It was the midst of a brutal war. Hundreds upon thousands had died and had been ripped away from their families, but one day a year they would all come together to celebrate a religious figure in harmony; no guns, no conflict, no politics. Just grown ass-- ahem, sorry this is a Christmas special -- Just grown men together and eating mediocre food and sharing awkward jokes (trying to avoid politics at all costs -- that's a war in of itself). What's this holiday that brings everyone together you may ask? Well, I'm pretty sure this is obvious since it's a holiday special, but it's (drumroll please): Christmas.

Jeremy walked into the pub where they were holding one of the few Christmas feasts in the city they were stationed at. He looked around, a few badges shining on his uniform and his black combat boots banging on the ground with the reflection of the lights on them. Jeremy honestly looked a little scary from the outside, but when he opened his mouth he was a total klutz.

The brunette had walked into the pub with a good friend of his (who he'd met on base), Richard Goranski. Goranski was sporting their colors subtly with the creative choice of socks he decided to have peaking out of his shoes that day. He wore it with pride, chest puffed out a bit. It was more of a rebellious 'I'm doing what I was told I couldn't do' type of thing, but that's not important. It's socks. Big whoop. How did I manage to write a whole paragraph on socks? It's a Christmas miracle i guess - do it for the word count!!)

(hey it's midnight no longer Christmas sorry I got three paragraphs in then got distracted for 20 minutes lol anyways it's now Kwanzaa)

Rich was noticeably shorter but his outward arrogance made him seem ten feet taller than he actually was. The two walked side by side with a stern look on both of their faces. They sat down at the bar, Jeremy waved down the bartender, the usual thing.

The two of them were there for a good hour or so, boozing and having a few laughs until a person on the opposing side walked into the bar. The second that door opened, Jeremy's head was whipped in the direction of it. His eyes widened slightly (IMPURE THOUGHTS). He saw a man with tan skin and moles littered across his showing skin. He saw a tall male (taller than him lol SHORT) with fluffy black hair, glasses propped on his nose comfortably and a casual grin on his face. The male Jeremy had caught himself staring at had just walked past him.

In a rush of impulses, Jeremy took hold of the mans wrist, causing the unknown male to turn around. By this time, Rich was gone. He'd gone out to mingle with the other people and make new friends, so Jeremy was alone. The only thing is that he wouldn't be alone for much longer (wink wink nudge nudge sorry this oneshot is so unprofessional lmfao but welcome to my personality). That hand on the wrist caused the male to turn, making eye contact with Jeremy.

"Can you release me please?"

His voice was like honey and his touch was a drug that Jeremy could get high on. The brunette gulped, making eye contact with the male that had him entranced in a matter of seconds. Jeremy shouldn't think these things! Feeling this way about another guy, especially one you haven't spoken two words to yet, was socially unacceptable. Jeremy didn't get snapped out of whatever state of mind he was in until there was a tug on his hand.

"I repeat, can you release me? Let go of my arm?"

Jeremy blinked and snapped into reality, the blank look over his eyes being masked with alert astonishment.

"I, uh," the brunette gulped, "sorry." He paused, "Why don't you come sit?"

"I'm meeting people here--"

"Yeah, meeting me. Come sit." He patted down the spot next to him.

The male reluctantly sighed, looking over to where the people he was going to were sitting. They waved him over with smiled and a couple laughs from unsuspecting friends. He turned his head from them back to Jeremy.

"Five minutes. That's it." He sat down, looking at Jeremy then forward awkwardly before the brunette cleared his throat to speak.

"What's your name?" Jeremy asked, turning his head to the male.

"Michael." He responded, "What's yours?"

"Jeremy." The brunette smiled softly, "Nice to meet you." He put his hand out to shake.

Michael shook his head, nodding with a soft grin on his face, "So why'd you wave me down? Any specific reason? I've never seen you before."

"You look interesting."

"Is that supposed to be a racial comment--"

"No!" The brunette stammered, "Not what I meant!"

"Then what did you mean?" Michael cocked a brow

"I meant that you seem interesting! Just from looking at you, you seem different from the others in here."

"Most of the other people are white and Korean. Still racial."

"What I mean is that your personality seems different than the rest! There's something that stands out."

"My skin tone?"

Jeremy facepalmed, "No!"

Michael rolled his eyes, "Anyways, which side are you on?"

"We're not supposed to say, remember?"

"Who cares? Half the men here are from your side."

Jeremy blinked, "How do you know my side?"

"The guy with the red, white and blue socks in the pattern of the French flag? I saw him come up to you and saw you walk in with him."

"But you weren't in here when I came in."

"I was. I left through the back to help one of my buds with something back at my base."

"Oh. . ." He nodded awkwardly, "What's your position?"

"Lieutenant."

"Cool. . ."

After a few more minutes of awkward small talk, Michael sighed softly and got up. He straightened his shirt and took one last swig of the drink Jeremy bought him. Michael placed the empty glass back on the counter and cleared his throat.

"Thanks for the drink, Jeremy." Michael said, "But I think you want more from me than a few laughs and a buzz. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to join the ones I came here with."

Michael started to walk away when Jeremy's voice stopped him.

"Give me a Christmas miracle, Michael. It's the holiday season. Have one drink more with me and consider the outcomes. You can leave me with new memories, and you can leave with some new, or questionable memories. Maybe some food for thought, or things to look back upon and grin at. Or you can leave, leave me with a sad heart, and leave questioning what would have happened if you had stayed. Which one seems better?"

"If I left you, I'd go over to people I actually care about instead of staying with someone who only wants me to stay for something ungodly. If I left, I'd go to people that care about me to and not just my physical appearance. I'd be with people who I could laugh with, instead of sitting in awkward silence and small talk. Now tell me, Jeremy. Which one seems better?"

Jeremy's mouth was slightly ajar, closing it quickly. The brunette just sat there to see the Filipino scoff and grin smugly.

"Doesn't feel so good to have your words twisted around at you, does it?"

Michael turned his head and walked off. Ouch. Ice cold.