simplepuzzle | Under The Mistletoe

Yancy'd been there first, as usual. His smooth, suave, slicked hair brother had always gotten there first.

It's just a Christmas party, nothing major and certainly nothing that should be a big deal but Raleigh's been stewing for months - quietly, and without really realizing that he was doing it. He hadn't realized it until now, that things weren't right, that he didn't feel right anymore, and the moment that he saw their lips meet under that stupid, poisonous plant, something had twisted in his stomach and left a foul taste in his mouth.

He had to go. He had to at least get out of the room, and he roughly shoves through the crowd and makes a beeline for the balcony, barking at the couple out there to get out of his way and go back inside.

It's a holiday party at the office.

Well it's not at the office, because the company can afford to rent out some ballroom or another, Chuck wasn't really paying attention because it's a fancy party and it's public and Raleigh's going to be there. And even if he can't actually go with Raleigh, because his dad will probably murder and then fire him, there's nothing saying they can't spend time together.

And if they happen to get caught underneath the mistletoe that's hanging all the fuck over the room well, it's not anybody's fault, dad, it's tradition.

He does flash Raleigh the wickedest of looks before dragging him in by the tie to kiss him in front of everyone, though.

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Chuck smiles ruefully at Raleigh instead of scowling at him--he's pretty sober, since he's only been drinking the one cup all night, but it's still gotten him a little warm and looser than he might be. He's still not sure how to act around him and he's pretty sure Raleigh still thinks he hates him, but he can probably make small talk at a party, right?

"Hey Ray," he drawls. "Come to check out the shadows?" Because while the whole house isn't precisely lit well, for party reasons, Chuck's still in a pretty dark part. It sounded more clever in his head. It's his first time drinking rum.

x3