Page 26 of Mistletoe and Mayhem
Zephyr couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from his picture. Instead of just his portrait, Tony had ended up drawing his thunderbird. He’d been sitting outside while he was working on them, and Zephyr had gone for a flight. Watching his mate soaring through the sky had given him the same butterflies he’d gotten the first time he saw him, and his hand started moving before he even thought about it. He figured a shifted picture was still fine, so he kept it as it was.
“Zeph…” He felt his stomach clench with uncertainty. He was the only one who hadn’t said anything. Was he disappointed? Should Tony have drawn the portrait instead? Did he–
Zephyr twisted, dragging Tony into a kiss so heated and full of love, it took his breath away. He swayed a little when Zephyr finally released him, blinking up at him in confusion.
“Thank you, baby. It’s beautiful.”
“My turn,” Taron demanded, shifting so he could get his own kiss. His was lighter, more playful, and when he was through, he demanded, “Every time I shift forms, I want a new one. Please?”
Tony huffed a shaky laugh, nodding. “Okay, sure.”
“They’re quite realistic,” Doctor Chapman commented. “You have a true gift, Tony.”
“Couldn’t have done it without you, doc. My hand would cramp after I got hurt.”
Doctor Chapman smiled softly at him. “Then I’m glad I could help. Perhaps one day I’ll see your pictures in a gallery somewhere.”
When Tony blanched, everyone laughed. They eventually returned to opening presents and enjoying the party, but Tony’s cheeks burned for the rest of the night. He’d sent pictures to his family when he was in service, but they only ever said ‘that’s nice’ and moved on. They’d never given him the kind of love and acceptance that this group did. His new family. The ache in his chest disappeared entirely, and he smiled brightly when Taron leaned against him and offered him a chocolate that Aoi had made for everyone.
This really was the best Christmas he’d ever had.
“Have yourself jingle bells and a rockin’new year!” Taron sang. Off-key and with so many words mixed up, it was hard for Tony to tell which song he was attempting to sing. His mates had never listened to human Christmas music before the party, and Taron seemed to be trying to sing them all at the same time. He snickered, holding hands with Zephyr as he pulled the truck into their driveway.
“Ooh, what’s that?” Taron asked curiously, already reaching for the door handle. Zephyr snagged his sweater to stop him, making Taron squawk in surprise. “Z, what the hell?”
“No rushing. Wait for Tony.”
Curious, Tony followed Taron out of the truck, taking Zephyr’s hand again when he came around the other side. The poor shapeshifter was practically vibrating with curious excitement, but he still didn’t rush Tony for even a moment. Since Tony was using his cane, it was a long night, Taron took Zephyr’s other hand, standing on his tiptoes as he attempted to see whatever it was that caught his attention.
They walked together over to the front porch, where three new rocking chairs sat next to each other with big red bows on two of them. Tony gaped at the craftsmanship, taking in all the details.
Taron whistled, running his fingers over the arm of the one closest to him. “Did you make these yourself, Zeph?”
Zephyr nodded. “I wanted to get you both something special. I was going to put your names on them, but then I figured it’d be easier not to sosomeonedoesn’t get jealous and start keeping score on who gets to sit next to who.”
He shot a pointed look at Taron, who stuck out his tongue, but didn’t argue. He’d totally do it, too.
Suddenly, Taron pouted, his shoulders slumped.
“What’s wrong?” Tony asked, concerned.
“Both my mates are gifted and made these gorgeous presents, and all I could think of was coupons.”
Tony looked down at the coupon sticking out of the pretty bag Avery had given everyone to carry their gifts home. “I like my coupon. You put a lot of effort into it.”
“It’s nothing compared to this!” He gestured wildly to the chairs and the bag in his hand that had Tony’s picture of him sticking out of it.
“Aw, T. Don't be like that,” Zephyr gently chided. “We love your present. Can I request more for my birthday? I want one like Tony’s.”
Tony nodded in agreement. “I liked Isaac’s.”
Zephyr snorted at the reminder. “Did you notice how Maverick’s and Isaac’s directly conflicted with one another. What happens if Maverick uses his on the same day as Isaac’s?”
Taron brightened, little by little, and his smile came back as he shook his head. “Nope. One coupon at a time. I’m only one person, after all. The rules are printed on the back.”
Zephyr grabbed Taron by the back of the head, smacking a kiss on his lips. “Of course you thought that far ahead. You’re gifted in your own way, T. Now come on, let’s get our man inside. Christmas still isn’t over, and I feel like Tony earned a reward for the gifts he got us.”
“Ooh, Tony sandwich?” Taron asked with a beaming grin. “Count me in.”
