Minneapolis, MN
2:22 PM
AJ's POV
⸻
You're sitting on the edge of Justin's bed, folding your clothes into your suitcase while he stands in the doorway, arms crossed, bottom lip poked out like you just told him Christmas was canceled.
"AJ," he says for the fourth time, "you really gon' fly back to Canada on me?"
You sigh. "Justin... it's Christmas. My family's expecting me."
He walks in slow, shaking his head. "Nah, ma. My family expect you too."
He slides behind you, wraps his arms around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder.
"and they LOVE you," he adds, voice dipping into that Louisiana drawl that always melts you. "My momma talk 'bout you more than me."
You laugh softly. "That's not true."
"Yes it is."
He presses a kiss to your neck.
"You know it is."
You try to focus on packing, but he's warm and big and clingy and impossible to ignore when he gets like this.
5 years together.
five years of long distance—Minnesota to Canada.
five years of holiday separations since COVID.
And this year?
He wasn't having it.
"You really gon' leave me for the whole rest of the year?" he asks quietly, voice dropping into something vulnerable.
"We won't see each other 'til January. That ain't sittin' right with me."
You turn around, cupping his cheeks. "We've done it before."
"Yeah, but back then I wasn't..." He trails off.
"Wasn't what?"
He looks down—almost shy. "Wasn't this attached."
You smile, rubbing his jaw. "You're attached now?"
"Ain't no 'now.' I been attached," he murmurs. "It just keep gettin' worse every year."
He gently pushes you onto the bed, hovering above you, his braids falling slightly forward. His voice gets soft but deep, that sweet-country drawl turning your bones to jelly.
"Spend it with me this year," he whispers against your lips. "Come to Louisiana. Let my momma spoil you. Let my cousins act a fool around you. Let me wake up wit' you Christmas mornin'. Please, ma."
You swallow hard. "Justin..."
He trails kisses down your neck, slow, warm, deliberate.
His hand slides along your waist.
His lips graze your collarbone.
"That suitcase can wait," he mumbles.
"I can't."
You exhale shakily. "This isn't fair."
He smiles against your skin. "Ain't nothin' fair 'bout bein' in love. Come with me."
He's working you—perfectly.
And honestly?
You're seconds from caving.
Until your phone rings.
You grab it, breathless.
Mom.
You answer, Justin still kissing your shoulder like he has no intention of stopping.
"Hey, Mom," you say.
"Hi, sweetheart," she says warmly. "Quick update—your brother and sister can't make it home this year. Your dad and I are traveling to see relatives... so you should spend Christmas with Justin and his family."
You freeze.
Justin freezes too—then slowly lifts his head.
He heard every word.
"Mom, are you sure?" you ask.
"Absolutely. You two haven't had a Christmas together since before quarantine. Go be with him. We'll see you during New Year's."
"okay,Love you." you say softly. "love you honey, text me." your mom replies.
You hang up.
Justin is staring at you... then a slow, triumphant smile spreads on his face.
"AJ..." he says, voice bright and smug. "You ain't goin' nowhere, huh?"
"JJ—"
"Nah, say it," he grins, grabbing your waist and pulling you beneath him. "Say you stayin' with me for Christmas."
You laugh, cheeks warm. "I'm staying with you."
He groans softly, nuzzling into your neck like you just gave him oxygen.
"Thank God. Thought I was gon' lose my mind if you left."
"You're dramatic."
"Only 'bout you," he murmurs.
You run your fingers through his braids. "Your family really wants me there?"
"They adore you," he says immediately. "My momma already got your stocking up. My grandma done asked what you wanna eat. My lil' cousins said they savin' you a seat for the movie marathon."
Your eyes soften. "Really?"
"Mmhm." He traces circles on your thigh. "We been together four years, ma... you family now."
Your chest tightens, in the best way.
Justin leans down, lips barely touching yours.
"And now that you stayin'..." his voice drops, warm, low, addictive.
"I gotta show you how happy I am."
You grin. "Oh yeah?"
"Mhm."
He kisses you slow, deep, his body sinking into yours.
"'Cause you mine for the whole holiday."
His lips trail lower.
Then lower.
"And I'mma make sure you feel real appreciated."
Let's just say...
Christmas came early. 💋
