[Check it, I made another Calvin and Eli fan art in the multimedia, homie. (Ah, my adorable gaybies. Literally the cutest thing I've drawn in a while.) Also, a little Korean lullaby called Island Baby is in the multimedia. Pls, enjoy.]

Chapter 22

It's three days until Christmas and Yani and I were out and about trying to pick up some last minute gifts for her mom (she's too busy with work to do it herself). So far we've had some good luck with getting presents, despite the last minute shopping bustle that's plagued every single store around.

"Ugh, does Julia need any more Minions related stuff?," Yani groaned distastefully as she picked up a pair of yellow socks. "I'm getting sick and tired of those things; I wanna shoot myself every time she says a 'quote'..."

"Banana?," I remarked jokingly.

"Cállate la boca, gringo," she said and threw the socks right at my face. I laughed and tossed them into the cart.

"I told my mom to just order this stuff, but noooo, 'it'll take forever, mija'," she said, mimicking her mom. "Anyway, let's go to check out..."

Leading the cart, I followed Yani back to the front of the store so we could buy our items. As I leaned my arms against the cart handle and pushed it, my mind started trailing off to other things. It's been such a hectic day and even my thoughts aren't clear. Christmas tunes have been echoing in my head all day and I'm getting bored of 'Jingle Bells'. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas! But I could do without all of the last minute shopping. Regardless, I get to spend the day with Yani, even though she's more frustrated than I am with driving and finding stores to shop at for the needed gifts.

"The least shoppers could do is not take their damned kids," Yani complained quietly, "Who even does that? They shouldn't know what you're getting for people, that ruins the whole 'Santa got you the gift' concept, doesn't it? Plus, they end up crying their heads off for things they can't have. Spoiled, I tell you. And it's not just the kids' fault that they keep crying; the parents don't do shit to make them stop. If you didn't want a screaming tiny human then wear a god damned condom--."

She yelped when two little kids ran out from a clothing rack and passed in front of her. In my daydreaming, I accidentally bumped the cart into her back and she yelped again. She stumbled forward but righted herself afterward. Quickly, she whipped her head around to look at me and I grinned nervously.

"What's up with you?," she asked, "You've been out of it pretty often lately."

"Huh?"

"See?" She sighed and rubbed her back where the cart hit her. "Is there something wrong?"

I shrugged. "Nah..."

"Are you sure?," she questioned, narrowing her brown eyes.

I gulped and shifted my gaze to a shelf of folded clothes next to me. There has been something on my mind for a while, though it isn't something I can share with Yani. Or anyone. I should be able to talk about this with someone, but it's too personal. That's saying something.

"Calvin," Yani called out to me. I blinked and looked up at her. She tilted her head to the side and asked, "Are you sure nothing is bothering you?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine. We should hurry and get to check out before we're stuck in a line."

Even though I knew she wanted to talk more, the idea of waiting in a long line scared her too much. She dropped the subject and kept walking.

We spent fifteen minutes in line and during those fifteen minutes I kept leaning on the cart, thinking to myself. As soon as we had all of our items bagged and in the cart, Yani practically dragged the cart, and me, out of the store. We crossed the street a little too nonchalantly and made it to her car, which was nearly at the back of the parking lot. She popped open the trunk and I helped her put the bags inside. After everything was in, and the cart was put away, we hopped inside the car and rested.

"We're finally done," Yani murmured tiredly. "I say we get something to eat. How about it?"

"I'm down for food," I answered as she turned on the car.

It took a few minutes until we were out of the parking lot and driving somewhere. While Yani drove, she asked me, "So, really, what's bothering you?"

"I told you, it's nothing," I said.

She frowned a bit. "Does it have something to do with the Turner incident?"

"No, it isn't that, although I probably should still be worried about that dude," I remarked.

"Christmas?"

I shook my head. "Other than the shopping, that isn't my problem."

She hummed before inquiring, "Does it involve Eli?"

I paused for only a few seconds and it was enough to send Yani into a flurry of questions. "Don't tell me he broke up with you? Right before Christmas? Or did you two get into a fight? About what? What did he tell you? Did he do anything to you? Do I have to fight?"

"First of all, slow your roll," I said, raising my palm to her, "Second, no, we didn't break up or get into a fight. Everything is still cool between us."

"Then what is it? Do...do you want to break up with him?"

I gasped and shot her a wide-eyed look. "Hell no, I'm not letting that beautiful hunk go! I'd rather drink bleach than break up!"

"Well, at least you're still passionate about him," she muttered. We came to a stop at a café and she placed the car in park. She unbuckled her seatbelt and turned in her spot to face me. "If nothing is wrong then...what's wrong?"

I stifled a wry laugh and said, "Nothing is wrong Yani."

"You're never this out of it on Christmas," she stated, "I'd expect you to be screaming carols at me right now."

"I could still do that."

"Please don't."

I smiled. "There's nothing wrong, trust me. If there was, I'd tell you."

"Calvin," she started, "I've known you long enough to tell when something's up. At least don't say there's nothing wrong."

"I'm fine," I urged.

She hummed aggressively as she gave me a stare down. I stared back but I was weak against her gaze. With a sigh, I looked away and murmured, "It's personal."

"How personal?"

"Pretty personal."

The caramel toned girl rubbed her chin as she glanced down at the steering wheel in thought. Then, bearing a defeated look, she said, "Alright, I guess I won't pester you anymore..."

"Really...?"

"If it's super personal, I'll let you tell me when you want," she replied, "C'mon, let's eat, okay?" She turned off the engine then exited out of the car. Slightly taken aback, I reluctantly opened the passenger door to follow her.

We were sitting at a small booth in a corner of the café in no time and we sat waiting for our cups of hot cocoa. While we had a small lunch and warmed up inside, we chatted about anything. Even still, I'd find my mind wandering to what was troubling me, as well as debating whether or not I should confess it.

An hour had passed that we sat in the café. We eventually had to leave and take all of the bought items back to Yani's house to wrap up. We paid for our lunch and gave the server a tip before walking out of the café and back to the car. The moment she and I hopped in and she started up the engine, I inhaled a deep breath and admitted, "I want to have sex with Eli."

Yani froze and stared at me, stuck in a position to check behind her to reverse. There was a long pause of silence between us and all I could hear was the heater hissing. Finally, Yani blinked and murmured, "Oh."

Another pause of silence, which wasn't as worse as the first one but definitely worse, sat between us. She put both of her hands on the steering wheel and stared forward for a good minute. Then, she smacked her lips and added, "I have no words."

"I probably shouldn't have said anything..."

"No, no," she stammered, "it's fine, but..." Flustered, she held her head and made a scrunched up face. "I wasn't expecting that."

"I'm always saying weird stuff."

"But that's not weird, that's actually kind of serious."

"It is, isn't it?"

"Calvin."

"Yani."

She gave me a look and continued, "Does Eli know you want to...you know?"

"I mean, we tried last time but I freaked out and we only sucked each other off--."

"Calvin!!"

"What???"

Shaking her head, she groaned and said, "Don't tell me that kind of stuff...!"

"You asked."

"God dammit--listen, I think maybe you should, I don't know, tell Eli so both of you can be prepared!"

"I've been preparing," I answered. Before I could add on to that, she smushed her hand against my mouth and blurted, "Do not tell me how!"

"Okeee," I murmured behind her palm.

With another sigh, she advised, "I'm not going to tell you whether you should or shouldn't have sex. If the both of you are cool with it, then power to you two. But...I don't know, just play it safe, alright? And take it easy. It's never a good idea to rush, no matter if that stuff is between gay or straight people."

"Am I rushing?"

She twitched around and said, "I don't know! If you feel ready, then you're ready!"

"Why are you being so weird about this?"

Immediately, she gave me a look and I reeled back. "The prospect of my best friend getting it on with someone isn't exactly something I want to think about."

"Then, don't think about it."

"We are having a conversation about it though, is that not what you wanted?"

"I did."

"Then?!"

I only shrugged.

She face-palmed and grumbled, "I don't know what else to say other than make sure you really want to have sex with him."

"But I do!," I exclaimed, "So, so badly! Like, really, really bad."

"Okay--."

"Like, ugh, my god! He's so hot, and beautiful, and perfect, and aaagghh."

"Okay, I get it--."

"Like, I want him to just--," I then proceeded to smack my hands together really hard and grunt.

"Oh my god, stop--."

"And then, like, fuck, ugh. He's wonderful. I bet it'll be great! Just, I want him to murder my ass--!!"

"Calvin, stOP!!!"

"Uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhgggg, fuck!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaa!," she screamed, covering her ears as I continued to moan ridiculously.

It took five minutes for her to finally exit the café parking lot and another five to get me to shut up by blasting the radio. Hey, at least I told her what was wrong.

•••

Later on, at night, I sat alone in my room, holding my phone to my ear as I talked with Eli.

"So...Brian called you a what?," I inquired with a snicker.

Eli sighed and repeated for the third time already, "A 'doogerbum'."

I laughed again while Eli groaned on the line. After I was done having my fit, I said, "I should make that your contact name."

"Don't."

"I will!"

"If you do, I'll have to punish you," he retorted.

Cocking an eyebrow, I grinned and asked, "How would you punish me?~"

"No kisses for a month," he stated, deadpan.

"What? No!," I whined. "I love your kisses...! Please, don't do that to me!"

His sultry chuckle flowed through to me and I smiled at the sound. He replied, "Cutie. Are my kisses that special?"

"Of course they are," I answered honestly, "I really do love your kisses. I love just about anything you do to me, hehe."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," I chimed.

"Soooo, if I pinched your cheek and called you honeybun, you'd love that?"

I gasped joyfully and said, "I wanna be called honeybun!~"

He laughed lightheartedly and replied, "Okay, honeybun." I swooned.

"So, are you ready for Christmas?," I asked him.

"I guess."

I furrowed my brow and questioned, "What do you mean 'I guess'?"

Nonchalantly, he answered, "To be honest with you...I've never really celebrated Christmas."

As soon as he finished his sentence, I bolted upright from my bed and blurted, "You've never celebrated...?!"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Well...my parents never did much. No decorations, no colorful tree, or a Christmas dinner. There was still presents, sort of. My Christmases were never like what they have on TV, but I got used to it."

Frowning, I murmured, "Then...you're not going to do anything this year?"

"No..."

There was silence for a few seconds, before I perked up and chimed, "That's changing!"

"Huh?"

I plopped back down on my bed and explained, "Every year, my parents and I always spend Christmas with Yani's family since the rest of our relatives are back in South Korea. You can come and have dinner with us! What do you say?"

He chuckled and said, "That sounds nice. I don't know about having to impress another family though."

"If my dad can like you, Yani's parents will, too," I assured him. "And again, just eat everything and they'll love you."

"I don't have a problem with the eating part," he jested.

"Then you're set! So, does that mean you'll come with me?"

In a gentle tone, he said, "I'd love to spend Christmas with you."

Blushing, I cheered and fist-pumped the air. "Awesome! Ah, you're going to have an amazing Christmas, babe!"

"If it's with you, I know I will."

"Oh, stop," I giggled bashfully and he laughed.

"Ooh, I was also thinking we could go on another date soon," I added, playing with a lock of my hair.

"Where to?"

"Ummm...I don't know," I said, letting the lock of hair fall on my forehead. "Anywhere you want to go."

"Anywhere? Tough choices."

"Think on it. We can go out the day after Christmas. And..." I trailed off, suddenly having an interesting thought that I wasn't too sure about sharing.

"And what?," Eli questioned me.

Blushing out of embarrassment, I said, "Um, maybe I could...spend the night at your place that day? If that's okay with you..."

"Spend the night, huh?," he repeated, letting the offer sink in. "Come to think of it, my parents just left town today and won't come back until January first."

I blinked. "That long? They just left you alone?"

"Yeah."

"Are...are you okay?"

He stifled a wry chuckle and said, "I'm fine. I go off driving around the city on my own, remember?"

"Right, right..."

"You're free to sleep over until then," he stated.

My eyes widened a bit and I murmured, "Really?"

"Of course, though I'm not sure how nice you'll think my house looks."

I smiled and responded, "That's no big deal. If I'm with you, I'm sure I'll have a wonderful time."

"That's good to hear," he said lightly. "Why do you want to spend the night, by the way?"

"Oh, no particular reason," I retorted, "I just wanna spend time with my love, wrapped up in blankets with hot cocoa to hide from the cold, cold winter."

"Can pizza be included? Because I have a shit ton of frozen pizza that I haven't eaten yet."

I laughed and replied, "Pizza can definitely be included."

As much as asking to spend the night at Eli's house is out of the blue, it's the perfect time to ask. His parents won't be home and it'll just be the two of us. We've had our moments of privacy, with only us spending time together, but never so...limitlessly. Either we're out in public, or our alone-time doesn't last long because my parents show up... The thought of being completely alone with him both excited me yet made me nervous. What if it turns out he's bored of me when we're together for too long? No, don't think like that! He wouldn't be bored of you. He loves you, and you love him. Everything will be fine!

But, the idea of spending the night with him also spouts another opportunity I've been waiting for...

A romantic date plus sleeping over equals...perfection. Right? Right.

Eli and I talked for a little longer until I heard him yawn on the other end of the phone call. I smiled at the adorable sound and said, "I think I should let you sleep."

"No, no, I'm good," he murmured quietly.

"You worked today, you need rest," I stated.

"It's barely eleven... Are you going to sleep?"

"Well, I'm not feeling tired yet."

"Then I'll stay up longer."

I shook my head. "Eli, go to bed."

He stifled a lazy chuckle and mumbled, "I would think you'd want me to stay up with you."

"Normally, I would," I started, "but I know how hard you worked today."

"All I did was play with children and make sure none of them ate glue," he remarked.

"Either way, sleep."

Eli was quiet for a few seconds before he said, "I'll sleep...if you sing me a lullaby."

Smirking, I quipped, "Me, sing? Are you asking to go deaf?"

"I know you can do it," he teased me, and I felt myself blush again.

"Mmmm, what do I sing?," I asked, sitting up in bed.

"Anything you want. Make it pretty."

"So, I could sing the 'Anal Beads' song and you'd like it?"

"Well, I mean, something not ridiculous," he chuckled.

I laughed and took a few moments to think of a song. Something came to mind eventually and I said, "Okay, I've got a song...!"

"Go for it, honeybun."

I cleared my throat as my face flushed with warmth again, and I clutched the phone in my hand tighter. Taking a steady breath, I closed my eyes and started.

"Eom ma ga seom geu neul e
gul tta reo ga myeon
a gi ga hon ja nam a
Jip eul bo da ga
pa do ga deul ryeo ju neun
ja jang no rae e
pal be go seu reu reu reu
jam i deum ni da
a gi neum jam eul gon hi
ja go it ji man
gal mae gi ul eum so ri
mam i seol re eo
da mot chan gul ba gu ni
meo ri e i go
eom ma neon mo raet gil eul
dal ryeo op ni da
eom ma neon mo raet gil eul
dal ryeo op ni da..."

When I stopped singing, I asked quietly, "Are you asleep...?"All I got in response was silence and I sighed softly. Just when I was about to say goodnight, Eli piped up in a murmur, "Sing again."

"Agh, c'mon... I was hoping you fell asleep so you wouldn't hear me."

He chuckled deeply and added, "I fought sleep so I could listen to the end of the song. It was wonderful."

"You're just saying that...," I muttered.

"I mean it," he said, "What song is that?"

"It's called 'Island Baby', I believe. My mom used to sing that to me almost every night when I was little, and it helped me fall asleep."

"Is it about a baby on an island?"

"Pretty much."

He stifled a tired laugh and remarked, "It was beautiful. So sing again. I haven't gone deaf yet either."

"Agh, okay...but go to sleep this time," I told him.

I cleared my throat loudly, but he interrupted and said, "Wait, one more thing before you start..."

"Hmm?"

"I'm gonna have to record you sometime soon so keep practicing."

I rolled my eyes playfully and mumbled, "You ass..."

"I love you, Calvin..."

Again, for possibly the tenth time since we started this phone call, I blushed. Smiling, I pushed my hair back and said, "I love you, too, Eli." Afterwards, I took another deep breath and sang...

"Eom ma ga seom geu neul e
gul tta reo ga myeon..."

•••

Christmas Day. The weather outside was perfectly cold, Christmas songs were playing on a speaker (Michael Bublé is a must), and the house was slowly being filled with the scent of baking bread and cooking meat...and tamales.

"I'm not looking forward to the clean-up," Yani said, sitting at her desk with a mirror as she did her make-up.

"Hey, it can't be as bad as last year," I remarked, laying on her bed and tossing a pillow in the air.

"Don't remind me. I still had rice in my hair until New Year's...," she murmured with a shudder.

"Is anyone else coming?"

"Besides Eli, it's the same people. My tío, tía, my cousins, Carlos, and you and your parents," she listed. "I had asked Oscar if he wanted to do anything but he had his own plans with his family."

"What had you wanted to do with him?," I questioned.

She shrugged before working on her eyeliner. "I don't know. Something nice and Christmassy? He's a big Christmas geek and his family does the ugly sweater tradition. This year he put present ornaments on it and yarn strings hanging off the sleeves. I'm extremely sure he'll win Ugliest Sweater."

Before we could go on, my phone began buzzing on her desk. Yani looked down and made a puzzled expression. "Who the hell is 'Doogerbum'?"

"Hehe, that's Eli," I commented before grabbing my phone and answering the call. "Hello?~"

"Hey, should I bring anything extra?," he asked.

I went ahead and asked Yani, "Do we need anything else?" She shook her head and continued touching up her eyebrows now.

"All you have to do is bring your handsome self over," I stated to him cleverly.

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit. Love you."

"Love you, too! Bye!~" After he hung up, I put the phone down and glanced over at Yani.

"You are definitely never letting him go," she remarked with a smirk.

Twenty minutes had passed until the doorbell rang. I managed to pry myself away from Yani's cousins (who were trying to wrestle me), adjust the Santa hat on my head, and run for the front door. "I've got it!," I announced before unlocking the door and opening it.

Standing on the concrete doorstep was Eli, wearing black dress pants, dress shoes, a white buttoned shirt, black vest, and a tie with snowflakes. His hair was brushed back, yet a lock still fell forward, almost giving him that Superman look (hot). He held two present bags in his hand, and waved hello with the other. In the light of the Christmas lights hanging on Yani's house, he looked wonderful. Needless to say, I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

"Hi...," I murmured in awe.

He flashed me a warm smile and I nearly melted at the sight. "Hi. Are you okay?"

"Uh, y-yeah," I stammered, "just, you look...amazing, and your face is...amazing."

He chuckled and replied, "You look amazing, too. You definitely make a handsome, Asian Fox Mulder."

I glanced down at my attire--which was black dress pants, my zebra tops, and an alien-head-patterned button shirt with a black tie--and smiled coyly. "The truth is out there, Sculls."

He smiled down at me again and grabbed my hand to place a kiss on it. In that moment, I could fell my eyes gazing dreamily at him while my mind was screaming excitedly.

"Hey, don't keep him waiting out there," Yani's voice piped up from behind me. She showed up from my right and stepped out to give Eli a hug. "Merry Christmas," she greeted, while my dark haired Scully gave me a momentary surprised look. I shared the same expression. Neither of us expected Yani to hug him so eagerly. It's not like she hates him, but from their past interactions they haven't been all that social.

"I'm glad you could make it," she told him, "It's nice to finally have a new guest for Christmas."

"Well, I'm happy to be here," Eli replied.

Suddenly, Hernan hopped up in front of Yani and asked, "Who's that?"

Yani sighed, immediately knowing this wasn't going to go down well, and answered, "Hernan, this is Eli--Calvin's boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" As expected, he flashed a snarky grin at Yani and quipped, "Wow, el chino can get a boyfriend faster than you."

"Okay, hahaha, lovely, now go play with Frankie!," Yani exclaimed hurriedly as she pushed her cousin back inside. As soon as he was out of ear-shot, she grumbled at us, "I'm going to kill him someday."

"I didn't know you had a little brother," Eli commented.

Yani shook her head. "That one is not my brother--thank god. My three cousins are here, so sorry for any future frustrations tonight...!"

"It's no problem. I deal with that stuff all of the time."

"Oh, the daycare. I should salute you. Any chance you could help me out on weekends?"

"Yani, mi corazon, why are you keeping our guest outside in the cold?" Suddenly, Mrs. Hernandez popped up behind us and Yani and I made way for Eli to walk through the door.

"Sorry, mama," Yani murmured, shifting her eyes to the side.

I closed the door behind us while Mrs. Hernandez came forward to give Eli a hug and a semi-kiss on the cheek (he had to lean forward to let the short woman reach).

"Hello, you must be Eli," she said with a bright, kind smile. "I've heard good things about you. I'm glad you could spend Christmas with us, though I feel bad that I'm keeping you away from your family."

"We weren't celebrating anything anyway, so I'm completely free," he said.

"Ah, bueno," she responded. "Well, make yourself at home! Eat as much food as you like! And let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you for welcoming me into your home, Mrs. Hernandez," Eli said, nodding his head down politely, and I admired how gracious he was.

"The pleasure is mine. Are those presents? Let me put them under the tree." Yani's mom grabbed the two gift bags from Eli and walked over to the Christmas tree packed with ornaments and lights.

Yani went over to the kitchen when her dad called her, and as she entered, Umma exited. She immediately walked up to Eli and gave him an inviting hug. "Merry Christmas," she said with her accent.

"Anyong-haseyo, ahjumma. Merry Christmas," Eli said and I gaped at him like he just pulled a 360 on a scooter. Umma was just as surprised but ended up laughing with a benign, flattered look on her face. She pinched his cheek and said, "Nun nuh mu chin-jul eh!" (You're so sweet!)

After Umma gave him another hug and walked away, I turned to Eli and asked, "When did you learn Korean?"

"I only learned what I thought I could use," he muttered and I grinned wide.

"You have no idea how hot you sounded," I said."

"All I did was say hello."

"And it was a sexy hello.~"

He chuckled and kissed my cheek. "Slow down there before you end up on the naughty list."

"Pfft, my name is in gold on that thing," I boasted.

"Everyone, dinner is ready!," Yani's dad announced from the kitchen. I grabbed onto Eli's hand and said, "C'mon, let's have a Christmas dinner."

We walked through into the dining room, which was connected to the kitchen, and everyone was already taking their seats. The table was set with shiny glasses, eloquent tableware, and, of course the food. Mr. Hernandez sat at the head of the table, while his wife sat to his right. Appa and Umma sat next to them, and across was Yani's uncle and aunt. Yani sat at her brother Carlos' right, who was at the other end of the table, leaving two more seats for Eli and I. The kids sat at the kiddie table in the kitchen, which is why Yani and Carlos are next to the entryway so they could keep an eye on them.

"Hi, Carlos!," I chimed.

Carlos was a pretty fit guy, and has the looks of a person who shouldn't be trifled with. But really, he's a polite, loving, fun person when you get to know him. From what I've seen, he's a hard-working person, and I can only guess his experience at university are going well. Yani and him practically look the same, so when I saw Yani's signature "this moment is important" smile on his lips, I felt content.

"Hey, Calvin," he said, before turning to look at Eli and adding, "You're Calvin's boyfriend right? Nice to meet you. I'm Carlos Hernandez."

"Eli Gateman, and likewise," the dark haired man replied and the both of them shook hands. Immediately after, he and I sat down together and Yani's mom called out, "Eli, mijito, we usually say grace, just to let you know." As she spoke, everyone started holding hands.

"Oh, no problem," he said, and grabbed onto my hand and Carlos'. Yani's family tilted their heads and closed their eyes as Mr. Hernandez started saying a few words, in English and in Spanish. He even gave thanks for Eli's accompaniment and I caught the dark haired beauty smiling. Even though I wasn't religious, I still bowed my head, but kept my eyes open and looked around. When I peeked at Eli, he did the same and the both of us smiled at each other. Gently, he squeezed my hand and I squeezed back.

As soon as grace was finished, and mostly everyone said 'amen', Eli leaned towards me and said, "I'm glad I get to spend Christmas with you."

Blushing, I kissed his hand and murmured, "Me too. Merry Christma--."

"Mama, Hernan farted at the table!!!," Julia's cries echoed from the kitchen, followed by Hernan cackling mischievously, and Frankie giggling quietly. Immediately, Yani, Carlos, and the children's parents groaned, while the rest of us laughed.

God, I love Christmas.

•••

By the end of dinner, everyone was full. Yani's mom was delighted to see that Eli ate everything like he promised, and was still up for dessert while everyone hesitated at the offer. It was another thirty minutes until we all gathered in the living room so that we could open presents. Most of them were for the kids, obviously, but the adults still exchanged thoughtful gifts with each other and with us. Carlos ended up pranking Yani by stuffing a cosmetics box with toilet paper, then later gave her a trash bag with the actual cosmetics. I was the only one who gave him a high five for his effort.

"This one is from your grandmother," Appa told me as he handed me a present with snowmen all over it. I placed it on my lap and started tearing at the wrapping paper, though I carefully removed the bow and stuck it on Eli's head. He and the kids got a kick out of it.

When I unwrapped the present and opened up the Amazon cardboard box, I gasped and yanked out what was inside. "Hal-mu-nee came in clutch!," I exclaimed, holding up a Kumamon hoodie-onesie that I had been wanting. I fuckin' love Kumamon. I want to be Kumamon.

"Yani, this one is for you, from...Eli," Carlos announced and handed her one of the gift bags he had arrived with.

Yani was surprised to receive a present from him at all, and sat it on her lap. Curiously, she took out the tissue paper and reached in to pull out a rainbow pastel sweater and random, sparkly accessories. She smiled and said, "You...you went to Floral and Frill? For me? And it's the perfect size, too... Eli, thank you!"

"You're welcome," he said and smiled handsomely.

"This one is for Calvin," Carlos said and handed me the other gift bag. I flashed Eli a questioning smirk and grabbed the Santa patterned bag. I pulled out the tissue and then came across a shoe box. My curiosity and excitement grew as I placed the box on my lap and slowly opened it.

Again, I gasped loudly and said, "You...you got me the leopard print tops....?!"

"I figured you needed to start your collection of animal print shoes," he remarked casually while I sat next to him, beaming like a child.

"Oh my god, thank you! Thank you! You're amazing!," I exclaimed as I threw myself on him. He chuckled and held me tight as I nuzzled my face against his. The children made weird noises when they saw us acting lovey-dovey, and Yani cackled darkly at their minor misery.

"I have something for you, too," I told Eli and got up to walk towards the Christmas tree. I maneuvered past piles of torn up wrapping paper and finally got to the tree to pick up a small present that sat in a corner. I cradled it in my hands as I walked back and hopped on the couch next to Eli again. "Here," I said and held out the present for him. Amused, he took it from my hands and started unwrapping it.

Once the wrapping paper was off, he found a white jewelry gift box. He glanced at me and smiled at my eager expression. Then, he finally opened the box and something silver sparkled back at him. It was a necklace: a leather string with silver-shining hooks and a slim, rectangular prism of a pendant. On one side the Hangul for 'I love you' is engraved: 사랑해, and on another it has my name.

"What does this say?," he asks, furrowing his brow.

Blushing, I leaned closer and answered, "I love you."

Eli beamed with content and flattery and he ended up kissing me without any warning. Even some of the adults made weird noises with the kids while Umma clapped cheerfully. Once Eli pulled away, he whispered, "Thank you, Calvin. I love you, too." I blushed and held him in a hug for a good while.

After that, only a few more people opened presents and then the bottom of the Christmas tree was empty while the floor was littered with assorted wrapping paper. Appa helped Yani's dad clean everything up and her uncle started making small talk. I've never had many chances to meet him, but he's a nice man, very expressive with his hands, too. The wife was reserved and sat pleasantly next to him, listening. Although she's so quiet, Yani tells me she's all boss and steel in their household. Unlike her sister, Yani's mom. The moment you look at that woman, it's like you already know not to fuck around.

While everyone listened to Yani and Carlos have a lively debate about which tamale filling is better (chicken with cream cheese vs. regular pork, which doesn't make a difference because, I mean, it's still food), Eli suddenly had to go take a call. I was puzzled by the slightly annoyed look on his face as he got up from the couch and walked towards the backdoor.

I sat around on the couch alone, until Frankie stole Eli's spot to watch his toy videos again, this time with a better, less messed up case on his tablet. I watched the kids play with a few of their new toys (Hernan with a Nerf gun, which doesn't bode well for anyone, and Julia with a new doll) until, finally, I grew too antsy for my own good and got up to check on Eli.

The backdoor was a glass, sliding door, with Christmas stickers littered in random places. The backyard outside is spacious and perfect for outdoor gatherings and a dog. I've told Yani to get a dog because Appa doesn't want pets and I wanna be that one person who spoils the pooch whenever I come visit, and let him/her lay on couches and snooze in human beds and eat peanut butter. Yani hasn't gotten a dog yet and says she won't. I beg to differ. Dogs are irresistible.

Eli paced around on the wooden patio that Mr. Hernandez built a few years ago, and held his phone to his ear. I wondered if he was getting cold because just touching the glass of the sliding doors prickled my fingers. But a part of me didn't want to walk out all of a sudden and interrupt his phone call. So, I listened to his voice seeping through the doors and waited for him.

"Yeah, mom...," I heard him, "Sure, I'll do that, I guess.... My Christmas? You barely ask me that now?....It's going well, I'm having fun.... Mom, don't start...." He gave a rough sigh and placed a hand on his hip as there was a long pause of silence, probably to let the caller speak. Again, he grumbled, "Mom, now's not the time to be doing this. It's Christmas.... I started caring since I actually got to do something this year.... I tried asking you to have dinner with me last year, but you said no and--yes, I did too!.... Whatever you say, mom. I'm not in the mood for this.... Tch, and you wonder why I--."

He suddenly stopped talking when he turned and noticed me standing behind the sliding doors. I gave a tentative wave and watched as he pulled on a forced smile.

"Listen, I have to go now, so have fun in Nevada.... No, I'm not being sarcastic.... Whatever, bye mom.... Bye.... Bye.... Byyyyeeeeeeeeee." Then, he yanked the phone away from his ear as his thumb hit the End button. Before realizing, I opened up the backdoor and stepped outside. It really was cold outside and I figured that I probably should've grabbed a jacket just in case. But it's too late, and I'm standing in front of Eli on the patio, in the cold December air. The Christmas lights hanging above on the house illuminate the front half of the yard, while a tree decorated with lights brightens up a corner. It's quiet in Yani's neighborhood, leaving us in a strangely peaceful ambience.

"Hey," I started, "are you okay?"

Eli nodded and replied, "How much did you hear of that phone call?"

"Enough to ask if you're okay," I murmured.

He cracked a small smile and assured, "Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about that. My mom and I argue almost all of the time. It's...how we express our love."

"I see...." Slowly, I take his hand in mine and squeeze it tight, surprised at how warm his hands are after standing around in this cold. He squeezed back and grabbed my shoulder with his other hand.

"You should wear a jacket," he said. "I don't want you to get sick after Christmas."

"I'll be fine," I said, then realized I repeated him.

He gazed at me reluctantly before placing a kiss on the top of my head, right below the hem of my Santa hat. While I leaned into him, I suddenly perked up. "I wanted to show you something while you and I were alone. I thought it'd be a little too cheesy to show in front of everyone, but..."

I reached inside my buttoned shirt and pulled out a leather necklace just like his. It also had a rectangular prism pendant but was engraved with 'I love you' instead of the Hangul. On another side, it has Eli's name.

He laughed softly and quietly, and it was a wonderful sound to hear in such a tranquil environment. Before he could reach to touch my pendant, I took a step closer so that the tips of our shoes touched. "Check this out," I murmured as I lifted my necklace and grabbed for his. My heart pounded with excitement when both of the pendants clicked together the moment they came within a centimeter of each other. Feeling giddy, I smiled up at him and stated, "They're magnetic."

His eyes were warm when they looked down at me, and with the added sparkle of Christmas lights in his irises, they were gorgeous. While I stood so close to him, he slid his hands around my waist to rest them on the small of my back. With a swiftness that still amazes me, he leaned down and pressed his lips against mine. My hands were still against his chest, so I decided to slide them up and wrap my arms around his neck. The cold air of winter didn't feel as biting with Eli hugging me so close, enveloping me in his warmth and affection. My fingers played with his locks of hair and he would squeeze my waist every few seconds to mess with me.

Something about this moment felt especially magical, so much that all I wanted for Christmas was for this to last forever. Well, not this moment, because that'd be awkward for eternity, but this magical feeling. This fluttery, sometimes nauseating feeling in my stomach whenever I even think about Eli. When I think about his hugs and kisses and smiles and those gorgeous brown eyes, I feel so messed up, but a good messed up. I want to feel messy, because then that means there's no boring moments and thoughts. I can cherish every moment with him like it's an adventure. Eli drives me crazy and I love every second of it. I love him.

When both of us pull away from the kiss, Eli leans his head against mine and whispers, "Thank you, Calvin."

I stifle a wry chuckle. "For kissing you?"

He only smiled and said, "For giving me the best Christmas I've ever had."

The fluttery feeling starts to melt into a warm emotion and my lips tug into a big smile. I pull him closer into a hug and the both of us stand there, listening to the calm silence around us. I glance down at Eli's chest to see his pendant sparkle at me and I hug him tighter.

Before I could say anything else, the backdoor slid open and Yani stepped out. "Hey, what are you two doing out here? It's freezing! Get inside!"

"We're having a moment," I jested, squeezing Eli.

"Leave them alone, Yani," Hernan chimed as he appeared next to her, "Let them make-out. Just because you can't do it, doesn't mean you have to ruin their fun....!"

"Hernan, I swear to god!!" Yani's eyes were bright with pure annoyance. It was absolutely hilarious.

The mischievous little boy stuck his tongue out at her and immediately ran into a sprint inside the house. Yani chased after him and didn't bother to close the backdoor.

Eli and I shared glances at each other and I said, "Shall we go back inside, my love?"

"I think we shall," he replied right before his teeth chattered. So cute..!

So we went back inside, hand-in-hand, to enjoy the rest of our best Christmas ever.

•••

There was an hour left of Christmas. Yani's uncle, aunt, and cousins left thirty minutes ago, and Carlos is already crashed out on the couch with present bows stuck to his face. My parents and Yani's are talking in the kitchen over hot cocoa and pan dulce. Eli and I help Yani clean up around the house and get it back to normal in no time. But everyone is tired and the night will end soon.

Eli and I sit on the couch. He takes the corner and I sit with a throw pillow nestled in my arms. Our legs are crossed together, but it's not uncomfortable. Eli keeps touching his pendant, rolling it in between his fingers, and I can't help but do the same every now and then. I lay against his side as he has an arm around me, his hand rubbing my shoulder tenderly. My body feels pleasantly warm curled up next to his, and it makes me sad that he has to leave soon, but also eager for our date tomorrow. I'm sleepy but I want to keep hugging Eli and breathing in his fresh-scented cologne. I don't think he uses cologne, though. He just somehow smells nice and I love it. I love him.

Then, I feel his breath against the top of my head as he asks, "Are you awake?"

I guess I was quiet for too long. I lift my head to look at him and he smiles. With soft fingers, he brushes my hair back and asks, "Are you still coming over tomorrow?"

I nodded and he returned the casual gesture. Then, he shifted his body so that he was actually laying down, and I half laid on his chest, snug in my position. His arms wrap around me more and his hand cradles my head. During all of this, I stared at his chest, at his snowflake patterned tie that's just too damn cute and sexy at the same time it makes me confused.

Suddenly, Eli mumbled quietly, "I want to sleep with you..."

A blush spreads onto my face and I lift my head to look at him again. He realizes what he said and glances down at me. "You know, like, holding you and snoozing, or laying awake and still holding you. What we're doing right now. I want that."

"Uh-huh."

He smirks coyly and adds, "Although, I wouldn't mind the other kind of 'sleeping'." He flashes me a sly side-ways look and I blush harder.

"Shh, Santa will hear you," I remark and the both of us giggle softly.

After a few seconds of silence, I shift a bit so that I could nuzzle my face into his neck. "I want to sleep with you, too," I said and Eli cracked a content grin. If only he knew that I meant both ways, but right now I really do just want to hold onto him forever. God, I've forgotten what it's like to be so gushy. My heart beats so hard that sometimes I fear it'll punch through my chest.

Footsteps echoed by the kitchen entryway and I picked my head up to see Appa and Umma walk out. Umma was putting on her coat as Appa said, "Calvin, we'll be leaving now." I restrained a saddened 'aw', and looked at Eli. He gave me a gentle smile that warmed my heart and helped me up off of the couch.

After I was up, I gathered all of my presents from tonight. The other presents were also nice: gift cards to my favorite stores from my parents and Yani's parents, a blue and black varsity jacket from Yani, and a coconut from Frankie (I don't know but I found it endearing coming from a little kid, I think I'll keep it on display in my room). All of this I tried packing into Eli's gift bag so I didn't take too much, and met up with my parents who stood near the front door.

Yani walked up to me from the kitchen and gave me a big hug. "Merry Christmas, gringo."

"Merry Christmas, Yani bear," I replied and she flashed me a playful smirk.

I said my goodbye to her parents and didn't bother with Carlos since he was knocked out. My parents and I walked out of the front door and Eli followed behind us so he could leave, too. While my parents walked to their car, I lagged behind to walk in sync with Eli across the concrete pathway. Even though I insisted he didn't, he took my gifts and carried them for me, which I found unbelievably sweet.

"Drive home safely," he told us all after everything was put in the trunk.

"You, too, Eli," Appa said and gave him a nod, while Umma went ahead and gave him a hug.

My parents got in the front seats of the car, but I stayed outside for a few seconds to stand with Eli. For a moment, I was hesitant to place my hands on his face because I thought my fingers would be cold, but I reached up anyway. Luckily, my skin wasn't chilly and Eli leaned into my palms. So, so cute.

"Merry Christmas, honeybun."

"Merry Christmas, my love," I murmured before tiptoeing to place a kiss against his smooth, perfect lips. I could feel him smiling and I did the same.

When I pulled away, I removed the Santa hat on my head and placed it on his head. His hair was back to its regular, almost messy--but a handsome messy--style, so I didn't have to worry too much about ruining his look. No matter how he looks, he'll always be beautiful to me.

God, I'm in love.

"Goodnight," I whisper and caress my hand against his cheek.

"Goodnight, my Asian Mulder," he teased and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I love you," I say.

"I love you, too," he responds back.

And just standing next to him, I know he means it. It radiates from him. When he looks at me; when he touches me even a little, when he talks to me, the way he talks during our phone calls.

I don't want to walk away from him, but I do. I come to stand next to Appa's car and open the left-side backdoor. Still flushed with emotions, I bite my lip and slip into my seat. As soon as the car door closes, I'm already eager to be with Eli again.

The car was already on, so all Appa had to do was shift into reverse and back out the Hernandez's driveway. As we reversed, Eli stood by the curb and waved at us. We all waved back, but I ended up placing my hand on the window. I kept my eyes on him for as long as I could until I couldn't see him out of the window anymore. Still, I pressed my hand against the cold glass, longing to see him again.

I don't know why I'm being so dramatic about this. I'm not leaving him for good, and he's not leaving me, I hope. All of this longing and eagerness and gushiness probably seems unnecessary and cheesy, but...that's what being in love is. It's weird, and almost overwhelming, but you want to get sucked into it. You want it to consume you as much as you consume it.

I'm in love. I'm in love. I'm in love. I'm in absolute, utter love. And I never want to fall out of it.

Definitely the best Christmas ever.