[ It's less in the mailbox and more left on Chris's desk - or at least part of the gift is. The more private one is the one sitting on his desk, a blue box with a gold bow resting in a corner. Inside of the gold tissue paper is a neatly folded blue, gold and white maid outfit - it's a gag gift of course. The note inside says:
Halloween proved to be a rather enlightening experience in regards to the things we both seem to enjoy. I thought you might want to have something else to wear as well to show off your legs better. - Kaito
Elsewhere, and of course not under the tree (because why would he do that) but instead on the bathroom counter is a small black box with a blue ceramic inlaid tungsten ring. Inside is another folded up note:
I'm not certain if whatever it is that's affecting you will wear off by Christmas Day, but I bought this with you in mind before it even happened, and I didn't want to leave this out of your gifts just in case it is gone. If you're still in love with Ryouga at the time of seeing this, then pretend you didn't see this until after it's worn off. The rest of what I feel I need to say on paper rather than in person will be tucked away under your pens in the top drawer of your desk. I suggest that you refrain from reading it until you're back to normal.
I also owe you a belated birthday date. Let me know when will be the best for you.
And as promised, there's a piece of paper folded over once that's been tucked under several things in that top drawer of Chris's desk.
You might be wondering, 'why a ring?' but I personally find that the answer is simple. We've been through quite a lot together over the years, and though I had initially been against this whole charade of playing 'house', I've been thinking it over lately. The marriage license is a useless piece of paper. The ring is something I thought about, and probably far too much. The difference in the two is clear.
The fact that I've even been considering it is a little unusual for me, I realize that. But after seeing what I've seen, experiencing what I've experienced, and especially at the hands of Mr. Heartland, I've started to wonder: Is wanting to stay here so bad after all?
Haruto is here and perfectly healthy. He's happy too, and I'm certain you're aware of how that alone is more than I could have ever hoped for for him. And I have you as well, with the second chance that I wasn't sure I would ever give you. But here we are, and we're all actually happy, despite what is happening back home.
There is one thing that I haven't told you about yet from home. I didn't think it was important at first, but now I know that you really should know; it's part of the reason I'm not so willing to go back anymore. I'm just not sure if Christmas is the right time to tell you. When you want me to talk to you about it, let me know.
And one final thing, because I know I won't say it out loud: as much as I was amused by you and Ryouga making eyes at each other... I've missed you over the past week.
He'll be waiting in the kitchen with coffee, as usual. ]
[Waking up alone has been par for the course this week, but this is the first morning since it started that Chris reached out automatically for a body and warmth that wasn't there and felt a fierce ache when his hand only found cold sheets.
A good sign, he decided once he'd taken a quick shower, if he's missing having Kaito curled up against him. A good sign that maybe it's over (does he really want it to be?) and he can get on with trying to not to feel too guilty.
So the little black box is the first thing he comes across, once he's clean and more awake, and he's glad Kaito isn't around to see his reaction, to either the box or what's inside it. In fact, he has to close the box and go do something else for a moment (like get dressed or go looking for the other note maybe). It's just that there's really only one thing that could be in a box like that and that is indeed what's in there and it's edging on overwhelming just now, when he still vividly remembers and almost misses what he felt for Ryoga and considering the little blue box sitting in the back of his side of the closet.
Top drawer of his desk...and there's a second present sitting on his desk, he'll have to open that first--
(It's with a somewhat exasperated, somewhat embarrassed smile that Chris pulls the dress--maid outfit--out of the box to look it over. Well, at least Kaito had got him one in his colors. And it would probably be flattering if Kaito wanted to see his legs...)
--and then he's digging though the drawer to find the last note. (This is kind of fun, actually, being lead around the room for each little thing.) Once he's found it, he decides to go sit on the bed to actually read it--judging by the note that had been left with the ring, this is undoubtedly a note that requires sitting.
And it is, but it's also horribly tempting to get up and wait to read the rest after the first paragraph. His fingers trace over the words more than once as he's reading through the rest of it (they were so alike, weren't they, though his reasons were undoubtedly more selfish), at least until he reaches the end and they trace over those words instead, which must have been so difficult for Kaito to write. He did so hate admitting his weakness in any way.
Once he's read over it a couple more times, Chris finally sets the paper aside and picks up the little box again, turning it over in his hands. He could put it on and go find Kaito wearing it, that would send a clear message--but before he's even opened the box halfway, he has better idea. So instead he goes and quickly gets dressed in something nice--still Christmas-y, it is Christmas after all, but nice and flattering--grabs the little blue box for Kaito and tucks it away in a pocket, and heads out to find Kaito with his own present in hand.
And thank god he's somewhere a little more secluded than the living room, because as soon as Chris finds him, he strides over and swoops down for a crushing kiss.]
[ It's almost nerve-wracking, actually, waiting for Chris to wake up, to see if he's over the little spell of being in love with someone else (he really would be much more sore about it if it were anyone but Ryouga, but it's just amusing to him, all things considered). He keeps his cup of coffee near his lips, sitting at the table and facing away from doorway into the kitchen so he can't try to peer around it and watch the stairs for Chris. But he keeps his eyes closed, listening for footsteps above him.
Once Kaito does though, he tries to keep his mind clear, tries not to hope too much that he's at least able to have some part of Christmas with Chris because why is that even something he seems so desperate for? (It's because of the ring, he reminds himself, and he wonders how foolish he must be for having gotten him something like that when they're both so young, especially considering the circumstances - and especially considering that he's dying back home.) It's footsteps and silence, footsteps and silence, and footsteps again as he hears Chris coming down the stairs, and Kaito tips the mug back, taking a large drink of his coffee.
Though, he hears Chris coming into the kitchen and he's quick to swallow, expecting to hear nothing more than a 'good morning' and a brief rundown of his plans for the day before disappearing. But instead, as Kaito looks up a bit, there's Chris and he's close and those are lips firmly against his own and he's a little surprised, hands unsure of what to do for a moment before he's carefully settling the mug down on the table. As soon as his hands are free and it clicks that Chris's emotions aren't being toyed with anymore, Kaito's hands are in Chris's hair, tilting his head and deepening the kiss as he presses one hand at the back of his head to keep him close, the other simply moving to brush his fingers over Chris's throat.
The kiss is good though. It's not only that Chris is back to normal, but it's likely he read the notes. Which means he saw the ring (and possibly the outfit), which also means that this is all okay and there's nothing wrong with his gift choice. Everything is fine and things can go back to normal. ... Aside from the teasing that Chris and Ryouga are both going to get as a result of all of this, but that much must be obvious to them both.
And it takes a moment before Kaito's ready to pull back from the kiss, and even when he does, he doesn't draw back too far, lips brushing against Chris's as he speaks, voice quiet. ]
It's about time you kissed me again.
[ There's a hint of a smirk on his lips, but it's really more of a smile and it makes Kaito grateful he's still so close so Chris can't see the whole thing before it fades a little. After those notes, he has to make sure he's not seen as too soft, after all. ]
[Chris raises his free hand to sink his fingers into Kaito's hair in return and doesn't even try to keep himself from moaning as Kaito starts kissing him enthusiastically back; it's not much of one anyway and Kaito could probably use the reassurance that everything is fixed now and he's not just taking pity on him. And Chris doesn't mind encouraging him to get into it a bit anyway; if nothing else, he has definitely missed having Kaito's fingers in his hair. He's grown so used to having someone's fingers in his hair and against his scalp on a regular basis, that had been a noticeable and regretful change.
As Kaito pulls away a bit, Chris shifts his hand back to cup his cheek and brush his thumb along his cheekbone, and the smile that touches his lips is a little more pained and guilty, at least in the moment before he leans in to kiss Kaito again. Very briefly, and then he's pulling back just enough to speak and to press their foreheads together.]
I'm so sorry, Kaito. I know it wasn't my fault--[he has to get that in before kaito can point it out, because that's not the important thing here]--but I'm still sorry. [He closes his eyes and gives a small, bitter smile.] The landlord has abysmal timing.
Though I suppose we should be grateful that the effects were reversed in time for Christmas.
[ The touch to his face is one he hadn't thought he would miss. But then again, how many other times has he been without Chris's touch for a while and realized how much he enjoyed it once he had it back? The thought is chased away by Chris's lips on his own again, and even briefly, it... feels nice. How many other kisses could they share before something like this happened again?
Hearing Chris's words though, Kaito opens his mouth to interrupt and tell Chris it isn't his fault-- but no, he has that covered apparently, and he almost chuckles in response to that. And it's probably gross and soft to anyone outside of them, but when Chris gives Kaito that bitter smile, Kaito's fingers slip up Chris's throat to brush his fingertips against his lips, as if he wants to get rid of it. Once he realizes what he's doing though, Kaito's fingers move from Chris's lips and into his hair, lightly grazing the fingernails of both of his hands against Chris's scalp, massaging that and the back of his neck a little. ]
I hadn't thought anything would change today.
[ It's a quiet admittance, though that was likely clear from his little notes, the way he'd wanted Chris to ignore it all if he was still not feeling what they had. He keeps his fingers moving against Chris's scalp, though one hand slides from the back of his neck and to his back, wanting to let him be relaxed about it for a moment at the very least. ]
When do you want that date of yours that I owe you?
[Oh, he did miss this. Chris hums softly and his eyes stay happily closed to better enjoy it as Kaito starts massaging his scalp, and after a moment he even rests his other wrist against Kaito's shoulder to lean against it, as if he's about to climb into Kaito's lap. Not that he is, because he's a little too big for that to be comfortable in one of these chairs, but if Kaito were sitting on the sofa, he might. It's probably for the best that they're not out in the living room just yet, really.
He hums again, in agreement this time, as Kaito mentions his worries and he absently turns the ring box over in his fingers. Kaito had basically said as much in the note with the ring, and honestly, he wasn't the only one who had been worried. Chris had fallen asleep last night annoyed that they might miss out on his birthday and Christmas.]
Nor did I. But I'm glad it did. I've been looking forward to spending Christmas with you.
[Ah, that isn't something he's even thought about much after reading that first note. He's been a little distracted by the ring itself and then finding Kaito to take advantage of wanting to kiss him again.]
I don't know; I'll have to think about that. I haven't been awake long enough yet.
[ Kaito almost wishes he would climb into his lap, but he knows that's a little dangerous in this chair. Instead, he keeps his fingers moving, keeps his eyes on Chris's face and to think that he'd missed this so much... It's like when he'd been whisked away to those islands and Kaito had been left behind with no one but Kotori to keep him company, and while his feelings seem to have sorted himself out better since then, it just makes this seem like it's even more of a necessity.
He's still not sure if he likes it or not, but if he doesn't get over it now, he never will. (He has to remind himself that it's actually okay to rely on someone else a little.)
As he listens to Chris, Kaito has to keep trying to hold back his smile, his fingers continuing to move against Chris's scalp. There's a brief moment where Kaito feels the need to press another kiss against Chris's lips, and he does, the press light and ending with Kaito nipping lightly at his lower lip as he draws back from it. ]
Then I suppose that gives you plenty of think about when you have the chance. You probably know of one of your gifts, which is also something I was hoping to give you tonight as well.
[ At least he's not really trying to be subtle about it. ]
[That isn't even remotely subtle. Chris actually chuckles a bit; Kaito must have missed him terribly, as if the note actually saying so didn't make that clear. But that's fine with him; the idea he'd had upstairs wasn't exactly subtle either.]
Decided to return the favor? [He smiles and leans in for one more kiss.] Good, I'm looking forward to it.
[And nice as this is, he's getting a bit tired of leaning over so far, and that was a good transition to a bit more gift-giving just between the two of them (and he wants to get that done soon rather than later, before Gary or Haruto walk in and force them to put it off until that night, perhaps). So Chris rubs his thumb along Kaito's cheek one more time and slowly stands up.]
Speaking of gifts, I found the ones you left for me. [He holds up the ring box and does his best not to look too solemn, so Kaito won't worry, although that's a bit difficult because now that he's doing this and repeating the words in his head to make sure they'll be right and feeling the weight of them, it's making him a little nervous. No wonder Kaito had just written him a couple notes; that would have been much easier.]
I have one I'd like to give you in private as well, but first...
[He takes one of Kaito's hands, places the box on his palm, and carefully curls his fingers around it, and then raises his gaze to look Kaito in the eye.]
[ Sometimes, Kaito has to remind himself how ridiculous it is that he's letting himself get so comfortable with these things, with the gentle touches and light but lingering kisses... but he also has to remind himself of why he's even letting it happen in the first place. He has a good list of reasons for it after all, but sometimes he still has a little trouble deciding if he wants to keep fighting a little more or completely give in and let himself be... sweet.
Though, the moment he spots the box he'd given Chris in his hand, Kaito's thoughts are immediately on that and he swallows hard, eyes on the box for a moment before he lifts his gaze up to Chris. And despite trying his best, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is that perhaps he was foolish to buy it.
The way that the box feels in his palm is heavy, too heavy almost, but he remains silent as his fingers are curled around the velvet, and his tongue darts out to wet his lips, finding himself wondering. But Kaito looks up at Chris speaks, and god, Kaito could hit him for drawing it out like that and making him feel like some pathetic fool hanging on to Chris's every word. He does at least give Chris a bit of a displeased look, just a quick one before he opens the box and pulls the ring from it. ]
Just be glad I wasn't sappy enough to get something engraved in it.
[ Kaito sets the box down on the table and honestly, he's a little surprised that Chris even wants to wear it. Though, he could easily chalk that up to cultural differences, so he shakes off the thought and hesitates - the left hand, isn't it? He takes Chris's hand, fingers brushing against fingers and then Chris's palm until Kaito's palm is under his, and he slides the ring onto Chris's ring finger. And it's a little pleasing to know that he'd at least gotten the right size.
And there's a moment where he debates it, but after a moment of thinking it, he brings Chris's hand closer to his mouth and presses his lips against his fingertips - kissing the ring seems... too sappy, and Kaito can at least tease Chris a little by parting his lips a little and flicking his tongue over a fingertip before letting go. He can't have this being entirely emotional, after all. ]
[There's a moment when Chris isn't sure Kaito will do it--it's that look, probably, which Chris would have found amusing most other times but right now is just nerve-wracking because this is a situation where he might actually mean it--and he isn't sure he actually wants Kaito to do it after all. No matter what Kaito had written in his note (which he agreed with) or how comfortable they were living together or the fact that they had thought of the same thing, it's a little fast and this is a very big symbolic step...which was the idea, but that didn't mean it was easy.
But then Kaito's taking his hand and there isn't even a moment to breathe much less worry (though that could have been because of the way Kaito slides their hands together and then the way he kisses his fingertips once he's done, he did like to take advantage of that). And by the time Kaito lets his hand go, in seems silly to have been worried in the first place; in fact, watching the ring catch the light and how nice it looks on his finger, he's quite interested in shoving Kaito back and showing him just how much he likes this particular gift--maybe if there was a place to shove Kaito back against that wasn't another chair.]
Thank you.
[And it's quite pretty enough without anything engraved in it, not to mention anything he can think of would be horribly sappy and this is already sappy enough. Not that he's above being more sentimental than Kaito--there's a present under the tree that can attest to that--but it doesn't seem right in this case.]
It seems we were thinking alike on that too...
[He wiggles his fingers to watch the light catch on more time and then reaches into his pocket to pull out Kaito's gift: a little, dark blue box that couldn't be for anything other than a ring or earrings, but in this case it's a ring, tungsten with a dragon pattern. And much as he'd like to put it on Kaito's finger in turn, there's no saying Kaito would want that, so he holds it out for Kaito to take and decide.]
[ The way that Chris admires the ring has Kaito wondering whether he should give a little laugh or pull him back down for a kiss. It must really mean more to Chris than he'd expected, and it's a little worrying, but there's no taking it back or backing down now. What's done is done, and Kaito gets to deal with it. Then again 'dealing with it' sounds a bit too negative for the situation.
... especially when Kaito's being handed a similar box, and in a fit of feeling like a giddy schoolgirl being asked out on a date by her crush, Kaito feels a lump in his throat forming - just for a moment though. He forces it down as he takes the box and opens it, and seeing the dragon pattern, he can't help but actually smile. He feels silly for it, but as he runs his finger over the design, he shakes his head a bit. ]
And we have similar tastes in metal.
[ It's a bit sickeningly sweet, how they seem to have had the same sort of thought for a gift this year - same intention (from what Kaito can tell) and even the same choice in type of ring, the metal it's made from, the decision against engraving something in it. And with a bit of a sigh, Kaito closes the box and places it back in his hand before he turns his head away and rests his chin in his palm, elbow on the table. With a second of Kaito being uncertain, he clenches his left hand into a fist, then extends his fingers and lifts that same hand for Chris.
If it's that important to Chris, then he'll wear it too. He'll likely take it off doing some things to make sure he doesn't lose it or damage it, but... he supposes he can do it. For Chris. ]
Go on, then.
[ There's a sidelong glance from Kaito up at Chris, urging him to get on with it, to put the ring on him and let them move on before Kaito gets the bright idea to push Chris down to the kitchen floor and have his with right there after a week of being pushed aside for... one of Kaito's closest friends. (Not that he would ever admit that he and Shark are that close.) All the same, Kaito lets out a quiet hum and turns his head a little further to hide his smile at the realization of just how happy this all would make Chris. And the belated birthday date that he has planned as well? That will more than make up for things, he feels. ]
[Well, that would just make this sickeningly sweet, except...he can't take credit for that. It just happened that the ring he'd found with an acceptable design was also the same type of metal as Kaito's.] That was a coincidence. More so than the rest of this.
[Still, it is sweet that they had both coincidentally bought each other rings, almost too sweet, and he feels like it shouldn't make him nearly as happy or touched as it does. For one thing, they're barely 19 and 21; he can just hear Tron's disappointment at learning one of his sons is basically embracing being married so young (and actually, putting it into words like that still sounds incredibly strange; it's much easier to think this is a good idea when he doesn't think the word "marriage"). But if Kaito likes his gift enough for him to smile about it too, then maybe he's allowed to enjoy this.
Chris doesn't really expect Kaito to want the same sort of ceremony or to wear it as Chris had (he hopes Kaito will, but doesn't expect it), so he isn't terribly surprised or disappointed when it seems like that's the case for a moment.
And then Kaito holds his hand out and gives the go ahead. It's another of those moments where Chris forgets to breathe and then feels incredibly silly for doing so. Though he definitely can't help smiling a little as he carefully pries the ring out of its box and sets the box next to the only already on the table.]
I'll try not to be too sappy about this, all right?
[Because there are certainly things he could say while he's doing this that would probably make both of them blush or make Kaito change his mind out of embarrassment or would probably lead to one of them shoving the other to the floor right here or not speaking to each other for the rest of the day out of more embarrassment. Even a simple "I love you" would seem horribly maudlin while sliding a ring onto someone's finger.
Still, there are a couple things he'd still like to do, even if he won't be saying anything. So with that smile still on his face (and why not, it is Christmas), he slides his hand under Kaito's to hold it gently and slides the ring onto Kaito's ring finger, and then as he's pulling his hand away, he brings Kaito's along with it and leans down to kiss his knuckles. And then leaves it there for a moment as he looks up at Kaito over his hand.]
[ Oh, and Dr. Faker likely wouldn't be pleased with Kaito's choice here either - to embrace the idea of marriage or to whom he's doing it with, likely with something to do about making a good impression on Haruto. But Haruto is (mostly) aware of what the two of them have been through, and Kaito's seen the way Haruto smiles when Kaito and Chris are together, leaning against each other on the couch or even just letting their legs touch or fingers brush for a moment. And honestly, Faker stopped having a say in Kaito's life years ago, and no amount of him sucking up to Kaito now is going to make up for it. He's civil for the most part but--
This isn't even the time to be thinking of that, because he's feeling the cool metal sliding onto his finger and he can't help but turn his head to look and watch it be put on the rest of the way. And Kaito's actually trying to fight back the smile - it's not even that the act means so much, nor does the ring itself, but more... the fact that Chris seems to like it so much. It means a lot to him, and Kaito can appreciate it for that at least.
Before he knows it, there are lips against his knuckles, and Kaito shakes his head briefly before letting out a quiet sigh. If they're meant to kiss, if Chris really wants to turn this into some obscenely private ceremony in their kitchen, then Kaito supposes he can allow him that much, especially after the past few months. ]
Then let me make this easier on you.
[ With that, Kaito curls his fingers tightly around Chris's, using his grip partially as leverage to pull himself up as he stands. Once he's standing straight, he takes a quick glance around and lowers their hands, though he turns his own to press his palm against Chris's as he reaches up with his other hand to run his fingers through Chris's hair. Slowly, he pushes his fingers between Chris's and curls his fingers around the back of his neck at the same time, and he pulls Chris closer. The moment their lips touch, Kaito squeezes their hands as well, and though the pushier kisses are the more common ones, for Chris's sake he's letting this one be slow and gentle, but deep all the same, fingernails scratching lightly at the back of Chris's head.
At the very least, Kaito isn't pushing for more like he wants to, and maybe, just maybe, there's a hint of a smile on Kaito's lips as he's kissing Chris, a quiet hum escaping him as well. So maybe there's nothing too bad about this after all, if it means having an excuse to kiss Chris like this more often. He just can't be seen as soft or he'll start actually being soft. And as long as there are certain people he has to look out for and look after, he can't allow that. ... But he can have this moment, absolutely. ]
[If Kaito hadn't wanted to go that far, it wouldn't have surprised or disappointed him that much; it is quite a lot to ask for after everything else. On the other hand, Kaito rarely passes on the opportunity for a kiss--especially when Chris is offering so nicely--unless he's angry, and he is most definitely not that right now.
So Chris isn't all that surprised when Kaito stands up and moves close either, though he is rather glad for it. He lets his free hand fall to rest on Kaito's hip and hold him close and leans down--or rather, doesn't put up any resistance when Kaito tugs him down--so Kaito doesn't have to strain so much for their lips to meet. And as his hand is squeezed, he smiles a bit into the kiss himself and squeezes back and his eyes close for the moment to really enjoy it. While he'd be grateful for any sort of kiss at all here, he does appreciate that it's a gentler one; that feels like the right way to round off this pseudo-ceremony.
Not to mention, there's far less chance of them getting carried away and starting something they wouldn't be able to finish and really shouldn't do in the kitchen while other are home. Chris is quite content to simply enjoy the feeling of having Kaito pressed against him, of having their fingers entwined and how he can feel the edges of the ring pressing against his skin, and the fingers in his hair, and there's no need to do more than this right this moment. At least, not in the kitchen, and he doesn't feel like going all the way back to their room.
He gives Kaito's hand another squeeze when he pulls away, although he doesn't move far this time either, just far enough to speak.]
Merry Christmas, Kaito. Your other gifts are under the tree.
[ The hand on Kaito's hip normally would have him pressing even closer, hinting at a desire for more, but this time, he holds off on that. The moment simply isn't right, and he just keeps his fingers in Chris's hair - though he knows what it does, that's not why Kaito's doing it this time. It's more just to keep him close until they're both satisfied and can pull back.
As Kaito feels Chris squeeze his hand and pulling back, Kaito slips his hand from Chris's hair to rest against his chest, fingers curling a little in the fabric. It's then that it really dawns on Kaito that Chris is wearing something rather... Christmas-y, and he very nearly rolls his eyes at that alone, instead focusing on Chris's words. And maybe he is genuinely surprised, but he also hadn't expected much what with the landlord playing his games again. ]
And here I had thought that being allowed to kiss you and sleep in my bed again would be my only gifts.
[ Honestly, he doesn't particularly care for gifts - if there's something he wants, he'll buy it his own damn self - but he'd been willing to get a bit more into the Christmas spirit for Chris's sake (and subsequently Haruto's as well). And it was working, until things went bad - not just with Chris, but with Haruto as well, and his efforts had been focused on what was happening with his brother (and it served as a good distraction to keep him from getting lonely after being so used to not being alone so much).
So perhaps there's still a small hint of a smile, and Kaito lifts his hand back up to press his palm against Chris's cheek, and he leans in for another kiss - it doesn't last as long, but it's firmer, a little more emotional before he draws back and starts making his way into the living room, fingers loosening their grip on Chris's hand as a warning that he'll let go if Chris doesn't follow. ]
Though I'm not sure what you could have gotten me that would be better than that, Chris.
[Chris laughs quietly as he follows closely after Kaito and intertwines their fingers so he can squeeze Kaito's hand and show that he's not about to let Kaito out of his sight just yet. For one thing, he isn't even sure he wants to let Kaito out of his sight for the whole day right now (though that feeling will probably pass), but mostly he just wants to see Kaito's reactions to his gifts (while being thankful that Kaito didn't get to see his reactions to his own gifts).]
Well, I couldn't exactly account for that, could I?
[Though it's not like he could account for the whole event of changed feelings over the last few days either. Chris is extremely grateful at this point that he'd either picked out Kaito's gifts early or the gift was something he would have made regardless of his feelings.]
I doubt they will be, but I don't mind. It's Christmas. You're supposed to spoil your loved ones on Christmas.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
christmas gift shhh
Halloween proved to be a rather enlightening experience in regards to the things we both seem to enjoy. I thought you might want to have something else to wear as well to show off your legs better.
- Kaito
Elsewhere, and of course not under the tree (because why would he do that) but instead on the bathroom counter is a small black box with a blue ceramic inlaid tungsten ring. Inside is another folded up note:
I'm not certain if whatever it is that's affecting you will wear off by Christmas Day, but I bought this with you in mind before it even happened, and I didn't want to leave this out of your gifts just in case it is gone. If you're still in love with Ryouga at the time of seeing this, then pretend you didn't see this until after it's worn off. The rest of what I feel I need to say on paper rather than in person will be tucked away under your pens in the top drawer of your desk. I suggest that you refrain from reading it until you're back to normal.
I also owe you a belated birthday date. Let me know when will be the best for you.
And as promised, there's a piece of paper folded over once that's been tucked under several things in that top drawer of Chris's desk.
You might be wondering, 'why a ring?' but I personally find that the answer is simple. We've been through quite a lot together over the years, and though I had initially been against this whole charade of playing 'house', I've been thinking it over lately. The marriage license is a useless piece of paper. The ring is something I thought about, and probably far too much. The difference in the two is clear.
The fact that I've even been considering it is a little unusual for me, I realize that. But after seeing what I've seen, experiencing what I've experienced, and especially at the hands of Mr. Heartland, I've started to wonder: Is wanting to stay here so bad after all?
Haruto is here and perfectly healthy. He's happy too, and I'm certain you're aware of how that alone is more than I could have ever hoped for for him. And I have you as well, with the second chance that I wasn't sure I would ever give you. But here we are, and we're all actually happy, despite what is happening back home.
There is one thing that I haven't told you about yet from home. I didn't think it was important at first, but now I know that you really should know; it's part of the reason I'm not so willing to go back anymore. I'm just not sure if Christmas is the right time to tell you. When you want me to talk to you about it, let me know.
And one final thing, because I know I won't say it out loud: as much as I was amused by you and Ryouga making eyes at each other... I've missed you over the past week.
He'll be waiting in the kitchen with coffee, as usual. ]
heeee
A good sign, he decided once he'd taken a quick shower, if he's missing having Kaito curled up against him. A good sign that maybe it's over (does he really want it to be?) and he can get on with trying to not to feel too guilty.
So the little black box is the first thing he comes across, once he's clean and more awake, and he's glad Kaito isn't around to see his reaction, to either the box or what's inside it. In fact, he has to close the box and go do something else for a moment (like get dressed or go looking for the other note maybe). It's just that there's really only one thing that could be in a box like that and that is indeed what's in there and it's edging on overwhelming just now, when he still vividly remembers and almost misses what he felt for Ryoga and considering the little blue box sitting in the back of his side of the closet.
Top drawer of his desk...and there's a second present sitting on his desk, he'll have to open that first--
(It's with a somewhat exasperated, somewhat embarrassed smile that Chris pulls the dress--maid outfit--out of the box to look it over. Well, at least Kaito had got him one in his colors. And it would probably be flattering if Kaito wanted to see his legs...)
--and then he's digging though the drawer to find the last note. (This is kind of fun, actually, being lead around the room for each little thing.) Once he's found it, he decides to go sit on the bed to actually read it--judging by the note that had been left with the ring, this is undoubtedly a note that requires sitting.
And it is, but it's also horribly tempting to get up and wait to read the rest after the first paragraph. His fingers trace over the words more than once as he's reading through the rest of it (they were so alike, weren't they, though his reasons were undoubtedly more selfish), at least until he reaches the end and they trace over those words instead, which must have been so difficult for Kaito to write. He did so hate admitting his weakness in any way.
Once he's read over it a couple more times, Chris finally sets the paper aside and picks up the little box again, turning it over in his hands. He could put it on and go find Kaito wearing it, that would send a clear message--but before he's even opened the box halfway, he has better idea. So instead he goes and quickly gets dressed in something nice--still Christmas-y, it is Christmas after all, but nice and flattering--grabs the little blue box for Kaito and tucks it away in a pocket, and heads out to find Kaito with his own present in hand.
And thank god he's somewhere a little more secluded than the living room, because as soon as Chris finds him, he strides over and swoops down for a crushing kiss.]
oh my god i can't
Once Kaito does though, he tries to keep his mind clear, tries not to hope too much that he's at least able to have some part of Christmas with Chris because why is that even something he seems so desperate for? (It's because of the ring, he reminds himself, and he wonders how foolish he must be for having gotten him something like that when they're both so young, especially considering the circumstances - and especially considering that he's dying back home.) It's footsteps and silence, footsteps and silence, and footsteps again as he hears Chris coming down the stairs, and Kaito tips the mug back, taking a large drink of his coffee.
Though, he hears Chris coming into the kitchen and he's quick to swallow, expecting to hear nothing more than a 'good morning' and a brief rundown of his plans for the day before disappearing. But instead, as Kaito looks up a bit, there's Chris and he's close and those are lips firmly against his own and he's a little surprised, hands unsure of what to do for a moment before he's carefully settling the mug down on the table. As soon as his hands are free and it clicks that Chris's emotions aren't being toyed with anymore, Kaito's hands are in Chris's hair, tilting his head and deepening the kiss as he presses one hand at the back of his head to keep him close, the other simply moving to brush his fingers over Chris's throat.
The kiss is good though. It's not only that Chris is back to normal, but it's likely he read the notes. Which means he saw the ring (and possibly the outfit), which also means that this is all okay and there's nothing wrong with his gift choice. Everything is fine and things can go back to normal. ... Aside from the teasing that Chris and Ryouga are both going to get as a result of all of this, but that much must be obvious to them both.
And it takes a moment before Kaito's ready to pull back from the kiss, and even when he does, he doesn't draw back too far, lips brushing against Chris's as he speaks, voice quiet. ]
It's about time you kissed me again.
[ There's a hint of a smirk on his lips, but it's really more of a smile and it makes Kaito grateful he's still so close so Chris can't see the whole thing before it fades a little. After those notes, he has to make sure he's not seen as too soft, after all. ]
no subject
As Kaito pulls away a bit, Chris shifts his hand back to cup his cheek and brush his thumb along his cheekbone, and the smile that touches his lips is a little more pained and guilty, at least in the moment before he leans in to kiss Kaito again. Very briefly, and then he's pulling back just enough to speak and to press their foreheads together.]
I'm so sorry, Kaito. I know it wasn't my fault--[he has to get that in before kaito can point it out, because that's not the important thing here]--but I'm still sorry. [He closes his eyes and gives a small, bitter smile.] The landlord has abysmal timing.
Though I suppose we should be grateful that the effects were reversed in time for Christmas.
no subject
Hearing Chris's words though, Kaito opens his mouth to interrupt and tell Chris it isn't his fault-- but no, he has that covered apparently, and he almost chuckles in response to that. And it's probably gross and soft to anyone outside of them, but when Chris gives Kaito that bitter smile, Kaito's fingers slip up Chris's throat to brush his fingertips against his lips, as if he wants to get rid of it. Once he realizes what he's doing though, Kaito's fingers move from Chris's lips and into his hair, lightly grazing the fingernails of both of his hands against Chris's scalp, massaging that and the back of his neck a little. ]
I hadn't thought anything would change today.
[ It's a quiet admittance, though that was likely clear from his little notes, the way he'd wanted Chris to ignore it all if he was still not feeling what they had. He keeps his fingers moving against Chris's scalp, though one hand slides from the back of his neck and to his back, wanting to let him be relaxed about it for a moment at the very least. ]
When do you want that date of yours that I owe you?
no subject
He hums again, in agreement this time, as Kaito mentions his worries and he absently turns the ring box over in his fingers. Kaito had basically said as much in the note with the ring, and honestly, he wasn't the only one who had been worried. Chris had fallen asleep last night annoyed that they might miss out on his birthday and Christmas.]
Nor did I. But I'm glad it did. I've been looking forward to spending Christmas with you.
[Ah, that isn't something he's even thought about much after reading that first note. He's been a little distracted by the ring itself and then finding Kaito to take advantage of wanting to kiss him again.]
I don't know; I'll have to think about that. I haven't been awake long enough yet.
no subject
He's still not sure if he likes it or not, but if he doesn't get over it now, he never will. (He has to remind himself that it's actually okay to rely on someone else a little.)
As he listens to Chris, Kaito has to keep trying to hold back his smile, his fingers continuing to move against Chris's scalp. There's a brief moment where Kaito feels the need to press another kiss against Chris's lips, and he does, the press light and ending with Kaito nipping lightly at his lower lip as he draws back from it. ]
Then I suppose that gives you plenty of think about when you have the chance. You probably know of one of your gifts, which is also something I was hoping to give you tonight as well.
[ At least he's not really trying to be subtle about it. ]
no subject
Decided to return the favor? [He smiles and leans in for one more kiss.] Good, I'm looking forward to it.
[And nice as this is, he's getting a bit tired of leaning over so far, and that was a good transition to a bit more gift-giving just between the two of them (and he wants to get that done soon rather than later, before Gary or Haruto walk in and force them to put it off until that night, perhaps). So Chris rubs his thumb along Kaito's cheek one more time and slowly stands up.]
Speaking of gifts, I found the ones you left for me. [He holds up the ring box and does his best not to look too solemn, so Kaito won't worry, although that's a bit difficult because now that he's doing this and repeating the words in his head to make sure they'll be right and feeling the weight of them, it's making him a little nervous. No wonder Kaito had just written him a couple notes; that would have been much easier.]
I have one I'd like to give you in private as well, but first...
[He takes one of Kaito's hands, places the box on his palm, and carefully curls his fingers around it, and then raises his gaze to look Kaito in the eye.]
Will you put it on me?
no subject
Though, the moment he spots the box he'd given Chris in his hand, Kaito's thoughts are immediately on that and he swallows hard, eyes on the box for a moment before he lifts his gaze up to Chris. And despite trying his best, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is that perhaps he was foolish to buy it.
The way that the box feels in his palm is heavy, too heavy almost, but he remains silent as his fingers are curled around the velvet, and his tongue darts out to wet his lips, finding himself wondering. But Kaito looks up at Chris speaks, and god, Kaito could hit him for drawing it out like that and making him feel like some pathetic fool hanging on to Chris's every word. He does at least give Chris a bit of a displeased look, just a quick one before he opens the box and pulls the ring from it. ]
Just be glad I wasn't sappy enough to get something engraved in it.
[ Kaito sets the box down on the table and honestly, he's a little surprised that Chris even wants to wear it. Though, he could easily chalk that up to cultural differences, so he shakes off the thought and hesitates - the left hand, isn't it? He takes Chris's hand, fingers brushing against fingers and then Chris's palm until Kaito's palm is under his, and he slides the ring onto Chris's ring finger. And it's a little pleasing to know that he'd at least gotten the right size.
And there's a moment where he debates it, but after a moment of thinking it, he brings Chris's hand closer to his mouth and presses his lips against his fingertips - kissing the ring seems... too sappy, and Kaito can at least tease Chris a little by parting his lips a little and flicking his tongue over a fingertip before letting go. He can't have this being entirely emotional, after all. ]
no subject
But then Kaito's taking his hand and there isn't even a moment to breathe much less worry (though that could have been because of the way Kaito slides their hands together and then the way he kisses his fingertips once he's done, he did like to take advantage of that). And by the time Kaito lets his hand go, in seems silly to have been worried in the first place; in fact, watching the ring catch the light and how nice it looks on his finger, he's quite interested in shoving Kaito back and showing him just how much he likes this particular gift--maybe if there was a place to shove Kaito back against that wasn't another chair.]
Thank you.
[And it's quite pretty enough without anything engraved in it, not to mention anything he can think of would be horribly sappy and this is already sappy enough. Not that he's above being more sentimental than Kaito--there's a present under the tree that can attest to that--but it doesn't seem right in this case.]
It seems we were thinking alike on that too...
[He wiggles his fingers to watch the light catch on more time and then reaches into his pocket to pull out Kaito's gift: a little, dark blue box that couldn't be for anything other than a ring or earrings, but in this case it's a ring, tungsten with a dragon pattern. And much as he'd like to put it on Kaito's finger in turn, there's no saying Kaito would want that, so he holds it out for Kaito to take and decide.]
I didn't think it needed any engravings either.
no subject
... especially when Kaito's being handed a similar box, and in a fit of feeling like a giddy schoolgirl being asked out on a date by her crush, Kaito feels a lump in his throat forming - just for a moment though. He forces it down as he takes the box and opens it, and seeing the dragon pattern, he can't help but actually smile. He feels silly for it, but as he runs his finger over the design, he shakes his head a bit. ]
And we have similar tastes in metal.
[ It's a bit sickeningly sweet, how they seem to have had the same sort of thought for a gift this year - same intention (from what Kaito can tell) and even the same choice in type of ring, the metal it's made from, the decision against engraving something in it. And with a bit of a sigh, Kaito closes the box and places it back in his hand before he turns his head away and rests his chin in his palm, elbow on the table. With a second of Kaito being uncertain, he clenches his left hand into a fist, then extends his fingers and lifts that same hand for Chris.
If it's that important to Chris, then he'll wear it too. He'll likely take it off doing some things to make sure he doesn't lose it or damage it, but... he supposes he can do it. For Chris. ]
Go on, then.
[ There's a sidelong glance from Kaito up at Chris, urging him to get on with it, to put the ring on him and let them move on before Kaito gets the bright idea to push Chris down to the kitchen floor and have his with right there after a week of being pushed aside for... one of Kaito's closest friends. (Not that he would ever admit that he and Shark are that close.) All the same, Kaito lets out a quiet hum and turns his head a little further to hide his smile at the realization of just how happy this all would make Chris. And the belated birthday date that he has planned as well? That will more than make up for things, he feels. ]
no subject
[Still, it is sweet that they had both coincidentally bought each other rings, almost too sweet, and he feels like it shouldn't make him nearly as happy or touched as it does. For one thing, they're barely 19 and 21; he can just hear Tron's disappointment at learning one of his sons is basically embracing being married so young (and actually, putting it into words like that still sounds incredibly strange; it's much easier to think this is a good idea when he doesn't think the word "marriage"). But if Kaito likes his gift enough for him to smile about it too, then maybe he's allowed to enjoy this.
Chris doesn't really expect Kaito to want the same sort of ceremony or to wear it as Chris had (he hopes Kaito will, but doesn't expect it), so he isn't terribly surprised or disappointed when it seems like that's the case for a moment.
And then Kaito holds his hand out and gives the go ahead. It's another of those moments where Chris forgets to breathe and then feels incredibly silly for doing so. Though he definitely can't help smiling a little as he carefully pries the ring out of its box and sets the box next to the only already on the table.]
I'll try not to be too sappy about this, all right?
[Because there are certainly things he could say while he's doing this that would probably make both of them blush or make Kaito change his mind out of embarrassment or would probably lead to one of them shoving the other to the floor right here or not speaking to each other for the rest of the day out of more embarrassment. Even a simple "I love you" would seem horribly maudlin while sliding a ring onto someone's finger.
Still, there are a couple things he'd still like to do, even if he won't be saying anything. So with that smile still on his face (and why not, it is Christmas), he slides his hand under Kaito's to hold it gently and slides the ring onto Kaito's ring finger, and then as he's pulling his hand away, he brings Kaito's along with it and leans down to kiss his knuckles. And then leaves it there for a moment as he looks up at Kaito over his hand.]
I think we're supposed to kiss now.
no subject
This isn't even the time to be thinking of that, because he's feeling the cool metal sliding onto his finger and he can't help but turn his head to look and watch it be put on the rest of the way. And Kaito's actually trying to fight back the smile - it's not even that the act means so much, nor does the ring itself, but more... the fact that Chris seems to like it so much. It means a lot to him, and Kaito can appreciate it for that at least.
Before he knows it, there are lips against his knuckles, and Kaito shakes his head briefly before letting out a quiet sigh. If they're meant to kiss, if Chris really wants to turn this into some obscenely private ceremony in their kitchen, then Kaito supposes he can allow him that much, especially after the past few months. ]
Then let me make this easier on you.
[ With that, Kaito curls his fingers tightly around Chris's, using his grip partially as leverage to pull himself up as he stands. Once he's standing straight, he takes a quick glance around and lowers their hands, though he turns his own to press his palm against Chris's as he reaches up with his other hand to run his fingers through Chris's hair. Slowly, he pushes his fingers between Chris's and curls his fingers around the back of his neck at the same time, and he pulls Chris closer. The moment their lips touch, Kaito squeezes their hands as well, and though the pushier kisses are the more common ones, for Chris's sake he's letting this one be slow and gentle, but deep all the same, fingernails scratching lightly at the back of Chris's head.
At the very least, Kaito isn't pushing for more like he wants to, and maybe, just maybe, there's a hint of a smile on Kaito's lips as he's kissing Chris, a quiet hum escaping him as well. So maybe there's nothing too bad about this after all, if it means having an excuse to kiss Chris like this more often. He just can't be seen as soft or he'll start actually being soft. And as long as there are certain people he has to look out for and look after, he can't allow that. ... But he can have this moment, absolutely. ]
no subject
So Chris isn't all that surprised when Kaito stands up and moves close either, though he is rather glad for it. He lets his free hand fall to rest on Kaito's hip and hold him close and leans down--or rather, doesn't put up any resistance when Kaito tugs him down--so Kaito doesn't have to strain so much for their lips to meet. And as his hand is squeezed, he smiles a bit into the kiss himself and squeezes back and his eyes close for the moment to really enjoy it. While he'd be grateful for any sort of kiss at all here, he does appreciate that it's a gentler one; that feels like the right way to round off this pseudo-ceremony.
Not to mention, there's far less chance of them getting carried away and starting something they wouldn't be able to finish and really shouldn't do in the kitchen while other are home. Chris is quite content to simply enjoy the feeling of having Kaito pressed against him, of having their fingers entwined and how he can feel the edges of the ring pressing against his skin, and the fingers in his hair, and there's no need to do more than this right this moment. At least, not in the kitchen, and he doesn't feel like going all the way back to their room.
He gives Kaito's hand another squeeze when he pulls away, although he doesn't move far this time either, just far enough to speak.]
Merry Christmas, Kaito. Your other gifts are under the tree.
no subject
As Kaito feels Chris squeeze his hand and pulling back, Kaito slips his hand from Chris's hair to rest against his chest, fingers curling a little in the fabric. It's then that it really dawns on Kaito that Chris is wearing something rather... Christmas-y, and he very nearly rolls his eyes at that alone, instead focusing on Chris's words. And maybe he is genuinely surprised, but he also hadn't expected much what with the landlord playing his games again. ]
And here I had thought that being allowed to kiss you and sleep in my bed again would be my only gifts.
[ Honestly, he doesn't particularly care for gifts - if there's something he wants, he'll buy it his own damn self - but he'd been willing to get a bit more into the Christmas spirit for Chris's sake (and subsequently Haruto's as well). And it was working, until things went bad - not just with Chris, but with Haruto as well, and his efforts had been focused on what was happening with his brother (and it served as a good distraction to keep him from getting lonely after being so used to not being alone so much).
So perhaps there's still a small hint of a smile, and Kaito lifts his hand back up to press his palm against Chris's cheek, and he leans in for another kiss - it doesn't last as long, but it's firmer, a little more emotional before he draws back and starts making his way into the living room, fingers loosening their grip on Chris's hand as a warning that he'll let go if Chris doesn't follow. ]
Though I'm not sure what you could have gotten me that would be better than that, Chris.
no subject
Well, I couldn't exactly account for that, could I?
[Though it's not like he could account for the whole event of changed feelings over the last few days either. Chris is extremely grateful at this point that he'd either picked out Kaito's gifts early or the gift was something he would have made regardless of his feelings.]
I doubt they will be, but I don't mind. It's Christmas. You're supposed to spoil your loved ones on Christmas.