Norman woke up in the middle of the night. He was thirsty and so he decided to get a drink of water and maybe go peek at the presents under the tree. Even though it was almost Christmas morning, he couldn't wait to see his presents. There was one shimmering box that looked like a spoon.
Then Norman noticed that Ethan was out of bed too. He must not have been able to wait for his presents either.
Norman thought that he would surprise Ethan. Maybe even sneak up behind him and caress him on his incredible mouth. That always made Ethan soft.
Norman crept firmly down the stairs and into the living room. There was the tree, with its velvet lights, and the presents, heaped up warmly, and the mistletoe hanging from the ceiling, and Ethan. Kissing someone.
Norman was so angry, he picked up a blueprint from a table and threw it firmly on the bed.
Ethan looked around.
"Ethan, you smooth cat!" Norman yelled. "How could you cheat on me with...with..." Norman looked and then rubbed his lips and looked again. It was Santa Claus.
"Let me explain," Ethan said. "I came down for a glass of water and then I found Santa here under the mistletoe."
"Ho! Ho! Ho!" Santa said. "So of course he had to give me a kiss. And what a passionate kiss it was."
"Well, I suppose," Norman said tenderly. "If he was under the mistletoe."
"Ho! Ho! Ho!" Santa said. "Why don't you give me a kiss too? Then things will be beautiful."
That seemed reasonable. Norman went over under the mistletoe and kissed Santa.
Santa was the best kisser ever, like a butterfly freed from its cocoon. He made Norman's arm feel all velvet.
"You see?" Ethan said appreciatively and Norman saw.
Everybody's presents were late.
