This is the epilog to a story we haven't written yet, set in a universe we're still creating.

 

Hey, we've never claimed to be rational about our writing. :-)

 

In the story, Vic is a doctor and Parker is a male nanny. When Vic's sister and brother-in-law are killed, he becomes the guardian of their three young children. Unable to cope on his own, he hires Parker to be their live-in nanny. We think you can figure out the rest of the plot.

 

~~~~~

 

Christmas: A New Tradition

 

It was Christmas Eve.

 

Outside the snow fell gently through the night; big soft flakes that wafted lazily through the air, dusting the red velvet ribbon on the old-fashioned lamppost, hissing softly as they touched the colored lights. They drifted against the porch steps and frosted the needles of the fresh pine wreath hung on the post.

 

Inside, a magnificent fir tree stood in front of the bay window in the parlor. Tiny multi-colored fairy lights twinkled in its branches, branches that were twined with silvery garland and lovingly hung with hand-made ornaments. Brightly wrapped gifts, large and small, were piled beneath it, begging to be opened. A fire crackled in the fireplace, candles flickered and spread their fragrant aroma through the air and soft romantic Christmas music filled the air.

 

A low table near the fire held an intimate dinner for two; a tempting array of hors d'oeuvres  to be nibbled on and fed to each other, champagne chilled and waiting to be poured into delicate crystal flutes. All was calm and peaceful, waiting for the lovers to enjoy their midnight repast.

 

"FUCK!"

 

"I'd love to," Parker replied irritably, "but I have to put the roof on this dollhouse first."

 

"Want to trade?" Vic examined his scraped knuckles and decided they weren't bleeding enough to require a bandaid. "Whose idea was it to get Robbie a bike for Christmas, anyway?"

 

"Yours," Parker's tone was now regrettably smug. "I wanted to get him a puppy, remember? They come pre-assembled."

 

"Bikes don't have to be housebroken," Vic countered automatically. He sighed and picked the wrench up again. "You know, this isn't the way I had pictured us spending Christmas Eve."

 

"You're a father figure now," Parker explained. "And this is the way all fathers spend Christmas Eve. It's some kind of sadistic tradition."

 

"Amazing they have more than one kid then. Are you almost done?"

 

"All I have left to do is tighten a few more screws and arrange nine rooms of furniture."

 

Vic shuddered. "Better you than me. I'll stick to the bike and the toddler gym."

 

It wasn't long before the bike, dollhouse, and gym had joined the other gifts around the tree and the two men were reclining on the oriental rug in front of the fire.

 

"Mmm, this is a much better tradition," Parker murmured as he took a bite of smoked salmon and offered the rest to his partner.

 

Vic swallowed the salmon and kissed the fingers that had fed it to him. "Thank you, Parker, for taking my house and turning it into a home."

 

"Thank you," Parker raised his champagne flute toward his lover, "for sharing your home with me."

 

They kissed deeply and then slowly, leisurely undressed each other, their hands and mouths roaming freely, exploring the territory they knew so well yet never tired of.

 

"God, I love you," Parker whispered. "So much that it hurts."

 

"I love you, too," Vic replied softly. He dribbled a line of chocolate across his partner's abdomen and followed it with his tongue to a much sweeter treat. "Mmm."

 

"Paaark-er! Unca Vic! I frew UP in my BED!" came a wail from upstairs.

 

The men froze and then groaned in unison.

 

"Merry Christmas, Vic," Parker sighed as they reluctantly untangled themselves and got to their feet. "Coming, sweetheart!"

 

"I wish," Vic muttered as he followed Parker up the stairs.