![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
manaika Name : Wish of a kiss
Author : manaika
Fandom : Prince of Tennis
Pairing : Oishi/Shishido
Theme : #20: Respect tradition
Rating : For everyone,- PG-13, K+
Warnings : shounen-ai, sap, romance, kissing, heartbreak, lovesick teenies, ooc-ness, cursing...Shishido...
Summary : Made for 30kisses, list Xi/Instructions. Oishi and Shishido struggle with their relationship, love and other challenges their life brings. Restriction no. #20. Christmas is a time of presents, a time of love and, as one Shishido Ryou learns, unfortunately, tradition.
Disclaimer : I do not own Prince of Tennis, or any of it’s characters. The creators do. My muse owns the idea of the fic, my insanity the existence of it and I the work and the time I put into writing it. Credit me at least those, ok?
Notes
I know I promised something else, but as I was almost finished I got a block on it and instead this Christmas fic started attacking me. So I decided to abandon the other one-shot and do this. I hope you like it. I made it extra long, extra sappy, fluffy, cheesy, traditional...
Anyway.
Enjoy! ^^
Christmas Wish
Ξ #20. Respect tradition.
It had been over three months, Shishido Ryou mused one Saturday evening, over a cup of hot cocoa and Roshi Bunkyu Hokoku Kiji, the memories of Nagakura Shinpachi, a birthday gift from his boyfriend. It had been three months since he and said boyfriend got together. And to say, these past three months were nothing but chaotic. Crazy. Utterly. Psycho, even. With everything that happened, Ryou found himself amazed that he hasn’t snapped yet.
Not only did he have to listen a whole night to the talk his father decided it was time to give him, but he had to do the whole coming out with all of it’s lameness attached, and then his parents just simpply had to meet him. And now, finally, after everything has settled down, Christmas was approaching and that had ’Chaos’ written all across of it, bright and bold.
And his team-mates weren’t really helping.
Of course that Atobe Keigo wouldn’t simply let everyone have their own little Christmas party, no, the diva simply had to organize one for everyone. A big one. A pompous one. Lame oaf. And the worst thing was, that Shishido couldn’t even talk himself out of it because of his boyfriend, because said boyfriend was invited too. Along with the rest of his former team. Why, or even how Atobe managed to achieve it, Shishido did not want to know. Though, Gakuto has voiced his own suspicions and Shshido found himself seriously contemplaiting them. Though he had yet to ask Shuichiro about it.
Shuichiro.
His boyfriend.
His wonderfull, gentle, patient boyfriend.
That was when his phone rung to soft piano music, first hesitating, then sure, then soft tunes of an electric guitar joining it, coloring the background with depth. He picked it up faster than any of his dashes.
„Yes?“ he asked softly, already knowing whom he was speaking to.
„Hey there.“ The voice was gentle and loving and Ryou caught a breath, as he always did when he heard his boyfriend’s voice. Or when he saw his boyfriend. He knew it was lame, but...it was love. And for him that was enough of an excuse to allow himself being totally lame.
„Yo, Shuichiro. What’s up?“
„Nothing much, I just wanted to hear your voice. I haven’t seen you in what feels like ages.“
„It hasn’t been a week, Shuichiro.“ Ryou tried being sarcastic, but somehow he couldn’t get the gentleness out of his voice. As lame as it was, he couldn’t but feel flattered at his boyfriend’s endless attention and need for him. Even though they weren’t yet...but that was another story.
„I know, but I still miss you.“
„Then why don’t you come and visit me?“
„And give your brother an excuse to mock you?“
„Screw that bastard. I’ll simply lock him in his room. He can run to mom later.“
There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. „I would love to come over, but I have to learn for mid-term exams. I’m guessing it’s the same with you, isn’t it ?“
Ryou rolled his eyes. „You’re worse than my mom.“
Another chuckle.
„Tell me, what are you doing right now?“
„Sitting on the couch, drink hot cocoa and reading.“
„You read?“
„So funny today we are, Shuichiro. You even gave me the book, remember?“
The teasing tone changed instantly. „Oh. And? How is it?“
Ryou chuckled. Seriously, was there anything Oishi Shuichiro wasn’t worrying about? „It’s very interesting. To read a journal of someone who is almost a century dead is...intense, I would say.“
„So you like it?“
„For the upteenth time, Shuichiro: I love it!“
„That’s good because I really-“
„Had trouble picking the right gift and you had to go all the way to Hyotei and ask my team-mates to get some ideas, without me catching wind of it, yes, I know. You did your job well and once again, I love the gift. I believe I’ve been saying it for almost three months now.“
A soft sigh and small chuckle came through the reciever. „What do you want for Christmas?“
„An illness fatal enough to be excused from Atobe’s party.“
A laugh. „Right. Speaking of which...“
„Hm?“
„When and where will it be held?“
„23rd, Atobe’s mansion. He mentioned something about 5 o’clock, but that’s not sure yet. Said he had to coordinate it with something else. Probably some hair-dresser, or some cosmetic salon, or something similary pompous.“
„5 o’clock? Isn’t that a bit early?“
„It’s Atobe.“ Ryou said, as if the name explained everything. And seriously, it did. Shuichiro didn’t comment it.
„Should I pick you up?“
„Don’t you think that in this case I should be the one doing the pick up? I’m the one who knows the way there, after all.“
A chuckle froom the other end of the line. „True...Well then: Will you pick me up?“
„Sure, handsom.“
That was when his older brother entered the room. „Hey squirt. Better end your love call. Mom says dinner’s ready.“
„Fuck off, shitass.“
„Did I do something?!“
„No, not you! My brother just came in. I have to go. Dinner.“
„Right. Say hi to your family.“
„Yeah, you too. See you on Wednesday?“
It has become a regular habit for them to meet on Wednesday while Ryou was walking his dog. He had no clue why Wednesday since they got together on Monday, but Ryou saw no point in figuring it out. Wat was important that he got to see his boyfriend at least once a week, with their busy schedules.
So he smiled into himself and replied: „In the park, 8 o’clock.“
„’Till then...“
„See you...“
With that they hung up.
„My, my, Ryou-chan. Aren’t you ashamed to talk in front of your Mr. Right like that?“
„Shut it, Ryuu. I’m not the one at fault that you are sexually frustrated.“
„It’s not like you are any better, squirt.“
Ryou decided it was better not to let this argument to continue.
x-x
„So, boys, what are you up to during the holidays?“
„Me and the guys would like to go on a ski-trip for a few days, if you don’t mind.“
„I don’t see why I should mind. A few days fresh air won’t do you any harm. You always just sit in front of that computer of yours.“
„And you, Ryou, dear?“
„Atobe is holding this Christmas party on th 23rd, so I guess I’ll attend. That, or I’ll listen to him complaining that I didn’t, for the rest of my life.“
„I see. Anything else?“
„No, I guess not.“ From his peripheral vision he saw his grandfather smile, a rare case these days. He wondered what caused it. „I still have those exams.“
His father nodded approvingly. „That’s responsible of you, young man.“
„But Ryou-chan, what about Oishi-kun? You two won’t be seeing each other then during the whole holiday? What a shame.“
The glance Ryou threw his older brother almost as deathly as one would imagine the apocalypse to be. It wasn’t like he brought the topic up on accident. His brother knew exactly, that he would be seeing Oishi. He was just being a pain in the ass.
„Oh come one, don’t give me that look. It hasn’t stoped being a pout yet, so it isn’t very effective and you’ll get wrinkles. You sure don’t want to be inattractive for Oishi-kun.“
„Leave Shuichiro out of this Ryuu, or I’ll swear...“
„How cute you are, being so protective...I’m sure you two will miss each other. Or is he by any chance attending Atobe-kun’s party as well?“
„I’ll kill you!“
The smile on his grandfather’s face fell.
„Was that supposed to be a secret?“
„No! It’s not secret that the Seigaku team will be also attending Atobe’s party. I just didn’t want to bring it up for obvious reasons. And don’t play dumb you didn’t know it. Jerk.“
His brother opened already his mouth, probably say something stupid, but his father cut in.
„Is that true?“
Ryou scoffed. „Yeah. I didn’t want to mention it to, well, avoid a lame situation.“
His father nodded. „I understand. However, I don’t appreciate it if you keep things from us. I respect your privacy, but I don’t like it when you hide something. I believe you see the difference between those two things.“
Ryou nodded.
„Good. Now. Shuichiro is going to attend Atobe-kun’s party then.“
„Along with the rest of Seigaku.“ Along with Kikumaru. „Don’t ask why Atobe would feel the need to invite another team, because I don’t know. We have a theory, but it’s not a proven fact yet.“
„We?“
„I, Gakuto and Jiirou. Well, I and Gakuto at least since Jiirou mostly sleeps.“
„Does he do anything else?“ his brother asked, more rhetorically than an actual question. Ryou shrugged and answered anyway. „Play tennis. And eat sweets.“
„Right.“
„I do not like the idea of you attending Atobe-kun’s party, young man.“ The oldest member at the table said.
„Neither do I, gramps, since I detest Atobe’s parties, but being the only one not to go would be lame. And Atobe would never let me hear the end of it. Besides he promised to make it more humble this time. Though, I wonder if he understands the nuclear meaning of that word.“
„I did not mean it like that.“
„Father.“ The head of the family tried to interject, but it was meaningless. His father was the semantic of a stubborn mule, when it came down to it.
„No, son, let me finish this with Ryou.“
A sigh. „Gramps, I thought we already cleared this topic. Seriously, get over it.“
„Not in that tone young man!“
„Father...“
„Son-“
„Father!“
Silence.
Then the head of the family spoke. „I understand why you are against Ryou’s and Oishi-kun’s relationship, but the squirt is serious about it. I think he is old enough for his wishes to be respected.“
„When you were his age-“
„Was 40 years ago.“
„And should be respected as tradition, therefore.“
„You mistake past for tradition, father. And past is past and stays past.“
„History is history, no matter how you look at it. It tends to repeat itself, but can never be the same. If we still clung to past ideals, the Choushu and the Aizu would still be fighting each other and we would be commiting seppuku if we lost our master. Thanks, but no.“
For a few moments there was silence as everyone looked at the youngest member at the table, who was suddenly very obsessed with staring at his meal.
„That’s some nice words squirt. Sounded almost academic.“
„Shut it, Ryuu.“
The mother turned to her father-in-law. „Ryou has a point, you know.“
Then her husband added. „I told you he is old enough to deserve respect. And it looks like the relationship is serious enough for him to mature. For that reason alone we should grant him freedom. Let him develope.“
„Typical excuse of a primary school teacher. Children need to develope. Children need in the first place discipline. I am sorry if I didn’t raise you well enough to be able to create it.“ With that the old man stood up and left the table, with only a word of thanks to their mother for the delicious dinner.
As soon as he left, she turned to her husband. „I hope you know it’s not true what he said.“
Instead of answering, the father of the family laid his hand on her’s and smiled.
„He didn’t need to say that.“ Ryuu said, for once frowning.
„No duh.“ Ryou said, in a rare agreement with his brother.
Their father smiled. „You both know how he can get. Don’t let it get to you. I certainly don’t.“ Then turned to his youngest. „He’ll come around eventually.“
Ryou nodded. „It’s just so...“
„Lame?“ his father offered.
„Yeah. Way too lame.“
ox*xo
In the end the party had been set to half past five and Ryou and Shuichiro agreed to meet at half past four. Ryou thought it was a bit early, but Shuichiro argued that they wouldn’t come late and they would have more time together. So by the given time, Oishi Shuichiro was in front of the mirror doing final adjustements so that every little detail was perfect, ready for hi sboyfriend to show up.
Now only if said boyfriend would arrive.
Five minutes.
Oishi looked at his watch.
Ten minutes.
Oishi started pacing.
Fifteen minutes.
Oishi slumped into the couch.
His mother looked up from the magazine she had been reading.
„Your friend is late.“
Shuichiro sighed. „I know, mom.“ He looked at the clock hanging above the door. He was supposed to show up fifteen minutes ago. Ryou sure took his time.
That was when the bell rung.
„That’s him!“
Shuichiro jumped up from the couch, was at the door not a second later and yanked it open.
„Ryou!“
But what he saw stole his breath.
„I’m sorry I’m late. My hair just wouldn’t cooperate today...“
„Your hair...“ Shuichiro found himself gaping wide-eyed. He was speechless. There was no cap today, just his hair hanging loosely around his face combed inside, soft and shining. The mere sight of it made Shuichiro speechless and so the only words that were able to leave his mouth were: „You grew it out!“
Shishido deadpanned.
„I’ve been growing it out for a year now Shuichiro. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.“
Oishi pulled himself finally together.
„Well, you’ve been hiding it under that cap untill now.“
How was Shuichiro supposed to know that that softness hidden underneath it, had been gradually growing on purpose?
Ryou smiled. „I like how I look in the cap, kinda. And the hair doesn’t keep getting in the way when I play tennis. But today I wanted to...try how I look without it. I wish I hadn’t. It’s a disaster.“
Shuichiro begged to differ.
„It’s not a disaster, it’s beautifull. Still use that shampoo?“
Ryou blushed slightly at the compliment. „Yeah.“
Suddenly he was very sorry for not bringing his cap. The first think he could think of to escape potential humiliation, was divert the attention to something else.
„Are you ready?“
„I’ve been ready for a quarter hour, Ryou.“
Shishido blushed some more and smiled sheepishly. „Sorry.“
Oishi gave him a peck on the lips and grabbed his coat. Then he turned into the house.
„Mom, Dad, we’re leaving!“
His parents came from behind the living room door. Ryou nodded them a good evening.
„Take care, boys.“
„Don’t stay up too long.“
„When will you be back?“
„I’ll deliver him tomorrow morning.“
„What am I? A package?“
„Yeah. My Christmas present. And now move yourself, or else Atobe will have my head.“
„Which will be entirely your fault, taking so long.“
„I wanted to look good for you, so you are to blame.“
Shuichiro, smiling in spite of himself, shook his head and turned to his parents a last time. They said bye and made their way to Atobe’s.
For a while they were silent, just enjoying each other’s company. Ryou’s cheeks flushed with the cold, but it also could have had something to do with the fact, that Oishi took hold of his hand.
„Has your grandfather calmed down since then?“
„Since then, yeah. But today he had another fit.“
„Was that the real reason why you were late, or did you really just take your time with your hair?“
Ryou was silent for several moments.
„Both.“
Oishi looked at him questioningly.
„I took so long because he kept interrupting. You don’t know how annoying it can be when you try to fohn your hair and your grandfather keeps standing behind you and telling you that it’s wrong and depraved if you go to the party.“
„I can imagine.“
„He even went as far as to take my brushes. If my father didn’t finally tell him to let me get ready, or else I’ll be late, I doubt I would have ever showed up.“
Oishi sighed. Ryou looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
„Hey, Shuichiro, what’s the matter?“
„Ah, I just kinda...it’s a pity that your grandfather doesn’t approve. He seems to care about you a lot and from what little I know of him and for those five minutes I met him, he seemed to be a good man.“
Ryou snorted. „Yeah well, not good enough to approve of the gay relationship of his own grandson.“
Oishi sighed again.
For a while they walked in silence again.
„Are you angry?“
Ryou had to smile. There wasn’t a time when Oishi Shuichiro wouldn’t worry. Really, wasn’t.
He shook his head. „Just thinking.“
„What about?“
„Random thoughts.“
„For example?“
„How to achieve that gramps approves, the disaster that is Atobe’s party, how much I dislike your clingy doubles partner, these past three months and that I have to go with Aramis to the vet. Regular inspection, don’t worry.“
„It has been quite hectic lately.“
Ryou snorted. „You wanted to say crazy.“
Oishi smiled. „That too.“ He stopped.
Ryou turned around. „Shuichiro? Did something happen?“
Shuichiro just shook his head. Suddenly he took hold of Ryouvs hand and pulled him towards himself. Ryou stumbled a bit and before he realized it, he landed flushed against Shuichiro’s chest.
„Hey, what’s the matter?“
„Nothing. I just wanted to hold you a little.“
Ryou was confused. What the bloody...
But despite being confused, Ryou felt himself smile and relax into his boyfriend’s arms.
„Hopeless romantic.“
„As if you don’t like it.“
Ryou didn’t say anything, just smiled.
„I’m glad we’re together.“
Ryou nodded. „Yeah. Me too.“
For a while they stayed like that, standing in th emiddle of an empty street with a single old street light staring down on them with it’s dimm light, just basking in each other’s company.
x-x
„We’re here.“
„With a whole minute to spare.“
„See? We aren’t late. And stop being sarcastic Shuichiro. It doesn’t suit you. Besides, you were the one who felt the sudden need to go romantic on me in the middle of the street.“
Oishi shook his head about his boyfriend. Seriously, Ryou was sometimes... He took the boy into his arms. „You are sometimes so incorrigible...And I doubt that those five minutes would have made a difference. Sometimes I wonder why I even put up with you.“
„And yet you’re still here, holding me in your arms.“
„What a fool I am...“
„The greatest in the whole world.“ Ryou smirked.
They looked at each other, deeply into the other’s eyes. Their faces came closer, inch by inch by inch and then...
x-x
„You’re late, Shishido.“
Atobe’s scowling magnificence appeared in front of them as soon as they were seen by the buttler into the ball room.
„No. We aren’t.“
„I, with my excellent sense of time, say you are exactly two minutes late.“
Shishido stole a glance at the clock. „Actually, three. And no, we are not. We were in front of your house four minutes ago.“
„And why did you decide, that spending four minutes in the cold outside is good?“
Ryou opened his mouth and closed it. He shouldn’t have started the discussion, he mused, as Atobe’s sharp look bore itself into him. He hated his former captain’s insight from the bottom of his heart.
„I...Got something into my eye and Shuichi- Oishi was helping me with it.“
„Outside.“ Atobe raised an eyebrow, though it wasn’t really a question.
„Outside.“ Ryou confirmed, just a bit stubbornly.
„And it took four minutes.“
Ryou didn’t answer. Atobe took a small glance at his lips. Ryou bit them. Damn it! They were still swollen from the kiss and Atobe wouldn’t take a second to figure it out. Sure enough, a small smirk crossed the lips. Damn bastard.
„I see.“
Now, even if Shishido hated to admit it, there was something that he valued on Atobe: his discrecy. Whatever secrets he found out, he never leaked them. Not if they were private.
His former captain stepped aside. „Make yourself home.“
They stepped inside, successfully avoiding the mistletoe hanging dangerously above the door like the sword of Damocles. Further into the room, Christmas music and the sounds of the party embraced them beckoningly. It was warm and pleasant and they felt themselves relax. But as soon as they let their guards down, ready to loose themselves in the waves of celebration, there was a blurr of red and limbs and it wrapped itself around Oishi like some kind of giant sepia.
Ryou’s eyebrow twitched.
„Oishi!!!! I’m so glad to see you!“
„Ei...Eiji...“ Oishi risked a glance towards his boyfriend. The glare made him flinch. „Nice...nice to see you too...“
The frown deepened.
„I’ve missed you so much, Oishi!“
The glare darkened.
„I...missed you too...Eiji...“
There was something closely resembling the growl of a pissed-off wolf from Ryou.
„I would love to catch up with you Eiji, but there’s soemthing Ryou wanted to show me.“ Oishi said as he tried to disentangle himself from his former doubles partner.
„Can’t he show you later?“
Suddenly it seemed like the space around Ryou was darker than the rest of the room.
„I don’t really think so, Eiji.“
Eiji let go of Oishi with a pout on his face. „Mou. I hoped to have a good chat with you. We haven’t done this in a while and I have so much to tell you...“ he trailed his finger down Oishi’s chest.
Oishi stole a glance at Ryou. The dark aura was growing. He turned back to Eiji. „Maybe later. See you then.“
With that he seized Ryou’s arm and dragged him away. As soon as they were out of ear-sight he stoped and turned around to look at his boyfriend.
„You are such a jerk sometimes...“
The response he got threw him off his feet.
„He was clinging to you!“
To be honest he expected Ryou to throw a tantrum, not look at him in a mix of accusingly and excusingly, saying only one sentence. Maybe he had a chance if he tried to reason.
„He’s my former doubles partner.“
Oishi didn’t expect an equally reasonable response.
„Ohtori is mine and he doesn’t cling to me like a giant bundle of pheromones.“
But still, Ryou couldn’t expect Eiji to go on distance.
„He was my boyfriend.“
„Right use of past tense.“
Oishi was out of excuses and it looked like Ryou was winning their word battle. There was only one more thing he could say to keep at least a bit of dignity.
„You’re jealous.“
„He was clinging to you!“
And that was the last thing Oishi expected. At that almost childish response, from his often sarcastic and grumpy boyfriend, he couldn’t but smile. Maybe, somewhere, it was nice to know, that one was treasure so much.
Giving up the fight, acknowledging Ryou’s win, and admitting utter defeat, he pulled him into his arms. „Sorry. I see where you’re coming from. You just can’t expect him to take it without a fight.“
„It has been three months. He should deal with it finally.“
He had a point. „You’re right. But you still can’t blame him.“
„I’m not blaming him. I’m just taking action. I won’t let it slide just because he is heartbroken. He wants a fight you say? You can’t expect me not to fight back, then. I’m just defending my territory.“
Oishi shook his head, albeit with a small, almost fond smile playing on his lips. „You two really behave like a cat and a dog. It’s almost as if it’s by default that you two get at each other.“ Suddenly the smile turned int a smirk. „Or tradition.“
Ryou smacked him across his head, while Oishi could just laugh.
x-x
It was shortly after dinner that Choutarou approached Eiji.
The party was just starting and small groups were beginning to form, the largest around Atobe of course. The only one not in a group was surprisingly Kikumaru Eiji, who was just standing uncharacteristically still, staring at one spot in the room.
„Kikumaru-san!“
Said redhead turned around to the one who distructed him from what seemed to be gloomy thoughts.
„Ohtori-kun! Long time no see! How have you been?“
„I’m fine Kikumaru-san, and yourself?“
„I manage.“ Eiji said with a smile, but Choutarou had been around people who hid their emotions for too long, to not notice when that happened. His look went from the redhead to the place that Eiji had been staring at a moment ago.
There they stood, next to each other, though with enough space between them to be called decent, but close enough to be intimate. Oishi’s nose was breathing in the scent of Shishido-san’s silken hair and Shishido-san was openly staring into those esmerald eyes, a subtle flush tinting his cheeks a soft pink.
The first thing that came to Choutarou’s mind as he saw that was: Love. One could even feel how in love Oishi-san and Shishido-san were. There was no room for a thrid person. Much less for a fourth.
He smiled understandingly.
„Oishi-san seems happy.“
Kikumaru smiled sadly. It was the smile of a man who acknowledged defeat, because it was better than fight in vain.
„Yeah. He does.“
And that was it. No frustrated tantrums, no hysterics, no blowing up things. Instead, simple acknowledgement.
Choutarou smiled. „Kikumaru-san, has anyone ever told you how awesome you are?“
Eiji gave him a gratefull smile and approached him. There was no playfullness in his movements, no bouncy, enthusiastic mood. He was fully serious, yet at the same time smiling.
He laid a hand on CHoztarou’s shoulder.
„Ohtori-kun, why don’t you start calling me Eiji already?“
Choutarou blushed crimson. „But how could I?!“
„Because you are helping a lot, you know? You have a good heart. A better heart I could ever have. Thank you.“
He turned around for a one last look. Then he took his hand from Choutarou’s shoulder and smiled, this genuinly and with all the goofiness returned.
„Now, how about we go and chug down some punch?!“
„Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea, I have the suspicion that Mukahi-senpai spike- Kikumaru-san?“
But he was already being dragged away to the not-so-non-alcoholic party mix.
x-x
Three hours later the party was in full go. They had already finished dinner and now everyone was just standing around, amusing themselves, chatting, avoiding mistletoes and some were even dancing to the soft background music.
It seemed it had been one of Atobe’s better ideas to invite Seigaku to his gala. Currently he was standing in the middle of the room, having a what seemed to be a pleasent chat with Tezuka, Oshitari and Fuji, the ever-loyal Kabaji at his side. The brat and the glutton were raiding the food with lightning speed, while the sushi cheff was doing his best to hold them back. Hiyoshi was trying to avoid Taki and eat in peace. He couldn’t see Choutarou anywhere, so Shishido guessed he just took a few minutes break to escape the rush. Inui and Kaidou were dancing in one of the far corners of the room, where, as they hoped, no one would see them and Gakuto was dancing with Jiirou, while laughing insanely and Shishido suspected the amount of their laughter had maybe to do something with the amount of the punch they consumed. He had this growing suspicion that it was spiked, since he felt tipsy himself. Shuichiro was at his side and Kikumaru was nowhere to be seen. It was perfect. He allowed himself to put his guard down enough to take his boyfriend by the hand and pull him near, so they were hip on hip.
„I’m glad that Atobe invited Seigaku.“
Oishi glanced at him, a smile on his face. „Yeah. Me too.“
„I don’t know what I would’ve done if I wasn’t able to spend at least an evening of the break with you.“ It was rare for him tot alk this openly about his emotions, but he was probably drunk and it was the day before Christmas. He was allowed to get a bit emotional.
„I know what you mean. I’m glad that I could spend this night with you.“
Shishido knew that Oishi meant it without any kind of innuendo, or hidden meaning, but the thoughts that had been occupying his mind lately made something come to him.
„Shuichiro, I...“ Ryou looked away. „I didn’t know what to get you...“
Oishi smiled. „You didn’t need to get me anything.“
„That’s good, because in the end I didn’t.“
Oishi chuckled.
„But.“
Oishi raised an eyebrow. „But?“
„I have been thinking.“
„That’s a dangerous thing in your case.“
„Will you just shut up and listen?“
„Yes, sorry.“
„I’ve been thinking that...we’ve been dating for three months now, correct?“
„Yes. Since early september.“
Ryou nodded. „And...how should I say this...We haven’t been...you know...just yet...“
Oishi’s eyebrow went higher and higher. Ryou sighed. Looed like he wouldn’t get around saying it loud.
„We’ve been just kissing untill now.“
There was a sudden expression of „A-haaaah...“ in Oishi’s face. He already opened hi smouth to say something, but Ryou beat him to it. He needed to say everything he wanted to say and if Oishi interrupted him now, he wouldn’t have the power to do so anymore.
„So I thought...that...we could...Atobe has sure a few rooms to spare...“
Oishi opened his mouth again, but Ryou still wasn’t finished.
„We don’t have to go all the way, I just thought that we could...go...deeper?“
Now he was finished. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Oishi and the lame thing was, he didn’t even know why. It wasn’t like Oishi didn’t know. It also wasn’t that he hadn’t seen it coming. They would have come to do it sooner or later. So why the heck was he blushing, why was his heart beating so fast, why couldn’t he look into his boyfriend’s eyes?!
He felt arms around him pull him near and a fresh smell filled his senses. He closed his eyes and let himself relax as his own arms encircled the chest he was being flushed against. He already started asking himself if this was a ’yes’ as he felt hot breath against his ear.
„Then tell me, Ryou,...“ the smooth voice whispered, „do you want to see me naked?“
Ryou’s breath died out as something, most probably his heart, leapt from his chest into his throat, trying to effectively suffocate him and it felt like his whole circulation system turned around and the blood supply of his whole body, espcially the knees, that suddenly felt very weak and shaky, rushed into his face. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He could just stare at the figure holding him, chuckling quietly to himself. The state he was currently in could be described the closest with ’total shock’.
„What? Isn’t that what you would want?“ Oishi asked with the ghost of a laught in his voice. Then those smiling lips descended on hi sown and slowly, with th elingering, wet kiss, Ryou came back to his senses, only to loose them again, blown away with the sheer intensity of the kiss.
He always thought how good it was that they were the same height. Niether had to bend, or tiptoe, no one’s neck hurt.
„Don’t you?“ Oishi mumbled into the kiss, bringing Ryou into reality. They separated and stared into each other’s eyes, esmerald into indigo.
„Do you?“
Every trace of amusement was gone. Now they were discussing it seriously.
Ryou contemplated. He still could say no, that it wasn’t that what he had meant, that a bit of touching was just fine, but that would have been a howling lie. Now that he realized it, he really wante dto see Shuichiro naked. And this was his idea. He was not backing out of it.
So he nodded. „Yes.“ His voice was close to a whisper as he said it, so he tried it again, this time louder. „Yes. Yes, I want to. See you naked.“
There. Now that he finally said it out loud, straight into Shuichiro’s eyes, it wasn’t as bad.
Oishi smiled. „That’s...flattering.“ Suddenly, his eyes sparked. „But Ryou...isn’t it a traditional gift, girls give their boyfriends?“
Indigo eyes flared and Oishi prepared himself for a biting remark, but then there was a smirk. „I don’t know if it counts when I’m a boy, Shuichiro.“
Oishi just stared. And laughed out. „That’s right! My bad...“
Just watching his boyfriend laugh made Shishido Ryou laugh himself. Maybe it wasn’t as bad, as it seemed.
„Ah, by the way...“
„Hmm?“
Oishi didn’t say anything, just pointed a finger above them. Ryou followed his look. The laugh disappeared.
„No.“
„Ryou.“
„I said no! You seriously expect me to kiss you in a room full of people just because of a plant hanging above my head?! Forget it!“
„It’s tradition.“
„Screw tradition! I am not going to make a fool out of myself in front of everyone because of something that is ages old and outdated. You know how I think about tradition.“
„I’ve learned. But you know what I think? That you make a terrible fuss about nothing. It’s just one mistletoe kiss. No one said something about a hot and needy make-out session. Give me just a small peck on the lips and be done and over with it. You can do it now. No one’s looking. Besides...I really want to kiss you now. And not only because of tradition...“
„You’re evil Shuichiro. I bet you’ve learned that from Choutarou. That puppy look has a trademark on it.“
„All is fair in love and war.“
„Evil, evil, corrupted being.“
„And yet you’re still in my arms.“
„Because you hold me captive with your charms.“
„Then let me charm you some more.“
And with that Oishi leaned forward and caught Shishido’s lips in a chaste kiss. And in spite of every lameness of it, Ryou found that, mistletoe or not, a kiss was a kiss. And maybe...just maybe, along with a small Christmas wish.
ox*-*x--ox*xo--x*-*xo
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! Any kind of feedback is loved and appreaciated!
And here I want to thank my sole reviewer Hidden in Sunlight for giving my story love.
*bear hug*
Concerning the birthday present: Oishi and Shishido got together at the start of september, before Shishido’s birthday, but I have started writing after Shishido had his birthday, so I hadn’t an opportunity to write the fic for it. I will porbably do so before Oishi’s birthday.
For any of those that are wondering, the song Shishido has for Oishi is Bon Jovi’s „Thank you for loving me“. I do not own the song. I just figured that Ryou is the type to like Bon Jovi. At least in my opinion...
Author : manaika
Fandom : Prince of Tennis
Pairing : Oishi/Shishido
Theme : #20: Respect tradition
Rating : For everyone,- PG-13, K+
Warnings : shounen-ai, sap, romance, kissing, heartbreak, lovesick teenies, ooc-ness, cursing...Shishido...
Summary : Made for 30kisses, list Xi/Instructions. Oishi and Shishido struggle with their relationship, love and other challenges their life brings. Restriction no. #20. Christmas is a time of presents, a time of love and, as one Shishido Ryou learns, unfortunately, tradition.
Disclaimer : I do not own Prince of Tennis, or any of it’s characters. The creators do. My muse owns the idea of the fic, my insanity the existence of it and I the work and the time I put into writing it. Credit me at least those, ok?
Notes
I know I promised something else, but as I was almost finished I got a block on it and instead this Christmas fic started attacking me. So I decided to abandon the other one-shot and do this. I hope you like it. I made it extra long, extra sappy, fluffy, cheesy, traditional...
Anyway.
Enjoy! ^^
Christmas Wish
Ξ #20. Respect tradition.
It had been over three months, Shishido Ryou mused one Saturday evening, over a cup of hot cocoa and Roshi Bunkyu Hokoku Kiji, the memories of Nagakura Shinpachi, a birthday gift from his boyfriend. It had been three months since he and said boyfriend got together. And to say, these past three months were nothing but chaotic. Crazy. Utterly. Psycho, even. With everything that happened, Ryou found himself amazed that he hasn’t snapped yet.
Not only did he have to listen a whole night to the talk his father decided it was time to give him, but he had to do the whole coming out with all of it’s lameness attached, and then his parents just simpply had to meet him. And now, finally, after everything has settled down, Christmas was approaching and that had ’Chaos’ written all across of it, bright and bold.
And his team-mates weren’t really helping.
Of course that Atobe Keigo wouldn’t simply let everyone have their own little Christmas party, no, the diva simply had to organize one for everyone. A big one. A pompous one. Lame oaf. And the worst thing was, that Shishido couldn’t even talk himself out of it because of his boyfriend, because said boyfriend was invited too. Along with the rest of his former team. Why, or even how Atobe managed to achieve it, Shishido did not want to know. Though, Gakuto has voiced his own suspicions and Shshido found himself seriously contemplaiting them. Though he had yet to ask Shuichiro about it.
Shuichiro.
His boyfriend.
His wonderfull, gentle, patient boyfriend.
That was when his phone rung to soft piano music, first hesitating, then sure, then soft tunes of an electric guitar joining it, coloring the background with depth. He picked it up faster than any of his dashes.
„Yes?“ he asked softly, already knowing whom he was speaking to.
„Hey there.“ The voice was gentle and loving and Ryou caught a breath, as he always did when he heard his boyfriend’s voice. Or when he saw his boyfriend. He knew it was lame, but...it was love. And for him that was enough of an excuse to allow himself being totally lame.
„Yo, Shuichiro. What’s up?“
„Nothing much, I just wanted to hear your voice. I haven’t seen you in what feels like ages.“
„It hasn’t been a week, Shuichiro.“ Ryou tried being sarcastic, but somehow he couldn’t get the gentleness out of his voice. As lame as it was, he couldn’t but feel flattered at his boyfriend’s endless attention and need for him. Even though they weren’t yet...but that was another story.
„I know, but I still miss you.“
„Then why don’t you come and visit me?“
„And give your brother an excuse to mock you?“
„Screw that bastard. I’ll simply lock him in his room. He can run to mom later.“
There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. „I would love to come over, but I have to learn for mid-term exams. I’m guessing it’s the same with you, isn’t it ?“
Ryou rolled his eyes. „You’re worse than my mom.“
Another chuckle.
„Tell me, what are you doing right now?“
„Sitting on the couch, drink hot cocoa and reading.“
„You read?“
„So funny today we are, Shuichiro. You even gave me the book, remember?“
The teasing tone changed instantly. „Oh. And? How is it?“
Ryou chuckled. Seriously, was there anything Oishi Shuichiro wasn’t worrying about? „It’s very interesting. To read a journal of someone who is almost a century dead is...intense, I would say.“
„So you like it?“
„For the upteenth time, Shuichiro: I love it!“
„That’s good because I really-“
„Had trouble picking the right gift and you had to go all the way to Hyotei and ask my team-mates to get some ideas, without me catching wind of it, yes, I know. You did your job well and once again, I love the gift. I believe I’ve been saying it for almost three months now.“
A soft sigh and small chuckle came through the reciever. „What do you want for Christmas?“
„An illness fatal enough to be excused from Atobe’s party.“
A laugh. „Right. Speaking of which...“
„Hm?“
„When and where will it be held?“
„23rd, Atobe’s mansion. He mentioned something about 5 o’clock, but that’s not sure yet. Said he had to coordinate it with something else. Probably some hair-dresser, or some cosmetic salon, or something similary pompous.“
„5 o’clock? Isn’t that a bit early?“
„It’s Atobe.“ Ryou said, as if the name explained everything. And seriously, it did. Shuichiro didn’t comment it.
„Should I pick you up?“
„Don’t you think that in this case I should be the one doing the pick up? I’m the one who knows the way there, after all.“
A chuckle froom the other end of the line. „True...Well then: Will you pick me up?“
„Sure, handsom.“
That was when his older brother entered the room. „Hey squirt. Better end your love call. Mom says dinner’s ready.“
„Fuck off, shitass.“
„Did I do something?!“
„No, not you! My brother just came in. I have to go. Dinner.“
„Right. Say hi to your family.“
„Yeah, you too. See you on Wednesday?“
It has become a regular habit for them to meet on Wednesday while Ryou was walking his dog. He had no clue why Wednesday since they got together on Monday, but Ryou saw no point in figuring it out. Wat was important that he got to see his boyfriend at least once a week, with their busy schedules.
So he smiled into himself and replied: „In the park, 8 o’clock.“
„’Till then...“
„See you...“
With that they hung up.
„My, my, Ryou-chan. Aren’t you ashamed to talk in front of your Mr. Right like that?“
„Shut it, Ryuu. I’m not the one at fault that you are sexually frustrated.“
„It’s not like you are any better, squirt.“
Ryou decided it was better not to let this argument to continue.
x-x
„So, boys, what are you up to during the holidays?“
„Me and the guys would like to go on a ski-trip for a few days, if you don’t mind.“
„I don’t see why I should mind. A few days fresh air won’t do you any harm. You always just sit in front of that computer of yours.“
„And you, Ryou, dear?“
„Atobe is holding this Christmas party on th 23rd, so I guess I’ll attend. That, or I’ll listen to him complaining that I didn’t, for the rest of my life.“
„I see. Anything else?“
„No, I guess not.“ From his peripheral vision he saw his grandfather smile, a rare case these days. He wondered what caused it. „I still have those exams.“
His father nodded approvingly. „That’s responsible of you, young man.“
„But Ryou-chan, what about Oishi-kun? You two won’t be seeing each other then during the whole holiday? What a shame.“
The glance Ryou threw his older brother almost as deathly as one would imagine the apocalypse to be. It wasn’t like he brought the topic up on accident. His brother knew exactly, that he would be seeing Oishi. He was just being a pain in the ass.
„Oh come one, don’t give me that look. It hasn’t stoped being a pout yet, so it isn’t very effective and you’ll get wrinkles. You sure don’t want to be inattractive for Oishi-kun.“
„Leave Shuichiro out of this Ryuu, or I’ll swear...“
„How cute you are, being so protective...I’m sure you two will miss each other. Or is he by any chance attending Atobe-kun’s party as well?“
„I’ll kill you!“
The smile on his grandfather’s face fell.
„Was that supposed to be a secret?“
„No! It’s not secret that the Seigaku team will be also attending Atobe’s party. I just didn’t want to bring it up for obvious reasons. And don’t play dumb you didn’t know it. Jerk.“
His brother opened already his mouth, probably say something stupid, but his father cut in.
„Is that true?“
Ryou scoffed. „Yeah. I didn’t want to mention it to, well, avoid a lame situation.“
His father nodded. „I understand. However, I don’t appreciate it if you keep things from us. I respect your privacy, but I don’t like it when you hide something. I believe you see the difference between those two things.“
Ryou nodded.
„Good. Now. Shuichiro is going to attend Atobe-kun’s party then.“
„Along with the rest of Seigaku.“ Along with Kikumaru. „Don’t ask why Atobe would feel the need to invite another team, because I don’t know. We have a theory, but it’s not a proven fact yet.“
„We?“
„I, Gakuto and Jiirou. Well, I and Gakuto at least since Jiirou mostly sleeps.“
„Does he do anything else?“ his brother asked, more rhetorically than an actual question. Ryou shrugged and answered anyway. „Play tennis. And eat sweets.“
„Right.“
„I do not like the idea of you attending Atobe-kun’s party, young man.“ The oldest member at the table said.
„Neither do I, gramps, since I detest Atobe’s parties, but being the only one not to go would be lame. And Atobe would never let me hear the end of it. Besides he promised to make it more humble this time. Though, I wonder if he understands the nuclear meaning of that word.“
„I did not mean it like that.“
„Father.“ The head of the family tried to interject, but it was meaningless. His father was the semantic of a stubborn mule, when it came down to it.
„No, son, let me finish this with Ryou.“
A sigh. „Gramps, I thought we already cleared this topic. Seriously, get over it.“
„Not in that tone young man!“
„Father...“
„Son-“
„Father!“
Silence.
Then the head of the family spoke. „I understand why you are against Ryou’s and Oishi-kun’s relationship, but the squirt is serious about it. I think he is old enough for his wishes to be respected.“
„When you were his age-“
„Was 40 years ago.“
„And should be respected as tradition, therefore.“
„You mistake past for tradition, father. And past is past and stays past.“
„History is history, no matter how you look at it. It tends to repeat itself, but can never be the same. If we still clung to past ideals, the Choushu and the Aizu would still be fighting each other and we would be commiting seppuku if we lost our master. Thanks, but no.“
For a few moments there was silence as everyone looked at the youngest member at the table, who was suddenly very obsessed with staring at his meal.
„That’s some nice words squirt. Sounded almost academic.“
„Shut it, Ryuu.“
The mother turned to her father-in-law. „Ryou has a point, you know.“
Then her husband added. „I told you he is old enough to deserve respect. And it looks like the relationship is serious enough for him to mature. For that reason alone we should grant him freedom. Let him develope.“
„Typical excuse of a primary school teacher. Children need to develope. Children need in the first place discipline. I am sorry if I didn’t raise you well enough to be able to create it.“ With that the old man stood up and left the table, with only a word of thanks to their mother for the delicious dinner.
As soon as he left, she turned to her husband. „I hope you know it’s not true what he said.“
Instead of answering, the father of the family laid his hand on her’s and smiled.
„He didn’t need to say that.“ Ryuu said, for once frowning.
„No duh.“ Ryou said, in a rare agreement with his brother.
Their father smiled. „You both know how he can get. Don’t let it get to you. I certainly don’t.“ Then turned to his youngest. „He’ll come around eventually.“
Ryou nodded. „It’s just so...“
„Lame?“ his father offered.
„Yeah. Way too lame.“
ox*xo
In the end the party had been set to half past five and Ryou and Shuichiro agreed to meet at half past four. Ryou thought it was a bit early, but Shuichiro argued that they wouldn’t come late and they would have more time together. So by the given time, Oishi Shuichiro was in front of the mirror doing final adjustements so that every little detail was perfect, ready for hi sboyfriend to show up.
Now only if said boyfriend would arrive.
Five minutes.
Oishi looked at his watch.
Ten minutes.
Oishi started pacing.
Fifteen minutes.
Oishi slumped into the couch.
His mother looked up from the magazine she had been reading.
„Your friend is late.“
Shuichiro sighed. „I know, mom.“ He looked at the clock hanging above the door. He was supposed to show up fifteen minutes ago. Ryou sure took his time.
That was when the bell rung.
„That’s him!“
Shuichiro jumped up from the couch, was at the door not a second later and yanked it open.
„Ryou!“
But what he saw stole his breath.
„I’m sorry I’m late. My hair just wouldn’t cooperate today...“
„Your hair...“ Shuichiro found himself gaping wide-eyed. He was speechless. There was no cap today, just his hair hanging loosely around his face combed inside, soft and shining. The mere sight of it made Shuichiro speechless and so the only words that were able to leave his mouth were: „You grew it out!“
Shishido deadpanned.
„I’ve been growing it out for a year now Shuichiro. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.“
Oishi pulled himself finally together.
„Well, you’ve been hiding it under that cap untill now.“
How was Shuichiro supposed to know that that softness hidden underneath it, had been gradually growing on purpose?
Ryou smiled. „I like how I look in the cap, kinda. And the hair doesn’t keep getting in the way when I play tennis. But today I wanted to...try how I look without it. I wish I hadn’t. It’s a disaster.“
Shuichiro begged to differ.
„It’s not a disaster, it’s beautifull. Still use that shampoo?“
Ryou blushed slightly at the compliment. „Yeah.“
Suddenly he was very sorry for not bringing his cap. The first think he could think of to escape potential humiliation, was divert the attention to something else.
„Are you ready?“
„I’ve been ready for a quarter hour, Ryou.“
Shishido blushed some more and smiled sheepishly. „Sorry.“
Oishi gave him a peck on the lips and grabbed his coat. Then he turned into the house.
„Mom, Dad, we’re leaving!“
His parents came from behind the living room door. Ryou nodded them a good evening.
„Take care, boys.“
„Don’t stay up too long.“
„When will you be back?“
„I’ll deliver him tomorrow morning.“
„What am I? A package?“
„Yeah. My Christmas present. And now move yourself, or else Atobe will have my head.“
„Which will be entirely your fault, taking so long.“
„I wanted to look good for you, so you are to blame.“
Shuichiro, smiling in spite of himself, shook his head and turned to his parents a last time. They said bye and made their way to Atobe’s.
For a while they were silent, just enjoying each other’s company. Ryou’s cheeks flushed with the cold, but it also could have had something to do with the fact, that Oishi took hold of his hand.
„Has your grandfather calmed down since then?“
„Since then, yeah. But today he had another fit.“
„Was that the real reason why you were late, or did you really just take your time with your hair?“
Ryou was silent for several moments.
„Both.“
Oishi looked at him questioningly.
„I took so long because he kept interrupting. You don’t know how annoying it can be when you try to fohn your hair and your grandfather keeps standing behind you and telling you that it’s wrong and depraved if you go to the party.“
„I can imagine.“
„He even went as far as to take my brushes. If my father didn’t finally tell him to let me get ready, or else I’ll be late, I doubt I would have ever showed up.“
Oishi sighed. Ryou looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
„Hey, Shuichiro, what’s the matter?“
„Ah, I just kinda...it’s a pity that your grandfather doesn’t approve. He seems to care about you a lot and from what little I know of him and for those five minutes I met him, he seemed to be a good man.“
Ryou snorted. „Yeah well, not good enough to approve of the gay relationship of his own grandson.“
Oishi sighed again.
For a while they walked in silence again.
„Are you angry?“
Ryou had to smile. There wasn’t a time when Oishi Shuichiro wouldn’t worry. Really, wasn’t.
He shook his head. „Just thinking.“
„What about?“
„Random thoughts.“
„For example?“
„How to achieve that gramps approves, the disaster that is Atobe’s party, how much I dislike your clingy doubles partner, these past three months and that I have to go with Aramis to the vet. Regular inspection, don’t worry.“
„It has been quite hectic lately.“
Ryou snorted. „You wanted to say crazy.“
Oishi smiled. „That too.“ He stopped.
Ryou turned around. „Shuichiro? Did something happen?“
Shuichiro just shook his head. Suddenly he took hold of Ryouvs hand and pulled him towards himself. Ryou stumbled a bit and before he realized it, he landed flushed against Shuichiro’s chest.
„Hey, what’s the matter?“
„Nothing. I just wanted to hold you a little.“
Ryou was confused. What the bloody...
But despite being confused, Ryou felt himself smile and relax into his boyfriend’s arms.
„Hopeless romantic.“
„As if you don’t like it.“
Ryou didn’t say anything, just smiled.
„I’m glad we’re together.“
Ryou nodded. „Yeah. Me too.“
For a while they stayed like that, standing in th emiddle of an empty street with a single old street light staring down on them with it’s dimm light, just basking in each other’s company.
x-x
„We’re here.“
„With a whole minute to spare.“
„See? We aren’t late. And stop being sarcastic Shuichiro. It doesn’t suit you. Besides, you were the one who felt the sudden need to go romantic on me in the middle of the street.“
Oishi shook his head about his boyfriend. Seriously, Ryou was sometimes... He took the boy into his arms. „You are sometimes so incorrigible...And I doubt that those five minutes would have made a difference. Sometimes I wonder why I even put up with you.“
„And yet you’re still here, holding me in your arms.“
„What a fool I am...“
„The greatest in the whole world.“ Ryou smirked.
They looked at each other, deeply into the other’s eyes. Their faces came closer, inch by inch by inch and then...
x-x
„You’re late, Shishido.“
Atobe’s scowling magnificence appeared in front of them as soon as they were seen by the buttler into the ball room.
„No. We aren’t.“
„I, with my excellent sense of time, say you are exactly two minutes late.“
Shishido stole a glance at the clock. „Actually, three. And no, we are not. We were in front of your house four minutes ago.“
„And why did you decide, that spending four minutes in the cold outside is good?“
Ryou opened his mouth and closed it. He shouldn’t have started the discussion, he mused, as Atobe’s sharp look bore itself into him. He hated his former captain’s insight from the bottom of his heart.
„I...Got something into my eye and Shuichi- Oishi was helping me with it.“
„Outside.“ Atobe raised an eyebrow, though it wasn’t really a question.
„Outside.“ Ryou confirmed, just a bit stubbornly.
„And it took four minutes.“
Ryou didn’t answer. Atobe took a small glance at his lips. Ryou bit them. Damn it! They were still swollen from the kiss and Atobe wouldn’t take a second to figure it out. Sure enough, a small smirk crossed the lips. Damn bastard.
„I see.“
Now, even if Shishido hated to admit it, there was something that he valued on Atobe: his discrecy. Whatever secrets he found out, he never leaked them. Not if they were private.
His former captain stepped aside. „Make yourself home.“
They stepped inside, successfully avoiding the mistletoe hanging dangerously above the door like the sword of Damocles. Further into the room, Christmas music and the sounds of the party embraced them beckoningly. It was warm and pleasant and they felt themselves relax. But as soon as they let their guards down, ready to loose themselves in the waves of celebration, there was a blurr of red and limbs and it wrapped itself around Oishi like some kind of giant sepia.
Ryou’s eyebrow twitched.
„Oishi!!!! I’m so glad to see you!“
„Ei...Eiji...“ Oishi risked a glance towards his boyfriend. The glare made him flinch. „Nice...nice to see you too...“
The frown deepened.
„I’ve missed you so much, Oishi!“
The glare darkened.
„I...missed you too...Eiji...“
There was something closely resembling the growl of a pissed-off wolf from Ryou.
„I would love to catch up with you Eiji, but there’s soemthing Ryou wanted to show me.“ Oishi said as he tried to disentangle himself from his former doubles partner.
„Can’t he show you later?“
Suddenly it seemed like the space around Ryou was darker than the rest of the room.
„I don’t really think so, Eiji.“
Eiji let go of Oishi with a pout on his face. „Mou. I hoped to have a good chat with you. We haven’t done this in a while and I have so much to tell you...“ he trailed his finger down Oishi’s chest.
Oishi stole a glance at Ryou. The dark aura was growing. He turned back to Eiji. „Maybe later. See you then.“
With that he seized Ryou’s arm and dragged him away. As soon as they were out of ear-sight he stoped and turned around to look at his boyfriend.
„You are such a jerk sometimes...“
The response he got threw him off his feet.
„He was clinging to you!“
To be honest he expected Ryou to throw a tantrum, not look at him in a mix of accusingly and excusingly, saying only one sentence. Maybe he had a chance if he tried to reason.
„He’s my former doubles partner.“
Oishi didn’t expect an equally reasonable response.
„Ohtori is mine and he doesn’t cling to me like a giant bundle of pheromones.“
But still, Ryou couldn’t expect Eiji to go on distance.
„He was my boyfriend.“
„Right use of past tense.“
Oishi was out of excuses and it looked like Ryou was winning their word battle. There was only one more thing he could say to keep at least a bit of dignity.
„You’re jealous.“
„He was clinging to you!“
And that was the last thing Oishi expected. At that almost childish response, from his often sarcastic and grumpy boyfriend, he couldn’t but smile. Maybe, somewhere, it was nice to know, that one was treasure so much.
Giving up the fight, acknowledging Ryou’s win, and admitting utter defeat, he pulled him into his arms. „Sorry. I see where you’re coming from. You just can’t expect him to take it without a fight.“
„It has been three months. He should deal with it finally.“
He had a point. „You’re right. But you still can’t blame him.“
„I’m not blaming him. I’m just taking action. I won’t let it slide just because he is heartbroken. He wants a fight you say? You can’t expect me not to fight back, then. I’m just defending my territory.“
Oishi shook his head, albeit with a small, almost fond smile playing on his lips. „You two really behave like a cat and a dog. It’s almost as if it’s by default that you two get at each other.“ Suddenly the smile turned int a smirk. „Or tradition.“
Ryou smacked him across his head, while Oishi could just laugh.
x-x
It was shortly after dinner that Choutarou approached Eiji.
The party was just starting and small groups were beginning to form, the largest around Atobe of course. The only one not in a group was surprisingly Kikumaru Eiji, who was just standing uncharacteristically still, staring at one spot in the room.
„Kikumaru-san!“
Said redhead turned around to the one who distructed him from what seemed to be gloomy thoughts.
„Ohtori-kun! Long time no see! How have you been?“
„I’m fine Kikumaru-san, and yourself?“
„I manage.“ Eiji said with a smile, but Choutarou had been around people who hid their emotions for too long, to not notice when that happened. His look went from the redhead to the place that Eiji had been staring at a moment ago.
There they stood, next to each other, though with enough space between them to be called decent, but close enough to be intimate. Oishi’s nose was breathing in the scent of Shishido-san’s silken hair and Shishido-san was openly staring into those esmerald eyes, a subtle flush tinting his cheeks a soft pink.
The first thing that came to Choutarou’s mind as he saw that was: Love. One could even feel how in love Oishi-san and Shishido-san were. There was no room for a thrid person. Much less for a fourth.
He smiled understandingly.
„Oishi-san seems happy.“
Kikumaru smiled sadly. It was the smile of a man who acknowledged defeat, because it was better than fight in vain.
„Yeah. He does.“
And that was it. No frustrated tantrums, no hysterics, no blowing up things. Instead, simple acknowledgement.
Choutarou smiled. „Kikumaru-san, has anyone ever told you how awesome you are?“
Eiji gave him a gratefull smile and approached him. There was no playfullness in his movements, no bouncy, enthusiastic mood. He was fully serious, yet at the same time smiling.
He laid a hand on CHoztarou’s shoulder.
„Ohtori-kun, why don’t you start calling me Eiji already?“
Choutarou blushed crimson. „But how could I?!“
„Because you are helping a lot, you know? You have a good heart. A better heart I could ever have. Thank you.“
He turned around for a one last look. Then he took his hand from Choutarou’s shoulder and smiled, this genuinly and with all the goofiness returned.
„Now, how about we go and chug down some punch?!“
„Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea, I have the suspicion that Mukahi-senpai spike- Kikumaru-san?“
But he was already being dragged away to the not-so-non-alcoholic party mix.
x-x
Three hours later the party was in full go. They had already finished dinner and now everyone was just standing around, amusing themselves, chatting, avoiding mistletoes and some were even dancing to the soft background music.
It seemed it had been one of Atobe’s better ideas to invite Seigaku to his gala. Currently he was standing in the middle of the room, having a what seemed to be a pleasent chat with Tezuka, Oshitari and Fuji, the ever-loyal Kabaji at his side. The brat and the glutton were raiding the food with lightning speed, while the sushi cheff was doing his best to hold them back. Hiyoshi was trying to avoid Taki and eat in peace. He couldn’t see Choutarou anywhere, so Shishido guessed he just took a few minutes break to escape the rush. Inui and Kaidou were dancing in one of the far corners of the room, where, as they hoped, no one would see them and Gakuto was dancing with Jiirou, while laughing insanely and Shishido suspected the amount of their laughter had maybe to do something with the amount of the punch they consumed. He had this growing suspicion that it was spiked, since he felt tipsy himself. Shuichiro was at his side and Kikumaru was nowhere to be seen. It was perfect. He allowed himself to put his guard down enough to take his boyfriend by the hand and pull him near, so they were hip on hip.
„I’m glad that Atobe invited Seigaku.“
Oishi glanced at him, a smile on his face. „Yeah. Me too.“
„I don’t know what I would’ve done if I wasn’t able to spend at least an evening of the break with you.“ It was rare for him tot alk this openly about his emotions, but he was probably drunk and it was the day before Christmas. He was allowed to get a bit emotional.
„I know what you mean. I’m glad that I could spend this night with you.“
Shishido knew that Oishi meant it without any kind of innuendo, or hidden meaning, but the thoughts that had been occupying his mind lately made something come to him.
„Shuichiro, I...“ Ryou looked away. „I didn’t know what to get you...“
Oishi smiled. „You didn’t need to get me anything.“
„That’s good, because in the end I didn’t.“
Oishi chuckled.
„But.“
Oishi raised an eyebrow. „But?“
„I have been thinking.“
„That’s a dangerous thing in your case.“
„Will you just shut up and listen?“
„Yes, sorry.“
„I’ve been thinking that...we’ve been dating for three months now, correct?“
„Yes. Since early september.“
Ryou nodded. „And...how should I say this...We haven’t been...you know...just yet...“
Oishi’s eyebrow went higher and higher. Ryou sighed. Looed like he wouldn’t get around saying it loud.
„We’ve been just kissing untill now.“
There was a sudden expression of „A-haaaah...“ in Oishi’s face. He already opened hi smouth to say something, but Ryou beat him to it. He needed to say everything he wanted to say and if Oishi interrupted him now, he wouldn’t have the power to do so anymore.
„So I thought...that...we could...Atobe has sure a few rooms to spare...“
Oishi opened his mouth again, but Ryou still wasn’t finished.
„We don’t have to go all the way, I just thought that we could...go...deeper?“
Now he was finished. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Oishi and the lame thing was, he didn’t even know why. It wasn’t like Oishi didn’t know. It also wasn’t that he hadn’t seen it coming. They would have come to do it sooner or later. So why the heck was he blushing, why was his heart beating so fast, why couldn’t he look into his boyfriend’s eyes?!
He felt arms around him pull him near and a fresh smell filled his senses. He closed his eyes and let himself relax as his own arms encircled the chest he was being flushed against. He already started asking himself if this was a ’yes’ as he felt hot breath against his ear.
„Then tell me, Ryou,...“ the smooth voice whispered, „do you want to see me naked?“
Ryou’s breath died out as something, most probably his heart, leapt from his chest into his throat, trying to effectively suffocate him and it felt like his whole circulation system turned around and the blood supply of his whole body, espcially the knees, that suddenly felt very weak and shaky, rushed into his face. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He could just stare at the figure holding him, chuckling quietly to himself. The state he was currently in could be described the closest with ’total shock’.
„What? Isn’t that what you would want?“ Oishi asked with the ghost of a laught in his voice. Then those smiling lips descended on hi sown and slowly, with th elingering, wet kiss, Ryou came back to his senses, only to loose them again, blown away with the sheer intensity of the kiss.
He always thought how good it was that they were the same height. Niether had to bend, or tiptoe, no one’s neck hurt.
„Don’t you?“ Oishi mumbled into the kiss, bringing Ryou into reality. They separated and stared into each other’s eyes, esmerald into indigo.
„Do you?“
Every trace of amusement was gone. Now they were discussing it seriously.
Ryou contemplated. He still could say no, that it wasn’t that what he had meant, that a bit of touching was just fine, but that would have been a howling lie. Now that he realized it, he really wante dto see Shuichiro naked. And this was his idea. He was not backing out of it.
So he nodded. „Yes.“ His voice was close to a whisper as he said it, so he tried it again, this time louder. „Yes. Yes, I want to. See you naked.“
There. Now that he finally said it out loud, straight into Shuichiro’s eyes, it wasn’t as bad.
Oishi smiled. „That’s...flattering.“ Suddenly, his eyes sparked. „But Ryou...isn’t it a traditional gift, girls give their boyfriends?“
Indigo eyes flared and Oishi prepared himself for a biting remark, but then there was a smirk. „I don’t know if it counts when I’m a boy, Shuichiro.“
Oishi just stared. And laughed out. „That’s right! My bad...“
Just watching his boyfriend laugh made Shishido Ryou laugh himself. Maybe it wasn’t as bad, as it seemed.
„Ah, by the way...“
„Hmm?“
Oishi didn’t say anything, just pointed a finger above them. Ryou followed his look. The laugh disappeared.
„No.“
„Ryou.“
„I said no! You seriously expect me to kiss you in a room full of people just because of a plant hanging above my head?! Forget it!“
„It’s tradition.“
„Screw tradition! I am not going to make a fool out of myself in front of everyone because of something that is ages old and outdated. You know how I think about tradition.“
„I’ve learned. But you know what I think? That you make a terrible fuss about nothing. It’s just one mistletoe kiss. No one said something about a hot and needy make-out session. Give me just a small peck on the lips and be done and over with it. You can do it now. No one’s looking. Besides...I really want to kiss you now. And not only because of tradition...“
„You’re evil Shuichiro. I bet you’ve learned that from Choutarou. That puppy look has a trademark on it.“
„All is fair in love and war.“
„Evil, evil, corrupted being.“
„And yet you’re still in my arms.“
„Because you hold me captive with your charms.“
„Then let me charm you some more.“
And with that Oishi leaned forward and caught Shishido’s lips in a chaste kiss. And in spite of every lameness of it, Ryou found that, mistletoe or not, a kiss was a kiss. And maybe...just maybe, along with a small Christmas wish.
ox*-*x--ox*xo--x*-*xo
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! Any kind of feedback is loved and appreaciated!
And here I want to thank my sole reviewer Hidden in Sunlight for giving my story love.
*bear hug*
Concerning the birthday present: Oishi and Shishido got together at the start of september, before Shishido’s birthday, but I have started writing after Shishido had his birthday, so I hadn’t an opportunity to write the fic for it. I will porbably do so before Oishi’s birthday.
For any of those that are wondering, the song Shishido has for Oishi is Bon Jovi’s „Thank you for loving me“. I do not own the song. I just figured that Ryou is the type to like Bon Jovi. At least in my opinion...