Chapter Text
Rhys had been a lot quieter, and Jack was sure he had made him mad. They’d been having fun and like with everything social Jack did, he misread the situation and messed it up. They had said their goodbyes, Rhys making another quiet offer for Jack to stay at his place, which Jack politely refused- no reason to make anything else awkward. And Jack curled up in his car and fell asleep, wrapped up in as many blankets as he could find. He woke up later to a soft tapping on his window- and was surprised to find Rhys there, face red. Jack carefully opened the door.
“If you want I’m going in- you could sleep inside where it's warm- well no you should, ‘cause it’s better than sleeping in your car. I can't tell you what to do though- But I’ll worry about you- I’m sorry I’m not making any sense am i?” Rhys babbled on nervously, not once looking at Jack. It was freezing in the car though, and having the door open did nothing to help this fact. Jack threw off all but one of the blankets and stepped out into the very cold snow- only to immediately pull his bare foot back inside.
“Shit! Frick-” Jack cursed under his breath. He forgot he had taken off his shoes. “I’ll be in in a sec, Rhys, just lemme get my shoes on.”
“Oh- alright. I’ll be back in the kitchen. If you need me- not that you- oh nevermind.” Rhys scurried into the building, Jack looking up when he heard a small yelp only to see Rhys balancing himself. Jack chuckled to himself, glad he hadn’t made things too weird between himself and Rhys. They would just pretend the kiss never happened. He could do that. He got his shoes on and walked inside, sitting himself down on the bench for a moment, before deciding he was awake enough, and stepped into the kitchen to help Rhys again.
Rhys wasn’t there. Jack guessed he was getting the turkeys ready. Jack checked the time. A turkey didn’t take more than 4 hours to roast, they wouldn't need to go in until about 6. So why was Rhys up so-
“Could you help me pull the hams out please? They gotta warm up before I cook them.” Jack looked up to see Rhys bringing out a bucket. He set it down near the island before heading back to the fridge room to get another. They made quick work of pulling all 10 of the hams out. Rhys sighed, and glanced shyly back at Jack. “Well- uhm- now that that's done we can go take a nap for like 3 hours.”
“You do this every year?” Jack gave Rhys a look, but Rhys just gave him a coy smile, before pulling him out to the front. Behind the banquet table there was what looked like a floor bed set up.
“Every year. We prep for it. The hams are gonna take like 5 hours to cook, since they're fresh not precooked. Its sooo worth it though.” Rhys gently crawled onto the mattress and looked up at Jack. “Oh- I didn’t think- are you ok if we share the mattress? I guess it's weird but-”
Jack quietly followed Rhys down onto the bed. The weirdness of it felt almost like a water bed but somehow firmer. “what-?”
Rhys laughed before laying down, and wiggling a bit to get comfortable. Jack felt Rhys’s movements under his hands. “It’s an air mattress. It’s a little weird to get used to yeah, but it's better than the floor.” Jack let himself relax into the bed, and yeah, Rhys was right. It was even better than the futon.
Rhys’s alarm went off waking up both him and Jack, though he wasn't sure if he woke up to his alarm, or to getting tossed off the mattress when Jack practically leaped into the air when the strange noise burst from Rhys’s phone. He should probably have changed it from its current loud wailing, but he had forgot most people woke up to normal alarms just fine.
“Sorry, I forgot to change the sound.” Rhys looked at Jack sheepishly, only to get the bleariest glare he’d ever seen. He gave Jack a smile, before getting up to go cook the rest of the food. He heated the ovens for the hams, and managed to put a few in when Jack walked in, looking a little more put together than he had when he had woken up. They continued working around each other as Rhys continued cooking and directing Jack to a task every so often. Around 7 Yvette, Vaughn and August arrived and started to help as well. 7:30 brought Wilhelm and Tim along with Janey and Athena. Around 8 Jack got a message on his phone saying Angel had arrived. He told Rhys quickly, and practically bolted out the door to greet her. Rhys smiled to himself, containing his own excitement for the day. He took a quick glance over to Tim and Wilhelm, who were busy pulling ingredients out of the fridge. Tim caught Rhys’s eye and grinned. Rhys stealthily pointed up, prompting Tim to look up and gasp. Wil turned towards him questioningly, and Tim tried to distract him before he looked up- but he failed as Wil noticed the mistletoe.
Rhys's grin grew wider as Tim froze when Wil gave him a gentle kiss on the temple. Wil looked a bit nervous but Tim almost made him drop the box when he threw his arms around Wil's neck for another kiss. Rhys laughed glad the mistletoe was doing its job.
Angel burst into the kitchen, and ran up to Rhys, carefully making sure he wouldn't drop the tray in his hands before hugging him around the middle. There was still snow in her hair.
“Hey Angel, you ready to help with the cooking? You can pull out a few of the casserole dishes from the oven.” Rhys nodded his head towards the island. “There's some extra hot pads, just be careful.”
She nodded excitedly. “Of course! Where should I put them once I pull them out?”
“On the island if you will, Vaughn’s still setting up the heat lamps, and they don't really need to go out until 10.” Rhys turned and put the empty tray on the counter next to the buns. They would be heated last.
He noticed Angel taking frequent breaks to pull her hair back, and came up with an idea. “Hey Yvette? You still have some hair ties?”
“Yeah, why?” She looked over at him, and he nodded his head towards Angel. She nodded knowingly and dropped a couple into his hands, along with a comb and some bobby pins she kept in her bag. Rhys made his way back to the little girl.
“Hey Angel, why don't we tie up your hair to keep it out of the way alright?” Rhys smiled at her, holding up a few ties.
“Oh, that makes sense, like in a ponytail?” She looked at the ties he had. “Or pigtails?” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. Rhys laughed.
“I was thinking like a braid, something decorative so you don't have to take it out when people start coming in.” Angel looked up at him with wide eyes.
“Really? Do you think it will look nice? I've never had my hair braided before.” She grabbed a lock and stared at it curiously. “Is my hair even long enough?”
Rhys gently turned her around and started running the comb through her hair carefully. “Its plenty long enough. Trust me, I have 2 sisters and I used to braid their hair all the time. It was just my lot in life.” Rhys worked with her hair until it was secured into a cute braided bun on the back of her head. He took a picture and showed her.
“Oh it looks so nice! I love it! Thank you!” She smiled and hugged him once more, before heading back to work.
Jack walked in a short while after, face darkened by a glare. Rhys guessed that Angel’s mother had a chat with him. Rhys walked over to him after plucking a marshmallow out of a random bag. “Hey, why the thunderclouds?” Rhys handed him the marshmallow. Jack looked at it a bit confused before eating it.
“My ex. She seems to think I’m plotting to get rid of her. I guess she saw Angel with some legal books or something and was convinced that I’m trying to- I don't know, steal her away?” Jack sighed. “I'd love to take Angel from that woman but god damn I wouldn't make her do my damn research.”
Rhys led Jack over to the ovens, he was going to try and reassure him, but Angel was having a hard time lifting a pan. Rhys made for a hot pad, but the dish started to slip out of her grip. He reached out with his prosthetic hand instead- thankfully an all metal hand means getting burnt isn't much of an issue- and scooped it up and into a stable position. He balanced it carefully as he gave Angel a nervous smile. “It’s ok, I got it, no harm done.”
She still seemed rather embarrassed. “I thought it wasn't going to be too heavy. At least you caught it though.”
Rhys laughed. “Yeah, it wouldn't have been a big deal though, we’re making a lot of foo-”
“How are you not in pain?” Jack’s bewildered whisper came from somewhere behind Rhys. Rhys set the dish down on the island before turning to Jack.
“Why would I be in- wait- how did you not notice the metal arm?” Jack looked down at his hand, and his eyes widened with realization.
“I- wow I don't know how- but I never noticed.” Jack seemed rather nervous. “Wow I sound like a di-” Jack's eyes glanced at Angel, before he corrected himself. “An as- frick. A big jerk.”
Rhys laughed. “Happens a lot more often than you’d think. Though I should probably replace the pads on it now. I have some extras in my car. Do you think you could hold down the fort in the meantime?” Rhys patted Jack’s shoulder as he walked by.
Jack was still sort of in shock, but it was quickly wearing off as he watched Angel pull another pan out of the oven, much more carefully this time. He looked around at everyone who seemed to have something to do. He noticed Wil and tim giving each other looks every so often- and Jack felt like he knew what happened given all the mistletoe. He smiled to himself. About damn time.
Yvette and Janey were going over something in the corner with papers, Jack guessed they were planning how the food would be set up. Athena was back and she was resting up against a wall, watching everyone. Jack still hadn't figured out they knew each other, but apparently she had a great memory and remembered him. He looked at Angel once more, finally noticing the decorative bun she had- that definitely wasn't there before.
Rhys was back in before he knew it, pressing the pads on his metal fingertips carefully. Without even looking at Jack, he told Jack to help him put some more pans in the ovens. Everything settled into another state of busywork, as everyone worked around each other for another few hours until everything was cooked and the doors were ready to open. They started moving pans out to the heat lamps, and August set up a carving station where Janey was going to be serving the meats. Angel made sure she was out on the floor, ready to pass out the menus that Rhys had given her- to be the cutest little order taker ever.
Rhys tried to get August and Vaughn under the mistletoe a few times, but they hadn't noticed it, and once they started the event, it would be that much harder. Rhys carefully aligned the next few dishes to go out and stood on the opposite side of the island, to try and force them to notice the little plant. He watched Janey pull Athena over to the back door to kiss under the sprig that was there, and tried not to laugh as Athena was helpless to the whims of her wife.
Rhys’s guesswork was correct and Vaughn and August grabbed the dishes almost at the same time, pausing when Rhys gave a pointed cough and a glance up to the ceiling. Vaughn didn't look and only gave Rhys a panicked glare, mouthing a few choice insults to his best friend.
“Oh hey look. Tradition I guess-” August moved his head down to kiss Vaughn, but suddenly the shorter man had disappeared. Rhys watched Vaughn quickly make his way out the door and back to the front, where Rhys was pretty sure he was planning on staying. August gave a disappointed smile to Rhys and shrugged, before taking the other pan out. Rhys sighed, knowing his friend would come around eventually.
The first few families showed up a few minutes after they had put out the signs, and had delighted at Angel’s polite mannerisms, as she plaid host and sat them down and handed them menus. Rhys looked around, suddenly unable to find Jack. Everyone was out in the front, setting up plates for the first few ‘orders’ that they had gotten. Janey and Yvette, both having done waitressing jobs in the past, were far better at carrying more than one plate of food, but Vaughn and August were starting to learn. Rhys plated the food as quickly as orders came in, through breaks were frequent. It wasn't long before he noticed Jack coming in from the back, hair brushed and wearing a suit, looking his corporate best. A few people definitely recognized him, and he gave a charming smile and polite wave, before heading over to Rhys and helping him there. He even delivered a few plates, surprising the few people who knew his face.
Jack could honestly say he was having fun. It had been a lot more work that he had ever imagined, but he was enjoying himself. Angel was excitedly talking to everyone who came in, and seemed to be moving around the lively space with ease. Jack would sometimes get distracted, watching her proudly, before getting gently elbowed by Rhys, who would look up at him with a playful spark in his eye telling him to move. Jack tried not to think about the kiss- it was the last thing he needed to distract himself with- but his eyes kept drifting down to Rhys’s lips. He really tried not to make things weird though, and he figured he succeeded because Rhys kept working alongside him the entire day, without much fuss. The last few people came and went and Rhys and his friend pulled out some Tupperware containers and started making packs with the leftovers.
“Whats all this for?” Jack started to help regardless.
“Vaughn and Yvette do deliveries for the last half of the day, to people on the streets. Most people are grateful for some nice food.” Rhys didn't look up, but Jack could see the gentle smile on his face. Once all the leftovers were packed away, Jack made sure to find Angel.
“Hey- since we have some time I wanted to ask if you’d pose for me. Gotta update my phone screen you know.” She giggled and nodded, but as he lifted the phone-
“Wait! You should take the picture by the tree! It’d look way better!” Without waiting for him she ran over, impatiently waving him over. He couldn't help but laugh. He made sure to take 2 pictures, one with the entire tree, topper included, and another closeup of Angel, smile illuminated by the tree lights, looking like- well- and Angel.
“And I know it's a little ways until Christmas, but I got you a gift. It’s a cellphone. A secret one that you can use to message me any time. It's also got internet access and all those goodies phones come with nowadays.” He handed her the phone and watched as her face lit up.
“Thank you! I’ll make sure to message you whenever I can!” She stowed the phone away in her pockets and gave Jack a hug. When she stepped back she asked to see the picture and Jack had to oblige.
It was almost too good, and Jack supposed it must have been since Angel’s mother walked in as Jack finished setting his phone’s lock screen.
“Is it all done then? Can I have my daughter- what did you do to her hair?” Callie glared at Angel in what Jack could only describe as angry horror. Angel smiled happily however and turned her head to show the cute braid bun off.
“Rhys braided it for me, to keep it out of the way. I like it.” The way Angel paraded around the braid her mother was clearly displeased by made Jack grin.
“Braiding damages hair, it pulls it and tangles it and-”
“Sure if you're not gentle about it. Plenty of people braid their hair daily and have no ill effects.” Rhys stepped up beside Callie, and made a face at her. “Plus it's her hair not yours.”
“You don't get to tell me how to raise my child!” Callie stuck a threatening finger up at Rhys. He backed away and glared at her with more intensity.
“I’m not telling you how to raise her I’m telling you you're-” Rhys looked at Angel, who had stopped admiring her hair, and was watching him.
“You aren't even a parent. How could you know anything about raising a child, let alone a 9 year old girl’s needs.” Callie flicked her wrist dismissively.
“I imagine my 9 year old sister would tell me on account of the fact that she's a human being and can talk for herself, much like Angel.” Rhys’s voice was calm, but Jack felt he should intervene before- heaven forbid as funny as it would be- and all out fight started.
“Hey Callie, we’ll send Angel out in a second but why don't you wait-”
“If you tell me to wait in the car I will punch you.” She glared at him and he shut up, instead looking at Angel. The girl gave an irritated pout.
“Fine. Rhys can you help me take out the braids? Then I’ll say goodbye to everyone and then I’ll go home.” She crossed her arms, clearly leaving no room for her mother to protest. Rhys nodded and started to take out bobby pins from Angel’s hair. Once the ties were out, Rhys ran his fingers through the braids to take them apart. Once they were done Angel glared at her mother, before turning and saying goodbye to everyone. She stopped to talk to Yvette, and handed her something she must have had in her pocket, before heading back to Rhys.
“Bye Rhys, it was nice meeting you. This was really fun.” She hugged him tight, and he pointedly gave her a kiss on her forehead.
“It was fun, you should join us again. It would be wonderful.” Rhys stood up and stepped over to Jack’s side. “Don't be a stranger now.” He waved as Angel skipped out of the building, her mother grumpily following behind. Rhys’s hand slipped into Jack’s, and Jack couldn't help the startled glance down. “That goes for you too you know.” Rhys looked at him. “I know you keep refusing but- I think you should stay at my place tonight. It’s gonna be cold as hell and it would make me feel better.”
Jack was stunned silent. Something about the warmth in Rhys’s eyes was familiar, but unknown. He finally managed to whisper out a “sure” before Rhys turned and pulled him back towards the kitchen. Everyone else had gathered there, and were getting ready to send Yvette and Vaughn off with the meal packs. Yvette noticed Rhys and Jack first. “You two going to head home? August is letting us borrow his car. He’s planning on coming with, so you can just drive home without us.”
“Yeah? Alright. Don’t stay out too late-” Rhys was cut short as he saw Vaughn and August. They seemed to be having a small argument by the door. Jack noticed the mistletoe above them, and that's when he registered what they were saying.
“It’s bad luck to refuse a kiss-” August seemed to be pleading. “And you owe me two now!”
Vaughn‘ s face was red, and he had his hand over his mouth. He just shook his head.
August moved his face closer to Vaughn’s. “Can you at least tell me wh-” Vaughn moved his hand and kissed August, just a peck on the mouth, then another, before shoving his face back into his hands. August stood back up, slightly stunned. “Okay.”
Jack looked over at Rhys, who had started to clap excitedly.
“I knew the mistletoe would be worth it.” Rhys grinned wide, his plans coming to completion in the best way he could have imagined. As embarrassed as Vaughn was, he had gotten up the courage to actually kiss August, even if he was hiding his face now. Rhys turned to look at Jack, who was watching him with a warm smile. He sort of understood how Vaughn felt, as his own face started to heat up. He gave Jack a sheepish grin.
“It's been years. Ever since we got out of college and met the guy.” He glanced back at them and noticed August seemed to be demanding more kisses, and Vaughn was starting to loosen up and laugh at him, pushing him away more playfully.
“I know how that feels. Been trying to get my brother and Wil together forever, but Tim wouldn't listen to me and like hell I was gonna tell Wil what to do.” Jack looked over at his brother, who seemed to be enjoying himself a lot more, now he knew Wilhelm liked him back.
“Tim told me that actually. When we were shopping together. He told me you have terrible judgment.” Rhys rested his head against Jack’s shoulder. “I’m hoping he was at least a little wrong.”
Jack put a hand on Rhys’s waist, pulling him a little closer. “Yeah, me too. You wanna head out? I hear your place is gonna be pre-ty empty for at least a little while.”
Rhys looked up at him. “You’re terrible. But I guess I have to agree.” Rhys turned to everyone else. “Bye guys! I’ll see you all later!” He waved as he started to be drug out to the car.