It's christmas vacation. A time for relaxation, where you don't have to worry about waking up early for class, or stressing over the crazy amount of homework the school enjoys giving.

But seeing as I still have my job at the café, I appreciate the days where I can sleep in, and Chris also knows that, so why oh-why, is someone ringing the doorbell like there's no tomorrow, at 7 am?!

I, very angrily I might add, get out of the bed and down the stairs to insistent change between ringing and knocking. Who is this mad person?!

I open to reveal, the only person capable of doing such a thing, to be honest. Don't know how I didn't think of it earlier.

Ladies, gentlemen and non-binary people, Harry Newman.

"Harry! What the heck?!"

"Ok, so like, I know we haven't known each other for long, but we're buddies and honestly you're adorable and sweet and from what I've seen, trustworthy and damn good friend, so I was hoping you could be my friend and help cause I think I may have royally fucked up and I don't know what to do."

After that I'm not even mad at him for waking me up early anymore. He looks really distressed, his purple hair is all messed up, and not in the normal artistic way. Even his shirt buttons are buttoned unevenly. And that's like one of the biggest fashion no-nos for Harry. His words not mine.

"Harry, you know you can always come to me, now tell me what's up. You're kind of scaring me."

"Ok, so remember that date I had yesterday with the dude from college, right? Turns out, he's studying law, and like, that's amazing and I praise you dude, and he's still super hot, but like, what's with the boring, adult talk? And he was just complimenting himself and how great he was and let me tell you, that is not something I wanna talk about on a date. But then, guess who comes in. Freaking Carter. And so I was, thank God, he'll help me. Problem was, he was with some girl, probs on date considering they were being pretty cosy with her and all touchy feely, so my next escape plan was: bathroom window, so I went to the bathroom and just as I was about to jump off the window I hear a voice: ta du du du, there was Carter, looking at me with those gorgeous orbs of his. And little fun fact about me, I may have had a crush on him for like two years, give or take, and I've flirted with him like crazy and never got a reaction out of it so assumed he's not into guys, but when I explained the situation he didn't hesitate to help me, which made me like him even more! He's just so adorably and surprisingly shy and he blushes a lot and it was then that I realised that maybe it was more than a crush. So he helped me sneak out and took me home. Are you following? Should I keep going?"

"Yes I'm following, Harry. Don't worry."

Right now we're in the kitchen, Harry, very distressed looking, with a glass of water in his hand walking back amd forth and sitting, but never still and running his hands through his hair sometimes pulling it in frustration.

"Ok, so, when we got to my place I invited him inside to thank him and offered him cake and beer, because he is a teenager and my parents are on a business trip somewhere in Brazil, so I put on a movie and we watched and talked and enjoyed it and when I notice it we're not watching the movie anymore, but I'm very close to his face and he smells so good! And next thing I know we're making out and I'm legit on his lap and he's man handling me and he's the best kiss I've ever had and that's saying something, and we're both very much in the mood, if you know what I mean, and he just grabs my ass and carries me the fuck to my bedroom, after I tell him where it is, and let me tell you, I am not light so that was even hotter, and he was so good at what he was doing that I just notice what's happening, literally the moment he puts his di-"

"Harry!" I interrupt. "Less detail please."

"Right, right, you're still a lil smol bean virgin. That's ok, I still love you. But short story short. I had sex with Carter, and it was the best sex ever, Matt!! And I just left him alone. In my house!! Ugh I'm so stupid. It was so good and I left him there and I feel like I may have taken advantage of him. And like we both each had two beers, so none of us were drunk but still!"

"Harry, calm down. From what you told me, he seemed pretty into it and like he wanted it as much as you did. So, calm down, breathe and go talk to him. He'll think you regreted it if he wakes up with you gone."

"You're right! Ugh, this is why I love you! And thank you for being a good friend!"

Whith that he kisses my cheek and leaves. Just as he's about to enter his car, I call him and walks over to me again.

"How do you- how do you know it's the right time?"

Harry does a double take, "are you talking about sex?! OMG! YASSS! Ok, the only thing I can tell you for sure is that you'll know when the time comes, and also, use lots of lube...That's important. And don't forget, don't be silly, wrap your willy!"

And with that he's gone, only to be replaced with another car, that I immediately recognize as Leo's.

What is with everyone waking up early today and come to my house?

"Hey, babe," Leo says after giving me a kiss. "Was that Harry?"

"Yeah...Don't even get me started. So what's up, what are you doing here so early?"

"What, I can't visit my boyfriend?"

"Well, not at...9:00 am on vacation," I tell him with a teasing smile.

"I actually have a question. What um, what are you planning on doing for Christmas?"

"Noy much, probably gonna watch Christmas movies and eat cookies with Chris all night, why? My mom's gonna be working both the 24th and the 25th so..."

"Ok, so um, wanna spend both Christmas days with me and my family? Well, you and Chris obviously."

"Are you serious? I don't want to intrude, I mean, Christmas is a time for family and all that jazz..."

"Trust me when I say my mom loves you and Chris, she asked, actually."

"Are you sure?" I ask again, just to make sure.

"Yes! Matt! Trust me," he says with his blinding smile.

"Ok, then I'll accept that offer."

And with that he hugs me and kisses me like there's no tomorrow. And obviously, I kissed him back.

I mean, like, who wouldn't? He's an awesome kisser.

Just as things started to heat up, with Leo literally pushing me against a wall and kissing my neck, we're interrupted by a very cheerful and enthusiastic "hi!".

We instantly break apart, both flushed and panting slightly and looking at Chris who's just looking at us in his pyjamas with a confused yet amused smile on his face.

-------------------

Chris and I wait patiently at the Bryant's front door with our overnight bags and bags full of gifts. It was hard finding gifts only two days before Christmas eve, especially meaningfull ones, but I think we're actually good. I hope.

"Matt, Chris!! Come in,come in," Olivia greets with warm hugs and pecks on the cheeks.

Leo must have heard the bell, because when we step in, he's stepping down the stairs and running up to me with a huge smile plastered on his face, only to stop in front of me and pecking me on the lips, making me blush seeing as his mom is still there. And so is Chris.

"Hey babe," Leo says, then turns to Chris and extends his hand waiting for a fist bump, that Chris happily returns. "Hey little buddy, what's up?"

"I'm good!"- is Chris's answer.

"Anyway!" Olivia interrupts. "I'll take your bags and put it in the guest rooms. Leo take them to the living room, please."

"Hey, what's that," Leo asks me, pointing to the gifts.

"Christmas presents," I said in an obvious tone. "I mean, it is Christmas and I didn't want to just show up empty-handed."

"Babe, you didn't have to do that, we want you here for the company, not the gifts. Anyway, we don't usually have a big Christmas. It's just us four and Liam. And now you and Chris."

-------------------

Christmas dinner went as expected, a little tense between Leo and Mr. Bryant, but other than that it was fine. Weirdly enough he got along well with Chris, but that's Chris, everyone loves him.

Apparently, the Bryant family usually only opens the presents in the morning of the 25th, but with Chris here, we decided to watch movies until midnight and then open the gifts.

So it is currently 11:59 and Chris is getting way too energetic, so we decided to cut him some slack snd decided to start sooner.

As the Bryant family exchanged gifts inbetween each other, my brother and I just watched and waited for our turn to give gifts.

So, imagine how surprised I was when they handed Chris and I gifts.

"You bought us presents? You didn't have to." I didn't want them to think we only came here for the gifts or something. I know I bought gifts, but it was because I wanted to do so, seeing as they've been incredibly nice.

I let Chris open his first, so I sneak a peek at what it was before he starts jumping up and down when he sees that he's got a brand new PlayStation with about ten games.

"Oh my God," I say slightly flabbergasted. I mean, a PlayStation isn't exactly cheap, let alone the games. "You didn't have to, this is too much."

"Matt, honey," Olivia assures. "Don't worry about it. We don't have children around anymore, might as well spoil him a little."

That doesn't make me feel a lot better, but let it pass when I see hiw happy Chris is. I wish I could afford things like that for him, but I really can't.

When it's my turn both Olivia and Cat come inside the room holding a big box and Leo behind them with a smaller wrapping.

"Ok, Matt," Cat explains. "This is from all of us, mom and dad, Leo, Liam and I. Both of these. Leo mentioned you liked space so..."

I open the first small box first and to my surprise, there's a book about the wonders of the Universe inside. I look at them with wonder and tears in my eyes.

"Thank you so much, really, this is amazing," I say, having genuinely enjoyed the book.

"Don't mention it. Now open the big one!" Liam exclaims, a weird behaviour for a guy his age, but still, I laugh either way.

On the second box is possibly the best gift I could possibly imagine. Something I have wanted since I was 10 and discovered I was in love with everything space related: a telescope. And not a crappy cheap one, like a legit-expensive-one-maybe-used-in-NASA kind. Oh Lord, this is too much.

When I feel something on my hand I come back to reality and realize that I am crying. I don't know why, really, I guess I'm just touched by everything and very much overwhelmed.

I feel a gently hand on my shoulder and look up to find already everyone looking at me with concern and sadness in their eyes. Especially Leo, whise hand slid down to hold my hand, while Chris tries to comfort me by hugging my led.

"I can't accept this, it's too much. I mean, you've already done so much fir, not just today, but for the past months and I couldn't be more grateful or ever be able to repay you. And now this...it's...wow," I finish, slightly breathless and really not knowing what to say.

"Listen, Matt," to my surprise it's David who's talking. "This is a gift from everyone. Besides you're dating my son, so that means you're part of the family and that means you also get gifts."

"Thank you so much, Sir, really, you have no idea how much this means to me. How much it means to Chris."

Mr. Bryant just gives me a nod and the smallest of smiles, one that you could only notice if you were reall paying attention.

"Ok," I say after cleaning my eyes. "Sorry about that. Chris and I have gifts for you guys too. As a thank you, kind of. And also, because you know, it's Christmas."

With that, I started going through the bags I brought, even when everyone started protesting and saying how I shouldn't have bought them anything, seeing as I was the guest.

"Ok, first, Cat, Leo said you're a photographer and that you like vintage kind of things, so I got you this," I offer her gift.

I wait nervously for her to open it. She let's out a big gasp and for a moment the only thing I could think about is how much she hates it and how they don't like me anymore. And, so what if I'm being dramatic? I have that right too.

"Oh my God?! Are you fucking for real right now?!" Cat screeches.

"Catarina, language" Mr. Bryant scolds.

"Sorry, dad. But Matt! Are you kidding me?! You got me a Polaroid?! And one of the firsts too? This must have been a fortune! I can't take this!"

"Now you know how I feel," I retort, laughing. "And it was no problem really, it was my grandpa's, he used to love taking pictures of everything, you know, make memories. It was kind of just catching dust in my place, at least I know you'll put it to good use. Also, there are a few rolls there to recharge, 'cause they're kind of hard to find, so..."

"Holy crap!" Cat jumps up and hugs me and kisses me on the cheek.

Next up was Liam and let me tell you, that one was hard one to please, but according to Leo he likes cartoons, so I got him the Cartoons from the New Yorker Calendar and the game "Cards against Humanity, 'caus ewho doesn't like those right? He seemed to enjoy it, so that's what matters.

Next was Olivia. I know that she's from Spain and she loves the culture from her home country, so I got her Turrón-a traditional spanish dessert that is eaten during Christmas time, mostly, and made of nougat, honey and sugar essencially. After that, I also found that Spain is known for their ceramics, so I gave her a new set of plates that I found in the same store where I bought the Turrón, a store on the next town over that sells things from different countries from Europe. I also did my research on Spain.

After was Mr. Bryant. I was a little scared for that one, because David is a little intimidating with his height and everything, but when I came here to dinner last time, I did notice that Mr. Bryant likes to drink a glass of liquor sometimes at night after dinner as if to clean the palate, which Leo confirmed after I asked him about it. That reminded me of my father. He also liked his liquor. So I got a special bottle from my dad's stash. It was a honey based kind of liquor that was actually really strong, that my grandpa from dad's side brew himself. I have about ten of those bottles at home plus the recipe.

Leo was the only one left. But we decided to exchange each other's gifts in private. So now we're sitting in the bay window of his bedroom (something I find extremely adorable) trading presents.

I had the hardest time finding gifts for him. I wanted to give him something special, something meaningful.

So, in the end I decided that, since he want to be an artist, I'd get him the ultimate artist kit, with everything included, from colour pencils, to markers, to acrylic paint and painting brushes. Everything. And to finish off that, I also gave him a notebook with thick pages so the paint doesn't ruin the other side. I must admit, it wasn't cheap, but I got a great deal on it because Lily, the girl I work with at the café knows the owner of the shop.

Leo says he loved it and I trust him whole heartedly, so I believe him.

After that, I decided to give one more thing. And that was a little more expensive, but I hope it's worth it.

"Ok," I say. "I have one more thing."

"Shit, Matt, I feel bad you spent so much money on me, I know you're struggling, you didn't have to."

"I know, but I wanted to do it."

So with that I reach into my pocket and offer him the little box.

"Oh, I hope you're not proposing, because as much as I love you, I'm not ready to take that step yet," he says, making me laugh.

Wait! What did he just say?!

"What did you just say?" I ask, looking at him with my mouth slightly open and my eyes so wide they might pop out.

"That as much as I lov- oh," he seems to catch up on it too, because he starts trying to explain it. "I mean...it's just that I...You see where I stand..." he takes a deep breath and starts again. "Matthew, I am in love with you. And I don't know if it's too early, and you don't have to say it back, but I want you to know that I really do, love you very much. I also had a whole speech prepared but oh well."

"Leo, shut up and open the box," I say and wait fr him to open it. When he does he looks at it for a while so I explain what the simple silver ring is for. "I know we haven't talked about you going to college next year a lot, but it's kind of a promise ring. Even if we do break up, I don't want you to forget me. I also want to say that I am very much, hopeless in love with you. So much it hurts."

He puts the ring on and grins at me and kisses me with a kiss so full of love, that I think it might physically break me.

"Ok," Leo says once we break apart. "My turn now. Here you go."

I open the envelope first and find tickets to the planetarium sitting there. Oh balls, this is amazing, I've always wanted to go to the planetarium.

"I kind of rented the whole planetarium for that day so that no one bothers us. And now on to the second one."

I'm smiling like an idiot right now. I didn't thing it was possible to smile more than I am right now.

Oh, how wrong I was. When I open the second one, I only see a piece of paper that kinda looks like a diploma. Only when I start to read it do I realize what it is.

A star.

"A star," I say a little breathless. "You got me a star?"

"What do you say we put your new telescope to good use tomorrow and find you that star tomorrow? We can go to the lake where we had our first date, or the beach, seeing as their farther from the city and maybe we can see it better."

I jump on his lap and thank him repeatedly while huging him with everything I have and trying really hard not to cry again.

"Thank you! I love it! So, so much!"

"That's good," he says chuckling. "There's just one more. What you said about the ring, I also don't want you to forget me, so I got you this."

He hands me a box too, this one slightly bigger than the one I gave him. Inside, there was a black leather bracelet with a little silver circle with an "L" engraved in it. I put it on immediately.

"Thank you so much Leo."

He knows I meant to thank him for more than just today.