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The bright red, green, and white lights illuminated the room while the fireplace crackled in the background. Conversation filled the house, smiles on everyone’s faces.
Despite all the people there, the only person Tango could focus on was Jimmy. Sweet, oblivious Jimmy. It was Tango’s goal to finally— finally— get Jimmy to himself. But, there was a catch. Scott hadn’t left Jimmy’s side for the entire party.
Scott wasn’t rude to Tango or anything, he just never left Jimmy’s side and it made Tango want to scream. Tango could never get Jimmy to himself because Scott was always around. Birthday party? Scott was next to Jimmy. Group hangout? Scott was next to Jimmy. Conventions? Scott is still next to Jimmy!
And so, he came up with a plan. He had asked Skizz to distract Scott while he… Well, he hadn’t thought that far yet. Maybe he could start a conversation about cows? Wait—why cows?… Never mind, he’d think of something later.
He was brought back to reality when Skizz started talking to Scott and signaled him to go talk to Jimmy. He took a deep breath in before getting up from the sofa he had been sitting on.
“Hey Jimmy!” Tango called, waving while approaching Jimmy.
Jimmy looked up from his phone. “Oh, Tango! My Rancher!” He waved while smiling. They had teamed up for group games before and they were almost always called the Ranchers. Tango liked that they had something to call just theirs.
The bright light from the dining room chandelier shone beautifully onto Jimmy’s features, causing Tango’s face to warm lightly.
Tango felt like he was walking on air, his heart close to bursting. Obviously his heart wasn’t actually going to burst, since that would be gross and ruin his chances at being with Jimmy. Nevertheless, his heart swelled with all the emotions he had been trying to hide, too afraid to ruin their friendship.
But tonight, he was determined to change his relationship with Jimmy from acquaintances to boyfriend, and he wouldn’t let anything get in the way of that. Or—at the very least— he’d try.
“Tango?” Jimmy asked, snapping his fingers in front of Tango’s face—snapping Tango out of his daze.
Tango flinched slightly before clearing his throat. “I—umm… I was wondering if— uh— maybe you could— I don’t know…” He stuttered incessantly. His throat felt dry and he felt tears well up in his eyes. Great going Tango, he’s going to think you’re a weirdo who can’t talk.
Jimmy looked at him weirdly before talking. “Are you okay Tango?” He asked, scratching the back of his neck. “Did you drink too much?” He was worried for his friend and was prepared to drive a drunk person home if it ever came to it.
“I’m fine!” He yelled, covering his mouth immediately. He felt horrible, but tried to fix it while he still could. “I— I was wondering if maybe… we could hang out some time?” He finally asked.
Behind him, someone coughed. He turned back slightly and saw Scott, who had an eyebrow raised, his hands on his hips.
Scott walked past Tango and linked his arm with Jimmy’s. He looked Tango up and down, his eyes signaling—what are you doing— directed at Tango. He was a bit confused on what was happening, but he seemed to have a pretty good idea on what it was.
“I think Jimmy would have to check his schedule. Right Jim?” He said in a calm and controlled tone. His voice didn’t hide the subtle annoyance behind his words.
Tango glanced behind himself, looking directly at Skizz. Skizz was sweating nervously, having been unable to keep Scott distracted for long. Tango internally sighed before looking back at Scott and Jimmy.
Jimmy looked between the two. “We’d have to plan when we could hang out. I might have a few free days, so I’ll let you know. Alright?” He seemed uncomfortable, but he handled it well. Great job at keeping calm, Jimmy!
Tango rubbed his arm nervously. “Yeah. See you?” He looked up at Jimmy, expression filled with hope. He hoped that Scott wouldn’t ruin the moment more than he already had. Tango didn’t even understand why Scott was so protective over Jimmy. It’s not like they’re dating…right?
Jimmy laughed awkwardly. “Sure, why not?” He answered.
Tango let out a sigh of relief. “I—okay. Thanks.” He waved and went to sit with the others in front of the fireplace. It was then that he realized how chilly he had been. It was winter after all, but it was colder than it usually was.
Maybe he could try to share a blanket with Jimmy in the pretense that they’re only doing it to share warmth? No, that’s stupid. It might make his perfect Jimmy uncomfortable!
Impulse suddenly appeared in front of him, setting a hot chocolate on the table in front of him. “Cold? Honestly, I am too.” He said, trying to start a conversation. Tango really wasn’t in the mood…but he could entertain Impulse for a few moments. Just to distract himself for a moment.
At the corner of his eye, he could still see Scott and Jimmy bickering playfully about something random. He wondered if he would ever be as close to Jimmy as Scott was.
“Tango!” Impulse’s voice cut through Tango’s thoughts, surprising him. “You okay?”
Tango blinked. “Don’t— don’t worry. I’m fine…” he answered, looking down at his hands. He didn’t want his stupid crush to get in the way of good friendships. Maybe he should just…quit? No, he was determined to finally get the romance of his dreams.
“If you’re feeling sick, I could take you home?” Impulse suggested. If Tango was being totally honest, the fireplace was starting to feel too hot and the lights flashing on the Christmas tree were starting to make him nauseous.
He let out a tired sigh. He decided that maybe—just maybe—it wasn’t worth it to try and get with Jimmy. He could never get Jimmy alone! And besides, if they got together, would Jimmy and Scott still be the same? His heart couldn’t handle that.
Before Tango could answer, he was interrupted by Scar yelling that they were going to start playing a game. Tango’s face lit up immediately. Maybe he could team up with Jimmy!
They all sat in the living room, playing Heads Up! They were put into teams. Each person who got their word right won a point for their team.
Tango hadn’t been put in the same team as Jimmy. He wanted to rip his hair out and scream. He started to question his life existence and cursed whoever brought him into this world.
“Oh! I think I got it! Is it a giraffe?” Jimmy asked, bouncing in his heels in excitement. “No? What do you mean it’s not a giraffe?! What other animal has a long neck?” He ran out of time and went to sit down in between Tango and Scott again.
He sunk down into the sofa, crossing his arms in disappointment. “What was it?” He asked Tango, raising an eyebrow.
Before Tango could answer, Scott snorted and answered before he could. “It was a llama.” He scoffed, rolling his eyes while trying to hold in laughter.
What was with Tango being interrupted lately? He felt as if the universe was playing some kind of cruel joke on him.
Soon enough, it was time to go home. Tango felt… unfulfilled. He felt as if he hadn’t tried hard enough to get Jimmy’s attention. At least they would see each other another day?
They all bid their goodbyes, giving each other their gifts to take home and open the next day.
He stood in front of the door, unsure if he should leave yet or not. He looked behind at the few people still there just in time to see… Scott and Jimmy’s faces very close together. What were they doing?
Then, they closed the gap. They were kissing under the mistletoe! Tango felt his heart sink. He quickly ran out the door, slamming the door shut behind him. He quickly ran to his car to go home.
When he arrived home, he let himself sink to the floor and cry. His body shook as he sobbed loudly. Looks like you can’t have everything on Christmas Day.