Author's note: Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday! Here's a present for all of you, so enjoy!
"So, I'm going to guess you didn't get the memo." Claire shook her head slightly, not taking her eyes off the road ahead. "Jill's invitation specifically said to wear festive clothing." She had been harping on the subject for the last ten minutes. The fact that Piers looked like he had just stepped out of a magazine, while Claire looked like a snowman threw up all over her, rubbed her the wrong way. He had on a nice pair of blue jeans as well as a black dress shirt, with the cuffs flared out. Claire, on the other hand, was wearing a red dress with white fluff attached to the bottom. "You just had to dress up and make me look hideous." She mumbled at him. He turned his head and looked over her attire.
"I think you look like a sexy version of Mrs. Claus. It kinda turns me on." He could see her face turn red from the lights of a passing car. He grinned triumphantly to himself, knowing that in the next few hours, he was going to make her life difficult. "So, what's the plan?" It took some time for Claire to get a grip on herself, but she was finally able to respond.
"I guess just make it through the party. I say, take things as they come." They continued to exchange conversation with each other, when they arrived at Jill's. Chris, with Jill on his arm, was waiting there to greet them.
"Hey, you two! Come on in. The other's are already here." He pulled them inside to join the others. Most of the people there were already engaged in other activities, to much so to notice the new arrivals. "Now that everyone's here, who wants to play dirty Santa?" Chris had a way of drawing everyone's attention to him. He pulled out the presents and started passing them out. When he handed the last one to Claire, the atmosphere became tense. "Ok! Everyone trade up!" The room instantly became utter chaos. There were presents and people flying everywhere. When everything became calm, people opened their winnings.
"Ooo! I got a Bath and Bodywork's gift card!" Claire happily announced her prize. She turned to Piers, surprised by the confusion he was obviously trying to hide. "What did you get?" He was speechless for a moment, turning his head slowly to glare at her. She shifted around, wondering what she said wrong.
"... I got these." He pulled out a pair of fuzzy handcuffs and a leopard print thong. Claire couldn't help but bust out laughing, drawing the room's attention to Piers's gifts. Suddenly, everyone was laughing, causing Piers to blush deeply.
"I'm so sorry, man. I was sort of hoping Chris would get my gift." A man, with the name 'Billy' printed on the arm of his jacket, announced. Rebecca was sitting right beside him, shaking her head in discontent. Just before things got even more awkward, Jill walked in from the kitchen, carrying a bowl of eggnog.
"Who wants some spiked eggnog?" All the renowned drinkers in the room instantly formed a line to the punch bowl.
"You don't want any?" Piers asked when he noticed Claire didn't get up to get in line.
"I don't drink. Anyway, I'm the designated driver. Duh." She proclaimed as if it were common sense. She smiled, but it quickly faded as she watched her brother grab a glass. Her knowledge of his alcoholic background told her to keep an eye on him. After he picked up his fifth glass, she intervened. "That's enough, Chris." She reached for his glass, but he pulled it away.
"I'm perfectly fine, thank you." He slurred his words as he tried to put it up to his lips. Claire intercepted it.
"You've had enough." She said her words more forcefully the second time. Chris didn't take that to well.
"I said I'm fine, dammit!" The were having a full tug-of-war over the cup of eggnog now.
"No, your not! I wish you wouldn't be so complicated!" She was practically screaming at him. There were people ready to get in between them if things got to ugly.
"And I wish you weren't my over protective sister, but we can't all get what we want, huh?" His words lashed out at her. She let go of the cup, causing Chris to stumble backwards a little. Before anyone had the chance to say anything, Claire was already on the back porch, getting some air. While Jill was yelling at and lecturing Chris, Piers followed after Claire.
"He didn't mean what he said. You know that. " He came up behind her, but she continued to face away from him.
"I know, I know. He is my brother after all. I just wish he didn't have to be this way. I know it's hard for him and all, but he's not the only one that's hurting. You don't see me getting shit faced around old friends of mine. Well, I guess I have always been the responsible one though. He's a good man, I just wish he would act like it sometimes. You can imagine how bad it was when he thought Jill was M.I.A. He just about drank himself to death. I'm surprised his liver hasn't failed yet." In the middle of her rant, she turned around. The snow started falling around them, lifting Claire's spirit a little. A thudding noise came from above them, challenging them to both look up. At that moment, they both simultaneously looked up and noticed a mistletoe above them. While Claire's thought process was still on the mistletoe, Piers took her face in his hands, leading her lips up to his. He kissed her softly and gently, leaving her with an inner warmth that out matched the cold weather. He pulled her in and hugged her, burring his face in her neck.
"Merry Christmas, Claire." He spoke softly in her ear. She felt her cheeks turn hot as he released her. She bit her lower lip, trying to decide how to respond. In the end, she responded with another kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he wrapped his around her waist. When she finally pulled back, she looked overly satisfied.
"Merry Christmas, Piers."