Hey! Hey! Hey! Chapter 8! Let's just say I believe you're gonna enjoy this one! XD (The title is self-explanatory.)

Chapter Eight-Christmas Kisses

Rosethorn Manor, Christmas Eve Night...

"And that's it! All the decorations are up!" Dean exclaimed as he levitated the star onto the very top of the huge evergreen tree in the parlor.

"It's beautiful, another masterpiece." Seamus kissed the dark-skinned man in appreciation.

Colin appraised the tree with bright eyes. "It's lovely, mate. Don't you think so, Cormac?"

He peered up from his book. "Of course it is. Dean never does anything half-arsed."

"Holy shit!" Seamus cried out of all a sudden, startling everyone.

''What is it? You nearly gave me a fright." Dean replied, holding a hand over his chest.

"Mistletoe! You forgot the bloody mistletoe! Not to worry, I've got some stashed away for the occasion.." The Irishman hightailed it out of there, despite Dean's protests.

''Do we really need a sprig of that plant hanging about?" Colin asked Cormac.

"Nope, but it's one of Finnigan's holiday kinks...if we can call it that. Just let him have his way."

Colin shrugged in silence as Seamus returned with a boxful and started hanging them about...with Cormac moving every time Finnigan deliberately placed one near him.

"Aw, come on! A kiss ain't gonna hurt ya!'' Seamus snickered as his best mate grumbled, threatening to give him a 'kiss' or two if he doesn't quit it. Colin and Dean shook their heads in mirth as the night's festivities went on.

Christmas Day...

"Up! Get up, you lazy bastards! It's Christmas! Time for presents!" Seamus crowed, banging on both Colin and Cormac's doors before running off, shaking them from slumber. '

I swear, I'm going to fucking murder Finnigan someday soon.' Cormac mentally growled as he lumbered out after freshening up.

Colin rinsed his mouth of toothpaste and combed his hair, gazing through the doorway at the gifts on his table. 'I hope Cormac likes what I have for him.' Gingerly grabbing the parcels, Colin joined his mates in the parlor. Dean and Seamus were already opening gifts from each other and Cormac. ''Merry Christmas, guys. I hope I didn't fare too badly with my choices." Colin smiled as he handed a gift first to Seamus, then Dean and finally, Cormac.

He appeared surprised when Colin handed him a square black box the size of his palm. "Go on, open it. I didn't know what to get you, so I just went with my gut."

Cormac opened the box and gazed upon the gift inside. Carefully, he removed the silver-chained amethyst pendant and held it in his fingertips, watching the violet stone glint in the light. The necklace was simple, yet beautiful and exquisite all on its own. Out of his collection, Cormac didn't have a single piece that looked like this. It would be sure to stand out. In all honesty, it was a very lovely gift.

"It's..it's beautiful, Colin. I didn't expect you to get me anything."

"I wanted to. It wouldn't be fair of me to get something for them and nothing for you. May I?"

Cormac nodded, allowing Colin to clasp the pendant around his neck. Dean whistled in admiration. ''Looks good on you, mate. Brings out your eyes.'' 'Also why I bought it.' Colin smiled, shutting the gift box as Cormac continued fingering the gemstone.

"Hey, didn't you get Colin a gift too?''

"Oh yeah..he did." Seamus grinned, handing him a tiny box wrapped in gold paper, topped with a red bow. Colin took the box, curiously glancing at the young master before removing the paper and lifting the lid.

''Oh, Cormac." he gaped at the golden signet ring, set with a shining moonstone in the middle and a Celtic knot as its band.

"Wow, this is gorgeous! I don't even own a signet ring.''

"You do now! You have one just like us, gold but of a different birthstone. You're officially the fourth to make our quartet!" Seamus pointed out, gesturing to his and Dean's rings. Colin wasted no time in embracing Cormac, stunning the disfigured male and making him blush furiously. He hasn't been hugged by anyone other than his parents and friends...when he'd even let them give him a hug.

"Thank you for such a thoughtful gift." he whispered softly in his ear just before pulling away.

"You're welcome." While Colin admired the new ring upon his right middle finger, Babble the house elf 'popped' in. ''Master Cormac, breakfast is ready. Your parents is coming after breakfast, so is Master Dean and Seamus's."

"Oh yeah...that's right." Cormac muttered aloud as if he'd forgotten that small detail...which he did, quite frankly. Today was the day they'd meet Colin and that made a sudden nervous wave wash over him. Would they be suspicious of Colin? How much would they question him? Would they like him? He couldn't put it past his folks to worry. They've tried so much before to get their son out of the dumps, but each attempt resulted in utter failure. Eventually, they grew distrustful of anyone who came near their son...if and when they would. So, he hoped they wouldn't scare him away with their own cold attitude.

"Yum, I'm starved! And sorry, Shay. This means no Christmas morning sex." Dean sympathetically smiled as he led a pouting Seamus to the dining room.

"Looks like you're uh, about to meet the parents in about an hour." Cormac gulped in between his sentence.

''I'm sure it'll go pleasantly, or at least I hope it will."

Once breakfast concluded, six pairs of feet shuffled from the hearth of the main fireplace on the first floor. ''Cormac! Boys! We're here and Merry Christmas!" a tall, fit blonde man with Cormac's eyes announced as he and his guests entered the hallway.

''Ma! Dad!" Seamus sped over and first embraced a grinning brunette male of average height. Dean calmly approached his parents with a smile and hugged them tightly.

"Come here, sweetie." Felicity McLaggen wrapped her arms around Cormac's malformed torso, burying her head into his shoulder. "Oh, how I've missed you. How have you been? Are you eating regularly?"

He rolled his eyes, sighing. "I'm fine, Mum. Yes, I have been eating...no need to worry about that."

"Good, because I would have moved back in if you haven't. You know I don't want a repeat of the first time."

"Don't remind me, please." Riordan McLaggen was listening intently to his wife and son's banter until he caught a glimpse of another male with long light blonde hair peeking cautiously from behind the door. "Who are you?" his deeply-voiced abrupt question silenced the chatter. The guests faced Colin.

"That's what I wanted to tell you. Mum, Dad..." Cormac strode over, beckoning him inside. ''...this is Colin Creevey. He's my friend."

Riordan slowly nodded, raising a quizzical eyebrow. "Uh huh."

Andrew Thomas, Dean's father, cleared the awkward air. "How about we head up to the parlor and get better acquainted?"

"That sounds like a marvelous idea, shall we?" Cathair Finnigan helped escort their wives, Cormac and Colin out. Dean and Seamus followed suit, but turned around to Riordan and Felicity. Their glares never left their faces.

"Would you two mind telling us how long that boy has been here?"

Dean answered. "Yes, sir. You see, Colin's been coming around for a little over a month and he's getting along with Cormac quite well...and.."

"And we're sensin' growin' affection between them." Seamus interjected, trying to get the point across.

Felicity brightened at his retort but that faded just as quickly. "Please, please don't get our hopes up."

"How are you both so certain? That boy could only be associating with our son because of what he looked like before. You two still have photos of him underneath your beds, don't you think I don't know about them!" hissed Riordan, jumping to Cormac's defense.

"Lord McLaggen, please! I assure you, Colin doesn't know we have some and he still is unaware of how he used to look. There is something there, I saw it in his eyes. Cormac looked at him the same way." Dean replied quickly.

Riordan was shocked to say the least. "What? Cormac is actually showing genuine interest in Colin?"

"Yes, though he doesn't appear too sure of it. We think he's still debating over whether or not if he should allow himself to feel for him. We also believe he's unsure if Colin would give him a chance if he chose to pursue him. Cormac won't admit it, but we see it."

Seamus piped eagerly. "Aye. Colin and Cormac are a perfect match, you'll see. That's why we're tryin' to get them together. Colin is also unknowin' of the stipulation to end Cormac's curse, so that's why we state that his emergin' feelings are real, and before you ask, no...Cormac didn't tell him about it either. I doubt he even thought of it. So, we graciously ask that you two don't bring it up. They, uh...don't know we're hookin' them up and have been all this time."

Riordan uncharacteristically let out a loud snort. "Leave it to you two to play matchmaker. Fine, Felicity and I will allow your little ruse. Do not disappoint us by rushing them, so many relationships have crumbled because of that and I would hate to see my son in tears. If he cries because you royally fucked up, I will make sure YOU cry. Now parlor, gentlemen?" Riordan smiled casually as he ended their conversation. Dean and Seamus gulped, slightly loosening their collars as they followed close behind.

They arrived to see Colin chatting freely with the other parents. Riordan observed as Cormac was staring holes into the back of his head. His eyes held a true softness as he sat there silently. 'Ah, so there may be truth to Cormac having affections for him after all.' "Sorry for the delay, everyone. I hope we weren't being too rude."

Colin smiled, offering the seat next to him. ''Not at all, Mr. McLaggen."

Riordan vigorously shook Colin's hand. "I apologize for earlier, Colin. My wife and I aren't accustomed to seeing anyone else here besides Dean and Seamus."

"It's fine, sir, and quite understandable."

After a Christmas lunch and more gift-opening, their guests vacated the manor. To note as well, Cormac's folks thought of Colin as a polite and engaging young man, but they still kept their suspicions like any protective parents would. Colin left temporarily to visit his family and friends for a few hours. He came back around ten o'clock that night.

Waltzing into the parlor, he noticed Dean and Seamus were absent. So was Cormac. Returning to his room, Colin showered and pulled on his pajamas. Noticing there was still a strange silence, he knocked on Cormac's door.

"Welcome back. How was the visit?"

Colin went in and sat with Cormac on the bed. ''Splendid. Other than the thoughtful gifts, Mum made a spectacular dinner for all of us and it was devoured. Half of my family was visiting from Ireland, so it was a full house. Dennis and Nigel made their own Yuletide red and green flame display and it went smoothly for once. Dad didn't have to patch anyone up."

Cormac chuckled at the thought. ''That's wonderful. Can't imagine anyone who'd fancy an injury on a joyful day. Your mates enjoy their gifts?"

"Surely! They were quite pleased with my choices and I put what I got from them in my room back home. It was a great Christmas. Did I miss much?"

"Nope. The shag-a-lot boys are in Dean's room...shagging. They've been in there for over an hour."

Colin laughed. "So that's why I came back to absolute silence. Hm, I've been wondering something, what is it with Seamus plastering mistletoe everywhere you went in the parlor?"

"I think he was trying to get you and me to kiss."

"Oh? Is that so?" A faint blush settled on Colin's cheeks.

Cormac twiddled his thumbs, shrugging. "I guess so, maybe."

"A kiss...between us...kinda sounds weird, huh?" Colin said with a nervous twinge.

"Yeah, it kinda does." he replied softly, sounding a tad solemn. 'Not really. That's something from you that would make my entire year. If only by a stroke of luck, I'd love it if you were to kiss me.'

Scratching his head at the awkward silence, Colin peered upwards to the inside edge of Cormac's canopy top. A flourish of green light emerged, forming into a small plant cutting. The evergreen foliage and berries were unmistakable, it was mistletoe.

"Uh, Cormac?"

"Hm?"

Colin pointed to the plant that mysteriously appeared over them. The young master moved his mouth, trying to form a question. He looked to his friend for a response. "I..I dunno how that got there. It wasn't here a second ago. Did Seamus misplace one?"

Shaking his head, he answered while staring at the sprig. "No, 'misplace' isn't the word. 'Planted' is more appropriate. What am I going to do with that leprechaun?"

Colin smiled softly. "Well, you don't have to do anything. Perhaps Seamus thought this was all in good fun, to try and spread a little cheer. We can't be mad at him for that."

"I guess you're right."

"Cor, how about uh...if you're up for it...how about we humor our little troublemaker with a kiss?"

Cormac's violet eyes widened comically. "Uh, a kiss? Do you really want to? Why would you? I.." he couldn't finish.

"Cormac.." Colin sensed his apprehension and wanted to calm him. "...If I didn't want to, I wouldn't have suggested it. There's nothing to worry over, it's just a kiss. I know you've given many of them. I surely haven't."

"You've never been kissed?"

"Now I didn't say that. I have been kissed, but...my first one wasn't as great I wanted it to be." he frowned towards the end of that statement.

Cormac tilted his head. "How so?"

"I'll tell you some other time. Well, how about that kiss?"

"Ok.."

Colin slid closer, their knees were now touching. Cormac moved hair behind the blonde's ear and took a deep breath. He's never been nervous when he was about to lock lips with someone, but that was totally different now that Colin was involved. 'You can do this, McLaggen. You've kissed hundreds of times...you haven't forgotten. Here goes nothing, just be gentle.' Taking Colin's chin between his thumb and forefinger, Cormac leaned in and caressed those lips with his own. Sparks flew between the both of them and warmth surged through their bodies. Neither had ever experienced a kiss of this magnitude before tonight. Cormac certainly hadn't, even with his vast amount of practice. Once their mouths separated, they were staring directly at one another, unmoving and silent.

Colin gulped. 'My god, that kiss...now that's what I wish I had. So perfect.'

Cormac mused as he gazed longingly at him. 'Oh, Merlin, never had I ever felt a kiss so intense as that. Is this how one with the perfect person is supposed to feel? If so, it feels pretty damn good. Will we do it again?'

"Cormac.." Eyes half-lidded, Colin cradled his face and stroked his cheeks. "Kiss me again." Cormac wasted no time in reclaiming those pouty lips. The blondes wrapped their arms around each other, deepening that well-deserved, and to few..a heavily-awaited snog.

Breaking away for a second time, Cormac rested his forehead against Colin's, holding his hands. The mistletoe above vanished this time around unbeknownst to them.

Colin grinned. "You're an amazing kisser."

"Guess I...never lost my touch, huh?" he sheepishly returned.

''You sure didn't." Gazing at the clock, the time read 11:15 pm. It's been a long day and Colin felt exhausted. "I think it's time for me to go to bed. Completely knackered."

Cormac nodded, slowly letting go of his hands. "Yeah, me too. I'll see you in the morning?"

"You will. Goodnight.." They shared a quick embrace before he returned to his room. Colin practically floated towards his bed and laid down. The stunt Seamus pulled proved to cause a little more than expected. They kissed not once but twice...each setting him on fire. His lips were still warm and tingling. Colin touched them and grinned. 'Yep, this was a great Christmas.'

Crawling underneath his covers, Cormac smiled to himself, muttering. ''Thanks for the mistletoe, Finnigan."

In Dean's room, a mischievous Irishman was peering through a small enchanted device beside his sleeping boyfriend. ''You're welcome, mate.''

The next day...

"...And then they kissed for the second time! This one lasted for much longer."

"No way! Yes! Finally! Now we're getting somewhere!" Dean yelped joyfully once Seamus relayed the news that early afternoon.

"See? I knew my barrage of mistletoe would prove to be quite the distraction. Especially when I kept that enchanted one in my pocket." Seamus winked, placing said mistletoe back into its box.

Dean playfully nipped him along his lips. "I love it when you're devious. Now, our future lovebirds are one step closer."

"All because o' me." Dean allowed Seamus to revel in this victory as he sashayed like a triumphant peacock down the hall.

Cormac was leaning against the barrier of his magically-snow and ice-guarded balcony, gazing out across the blanketed landscape. Christmas night replayed over and over, like a sweet melody of a songbird that refused to quit chirping. The way Colin looked into his eyes, how he touched his face...how they wrapped their arms around one another...how they kissed...it was better than what he ever believed would happen. Even if for a brief moment, Colin made him feel like he was on top of the world. All the things he says, how he reassures and comforts him...that blonde honestly had no idea how he affected Cormac. If someone were to say this to his arrogant self, he would have laughed in their face. Now he understands why Dean and Seamus are together...how it feels to simply be near the one who completes you...or the one who can.

'I want to try, Colin. I never thought I would be able to hold someone or kiss anyone again. Not until you came along. Last night made everything clear and I want to ask you out. The question is...do you want to be with me?'

Lounging on a couch in the library, Colin was finding it harder to concentrate on the book he was reading. With every mention of the handsome prince, Cormac came to mind. 'Handsome' was a bit exaggerating but it explained the idea. Closing his novel, Colin softly sighed and pulled the flannel blanket over himself. He woke up this morning thinking all about that kiss..er...those kisses. He also thought about how soft Cormac's skin was, despite the grayish-white tone and very slight clammy feeling. The young master was a bit nervous so that may have been the cause of it. Colin closed his eyes, silently reminiscing over the gentleness of Cormac's hands...the relaxing warmth of his body...the petal-like softness of his lips. Everything.

Every last gesture Cormac made sparked a loving light within him...not that such a thing never existed before...it just hadn't ignited one serious enough for Colin to pursue anyone. He's witnessed his mates and their boyfriends/girlfriends all happy together...always having someone to talk to and confide in...or just keep each other company. Even Dennis and Nigel were an example...albeit not a very good one since they're technically not a couple...but they still showed affection nonetheless. He figured why can't he have that too?

'Yeah, why can't I have that? It would be nice if I had someone to spend time with on an intimate level for a change. And Cormac...he's so very sweet and he does have a good heart. Now that I've gotten to chip away at his tough shell, I see much more behind his fearsome mask. He may not be a beauty to society's standards but he is deserving of love and companionship like everyone else. I really have grown to like Cormac and we have proved that we can both be friends. I think we can become more, though. Besides, I always find myself thinking of him and how wonderful he is to me. His warmth, the protective air about him...I just want to be around it. He makes me feel good...and..and...fuck it. It's settled. Cormac, I want to ask you out. I just hope you say ''yes''.'

With an adamant nod, Colin made the decision to rise from the couch and find him.

"Cormac? Cormac? Where are you?" Colin asked aloud, searching corridor by corridor.

"He's out on the balcony, mate. What's the emergency?" Dean queried as he and Seamus approached him, having followed the sound of his voice.

"Oh..oh nothing. There's no emergency, I just need to ask him something." Colin replied hastily, leaving in that specific direction.

"Gee, whatever could that be?" they shared a smirk as they crept silently after him. Taking the decision to find Colin, Cormac turned around to see his crush ambling towards him. "Colin? I was just coming to look for you."

"Really? I was doing the same. Heh, small world."

"Indeed. So, what were you needing to tell me?"

Colin gazed at the ground quickly then to Cormac. ''Uh, you go first."

Cormac slightly grinned, scrunching up the lopsided portion of his face. "Ok, Colin, I've been thinking. I've been thinking about us...our friendship as of late and...shit, how else can I say this without rambling?" Colin patiently remained silent as he continued "...I like you, a lot...and...and I was hoping you would go out with me. I know I'm not much to look at, but, you think maybe we could give it a shot if you're interested?" 'Please be interested.'

Colin answered him, widely grinning "I'd love to. It's funny, I was going to ask you the same thing and in my head, it sounded pretty much how you did."

Cormac brightened tremendously, all while subconsciously trying to calm his facial features out of instinct. "Really?"

Colin nodded as he walked over and wrapped his arms around him. "Really."

"Thank you, Colin. You don't know how much this means to me..and I-"

"Cormac?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up and kiss me."

Cormac obeyed and pressed his lips against Colin's for third time. Apparently, the 'third time' was the charm. After releasing himself from Cormac's mouth, Colin shivered. "It's bitter out here, care to join me next to the fireplace?"

"I'd be more than happy to. First, let's give Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum the good news."

Behind the French doors poked out Dean and Seamus. "I think we already see it. Congrats, you two."

Seamus joyfully bounced over. "Yeah! I'm so happy for the both o' ya! I told ya you just had to have hope and you didn't believe me...I proved you wrong! Ha ha ha ha ha ha."

Cormac rolled his eyes, looping a muscular arm through Colin's. "Yeah, yeah...you were right. You can celebrate out here while I cuddle with this beauty in there. Excuse us."

Dean stepped aside as they meandered to the parlor. ''Score us: One, Cedric: Nada."

Seamus fist-bumped his boyfriend. "You know it."

I know some of you are like ''Finally! It's about damn time they kissed!'' What you think? Reviews are nice but not mandatory. :)