Preferences

Disclaimer: The Canadian Idol series and its competitors are the property of 19e and CTV. This is a work of fanfiction. No money is being made from this story and no infringement is intended.

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--- X --- Preferences --- X ---
--- by paperbacksniper ---
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"Have you seen my shoes?" cried a voice from a room down the hallway.

Billy looked up from where he was sitting on the edge of the bed and took a quick scan around the room before bending back over to finish tying his boots.

"Nope!" came his muffled reply. "Have you checked the closet?"

Ryan frowned and got up from his position on the sagging couch. "I've checked it about six times already, Klippert! The shoes are definitely not there!"

Another reply from Billy.

Ryan frowned. "I have no idea what you just said!"

Thumping footsteps could be heard and were louder as they came closer. Billy appeared in the doorway and leaned in the frame. "Forget what I said! Just put on your winter boots, Ryan. It's going to be cold anyway."

Ryan squeezed past Billy's bulky frame and pattered his way fown the hallway towards the closet.

"I'd really prefer my shoes."
"Why?"
" ... Because the boots make my feet sweat."

Scrunching up his nose, Billy made his way back to the couch where his leather jacket was thrown. He shrugged it on around his form and slid on his gloves.

"Hurry up, Malcolm!" he called, impatiently.

Ryan came back down the hallway wearing his sneakers, a sheepish expression on his face. Billy raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, uh. They were in the closet."
"Didn't you already -"
" ... Shut up!"

* * *

" ... I think the sweat is freezing around my toes." whined Ryan, as Billy guided him down the salted sidewalk; Ryan in one hand, a cigarrette in the other.

He took a quick puff and exhaled slowly. "Dude, thought it was the winter boots that made your feet sweat?"

"Yeah uh, you know my feet just sweat in general." retorted Ryan, brushing snowflakes off his jacket.

Billy rolled his eyes. They continued walking for a few more minutes in silence before enroaching on a tree lot.

"We need a bigger tree this year." muttered Ryan, as he eyed some of the smaller trees distastefully.

"The tree last year not big enough for you, Malcolm?"

"You know that I like my things big."

Billy raised an eyebrow and did not fail to notice Ryan staring at his ass.

* * *

All that could be heard in the dark of the corridor was laughter, heavy panting, and pounding noises. There was another guffaw from Ryan as he finally turned on the light in the hallway. Billy reached the top of the stairs soon after, dragging a huge fir tree behind him. He gave one final pull and hauled the tree up to the landing. He paused a moment and then leaned it against the wall beside their doorway.

"Next time, Malcolm" gasped Billy, "You're carrying the tree."

Ryan grinned.

* * *

Billy got up from his knees and brushed his hands against his jeans. He stared up at the tree, which was taking up a large bit of the rather small apartment. He grabbed Ryan around the waist and spun him around to face him, pulling him closer in the process.

"You know, Malcolm" Billy murmured, as he pressed his lips to Ryan's, "There's a reason I prefer my things small."

~fin~