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Thanksgiving is coming up, and everyone is heading home for the holidays. Josh is packing up in his shared dorm with Chris, who he has had a major crush on for years. Unfortunately, Chris doesn’t have a crush on anyone. Josh tried to woo him, but Chris never seemed to notice. So, he settled for being best friends, which was okay.
Josh turned to look at Chris, who was filling his suitcase with clothes and books. Ah yes, the nerd would bring books. Josh shifted his focus back to packing. He was excited to go home—he hadn’t seen his family in a while. He missed his mom, dad, Hannah, and Beth. Now that he was in university, heading home for the holidays felt special. A smile formed on his face as he came up with gift ideas he wanted to buy on the way. “I could go to Target and put it all in a nice bag. I would have gone earlier, but I forgot… oops, my bad! Haha.”
“Josh, my bag won’t close. Can you sit on it? I need to zip it,” Chris asked. Josh turned again and saw Chris squatting on the bag himself, trying to close it. His fingers weren’t even near the zipper; they were tangled in a hoodie string instead. Josh held back a laugh.
“Dude, get off and let the professional sitter do the job,” Josh said. He walked over, and Chris got off. Josh sat down on the bag while Chris zipped it up. The zipper was on the side, and Chris was still pulling on the hoodie string the entire time. His face turned red with embarrassment as he mumbled a thank you. Josh laughed as he got off. “You’re welcome, bro.” Josh went back to his suitcase and finished packing. "And I am done," Josh happily exclaimed. At the same time, Chris's phone went off. "It's my parents?" Chris said curiously. Chris answered the phone. His parents weren't supposed to call; they were on a plane heading home from a long work trip. Chris had been over the moon—he hadn't seen his parents in a while. Sadly, they focused more on work than family. Josh looked at Chris as he spoke softly. Josh knew what was happening; it had happened before, and it would happen again. Chris hung up, and he was no longer smiling as he had been before. "My parents are staying longer in Japan to work on a deal. They sure do love staying in other places more than home," Chris said sadly.
Josh went over to Chris and pulled him into a tight hug. He patted his back, and Chris hugged back snugly. "Hey, why don't you spend Thanksgiving with me and my family?" Josh suggested. Chris pulled back, and for a brief moment, he was ecstatic, but then his expression fell to neutral. "Thank you, but you and your family should—" Chris started, but Josh interrupted him by gently pinching his lips. "Hush, my child, for I am welcoming you into my home," he said loudly in a whisper.
Chris pushed Josh's hand away and laughed. "Okay, okay, let's go to your home then," Chris replied. Josh smiled, his heart swelling with warmth and love for Chris, taking in his smile and laughter. Josh beamed in return. "Okay, let’s go! We've got to get to Target and buy stuff because I forgot to do it earlier."
"Josh, I told you to do it earlier," Chris reminded him as he got his bags, and Josh grabbed his and headed toward the door.
"Yeah, but in my defense, I forgot," Josh replied.
They left the room and exited the building, walking towards the car. "You always forget; sigh, it's tragic," Chris said as he playfully pushed Josh.
"Yeah, but at least I didn't forget where my glasses were while I was wearing them, dude," Josh said with a smile. They put their bags in the car and got in.
"Gasp! How dare you? I briefly forgot I had them on. You, sir, do not know the troubles of a glasses wearer," Chris replied dramatically.
"Yeah, okay dude, so are you doing a medieval thing now, or…?" Josh asked as he started the car and drove to Target.
"No," Chris replied.
"Is it because you started watching Merlin?" Josh asked. Chris looked away.
"Maybe," Chris said.
Josh chuckled and patted Chris. "Awww, coochie, that's adorable! You're such a fan. Too bad it's over and the ending…"
"Josh Washington, I swear if you spoil anything, I will get revenge, and it will be vengeful," Chris declared loudly and dramatically with a deep voice.
"Damn, okay, cochie," Josh said with a smile. Chris kept playing with the radio and the stations. "Sooo whatcha doing there." Josh asked. "I'm looking for the perfect station aaaaaand here it is." Said said as he found it.
They drove for Ten minutes listening to music. Normally Josh would talk but he didn't. He wanted to listen to Chris. Chris was singing to every song that came on. He said terribly and loud. But Josh wouldn't have it any other way. He was deep in love with Chris. Chris loves Christmas well love doesn't cover it. Let's say if he could celebrate Christmas more than once he would. And does. He celebrates Christmas in july, he goes all out planning a party, cooking, baking, gifts, everything for everyone to have a good time. Chris also loves thanksgiving, he loves cooking and being close with people. Chris is a very soft and sensitive dork, that Josh will always love and protect. Even if he plays pranks often, as is the duty of prank king.
They finaly arrived at the store and the best part of the song was coming so Josh waited till it was the right moment to turn it off. Making Chris glare at Josh. They left the car and went inside. Saw it was crazy crowded and left. There was long lines almost reaching the door. " I guess everyone is buying last minute things like us." Chris said as he laughed. "Well i don't think they need gifts I'll Figure something out," Josh said as he thought about what to do.
They both got back into the car "Well i think you just being there is a gift. "Chris said with that dorky smile. Josh looked away and began to drive. "You're such a dork you know that." Josh said. They drove and Chris put on his Christmas station and sang loudly. Nudging Josh he finaly gave in and sang with Chris.
For an hour they sang and Chris came up with the worst jokes that made Josh cringe.
They finally arrived at Josh's home and Josh ran inside to tackle his sisters. They fell on the ground and Josh hugged them tight. "Josh hey can't breathe. Missed you too." Hannah said as she tried to hug Josh back but was too squished. "Oh sorry guys. I missed you it's been way too long. Where's mom and dad." Josh asked. Beth, Hannah and Josh got up and saw Chris.
"Hey Chris are you joining" asked Beth. "Oh yes I am. Is that okay" Chris answered, his face slowly getting red as he looked nervous. He's been here many times but still gets nervous time to time. "Of course yes dumbass we love you here." Beth laughed. "Go put your stuff in the bedroom and help us make sure we everything to cook for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
"Okay, sure!" Chris replied a little too loudly, his face lighting up with a smile. He felt over the moon at the invitation to help. Chris loved being part of this family. He enjoyed helping them and talking to them; it felt like the real family he had always wanted since he was a kid.
Chris went upstairs while Josh stayed down with his sisters.
"So you brought Chris, huh?" Beth said with a smirk.
"Yeah, his family couldn't come, so I invited him. Stop looking at me like that!" Josh said. Hannah and Beth were looking at him with big, creepy smiles.
"Aw, Joshy brought his Chrisy, aww," Beth laughed.
"Haha, yes, yes, keep going," Josh replied, rolling his eyes and patting Hannah's head. "I think we have everything we need. Wait, no! We need butter—lots of it. And that's it," Hannah said as she looked in the fridge. "You should go now; the stores are packed. Go with Chris." Hannah pushed her glasses up, looking like an anime character with her serious expression. "It's a two-man job, Josh," she added.
"Yes, ma'am, I will," Josh said, saluting her and marching toward Chris. "Chris, we gotta go get butter!" he shouted from the bottom of the stairs.
Chris came out and descended the stairs. "Okay, let's go," he replied, suddenly grabbing Josh and pulling him out the door. "We gotta go fast; the stores are crazy packed," Chris said.
"Yeah, that's what Hannah said, but come on, how bad could it be?" Josh replied.
It wasn’t bad; it was terrible. People were rushing, pushing carts out of the way. Josh and Chris looked at each other.
"Okay, the plan is the butter is in the back. We grab a bunch and run. Okay?" Chris said firmly.
"Got it," Josh agreed.
They sprinted to the back and saw three packs of butter left. The perfect amount. Josh reached for it at the same time an old lady did. He was going to suggest they split it, but she swung her cane at him like a ninja, ready to smack him. "This here is mine, you tree!" she said.
Stunned, Josh suddenly grabbed all three packs and yelled at Chris, "Go long!" He threw the butter to Chris, who caught it just as the old lady hit Josh with her purse.
"I'll get you for this!" she said, and just then a new batch of butter came out, and she rushed forward to grab a lot as a crowd of people pushed in.
"Chris, save me!" Josh yelled as he felt himself almost washed away by the crowd. Chris, thinking quickly, stood on a shelf, reached over, grabbed Josh, and held on tightly. He pulled Josh up, and they were safe from the chaos.
"You saved me," Josh said, out of breath.
"I always will, Josh. Always, no matter what," Chris replied as he held Josh's hand. "We should get going; it's getting late. Come on," Chris urged.
Josh, flustered, agreed, shaking his head yes. They quickly made their way to the checkout, with a crying cashier. They bought a candy bar for him. "There there you are a hero during this time." Chris and Josh said.
They left and went home exhausted. Chris and Josh gave Hannah the butter. "We almost died." Josh said. "Thank you for your sacrifice. It was most needed" she said.
"Let's go to my room I'm exhausted and drained dude. Let's watch something." Josh said. "I'm tired too let's go." Chris agreed. They both went upstairs and Chris ran to his room. "Wait wait I got something for you." Josh stood in the hallway and was curious. I'll just wait here then. Chris came running out and pulled Josh into his room. And gave him a bag. "I wanted to give this to you before when I thought i was going to be at my parents. But it's good now I think iys better I do it now cause I get know how you feel in person. And if you don't like it that's fine I'll be fine, I'll move on and it can be like it never happened. But maybe it would be so i wouldn't be a burden and guilt you. But that's not my intention and" Josh looked at Chris worried and concerned and led him to his bed and sat down. "Chris hey hey breathe. It's okay breathe. Chris stop and take a deep breath in and out. Okay please for me." Josh spoke softly. Chris did as he said and teard up then put his head on Josh's chest crying. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Chris cried. Josh now very concerned pulled Chris's head up looking at his tears stained face close to tears himself, just looking at Chris who is sad and crying and Josh doesn't even know why. He doesn't want Chris to cry. He never does, not in sadness.
Chris sat up and took a deep breath and looked at the bag. "Open the bag and if you want me to leave i will." Chris said
Josh looked at the bag the cause of Chris's tears. Josh carefully and quietly opened it. It was a pajama shirt and pants. It was two pairs both matching. One said I love my boyfriend with an arrow. And the other shirt said I love my boyfriend with an arrow.
Josh looked at Chris. Chris looked away and quietly said. "Josh I've been in love with you for years, I never stopped loving you, It only grew and grew and all I want is to he near you all the time and hold your hand, listen to you talk about anything. I love the sound of your voice, i love everything about you. If you don't want me here, or feel uncomfortable I will leave." Chris finished. Josh quickly took his shirt off making Chris suddenly red faced and stammering. Then put on the shirt Chris brought. "I've loved you too for years stupid. How did you never notice." Josh said as he pulled in Chris for a hug.
"I thought you were being friendly. How did you not notice me flirting you. Oh wait" Chris said happily. He took off his shirt and put the other one one. Both arrows at eachother. "I love you Josh. I love you so much, I want to be with you always and forever. I want to make you happy and help you grow and achieve whatever you want and-" Chris was interrupted by Josh kissing him. Chris froze not knowing how to kiss back. Instead he ran his fingers through Josh's hair. Making him laugh with a smile.
"Chris coochie. I love you and I'm never letting you go." Josh said hugging Chris.
They both put on the pajama pants and Josh held Chris close on his bed as they cuddled and watched TV. Josh put on Chris's favorite movie. He watched Chris most of the time. And each time Josh looked away Chris looked. Nether knew.
Thanksgiving day is here and Chris and Josh are close and cuddling eachother. Josh woke up first and kissed Chris on his forehead. Chris woke up and smiled. "Hey" he said with a sleepy voice. "What time is it." Josh looked at his phone and it was 11 am. "Shit we gotta get up. Hannah and Beth will kill us if we aren't helping for today."
Both got up and ran downstairs well Josh did Chris ran into a wall. He didn't put his glasses on. Josh got back and helped Chris up and gave him his glasses. They both got up and ran downstairs together.
In the kitchen Hannah and Beth saw them run into the kitchen. "Sorry but we are here to help" Josh said. Hannah and Beth gasp happily and started squealing with joy. "Wha" Chris said. Hannah pointed to the shirt. They both looked down and blushed.
"It's official me and Chris are together now." Josh said with a smile. And kissed Chris happily.
"Finally. You guys sure took your time. Now you two will make the sweet potato, pumpkin, and apple pie. Also mashed potatoes. Us and mom and dad are making everything else." Hannah said with a huge smile. Both Chris and Josh saluted and went straight to work.
After a while, Beth pulled Josh into another room. "Hey so you know how Hannah is in love Sam. I invited her secretly they both need to confess I'm practically dying from waiting." Beth wisperd.
Josh looked at Beth happily surprised. "Hell yeah and did you invite Matt to confess your love?" Josh asked. Beth looked away. "No of course not why would I invite Matt I don't love him Ha ha ha who's Matt I don't know him." Beth walked away nervously. She went back to work and Josh took out his phone and invited Matt. He went back to the kitchen and went to work with Chris. Who took out his phone and is blasting christmas music.
They cooked and baked and set the table. After hours of hard work. Everyone looked like a mess with flour and food all over themselves. "Josh let's go upstairs and change I wanna eat not dress like a Thanksgiving meal haha." Chris said. "Yeah coochie you look like pie sweet and delicious." Josh said with a smile. Chis ran upstairs red faced and Josh followed.
As that happened the doorbell rang. Hannah opened the door and acaccidentally shouted. " Sam!" And closed the door. Beth ran over and opened the door and saw both Sam and Matt. She shouted " Matt!" Then shut door on them again. They both looked at each other. "did you invite Matt?" Beth said. At the same time Hannah asked "did you invite Sam?"
Josh came down with a red-faced Chris both changed and looked perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. "Who's at the door?" He asked too innocently. He opened the door. "Hey guys" he said happily.
Both Matt and Sam came in happily. "Hey guys just take a seat in the living room. We are almost ready." Josh said as Beth is glaring at him. "Come on Hannah let's go change." Beth said as she pulled Hannah upstairs who was to flustered to speak.
"Hey so we know you guys are together congratulations, and Beth messaged me for Hannah, and you messaged Matt for Beth. We aren't oblivious like you guys." Sam said with a laugh as Matt was laughing. "Okay head upstairs and ya know what to do." Josh said.
"Thank you Josh." Matt said as him and Sam went upstairs.
"This is the best day ever Josh isn't it!" Chris happily said. Josh smiled and pulled him in for a kiss. "Yes Chris the best."
Their parents walked in and called everyone for dinner.
The table was set up and everyone was smiling and blushing. Sam was with Hannah, Beth with Matt, and Josh with Chris. All sitting with eachother and eating happily. A Thanksgiving to remember forever.