Fools Holiday |Jalex 25 one shots|✅

Holidays aren't the same dear

Tw?//Mention of cancer//

I felt a little sad when writing this so I made this I'm sorry

Word count: 1,084

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Alex trudged into his house. While the holidays were on the way fairly quickly he hadn't decorated. He really didn't see a point in doing so. He quickly unlocked the door as it was freezing outside and he couldn't stand the lights. He snuffled as he walked in still expecting to see Jack but he didn't. The only ones to greet him were their dogs Baz and Peyton. Both sniffed around expectingly.

"He won't be back guys."

The two dogs stared at him as if to say he was here just last week Dad.

Alex sighed, "Of course you want him to be home but he won't be any time soon babies. H-he's gone" Alex's voice broke and faded saying it out loud made it even more true. Alex sat on the floor not caring if he got his ass wet. He finally let himself break down. He never thought Jack's cancer would come back more rapidly after he got told he was cancer-free but it did. It was scarce but his lymphoma came back and this time it wouldn't let him win. After a long fight, he lost right before Christmas which caused Alex to tear everything down Christmas-related in his anger.

Now, there was just a half-dead tree that he kept up because Rian refused to let him tear it down. Under the tree was a small gift from Jack, who told him to keep it there and only open it on Christmas, which Alex agreed to. Not wanting to disappoint Jack he left it there. As it was Christmas Eve you can imagine that Alex's Boss kicked him out not waiting for him to stay after any more than needed. On the way home Rian and Zack both offered to stay with him for Christmas but Alex told them no he had his two kids. Alex slowly got up, he didn't feel hungry like normal but when he got into the kitchen he saw a tiny note on a tub of what looked like pasta.

Alex,

I know you probably aren't very hungry but Jack would want you to be strong so I brought you Pasta I made! All you gotta do is microwave it bud! Call me when you get a chance I have a few things for you

-Love,

Rian and maybe Zack for finding the spare key

Alex chuckled slightly, "Maybe Zack? Bold you to call him to find the spare key and not wait for the dog sitter."

Alex heated up a small portion of the food and fed the dogs. When he did a small note fell from the dog food cubby. Thinking it was from Rian he grabbed it and sighed hoping he didn't overfeed the dogs but what actually wrote in made his eyes go wide.

Hi love. I know you probably are already home but Rian and Zack took me out to shop for you! I know you'll flip if I'm not back in time but you know me I need to get you something hehe. This note is also for only in case I'm not back if you find it after oopies. You can't be too mad I'm better now :p

-Jackie xoxoxo <33333

Alex dropped to his knees as they gave out. "No, you aren't better Jackie. You're gone." His voice was faint but to him, it echoed as if he was in an empty room.

Alex looked over as the microwave rang out signaling his food was done. He slowly got up not wanting to eat but knowing any moment Rian would call and ask him how it was. Later that night he went to bed and had the same nightmare of Tom and Jack.

The next day Alex slowly walked downstairs to let the dogs out and sit on the couch to drink coffee as he didn't sleep well at all. Part of him expected to see Jack downstairs starting dinner and making them breakfast then get fussy that Alex was out of bed when he wanted to surprise him like they did every Christmas but he wasn't there.

"Big shocker."

"What's a big shocker?"

Alex jumped to see Rian and Zack in his living room. "You two need to stop breaking in."

"We got worried when you never answered our calls."

Alex shrugged and he let the dogs outside and unlocked the dog door before shutting the main door. "I passed out."

The two sighed and Zack spoke up, "We also decided to take you and the kids out with us for Christmas."

"No. I'm fine alone I don't need sympathy from your families."

Rian rolled his eyes, "Whatever get dressed and let your dogs open the gifts before we go."

"They are mine and J-"

"Yeah yeah I know they're your guy's kids not just dogs just get ready."

Alex rolled his eyes but got semi-dressed in pajama pants and one of Jack's hoodies before grabbing Baz and Peyton's gifts for them.

After the two pups opened their gifts They got up to leave when Rian hesitantly pointed out, "There's one gift under the tree Alex."

Zack put a hand on Alex's shoulder, "You promised"

Alex got a lump in his throat so he nodded before bending down with shaking hands and grabbing it. He first took off the little note on it.

Hey sweetie.

You must be reading this because I didn't make it. Which is fine because I fought hard for you Lex and that isn't something to be sad over. Zack is writing this as my hand is too shaky to do so myself plus I'd cry writing it even if I do think I can win. I know this is you're first Christmas with the kids alone please do go out and do stuff with them. Don't be sad Lexie you'll see me one day. I love you Lexie don't forget that no matter what happens in the future.

-Jackie xoxoxox

Alex started to cry but opened the package hesitantly revealing a little locket necklace with a photo of him and Jack on one side and Baz and Peyton on the other. Crying he handed it to Zack who without a word put it on him. Alex went with them but spent the rest of the evening in a car at Zack and Rian's parent's house with his dogs next to him speaking minimally.

And that's how his first Christmas alone went. Wasn't ideal but he hopes each year it may get easier.