Archive of Our Own

Jimin walked in the front door of his apartment and heard Jungkook strumming his guitar and singing. Normally, the sound of his boyfriend's beautiful voice would make his heart swell, but not tonight. Jungkook was singing a Christmas song and Jimin was not in the mood.

It was the middle of December and he was in a funk. That usually happened around the holidays but it didn't make it easier to deal with. It had been years since he'd celebrated Christmas with his family; you'd think he'd be used to it by now. But then came all the festivities and fake cheer and it would just wear him down. It was pretty much a tradition at this point.

He couldn't take his bad mood out on Jungkook though. Jungkook was pretty much the perfect boyfriend and if he knew Jimin was upset he'd drop everything to comfort him. Jimin knew Jungkook had to practice this song; in a couple of weeks he'd be performing it in a church of all places.

That was another thing. Jimin had some negative feelings about church; after all, the one his family had gone to thought Jimin was going to hell just for being attracted to men. Why wouldn't he want to avoid them? But Jungkook had also attended church with his family when he was a kid. The difference was that the Jeons had somehow found an affirming church for the queer community and Jungkook had grown up feeling loved and accepted. So even though Jungkook didn't go to church anymore when his parents asked if he'd sing a song for their Christmas Eve service he willingly agreed.

Jimin had not been happy when he'd heard that but Jungkook had been quick to assure him he didn't need to go to the service too. He supposed that was fine but they had already planned to spend Christmas Day with Jungkook's parents and were going to have Christmas Eve with just the two of them. That was what they did every year and Jimin loved it. Now he was going to have to either go to a church service with Jungkook or spend part of the evening by himself. He didn't like either of those options.

Jimin hung his coat on a hook and pulled his Chelsea boots off. He'd had a long day and just wanted to relax on the couch, snuggled into Jungkook's side while they watched a movie. Hopefully Jungkook was almost done practicing.

The guitar stopped and Jungkook's voice called out.

"Jimin, you home?"

"Yeah, I'm here, baby," Jimin said, making his way down the short hallway into the living room. He smiled when he saw Jungkook. He was such a comfort to him after a hard day at the hair salon. Even though he liked hanging out at Pandora while Jungkook was bartending, he sort of preferred it when Jungkook had the day off so that he could come home to him and their cozy apartment.

Jimin headed towards the chair Jungkook was sitting on and leaned down for a kiss. Jungkook's strong hand came up to curve around his neck and pull them together.

"Hey," he said, his voice warm and soothing.

"Hey," Jimin replied. "You sounded great." As much as Jimin didn't want to hear Christmas songs, Jungkook did sound great. He always did. His voice was beautiful, like an angel. He absolutely should be singing carols in a church, Jimin just didn't think he could bring himself to listen. He used to love Christmas music and singing traditional songs in church, back when he'd been allowed to show his face there. But then the falling out with his family happened and Christmas wasn't so joyous anymore. Now he tried to avoid Christmas music if he could which was pretty much impossible this time of year.

"Thanks, babe," Jungkook said, setting his guitar down. "I'm about done, though. Want to change and watch something?"

Jimin nodded. "Yeah, that sounds perfect. I had a tiring day."

Jungkook stood up and put his guitar in it's case. "Well, go put your pajamas on and I can heat up some leftovers. Are you hungry?"

"Starving," Jimin called out, already heading down the hall to their room. He was glad Jungkook just wanted to hang out and relax. That was what he needed. Somehow Jungkook always knew how to take care of him. Jimin felt a little guilty that he couldn't always provide the same thing in return but Jungkook was just one of those people who was well-adjusted and optimistic. He rarely needed help.

Jimin pulled off his tight jeans and immediately felt better. Maybe he shouldn't wear such binding clothes to work, but being in a hair salon he felt like he needed to be stylish and on-trend. He changed into his favorite plaid flannel pants and one of Jungkook's old hoodies. While he took out his contacts, he looked in the mirror - he really looked exhausted. Now that the holidays were almost here people had a lot of hair needs. He usually worked overtime this month just to make some extra money but now he'd probably fall asleep on the couch after eating dinner. However, that meant Jungkook would carry him to bed, which he had to admit he loved.

He settled on the couch and Jungkook appeared a minute later with leftover chicken enchiladas. After sitting next to Jimin, Jungkook grabbed the crocheted afghan from his grandma and threw it over their laps.

"What do you want to watch?" Jungkook asked as Jimin stuffed a huge bite of enchiladas into his mouth. Jungkook had made them last night and they were still delicious the next day.

"Whatever, just something I don't have to think about too much," Jimin replied.

"You're going to fall asleep anyway, right?" Jungkook teased.

Jimin smiled. "Yep, that's pretty much a given. So you can choose something."

"Okay, how about Lord of the Rings? I can carry you to bed when they go to Moria."

Jimin laughed and snuggled closer to Jungkook. "It's perfect, you hate that part."

"Yeah," Jungkook agreed. "I got you."

"I know," Jimin murmured, leaning into Jungkook's side, feeling better. He was drowsy from his long day and the quiet music from the beginning of the movie already had him relaxed and sleepy. He didn't think he'd last too long tonight but that was okay. Jungkook would take care of him.

***

"Have you decided if you want to come with me to the Christmas Eve thing?" Jungkook asked Jimin a few days later. Jimin was at the kitchen table eating breakfast and Jungkook was drinking some coffee, leaning against the counter. Jimin was momentarily distracted by Jungkook's long legs in his worn jeans but finally realized he'd been spoken to.

"Oh," Jimin said. "Um, I thought I didn't have to go?"

"You don't, but you can. It's up to you."

"Uh, I don't really know yet, Kook. Sorry."

Jungkook set his coffee cup down. He didn't seem angry or upset at all. Jimin kind of couldn't figure out why. Shouldn't he demand that Jimin come to see him perform? But of course he didn't, he was understanding about Jimin's issues and loved him.

"Okay, it's fine. Just let me know."

Jungkook turned to rinse out his coffee cup and put it in the dishwasher. Jesus, he even picked up after himself. How had Jimin managed to snag him?

"Jungkook," Jimin said, standing up. He brought his plate to the sink and stood next to Jungkook. "Aren't you mad that I don't want to go? This is important to you."

"Yeah, but it's one evening. If you'd be uncomfortable being there you don't have to go. I'm not mad about that, Jimin."

"Are you sure?"

Jungkook smiled. He grasped one of Jimin's hands and looked into his eyes. "I'm 100% sure," he said. "I love you. You're more important to me than a few songs."

Jimin's returning smile was wavering, but he pressed a soft kiss to Jungkook's lips. "I love you too," he whispered.

"Are you upset that I changed our Christmas Eve plans?" Jungkook asked, pulling Jimin into his chest. "I didn't really check with you."

"No, of course not," Jimin said as he rested his cheek on Jungkook's shoulder. He really wasn't mad. He was a little disappointed but he rarely got mad at Jungkook. Even after all of their years together Jungkook was so thoughtful and kind. He wanted to do something nice for his parents and Jimin couldn't blame him for that. "We'll still be able to do something together after, right?"

"Of course, love," Jungkook murmured, rubbing one of his hands down Jimin's back. "We'll have the whole night to be together."

Jimin held back a sigh. They wouldn't have the whole night, that was why he was disappointed. But maybe almost the whole night would be enough. He had to be understanding here. Just because Jimin's family was no longer in his life didn't mean that he could expect Jungkook to not want to spend time with his own family. He had obligations now and then and Jimin knew that. He just wished it wasn't Christmas Eve that it was happening. The holidays were already hard. But it wasn't fair to always ask his boyfriend to support him through things so he resolved to make it work. It was one night out of the year, he could handle that.

***

As Jimin was on the bus on the way to the salon he thought more about his family. They had been happy when he was growing up but once Jimin came out when he was 20, things had deteriorated. He had never been disowned but his parents made it clear they were disappointed in him so Jimin just stayed away from them. They thought that if he just tried hard enough he could become attracted to women. The thought made Jimin snort in his seat - there was no way. Especially after he'd met Jungkook a couple of years later. He'd laid eyes on that tall, gorgeous guy with the amazing body contrasted with the sweetest face and that was it.

As if reminding him of his less-than-supportive family, his phone chimed with a text and Jimin sighed when he saw that it was from his sister. He hadn't talked to her in person in years but she reached out occasionally via text and had been asking if they might meet up to talk. Jimin was on the fence about it - of course he missed her and it sounded like she was happy to accept him the way he was. She was eight years younger than him and something of a "happy accident" in his family so when Jimin had finally told his parents they needed to accept his sexuality or leave him alone, she had been young and still under their care. He didn't blame her for not rebelling against them as a young teenager so wasn't it good that she was trying now?

On the other hand, what if she was just acting as a pawn for his parents and was planning on guilting him into forgiving them? It wasn't going to happen without some meaningful apologies on their part and even then he wasn't sure. So if Jinah was just going to manipulate him into somehow putting himself in an unsafe situation he didn't want anything to do with her.

Jimin read the text again as he leaned back in the seat.

Jinah: Hi Jimin! Hope you're having a great day! I've been thinking about you. Would you like to meet for coffee while I'm home on break?

That sounded nice. He missed his sister. He missed having a family. Jungkook's parents and brother were wonderful people, so loving and warm, always assuring Jimin that they were his family too. But he missed having someone around who remembered him when he was a gawky teen, dancing to pop music in his room, or letting him style her hair for school pictures.

Jimin: Hi Jinah, it's nice to hear from you. I'm just getting to work now, can I let you know about coffee later?

He quickly tucked his phone into his bag and exited the bus. He knew he had a long day full of appointments so that should keep his mind off of the subject for awhile. Of course, the hair salon was festively decorated for the holidays and they were playing a lot of Christmas music. It seemed he couldn't get away from that no matter how hard he tried. It was only a couple more weeks though. He could get through it.

***

It was a few days after receiving Jinah's text and Jimin had still not replied. He just didn't know what to do. He felt bad ignoring her but his mind froze whenever he thought about it.

"You've been kind of quiet lately, everything okay?" Jungkook asked as they cleaned the kitchen after dinner.

"Hmm?" Jimin asked, not really paying attention as he put a pan away.

Jungkook laughed. "I asked if everything was okay. You seem quiet. And kind of distracted."

"Oh," Jimin said. He hadn't mentioned anything about Jinah to Jungkook because he didn't want his boyfriend to have to give him advice on this. He wanted to decide for himself. But it was clear that he couldn't make a decision so maybe talking to Jungkook would help.

"Uh, my sister texted me a few days ago," he said, leaning a hip against the kitchen counter. "She wants to get together while she's here on her winter break."

"Wow," Jungkook said. "That's... a big deal."

In true Jungkook form he didn't jump into advice right away. He was currently in grad school studying to be a therapist and he always tried to not give unsolicited advice. Jimin appreciated that, he had no interest in becoming Jungkook's first patient.

"Yeah, kind of," he agreed. "I just can't decide if it would be a good idea or not."

"Sure," Jungkook said. "Makes sense."

"I mean, I miss her so much but if she's just going to start telling me my parents are sad because I don't talk to them I'm going to scream." Jimin started pacing around the kitchen while he spoke. "They all know why I don't talk to them and it's not my fault."

"I know," Jungkook murmured, just quietly listening to Jimin. "You have a very valid reason for it."

"I do! But I don't know if Jinah thinks like that. She's a lot younger, she didn't totally know what was going on when I left. I don't know what they've told her since then. I'll never know if I don't talk to her."

"That's true," Jungkook commented. As usual, he just let Jimin talk it out himself while he listened.

"What do I do, Kook?" Jimin finally stopped pacing and stood in front of Jungkook.

Jungkook sighed. "I don't know, babe. It's a tough call. You need to keep yourself safe. But maybe she could be an ally." He opened his arms up and Jimin stepped into them, immediately feeling supported. He rested his head on Jungkook's firm shoulder and wrapped his arms around Jungkook's waist, relaxing into his strong hold.

"I think I need to talk to her," he finally said. "If she brings up our parents I can leave."

"That's a good plan," Jungkook murmured, his lips in Jimin's hair. "You're so strong, Jimin. You can do it. And I'll be here whatever happens."

Jimin nodded against Jungkook's body. "I know," he whispered. Once again he had to rely on Jungkook for support. He knew Jungkook didn't mind it and that he liked being able to help Jimin, but Jimin hated feeling like he was always a burden around the holidays. The rest of the year he was fine, but something about Christmas was worse. Everyone was supposed to be happy and together and he felt like he had to borrow a family. It was embarrassing. And kind of depressing but he was trying to not think about it that way.

For now he decided to reach out to Jinah and meet with her. Maybe he'd be pleasantly surprised and have fun. And if it didn't go well it would be just what he'd expect at Christmas. On that sad note, he sent a text to his sister, offering to meet up.

***

A few days later Jimin was sitting at a small table at a coffee shop near his apartment. He had agreed to meet with Jinah on the condition that she not bring up their parents at all and she had agreed. He'd ordered a decaf coffee today because his nerves were already shot. What if this went terribly?

The door to the coffee shop opened and a young woman with black hair and blond streaks walked in. Her eyes glanced around the room and as soon as they landed on Jimin she smiled. Even though they hadn't seen each other in years, Jimin recognized her immediately. She looked just like him.

He stood up as she approached the table. Should he hug her? He wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not.

"Jimin!" she exclaimed. Her voice was high and sweet and she giggled nervously. Something he often did.

"Jinah, hi," he said awkwardly, opting for a small wave instead of a hug. "I'm glad you made it."

"It's so good to see you," she replied. "I think I'll go order something?"

"Okay, I'll just be here."

As Jinah headed to the counter, Jimin sat back down and took a deep breath. She seemed nice and happy to be here. He glanced at her in line - she looked cool. Her hair was fun and styled nicely, she was dressed casually in baggy jeans and an oversized sweater and was carrying a cute backpack. She looked like a typical college student which reminded Jimin how much younger she was.

Jinah returned with a cup of coffee and sat down. The two of them drank in silence for a minute and then she said, "This is really good."

"Uh, yeah, I love this place. We - my boyfriend and I - live a couple blocks away so we come here a lot."

"That sounds nice," Jinah replied. So far the conversation was a little stiff but they had only been here a few minutes. It wasn't like they could erase years of separation immediately.

"I like your hair," Jimin finally thought to say.

"Thanks," Jinah said. "I like yours too. We look good with blond hair, right?"

Jimin smiled. "Yeah, definitely. I love being a blond."

"Have you had other hair colors?"

"Yeah, a lot of them. I've had red, turquoise, silver, pink... I like going back to black hair now and then too though."

"I've been thinking of trying pink hair," Jinah said. "Maybe in like, a short bob?"

"That would be really cute on you," Jimin said, picturing it. She would look adorable. "Maybe I could do that for you some time." He didn't know if offering to do her hair would totally backfire but suddenly he wanted to do it. It would be a fun way to bond and maybe make some new memories.

Jinah smiled, a mirror image of Jimin's smile. "I'd love that! It'll be like when you would do my hair for me for school picture day."

"Exactly," Jimin said, pleased that she also remembered that. It was a favorite memory of his. He had always loved to play with her hair.

From there the conversation seemed to flow a little better. Jimin asked Jinah about school and found out that she loved living in Portland and had a boyfriend there too. They had met in an art class and Jinah assured him that he was a nice guy. She showed Jimin a lot of pictures of the two of them as well as some of her friends. It looked like she was having fun. Jimin was happy that she seemed to be having a carefree life and that she was living away from their parents. He felt hopeful that the two of them could stay reconnected now.

Suddenly he realized they'd been talking for about two hours. He didn't have anywhere to be but he didn't want to monopolize Jinah's time.

"Uh, it's getting late, should we get going?"

"Oh sure," Jinah said. "I don't want to take up your whole day."

"It's fine," Jimin replied. "I'm just going home."

"So you live nearby?"

"Yeah, pretty close." He explained where his apartment was and it turned out Jinah was parked near there.

"I can show you our place if you want?" he suggested. He was pretty sure Jungkook was busy today so it should be fine. Not that he didn't want the two of them to meet - he'd had such a good time this afternoon that he did hope Jinah could meet Jungkook some day. But maybe he'd wait until they'd hung out a little more.

They slowly walked the few blocks to Jimin's apartment as he pointed out other areas in the neighborhood that he liked. Finally they got to his building.

"Well, here's our building," he said. "We live in that apartment up there." He pointed to the corner unit on the top floor.

"This looks really cute," Jinah said. "Do you think I could use the bathroom before I leave?"

"Sure," Jimin replied.

They headed up the elevator and then down to Jimin's apartment. Jimin directed Jinah to the bathroom and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. He leaned against the counter and relaxed. The afternoon had not gone terribly and Jinah had kept her promise to not bring up their parents. It seemed like she really missed Jimin and wanted to have a relationship with him. Jimin felt like he might be ready for that too.

He heard noise coming from the other room so he walked back into the living room expecting to see his sister there. Instead he saw Jungkook stomping down the hall in - a Santa outfit? But not just a regular Santa outfit - he had the big red pants and black boots but no shirt. The pants were held up by a thick black leather belt and his bare chest was toned and smooth. What was going on?

"Ho ho ho!" Jungkook bellowed, a big black bag - their laundry bag? - slung over his shoulders. "I heard there's a very good boy here who deserves a package!"

"Jungkook!" Jimin yelped as he saw his sister exiting the bathroom and standing behind Jungkook who had no idea there was anyone else there.

"Jimin, why don't you sit on sexy Santa's lap and tell me what you want for Christmas," Jungkook said, sauntering over to Jimin.

"Jungkook, this is interesting, but we have a guest!"

"What?"

"Um, hello," Jinah said shyly. Jungkook turned around and literally jumped into the air.

"What the fuck?" he yelled. Jinah blushed but did not seem offended by the swearing.

"Uh, Jungkook, this is my sister Jinah," Jimin said. Apparently they were going to do introductions now after all.

"Uh, hi," Jungkook said, holding the laundry bag in front of his chest. Like that would cover it, Jimin thought. "I thought you were going out?"

"We did, but I decided to let her check out our place and use the bathroom," Jimin told him.

"I need to get going anyway, Jimin," Jinah said, picking up her backpack from the couch.

Jimin followed her to the door and gave her an awkward hug. He really hoped this didn't ruin her impression of him and his "lifestyle". He'd tried hard today to get to know her and she told him she had no problem with him being gay, but it was one thing to accept it in theory and another to accidentally stumble into a sexy Christmas role-playing scene.

"He seems fun," Jinah whispered while they hugged. "Have a good time." She winked at Jimin and then closed the door. Jimin turned around and walked back into the living room.

"Oh my God!" Jungkook yelled as soon as they were alone. "Jimin, I am so sorry! I thought you'd be done. Are you totally embarrassed? I'm so embarrassed."

Jimin just started to laugh. He cackled and bent over at the waist, resting his hands on his knees. It was too ridiculous. His wonderful boyfriend was trying to cheer him up and planned a whole sexy Santa thing and then walked out half-naked in front of his sister that he just reunited with. He couldn't have planned it better himself.

"Kook," he wheezed, trying to get it together, "I'm not embarrassed at all. I love this. I love you," he said, striding towards Jungkook. They hugged, Jimin enjoying the feeling of his boyfriend's firm, warm chest against his own. Jimin looked up into Jungkook's eyes and smiled softly, putting his hands on Jungkook's cheeks. "Thank you for doing this."

"Are you sure you're not embarrassed?"

"Definitely sure," Jimin said, standing on his tiptoes to kiss Jungkook. "I could never be embarrassed by you."

"I don't know, look at what I'm wearing," Jungkook groaned. "I only meant for you to see this."

"I know and I love it," Jimin assured him.

"I know you hate Christmas but I thought this might cheer you up."

"It totally did. And I don't hate Christmas, it's just... hard sometimes."

"I know," Jungkook murmured. "I hate that. You deserve the best Christmas ever."

"Well, I think we're on the right track here," Jimin said, trailing his finger down Jungkook's smooth chest. He tugged on the wide black belt. "Now, what's this about a package?"

***

Jimin lay in Jungkook's arms, his head resting on his warm chest. He realized he felt... Christmas-ey. Jungkook's song talked about peace and joy and that was how he felt. Peaceful in his boyfriend's arms and joy in reconnecting with his sister.

The sexy Santa surprise was possibly the best gift he could've gotten. Jungkook was always caring for him and Jimin loved that he'd wanted to give him something special to cheer him up. It had worked, especially when Jungkook had taken off the Santa pants to reveal red Christmas boxer briefs with mistletoe strategically placed. Jimin had totally laughed when he saw them, but then his eyes had darkened and he took the hint.

"Hey, I never asked how things went with your sister," Jungkook murmured, stroking Jimin's back.

Jimin smiled. "They went well," he said. "We're going to keep texting and I think I'm going to do her hair for her before she goes back to school."

Jungkook pulled him tighter. "That's awesome," he said into Jimin's hair. "I'm so happy to hear that."

"Yeah, it's good," Jimin replied, feeling at ease for the first time in awhile. It was like a little piece of the wall he'd placed around his heart had come off. He realized he needed to talk to Jungkook about something else so he pulled away a little bit to look into Jungkook's face.

"Kook," he started. Jungkook was staring at him fondly, a smile on his face. He looked so relaxed and beautiful, his golden skin soft and his hair tousled.

"Yes, love?" he murmured. Shit. This was going to be difficult. Jungkook was so wonderful but...

Jimin took a deep breath. "I'm mad that you agreed to do something on Christmas Eve without talking to me about it."

Jungkook's face fell. He didn't look sad exactly, just confused. "Oh," he finally replied. "I... thought you didn't mind?"

"I know I said that, but... I guess I lied. I shouldn't have done that but I also didn't want you to feel bad I guess? I know you just wanted to help your parents and I love that about you. But I wish you had talked to me first."

"No, you're right," Jungkook nodded. "I just sometimes say yes to things without thinking it through. But that wasn't fair to you."

"Uh, yeah," Jimin replied. "I understand why you did it. We need to talk about stuff like this though."

"I know," Jungkook said. "You can be honest with me though. Were you worried you couldn't tell me how you really felt?" Of course Jungkook was concerned that it was somehow his fault for not being available or approachable enough.

"No, I know I can, I guess I just... thought about how you're always having to help me get through Christmas without my family and I didn't want you to have another thing to deal with," Jimin sighed. "I feel like I'm so high-maintenance compared to you."

"Jimin, what? You're not high-maintenance! I don't feel like it's a burden to help you with things, we help each other when we need it."

"Do we?" Jimin asked, the worry bubbling up again. "I feel like I never help you. You're so put-together and sure of yourself and I'm like this huge... hot mess."

Jungkook burst out laughing and Jimin's heart contracted at his cute smile. They had been together long enough that Jimin knew when he scrunched his nose up that he was feeling especially fond towards Jimin.

"You are not a hot mess," he laughed, pulling Jimin closer to him with one of his arms. "You're so wonderful and fun and you make every day so much better."

Jimin ducked his head down, blushing.

"And what do you mean you never help me?" Jungkook continued. "You do so much for me. I know I've been busy with school and I'm working and you somehow hold everything together. You know how disorganized I can be. You help me stay on track, you hang out with me at work, you listen to me when I vent about shit."

"Is that really that much though?"

"Yes, it's so much. That's what we do for each other," Jungkook said. His dark eyes met Jimin's and held them. "I'm sorry I made that decision without you and I'm sorry I didn't tell you how much you mean to me."

"It's not that I don't know that," Jimin replied. "But maybe I thought things were... off-balance or something. I feel like you do more for me than I do for you."

"I don't feel like that, but maybe that will happen sometimes. We've been together a long time and sometimes one of us might need more support than the other. But we shouldn't be, like, keeping score on something like that."

"I agree," Jimin said. "That won't help us."

"Thank you for telling me all of this," Jungkook said, leaning down to kiss Jimin. It was sweet and full of love and Jimin cherished it. His heart felt so much lighter now that they had talked. Now he wished he hadn't held everything in for so long.

"I'm sorry I didn't say something right away," Jimin said. "I wanted to be supportive but... I needed you to know how I felt."

"I get it," Jungkook said. "I won't do something like this again. Do you want me to tell my parents I can't do it after all?"

"No, of course not," Jimin replied. "You committed to doing it so you should. I'm not so mad that I want you to cancel. Just... in the future I want to be involved in deciding our plans."

"Okay," Jungkook murmured. "I promise we'll talk things like this over. I really am sorry."

"I know," Jimin said. "I forgive you. I just wanted to talk about it."

"And as soon as the Christmas Eve thing is over, I'll come back home and we'll spend the rest of the evening together."

Jimin curled up in Jungkook's arms, glad that he'd been pulled back into them. They always felt so safe and strong, capable of protecting him if he needed it or guiding him back to the people who loved him.

"Actually, I've been thinking..." Jimin murmured, not quite believing what he was going to say. "I think I'd like to come with you."

"You would? Jimin, I mean it - you don't have to. I'll only be gone a couple of hours at the most - "

"Jungkook," Jimin interrupted him. "I want to. I wouldn't go if I didn't, I promise."

"Okay," Jungkook said. "It isn't long and there's not much preaching and you'll know my mom and dad and -"

"Kook!" Jimin interrupted again with a laugh. "I know. It'll be okay."

"Okay," Jungkook whispered. "Thank you." He leaned forward and gave Jimin another kiss.

"Well, someone may have gotten me into the Christmas spirit again."

"Oh yeah? I'll have to keep that in mind for next year."

"I think sexy Santa might have to become a yearly tradition," Jimin teased. "And those mistletoe boxers."

"Anything for you, Jimin," Jungkook said, pulling Jimin back into his arms. Once again, they lay peacefully together, comfortable in each other's presence. Jimin smiled to himself thinking about Christmas traditions. His family had had some growing up but when he left home he'd abandoned a lot of them. He realized that he and Jungkook had been making new ones together over the past few years and that now they had another one. Traditions could change and evolve and he could too. Maybe things with his parents would never be what he hoped for, but he might be able to celebrate with his sister again. And he always had Jungkook. That was one thing he could count on.

***

Jimin sat down next to Jungkook in front of their small tree. As always, the decorating was completely chaotic - they had a mix of old decorations from Jungkook's parents plus random weird ornaments they'd both picked up over the years and rainbow lights. It seemed very them though, and Jimin loved it.

He was feeling much more excited to celebrate now that Christmas morning was here. The Christmas Eve church service had been surprisingly nice. Jungkook's parents were welcoming as always, Jungkook looked so handsome in his black jeans and black and cream sweater and Jimin got to sing some songs that he'd not heard in years. There had been other same-sex couples there and the church had rainbow flags outside. It was much different than what he'd grown up with, welcoming and loving. And after the service he and Jungkook came back home and Jungkook made his famous shrimp pasta for dinner. Jimin was even feeling jolly enough to watch Elf on the couch after, cuddled under the afghan in their plaid flannel pajamas (an early Christmas gift from the Jeons).

Now they were going to exchange gifts, something Jimin had always liked to do. He was a little nervous to give Jungkook the gifts he'd gotten - for some reason this year he didn't feel like he had any good ideas for his boyfriend. Jimin wanted to do something special but the season had felt so heavy that he'd been overwhelmed with shopping.

Jungkook started by opening a couple of D&D manuals he'd been wanting.

"Awesome!" he exclaimed, pulling Jimin into a hug. "Thanks, babe, I can't wait to read these."

Jimin laughed. "Oh no, is that what you're going to do today?"

"Not the whole time, I promise."

Next Jimin opened up a new board game that sounded fun and was for up to eight players. Now that Hoseok might be bringing Taehyung to their game nights, they needed games for larger groups. Jimin then handed Jungkook another gift, some nice art supplies he'd gotten for him. Jungkook liked to draw, although it had been hard to find time while he was in school. Jimin hoped he'd have more time once he graduated.

Finally, there was one package left - a bigger box for Jimin. He was wondering what it could be. Jungkook didn't usually like gift lists, he just liked to pick something for the recipient that he thought they'd like. Jimin picked up the box and realized it wasn't very heavy. He quickly tore the paper off to find a plain cardboard box that was lightly taped shut. The tape came off easily and inside the box was - a cat carrier?

Jimin looked up in surprise. "Are we getting a cat?" They had talked about getting a pet for awhile and Jimin had always wanted a cat but for some reason they had never actually taken the leap. Jungkook liked cats but preferred dogs, but dogs were usually not allowed in apartment buildings and they both knew it might be awhile before they could get their own place.

"I have a confession to make," Jungkook said, taking one of Jimin's hands in his own. "I went to a shelter and found a cat I thought you'd like and I was going to get it. But luckily I hadn't picked him up yet because then we talked and I realized I shouldn't make this decision on my own. So if you want a cat, then we'll get one and you can pick the one you want. And if you're not ready for one yet, I can return the cat carrier and I'll get you a different gift."

"Thank you," Jimin said, leaning in to kiss Jungkook. "I do want a cat. And we'll pick it out together."

"Yeah?"

"Of course, we should decide together."

"Okay," Jungkook said. "You're sure you want to do this?"

"Absolutely," Jimin replied. "You know I love cats. Are you sure?"

"Definitely," Jungkook nodded. "I love cats too and I really love you."

Jimin snuggled into Jungkook's side and looked at the tree. The sparkling lights glowed brightly, cheerful and colorful, and Jimin felt content. So far Christmas was turning out better than he'd expected. He and Jungkook had a couple of new traditions now and he'd reconnected with his sister. And later today they'd spend time with the Jeons. But throughout it all, he had Jungkook, the most special person he knew.

"I love you too," Jimin said, leaning over to kiss Jungkook softly. "Merry Christmas, Jungkook."

"Merry Christmas, Jimin," Jungkook replied against his lips. He pressed into them further, kissing Jimin softly and full of love. Even though they'd been together many years, Jimin's heart still melted a little bit at Jungkook's kisses. He closed his eyes and sank into it more, feeling joyful.

Jungkook pulled back slightly and gently brushed Jimin's hair back. "By the way, I'm wearing the mistletoe boxers again," he murmured. Jimin burst out laughing.

"I definitely like this new tradition," he giggled, reaching for Jungkook. They tumbled onto the floor in front of the Christmas tree and soon Jimin was having a very Merry Christmas indeed. And it looked like they had another Christmas tradition.