“That’s not how genetics work and you know it,” Felix said, shooting a look over his shoulder at his husband, who just shrugged, unbothered as always.
From the couch, Zane’s soft laugh drew Asa’s attention. He lay sprawled with his head in Avi’s lap, his limbs hanging off the cushions like a lazy cat. Avi’s fingers threaded through Zane’s dark hair absently, his eyes fixed on the television whereFrosty the Snowmanplayed.
Several empty mugs—once filled with spiked hot chocolate—now sat on the side table, and though they’d all indulged somewhat, Zane looked deliciously dazed, his cheeks flushed with warmth and booze. He wore a pair of Grinch boxer briefs that covered a disappointing amount of thigh and a black t-shirt that clung to his narrow frame. His tight curls—now long enough to reach his shoulders—were fanned out over Avi’s thigh. He looked good enough to eat.
Felix sat on the floor just in front of them, using thecouch as a backrest, wrapping presents with the intensity of an artist sculpting marble. His nimble fingers worked swiftly, tying ribbons into intricate curls and fussing over each corner until the package was flawless. He eyed each gift like there would be a competition on Christmas morning, then set them in the ‘wrapped package zone’ to be placed beneath the tree by Asa and Avi later.
While Zane looked cozy in his PJ’s, Felix looked like a wealthy widow who’d just offed his fourth husband. He wore red silk pajamas and a matching robe that splayed around him like a cape. His long dark hair was pulled into a bun on top of his head, but tendrils of his wavy dark hair had escaped to frame his face. He looked feminine, feline, almost ethereal.
To an outsider, Felix and Zane’s relationship likely made no sense. They had very little in common, other than being tricked into falling in love with murderous vigilantes. But that didn’t seem to matter. They vibrated on a higher level, and had this cosmic connection that Avi and Asa couldn’t quite grasp. They were two halves of the same soul and it showed in the way they seemed to move about the world together seamlessly. They were inseparable.
If anyone other than Felix had dared to get that close to Zane, they’d have found themselves at the bottom of a very deep lake. But Asa loved Felix almost as much as he loved Zane. As much as he could love anyone. He was…grateful that Felix gave Zane all the affection and understanding Asa sometimes lacked. Asa also enjoyed their intimacy on a purely selfish level. Separately Felix and Zane were hot, together they were a five-alarm fire. And Asa was always a big fan of fire.
“Lois,” Asa called out, leaning his forearms on the edge of the playpen. “You know that’s not me you're snuggling, right?”
Zane rolled his eyes at the old joke.“Of course, I do. I still have all my clothes on,” he quipped.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Asa asked, feigning hurt. “Do you not like my snuggles?”
Zane smirked at him. “It means when Avi and I snuggle I get pets. When you and I snuggle you’re constantly trying to—” He looked at the babies. “—Stuff my stocking.”
Asa and Felix both snorted at the thinly veiled comment.
“We both know you love when I stuff your stocking, Lois. Just last night you were begging to suck the stripes off my candy cane,” Asa countered.
“Oh, God,” Felix groaned, setting a present on the pile before grabbing another from the mountain of unwrapped gifts. “Please, not the Christmas euphemisms.”
Now Asa had no choice but to continue. “You love when I jingle your bells. You were begging for a ride on my reindeer, said you couldn’t wait to visit my North Pole.”
“One more pun and your chestnuts will be roasting over that open fire,” Felix warned, pointing an unnecessarily large pair of scissors in his direction.
“Hah, you sleigh me,” Asa countered, then stuck out his tongue, laughing when Oscar and West did the same.
Felix growled at Asa, then snapped his teeth. “Stop corrupting my children.”
Before Asa could retort, Avi blurted, “We should have a competition.”
“A…competition for what,” Felix asked, glancing up at his husband. “And I’m warning you, if you say puns I will add your nuts to that fire.”
“Don't threaten me with a good time, kitten,” Avi said. “But no I was just thinking that in all the times we’ve…played together. We’ve never tested your…reindeer riding skills. I think you’d look hot side by side, giving it your all.”
The idea of him and Avi lying side by side while Zane and Felix used them had him breaking into a sweat. His brother really did have the best ideas. Fuck. How long before the kids were in bed? Maybe this is what Felix and Zane meant when they said they could never have a nice, normal night together as a family.
Felix gave another indelicate snort. “You always want me on top, I’m starting to think all your muscles are just for show.”
Avi grinned. “No, you’re just too beautiful when I’m looking up at you.”
Felix’s cheeks flushed, but only Asa could see it from where he sat, hastily restacking blocks for the twins to destroy once more.
Felix loved compliments. It was the worst kept secret ever. One he’d die before admitting. He liked to give off this vibe of bored indifference, of complete and total confidence. But deep down, he was just cosplaying being an adult like the rest of them. Get a couple of drinks in Felix and he became an endless well of insecurities. Luckily, he never remembered it in the morning.
“Well, I’m not going to ugly myself up so that you’ll get on top more often,” Felix warned. “It takes a lot of time and effort to look this flawless.”
Avi sighed wistfully. “Then be prepared to put that pilates body to work, kitten.”
“My thighs are getting bulky,” Felix muttered, still smiling.
“Thick thighs save lives,” Zane said sagely, then giggled.
