by Piper Vaughn
"Why do you say that?"
Wes shrugged. "In my life I've learned that when something seems too good, it usually doesn't last."
Garnet's arms encircled him and squeezed lightly. "There are no guarantees, even where I come from. People die, and sometimes they leave, and sometimes they fall out of love. But, you know, it would be a shame if people let those things stop them from ever taking a risk. Don't you think?"
Wes forced himself to smile and turned within Garnet's embrace until they were face-to-face. "You know what else would be a shame? Letting all this snow go to waste. We should have a snowball fight."
Garnet's eyes brightened and a broad grin stretched his mouth. "Really?" he asked, the serious mood forgotten in an instant, which had been Wes's intention.
"Yeah. Go get dressed. We'll take the dogs out, make a game of it."
With a whoop of excitement, Garnet dashed away. Wes chuckled and shook his head as he drained his mug of tea. Garnet brought the same giddy level of enthusiasm to everything they did. Kissing, making meals, playing in the snow. It was refreshing in a world where sometimes jaded cynicism reigned supreme. Wes himself was guilty of it. He'd gained a bit of perspective from Garnet's unrestrained cheer. Being eager wasn't a fault. In fact, it was probably one of Garnet's greatest strengths. Wes never had to wonder where they stood or if Garnet enjoyed his company. Garnet showed him every day. And that was what he should focus on now, not worrying about when and how it would end.
Wes put his empty mug in the sink and went to the closet for his outdoor gear. He was shrugging into his jacket when Garnet returned dressed in his thick green coat and matching pants. He wore his Santa hat, too, though the tips of his ears remained uncovered.
The dogs raced out ahead of them when Wes opened the back door. They all loved the snow and proceeded to roll around and chase each other in crazy circles. Wes and Garnet did the same, minus the barking. Neither Wes's height nor his size was an advantage in this game. If anything, he only gave Garnet a bigger target to aim for. And Garnet, the little snow demon that he was, showed Wes not an ounce of mercy as he pummeled him with one snowball after another.
By the time Wes surrendered, the sky had darkened and he was panting like he'd run a mile uphill. They'd somehow made it to the border of his property. Garnet had gotten up onto a tall tree stump with an armful of snowballs, perceivably to better slaughter Wes.
As Wes approached, Garnet opened his arms and let his stockpile drop to the ground. Wes stepped into his embrace, enjoying the novelty of being the shorter one for once. Garnet gave him a look so tender Wes's heart skipped a beat.
"This has been the happiest week of my life," Garnet whispered, and the sincerity in his expression wrenched at something deep inside Wes's chest.
Unable to help himself, Wes leaned up and covered Garnet's mouth with his. There under the stars, they kissed slowly, deeply. Garnet's hair brushed his face and a gentle hand settled on the side of his neck, one slender thumb caressing the spot under his jaw where his pulse raced. Wes shivered and pulled back. "Let's go home."
Garnet nodded, and Wes helped him off the tree stump. They made their way back to the house with the dogs in tow. That night, for the first time, Garnet slept in Wes's bed. Kisses led to touches and touches led to bliss. Soft moans and shared breath and whispers of forever.
Wes fell asleep with a smile on his face.
*~*~*
When Wes woke, his bed was cold. Somehow, instinctively, he knew that Garnet was gone. Not in the bathroom or out in the kitchen. Just gone. He felt it in his bones. The entire mood of the house had changed.
Wes reached for the rumpled pillow beside him and drew it to his chest. For a moment, he wondered if the past week or so had been a dream. A long, wonderful, hyper-realistic dream. But he smelled Garnet on his sheets, sweetness and mint shampoo, and he knew that was only wishful thinking.
His breath quickening, heart thundering, Wes scrambled out of bed and raced to the guest room. Suddenly, he needed to see that Garnet's things were gone, needed the proof that he'd been abandoned once more.
The room was empty, as he knew it would be. The sheets weren't even wrinkled since Garnet had spent the night with Wes, and he was fastidious about making his bed at the start of every day. It was like he'd never been there at all.
Wes clutched the doorframe and tried to calm his breathing, but the sight of that lonely room made panic rise in his throat. Head spinning, he wheezed and staggered away to the den where the dogs sat looking anxious.
Micah came to his side and Wes sank to his knees, burying his face in the husky's thick coat.
He wasn't sure how long he stayed that way, his hot tears seeping into Micah's fur. Micah whined, as if in sympathy, and a wet tongue lapped across Wes's ear. Wes choked on a sob.
Again, Garnet had come into his life and vanished. Only this time, he'd taken Wes's heart with him.
Chapter Four
Over the past day, Garnet had spent more time crying than not. He'd never been the weepy sort growing up, but now all he had to do was think of Wes and the waterworks started anew. Santa and his father being furious with him didn't help matters. He'd disappointed two of the most important men in his life, and that hurt. Worse, the guilt for leaving Wes when he promised he wouldn't gnawed at his stomach with sharp, painful teeth.
Not that he'd had any choice. Santa had appeared in Wes's bedroom in the middle of the night, his arms crossed over his barrel chest and a heavy frown on his face. In seconds, Garnet and his belongings were back in the North Pole, thousands of miles away from his love and the happiness he'd been desperate to cling to.
What must Wes be thinking? Likely he'd assumed Garnet had gone back on his word and left without so much as a good-bye. Garnet had no way of contacting Wes to reassure him that wasn't the case, to let Wes know he would return as soon as possible. Nothing was strong enough to keep him here. He would find a way to go back. Why couldn't Santa understand?
"I'm so sorry, Garnet. Please forgive me."
Garnet glanced up to see his best friend, Poplar, wringing his hands, a look of such intense remorse on his face, Garnet stood and reached out to hug him without thinking. "It's not your fault."
Poplar shook his head. "I tried my best to cover for you. I even tried to alter the records. Santa knew. He came to me yesterday and demanded I tell him where you were. I couldn't refuse."
Garnet stroked a hand over Poplar's long, dark hair. "It's all right. I'm sorry you got in trouble for me. I should've known we'd never be able to hide it."
Poplar leaned back, his golden eyes shiny with tears. "You were so happy. Both of you. I saw."
Garnet released Poplar and sank onto his bed. They were in his small bedroom, avoiding his father's baleful stares as they waited for Santa to arrive. He'd dropped Garnet at his doorstep in the dead of night, vowing darkly to return the following evening to discuss Garnet's "misbehavior." Doubtless the name of Garnet Evergreen would be permanently struck from the 'nice' list, nothing but coal in his stocking until he was old, stooped, and gray.
Not that it mattered. Garnet would cheerfully give up gifts, cocoa, and candy for the rest of his life if it meant having Wes. No punishment could be more severe than being forbidden from seeing the man he loved. The thought alone made a wail threaten to break free of Garnet's throat. Garnet shoved a fist against his mouth to stop it.
"Tell him how it feels to be with Wes," Poplar said. "Tell him what's in your heart. It's the only thing that might get through to him."
Before Garnet could speak, the doorbell rang. Seconds later, Santa's booming voice sounded from below and Scarlet called for Garnet to come downstairs.
Poplar helped Garnet to his feet and gave him an encouraging pat on the back. "Go. Be brave. I'll be right here waiting."
Garnet tried to give Poplar a grateful smile, but it fell apart before it could form. Instead, he nodded, swallowing thickly as he left the room.
Santa and his father were waitin
g in the den. When Garnet entered, his father's gaze darted away.
"I'll go make some cocoa," Scarlet said, and disappeared into the kitchen.
Santa settled into the rocking chair closest to the fire and gestured for Garnet to sit. Garnet perched on the edge of the couch across from him, too nervous to settle in.
"Care to explain yourself?" Santa asked, giving Garnet a long look over the top of his spectacles. He was dressed casually in a pine-tree-patterned sweater and woolen trousers. The white hair on his head was trimmed close, but his neat beard fell to the middle of his chest. He wasn't fat, as Garnet had often seen him portrayed. Stocky would be a better word. And he towered over Garnet by at least a foot.
"I love him." Garnet couldn't think of a more poignant argument than that simple truth. "I always have. I want to be with him forever."
Santa's expression didn't change. "And you thought running off in your father's sleigh without permission was the best way to accomplish that goal? You could have exposed us all, or worse yet, been killed. And you even embroiled Poplar in your deception."
Garnet bowed his head in shame, unable to hold that disapproving gaze. "I'm sorry."
Santa sighed. "Why didn't you speak to me before making such a rash decision?"
Garnet dared a quick peek at him. "I didn't think you would say yes, and I needed to be with him. I've waited so long. I… I couldn't fight it any longer."
"You were fortunate that Wesley found you after the crash. I've seen the footage. You could have died—and I hope you're aware that thought is what fuels your father's anger, not the loss of his sleigh."
Garnet squirmed, humiliation making his cheeks and ears burn. "I know, sir."
Santa huffed. "I am not an unreasonable man. Nor am I unsympathetic or unfamiliar with the ways of the heart."
Garnet nodded, unsure of what to say.
"You should have come to me before leaving, and you should never have asked Poplar to lie for you."
Garnet's lip trembled. He gave another nod and tried to keep the tears at bay. He could break down once Santa had gone. No need to make a spectacle of himself on top of everything else. "Yes, sir. I apologize. It will never happen again."
"It surely won't." Santa's voice was rife with censure, and Garnet braced himself for whatever his punishment might be. "Because I will be sending you back immediately."
Garnet couldn't prevent his gasp. He jerked his gaze to Santa's, too fearful to embrace the hope that threatened to unravel him right then and there. "Sir?"
Santa's smile was rueful. "It's not my intention to make my elves miserable, Garnet. Your family has put in many years of service to mine. If you would truly be happier with Wesley, I'll permit you to leave with my blessing—as a human."
A mix of excitement and anxiety uncoiled in Garnet's belly. He tucked his trembling hands between his knees and tried hard to be rational. "What does that mean?"
"You may keep your memories, save for your knowledge of how to find the North Pole. You won't ever be allowed to return. And of course, you'll be stripped of your magic."
"But I can be with Wes?"
"I'll deliver you to his doorstep myself. But consider this carefully, Garnet. You'll never see your home or your father or Poplar again."
Garnet's mouth went dry. He'd figured he would never be back when he left on Christmas Eve, but staying away of his own free will was a lot different than being banished. He wouldn't be able to find his way back even if he wanted to. He'd be leaving his father alone, and Poplar. It would be difficult, no question. Yet he knew both Poplar and Scarlet would understand. His father had loved once, and Poplar was a romantic who dreamed of finding an elf to settle down with. While they would undoubtedly miss him, they wouldn't blame him for leaving. Garnet knew that in his heart.
"I want to go back."
Santa nodded, unsurprised. "Gather whichever belongings you want to take with you and say your good-byes. Preparations for next Christmas begin in a few days, and I'd rather your father and Poplar have that time to come to terms with your departure before they're expected to resume their duties."
Garnet leaped to his feet. "Of course. Thank you, sir!"
He raced upstairs. Poplar started when Garnet burst into his bedroom.
Poplar searched his face. "What happened?"
"He's letting me go back." Garnet grabbed his satchel and a larger bag from his closet. "Help me pack before he changes his mind."
Poplar reached for the picture frames Garnet kept on his dresser. It was a sign of how well Poplar knew him that he collected those first. "He won't change his mind. Santa doesn't go back on his word."
Garnet paused in the middle of pulling clothes from his drawers. He shot Poplar an embarrassed look. "I know. I'm just nervous."
Poplar placed the pictures on Garnet's bed and drew him into a hug. "I'm glad for you."
Garnet hesitated for a moment. He thought Poplar probably knew, but the words had to be said. "I can't come back."
Poplar nodded. "Yes. I've heard rumors about when Blink disappeared all those years ago. They say he went off to make music, and that some of the most famous human Christmas songs are by him. I'm sure he was as happy as you will be."
Garnet hadn't heard that about Blink, the famous elf who vanished years before Garnet was born. But he would be happy. He'd make sure both he and Wes never had cause to be sad again, for as long as the fates allowed.
"Let's hurry," Poplar said. "He's missing you."
Garnet met Poplar's gaze. "It's been an honor having you as a friend. Thank you."
Poplar squeezed him tightly. "Thank you. I'll miss you, but knowing where you're going gives me hope."
He didn't have to explain further. Garnet knew Poplar longed for a partner and a family. His time would come. Poplar was the most loving and gentle elf Garnet had ever known. Any other elf would have to be a fool not to see that. "I'll never forget you."
Poplar's mouth trembled. "Nor I you, my friend." He turned to the dresser and gathered a few more items. "Come on. Let's get you back to your Wesley."
They finished packing in minutes. Then, after a few more apologies to his father and a long, teary embrace, Garnet went to stand at Santa's side.
He took one last, lingering look at Poplar and sent his father a shaky smile. "I love you both."
Scarlet cleared his throat. "Love you too, Son," he said gruffly. "Be well."
It was the last thing Garnet heard as he and Santa disappeared.
*~*~*
Wes knew the moment Garnet returned to the house. The atmosphere changed, lightening, and the dogs scrambled to the back door. It opened seconds later, and Garnet stepped inside, one bag in his hand, another on his shoulder. Behind him, Wes saw a flash of a red, fur-trimmed coat and a long white beard. Then his arms were full of happy elf and his face was being covered in kisses.
Shocked, Wes took Garnet's shoulders in hand and set him back. His relief was so intense his head spun and the agonizing knot in his stomach eased for the first time since he discovered Garnet was gone. "What… wh-where did you go?"
Garnet smiled tenderly. He reached up to cup Wes's cheek. "Santa came and collected me last night. I'm sorry. I know what you must've thought when you woke up alone. I didn't want to leave."
"But you're back?" Wes asked, still not quite able to believe Garnet had returned. "For good?"
Garnet nodded. "Forever."
Wes swallowed, so overwhelmed by emotion that the action almost made him choke. "H-How?"
"Santa let me go. I'm human now. I have everything I need to live and work here. Santa made sure of it."
Human? Wes's brain stalled. He studied Garnet's face, and upon closer inspection, he noticed subtle changes. Garnet's eyes weren't as brilliant a green, his skin looked less luminous, his freckles more pronounced, and his ears—his ears! The pointed tips were gone. They were rounded now, as any other human's would be.
Wes's knees threatened to buckle. "I need to sit down."
&
nbsp; Garnet's expression clouded with concern. He helped Wes to one of the stools at the breakfast bar. "Are you…? Did you not want—"
Wes shook his head. "I do want. I—I'm just—I—"
Garnet yanked him into a tight embrace. "I understand. I feel the same."
Wes buried his face in the curve of Garnet's neck, inhaling the familiar scent and shuddering. "Please don't leave me."
"Never." Garnet's voice was so fierce Wes might have smiled if he could coordinate his facial muscles. As it was, all he could do was sigh and let Garnet take a bit more of his weight. "Let's go to bed."
"Yeah." Wes pulled himself together and stood. He grabbed one of the bags Garnet had dropped and let Garnet lead him down the hall to his room and right onto the bed.
Garnet kicked off his boots and shrugged out of his coat before stretching out beside Wes. "I'm sorry again. I wanted to wake you before we left, but Santa forbade it."
"I thought you were gone for good," Wes whispered. He slid a hand beneath the hem of Garnet's sweater, seeking the tender skin of his belly.
Garnet leaned closer and nuzzled his nose. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here until you get sick of me."
Wes gave a watery laugh. "That won't happen."
"Good."
For a long time, they lay there, snuggled together and breathing each other in. Then suddenly, Garnet bolted upright. "I have something for you. Your gift. I meant to give it to you on Christmas, but I worried it might not be enough."
"Gift?" Wes went up on one elbow as Garnet slipped from the bed to dig in one of his bags. When he climbed back onto the bed, he handed Wes a small box.
"Open it."
Puzzled as to why Garnet felt this was necessary right then, Wes quickly tore off the paper. The box he revealed made him pause. It was a View-Master 3-D Viewer. He hadn't seen one in ages, not since the vague recollection he had of his parents giving him one the Christmas before they died. It, and everything else he owned, had been destroyed in the fire that stole their lives.
