A contest entry and apparently winner for the askhardofhearingarthur blog. It's a wonderfully adorable blog and you all should go check it out!
Anyway the rules were holiday themed and some sort of sensory disability. Already posted on LJ, but I want all my followers to see as encouragement to check out the blog!
A gusty sigh escaped Arthur as he prepared to leave his apartment and head over to Alfred’s place. It wasn’t entirely Alfred’s fault that Arthur had to suffer through the holiday ordeal. Arthur wasn’t the best at communicating when he got flustered or angry or well at all really. Rubbing his temples Arthur took a deep breath, enjoying his last moments of quiet, and placing his aides in stepped out the door.
Snow sparkled across the ground, a glittering blanket that deadened the sounds of his footsteps. Arthur smiled feeling the sharp crunch of the snow under his boots and taking in the lamplight refracting across the ground. It was but a short distance to Alfred’s home and Arthur could only stop and raise an eyebrow at the distinct lack of other vehicles and people outside. In fact only one window was lit up joined by the porch light as he stepped forward and rang the bell.
The door swung open quickly, had he been waiting on the other side? Alfred’s smile was as blinding as the snow at high noon. “Artie it’s so great to see you!” Arthur could only guess that his boyfriend’s voice was booming to ring at normal level in his ears. Returning the warm hug Arthur smiled. He always felt safe with Alfred. Enveloped by his warmth, his cheer, and how comfortable he was with Arthur’s disability. Not that Alfred ever had any problem being loud enough.
Inside he was again struck by the distinct lack of people and party. The decorations they had spent a grand afternoon hanging a few weeks ago were up, but no other preparations. Turning to give Alfred a questioning look, he was instead met with a kiss and a devious smile. Glancing up Arthur was rewarded with a bundle of mistletoe. Of course. Rolling his eyes he followed his boyfriend into the living room.
Which is when his mouth dropped open. A fire crackled merrily in the fireplace and upon the hearth were two mugs. A blanket and a few pillows were nested before the fire at a perfect distance to watch the fire, the Christmas tree, and the falling snow through the window. Arthur could only gape at the perfect rendering of his dream Christmas Eve as Alfred directed him down into the blankets and pushed the mug into his hands. The aroma of hot chocolate reached his nose breaking through his shock enough to realize Alfred was staring at him.
Noticing Arthur was again focused on him, the American rubbed the back of his neck. “Is it okay? I know you don’t really like the parties so I opted out hosting this year to celebrate with you.” Blushing to his ears Alfred couldn’t meet his eyes and Arthur… Arthur melted.
“You silly… idiot. I love it.” Alfred’s grin hit him full force as he received another kiss, this time on the cheek. Settling in, an hour passed of warm drinks, warmer kisses, and the wonderful solitude of just being together away from the world. Arthur had almost drifted off when he felt Alfred shift. Meeting those baby blues across the pillows and when had they gone from vertical to horizontal? Arthur watched as with careful motions Alfred signed out for him. I. Love. You. Arthur. Kirkland. With. All. My. Heart.
Grinning so hard he felt his jaw might crack Arthur spelled his reply slowly so his boyfriend could read every sign. I. Love. You. Too. Alfred. Jones. Laughing silently they pressed their foreheads together and kissed again softly. Tucked away in their cozy nest, warm firelight danced around the room and Christmas Eve came to an end.
