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"I can't wait to be home with you again either. I love my sister, but any longer here and I think I'd go crazy!" Bradley could see the small smile adoring Jake's face despite the shitty connection.
The truth is, Bradley couldn't wait to have Jake in his arms again. It's been five days since they said goodbye at the San Diego airport with a promise of seeing each other on Christmas Eve, but it's already been too long for Bradley. And he's not afraid to admit that to Jake, because he knows Jake feels the same way.
"Ellie says to tell you that you're her favorite uncle, even though you didn't come with me. That really hurt my feelings given she only saw you once this summer and you've already overridden my position as her most favorite uncle."
Bradley recalls the trip he and Jake took that summer, when they spent two weeks in Texas visiting Jake's sister Sophia and her family. Sophia was three months pregnant during their visit, and a few days ago it turned out that little Lucas had decided to surprise everyone and come a little early. That's the reason why Jake isn't with him at home two days before Christmas.
"Say hello to my favorite almost-niece. I hope she's not too sad about me not coming with you this time. But I've got everything set up here, the only thing missing for the perfect Christmas atmosphere is you in that ugly sweater complaining about your cold toes. I miss you."
Bradley doesn't want to seem desperate, but it's the truth. Christmas is always hard for him because it was his mom's favorite holiday. They always decorated the whole house, picked out the right tree and cooked and baked for both of them, Mav and occasionally Ice. After her death, Bradley hated Christmas for so long because he had no one to celebrate it with. And then Jake came along and suddenly Bradley has someone to enjoy the holidays with again.
So after all these years, Bradley has finally decorated the house without the constant pain in his chest. He can't wait for the new traditions he and Jake will start during the holidays.
"I miss you too, baby. But I'm flying out tomorrow night and will be back with you Saturday morning, just in time for breakfast with Mav and Ice like you planned. I think I got the last possible ticket on that flight!" Bradley loves the way Jake's eyes light up when he's happy. In moments like these, when he sees the other man shine in a way he rarely shows anyone else, Bradley can't imagine spending the rest of his life without Jake by his side. But that's still a secret waiting to be presented along with the ring he has carefully hidden in his nightstand.
"Really? Sweetheart, that's incredible! I thought I won't see you till the evening. I can't wait to have you here already. Would you like to go to that Christmas concert with Nat and Javy? Or we could just drive around and laugh at all the decorations, it's really special this year!" Bradley doesn't really care what they end up doing, as long as they're together. And it seems Jake feels the same way when he responds.
"Whatever you want, darlin'." Jake tries to prolong the call for as long as possible, but his words are a bit slurred and he can't stifle a yawn.
"Jake, go to sleep. I'll see you Saturday morning." Bradley knows he will have trouble sleeping, excited like a kid at Christmas, but he keeps placating himself with the knowledge that he'll see his boyfriend in less than 36 hours.
"'Kay, good night baby, love you." "Love you too." Jake is the first to end the phone call with a heavy heart, crawling into bed and counting the hours until he can kiss Bradley again.
...
"Fuck!" Jake can't help but exclaim loudly, watching the departure table change again, and gives an apologetic look to the woman with the little boy standing next to him. He has been waiting at the airport for the past three hours, during which his flight has already been delayed twice. An unexpected snow storm has hit Dallas this afternoon and it looks like his flight's not happening according to the latest news on the table.
A few tense minutes with a bored looking lady at the counter later, Jake is clutching a new ticket to Phoenix instead of Dallas, hoping he will be there in time for his connecting flight home. He still manages to send Bradley a quick text, knowing he's already fast asleep, telling him he'll be late for their meeting with Mav and Ice and then he’s stepping into the plane.
He knows he's screwed when he gets off the plane in Phoenix three and a half hours later, exactly five minutes later than he needs to be. All he can do is watch his plane to San Diego take off without him on board. Jake tries not to lose hope as he all but runs, wishing that luck is on his side and there is a seat on the last flight of the day headed for the West Coast.
"Sir, tomorrow is Christmas Day, all flights today and tomorrow are full. I can get you a flight for the 26th at 6pm," the woman behind the counter says with a fake smile and Jake suddenly feels the need to bang his head against the wall. There goes his plans for a peaceful Christmas with his boyfriend. Boyfriend who is now hopefully out with his dads and not moping around home alone.
After checking all the car rentals at the airport and having as much luck as he did with the plane tickets, Jake knows he has to call Bradley to let him know he won't make it in time to at least have a nice dinner together.
"Hey honey, you want me to pick you up at the airport?" comes Bradley's hopeful voice as he answers the call. It pains Jake to know he's going to spoil his lover's Christmas. He knows how hard the holidays are for Bradley, and the fact that he's made the effort to stay cheerful for Jake's sake only makes it hurt more.
"Baby, I'm so sorry. I'm stuck in Phoenix right now. All the flights are booked for the next two days, there's not a single car for rent in the whole city, and I even checked buses, but not one free seat. I don't think I'll be able to get home. I'm really sorry" Jake is on the verge of tears right now. He can very well picture Bradley looking heartbroken with the image of their home empty on Christmas Eve.
"Oh, okay. I can hit the road and be there in like six hours to pick you up." Jake can hear shuffling in the background, and he imagines Bradley looking for his car keys.
"Bradley, you're not driving to Phoenix on Christmas to pick me up. That's insane. You should be enjoying the day with Mav and Ice, you can go to that concert you mentioned with Tasha and Javy. You definitely should not spend the day on the road." Although Jake would love nothing more than to be able to put his arms around Bradley, he knows that traffic will be hell these days and that there's no point in making Bradley spend Christmas in the car.
" You know I'd much rather be in the car with you than here without you..." Bradley can't help but let disappointment slip into his tone. He knows it's not fair. It's not Jake's fault that he can't make it on time. But it still stings a little. He's got everything ready for their first Christmas as a couple, the only thing missing is his other half.
"I know, baby. I just don't want you to get stuck on the road somewhere. You know how bad it gets during holidays. It's enough that I'll be celebrating Christmas Eve here in Phoenix, of all places. At least you can stay with the people you love." Jake really tries not to break down in the midst of the busy terminal. He needs Bradley to understand that he still has people who will take care of him, even if he can't.
"Yeah, it's just not the same without you" - "Bradley -" "No, I know, it's not your fault. It just sucks..." Bradley feels the first tear fall. He knows he can't hold it back now, even as he sits with Mav and Ice in the same diner they used to go to for Christmas brunch every year when he was little.
"It really does. Again, I'm really sorry. I'm going to stay at the airport and hopefully get an earlier flight than the 26th." Bradley can hear the desperation in Jake's voice and it brings tears to his eyes again
"And again, not your fault. I'd recommend you find a hotel for the night, but I understand why you want to stay there. Can I give you a call? I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight either way."
"Sure, I don't think I'll be too busy. But for now, try to enjoy the day and not think about me, okay, baby? I'll let you know if anything changes. I love you." Jake gets as comfortable as he can in the seats at the airport, knowing it'll be a long time before he can board a plane.
"Okay, I love you, too. If you change your mind, let me know right away and I can be there in a few hours to pick you up!" Bradley knows Jake won't budge, but he can try!
"Yeah, not happening. Say hi to everyone for me, will you? Bye, baby," Jake ends the call and Bradley walks back to their table and sits down with a sad sight. He stares at his hands folded in his lap, knowing he won't be able to stomach the pitying looks from Mav and Ice as he tells them what happened.
"You're welcome to come with us to the cabin so you won't be alone tonight and tomorrow." Offers Ice, quietly seeking Mav's approval. Mav nods his head.
"Thanks, Ice, but I think I'll stay here. I want to be here in case Jake comes home early. Nat and Javy are taking me to this Christmas concert at the market this afternoon, and then I'm going to watch the game tonight. I'll be fine." Bradley knows he doesn't really sound convincing, but it's the thought that counts, right?
That's how he finds himself next to Natasha, with fake reindeer antlers adorning both their heads, listening to the local women's choir's poor rendition of Last Christmas. All three, fortified by another cup of mulled wine, cheer, dance, and for a while Bradley is able to enjoy himself without thinking too much about coming to their empty house tonight.
"Javy! Javy, look!" Natasha jumps up and down excitedly, pointing to the stage where a group of kids in cute costumes are singing the first notes of "O Christmas tree" and it's all too fucking cute. Javy pockets his phone, which he's been staring at for a few minutes, and rejoins Natasha and Bradley.
Throughout the afternoon, Bradley receives all sorts of pictures from Jake showing how much fun he's having - Bradley definitely didn't know there was a whole museum at the Phoenix airport. The last message came four hours ago, and now it's quiet. Bradley doesn't want to seem too desperate, so he puts his phone away, lies down on the couch with yesterday's leftover pizza and refocuses on the Eagles vs. Cowboys game
It's close to midnight when Bradley decides to go to bed, getting slightly nervous when Jake doesn't respond to any of his messages. Maybe he fell asleep, Bradley thinks, gets dressed in his festive pajamas and lies down in the too-cold bed. After a few deleted messages, he makes up his mind, sends a simple, 'Good night, sweetheart, I love you, Merry Christmas," and puts his phone away. Turning off the bedside lamp, he closes his eyes. He might as well try to sleep so this horrible day can finally end
It can't be more than a few dozen minutes before he's awakened by a dip in the mattress. At first, Bradley thinks he's still dreaming. Everything that has happened in the last 24 hours comes flooding back, and Bradley tells himself that Jake can't possibly be here. He turns over with admirable speed, for someone who was sound asleep just moments ago, and looks into the most beautiful green eyes he has ever seen.
"What...?" Bradley doesn't manage to say the whole sentence before Jake's lips land on his. His heart is pounding so fast he's afraid it might burst. But he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. He keeps kissing Jake and it feels too fucking amazing to finally hold him in his arms. They have to part when neither of them can breathe.
"How are you here?" Bradley asks, but he doesn't let Jake get too far away from him, still holding onto his hand. He has to wonder if this is some kind of Christmas miracle.
"I ran into Javy's brother at the airport. He was going to pick up his aunt to drive her here for Christmas. He took one look at me and I was in his car on the way home. My phone died before I could charge it, and Javy's brother is a die-hard Android fan, so I had no luck charging it." Jake looks down at the floor in embarrassment, but Bradley grabs his chin and gently guides him up to meet him halfway. Their lips touch and Bradley swears he could cry tears of joy right now
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart. My only wish this year was you. So here I've everything I wish for." Whispers Bradley, hugging Jake tighter and kissing him on the forehead as they both get under the covers.
"Merry Christmas, baby. I can safely say that this Christmas is going to be the best ever." Murmurs Jake, sinking into Bradley's embrace.
The two are so engrossed in each other that they don't notice light snowflakes falling behind the window, laying a white blanket on the ground. Truly a Christmas miracle.