Chris was probably buying stuff that he didn't want Lance to see. Last year, they shopped for each other, together, so it wasn't such a surprise when they opened their gifts Christmas morning. Lance grabbed a handful of lights and started pulling the knots out. He smiled, knowing that Chris wanted this Christmas to be extra special for them. It was their first Christmas 'out' and their first Christmas as a married couple.

It had been a hectic year, even though they had hardly toured and hadn't yet started recording their next album. Lance remembered this day three years ago, preparing to do their show in Vegas and in the midst of one of the biggest fights he and Chris had ever had.

At the time, Chris wasn't speaking to Lance, despite the attempts Lance had made to apologize. Lance didn't even remember what he had done, only that in the end Chris had slammed the door in his face and told him to go fuck himself.

Chris hadn't said much to any of the other guys, either. It was as if he intended to stuff himself in a box and send himself to Libya or wherever so that he wouldn't have to talk to anyone. So he wouldn't have to avoid Lance's pale eyes and the way they said 'I'm sorry.'

Lance removed the last of the lights and pulled out the smaller boxes underneath them. The first box held a 'Nightmare Before Christmas' figurine -- Jack Skellington in a Santa suit. Lance had bought it on a whim knowing that Chris would adore it. It always took center stage on top of the mantle, being far more important than the little knickknacks purchased for less personal reasons.

The second box held a silver music box which played 'White Christmas' -- Lance's favorite Christmas song. Chris had given it to him that day in Vegas, leaving it on his bed to be found after their performance. Lance set the box in the middle of the coffee table and polished it with the sleeve of his shirt.

Chris had apparently bought it before they fought, and always intended to give it to him the day after Thanksgiving. Lance had picked up the ribbon wrapped box, puzzled, only to hear a voice behind him say, "I'm still mad, but I think working this out will be worth it."

Lance's reverie faded, and he lifted the lid of the silver box. He closed his eyes and hummed along. When he opened his eyes, he noticed a slip of paper tucked in among the green crushed velvet of the box's inside.

He unfolded the paper and read: "Hearts cannot be given, they must be pried from a bleeding chest. Souls cannot be intertwined, they must be welded with a test." for always, your Chris

Lance stared at the paper that felt like lead in his hands. He had never found it before. Had it been here this whole time? Lance quickly slid the paper back in place as he heard keys rustling at the back door.

He picked up the lights and acted busy as Chris came walked through the kitchen and into the living room with two paper coffee cups. He sat down next to Lance and offered him the coffee.

"I thought you'd get lonely, so I stopped for coffee before doing any more shopping," Chris said.

Lance took the latte and suspiciously eyed the label on the cup. "Starbucks! You traitor," he said half joking. "I thought we were only supposed to go to that local place down the street." He nudged Chris with his elbow, then kissed him on the cheek.

"It was closer to the store I was at!" Chris said in defense, and smiled innocently.

Lance sipped his coffee, and the warmth brought back his earlier thoughts. "And I wasn't lonely. I had you to think about."

Chris put his coffee down and picked up the silver box, studying it as if the words he wanted to say were written on it. "Thinking about this maybe?" he asked.

"Yeah, actually," Lance said, and took the box from Chris. "I found something in it today."

Chris looked him, curiously, then broke out in a wide smile. "You finally found it?"

"Mm-Hmm. I can't believe I --"

"You don't have to say it, Lance," Chris said. He put his arm around Lance's shoulders.

"But if I had found it that day..." his voiced trailed off.

"I know. But we got back together anyway, without that little note." Chris leaned in to breathe in Lance's ear.

Lance set the box back down. "Welded. We are, aren't we."

Chris kissed Lance's earlobe. "Absolutely inseparable."

Lance pulled Chris' face to his and kissed him, his coffee caramel lips sweet against Chris'. He hoped that this would be the first of many surprises he and Chris would have this Christmas.

End.

Originally written as an *Mprov on 11/18/00, with the words Libya, traitor, music box, reverie.