Title: Tradition
Author: Mickey Stone
Pairing/character: Connor/Murphy
Prompt: Mistletoe
Rating: FRT
Word Count: 579

Summary: This wouldn't have normally bothered the twins...if it wasn't hanging right above their heads.

Notes/Warnings: Christmas mini-fic written for Kaylie. Set before the movie.

"Hey, guys!" Rocco bellowed drunkenly over the cacophony of voices, "Mistletoe!"

Connor and Murphy McManus turned to their Italian friend and both sets of brown eyes followed the outstretched arm until they found what he was pointing at. Hanging from the old ceiling in the small Irish pub was a green plastic branch filled with white berries. It was December 11th; two weeks until Christmas so decorations were a given. This wouldn't have normally bothered the twins...

...if it wasn't hanging right above their heads.

"Oh come on!" Murphy said, "What the fuck is tha?!"

"C-C-C-Christmas S-Spirit." Doc said with a wink and a smile.

"Bollocks!" Connor burst out, throwing his head back and tipping the last of his whisky down his throat.

"It's C-C-Christmas law!" the white-haired Irishman said as he moved behind the bar, "T-T-T-Tradition. Fuck! Ass!"

"Yeah," drawled Rocco's thick New York accent behind them, "Tradition to kiss a broad under the Mistletoe."

A heavy hand landed on each of their shoulders, causing both to rock slightly under the weight. Rocco leaned in with a lazy grin and looked between them; his breath laced with gin and beer.

"An' since there ain't no broads here, you'll have to make do with your brother." He said, joining in the chorus of laughter as he finished his sentence.

Connor and Murphy looked at Doc with wide eyes and turned on their special brand of charm to work their way out of this bind. Amused, the old man lifted and eyebrow and shook his head. Their friends all jeered them on, laughing and hollering for them to get on with it already.

The twins turned their eyes on each other. They knew the issue wouldn't be dropped until they gave in; but here? In front of all these people? Connor's eyes questioned and Murphy answered with a shrug and a small smirk. Connor understood; if they wanted a kiss then they were fucking going to get one.

Before anyone else could have their say, both men leaned in, closed their eyes and pressed their lips together. Murphy's hand came up and wrapped around the back of Connor's head as he opened his mouth and teased his brother's lips with his tongue. Connor responded in kind, snaking out his tongue and stroking it over Murphy's with well practiced moves. Neither of them noticed when the laughter and cheering died down, but both were aware of the eyes that were fixed on them; staring at them as they kissed at the bar. Connor was the first to pull back with a little nip to his twin's bottom lip.

The gap between their faces was so small that they were breathing each other's air. Eyelids flicked open and black pupils fluctuated. A small smile passed between them; a message that was given and received. A second later the spell was broken and they turned in unison back to the drinks that were now in the bar. Hand's gripped the small glasses and with practiced ease they lifted them to their lips and knocked the shots back. Their calm actions belied their inner turmoil as regret set in.

"Moth'r fuckin' pansies!" Rocco roared behind them, sending the previously quiet patrons into gales of laughter. A hand was clapped on each of their backs as the brother's found it hard not to join in.

Besides, with all the alcohol that had been consumed that night, they doubted anyone would actually remember come tomorrow morning.

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