Archive of Our Own ^beta

Brock took a deep drag from his cigarette, careful not to get any ash on the white beard that dangled from his neck. Even though it was cold out there, he had opened the heavy red jacket with the white fur trimmings on it; with all the padding and the heat on blast inside the mall, he was sweating like hell in the damn thing and the heavy boots didn’t exactly help either. He should’ve known that being the Mall Santa wouldn’t be as easy as it had sounded.

It wasn’t exactly all bad though. Most of the children who had come to him with their wishes so far were actually really well behaved. Only one little fucker so far had insisted to pull on the fake beard he was wearing, revealing Brock’s dark stubble underneath. Luckily he had been quick enough to react and cheerfully let the kid know that he’d write down that the boy was on his naughty list just to see the horror on his face before adding that he had some time to make it right before Christmas arrived and should get to work on that.

Brock leaned on the wall of the backdoor entrance to the mall, happy to have some peace and quiet before facing the buzzing shoppers, the mess of blinking lights and the ongoing drone of Christmas music inside again.

He hadn’t actually chosen this job. In fact, he had laughed when Clint had told him that he was supposed to be running around in red and white on a Saturday afternoon. “You? Santa? You gotta be kiddin’ me, that’s ridiculous!” But Clint hadn’t been kidding and now he was sick, leaving Brock to cover for him. He wouldn’t have ever thought Mall Santa was ever going to be on his past job professions but here he was, dressed up as the old man and had yet to threaten a child.

Chuckling over the whole situation, Brock let his eyes wander until he heard the creak of the back door and he caught a small figure approaching him at the corner of his eye.

“Santa?” The voice called out to him, footsteps of a small boy coming towards him faster.

“Shit.” Brock muttered under his breath and stubbed the cigarette out on the wall, pulled the beard up and closed his jacket as the boy came closer.

He turned around and there he was, standing in front of him. Dressed in a winter coat, the bottom half of his face covered by a broad scarf, a knitted hat over a head of brown wavy hair. From in between those layers of clothing, a pair of big blue grey eyes looked up at Brock in wonder.

“Santa, is that you?”

“Hey kiddo.” Brock said and knelt down to be face to face with the boy. Just now did he see how red and puffy his eyes were. He had no idea how he managed to get out here. “Are ya okay?”

The boy’s lower lip quivered after he unraveled his scarf and the next thing he knew he was cradling a crying child.

“I’m l-lost!” He cried against Brock’s chest.

“Shh, s’okay.” Brock said and tried to think of something to calm him down. The little thing was shaking with desperate sobs.

“Don’t worry, yer safe.” He assured, running a soothing hand over his back.

“No Santa! What if it’s not okay, what if I’m not safe and what if I’m l-lost for..forever?” He cried, his voice coming in wet hiccups.

“No way, kiddo. I’ll help ya, we’ll get ya back on yer way, yeah?”

The boy’s eyes were still filled with tears but he calmed down a little. Thank god, Brock thought, relieved. He wasn’t exactly an expert when it came to dealing with kids in distress, he was more about getting far, far away. Luckily, the Santa costume seemed to do most of the work for him.

“What’s yer name?” Brock asked in his most calm, and friendly voice. He hoped to God the boy didn’t point out Santa should know it already.

“TJ.” He sniffled.

“That’s a real great name, TJ. Here, use this.” He grabbed a handkerchief from his coat pocket and offered it for use.

Blowing his nose loudly, TJ took a deep breath and looked at Brock. “Thank you, Santa.”

Brock nodded. “So tell me, what happened? How’d ya get lost?”

The boy’s eyes grew wide as he remembered why he had been crying in the first place.

“I wanted to look at the toys in the window! They had some tigers and elephants and they looked so nice! They were so fluffy and I played with them..and then..and then Uncle Jack was gone and I went to look for him and- ” He slowly began to whine again, looking at Brock with pleading, watery eyes.

“How ya get from the tigers and elephants to ‘ere?” Brock mentally mapped where the closest shop with stuffed animals would be from where he was now. He was sure it was the smaller seasonal one beside the purse store since the big box one was on the other side of the mall altogether.

“I thought I should go to the car because we came here by car and maybe Uncle Jack would come looking for me there because he would think the same thing..” TJ’s shoulders sagged and he looked at the ground between them, defeated.

Poor kid. Brock smiled brightly at the boy. “That was real smart of ya, I woulda never thought to do that!”

The downtrodden expression vanished from TJ’s face at this compliment from Santa himself and he smiled back, still a little shy.

“But you went in the wrong direction.” Brock went on. “The parkin’ lot is on the other side of the mall.”

“Oh.” TJ nodded, solemnly. His little brows knit together in thought.

Brock’s legs began to tingle from the way he was crouched, but he managed to give the little boy another smile. “What do you say we go back inside and look fer yer uncle?”

“You’ll help me?” TJ asked and Brock was glad to hear a hint of excitement in his voice.

“Of course I’ll help ya. Come on!” Brock stood up and opened the door for TJ. “I’m sure he’s lookin’ fer ya, too.”

As TJ walked through the door, he took Brock’s hand, pausing a moment. “Do you think he’ll be angry?”

“I think he’ll be happy to see ya again, m’sure he’s worried and the sooner we find ‘im the sooner you two will be reunited.” Brock smiled.

They walked through the corridor back to the main walkway of the huge shopping mall. Nearly every railing was covered in garlands and lights, massive Christmas trees were decorated and lit up at open crossroads areas. Against that backdrop, hundreds of people were buzzing about, all eager to get their Christmas shopping done.

Brock led them both towards the toy shop he thought TJ had been talking about. “Did ya lose ‘im here?”

“Yeah huh..look, there are the tigers and the elephants.” He pointed at a group of stuffed animals in the window of the shop.

“Alright. We’ll stay ‘ere and keep our eyes peeled for yer uncle, okay? What does he look like?”

“He’s real tall!”

Brock frowned, glad it was hidden behind his white beard. Tall didn’t really help when it came to a kid saying it. “He as tall as me?”

“No..” TJ shook his head as he stared at Brock intently, little brows furrowed in. “He’s bigger with brown hair and green eyes, I always tell him now nice his eyes look, Santa!”

Brown hair and green eyes wasn’t insanely out of the loop but in the wave of brown haired people, he had no idea how to detect everyone that had green colored eyes without looking like a creeper even if he was Santa Claus. If TJ was right about the height detail, then at least the guy may be a little above average, that helped. Hopefully he’d stick out from a crowd of random shopper’s heads. But what would he do if the guy didn’t show up? What if he ran off to the security booth or the administration office that was completely in the opposite direction? He was probably freaking out too, but if he was looking for TJ and TJ was going the wrong way, maybe so did the uncle. It was more than likely the longer he thought about it especially the way the crowds were so fast paced this time of the year.

“Anythin’ else?” Brock asked. “What makes ‘im special?”

TJ lit up like a tree, clearly coming up with an answer immediately. “He bakes the best cakes and decorates them in his shop!”

Brock chuckled and tried once again, this time a little more specific.

“I mean what makes ‘im special when ya look at him. Ya gotta remember, there’s lots of people here, what would make ‘im stand out and look different?”

“Hmm..” TJ scrunched up his face in deep thought. “He has a scar on his face!” The boy animatedly ran a finger from his mouth to his jaw in emphasis. “He has a black coat..oh, I know! I know! He’s wearing a- a sky blue and a light purple scarf.” And then, with a proud puff of his chest, he added: “I made it.”

Brock looked adequately impressed at TJ. “You can make scarves?”

“Yes.” He beamed. “Mommy helped me. But I get to pick out the colors and make the fringes.”

“That’s real great! M’sure we’ll find ‘im easily now.”

Easily was probably an overstatement in his part, but Brock was determined to keep the boy’s spirit up. And a man with a facial scar that had brown hair, green eyes and was wearing a sky blue and light purple scarf who was surely looking for his nephew was a lead he could accept.

Brock scanned the crowds from his vantage point while TJ was doing the same from his level. People were rushing in every direction, making Brock a little dizzy as he looked out for a bright scarf against a black coat. Unfortunately, many were dressed in black and most of the scarves he noticed were dark colors so it was feeling like a bust in some ways.

“Santa?” He heard TJ’s trembling voice from his side. “What if he forgot me?”

The desperation in TJ’s words was real and he hastened to crouch next to him. He was holding up so well for a lost little boy, and Brock wanted to keep it that way.

“Don’t say that, TJ. He didn’t forget ya. Ain’t no way. He’s lookin’ fer ya this very moment and he’s probably as sad as you are. It’s jus with all these people around it can take a little while longer ‘til we find ‘im. But we will. He would never leave his favourite nephew now, would he?” Brock lay his hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly at him.

Bravely, TJ kept his tears from falling and nodded.

Come on, Uncle Jack, Brock thought, now’s a good time than any to show yer ass up. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep TJ from panicking but he did not feel prepared at all to take care of a hysterical child. He also didn’t want to leave him with security, another stranger that may or may not be able to figure his head out from his ass because while he usually liked mall cops, they generally packed in a lot of new recruits for the Christmas season and he didn’t like the idea of TJ having to stay with one of them.

Waves and waves of people were rushing past the two nonstop and with every passing minute Brock grew more uneasy. Maybe he could say he got food poisoning during his meal break and stay with TJ while going to the security office at the mall. That way he wouldn’t be alone. He could even tell all the shops along the way just for good measure so if his uncle stopped at any, they’d know where to direct him.

“There!” TJ shouted suddenly and pointed to his left before he began wildly waving, his right hand still firmly gripping Brock’s and giving it repeated squeezings. “There he is! Uncle Jack! I’m here! I’m here! Santa is helping me find you!”

Brock tried to follow his gestures through the crowd but then saw a man rushing towards them. He was in a black peacoat, and a cheery, bright blue and pinkish hued purple scarf and Brock sighed in relief.

“TJ! Oh God, TJ, are you okay?” The man kneeled down before the boy and pulled him into a tight bear hug. “I was looking for you everywhere! Thank goodness I found you!”

TJ hugged him back just as tight, burying his face in his collar. “Uncle Jack!”

“I’m so glad you’re alright.” The man pressed a kiss on the boy’s forehead. “I was scared something happened to you.”

“I’m okay! I was scared but Santa helped me.” He smiled brightly at Brock who had witnessed the scene silently.

The man stood up, careful to leave one hand on TJ’s shoulder and looked at Brock.

“Thank you so much for taking care of him. I was looking at some books at a kiosk, didn’t pay attention for a minute and when I turned around he was just gone.” He shook his head, the stress still clearly visible on his handsome face.

Brock shrugged and smiled, suddenly self conscious in his ridiculous Santa outfit. Who knew TJ’s uncle was so fucking good looking? He hadn’t lied about the green eyes either. Brock really hadn’t been ready for the intensity behind them and that scar was really distinguished. Brock learned something new about what he found attractive.

“It was no problem, as long as you two found each other again.” He managed to say.

The man took a deep breath and stretched out his hand towards Brock. “I mean it. I really appreciate it, thank you very much.”

Brock shook the offered hand and noticed how the man’s eyes crinkled slightly as he smiled at him.

“Of course, ain’t no problem. He was pretty shaken up that his Uncle Jack was gone and- ” Brock made a rambling gesture with his hand as he tried to process the gorgeous smile that sat on the man’s face.

“It’s Jack, actually.”

“Bro- uh, I mean..” Brock stuttered as he remembered that he was still officially Santa and TJ was listening to them.

“You know who I am, I don’t need to tell ya.” He ended ungracefully and could have kicked himself in the shin. Real fucking smooth dipshit. He scolded himself, feeling more and more awkward around that beautiful man and his cute nephew.

Jack only grinned wider. “Yeah, I think I’ve seen you before. Listen, can I buy you a cup of coffee or something to say thanks?”

Oh god, yes. Hell we can skip the coffee if ya want. Brock barely stopped himself from blurting all that out and tried another smile, hopefully looking a little more confident this time. Well the best he could under his stupid itchy beard.

“You ain’t gotta. It’s fine, really. All in a day’s work.”

Brock did appreciate the gesture but he didn’t want him to feel obligated. And, as he just now remembered, he wasn’t off duty yet.

“Please, I insist.” Jack said.

“I still, uh, well, I still gotta answer some more letters fer all the children fer Christmas.” Brock said, one eye on TJ who was leaning against Jack’s side and observed a service dog that sat beside their owner a bench over.

“Oh, alright then..”

Did he detect a hint of disappointment in Jack’s voice? Great, now I’m hallucinating.

Before he could say anything, Jack went on. “Maybe later, when you’re all done? I have to drop TJ off soon but after that I could come back if that would work?”

Brock sweated even more in his costume now than before. This guy couldn’t be serious, could he? Driving the distance twice only to have coffee with the Mall Santa? Didn’t seem likely at all. Jack didn’t look like he was joking, though.

“Um..” Brock was thinking of something to say, still unsure whether he could take Jack up on the offer.

Jack lowered his gaze apologetically, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. It’s fine if you’re busy.”

“No!” Brock blurted out and decided on the spot. “Later is great. I’d say in about three hours..give or take. Santa’s village closes then and I’d just have to wrap things up on my side if you wanted to just meet me over there.”

“Sounds good.” Jack said and those crinkles at his eyes returned again. Who woulda thought fucking eye crinkles would get me, of all things. “Perfect.”

“How will I..” Now Jack threw a side glance to TJ who wasn’t really paying attention to the boring conversation anymore now that he was still studying the dog.

“I’ll find ya. If yer by the benches there, shouldn’t be a problem.” On impulse, he leaned closer to Jack and said quietly. “The rest of the guys are tall, lanky teens. I think I’m the only adult in the group and despite all the padding, I’m pretty built underneath this sweat suit. The name’s Brock.”

Jack didn’t move back and grinned broadly at Brock’s words, keeping his voice low between them and it sent a chill down Brock’s back. “Alright then, Brock. I’ll see you later.”

He managed to get TJ’s attention away from the dog. “TJ, honey, let’s go home. I promised mommy we wouldn’t be late. She’s making cookies, remember? She’ll be waiting for us to get back and help her decorate them.”

“Oh yeah! Okay!” Before he followed Jack, however, he turned to Brock suddenly and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Santa.”

“Yer real welcome, TJ. I had a nice time bein’ able to help ya out.” Brock said, gently ruffling his hair and watched uncle and nephew vanish into the crowds.

Did all that just happen?

With a big grin on his face Brock headed back down the main corridor towards the large open space set up for Santa’s village, waving and smiling to anyone trying to get his attention, full of way too much cheer to bother slipping past the corridor doors and getting there the back way. Only three more hours, then hopefully he’d see Jack. The fact that he scored a date (a man could daydream it was one.) while dressed as Santa made him laugh out loud.

Clint wasn’t going to believe it when he told him.

*****

Like earlier, Brock was once again looking for Jack in the crowd of people still hustling through the mall. Santa’s Village closed fifteen minutes prior and customers still had about fourty or so minutes to still do their shopping. This time Brock wasn’t in a heavy suit, he’d changed into his normal clothing and was kind of glad for the foresight of wearing a nice pair of jeans to work today. They hugged him in all the right ways instead of a pair of hastily put on sweatpants that he may have vied for if he was in one of his moods. He was equally glad for the ash grey button down that had overridden his set of t-shirts and was proud it all fit well with his leather jacket.

Brock scanned the crowds for Jack. His eyes ran across the faces of so many people and he was lucky to have something more to go by than just clothing and details that may or may not make sense coming from a child this time around. Who knew if Jack even wore the scarf again. If he was being honest, it was kind of ugly and he wasn’t sure if Jack had only been wearing it because of his nephew. And who wouldn’t if said nephew was as sweet and adorable as TJ?

He concentrated on other details on Jack, and really, that wasn’t too bad of an alternative. He had a sexy scar cutting through a thin layer of dark scruff and beautiful mossy green eyes and slicked back dark brown hair that curled just at the end, maybe the last two details weren’t too fancy but they certainly did something to him since he’d spent most of his shift thinking about them.

Nervously, Brock stuffed his hands deep into his jacket pockets and softly kicked at one of the railing bars that divided everyone in the line up. He had only been waiting for about five minutes and it already felt far too long for him to be standing in front of the village set even though he probably looked much too eager for the meet up. Maybe he had been a little hasty to assume this was some kind of date..thing..God it wasn’t a date, it was a thank you. Right? There was no guarantee that Jack was single, Brock reminded himself. Even though he hadn’t seen a ring on Jack's finger he couldn’t be sure. He might be engaged or happily married without wearing one..didn’t TJ mention he was some kind of baker? They took off jewelry to make dough and stuff, didn’t they? Or hell, and Brock dreaded this idea the most, Jack might simply not be into men.

He might not even show up. Brock almost ran his hand through his perfectly styled hair that he had to hastily fix before coming out and kept his eyes glued on the masses of people. After all, this whole ‘let me buy you a cup of coffee’ thing may well have been a spontaneous outburst of thankfulness. But once TJ was safe in his arms and back at his mom’s, he may have forgotten. Who could even blame him, offering coffee to some mall Santa gratefully just because as a kind gesture in the moment. It wasn’t like he would probably run into him ever again after today. Maybe he was actually living on the other side of town and didn’t want to drive twice the distance. Heck, maybe he did see him from the second floor, just waiting like a loser and knew it was him and decided he didn’t care for a guy that looked like him. Hey, there were people like that in the world.

This was a shit meeting spot, Brock realised as he blinked to get his focus back. All the sparkling lights were irritating him, making the task of finding Jack among the crazy shoppers even harder. He was mad at himself for not thinking on the spot, too thrown off by Jack’s rugged handsomeness, he could have easily mentioned the little cafe across from the mall that was open late after everything closed. It was not nearly as buzzy around there and the atmosphere was more relaxed. Nothing compared to the busy mall cafes full of people with their shopping bags and even more people to rush in and order a coffee to go which they drank from festive takeout cups with their names scribbled in dark felt pen.

Well, Brock might get one of those on his way home after being stood up. Though, the caffeine would keep him awake and he would end up binge watching Dog Cops because Clint was so into it and had been harassing him to catch up so they could talk about it. He’d fuck up his sleep schedule, not go in for a morning workout at his local gym and would dream about those green eyes and crows feet and his own embarrassment of getting to excited for nothing would follow him well into the morning.

A flash of purple and blue on a black coat had Brock snapping back into reality in an instant. There he was, Jack, casually walking towards Santa’s Village like he had not a worry in the world, like he wasn’t even affected at all by everyone scurrying around him.

The easy energy he gave off was enough to make Brock’s knees go weak. Fuck. When did he become such a nervous wreck when it came to coffee dates? Or non-dates, for that matter.

Calm the hell down, Rumlow. He’s just some guy and this is no big deal. Relax.

He lifted his hand and waved a little awkwardly at Jack, only to cringe internally.

Jack seemed to light up when he caught his attention, nodding his way with a smile and steering towards him.

“Brock?” Jack looked at him, head slightly tilted. “That was your name, right?”

“Yeah. Hey!” Brock said and grinned broadly, probably too broadly but fuck it, he was too excited to care. “Good to see ya.”

He extended his hand and Jack shook it, Brock’s mind reeling momentarily at how big his hands really were, smiling back at him. God he loved a man with huge hands..

“I’m glad you waved me over, I would have spent a good few minutes trying to figure everyone out that was loitering around.” Jack said. “Your description certainly helped but I wasn’t sure what you’d be wearing and it threw me without the suit and the definite loss of all that padding.”

“Oh yeah? Santa’s gotta blend in with the crowd yanno.”

“I suppose so, can’t let yourself be caught up with more kids trying to vie for your attention when you’re done with your work for the day.”

Brock grinned. “That’s right.”

Jack smiled again and looked around before turning back to him. “So, where would you like to go? I know I said coffee, but I’m not sure if you even do coffee. We could do tea, or beer if you prefer. Up to you.”

“Uh..” Brock thought through his options quickly, trying his best not to get tongue tied again. He could really go for a couple beers after his shift and he generally felt at home at a casual local bar he frequented on weekends, but considering it was only hitting around dinner time, he didn’t want to give Jack any sort of impression that he was a heavy drinker.

“Nah, I love coffee, coffee is great. There’s actually a nice little place across the street away from all this chaos. Less busy, pretty cozy and I know it’s in m’job description to not be affected by screamin’ kids, but I need to get away from the constant barrage of it on my off time.”

Jack gave an understanding chuckle as he nodded in agreement. “Of course, it sounds like a nice place.”

They left the mall and found their cars, Jack diligently following along as they got onto the busy road and made their way to the coffee shop. They quickly jogged through the parking lot to get out of the heavy whirls of snowflakes that began to come down and not long after they had found two comfortable seats to sit across from each other and were being served hot, steaming cups of coffee they’d only ordered a few minutes earlier. Brock couldn’t help smirk over them being in large, proper cups instead of paper ones like his mind was complaining about earlier and happy he could take his time to sit and drink with Jack instead of ruining his sleep with a large serving he’d milk through an episode and probably would lead to a second or third serving at home.

“So..” Jack offered after taking a small sip, testing his drink. “Thank you again for taking care of TJ. His mother would have killed me on the spot in front of everyone if something had happened to him.”

“That’d be a real damn shame.” Brock said and his ears suddenly burned in embarrassment over his usually easygoing flirting. Here it just felt so clumsy, so..cringe. “She’s yer sister then?” He asked in a lame attempt to divert his comment.

“Actually, no. We’ve been good friends for a long time, it’s easier for TJ to call me uncle, I’m his Godfather if we’re being specific. He’s known me as uncle since he was born, it works best that way.” Jack explained. “Wanda’s got a wonderful personality but hurt someone she loves and you’ll regret it.”

Brock couldn’t help the snort escape him. “Sounds scary.”

He made a mental note to not piss off TJ’s mom should he ever meet her. A small voice in his head offered that that may not be too far off if things progressed, so far Jack seemed to be into him..well at least as friends it seemed, and that was better than him looking bored or uninterested. While his face seemed rather stoic when not reacting to anything, his eyes were bright and attentively watching him, which was nice.

“Well, were ya able to keep the adventure you two had at the mall a secret?” Brock asked.

“I tried to. I didn’t want Wanda worrying unnecessarily. Unfortunately TJ was so delighted over Santa Claus personally helping him find Uncle Jack that he couldn’t stop himself from spouting everything out in great detail to his mother.”

Brock chuckled. “Good thing yer still alive and kickin’ then.”

“You’re his hero.” Jack said as their eyes caught, a soft smile ghosting his lips and Brock practically felt the urge to duck his head, preening to the compliment.

But there was a reality to that he had to point out, shaking his head. “Santa’s his hero. M’jus the guy who ‘appened to wear the beard today. Anyone else in the suit woulda done the exact same. Shoot, knowin’ Barton, he woulda doled out money to get TJ a slice of pizza while they were lookin’ fer you.”

“Still. He adores him and the person behind that beard. He even wants to make a scarf for you.”

“Oh?” Brock said with a raise of his brows. “Like the one yer wearin’? He told me that’s one of his, a TJ original.”

“Yeah.” Jack nodded, a much too attractive smirk crossing his face. “You’ll probably have one in colours that clash even more violently so he’s sure everyone can find Santa like a great beacon.”

“I’m in fer a real treat then.” Brock grinned.

Jack brought his cup to his lips, pausing as mischievous eyes stared at him. “Oh absolutely.”

It was ridiculously unfair how Jack was so handsome when he was smiling, but he was so insanely hot when he also looked like he was up to no good. Brock had to stall those brakes before his jeans got uncomfortable. “I think it’s sweet that ya wear it.”

“How could I not? He made it for me and I don’t really care if people think it’s different. I don’t really notice how bright it may look against what I wear, or if it clashes. I thought of leaving it off for..”

Date, Brock mentally said, hopefully filling in the sentence for Jack when he paused a moment.

“ -Our meeting.”

Fuck.

“But I figured that would be the one thing you would recognize me by.”

“I remember a lot more about you than jus the scarf.” Brock floundered. He didn’t want to come off too strong and push Jack away. “Uh, I mean I jus..I’m good with faces and people..shit like that.”

He bit his lip to force himself to shut up. Clearly not if he was cursing already and Brock felt his embarrassment grow. He had no idea what was going on while he was here with Jack. Usually he was easygoing with guys he was interested in, he was generally the one in control, the one who was cool and casual and called the shots. Here though, whenever he tried to flirt, it just came out making him sound like an idiot.

Brock could swear a tiny but very amused smile crossed over Jack's lips as he listened. Before he could be sure though, Jack had lifted his mug of coffee and hid his mouth with it. Even for a non-date this was becoming so awkward.

“Do ya have any kids?” Brock asked Jack in an attempt to gather some level of control again.

“Me? No, not at the moment. I haven’t found the right partner yet.” Jack said and shrugged his shoulders.

Partner could mean anything, Brock thought as he continued to hold out hope that Jack was into guys. At least he was single so that was one thing less to worry about.

“It’s nice though, allows me to spend time with TJ and spoil him without upsetting anyone. Helps me practice too for when the time comes, if it does. How about yourself?”

“No kids, sometimes I feel like I’m too much of a mess fer m’self to be takin’ care of a little one..” Brock paused as he mulled over his words. They seemed legitimate enough. The last thing he wanted was to admit to Jack about how he told Clint he wanted to punt some kid into a pit for kicking him in the shin a few days ago and that was a moment in time when he wasn’t in the suit. “I got tons of nieces and nephews, you know how the Italians are, gotta have a big family and all that. But they’re all outta state, I only see ‘em during special holidays. No boyfriend either.” Brock offered, closely observing Jack's reaction to the last part. A little nod and, if he wasn’t fully mistaken, a slight smile but that could’ve been just a grimace, he wasn’t entirely sure. Then it hit him how sad his words must have appeared.

“Wow, I sound like a real loser.”

“You’re definitely not a loser.”

“Well, ya can’t say I don’t sound lonely.”

“Are you?”

“Um..”

The question had come out of nowhere, taking Brock by surprise. Now it was Jack's turn to flush slightly and Brock would be damned if that didn’t make the man look even more attractive and adorable than he already was. Just the slightest hint of pink in his cheeks, a shy look down to his hands and Brock felt like wrapping him in a blanket and taking him home. Inside his place, well he wasn’t sure if it would just be cuddling, but that was beside the point.

“That was much too personal, sorry.” Jack mumbled, picking uncomfortably at his scarf that lay on the table.

“Nah, it’s fine.” Brock said with an easy shrug of his shoulders. “M’not lonely. I got my job, my friends, I focus on takin’ care of m’self inside and out and sometimes I cover as a Santa at the mall and help lost little boys find their way then go out fer coffee with their uncles.”

He felt himself smile, feeling his usual confidence coming back. With relief he saw Jack’s own smile return to that handsome face.

“So that’s a common occurrence?”

“Well..not really. Ya got me.” Brock shot Jack a lopsided grin. “I ‘aven’t met that many new people lately outside of work aside from this Christmas gig I got guilted into doin’ and mostly that’s been kids thinkin’ I’m ol’ St. Nick. I work nights.”

Jack tilted his head a little in thought and Brock’s heart sped up as he realised how his comment could be misunderstood. It could have been easily possible, with the way he was describing himself, he may have sounded like..

“I mean, shifts.” Brock added, his voice a little too high. “Night shifts. I do security at the hospital. A normal job. M’not some kinda male stripper or nothin’..”

Brock’s eyes grew wide as replayed in his mind what he just said and coughed out a laugh.

Did I just suggest Jack might think I dance and maybe do other things for money? On a not-date? What the fuck is wrong with me?

They should’ve gone to the bar, at least that way they’d both be buzzed and it would have probably lightened Jack’s perception of him. Then hopefully he could get him drunk and in a cab, forgetting the whole conversion they had when morning came.

Whatever, it was all over anyway. There was no way Jack would want to see him again. Not even TJ's adoration of his Santa persona could right this glorious tire fire that wasn’t a date.

He clenched his jaw, looking at Jack. He should get ready to say goodbye to tall, dark and handsome, a man of his future dreams and the self loathing of how he fucked it all up in one simple coffee meet up.

Suddenly Jack laughed and Brock was taken aback. He wasn’t at all ready for that.

Jack’s shoulders were shaking. A deep hearty rich laugh coming out of him that seemed to resonate through his entire body. Tears were forming in his eyes, pressing kisses to those adorable crickles at the corners, his large, divine hands grabbing the armrest for support.

“Why..why- ” Jack attempted to speak, then took a deep breath which only seemed to make him choke up a little. He shook his head to try to gain control of himself. “Why would you..you think- ” Another laughing fit cut off the rest of Jack’s sentence.

Brock couldn’t do anything but stare as Jack continued losing it in front of him. He couldn’t really decide which was worse: the fact that he had made an utter fool of himself or that Jack wholeheartedly agreed.

“I’m..I’m so sorry, Brock. I’m so so sorry.” Jack wheezed. “I’m not laughing at you, it’s just..” He sucked in a deep breath and this time it didn’t catch. He calmed down and wiped the tears from his eyes.

“You could have easily said you were Batman instead of what you did say.” He coughed as he snickered. “During the afternoon he’s Santa, at night he’s dancing for money. Sounds like an interesting plot for a movie.”

“Glad I could make ya laugh..” Brock mumbled sheepishly, wishing for the floor to swallow him whole.

“I’m sorry, Brock. Really, I am.” Jack reached over the table and laid hand on Brock’s arm, squeezing lightly.

“It’s okay, I- ” before Brock could say more, Jack's mobile went off. The warm hand was withdrawn as he turned slightly to grab his phone from his coat pocket as it sat draped behind his chair, frowning at the name that interrupted them so rudely.

“I have to get this, do you mind?” He looked at Brock apologetically, his green eyes still gleaming with the tears of laughter from before.

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Brock was actually happy about the little interruption with the phone call. This way he might patch himself up enough to end this..whatever kind of meeting it was on a high note. Well, as high as it can get by this point.

Just be polite and make up some excuse about Clint texting about an emergency and leave. Or just say nothing embarrassing and leave, that’ll do. Don’t wait for him to make an awkward excuse with no effort.

“..I’m in the middle of something, Wanda. No. What? Oh..really? No chance? Have you..oh. But I, um, yeah okay. Yes. I know. Alright. See you later.”

If that wasn’t a rescue call, Brock thought with a lump in his throat. He tried to look casual as he glanced over his way. “Everythin’ okay?”

Jack chuckled, looking at Brock with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes again. “You know how I said you might be the proud owner of a scarf soon?”

“Yeah..” Brock said hesitantly, not entirely sure where this was going. Further conversation really wasn’t the route to get out of a situation quickly.

In a serious, no nonsense voice, Jack stared at him dead on. “It’s happening, Brock.”

“What do ya mean?”

“That was Wanda, TJ’s mother. She said TJ refuses to go to bed before he has the chance to show me the colours he picked for Santa’s scarf.”

Brock felt his mouth turn from a careful frown and into a grin. “Yer makin’ that up.”

“No, I’m not. It’s very true. She said all he’s been talking about is how Santa helped him, and how nice Santa is, and he deserves a reward for all his hard work.”

He did seem genuine, Brock thought. It was too weirdly specific to be a made up excuse. And TJ had taken pride in his scarf making abilities after all.

“Well, I guess that puts this- ” Brock gestured vaguely between them over the table. “To an abrupt endin'.”

“Yes, unfortunately.” Jack said, looking unbelievably disappointed which only threw Brock off further. “I’m sorry, I don’t want you to feel shrugged off.”

Brock shook his head, helpless to the situation, giving Jack a soft smile. “S’fine. Bein’ Uncle Jack is always gonna be the top priority.”

“Listen, are you on Santa duty again soon? I mean, TJ will surely bug me about that scarf and I can’t really let him choke some other Santa with it..” Jack's cheeks turned slightly pink again. “Of course only if you don’t mind.”

“Yer really serious, aren’t ya? And ‘ere I thought ya wanted to get out easy!” Brock said with a laugh, feeling a lot more at ease.

Jack looked at him astonished. “What? No, I’m enjoying myself very much.”

Either Jack was a very good liar or Brock didn’t do as badly as he thought.

Well, we can put that up to a test soon enough.

“Next Saturday, same time and same place.”

“It wouldn’t bother you?” Jack asked tentatively.

“Nah, of course not. Not at all.” Brock shook his head and added. “He’s a real sweet kid, it would be an honor to receive my very own scarf from ‘im.”

What did he have to lose, anyway? Brock surely wouldn’t pass up on the chance to brighten that little boy’s day again. And if he got to see his handsome uncle again, all the better.

Maybe I’d even get it together by then too.

“Yeah, he definitely is.” Jack agreed wistfully.

Then, he shifted in his chair and leaned forward. “If TJ doesn’t go through with it..can I still see you again?”

Giving a vague heads up on a Santa visit was one thing but this request sounded definitively like a date. A proper date. With Jack.

“After the shitty impression I jus made?” Brock blurted out.

“I had a really nice time.” Jack said, all earnest and sweet. “But if you don’t want to, that's completely understandable too. I won’t harass you for a date, I promise.”

Harass was definitely the wrong word, Brock thought and grinned broadly, his mood turning over to giddy. “I’d like that. A date, I mean.”

“Great.” Jack beamed, giving Brock something that looked akin to a business card when Brock cursed himself for forgetting his phone in his car. Instead Jack unlocked his phone and offered it up for him to input his number in.

When that was over, Jack stood up, wrapped TJ’s scarf around his neck and put on his peacoat. Brock just leaned back in his chair, hands shoved somewhat bashfully into his jeans while he could feel a distinct tingle in his cheeks from smiling.

“This was really fun.” Jack said, touching Brock’s arm. “Again, I’m sorry I have to go so suddenly.”

“It’s fine, really, it is.” Brock nodded, gripping the card in his pocket tightly.

“I’ll see you again soon then.” Another smile came out and Brock returned it as he watched Jack disappear onto the street, all easygoing and long strides.

Brock sat there for another moment, trying to make sense of everything. He didn’t quite know how he moved from awkward ramblings to a proper date and a phone number in his hand, but none of that really mattered because he would see Jack again, a prospect that was so exciting he could barely contain it.

He turned the eggshell blue colored card in his hands and read the print:

Sugar High Bakery & Desserts

Jack Rollins. Owner.

Brock stared at it fondly. TJ definitely wasn’t kidding about what he said about Uncle Jack making the best cakes and decorating them at his shop. And also the fact that Jack probably dealt with kids all day, so Brock’s weird rambling didn’t phase him one bit.

He realised that he was still leaning back against his chair when a couple had slowly strolled by with an obvious hope that he’d be leaving soon. The other tables not at the window bar were taken and clearly they wanted to cozy up together. He straightened up and finished off the last little bit of coffee he had left and headed out of the coffee shop.

Despite the snow falling heavier around him which meant he was going to have to deal with idiots on the road, the smile affixed to his face had no plans to go anywhere.

*****

Jack: Hey Brock, it’s Jack. I’ll drop by with TJ on Saturday. I was wondering if you feel like having dinner after your shift?

Brock: Sure, sounds great. I’ll see you then!

*****

“Hey Jack, come in!”

“Hey Wanda.” Jack said, stomping on the doormat to get rid of the snow on his boots before he pulled off his coat and hung it on the coat rack, giving her a quick hug and a small kiss on her cheek. “How are you?”

“Good, although my fingers hurt from knitting. TJ insisted that it had to be longer than your scarf because Santa was out in the cold all night giving out gifts to all the children so he had to be prepared for that.”

Jack smiled, shaking his head to TJ’s thoughtfulness. “And of course you had to with that reasoning.”

“Of course I did. Good news is that it’s finally done.”

“You’re the best, as usual.”

“I hope he appreciates it. Whoever he is behind the costume.” Wanda said and added with a raised eyebrow. “And despite the colors.”

Jack chuckled. “I’ll tell him all about your heroic, thankless deeds.”

“And when is that? When you take him on a date afterwards?” A mirthful smile gracing her lips as she patiently waited for his reaction.

“Did Pietro tell you?” Jack sighed.

He wasn’t exactly sure whether to be annoyed or delighted. While he was excited over the fact that Brock agreed to meet with him again, everything was all new and fledgling for the both of them and he preferred to keep his private life to himself. Well, Wanda was maybe an exception. And it had slipped out when Pietro was salting the driveway after he had dropped TJ off, asking him for more details on this superhero Santa and then on why he had to leave and not stay for dinner. From that moment on, Pietro had bugged him to keep him posted. It had been a long time since Jack even tried to ask someone out again, even for coffee, and he supposed his friends were just hoping for the best.

“He said you’ll be taking him out for dinner.” Wanda answered simply.

“We may pay separately.” Jack said in a weak attempt to get Wanda off course but to no avail.

“No, you’ll pay for dinner and be a perfect gentleman.” She shot him a serious look to go with her order and Jack understood why TJ never tried to fuss with her. A moment later a smile broke out across her face, lightly pushing at his chest. “He seems nice from what I gather, don’t scare him off.”

“I’ll try my best not to.”

“Good. I like seeing you like this, happy.”

Happy? He didn’t feel like he was exerting any sort of emotion that revealed his true feelings on hoping to have many more meetings and get togethers with Brock, and yet this was Wanda he was talking to. She had an uncanny, supernatural way of figuring things out..at least emotionally.

Before he could say anything more, quick little footsteps darted down the stairs.

“Uncle Jack!” TJ shouted.

Jack got down on one knee, opening his arms and TJ threw himself into the hug, making Jack lean back a little to damper the impact and keep his balance.

“Hey TJ! Ready to go?” He ruffled his hair.

“Yes!” He nodded eagerly. He pulled on his shoes and then his arms went out, allowing Wanda to get him into his coat. Next was his scarf and a little hat to protect his head from the drifts of snowflakes.

“The scarf is in here.” He pointed to a backpack with dinosaurs on it. “It's really long, I have to take my bag. It’s very important.”

“Good idea.” Jack smiled fondly at him. “Looks like you’re well prepared for our trip. We should get a move on.”

“Bye, mommy!”

TJ hugged Wanda, picked up his backpack and held on to Jack’s hand.

“Have fun, honey.” Wanda waved, watching them off at the door. “I’ll pick you up later.”

Jack held open the door to the backseat and TJ promptly climbed in, his backpack resting safely next to him, tightly gripped. “I really hope Santa likes the scarf.”

“I’m sure he will.” Jack said, buckling him in. “He needs to be warm while giving away all those presents to good boys and girls. He’ll love it.”

During the drive, TJ happily babbled on about the scarf and his excitement to give it to Santa all by himself. He refused to show Jack the finished look though, insisting that it was a present for Santa and that no one else should see it beforehand.

“But you showed me the colors already and I’m curious!” Jack faux pouted when TJ didn’t yield.

“I changed it a bit and mommy knitted a pretty pattern. You’ll see it when I give it to Santa.”

They parked the car and entered the cheery, brightly lit mall. TJ had the backpack securely fastened on his back, one hand in Jack’s.

“Are you going to stay with me this time?”

The panic he had felt when TJ had wandered off the last time they were here had taken a while to cease. Wanda never blamed him, especially seeing that nothing had happened, but still Jack was a little tense.

“Yes, Uncle Jack.” He said solemnly. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, I was just really worried about you is all.”

As they walked across the mall, TJ suddenly stopped and looked at Jack thoughtfully.

“Do you think he’ll remember me? He sees so many other kids and..and I’m just..TJ!”

“Of course he will.” Jack crouched to meet his eyes, which had gone a little misty at the mere idea Santa would forget about him. He took two little hands in his own and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Santa has a good memory. Just think of all the presents he remembers, and besides..you two met each other in a different, unique way. Do you really think he would forget that?.”

“No.” TJ said softly, bowing his head a little before something caught his eye and he broke out in a smile. “Uncle Jack! There he is!”

Brock was standing in front of a small stall set up for gift wrapping by donation close to Santa’s village. He was holding a large basket in his hand, handing out candy to children and anyone else eager to say hello to Santa. Seeing Brock in the suit again made him realize just how heavily padded it must have been, and in this warm mall surrounded by so many people generating body heat, he must have been sweltering. He felt a little bad for him, and even noticed just how different he looked outside of the costume, he truly did go all out for the look.

His easygoing laugh rang in Jack’s ears even though there was still a considerable distance between them, and Jack couldn’t help but smile. Wanda may have been on to something: he did feel excited and just the tiniest bit giddy at the prospect of seeing Brock again. Good thing he had gathered enough courage to ask him out for that dinner date.

“Santa!” TJ shouted as Brock walked on through the mall. He stopped, turned, and waved at TJ. The little boy practically charged towards him, Jack’s hand still tightly gripped so that he had to take long strides to keep up.

“Hello TJ.” Brock said when he stopped himself and stood in front of him, all smiles.

“You remember me?” He asked, looking up at him with those big doe eyes.

“How could I forget you and yer Uncle Jack?” Brock shot back with a warm laugh, shooting a quick glance Jack’s way and giving him a wink.

TJ gasped, tugging Jack down to his level to whisper into his ear. “He remembers you, too!”

“Hello, Santa.” Jack nodded with a bright smile, his greeting less to do with Santa and more to do with the gorgeous man hidden under the costume. But this was TJ’s show so Jack took a step back. He’d have the entire evening to talk to Brock and listen to his adorably clumsy attempts at flirting that seemed to surprise him which somehow made him even more charming.

“Would you like a piece of chocolate?” Brock asked and lowered the basket far enough for TJ to reach.

It was nice to hear Brock speak confidently again, maybe he was a little nervous that first meeting together at the coffee shop. He hoped he’d know that Jack didn’t care about being impressed or needing to say the right thing and he could really listen to him talk all evening with that awkwardness gone. He couldn’t wait for tonight, hoping they’d have more easy conversation and soon Brock wouldn’t worry about a thing.

“Thank you.” TJ murmured in awe as he took a chocolate snowman wrapped in colorful foil out of the basket. “Santa, I have something for you, too.”

“Really?” Brock said surprised, his eyes flickering to Jack’s scarf for a split second before focussing on TJ again. “But it’s supposed to be me who gives presents to children, not the other way around.”

“This time it is. To say thank you for finding me.”

While TJ took off his backpack and set it on the floor, Brock smiled at Jack timidly. In response, Jack was able to return the wink he received and quickly Brock turned his head away, almost shy. This man didn’t look at all like he was bashful and but he was too cute for his own good, Jack admired, amused by the slight pink that crawled into Brock’s cheeks.

TJ opened the main compartment with a concentrated look. Jack’s eyes widened when he caught a glimpse of the scarf peeking out. He really did change the planned colors. When Jack had visited him last to take a look at it, the wool had been of a nice dark blue. With a look at his own purple and blue scarf he had been relieved that Brock wouldn’t be subject to an eyesore he’d feel obligated to wear. In fact, the blue would have fitted perfectly to his black hair and those coppery brownish eyes..not that it mattered while he was receiving it in his Santa get up over his normal look but still. What actually did come out was a whole other story though..

TJ pulled on one end of the scarf and Jack internally panicked at the sight of the fabric unraveling from the backpack. The knitting pattern was, as always, pristine and perfect, but unfortunately the bright, very bright, yellow swallowed up any kind of intricacy the scarf may have had. TJ pulled further and the yellow gave way to a proper Santa-red. Jack blinked a few times to clear his vision, but even then he couldn’t take out the stark brightness, trying his best to focus on the deep rich red instead. Another pull and the color scheme repeated itself not once, not twice, but three whole times before ending with a line of rainbow colored tassels. It was so long that he needed it gathered against his chest with both hands to keep it from falling on the floor.

“This scarf is for you!” TJ said and held it out towards Brock with a bright smile.

Still a little shocked by the sheer force those clashing colors had over him, Jack looked at Brock with a smile and a shrug. But Brock didn’t even acknowledge him, kneeling down slowly before TJ and reaching out to feel the end of the scarf with his hand.

“Look at the pattern and the colors!” He said with an enthusiasm in his voice that startled Jack.

It sounded genuine, none of that humoring a kid kind of way. What Jack could see of Brock’s face was lit up in a broad smile and his eyes shined as he marvelled at the fabric. Maybe he was color blind, Jack thought suddenly.

TJ pointed at the scarf. “My mommy knitted it and I chose the colors and put the tassels on it.”

“This is great, TJ. Yer really amazin’, this is real perfect.” Brock examined, letting the tassels slide along his fingers with a smile.

Maybe his eyesight was actually alright, Jack thought, and Brock really was touched by the gesture to the extent that style wasn’t a priority anymore. It really felt like how Jack felt that day TJ had given him his, and that only made something in his chest tighten a little.

“Thank you!” TJ beamed at Brock’s charming compliment. “I picked red because it has to match your coat. And yellow because it’s like the sunshine in the sky, it’s happy like me!”

“Yeah, yer exactly right.” Brock said, his voice tender and Jack wished they weren’t in the middle of the mall doing this. “That’s a great combination, and fittin’ too. Thank you so much fer this.” Brock wrapped the scarf around his neck, careful to avoid knocking his fake beard off his face. “Ya know, it gets real chilly on the sleigh but this Christmas I’ll be warm and comfortable on my trip.”

TJ’s smile grew even wider as he looked at Brock wearing his scarf so proudly. He practically lunged his way and hugged him. They shared it together for a moment before Brock stood back up, Jack giving TJ’s upper back an affectionate rub.

“You made his day, Teej. Nice work.”

“Merry Christmas, Santa.” TJ said to Brock. “We’re gonna go look at the tigers again now.”

“Well, ‘ave fun, TJ. And a very merry Christmas to you..and Uncle Jack, too.” Brock replied and waved again as TJ pulled Jack in the direction of the toy shop, mission now accomplished and ready for a new adventure.

“See you, Santa.” Jack said, smiling too hard for his own good at Brock before he turned back in the direction TJ led him in, following after him dutifully.

*****

TJ and himself had been browsing through the toy store when Jack’s phone began to ring.

“Hey Wanda.” Jack answered, nodding to TJ when the boy looked up with a smile and then pointed to a set of interactive instruments a couple other kids were checking out. He watched the boy run off to join them when he was given the go ahead and he turned his attention back to his call, his peripheral vision supervising TJ.

“Jack?” She sounded breathless. “You’re going to hate me, but I won’t be able to pick TJ up like we planned, I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?”

“I need to get Pietro. His car broke down and he’s stranded on the highway. Could you watch TJ a while longer?”

“Well, I uh..” Jack hesitated. A while could mean anything.

“I know you have a date with your Santa and I feel horrible for asking because of that..”

He could tell that Wanda meant it, her voice was pleading. Jack let out a long sigh. Not that spending more time with TJ was a trial, it was just that he really wanted to go on that date with Brock. “Well, I suppose it’s not like I have a choice, is it?”

“I’m so sorry, Jack.”

Me too, Wanda, me too.

“What do you need me to do, should I take him home?”

“Hang out at the mall a bit longer, maybe distract him with his choice of dinner out there, then maybe drop him off at home after? Hopefully I’ll be home at that point, but if not you have a key, can you just let yourselves in and wait for us?”

“Alright, sounds like a plan.”

“Again, I’m so sorry to ruin your date.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll manage. Now go and get your brother out of a jam, being stuck on the highway is probably stressful.”

“Thank you, Jack. I owe you big.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

Disappointed, Jack ended the call. So much for the dinner date he had planned for Brock at that fancy restaurant he actually liked in town.

Jack knew that Wanda wouldn’t ask him if it wasn’t urgent but the timing couldn’t have been worse. He looked at his watch. It was only a little over half an hour until he was supposed to meet Brock. He was suddenly upset. How could he cancel now without looking like he made everything all up just to cop out at the last minute?

He approached TJ, who was dancing along to the atrocious sounds coming from the other children gathered around banging on instrument keys with no qualms about how off key they actually were. He rested his hand on TJ’s shoulder, getting him to turn around. “Teej, mommy can’t pick you up yet, she has to do something important. What do you think about getting something to eat for dinner and I’ll drop you off at home later?”

“Can we have pizza?” TJ asked.

“Sure.” Jack said, his mind occupied with how he was going to break the news to Brock through text since he was obviously still working. He pointed at the large bin of small stuffed animals marked to clear, knowing it would keep TJ’s spirits up and it wasn’t anything lavish Wanda would lecture him on spoiling TJ with. “Why don’t you pick out something from this bin over here and we’ll go get it rung up before pizza.”

“Okay!” TJ cried out in excitement, running off to toil over which one animal he would like to take home tonight.

He got out his phone and typed up a message.

Bad news: An emergency came up and TJ’s mom won’t be able to pick him up at the time we had set up, so he’s still with me.

The answer came immediately.

That means you wanna cancel dinner?

‘Wanna’ was definitely not the fitting word here, he didn’t wanna do anything that meant not meeting up with Brock later. Jack sighed. Now that their date was as good as called off, the reality of just how important it was to him to see Brock again and get to spend a night out taking him to dinner, it felt more painful than he had anticipated.

Not cancel. More like, reschedule? For another time? Whenever you’re free.

Jack typed the message out, staring at it for a few seconds before hitting send.

Unlike the first quick response, this one took a little more time and the more the seconds ticked by, the worse Jack felt. After a couple of minutes his phone buzzed and he opened the new message.

Sure.

Shit. That period at the end didn’t sound good at all. It resonated with a serious, disapproving tone that might even carry disappointment if he looked close enough. Jack sighed unhappily. Brock surely thought he was trying to let him down gently. Or not even that, come to think of the immediacy. What Jack had written had probably been too casual, making it sound like he didn’t care at all. Or that he hadn’t intended to go through with the date in the first place.

Calm down, it was only a word and a punctuation mark. He scolded to himself, thinking of what to say next.

Really?

Jack typed back, cautious over what he would get back in reply, but hoping it conveyed the care he did feel.

Yeah.

Frustrated, Jack turned his phone in his hands. In between the holidays, with New Year’s just around the corner, a huge pile of seasonal cake orders on his work desk as well as some birthdays and weddings, it could be a few weeks before he had the chance to see Brock properly again..and that was if he still wanted to see him.

“TJ.” Jack called out on a whim, the boy glancing back at him with a wolf plushie in his hands. “Would you mind if a friend joined us for dinner?”

“Who?”

“Brock. He’s really nice.”

“Yeah, okay.” TJ agreed with a smile then shrugged and turned his attention back to the stuffed toys.

Jack smiled and felt his palms go a bit sweaty. That wasn’t too forward, was it? It wouldn’t be a proper date with TJ around but at least it would be a way to show that he was interested in him and not making up a lame excuse. If Brock was really interested in seeing him too, he wouldn’t mind TJ being there either.

Unless you want to join TJ and me for dinner? But just a heads up, it’ll be pizza instead of the nice restaurant I was planning to take you to.

He pressed send and prayed.

The buzz was almost immediate and Jack felt so light as he looked down at his screen.

I love pizza, I shouldn’t but I do. I’m up for meeting up and having dinner with TJ too, count me in.

Jack grinned broadly at the message before him and all his anxiety seemed to melt away magically.

Great! We’ll meet you at the food court in half an hour?

His phone buzzed and all was well again in Jack’s world.

Perfect.

*****

Brock stuffed his things into his backpack and grabbed his leather jacket, relieved that his last shift was over and that he could move without carrying around all that extra padding. His stomach growled as he’d worked through his break because of a snafu with the camera caused a build up of appointments for the day. The few pieces of chocolate he’d eaten didn’t quite make up for it and pizza would have definitely been a great choice to fill his stomach with; it may have even been something he’d rather have over the portions he could picture at a fancy restaurant where Jack apparently wanted to take him. He wasn’t sure what kind of meals he liked, but while being wined and dined was a wonderful compliment to through his way, Brock wasn’t in the mood for tiny experimental morsels and heinous prices if that was something Jack liked. He wanted a greasy, cheese laden slice of pizza topped with thick, delicious slices of pepperoni and his mouth watered at the mere thought, even if his diet was strict about that kind of stuff. He was going to treat himself today and that was that.

Just as he took TJ’s scarf to put it around his neck Brock stopped in his tracks. TJ would be there, according to Jack’s apologetic texts, and the scarf had been a gift for Santa and not for him. That also meant that he had to start from scratch in getting to know the little boy. Brock took off the scarf and put it into his backpack as well, making sure to bury it under his spare shirt.

He didn’t actually mind TJ being there. Of course he had been looking forward to a date with Jack alone, but given that it had nearly been called off entirely he was happy with the alternative. Also, TJ might just be the saving grace he needed to stop the awkward rambling that he was running into in Jack’s presence.

Brock slung the bag over his shoulder and headed towards the food court, which was no doubt busy as hell. And he was right, though it quickly escaped him when he immediately caught sight of Jack in his purple-blue scarf and TJ holding dutifully to his hand as he looked around at all the different faces passing him by.

“Jack, hey!”

Brock wasn’t sure how to approach him, assuming he’d told TJ about him as a friend and most likely a friend he knew for a little while. A hug was out of the question, mostly because he wasn’t sure if he was allowed and a handshake seemed way too business-like. He settled for a wave and a smile, one that came so easily now that he was in Jack’s company once again.

“Hey, Brock.” Jack seemed to have a similar dilemma, jerking forward as if deciding to step into his space for maybe a hug as well but then stopped himself and flashed a crooked smile instead.

Brock chuckled, kneeling down before TJ and offering his hand. “Hey there, m’Brock.”

“Hi, I’m TJ.” He shook his hand before letting go to peer up at Jack, then back at him again. “Are you Uncle Jack’s boyfriend?”

Jack cleared his throat and laughed nervously. “Teej, Brock is a friend. You know I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment.”

TJ shrugged. “Oh, yeah. I forgoted..sorry. You just looked like a nice boyfriend for Uncle Jack.”

Brock barely hid his grin at Jack’s discomfort. “Heh, thanks. So I heard someone say we’d be ‘avin’ some pizza. Is that still true?”

“Oh yes!” TJ confirmed, excitement in his eyes. “I love pizza! Can we have it now, Uncle Jack? Please?”

“Absolutely. Let’s go place an order and find a spot to sit down.”

They found a table despite the busy mass of people wading through the mall and soon they each sat in front of a steaming pizza. Brock’s stomach was growling loudly by now, so loudly in fact that TJ asked him whether he heard that weird lion sound too. Jack nearly choked on his drink and hastened to point out that their food was getting cold. Brock won TJ’s heart quickly by offering him the free Christmas ribboned cellophane bag of peppermint candy the pizzeria was giving out with the meal promotion they were having. The boy hoarded away his third bundle, after giving Jack pleading eyes for his candy bag, into his backpack for safe keeping.

Time passed quickly and Brock was relieved to see that he had been right: with TJ sitting at the table the atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing. He happily offered up stories about his friends and the neighbour’s dog on random intervals, Jack seemed at ease and Brock silently congratulated himself on not acting like a complete idiot again when questions were directed his way. He learned about Jack’s bakery and laughed over all the random stories about women assuming Jack could work miracles if they paid him extra, or even offered promises of adult things he didn’t dare go into detail on with TJ around.

“Wow, I thought that was an exaggeration you only see in movies or somethin’.” Brock said in awe.

“Nope.” Jack sighed. “Unfortunately it happens, and more often than you’d think too.”

“Jesus.”

Since Jack had paid for dinner, Brock insisted on buying a round of ice cream for everyone as dessert. Full and tired, TJ leaned against Jack’s leg with a satisfied sigh.

“Looks like someone’s ready to go home.” Jack said as he ran his fingers through TJ’s hair. Turning to Brock. “Are you parked at the front parking lot?”

“Yeah.” Brock nodded. He had planned to park closer to the back entrance today since Clint was feeling better as the days went by and his time as Santa would be coming to an end. He was glad he had to pick up something before his shift near the front and left his car there. He definitely didn’t want to miss a chance to spend more time with Jack, especially when he felt like he graduated from the awkward impression he had made at their coffee meet up.

“Uncle Jack?” TJ asked.

“Yes?”

“Are we still gonna have the costume party?”

“Of course, it’s on New Year’s Eve.”

“How much longer until New Year’s Eve?”

“Not for another twelve days, sweetheart.”

“That’s a real long time.” The boy’s voice morose.

“Yes, but we’ll celebrate Christmas first so I’m sure you won’t get bored.”

“Oh yeah! That’s true.” He turned to Brock. “I’m dressing up as a wereboy!”

“Really? With fur and big teeth?” Brock asked, interest piqued. Usually kids liked to be princes or princesses, animals or even superheroes.

“No, I’m only gonna be a boy. They got small sharp teeths, and I’m gonna have a black nose like they do too. My favorite toy is a wolf and he turns into a boy sometimes when we have tea parties so he can hold his cup and mommy said he’s a wereboy. He’s very nice, Uncle Jack says he’s a very polite wereboy, I agree.”

“Awesome.” Little TJ was always good for a surprise, he thought. As was his uncle.

“Do you come to the party, too?” TJ suddenly asked, brows knit together as if answering that specific question in the wrong would set off the waterworks.

“Um..” He hesitated, determined not to look at Jack whose attention was fully set on searching his pockets for his car keys. “I dunno know yet, kiddo.”

New Year’s Eve generally consisted of him, Bucky, Steve, Natasha and Clint getting together at someone’s house, it wasn’t a big deal, he was sure they wouldn’t be put out of place if he didn’t end up coming this year, his mind briefly flashing to the idea of celebrating New Year’s with Jack. Not that it really was an official invitation, kids said the darnedest things and all that.

“It would be nice if you came.” TJ said. “You could be a princess.”

“A princess?” Brock choked out, trying to cough out the spit that went straight into his windpipe.

“Yes. Your hair is so pretty and shiny!”

“Thanks.” Brock grinned and ghosted a hand over his hair knowing it did look great. “Still, I dunno if I can make it yet, but I’ll let ya know, yeah?”

“Okay!”

They had arrived at the main entrance of the mall as Jack found his keys and shot Brock an awkward smile, probably over TJ’s very generous invitation, but Brock wasn’t entirely sure. He still had a lot to learn about how to read Jack’s facial cues since a lot of them weren’t very clear.

Brock pulled on his leather jacket, which had been draped over his arm all this time, pushing aside the random thoughts of what Jack would be dressed up as which were definitely drifting off to a more private territory solely reserved for when he was alone in his room, absently pulling up his backpack to get the scarf out that TJ had made for him and wrapping it around his neck. He forgot how yellow part of it was, but he liked the soft fabric a lot and from what he could see through the glass door of the mall the snow had not stopped.

“Your scarf!” TJ exclaimed and Brock stopped in midstep.

Shit.

He had totally forgotten that he was still two people for TJ: Santa and Brock, and Brock definitely didn’t own a scarf made by TJ and his mother.

With his heart rabbiting in his throat, Brock looked at Jack for help. He wasn’t much of that though, looking just as stunned as Brock felt. Soon though, his forehead crinkled and he licked his lips, obviously drumming up some kind of lie to tell TJ. Brock really didn’t want the magic of Christmas ruined for TJ if he told him the truth, but he didn’t know what to say exactly.

“My scarf? Yeah, well I uh..” Brock stuttered and hoped Jack’s brain would kick in and deliver some kind of smooth fix for this situation.

TJ tilted his head, scrutinising the item. “I like the colors. Me and mommy made one just like that for Santa!”

Brock breathed out a heavy huff of air, not realizing he was holding his breath.

Thank fucking God.

“Oh yeah?” He let out, trying his best to look surprised but pleased.

“Yeah huh! I gave it to Santa because I was lost and he helped me. He’s really nice!”

“So m’wearin’ the same scarf as Santa? I didn’t know! That’s real fancy then!” Brock said, trying to sound really excited.

“Why don’t you put on your scarf as well, TJ.” Jack said and fussed over him, successfully distracting the boy from pursuing the train of thought further. Brock couldn’t help but smile to himself at the stress across Jack’s face.

They walked to the car and by then TJ sleepily said goodbye and Jack made sure he was strapped in properly before closing the door and turning to Brock. “I’m really sorry about everything.”

Brock was listening but he wasn’t really hearing anything as he lost himself in Jack’s beautiful green eyes. How was he real?

He finally got himself out of his trance and shook his head dismissively. “Hey listen, s’okay. I wasn’t even takin’ TJ’s offer seriously.”

I wish I could though.

“You weren’t?”

“‘Course not. I can’t jus walk in off the street, and m’sure everythin’s planned already so don’t worry. I ain’t showin’ up to make a mess as an additional person.”

The words came with an easy smile but Brock felt a pull in his stomach as he burned the one bridge he had to secure another date with Jack. Between Christmas celebrations and preparations for New Year’s there surely wasn’t any time for them to catch up and January seemed too far away to even fathom. He also knew how Jack had so many orders for his bakery, he was going to be really busy and there was definitely no way to set up a proper date until after all that all blew over.

Jack shook his head. “Well, I meant I’m sorry about today.”

“Whadda ya mean?”

“I asked you out with plans to take you out to a nice restaurant. Then, I cancelled that plan to have you eat pizza from a sad paper plate and hang out with my TJ and I. This hardly qualifies as a date.”

“True.” Brock said with a playful shrug. “But I ‘ad a nice evenin’ anyway.”

“Really?” Jack said, hope lacing his voice and it made Brock smile wider.

“Yeah, of course.” Brock nodded. “You two are fun to be around.”

“While TJ tends to invite anyone and everyone, please come by for New Year’s Eve.” Jack winced as he realised the commanding tone of this request. “I mean, if you’re not busy with something else. I’d love for you to celebrate with me- with us.”

Brock opened his mouth to respond but Jack seemed to be barreling on.

“It’s a house party, at Wanda’s and Pietro’s. Obviously TJ will already be there, so there’s no threat of plans changing around. It’ll be around twenty or so people, mostly friends. I don’t know all of them, they’re mostly Wanda’s or Piet’s friends so you won’t be the only one to be lost at times introducing yourself. No one from my family so no weird pressure or anything. Everyone’s easygoing, and hey it’s a costume party so if you don’t want anyone to really recognize you or talk, you could put a full mask on or something.”

“Okay.” Brock smiled, a wave of excitement bubbling at the surface.

“Okay?” Jack studied him carefully. “Okay as in you’ll be there?”

“Yeah, okay as in I’ll be there. I’d love to. Full disclosure though, there ain’t no way m’dressin’ up as a princess, no offense to TJ.”

“That’s okay.” Jack said with a laugh. “I’m sure TJ will forgive you and enjoy however you show up. He’s very agreeable and he’ll be happy just to see you there. I’ll text you the details when I get home.”

“Sounds good. Have a goodnight, Jack.”

Brock knocked lightly on the window of the backseat and TJ peered up at him, both giving each other one final wave and when he turned to look back at Jack, who was stepping into his space and Brock quickly realized he was coming in for a hug and he was more than ready for it, leaning in to it and holding Jack close. He stole a quick inhale of his subtle cologne and too soon they drew back.

“You have a goodnight as well, Brock.”

He lingered until Jack and TJ pulled out safely from their parking spot and were driving off to the exit, feeling like he was the luckiest guy on earth.

*****

Brock wasn’t very used to dressing up in a costume sense, not in a family friendly environment at least. There was no room to be a sexy cop so he could playfully flirt with Jack or something hilarious and absolutely much too adult, and everything his brain suggested seemed like something he wouldn’t be fully into. He had considered asking Jack what he would be dressed as but then he had thought better of it since it may have come across as weird. Staring down at his phone, he deleted the draft of a text and started to look for possible clothing in his closet.

Way back behind his jeans he found a red plaid shirt he had picked up from some small farm store ages ago when he was visiting a cousin and it was cooler than he was led to believe. He dug out a pair of skinny jeans that wouldn’t make him feel like he was about to burst out of them, and stole Clint’s red Chuck Taylor’s for his feet which completed his improvised Marshall Lee costume.

So far, so good. But to make his basic clothes a little more interesting he brought in the box of Halloween goods Clint was so over the top about to his room. Tonight he was thankful for him slacking on putting it all away in their storage closet and found some adhesive applied false fangs that were still sealed and a bottle of white foundation paint. He stopped in the bathroom to hastily but carefully apply the makeup foundation, wishing Natasha had been around to help him with that certain part before adding in the two bite marks Marshall had on his neck with a black eyeliner pencil.

He fixed his hair in a kind of tousled messy way Marshall had it without going too far out of his comfort zone, especially not wanting it to be falling into his eyes. He examined himself in the mirror for one final look over, he had a weak moment of thinking the look wasn’t good enough. The costume was a good choice, wasn’t it? Marshall Lee was rebellious, fun and kind of hilarious, or well..Brock thought so when he and Clint were high and watching random episodes of Adventure Time. Okay so the character was kind of a dick at times too, but well..so was he. He liked it enough and hoped whoever recognized it would too. That idea that it wasn’t good enough was quickly discarded. He was there to hang out with Jack mostly, that was his aim.

*****

He stood on the stoop in front of Wanda and Pietro’s house, nervously turning a bottle of red wine in his hands. Brock rang the bell and waited, straining to make out the muffled music trying to stream outside.

A man with silvery hair, yet didn’t look that much different in age from him, opened the door dressed to look like Frankenstein's monster. At least he was definitely at the right house.

“Hey, m’Brock..” He said hesitantly. “Jack invited me?”

Instantly the man’s eyes widened a fraction, a grin gracing his face. “Brock! Hey! Come on in! I’m Pietro, Jack’s friend.”

Brock shuffled the information, finally putting a face to the man who was TJ’s uncle, and Wanda’s twin brother. He seemed nice, Brock thought, his smile was warm and welcoming. Shaking Pietro’s hand, he stepped inside when the man moved away from the door, the foyer decorated in colorful Christmas lights, shimmery bordering and a lot of balloons. It led to a cozy living room, furnished with modern but welcoming touches. It seemed like almost the whole count Jack had given him was there all dressed in occupational costumes, Star Wars characters, memes and a handful of other themes. Brock even spotted a full walrus outfit near the back, but no sign of Jack yet. At least everyone was in the dress up spirit, no one seemed out of place.

“I brought a bottle of wine for you guys.” Brock said as he handed Pietro the gift. “I hope you both enjoy it.”

“That’s kind of you, thank you. Wanda loves red wine, this is one of her favourites.”

“It is, I can see the label already from here.” A woman with long brown hair that was adorned with slivers of grey in it approached, it was the dress that triggered a familiarity to the costume that made her hair suddenly make sense. Her gown was an ankle length pale pink that had a dark trim and he realized she was dressed as Lily Munster, and that in turn, Pietro was probably Herman..which was weird but it dawned on him who TJ may be and that they decided to go for a theme. “Who is our new guest?”

“M’Brock. Jack invited me.” Brock repeated and gave Wanda an awkward smile. Did he really have to meet everyone before Jack appeared?

“Oh! Brock, the mall Santa!” Wanda exclaimed, shaking Brock’s hand excitedly. “I’m so glad to finally meet you! Pietro, would you go find Jack and I’ll get our hero a drink?”

“Sure thing.” Pietro said, giving Brock one last amiable nod and a smile before he took off down the hallway.

Wanda linked her arm with Brock’s and pulled him towards the kitchen. “What would you like to drink? There’s punch, beer, wine, hard liquor, soda..we also have water and fruit juices.” To make sure, she opened the fridge door to peek inside and he could see an impressive selection of alcohol as well as everything else she had rattled off that needed to be chilled.

“I wouldn’t say no to a beer.” Brock said, pointing to one of his favorites and starting to relax at Wanda’s warm welcome. If Jack took longer to show up Brock was sure he could easily talk to her.

“There you go.” She said after removing the top with a bottle opener. Her gaze softened enough for Brock to pause after he took an introductory sip. “Brock, I’ve been wanting to thank you so much for taking care of TJ.”

“Oh it was no problem.” Brock said, a little embarrassed. “Don’t mention it.”

He was starting to feel like the amount of times people thanked him for this little act of kindness was becoming ridiculous. TJ found him, outside having a smoke in his Santa suit of all places, he was obligated to help. He didn’t want to say that though so he opted to take another sip of his beer instead.

“I mean it.” She looked seriously at him, much like TJ when he had talked to him about looking for Jack in the mall.

“I guess I have you to thank fer the lovely scarf then?” Brock changed the subject and tugged at the fabric of his sleeve.

“Yes.” Wanda nodded, wincing a little. “I’m sorry about the colours, but TJ insisted.”

“I love it actually.” Brock chuckled. “I’m still amazed that ya did that in only a week.”

Before Wanda could reply with more than a sweet smile, TJ came running into the kitchen, dressed in a Fauntleroy suit with pointy ears and a set of sharp-looking teeth.

“Brock!”

“Hello Eddie Munster.” Brock laughed as TJ hugged him. “You look really great, I love your suit.”

TJ bared his false teeth and held his hands up in half curls trying his best to look menacing. “Roar!” He burst out of character in helpless giggles and pointed at his white face. “Uncle Jack did my makeup! Me and you match!”

“That we do, kiddo.”

“And your scarf! The same one as Santa’s!” TJ said as he tugged at it and looked at Brock approvingly from head to toe. “You’re Marshall Lee!”

“Wow, yer a real smart cookie, TJ. That’s right. Looks like I can’t get nothin’ past ya.”

TJ laughed, doing a little victory dance happily.

“He does love his Adventure Time.” Wanda said with a smile, ruffling TJ’s hair. She paused and looked over Brock’s shoulder. “Oh there he is, finally.”

Brock turned to where she was looking. Jack strolled into the kitchen and Brock couldn’t help but ogle. His legs were covered in tight, blue jeans which had a nice form-fitting red plaid shirt tucked into them. The first button of said shirt was open and gave Brock just the tiniest peek of what Jack had underneath that was enough to make him curious for more and accentuate his beautifully broad chest. He had thick, broad suspenders pulled on and attached to those snug jeans alongside heavy soled boots and topped with a black knit beanie that looked awfully adorable on him.

Short sleeves revealed muscular arms and strong forearms, a plastic toy axe held in his left hand. Brock felt his face warm when his mind began wandering and it was definitely the wrong time to think of anything that wasn’t family friendly in the middle of someone’s kitchen.

In short, Jack was the hottest lumberjack Brock had ever seen and it must have been written across Brock’s face because Jack’s lips curled up in a smug grin the moment their eyes met, clearly happy with his grand entrance and thoroughly leaving Brock tongue tied.

“I see you’ve all met.” Jack said to Wanda with a fond smile. “Glad you could make it, Brock.”

“Thanks fer invitin’ me.” Brock stammered an automatic response while trying to get a grip on things.

Jack went in for a hug, and while he should have been ready for it, Brock still felt stunned, managing to hug back without looking too thrown off.

“You look great, one of TJ’s favourite characters, I’m sure it was a fluke but..you’re really full of surprises.” Jack whispered in his ear, his scruff scraping lightly over Brock’s cheek.

“You too.” Brock said, his mouth feeling a bit dry.

“We’ll leave you two to catch up.” Wanda said. “Join us in the living room whenever you feel like it.”

With that, she shooed TJ out of the kitchen and Brock was sure that Wanda flashed Jack a little wink before she followed her son out.

“I momentarily thought you’d be Santa again.” Jack said playfully, the crinkles of his eyes making an appearance once more.

“And have ya try and explain to TJ what’s goin’ on again? After the last time, no thanks.” Brock teased.

“Throwing that in my face huh?” Jack scoffed with a smile. “I wasn’t ready.”

“Uh huh, sure.” Brock poked at the toy axe Jack was holding. “Are you done chopping wood fer the day?”

“That depends..” Jack said, thumb hooked under his belt and he straightened up slightly.

“On what?”

“On if you’d need my services. If not then I’m very free now.”

Brock smirked, becoming more relaxed by the minute. This was the easy banter that he was usually good at, and finally it seemed he was back to his old self again. “Is that right?”

“Mhm.” Jack said with a grin as he grabbed and opened a beer, clinking his bottle against Brock’s.

Brock took a generous sip, leaning back against the counter space. “Ya know, I wanted to tell ya. I really did enjoy the pizza sorta-date the other day.”

“I’m glad you did. I really did too. TJ had a good time, even in the car he was still talking about you despite how tired he was. He really likes you. He was really hopeful that you would show up tonight.”

“He’s a really great kid, seems real easy going.”

“I’m not sure you’ll think that when you’re forced to play party games with him later on.”

“That’s perfectly fine. I get kind of competitive too, if he’s on my team, we’re set.”

“I really hope we didn’t interrupt anything important tonight.”

Brock immediately shook his head with a snort. “This party’s already a hundred times better than where I’d be goin’.”

“Really? What would you be doing?”

“Not much, normal things ya know like hangin’ around at the bar with some friends of mine drinkin’, talkin’ about how shit a year it’s been..the usual.”

“That doesn’t sound very positive.”

“Well, it has definitely taken a turn fer the better lately.” Brock said, their eyes meeting a fleeting moment before he dropped them and took a quick swig of his beer again.

“I’m glad for that.” Jack said, grabbing Brock’s arm to tug him along towards the living room. “You should eat something, I promise this time it’s not pizza.”

Brock let Jack lead him along, his arm suspended by Jack pinching the sleeve of his shirt and it was then that his mind supplied him with the fact that they were both in matching red plaid. What a random coincidence. Part of him was kind of humored at the fact he was Jack’s guest so them matching was kind of hinting things, but then he hoped no one pointed it out and made a big deal or something. He was stopped before a long table against the wall of the spacious living room, the space covered with a tablecloth and filled with various sizes of casserole dishes and pots all filled to the brim with delicious looking food.

Jack offered him a plate and automatically Brock accepted it. “Help yourself to whatever looks good..though I would avoid the ambrosia salad, unless you’re into that. I still don’t understand it.”

Brock grinned, nodding to him as he still tried to process all the various dishes. “Sure. I can’t tell ya I get it either.”

“Jack! How are you?” A voice called out across the room and Brock looked up just in time to see some woman dressed as Jessica Rabbit heading their way.

Quickly, Jack leaned towards Brock. “Oh God, it’s the ambrosia lady. Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Sure.” Brock grinned as he helped himself to a spoon of mac and cheese that he knew was going to go straight to his ass. He tried to balance it out with some spinach salad and a healthy serving of roasted vegetables. The carved slices of roast beef on a warmer caught his eye and he took a couple pieces, rounding it off with some blueberry goat cheese and slices of pepperoni.

Satisfied with his spread, Brock tucked himself to the side and took a long look around him. TJ and a little boy in a Care Bear onesie were batting a balloon back and forth in giddy enjoyment. Most of the other guests were mingling between chatting and dancing to the music. It all looked homely and pleasant, a happy gathering of friends and family with 80’s music blasting from the stereo. After tasting samples of each item on his plate, he could also add to that that the food was amazing as well. He considered joining Jack and Jessica Rabbit, that was until Wanda came up to him and handed him another beer.

“Oh, ya didn’t ‘ave to do that but thanks, Wanda.”

“You’re more than welcome. How are you holding up?”

“Great. Yer home’s really nice and this spread, it’s delicious.”

“Thank you.” Wanda said as her smile widened, a pink flush reached her cheeks. “Do you live in the city close by?”

“M’in the city but not close, no. I got a little apartment near the mall and also the hospital where I usually work. The area’s nice, there’s a local bar nearby too- uh not that I drink on a regular basis or nothin’.” Brock stammered as he realised that he probably sounded like an alcoholic. He made a mental note to not drink too much tonight, especially if his nerves were fighting to show up. It would be a deadly combination.

Wanda only laughed and patted him on the arm. “Relax, Brock. I didn’t think that anyway.”

“Good, great.” Brock smiled sheepishly.

“Wanda, are you grilling Brock?” Jack joined them, thankfully without Jessica Rabbit.

“Just a little bit.” Wanda answered with a playful little nudge to Brock’s side.

“This ain’t nothin’.” Brock answered with a laugh. “You should meet my Nonna, one look and you’ll probably be tellin’ her yer bank information, she’s got some serious skills.”

The three of them talked easily among each other for a good while. Brock felt better, more comfortable. Wanda was every bit as lovely as she was bubbly, and being around Jack more was making his nervousness hit less and less until not at all.

“Marshall? Brock?” TJ asked and tugged on the end of Brock’s plaid shirt.

“Yes, Mr. Munster?”

“Do you wanna play charades with me?”

“Sure! Who else is playin’ with us? Uncle Jack’s gonna join in too, right?” Brock asked, turning his head to merrily give Jack a wink.

“I think when it comes to TJ making the plans, I don’t have a choice.” Jack chuckled in response.

“I’m on a team with Brock!” TJ announced, arms held in the air in emphasis.

“Hey, don’t you want to play with me?” Jack said, pretending to pout.

“We always play together, Uncle Jack. But Brock is a Marshall Lee, he’s the greatest.” TJ stated.

Jack looked at him in disbelief. “So? I’m a lumberjack, if you didn’t have wood, there would be no campfire to roast marshmallows over.”

“Oh..” TJ said, considering it for a moment. “But Marshall Lee is cooler.”

“Replaced by a cartoon vampire.” Jack scoffed in mock disappointment.

“Sorry my friend.” Brock shot him an apologetic look that he knew would have looked convincing if it hadn’t been for his grin.

“I guess I had to be dethroned at some point. Pietro!”

“Yes?” The man said, coming out from the kitchen.

“Join my team for charades against Marshall and Eddie.”

“Okay.” Pietro nodded with a broad smile and grabbed a pad and pen.

They hadn’t even finished the first two rounds when Pietro and Jack were already arguing.

“How is that a tree?” Jack asked in disbelief and imitated Pietro’s gestures with exaggerated movements. “Have you ever seen a tree?”

“Of course I have, maybe you don’t look at trees too much outside.” Pietro answered as he stuck his tongue out at him.

The game was heated, but in a playful kind of way and Brock fell victim to a few laughs he couldn’t help himself to. Pietro and Jack's constant arguing back and forth just couldn’t find an end and Brock supposed that’s just how they were, like brothers, dooming their team to constant time losses. Brock and TJ worked perfectly together, scoring point after point, only adding to Jack’s adorable frown.

The party grew louder just as their game at the side room came to an end. There was no surprise to anyone when it was concluded that he and TJ won by a landslide. They held hands and TJ excitedly danced on the spot in celebration, Pietro and Jack turning on each other one last time to blame the other for their loss.

Milling out in the living room, someone dressed as a police officer pulled Wanda into the middle of the floor where almost everyone else was already gathered as they danced to some Wham!. Before Brock worried Jack would get pulled in by Jessica Rabbit next, Pietro took his place and brought her towards the dance floor instead. Jack excused himself and Brock danced with TJ for a little bit until his friend in the Care Bear onesie wanted to cut in, and he wasn’t alone for too long, easily swept up with a lady in a viking costume, then in a blur with Pietro. He was turned and finally ended up before Jack, a feeling of excitement suddenly hitting him as he stared up at him stupidly. He looked gorgeous, Brock thought, cheeks slightly pink, hair ever so slightly in disarray from all the goings on around the house and immediately they moved together, Jack continuing with that casual, fun energy he seemed to always hold around him.

“It’s nearly 12!” Wanda shouted over the music, her face flushed and a little tipsy. Brock found he’d lost the last bit of time just being in Jack’s orbit. “Let's get the champagne ready!”

Jack took Brock by the hand and pulled him towards the kitchen.

“Let’s grab a bottle and make a run for it.” He said with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

How could Brock say no to that? Jack opened the door of the fridge, took a bottle and passed it on to Brock before grabbing two glasses.

“Get your coat!”

Brock detoured for his coat and his scarf, wrapping it around his neck with a grin. He was a little tipsy himself, just like Jack certainly was, and felt completely right, here in this moment, in this house, with Jack. Jack put on his own coat, startled at the sight of Brock’s scarf with a laugh before he was pulling him along. Jack’s purple and blue scarf caught Brock’s eye, hanging on a hook, and just as they were about to step out the door, he grabbed it. The two stumbled arm in arm down the small stoop and out onto the sidewalk, shaking with laughter. Jack opened the bottle of champagne and managed to pour most of it into their glasses.

“For you, oh Vampire King.” He said with a bow that was maybe only a little bit exaggerated as Brock accepted his glass.

“Thank ya, Mr. Lumberjack.” He grinned, trying his best to mirror Jack’s bow, though he wasn’t sure it was as stable as he felt it was. Peering around, he found other people were outside too, lined along the street and soon voices began to count down.

“10..9..8..”

Jack raised his glass.

“7..6..5..”

Brock turned back to Jack and raised his own glass.

“3..2..1..”

“Happy New Year!” Rang around them and they clinked their glasses together, Jack’s amused expression melting away.

“Happy New Year, Brock.”

They collectively emptied their drinks and Brock put his glass on the ground, slung Jack’s scarf around his neck and pulled him close. Both scarves in such close proximity blurred into a chaotic mess of clashing colours in Brock’s peripheral vision.

“Happy New Year to you too, Jack.” He said and kissed him, just as the first round of fireworks exploded into the sky.