Series: Koko wa (Here is) Greenwood
Author: Peach Blossom Faerie
Pairing: Mitsuru x Shinobu
Rating: PG-13
Warning: AU, OOC, some mild fluff
Disclaimer: Koko wa Greenwood isn't mine - never has been, sigh, never will be. Also, we all know that Shinobu smokes and it is mentioned in this story, personally I don't have a view on smoking one way or the other, so please bear that in mind; and anything referring to Japan and customs at Christmas is made up - I have no idea what their views are on it all, so for the purpose of the story I just went with what I thought - thanks.
Just A Christmas Tale
Part Three.
Mitsuru was watching him again, he was sure of it. But every time he glimpsed his way, Mitsuru was looking at his manga, or staring out of the window - it was starting to get on his nerves.
Standing suddenly, he reached into his pockets and drew out his cigarette case. Pulling one of its content free, he opened the balcony door, grabbing the ashtray from the table next to it and stepped outside. The cool air washed over him, and for a moment he contemplated going back in to fetch his jacket, but as he turned his head - he saw Mitsuru staring at him again. With an exasperated sigh, he put the ashtray on the ground at his feet and pulled out his lighter, shielding the flame from the breeze, he lit the cigarette, taking a long drag of smoke into his lungs.
Feeling the calming effects of the nicotine seep through him, he leant on the railings, and looked down at the streets below. Considering the time of the evening, it was fairly busy and he guessed that it was people hurrying to do their last bits of shopping before the stores closed. He remembered when he was younger, that Christmas had never been a very big deal, after all it was a Western holiday; but as Japan became a more powerful member of the technological world, it also became fascinated with the quirks of the Western world - Christmas being a major one of them. Now, the stores closed on Christmas day, tinsel and lights decorated the streets, and trees with presents beneath them graced the house.
Thinking of presents made him scowl slightly, he had no idea what he should buy Mitsuru. As with everything, he was a perfectionist, and he was not going to palm his friend off with an ill thought out, tasteless gift. Subtle interrogation of the subject had yielded no answers, and Shinobu had come to the unpleasant conclusion, that he was going to have to just look around, and hope something jumped out at him.
* * *
Mitsuru looked out across at Shinobu again. He was sure the silver-haired one had noticed him staring, but he couldn't help himself. There was just the two of them, and no chance that Hasukawa or Shun would walk in and interrupt him when he decided to finally start his plans, and start something between them.
Seeing that the other boy was distracted, he got up from the sofa and headed into the bedroom. In his bag he had his secret weapons, the tools that would finally put an end to the torturous teasing that he had to endure.
"If I start now," he murmured to himself, "We can have the whole holiday together - and if he says no..." he paused to sigh somewhat unhappily, "If he says no - I can surprise Okaasan and go home for Christmas."
Taking his items back to the front room, he headed to the balcony. Above the balcony door was a small wind chime hanging on a tiny concealed nail. With a grin, he removed the chime, careful not to let it sound and draw Shinobu's attention. Putting it down on the chair, he picked up a small piece of plant that hung from a shoelace. Tying the lace to the nail, he took the chime and put it on the table. Sitting back in the chair, he waited for Shinobu to come back in.
* * *
Finishing his cigarette with a contented sigh, he leant down and stubbed it out in the ashtray. Straightening up, he opened the door, and was stopped from entering as Mitsuru jumped up from the chair and barred his way.
"Mitsuru?" he asked, wondering what the other boy was up to, standing in front of him with his arms crossed, looking more than a touch nervous, "What's wrong, let me in."
Mitsuru didn't answer him vocally, but tilted his head up, and Shinobu swallowed hard at what he saw hanging over their heads. A small innocent sprig of mistletoe, that certainly wasn't there when he went out, was swaying happily in the breeze.
"Mitsuru?" he asked again, but this time, his heart was starting to pound in his chest, "I take it this means..." further words were cut off as Mitsuru uncrossed his arms and gently took hold of his face.
Leaning forward, he met Mitsuru half way and kissed him softly. After a few moments, Mitsuru pulled him into a tight embrace, and the kiss deepened until they parted gasping for breath.
"Merry Christmas Shinobu." Mitsuru whispered as their lips met again.
"Merry Christmas." he murmured back, kissing him deeply once more.
BACK TO PART TWO. ON TO PART FOUR...
