my family, or I, would not do that to you. If that was the case I wouldn’t be allowed in my house either.”
“Y-you’re gay too?” Devin questioned softly.
“Since the seventh grade, at least that’s when I figured out that was why I had never liked girls,” Adrian answered with a smile. Devin returned the smile, a warm feeling building in his chest.
“Thanks Adrian.”
---
“We’re here!” Adrian called as he opened the front door to his house.
“Wow…” Devin murmured as he looked around at the beautiful two story brick. “How big is this place?”
“Square footage? I have no idea. There are six bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, formal dining room, five full baths and a finished basement. Normally you would have a room to yourself but since it’s the holidays we have family visiting so you’ll be sharing with me. Hope you don’t mind,” Adrian explained.
Devin was about to answer when a woman with the same brown hair as Adrian but brown eyes appeared from what Devin assumed was the kitchen. “Welcome home boys! Dri, your dad set up the air mattress in your room.” Her warm eyes fell on Devin and she smiled. “You must be Dri’s friend. I’m afraid he didn’t mention your name on the phone…”
“Devin, Devin Morris,” he answered holding out a hand for her to take.
“Welcome Devin. I’m Sarah; please make yourself at home while you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’m very appreciative for you guys taking me in over the holidays…” He trailed off because Sarah was staring at him, in that way that he could tell she hadn’t been listening to what he had just said.
“Um… mom?” Adrian questioned. “You okay?”
“Hm? Oh yes! I’m sorry. I just got caught up in thinking about how handsome you are. Adrian’s never brought home a boy as cute as you.” Devin blushed brightly.
“Mom!” Adrian exclaimed. “Devin and I aren’t together like that!”
“Not yet at least right?” A new female voice asked teasingly. Devin watched as a girl, maybe a couple of years younger than Adrian walked up behind Sarah. “Oh he is a cute one.”
“It’s not like that Annie!” Adrian exclaimed, though it sounded close to whining, he was now blushing as much as Devin.
“I’m sure,” she said with a good natured smile. “Hi Devin, I’m Annie, Adrian’s little sister. Let me show you to Dri’s room so you can get settled in and what not. If you have any questions feel free to ask.”
Devin smiled; there was something about this girl that he really liked. “Thanks, same goes for you guys… any questions feel free to ask.” Annie and Sarah nodded before Annie led him up the stairs. Adrian and Sarah watched them go before going into the kitchen.
“So tell me about him,” Sarah stated as Adrian sat down at the table.
---
Adrian lay in his bed that night listening to Devin’s soft breathing from the air mattress below. He had thought that five years of not seeing his crush had well… crushed it but when he saw Devin and then spent time with him that evening his feelings had come back full force. He cursed his mother and sister for being able to read him so well, they always knew everything about him before even he himself knew. Adrian rubbed a hand roughly over his face with a sigh. Below him Devin made a soft noise as he turned over and Adrian quickly acted like he was asleep.
Devin stretched and blinked sleepily at the strange ceiling for a moment before remembering where he was. His eyes traveled up to the bed where Adrian was sleeping. Before he knew it a small smile grew on his lips… and then he shivered. The air mattress that the Scott’s had given him was not that warm, even with two blankets. With a soft sigh he pushed the blankets back and got up as quietly as possible. He never noticed the blue eyes watching him in the darkness as he left the room.
---
Afraid that he might wake someone by using the microwave, Devin pulled the jug of chocolate milk out of the refrigerator and took a small pot from where it hung above the island in the middle of the kitchen. Setting the pot on the stove he poured about half of the jug into it and turned the heating element on low. Finding a spoon he stirred the warming chocolate occasionally to keep it from burning.
As the chocolate milk warmed on the stove Devin mused about how quiet this big house was. At his old house his little brother listened to music at night and no matter how many times he was told to turn it down you could always hear it playing throughout the house. Of course, their house was much smaller than this. He and his brother had shared a room until he had left for college.
The chocolate milk starting to boil brought him out of his thoughts and Devin turned the stove off. Finding a mug in the cabinet near the stove Devin carefully poured the now hot chocolate into the mug and set the rest back on the stove. He put the unused milk back into the refrigerator before picking up his mug to go to the living room.
Unlike his family the Scott’s left their Christmas lights on at night. The small lights gave the room a soft multi-colored glow. Devin sighed, that same smile from earlier playing on his lips, as he sat on the window seat and watched the snow fall outside. He always wanted to live somewhere that had snow at Christmas time. It just didn’t feel like Christmas without snow.
In a few hours it would be Christmas morning and the Scott’s would open their Christmas presents. Devin hoped he didn’t feel horribly out of place… having not gotten anyone anything or vice versa. Sarah, Adrian’s mom, had told him not to worry about it but he still couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty for imposing on the family during such a family oriented time of year. Devin took a sip from his mug as he blinked longer than necessary to keep the tears he could feel building from falling.
If he had never told his family that he was gay he would be at home in his own bed that night. He would be opening presents with his family in the morning… he would… he would… a stair creaking under someone’s weight made him turn, eyes wide. In the soft glow he could his barely make out Adrian’s form standing on the bottom step.
“Are you okay?” Adrian asked quietly. “I thought maybe you had gone to the bathroom but when you didn’t come back I thought… are you crying?”
Devin raised one hand to his face touching his fingers to his cheek, they came away wet. His blinking trick hadn’t worked then… Quickly he wiped his eyes on his pajama sleeve. “Yeah… sorry. I woke up and decided I wanted some hot chocolate. I’m sorry if I woke you,” he replied.
“I was actually awake when you left. I have this bad habit about lying awake for hours just thinking…” Adrian grinned sheepishly. “That coco smells good, mind if I have some?”
“It’s your milk. I hope you guys don’t mind me making it,” Devin replied.
“Psh, it would probably go bad otherwise,” Adrian said disappearing into the kitchen for a moment. He returned a couple of minutes later with his own mug of steaming coco. Sitting on the couch he motioned to the other end. “Join me?” Devin nodded and sat on the opposite end of the couch. They sat in silence for a good while, just watching the snow fall outside, before Adrian sat his cup down. “So what’s up?”
“What do you mean?” Devin questioned with a curious look.
“Oh I don’t know… you wake up in the wee hours of the morning, come down here for some hot chocolate and when I follow to see if you’re okay I find you crying. Something tells me you’re not okay,” Adrian stated. “I mean, if you really don’t want to tell me I’ll understand, we weren’t great friends in high school and we haven’t tried to be in touch after… but I hope that by now you consider me enough of a friend to tell me what’s bothering you.”
Devin bit his bottom lip. Before yesterday he wouldn’t have thought twice about telling Adrian it was none of his business. But yesterday Adrian had brought him into his home when he had no where else to go. Adrian’s family had welcomed him into their family, made him feel like he completely belonged… how could he not say at least something?
“Please talk to me Devin. I… I hate seeing you sad on Christmas,” Adrian pleaded softly reaching out to rest a hand on Devin’s arm.
“You…do?” Devin whispered.
Adrian nodded and before he could stop himself Devin found himself crying again and telling Adrian everything. Everything he had kept bottled up for the past five years. Everything that he had not told anyone else because no one had asked. At some point during his confession Adrian had slid over, taken the now empty mug from him and set it on the coffee table before gathering Devin into his arms. Adrian made soft ‘shhing’ sounds and rubbed Devin’s back as Devin spilled his heart.
Eventually Devin sat back and sniffed as he rubbed his eyes clear. “I’m sorry… I usually have better control than that.”
“Dev… don’t worry about. I’m glad you could tell me. So, what did they say when you told them?” Adrian questioned. Devin had stopped talking just after he had told his parents that he was gay.
Devin looked down at his hands. “My father called me an abomination. My mother offered to find a hospital to ‘cure’ me. And… my brother didn’t say anything to me. I stayed in our room that night and he never came in. The next day I went to buy my car, I had been working for it since I could and when I came home all my stuff was out on the yawn. My father had changed the locks and… no one would answer the door.” Tears built in his eyes again but Adrian reached out and wiped them away.
“What did you do then?”
“I put everything from the yawn in my car, got all my money from the bank, and drove to Washington State. I couldn’t move into the dorms at the college until August, though I did talk to the financial planning office, they couldn’t refund my parents check that late but starting in January I was on my own. I got two jobs, slept in my car until I could afford a place with two other guys that I worked with and then started school,” Devin explained.
“My God Devin…” Adrian whispered.
“What?”
“You’re amazing…”
Devin blushed. “But I’m not…”
“Devin, pretty much anyone else would have been lost in such a situation. Sure you had to sleep in your car for awhile but overall you knew what had to be done. I know I would have been completely lost, hell! I was completely lost and my parents supported me!”
“You’re just saying that…” Devin blushed even brighter.
“You have always blushed so easy,” Adrian told him with a grin.
“What?”
“I remember in high school, if anyone gave you any little compliment you would blush. It was something I always loved about you.”
Devin blinked. “Adrian…”
“Dri, please.”
“Dri then… did… did…”
“Did I what?”
“Did you like me in high school?”
Adrian blanked, his mouth hanging open. Now it was his turn to blush and Devin’s to grin. He wouldn’t admit it out loud but he liked this switch. Adrian was cute when he blushed.
“I’ll take that as a yes. I’m flattered I really am…”
“But you don’t feel the same?” Adrian questioned softly looking sad.
“I didn’t say that. True, I don’t feel the same now, but I’m not saying I couldn’t ever,” Devin replied. Adrian’s face lit up with hope, he actually had a chance! Devin gave him a sweet smile that was only broken by a yawn.
“Let’s go back to bed or we’ll be zombies in the morning,” Adrian suggested. Devin nodded and picked up their mugs, he took them to the kitchen and cleaned the pot he had used to heat the chocolate milk, Adrian watching the whole time.
Once they got back up to Adrian’s room Devin started to adjust his blankets on the air mattress. Even the fabric of the mattress felt cool under his hand. Devin frowned, nearly dreading sleeping the rest of the night there.
“Is it cold?” Adrian questioned climbing back onto his bed. Devin was tempted to lie to him but in the end couldn’t.
“A bit,” he answered. Adrian nodded and crawled under his covers before holding them up. “Climb in.”
Devin blinked. “What?”
“You. Climb in. It’ll be warmer than the air mattress.”
“I don’t know if that’s such a good id-”
“I’m not going to try anything, I promise. Please Devin? Let me keep you warm?” Devin bit his bottom lip again but it was no use, Adrian’s blue eyes were to welcoming and trustful. Devin knew he wouldn’t try anything so he climbed onto the bed and under the covers.
“Adrian?”
“Hm?”
“Merry Christmas.”
---
The next morning Devin woke up in Adrian’s arms. He knew Adrian hadn’t planned this, it had just happened in their sleep. Devin sighed contently and snuggled deeper into the warm body next to him. He hadn’t felt this warm in a long time. Above him Adrian snored softly, his nose buried in Devin’s black hair.
A knock came at the door. “Boys! Time to get up!” Sarah called. Adrian snorted as he woke up and Devin yawned.
“Wha…” He heard Adrian murmur.
“It’s my hair. You have your nose buried in my hair,” Devin told him softly. Adrian pulled back and Devin had to force himself not to groan at the lost of warmth.
“I’m so sorry Dev! I didn’t mean…”
“Dri, I know. It’s okay,” Devin replied sitting up.
“You sure?” Adrian questioned his eyes worried.
“I’m sure,” he answered.
“Boys!”
“We had better go before your mom get’s mad. I really hope I don’t seem out of place since I don’t have anything for anyone…” Devin murmured.
“No one will expect any different Dev, I promise,” Adrian assured him.
---
Devin smiled as he watched the Scott’s open their various Christmas presents. He was slightly envious of the obvious love that they all shared for each other. Adrian and Annie were an example of the perfect siblings, they picked on each other but it was clear in their eyes that they would do anything for the other.
Annie stood and picked up a present from under the tree. “And one for Devin!”
Devin blinked in surprise. “Me? But I don’t have anything for anyone else…”
“That doesn’t matter, Christmas is the holiday for giving, nothing says we have to get anything in return,” she replied holding the present out to him. Devin took it though he felt very uncomfortable about it. Everyone watched as he tore the paper away from the gift, smiling when his eyes widened.
“A cookbook?”
“I saw a fairly ratty one in your backpack. I figured you could use a new one,” Adrian explained. “I don’t know if you really like to cook or not but… I figured it couldn’t hurt.”
Devin ran his hand over the cover of the book. “Thank you… very much.”
Adrian smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Alright! Next gift goes to mom from dad,” Annie said handing her mother the present. As she opened her gift Devin stood to go get more hot chocolate from the kitchen.
“You really do like it right? You’re not lying?” Devin jumped at the sound of Adrian’s voice. Turning to face the other boy he was already nodding.
“I really do Dri. I love to cook, I was just surprised… and I never expected you to notice what was in my backpack.”
“Well it was kinda open, I didn’t go digging in it or anything.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
“Dri! There’s one for you!” Annie called.
“We had better get back in there,” Devin said coming to stand with him in the doorway between the kitchen and living room.
“Ooooo!” Annie squealed jumping up from the floor. The entire family and Devin gave her confused looks.
“Annie, what the heck is wrong with you?” Adrian questioned as she came to stand in front of him and Devin.
“You have to kiss!” She exclaimed.
“What?!” Devin and Adrian said at the same time. Annie pointed up and they followed her pointing with their eyes. Both sets of blue and green eyes widened when they saw it.
“Mistletoe. You have to kiss,” Annie stated.
“I don’t know if that’s the best idea…” Devin said softly.
“It is tradition though,” Adrian agreed.
“Kiss! Kiss!” Annie urged.
“Dev, I’ll only do this with your permission,” Adrian told him quietly. Devin stared into his eyes for a few moments before he finally nodded.
“Okay,” he agreed. Adrian smiled the most beautiful smile Devin had seen on him yet and he stepped closer. Raising his hand Adrian ghosted his fingers along Devin’s jaw line before tipping his chin up. Slowly he leaned in and gave Devin a soft but lingering kiss. Devin returned the kiss just slightly and he felt Adrian’s lips twitch with a smile against his own. When they broke apart Annie squealed again and Adrian’s parents smiled approvingly.
“Merry Christmas sweetheart,” Adrian murmured. Devin smiled.
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: What would have been a sad Christmas is made better by a simple act of kindness…and maybe love.
Rating: PG
Warning: Slash. Male/Male.
Disclaimer: None, all characters are original.
Dedication: This story is dedicated to all the new friends that I have made this year. Especially starry_nights88, who is my twin in every way except for our opposite love of musicals/Disney, and who would like to be known as "The Ever Amazing, Absolutely Astounding, Supreme Mega Goddess Starry".
Home is Where the Heart is
“This is it…” Devin thought as the captain turned on the fasten seatbelt sign for their descent. His hands shook as he pulled out his mother’s letter. Five years of infrequent letters that promised no hope and then this… it was a small hope… but it was a hope he did not have a year before.
Devin -
I cannot promise anything as we still do not agree with your choice of lifestyle but if at least one of us is at the airport to meet you, then that is reason enough to come home.
-Your mother
“Are you heading home for Christmas?”
Devin looked up from his letter to the direction that the voice had come from. An older woman with graying hair gave him a kind smile. Devin returned the smile and ran a hand through his hair. “Yes ma’am. It’s the first time in five years that I’ll be home for Christmas.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “My goodness! What could have kept you away for that long? The holiday’s too?”
Devin looked down at his lap a bit bashfully. “The holiday’s too. My family and I…well we had a bit of a disagreement and it was just easier to leave. I’m hoping this letter…” He held it up, though it was folded now so she couldn’t read it. “Means that we can make peace.”
“Oh that would be lovely. It’s awful to be alone for the holidays. I’m glad I have my grandchildren, Christmas is so magical when children are there,” she told him. “So are your parents meeting you at the airport?”
“Well… that’s how I will know if peace has been made… if they meet me. If they aren’t there then…” Devin trailed off as doubt started to take over his hopeful feelings. The older woman watched with sad eyes as the black haired boy looked back at his letter and he bit his lip. Without another thought she reached over and held his wrist, when his green eyes met hers she smiled.
“I’m sure they will be there. I’m Janet by the way,” she told him. Devin smiled.
“Devin.”
---
Devin bounced on his toes trying to see over the man, who was taller, in front of him. Seeing it was useless he sighed, his shoulders slumping, cursing himself for being 5’6’’. Janet, who was walking beside him, chuckled. “They will still be there a few minutes from now,” she said. Devin blushed and nodded.
“Who is meeting you?” He questioned.
“My son and his two daughters,” Janet answered. Devin smiled and gave her a quick hug.
“Thanks for the pep talk on the plane, I needed it.”
“You’re welcome sweetie. Oh look! There they are!” Devin looked up as they came out of the tunnel into the terminal. He immediately spotted a man in maybe his late thirties that looked a lot like his new friend and two girls nearing the age of ten. Both girls were holding onto a sign that read, ‘Merry Christmas Nana Janie!’ Devin smiled and squeezed her shoulder.
“Have a merry Christmas Janet.”
“You too dear!”
“Nana Janie!” Devin stepped to the side as the two little girls came running up to hug their grandmother. The waiting area for their flight was packed with people, many coming to meet their loved ones. Devin looked around hoping to see a familiar face but he didn’t see anyone. After a few minutes he climbed up into a chair and looked around. His green eyes searched faces, so many different faces, none being the one’s he wanted to see. No one had come. No one…
Janet watched as Devin jumped down to the floor from the chair he had been standing in and then as he slumped down into it. The look of sadness and dejection on his face cut her to the core. It only took him gathering his carry on backpack to his chest and him burying his face in it for her to make up her mind. She was just about to walk over and invite him into her home for the holidays when a male voice called out to him.
“Yo! Devin!”
---
Adrian Scott fiddled with his camera on automatic. If people suspected he was taking their pictures they would act differently than if they remained clueless. Taking pictures of people unknowingly was sneaky but very hard to do and in the world of photography it was admired by those that love the human form. Turning the flash off Adrian sat back and brushed his brown hair out of his face, fifteen seconds later the ten shots were snapped in rapid succession as people from Flight 186 departed from their plane.
Looking down at the screen Adrian went through the photos. His brows went together in confusion as he saw a boy with black hair walking out with an elderly woman. If he didn’t know better… he would say that boy was Devin Morris, the boy he had liked in high school but never had the guts to talk to. Zooming on the face Adrian’s blue eyes widened, it was Devin! There was no mistaking that black hair and green eyes. Grinning, Adrian looked up just as Devin stepped up into a chair and started looking around.
“Someone must have come to meet him…” Adrian thought watching. He watched as Devin looked at faces closely, his face becoming sadder each moment until the sadness turned to downright dejection and he jumped down from the chair only to sit in it. Adrian knew by the slightly shaking of Devin’s shoulders that he was crying. “Bastards… whoever said they would be here and now aren’t…”
Adrian didn’t know what came over him but he found himself standing, camera bag in hand, walking toward Devin. “Yo! Devin!”
---
Devin looked up at the sound of his name, quickly wiping his eyes, had someone from his family just been running late? The 6’ man with brown hair and blue eyes was not someone from his family… but there was something familiar about his smile. Who was it?
Adrian’s grin widened at Devin’s look of confusion. “I’m not surprised you don’t remember me… we maybe spoke two words to each other in high school.”
“…We went to high school together…?” Devin questioned. “I’m sorry but I…”
“Don’t remember me? Yeah, I kinda figured.” Adrian held his hand out. “Adrian Scott, you graduated a year before me, we had art together one year.” Devin’s eyes widened, with that said he did remember…barely… but he did remember Adrian.
“Hey, sorry… you caught me at a bit of a bad moment,” Devin apologized rubbing his eyes again. Adrian nodded as he put his hands in his pockets.
“I noticed. Let me guess, someone didn’t come to meet you?”
Devin nodded. “You could say that.”
“Do you need a ride home?”
“No home to go to,” Devin answered quietly looking down at the floor. Adrian’s eyes widened a bit.
“Well that just won’t do. Would you like to spend Christmas with my family?” Devin’s head snapped up, his eyes wide.
“W-what?”
“Well it won’t do to not have a home and family to spend it with on Christmas. We have plenty of room and I’m sure my mom won’t care,” Adrian explained. “I can call and ask if you would like.”
Devin nodded numbly, what else was he supposed to do? Adrian smiled and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He hit a button on the speed dial and waited for his mother to answer.
“Hey mom, yeah I’m almost done. Listen, I met an old high school buddy at the airport. He doesn’t have anywhere to go for Christmas…” Adrian trailed off and listened. “No I don’t know why, no one came to meet him.” He listened again before smiling. “Yeah I can share my room, tell dad to get the air mattress from the hall closet and set it up in my room.” He nodded even though his mother couldn’t see him. “Great, we’ll be there soon. Love you.” After a moment he hung up and looked at Devin with a smile. “Welcome into the home of the Scott’s for the holidays. I hope you don’t mind sleeping on an air mattress in my room.”
Devin shook his head. “No, I don’t mind… but… Adrian… why are you doing this? I… we barely know each other.”
Adrian shrugged, smiling again. “It’s Christmas,” was his answer, though his thoughts continued, ‘and I like you.’
Devin stared at him. “Are you for real?”
“100%, do you have any other bags?” Adrian questioned.
“No, this is it,” Devin answered holding up this carry on. Adrian nodded and sat down beside him.
“Just let me put my camera up and we’ll be on our way. So what have you done since high school?”
“Well… After graduating I went west to Washington for college…” Devin started.
---
Janet watched the two boys talk, a smile growing on her face. It looked like Devin had a home to go to for Christmas now. She was happy about that, a sweet boy like Devin deserved no less. And from the look in the other boy’s eyes when he looked at Devin she thought she might have an idea of what Devin’s Christmas present would be. They were a match made in Heaven.
“Do you know that boy Nana?” Her elder granddaughter, Elisa, asked.
“I met him on the plane, he’s a sweetheart,” she answered.
“Ready to go mom?” Her son questioned.
“I’m always ready,” she answered with a laugh.
---
Adrian zipped his camera bag up and looked at Devin with wide eyes. “You graduated in four years with a degree in business while working two side jobs? How did you manage?”
“I didn’t have much choice,” Devin replied as they stood.
“Your parents couldn’t help you?”
“More like they wouldn’t.”
“Oh…why?”
Devin sighed. “I might as well go on and tell you, that way if you want to change your mind about this whole thing we can just forget this ever happened… I’m gay. My parents are very religious and don’t support me or as they put it ‘my choice’.” Devin didn’t notice the way Adrian’s hands changed into fists.
“Is that why they didn’t come to meet you?” Adrian questioned. Devin was silent and Adrian had his answer. “Devin, I swear my family, or I, would not do that to you. If that was the case I wouldn’t be allowed in my house either.”
“Y-you’re gay too?” Devin questioned softly.
“Since the seventh grade, at least that’s when I figured out that was why I had never liked girls,” Adrian answered with a smile. Devin returned the smile, a warm feeling building in his chest.
“Thanks Adrian.”
---
“We’re here!” Adrian called as he opened the front door to his house.
“Wow…” Devin murmured as he looked around at the beautiful two story brick. “How big is this place?”
“Square footage? I have no idea. There are six bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, formal dining room, five full baths and a finished basement. Normally you would have a room to yourself but since it’s the holidays we have family visiting so you’ll be sharing with me. Hope you don’t mind,” Adrian explained.
Devin was about to answer when a woman with the same brown hair as Adrian but brown eyes appeared from what Devin assumed was the kitchen. “Welcome home boys! Dri, your dad set up the air mattress in your room.” Her warm eyes fell on Devin and she smiled. “You must be Dri’s friend. I’m afraid he didn’t mention your name on the phone…”
“Devin, Devin Morris,” he answered holding out a hand for her to take.
“Welcome Devin. I’m Sarah; please make yourself at home while you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’m very appreciative for you guys taking me in over the holidays…” He trailed off because Sarah was staring at him, in that way that he could tell she hadn’t been listening to what he had just said.
“Um… mom?” Adrian questioned. “You okay?”
“Hm? Oh yes! I’m sorry. I just got caught up in thinking about how handsome you are. Adrian’s never brought home a boy as cute as you.” Devin blushed brightly.
“Mom!” Adrian exclaimed. “Devin and I aren’t together like that!”
“Not yet at least right?” A new female voice asked teasingly. Devin watched as a girl, maybe a couple of years younger than Adrian walked up behind Sarah. “Oh he is a cute one.”
“It’s not like that Annie!” Adrian exclaimed, though it sounded close to whining, he was now blushing as much as Devin.
“I’m sure,” she said with a good natured smile. “Hi Devin, I’m Annie, Adrian’s little sister. Let me show you to Dri’s room so you can get settled in and what not. If you have any questions feel free to ask.”
Devin smiled; there was something about this girl that he really liked. “Thanks, same goes for you guys… any questions feel free to ask.” Annie and Sarah nodded before Annie led him up the stairs. Adrian and Sarah watched them go before going into the kitchen.
“So tell me about him,” Sarah stated as Adrian sat down at the table.
---
Adrian lay in his bed that night listening to Devin’s soft breathing from the air mattress below. He had thought that five years of not seeing his crush had well… crushed it but when he saw Devin and then spent time with him that evening his feelings had come back full force. He cursed his mother and sister for being able to read him so well, they always knew everything about him before even he himself knew. Adrian rubbed a hand roughly over his face with a sigh. Below him Devin made a soft noise as he turned over and Adrian quickly acted like he was asleep.
Devin stretched and blinked sleepily at the strange ceiling for a moment before remembering where he was. His eyes traveled up to the bed where Adrian was sleeping. Before he knew it a small smile grew on his lips… and then he shivered. The air mattress that the Scott’s had given him was not that warm, even with two blankets. With a soft sigh he pushed the blankets back and got up as quietly as possible. He never noticed the blue eyes watching him in the darkness as he left the room.
---
Afraid that he might wake someone by using the microwave, Devin pulled the jug of chocolate milk out of the refrigerator and took a small pot from where it hung above the island in the middle of the kitchen. Setting the pot on the stove he poured about half of the jug into it and turned the heating element on low. Finding a spoon he stirred the warming chocolate occasionally to keep it from burning.
As the chocolate milk warmed on the stove Devin mused about how quiet this big house was. At his old house his little brother listened to music at night and no matter how many times he was told to turn it down you could always hear it playing throughout the house. Of course, their house was much smaller than this. He and his brother had shared a room until he had left for college.
The chocolate milk starting to boil brought him out of his thoughts and Devin turned the stove off. Finding a mug in the cabinet near the stove Devin carefully poured the now hot chocolate into the mug and set the rest back on the stove. He put the unused milk back into the refrigerator before picking up his mug to go to the living room.
Unlike his family the Scott’s left their Christmas lights on at night. The small lights gave the room a soft multi-colored glow. Devin sighed, that same smile from earlier playing on his lips, as he sat on the window seat and watched the snow fall outside. He always wanted to live somewhere that had snow at Christmas time. It just didn’t feel like Christmas without snow.
In a few hours it would be Christmas morning and the Scott’s would open their Christmas presents. Devin hoped he didn’t feel horribly out of place… having not gotten anyone anything or vice versa. Sarah, Adrian’s mom, had told him not to worry about it but he still couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty for imposing on the family during such a family oriented time of year. Devin took a sip from his mug as he blinked longer than necessary to keep the tears he could feel building from falling.
If he had never told his family that he was gay he would be at home in his own bed that night. He would be opening presents with his family in the morning… he would… he would… a stair creaking under someone’s weight made him turn, eyes wide. In the soft glow he could his barely make out Adrian’s form standing on the bottom step.
“Are you okay?” Adrian asked quietly. “I thought maybe you had gone to the bathroom but when you didn’t come back I thought… are you crying?”
Devin raised one hand to his face touching his fingers to his cheek, they came away wet. His blinking trick hadn’t worked then… Quickly he wiped his eyes on his pajama sleeve. “Yeah… sorry. I woke up and decided I wanted some hot chocolate. I’m sorry if I woke you,” he replied.
“I was actually awake when you left. I have this bad habit about lying awake for hours just thinking…” Adrian grinned sheepishly. “That coco smells good, mind if I have some?”
“It’s your milk. I hope you guys don’t mind me making it,” Devin replied.
“Psh, it would probably go bad otherwise,” Adrian said disappearing into the kitchen for a moment. He returned a couple of minutes later with his own mug of steaming coco. Sitting on the couch he motioned to the other end. “Join me?” Devin nodded and sat on the opposite end of the couch. They sat in silence for a good while, just watching the snow fall outside, before Adrian sat his cup down. “So what’s up?”
“What do you mean?” Devin questioned with a curious look.
“Oh I don’t know… you wake up in the wee hours of the morning, come down here for some hot chocolate and when I follow to see if you’re okay I find you crying. Something tells me you’re not okay,” Adrian stated. “I mean, if you really don’t want to tell me I’ll understand, we weren’t great friends in high school and we haven’t tried to be in touch after… but I hope that by now you consider me enough of a friend to tell me what’s bothering you.”
Devin bit his bottom lip. Before yesterday he wouldn’t have thought twice about telling Adrian it was none of his business. But yesterday Adrian had brought him into his home when he had no where else to go. Adrian’s family had welcomed him into their family, made him feel like he completely belonged… how could he not say at least something?
“Please talk to me Devin. I… I hate seeing you sad on Christmas,” Adrian pleaded softly reaching out to rest a hand on Devin’s arm.
“You…do?” Devin whispered.
Adrian nodded and before he could stop himself Devin found himself crying again and telling Adrian everything. Everything he had kept bottled up for the past five years. Everything that he had not told anyone else because no one had asked. At some point during his confession Adrian had slid over, taken the now empty mug from him and set it on the coffee table before gathering Devin into his arms. Adrian made soft ‘shhing’ sounds and rubbed Devin’s back as Devin spilled his heart.
Eventually Devin sat back and sniffed as he rubbed his eyes clear. “I’m sorry… I usually have better control than that.”
“Dev… don’t worry about. I’m glad you could tell me. So, what did they say when you told them?” Adrian questioned. Devin had stopped talking just after he had told his parents that he was gay.
Devin looked down at his hands. “My father called me an abomination. My mother offered to find a hospital to ‘cure’ me. And… my brother didn’t say anything to me. I stayed in our room that night and he never came in. The next day I went to buy my car, I had been working for it since I could and when I came home all my stuff was out on the yawn. My father had changed the locks and… no one would answer the door.” Tears built in his eyes again but Adrian reached out and wiped them away.
“What did you do then?”
“I put everything from the yawn in my car, got all my money from the bank, and drove to Washington State. I couldn’t move into the dorms at the college until August, though I did talk to the financial planning office, they couldn’t refund my parents check that late but starting in January I was on my own. I got two jobs, slept in my car until I could afford a place with two other guys that I worked with and then started school,” Devin explained.
“My God Devin…” Adrian whispered.
“What?”
“You’re amazing…”
Devin blushed. “But I’m not…”
“Devin, pretty much anyone else would have been lost in such a situation. Sure you had to sleep in your car for awhile but overall you knew what had to be done. I know I would have been completely lost, hell! I was completely lost and my parents supported me!”
“You’re just saying that…” Devin blushed even brighter.
“You have always blushed so easy,” Adrian told him with a grin.
“What?”
“I remember in high school, if anyone gave you any little compliment you would blush. It was something I always loved about you.”
Devin blinked. “Adrian…”
“Dri, please.”
“Dri then… did… did…”
“Did I what?”
“Did you like me in high school?”
Adrian blanked, his mouth hanging open. Now it was his turn to blush and Devin’s to grin. He wouldn’t admit it out loud but he liked this switch. Adrian was cute when he blushed.
“I’ll take that as a yes. I’m flattered I really am…”
“But you don’t feel the same?” Adrian questioned softly looking sad.
“I didn’t say that. True, I don’t feel the same now, but I’m not saying I couldn’t ever,” Devin replied. Adrian’s face lit up with hope, he actually had a chance! Devin gave him a sweet smile that was only broken by a yawn.
“Let’s go back to bed or we’ll be zombies in the morning,” Adrian suggested. Devin nodded and picked up their mugs, he took them to the kitchen and cleaned the pot he had used to heat the chocolate milk, Adrian watching the whole time.
Once they got back up to Adrian’s room Devin started to adjust his blankets on the air mattress. Even the fabric of the mattress felt cool under his hand. Devin frowned, nearly dreading sleeping the rest of the night there.
“Is it cold?” Adrian questioned climbing back onto his bed. Devin was tempted to lie to him but in the end couldn’t.
“A bit,” he answered. Adrian nodded and crawled under his covers before holding them up. “Climb in.”
Devin blinked. “What?”
“You. Climb in. It’ll be warmer than the air mattress.”
“I don’t know if that’s such a good id-”
“I’m not going to try anything, I promise. Please Devin? Let me keep you warm?” Devin bit his bottom lip again but it was no use, Adrian’s blue eyes were to welcoming and trustful. Devin knew he wouldn’t try anything so he climbed onto the bed and under the covers.
“Adrian?”
“Hm?”
“Merry Christmas.”
---
The next morning Devin woke up in Adrian’s arms. He knew Adrian hadn’t planned this, it had just happened in their sleep. Devin sighed contently and snuggled deeper into the warm body next to him. He hadn’t felt this warm in a long time. Above him Adrian snored softly, his nose buried in Devin’s black hair.
A knock came at the door. “Boys! Time to get up!” Sarah called. Adrian snorted as he woke up and Devin yawned.
“Wha…” He heard Adrian murmur.
“It’s my hair. You have your nose buried in my hair,” Devin told him softly. Adrian pulled back and Devin had to force himself not to groan at the lost of warmth.
“I’m so sorry Dev! I didn’t mean…”
“Dri, I know. It’s okay,” Devin replied sitting up.
“You sure?” Adrian questioned his eyes worried.
“I’m sure,” he answered.
“Boys!”
“We had better go before your mom get’s mad. I really hope I don’t seem out of place since I don’t have anything for anyone…” Devin murmured.
“No one will expect any different Dev, I promise,” Adrian assured him.
---
Devin smiled as he watched the Scott’s open their various Christmas presents. He was slightly envious of the obvious love that they all shared for each other. Adrian and Annie were an example of the perfect siblings, they picked on each other but it was clear in their eyes that they would do anything for the other.
Annie stood and picked up a present from under the tree. “And one for Devin!”
Devin blinked in surprise. “Me? But I don’t have anything for anyone else…”
“That doesn’t matter, Christmas is the holiday for giving, nothing says we have to get anything in return,” she replied holding the present out to him. Devin took it though he felt very uncomfortable about it. Everyone watched as he tore the paper away from the gift, smiling when his eyes widened.
“A cookbook?”
“I saw a fairly ratty one in your backpack. I figured you could use a new one,” Adrian explained. “I don’t know if you really like to cook or not but… I figured it couldn’t hurt.”
Devin ran his hand over the cover of the book. “Thank you… very much.”
Adrian smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Alright! Next gift goes to mom from dad,” Annie said handing her mother the present. As she opened her gift Devin stood to go get more hot chocolate from the kitchen.
“You really do like it right? You’re not lying?” Devin jumped at the sound of Adrian’s voice. Turning to face the other boy he was already nodding.
“I really do Dri. I love to cook, I was just surprised… and I never expected you to notice what was in my backpack.”
“Well it was kinda open, I didn’t go digging in it or anything.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
“Dri! There’s one for you!” Annie called.
“We had better get back in there,” Devin said coming to stand with him in the doorway between the kitchen and living room.
“Ooooo!” Annie squealed jumping up from the floor. The entire family and Devin gave her confused looks.
“Annie, what the heck is wrong with you?” Adrian questioned as she came to stand in front of him and Devin.
“You have to kiss!” She exclaimed.
“What?!” Devin and Adrian said at the same time. Annie pointed up and they followed her pointing with their eyes. Both sets of blue and green eyes widened when they saw it.
“Mistletoe. You have to kiss,” Annie stated.
“I don’t know if that’s the best idea…” Devin said softly.
“It is tradition though,” Adrian agreed.
“Kiss! Kiss!” Annie urged.
“Dev, I’ll only do this with your permission,” Adrian told him quietly. Devin stared into his eyes for a few moments before he finally nodded.
“Okay,” he agreed. Adrian smiled the most beautiful smile Devin had seen on him yet and he stepped closer. Raising his hand Adrian ghosted his fingers along Devin’s jaw line before tipping his chin up. Slowly he leaned in and gave Devin a soft but lingering kiss. Devin returned the kiss just slightly and he felt Adrian’s lips twitch with a smile against his own. When they broke apart Annie squealed again and Adrian’s parents smiled approvingly.
“Merry Christmas sweetheart,” Adrian murmured. Devin smiled.