Trouty Mouth and the Leprechaun
Author's Notes: I am pleased you guys are enjoying the story! I am having a lot of fun writing it, and there is plenty more to come. Keep the feedback coming - it helps me choose what direction to take.
Recap: Sam has his doubts about his body, but Blaine assures him he has nothing to worry about, and Rory definitely proves that when they finally take things from hot and heavy making out to something that Rory's mammy would never approve of. New Directions are starting to speculate and make assumptions and Kurt found out the truth, but so did Mike, so it's only a matter of time before the secrets get out, and that's what you missed on Glee!
-ooo-
Episode 4: Extraordinary Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
The choir room was abuzz with excited chattering as everyone was discussing Christmas. Most of them were spending the holidays at home, with family, while others were going on vacations elsewhere. Rachel came in followed by Finn, with a large box. Garland was spilling out of the top.
"Attention everyone! Your decorating committee has arrived!" Rachel announced, referring to herself. Mr. Schuester came in a moment later dragging behind him a large tree. With help from Puck and Sam, they put it upright and planted it in the stand.
Artie rolled in just as Rachel was sticking the star on top - that was her 'right' since it was she that was the star of glee club in her own mind. He had on his lap another large box that was blocking his view.
"Artie watch out! The-" but Tina's warning came too late. "-piano!" He crashed into the large black instrument, eliciting a cry of irritation and pain as the box was crammed into his face.
"I'm okay!" he muttered, backing away. Finn took the box from him as the boy adjusted his glasses. Finn pulled the box open to reveal a collection of ornaments and lights. He unpacked it on top of the piano, using it as a table. The others quickly gathered around, Tina and Mike taking charge of the long string of lights. They danced around the tree, wrapping them around the large artificial pine.
As the group took to hanging the ornaments and pinning the garland and other decorations on the walls, they started to sing All I Want for Christmas is You, the cheerful song flowing out into the hallway. After cleverly holding the mistletoe over his crotch and announcing that any of the girls were free to "have a kiss under the mistletoe" he hung it up properly under the doorframe, disappointed he had no takers.
"You're supposed to kiss whoever is standing next to you when you're under mistletoe," Mercedes explained when Rory gave a confused look at the small sprig. He gazed up at it, wishing that he could stand under it with Sam. Instead they had to watch as Rachel and Finn exchanged an innocent kiss in the doorway, followed by Blaine and Kurt, and Tina and Mike, and lastly Santana and Brittany.
"Enough with the softcore porn, Mr. Schue, what are we doing for Christmas this year?" Puck asked, annoyed at the displays of affection.
Before the teacher could answer, Finn interrupted. "I think Rory had something he wanted to say, didn't you?"
"Thanks, Finn Hudson," Rory said. Earlier in the day he had asked him about performing a song when they were finished decorating and he agreed to make sure he got the opportunity. "My mam was going to come out here for Christmas, but plane tickets are expensive, so this is my first year celebrating without my family. I'd like to dedicate this song to them.
Everyone listened intently as the young crooner sang Blue Christmas, expressing his sadness at being away from his family, and feeling even a little bit homesick in general. When he was finished, Sam, sitting in the back, gave him two thumbs up, proud of his young friend's talent.
As soon as he was finished, Santana spoke up. "That was depressing! I feel like jumping off of a bridge onto a polar ice cap," she declared. Rachel quickly interjected with her own thoughts before Santana could say anymore.
"I think what she meant was that while it was an excellent performance, perhaps a more cheerful selection would have been more appreciated by the general audience," she explained, trying to sound supportive.
"It would be nice if we could have some actual cheer this year. Last year sucked. Coach Sylvester chopped down our tree, stole all the gifts for the homeless, and Kurt was at Dalton."
"Don't forget my magic legs broke the day after I got them," Artie reminded her. Tina frowned, wishing that at least his magic legs could have lasted longer.
Mr. Schuester had been grinning from ear to ear from the moment he had entered the choir room with the tree. He was up to something. "Well Tina, Rachel, everyone. I have great news. This year is definitely not going to suck."
"Why not, Mr. Schue?" Mercedes asked hopefully.
"Because, Mercedes, we are going to put on a Christmas special for the local public access network!"
Everyone began to gasp and murmur, the news of a performance on television - even public access - was promising. Mr. Schue went on to explain the details. Artie would be the director while the others would put on the show, mixing dancing and singing in with a comedic plot. Everyone would get to participate and be featured in the special. What an exciting Christmas present to New Directions!
-ooo-
"Oh bugger!' Rory swore as his books fell out of his locker in a cascade. Sam saved one of them from clunking him on the head as it slowly slid out while Rory was crouched on the floor, picking them up.
"Remind me to show you how to stack those so that doesn't keep happening," Sam remarked. "I'm sorry I didn't realize how hard it has to be for you, not being with your family during the holidays."
Rory gave him a half smile and sighed. "It's a lot harder than I thought. I was looking forward to seeing my mam."
Sam gave him a guy-hug, wanting to give him a full embrace, holding him, kissing him, showing him that it would be okay, but he had to settle for minmal affection at the moment. "So what are you going to do? Spend it with Brittany's family?"
"I don't know. They're supposed to be going to see a gay Santa in California and that really sounds just a little creepy to me," Rory answered.
"Gay Santa?"
"Yeah. A Santa fey," Rory answered, bewildered.
"Oh you mean Santa Fe, the city. Are they taking you with them?"
Rory stared at his feet and shook his head. "I don't think so. I think I am just supposed to stay at the house until the come back."
Sam frowned. "That's a whole lot of bullshit," he declared. "They just expect you to sit around on the couch and watch TV, munching on Doritos and canned spaghetti? I don't think so."
Rory shrugged. "You should spend the holiday with my family. You'll love it. We have a big Christmas dinner with my family; you can meet everyone! The kids will be excited to have you there, and mom will be ecstatic to have you join us." Sam suggested.
"I.. I can't do that. That's your family time. They don't need a stranger there. I can stay at the house and watch TV, maybe play video games or something," Rory argued sullenly.
Sam pursed his lips in disapproval. "Let's try again. You will spend the holiday with my family. You'll love it, and they'll love having you. End of discussion. You will not be spending Christmas alone eating raisens and beans." There was silence for a full half minute. "This is the part where you say 'sure thing, I'll be there at five on Christmas Eve,'" Sam directed.
"Thank you so much, Sam. That means a lot," Rory replied, feeling better. He smiled at him, his eyes shining brilliant cerulean.
"Now that we settled that, let's go. I want to go to the gym before we go home." I haven't had a good workout in weeks. I'm getting flabby and he'll get grossed out if he sees me that way.
The boys finished packing their books to take home and then headed to the gym. Rory wasn't the working out kind of guy, so while Sam used the equipment in the locker room, Rory went to the gym to play basketball. He wasn't very good and he wanted to get better so that he wouldn't be made fun of in class anymore.
-ooo-
The next day, Artie had gathered everyone in the auditorium. Rachel sang River, but he deemed it too depressing, insisting that any and all hints to anything sad be omitted from the program, going so far as to rewrite Frosty the Snowman to have an ending where the titular character doesn't melt away.
"Artie, that's messed up," Sam commented. "Frosty the Snowman is a classic, and even if it has a sad ending, so what? You can't rewrite Frosty!"
Artie cleared his throat. "Christmas is about cheer. There is no sadness."
"That's crap," Sam argued. By then everyone had started to stare at him as he stood up. "What makes Christmas special is partially the sad things. The people we lost, the things we don't have. They are what make us thankful for what we do have, that remind us to appreciate the gifts we are lucky enough to get. I think you've lost sight of what's important and just want to make something everyone can laugh at."
"Whatever you say, Sam, but we're doing this with cheer. I'm changing the ending to Frosty, and Rory is going to read it as Itchy the Christmas Elf during the last act when all of the characters are gathered by the fireplace. That's just how it is," Artie declared calmly.
Sam scoffed and moved through the rows, making his way to the aisle. "Fine, but I don't want to be part of something that doesn't remember what's important about the holiday. I'm going to the Salvation Army and see what I can do to volunteer." He turned to look back at Rory. "Come on, I'll give you a ride."
Rory had the look of a deer caught in headlights. I really want to do the special. Why can't he just go along with it? It's going to be fun. But I can't just desert him, either. Damn, what should I do? "Sam I... I don't want to be left out," he said softly, his eyes lowering. "It'll be fun, we can do both, can't we?"
Sam sighed and turned around, huffing out of the auditorium. Rory looked like he wanted to cry. I'm sorry, Sam. I just want to do something fun, too.
-ooo-
Sam stomped into the hall, angry. Artie can be impossible! I mean, what the hell? He should know, he's in that damn wheelchair, he knows shit happens and Christmas is about being thankful for what we have. If it wasn't for the bad stuff we wouldn't appreciate what we got.
He went go his car, started it, and drove downtown to the Salvation Army. Inside he inquired about what he could do, and they told him he could stand outside in the cold and ring a bell, collecting change, or he could hang out at the homesless shelter and serve food. He decided to do both. The lady behind the desk took him to the back, handed him a bell, gave him a crash course in how not to piss people off, and then told him where to set up shop.
About an hour after he had been ringing, he had only collected a couple of dollars worth of change, despite smiling at every person that passed, wishing them a Merry Christmas, and even attempting small talk. People just weren't interested in helping.
Sam's phone started ringing. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at the caller ID. Rory Flanagan.
"Hello?" Sam answered.
"Sam? Are you okay?" came the quiet voice over the phone.
"Yeah. I'm good," he said. "Merry Christmas!" he said to a passerby as they dropped two coins in the bucket.
"Where are you?" Rory asked, confused.
"In front of a department store downtown, ringing a bell. Trying to collect some money for the poor."
"Oh," Rory replied, his voice low. "Are you... are you mad at me? For staying?"
"No!" Sam exclaimed. "Of course not. I think it's great you get to be a part of something fun."
"Then how come you don't want to be in it, too?"
"Because..." Sam hesitated. "Christmas isn't just about cheer and happiness. It's about sadness, too. If all we think about is happy stuff, even changing a kids story to do it, it kind of misses the point. We shouldn't just be looking out for ourselves, you know?"
Rory was silent. "I told you about everything that happened with my family this year. I know what it's like to be poor. Homeless. I think helping out other people will make me feel better. I just hate to think everyone is forgetting about the less fortunate," Sam explained.
"I'm sorry, Sam," Rory said.
"Don't be sorry. Do what you want to do, I won't be upset. I just need to do this, okay?"
"Okay. I guess I better let you go so you can ring your bell. See you tomorrow?" Rory said, his voice not quite as low as before.
"Sure thing. I can't wait." Sam said goodbye and hung up his phone, slipping it back in his pocket. I wish he would at least come out here with me for a little while.
-ooo-
It was the evening the special was to be recorded and everyone except for Sam and Quinn were gathered in the dressing room, getting ready. Blaine and Kurt were wearing tuxedos, Mercedes and Rachel dolled up in ball gowns. Finn and Puck were dressed, oddly enough, as Luke Sywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars. Brittany, Santana, and Tina were dressed in sexy Santa outfits with skirts and sleeveless tops, while Mike was disguised as Santa himself.
"Alright everyone! Places please!" Artie shouted over the din. It was time to start.
The event went wonderfully. Nobody forgot their lines, the songs were perfect, and the music was great. The very last part was the last act - the reading of Frosty the Snowman by Itchy the elf.
New Directions (minus Quinn, Sam, and Artie) were huddled around the fire, waiting eagerly as Rory walked in wearing a goofy green outfit. Considering he was supposed to be an elf, he was rather tall. He had a book in his hand, but it was obviously not a children's book, but a Bible.
"I will now read a different selection tonight, something that reminds us what Christmas is truly all about," Rory stated. Taking a cue from Linus is A Charlie Brown Christmas, he called for lights out, then began to read several verses.
When they were finished with the scene, and the play was over, they were all again gathered in the dressing room, changing. Artie rolled up to Rory, his face a mask of irritation.
"What were you doing?" the boy demanded. "You were supposed to read Frosty the Snowman, not the Bible. Now everyone is going to be depressed when they watch it!"
"Artie, go easy on him. It was a really nice reading," Rachel said, interjecting her two cents. The others began to chime in agreements, making Artie feel outnumbered and wronged.
Rory addressed the rest of the group, "I wanted to tell you guys, Sam and Quinn are at the homeless shelter tonight with Coach Sylvester. They're passing out food to the people there. Don't you think it would be nice if we did something of our own to spread a little cheer for them?"
-ooo-
"So why didn't you want to join in the special?" Sam asked Quinn as the pair of them scooped mashed potatoes and gravy onto the plates of homeless people. Quinn smiled.
"I just wasn't in the mindset for all that. And... I know what it's like too, to lose everything you have. I wanted to give back a little I guess," she replied.
"Portion control, people! We have to have enough for everyone!" Sue interrupted.
"Coach Sylvester! We think you'll have more than enough for everyone tonight!" came a familiar voice. All three of them - Sue, Sam, and Quinn - looked up from their tasks to see Artie being wheeled in carrying a large turkey, the other club members following with other containers of food, a pair of large boxes, and a small decorated tree.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sam asked, surprised to see them.
"Rory helped put us back on track, remind us what Christmas really is all about," Rachel answered.
Puck set the small tree on a table then picked up the turkey, setting it on the counter where the food was being served. "Small fry knocked some sense into Wheels, in other words."
Sam's face turned into a glow of smiles, Rory walking in last, still wearing his elf costume and carting behind him a sack. "What's all that?" he asked.
"Decorations in the boxes," Rory answered, pointing to the boxes that the others were unpacking, "and care kits in the sack."
"We put together small bags with some items people can use on the streets. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, bandaids, small blankets," Tina explained. "We pooled some money together and raided the Wal-mart."
"This is amazing!" Quinn exclaimed. She immediately ran around to start hugging her club mates who busied themselves putting up colorful decorations.
Some of the children that were at the shelter decided to help out, putting decorations on the small tree, putting streamers and garland on the countertops, putting up posters of Santa and his reindeer.
"I think it's time we sang a song for them, don't you think?" Rachel asked. Sue rolled her eyes.
"If you sing Jingle Bells, I'll personally slaughter each and every one of you. That's the only song old John Doe over here knows how to play and my ears are bleeding," she scowled.
She was lucky – the talented group didn't sing Jingle Bells, but chose another song – Don't They Know it's Christmas. The sound filled the room, homeless people stopping their meal to watch them as they sang and danced throughout the room. They played with the children, dancing with them.
New Directions stayed with the shelter for another hour, bringing holiday cheer to everyone in there, even if it was only for a little while, and within the next few hours they had to return to being just average people down on their luck. At least for a little while, they had a reason to smile.
-ooo-
After they finished up at the shelter, it was only nine o'clock, and there was still more to do. Rory and Sam stood on the sidewalk in the strip downtown, ringing their bells and wishing bypassers a wonderful holiday.
"These bells, they remind me of home. My dad made my brother start wearing one because he kept getting lost," Rory laughed. "He used to say 'Seamus, if we don't hear your bell, you've gone too far,' and then before you knew it, the sound got quieter and mam and dad would go chasing after him."
"Sounds like your family is really great," Sam said, not wanting to steer the conversation into a depressing direction.
"They are. The whole Flanagan clan; we're a tight bunch, and we like to have fun and get crazy," the Irish boy said. "I think you'd like them."
"I bet I would. Maybe I'll get to meet them someday," Sam offered, knowing he was treading on dangerous territory.
Rory sighed. "Yeah, maybe." Their conversation was interrupted when Sam took a snowball to the crotch.
"Hey!" he shouted, then realized it was Rachel and Finn.
"How's the collection going?" Rachel asked, peeking into the nearly empty bucket.
Sam shrugged. "Not so great. People are quick to tell you 'Merry Christmas,' but they're just as quick to scamper away."
Rachel took some money out of her pocket. "Well, we have a little donation we'd like to make to the cause." Sam looked and could see at least two one hundred dollar bills, but it appeared that they might have had a little more.
"We returned the earrings I got for her, and the iPod she got for me, and decided that instead of spending more money on ourselves, we could do a little something for people less fortunate than us," Finn explained as the pair put the cash in the bucket together.
"Wow, I… I'm speechless," Rory said, staring at the now not so empty bucket.
"It's thanks to you, well, both of you," Rachel told them. "Rory, your reading reminded us what Christmas is all about. "
Finn smiled and added his own two cents. "Yeah, it's not just about what we want or have, but about making sure other people get taken care of too, even if we can't solve everything, we can help out."
"I really am amazed. I mean, this is too much," Sam said.
"No, it's not enough, really, but it's what we have for now," Rachel argued happily. "Now give us some of those extra bells and let's get back to ringing."
-ooo-
"Is there anything I can help you with, Mrs. Evans?" Rory asked, walking into the kitchen.
"Oh no! You and Sam go hang out for a while before everyone gets here. Once they arrive it will get a little crazy around here!" the cheerful mother replied. "Go on, off with you!"
Rory smiled and left, joining Sam in the living room with his siblings. Stacy and Stevie were sitting in front of the TV set, watching SpongeBob. Sam was on the couch, looking a little bored.
"Save me from the insanity!" Sam pleaded jokingly. "I can't handle another episode of SpongeBob. They're on a marathon!" He held out his hands and Rory pulled him up off the seat.
"Wanna go play video games in your room?" the younger boy asked, giving him a sly grin.
"Yeah. I wanna beat your ass in a race or two. Show you how a country boy rides," Sam challenged. The pair trotted off to Sam's room, making threats at each other.
This is so great, spending the holiday with Sam and his family. They're so nice. God I miss home so bad, though. It's like life there is going on without me. I wish I had some more money so I could buy Sam something really nice. I guess what I got is gonna have to do.
"Come on, grab the controller already!" Sam urged, firing up Need for Speed. He gave Rory a quick kiss for good luck, and then they prepared to race. About forty five minutes later, Mr. Evans was calling for them.
-ooo-
Dinner was amazing. Sam's aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins all came over. So many people for Rory to meet was a little overwhelming at first, but everyone was so nice and friendly that he quickly felt at ease.
Sam introduced him to everyone as his best friend from glee club, explaining that he was away from home and was invited to join them. The country family was eager to learn about the newcomer – listening intently as he answered their inquiries about his homeland.
"Can you put your brother and sister to bed for me?" Mrs. Evans asked after everyone had left. It was after ten and there was a lot of cleaning up to do. After the kids were in bed, both boys started to help with the cleaning process. It was well after eleven before the place was cleaned up.
"Okay boys, time for you to go to bed, too, or else Santa Claus won't come!" Mrs. Evans joked. In reality, she and her husband simply wanted to put out the presents before they retired for the night. They both hugged Sam's parents, Rory thanking them profusely for their kindness.
Once they got back in the bedroom, they debated racing again, but both agreed they were far too tired after the eventful evening. Taking off all but their underwear, they crawled into Sam's bed.
"Sam, this really does mean so much to me. Nobody has been this kind to me since I got here," Rory stated, yawning between sentences.
Sam kissed him gently on the mouth and bid him goodnight. Within seconds both of them had fallen asleep in each other's arms.
-ooo-
Sam and Rory woke up the next morning when Stacy and Stevie had jumped up on Sam's bed and started bouncing around.
"Wake up Sammy! Wake up Mr. Rory!" Stacy squealed with excitement.
"Yeah, get up! Santa came!" Stevie added, yanking on Sam's arm. He sat up, wiping his eyes.
"Come on, guys, give us a break. It's early!" Sam complained.
"It's already seven! That's seven, right Stacy?" Stevie asked her. She thought a moment before agreeing that he was right. Just barely older than her brother, she could already read the digital clock.
Sam grumbled a little, never a morning person. "Alright, alright, I'm coming."
Rory showed slightly more enthusiasm. He hopped out of bed, grabbed his t-shirt, and trotted merrily down the hall to the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were already there, sitting on the couch drinking coffee.
"Coffee, Rory? Hot chocolate?" Mrs. Evans asked. Not a coffee drinker, he took her up on the offer of hot chocolate with red and green marshmallows on top of some whipped cream.
"Wow, this is really good Mrs. Evans, thank you!" he exclaimed, delighted by the cheerful looking drink. Sam shuffled in a minute later, having thrown on a tank top and socks. His mother handed him a cup of coffee.
The two teenagers sat on the floor, watching as the two children danced before the tree, waiting for permission to dig in.
"Okay, pass out the presents but don't open them yet," Mr. Evans instructed the kids. That was all they needed – Stacy and Stevie began picking up packages one by one, making little piles for themselves.
"Some for mommy, some for daddy," Stacy said, placing boxes in front of their parents. "Some for Sammy… and some for Mr. Rory!"
Wait, some for me? But I only brought something for Sam, why am I getting anything? Rory wondered. He blushed, embarrassed. "All this for me?" Stacy had set five packages in front of him – the same number that Sam had.
"Of course, silly. We can't leave you out!" Mrs. Evans exclaimed.
"Can we open them now?" Stevie whined. "Pleeeeeease?"
"Well… I suppose so! Dig in!" Mr. Evans declared. Two loud cheers signaled the two happy children to start tearing paper away from boxes, squealing with delight at the discovery of new toys.
Sam and Rory on the other hand were slightly more patient. Rory picked up the first package – it said it was from Stacy. Inside was a new pair of gloves and sunglasses. The next package, from Stevie, contained a matching hat and scarf, colored with three stripes – orange, white, and green, the colors of the Irish flag.
Rory made the kids pause long enough to thank them and give them hugs, then turned them loose to continue tearing up paper. 'Santa' had given him a pair of black jeans and a rust colored button down shirt. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had given him something he didn't expect – a new jacket. It probably cost around fifty dollars, which was quite a lot for someone not family.
"Thank you so much, both of you!" Rory cried, hugging both of the Evans parents. "I didn't expect this, it's so much!"
"Don't worry about it, dear. Any friend of Sam's is a friend of ours, and since Sam declared himself your Christmas sponsor, it's our duty as good Americans to show you hospitality," Sam's mother explained.
"Wow mom, you sound like a patriotism commercial!" Sam laughed. He had already made it down to his last gift – one from Rory, who patiently watched him, eager to see his reaction.
Sam carefully tore the paper off, and then once he saw the edge of the box, he tore it open like a little kid. "Oh my God! You didn't!" he exclaimed, examining the item. It was a collector's package of all six Star Wars movies plus bonus discs.
"I know you had the DVDs for the original trilogy, but I thought you might want the whole set," Rory commented.
Sam practically tackled him as he hugged him, thanking him over and over. Rory felt a little guilty – he had found it on sale online and with Finn's assistance, ordered it. He had only spent about fifty dollars, and already Sam's family had spent about three times that.
"I take it you like it," Rory laughed.
"Yes! Thank you thank you thank you!" Sam repeated. "Now open yours!"
Rory picked up the last box which was about the size of a stack of CDs. The wrapping was sketchy – obviously Sam had wrapped it himself. The older teen watched intently. "Go on! Hurry up!"
"Okay, okay," Rory laughed. He finished tearing it open and pulled the top off. Inside was something he really hadn't expected. His mouth was agape as he pulled out the object – a watch with a leather band and silver face.
"Sam… this is way too much…" he said quietly. "Way too much."
Sam hugged him. "Nah, you're my best friend! I had to get you something decent!"
Still in shock – it had to have cost at least another fifty, probably more – Sam took it from him and wrapped it around his wrist, closed it up, and admired it.
"Looks great on you!" Sam said, smiling. His parents were both also smiling, watching their son and his friend.
"I can't thank you enough," Rory said to him and then looked around to everyone else. "Thank you all, so much. Nobody has been this nice to me, ever." His eyes were starting to water. I can't wait to tell mam and dad about this. This is unreal.
"Quit getting emotional," Sam teased, giving him a playful hit to the shoulder. Ten minutes later, the children had finished rampaging through their own gifts, now sitting amidst a mountain of toys and paper.
"Come on, let's go have a Star Wars marathon," Sam suggested, grinning like a little boy.
"Hey hey hey, hold up you two," Mr. Evans interrupted. "Get showered and changed, breakfast in about an hour. Oh yeah, after lunchtime I want you to take the kids to the park so they can play with a couple of their new toys."
"Sure thing, dad," Sam said. Rory followed him to his room and shut the door.
Sam took his hand and looked at his wrist again, admiring the gift. "That really does look great on you."
Rory smiled, his eyes shining bright. "You shouldn't have done that, Sam. That's way too much, but I love it. It's amazing."
Sam grinned. "It's not too much for you. We were poor a few months ago, trust me, I learned how to shop wisely. You know if you save a dollar or two a day, and any extra change you come across, it adds up really fast?" Rory wrapped his arms around him again, then kissed him.
"Sam, I really like you. I like you so much. You are really good to me. I feel really happy."
"I like you a lot, too. I wish… I wish I was able to…" Sam took a deep breath. "I wish I was able to tell everyone about you. I wish I could tell them how proud I am to have you as my boyfriend and walk down the hall holding your hand."
"Sam… maybe someday. When the time is right. I won't push it, we both have a lot to sort out there," Rory replied. He kissed him again, and then it was time to get ready for the day.
-ooo-
The rest of the week went by rather quickly. Sam and Rory spent most of their free time hanging out together, playing video games, watching movies, even playing with the kids. Of course there was that horrible thing called winter break homework that some of their teachers thought would be appropriate to give.
"I really don't want to read this book," Sam complained, tossing The Great Gastby on his bed.
"It's not that long," Rory noted. "It should only take a couple days if you just put your mind to it and just sit down and do it."
Sam sighed. "It's not just that, Rory. It takes me a long time to read a book."
"Just sit down and focus a couple hours a day, you can do it," Rory insisted.
"No, I can't. You don't understand," Sam replied, agitated. "It's hard for me to read, okay? I'm dyslexic."
Rory lowered his eyes, a little embarrassed at having been so insistent. "Oh, I didn't know. I'm sorry."
Sam shrugged. "It's okay. But that's why it takes me so long to read a book. I have to focus on the words more than other people do."
Rory sat on the bed, picked up the book, and started to skim through it. It wasn't a particularly long book. I wonder if I could do something to help. I don't want to offend him though.
"What if… how about we read it together?" Rory suggested.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I'll get a copy of the book and we can read it at the same time. I'll help you along and we can knock it out in no time," the younger teen explained. Sam looked at him skeptically. "You're not stupid, Sammy, you just need motivation and encouragement."
Sam shrugged, embarrassed. "I guess so. It just sucks that we have to read this crap, and you don't even have to for another year or so."
Rory smiled at him, his eyes once again bright. "I don't mind. Take me to the bookstore?"
Sam agreed to take him, and within an hour they were sitting in his room, Rory laying on his stomach on the bed with the book open in front of him while Sam sat in his chair, holding the book open on his desk.
"This is already making my eyes hurt," Sam complained. "It's giving me a headache."
"Read it out loud. I want to hear what it is you're seeing," Rory instructed. Sam shrugged and started to read to him, every few words a jumble of confusion. The brunette scratched his head, suddenly realizing how bad it was for Sam to try and read something as extensive as a novel.
"See what I mean? It's crap. I just need to get Cliff Notes for the assignment."
Rory didn't give a response to that, but instead began to read directly from where Sam left off.
"What are you doing?"
"Reading this crap to my boyfriend because he has dyslexia. What are you doing?" Rory replied with a grin.
"You're really going to read that whole book to me?" Sam asked, laughing.
Rory nodded and smiled. "Yes. Now grab some popcorn, grab me a drink, and get comfortable.
Two hours later, they were already a good way through the novel. I could listen to him all day long. That voice, that accent, it's so damn sexy. If he keeps reading, I'm going to go nuts.
"Okay, break time," Rory announced. He started to get up, but Sam stopped him. He was on his knees, right in front of him, smiling.
"I have a good idea for a break," Sam said slyly. He pressed his lips against his boyfriend's, sliding his tongue into his mouth. As they continued to make out, the blonde stood up, pushing Rory onto his back. He climbed up on top of him, lifted his shirt up and started to kiss Rory's bare chest.
"Just relax. You've earned this," Sam said seductively. He moved his hands down the teenager's sides, reaching his hips. Continuing to alternate from kissing his lips to his chest, with his hands he unbuttoned Rory's pants and tugged them down, exposing his throbbing erection.
Sam looked up and smiled at him, kissed him on the lips one more time, and then traced his tongue down from his neck to his navel and past, following the thin trail of hair right down to his bushy crotch.
Rory gasped as Sam took his manhood into his mouth, feeling those thick lips encasing him. Oh shit, that feels so good. He looked down to see Sam's head bobbing up and down, one hand jerking him off at the same time, his other hand disappearing out of sight.
Sam paused and unwrapped his lips. "Are you liking this?"
"Yes! Oh god yes, please don't stop!" Rory replied, breathing deeply. Sam didn't speak but instead went back down on him, eliciting a loud gasp. Sam moaned as he continued to go down on him, tasting the salty liquid dripping from the hard dick in his mouth.
Sam's free hand was down his own pants, rubbing himself. He could feel his boxers getting wet as his cock was oozing precum. He continued to moan as he sucked and licked and bobbed up and down.
"Sam, I'm gonna…" the teen kept breathing and gasping. Rory didn't have time to finish his sentence as his body trembled. He moaned loudly, shooting his seed directly into Sam's eager mouth.
Sam didn't stop sucking – he continued to keep his lips wrapped around him, drawing out every single drop he could from the erupting dick. He swallowed greedily, enjoying the bitter taste in his mouth.
"Oh, fuck," Rory announced, tired, as his body stopped quivering.
"Wow, that's new. You never cuss," Sam giggled. "That good?"
Rory chuckled, regaining his breath. "Yeah. Very good." Sam smiled, then flopped down next to him, taking his hand out of his pants. Rory took Sam's sticky hand and brought it to his lips, sliding each finger in and out of his mouth, licking off the cream that Sam had coaxed out of himself.
"Can we take a nap?" Rory asked quietly. Sam nodded.
"Yeah, let's take a nap babe," the blonde replied. He kissed him again, taking him into his arms and snuggling with him until they fell asleep.
-ooo-
New Year's Eve came up in almost no time, but by the time the ball dropped, Sam had finished his book and was prepared for class on Tuesday.
The boys watched the famous ball dropping in New York City from the comfort of Sam's room, taking a break from watching Avatar for the third time.
"I'm totally going to teach you to speak Na'vi. I bet it will sound awesome with your accent!" Sam said, shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
"I'm doing good to handle Irish and English, I don't think I can handle a fantasy language too," Rory chuckled. "Stop hogging the popcorn, dork." He playfully yanked the bowl from Sam's hands, turning away from him and keeping it for himself.
Dick Clark came on the set again, his slow and hard to understand voice announcing the last few seconds until midnight. When it hit midnight exactly, and the massive electric ball hit the base, the two boys embraced in a passionate popcorn flavored kiss.
"I'm so glad we got to spend New Year's together," Sam told him when they finally unlocked lips.
"Me too. You've made my winter break the best break I could ask for."
Sam sighed. "You know it's going to suck going back to school after two weeks of break."
"No kidding. At least you got your book read and you can do your assignment."
"Yeah, thanks to you," Sam replied, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Rory turned the TV back to the XBOX and pushed a button. "Let's finish the movie so we can go to bed, I'm tired." The movie started again but within minutes, Rory had fallen asleep. Smiling to himself, Sam put the popcorn bowl on the nightstand, turned out the light, and slid under the covers, making sure the other teen was covered and warm. He gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and then drifted off into his own dream world.