Work Text:
It had taken a bit of work, and a lot of secrets, collaborating with the others to make this work. Bob had come through in the clutch with an artificial tree. It took a bit more work to get Hangman out of his dorm room, and you enlisted Rooster for that. The two of them had left a couple of hours ago, so there wasn’t a lot of time left to finish your plans.
You had transformed the dorm room into a Christmas wonderland. Lights, garland, tinsel and a decorated tree, you perched on a step ladder hanging paper snowflakes from the ceiling tiles. Coyote had gotten you into Jake’s laptop and the zoom waiting room loaded. There were so many things that could backfire, and if you overstepped—the blossoming friendship with Jake would disappear.
He had brought a bit of the holiday magic back to you, and you simply wanted to return the favor. Once you’ve stowed the ladder, you place the final touch next to the laptop. A beautifully wrapped gift, sent from his parents.
“They’re coming.” You phone lights up with Coyote’s text.
Scrambling off a text to Jake’s parents, you head for the door, only to stop, seeing the doorknob turn. You can hear Rooster from the other side of the door, voice loud as he talks. Their dorm room is on the third floor, so heading out the window is absolutely out of the question. You straighten up, squaring your shoulders.
“Hey!” Rooster calls out, the door opening, Jake stepping through.
“What’s this now?” Jake asks, just as the zoom call connects. Jingle Bells fills the quiet, along with Jake’s parents speaking his name.
“We can’t go home, so I brought them to you.” You say. “I could only get my hands on one tree, unfortunately.” Rooster’s backing away, and you can hear him walking down the hall. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to thank you for the sleigh ride…”
Jake interrupts you by hugging you tightly. You’re crushed to his chest, his hands spanning your back. He exhales softly, lips brushing your temple. “Thank you.” It’s soft, a bit hoarse. He clears his throat, swiping at his eyes with a heavy sigh.
You grin at him, and he returns it a little shakily. “Good?” You ask.
“Very good,” he says. “I can’t even begin to thank you.”
“I just wanted to give you a little bit of your own Christmas.”
He takes a hold of your hand, gently pulling you over to the couch, in front of the laptop. “Come meet them, please.” Jake sits, tugging you down next to him.
/end