That morning was supposed to be peaceful. There were no construction sites around and no noisy neighbors that could disturb his sleep. Also, activity was lesser on Christmas Day, so he could take an entire day to pamper his senses with a bath or plain vegetate in front of the TV. It was everything one could ask after a hectic schedule and numerous disappointments. Daniel on the other hand was one of the unlucky few who had to give up all of that. It wasn’t for the sake of an early wake to fully enjoy the free hours. It also wasn’t because he couldn’t stop thinking about what happened the previous night. He had already forgiven Henry and repeated countless of times that anybody would be proud with such a conclusion. After all, what else had turned Henry’s body if not the way he had been teased by Daniel? It wasn’t like Henry had somebody or something else buried in his head, so Daniel was more than happy to snooze without a single regret.  

If only Dongwoo got the message.

At 7AM, because Daniel’s dear brother knew how to make an entrance, he banged at the door so hard that Daniel thought the bombs in his dreams became real. After he got out of the blanket which entangled around his legs and noticed Henry’s absence, he rolled out of bed and lazily made his way to the front door. Before he’d pass the kitchen, Daniel hopped to the Christmas tree and checked underneath. Henry’s present was still there, untouched, and it upset him. At the same time, the lack of any other gift made him ponder whether the other felt bad about not getting him something. Thus, Henry refused to check on his present. But Daniel never had in mind to be given something in return for his efforts. That neatly wrapped box under the fake rich branches came out of his free-will and with the purest intentions. Sighing, Daniel his heels and prepared for the worse.

Anybody could be behind that door and his vision twisted into the most horrible monster in the world. Maybe he should have drank or eaten something before opening the door. That way, he could battle whatever despair lay behind with a fed stomach.

Fortunately, Dongwoo’s grin erased any fear. Unfortunately, Dongwoo’s grin turned Daniel irate.

“Yooo!” he cheered and tried to wave in Daniel’s direction, but both his hands were occupied with a stuffed white plastic bag.

“Nooo,” Daniel answered and was about to close the door when Dongwoo’s foot stopped his attempt.

“That’s how you welcome your brother on Christmas? Man, you’re Scrooge in person!” Dongwoo scoffed and invited himself inside. He easily threw his shoes with a swift move of his ankle before entering the kitchen area. Daniel locked the door, followed his brother and tried hard not to explode in a couple of more insults or coat his tongue with too much sarcasm.

“Well, most brothers would leave theirs alone today,” Daniel muttered under his breath and gave Dongwoo a sheepish smile. He had no idea what the other was planning, nor did he want to know. Yet, curiosity did kill the cat and Daniel’s mood once Dongwoo’s grin never faded. It meant something was up. He could read Dongwoo’s mischievous look from a mile away.

“You used to take drama lessons in high-school, right?” Dongwoo put the large bag on the bar and leaned its elbow on it. Daniel eyed it suspiciously, tensing more than usual.

“Yeah...?” he hesitantly answered. If Dongwoo’s mouth could be any larger, it’d stretch to the moon and back.

“Great! Swear to help me with something?”

“No.”

“Oh c’mon!” he whined and came closer to his brother. Dongwoo patted his shoulders and pouted. “You’re the only one I could think of in such an urgent matter!”

“Still, no.”

“But it’s of life and death!”

“No.”

“It’s for charity, for Christ’s sake!”

Daniel rolled his eyes.

“Fine,” he mumbled and wrapped his arms over his chest. “What is it?”

“Yey!” Dongwoo clapped and hurried back to the bag. While Daniel was busy inspecting the fridge’s cluttered surface, Dongwoo took out a long wig and some clothes. Daniel carefully examined them and felt the temperature in his body grow a couple of times.

“What the ?” he explained when Dongwoo fixed the wig on his head. Daniel tugged at it and wanted to take it off, but Dongwoo wouldn’t let him.

“There! It’s perfect!” he took his brother by the hand and rushed Daniel to the closest mirror. Actually, he had no idea where that was. But he did faintly remember going once to the bathroom, so that was enough.

“Please tell me you’ve gone insane...” Daniel mumbled. He was flustered when he met the mirror. You could shove his body in a dress and he’d make a nice girl for the evening. Dongwoo wouldn’t take his hands off his shoulders when he tilted his head to the side and nodded in approval. It was just what he was looking for.

“Okay, so our Sooyoung is sick and you’re the only one I could think of. I mean, we used to dance to girl groups all the time in high-school. We have to put up an act for this charity thing at this mall and...”

“You mean in public?!” Daniel cut the other and felt his cheeks burn from shame.

“Yes, in public!” Dongwoo proudly announced as he patted Daniel’s head. “It’s perfect. We’ll get our message across easier! Anyway, we’re supposed to dance on Gee and other SNSD songs and you’re the only Sooyoung I could think of in such a short timeframe.”

“You’re ing with me,” the blond blurted and earned him one confused expression.

“Why would I with you? I have a girlfriend, you know.” He teased and pulled at Daniel’s cheek. “By the way, why don’t you move in with me already? This place is a dump.”

“Your place only has one room,” he paused “...as in, one room and the bathroom. You eat, sleep and cook in your bedroom.”

“Exactly! We can share! Like the old times!”

Daniel slapped his face and shook his head inside his palm. It wasn’t Dongwoo’s fault that he had no idea of Henry and Daniel’s relationship or his brother’s ual interests.

“I am not going to dress like Sooyoung and shake my in front of a crowd...”

---

“Wake up,” Donghae adjusted to the lights before he’d see who spoke. Slowly, he tried to get a better position in bed as Jinyoung’s hands wouldn’t leave his pillow and body. He shoved the other away and frowned.

“I was dreaming so well...” Donghae complained and stared around the room. It was filled with ‘get well’ cards, fresh flowers and some Christmas ornaments he didn’t care about. Donghae wasn’t that much into Christmas or any other religious holiday which only made him feel guilty for not respecting its traditions.

“You dreamt for months now, aren’t you tired?”

Donghae stared at his childhood friend. The bangs underneath his eyes, the messy hair and loose clothes indicated the exhausted one was him. He rarely saw the usually laid-back Jinyoung look like he had been working to stay alive.

“Aren’t you tired?” Donghae insinuated more than intended. He hoped Jinyoung wouldn’t take it the bad way and acknowledge his worry rather than his scornful state.

“Of what?” Jinyoung sat on the bed’s edge and gave him a weak smile. “Of you? Of this? Of everything?” he forced a chuckle before his head hit Donghae’s lap. He didn’t move from his spot, too content with the way things were going. “I’m glad you’re back, that’s all.”

Donghae didn’t push him away. Donghae didn’t scold him, didn’t say anything more than what it was already said. He leaned harder against the pillow and wondered whether he should have died that day or not.

Nevertheless, there was no turning back.

“It’s Christmas?” he inquired and received a small nod from Jinyoung. Donghae sighed some more. “So... why aren’t you home?”

“Parents fought, I sent Hara away. Mom’s been crying all morning.” he mumbled before he closed his eyes. “The usual stuff... why would I be there?”

“It’s Christmas...”

“So?” Jinyoung lifted his head and angrily spat the word. “Not everybody has a perfect family and you know how much I’d give away mine.”

“But you didn’t.”

Jinyoung got up from the bed, fixed a little his shirt and mumbled something before his hands sank deep inside his jacket’s pockets.

“Whatever, I’ll go get you some more water.” Without delay, he grabbed the jug and left Donghae alone.

The elder sighed and wondered why they were so strained. He also thought that his so called perfect family hadn’t visited him once – aside from his brother who slept in that hospital. With an annoyed self, he tried to drift back to sleep where nothing mattered more than his wishes.

Funnily enough, he did dream before Jinyoung woke him. He dreamt of the chipmunk.  

---

Henry repeated that night so much, a headache was inevitable. The way Daniel ogled him, the way he bit his lips and breathed over his mouth before they’d seal through a kiss and the way he so foolishly couldn’t hold it anymore. It’s been months since they tried something and that only further added to the gap between them. Apparently, Henry was the only one who felt that hole enlarging and swallowing him whole. He couldn’t even enjoy the bubble tea he wanted to get that morning. Henry rushed out of the house because he couldn’t dare face the other in full daylight. Maybe if he had said something or tried to remediate the situation by switching roles, he could have salvaged something.

Instead, Henry gave nothing for the remaining night. And that’s it. He didn’t sweeten a thing.

“Pathetic little ...” he exploded when the straw wouldn’t penetrate the cup. He hadn’t been insulting the object, but his own selfish nature which backstabbed him countless of time.  

Until late afternoon, he spent his time shopping – from candles to other expenses he didn’t think he’ll end up with. He also bought a scarf similar to the one from the other day. Everything was under his brother’s name anyway and as much as he wanted to avoid the credit cards, he used them in the end. Henry had one chance and one chance only. He didn’t want to screw it again. He abandoned the bubble tea and the stubborn straw in favor of his phone. There had been no calls or messages all day long.

Daniel must have been really pissed on him, no matter how much the blond tried to hide it.

Henry grabbed his shopping bags. His shoulders slumped as he made his way around the shopping complex. He had one last item to procure and then he could gather as much courage as he could and return to the garage. His fingers danced to the beat which surrounded the center. He could feel every note pouring in harmony to create something pleasant to his ears. What he didn’t expect was to actually take a better look at the comedic group on the improvised stage. He was too far to see their faces, but the screen behind them had his attention.

And his jaw dropped when there, among the other horrible dressed dancers, stood Daniel. The checkered shirt and skinny blue jeans complimented his long brown hair and strong make-up. He bent forward with his hands between his legs as he winked to the crowd and moved his hips to the beat.

Henry tried hard not to laugh. He really did.

Air flooded his throat and nostrils as he burst into a thousand giggles. Henry had to lean onto the nearest wall because, surely, he had been so concerned with the blond all day long, that his mind stuck his image everywhere. Why in the world would Daniel suddenly dress like a woman and give people the show of their life?

After another glance and a few steps forward, he couldn’t help but gasp some more.

He hadn’t been seeing things. The one up front really was his lover.

Henry felt the blood from his face drain.

And he couldn’t stop thinking how pretty and flirty Daniel was, as if the stage was meant for him. His heart skipped a beat when one of the other dancers lost control on his high-heels and fell. His lover just happened to be near and tripped on the boy’s legs. Daniel lost balance and met the floor. Henry was about to abandon his shopping bags, climb on the stage and help him up, but he stopped when Daniel his stomach, extended his thumb and index and pretended he was talking on the phone while his legs swung up and down. The other boys were in awe and so was Henry.

He shook his head when he couldn’t take his eyes off Daniel’s . He had enough for one day, it was time for dinner.

And Daniel better not be late.

---

There had been no payment, other than in spiritual form. Daniel kept silent all the way back home while Dongwoo blasted more SNSD. If he could murder the other, he would in a blink of an eye. Well, he could, but he didn’t want to, at least, not in real life. His mind made sure that Dongwoo died a couple of times before arriving home.

“Hey, thanks again, you’re the b---” Daniel slammed the car’s door before he’d hear his brother’s voice again. His only free day had been wasted on rehearsals and one stupid dance with people clumsier than he had ever been. Dongwoo assured him there would be no mistakes. As much as he hated heels, Daniel kept a firm position more often than the rest. But, with Daniel still being prone to accidents, he had successfully almost broken his leg.  A few cuts here and there, he thanked God that his face had been spared the humiliation. He did get kicked more often than the grass on a football field, but he was used to it.

If only he could find a reasonable explication for Henry. He knew the other will ask of his wounds and Daniel couldn’t make up an excuse. Also, the truth pained him more than a lie, so he had no choice but to figure something out or hope Henry would return late and would find Daniel sleeping.

He tried to unlock the door, but it was already opened. Before he could go inside, Daniel rubbed his face once more and hoped that all the make-up had been thoughtfully erased.

Inhale, exhale.

A delicious scent propelled him in the kitchen.

“Hi!” Henry greeted while stirring the vegetables. “Sit down, I’m almost done.”

Daniel’s raised eyebrows didn’t lower when he took a seat at the bar. The stool felt incredibly uncomfortable for once. All that dancing worked his muscles. He was also starving, so everything was too much.

“Oh...” Daniel realized he never greeted back. “Hello.” He smiled, but Henry was too focused on cooking. Daniel’s lips became dry once more.

So, so, so hungry.

“How was it?” Henry asked as he poured the golden contents in bowls.

“Was what?” Daniel asked as he fiddled with the chopsticks. He couldn’t wait anymore.

“The move...” he put everything away and stretched his arms forward. Then he shook his hips in a familiar manner. “Gee gee gee gee baby baby baby!”

“...oh God...” Daniel dropped the chopsticks. His appetite got lost somewhere in limbo as he couldn’t believe what Henry had just done. “You saw that?!”

“And much more,” Henry sneered as he pushed the bowls forward and opened a bottle of beer for them to share. “You’re good, knew that?” Daniel placed his forehead on the table and refused to speak. “Niel...” he didn’t budge. “Ya, Niel...” galaxies had collided in some kind of distant space, or else, he couldn’t explain his misfortune. “Ahn Daniel, look at me!”

And he did. Henry grabbed his head and gave the blond a warm kiss.

Daniel sighed onto his mouth and quietly accepted the food before him. It was too embarrassing. Henry vanished for a few minutes, before he returned and wrapped around Daniel’s neck a red scarf. He pecked his cheek and tightly embraced him from behind.

“Merry Christmas, you lovely creature,” he chuckled at his ear and finally put an end to Daniel’s sanity. He almost burst into tears if not for the soft scarf. It also had Henry’s fragrance, as ridiculous as it sounded.

“Merry Christmas, you jackass.” Henry forced Daniel’s head around, tied the scarf around his wrist and pulled him in another kiss. “Can’t...” Daniel grazed at the scarf which was too tight around his neck. Henry let loose and apologized the following second.

After some more awkward glances, they laughed.

Both should be more careful, but one thing was for sure – they were meant for each other.

Ah, sorry if nothing makes sense... I wrote everything with a fever and can't really think in English anymore OTL Anyway, tomorrow’s back to University and exams are right around the corner, so I’ll either update once a week or more often with shorter chapters (I will update, that's for sure). What would you guys rather have? This is just the calm before the storm xD;

Also, if you want more Heniel, hota-rubi (I hope you're not reading this orz) came up with an awesome idea. So go check 23:30 if you’re interested. If not... *shrugs* I tried.

Thank you for reading! Hope this year started well for everybody <3