A/N: I know, I'm starting with the same words I always do, 'sorry for the long wait'. Hopefully you all enjoy the new chapter. I beg you to review and let me know what you think. I lost my mojo on the last run because I wasn't getting the reviews.
John loved coming over to St Louis to see the family, at least part of the family, but one thing he hated was the change in temperature. As they drove from the airport to Sam's home in St Charles, all three of them sat shivering.
"It's not usually this cold when I get home from visiting you," Alanna said from the back of the car.
"It's not usually December though," Randy commented with a smirk. "We've just come from glorious weather to this."
"You both grew up here yet I'm the only one who seems grateful to be here," John said shaking his head.
Randy looked over at him with a smirk. Maybe John was trying a little too hard, but he did enjoy coming back to St Louis so he could see Elaine and Randy's family. Deep down he knew it was going to be a difficult week. To start with, they were staying in a hotel, which Randy wasn't happy with after his recent stint of living at one in Florida.
Neither he nor Randy were looking forward to their next stop, dropping Alanna off with her mom. It was the first time either of them had seen or spoken to her since Randy rang her to have a go some months back. John hoped they weren't going to have an argument today, he was tired of them, and their family had been living peacefully since Randy and he had reconciled. It helped that Alanna had broken up with Brad; Randy especially smiled when that happened.
Then, to top off their doom and gloom tour, they were going over to the family home. That in itself wasn't bad; John and Randy were both looking forward to seeing Elaine. Nate and his latest girlfriend were staying there as well meaning Randy would get to catch up with his brother; and Becky would probably be visiting as well with her family. The one person Randy was anxious to see was his dad, even if he didn't say anything to John.
Bob's acceptance of his son's lifestyle and chosen partner depended on if he'd seen Sam recently. One of the few members of Randy's family to stay in touch with her directly, and not through Alanna, would always remind Randy of what marriage vows were. John prayed he hadn't spoken with Sam recently.
"Here goes," Randy murmured as they pulled alongside Sam's house.
"What?" Alanna asked not quite hearing Randy's words.
"I said 'here you go'," Randy said louder, not looking back at his daughter.
"Nice recovery, dad," Alanna said shaking her head. "Can you help me carry my suitcase upstairs?"
"Yeah of course, come on John," Randy said indicating to John he wasn't doing this alone.
John was sure his look was not a happy one when he got out the car and went to close the boot of the car after the luggage was out.
"You alright Cutie?" he asked as he noticed Alanna looking toward the house.
"Yeah I'm fine. Just thought maybe mom would have come outside to say hi. I haven't seen her since I left."
"She's probably at the back of the house and hasn't seen us arrive," John said putting an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, your dad can handle the bags."
"It's nice being the donkey of the family."
John looked back toward Randy, laughing as he watched Randy bringing up the rear with Alanna's suitcase and her bag containing the Christmas presents. He focused back on where he was walking just as they reached the front door. Alanna turned the handle only to find the door locked.
"Maybe they're not up yet," John commented as Randy tried the door as well.
Alanna stepped back and found the spare key under the planter on the porch, unlocking the door so the three of them could enter. John silently prayed he was right about Sam and Neil being in bed still, or out the back and hadn't worried about unlocking yet.
"Mom," Alanna yelled as she walked through to the family room. "Neil. Is anyone home?"
When no one answered, Alanna slumped down to the sofa and grabbed the remote for the television, "Welcome home, me. Dad, do you have space in the hotel room? I might be staying with you yet."
"Al, your mom is probably at the shops, don't overreact," Randy said heading into the kitchen and putting the coffee machine on. "Do you want me to take your bags up to your room?"
"Why? You'll only be bringing them down again," Alanna sulked.
Randy's head hit the counter just as John walked into the room. As much as he and Randy knew this wasn't going to be the nicest trip back to St Louis, he was at least hoping they would have some congeniality before the drama started. He wrapped his arms around Randy's waist and forced him to stand up straight. "Every day I spot something else you and Ally have in common."
"I'm not going to like this particular trait am I?"
"Sulking," John, whispered so Alanna didn't hear them.
"I do not sulk," Randy, said taking mock offence and straightening even more. He pecked John lightly on the lips before separating and pouring a few cups of coffee, keeping Alanna's small. He also hunted around in the cupboards to find everything he needed to make Alanna a sandwich. He wasn't about to let his daughter have coffee without eating something as well. He wanted to make John something but thought better of it; using all of her food was a sure fire way to make Sam mad.
The three of them sat watching television for over an hour as they waited for Sam to return. While they were there, Randy took a call from his mom wondering where they were and he explained the situation. Alanna in the meantime was making plans with her old school friends. Randy was about to give up and make some lunch for John since his stomach was getting louder, when they heard a car pull up on the driveway.
A few minutes later, Sam came into the family room and looked at them all, "I thought you were arriving tomorrow?"
"No, today mom," Alanna said and John could hear a hint of annoyance.
"Oh, well, we've just been doing some shopping," she said heading out of the room without even acknowledging John and Randy.
As Sam left, so Neil walked in and stopped her, giving her a look that John took to mean they had something to tell everyone.
"We're pregnant," Sam said excitedly. "That's what we were shopping for. We're going to decorate this week. We thought since you were living with your dad now, we could use your old room as the baby's room. We've put all of your things in the spare room for you to sort out. See if you wanted to take anything when you head back to Florida."
John hadn't realised he was holding his breath until Randy brushed his arm as he went after Alanna, "Congrats."
"At least one of you has something to say," Sam shook her head. "What's wrong with those two?"
"I think its more, Ally's in shock. Randy's probably checking on her," John said as his stomach gurgled.
John had offered to drive when they eventually left Sam's house. From the moment they arrived, everything went downhill. Not only was Sam not there, as soon as she was she broke the news she was pregnant. As Alanna ran from the room, Randy went after her, hoping to calm her down. When he hadn't returned ten minutes later, John went in search of the pair.
It had been as much of a shock to Randy as it had to Alanna, though he wasn't upset over it. Sam and he had been over a long time ago. The pair sat in what turned out to be Alanna's former room, all of her belongings boxed up in the spare room. Randy told her not to get herself anymore upset and that they'd arrange for her boxes to ship down to Florida so they'd arrive once they were back.
When she was calmer, Randy disappeared downstairs to let Sam know what their plans were for the boxes as well as their week in St Louis. Sam didn't respond with any interest and just as Randy was about to give up and suggest he and John head over to his parents, Neil asked for a word with him.
The much smaller of the two men had attempted to threaten Randy, telling him if he wanted to be able to have a polite conversation with Sam, then he had better learn some manners. Randy had simply laughed and told him Sam had better learn not to lie. When Sam had overheard, all hell broke loose between the three of them, with John trying to play referee when he came downstairs.
John wasn't sure if Alanna had heard the arguing, if she did, she was too tired to mention it. Just as they were preparing to leave, Sam told Alanna she'd have to get her own dinner that night since they'd eaten while they were out. Randy had been on the ball enough to counter it by saying they were all going out for a meal with his family, so she wouldn't need to bother.
As they exited the car at Randy's parents, Nate greeted them, "The gay men are here, time to party."
"Not a chance, I'm exhausted, and John needs to eat," Randy said given a look to his partner as his stomach growled again. "Please tell me mom has something ready."
"I do," she commented as they entered the house. "Where's my granddaughter?"
"With her mom, you'll see her tonight at the meal," Randy said enveloping him mom in a hug. "I've missed you."
As soon as Randy finished his hug, John was neck in line, his stomach growling the entire time.
"Dear god, my boy, have you eaten at all today?" Elaine commented to John though throwing a disappointed look to Randy.
"He gave me breakfast," John said pulling his puppy dog eyes. "Not a thing afterward. Not even when he got Ally something to eat."
"Yeah, I regret that, we ended up in an argument anyway," Randy said sitting at the counter as his mom dished up some plates of food for them. "Where's dad?"
Randy let the lack of a response slide since his mom gave them their food. He hadn't realised he was just as hungry as John until he finished it before his partner. Within minutes, he was up on his feet, rummaging through the kitchen cupboards for something to fill his stomach. Settling on a large bag of chips and pinching the dip from the fridge, Randy started munching.
"You remember that news we found out not so long ago; I'm starting to wonder if you might be in the same condition," John said eyeing Randy eating the chips.
"That would take a miracle... on two counts," Randy said, amused by John's words before closing the distance and kissing him.
"You can stop that if you're in this house," a stern voice said from the doorway.
"Hey dad," Randy greeted his dad.
"You hear Sammy's news?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, just found out, when she told Al she'd been moved out of her room into the spare," Randy said shaking his head. "Sam told you before Al?"
"She just gave me a call," Bob explained. "She said you two caused some trouble when you were there."
"Of course she did, because she's a liar," Randy bit. "All these years I've wondered why Al grew further away from John and I and it's because her mother has been telling her we were having an affair."
"You were," Bob said as though it was the truth.
"No, dad, it isn't," Randy said through gritted teeth. "John and I waited until the divorce went through. I wouldn't disrespect Sam like that."
"You said you kissed-"
"On two occasions, five years apart, that's not an affair," Randy snapped. "An affair is having sex every chance you get."
"Randy," John soothed trying to calm his partner down. "Don't get wound up. It's Christmas and we came here to celebrate with family."
Randy swivelled round on his stool to speak with John, maybe even give him a kiss, just to wind his dad up. He leant in and John placed a finger on his lips, smiling, as his phone rang. When he saw a local number, he knew he had to take the call.
"I'll be right back," John said standing up and heading out into the yard.
"Have you started that business yet?" Bob asked as he drank a cup of coffee.
"The business plan has been written. I need to go into the back and open up a business account, then start locating for the right premises," Randy explained. "I was thinking about going a little old school with it."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, everywhere these days is up to date, modern looking. I thought about having three or four practice rings and some mats," Randy explained. "I want to teach them the basics, and then run an advanced class right after."
"I reckon that's sound, you going to teach them ring psychology?"
Randy nodded his affirmation as he ate some more chips, his stomach feeling empty again. "I wanted to get a couple of guys I worked with but a lot of them are busy with other projects or still working on the road. I'm not sure who to speak to about it. I was thinking about having sessions around promos as well, do you think it's worthwhile?"
"You want to be careful. You were talking about having links with the performance centre," Bob said. "They deal with that."
"Yeah, but the guys and girls who go there already have the basics down. I was thinking more along the lines of teaching them those basics," Randy explained. "Enough to get them noticed by WWE, hell TNA even, if that's who they choose to go with."
"What about getting them experience?"
"Do you two ever stop talking about the business?" Elaine asked walking back in. "You've even made John disappear."
"He's in the yard on the phone," Randy said in his defence. "Besides Dad was the one asking me about the wrestling school. Technically it's my job, or it will be, what else you want us to speak about?"
"So what do you think about Sam's news?" Bob said to his wife.
"I'm happy for her, but it doesn't concern us," Elaine said. "Sam has severed ties with this family; at least everyone but you."
"Regardless, she's a member of this family since she's Alanna's mother," Bob said. "I bet she's excited."
"Shocked I'd say," mumbled Randy. "Not the first thing you expect to hear when see someone for the first time in six months."
"She'll be excited when she gets use to the idea, you took a while," Bob said as John entered from the yard.
"Yeah, but I was three, four years old," Randy said chuckling. "Not sixteen. That was a long phone call," he said pulling John into his side.
"Last business phone call this side of Christmas. I wanted an update about Hard Knocks," John said without offering further information.
"And..."
"Nothing's changed," John shrugged avoiding the topic and Randy's gaze.
Randy's hand slid down his body as he reached to take hold of his aching cock. It was early and he knew John's body had caused its usual reaction during the night, but god he felt extra hard this morning. As his hand hit an obstruction, he truly woke up. John was already giving him one of Christmas presents.
"Mm, Merry Christmas me," Randy said chucking the light sheet off their bodies, watching John work his magic.
John continued working Randy's cock up and down with his lips and tongue, taking his time, not even stopping to say good morning. Randy wasn't far off cumming when John woke him, so he knew he wouldn't last much longer.
"I love it when you take your time, watching my cock slide in and out of your mouth," Randy smirked. "Get ready for your first Christmas present."
Randy bucked his hips up as John worked his cock increasing the pressure, causing Randy to spill his load, "Fuck John, fuck."
John pulled off his cock and worked his way up Randy's body, kissing him quick. Randy moaned, tasting himself on John's tongue.
"Merry Christmas, darling," Randy smiled at his lover, breaking into a laugh.
"What?" John asked bemused at Randy's reaction.
"Apparently," Randy said swiping his finger along John's lip, "you were saving some for later." He fed the remainder of his cum to John who made a show out of licking the finger clean. "Any left?"
"Nope," John said. "Now where's my Christmas present?"
"Wow, you think you can stand me to give you a-"
"Maybe later," John chuckled. "I mean my actual present."
"We agreed we'd exchange when we were with Al," Randy said pulling John from the bed and heading to the bathroom to have a shower. "In the meantime, I'm going to give you another kind of present."
"Yeah, what's that?" John said wrapping his arms around Randy's neck as they backed into the small room. "Am I going to like it?"
"Oh you will, I'll make sure of that," Randy said lifting John from his feet and kicking the door closed.
After sharing a Christmas breakfast in their hotel room, John and Randy hopped in their rental car and made their way over to Sam's house to pick up Alanna. They'd seen Alanna all but one day so far, and from the sounds of what he'd heard, her mom was more interested in the new baby than she was spending time with Alanna. Randy had tried to persuade her to stay with her mom for Christmas day, giving up when she started playing the 'don't you want me around' card.
Randy had called her as they set off so they wouldn't need to go in. He wanted to be congenial but after the other day, he didn't want to risk setting off another argument, especially on Christmas day.
"Can you make a promise to me," Randy said looking at John as they sat waiting for the light to change.
"What's that?"
"You won't disappear on us today," Randy said giving him a look. "You've disappeared for an hour or two nearly every day since we've been here. The first day I thought you were getting me a Christmas present, but then it kept happening. Either I'm difficult to buy for or something's going on."
John laughed at Randy's comment before elaborating, "You are difficult to buy for. But I love you for it."
They pulled up at the house and Alanna practically ran out, yelling back at Sam and Neil to have a good day. She jumped into the car with a large bag.
"Merry Christmas Sweetheart," Randy smiled back at his daughter as she put her seatbelt on.
"Merry Christmas, are we heading to Gran and Granddad's?"
"Yep, your Gran is cooking, even went as far as to ban me from the kitchen before I try and take over," Randy said. "She's naturally banned John as well, for other reasons of course."
"I'm thinking of not giving you a Christmas present at this stage," John said. "And I've spent hours every day this week finding the right one."
"So it really was that I'm difficult to buy for?"
"Yes, you have particular taste when it comes to this type of item," John commented. "And we have to make a stop or two before we head to your grandparents. I hope you don't mind Ally, but it's a joint present."
"That's fine, are you only buying it today?"
"You'll see what's going on," John commented.
He drove for about twenty-five minutes until they were in the Clayton area of St Louis with Randy and Alanna chatting along the way. Alanna was telling her dad about the couple of presents she got from her mom and the one from her other grandparents. The presents were nice but John noticed the lack of sparkle in her eyes.
He'd been thinking about his present for a long time but he wanted to give them both a choice. When he pulled up the street, he knew Randy was puzzled, as was Alanna. He hoped that once they got inside, they would like it.
"Okay, please keep an open mind when you see this. It's taken a while to find the right one, but in the end, I think I got there."
"What are you talking about?" Randy asked puzzled.
John chuckled and reached over to turn Randy's head so he could look at the Georgian style house by which they parked.
"Again," Randy said warily. "What are you talking about?"
"I know you've often wondered if life would be simpler if we lived here in St Louis. We'd be nearer your family. You wouldn't have had the distance between you and Alanna as she was growing up," John said taking his hand gently. "We've discussed it in the past and I've been thinking a lot lately, a hell of a lot, with the Hard Knocks unlikely to stay in business, you starting a business, maybe this would be a good time. Ally I've thought of you in this as well. I know you chose to move to Florida; however, I think you were happier when you were here with your family around. You can still live with us, but you can see your mom whenever you like, as well as your grandparents, your friends."
"What about JC's?" Randy asked trying to catch John out.
"It's thriving, I can run the business from here, and we can always vacation to Florida in the school holidays. Plus, I could find a location for another gym, maybe relocate Hard Knocks here," John said with a shrug; he'd thought it all through. "Look why don't you at least take a look at the house."
"How the realtor won't be working today and the owners-"
"It's vacant and the realtor entrusted me with the number of the key box," John said pulling them both along to look.
John unlocked the house and let them take in both entry rooms. The decor was dated, he'd guessed the previous owners were looking to match the age of the house, but it was something they could easily fix to their tastes. So far, the reaction hadn't been great, or anything near what he expected.
He hoped as he took them around the house their excitement would grow. As John showed them the first room, a drawing room, which sat off from the kitchen, he wondered if they just didn't like the house.
"John, at the end of the day, you know I like to have a kitchen and family room in one, if this is the layout-"
"You think I didn't remember that," John said raising an eyebrow at Randy. "Come on, take a look."
He pulled Randy behind and Alanna followed. It matched Randy's requirements perfectly. The kitchen space, though laid out differently to their home in Florida, was the same and it opened out into the same size again for the family room, with a television over a fireplace.
"Plus, for me, the laundry room is right off the kitchen, so I can still steal a kiss as you cook breakfast," John said quietly to Randy.
"Still heard you," Alanna said walking by, looking around the kitchen.
"How many bedrooms does it have?"
"Technically seven," John said.
"Seven!"
"Technically; there's a carriage house, which made me think. No doubt, Cody and Ted will still stay over when they're in town. We can let them have a key to that place so they can come and go as they please," John explained.
"How many of the bedrooms are in the carriage house?" Alanna asked.
"Two," John said with a smirk. "But I expect they'll only be using one from now on."
"What do you mean?"
"John," Randy warned giving him a look.
"Oh... they... when did that happen, you said they weren't a couple," Alanna said going a little pink at the news.
"I think only recently," Randy said. "Okay, so it meets my need, as long as there's an en suite on the master bedroom."
"There is, and the bathroom is as big as ours," John continued about the house, taking a hint from Randy. "And Ally, the bedrooms are bigger, so you'd have more space here."
"My room's already big enough how much more space can it have," she said.
"Go have a look, I was thinking yours could be the first on the left," John explained.
Randy continued looking around the kitchen and John followed alongside him, "What do you think of it?"
"Nice but extravagant," Randy commented glaring at John. He took his hand and led them out to the patio. "Tell me why you think I wanted this?"
"You miss your family," John said resting against the trellis.
"You miss yours, doesn't mean you want to move back to West Newbury."
"I was thinking about Ally as well, she was happier here," John said defending his decision.
"Yeah, but I have friends in Florida, plus sunshine all day every day, near enough," she said joining them on the patio. "The size of those bedrooms could make me change my mind, though."
John shook his head as he laughed and Randy joined in, moving over to join him where he stood, "I love that you wanted to do this for us. Truth is though, as much as, yes I miss St Louis and my family. I have the only family which matters in Florida, and as long as Al is happy there, then I see no need to change."
Randy looked over at his daughter for confirmation and she nodded, "I'm happy."
"Okay, okay, no moving to St Louis, can I show you my back up present," John said.
"Is it another house?"
"...sort of. I had a niggling feeling that the two of you might pull something like this," John said tugging on Randy's hand.
They got back in the car and John drove back the way they came into St Charles. The other property he found was actually his favourite of the two, making him think it was to be. He'd found the place before the house in Clayton. It was a lot smaller and only ten percent of the cost of the house, but it would be perfect for what he had in mind.
"If you don't want to live in St Louis permanently, then during the school breaks we're going to be vacationing here and I'm not staying in a hotel with you sulking because you can't cook," John said. "So I found this, which I know both of you will love. Again, Ally you can stay here or at your mom's, which is obviously a lot closer than the other house, plus you'll be able to get to your friends easier as well."
"Can we see it first before you go making plans?" Randy said, this time he was the one pulling John along.
"Is he always like this when he gives you a Christmas present?" Alanna asked going ahead of them when they entered the house. "I'm taking a look upstairs."
Randy pulled John straight through to the kitchen to check the room out. "You've outdone yourself, darling. It's gorgeous."
Randy went out on the patio to look outdoors. Although it was open with the surrounding houses, they were spaced apart enough that it was still private.
"There is one problem with this place," John said walking up to Randy. "There's no closed in area out here for you and me to get it on."
"Mm, then you better show me the bedroom," Randy said pulling John tight to him. "Cause you and I will have to christen it when we move in."
"Does that mean you want this place?" John asked excited.
"As long as Al likes it, then, yes, I want it. But only as a vacation home, no moving here permanently," Randy said sternly. "Wipe that idea from your mind."
"Yes, sir," John saluted. "Let's go see if Ally likes it."
John started to head back into the house however; Randy held onto him and pulled him back against him. "You're going to get an extra special Christmas present tonight," Randy promised before sealing it with a kiss. "How about I give you an actual present to open now?"
Randy slipped an envelope from his back pocket handing it to John, "It's not as grand as a condo; however it does link in with the theme we seem to be setting."
John opened the envelope and slipped out the folder with the tickets in. Three open tickets from Tampa to Boston to use anytime in the next year.
"You miss your family as much as I do, so I thought we could go up and see your brothers at some stage. Whenever suits you," Randy said with his hands on John's hips.
"Thank you," John said smashing his lips to Randy's "I love you for this."
"Who wouldn't, I'm an amazing boyfriend."
"Hey button," Cody, said stepping into Ted's arms. "I've missed you today."
"How was Dustin?"
"He's good, Dakota was there with her fiancé, and mom and dad of course," Cody said sighing as Ted held him just right. "I could stay in your arms like this all night."
"Are you staying over tonight?"
"If you want me to," Cody said as Ted led him into the lounge. He curled into Ted as they spread out on the couch watching television. "You know I only just managed to get away. My dad didn't understand why I wanted to go."
"What did you tell him?" Ted asked running his hands through Cody's hair.
"Mm, feels good," Cody murmured at the touch. "Told him I had an early start."
"Not tomorrow we don't," Ted, scolded him.
"What was I supposed to tell him, I wanted to leave because I was going to see my boyfriend?"
Ted didn't say anything in return, not knowing how to respond. He was still getting use to Cody calling him his boyfriend; he didn't want to ruin it already but telling him off any further for lying to his father. Not that he could talk; he'd done the same. His father had wanted him to go to Clinton for Christmas and spend it with the family, but he didn't want to be that far away from Cody.
"By the way, there's something you haven't done yet," Cody said sitting up.
"What's that?" Ted said with a smile rivalling Cody.
"Not to sound like a spoilt child, but where's my present?"
Ted laughed at Cody; he was gorgeous in every way. Cody was fast becoming what John was to Randy, only a lot more hyperactive.
"What if I said I hadn't bought you a present," Ted said seriously.
"I'd put you in a head lock and drag you out to the shops to buy me something," Cody said with a shrug.
"Aren't I glad I actually bought you something then," Ted joked going over to the tree in the corner and grabbing the only present left. "Just so you don't have to force my hand."
"Thank you, thank you," Cody said getting excited as he tore into the present. When he saw the present, he looked confused. "You bought me a picture of a dog?"
"Well you love dogs so much; you can have one on the road with you, now," Ted said getting up. "Do you want a drink?"
"Yeah, sure, a beer would be good," Cody, said trying to wrap his mind around the gift. He heard Ted moving about in the kitchen as he sat in front of the television. He was starting to think the gift he was giving Ted was too much. Sure, it was their first Christmas as a couple, but they'd been friends for years and had always gone all out.
"The shop named her Auburn, but I would imagine you'll be able to come up with a suitable, superhero related name for her," Ted whispered in his ear as he placed the Siberian husky puppy in Cody's lap.
Cody's eyes went wide as he took in the gorgeous white and auburn coloured puppy, "Did you really think I'd buy you a picture of a dog?"
"Well, it's our first Christmas together, oh, I can call her Rogue," Cody said excited. "You know out of X-Men."
"Yes, I know who you mean," Ted chuckled. He had to admit, as much as he teased him about it, he found Cody's obsession with the comics adorable. "Did you hear from Randy earlier, about what John bought him and Ally for Christmas?"
"Yeah, the condo, I know, talk about made of money," Cody said playing with the puppy. "He sent me a link to the house he was going to buy them if they moved there."
"Apparently there would have been space for all your comics and more, according to Randy," Ted joked while joining in with Cody.
"Ted," Cody said getting serious.
"Yes."
"Can Rogue be ours? Not just mine," Cody said. "I want us to have something together. I know things are still fairly new between us, but even if things weren't to work out, I know we'd still be friends and we'd want to still have something together."
"I think that's a great idea," Ted said kissing him. "And Codes, I'm not going anywhere. However, right now, it's getting late, and I think this puppy needs to get some sleep, as do you. You've had a long drive from Dustin's house."
"Let me put Rogue to bed," Cody said. "Is the utility room okay?"
"That's where I have her set up for the night."
Cody disappeared through the kitchen and tucked his new puppy in for the night. She was gorgeous and he couldn't wait to take her on tour with him as soon as she was able. He was already thinking of asking John and Randy to look after the puppy until then. Right now though, he still had his present for Ted, and he was nervous as well.
"Button, are you ready to go upstairs?"
"Yeah, let me switch the lights off on the tree."
The pair made their way up to the bedroom hand in hand, happy to spend a small amount of time together on Christmas day. However, the closer they got to the room, the more Cody's nerves were kicking in. He wanted to do this, but he was scared of the possible rejection from Ted.
Once they changed into their pyjama bottoms, and resting on the bed, Ted rolled onto his side so he could start kissing Cody. They both took their time to say goodnight, as Ted's hand slid across the muscled chest of Cody and down to his chiselled abdomen. Cody ached for him to go further as his tongue stroked against his. His own hands sort out Ted's firm body, reacquainting from the previous night. He knew Ted could feel his erection as Ted pressed his leg against it.
He moaned into Ted's mouth as he felt the full weight of Ted lying on top of him. Cody pulled his free leg up, hooking it around Ted's waist as his boyfriend started grinding against him. Ted grabbed his leg and they held on to each other as they started pressing against one another. He knew this is where Ted would stop, as soon as Cody broke away to moan, needing oxygen in his lungs as he was pushed nearer to climax.
Sure enough, Ted stopped, apologizing for not stopping earlier. Cody didn't know if Ted wasn't ready or if he just didn't want their relationship to go that far. He also worried if Ted thought he'd want to be the one to... which he kept telling himself was a crazy thought, Cody was happy to let Ted be the 'top', at least he thought that was the right term. He was sure he'd inadvertently heard Randy use that term.
"Ted, button," Cody said a little short of breath. "I haven't given you my present yet."
"Don't worry, you can tomorrow, Codes," Ted said holding him loosely in his arms.
"No," Cody said turning around to face him. "I want to... tonight."
"Okay, where is it, downstairs?"
"No, it's... its right... right here," Cody, said letting his nerves in.
"What do you mean?"
"I... I'm your present," Cody said gulping silently. "I wanted to find you a present that would always remind you of this day, our first Christmas, but I couldn't. Then I realised. We've wanted to for a while. We've been going further every night and I want this. I want to feel you inside me."
"You do?" Ted asked shocked at the revelation. "I've been so worried you would want to, you know, the other way."
Cody couldn't help but laugh a little at Ted, for a couple who were about to have sex, they weren't very good at talking about it.
"Ted, I've been letting you take the lead since we started this. How could you think I would want to, you know," Cody said running a hand along Ted's muscled arms.
"You take the lead in the ring," Ted said.
"So does John. But unfortunately I know, damn near first hand, that that doesn't translate into the bedroom."
Ted pushed Cody back so he led on top of him again, "Can we not talk about them in our bedroom."
Cody closed the distance before kissing Ted lightly, "Make love to me Ted."
"It'll be my pleasure... and yours."
A/N: As previously mentioned, please review and spur me on to keep writing.