The overhead lights were off now, the only illumination coming from the colorful lights wrapped around the Christmas tree. It was still alive, thanks to Emma’s pack, and the stack of neatly wrapped presents underneath looked nice.
Patrick had taken off his shoes and jacket, both tossed aside on the armchair, and was currently sprawled on the sofa. Jono set both glasses of whiskey down on the small coffee table before toeing off his own shoes. He pulled off his jumper and left it on the armchair as well, running a hand through his mussed hair as he stared at the Christmas tree. One of the ornaments was dangling precariously at the end of a branch, and he went to fix it.
“Not how I thought Christmas would go for us,” Patrick said, sounding rueful.
Jono looked over at him, seeing he’d leaned forward to grab a glass and was holding out the other for Jono to take. Jono stepped closer to accept it, sipping at the whiskey and appreciating the warmth that slid down his throat from the drink.
Jono settled on the floor in front of the Christmas tree, watching how the colorful lights played over the drink in his hand. The curtains were drawn, and it was just the two of them for the night. Wade was staying over at Sage and Marek’s flat; they’d come over tomorrow for late-morning present opening and the Christmas meal.
“We’re alive, and you’re here with me. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Jono said.
Considering all the bargains and promises that been thrown about between gods lately, Jono wanted nothing more than a few days to themselves. Time spent on only them, and not running back and forth through the veil, skipping illegally through countries, trying to stay alive.
He took a sip of whiskey, studying Patrick. The other man looked tired, but in a good way caused by lots of food and a crowd of friends. Jono had done his best to take Patrick’s mind off of everything that had happened, even though the fight wasn’t over.
“I got you presents. You’ll have to accept those.”
Jono smiled. “I’ll take anything you want to give me. You know that.”
Patrick took a long sip of his whiskey before setting the glass on the coffee table. Jono watched as Patrick slid off the sofa, crawling over to him. The Christmas lights turned his dark ginger hair into odd shades of red. Jono set his own glass down as Patrick crawled onto his lap, knees on either side of Jono’s hips. His weight was a comfort after this past month and the time they’d lost past the veil.
Jono wrapped his arms around Patrick, pulling him close and breathing him in. He dipped his head, pressing an openmouthed kiss high on Patrick’s neck. Breathing in his bitter scent soothed Jono in a way he never thought would be possible until they met.
Patrick tilted his head to the side, breath catching a little in his throat. Jono slid his hands beneath Patrick’s shirt, fingers skimming over his back. Jono moved his head, biting at Patrick’s earlobe and tugging at it with his teeth for a moment.
Patrick worked his hands between them and started to unbutton Jono’s dress shirt, leaning back a little to give him space to work with. Jono wasn’t on board with that and made an annoyed sound before pulling Patrick flush against his body. The pressure against his rapidly hardening cock made Jono groan, and he chased after Patrick’s mouth for a kiss.
“You drive me absolutely mad sometimes,” Jono muttered against his lips.
“Only sometimes?” Patrick said, grinding their hips together. “I should probably work on that.”
“Please don’t.”
Patrick laughed, the sound full of humor and nothing else. He’d laughed a lot more now than when they’d first met, and Jono was glad for it. Teaching Patrick there was more to life than the job and his past that built him was less a struggle these days than it used to be.
“What would you do without me, hm?”
Jono kissed Patrick hard and deep, stealing his breath. “I don’t want to find out.”
Patrick tangled his fingers in Jono’s hair, keeping a tight hold as he surged upward. Jono steadied him with firm hands, kissing him fiercely. Patrick was panting when he finally pulled back, green eyes dilated and a flush on his cheeks that was interrupted by splotches of colorful lights from the Christmas tree.
Jono reached out and smoothed his thumb over the sharp jut of Patrick’s cheekbone, tracing a random path of freckles. Going past the veil had wreaked havoc on their bodies, leaving them all dragging over the last couple of days. Feeding Patrick had been high on Jono’s list, along with making sure he had everything he needed.
Patrick shoved at Jono’s shoulder, licking his lips. “Lie down.”
Jono did as he was told, leaning back on his elbows and stretching out his legs. Patrick finished unbuttoning his dress shirt, the fabric falling away on either side of his torso. Patrick’s hands were warm when he dragged them down Jono’s torso, fingernails scraping over his abs. Jono twitched a little at the touch, arching a little against Patrick’s fingers.
“Thought we promised Wade no sex in public spaces?”
Patrick snorted as he undid Jono’s belt and tossed it aside. “He has his own apartment. Which we paid for.”
“Technically, Marek did.”
Patrick arched an eyebrow, his hands stilling on Jono’s zipper. “You want me to go down on you or not? Because if you want to argue, I’m sure I can—”
Jono shut him up by grabbing him by the shirt and hauling him forward. Patrick sprawled over him as they kissed, and Jono slipped a hand between Patrick’s legs to cup his cock and give it a good squeeze. Patrick rocked into his touch, moaning a little. Desire and want was a heady scent rising off his body and filling Jono’s nose.
“I’m sure I really want to see your mouth wrapped around my cock,” Jono said, nipping at Patrick’s bottom lip.
