Kisses | Reddie

twentyone ☆ little christmas lumberjack

by: MusictoMii on ao3 (this is probably one of my favorite oneshots in the world! All credit goes to this fabulous author)

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"I don't know how I let you talk me into this, Benjamin. Why the fuck didn't you just bring your wife and kids?"

Richie huffed and crossed his arms, glaring out the window as Ben steered his car onto a long dirt road that lead into a cozy looking farm. The lane leading up to it was lined on both sides by long strands of white lights, and there was a thin layer of snow blanketing the grounds, stretching for miles on either side. It looked happy and inviting, and Richie hated it on sight.

"Because you know Bev only cares about the decorating and the kids don't even know we're getting the tree yet. Plus, you've been an absolute Grinch since Sandy dumped you and it's time you buckle up and join everyone else in the holiday spirit."

Richie's face became pinched at the mention of his ex-girlfriend. They had broken up the month previous when it became clear that Richie had no intention of ever proposing, even after two years of practically living in each other's pockets. If Richie were being totally honest, he would have to admit that he wasn't even all that upset about the breakup itself. What had started as a whirlwind romance had quickly fizzled out to a subtle thrum of comfort. Sandy had been comfortable, but any passion or actual desire Richie may have felt for her in the beginning, was gone by the end of six months. The breakup had been inevitable, Richie was just sour that it had happened right before the holidays and now he had no one to celebrate with.

He sent a halfhearted glare at Ben as he pulled his car into a parking space and turned off the ignition. His friend sent a kind, gentle smile his way, causing Richie to narrow his eyes.

"C'mon, Rich. We're worried about you. We just want you to be happy again."

Richie sighed and closed his eyes for a brief moment. When he opened them, Ben was still watching him, eyes full of worry and hope and love, and Richie's resolve shattered upon impact.

"Alright, alright. No need to gut me with those puppy dog eyes, Handsome, let's go." He heaved himself out of the car, then turned to point a stern finger in Ben's direction, trying in vain to stifle the smile growing on his lips. "But you're buying me a hot chocolate."

Ben beamed at him and Richie grasped at his heart as if he'd been shot. "Jesus, you are 40 fucking years old, put that 1,000-watt smile away before everyone on this goddamn farm falls in love with you. I don't think Bev would appreciate having to come up here to fight everyone to the death for your honor."

Ben laughed and rounded the car, throwing a casual arm around Richie's shoulders and tugging him close. "Nah, she'd show up and then I'd be the one fighting to the death for her honor." He reached up and tugged Richie's beanie down over his eyes, knocking his glasses askew. Richie let out a loud sound of protest and swatted Ben's hand away, but couldn't suppress his laugh as he adjusted his hat and pushed his frames back into place.

"Disgusting."

He let Ben tug him in the direction of a large barn, rustic sign on the front declaring it a part of Hanlon's Farm. There weren't many people around, afternoon just starting to darken into dusk, and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Richie found himself unwittingly starting to relax, tension seeping from his shoulders and general mood improving until he was able to glance over at Ben with a genuine grin. The other man smiled at him brightly then moved behind him, clasping both hands onto his shoulders, and pushing him into the barn before him.

Inside, the barn was warm and inviting. Christmas lights had been strung from nearly every surface and the sweet smell of baked goods lingered in the air. Richie let out a soft "oh" of surprise upon taking everything in, and Ben gave his shoulders a gentle squeeze before leading him over to a small wooden counter where a tall, smiling man was watching them kindly.