Chapter Text
December 21st
Day One
Cory had never had a Christmas without snow. It was weird for her to wake up and look outside, seeing nothing but palm trees and girls in tiny shorts.
Today, Cory rolled out of bed and shrugged on a sweater, fuzzy boots, and some warm pants. She rested her bag on her shoulder and walked down the stairs.
"Cory? What are you wearing?" Robbie asked. "It's 73 degrees outside, kiddo."
Cory groaned and stomped back upstairs.
"I MISS SNOW!" She yelled and then shut her door. Parker chuckled.
"Should we tell her it's Saturday or just--"
"No, I wanna see how long we can keep this up." Robbie grinned.
.•
They kept it up all the way to the mall.
"Where the heck beck are we going?" Cory said. "I'm gonna be so friggin late for school."
"Should we tell her?" Parker asked. Robbie sighed.
"Yeah I guess." He mumbled, a bit disappointed that the game was over.
"Today's Saturday." Parker said. Cory groaned.
"What the fuck, you guys?" Cory sighed. Parker and Robbie gasped.
"Where the fuck did you learn such foul language?!" Robbie cried.
"Who the hell has been saying that god forsaken word around you?!" Parker said in disbelief.
"Goddamnit it's probably all your fuckin friends, isn't it?" Robbie sighed.
"I mean, where else could she have heard that goddamn fucking word?" Parker asked Robbie.
"I don't know, we would never say shit like that around her."
"Damn right."
"Can we go now?" Cory groaned.
"Hmm? Oh, yes." Parker said and they all got out of the car.
The family walked into the mall, which was packed with people. Robbie pulled out a list and looked over it.
"Alright, we need to hit up a couple dozen stores or so," he said. "Then lunch."
Parker looked at Cory, who looked at him in confusion.
"D-did you not make a Christmas list?" Parker asked her. Cory shook her head. "Robbie, Cory doesn't have a list."
Robbie stopped in his tracks and slowly pivoted around on his heel, turning to face her with narrowed eyes.
"You didn't make a Christmas list?" he said slowly. Cory slowly shook her head.
"I didn't know that we were celebrating Christmas." Cory mumbled.
"Who the fuck doesn't celebrate Christmas?" Robbie hissed.
"People of the Jewish religion." Parker added.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, I asked for a Christmas list!" Robbie groaned. "I SWEAR I'M THE BACKBONE OF THIS HOUSEHOLD."
Cory almost snorted when she could hear Parker roll his eyes.
Robbie handed Cory a blank piece of paper and a pen. Cory scribbled down some things she wanted and needed and handed it back to him. Robbie looked it over and nodded.
"Okay, Parker, you and I are gonna go buy some of these things." Robbie said.
"And what do I do?" Cory asked. Robbie paused as he thought.
"Why don't you call Ryan? I'm sure he'd love to come shopping with you." Parker suggested.
"Or go buy Ryan a present," Robbie winked. "I'm sure he would totally ask you out then."
Okay, so here's the thing. Cory hadn't exactly told her parents that she had been in fact dating Ryan for the past three weeks. Since the incident(which Robbie is now blaming on some guy named Colin)she hadn't really told them anything. And she totally wasn't going to tell them now.
"M'kay." Cory then said her goodbyes to her parents and they went off to go buy her presents. She took out her phone and clicked on Ryan's number.
Cory: hey are getting each other presents?
Ryan: youll just have 2 wait and see
Cory: no. tell me now. Are we getting each other stuff? Im @ the mall rn tell me
Ryan: yeah
Cory: okay hey add me to group chat with the guys
Ryan: no your 2 innocent
Cory: your text lingo is killing me
Cory: just add me
[cory has been added to the bois]
daRyanGosling: I added Cory so be nice
Cory: y'all can act like you do when you're around me, it's fine
TrayTor: hey girl glad ya here
Jackson5gum: yeah Ryan is no fun
daRyanGosling: rude
nothisisPatrick: tru tho
daRyanGosling: ruder
TrayTor: on a more happier note, I was wondering what we're doing for the secret Santa
Scottland: I dunno but I want food @ whoeverismysanta
Scooter: what about Cory? We didn't give her a Santa
Pasty: we didn't give Ryan a Santa either *wink wink*
Scottland: CORYAN CORYAN CORYAN
[Pasty has changed the chat name to CoRyan shippers]
Cory: whO aRe aLl theSe pEoplE
Scottland: Scott
nothisisPatrick: Patrick
Jackson5gum: It's Jackson baby
daRyanGosling: easy there Jackie boy
Pasty: Aaron
Scooter: it literally says my name
Cory: is your real name actually scooter?
Scooter: no it's Taylor but I don't really like the name
Cory: Y not man it's cool
Tay Tay: bc you guys will make fun of it
Tay Tay: just like that who did this
Jackson5gum: you got me man
Tay Tay: how do I change it back
[Scottland had changed the chat name to Tay Tay's squad]
daRyanGosling: leave him and continue introductions
Pasty: I think that's all of us
Scottland: yeah
Cory: I think we're missing Pj
Señorimmigrant: u called
Cory: oh lord
Cory rolled her eyes and tucked her phone into her pocket. She walked on through the store, stopping at the gift-cards.
Cory: what's the price limit on gift cards?
Scottland: $2,000
Cory: who the fuck is putting $2,000 on a gift card
daRyanGosling: probably nobody but we make it a rule just in case
Cory: okay so what's the least we can put on it?
nothisisPatrick: well since we're only teenagers I'm gonna say $5
Cory: okay good to know
Cory picked a $50 Dick's sporting goods gift card and walked on. Christmas music was playing over the speakers in the mall and the place was abuzz with people shopping for last minute things. She felt a little pain below her stomach.
She stopped walking.
No. It can't happen now. She didn't have the time for this.
Cory groaned when she felt blood run down her leg.
Oh fuck. She thought to herself. She typed a quick "where r u?" To her parents and waited.
Blonde dad: yankee candle Y
Cory: k Imma meet y'all there
She closed up her phone and bolted off to the Yankee Candle store.
.•
Parker slipped his phone back into his pocket and continued watching Robbie scan the shelf for a certain candle.
"Maybe they're sold out." He said.
"Can't be already! They always hold at least one back for me," Robbie said. "Maybe it's in the back."
Parker followed Robbie to the checkout.
"Hi, yeah, I'm Robbie and every year I buy this candle called 'Vanilla Bean Noel' and they didn't have any left on the shelves so--"
"Yeah, we're out of those, sorry sir." The lady behind the checkout counter said. Robbie forced a chuckle.
"Yeah, well they always hold one for me in the back so if you would be so kind as to check that'd be great thanks." Robbie fake smiled. The lady obviously wasn't havin' none of it.
"Sir, I told you we are sold out. There is none in the back for you," she said. "Should've bought it way back when it was still in stock. Not five days before Christmas."
Robbie's face fell flat.
"Look here, bitch. I have came to this store since I moved here--" Robbie's roast was shut down when Cory grabbed both of their attention.
"Dads," she said in a hushed tone that could barely be heard over the noise of the store. "We've got a code red."
"What's that?" they said in union. Cory blushed a furious red.
"Y'know...Devil's river flows again?" she mumbled, hoping they would get the hint. Parker and Robbie stopped to think and Parker's mind clicked first.
"Oh! A per--oh shit a per--oh no," Parker mumbled as he came to realization. "Right-right now?"
Cory nodded. The two ran over solutions in their heads but Robbie still hadn't caught on.
"What's a 'per?'" Robbie asked confused. "What's going on?"
"Are there any stores here that carry them?" Cory asked. Parker thought, then shook his head no. "Do you by any chance have any?"
"I'm gay and married to a guy, why would we have pads or tampons?" Parker sighed, knowing they would have to make a pharmacy run.
"What are we talking about you guys?" Robbie asked, still lost. Parker groaned.
"Robbie, Cory's on her Crimson Tide." Parker said.
"What."
"Y'know, Shark Week?" Cory tried. Robbie still had confused look on his face. "Haven't you ever hear the term 'that time of the month?'"
"Isn't that when girls get really hungry and grumpy?" Robbie asked.
"Kinda."
"Robert. Don't tell me you don't know what a period is," Parker sighed. Robbie looked at him and stayed silent. "Oh lord, have mercy upon your soul. Robbie...nevermind, let's talk about it on our way to the pharmacy."
"Wait-what about shopping?" Robbie cried. "I haven't even started the shopping!"
Cory and Parker looked at each other, then back at Robbie.
"Why don't you just stay here and shop while we take care of Aunt Flo?" Cory suggested.
"Just don't cause any trouble while we're gone." Parker said.
"Like I'm gonna do that," Robbie scoffed.
"Mmhmm.." the lady at the counter said.
"I'm not done with you, bitch." Robbie hissed at her.
Parker and Cory rolled their eyes and left the mall.
.•
Robbie and Parker had both decided for him to visit his parents in March, so then they could celebrate Christmas, Parker's birthday, and Valentine's day together.
He left the candle store with the last 'Vanilla Bean Noel' that was waiting in the back for him but the lady was just too busy being a hoe to go check.
Robbie walked through the mall, looking in store windows as he tried to find Cory a perfect Christmas gift.
"Step right up! Enter for your chance to win a new car!" someone called. Robbie turned around to see a salesman standing next to a car spinning on a platform.
A light bulb went off in Robbie's head and he quickly called a cab.
"Where to, kid?" the cab driver asked.
"Any car dealership." Robbie said and the cabbie sped off.
The bell rang above the door as Robbie walked into the dealership, a salesman stopped him at the door.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you today?" the man said.
"I'm interested in buying a car." Robbie smiled.
.•
Parker and Cory walked into the CVS pharmacy. They both awkwardly shuffled to the feminine hygiene aisle.
They stood in silence as they both scanned the shelf.
"So, um, what kinda pads do you need?" Parker mumbled, flushing bright pink. "Or, or, do you use tampons?"
"Um, I dunno," Cory said. "I just know that it's pads and the box is pink."
Parker looked at the shelf.
"There are only bags of pads, no boxes," he sighed. He picked up a bag of blue pads, extra long, heavy flow. "Um, do you have heavy flow?"
"Kinda." Cory said.
"Answer the damn question, do you have heavy flow or not?" Parker said.
"Yeah, it will be more beneficial to have too thick of pads than too thin." Cory said. Parker nodded and tossed the bag into the basket.
"Come on, let's go." he said.
"No, wait, I need night time pads." Cory said. Parker groaned.
"Why did God choose this to happen to women?" Parker sighed. Cory grabbed a bag and tossed in with the other pads.
"I ask that every month. Now let's go." she said and they made their way to the check out.
.•
Robbie signed his name on the dotted line.
"Congratulations, sir, you're now a proud and lucky owner of a 2017 F12 berlinetta!" the salesman, Michael, said. Robbie smiled.
"Can I have this delivered on Christmas Eve? I'm making it my daughter's present for Christmas. I mean, every 15-year-old deserves a car." Robbie said. Michael stopped.
"You're a father?" he asked. Robbie nodded. Michael looked down at Robbie's birth date. "You were 8 when you had a kid?"
"What? No, no," Robbie laughed. "She's adopted. Me and my husband adopted her."
Michael nodded then looked at him again.
"Oh goodness, you're Robbie Kay!" he said. "I saw you on tv a few weeks ago!"
"Yeah, I get that a lot," Robbie chuckled. "Do you want an autograph or something?"
"No, not really. But you're kid's pretty cute."
Robbie forced a smile and tried not to slap the man across the face.
"Yeah..." he said slowly.
"I-I didn't mean that in a weird way, I just meant that-oh fuck-I meant it completely platonically." he stuttered. Robbie nodded.
"Just get the car at my place on Christmas Eve."
December 22nd
Day two
Cory bounded down the stairs, much happier than the last morning, and sat down at the bar.
"What's up, dads?" she smiled at her parents, who had been talking quietly in the kitchen.
"Is this one of the mood swings you were talking about?" Robbie whispered to Parker. Parker nodded. "Okay, does this happen all the time?"
"Every month. Depending on her cycle." Parker quietly explained. Robbie nodded.
"So! I've got an idea of what to do today!" Cory interrupted, quickly changing the subject.
"I do too," Parker said. "You go first, though."
"Well I was thinking, we could go buy a Christmas tree!" she said.
"T-That's exactly what I was thinking, I kid you not!" Parker laughed. "There's a great tree lot in Orange County we could go to!"
"Cool! Lemme just go get dressed and change my pad! Then we can go!" Cory smiled, hopping off the stool and ascended the stairs once more.
"So they just bleed for a whole seven days?" Robbie said, continuing the conversation.
"Or longer." Parker said.
"Oh my god, women are so powerful. I would die on the first day." Robbie said in disbelief.
"Oh, and they get cramps," Parker said as they walked to their room. "And from what I've been told it's like someone is pulling on your balls--"
"Ow."
"--Yeah--but it's, like, times ten."
"Owwww. That's painful." Robbie cried. Parker nodded and the two went to go change.
.•
Parker pulled his truck into the parking lot and parked it. The small family of three got out and walked to the tree lot, each one looking around at the trees.
"What about this one?" Parker asked, pointing to one his height. Robbie shook his head.
"Not full enough." Robbie said. Parker nodded and moved on.
"This one?" he asked. Robbie shook his head again.
"Too short."
Parker sighed and moved on.
"Hey Robbie?" Cory asked Robbie. "Are you planning having a Christmas party by any chance?"
"No, wasn't planning on it," Robbie said. "Why?"
"Oh, well I was goin' to invite some of my friends over," Cory said. "But if you're not having a party, I won't invite them."
"You can still invite them over, hon," Robbie smiled. "Parker and I don't mind. And besides, I'm glad you have friends now."
"Really? That'd be great!" Cory smiled. "Oh, but when?"
"They can come over for Christmas Eve, if their parents are okay with that, and maybe spend the night?" Robbie suggested. "Then maybe you can all celebrate Christmas together."
"Yeah!" Cory cheered. "Oh, thank you!"
"Of course, sweetie!" Robbie smiled and hugged her tightly.
"Hey, Robbie?" Parker asked. "How about this one?"
"Parker! We have married for two years! How do not know what kind of tree I like?" Robbie cried.
"Then you pick it!" Parker gave up.
"Fine!" Robbie huffed. He broke away from Cory and Parker and walked off into the lot, Parker and Cory in tow as he searched for a tree.
"Hey, Robbie said that I can invite my friends over for Christmas Eve and Day. You down with that?" Cory asked Parker.
"Yeah! That sounds like a lot of fun! Just make sure their parents are okay with it and you're all well behaved." Parker smiled.
"Cool."
They both stopped when they heard Robbie squeal in delight.
"Oi! Get over 'ere, you two!" Robbie called to them. "I found the most perfect tree!"
Parker and Cory walked around a few trees until they found Robbie standing in front of this gorgeous tree.
"Robbie," Parker said as he craned his neck to look up at the tree. "This is a really tall tree."
"Yeah, it's even taller than dad." Cory said, gesturing to Parker.
"And it's really full. I'm not sure it will fit in the truck..." Parker mumbled but trailed off when he saw Robbie's pursed lips. "What?"
"This is the tree we're buying. You told me to pick it out and so this is what we're getting," Robbie said stubbornly. "End of discussion."
.•
"Easy, Parker," Robbie said as Cory and Parker stood the tree up. "And please don't let it shed on the carpet."
"That's what the tree skirt is for, babe," Parker said. "I got this, all I have to do is make sure not to--oh shit I shook it.."
Robbie flinched as needles fell onto the good carpet.
"Parker....the carpet, love..." Robbie stressed.
"I know, Robbie, I heard you the first time..." Parker muttered. "It's just a really big tree and I'm getting all...sappy and I'm worried I'm going to hit the ceiling and--fuck it won't stop shedding."
"Parker--"
"I know."
More needles and another hissed curse as Robbie inhaled sharply.
"It's the good carpet, love.."
Parker shifted and continued easing it upright, causing it to shed even more.
"The carpet..."
"I know..."
More needles.
"OH MY GOD, PARKER, GET IT OFF THE GOOD CARPET NOW!" Robbie yelled. Parker and Cory looked at Robbie terrified and slowly moved it off of the carpet and onto the hardwood floor next to the dinning table.
December 23rd
Day three
Cory ran to catch up with Ryan and his friends in the school's hall.
"Hey y'all," She smiled as she joined them.
"Yo whadup, Cory?" said Tray.
"What are y'all doing on Christmas Eve?" she asked.
"Nothin'." Tray answered. So did the others.
"Well my dads said y'all could come over and spend Christmas Eve and Morning with us. Do you think y'all's parents would be okay with that?"
"I'm gonna have to check with my folks but I think they'll be down with that." Ryan said.
"Cool, well I'll text y'all my address tonight," She said. Her phone buzzed and Parker had texted her that he was here to pick her up "I gotta go, see y'all later!"
She kissed Ryan on the cheek and their friends 'ooh'ed and 'aww'ed. Cory blushed and she walked out to Parker's truck.
.•
Later that night, Robbie and Parker brought the Christmas decorations in from the garage. Parker threw on a jacket and took the outdoor lights to put up while Robbie and Cory stayed inside to decorate the Christmas tree.
The lights were on and now they were putting on the ornaments. Cory pulled an ornament that was two wedding bells with a little picture of Parker and Robbie kissing in the middle.
"Our First Christmas together," Cory read. "Parker and Robbie Kay-Croft 6. 13. 15"
"Ah yes, my sister bought me that," Robbie smiled, putting it on the tree. "Goodness, I haven't seen her in so long..."
And soon he was doing this with every ornament he took out of the box.
Cory sighed and pulled out a homemade ornament with a picture of baby Robbie on it. She gasped.
"Awww!! Look at you!" she squealed. Robbie smiled.
"Yep, that was my first birthday," he said putting it on the tree. "Well that's the last one."
"Now what?"
"I dunno but I'm gonna order dinner," Robbie said. "Why don't you go help your dad outside?"
"Okay."
After Cory put on a jacket, she went outside to see Parker standing on a ladder stapling the lights to the house.
"Need any help?" she called to him.
"Nope, I'm good!" he called back.
"Oh, okay," Cory said. "So do you do this every year?"
"Yep!" Parker said. "For as long as I can remember."
"Cool..." Cory said as she watched him.
"You can go back inside, kid. I don't need any help." Parker laughed.
"Okay. Robbie's ordering dinner by the way." Cory said as she walked back inside.
"Okay." Parker replied but she was already gone.
He hummed along to Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley and continued stapling lights up. That's when he stapled his jacket sleeve to the side of the house.
"Shit," he muttered. Parker yanked at his jacket sleeve as he tried to pull it off and the ladder began to wobble. "Oh fuck me!"
The ladder toppled over and Parker's sleeve ripped, letting him fall into the bushes by the house.
"Parker?!" Robbie and Cory yelled as they ran outside to check on him. "Are you okay?!"
Parker stood up from the bushed with a torn sleeve.
"I hope I get a jacket for Christmas."
December 24th; Christmas Eve
Day four
Cory was at the moment cleaning her room for her guests that were coming over that night while Parker was out getting dinner and Robbie was wrapping last minute gifts.
Cory went over what friends were coming over and smiled since all of them were. She placed her favorite candle on her shelf and her room was finally clean.
The sound of a car pulling up grabbed Cory's attention and she rushed over to her window, seeing Ryan's impala pull into the driveway with everyone and their bags.
She ran downstairs and into the living room where Robbie was and hugged him tightly.
"Hey I don't know if I've told you this or not but Ryan and I have been dating for the past three weeks." She said.
"Wait--what?" Robbie said. The doorbell rang and Cory bolted off and Robbie ran after her. "Why wasn't I informed earlier?! You guys are so cute together!"
Cory opened the door and her friends all smiled at her.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" They all said in union.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!" Cory smiled. "Come on in!"
The gang flocked in the house and took their shoes and jackets off at the door.
"You can put your things in Cory's room," Robbie said. "It's upstairs on your left."
They nodded and took their bags upstairs to her room. Scott came back down first with a present.
"Where do you want us to put our gifts?" he asked.
"Under the tree is fine." Robbie smiled.
The rest of the boys did as they were told and put their gifts under the tree. Just as they all flopped down on the couches to watch tv, Parker walked in with pizza.
"Pizza's here!" he called and they all swarmed into the kitchen.
.•
After dinner, it was almost 11 pm and they were all watching Seinfeld on tv.
"So, like, how long have you two been married?" Patrick asked Robbie.
"Two years and counting." Robbie smiled at Parker and the blonde kissed his cheek.
"Aw." They all cooed.
Parker looked at his phone and raised his eyebrows when he saw the time.
"Damn, it's late," He said. He clicked off the tv and everyone groaned. "I know, I know, but it's super late and tomorrow is Christmas so let's get to bed, okay? Besides I don't think your parents would like me very much if they knew I was letting you guys stay up late."
Everyone grumbled in agreement and went to go get ready for bed.
.•
"Cory," Jackson smiled. "Truth or dare?"
They were all sitting in a circle on the floor in their pajama's trying to wind down. Which wasn't very successful.
"Dare." Cory smirked.
"I dare you to...eat a jalapeno!" Jackson said.
"Dang, where the heck am I gonna find one of those?" Cory mumbled.
"I've got one," Pj said. They all turned to look at him. "What?"
"Why do you have a jalapeno?" Tray asked slowly.
"I just got the Cheetos, man. Not an actual pepper." Pj rolled his eyes and handed Cory the bag. The door cracked open and everyone froze since they were suppose to be in bed an hour ago.
"What are you guys doing up?" Parker said.
"We're not up," Aaron said. "This is a dream. You're dreaming."
"Mmhmm and I'm also a unicorn," Parker said sarcastically. "Now, come on, let's all get to sleep."
"Alright." They mumbled and got into their sleeping bags. Parker watched as Cory and Ryan climbed into her bed.
"Uh-uh, young lady." Parker scolded.
"What?"
"You two are not sleeping in the same bed, that just ain't gonna happen." Parker said. Cory and Ryan shrugged and Ryan hopped out of bed and climbed into a sleeping bag with Jackson.
"Better?" Cory sighed.
"Much. Now goodnight, kids."
December 25th; Christmas Day
Day five
"CHRISTMAS!" was the first word that Robbie woke up to. Then it was the sound of a stampede of elephants as Cory and her friends ran downstairs.
"Parker," Robbie mumbled. "The demons have awoken."
Robbie opened his eyes to see that Parker was gone. He grumbled and got up, walking into the living room to see his husband and his daughter out by the tree. Cory and her friends were exchanging gifts and opening them.
"YOU GOT ME A BANANA?" Tray laughed. They all joined in when they saw that he actually got a banana for Christmas.
.•
Soon the floor was covered in wrapping paper and everyone was enjoying their new presents.
"Well since that's all, I think it's time for breakfast." Parker said getting up. That's when Robbie remembered his special present.
"Wait! Cory has one more present!" He cheered. "Everyone get shoes and jackets it's outside,"
Everyone slipped on their shoes in confusion and followed outside.
"Cory, eyes closed please," Robbie smiled and lead her outside. "Okay, now open!"
Cory opened her eyes to see a silver Ferrari parked in the driveway with a bow on top.
"OH MY GOD!" She screamed, running over to the car.
"Oh my god..." Parker mumbled. He walked over to Robbie while Cory and her friends checked out the car. "Did you buy this for her?"
"Yep." Robbie smiled, which faded when he saw Parker still frowning.
"Robbie...she doesn't even have a driver's license! And a brand new car? For a teenager? Do you know how much insurance you took out on this?" Parker sighed. Robbie gulped. "Oh fuck you didn't get insurance, did you?"
"Look--"
Parker took Robbie's hand and they went back inside.
"Robbie..I know this whole parenting thing is new to you, hell it's new to me too! But we need to talk about things before you go off and buy our 15-year-old kid a Ferrari," Parker explained. "We're taking the car back, this is illogical."
"I know, I'm sorry," Robbie sighed. "But did you see how happy she was? Isn't that a good reason to be illogical?"
Parker sighed, "It's not our job to make her happy...It's our job to be a good parent."
Robbie stopped and Parker turned around and walked back to their bedroom.