Jensen knows that he should spend his holidays with his parents, but it's difficult, knowing that if he were at Green Gables, he would have Jared in his arms, and he wouldn't have to worry that someone would see them. He's grown so used to the freedom of Redmond, of their own home with their own rules, that to be in his house with his parents who can never know the truth of him is too much.

They know that Jared is his friend, of course, but nothing more. It's enough that when he says he'd like to go to Green Gables to wish Jared a merry Christmas, his mother merely lets him go.

The snow is deep and thick and falling still, so Jensen goes back inside to gather his boots and tells his parents that if the weather worsens, he might spend the night.

No one objects.

He arrives at Green Gables just as the sun is starting to set. It's a beautiful day, aside from the cold--Jensen loves the snow, loves the feel of it beneath his boots, and when he knocks on the door, it's Jared who comes to get him.

"Jensen!" he says, a pleased grin lighting up his face. He laughs. "You look like a drowned rat. Or a thawing one." Jensen shakes his head and lets drops of cold spray onto Jared's face. It only makes Jared laugh harder. "Come in, we'll get you drying by the fire."

"Where are Jeffrey and Jim?" he asks, pulling off his coat and shaking it in the entranceway.

"In the barn, checking on the animals. I'm making dinner. Are you staying?"

"The night, I think. I told my parents I'd have to if the weather didn't clear."

As soon as the door is closed, Jared leans in close and kisses him. "I hope it doesn't," he says, with a brilliant smile. "Merry Christmas, Jensen."

"Merry Christmas."

"I think we need to get you out of those wet clothes," Jared continues, skimming his warm fingers under Jensen's shirt across his belly.

Jensen shivers. "Jim and Jeffrey are right outside."

"Mm," says Jared, kissing him on the neck. "They won't come up to my room."

"Jared," says Jensen, exasperated but unable to really protest.

"I forgot my present for you in Kingsport, so you'll have to let me make it up to you somehow," says Jared, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come upstairs."

Jensen sighs heavily. "If you insist."

"Oh, I do."