was going to crawl by.
Robin had a feeling he’d broken his personal best for the fastest shower ever, except he’d taken longer than usual to make sure certain parts were really clean. Not that he was visiting Dean with the express purpose of sex, but hey, being prepared was never a bad thing, right?
Mom arched her eyebrows when he appeared at the dinner table. “Someone looks smart. Going someplace?”
Robin glanced at his black jeans and cream sweater. He hadn’t thought he’d gone to all that much trouble. “Yeah, I thought I’d go out for a while.” He overrode the temptation to tell her he was going to Ben’s. Robin had a feeling no good would come of repeating the lie too often, and he couldn’t account for it. His mom wouldn’t know who Ben was even if he rode his bike over her foot.
Mom nodded, and Robin held his breath, waiting for the inevitable question. When it didn’t come, he heaved an internal sigh of relief, and proceeded to eat his chicken and dumplings. Dad had the TV on and was watching the news while he ate, despite Mom muttering about setting a bad example. Robin was happy not to be the focus of attention.
The meal over, he cleared away the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher without being asked. Then he kissed his mom’s cheek, grabbed his boots and coat, and got out of the house as fast as he could. He pedaled through the snowy streets, taking extra care where he knew there were potholes. The last thing he wanted was to come off his bike and break something.
Dean’s decorations looked wonderful. Blue icicle lights hung above the second-floor windows, and Santa’s sleigh was now festooned with strings of colorful lights. The sight filled him with joy, and he gazed at Santa’s rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes.
You did good, Santa.
Dean had to be the best Christmas present.
Robin leaned his bike against the house, and then rang the doorbell. Seconds later, Dean opened the door, and Robin fought hard not to stare.
“Wow. You look good.” Dean wore a dark blue suit, with a white shirt and deep red tie. “I don’t ever remember seeing you dressed like this in school.” Robin’s drool would have decorated the hallway.
Dean laughed. “As if. I had a meeting. I’ve only just walked in myself. Have you eaten?” He stood aside for Robin to enter.
“Yes, thank you.” Robin took off his boots, and before he’d had chance to hang up his coat, Loki was there, charging at him like a little furry cannonball. “Hey, trouble!” Robin picked him up and stroked him, while Loki batted at his neck. “Claws in, kitty!”
“I think he missed you. And yes, those claws may be tiny but they’re sharp. You should see my calves.” Dean looked him up and down. “Black and cream is a good combo for you.” He headed for the kitchen. “You don’t mind if I eat, do you? I’m starving. Plus, I need to grab a shower.”
Robin had a brainwave. “Hey. Go take your shower. I’ll make you some dinner.”
Dean paused at the kitchen door, his eyebrows quirked. “You’re going to cook for me?”
Robin chuckled. “No, but I can heat up the mac and cheese I know you’ve got in the freezer.”
“That sounds perfect.” Dean walked over to him. “I think we’ve forgotten something,” he said with a smile.
Robin knew what was coming and hastily put Loki down. His pulse quickened as Dean cupped his cheek and kissed him softly on the lips.
Dean could’ve kissed Robin all day long and Robin would’ve never tired of it.
The intimate moment was ruined when Dean’s stomach gave a loud gurgle, and Dean flushed. Robin laughed. “Go shower. By the time you’re dry, I’ll have food waiting for you.”
Dean kissed him again. “I could get used to this.” Then he headed for the stairs.
Robin let out a happy sigh. “So could I,” he murmured. Upstairs, Dean was singing to himself. Robin glanced at Loki. “Your daddy is gorgeous, do you know that?” And judging by the sounds that drifted down the stairs, he could hold a tune too.
Robin went into the kitchen and set about heating up Dean’s dinner. Thank God for microwave ovens. While the covered dish revolved, Robin set a place at the kitchen table. He glanced around the neat kitchen for napkins to give the setting a special touch, and when he spied a box of candles on top of a cabinet, he grinned.
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