Work Text:
Jim got a phone call from his dad two weeks before Thanksgiving. Jim answered and said, “Hi, Dad. What’s going on?”
“Hi, Jimmy, I just wanted to hopefully be the first invitation for Thanksgiving dinner, and you can bring a date.”
“I work, Dad.”
“So, we’ll make it later. How about 6:30? Would that be late enough?”
Jim stalled a moment, trying to think up an excuse, but then thought of the wonderful dinner he would be missing.
“Perfect, Dad. Thank you for the invitation. I’ll be there by 6:30. Talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Jimmy.” William hung up the phone and looked over at his other son, Steven, and said, “How much do you want to make a bet he brings Blair Sandburg?”
Steven smiled and said, “Don’t you like Blair, Dad?”
“Yes, I like Blair a great deal, but Jimmy needs to date. He’ll never marry again if he keeps bringing the same person to our house.”
“First of all, it’s none of our business. Second, maybe he has feelings for Blair instead of a girlfriend. Did you ever think of that?”
“Yes, I thought of that, more than once. If he’s gay, I would have to learn to deal with it. I was hoping for grandchildren someday. Oh, well. If he is, he is. We’ll accept him no matter what.”
“I think that he wants to ask him out, but is afraid that either Blair will say no, or we’ll disapprove. I’ve noticed that Jim tries not to disappoint you, Dad.”
“I know that, Steven. But I don’t know how to bring it up without embarrassing or upsetting him. I’ll have to wait until he’s ready.”
“He’ll come around, Dad.”
William hoped so. But if he didn’t, William would be extra nice to Blair.
*********************
When Blair arrived home from the grocery store, Jim was making dinner. Blair was thrilled because he was starving.
“The house smells good, Jim. I’m starving.”
“You should never go to the grocery store hungry,” Jim teased.
“Oh, hush. I didn’t buy too much junk, but I sure wanted to. When will dinner be done?”
“In 20 minutes, Chief. Oh, before I forget, my dad called to invite us to Thanksgiving dinner. He’s making it later so that we can come.”
“Are you sure he invited me?” Blair asked, worriedly.
“Yeah, I know when he does or doesn’t. Do you want to go?”
“Hell, yes. After working all day, it’ll be nice to go there and relax, eat, clean up, and visit with the two of them. If you don’t have anyone else to go with you, I would gladly go.”
“Chief, you are who I want to go. Don’t think, I’m settling.”
Blair looked over at him, surprised, and said, “Is this a date?”
“It is if you want it to be. I’ve been a chicken shit, but I don’t ever want you to think I’m settling.”
“Oh, I want it to be. Can we tell them before we go?”
“Tell them?” Jim inquired. He looked less than happy about it.
“Unless it’s a secret. I mean, I hoped we could be out, but we’ll talk about it later.”
Jim walked over to the phone and dialed his dad’s number. “Ellison…”
“Hi, Dad. I wanted to let you know that Blair and I are a couple now, so he’ll be coming as my date. If you change your mind about the invitation, just let me know. Talk to you later, Dad.”
“Wait a moment. I get to say something first. What took you two so long?” William teased.
Jim smiled and answered, “We’re a little slow on the uptake. Thank you for accepting us, Dad. How about Steven? It may upset him.”
“He was wondering what was taking you so long. I told him now all the pressure is on him to give me grandchildren.” William laughed.
“What about adoption, Dad. Are you opposed to that?”
“Jimmy, I just want grandchildren, I don’t care how they come to me.”
“Count on us. See you for Thanksgiving, Dad.”
They said their goodbyes, and Jim hung up the phone. He smiled at Blair and said, “No secrets, Chief.”
“Thank you, man. I wanted to tell him with you, but this works too. I’m so happy, Jim.” Blair pulled Jim’s face down to his level and kissed him with much passion. They stayed that way for quite some time.
“Is that how you always kiss?” Jim asked, breathing hard.
“I guess so. Did you like that kiss?” Blair kissed him once more.
“Yeah, I loved it. How about I take you to dinner tonight as my date, and we’ll come home and celebrate afterward?”
“Perfect idea. Where are we going?” Blair asked.
“How about Sullivan’s Steak House? We both love it there so that it can be our new favorite place.”
“I’ve got a better idea, Jim. You can take me to the Blues Club on Kolb and 39th Street. I hear the food is fabulous, the music is to die for, and there is dancing. I want to show you off.”
“Our new favorite place shall be the Blues Club. Sounds like a good plan. Thank you for agreeing to this, Blair. I was really nervous.”
“No need for nervousness with me, Jim. We’re going to rock this dating.”
“I believe you’re 100% correct.” Jim then pulled Blair back into his arms and kissed him once again. They both knew they were in for a lot of fun and passion.
And they were both ready.