anakiddwrites

The snow that had fallen through the night became a pure white blanket for the empty streets of this cold and lazy Sunday morning. Christmas decorations are still sparse, but the festive mood is already setting in many places... and the Itsuki family is no exception.

"Isn't it too early for that yet?" Still sleepy and wearing pajamas, Shu complained while entering the bathroom and seeing his sister pass by the hallway carrying a box of Christmas ornaments, her long dark pink curls waving with determination.

"Now that Halloween is over, any moment is perfect to start!" She turned back and replied in the proud tone typical of the Itsuki’s. “Get ready quickly and call Mika-kun too. Breakfast is waiting for you two and the house has seeeeeeeeeveral rooms to be decorated.” She smirked and spun on her shoes again, crossing the corridor towards the second floor.

"Well ... you're right about something ..." He grunted more as he washed his face. “Let's see how Kagehira is doing. He won't stay with no breakfast.”

Shu went up the stairs and knocked on Mika's bedroom door, feeling almost nostalgic. It had been only a few months since they had both left the Itsuki's nest to break new grounds, but so much had happened that it felt like centuries had passed.

Especially now... that they are together.

“Kagehira. Kagehira.” Shu knocked on the door a few times without an answer, already getting impatient. Snorting, he tested if the door was unlocked and then opened it without hesitation.

"Kagehira!" His voice resounded in the room like a thunder announcing a dramatic entrance. The answer came immediately in the form of a long Nnnhhha! along with the sound of a sudden and clumsy fall. Shu looked down just to find Mika stretched out on the floor in front of the desk, still wearing casual clothes from last night.

"Nnnnhaaa, Oshi-san ... ya’scared me ..." The boy sat on the floor, rubbing his aching butt. "Aren't ya’lways talkin’ abou’t knockin’ on the door and blah blah blah?"

"I knocked. Several times." Shu sighed and offered a hand for Mika to stand up, insisting on it until he accepted. Then the pink-haired boy looked around with inquisitive eyes, making Mika nervous.

“You aren't even wearing pajamas, haven't you slept by any chance? Those dark circles around your eyes… and you were sitting at the desk since last night when we parted for the night? Your back will be torn!” Shu approached the desk, seeing the scribbles and the mountain of smashed papers overflowing the garbage can next to the desk. A scene also very familiar to his own experiences, so he moderated his tone.

"Lack of inspiration?"

“Nnhhaa…. there’s no use, Oshi-san...” Mika sighed, totally defeated. "I was tryin’ ta create stuff from my personal project, but only trash’s comin’ out ... my brain’s just trash..."

"Don’t talk like that." Shu interrupted immediately, looking Mika in the eyes and placing his hands on his shoulders.

“Every artist goes through difficult phases. You are still looking for your voice and expression, but you have been able to show all the passion in your spirit before… I have had the honor of witnessing how beautiful you are.” He smiled gently, speaking from the bottom of his heart and making Mika's heart almost stop. Still, the dimly lit room somewhat disguised his flushed face.

“But we are in the holiday season… here in my family's house to relax, not to stress about work. So try to get your mind out of this loop, okay? I've been there, so I speak from experience, you know. ”

"Nnnha ... Oshi-san’s bein’ all sweet again... b-but what do I do ta get this out of my head ... Oshi-san, help me please?" He looked into Shu's eyes like a lost puppy, and it was the other's turn to feel his face heat up and heart beating faster. That still happened whenever Mika looked at him and talked that way from up close. Shu suspected such a reaction would always be there, no matter how many seasons they would spend together.

"H-help? How??"

"I ... I dunno really ... but ..." Mika managed to smile again, getting comfortable with the weight of Shu's broad hands on his shoulders. "I'm happy just spendin’ time with Oshi-san ... and here at yer house, it brings memories..."

"Okay… spend time, huh?" Shu mused to himself, thinking about all the times Mika protected and supported him within those walls. Moments of weakness and vulnerability, strength and determination, from the top of the world to the bottom of hell. Everything had been shared with that pair of two-toned eyes that spared only admiration and love for him, and that he was finally able to reciprocate.

Shu smiled more. He knew what to do, he just needed to get to the point. So he looked at Mika again and held his face gently, leaning forward for a loving kiss without warning. Mika’s surprised noise was muffled by Shu’s lips and everything the raven boy could do was hold his partner by the waist and kiss him back willingly.

"That counts, right...?" Shu whispered when they parted, feeling heavenly. The ‘nnhas’ he earned for that move were more than enough to warm his heart, and he wanted Mika to feel just as warm if not more.

“I am very proud of you, my Kagehira. Don't forget that, please.” He embraced Mika close and tight. “I won't let you be overwhelmed and upset during the holidays. Let us make this our very own castle during these chaotic days.”

"Weheheh .. O-Oshisan’s always talkin’ so dramatic..." Mika sighed, but smiled from ear to ear, hugging Shu back tight like holding on for life. And he was, in a sense. “Do ya mean we gonna spend time together, shoppin’ for Christmas, puttin’ decorations and all? Nnnha, it’s a relief Oshi-san ain’t sick this year. ”

"Exactly. This is very different from the previous years and it's ours to enjoy. We deserve such reward.” Shu held Mika's face, his expression calm but eyes sparkling with joy. All he wanted was to make up for all the trouble he caused Mika in the past and see a smile on the face of his beloved partner in art and life.

“And for starters, a rich breakfast awaits us… and after that, we must help with the house decorations. They are especially excited for Christmas this year...”

“Weheh… it's’cause they missed Oshi-san this year too much and want ta enjoy it the fullest too! I understand well ♪ Ahhh, let's make the house all bright and beautiful ~”

“You’re totally in the mood too, huh? So it can’t be helped. Let’s wash your face and start the day.” Casually, Shu took Mika's hand and led him to the door, much to Mika's surprise.

"O-Oshi-san ?? I-is it okay if we… do... the… h… while everyone’s at home…?”

Shu stood still in silence for a few moments, then shook his head vehemently and turned to face Mika again. He acted on a whim, but now… he didn’t feel like backpedaling.

“Hmhm. I don't want to make a scene with my family, but ... you’re part of it even more now. I want that to be clear to everyone ... in a natural way. A-are you uncomfortable with that...?”

Mika spent a few seconds admiring Shu's shy expression, who was trying his best not to burst with emotion but his face totally flustered exposed his spirits. The youngest boy smiled and answered with a gentle kiss on Shu's cheek, almost purring and bursting with happiness as well.

“The opposite, Oshi-san… it feels too good to be real… I like it this way, without a fuss… I, j-just… are they gonna accept me…”

"They've accepted you long ago, Kagehira." Shu tightened his hand in Mika’s, gazing deeper into his eyes and smiling.

“You are very, very loved… even though it’s difficult for you to see this now, I’ll repeat it as many times as necessary. For it is the most delightful truth and my deepest happiness… having you by my side… my Mika.”

Naturally, without a fuss, the name rolled out of Shu’s tongue powerfully enough to make the flow of time stop for Mika - he could swear he was just fluttering above the ground, hence the tight grip on Oshi-san’s hand.

“Hmhm….” Mika nodded, eyes watering really fast. “I’m g-gonna… stay right here, I won’t go anywhere… ever... thank ya… my… .my S-Shu…”

It still would take time for such an exchange to feel casual to them, but honestly the wave of feelings hitting every time their first names are on each other’s voice doesn’t feel bad at all. Actually, it felt so good that Mika’s body moved on pure emotion, pulling Shu closer and kissing him deeply, pouring all the love that was so hard to express in words. Taken by surprise, Shu could only embrace Mika again and return the gesture, comfortable with the arms of his partner wrapped around his neck.

When they parted, lungs gasping for air and faces flustered, there was no need for any further comment. The passionate gazes at each other were more than enough. And they could stay lost in each other’s eyes if the loud voice of Shu’s sister hadn't ressoed in the hallway, reminding them of the breakfast waiting and the rooms to be decorated.

“S-So…” Shu cleared his throat, finally opening the door and taking Mika by the hand. “Be prepared for the start of a long end of year, I suppose...”

“Hmhm ♪” Mika nodded, latching on Shu’s arm and basking on his gentle warmth. “I’m looking forward fer it this year ~♪”