Sweet Child O Mine (Steven Adler)

33. Christmas

It's been a year since Cooper had gotten sober. Life had been better since then. 

Cooper and Carson were cooking together. Cooper was cutting up some vegetables and Carson was stirring the soup in the pot. After Cooper was done he went behind Carson and wrapped his arms around his waist and laid his head on Carson's shoulder and whispered sweet nothing's into his ear making Carson blush brightly and smile uncontrollably. 

"Daddy! Papa!" Anna said running into the kitchen holding her stuffed bunny close to her. Cooper and Carson turned to look at Anna. "Hey, girl," Cooper said lifting Anna into the air. "What's wrong?" Anna asked. "I-is Ethan gonna be okay?" Anna asked looking at Cooper with said eyes. "Of course he'll be okay. This surgery will make him better," Cooper said. Anna smiled. "I want Ethan to be healthy," Anna said. "I know you do. And he's going to be," Carson said walking up to Cooper and Anna. Anna smiled wider. "I love my baby brother," she said. "We love him and you too," Cooper said. 

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Carson laid on the couch his arms on the arm of the couch and his head rested on his arms staring at the door. It was Christmas Eve but Cooper still had to work. Everyone was over at their house. Carson's family, Cooper's family, and Joey's family.

But despite everyone being there Carson still laid on the couch awaiting Cooper's return. He knew it would be late. After all, it was Christmas eve and many people decided this was the day they'd get injured. Keeping Cooper away from Carson for just a little bit longer. 

Carson sat up, looked at the clock, and sighed. Eight o'clock. Cooper would be there longer than Carson hoped. 

"Are you alright?" Joey asked wheeling over to Carson in his wheelchair. "Yeah, only I think Cooper will be gone all night," Carson said fiddling with the bottom of his dress shirt. He had gotten dress all nice in black jeans, black shoes, and a red dress shirt. Joey sighed and sat on the couch next to his friend. "It's alright, he'll be here tomorrow," Joey said. Carson nodded and stared at the door for a little while longer before giving up and going to have some fun with the others. 

After everyone left and the children were put to bed, Carson made himself a nice little space on the couch where he'd sleep and wait for Cooper to return home. Sleeping in bed without Cooper's warm skin pressed against Carson felt wrong to him. 

"Baby, wake up," Cooper said softly as he shook Carson awake. Carson opened his eyes and jumped up and hugged Cooper. "You're back!" he beamed. "I'm back," Cooper said. "You know you don't have to sleep on the couch when I'm not here," Cooper said wrapping his arms around Carson's waist. "I know, but it feels wrong to sleep in the bed without you by my side," Carson said playing with Cooper's long blonde hair.  

Cooper scooped Carson into his arms and spun around. Carson smiled as he wrapped his arms around Cooper's neck and laid his head on Cooper's chest. "You're adorable do you know that?" Cooper asked. Carson blushed and hid his face in Cooper's chest. Cooper began walking upstairs with Carsons still in his arms as he whispered sweet nothings into his ear. Carson blushed even brighter knowing what was sure to happen.