Another Puppy Christmas

It's never too early for a Christmas story.

First person, Seto. Established couple.

Once again, when I try to write sad stuff, it turns all fluffy, enjoy.

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A month ago, Joey's father died of complications from pneumonia. His immune system, already damaged from drinking, was unable to cope. Despite Joey's estranged relationship, Joey was broken hearted. I, of course couldn't understand these feelings and I sent my boyfriend to a psychologist to help him sort out these mixed up feelings. Joey is feeling better but Dr. Yamada suggested Joey needed a project to help ease the pain. Joey made the request to decorate the mansion for Christmas. As we are hosting a corporate Christmas party, the rooms downstairs are being professionally decorated. Therefore, I suggested he decorate the private rooms. (Joey had by this time already moved in.) Joey was gleeful at the suggestion and I was pleased to see him that way.

I suppose it was a little early to have Joey move in with us, but considering the circumstances, it seemed right. We are in love and Joey spent more time here than at home. Joey took all of a week to get used to the place.

It was traditional in the Wheeler household to celebrate Christmas. While Joey's mom is Japanese and a Buddhist, his dad was born and raised in America and as a Christian. The family followed the mother's traditions, except she liked Christmas too. However, after the divorce she stopped. Joey kept up the tradition in their house and Serenity was able to join them last year. The siblings cooked, baked and decorated the apartment and the three Wheelers had a wonderful time. Serenity even was talking about repeating the event when tragedy struck. I, of course, invited her to come anyway. While the corporate party will take place on Christmas Eve, we can still gather as a family on Christmas Day. This cheered the depressed girl as well and the siblings started to make plans.

I made sure the servants understood the situation and soon they were helping my lover without being asked. This pleased me. The housekeeper even asked if they could decorate their rooms on the third floor. I consented, and as I am not a stingy man, I let them have supplies too. This put everybody in a festive mood. Joey was even able to get on the cook's good side and began using the kitchen to make treats. Mokuba lent a hand by making endless strings of paper chain. The upstairs rooms have a homey feel to them with the chains, paper snowflakes, and bits of greenery everywhere. The boys have taken extra care in preparing the guest room for Serenity.

Everyday as I enter the house, I feel so tired. I come upstairs and see the decorations increase and I feel relaxed. The activities are healing Joey bit by bit. He tells me it has the same effect on his sister. She has been busy making chocolates and filling tins full of them to bring here. She has also been making some hand-made gifts for everyone.

Tonight, I am sitting up in bed with my laptop, next to my lover. Joey's new project is stringing popcorn and cranberries. He has one bowl on either side of him and alternated between the two foods.

"Where are you hanging these?" I asked.

"Outside in the back garden."

"Where?" I have no idea what he was talking about.

"You hang it in the trees and bushes for the birds to eat. Serenity does it over New Years at her house, and I remembered it was another Christmas tradition."

"I'll inform the gardeners."

"No need, I already did."

"You have gotten comfortable here."

"I introduced myself and he called me 'master' which was embarrassing. But I'm getting used to it."

"They recognized you as my lover, instead of just a guest."

"Everyone in Domino knows that. Nobody is harassing me about it, I think because Dad's death is connected to it. They were so sorry for me, they forgot to be disgusted by my gayness."

Joey laughed at this and smiled as he continued his work. A few minutes later I finished my work and took an interest in what Joey was doing. He asked me without looking up:

"Do you want to help? I have a spare needle."

"I never done this. Mokie and I made paper chains and snowflakes in the orphanage but…"

The orphanage enjoyed any excuse to throw a party and keep us contented. We all had to help.

"It's easy, I'll show you."

I set my laptop on the nightstand and Joey moved everything within easy reach. Soon I was stringing like a pro. Snuggled up together was pleasant and the repetitiveness of stringing the cranberries and popcorn was soothing. I fell into a trance like state. Joey talked about this and that and I responded in kind. I was beginning to think this crafting business as relaxing and fun. After a half an hour I asked Joey:

"Puppy?"

"Hmm?"

"How are you feeling these days?"

"You mean about Dad and stuff."

"Yes."

"I feel better. I felt some guilt before, like it was my fault. But Doc said he was the one who made the choice to drink, and I did all I could. Guilt is a terrible thing, but in this case, it was ultimately Dad's choice…Also, Serenity called me today. She feels grateful we had that party last year. If we hadn't, I think she would be in an emotional mess."

Joey looked at me for reassurance and I reached out and pulled him in for a kiss on the forehead and said:

"Yes, I agree, you and Serenity are not at fault here. We all make choices. People that addicted aren't going to change easily. He might not have changed even if he knew of his health problem."

Joey smiled and pecked my lips and said:

"Thanks for saying that Seto."

Joey snuggled back into position and we continued with our work. Half an hour later we both had a long string of popcorn and cranberries each.

"Now is good time to quit." Joey said

We put the food on Joey's dresser and the completed strings next to them. Joey covered everything with a towel to save it for the morning. We tidied up and got back into bed. I wrapped an arm around my lover and Joey snuggled into my chest as is our habit. In the dark Joey spoke.

"Seto, I really love you."

"I love you too."

"I mean with everything with Dad, and the move. If it wasn't for you, everything would have been so much harder. I know my friends and Sis would have helped. I would have lived with Mom and finished out my final year there. This is so much better. I can even go to Domino U. with Tris and Yuge. If you weren't there, I think I would still have been depressed and blaming myself. So, thanks Love. Thanks for being there. For once, when things went bad, it was ok."

I was flooded with feelings and moved to kiss him on the cheek.

"You are welcome, Puppy." I managed to choke out and snuggled back into place.

"I feel so lucky." He responded.

"Me too."

I kissed his neck, which made him giggle and broke the emotional feelings. We were able to relax into sleep after that. I hope I never forget how lucky I am to have him.

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For now, I will leave this story open. As it gets closer to Christmas, I might get inspired to do more.

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