Christmas Day.

Bryce held his cup in between the palm of his hands as he sat at the table with a newspaper in front of him. His gaze jerked away and he let out a sigh in distress. Bryce was spending this Christmas alone because his mother had gotten snowed in at her fathers and his father was busy working all night. He couldn't help but feel alone.

The tree was full of presents yet he didn't even care about them anymore. Bryce was lost in his own world now.

He stood from the table when he heard a knock echo and checked the window hoping it was his parents but no car was outside. Bryce held his breath as he peered through the peek hole and seen Ryan standing outside, his hands in his pockets, and his face buried into the black scarf. He quickly opened the door and watched Ryan give a small smile.

"H-Hey!" His teeth chattered.

"What's up?"

"C-Can I come in?"

"Oh yeah of course."

Bryce let Ryan come in and once he was inside the home he felt instant relief run through his body as he began to thaw out like raw meat. "Thanks man, oh this is for you." Ryan reached in his pocket and pulled out a yellow envelope that had a red ribbon tied to it. Bryce took it with a raised brow causing Ryan to scratch the back of his head, "My neighbor wanted me to give it to you. Columbia is her name I think?"

Bryce's eyes went wide as he immediately realized who it was from and he held it to his chest. His heart had melted just a little. Ryan raised a brow at the boy who just sat it on the table "It's nothing.." He lied, pretending not to care. Ryan only grinned.

"Sure.."

"So what brings you here?" Bryce asked, taking his seat at the table. "I mean, it's Christmas.."

"My family came up a day early so we decided to do the whole thing then."

"Wait you live alone?" Ryan nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest. The snow on his jacket was long gone along with the redness that once filled his cheeks and nose. "Being old sucks man." He shrugged and gave a warm smile to Bryce who just looked down.

Reality had hit him.

It was insane to even think he had a chance with Ryan know and what about his parents? What would they say? Of course Bryce never told anyone in his family he was gay because of how bad it would ruin their last name. A wave of stress hit him and he ran a hand through his golden locks.

"Are you here alone?" Bryce nodded slowly as he looked outside to where it was getting dark. Time was not on his side today. "Why aren't your parents here to celebrate it with you?" Silence. It was a question Bryce didn't want to answer and Ryan had picked up on that. "Ohh..I see. Well I got you something," he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

Bryce was confused as to why Ryan had bought him something but he took it with a small smile. He opened the box and inside was a purple crystal necklace causing his eyes to widen. Bryce looked up then down again in shock. "How much was this??"

"Enough," Ryan laughed. "But it was worth it.."

Bryce held the necklace up and nearly choked on his own spit. "Ryan I didn't get you anything I-" Ryan held up his hand and Bryce stopped. He let the necklace be took from him and whenever Ryan went behind him the necklace hit his chest lightly.

"Merry Christmas Bryce.." Ryan whispered, his lips barley touching Bryce's ear. Bryce could hear the smirk in Ryan's voice and he turned around as his hands played with the necklace. The older male had stepped back with open arms and that cocky grin on his face that the younger had come to love.

His heart ached.

Bryce smiled as he stood from his seat and nearly tackled Ryan in a hug. The two males began to open Bryce's presents under the tree until there were no more. Then both boys went up to Bryce's room where they talked endlessly about their gifts.

"Bryce no!" Ryan laughed out as he covered his face from the camera. Bryce couldn't help but laugh at the olders reaction to a camera. "Ryan come on just one!" Bryce nudged him and the older glared. "You already took one!"

Bryce held up the photo and handed it to Ryan then he smirked. "No I don't." Ryan couldn't help but grin at Bryce's move. It was sly and he knew it. "Alright.."

The camera spat out a photo.

Bryce's eyes were wide when Ryan pulled away from him and his fingers immediately went to his lips where Ryan's had once been. No doubt it was his first kiss but by someone he thought would never like him. He stared at Ryan who was grinning sheepishly at the younger male as if he had done nothing wrong.

Ryan stood up and opened Bryce's door but he didn't go out, he just looked at the young male who still held his lips. "I'll see you at school Bryce.." Bryce wanted to tell him to stay but he couldn't even speak. He just watched Ryan leave. For some reason his stomach was about to bust and all the butterflies held captive were about to fly away.

Leaving him for dead.

Dear McQuaid,

It's Christmas Bryce! We've known each other for a while! Officially! Hah, so I hope you have a great Christmas and if you were already feeling down I hope this brings it up! Merry Christmas my love! Till the next letter Bryce..

Bryce leaned against the counter as he held his hand over his mouth. He couldn't believe this..

He had feelings for two..