Work Text:
Joe found Nicky in the kitchen, busy baking Christmas cookies. Whenever Nicky cooked or baked, Fernando would sit next to Nicky's feet with his wagging tail, hoping that some food would fall down on the floor or that Nicky would feed him.
Joe: "Book is here, so we're leaving for the pub."
Nicky: "Okay, have fun. Will you be back for dinner?"
Joe: "If you can wait until after 8 PM, I can bring home dumplings now that I'm downtown anyway as an apology for the wait."
Nicky: "Sounds good. Remember the fried rice and the vegetable stir fry."
Joe: "I promise. Have fun with the cookies. Can't wait to taste them."
Nicky: "Have fun with Booker."
Joe left with Booker.
Booker: "Last match this year. Who will win?"
Joe: "I don't care. As long it isn't PSG."
Booker: "They will win. And with more than two goals."
Joe: "In your dreams. It's Christmas, and it's the time of..."
Booker looked over his shoulder and saw Joe had stopped walking.
Booker: "Why have you stopped walking?"
Joe: "Don't laugh, but I'm thinking."
Booker tried his best not to laugh but didn't succeed in the effort.
Booker: "What are you thinking about that is more important than the football match and the cash you're about to lose?"
Joe: "First of all, I won't lose money to you tonight. And secondly, I'll be right back. I promise."
Joe ran the short distance back to the red building before taking the 39 steps to the flat he shared with Nicky and Fernando. Once again, Joe found Nicky in the kitchen with Fernando still sitting at his feet.
Nicky, surprised: "Joe? Did you forget something?"
Joe: "Yes, I did forget something important. Or now that I think about it, I forgot two important things."
Nicky: "What do you mean?"
Joe walked the short distance over to Nicky before pulling him in for a big kiss. When Nicky looked up, he saw the mistletoe Joe had bought from Christophe.
Joe: "I forgot to kiss you before I left, which I'll never forgive myself for. And I'll also never forgive myself for not telling you that I love you before I left."
Nicky kissed Joe again.
Nicky: "My incurable romantic. Now go, Booker is waiting for you, and I'll be here when you get home."
Joe: "I'll keep you to that promise, but before I go, I'm going to do it correctly this time. So, first, a kiss."
Joe kissed Nicky.
Joe: "And then I say this: I love you, Nico. See you tonight, and I'll remember the dumplings, the fried rice and the vegetable stir fry."
Nicky: "I love you too, Joe. Have fun and say hi to Booker from me. And tell him he is welcome to join us after the football match."
Joe: "I'll do that. Fernando, come."
Joe clapped his hands, and Fernando ran over to Joe, who picked up the dog.
Joe: "Look after Nicky and the flat for me in that order. You're in charge of it all until I get home."
Joe hugged Fernando before placing the dog back on the floor again. After one more kiss, Joe left again and was soon back with Booker again.
Joe: "So. About the money you're about to lose..."