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Duncan isn’t someone who usually puts a lot of effort into Christmas. Don’t get him wrong, he’s not a Scrooge or anything, he simply doesn’t see a point in going all out for the holidays. A simple meal, some presents and maybe some decorations was enough for him.
Of course this was under normal circumstances and the current situation was far from normal. Duncan had started dating one Alejandro Burromuerto a few months ago. The relationship had been a secret to most people. For Duncan this was because he felt his punk image would be ruined if people knew he was into a guy. For Alejandro, it was another thing entirely.
You see Alejandro’s family are not the most accepting of people. They are actually quite judgemental. Not only are they not supportive of their son being in a gay relationship, but even if Duncan were a girl they’d be against it. Duncan was a criminal and as such not worthy of their son. Duncan can still remember hearing them call out Alejandro for doing another thing that could ruin the family reputation.
So naturally, as soon as Alejandro had turned eighteen he had left them. It was a voluntary thing. His parents hadn’t kicked him out or anything. Alejandro could simply no longer handle the amount of pressure he was constantly under.
That said, Alejandro still missed his family. Even if he’d left of his own volition, he was still separate from those he’d known his entire life. Normally, it wasn’t hard to distract him. It wasn’t hard to find him something else to focus on.
This time of year however? The feelings were far stronger. The fact is that Christmas is often seen as a time to hang out with family and friends. To enjoy the company of those you hold dearest to you. It was hard to keep his mind off of it when there were consistent reminders of it.
It didn’t help that Alejandro’s family had gone all out for Christmas. Duncan’s not really all that surprised that this is the case. His family is well off after all. Christmas is a time that wealth and luxury are almost encouraged to be shown off. The house lights alone often looked like they cost more than Duncan made in a month. On top of that Alejandro’s family held a party every year.
Duncan doesn’t think he can do a party, but he does want to put a little more effort into Christmas this year. Get an actual tree, attempt to make an actual meal instead of the turkey TV dinners he usually ate, maybe watch some Holiday movies on netflix.
The problem is that Duncan’s not the best at planning. By the time he went to the store to get his tree, all that was left were some cheap fake ones that stood at about four feet. It would have to do. He also bought a small box of red and green ornaments.
When he returned home that day Alejandro had given him a smile. “You don’t have to try so hard.”
“I want to.” Duncan replied. “We’re spending Christmas together. We got each other’s backs no matter what. And I think we should make our first Christmas living together special right?”
Alejandro sighed. “I suppose. I just wish…”
“I know you’d rather be with your family because of how big their celebrations are.” The punk rolled his eyes.
“No. I simply miss my family. This will be the first time I’m celebrating without them. It feels…incomplete, but I’ll simply have to learn to live with it. I sincerely doubt they’d accept me back at this point.” Alejandro said.
Duncan kissed him. “Look, I know this is hard for you. It ain’t exactly easy for me either, but we can do this. We can have a good Christmas. It doesn’t have to be fancy or anything, but we have each other and that’s a lot more than some people do. We could sit and sulk, or we could keep going on, and not let this thing keep us down. You know?”
Alejandro brightened. “I do know.”
That evening they sat on the couch watching sappy Christmas specials and mocking the characters in them. Like seriously, all those romance specials were so predictable. All the while they enjoyed each other's presence.
“Hey, you know. I appreciate how much you’ve done to try and make this special for me. I know I've been a little bit of a downer lately. I want you to know that your optimism has really helped me.” The Spaniard smiled.
“You’d better be grateful. I’m not good at the optimism thing. Normally I’m the one who’s ruining everyone’s day or bringing the mood down.” Duncan smirked.
“I think you’re better at it than you know.” Alejandro said. “I think you underestimate yourself in that respect. You’re good at continuing to live on. You’re good at not letting things stop you from doing what you wish to. Sometimes being optimistic is less about being positive and more about continuing to move on even when things are bleak.”
“Okay.” Duncan said, turning off the tv. “Clearly we’ve been watching too much of this schlock. You’re starting to sound like one of them.”
“I was merely waxing sentimental.” Alejandro glared playfully. “Something you could never understand.”
“I understand.” Duncan whispered, leaning closer. “That you’re an over dramatic diva who can’t say a normal sentence.”
“And I understand.” The Spaniard replied, also leaning close. “That you are an uncouth brute who couldn’t recognize good prose if it hit you in the head.”
“Oh yeah?” The punk smirked leaning in further, his breath now gusting across his boyfriend’s face. “You wanna show me what good prose you have?”
“I would love to.” Alejandro whispered, sending shudders running through Duncan.
“You tramp.” Duncan said lowly.
“Ruffian.” The Spaniard replied.
They leaned in and kissed each other.
Duncan took the lead, pressing his lips harshly against Alejandro’s pulling his hair lightly. In return Alejandro scratched against the nape of his neck.
When they finally pulled apart Alejandro was beaming. “You’re right. As long as we’re together we can make it a good Christmas.”