Christmas Admirer - 1. Chapter 1

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…..

The basket was sitting on my desk when I awoke with a big red bow tied on the front. I could see through the red tinted cellophane it was full of movie night supplies. A box of microwave popcorn (extra butter style), two popcorn flavor shakers, two christmas mugs and a can of hot chocolate, a bag of marshmallows and a snowman onesie. The card was plain and simple with a christmas tree on front. Inside Keirnan’s neat printing read, ‘Every moment with you is a celebration’. Who would have thought this big, strong vampire would be such a sappy romantic?

“Come on, I only have 12 days till christmas, as I was reminded this morning. I need to pick something perfect”

“Nikki, you know him better than anyone, you're his oldest and dearest friend.”

“Yea, but now I’m also his boyfriend. I don't know what to buy a boyfriend for Christmas!”

“And you think we do?”

“You have had relationships before.”

“Sure, with women. They are easy, just get them something shiny.”

“Or soft and cuddly.”

“Or chocolate.”

“You are no help at all.”

“We warned you we wouldn't be.”

“What do guys like?”

“Condoms and lube?”

“Lingerie?”

“Beer and hot wings?”

“Yea, no help at all.”

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

At first it looked like a picture frame but it was much too thick. When I pulled the paper off I realized it was a shadow box. The background was done up like a racetrack and a little red hot wheels was mounted inside. On the front of the glass he wrote ‘you make my heart race’.

“I agree, it's adorable and sweet.”

“I have no idea how to be romantic. I need to do something special for him!”

“So what do you want from me?”

“I’m not romantic! You're a girl, it's like in your DNA.”

“That's sexist. Besides, I think Keir got all the romance in this family.”

“Shay!”

“Nicholas!”

“He's your brother.”

“And he's your boyfriend. Your best friend. Look, you two have been attached at the hip since we met. Remember when he got sick?”

“Course I do.”

“You made him that care package when he went into the hospital.”

“That wasn't romantic. I just put a bunch of his stuff in a box for him.”

“It was thoughtful. And it meant a lot to him. And then you snuck into the hospital because everyone thought he was going to die and you didn't want him to be alone. Or leave without getting to say goodbye. You risked your life to see him one last time.”

“That's not even relevant.”

“Sure it is. The time he got upset by the kid dressed as a vampire and you stopped him from picking a fight. Then took him home and showed him those old movies. Or how you convinced your Aunt to let you get a mini fridge in your room to keep blood stalked because he was too embarrassed to go downstairs and ask.”

“That's not even…”

“My point is you have always done wonderful and thoughtful things for him. It doesn’t matter if they were for your friend or boyfriend or if they were meant to be romantic. What matters is they came from your heart. I could have the most amazing romantic idea ever, but it doesn't mean anything if I give it to you. You have to come up with it all your own.”

“Urrgggg. You are right. I know you're right. I just don't know where to start.”

“You'll figure it out. You two were made for each other. He’ll love anything you give him.”

“What about you? You got anyone special you’re buying for?”

“Oh god no.”

“No boys in your life?”

“Lots of boys, no one special.”

“Eww Shay! I didn’t need to know that!”

I laughed and threw a pillow at her. She caught it and threw it back at me.

“Not all of us were lucky enough to meet our true loves before puberty. We got to play the field and search for them. Besides, dating is more fun when it's not serious. Guys are like ice cream.”

“How so?”

“You can’t choose your favorite flavor until you try them all. And even then it's hard to choose just one.”

“You're a little bit of a slut aren't you?”

“And you are a little bit of a prude!”

Nikki laughed as he attacked his friend with the pillow and defended himself from her counter attack. After a while the two friends collapsed next to each other and caught their breaths as their laughter died down.

“Shay…”

“Yea, Nikki?”

“Do you think Kiernan wishes he… tried different flavors?”

“No.”

“But you said…”

“Thats me. We're talking about you and Keirnan. He has never wanted anyone else and he never will. Trust me. As sure as the sky is blue, you will always be the only one for my brother.”

“Do you ever think you’ll have that? Would you want it?”

“Maybe one day. But right now I’m having fun being young, single and not attached.”