Chapter Text
The gentle fall of the snow outside made the hot chocolate that Ness was drinking taste even sweeter. The sky was gray, but the green garlands and decorations outside now frosted with the snow flurry made it seem much brighter outsider. It was getting colder and darker by the day, and any moment like this was worth cherishing. The house was really warm and cozy too, a fire going in the fire place and Christmas decorations up. Ness was particularly proud of his decor this year, lights and garland wrapped around the windows and fireplace's mantle, a little Christmas village set up on the cabinet next to the bookshelf, and of course a Christmas tree made up with lights and home made ornaments.
All of it had been done by Ness. It had taken some time, but to him it really seemed more worth it than to not. It was only once a year that the house could look so cozy and nice, and besides that, Ness felt that Kaiser would have enjoyed it. That wasn't to say that he wouldn't have been happy to have had some help, but it felt a little wrong to ask Kaiser to decorate when he had never really cared too much about Christmas before. He was hoping this year, now that they were living together anyways, that it would be good to try and share some of his own traditions and celebrations with him.
Ness found his gaze falling to the hot chocolate he had made for himself. The warm caramel colored beverage was still steaming hot; it felt nice in his hands to hold. Per usual, Kaiser was sleeping in. It was odd, seeing him outside of a soccer environment. During the season he was so hyper focused on soccer and nothing else. It consumed his whole world, and it was a rare occasion that it was not the sole thing that Kaiser thought about. Yet this year, since they were staying together, Ness got to see him far more during the off season. This year especially it seemed like Kaiser had no idea what to do with himself. He had been sleeping in a lot, and spending more time out practicing than he was staying in and resting up. It likely was the reason that Ness was so determined to at least make the holiday a bit more enjoyable for him. At least, just a little bit.
"What are you doing?" A groggy voice came from the top of the stairs. Kaiser was shuffling down now, dressed in a big fluffy robe and slippers with his eye mask still on his head. Ness turned around and smiled up at him, standing up to greet him. Once he got down to the bottom of the stairs, Kaiser motioned for Ness to go make him coffee. He was always like this, and maybe it wasn't the best, but Ness couldn't really help but want to do things for him. It wasn't like he had to, per say, but he always ended up doing these sorts of things for him.
"I was just waking up. It's snowing outside, so the field probably will be closed." Ness said as he grabbed Kaiser's favorite mug, a simple white cup with a gold crown on it, and poured the coffee in. He then added sugar, a good amount. Kaiser didn't like milk in his coffee, but he did like it sweet.
"Damn it." Kaiser grumbled, throwing himself down on the couch and grabbing his phone clumsily from his robe's pocket. "Another waste of a day. I might as well go to bed again."
"I was thinking--" Ness handed Kaiser the coffee cup, his eyes big as ever. "That maybe we could go Christmas shopping today. You haven't done any yet, right?" Of course he hadn't. Honestly, he wasn't even sure who Kaiser would want to get a gift for. He wasn't really the type to be giving, and it wasn't like he had many friends that he could give gifts to. Aside from the team of course, but Ness doubted he would ever want to give the rest of them gifts. Still, it would be good to keep him out of bed. He was kind of hard to deal with when he was sulking.
"Shopping? Who the hell would I go shopping for?" Kaiser retorted, taking a sip of the coffee and sighing deeply. "Still.. I guess I have nothing better to do. Sure."
Ness smiled, though he didn't dare respond. Rather he just sat himself down next to him and drank his cocoa, making sure not to bother him too much. At least, not until he was more awake.
-
By 12 they were both ready to leave. Ness was dressed up in a rather large puffy dark blue coat, and Kaiser wore Canadian Goose white puff coat that went down almost to his ankles. Ness threw his scarf around his neck and grabbed his gloves, making sure to hand Kaiser his own gloves. The last time he forgot them, he complained bitterly the whole way.
"Okay, you all ready?" Ness asked, looking up at Kaiser with a rather happy expression. Kaiser glanced down and made a face.
"You look way too happy. Stop it." He huffed, turning away. "Lets get already." The moment they stepped outside, Kaiser looked upwards at the snow that was falling. It was starting to gather on the ground now, a thin white coat making everything look picturesque. It was rather nice. "Where are we even going?" Kaiser asked with a huff, his breath like fog in the cold.
"I was thinking we could just go to the mall. I mean, they have a lot there and its close by."
"The mall?" Kaiser paused. "That is fine. Don't expect me to talk to anyone shitty though." Aka, he would not want to order anything for himself and instead make Ness do it.
"Okay, okay. Sure thing." Ness looked up at Kaiser once again, his cheeks red from the cold. They began to make their way then to the mall. It was only a few stops from their local bus stop away, about 15 minutes.
It was a week day, so the mall itself wasn't too busy. Usually on the weekends it was impossible to go, but that was part of the reason as to why Ness had wanted to go today of all days. It was only about 5 days until Christmas, and he didn't want to fight the rush that was bound to happen this weekend.
The mall itself was decorated to the nines, including a large Christmas tree in the center by which kids could take pictures with Santa Clause. Ness shivered as they walked inside, the rush of warm air making the outside feel that much cooler. Kaiser looked around, only to turn his gaze to Ness.
"We are going to go to that fancy coffee shop first." Kaiser announced, unzipping his jacket and lazily throwing it around his waist. "I want that latte that you got me last time."
"The peppermint mocha one? With chocolate shavings and whipped cream?" Ness asked him, to which Kaiser made face.
"Like I would remember! You were the one who ordered it!"
"Okay okay. We will go there first." Ness smiled, and extended a hand to Kaiser, tilting his head ever so slightly. Kaiser stared at him for a moment before he huffed. He started to walk away, however quietly reached his hand back and took Ness's. The cafe was only a few stores in. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the smell of coffee and pastries filling the air. Ness walked up to the counter and ordered for the both of them before sitting next to Kaiser, making sure to find himself in a good place in the corner away from everyone else. He crossed his legs and tapped his finger against the table as he waited, his hair surprisingly well put together despite everything.
"Why are you doing all of this?" Kaiser asked suddenly as they waited for the drinks, his face stoic. Ness looked surprised for a moment before he paused.
"I guess.. I always thought that Christmas was a magical time of year, and I wanted to share that with you." Ness found his cheeks growing hot as he spoke, embarrassment being hard to avoid. "And with us having a break in the season and all..."
"Of course you'd say something like that." Kaiser sighed and crossed his arms. He went quiet for a moment, as if struggling to find his words. "Whatever. If it'll make you stop looking so damned worried, then fine. It's annoying when you go around looking at me like a sad dog."
Ness smiled at him and leaned slightly forward. "You really mean it?"
"Stop it! You're making it weird." He huffed, however he leaned forward and gently kissed Ness's forehead. It was quick, but still it made Ness feel as if his heart was going to beat out of his chest. "Now shut up and go ask for our drinks."