Tyler's hand searched the sheets blindly for his friends warmth, only to frown when the boy wasn't within his reach.
He sleepily sat up on the bed with a pout upon his lips as he looked around Josh's room; wiping the sleep away from his doe eyes.
Just as he yawned and flopped back down on the bed, the bedroom door was being opened and in walked Joshua.
"Honey-Bee, it's Christmas!"
The excitement in Josh's voice matched the heavenly glow that radiated off of his face as he smiled widely and grabbed his best friend by the hand.
"Come on, silly, your presents are waiting to be opened!"
Tyler perked up at the mention of Christmas presents and let Josh pull him to his feet. His fingers intertwined with the elders as he ran out of the room.
Joshua didn't mind that Tyler was practically dragging him down the stairs, because he loved seeing the boy so happy.
The fireplace gave the room that seasonal feel as it illuminated the room with a warm glow and crackled. The delightful smell of gingerbread men filled the air, and snow was pure and untouched outside.
"Merry Christmas, Tyler," Laura and Bill smiled as the boy came clambering down the stairs.
He beamed back at them and looked to see his mother sitting on the couch, sipping on her hot chocolate.
Josh was quick to pull the brunette towards the decorated tree and sit him down.
"Okay, open this one first."
Joshua's eyes were bright with excitement as he watched Tyler take the dainty rectangular box wrapped in chrome wrapping paper.
Tyler was quick to rip open their present and pull the box top off. His eyebrows came together as he pulled out a small Bee outfit.
"Jishwa, this is too small for me," Tyler pouted as he held the black and yellow costume up and examined it.
"I know, it's just part of your gift," Joshua smiled as he climbed to his feet and grabbed Tyler by his hand for the second time that day.
Joshua led him outside and towards the garage as they ran through the snow and stopped in front of a tree that had Christmas lights adorning it.
A huge present sat in front of it, and small holes was poked all in it. Tiny whimpers and scratches were heard, and Tyler wearily looked to a giddy Joshua.
"Open it!"
Tyler walked forward hesitantly as he pulled the top off and fell back as something jumped up in his face.
With a small sound escaping his throat, Tyler fell on his back in the snow as he looked up to see the bundle of fur staring back at him.
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Golden fur and chocolate brown eyes stared back at him as he gasped.
"Jishwa! You got me a puppy?"
Josh smiled proudly back at his best friend as he watched him admire the puppy.
"Yeah, my mom and dad took me to the pound and he was so pretty, Ty. I knew you'd love him. He's not a small puppy, but he's big enough to protect you."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Joshua!"
"What are you going to name him?"
Tyler thought for a minute as he ran his finger through soft, golden fur with a gentle hum.
"Bumble."
Joshua laughed lightly at his love's innocence and hummed in agreement, "I think Bumble suits him."
"Yeah?"
Joshua just smiled as Tyler's eyes lit up and stared back into his own. The snow was gently falling around them, but Tyler was all he needed to feel warm.
