Chapter Text
George huffed in annoyance. It was just his luck, after all. His first night in America, and he’s already been abandoned at a gas station by his bus. At least he still has all his luggage…
Flopping down onto the sidewalk in front of the gas station, George screamed. It’s America. Surely weird stuff like this happens all the time. No one will bat an eye at the pathetic British man moping in the dark.
George pulls his bags in front of him and lays his head on top of them, sighing. Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle… Oh, who was he kidding? He was never going to leave this stupid gas station.
He stayed like that for a few minutes just listening to the buzzing from the flickering LED lights and the crickets chirping in the bushes nearby. He only lifted his head at the sound of a vehicle pulling up. A bus? Here to save him?
Nope. Just some stupid regular old car. He’s never going to get out of here.
Laying his head back down, George didn’t move when the door to the car opened and shut, and footsteps made their way over to him.
“Hey there. Are you alright? You look kind of… sad? Stranded? Homeless?” A man’s voice said from in front of his bags. George looked up to see an attractive man leaning his elbows on top of George’s luggage and giving him a warm smile.
“I’m fine, thank you. Just waiting for the bus,” George replied, giving a weak smile back at the man.
“Oh, really?” The man said, taking a seat next to George on the sidewalk. “What line? Maybe I can help”
“Uhhh…” George pulled out his phone just to remember that it had died about an hour ago. “That is a good question. I’m pretty sure it was Celebration-45 or something like that.”
“Oh! You mean the 35 bus to Celebration. I actually… Um, it looks like the next bus won’t arrive until tomorrow morning,” the man said apologetically, his phone out with the bus table pulled up on it.
George let his head fall back onto the bags. For fuck’s sake. “Well. Thanks for checking, I guess,” he said, his voice muffled. George fully expected this man to get up and leave him to his misery, but he didn’t hear any shuffling, doors opening and closing, or cars driving away.
“Do you have any other way to get where you’re going? If you want, I could help.” Leaning back on his hands, the man turned to face George, a tentative smile on his face.
George snorted into the bags before lifting his head up to face the stranger. “I’d rather not get kidnapped and taken to a ditch to be murdered by a stranger in a place I’ve never been to before, thanks.”
The man laughed, sounding not unlike a kettle, before saying in between wheezes, “No, no! I swear I won’t murder you! It’s just my southern charm.”
“Well, that sounds exactly like what someone trying to murder me would say. You can’t trick me, sir!” George said, the sides of his lips quirking up as he tried to keep a straight face.
The man smiled at him and said, “I guess you got me there…”
They looked at each other for another moment, chuckling lightly before George nodded. “Alright. I appreciate the help. I’ll let you take me to the ditch with minimal complaint.”
“Really?” The man said, already standing to offer George his hand. “Well, we should probably go quick. I’m gonna be late to visit my family!”
Grabbing George’s bags, the man piled them into his trunk before opening the passenger door for George. “After you!” The man winked, and George blushed for a moment before nodding at him and sitting down. The door closed behind him, the man moving to the driver’s seat and buckling his seatbelt. “And we’re off!”
***
The first ten minutes of the drive were fairly awkward, neither man breaking the silence that had settled over them. Eventually, it started to get suffocating, so George took it upon himself to release the tension.
“I’m George, by the way,” he said, laughing to himself quietly. They had really rushed into this if they didn’t even know each other’s names.
That must have been the right decision though because the man glanced at George with a smile on his face before turning his eyes back to the road. “It’s nice to meet you, George. I’m Clay.”
“Nice to meet you, Clay! So where are you heading?” George asked, finally relaxing into his seat and watching Clay.
“My old house, actually! My family still lives there, and we’re spending Christmas break together. I live several hours away at college. I’m studying computer programming with a minor in English.” Clay continued driving, but he took his eyes off the road a couple times to turn and smile at George happily.
At his words, George perked up a bit. “That sounds interesting! I’m actually studying computer programming too. I’m only in America for the break, though. My family thought it would be good for me to get out of rainy old England.”
“How long are you staying for?” Clay asked, his gaze flicking towards George quickly.
“I think only until the 26th or 27th… I have to get back before school starts.” George sighed, leaning his head back onto the headrest.
“But you said before that this is your first time in America. What were you planning on doing the whole week?” Clay asked incredulously, whipping his head towards George.
“Oh. Yeah,” George said, rubbing the back of his neck and blushing. “I was honestly just planning on booking my hotel and visiting some popular places on my own.”
“Well, there’s no way I can get you to your hotel at a decent hour tonight.” Clay shook his head in disappointment. “I have a proposition for you, Georgie. Why don’t you spend tonight with my family? I can take you to the bus tomorrow morning.”
“What?! I hardly know you!” George yelled, sitting up straight and staring at Clay, shocked.
“Well, yeah, but… Well, I am a Florida local, and my family has been nagging me about never bringing someone home for Christmas, so… I’m just saying I could make your Christmas not so lonely for the night.” Clay seemed sheepish, almost like he regretted asking so suddenly.
“That… actually sounds kind of nice. You’re sure your family wouldn’t mind me staying the night? I mean, we only just met!”
“It’s southern hospitality. My mom has been begging for me to bring someone to these Christmas dinners for years. They will be absolutely fine. Of course, it is up to you! I don’t want to pressure you into staying.” Clay gave George another warm smile, and that was all it took for George to make up his mind.
“Sure.”
“Really?” Clay grinned, bouncing up and down in his seat a little bit.
“Yeah! I’ll be honest, I didn’t actually fully book my hotel yet. This makes it way easier on me.” George smiled back shyly at Clay, finding his bouncing kind of endearing.
And that was that. Clay told George that they were still about two hours away from his house, so George took that time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Clay was playing some relaxing music, and he was driving quite steadily, so George was out within minutes, snoring lightly.
Clay kept checking on him out of the corner of his eye and smiling softly. This random British man that he had picked up at a gas station was starting to worm his way into Clay’s heart and make a home there, and he did not know how to feel about it.
He let George sleep for the next hour or so, noticing how much he needed it, before deciding to wake him up when they were about an hour away from his house. They had only just met, and Clay did want George to be scared off by his family.
“Hey. Hey, George,” Clay murmured, lightly shaking his shoulder. “Wake up!”
“Wha- huh? Are we there already?” George asked groggily, sitting up straighter in his seat.
“No, no,” Clay said, pulling his arm away and turning back to the road. “We still have about an hour left, but I just wanted to prepare you.”
“For what? Is your family really that batshit wild?”
Clay laughed, running his fingers through his hair. “Not really? They’re just really friendly, and they’re going to ask you a lot of questions. I figured I’d at least tell you a bit about them, so you don’t feel so singled out.”
“Well, alright. That sounds… kind of fun.”
“Okay, so I’ll start with my immediate family. We have my mom, my dad, and my sister. My mom is honestly super great. She’s really friendly, and she gives really great hugs. One time she told me that the reason I haven’t brought anyone home is probably because once they meet her they’d rather be adopted into the family than date me,” Clay said, chuckling to himself.
George smiled warmly at him. “Wow, she sounds fun. Do you think she’ll like me?”
“Oh, definitely ! I think she’s always secretly wanted a British child-in-law,” Clay said, winking at George. George blushed a bit before chuckling and turning to look out the window. “Now, my dad… He’s kind of unhinged but in a good way. I remember last Christmas I went downstairs to get some water in the middle of the night, and he was dancing to spooky music in the living room by himself. It was weird. I love him, though. He’s pretty cool.”
George smiled at him, nodding his head to encourage him to continue.
“My sister is pretty cool, actually. I know that a lot of older brothers don’t really vibe with their sisters, but mine is really cool. We call her Drista. It’s kind of a long story, but basically, it’s a nickname. It stuck, and now everyone in the family calls her that. Sometimes she’s annoying, but I figure that’s kind of her job as a younger sibling. I think she’ll probably like you the most out of everyone.”
“Really? Why’s that?” George said, turning back to Clay and tilting his head with a small smile.
“Well, she likes annoying me, and I feel like if you worked together, I would suffer,” Clay said, sighing heavily. George’s smile grew until he was grinning almost wildly. Clay turned to see his expression before hitting his head on the back of his headrest. “And now I’m regretting saying that. Oh, god, why did I say that?”
George lightly punched Clay’s shoulder, still grinning. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t be that bad. Though… I think I’m actually excited to meet her now.”
Clay rolled his eyes. “Why don’t we move on to the other family members that are coming? It’s just my mom’s sister’s family. My Aunt Julie, Uncle Tom, and my cousins Jessica and Chad.” Seeing George’s nervous laugh, Clay continued. “Don’t worry, they aren’t horrible either. My family is pretty chill!”
“Alright, you goddamn murderer. Let’s just get this over with.” George closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat.
Clay chuckled lightly before continuing. “So my Aunt Julie. I think she’s kind of a stereotypical aunt. She loves doing pottery and making handmade stuff for us. Plus, she really likes wine. She’s the reason we’re not allowed to drink alcoholic stuff at Christmas dinners anymore. We’re probably only going to have eggnog and apple cider this year.”
George had a relaxed smile on his face, his eyes still shut. “That’s alright. I don’t really drink anyway.”
“That’s good. I’m not a big drinker, myself. Anyway, my Uncle Tom is pretty cool. He likes joking around and sometimes playing pranks on us. When I was little, he used to take me and Drista out and let us do stuff our parents normally wouldn’t let us do. That was until Drista blabbed her fat mouth… Now, he’s not allowed to take us anywhere without another adult present. And I’m 22!”
“He does sound cool. Why does your family have to be so nice? Why can’t you have weird family members like the rest of us?”
“They’re all on my dad’s side of the family. That’s where he gets it from. And honestly, I think my cousin Jessica is the least weird in our entire family. Drista really looks up to her and for good reason! She’s like… perfect. She’s older than me, and she’s already got a really successful job doing what she loves. And she’s not even stuck up about it! I think she’s everyone’s favorite.” Clay sighed with a tiny smile on his face.
“Well, hey, you know what? You’re my favorite member of this family,” George said, opening his eyes and sending Clay a really over the top wink. Clay wheezed, hitting his forehead on the top of the steering wheel.
“Yeah, sure. Just wait until you actually meet them. Based on how this conversation is going, I bet you and Chad will really get along.”
George perked up a bit. “Oh, is he, like, really nice?”
“Oh, no. Not at all.” Clay laughed.
“So then… is he homophobic or racist or something? Is this a diss against me?”
“No, no! Don’t worry,” Clay said, turning to flash George a reassuring smile before scowling. “He just really fucking loves fishing.”
“And… that’s a bad thing?” George tilted his head, a smile starting to grow.
“ It’s the fucking worst! He keeps inviting me to go on fishing trips with him and Uncle Tom because I’m like his cool older cousin, but I keep declining because I fucking hate fishing. But he doesn’t get it! So he keeps inviting me, and I keep declining. I don’t know how to tell him that I would rather die than sit in a boat in the middle of a lake with him.” Clay slammed his hand on the wheel and groaned. George stifled a laugh, turning to face the window. Clay sighed. “No, it’s fine. You can laugh. I’m aware that it’s ridiculous.
“He seems… annoying?” George put on a faux serious face, nodding solemnly while trying to hold in his laughter.
“No, he’s great really. I just hate fishing.”
George laughed louder. “Yeah, I can see that.”
The two men sat in comfortable silence for the next few minutes, just taking in each other’s company. They had only really known each other for a few hours, but it was almost like they were already close friends. Like they’d known each other their whole lives.
“Hey, Clay?”
“Yeah, George?”
“Thank you for taking me in tonight. Your family seems really nice, and I’d love to get to know them more. And also thank you for… y’know, not murdering me in a ditch and all that.”
Clay chuckled. “Of course! Christmas is sort of my family’s favorite holiday. They have their decorations up as soon as Halloween is over. They would love another person to celebrate with. Especially if it’s someone I’m bringing home with me.” Clay hesitated for a second, sneaking another glance at George out of the corner of his eye before saying, “I actually didn’t come home for Christmas last year. I kind of got busy with school and stuff and… Well, the only reason I’m really coming back this year is because my grandfather just died. We were… super close. I just need to be around family this year.”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t be intruding like this! If you’re only back to spend time with family, then I don’t think you should have brought me home with you. You don’t even know me!” George leaned towards Clay, his face contorted in worry.
“Hey, I said it’s fine, didn’t I? You can help me distract everyone from the hurt.”
George leaned back, looking at Clay in surprise before it quickly morphed into warmth. How could this man be so vulnerable with him a couple hours after they’ve met? “I appreciate it, Clay. Really.”
Clay just smiled at him before turning back to the road.
***
Clay walked up the front steps, George right beside him. He glanced over to see George shaking a bit in his nerves. Putting down one of his bags, Clay put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Hey, it’ll be fine. Just for the night.”
George nodded at him, a grateful smile flashing for a second before the worried look returned. Clay sighed before turning back to the door and ringing the doorbell.
The door swung open immediately, Clay’s mother grinning wildly. “My baby boy is home!” She cried, pulling Clay into a tight hug before pulling away to look him up and down. She patted him on the cheek lovingly before finally turning to see George standing there awkwardly. “Ooooh! And he’s brought a plus one this year!”
“Mom, this is George,” Clay said, gesturing with his hand and a fond smile on his face.
“It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am,” George said, his voice shaking slightly.
“And he’s British!” She said, winking at Clay before turning back to look at George with kind eyes. “It’s nice to meet you too, dear. Why don’t you both come in and get settled before you meet everyone?”
“Of course, Mom. it’s good to see you again.” Clay took George’s wrist gingerly, pulling him into the front room along with their bags. “Where are we staying? I assume Chad is taking my old room?”
“Yes, he is. Your father and I prepared the attic for you. Though, I didn’t expect George to be here… You boys might have to share the bed.” Clay was just about to ask for some blankets so he could sleep on the couch when George cut in.
“That will be fine. Thank you, ma’am.”
“Oh, honey. None of that formality. You can call me Mrs. Houston,” Clay’s mother said, smiling warmly and giving George a quick pat on the cheek before shooing them toward the stairs. “Go on! Make yourselves comfortable. I’ll call Drista and your father, so they can meet your lovely boyfriend.”
That made Clay freeze in his steps. “Oh, actually. We’re just friends.”
Mrs. Houston’s smile faltered for a second, but then she was back to her usual cheery self. “He’s still lovely, no matter his relationship with you, dear.” And with that, she left them to their own devices, moving to the kitchen to finish her dinner preparations.
“Well…” Clay turned to look at George with a hesitant smile. “To the attic, we go!”
The walk up to the attic was silent save for their grunts and huffs as they dragged their luggage up 2 flights of stairs. When Clay reached the top, he stepped to the side to allow George to pass before taking in the room. His mom wasn’t joking when she said they had prepared the room for him. They had brought up the old couch, coffee table, and TV to make a little sitting area as well as a desk for him to work while he was there.
Clay set his luggage against the wall before sitting down on the left side of the bed, closest to the wall. “Do you have any preferences for where you sleep?”
George looked around the room, before turning back to Clay with a questioning gaze. “I mean… I could sleep on the couch if you want. Technically, you have kidnapped me…”
“No comment. But seriously, I meant, like… Do you want to sleep on the left or right side? Me, personally, I like the left, but it’s up to you.” Clay patted the bed for emphasis, sending George an exaggerated wink.
George snickered, the mood lifting just a bit, easing the tension from the room. “I can take the right side, that’s fine.”
Clay grinned at him. “Great! Should we head downstairs, then? I’m sure Drista is excited to meet you.”
“Sure.”
As they walked down the stairs, Clay nudged George with his shoulder. George looked at him and glared playfully before shoving him back with his shoulder. Soon, they were having a shoulder battle and laughing at each other.
“Wow, Clay! Get a room! I don’t want to see any flirting with my holy peepers!” Drista screeched, covering her eyes dramatically. She opened her fingers a little to peek through and say, “Also, welcome home, I guess…”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever,” Clay laughed, lightly ruffling her hair. “Drista, this is George. George, Drista.”
Drista looked George up and down before holding out her hand for him to shake. While he nervously took it, she said, “Tell me, George. What is your opinion on annoying my dear brother?”
“Uhhh… It’s pretty fun, honestly.” George said, the side of his lips quirking up tentatively.
“Aha! That’s what I like to hear! Welcome to the family, Georgie.” Drista danced towards Clay, sticking her tongue out playfully, before lightly punching him in the stomach. “See you losers later!” Walking away backward, Drista shot finger guns at them, moving into the family room to watch TV.
George laughed, waving at her in goodbye before turning back to Clay. “You were right. I like her already.”
“I was afraid you’d say that,” Clay said, sighing. “Why don’t we go talk to my dad?” Clay grabbed George’s wrist and pulled him into the kitchen where his parents were chatting while they started on dinner.
“Hey, Clay! Welcome home, my boy. And who’s this you’ve brought with you?” Mr. Houston stood up from his place at the bar to walk over to them, a hand outstretched for George to shake.
“I’m George! It’s nice to meet you, sir.” George smiled, feeling more confident with every passing moment.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, George. We always love it when Clay brings people home to meet us,” Mr. Houston said, sending a sly wink to Clay, with Mrs. Houston giggling in the background, before turning to pat George’s shoulder. “So, how did you boys meet?”
They looked at each other with blank stares. Eventually, Clay just shrugged and turned to his parents. “Well, actually, I met him on the way here. He was stranded by his bus at the gas station a couple hours from here, and I didn’t have it in me to leave him alone during the holidays. I hope that’s alright with you guys.”
“Oh, honey! Of course, it’s alright,” Mrs. Houston said, turning back to face them with a smile. “The more the merrier, I always say. You boys just seemed so close… We thought you had been friends for months at least!”
Clay gave her a small smile, “Yeah, I kinda feel that way too.”
Before George could jump in with his thoughts, the doorbell rang.
“Oooh! That must be Julie! Hang on, I’ll get it. You boys keep chatting.”
George shifted his weight from foot to foot, glancing at Clay periodically. Clay put his hand on his shoulder and pulled him in a bit closer to murmur, “Hey, don’t stress. You’re doing great! Now… Are you ready for the real chaos to begin?”
Looking into Clay’s eyes, George responded, “Yeah. I think I’m ready.”