Under The Mistletoe (John & Luke - Pt 2)

Chapter 2 (revised)

"When are you going to talk to your dad?" John had pulled his jeans back on and sat cross-legged on the bed. "How bad do you think he's going to freak when you tell him you don't want to make football your life?"

Luke shook his head and smiled, though it was strained with deep tension. "Freak is an understatement. He's going to blow a fucking gasket." Luke had slipped back into his shirt and briefs, and now wore a pair of loose sweatpants as well. He laid on his side on the bed, head propped in his hand as he gazed at John through the laptop screen. With his sexual needs momentarily dealt with, Luke's worries and concerns were creeping back into his eyes. "He isn't going to respect anything else I might want to do."

Sighing, John asked quietly, "Does he even respect you now?"

Luke snorted. "Fuck no." He stared at John. "I get your point. What difference does it make, right? He will never really respect me."

"You have a right to make your life what you want it to be, Luke," John said. "But I understand why he intimidates you. He's been doing it all your life. Bending you to his will. It's completely understandable why it's so hard for you to go against his wishes." John had never had that problem with his dad. Even with the previous issue of telling his dad he was gay, the man had always supported John in whatever John wanted to do. All his life, John had had his father's respect. Something Luke had never experienced, though he had earned it a thousand times over.

"Thanks," Luke murmured. "I mean, for understanding and all. My friends here, they act like it should be nothing for me to just tell my dad to fuck off, then do my own thing. But..." he shook his head. "They just don't get it." He met John's eyes. "But you do and that helps a lot." He smiled. "Even though you have the right to tell me what I should do...since I kind of did that with you, about your dad."

John laughed softly. "That wasn't exactly the same thing. And besides, you knew my dad would be cool with everything. Even if I was chicken shit, you knew I wasn't in danger of getting hurt. I don't feel that same certainty where your dad is concerned. It's a huge life changing step you're about to take. You'd have to be crazy not to be a little scared and nervous."

A slow breath released from Luke and he gazed warmly at John. "Man, I wish you could be there with me when I told him. I'd feel a hell of a lot braver."

"If you want me there, I'll be there, Luke," John said sincerely. "That's a given."

"I know." Luke sighed and smiled. "You're the best, John boy. But there's no way in hell I'm going to subject you to my dad's fucking psychotic reaction. Trust me, I'll do anything to protect you from that fucking prick."

John chuckled. "Well, if you change your mind, I'm there for you."

"You're out of this world awesome," Luke said. "If I'd known how super cool you really were back in school, maybe I would've tried harder to get your attention."

Lifting an eyebrow, John stared at him with a crooked grin. "Trust me, stripping in your bedroom window got my attention plenty." He grinned. "And thank you again, by the way—that was the highlight of my high school years." He snickered and flexed his right hand. "Although I nearly gave myself carpal tunnel." Then he simulated jacking off.

"Fuck," Luke laughed. "I think we both about came down with that." He cleared his throat and asked, "So, your parents are cool with me spending Christmas there?"

"Duh," John grinned. "They're the ones who invited you. My dad practically has you married into the family as it is. So...you know...you better plan on sticking around, 'cause otherwise you'd totally spoil all his plans for us." He smiled.