9.

‘Right present time.’

‘No, breakfast time.’ Dan flicked the switch on the food processor effectively drowning out Darren’s pleas for clemency.

He had gotten up extra early to make sure that everything was arranged ‘just right’ for their ‘Christmas Day.’ The living room was bathed in a soft glow from the lights on the tree and he had set the table with festive napkins and crackers.

He couldn’t help the small grin that spread over his face as he turned to face Darren.

‘What!’ the object of his mirth demanded indignantly.

‘Just you.’

Darren was sat there, a paper hat perched precariously on his head, a contented smile on his face.

It was as if some unspoken agreement had passed between them. Just for today real life had been put on hold and they were going to enjoy their Christmas.

A small trickle of dribble escaped from the corner of Darren's mouth, without thinking Dan leant forward and wiped it off with his fingertip.

‘Okay Mister – grub up.’

Darren pulled a twisted grimace as Dan poured his breakfast into a bowl then positioning a chair in front of him loaded up the first spoonful.

‘Here comes Santa’s sleigh.’

Darren’s response was his usual one.

As was Daniel’s reply of ‘I wouldn’t wave that finger around unless you are prepared to use it Mr Hayes.’

Breakfast over and done with Daniel relented and taking Darren into the front room allowed him to select one present from under the tree.

‘One for you Jonesy.’ Darren handed Daniel a small package done up in white tissue paper and adorned with gold ribbon.

Darren’s brother had taken him shopping a few days earlier and when they had returned Darren had shut them both in the bedroom, daring Daniel to enter on pain of extreme violence. Wisely Daniel had left them to it.

Sitting down on the floor beside him Daniel handed Darren a present. ‘Happy Christmas my love.’

‘Go on you first.’ Darren ordered.

Smiling Daniel undid the neatly wrapped package. Inside was a black jewellers box. Opening it he gasped. ‘It’s beautiful. Thank you.’ And he dropped a light kiss on Darren’s lips.

‘Well I know what your time-keeping is like and I am not having you being late for your own wedding.’

Pushing back his sleeve Daniel carefully removed the watch from it’s clips and fastened it round his wrist.

‘Your turn.’

Excitedly Darren tore the paper off of the loosely wrapped present. 'Oh wow, oh thank you.' He spread the soft velvet throw out in front of him, running his fingers over the deep purple material.

'You're very welcome. Thought you'd like it.'

'Danny it's wonderful.' Leaning over Darren gave him a sloppy, wet kiss.

'Argh! Thank you Doze.' Dan wiped at his face with the back of his hand. 'Wanna try that again?'

Without waiting for Darren's response, Daniel moved so that he was kneeling in front of Darren and very gently, taking Darren's face in both of his hands, he placed his lips on his lover's. Darren's mouth opened beneath his, and Daniel slipped his tongue in, meeting Darren's, guiding it with his own.

Darren's hands came round to clasp his back and moving his own to mirror the movement, Daniel slowly eased them both to the floor, running his hands up and over Darren's painfully thin shoulders before once more resting them on either side of his face. Breaking the kiss, Daniel drew back and looked deep into Darren's eyes.

'You're so beautiful do you know that?'

'Bullshit.' Darren smiled back.

'You're beautiful,' a kiss to Darren's forehead, 'and courageous,' one to the tip of his nose, 'and extremely brave,' one to each of his cheeks, 'and you want to know the best bit?' Darren closed his eyes at Daniel's caresses. 'You're all mine,' their lips met again, 'and I wouldn't change that for the world.'

For a while they just lay there holding each other, occasionally kissing, touching, Daniel trying to memorise every look, every caress.

‘Dan?’

‘Yes my love?’

‘Can I open the rest of my presents now?’

Daniel had managed to persuade his Mum to cook an early Christmas dinner and mid-afternoon they made their way over to the Jones’ family home; Dan delighted to see that his brother, Oli had also been invited

Once the meal was over Mrs Jones shot a meaningful look at her husband and eldest son.

‘Time for the traditional Christmas movie I think.’ Daniel’s father announced pushing back his chair and standing. ‘What’d you reckon Darren?’

‘Sounds good to me.’

Daniel made to get up.

‘It’s ok, I’ve got it.’ Oliver told him and sliding his hands under Darren proceeded to carry him through into the living room.

‘I guess that leaves you to help me with the dishes Daniel.’

‘I guess it does.’ Dan knew when he was out-manoeuvred.

Wiping her hands on her apron Mrs Jones turned to face her son and quietly asked. ‘How long Danny?’

‘Not long Mum.’

‘Oh Danny.’ Enfolding him in her arms, she held him close as his voice started to break.

‘Not long.’

For a few moments they just stood there hugging until…

‘Oi Jonesy get your arse in here.’

Daniel and his mum exchanged smiles and Mrs Jones smoothed back her son’s hair as only a mother can do. ‘You know we’re here for you don’t you?’

‘Yes Mum, thank you.’

‘Are you two coming?’

‘We’d better get in there before Darren sees fit to throw one of his diva tantrums.’

Hugging her son one final time she followed him into where the others were.

‘So what movie did you get then?’ Dan enquired, settling himself down next to Darren.

Grinning his father held up the cassette case.

‘Oh no, not again.’ Daniel groaned.

‘And pray tell me oh love of my life just what exactly is wrong with ‘The Phantom Menace?’