How can I tell him that over those past two days, it went from exploring an interest in Nick that I’ve harbored for the last sixteen years to something that makes my heart grow. That maybe my mind believes I may still want a future in this festive frenzy of a village?
“Does this have anything to do with your late nights at the shop?” His eyes assess me.
“I’ve been trying to get this damn sleigh to not crash at the first hazard Nick comes across.” I bite out, turning back to my soldering, not wanting him to see the truth.
“Then why haven’t you asked me to stay back with you?” His eyes glimmer with mischief and he knows he has got me when my cheeks flush and he hums his victory. “That’s what I thought.”
I huff a response before smacking down my mask so I don’t need to look at his satisfied grin. I pick up my soldering iron.
“This one means something?” His question lacks any hint of judgment. From the moment I walked through those doors at seventeen, his knack for deciphering my thoughts without me saying a word has been a curse.
Through the visor of the metal shield, I can almost see concern cross his features and my brows draw together at his worry.
Is it for me, or for what I might do? Does he think I’m not capable of developing feelings for someone?
I tighten my fists and he glances at my hands, his eyes narrowing slightly before he places his hand on my shoulder once more.
“Son.” I pause at the sentiment, my face softening at the gentleness of his expression, before lifting my mask back off my face.
“I hope you know I am proud of you,” he whispers, his eyes shining. “I know I am not your father, but it has been a great joy in mine and Mary Lou’s life watching you grow into the capable man you are today.”
I hold my breath at the mention of his wife. Arthur rarely mentions her since she passed two winters ago, but now and then I catch him staring at the photo of her he has tucked into his wallet. He doesn’t wait for me to speak as he continues. “I hope that whoever they are, they recognize the potential your heart has for love. Even if you hide it behind that cocky grin and what you believe to be a tough exterior.”
“Nick …” Is all I get out before he nods, perceptively and reassuringly pats my shoulder.
“Well, that is tough, but no one said love was supposed to be easy.”
“Love? Oh no, it’s not …” I splutter, sitting up straight, nearly knocking the reindeer helmet off the bench in my haste to deny.
“It’s okay son. It might not be yet, but I have seen the way you two have danced around each other over the years.”
I open my mouth to protest, but my shoulders slump as his observation hits me. “What? You have?”
“Of course, I would need to be blind to not see it. Even my Mary Lou used to comment on how well you two would complement each other. Opposites attract and what not.” He waves off dramatically as he puffs clouds of white smoke around us.
“But what about him being my stepbrother?” I question, torn between a sliver of hope at a future and the weight of this question.
“Is it an issue for you?” He asks indignantly, the directness of his question taking me by surprise.
Thinking back to how excited I was at the prospect of touching him, how much I’ve thought about his hot mouth on me, how now, after such a short time, this doesn’t feel like any of my other hookups. “Uh no, I suppose not.”
“Then why should it be an issue for anyone else?” He huffs, his arms crossing over his body.
“I don’t think that’s how that works. I’m sure lots of people will have something to say about it.” Shaking my head in frustration, I take off my mask and drop it with a clang onto the bench, pushing back the hair that falls over my brow.
“Life is too short to live without love, Kris. Besides, if anyone has a problem, send them to me.” A wicked gleam winks in his eye and in this one moment I’m unsure if I’m actually afraid of Arthur.
A loud laugh bursts from my chest and Arthur sits, legs dangling, looking mighty pleased with himself.
“Take a break. I’m sure your mom has dinner nearly ready by now. See your boy. This will be here when you return.” He gestures to the pieces of metal and electronics that make up the structure of Rudolph’s helmet.
The smell of freshly baked pie wafts towards me as I enter the front door. My mother Klaus and Nick all stand chatting animatedly in the kitchen.
I clench my jaw and try to ignore the pang in my heart at watching my mother treat Nick like a son when I have never received the same treatment from Klaus.
“Kris!” My mother beams as she sweeps towards me, embracing me, and I can’t help but soften into her warmth. My mother has always been affectionate and that affection has only grown since welcoming Klaus and Nick into our family.
“Hey Mom. I’m just gonna go wash up,” I hold my hands out, my blackened fingers are a stark contrast to the white table settings she has out tonight.
I glance over at Klaus and we share a respectful nod, before my eyes fall on Nick, whose mirroring stare is just as brazen as he drinks in my body.
My head quirks to the side, and I let a small smile slip before I shake my head and move to the stairs up to my room. I don’t bother turning on the light as I make my way to the adjoining ensuite, leaving the door unlocked and stripping out my grease-covered clothes. I throw them toward the laundry basket, but they land with a thump on the floor next to it.
The copper colored taps are cold in my hand as I turn on the water, adjusting the temperature as hot as it will go. I step under the scalding stream, sighing as the pulsing water relieves some of the tension in my muscles. I scrub my hands and forearms with grit soap, watching the grease wash down the drain, then use my regular pine wash to go over the rest of my body.
After washing my hair, I step out into the steam-filled bathroom and find Nick waiting, his eyes unabashedly scanning my dripping naked body.
I grab a towel but don’t bother drying my body. I just ruffle it through my hair, taking my time letting him get his fill.
“Have you found something to your liking, Santa Baby?” I ask. My grin turns devilish as I observe him unconsciously caressing the growing hardness straining against his zipper.
My cock grows under his scrutiny. I drop the towel on the floor next to me and take one long stroke. Running my thumb over the swollen slit I swipe at a bead of moisture, my dick already weeping under his gaze before taking my time, dragging it back up the length.
Nick’s eyes don’t stray from the movement, his stare almost predatory. I take a step towards the door and flick the lock before stepping back in front of him.
“We seem to have a problem.” Nick’s eyes quickly flash up to mine in a panic as confusion flicks across his beautiful face.
