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Gentle snowfall billows down around him, enveloping him in a chilled embrace. People bustle around him, happily talking to one another, or alone in their thoughts, joined by their lover, nothing but smiles. Even now, though, he fails to understand why his friend wished to try this so bad.
The King of Heroes watches his dear friend look around excitedly, purple eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the city in the strange holiday of Christmas. As soon as Enkidu learned of this holiday from the more modern servants and their Master, as well as the nuances that come with it, they immediately wanted to experience it for themself. Gilgamesh really couldn’t care. This is beneath him, but its entertaining so he’ll allow it for now.
Their Master made sure they had modern clothes before Rayshifting to the city, though they still got some strange looks. Nothing is normal about such vibrant green hair or natural red eyes. But why concern themselves with the opinions of cattle?
“Are you done yet?” The king groans loudly. “Get out of the street before you’re hit by something.”
“You’re not fascinated, Gil?” Enkidu’s purple eyes blink up at him, Gilgamesh’s brows furrowing more.
“No. Its a holiday for commoners.”
“That’s not what Master said.”
“Master is a commoner, Enkidu.”
“And kind enough to provide us some money anyways.” An innocent smile and adjustment of their scarf, Enkidu is already walking down the sidewalk, snow crunching beneath their feet.
Gilgamesh really doesn’t understand his friend’s pestering, following behind with a deep set frown. Its been a blessing to have been reunited in Chaldea, and while he’d never admit it out loud, he’s glad to have Enkidu at his side again. One truly doesn’t appreciate someone until they’re gone. He should consider himself lucky to get another chance.
But of course, he’d never admit such a thing, to himself or anyone else.
Light pours onto the sidewalk through the shop windows, warm and inviting, illuminating wonderful treats and gadgets, clothes and other kinds of products as the pair walk by. It isn’t until sweet scents permeate the air, a seductive cinnamon capturing Enkidu’s attention. Nose twitching, they hesitantly open the shop door, sighing as they’re consumed by the warmth and smells of pure indulgence.
“A bakery. How delightful.”
What’s delightful about a common bakery? Gilgamesh follows them in, sighing at his friend’s antics. They’ve eaten meals fit for kings, what’s so special about this? “What now?”
“Want a treat, Gil?”
“No.”
“At least try?”
The king chooses to remain silent, a vague shrug of his shoulders, annoyed eyes focused on anything else. The decoration here is ridiculous, the baby pinks and blues making his eyes sore. This is what modern people consider cute and quaint? Ridiculous.
Enkidu rolls their eyes, accustomed to this kind of behavior on Gilgamesh’s part. They don’t fault him for it knowing he grew up surrounded by nothing but privilege. So as they approach the cashier, they buy two cinnamon buns anyways, licking their lips in anticipation of tasting it. Even if they weren’t a Servant, Enkidu doesn’t need food, but enjoys indulging in the rich tastes and flavors. As they excitedly make their way to the door, a cinnamon bun is pressed into their friend’s unexpecting palm, taking the other as they exit the building.
Effectively dragged, Gilgamesh would grumble if he wasn’t with them of all people. How embarrassing.
“Where should we go next?”
“How about Chaldea?”
“Gil, how long are you going to frown? Merlin told me it’ll get stuck like that.”
“Merlin can kiss my ass.”
“Be careful what you say, you know he’ll do it.” As their eyes once more scan the bustling street, they can’t help but be drawn to an elaborate toy shop, looking straight out of a fairy tale. Soft eyes widening, a small smile curves their lips, warm breath puffing clouds, turning to the king. “Let’s go there.”
“Pfft. Why? It looks like its for children.”
“We could get Santa Lily or Nursery Rhyme something for Christmas there.”
“Why would I want to do that?” Gilgamesh deadpans.
“You don’t have to do anything, Gil. I simply wanted your company.” They’re pulling him once more, hustling crossing the street, the December air nipping at their noses. Enkidu thought they’d never see Gilgamesh again, so to be reunited in a new world, there’s so much to see with him, even if they were summoned with knowledge of the modern era. There’s nothing like experiencing things first hand, and its all they want to do, accompanied by their first and truest companion.
“Fine,” the king finally grumbles, having the grace to bite into the cinnamon bun. His expression hardly changes, but he’s genuinely surprised by the quality. Its soft, an airy texture, perfectly rich and full of flavor. Is all common food of the modern era like this?
Even so, his response seems to be enough for Enkidu, who’s smile curves higher by the smallest fraction. They’re so excited for the store, they throw the doors open, wandering in with eyes widening in wonder. The bright sights, the sweet smells, the loud children and adults, its all so cheerful and wonderful!
“Gil, look at all this!”
Gilgamesh once again chooses to remain silent, watching as Enkidu moves away in a random direction, possibly lured by the scents of candy, following after to make sure his friend doesn’t get lost. Its a huge place after all, but not impressive to the king. He doesn’t understand what seems so magical about it.
It was indeed candy, Enkidu passing some of their Master’s funds in exchange for a large, swirling, rainbow lollipop, its size so impressive their eyes blow wide. This seems to bring a smile to the king’s face, softly chuckling at his friend’s expression.
“My! Its as large as your head, dear friend.”
“You should get one too. Gil.”
“I think I’m okay,” Gilgamesh smiles, clearly amused. He rolls his eyes as Enkidu buys another lollipop, near grimacing as he’s handed the massive sweet.
“Now you’re better than okay,” they softly smile, pleased with themself. The king shrugs, brow raising as Enkidu happily licks the treat. As the two walk through the toy shop, watching the sights of children and parents enjoying themselves, Gilgamesh hasn’t tasted the lollipop. His friend notices, keeping quiet for now until their sights set on a small train chugging through, coming to a stop for families to step off. “Oh, Gil, we need to try that!”
“I’d really rather not.”
Enkidu grabs their friend’s hand anyways, pulling him over to one of the adorable miniaturized carts, sitting down with an excited gleam in their eyes. “This is exciting.”
“Yeah, for children.”
“Oh, hush.”
Its interesting seeing Enkidu with this child-like gleam in their eyes. Is this the magic of Christmas Santa Lily mentioned? As far as he knew, the holiday is one for peasants, nothing for the likes of them. They’re great heroes, a king, a weapon made by the gods - what need do they have for this holiday?
Ridiculous.
The train lurches slightly as it begins to move, Gilgamesh’s brow raising at the slow pace. Enkidu’s gaze skims over the bright lights and sights, bouncing as they lick away at their lollipop, purple hues drawn to their friend’s untouched sweet.
“You’re not going to try it?”
“I have tasted the wine of the gods, why would I want this? I have far more valuable weapons and artifacts in the Gate.”
“But I got it for you. Wouldn’t that make it valuable?” This reasoning seems to make the king’s eyebrow twitch, smile curling higher on Enkidu’s lips. “Give it just a taste, Gil.”
Gilgamesh is silent for a few moments before mumbling ‘fine,’ a skeptical expression as his tongue slowly dips to steal a lick of the lollipop. Blinking, he’s pleasantly surprised with the taste, sweeter than he thought it would be. He’s never tasted anything so intensely sweet, finding he can’t stop tasting it, bringing a near smug smile to Enkidu’s face.
“It’s decent,” he says as if he’s been accused.
“Of course. That’s why you’re still eating it, right?”
This earns an eyeroll, Gilgamesh turning away to eat his lollipop in peace. He watches the sights of people roaming with little real interest, merely pretending as Enkidu soaks the surroundings.
“You remember what Santa Lily said, right, Gil?”
“No, I wasn’t listening.”
“She and Master said Christmas is a time for friends and family.”
“So what if it is?”
“Well…” The slight hesitation in their voice prompts Gilgamesh to turn his gaze back to them, brow raising as Enkidu’s expression softens. “I’ve always considered you my family.”
“Ah.” Gilgamesh’s expression betrays the struggle he’s having in his attempt to put words together. Its incredibly cliche, especially too soft of words for him to speak. But, as he looks around, he knows he’s in a safe place to say them. No one here will understand or betray the words he’s about to speak. “You started as my greatest rival and now…I am relieved to have you back as my greatest companion.”
Enkidu understands the words their friend is trying to say. He’s never been very good at talking about feelings, and never really had a need for it. After many years with the King of Heroes, they’ve managed to learn what most phrases, while simple on the surface, truly mean.
“I see. I’m relieved too. Let’s spend Christmas together, yes?” They hold the lollipop up as if to toast, the king’s lips curving from a deep frown to the smile reserved only for his greatest companion.
Gilgamesh lifts his own lollipop, bumping them together. “To this holiday.”
“To our reunion.”
Enjoying their treats in silence, they continue through the end of the train ride, stepping off with near child-like grins, making their ways outside. Near the entrance, Enkidu spots several dolls and toys they’re sure the children of Chaldea would love, buying them quickly despite Gilgamesh’s impatience to leave, then join their friend as they leave the store.
Stepping into the light snowfall, Enkidu’s smile becomes wider in joy, a long sigh as they absorb the calmness and glee that permeates the air. “Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course. I couldn’t let you go out alone.”
“Then let’s head back before you die of boredom.”
“Finally - a fantastic idea!”
Gilgamesh breaks into his infamous laughter, shoulders bouncing. A slight rise to their eyebrow and Enkidu reaches out to take his hand once more, swinging their joined hands as they stride to a more secluded area. It would be strange to Rayshift when there’s so many common people around.
Shifting awkwardly as they wait, Gilgamesh glances at his friend, who is absentmindedly licking their lollipop. His mouth opens and closes, swallowing as the words try to come to him.
“Enkidu?”
“Hm?” They turn to him, that same small smile on their face, but a fun glint in their eyes.
“This…was okay.”
This seems to brighten their expression a bit, nodding as the Rayshift begins. “Of course, old friend.”
“Of course,” the king nods, the glimmering of the Rayshift enveloping them both.