And So This is Christmas

Rhyno hated work parties. There always seemed to be strange social requirements and the face he had to watch his every move less he ended up as one of those embarrassing stories you never lived down.

His secret boyfriend, Heath, loved work gatherings. Rhyno could only assume it had everything to do with the fact Heath was a social butterfly.

Rhyno sat awkwardly in the corner. These social situations made him nervous so he chose just to people watch. He kept his gaze focused on Heath as he flit around the room, mingling with anyone and everyone.

"You don't like these things either?" Curt Hawkins asked, approaching Rhyno. He sipped something pink and fruity smelling out of a plastic martini glass.

"Nope. I just come with Heath." Rhyno nodded in Heath's general direction as he regaled Apollo, Dana and Titus with some story accentuated with many vigorous hand motions.

"Well, if only I could find someone like you." Curt held up the glass and took another swallow. "Being single sucks."

Rhyno laughed nervously. He tried to think of an answer but there wasn't an easy way to respond. It wasn't as though they were out as a couple. There were rumors- he and Heath had heard them on separate occasions both together and apart. They chose to ignore them. Their business belonged only to them and not to the entire locker room.

"Oh, we're just friends." Rhyno replied, speaking in a hushed voice. He wasn't prepared for the reaction he got.

Curt knocked back the rest of the drink in a single swallow, set the glass aside and spun around to face Rhyno head on.

"You two are just friends as much as Sheamus and Cesaro!" Curt boomed. He poked Rhyno in the chest with each word to make a point. "We all know! There is no reason to hide. It is POINTLESS!"

The room went deathly silent as Curt ranted. Rhyno could feel the eyes on him from every possible angle. He doesn't know if he should respond to Curt or just grab Heath and disappear.

"He's drunk. I got him." Luke Gallows appeared out of nowhere. He threw an arm around Curt, pulling him away. "Sorry!" Rhyno watched them disappear. He was still speechless but at least, he was no longer the center of attention.

"What the hell was that?" Heath rushed over, ready to do what's needed. "Do I need to defend your honor?"

Through his embarrassment, Rhyno laughed. The mental image of the scrappy Heath rushing to defend his honor amused him way more than it probably should have.

"I'm fine. He was drunk and just decided to make an ass of himself." Rhyno sighed. He felt the stress evaporating as Heath took him in his arms.

Part of the reason Heath and Rhyno chose to keep their relationship secret was simply because they wanted a piece of the world that belonged only to them.

"Don't worry. No one cares we're together." Heath pecked Rhyno on the lips. "Love you."

"Love you too," Rhyno replied, speaking softly.

He found it quite strange. They were surrounded by people and yet, it would seem that they were the only two there.

Rhyno kissed again for good measure.

"Merry Christmas," Heath whispered. "Best Christmas ever."

-Fin-