Work Text:
Large frills fall densley from above, covering everything white, and brightens up the dark winter evening along with small trees and wooden houses in white or red filled with Christmas light. Isak strides through fresh layers of fluffy snow covering the sidewalk, bundled up in his old, thick burgundy scarf and the dark blue beanie Even gave him for christmas last year.
Quietly he lists up the names of Even’s coworkers to himself, fingers nervously drumming against his thigh, butterflies swirling around in his belly. He’s met a few of them before, maybe some of their spouses too, he's not sure, but not in a formal setting like this, only briefly saying hi to them in the grocerystore.
It's always a little scary to meet new people. Not because he's ashamed of himself, in fact he's quite proud of who he is and how far he has come since he came out to Jonas seven years ago – and even prouder of being Even’s partner. But there is always that little worry that someone isn’t going to be OK with who he is.
The parking lot in front of the local church is full of cars. Dressed up people hurry inside the white wooden church, colorful tinted windows resembling various religious moments glowing warmly at them. His mum's unanswered text message comes to mind and Isak sends her a quick reply now that he remembers, letting her know they'll join her to the annual church concert at Sagene – just as they have done the past six years. The five and half hour drive from Rennebu til Oslo means they can’t sleep in and have to bring food instead of stopping to eat to make it, but knowing how much it means to her, it’s hardly a sacrifice.
Isak drifts off the sidewalk after the graveyard ends, taking a shortcut through the tiny forest surrounding parts of the school where Even works. The path is narrow, tall pine trees with drooping branches covered in snow on each side. He prods through the thick snow and soon he’s crossing the tiny play area behind the school.
The tall, narrow windows in the gymnasium are fully lit up and Isak quickly spots Even in one of them, his blue suit jacket creeping upwards as he hangs up a golden, sparkling garland.
He knocks on the glass, not missing how Even's face lights up, hearty eyes bathing in smiley wrinkles, as their eyes meet. A kiss flies through the air and Isak grabs it with his hand, softly pressing it against his chest before he hurries to the front of the school and goes inside.
Even meets him in the hallway, eyes still sparkling, looking dapper in his dark pinstriped blue suit and Isak's heart skips a beat.
"Hi Issy."
"Hi." Isak scans the hall, belly full of bees and butterflies, before giving Even a quick kiss. "Has anyone else arrived yet?"
"Nope." Even curves his hand around his neck, fingers warm against Isak's cold skin, and kisses him back, lips soft as cotton. "You're the first."
"OK." Isak takes off his winter jacket, revealing his green suit, bought for the graduation party after he finished his biology master last spring, and Even's eyes go big, tongue swiftly licking his lower lip.
"Gosh! You look so good." Even leans towards Isak and whispers, breath warm and ticklish against his ear. "So sexy and hot."
Isak blushes, giggling softly like a little girl as he takes off his winter boots and changes into dress shoes. "Thanks. So are you. Just one thing is missing." He pulls out Even's burgundy tie from his pocket. "You left this at home."
"Oh yeah," Even laughs, cheeks tinted light pink. "Can you help me, I don't have a mirror?"
"Sure."
Isak curls the tie around Evens neck and starts on the knot, huffing loudly when it turns out wrong and he has to start over. With eyebrows firmly pressed together, tongue poking out of his mouth he tries again, only to make one end too long.
"You know what I wish for?"
"No?" Isak says, meeting Even's playful eyes as he carefully adjusts the tie.
"That you learn how to properly tie a tie." Even sniggers, poking his ribs and Isak narrows his eyes. "Says the one who left his tie at home just because he can't tie it."
"Did not!" Even retorts, all innocent-looking. "I forgot it."
"Yeah, right."
Isak's mocking look quickly fades into a fond smile, loving the intimacy tying Even's tie gives – his ocean blue eyes softly resting on him, his hot breath against his hands, plump lips only inches away from a kiss. He adjusts the white collar, tucking it around the tie, earning himself a wet kiss on the lips as he finally declares himself done.
"Thank you, baby."
"Anytime."
“How are things here? Are you done?”
“Yes. The photo stand and the decoration is done. Øystein just left to pick up Louise. Anbjørg is working on the food now after finishing decorating the table. I think we’re ready.”
“That’s good. I’m sure you’ve done great.”
“Considering the shitty budget we had, I think we’ve done good.
A whiff of cardamom and cinnamon immediately greets them as they enter the gymnasium, sparkling red garlands curled around a long string of golden lights hanging above the door. Anbjørg, the school’s food and health teacher, has organized a non-alcoholic welcome drink and Isak lights up, grinning from ear to ear.
"Oooh. Let's have some mulled wine."
"Are you sure?" Even mocks, a mischievous smile curling his lips. “I remember you swore never to drink it again.”
"Really?Again? It’s been seven years Even."
Isak groans, eyes rolling hard at how Even refuses to forget the first time he introduced him to mulled wine. He was 17, barely familiar with anything else than beer and vodka, and tasting it, his face twisted up in the most horrible grimace, making Even laugh so hard his eyes nearly disappeared. He swore never to drink that shit again, but he has grown a lot since then, his taste buds too, and now he can't picture a Christmas without it.
"It's still funny, Issy." Even chuckles. "You didn't see your face back then, but I did."
"Dork."
Isak grabs Even's stretched out arm and leads him to the table with warm mulled wine. Filling his white cup drops spill on the table cloth and Isak cries out seeing the red stain spread out.
“Fuuuck! Why put a fucking white cloth on the table you’re gonna serve mulled wine?” He mutters, teeth pressed together. "
“To make it look nice.” Even chuckles, lightly shoving Isak’s shoulder. “It’s a Christmas party after all.”
“Does this look nice to you?” Isak’s head drops with a heavy sigh, eyes gazing at his black worn dress shoes. “Someone is bound to spill something and then you get this shit.”
Even cups his face, holding it tight between his hands, and Isak feels his stare all the way down to the pit of his stomach. “It’s OK Issy.”
“But… but…”
“Breath – and relax. A stupid stain won’t ruin this evening.”
Even strokes his cheeks and Isak breathes out, the edge of his nerves slowly dissolving along with the deep furrow across his forehead.
“You’re right.” Isak titters while shaking his head, a tentative smile slowly building. “Sorry for getting so upset all of a sudden. It’s just… I hardly know anyone here, so I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s totally OK to be nervous." A light kiss lands on his lips. "I’m sure everything will be OK though.”
“I guess so.” Isak quickly brushes his nose against Even’s. “Thanks, Ev.”
"Always baby."
Martha and her husband Trond are the first to come, apart from Anbjørg who’s in charge of the food and drinks and Øystein who just left to pick up his wife Louise. They take off their coats, revealing a burgundy velour dress and a black suit. Even welcomes them with hugs and handshakes before he introduces Isak as his partner and a new round of pleasantries arises.
Anbjørg comes running into the gymnasium, an apron over her chest, humming a Christmas song. She puts a red bowl with a mix of nuts and raisins next to the mulled wine and quickly greets everyone before rushing off, shouting out she needs to look after the porridge to make sure it doesn’t burn.
“Are you ready to get your pictures taken?”
“Yes!” Martha smiles bright and Trond agrees, voice laced with hesitation, receiving a pleased smile from Even in return. “I guess so.”
“Come.”
While Martha and Trond follow Even to the photo stand, Isak quickly goes to the toilet and when he’s back to pick up his mulled wine, more colleagues arrive. They greet him one by one; Else, Ingrid and Arnfinn, their respective spouses in tow, and Isak introduces himself, bees in his belly calming down when he's only met with bright smiles upon telling he's Even's partner.
Lively talk arises among the colleagues and Isak silently watches them, fiddling the inside of his pockets with his fingers unsure of what to say.
"Can I have a glass of mulled wine, please?" A tall, lanky guy with a red Santa tie says, whose name is already forgotten in the commotion, and Isak pauses for a second, contemplating what to do before spurring into action with a slightly nervous smile. "Here."
More people gather around the casserole and with nothing else to do Isak starts pouring mulled wine to everyone.
With cups nearly filled to the brim, the small crowd slowly moves towards the photo station where Even is talking to Martha and Trond, now sporting Isak's big Elf glasses from last year's new years party in Trondheim with the squad. He looks ridiculous, but it's him to the core and Isak wouldn't want him any other way.
The photography continues, laughter spilling from everyone as they try to find the right accessory to wear, funny glasses, fake mustaches and different hats collected among the colleagues changing hands every few seconds.
Else and her husband Bjørn are next up; her with huge stripy red and white glasses and him with a red hat, making him look like Santa with his long and thick light gray beard. Isak lingers in the background, watching how Even is directing the couple in front of the huge festive cardboard backdrop he made with help from his fellow teacher – and close friend, Øystein. He beams of pride, seeing how quickly they get comfortable in front of the camera and how easily Even makes them smile from ear to ear.
Øystein comes rushing in, his wife Louise and Ivar, the school's janitor, in tow, a little before six o'clock. Isak heaves a sigh of relief seeing the married couple, finally greeting someone he has met several times in the few months he’s lived here. He pours them mulled wine before they hurry to the photo stand to get their pictures taken.
A tall older woman with gray curly hair and round glass is the last to come, a few minutes after the Christmas Party officially has started. Her long burgundy skirt sways lightly, black pointy shoes peaking out, as she walks towards Isak who's filling up his glass with mulled wine. She meets his tentative smile with a quizzical look.
“You’re in the welcome committee?”
“Eh… yeah sort of.” Isak laughs nervously, stretching out his hand, offering her a glass of the mulled wine which she accepts with a bright smile.
“Thank you. I’m Tove by the way, the headmaster of this school. And you are…”
"Isak Valtersen, Ev…."
Tove clasps her hands together, her golden bracelet gliding down her wrist, forehead smoothing out as her face breaks into a smile. “Even’s partner, right?”
Isak nods shyly. “Yes.”
They greet again with a firm handshake, Tove’s free hand warm around his shoulder, giving him a light squeeze.
“I’ve heard so much about you and now I'm finally getting to meet you.”
“You have?” Isak laughs, putting his hands in the pocket of his pants, idly fiddling with the soft fabric. “Only good things I hope?”
“Only good things", she parrots, smiling gently. "He speaks so fondly of you. It’s Isak this and Isak that all the time.”
“Oh.” Isak mumbles, blush creeping up his neck, coloring his cheeks light red. He knows Even talks about him in the teacher’s room, especially with Øystein who quickly has become a good friend, but not her – his boss. “Sorry about that.”
“No need to be. It’s very sweet.” Tove laughs. “You work over at Bionér, right? Where Øystein’s father works?”
“Yes. I started in early September, not long after we moved here.”
“I’m sure Even has told me about what you’re doing over there, but it has slipped my mind.”
“I work with soil analysis.”
“That sounds interesting. Are you running the lab?”
“Well, not exactly.” Isak chuckles lightly. “I only finished my masters in biology this spring, so I’m not there yet. I’m assisting the lab leader, doing all the routine work the guys there find boring, like cataloging and archiving stuff. It’s not my dream job, but it’s a promising start.”
“God, I love your attitude.” Tove smiles brightly, taking a large sip of her mulled wine. “You hardly ever get your dream job at your first try, do you?”
“I actually got offered a twelve months contract with one of the leading biology companies in Trondheim,” Isak says, a shy smile curving his lips, “but it was after Even got this job which meant we had to live apart for a year, so I declined.”
“You did?” Tove looks surprised. “That must’ve been hard.”
“Both yes and no.” Isak smiles. “Even though the job was perfect, I knew it wasn’t worth living a year apart from Even. So it was kinda easy to decline the offer. But of course, I was really bummed to see it go. But I got great colleagues over at Bionér and there’s opportunities for growth, so I’m not complaining.”
“That’s good.”
Isak takes a swig of his mulled wine, spices tingling his tongue, quickly glancing at Even before meeting Tove’s eyes with a content smile, a warmth spreading inside his chest like a fire.
“Also, seeing how happy Even is, in both his job and just living here, confirms I made the right decision.”
Tove sighs happily, hand pressed against her chest. "It’s a good feeling knowing you made the right decision. And I must say it’s a blessing to have Even here as a teacher. He's a breath of fresh air among the older colleagues, brimming with new ideas and so passionate about everything he does."
The warm feeling inside Isak's chest intensifies, his heart beating a lot faster. He's very familiar with Even's dedication towards everything he loves, always striving to do his best – whether it’s for work or the annual birthday movie he gets. But it’s nice when others see it – and say it too.
“That’s very kind of you to say.”
“Every word is to the point.”
A loud squeal draws their attention towards the photo stand where Arnfinn, one of the teachers, suddenly has his wife in a fireman's lift. She giggles like a ten year old while the others stand scattered around Even, laughing.
"Speaking of Even, he's in full force I see."
"He sure is.” Isak says, chuckling, fully convinced Even is the one behind the commotion. “I believe he wants you there as well, to get your picture taken.”
“I’m not surprised.” Tove laughs, curls swaying from side to side. “There has never been more photos taken or filmed as much before at this school. I guess you’re familiar with that?”
“Yes.” Isak rolls his eyes, faux annoyed, thinking about this morning when Even started filming him wrapping the whiskey bottle he bought his dad for Christmas. The horrible wrapping resulted in a huge laughing fit, making the video end in a shaky blur.
The crowd at the photo station slowly dissolves, people moving in all directions; some check out the tables where they’re gonna eat while others go for a short trip to the toilet. Even dances towards Isak and Tove, feet light above the floor, camera dangling from his left shoulder.
“So this is where you’re hiding, Tove. I’ve been waiting for you at the photo stand.”
“I’m right here for everyone to see.” She laughs wholeheartedly. “I didn’t avoid you on purpose. I just had to say hello to Isak now that I finally had the chance.”
“I told her you probably wanted her picture taken,” Isak says, defending himself.
“He did.” Tove smiles. “I just got caught up talking.”
“Apology accepted.” Even smiles brightly, placing a soft kiss on Isak’s cheek, leaving his skin rosy pink. “But can we take your picture now, Tove? I want everyone's picture taken before we eat and Anbjørg said the rice porridge is ready any minute.”
“Of course.”
Isak follows Tove and Even to the stand and gleefully watches him do his usual magic with his camera. He moves with ease, gently guiding Tove in front of the camera, making her smile from ear to ear wearing silly, green elf glasses.
“Can I see the pictures?”
“Sure.”
Even hands Tove the camera and Isak watches him look at her, beautifully blushing at every delightful oh and ah as she flickers through the photos. He nudges him quietly, beaming with pride, and whispers to him how proud he is.
Anbjørg calls out for Tove, voice laced with urgency, and she hurries towards the entrance where she stands with a huge wooden spoon in her hand. Isak turns to Even who grabs his hand, twining their fingers together, thumb gently rubbing the palm of his hand.
“Everything's ok?”
“Yeah, I'm fine. You too?”
“Mm. Photographing my colleagues was so much fun." Even smile softly. "Tove didn't ambush you with weird questions?”
"Not at all."
“You’re sure? She can be a little intense sometimes." Even chuckles.
“No worries, Ev.,” Isak smiles, a quick gentle kiss on his lips. He loves how attentive Even always is; how he always checks in on him, making sure he's doing OK. “We just talked about you, my job and stuff.”
“Good." Even heaves a sigh of relief, free thumb brushing against Isak's cheek and Isak softly kisses the inside of his wrist.
“I’m even better now that we’re together though.”
“Awww.” Even pecks a few kisses on Isak’s lips. “Me too.”
Øystein pops up with a nearly empty glass of mulled wine in his hands. He places it at the side table and compliments his photo session before grabbing his camera.
“I believe there’s no picture of the lovebirds together. Lemme take one.”
“Oh yes! That would be great.” Isak straightens up, adjusting the tie and his curls, while Even rummages through the box with accessories, eventually pulling a Santa hat over his blond curls, grinning like a fool. “Gosh, you look so cute.”
“Am not.” Isak shakes his head, not missing how endeared Even looks when he rolls his eyes.
“Yes, you are.”
“No!” says Isak firmly, groaning annoyedly when Even prevents him from taking it off.
“You totally are, babe! Keep it on, please.”
"Even…"
“Stop bickering and look into the camera, you stupid lovebirds.”
Øystein laughs, one eye closed, the other looking into the viewfinder, and Isak looks at him, cheeks tinted dark red. Even pinches his ass before running his thumb along the crack and Isak squeals, body twitching uncontrollably. He gives Even the evil eye, laughter spilling through his clenched teeth.
“Stop it!”
“What?” Even meets Isak’s eyes, all innocent looking and Isak swats his ribs, eyes rolling hard.
“Idiot.”
Øystein sighs loudly, shaking his head. “Jesus Christ. You're like my four and six year old kids. I give up!”
“Sorry. I’m done now. Promise.”
Even bats his eyes apologetically at Øystein and Isak melts at how charming he looks. Anbjørg loudly announces that the food is ready and Øystein quickly picks up the camera again, pointing it in their direction.
“OK. One last chance before we eat.”
Isak steps closer to Even who gently folds his arms around him, lightly pressing his soft lips against his warm cheek, and the nervous butterflies from earlier are fully replaced with happy ones.
Four tables, linked together side by side, makes the place where they're gonna sit and lush green pine twigs filled with pine cones, small fake bullfinches and tiny red and white mushrooms form a straight line from end to end along with small, sparkly Christmas ornaments and tea lights.
A small plate filled with cubes of butter are strategically placed on each table along with glasses full of sugar and cinnamon, and pitchers with blackcurrant juice.
Eyeing his place card, an off white piece of paper with his name in sparkly gold and a cute little santa drawing next to it, Isak silently heaves a sigh of relief. He sits down next to Even, at the end of the table, and greets Louise, who sits across from him, with a small smile and a few pleasantries about the weather and the party.
According to tradition, a scalded almond is hidden in the porridge and Anjørg happily announces that whoever finds it wins a big marzipan shaped as a pig. Before they start to eat Tove stands up, a cup of mulled wine between her hands, and says some well chosen words about the holiday season; she urges everyone to wind down after a stressful fall and reminds that no gift is greater, more precious than spending quality time with people you love, whether it's family or friends. Even seeks Isak's hand under the table, squeezes it lightly and Isak looks fondly at him, knowing he's both.
Loud chatter and gleeful laughter fills the table of fourteen as they eat, a playlist full of calm Christmas carols carefully curated by Even playing in the background. Suspicious looks occasionally wander between them, everyone eager to find out who's got the almond, but no one says anything.
A cheerful talk about who's ready with the Christmas presents slowly turns into a discussion about the need for gifts and kids getting too many, which quickly escalates into a discussion about having kids after Ivar, the school's 58 year old janitor, says he's happy he'd never had any.
"I can't imagine a life without my precious kids," Louise says, beaming with pride, then addresses her husband. "Don't you agree, Øystein?"
"I love our girls," Øystein says and takes a small sip of his mulled wine, "but I get that some choose not to have any."
"You do?” Louise meets Øystein’s eyes with a surprised look, eyes big and mouth wide open. “Life is not complete without kids," she says firmly, a loud huff coming from Ivar at the other side of the table. She turns to Isak. "You don't have kids yet, Isak. What is your stance on them?"
"Kids are cool, but like Ivar and Øystein says, they're not for everyone."
"Thank you, Isak." Ivar says, a content smile across his face.
"But you don't know what you're missing until you've had one," Louise argues, hands almost knocking over the half full pitcher with blackcurrant juice. "When you get a kid you change, and life gets a new meaning."
"What kind of meaning? Buying way too many Christmas gifts it doesn't need?" Ivar teases, laughing.
"Of course not," Louise groans. "All I say is that something automatically changes in you the day you become a parent."
"Still you shouldn't get a kid just because someone says it will be great. You can't exactly return the kid if you find out parenthood isn’t for you, can you?" Even adds chuckling, and Isak agrees. "Exactly my thought too."
"Of course not. I'm not forcing anyone to have kids. I just think you're missing out on great things." Louise says, taking a swig of her drink. "What about you two then? Are you having kids?"
Louise's big blue eyes flicker intently between Isak and Even as she scoops up porridge with her spoon, making Isak's heartbeat a little faster. Even and he have talked about children, confessed they both like them, but never properly discussed if they're having any, knowing it's a little more complicated for them than straight couples to become parents.
"That's private, Louise!" Tove exclaims before either of them manages to say anything, a series of agreeing nods following around the table.
"I wasn't prying," Louise says quickly. "I was just curious, since we're talking about kids."
Tove turns to them, gently smiling. "You don't have to answer that."
"Oh, i-i-it's fine," Isak says, voice a little wobbly, when Even doesn’t say anything. He laughs nervously as he turns to Louise, his heart beating faster seeing Even’s big blue eyes in his peripheral view. "I want kids in the future."
"I got the almond!"
Øystein shouts, quickly directing everyone's attention to himself, a spontaneous loud cheer arising around the table, dimming the ongoing discussion. He stands up and shows everyone the almond like a proud father to a newborn and while Louise groans embarrassedly, urging him to sit down, Isak is happy the attention left him.
Anbjørg congratulates Øystein with a warm hug before handing him the marzipan, then asks if everyone is finished eating. A series of loud yes’s followed by belly pats from Arnfinn, and Marthas’s husbands, spurs her into action, the clinking of plates and cutleries being collected overpowering Nils Bech’s O Helga Natt playing in the background.
Joyful chit chat and loud noises emerge as chairs get pulled away from the table and people get up. Isak looks at Even with hesitation, his right hand idly playing with his spoon, and when he shows no sign of getting up, Isak remains seated.
"Sorry about Louise." Even shakes his head, sighing. “She should know not to ask such a question.”
"It's fine.” Isak smiles, a short, nervous chuckle escaping his mouth. “I’m just happy no one questioned gay parenthood. I was a little worried that someone would.”
"Oh, yeah, that would've sucked."
“I’m the one who should be sorry by the way.” Isak sighs heavily. “Declaring to all of your colleagues that I want kids without properly having talked about it with you first. That’s not OK, I know that, I just thought not saying anything would create more questions.”
“I get you,” Even says softly.
“You sure?” Isak asks, still a little worried he did something stupid and Even reassures him with a gentle smile. “Yes. I’m 100% sure. I should’ve said something myself, but I didn’t know what.”
“No worries, Ev.”
Isak meets Even’s look, fingers lightly brushing his thigh, a murmur of happy voices and soft music filling the silence arising between them. Even takes a deep breath before clearing his voice, intently looking at him and whispers.
"So, you want kids?"
"I do." Isak whispers back, a nervous smile slowly emerging, cheeks turning light pink. "What about you?"
"Uhm… I think so… yes, I do, but,” Even says, biting his lip, voice laced with hesitation, knee bouncing up and down like a bouncy ball, “you want kids with me?"
"Yes. Who else am I gonna have a kid with?" Isak chuckles. "Should I find a random guy to hook up with?"
"No, I just thought… you know… I’m…" Even sighs heavily, gazing at his own fingers flickering the red santa napkin, and then it dawns on Isak why.
"I'm pretty sure you're gonna say something really stupid now, so you better just stop."
"Yeah?"
Isak nods firmly, then leans towards Even and kisses his cheek before grabbing his hand and whispering, eyes locking his. "You'll be a great dad, just look at all the first graders who love you. I want kids with you one day, one way or another."
Even’s face softens, shoulders visibly sinking, and he tilts his head as he finds Isak’s free hand under the table and squeezes it, voice equally soft. "Thank you, Issy. You'll be great too. The best in fact."
They get up, needing to stretch a little, and Isak bounces from one foot to the other, feeling light as a feather and way more relaxed than when he arrived. Even sways to the music, a slow tune from Oslo Gospel Choir playing.
“Are the lovebirds ready to rock?”
Isak turns to his left, meeting Ivar’s smiley eyes with a tentative smile. “Depends on what you mean with rock ?”
“Dance!”
“Oh no.”
Isak shakes his head as Ivar connects his phone to the portable speaker. He hardly ever dances, at least not sober. Even has other plans apparently, smiling brightly, a playful glint in his eyes.
“I hope to see you dance tonight.”
“Fat chance.”
Ivar laughs at them as Maria Carey starts to sing and turns up the volume before inviting Louise out on the dancefloor. Laughter emerges as they move their bodies to All I want for Christmas is you , and no matter how fun it seems like they're having, Isak is totally fine with just watching them.
As the song fades into Jingle Bell Rock, Isak excuses himself and hurries to the bathroom, having drunk too much black currant juice. He quickly empties himself, then thoroughly washes his hands before drying them, head so caught up with his talk with Even he pulls out way too much paper. He shakes his head, laughing at himself, then swiftly pushes it down the garbage can, afraid someone will catch him.
The gymnasium has turned into a little discotheque when he comes back, music blasting from the portable speaker the school owns. Isak cringes a little, seeing Anbjørg, Martha and Else, all close to sixty and fully sober, dancing to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, arms and feet moving like an octopus, laughter spilling out of their wide open mouths.
“Isak! Come dance with us!” Martha shouts, waving her hand in his direction, face merry and bright. Isak shakes his head, sending her a polite smile. “Sorry, but I can’t dance.”
“That’s not true, everyone can dance.” She grabs his arm and pulls him out on the provisional dancefloor before he manages to get away, a loud cheer from the others. Anbjørg hollers, her gray curly hair bouncing up and down with the rest of her body. “Let’s see some dance moves!”
A blush creeps up Isak’s neck, coloring his cheeks dark red, as he meets their eyes and laughs nervously, trying to find the beat. Even stands by the wall bars next to the entrance talking to Øystein. He looks his way, face lit up like a twinkling star, and Isak stares intently at him, begging to be rescued, but Even just shakes his head and holds up his camera, pointing it directly at him. Isak groans inwardly, knowing he’s stuck on the dancefloor until the song is over, and fakes a bright smile as Anbjørg grabs his arm, swinging him around.
Two and a half extremely long minutes later the song finally ends and Isak quickly excuses himself and scurries away from the women and towards Even.
“Thanks a lot for your help.”
“Sorry.” Even laughs, eyes almost disappearing. “But I was kinda busy.”
“Yeah, right.” Isak rolls his eyes hard. “You just wanted to watch me get tortured.”
“You didn’t look very tortured.” Even turns to Øystein. “Don’t you agree?
Øystein nods, his face one big smile, sprinkling his mulled wine with nuts and raisins before taking a big sip.
“I wasn’t.” Isak says, teeth pressed together, making Even laugh again – Øystein too. “I just had to fake it so as not to step on their toes.”
Louise passes them like a giggly whirlwind, dragging Øystein out on the dancefloor for a spin, Bob Dylan’s Must be Santa blasting from the speakers. Even grabs Isak’s tie and pulls him close, their faces just inches away from each other.
“You know what?”
“No?” Isak says, brows pulling together, watching Even’s serious face break into a big mischievous grin. “I think you looked kinda hot out there among the women.”
“Shut up!” Isak groans, shoving his shoulder lightly, laughter spilling through his pursed lips, cheeks red as Rudolph’s nose. “I did not.”
“But you totally did!” Even laughs, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “I got proof.”
“Only pictures, right?” Isak asks, his hopes quickly crushed by Even’s wiggling eyebrows and triumphant smile. “Nope. I got your sexy movements on film.”
“Of course. Why did I even bother to ask?” Isak sighs, murmuring a fuck you before grabbing his writs and holding it tightly, eyes narrowed in a cheap attempt to look angry. “You gotta make up for this stupid shit.”
“I don’t,” Even says, cockily, softly kissing Isak’s lips, laughter bubbling on his tongue, “but I’ll do it anyway because I love making up to you.”
A little later, after Isak has poured himself another cup of mulled wine and talked to some of Even’s colleagues, he’s eager to find Even who’s not at the table. He asks if anyone knows where he is, but no one has seen him in a while. Tove suggests he’s gone to the toilet and Martha wonders if he joined her husband Trond and Arne, Anbjørg’s husband, out for a smoke.
Isak pushes his chair backwards and stands up, ready to go look for him. Turning around he sees Even by the entrance, casually leaning against the door frame. Isak’s heart skips a beat – or two or three, and he swipes his tongue across his lower lip, drinking Even in; legs miles long, fingers drumming against his strong chest and smile bigger and warmer than the sun.
Meeting his glistening eyes, eyebrows playfully wiggling up and down, Isak sees the mistletoe above his head and instantly starts to laugh. He crosses the room in long, hurried strides, heart beating fast, thoughts wandering back to their first Christmas party that December seven years ago when they became boyfriends. Even is just as handsome as the first time they kissed under the mistletoe Eskild hung up and Isak is just as in love now as he was back then.
“Halla.”
“Halla.”
“Is this your creation?” Isak nods towards the newly hung mistletoe and Even bites his lower lips, cheeks matching the mulled wine next to them. “Maybe?”
“You romantic idiot.”
“Your romantic idiot.” Isak bops his nose carefree against Even’s, heart brimming with love, and Even envelopes his arm around his waist, sucking his lower lip in between his own. “Am I forgiven?”
Isak scrunches up his nose, slowly shaking his head. Not because he's mad or anything, he just loves how creative Even gets when he has things to make up for. “No, not yet.”
"Hmm." Even presses his eyebrows together, pecking Isak's lips. "What if I steal this mistletoe and put it in the ceiling above our bed when we get home?"
"So we have to kiss in bed?" Isak asks, looking intently at Even's lush lips, very much liking the idea. Kissing Even is one of his favorite activities, whether it's the quick pecks before they split in the morning, the sloppy, urgent ones, tongues and teeth clashing together when the can't come fast enough or the slow sensual ones when they wanna make love all night long.
"Not only that." A playful smile curls Even's lips, specs of laughter filling the small space between them. "We have to fuck as well."
"I didn't know that was a tradition,” Isak barks out a laugh, music and laughter from the others fading into the background, stirring something deep down in the pit of his belly, “to fuck under the mistletoe.”
“It’s not – yet.”
The promise in Even’s words sets Isak’s belly on fire. He laces their fingers and leans against him, pressing their lips together, a hint of cinnamon and sugar flavoring the already sweet kiss.