Operation Fake Relationship

“Not me,” Nick’s dad said. “I need to baste the turkey again in half an hour, and I want to try and finish this damn crossword.”

“Oh, go on then.” Pete uncurled himself from an armchair. “It’ll probably make me feel better. I can walk off the remainder of last night’s toxins before we open the wine later.”

“Nick, Jackson? How about you?” his mum asked.

“Yes, I wouldn’t mind a walk.” Nick took Jackson’s hand, enjoying the sensation of Jackson’s warm skin against his as he interlaced their fingers. “Do you fancy getting out for a bit?”

“I’d love to, but I want to call my family, and now is probably a good time. Do you mind if I stay here?” He said it in a teasing tone, but he squeezed Nick’s hand gently and his eyes asked the same question in a more serious way.

Nick pressed his free hand against his heart. “Well, it’ll be tough being without you all that time… but I’ll find a way to cope.” He leant across and kissed Jackson lightly on the lips, feeling a little thrill at the contact. “See you later, babe.” He stood, releasing Jackson’s hand. “Send my love to the family.”

“Will do. Have a good walk, hun.”

Pete made a puking sound. “You two aren’t helping my hangover.”

“You’re just jealous,” Nick said as they left the living room.

“Nope. I’m very happy being young, free, and single, thanks.”

“You’re not as young as you used to be, dickhead.” He aimed a playful poke at Pete’s ribs. He and his brother had spent so many years winding each other up that it was second nature to slip back into that pattern, like putting old comfortable shoes on.

Pete jabbed him back. “Thanks for the reminder, penis breath.”

“Now, now, boys. That’s enough,” their mum said from behind them.

Nick stuck his tongue out at Pete, who responded in kind by grimacing and crossing his eyes.

“Honestly. You two. I’d forgotten what you used to be like.”

Their mum’s tone of exasperated amusement made them both laugh.

“I blame the parents.” Pete winked at Nick and held his hand up for a high five.

Nick grinned and slapped his hand, suddenly realising that he’d missed Pete, even though he was a dickhead.

Jackson went upstairs for some privacy while he video called his family. It was lovely to see their faces and talk to them, but it made him miss them even more than he already did. It felt so wrong not being there for Christmas this year. He could hear the kids playing in the background, excited shrieks and giggles.

“We miss you so much, honey,” his mum said. “And Nick too. It’s not the same without you here.”

“Yeah. It’s not,” his sister Ruby chimed in. “But you’re coming for New Year, right? So we’ll see you both then?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

“What’s it like there?” his mum asked. “I hope it’s going okay. How’s Nick getting on with his dad?” She knew Nick had a difficult relationship with his dad. Not that they talked about it much, but when Jackson had brought Nick home for Christmas that first year when he couldn’t face going home it had been obvious. Jackson’s mum had welcomed him with open arms, and over the years Nick had become almost as much a part of the family as Jackson was.

“Things are still pretty tense between them,” Jackson replied.

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

Ruby popped into the frame again, asking, “What’s his dad like? Is he awful?”

“Not really. He’s definitely nothing like as bad as I imagined, but I think he’s changed a lot since they fell out. Seems to me like he’s trying to heal the rift, but Nick’s not very receptive.” He gave a huff of frustration. “I wish he’d lower his guard a bit.”

“It’s hard when someone’s been hurt, though,” his mum said gently. “It’s only natural that Nick would be defensive. He’s just trying to protect himself.”

“Yeah. I know. But I reckon he’ll regret it one day if he doesn’t accept the olive branch his old man’s waving at him.”

“Give them time, love. Maybe that’s what Nick needs.”

“Yeah.” It was all Jackson could do. It wasn’t like he could force Nick to kiss and make up with his dad.

They talked for a while longer and when it was time to go, Jackson blew them all kisses and wished them all a merry Christmas again before ending the call.

The house was very quiet as he made his way downstairs. The living room was empty, so he guessed the walkers were still out. Christmas choral music was coming from the kitchen again, so he went in there and found Reg peeling potatoes.

“Hello. I thought you were finishing your crossword,” Jackson said.

“I’ve done it!” Reg said triumphantly. “The whole damn thing. It was the Christmas special so it was twice the size of normal.”