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Hellboy was panicking.
Demons didn’t panic. Big scary red demons who could cause the apocalypse didn’t panic. And yet he was panicking. All because of what Liz said earlier during lunch.
“So, what did you get John for Christmas?”
“A pair of socks”
Hellboy answered proudly. He found the socks on a website that attracted his attention due to its cat themed merchandise.
“You’re kidding right?”
“I’m not. What? They look nice and they are useful.”
“And they are not suitable as a present for your boyfriend, especially since it’s your first Christmas together.”
“You are not being serious, are you?” Christmas was tomorrow. He was going to meet John at his apartment at 9 pm this evening. He didn’t have time to get another present.
“It’s okay Red. John will understand. It’s your first commitment relationship after all.”
“No… no I don’t want to start making mistakes during the first two weeks. I know I will make a lot of them in the future; I can’t start too soon.”
Liz patted his hand compassionately but didn’t deny the statement.
And that got this to this point. Hellboy standing in front of John apartment panicking. It was nine o’clock. He should knock the door, but he was frozen.
He had tried to find another present for John but his options on Christmas eve were very limited. He did find an adult store that was open but even without asking
Liz, he knew it was too early to give his two-week boyfriend a sex toy.
“What are you doing standing there?”
Hellboy blinked at finding a smiling John leaning against the opened door.
“Why didn’t you knock?”
“I was about to when you opened the door.”
“You remember seeing a security guard down there don’t you? He’s already informed me of your arriving ten minutes ago.”
For the record Demons don’t get embarrassed nor blush. Good thing he had red skin though, nobody would know if he did.
“Ah.”
John reached towards Hellboy squeezing his hand.
“If you feel uncomfortable about having a dinner with me, we could …”
Hellboy interrupted John by pressing their lips together in a gentle kiss.
“I was a little nervous that’s all. I’m extremely happy that I will have Christmas dinner with you.”
John beamed broadly and brought Hellboy inside the apartment where a lavish dinner was waiting on a small table.
“I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s food after all.”
“Such high praise.”
“Should I have said something like “you cooked it, I’m sure I’ll like it”?”
"Nah! I wouldn't be you if you did."
***
The dinner was really delicious. Who knew John could cook that well? He definitely deserved the boy scout nickname.
“Time for presents.”
And with these words Helloby’s good mood vanished and anxiety took hold.
John handed him a wrapped gift looking nervous.
“I didn’t know what to get you. I wanted it to be something really special. And then while I was cleaning the professor’s desk, I found something. I hope you like it.”
His father’s desk? Hellboy wondered what it could be. He unwrapped the gift carefully revealing a beautiful wooden frame with the word ‘DAD’ on top and “a son’s
first hero” written at the bottom. Inside the frame was an old photo of his father holding him while smiling at the camera.
He sat motionless for few minutes staring at the photo unable to find anything to say.
John fidgeted next to him on the couch waiting for his response. Eventually he could find his voice.
“This is amazing John. Thank you.”
John smiled happily.
“The original photo is also inside the frame. If you would like to have it with you.”
Hellboy nodded absently still staring at his father young smiling face.
“Now I want my present please.”
Hellboy scratched his head nervously.
“You see John, I …”
“Come on Red. I want to try them on. They looked adorable.”
“I mean… wait what?”
“The socks. Come one show me.”
“You know about them?”
John looked embarrassed.
“I know I’m sorry. It should be a surprise. But you forgot to close the tab when you asked me to turn off your computer.”
“You’re not angry?”
“Why would I be angry? Did you think I would want something more expensive?”
“If not expensive, at least thoughtful like your gift.”
“But your gift is thoughtful!”
Hellboy looked incredulously at his boyfriend.
“It is. During a stakeout last month, I told you how much I hate cold weather because my feet get very cold.”
“Yes, I remember.”
“And while you were browsing the internet looking at cats’ images, something you dearly love, you remembered me.”
“More likely I remembered your cold feet.”
John laughed and snuggled up against Hellboy.
“Same thing. Now come one show me I want to try them on.”
Hellboy handled the bag to John who excitedly took the socks out.
Demons shouldn’t feel sappy either. Bu looking at John happy face putting on the red socks, was certainly making him feel sappy.
“They are comfy and the cats’ drawings are very adorable.”
“I’m glad you like them. I didn’t screw things up, I can’t wait to tell Liz that tomorrow.”
“That you didn’t.”
They snuggled on the couch for some minutes when Hellboy suddenly asked.
“Next Christmas a sex toy would be an appropriate gift, wouldn’t it?”
“HELLBOY”