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Not a sound was made on the wooden staircase as Karl carefully made his way down each step, thick socks helping to muffle most of the noise. A part of him felt a little– off, that being caused by the nearly complete Santa outfit he had put on once sure that the house was nice and silent.
He was currently staying over at his boyfriend's house- something he had been doing a lot more often within the last couple of months. He was hardly at his own place anymore, even debating on changing his mailing address over. And now that it was the holidays, there wasn't any doubt that he would be staying there with his own little family.
George and him had been together for just about exactly two years, asking him out on the same night those years prior. It only added to the cheerful atmosphere, both of them overjoyed to be taking a step into their new relationship. And even then, they had already been close friends for nearly a year. Safe to say that the two had been through a lot together, one being the care for their child.
Technically, he was George's child- a little four year old boy from a past relationship that just didn't seem to work. He was slightly skeptical of himself at first, being the one left to care for a baby all on his own. And it wasn't easy either as it proved to be with sleepless nights and endless research on what to do for any little situation he would come across. But he wasn't entirely alone, which he couldn't be more grateful for.
There were his relatives that would check in whenever they could, especially when knowing that George would have a busy schedule. And then there were his friends that would give him moral support and would sometimes help out as well. Karl was amongst them, simply adoring the little guy as he was allowed to care and visit him quite often. And that only increased as he and George started dating, watching as the baby gradually grew just about every time two saw each other. Just about every time- they still had their own date nights where a trusted friend or relative would look out for their child.
And now, with an entire Santa suit on, minus the boots he figured would make too much noise, Karl was making his way to place that child's presents under the tree. He knew the little guy very well, well enough to know he was likely going to try and sneak down to catch a glimpse of Santa. For the moment, he was in the clear, making his way through the dark living room albeit the soft glow of the Christmas tree they had set up a couple weeks back.
Karl was the first one to suggest putting up the tree, George surprisingly being quite onboarding with the idea. And his son was all but over the top excited for the festive addition to the household, including the lights and garland hung up outside. Some of it was brought indoors as well, attached to the stairs with a few pieces of holly replica. The shelves and doorways had their shares, but arguably the best of them all was the tree.
While George worked on the garland and lights, Karl started placing on the ornaments for the top half of the tree, leaving the bottom section free for their child's creative way of decorating. He seemed to enjoy practically coating the parts of the tree he could reach with a variety of different ornaments and the two others in the room admired it just as much.
When everything was set, Karl picked him up, allowing his little angel to place the big, glimmering star on top of the tree. It was all so beautiful, now finishing to place the presents underneath the tree.
"I didn't think you'd actually do it."
The disguised Santa nearly jumped from being startled, opting to simply dart his head back seeing a lightly grinning George biting into some homemade cookies his son left out.
"Hey, those are for me." Karl played, though still walked over to grab one of the sweet treats as well.
"My bad, Santa," was responded, causing both of them to quietly chuckle.
After taking a bite and downing it, Karl spoke. "Kid's been talking about 'catching a peek of Santa in our house' ever since we took him to see the one over at the mall. Of course I actually dressed up. Just in case." Another bite was taken from the cookie before setting it down, now picking up the glass of milk next to them to drink from. "Besides, I'm actually killin' this fit right now."
The last bit was, for the most part, a joke. Still, Karl started to pose and turn himself in different angles to show proof to his words. Proof that George gave a lighthearted laugh to, stepping closer to the other. "You're an idiot, Karl."
"Uh oh, you're going straight onto the naughty list for that one."
"Is that so?"
There was a slight grin on George's lips, the man now standing right infront of his boyfriend. It was– quite endearing, seeing him all dressed up just to make his own son happy, all while smiling and having a good time himself. Gray eyes gazed towards darkened ones, tilting his head slightly which George reciprocated. "Mhm," Karl hummed, hands going up to cup the sides of the other's face as his head leaned in further.
"Did you have to add the beard as well?" George complained in a whisper as the cotton-ish texture made contact with his own face, centimeters away. It was only responded with, "It wouldn't really be 'Santa' without it, now would it?"
Despite that detail, arms were loosely tossed around Karl's neck, both pairs of eyes closing as their lips met for a sweetened kiss. Smiles tugged at the corners as they pulled apart not even an inch just to press together again. And again. All until a small yet firm voice broke them away.
"Hey! What are you doing with my dad?!"
The two hastily split from each other, not even a second passing before Karl felt a sharp kick just above his ankle, causing him to nearly reel back. He stammered a couple of steps, haunched down as he let out a silent yelp. It didn't stop there either, feeling small punches at his side and hearing a worried voice drawing closer going, "Stop, stop! It's okay sweetheart, that's not-"
"Who are you?! Stay away from my dad! Wait until I tell my papa!"
"It's me- It's me!" Karl called, hands up in defense while kneeled down. "It's me, Bud," he then followed, using a hand to lower the fake beard.
The child took a moment, nearly dumbfounded as he physically relaxed himself. A hand came up to lightly rub an eye, shifting his legs a little before stilling. All the while, the man in the Santa suit gently started to smile, his gray eyes and voice instantly familiar in his mind. "Karl?"
"Yep, it's me," he chuckled, slowly lowering his hands.
"Why are you dressed like Santa?.. Is he not coming?"
Karl bit his inner bottom lip, glancing towards George who now sat himself down next to him. The little boy immediately went to get on his father's lap, which he gladly allowed, wrapping his arms around the boy comfortingly. The child had the side of his head leaned against his dad's chest, though his attention was still on Karl with glimmers of hope still there.
"Santa's been so busy this holiday- he is every holiday making sure all the good children get a little reward for being nice. He didn't want to miss giving you your gift- so he gave them to me to give to you–" Karl started, receiving a slight tilt of head from the boy to which he finished, "as his right hand helper."
This seemed to light the child up, beaming with lively eyes and a fascinated smile. "You're an elf!"
"Oh- uhm,," It wasn't really a question, and Karl was not going to shut down that adorable look he received, gazing at it with widened eyes. He pressed his lips together in a tight smile, nodding his head, "Mhm!"
"Yippeee!"
The cheer made both mens' hearts melt, mostly due to the fact that it was picked up from the countless times Karl has done it.
"You have to keep this a secret though, alright Bud?" Karl spoke in a quiet tone to make the message more authentic.
"Okay!" he shouted back in a whisper.
"Alright then," George smiled, "let's get everyone back to bed."
He secured his arms around his son before starting to stand, Karl standing as well so he could place a supporting hand behind the Brit to make sure he didn't stumble back down. The three went up the stairs and past their own bedroom to get to one holding a small bed with stuffed plushies. It was there that George laid his son down and tucked him in, placing his favorite teddy besides him.
The boy gave a yawn, turning on his side, still barely awake.
"I guess beating up some imposter is quite tiring for a person, eh?" Karl asked, kneeling down next to the bed covered in white and blue materials from the frame to the sheets.
He got a sheepish smile in return, the back of a small hand raising up to cover an eye- one that was a deep brown to match his father's. "'M sorry."
"It's alright Bud. Get some sleep, so you'll have energy to open presents tomorrow."
"Okay.. And grown ups too."
Both men in the room made a look of slight confusion when this was abruptly said without context.
The boy's gaze fell to his dad's. "Papa said that Santa was giving gifts to all the good children, but he's also giving them to grown ups too. Like you! I saw one with your name on it," he beamed.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it was blue. And it had a tiny, tiny light blue bow on it."
George gazed down in amusement, meanwhile Karl looked as if he had just seen a ghost. Or that his boyfriend's child was about to spoil a very big surprise.
"I didn't see it under the tree though,," the boy continued curiously before Karl interrupted.
"Maybe it'll be there tomorrow, who knows. We'll see then alright? For now, we sleep. Goodnight Bud, sweet dreams." he stated, pressing a kiss to the top of dark curls.
"Goodnight sweetheart, I hope you rest well," George followed, placing a second kiss in the same area.
"Goodnight," was given from a tired voice, yawning which led Karl to do the same, George then shortly yawning as well. It was quite late.
The two adults gradually left the room, making sure the main light was off and the nightlight was turning on.
"So I'm dating an elf now?" George asked after a few steps, looking over with a smile on his face.
"Apparently. Santa's number one helper."
Both of their voices were quiet, though Karl's had a slight pitch to his, as if trying not to have an excited outburst. From the way he bit his bottom lip to prevent smiling too hard to the pep in his step, the Brit knew something was up. Nothing bad however. Regardless of what it would be, he asked, "What?"
They had entered George's- basically their bedroom, Karl now bouncing on his heel so as to not start hopping around and create too much noise. His hands had been fidgeting prior, now motioning his arms ecstatically once asked.
"He called me papa- twice," he proudly announced, unable to prevent the little happy noises and slight waves to his voice while speaking.
George felt his smile grow after that, reaching over to gently take off the other's hat and fake beard to which Karl held still for. "He did. And he means it too, by the way he says it. One can tell. You basically are a second father figure to him."
He leaned over to place a hand on his boyfriend's cheek, giving a soft kiss to the other. "Now get changed so we can sleep."
It was a few minutes later, Karl only had to take off the Santa suit and place it away since he already had a tshirt and shorts on underneath. The two were now comfortably under the covers, limbs wrapped around each other. George had his head placed besides Karl's chest, suddenly starting to quietly giggle.
Karl lifted a brow, looking down with a curious smile, "What?"
Dark, doe eyes gazed up with a slightly tilted head, an amused smile on the other's face. "I can't believe you got decked by a four year old."
Karl immediately rolled his eyes and pursed his lips, though a smile still hinted at the corners. "Ookay." This response only made the one looking up laugh more, breaking a smile on the other's face. Karl leaned down to place a kiss to George's forehead before resting his chin lightly over his head. George returned to leaning his head against Karl's chest once more when calmed.
Both were very much content, the one above whispering a 'goodnight angel' and the one below responding with a 'goodnight my love' before eventually drifting off. The little family would need their rest for the next day, planning to start the day with a breakfast movie marathon. Once it got dark, they would go out bundled, walking down the town lane to see all the beautiful Christmas lights.
Dinner would be made at home, which would be chaotic enough, followed by presents and more movies. Some gifts labeled under 'Santa' and other's labeled under 'Dad' and 'Karl :]!' for their child, and some labeled with the two adults' names for each other. And yes, waiting in a hidden part of the drawer where Karl kept his clothing when staying over, was a little blue, velvet box. A tiny, tiny light blue bow placed on the corner, and within, a pretty band to offer to George's ring finger.
That Christmas eve night, the little family rested, for Christmas was going to be a very big, merry day for all of them.