Chapter Text
The air was crisp and cold, and despite his normal hatred for lower temperatures, Barry loved it. It was less because of the cold, and more because of the palpable cheer that seemed to have fallen over Central City with the accompanying snow.
Everywhere he looked the city had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow had transformed the buildings to ice palaces. Fairy lights and festive decorations lined the streets and everything smelled like pine. Christmas was in the air and it was beautiful.
Though the most beautiful part was the warm hand clasped within his. Len at his side was bundled up in his parka, a cream scarf covering his lower face. He was far too adorable, even with the scowl in his icy blue eyes.
“Don’t you just love Christmas time?” Barry remarked with a happy sigh, squeezing Len’s hand as he leaned into him. He nodded towards a surprisingly well done snowman and sang softly, “Frosty the snowman..-”
“Melted.” Len grumbled.
Barry’s singing turned into surprised laughter that was half a gasp as he nudged Len’s side with his elbow. “Awe, come on Len. Don’t be a humbug! Christmas is beautiful.”
“Christmas is basically a commercial holiday now.”
Barry shook his head. “No way! Christmas is about family and warmth. It's sitting by a fireplace with cocoa and cuddles, something I know you love. Its love and togetherness.”
“I don’t remember having any of that Barry.”
It wasn’t just his boyfriend’s words, but the empty almost lonely way he said them that caused Barry to come to a halt in the middle of the sidewalk. His stop was so sudden that it caused Len to give a half stumble as he was forced to a stop as well. He turned to face Barry, who hoped that the wide eyed look was only full of disbelief and sadness. Pity would only hurt Len.
“Scarlet, no, come on.” he stated with a sigh. “I know that look.”
Barry acted as if he hadn’t said anything as a scowl began to overtake said look. “I hate Lewis. I would like to punch him in the face. We have to rectify that Len.” he gave the older man a very serious look. “We have to.”
“We really don’t.” Len shook his head adamantly. “It’s not a big deal.”
“It is!” Barry insisted firmly, gently tugging Len closer so that he could place a loving hand against his cheek. “Christmas is about family, and you are my family. I won't let another year go by without you experiencing the full thing.”
Len was quiet for a moment as they stared into each other’s but then he gave a soft sigh. “The full thing huh?”
Barry beamed, giving him an eager, delighted nod. “Everything! We can even stay at Joe’s on Christmas Eve. Bring Lisa. Have the whole early morning presents with giant homemade cinnamon rolls. Lighthearted, family, love.”
"Even though he has no idea we're together?"
"About time he learned, don't you think?"
Len leaned into his hand for a brief second with his eyes closed. A rare, soft, beautiful smile gracing his lips. Barry had to tap into the speedforce so he could study the sight before him for as long as possible.
Almost immediately after returning his perception to normal, Len lifted his head and opened his eyes to stare back into Barry’s. “You really want that, huh?”
“I want you.” he clarified. “And I want you to be happy. For you to experience all the best things life has to offer. Especially a real family Christmas.”
Len let out a sigh that was more than just a gentle puff of air. “Alright, I guess I could give a real Christmas a try.”
Barry beamed and surged forward to give him a gentle, brief and very loving kiss. “Thank you. I promise, you’ll love it.”
“I love you.” Len countered, gently brushing a stray hair off of Barry’s forehead. “And I have no idea what I did to deserve your love in return.”
“You don’t have to do anything.” Barry informed him softly. “You have it. Always.”
He knew how hard it was for Len to accept affection, or for him to concede and issue. So he knew how much it meant for him to agree to Barry’s Christmas plans. He refused to let him regret it. He would do anything in his power to make sure that Len had the best holiday season possible. He was looking forward to the month to come. This Christmas would have no equal.