Chapter Text
“Why do we still do secret Santa gifts? It’s not like we’re 12 anymore,” Johnny rolled his eyes.
The mall was packed with other last minute shoppers and it was a crazy madhouse. He’d been so busy through the semester that he hadn’t had time to really think about anything else. Now exams were over and the weekend was approaching and the annual trip to Big Bear was around the corner.
They had been going ever since they had first gotten their licenses. The Kings had always allowed the group of friends to use their cabin and it had just become tradition to spend the weekend before Christmas together with their friends, exchanging gifts, skiing, drinking and just otherwise enjoying themselves.
“Because it’s what we do,” Dutch shrugged. “Come on, it's not like it has to be anything good, it’s white elephant. Actually the worse the better. I got chocolate body paint.”
Johnny couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re just hoping Barbara ends up with it.”
He nudged his friend playfully and the other laughed along with him.
“I wouldn’t be against it,” Dutch shrugged. “Come on, just pick something so we can get out of here. I still have to pack for tomorrow. I don’t know who decided we should leave at such a god awful early time in the morning but I’m fucking sleeping the whole way there.”
There was a silence as Johnny continued to look for something for their exchange. It was looking like he would be deciding between shots roulette or a lava lamp.
“Is it weird for me to go? Ali and I broke up and I just don’t want to make things weird for her….” Johnny finally asked as he reached out for the shots roulette game. If anything it could be fun for the weekend.
Dutch blinked, “Didn’t you hear? Ali’s bringing her boyfriend from college along. So it’ll only be weird if you make it weird.”
Johnny could feel his stomach drop. Ali had a boyfriend? It wasn’t so much that he was upset that she had moved on, he had come to terms with their breakup and he was happy for her. It was more just being shown up by her having a boyfriend already and he was still floundering around.
Actually between the breakup and college Johnny had begun to discover a lot about himself, even the fact that he wouldn’t mind having a girlfriend or boyfriend. He just hadn’t found the right person yet.
“I always thought I’d start dating first…” Johnny muttered.
“Like I said,” Dutch shrugged, “only weird if you make it that way. Also you’re taking too long and I’ve got shit to do. See you in the morning?”
“Yeah, sure,” Johnny nodded. “What car are we in again?”
“You, me, Babs and Jimmy. Meet at my place?” Dutch called over his shoulder.
Johnny could have responded but it wasn’t like his friend was going to hear him anyway. Turning to go to the register to pay Johnny was knocked on his ass.
“Watch it!” His voice annoyed as he rubbed his side before looking up.
There before him was probably one of the most gorgeous guys he’d ever seen. He had sandy dark blonde hair which he wore a little longer and the most stunning blue eyes. Johnny felt like he could see right through him.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” The stranger said as he reached down to help Johnny up. “It’s so crowded in here and I didn’t even see you!”
“Yeah, I uh…” Johnny was struggling to find words. Great, he was looking like an absolute moron in front of this guy.
“Planning an exciting weekend?” The stranger asked as he nodded towards the shots roulette in Johnny’s hand.
Johnny blushed but he finally found his voice, “It’s a gag gift for a secret Santa.”
The stranger's face lit up as he chuckled, “That’s actually the exact reason I’m here too. I was invited to this thing and apparently I’m supposed to bring a gift or something. I was told it should be a crappy gift.”
“Yeah, sounds like my friends too,” Johnny smiled as he bit his lower lip. He loved the sound of the others voice and he couldn’t deny that his cologne was intoxicating.
Johnny reached out grabbing the lava lamp he’d been debating between and held it out to the stranger, “Here, this was my second choice.”
“Thanks,” he smiled as he began to give Johnny the once over.
Johnny had never felt so self conscious about having someone check him out before but with the way the other was smiling at least he seemed to be liking what he saw.
Johnny cleared his throat, mustering up all of his courage. “Hey, after we pay for these you wanna maybe grab a coffee? There’s a place down the street that has an eggnog latte that’s to die for.”
The stranger looked down at his watch before looking back up to Johnny, a smile on his lips. “Yeah, I think I have time for that. I’m Bobby by the way.”
Bobby offered his hand and Johnny reached out to shake it.
“I’m Johnny,” he smiled in return.
The line for the till seemed to take forever but Johnny didn’t actually seem to mind since it gave him more time to talk with Bobby and get to know him. By the time they finally had sat down with their coffee at the cafe Johnny was officially smitten.
“So I don’t exactly want this to end but I do have to go and get some stuff done,” Bobby finally said as their mugs were not both sitting at the table empty.
Johnny looked down at his watch, “Oh man, yeah me too. Can I…”
He hesitated for a moment. Sure Johnny had experimented with guys but he had never actually asked one for his phone number before. What if he had been reading this all wrong?
“Have my number?” Bobby finally finished for him which only caused Johnny to blush.
“Yeah,” Johnny nodded.
Bobby went to the front counter to ask for a pen and returned shortly was a napkin and his number scrawled across it.
“I was going to offer it if you weren’t going to ask,” Bobby winked.
Johnny found himself biting his lower lip. Maybe it wasn’t terrible that Ali was bringing her boyfriend this weekend. He would definitely have thoughts to distract him now.
“Can I call you after Christmas?” Johnny asked as they stood up and began to walk out of the shop.
“Of course. I’m free for New Years too if you are.”
As they stepped out into the winter chill Bobby took a step closer, grasping Johnny’s hand as he looked hopefully at him.
“I usually hang out with friends for New Years but you could totally come along if you want,” Johnny answered quickly.
He felt Bobby squeeze his hand and it was like a jolt of electricity up his arm and straight to his heart. There was no doubt whatsoever in Johnny’s mind anymore, they were definitely on the same page.
“It’s a date,” Bobby gave him one last wink before dropping his hand and walking away.
Even though Johnny knew he really had to get back to his parents house and pack he couldn’t help himself from watching the others retreating figure for a moment. He wasn’t sure he was going to be able to last the weekend before using the number in his hand let alone waiting for Christmas.