Best + Bitter = Better

Thirty Eight days after

It's Christmas. Wigington family legislations dictate: stockings then presents then breakfast of smoked salmon and toast then Christmas dinner at lunch. So that is the order of the day for Geoff. His mum loves her necklace, same as his sister. He gives Lucas a fire truck and he still hasn't put it down. Geoff gets everything he wants and more. His favourite is from Sarah, who gives him a Zelda necklace. He is officially never taking that off.

The day is just like most Christmases and Geoff can't wait to meet up with Awsten later at seven PM. It stays in his mind, burning an ache in his subconscious - it forces it's way to the front of his thoughts whenever he stops to think about anything. The day drags on for him. Don't get him wrong, he fucking loves his family and everyone but there is only one person he wants to see on Christmas. As he sits one the sofa watching Elf for the fifth time this season, he dwells on his present for Awsten. He's never been nervous about giving a gift before, but now he's terrified that Awsten won't like it. It has to be perfect.

-

Geoff pulls up outside Awsten's house. It's cold but not snowing and he knows that Awsten will be disappointed. If he could, he would tell the universe to snow; he would do anything to make Awsten smile for just a split second. He's a lovesick teenager in an adult world. He takes a moment to himself to prepare; he's not entirely sure what he's preparing for. He makes sure he has the little bag of Awsten's necklace and a box of Quality Street for Awsten's family.

Stepping out of the car feels different to any time he's done this before. This time, there's an undeniable lump of anticipation in his gut. The street lights are on and he's managed to park under one perfectly. An image of him leaning against his car with a smirk on his face, waiting for Awsten comes into his mind. This isn't a movie. He locks his car and jogs up the path to Awsten's door.

He didn't notice before, but closer to the house he can hear them. There are so many voices and, looking around, there's so many cars. They're having a party. Has Awsten inadvertently invited Geoff, or was it on purpose?

As he nears the door, his question is answered. Awsten flings open the door and immediately hugs Geoff, squeezing him like a boa constrictor. "I missed you!" He squeals.

Geoff laughs, he knows the struggle. "I missed you too, lovely." He hugs Awsten back and it suddenly feels like Christmas.

Awsten pulls back and beams at Geoff, "Come in, come in, we're having a party!" He insists.

Parties aren't really Geoff's thing, but he would do anything Awsten tells him to. "Okay, I'm coming, I'm coming!" He laughs as he's pulled along by Awsten.

They squeeze their way through the crowd and end up next to Awsten's mum. "Hey mum. Geoff's here." Awsten states, a massive smile on his face.

Geoff smiles at her and hands her the wrapped box of Quality Street, "Here, it's for the family. Merry Christmas."

She gives an expression of gratitude, her eyebrows turned upwards and her hand on her heart. "Thank you." She smiles. She opens her arms for a hug and Geoff obliges.

Awsten just about has to drag Geoff away. Geoff follows Awsten through his house, waving at Gracie when he sees her across the room. They end up on the back porch; on a little wooden bench that creaks under their weight.

Awsten turns to face Geoff excitedly, "I got you something." He beams. There's a twinkle of joy in his eyes.

Geoff's curiosity is peaked. Then Awsten hands him a crudely wrapped gift, but honestly it's just so Awsten that he wouldn't have it any other way. He takes the small box in his hands and looks at it for a second then looks at Awsten (who's grinning at him) and opens it. He gently takes apart the paper and sees a simple, brown box. Inside the box is two tiny plastic bags. He takes one out, opens it and sees an enamel pin. His jaw drops. It's a lemon and it says 'bitter'. Fuck, it's so true. His hands can hardly stay still still enough to put it on his denim jacket that he's (obviously) wearing. He looks back in the box at finds a square that says 'bet-'. He furrows his eyebrows at Awsten, who simply smiles and shows Geoff his shirt that has two pins on it. The pin on top says 'best' and the one underneath says 'ter'.

"You see, we put them together and it's like 'best plus bitter equals better'. It was Jawn's idea." Awsten explains. Geoff could cry at how fucking masterful and cute and incredible this gift is.

"Holy shit." Geoff whispers before tackling Awsten in a hug. Then he slumps back into his seat and rushes to get the little bag out of his pocket. "I got something for you too." He grins and gives Awsten the bag.

Awsten opens it and his eyes light up. "You got it." He states quietly, almost disbelieving.

Geoff laughs a little, "Yeah, I can read you like a book." He scratches the back of his head.

Awsten pushes the necklace into Geoff's hands, "Put it on me!" He shouts, turning around.

Geoff obliges wilfully, Awsten is so precious. He turns around and Geoff can see only happiness written on his face.

Awsten goes quiet for a few seconds, Geoff almost asks what's wrong, but then he says, "Also... Another thing... I have officially broken up with Mark." He smiles bashfully.

Geoff opens and shuts his mouth a few times... He wants his words to be elegant and smooth, but what comes out is his first instinct, "Can I kiss you?" He whispers gently.

Awsten smiles and looks up, making Geoff look up too. "This is the kissing bench." He whispers gently.

Geoff tears his eyes away from the mistletoe and back to Awsten; specifically his lips. Geoff fingers dance across Awsten's cheek as he slowly reaches to cup it. His other hand goes to Awsten's shoulder, lightly tracing his thumb across his exposed neck. Awsten can only sit in shock and anticipation. Geoff leans in, he touches his nose to Awsten's, closes his eyes and touches their lips together delicately at first. He pulls back only slightly, then kisses Awsten properly. It's the kiss that Awsten deserves. There's no fireworks or butterflies or jitteriness. It feels warm, it feels like home, it feels like love. It's so wonderfully overwhelming in the most outrageous way. Now that Geoff has experienced it, he knows that he can never live without it again. Awsten is home, Awsten is love.

La fin