Christmas Chronicles: Traditions word count: 553
“I’m telling you, Secret Santa is an awfully bad idea. And I got stuck with Thomas out of all people.” Derek was saying in between brushing his teeth.
“I am so tired of hearing you complain. Just buy a bloody present and get over with it.”
“Will you help me?” Derek asked as he put his toothbrush away.
“My dear, of course not.”
Back in the bedroom, Derek scoffed seeing that Noah didn’t even bother putting down the book he’d been reading. “I don’t know what to get him. He’s new and he’ll be gone after the holidays anyway.”
“So? You have access to his file, I’m sure there are a few personal things in there. Maybe he likes bowling or something.”
“Are you suggesting getting him a bowling pin?”
Noah finally looked up at him. “And put it on a keychain, sure.”
Derek scoffed again. “He must have a Facebook profile.”
“You don’t even know where to find Facebook.”
“That’s why I need your help.” Derek said exasperated. “Please!” Out of all the issues he thought he’d face as a new manager at his job, buying a Christmas present was not one of them. Noah rolled his eyes and grabbed his phone. Derek almost sighed in relief. “Thomas Perkins.” He said as he climbed in bed next to Noah.
“Oh, he’s cute. Why didn’t you tell me he’s cute? I would have helped you sooner.”
Noah scrolled on Thomas’ profile for a while, under Derek’s anxious gaze. He felt ridiculous, it was just a present, it didn’t matter what. It was supposed to be something tiny, not too expensive, it didn’t even have to be functional. He could grab a cup from somewhere on his way to work and call it a day. But that felt wrong.
“He likes Pokémon. Great, you can get him a Pikachu plush or some badges.” Noah said, turning to face Derek. “What kind of a rock are you living under?” He asked when it became obvious Derek didn’t know what he was talking about. “I’ll just order something.” After more scrolling, “And you have to invite him to the party on Christmas if he doesn’t have any plans, he’ll fit right in with our other guests.”
On the last day of work before Christmas, Derek texted Noah to let him know that his choice of present, a set of eight badges that Derek had no idea why anyone would want, was a success. Thomas seemed so happy about it he almost gave himself away as Secret Santa. But those were not the only good news, Thomas also accepted the invitation. It was awkward to ask given the nature of the gathering, but once Derek explained it to him, Thomas agreed very quickly. Of course, Noah said he would, he had a real talent at picking them up and hadn’t made a wrong call since three years ago when he started their little kinky Christmas tradition.
Derek mingled with their guests on the night of the party while Noah made sure everyone was feeling comfortable.
“Welcome! Nice meeting you. Before you come in, the house rules are: make sure you ask for consent, and use protection.” Derek heard Noah saying as he showed a grinning Thomas in. He could already feel the Christmas spirit filling him up.