Archive of Our Own

With Christmas being in a couple days, Night Raven College was being let out for Winter Break.

They were being let go so late because Headmage Crowley mixed up his dates and refused to believe anyone when they said he was wrong. When he realized this mistake, he sobbed in his office for three hours.

The first years at Night Raven were overjoyed. Deuce especially, he missed his mom, and with him studying so hard to be an honors student, he didn't have the time he wanted to write or text her.

He did sometimes, but he wished it was more often. So he was very happy to tell her all about how good he was doing.

Once classes let out Deuce ran to his room, set his suitcase down on his bed, and began packing it. He bit at his nails before opening up some drawers.

Ace on the other hand didn’t care too much. He didn’t have any plans for Christmas. He laid on the bed next to him, holding himself close, tossing some cards up in the air one by one. “Why are you packing so early? Crowley doesn’t let us go for a couple more hours.” he tossed another card up.

Deuce had all his dresser drawers open. He folded a couple shirts and placed them neatly into his suitcase, “Why aren’t you packing up? We get let go in a couple hours.” He repeated the question back to Ace.

Ace stopped throwing the cards and glared over at Deuce, “That’s basically what I just said, you bitch. Plus,” he sits up on his bed, “I’m already packed.” he noticed Deuce’s twitchy excitement.

Deuce often played with his fingers and nails to think or calm himself down. Ace tried to help him find a different stim, one that would cause less harm to Deuce’s nails, but Deuce always fell back into what he knew helped him best. Ace wasn’t trying to be rude, he wanted to help in any way he could; he didn’t want Deuce to get hurt. So, he would comfort him in other ways.

Deuce raises an eyebrow and looks over at Ace’s side of the room, “Where’s your suitcase?” He looked around and only saw Ace’s dirty clothes that had been on the floor since well before Halloween.

“Don’t need one.” Ace replies, pulling a dirty gym bag from underneath his bed. Several playing cards falling to the floor.

Deuce’s mouth drops open, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He sloppily throws a pair of pants into his suitcase. He rolled his eyes and grabbed some more clothes.

“Nope! This is all I need.” Ace shrugged as he picked up the bag and put it on his bed. He opened it up and looked inside. “We got some shirts, a pair of pants… I think… and a toothbrush.” He looked up and smiled at Deuce.

“Dude, are any of those clothes clean?” Deuce asked, closing his drawers. He saw Ace think about it for a hot minute.

“Maybe? I don’t know.” He shrugged again and zipped the bag back up. He jumped off the bed and stretched.

Meanwhile, Deuce had finished packing. He put his toiletries in a small bag and tossed them into his suitcase. He stepped back and smiled. “Done!” He cheered, looking back at his suitcase, which was a hot mess.
Instead of being neat and organized, like he started off as, it was more off a clothes monster had died and caught on fire inside of his suitcase. This is how it was everytime he packed.

He zipped it up and put it on the floor. “So, what are you doing for Christmas, Ace?” He asked, sitting down on his bed.

Ace shrugged once more, “Nothing? My dad and brother won’t be there this year. Dad’s got work and my brother got a girlfriend.”

Deuce’s face dropped, “Oh…” He fiddled with his fingers as they rested in his lap, he picked at his nails, chipping off the blue polish. “Do you want to come over to my place? Mom and I don’t usually do anything for the holidays since it’s always just us. And I doubt you’d want to stay here.” He gave a soft smile.

Ace sat back on his bed, “Are you sure it’ll be okay? I don’t even know your mom.” He copied Deuce in a way and rubbed the pad of his pointer over his red painted thumb nail.

Deuce brushed it off, “It’s fine. She always wanted me to have friends over. I’m sure that if I explain things to her, she’ll understand.” He flicked the fallen polish near the room’s trash can, not making it. “Plus, I talk about you a lot so it’ll be fine,” he mumbled.

Ace sighed, not hearing that last part, and began playing with his deck of cards again. “Okay, but I get to leave anytime I want to.”

He had no intention of leaving.

Deuce beamed with happiness, “Sweet! I’ve never had friends over!” He flapped his hands rapidly.

“I can tell.” Ace responded blankly.

Deuce dropped his hands and rolled his eyes before checking his watch. “We should go, it’ll get crowded soon.”

Ace reluctantly got up, “Whatever, bro.” He grabbed his dirty bag of clothes and ruffled Deuce’s hair before placing his head on Deuce’s shoulder.

Deuce leaned into Deuce’s touch before he grabbed his heavy suitcase and walked with Ace to the Mirror Chamber, which was already packed. It was extremely loud, dozens of students there already going through the mirror.

“That’s weird.” Deuce noted, holding Ace’s hand as they walked past others. He looked around and saw Crowley ushering people through the mirror portal wearing a yellow button up with flowers on it.
“I didn’t think it was supposed to be open yet.” Ace held onto his hand tightly. Deuce silently responded by rubbing his thumb over Ace’s.

“Get out!” Crowley was yelling at all the kids, even pushing one of them into the mirror because he was taking too long.

“He’s in total party mode!” Deuce scoffed, throwing his shoulders down.

“He’s obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation.” Ace rolled his eyes, pushing past several others.

“He’s not even trying to hide it.” Deuce followed up, walking directly behind Ace.

The two made it to the front of the line, a few Savannaclaw students cutting in front of them, pushing Ace in the chest to get through, running straight into the mirror.
Ace looked at them with disgust before mumbling something under his breath, dusting himself off. Deuce pretended that he didn’t hear a word because to repeat it would most likely go against several of his personal morals.

Deuce looked around and saw Trey and Cater walking to the portal. Ace noticed them as well, he walked over and greeted them, letting go of Deuce’s hand. “Hey, Trey. Hey, Cater.” Deuce let him let go.

Cater seemed far beyond nervous, “Oh em gee. I am like totes freaking out. My sisters are deff gonna kill me over break. In half. Like a kit-kat. Ugh, Trey.” He groaned, “I wish I could just stay over with you. That would be #THEBEST4REALS.”

Ace stared at him with confusion, “I’m gonna pretend I knew a word of what you said.” He looked over at Deuce, who was equally confused. They both shrugged at each other.

Trey sighed, “It’s fine. He’s just like this.” Trey explained to Ace, “Plus, Cay, I already have someone staying over, remember?”

Riddle walked forward, holding his main bag, Trey holding the smaller one with a red heart pattern over it all. “You do realize I have a name, yes?”

Trey looked over at Riddle, “I know.” He smiled.

“You’re staying with Trey over the break?” Deuce asked.

“Yes. I am.” Riddle’s eye twitched, “If any of you are to inform my mother, do note that I know where you live. And I will kill you before she can get to me. Understood?” Riddle did not want to go back to his childhood home, and he made that obvious.

Deuce felt a chill up his spine and nodded. “Yes, Housewarden Rosehearts!”
Ace nudged him with his shoulder.
“Dude, chill out.” he whispered to the bluenette, looping his arm around Deuce’s.

Riddle held onto Trey’s hand tightly, “It’s fine. Trey lives far enough to where she shouldn’t find me. Plus, she would never allow me to be near the bakery. I’ve informed her that I would be staying in the dorms for the break to focus on studies. So, I should be alright. If she asks, I already told Crowley what to say to her.”

Trey smiled down at his boyfriend, “Let’s get going?” Riddle nodded and walked through the mirror.
Trey gave a wave to Ace and Deuce before following Riddle.

Cater snapped a photo of them with him in the middle before running through the portal. He yelled out, “BYE BYE, talk to you love birds next year!!!” before disappearing.

Deuce took a moment to regain his eyesight after the bright flash from Cater’s phone nearly blinded him. “What did he say?” He reached out and grabbed the arm Ace had wrapped around his own.

Ace shrugged and mumbled while watching Deuce, he was ready if he fell over.

Deuce dropped whatever Cater had said, “You ready?” He asked, rubbing his eyes and repeatedly blinking.

“Yeah, I’ve been ready.” Ace adjusted his bag and held out Deuce’s suitcase for him to take, giving him a soft smile.

“Come on! I didn’t open this portal early so you guys could mope THE FUCK around! LEAVE ALREADY!” Crowley yelled, looking on the verge of another breakdown. It would be best if neither of them told him that his shirt was inside out.
Crowley pushed another student through the portal.

The boys sucked air behind their teeth and walked through the portal. Ace let Deuce go first before throwing his bag into the clear ripples. Ace stepped through the portal and melted through to the otherside.

A shiver ran through Deuce’s spine as the cold Queendom air chilled his bones once more.

Ace picked up and adjusted the bag on his arm. He held his hand out, waiting for Deuce, who took his hand, and then breathed in the fresh air while they started walking towards his house.
“Come on, it’s not that far away.”

“If you say so. For all I know, you’re taking me to the ocean to murder me or something.” Ace followed behind him with a soft smile on his face.

Deuce sighed, “If only.” he faked being sad.

Ace glared at him and mumbled “asshole, I was joking,” under his breath.

“Hey.” Deuce snapped at him, “I’m letting you stay over. So don’t be a brat about it.”

Ace threw his hands up, “Fine fine,” he huffed before going back to holding Deuce’s hand as they walked through the cold. “Bitch,” he quickly murmured. To which Deuce turned around and punched him in the arm.

After a few minutes of walking, and awkwardly passing Trey and Riddle, they made it to Deuce’s one story house in a very distant neighborhood from everyone else.

Deuce walked past the connected garage to the front door, Ace slipped on the icy sidewalk. Deuce knocked two times on the door. Ace waited on the steps. Frantic shuffling could be heard from inside. A cat meowing from the inside. The door swung open and a pair of arms wrapped around Deuce. “Deuce! Oh, my sweet boy, how are you?” Deuce’s mom cheered out.

“Hi, Mama!” He hugged her back. “I’m doing good. Oh,” he pointed to Ace, “I brought a friend over. This is Ace.”

Deuce’s mom pushed him to the side and wrapped Ace up in an equally tight hug, “Oh, hello, Sweetheart! You must be the boy I’ve heard so much about over the phone!”

Ace pats her back, barely breathing, “Oh, so he talks about me?” He stares at Deuce, who was red and panicked beyond belief, waving his hands to try to stop his mom from talking.

“Oh, very much so.” She lets go of him and walks back inside, ignoring Deuce, “Now come on in, it’s already dark.”

She closes the door behind the two and goes over to pet the black cat that is lying on the top of the couch.

“Mama? Who is that?” Deuce asked, pointing to the cat.

She looked up to her son, “Oh this little guy is Jack, I got him once you left for college.” Jack purrs at the touch.

“You’ve never mentioned this to me.” He points out, laughing awkwardly. Jack rolls over and falls onto the seat of the couch.

“Never had the need to.” She stands up straight and wipes her hands on her pants. “Deuce, go show your friend your room. I’ll go make us all some dinner.”

He nods and takes Ace’s bag along with his own suitcase and heads through the living room, turning left to his childhood room. Once he sets down the bags, Deuce closes the door behind Ace.

“So. You talk about me?” Ace says smugly, leaning on the wall, giving Deuce a kissy face, fluttering his eyelashes.

Deuce takes his shoes off and puts them near his door. “Sometimes, not that often though.” He says defensively.

“But often enough to where your mom knows who I am off the top of her head?” He kicks his shoes off, placing them next to Deuce’s, looking up at him with a smirk.

Deuce’s face flushed red as he stammered his words while he picks at his nails. “Well. She remembers a lot, so it’s not like I’m just randomly just talking about you-”

Ace cuts him off, “Bro, I was joking. It’s fine. I don’t care.” he lets out a small laugh. Ace honestly didn’t mind it, it was just unexpected at the moment. He had overheard some of the conversations between him and his mom, so it’s not like it was too new.

What was unexpected was when Ace walked in on Deuce giggling and kicking his feet while talking to his mom about a new type of Blastcycles coming out.

“...Gonna kick your feet and laugh again?” Ace mimicked him giggling.

Deuce shut himself up and glared at Ace, throwing his hands down. “That was one time! You’re a pain in the ass.” He bites.

From beyond the door, Deuce’s mom calls out, “Watch it, young man!”

“Sorry, Mama!” He calls out before turning back to Ace. “Thin walls.” He let out a sigh before pulling up the blinds on his window.

Ace looked out the window to the barely visible backyard. The night had already settled in. “Wow. It got dark fast.”

“It’s late December?” Deuce rhetorically asks, sitting on his bed, feeling his soft dark blue blanket under his hand.

Ace lays back on Deuce’s bed with his hands behind his head. “Yeah, I know that. It’s just that it’s like what? Four thirty?”

Deuce pulls out his phone and checks the time. “It’s seven.”

“What?” Ace questions, his jaw dropping.

“Time zones, dude.” Deuce rolls his eyes.

Night Raven was way behind on their time. When the boys first got to school, their jetlag was so bad that both of them almost missed the first day of classes.

“Yeah, yeah. It just feels earlier than it really is. That’s all.” Ace admits throwing his hands up in defense.

A silence settles in the room.

Deuce twiddles with his fingers again. “Do you want a drink or anything?” He tried to make the situation not awkward in his mind.

Ace looks around Deuce’s room from where he’s laying, “Nah, I’m good.” Deuce nodded. Ace continued looking around. “You have quite a lot of posters.” He paused and sat up, “A lotta posters of Blastcycles.”

Deuce smiled and turned his body towards Ace, “Obviously, What else would it be of?” He gave him a confused look. Deuce had always loved Blastcycles. Everyone knew this, especially Ace.

Ace shrugged, “Girls?”

Deuce’s mom let out a laugh that could be heard loud and clear. “Think again!” She called out.

“Mama!” Deuce yells out. She lets out a soft giggle and goes back to what she was doing.

Ace questionably looked at Deuce, “I thought you said you were pan?” he whispered, leaning in so she wouldn’t hear.

Deuce nodded, “I am. She knows, she’s just like this." He sighs, Ace nods, completely confused, and goes back to normal, Deuce dragged his hands down his face, “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I mean, you’re straight, I’m not, so is being over going to make you feel uneasy? I know you agreed but I don’t want you to feel… What are you doing?”

Ace chuckled before letting out a loud laugh, holding his stomach, almost falling off the bed. “YOU ACTUALLY THINK?”

He falls off the bed and then whisper-yells, “Do you actually think that I’m straight? I’m sorry, you said that SO seriously.” He gets up and wipes his eyes, trying to catch his breath.

“Well, you said you dated a girl before. So, I assumed that you were… Are you not?!” Deuce was confused now.

“Yeah, like in middle school, dude.” He cleared his throat and calmed down. “I’m bi.” Ace explained, holding his chest. It hurt from how hard and suddenly he laughed. He was genuinely surprised that Deuce hadn’t noticed how he acted around him. Could he not see the affection that he showed?

“Oh.” That’s all Deuce let out. It made more sense that he was bi now that he thought about it.

He was stuck in his thoughts for a few minutes before Ace tapped on his arm, pointing outside. “It’s snowing.”

Deuce looked outside, “Oh, I didn’t think it would this year.” He looks at the soft falling snow in the dark. The small snowflakes landing and quickly melting on the window.

“You okay?” Ace asks, reaching out to hold Deuce’s arm, something he does to check up on Deuce as he tends to run away from everything when he’s overwhelmed.

Deuce nods, patting Ace’s hand to let him know he’s okay, “Yeah, I’m fine. Just didn’t expect it to snow.”

Ace nods, but then his face turns serious. “Not what I meant, but okay…” He took a breath, “Just, don’t tell my dad. I’m bi” Ace holds onto Deuce’s sleeve tightly, seemingly scared and worried.

“I won’t.” He rolls his eyes. “I promise. What happens here stays here.”

Ace laughed, “Ha, that’s what my pastor said.”
Deuce looked back at him, confused, “What’s a pastor?”
Ace shrugged and got out of bed, “I dunno. Heard it from Yuu.”

Deuce’s mom knocked on Deuce’s door twice before calling out, “Boys, dinner’s ready.” They could hear her footsteps walk away.

Deuce blinks his dry eyes, Ace watches for his action. Both of the boys got up and walked out of Deuce’s room into the small hallway between the kitchen and the living room. Deuce made his way over to the table like he did all his life and sat where he normally did. Ace pulled up a chair next to him and awkwardly sat there. Deuce’s mom handed them their food and sat down across from the two. Once Deuce’s mom began eating, so did the boys.

As she picked up some of her fried rice and blew on it to cool it down a smidge, “So, tell me Ace?” Where do you live?”

Ace looks up and sets his fork down, trying to be respectful. “I live on Queens Avenue across the city. It’s near the library.” he clears his throat. Deuce notices this nervousness and lets out a small laugh. Which prompts Ace to stare deeply into his soul.

Deuce’s mom smiles, “Oh, good. That’s a nice neighborhood. Except for that library, it always got vandalized. “

“Yeah, It’s so weird, right?.” He takes a bite and looks to the side.

“Who do you live with?” She eats her food.

“I live with my dad and older brother.” Ace tells her, eating a forkful. “This is really good.” He admits absentmindedly.

“Awe, thank you. At least someone compliments my cooking.” She smiles, glancing over at Deuce, obviously joking.

Deuce didn’t pick up the cue that she was joking and looked sad, “I do compliment you.”

“Anyways.” She sighs, “Ace, I assume that you will be staying over the duration of the break?”

Ace nods, “If that’s alright with you.” He enjoys the plate of fried rice and chicken in front of him.

“I assumed Deuce would want you over, so it’s alright.” She casually responds.

“You what?” Deuce looks up with a face full of food. He looks at the two of them. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

She reiterates, “I knew he would invite you over because he mentioned that he wanted to have you over. So, I assumed he would bring you.”

Ace looks over to Deuce, “That’s who you were texting during class?”

Deuce shrugs, mumbles, and eats the rest of his food within fifteen minutes. Ace finishes right after Deuce.
This surprises Deuce’s mom. “You two are already finished?”

Deuce takes his and Ace’s plates to the sink and starts washing them. “Housewarden Rosehearts enforces the rule that you are to finish your food within fifteen minutes of sitting down.” He explains as he washes the dishes.

“Sweetheart, you do realize you’re at home right now, right.” She turns and asks.

“Yeah, Sweetheart, Riddle isn’t here right now.” Ace smirks and glares at Deuce, teasingly.

Deuce glares back at Ace before relaxing and looking at his mom. “Yes, Mama. I am aware. It’s just a habit.”

“If you say so.” She shakes her head and puts her dish in the sink. She kisses Deuce’s head and rubs his hair. “I’m going to get ready for bed. You two don’t get into too much trouble now.” She says, walking into her bedroom.

Once the bedroom door closes Ace lets out a laugh, “Awe, you really are a mama’s boy.”

Deuce side eyes him, “Shut it.” He puts the clean dishes on the drying rack and looks outside of the window. “Snow’s settling. Looks like there’s two inches of snow out there.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can measure that pretty well, Juice.” Ace snickered, standing up before looking outside. Deuce scoffed and angrily turned off the water before flicking his wet fingers over at Ace. Ace held his arm over his face and laughed. “Okay, okay. Sorry.” He smiled before looking out the window. “Have you always lived here?”

Deuce dried his hands on his pants while moving to stand next to Ace. “No, we moved here right before I started school. We used to live with my Grandma until kindergarten.” He shrugs, “We were in a tough spot until mom got a decent job.”

“Yeah… I feel that.” Ace rocked on his feet. “My brother used to take care of me while my dad went out looking for jobs. But, we’re fine now.” He stopped rocking. “But hey,” He held out his fist and smiled at Deuce, “Single parents gang?” Deuce gave him a fist bump and a sad smile.

“Bathroom is right there if you need it.” He pointed to the small room right beside the dining room where they were standing. “If you need to do laundry, which, please Seven, you need to, it’s right beside the bathroom. Don’t go into my mom’s room. Other than that, the house is yours.” He smiled and made sure all the doors and windows were locked before heading to his room.

Ace “freshened himself up” in the bathroom for an hour before crashing on Deuce’s bed. “Thanks for letting me stay over, Deucey.” He stretched and laid on Deuce’s stomach.

“Sure thing,” he smiled. “I didn’t know how you’d react, to be honest.” Deuce sat next to Ace and panicked.

Ace lifted his head, “How so? Your place is nice. It’s cozy.” He was confused by Deuce’s comment. Deuce started to space out, staring at nothing.

“Well… we don’t live in the same neighborhood, and I’ve seen Queens. It’s way nicer.” Deuce explained, picking at his nails.

Ace sat himself up and held onto Deuce’s hand so he wouldn’t mess up his nails. “Hey,” he said softly, “I know I’m a dick, but I’m not that type of person. You have a nice place.” He smoothed his thumb over Deuce’s, “You have a really nice mom, and a really nice place. Plus, I know I live on Queens, but it honestly isn’t all that great. The neighborhood over is nice, but my place is simple. So, it’s okay.”

Ace learned to comfort Deuce when he would panic like this. He would usually have to do this when Deuce failed a test or almost got in a fight. It got really bad when he didn’t get in the top fifty for midterms and had to work for Azul for a bit. Panic attacks in the walk-in were common at that time. So, in order to help, Ace had to step up to be there for him. On the surface he denied how he felt, but Ace knew that he cared for him, more than he thought he would.
When Deuce didn’t break from his space out, Ace reached up and touched his face, “Deuce.”

Deuce snapped out of it and shook his head, dropping his hands. “Sorry, I panicked.” Ace’s hand was still on his.

“What do you need right now?” he asked, gently, taking his hand off of his face.

“To be held.” Deuce admitted, still looking down.

Ace held his hand, “Then let's go get ready for bed, okay?” Deuce nodded and they both got up. After calming down and cleaning themselves up, Deuce turned off the house lights and got into bed with Ace.

It didn’t feel weird to sleep in the same bed anymore. Ace knew that Deuce needed comfort, and that’s what he was willing to give him. Nothing more in his mind. And there was nothing in Deuce’s mind. When he felt like this his thoughts would leave and he would be a shell of who he really was. It was a defense mechanism his mind came up with to protect him. Ace often broke him from this mindset.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ace asked, facing Deuce in bed. Deuce nodded and held Ace close.

“I just need to hold you right now.” He spoke in a barely audible whisper, holding onto Ace tightly.

“That’s okay. Do you know what caused this one?” Ace asked, rubbing Deuce’s back, making sure the warm blanket was covering him.

“I think I was worried that you would judge me based on where I lived and you would say some snarky comment on it… This is all I have.” Deuce didn’t make eye contact with Ace.

“So you were worried that I would judge you based on something you can’t control?” Ace asked, to which Deuce nodded in response. Ace rested his chin on Deuce’s head. “I won’t judge you on this. Try to get some sleep okay?” Deuce let out a soft, “Okay” before closing his eyes. Ace leaned down and gave Deuce a chaste kiss on his forehead, before closing his eyes, falling asleep.

It was normal for Ace to kiss Deuce’s forehead before sleeping. It was “Just a bro thing” he would tell others, but Ace knew how he felt. He just hoped that Deuce would feel the same.

The snow outside piled up more and more as the night progressed. As the sun rose over the Queendom around half a foot had accumulated on the ground. The morning sun shone on Ace’s face as he slept.

Deuce was the first of the two awake. He smiled as the soft light hit Ace’s face. He leaned in and gave Ace a kiss on his cheek before sitting up on his bed. In his mind, they weren’t dating. They were just really good friends. And to him, there was nothing strange about two friends kissing. He stretched and tried to get up, but Ace woke up.
He rubbed his eyes and yawned, “Hey, what time is it?”

Deuce checked his phone again, “Around eight.” Deuce yawned as he stood up.

Ace covered his face with a pillow and turned over, “Why are you up so early.”

Deuce went into his suitcase and pulled out a clean change of clothes, Ace was always angry in the morning, so he went on with his business. “You got jet lag?” He looked over at Ace who had bed hair and no sense of self.

Ace nodded and stuffed his face in the pillow before sitting up. “Are you feeling better?” He held the pillow in his arms.

Deuce nodded, “Yeah, thank you.” He changed his shirt and looked over at Ace who had flopped over and passed out again. He smiled softly at him before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Then he grabbed his shoes and wallet before walking out of his room. Once he carefully closed the door he took a deep breath in and turned around.

If it wasn’t for his skin, he’s sure his heart would have jumped out of his chest. Standing right in front of him was his mom with a smirk on her face. “So, Deuce. You two dating yet?”

Deuce looked at her in confusion, “No, Mama, we’re not dating. He’s just my friend.”

She didn’t believe that at all, “Sweetheart, I think you’re the only one who sees him as “just a friend”. Friends don’t sleep in the same bed. We have a couch you could have slept on, but hey,” she put her hands up, “who am I to judge my son?”

“Mama, it’s nothing, really.” He walked past her and grabbed his jacket from the hallway closet, before giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to go to the bakery really quick.”

“In the snow?” She asked, handing him his snow boots, hat, and a scarf. He put them all on, as well as earmuffs. Even though outside was freezing cold, he was burning up inside of his house. “Stay safe.” She smiled. She trusted him to make the right decisions, ever since his grades had gone up and he started hanging around the right people. He was a good kid, everyone knew this. She was just glad Deuce had that final push to be what she knew he could be. And she was so happy to see all he could become one day.

Deuce waddled out of the house and down the steps. Thank Seven his boots had grip or else he would have slipped down the steps. He made his way as quick as possible to Trey’s. He was freezing cold and burning up all at the same time.

When he made it to the bakery Trey was there to greet him. Riddle was in the corner reading a book and sipping on tea. He looked up from his book, “Deuce?”

Deuce waved at Riddle, or, he tried to. He couldn’t exactly move under all the layers. Deuce took off the scarf and top jacket that his mom insisted he wear.

Trey was behind the counter now, finishing up plating a strawberry tart for Riddle. “What can I get ya, Deuce?” He placed the tart slice in front of Riddle and kissed his forehead before going back behind the counter.

Deuce looked through the glass shelves at all of the pastries, “Do you have any cherry pies?”

“For Ace? Yeah, do you want a slice or the whole thing?” Trey washed his hands and put a new pair of gloves on, sliding open the glass and pulling out the fresh pie.

“Just a slice… How did you know it was for Ace?” Deuce questioned, fiddling with his gloves.

Trey looked over at Riddle and then back at Deuce. “It’s his favorite. Everyone knows that. You especially should know that, considering that you two are dating.”

Deuce was utterly confused now, “Why does everyone think we’re dating?” He tried scratching his nails again, but the gloves stopped that.

He boxed up the pie and placed it near the register. “It just seems like you are sometimes. I acted the same way with Riddle and now we’re here.” Riddle glanced up from his book for a second before rolling his eyes. “Look, I see how you two look at each other. If there’s something there, now’s a good time to figure it all out.” Trey pulled out a bag and placed some blueberry scones in there before wrapping it all up and handing it to Deuce. Deuce nodded, knowing Trey was right.
He pulled out his wallet, but Trey stopped him, “It’s fine. Consider it a Christmas gift.”

Deuce smiled and accepted both items. “Thank you!” He put all of his winter gear back on, “Have a good day, and… I’ll think about it.” He said before walking out the door back into the cold.

“Trey, you can’t just assume they’re dating.” Riddle put his tea down.

“I didn’t mean to! They just act awfully close.” Trey threw his gloves away. “Have you seen the way he looks at Ace when he’s not looking?”

Riddle bookmarked his novel and set it down, “Same way you look at me. I can feel your eyes burning into my skull everytime we’re in the lounge.” He jokes.

“Exactly.” Trey smiled and sat down next to the red-head.

Deuce waddles back home, the clouds began to darken as snow began to fall again on the ground again. Deuce groaned in agony as he made his way up the stairs leading to his front door. He opened the door and waddled inside.

Ace was sitting on the couch with Deuce’s mom talking. When Deuce walked in Ace let out a quick laugh. “You warm enough, Deuce?” Ace teased.

Deuce groaned as he shook the snow off of him and placed the pie box and scones on the kitchen counter before taking off all the extra layers. He set them all back in the closet before saying hi to his mom and Ace. He was sweaty and out of breath, but he let out a “Hey, I’m back.” With his hands on his knees. “What’s up?” He looked up and saw the two had been talking.

Ace was the first to speak up, “Your mom showed me your baby pictures.” He smiled and sipped on the hot chocolate that Deuce’s mom gave him.

Deuce looked betrayed, “Mama, why did you do that?”

She brushed him off and sipped on her coffee, “Deuce everyone has seen your baby pictures. You were adorable. Still are, so don’t be ashamed.”

Deuce looked defeated because this was the last thing he had expected. “I got treats.” Deuce pointed at the counter as he tried to not show how red he was.

“What did you pick up, hun?” Deuce’s mom asked, looking over to the counter, Jack resting at her feet.

“Mama,” he handed her the scones, “you get some scones.” She smiled and thanked him.

“And for me?” Ace fluttered his lashes. Deuce rolled his eyes. “You don’t get anything, Ace.” Ace pretended to be hurt, putting his hand to his chest like he’d been shot.

Deuce scoffed and handed him his pie and a fork, “You get pie. You can thank Trey for it.” Ace gleamed with happiness as he took the pie box.

Deuce’s mom placed the bag down on the coffee table. “You went over to the Clovers? How are they doing?”

Deuce shrugged, “They’re doing alright I guess. I only saw Trey and Housewarden Rosehearts there.”

Ace shifted in his seat, opening up the box.

“That’s good to hear, I’m glad he’s back home. His mom worries a lot about him.” She sips her coffee. “I do the same.”

“Still? I’ve been doing good.” Deuce sat on the recliner next to Ace, who was stuffing his face full of pie. Ace looked over at him and smiled. Deuce slightly smiled back at him.

“I know,” She sighed, watching him sit down. She put her hands in her lap and looked at the boys, “So, boys,” she cleared her throat. “I checked up on you two late last night, and what I saw was completely fine. I totally support it. But I will need you two to be honest with me.”

She looked to Ace, “If you’re going to be staying over, it’s important that you stay truthful, okay?” The boys nodded, mutually feeling like they were in trouble. She took a deep breath in and let it go, “Are you two dating?”

The boys looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Ace set down his pie and thought about it for a moment, while Deuce spoke up.

“Mama, we’re not dating. He was just helping me. I was panicking again and he was just helping me calm down.” Ace nodded in agreement, not saying anything. Deuce looked over at Ace and saw how he wasn’t responding, so he leaned over and tapped him on the shoulder, looking at him with worry.

Ace saw his reaction and perked up, “We’re not? I mean.” He laughed awkwardly, “I like Deuce, I feel like that’s obvious, but we’re not like… dating?” Ace had no clue how to put his thoughts into words. “Like, he’s my best friend, and he needed me at that moment, so I was there for him, and then we fell asleep. I wouldn’t say that’s ‘dating’ as much as it is helping someone I care about.”

Deuce’s mom bit the inside of her cheek, not showing much emotion on her face other than stress. She looked up at the boys with a smile and let out a soft sigh. “You two are very close, I apologize for assuming. I know it’s not my place to have a say.” She felt like they were lying, she could see the twinge of hurt in Ace’s eyes.

Ace smiled back at her, Deuce just groaned. “But, yeah. Just friends.”

She nodded and let out a soft smile.
“If anything changes, know that I’m here for both of you. Plus Deuce needs someone when I’m not there.” She smiled and got up to put her coffee mug in the sink, putting the bag of scones in the microwave.

Jack scurried to some folded blankets on the coffee table. He stretched and laid down on top of one of the warm bundles. “You two, go have fun in the snow or watch a movie, okay?” Deuce gave a thumbs up with a fully flushed face. Ace thanked her. She headed to her room and called out, “Remember to use protection!” before closing her door.

Deuce put his face in his hands, his ears burning hot. Ace laughed weakly.
“Does she actually think we’re dating?”

Deuce shrugs, “Dude, I don’t know. Trey thought we were.” He rubs his face in agony.

“Did you want to date?” Ace asks, getting up to put his pie in the fridge. He was asking honestly, but Deuce didn’t comprehend it that way.

Deuce shrugged and curled himself up into a ball before groaning.
“I don’t even know. I’m just tired. I already said we weren’t. Why? Did you want to?”

Ace gave a sad smile and laid down on the couch, “That’s fine.” He avoided Deuce’s question. “Wanna watch a movie?” He tried changing the subject. Deuce relaxed his body, “Sure,” he shivered, “It’s freezing in here.” Ace nodded for a second before opening up his arms for Deuce. Deuce got up and grabbed a blanket next to the one Jack was lying on. He wrapped the blanket around himself whilst Ace grabbed the remote, turning the TV on to whatever Christmas movie was playing on cable. Deuce walked over to Ace and laid on top of him.

Ace groaned, “Ew ew, sweaty.” He pushed Deuce’s face away, “I didn’t realize how damn damp you are.
Deuce stared at him before setting his head down on Ace’s chest, face looking at the TV. “Deal with it.”
Ace knocked his head back on the arm of the couch in defeat. “You truly are the worst.” He smiled, yet small pain formed in Ace’s chest.

An hour passed.

The movie was almost finished, the gray clouds had darkened to a deep black pepper color. Ace was barely paying attention to the movie. Instead he was absentmindedly playing with Deuce’s hair while looking at the popcorn ceiling. His fingers softly ran his fingers through Deuce’s blue locks. Deuce had passed out around halfway through the movie, leaving Ace alone with his thoughts.

Ace closed his eyes and held the back of Deuce’s sleeping head, scratching it lightly, a habit he picked up from noticing that Deuce liked it. “Why is this so difficult for us?” He questioned out loud to himself, looking up. “Why is it so hard for me to just…” He sighed, looking down at Deuce. He moved his hand to hold the blue boy's face. He looked at him softly, yet so sadly. Like the world he wanted was slipping from his grip. “Just say that I’m in,”

Deuce twitched slightly in his sleep, ever so slightly turning his body away from Ace. Ace put his lips in a thin line and stopped talking.

After the movie ended, Ace turned the TV off and adjusted the blanket over the both of them. He looked at his best friend with a melancholy look in his eyes.

Yes, he wanted to date Deuce, but with how Deuce was acting earlier, he felt distressed. Of course, he didn’t blame Deuce for acting that way. He would have done the same had his dad or brother asked him. Alas, it still hurt. He couldn’t tell if he was lying to his mom or telling the truth. If Deuce didn’t want to date him, then why was he sleeping on his chest? Why was he over for the break? Why did Deuce have to invade his mind with all of these thoughts that made him go crazy?

He didn’t kiss his forehead before going to nap, instead he rested his head on the armrest and tried to fight back the tears that threatened him. He wasn’t much of a crier, but he was overwhelmed. He needed Deuce there with him, but how could he have that when he felt so far away? They were doing so well, why did it have to get messed up?

Deuce woke up a few hours later, and looked up to see Ace asleep with dried tears beside his eyes. They weren’t enough to stream, just to pool beside his eyes. He closed his eyes and listened to Ace breathing steadily.

Ace had something wrong with him where he would randomly stop breathing during the night. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but it was something with his throat where it did that to him. It was scary the first time, Deuce thought that he had lost Ace. That was the last thing he ever wanted to think about.

Deuce slowly and carefully got up and covered Ace with the warm blanket. Ace stirred a little bit, losing the weight that was Deuce. Deuce froze to see if Ace would wake, he didn’t. So, he went to his room and lied on his cold bed. He stayed in the middle of the bed and picked at his fingernails, deep in thought.

He was scared. He knew that he had told the truth but why did Ace look at him that way? He had so many questions and wanted to go back to sleep, but his long nap had drained him of any tiredness. He turned on his side, facing his dresser. The reflection of the winter sunlight tried peaking through the snow clouds, barely passing through.

He scratched at the palm of his hand and let his thoughts wander. But one stuck out to him. How did he feel about Ace?

He cared about him, sure. He invited him over for Christmas, he even bought him a present. He stuffed it under the clothes in his suitcase.
He kissed Ace a lot. He loved hanging around him. All of this stuff was just how Deuce showed love.
That being said, he’d feel uncomfortable kissing or holding anyone else, but that was something he was still figuring out.

Deuce got out of bed and carefully walked past the living room and into his mom’s.
“Mama?” Deuce whispered.

His mom let out a hm? in response.

“Mama, it’s about Ace.” Deuce closed the door behind himself and sat down on the edge of her bed where she was reading a book.

“Is he hurting you in any way? You know I don’t tolerate that type of stuff.”

“No, no, he’s not hurting me. I think I’m the one hurting him.” He held himself close.

“How so?” His mom asked, setting her book down.

“Earlier when we were talking, he seemed so sad about what I said, and then he didn’t answer me when I was like, ‘well, do you wanna date?’ and I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong.” He looked over at his mom.

She smiled softly and rubbed his back, “I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. You’re both figuring stuff out still. So, I’ll just ask this. Are you two happy together?”

Deuce nodded, “I’m always happy with him.”

“Are you happy without him?”

“Well, yeah. We both have our own interests that make us happy, but when we go back to the dorms we’re happy with each other.”

“Then that’s that. You don’t have to have a definite label on things. You’re in college, figure yourselves out and have fun along the way. And, if you two do end up together, then I’ll be right there to support you.”

Deuce smiled, “Thank you, Mama.”

She smiled back, “Of course.”

Deuce got up and began to walk out.
“Since Christmas is tomorrow, you want me to put up some mistletoe?” His mom called out. Deuce groaned and closed the door behind him.

The rest of the night went by surprisingly fast. Dinner went by well, there were more presents under the tree and the heater was turned on.

Deuce had turned on Frosty the Snowman and laid down on the couch with Ace. Ace held him, but gave him room if Deuce wanted to leave. He hadn’t fully gotten himself back from earlier.

When it got to the part where Frosty melted Deuce began to cry. In response to this, Ace held him closer and rubbed his back.
“I completely forgot that that happened.” He sniffled.

“Deuce, honey,” his mom started, “It’s a movie.”

“He just wanted to take care of Karen.” He cried out, Ace grabbed a tissue from the box on the table and handed it to Deuce.
He cried for a solid two seconds before Santa came to save Frosty. Afterwards, he loudly cheered and was fine. He was back to regular Deuce.

After the movie ended, they cleaned up and headed off to bed. Deuce laid on his bed and pulled the covers over himself. “I hope you’ll like the present I got you.”

Ace laid beside him, “You got me a present?”

Deuce turned himself to face Ace, “Duh, why wouldn’t I?”
Ace shrugged.

He laid back and looked up, noticing something hanging from Deuce’s fan blade. “Hey, Deucey? Did your mom put that up there?” Ace pointed towards the mistletoe with a smirk on his face.

Deuce looked and saw the green leaves, “Dear Seven help me… yeah.” he groaned and laid back down. “I thought she was joking about putting some up.”

“Well, we gotta honor traditions, it is Christmas eve.”

“Since when have you ever cared about traditions?” Deuce asked.

“Since right now.” Ace smiled and held Deuce’s face.

“Dude, come on. You know we’ve never lip-kissed before. It’s strictly cheek and forehead… and maybe regular head kisses.”

“Yeah, but that’s at school. This is here, right now, under the mistletoe.” Ace tried to convince.

“Leaves hanging from a string is no reason to kiss in my bed.” Deuce blankly stared at Ace.

He thought for a moment, “So you wanna make an exception cause what, it’s Christmas?”

Ace nodded, “Yeah, basically. I mean it’s not like we haven’t thought about it before. I know how you look at me.” Ace teased.

Deuce laughed and leaned into Ace’s hand. “How exactly do I look at you?”

Ace groaned and laid back, letting go of Deuce, “Ugh, it’s so weird. You look at me like how Trey looks at Riddle.”

Deuce flushed red and leaned over Ace, “I do not! That’s so not true.” He glared.

Ace laughed and looked into Deuce’s eyes. “Your spade is a little messed up today.”

Deuce touched near his eye, “Is it?”

“Yeah,” Ace brushed away Deuce’s hand and held his face with his own. “It looks like trash.”
Deuce rolled his eyes and leaned into Ace’s touch.

He leaned closer to Ace, their noses almost touching, “Well you smell like kid’s toothpaste.”

Ace glared. “Just be glad I’m actually brushing my teeth.”

Deuce slightly nodded and laughed, “Yeah, that’s fair.”

Ace rolled his eyes. Deuce had a huge smile on his face. A smile Ace loved dearly. “Thanks for inviting me over.” Ace smiled back.

Deuce nodded slightly, “Of course!”

Ace smoothed his thumb over Deuce’s face for a second. A sweet silence filled the room. He leaned in to meet with Deuce. Ace closed his eyes as their lips met one another.

Deuce’s eyes widened before he closed them and returned the kiss. He let the hand that wasn’t holding him up go onto Ace’s neck.

After a few seconds of a shared kiss, Ace pulled away to look Deuce in the eyes.
They were unable to speak for a few seconds.

Deuce was still comprehending the situation, “What did we just do?”

Ace shrugged and laid on his back, “Kissed.”

“That wasn’t what we normally do though.” Deuce’s heart raced.

“Was what we did okay with you?” Ace looked over at a panicked Deuce.

Deuce thought about it and nodded, “I think I’m just shocked that it happened.” He let out a weak chuckle and laid on his back.

“First time?” Ace questioned as he raised his hand up to brush the hair out of Deuce’s face.

Deuce whispered a yeah under his breath. He sighed and hugged Ace, “Sorry, ugh, this is so embarrassing.”

Ace rubbed his back, “Take your time. It’s not embarrassing, just take a moment for this.”

Deuce nodded and gave it a very long thought. He let out a sigh, “Okay, I think I’m fine.”

He took a deep breath. “Ace. I have something to say.”

Ace smiled, “Go on.”

Deuce balled his fists up and shut his eyes. “I think I want to date you.”
He could hear Ace snicker. He opened his eyes, “Why are you laughing?” His face fell.

Ace leaned in and gave Deuce a quick kiss. “Deuce, I know. You leave your diary wide open on your bed.”

Deuce flushed bright red, “That doesn’t give you permission to read it!” He groaned and put his head on Ace’s shoulder, completely giving up.

Ace peppered the side of his face with kisses, “I hope you know I do too.”

Deuce quickly raised his face, accidently bumping it with Ace’s. “Really?” He screamed.

Ace held onto his hurting nose, “Fucking hell,” He checked to see if it was bleeding before speaking, “We kiss each other all the time.”

Deuce shrugged, “I’ve heard you say to someone that it was ‘just a bro thing’.”

Ace blinked blankly, “Why the hell would it be just a bro thing?”
Deuce shrugged.
Ace rolled his eyes, “Let’s just go to sleep.” He laid his head on the pillow and held onto Deuce.

Deuce held him back and whispered, “So, what are we?”

Ace closed his eyes, “Together?”

Deuce nodded within a smile, “Together. I like that.”

Ace’s heart fluttered as he tried to keep a straight face and go to sleep.

As the night went on the snow fell softly outside. The sun eventually lightly kissed the fresh white blanket. Both of the boys were still asleep as Deuce’s mom made some coffee.

The air in Deuce’s room was chilly. The smell of coffee woke Ace up. He opened his eyes to see Deuce, his now boyfriend. He leaned in and kissed his forehead. Last night felt like a dream for him.

“Deuce,” he whispered, trying to wake him up, “Deuce get up.”

Deuce woke up and mumbled something unintelligible. He saw Ace and smiled. Both of them got up and walked out to the living room.

Jack was curled up by the heater. Ms. Spade wished them a Merry Christmas as she sipped her coffee. Both of the boys went over to the tree and sat in front of it.

Deuce handed out gifts and was giddy with excitement. He repeatedly tapped on Ace’s leg. “Open, open, open!” He cheered as Ace held the present Deuce had gotten him.

Ace brushed Deuce’s hand off of him and opened the squishy package. Inside was a small plushie of a cherry pie with a lattice crust. Ace smiled happily.

Deuce threw his arms out and wrapped them around Ace, “Merry Christmas!”

Ace looked at his boyfriend and gave him a kiss on the cheek, “Merry Christmas.”

Jack jumped up onto Ms. Spade’s lap and meowed. She looked at Jack and sipped her coffee, “I called it, you owe me five bucks.”