December 2nd – Sweater Weather

Based on the prompt: "You were the cashier giving me weird looks when I bought a ton of ugly Christmas jumpers so I told you they were for my grandma but you happened to be at a party I wore one to and you saw me."

Song: Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood.

oOo

The air outside was cold and bitter and Evan was already regretting leaving the comfort of his apartment. Goosebumps rippled across his skin as it started to rain and he ducked his head, walking faster to make it into the shopping complex before it started to pour.

It was December 1st and while Evan didn't usually celebrate holidays Christmas was an exception and it was somewhat a guilty pleasure of his to launch into full celebration mode as soon as December started.

He'd spent the day putting up a Christmas tree almost as big as his apartment and now his mission was to pick up the most disgusting Christmas sweaters he could possibly find. As he made his way into the clothing store he was greeted by the sound of faint Christmas music and the smell of the gingerbread scented candles on display at the front of the store.

It was nearing 5pm and the store was empty besides Evan and the guy at the register who was busying himself by sorting through a large stack of boxes that obscured him from Evan's sight.

Evan gave a soft "Yes," of victory under his breath as he spotted the rack of brightly coloured red and green sweaters in the middle of the store. Sorting his way through the assortment of reindeer prints, elf patterns and even one that had bells and small patches of tinsel on it, he eventually decided on six sweaters, including the bells and tinsels one which he fully intended to wear to his friends Christmas party the following day.

Sweaters slung over his arms, Evan made his way to the counter where he was met with a large wall of boxes. He cleared his throat uncertainly, placing the pile of sweaters onto the only visible space on the counter. A head peeped around from behind the boxes before disappearing again just as quickly, and a few seconds later the boxes were being shifted to the floor.

Evan nearly groaned out loud in disbelief. It was just his luck that the guy serving him was one of the most attractive guys he'd laid eyes on.

In front of him was a guy that looked not much older than Evan, and only a few inches taller. His skin was pale, but his cheeks were flushed pink from the cold and his eyes were as bright as the blue of the hoodies he was wearing. His lips twisted into a smile and Evan watched them fascinated as the guy in front of him, whose nametag read 'Jonathan' spoke.

"Sorry, we don't normally get people in here so late."

He began scanning the sweaters, a small smirk making its way across his face. "Getting into the Christmas spirit?"

Evan blinked before snapping out of his trance. "What? I-" Embarrassment crawled its way up his body and flooded into his cheeks and he panicked, blurting out the first excuse that came into his mind, "No, no. They're for my grandma."

Jonathan raised a pierced eyebrow and Evan could've kicked himself for being so awkward and making a complete idiot out of himself.

"Oh." The smirk was back on his face, "I'm sure she'll love them."

"Yeah. Yeah she will."

oOo

The sick feeling of embarrassment followed Evan all the way back to his car, where he banged his head against the steering wheel a few times before turning on the ignition. The colour blue haunted him the whole way home. It haunted him as he crawled into bed and it didn't leave him until he'd fallen into restless sleep.

oOo

The next day flew by and Evan had almost forgotten about the colour of Jonathan's eyes and his stupidly attractive jawline until it was time for him to get ready for Craig's Christmas party and he pulled the pile of ugly sweaters out of his closet.

Shaking off the lingering embarrassment, Evan cursed himself for not being able to put the awkward situation behind him. He pulled the sweater with the bells on it over his head, before slipping on his favourite pair of vans as he made his way out of his apartment.

It was only a short drive to Craig's and by the time he'd arrived the party was already in full swing. A group of people had arranged some chairs next to the lounge, surrounding the large fireplace that was centered in the middle of the living room, while others stood around the kitchen, or leant against the wall, drinks in hand.

The fire, along with the Christmas lights that were strung up around the roof gave the apartment a warm glow and Evan felt like he was back at home again, surrounded by his family.

He spotted Craig making his way towards him and he was greeted with a one armed hug, "Dude, nice sweater!"

Evan chuckled and pulled away to get a better look at his friend, who was wearing a bright green sweater with a classic reindeer print on it. "You too man."

oOo

The night progressed and Evan was feeling warm and fuzzy from a combination of the drinks he'd had and the heat coming from the fireplace. He was completely content until he heard a voice that tugged on something in the back of his mind, willing him to turn around and see who it was.

He turned in his seat on the lounge, searching for the voice, trying to place why it sounded so familiar. His eyes landed on a guy leaning on the counter behind him and Evan's stomach dropped.

Almost as if the guy felt Evan's stare, he turned and bright blue eyes met chocolate brown ones. His heartbeat sped up and Evan was suddenly acutely aware of the fact that he was wearing easily the ugliest sweater in the room and that said sweater was also one that he'd lied about to the attractive cashier who was now staring at him with an infuriatingly amused smirk on his face.

Evan was frozen and he had no idea how to react as Jonathan walked towards him, sitting beside him, an amused grin on his face. "Your grandma, huh?"

Evan felt heat crawling its way up his face and he struggled to keep his composure as he replied "I- uh, well."

Jonathan's laughter interrupted him and the sound was music to Evans ears. "Don't worry about it, it suits you."

Evan laughed, twisting his hands together nervously "You really think so?"

"Yeah I do." Jonathan held out an unopened beer, "You wanna drink?"

Evan smiled, relieved, and took the beer, his fingers brushing against Jonathans lightly. "Holy shit your hands are cold!"

Jonathan shrugged sheepishly, "I forgot to bring a jumper."

Evan, feeling much braver due the alcohol he'd consumed, leant over and took Jonathans icy hands in his own in an attempt to warm them up. He watched Jonathans face for any sign of a negative reaction, but all he got was a smile as Jonathan laced his fingers with Evans.

They stayed like that until it was 1AM and somehow Jonathan's hands had ended up inside the sleeves of Evans sweater, and then an hour later he was curled up in Evans lap with his head resting on his chest.

Evan felt warm all over and his head was swimming but he'd never felt so at peace in his life and nobody questioned it the next morning when they found the two the next morning passed out on the lounge, arms wrapped comfortably around each other and small smiles on their faces.