Work Text:
❄🎄 🌟 December 1 🌟 🎄❄
December Newsletter:
Residents of Truham Complex:
🎄Thank you for attending Tara and Darcy's moving party. We will miss them greatly but know they are moving on to new adventures.
🎄We love this community we have built and can’t wait to welcome the new resident to flat 4b who will be moving in this week. Please stop by and give him a warm Truham welcome.
🎄The annual holiday party will be held on December 8th in the first floor meeting space at 7 pm. It's an excellent time to meet and mingle with neighbours, and we look forward to seeing you. We will vote on the holiday baking competition at the event, and the winner will receive priority parking for the remainder of 2024.
Building resident representative,
Nick Nelson (4a)
❄🎄 🌟 December 6 🌟 🎄❄
Charlie Spring hated Christmas.
Scratch that - Charlie Spring hated this Christmas.
No, even that wasn't quite right. Charlie Spring would have hated this Christmas if he had had to spend another night in his old childhood bedroom amongst the keepsakes of his teenage self, interspersed with judgemental looks from a mother who thinks he will never settle down.
He grumbled as he pulled a box from the boot and made his way in, nudging the ‘up’ button on the lift with his elbow. Six months ago he had broken up with James - a nice enough man.
Brain: He was very boring.
AHEM. A nice enough man, and had moved back in with his parents while he searched for a new place to live.
Six.
Months.
Which was officially six months too long for anyone in their late 20s to live with their parents. Which honestly wasn't fair because some people had lovely parents. But it was six months too long to cohabitate with Jane. Which is why, when a flat that was borderline close to his work and only slightly out of his price range opened up, he snagged it. Anything to get away from the forced holiday cheer around the Spring household.
And so what if his flat was on the smaller side? (He had toured both floor plans in the building and the other side of the hallway was significantly larger). And maybe his window faced a lovely brick wall of the adjoining building instead of the street, but it did have a gorgeous view of the corner of an advertisement that he could see if he strained his head a bit. But what it didn't have was frilly green and red tea towels that said, “ho ho hold my wine” and “Santa, I can explain”, which honestly hadn’t seemed like a Jane thing either until she found herself caught up in the pinterest wine-mum culture.
Brain: It also doesn't have the feeling of nonverbal nagging and watching and constant criticism. So big W there.
So yes, Charlie Spring would be just fine. He blinked as the lift doors opened. There was his door - 4b - on the right, but unlike when he took the tour, directly across the hallway appeared to be some sort of Christmas novelty shop. Which obviously couldn’t be correct, but for a solid 3.6 minutes, Charlie stood and stared at the blinking colourful lights making a small halo around the door to flat 4b, and the soft sounds of Jingle Bells that played, filling the hall.
Ok, so maybe - even after moving into his new flat - Charlie Spring could still find it in his heart to hate Christmas.
❄🎄 🌟 December 7 🌟 🎄❄
Sent Message: Tori
Sent Message: Tori
Sent Message: Victoria
Received Message: welcome to michael facts
you are now subscribed to Michael facts
Sent Message: Ok. tell me a michael fact. Received Message: Ewww. no.
what did you actually want?
Sent Message: you have no dedication to the bit
Received Message: I’m turning off notifs
Sent Message: I was just going to send you a pic of the neighbour’s door
Sent Message: 
Received Message: Awwww
The “ho-ho-hold my beer” sign matches mum’s tea towels
Sent Message: I know! Sent Message: What did I get myself into? Received Message: I’m sure they are lovely.
or, you know, not Jane so still a step up…
Sent Message: True. Ok - off to unpack and try and get jingle bells out of my head!
❄🎄 🌟 December 8 🌟 🎄❄
This was a particularly special level of hell for Charlie. He knew no one in his new building, and wasn’t feeling particularly social, but he also knew that Geoff would tell him that this was something he should do. So he was going to put his big boy pants on, and go down to that damn holiday party if it killed him.
Which it might.
What was the correct attire for a building holiday party anyway? Christmas jumper?
After settling on skinny jeans, (cos when didn’t he wear those?) and a light blue jumper with some snowflakes around the collar and cuffs, he slowly made his way to the lift, while taking deep breaths, psyching himself up for both the crowd and the array of food that he knew would be there.
He wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he walked into the small gathering, but whatever he had expected he quickly concluded that this was worse. Much worse.
A large, bouncy man seemingly hopped over to him
Brain: hold that thought. We’re coming back to it.
A santa hat was on his head, with a bell jingling from the end. And there, on his chest, of the top of one of the most garish Christmas jumpers that Charlie had ever seen, was a name tag that said “Nick Nelson, 4a”.
Brain: did you notice the definition of the pecs under the jumper? You did. I’m you, and you did. I’m not going to let you forget it.
Charlie scowled. Annoying automatically crossed him off the cute list.
Brain: No it doesn't.
Of course this ridiculous human was responsible for the ridiculous display in his hallway.
“Hi! You must be Charlie! My name is Nick, and I’m the president of the residents association here. Which basically just means I help organise everyone. Social lubricant and all, if you know what I mean.” He grinned at Charlie expectantly, sweeping his eyes up and down Charlie’s form.
“So,” Charlie began, “are you the one I talk to about the explosion of holiday decorations in my hall?”
Nick’s eyes widened.
Brain: Are those flecks of gold in the amber? Let's memorise the way he looks.
“I’m… I’m sorry. I can change them to non-descript holiday decorations if you would like.”
Brain: You hurt him! Fix it!
Stupid brain. “No, no,” Charlie reassured him. “It’s fine.” He glanced down at the small plate of random foodstuffs in Nick’s hand, horrified to find a combination of cheese crackers and marshmallows, swimming in a small pool of pickle juice from the pickles he had piled up on the side.
Brain: move past it. Those look like strong fingers holding the plate.
In fact, Charlie was so consumed by the odd combination of Nick’s snack choices that he completely forgot to listen to what Nick was saying. He blinked back into the conversation to find Nick just staring at him, his head tilted, and a soft look in his eyes. What the fuck?
Brain: more like who to fuck, amirite?
❄🎄 🌟 December 9 🌟 🎄❄
# ThatsGay
Nicky the Binosaur ()
headed off to this neighbour xmas thing - miss you two!
December 9, 2024
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Bi-panic incoming
Darcy-Bear ()
I feel like that should just be your screen name.
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
Who is it this time? Also how are you doing? I know this time of year is hard sometimes.
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Thanks. Actually I’m doing ok.
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
That’s good. Between the break up with Jen and us moving away, I worry sometimes. I miss seeing your face around.
Darcy-Bear ()
I miss seeing your extra muffins and baking appearing on our doorstep. Your buns are spectacular. And the baking is pretty good too!
Darcy-Bear ()
ba-dum-ch. Ba-bum-cha? How do I type the drum sound?
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Thank’s Darce - I miss your buns too.
Darcy-Bear ()
Eww, no. These are all Tara’s buns.
Nicky the Binosaur ()
🙄 Back to your original question - it's going ok. This resident council thing is actually forcing me to be social. Hence the aforementioned bi-panic.
Darcy-Bear ()
The new resident? In our old flat?
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Yeah. It's… bad. He has these bright blue eyes. And curly hair. And dimples.
Darcy-Bear ()
Oh, well you are in luck. That is a lucky flat. At least, I always managed to get lucky in it.
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
Don’t forget we’ll be by in a few days!
Darcy-Bear ()
Yes! Let's go out dancing! Maybe you can bring the new neighbour with you! Shots! Shots! Shots!
[Typing: Message #ThatsGay]
❄🎄 🌟 December 10 🌟 🎄❄
Nick hummed as he pulled the tenth baking sheet from his oven, setting it down carefully on the trivets, before wiping his hands on his apron. Sure, he hadn’t run into Charlie since the resident’s party. But he was determined to meet up with him again. And his mind was humming with possibilities.
Clearly, they had different schedules as they never met each other in the hall. He needed some sort of representative Nick there.
Mind: what if you had an intermediary pass on the message?
He chuckled as he imagined a robot Nick beep-boop-bopping over to Charlie. He may have even set down the cookies, done a robot dance, and said “Will you date Nick Nelson” in a robot voice before he moved on to icing the cookies.
Whatever he did it had to be special. He put on his “I’m feeling happy and want to dance” playlist as he bopped around, checking on the various cookies to see if they had cooled completely and were ready to move into the 35 personally decorated baking boxes that he had made for each of the teachers at his school. Just as he was putting the small cinnamon dot on an elf hat, a light bulb went off in his brain.
Mind: there is no electricity here. It's an idea. And it's not magic - I made it for you.
Fine. He knew the year one teachers always did a school themed elf-on-the-shelf. Maybe he could just pop down to Smyth’s and pick one up, and the elf could ask him out.
Mind: Are we sure about this?
Yes, obviously. Stupid mind, always trying to talk him out of wonderful ideas that it supplied in the first place.
Mind: Eat a cookie. Your blood sugar is low.
Ok. Maybe it had some good ideas.
❄🎄 🌟 December 11 🌟 🎄❄
# ThatsGay
Darcy-Bear ()
I know I'm gay AF but Paul Hollywood could get it...
December 11, 2024
Nicky the Binosaur ()
What did you do Darce?
Darcy-Bear ()
😇 What do you mean?
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
I'd answer but I literally don't know what they did. I'm also deadly curious.
Nicky the Binosaur ()
This box was overnighted to my flat.
Darcy-Bear ()
Thats right saint-nickolodian! Its your new lucky pants! Go get your boy!
[Typing: Message #ThatsGay]
❄🎄 🌟 December 12 🌟 🎄❄
“Well, maybe I would still be living there if you weren’t breathing down my neck all the time!” Charlie yelled, loud enough to drown out his brain telling him that this was a bad idea. “Of course James isn’t fucking coming to Christmas. We broke up. I don’t know why you got the idea that I moved out to get back together. I don’t care if you really liked him and wanted him to be your son-in-law.”
Brain: Reel it in there.
Charlie took a deep breath, tapping his fingertips on the counter of his new flat.
Brain: In-for-three-hold-out-for-three.
And ok, maybe he had just moved without telling his mum all the details.
Brain: Any of the details. You literally avoided her the entire last three weeks.
But he had no idea that she thought he was moving back in with James. It had been six months. He had well moved on from that relationship, even if his mum hadn’t.
“Look Mum, I probably didn’t tell you, and that’s on me. But no,” he continued, calm and measured this time, “James is not coming to Christmas. I will be there for Christmas dinner, but if Abuelo starts getting shitty about food I’m leaving.”
Brain: Good boundaries! Bad use of swearing at Jane, but it gets a pass.
“Now, I have to go. I’m going to be late for work,” Charlie sighed as he hung up. Maybe he was a little unfair on his mum, but she was unfair on him as well. And he really didn’t want to deal with the stress of fighting on top of the stress of work and moving as well.
Brain: Also, you may be a little pent up.
Brain: More than a little.
Brain: Seriously Charlie, it’s been six months since the break up.
He quickly grabbed his keys and wallet, sweeping his door open to the still-flickering-and-jingling display across the hall, now playing “All I Want for Christmas Is You”.
Thanks for that earworm, Charlie muttered.
He suddenly found himself wildly flailing his arms searching for balance. He looked down to see he had tripped over one of those silly elf-on-the-shelf things that was somehow in the middle of his entryway.
Brain:🎵 I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need...🎵
Ugh. This Christmas display was getting out of hand!
Brain: 🎵I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree…🎵
Charlie scowled. Seriously. He started stomping angrily down the hallway towards the lift doors.
Brain: 🎵Make my wish come true-ue-ue. All I want for Christmas is you…🎵
Charlie rolled his eyes as the lift doors closed, not noticing the small yellow post-it note that fluttered down settling next to the now-stomped-on elf.
Brain: Seriously though, it's been a looooooooong time since you got laid. You should knock on 4a and see if Cute Arms is single.
❄🎄 🌟 December 13 🌟 🎄❄
Attached: 4a_complaint.doc (9 KB)
We have had a complaint from the resident in flat 4b regarding the holiday decorations. Please see attached.
Sincerely,
- Linda Everton
Please refrain from holiday decorations in the communal walkways.
Thank you kindly,
Charlie Spring (4b)
❄🎄 🌟 December 13 - 14 🌟 🎄❄
“It’s only my - hic - fifth one Darce. I’m fine.” Nick was slumped over his pint, hunched really, trying to enjoy the evening with his friends. His friends who he never saw anymore. Who moved away from him.
Mind: Because no one loves you.
Fuck off brain.
Mind: He saw your note and stomped on it.
“I’m sorry. I’m such a killjoy today. I was so excited to see you, and then not only did he step on my elf, but he complained about me to building management.” Nick could feel his eyes getting hot and blinked quickly.
“I was so sure those were going to be lucky pants, Nicky.” Darcy furrowed their brow.
“I just… I’m so tired, Darce.” Nick laid his head down on the sticky pub table. “David is married, and I’m here - single. Jen broke up with me. You moved away. Mum is going on holiday over Christmas.”
Tara pulled Nick into a one-arm hug. “We’re here now. We love you.”
Mind: I have good friends. They do love me.
“Breathe with me, ok Nick?” Tara said, holding onto his arms. The room slowly stopped spinning.
“I think you need to go dancing,” Darcy chimed in.
Mind: You did wear the fabulous pants they sent you today.
“I did wear the pants you got me,” Nick sheepishly admitted. Darcy’s squeal filled the air as they threw their arms around Nick. “It’s fate then. We shall go out dancing and forget all our worries, and any hot neighbours that exist.”
Mind: Maybe don't forget about the hot neighbour though.
The rest of the night turned into one of those blurs that happens fairly often when you’re in your 20s but much less often in your 30s, which you always end up paying for heavily the next day. The end of the evening -which was really the next morning, the sun was up and everything - Nick had stumbled back into the lift singing “Blue Christmas”, and onwards to his door.
Mind: Stupid door. Stupid Christmas. Ooohhhh let’s eat cookies. I love Christmas.
His phone was dead, his head hurt, his heart hurt, and lights were bright, and the hall was spinning, and a beautiful Christmas angel was coming towards him, hazy, with a star behind him.
Mind: This is definitely real. I’m sure this is happening. Ask for a wish.
“Chishmash angel,” Nick called out. “Oh! You stopped! You are real! Hi Chismash angel.”
The angel just looked at him, seemingly holding in a giggle.
Mind: That is a fucking hot angel.
“You are a fucking hot angel,” Nick said.
Mind: You said that out loud!
“Oops! I said that out loud!” Nick giggled. The angel started walking by him, still laughing.
Mind: Your wish! Angels give wishes. I’m sure of it!
“Wait!” Nick called, happy to see the Christmas angel pause. “I need my three wishes! I wish that the cute boy across the hall liked me.”
Mind: Good job securing that wish! Now - wish for more wishes!
“Oh good call,” Nick muttered to himself, turning to the now closed lift doors.
He stumbled back to his door, fishing in his pockets for his keys.
Mind: remember when you set your keys down on the sink at the third club? Was I supposed to remind you about that?
Fuck. And his phone was dead too.
Mind: Do you have a spare key on top of your door frame?
Nick reached up scooting his hand along the door frame just out of reach, hoping to find a key. Which of course was not up there. Gerald the Christmas spider, who had moved in to be near the music and lights, was though - and was not happy about being disturbed.
Mind: It’s going to kill us! Run! Spider!
Nick panicked and turned to run, catching the pocket of his trousers on the hinged doorknob, and a loud rip rang through the air.
Mind: 🎵 Cuz I just want you here tonight - hold on to me so tight - what more can I do?🎵
Exhausted, and not wanting to face management drunk and in ripped trousers, Nick lay down on his welcome mat, curled up, and fell asleep.
❄🎄 🌟 December 14 🌟 🎄❄
Sent Message: So… the funniest thing happened this morning
Received Message: I'll take your word for it
Sent Message: You remember the neighbour I told you about?
Received Message: Annoying tea-towel neighbour?
Sent Message: I think I said cute? Did I not say cute? Very cute.
Sent Message: He was very very drunk this morning when I went out for coffee, and I just got back to my flat
Sent Message: He is asleep in the hall, and his trousers are split wide open
Sent Message: He’s wearing pride-pants, Tori
Received Message: of course he is. Because based off your description of him he seemed very subtle at everything
Sent Message: He also asked me for three wishes, and one of them was to make the - and I quote - “cute boy across the hall like me” Received Message: This sounds like a ridiculous trope
Received Message: like a setup that would never happen in real life
Sent Message: and yet...
Charlie paused, pocketing his phone. That elf from the other day was still there, but he just noticed a small Post-it note next to it.
I like you from my head to my mistletoe.
Let's make like ornaments and hang out.
-Nick Nelson, 4(a)
Brain: he’s funny too
That’s not even funny. You’re just saying that cuz you’re horny.
Brain: Ok, so he’s a little funny but he’s also a lot really fucking hot.
Brain: Fix this so you can fix this if you know what I mean.
He pulled out his phone again.
Sent Message: I think I have a plan. I’m going to buy an elf Received Message: Seems normal.
❄🎄 🌟 December 14 🌟 🎄❄
# ThatsGay
Darcy-Bear ()
Tara's pulling in now Nicky-poo - you owe me shots!
December 14, 2024
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Um… so about last night.
Nicky the Binosaur ()
I don’t remember a lot about it, but I woke up in the hall outside my flat and my trousers were ripped?
Darcy-Bear ()
stop the phone making noise
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
🙄 She had to type that btw Nick
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
How are you feeling? You were kind of rough when we dropped you off.
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Not great. Pretty sure that, unless new neighbour hasn’t been around at all, he saw my ass out with the bi-pride pants you bought
Darcy-Bear ()
success!
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
There is no way you foresaw that
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
Why were you in the hall?
Nicky the Binosaur ()
I don’t remember exactly. My keys were on the floor halfway down the hall. I’m just glad I found them before anyone saw me. I’m mortified.
[Typing: Message #ThatsGay]
A hot shower and some salty carbs did some of the work to address the pounding headache that Nick found himself left with, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something.
Mind: I remember an Angel. Are angels real?
There were certainly flashes of something that he was attributing to an angel, but nothing that made sense or could even be pieced together as part of the narrative of last night.
Mind: Because angels are ✨magic✨.
Whatever.
❄🎄 🌟 December 15 🌟🎄❄
# ThatsGay
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Um… This was in the hallway this morning?
Nicky the Binosaur ()
Am I reading too much into this?
Darcy-Bear ()
YES!
Darcy-Bear ()
I mean no you aren't! Go get your boy!
[Typing: Message #ThatsGay]
❄🎄 🌟 December 15 🌟🎄❄
Sent Message: Life update
Sent Message: So… I did a thing. And it worked. And I'm going out to coffee with the neighbour.
Received Message: text me when you get back so I know you aren’t murdered
🌟🎄❄
# ThatsGay
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
It’s been like 4 hours
Jonsey-the-dancer ()
Everything ok?
Darcy-Bear ()
5 hours now! I hope you are on someone’s naughty list!
[Typing: Message #ThatsGay]
🌟🎄❄
Received Message: So, murdered right?
Sent Message: SHIT! I meant to text.
Sent Message: Nope. Went well.
Sent Message: Really well.
Sent Message: 
❄🎄 🌟♥ December 15 - Forever ♥🌟 🎄❄
Mind: I might be part snowman because he is making me melt
Brain: He can shimmy down my chimney anytime.
