It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.

Josh hummed along to the cheery tune; the festive music transported him to another world where he could be submerged in the moment. He was distracted, his only task at hand being the massive Christmas tree that stood in the corner of his small living room. The gigantic tree had been Chris's idea, of course; there was no way that he was going to give in to that artificial shit - that was for posers.

There were hundreds of tiny pine needles that coated the carpet, and they stuck to the bottom of Josh's socks, but he didn't mind. Not today, at least. In the future, he knew he'd be vacuuming the small space repeatedly (which would come to no avail; he was going to be finding needles for the next millennium), but that was something to worry about later.

He had been so caught up in the moment he hadn't heard the front door open. "Wow, I knew the Washingtons were quite the talented bunch, but I didn't realize they could sing, too."

Josh whirled around, nearly dropping the ornament in his hand as the blood rushed to his cheeks. He hadn't even realized he started singing along to the holiday playlist he put on. He had known Chris for most of his life, but there was something inside of him that just wouldn't let him put his guard down. But, Chris lived for the moments where he could catch a sense of Josh's free spirit; he loved watching him caught up in something he was passionate about, completely oblivious to the outside world.

"I, uh -" Josh rubbed his palm on the nape of his neck while he bashfully looked down. The heat in his cheeks burned; the temperature in the room had increased significantly in the past minute.

"Hey," Chris began as he walked over to his boyfriend, pulling him into his larger body. "Dude, I wasn't making fun of you; you have a great voice. Hell, tons better than I am! I can sing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree for ya, if you want. Spoiler alert: it's awful."

Josh chuckled, the color of his face beginning to return to its normal shade. He felt the cold from outside still clinging to Chris's jacket, and he breathed in the scent of the hardware store he had just returned from. He took a step back, "Did you get the rest of the hooks?"

"Yup," Chris nodded as he lifted up a small gray plastic bag. "I know, good ahead and say it: I am the best. Ever."

Rolling his eyes, Josh took the bag and removed the package, opening the material to reveal a tangled mess of dark green ornament hooks. Chris made his way over to the crackling fire as he removed his boots, setting them atop the stone platform. He shimmied out of his coat, setting it by the gated flame to warm it up.

He strolled over to Josh, wrapping his arms around the shorter man's waist as he rested his chin on his shoulder. "Dude, this is looking great. You know, forget movies, I'm thinking you should be a professional Christmas tree decorator. Or, at least part-time."

Josh rolled his eyes as he leaned into Chris, feeling his chest raise with each breath taken. The two stood in the center of their humble living room, admiring the extravagant Christmas tree; it wasn't like a Washington was going to have anything less than.

"I can't believe this our first Christmas together," Josh sighed as he rested his head against the taller man's chest. Well, it wasn't their first Christmas shared; the pair had spent many holidays together, exchanging gifts for one another and drinking hot cocoa, but this was different. This was their first Christmas as a couple. Josh had feared that things might be… strange, but it was just as normal - and, perhaps, a bit better - than before. He and Chris drove around their neighborhood, holding hands in the car, while admiring the intricate spectacle of lights their community had put on. They snuggled up on the sofa, a thick blanket draped over their tangled bodies, as they watched goofy holiday movies. It was, dare he say, almost perfect.

"And, it's going to be the best," Chris stepped away from Josh, taking his warmth with him, as he smirked deviously, "because I have got you the best gift of all time. I mean, seriously, it might be the greatest gift anyone will ever receive."

Josh rolled his eyes and sighed, "Dude, I told you not to get me anything; I was serious about that," He didn't want Chris spending his paycheck on him, especially when money was a bit tight. Of course, he had planned to shower Chris in an abundance of gifts (mostly gadgets that Josh wasn't even sure what to do with), but that was a different situation. One they didn't speak much about.

Chris grinned while he winked, "I know, but I just love to spoil you. Can't help it!" He noticed Josh's change in mood - something he was always very weary of - and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Bro, c'mon, this is the most wonderful time of the year; let's enjoy it. Start that merry music back up and let's finish making this the best tree mankind has ever seen."

Though the anxious thoughts would linger in the back of his mind, Chris knew how to improve Josh's mood. Chris walked over to speakers and pressed a few buttons before twirling around and lip-syncing along to an upbeat Christmas classic.

Josh groaned, "God, you're such an idiot," He tried to keep a straight face, but couldn't help himself. The sight of Chris's overexaggerated dancing was a definite mood-booster. Josh leaned down to free an ornament hook from the jumbled collection, and when he stood back up, he noticed Chris hovering before him.

"Dance with me, dude."

Josh shook his head, "No way," He tried to step past him, but Chris matched his movement, his smile taunting him. "Chris," He sighed, letting his arms fall to his sides in defeat.

"C'mon, man," Chris reached for his hands, holding them tightly in his own, "Let yourself go, for once. It's just us - no one can see you."

Josh wanted to resist, but he couldn't stop himself from smiling. Chris's cheers of encouragement motivated him more as he felt the movement in his hips. The two guys laughed at each other, dancing in the center of their modest living room to the beat of their favorite holiday classics. The moment was pure and lightening; a state of ease washed over Josh that he hadn't felt in quite some time. He was somewhere else - somewhere happy - truly enjoying the moment.

"Damn!" Chris exclaimed, "Who knew Joshua Washington was a triple threat. The whole package! And, I'm lucky enough to call him my boyfriend."

The song ended, switching to another, slower tune. Chris swayed his hips, a bit off-rhythm from the song. There was something about the look of contentment in his eyes that made Josh's heart flutter. How did Chris manage to do this to him? He was some guy he'd been best friends with for years, and yet, here they were dancing in their shared living room while they decorated their Christmas tree.

Josh took a step toward Chris and grabbed his hands, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his own. He brought his eyes to Chris's, taking a deep glance into them before pressing his lips against the other man's. After their lips fell into a rhythm, Josh separated his hands from Chris's and brought them to his face, pressing his palms against the stubble along Chris's jaw.

"I love you," Josh mumbled, barely audible, against Chris's skin. He knew this was something special; Josh wouldn't just say this to anyone. No, it had to be someone just like Chris.

Chris sighed, a smile playing on his lips, "I love you," He winked, "And, Merry Christmas."