Chapter Text
Jean had his last final a few days before Marco’s. He knew that there was no chance of getting Marco to take a break. Instead, he decided to head back to his dormment and start packing. He trudged through the campus with his head down and his hoodie pulled over his head to try and combat the bitter cold. When he reached his home he could hear that Sasha was over. He could hear her whining from the other side of the door. Jean unlocked the door and waited by the frame. Connie was standing on the edge of the futon. He held a pizza box over his head, laughing. Sasha was laying on the couch, her arms stretched up trying, to no avail, to get the box.
“What are you doing?” Jean asked. He removed his hoodie, throwing it over the entry table. Connie looked over at him with a smile. He hoped over the futon and ran over to Jean. He handed him the box and hid behind Jean.
“Bet you won’t hit him,” Connie called from over Jean’s shoulder. Sasha popped up from her position and ran over to Jena. She stopped and raised one leg and both her arms.
“Hand over that pizza, Kirstein,” Sasha said her voice a playful hiss. Jean rolled his eyes and walked past her setting the pizza on the dining room table.
“Where’s your boyfriend?” Connie asked.
“Studying. I figured he’d want to be left alone,” Jean said. He plopped down on the futon.
“Aw! Cute,” Sasha said. She was barely audible since she was also stuffing pizza in her mouth.
“What’s cute about that?” Jean asked. He walked over to the futon and flopped down on the futon and stretched his legs out.
“Well,” she started. She paused to wipe her face. “You’re normally not that thoughtful.” The statement was flat and honest. Jean knew she was right.
“Not that you’re a dick or anything,” she added quickly.
“Yeah,” Connie chimed in. He walked over to the futon and pushed Jean’s legs out of the way before flopping down. “You’re actually pretty cool once we got to know you.” Jean rolled his eyes, but couldn’t contain his smile.
“Are you getting all sentimental since it’s almost Christmas?” Jean asked. Connie smirked and shoved Jean’s arm. Sasha slid in beside Connie.
“Unpause the movie!” she shouted. It was then that Jean noticed the screen. It was the old time, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie. It was the one with the memorable stop- motion animation style. Jean looked over at the couple.
“Really? It’s only December seventh,” he said.
“You shut your mouth,” Sasha said. “This classic can be enjoyed anytime of the year.” Connie simply shrugged. A few minutes later Jean felt his phone buzz. He could see from his lockscreen that it was a text from Marco. He swiped his thumb across the screen to unlock his phone, sending him straight to his messages.
Marco J: Hey! Just found out I’m exempt from my last two exams J
Jean looked at the message and smiled. That meant that he and Marco could spend the last few days on campus together without any interruptions. He glanced over at Sasha and Connie, trying to conceal his wide smile. He looked back at his phone and typed a respone.
Jean: thts great! come over to my place
Jean looked over the message exchange several times in his head. His response sounded tactless, like a bootycall. He frowned and typed up an addition to his text.
Jean: we’re watchin xmas movies
Jean waited Marco’s reply. He hadn’t realized that he had been staring so intently at his phone until he heard Sasha snort. He looked over to see the two of him grinning at him.
“What?” he asked after a few more seconds of silence.
“You textin bae?” Sasha asked. Jean could feel his cheeks heat up. He looked away and back at his phone.
“You sextin’ bae?” Connie asked. Jean knew his face was red.
“Oh my God, no!” Jean exclaimed. “Just focus on the fucking reindeer and leave me alone,” Jean said in a huff. He winced when the two yelled out an “aw”. He couldn’t keep his frown set on his face when he saw Marco’s reply.
Marco J: Sure! I’d love to. Just give me 30 min.
Jean smiled and typed a quick response. He locked his phone again and focused on the movie. As much as he would pick on Sasha for her enthusiasm in the movie, he himself made a point to watch this particular movie every Christmas.
Marco made it to their house in a little under thirty minutes. Jean had made sure to unlock the door so Marco could simply walk in. All three of the occupants on the couch turned at the sound of the door clicking open. Jean felt his lips tug into a smile. Marco’s nose was a little red from the cold. Jean moved over, giving Marco a space b y the arm rest. He slid into the seat with a smile.
“How’s it going, guys?” Marco asked, removing his jacket while in the seat.
“Watching the best movie ever,” Sasha said through a mouth full of another slice of pizza. Connie reached over her and took the last slice.
“Oh hey, thanks for sharing,” Jean said. Sasha waved her hand at him.
“We’re gonna order more, duh,” she said. She looked past Jean and focused on Marco. “Jean said you had exams to study for. You taking a break?” she asked.
“I’m exempt from them. I honestly was shocked when I got the email,” he said with a smile. Connie reached over to pat Marco on the back, shouting out “nice” as he slapped his back a few times. The freckled male laughed, and thanked him. Jean smiled and leaned into the futon. He was by no means a sap, but he could feel the warmth that seemed to spread in his stomach. He chest fluttered and he knew he was happy. He closed his eyes and smiled, vaguely listening to the mixture of the sounds from the movie and his friends around him lively chatting.
***
Jean laid on his bed. It must have been early in the morning since is room was still bathed in darkness. He looked over. He couldn’t see Marco, but he could hear his light breathing and an occasional grunt. He placed his hand over Marco’s. The other male shifted but stayed asleep. Jean smiled. It was the night before winter break. Marco had let him know that his family would love to meet him, but wanted Marco to spend Christmas with them. Jean didn’t care either way. As long as he could spend any time with Marco, he was happy. Jean rolled on his side so that he could face Marco. He leaned forward, inching closer the male. He paused when he heard a small giggle.
“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” Marco’s voice was groggy, most likely because he had just woken up.
“Heh… didn’t mean to wake you,” Jean said. He could feel Marco moving under the covers, pushing closer to him.
“What’re you up thinkin’ about?” Marco asked. Jean had to stop himself from laughing at the slur in his voice.
“You, mostly,” Jean said. He slipped his arm over Marco’s waist. He heard Marco let out a small airy laugh. He rubbed his thumb against the male’s bare skin in soothing circle. He did so absent- mindedly until he heard Marco’s breathing even out, indicating that he had fallen asleep again. Jean grinned and kissed his cheek. He laid his head on the pillow near Marco. After a few content moments, Jean was asleep.
***
Winter break had gone by without a hitch. Jean’s time with his family felt more pleasant than it used to. His dead was able to be home for the majority of break, even on Christmas day. Jean never faulted his dad for his time away. He knew his dad worked hard to make sure his family never had to struggle. He tried his hardest to avoid being an absent father, and Jean took notice of it. He appreciated his dad, and his mom for that matter. But on occasion, especially during his teenage years, his more cynical side would take over, making holidays feel like a hassle. But this year was pleasant. His older sister was also able to join them. She was five years older than Jean, and was working at a successful law firm. Though he’d seldom tell her, he was extremely proud of her. They all laughed and enjoyed their time together. He was able to FaceTime Marco, and proudly show him off to his sister. Jean was able to see Marco’s family, which consisted of his dad; a burly man who looked like a hairier version of Marco, his mom; a woman with long wavy hair and his younger brother; a young boy who couldn’t have been more than four years old. They were able to visit each others’ houses and exchange gifts. Jean felt like he was near Marco the entire time. They would call and text each other pretty much every day. Even on the car ride back to campus, the pair stayed on the phone.
The rest of the semester went by even faster. It was almost as if Jean would blink and he would be finished with a test or some major project. Before he knew it, he was making the final edited to his twenty page paper that was required in his capstone class. Jean and Marco’s graduations were a day a part. That made it much easier for them to see each other walk. Both of their families had come down to see the pair. The Bodt family acted as if Jean had been a part of the family all along. The younger brother, who Jean learned was Miles, insisted in sitting on his lap during Marco’s graduation. After Marco’s graduation, Jean walked up to Marco. Their families chatted in the audience, either trying to give the pair space or were simply waiting for the crowd to die down. They walked down the halls of the auditorium, taking the stairs to avoid the crowds. They walked in silence before Marco cleared his throat and glanced at Jean.
“So… my roommate is moving out in a week,” he said. His voice was hesitant. Jean quirked an eyebrow.
“Yeah?”
“And… I’m not sure I want to take on the lease by myself,” he continued. There was a pause between them. Jean wasn’t sure what he was getting at. “Well... I wanted to see if you uhm…” Marco stopped in his tracks and faced Jean.
“Do you want to live with me?” Marco cheeks were considerably red, even his ear had taken on a pinkish hue. Jean stared for a moment. There were so many ways that he wanted to say yes. He stepped up closer to Marco, closing the gap between the two of them. H gripped Marco’s waist and pulled him in for a kiss. He took a few more steps, pushing Marco back against the wall of the hallway. He pressed his lips harder against Marco’s, the male responding by bringing his hands up to cup Jean’s face. The two kissed for what was probably a few minutes before pulling away. Marco smiled, slightly breathless.
“So I’m guessing that’s a yes,” he said. Jean smirked.
“Hell yes.”