#munvermas

[shieldofiron]

Jason was absolutely dreading it. Christmas used to be a big production at his house, but all he and Eddie had managed was a single box of small plastic ornaments and a secondhand fake tree.

He knew Eddie could see the disappointment on his face when they'd decorated, and it took all of ten minutes. Jason had tried to paste on a big smile, tried not to cry when they didn't have enough money for Christmas cookie ingredients.

He was happy with Eddie. So fucking happy. Christmas didn't matter when there was Eddie. Eddie playing him Christmas songs softly, and kissing his nose, and bargaining with Keith at Family Video so Jason could put all his favorites on hold.

He didn't cry. Not once. He swore he would never do it in front of Eddie, not when he was trying so hard.

So when he woke up on Christmas Eve, Jason got up and prepared to paste on his smile again.

But when he walked out, the room had been transformed.

Snowflakes made of paper hung from cooking twine, and paper chains circled the tree. Something smelled cinnamon-y and delicious.

Eddie poked his head out of the nook that formed their kitchenette, "Hey, Angel."

"Eddie... what?"

Eddie grinned. "You like it? Mrs. McKinney dropped off cinnamon rolls. I guess she and Patrick made too many."

"How did you do all this?"

"Oh! Melvald's throws out any unused newspapers, and Mrs. Byers said I could have them! You like them?"

"I... I love them."

"Merry Christmas, Angel," Eddie's smile could light up a room.

Jason had sworn he wouldn't cry. But it didn't seem so bad when Eddie was wiping his tears away.

(Inspired by @oopsiedaisiesbaby 's Christmas HC for them)