Chapter Nineteen - Snow Day and Kissing Without the Mistletoe

Snow Day arrived and with that, the option to throw a gift giving party.
Since there was no furniture, it was pretty easy to place the gift pile.

Also, this was the one and probably only, chance for Austin to fulfil his locked wish to 'kiss Shannon'.

But first. Completely and utterly out of the blue.
He stripped naked, and started streaking around the place!!

Much to the amusement and disgust of his arriving guests.

Did you see that?
Yup, he's the guy I work with.
You poor thing.
No, not really, he's quite entertaining ... in his own unique way.

Finally, all the guests arrived (plus a few gatecrashers) and planted their gifts on the pile. It was quite a gathering really. Work colleagues, people he'd interviewed.

He wished for a buffet table, but didn't get the chance to fill it as the time to open gifts was almost upon him.
So, whilst everyone gathered, he sidled up to Shannon.

I've been thinking.
(Shannon hovers)
Yes?
Um.
Yes?
Oh hell, why not? Please don't hate me for this but......

He grabbed her and planted a 'heat of the moment' kiss on her lips. Visions of what happened the last time he used that kiss flashed into his head at that precise moment, and he wondered if history was going to repeat itself right here, right now.

Shannon gasped and stood back, stunned.

Before grabbing Austin and pulling him in for a little more passion. And all this, without the use of the mistletoe!!

So .... you like me then?
I've been waiting for you to do that for a long time Austin.
Really?
Really.

Hopefully this will kick start their budding relationship, as so far, it's been a bit - well to be honest a deflated balloon ....  flat.

Anyways, time to open the presents.

Austin hoped that Shannon would like the retro lamp/sculpture thingy/whatever that he'd carefully chosen.

But nope. She wasn't impressed. Guess you'll have to try harder next time Austin.

Someone got the pile of poop .... or was it some coal? Guess they've been naughty this year ROFL, I think it was the green haired kid!!

Austin's pretty excited.

Not only did he get a chess set (that's the bog standard gift as far as I'm aware).

But he got a guitar too!! Maybe he can learn to play and serenade Shannon at some point?
Just thinking ahead here ....

And Peanut just happened to arrive and barked at Austin.

YAP. YAP. YAP.!!
What's he doing?
Oh he's just letting you know he's not happy with you.
Why?
Because you haven't given him any attention all day!

I thought that was just too cute ... really.