Work Text:
Dark storm clouds had long since rolled in from the north, bringing about a blanket of white. The broken city now lay under a dusting of snow, the wreckage now covered by ice, its true beauty showing. Fall had made her appearance months ago, the cold settling in and bringing about temps that dipped just near freezing most days. It felt like winter, almost like a trick that Mother Nature loved to play; perhaps this was her way of getting back at humans.
The flat, penthouse apartment held void of any current life, save for two furry little souls that slept soundly with their owner. They huddled against him for warmth, sleeping soundly amongst the rage of the intensifying storm. Knowing what the daily weather would bring was rather hard to determine, mother nature took matters back into her own hands.
A mop of messy blond hair spread about the pillow, the Major General huddled underneath the warmth of the blankets. But the bed still felt cold, his love missing. When he patted the side, empty and devoid of any life, Shinya sat up groggily, checking his phone for any messages. Nothing. Not a single text or missed call. Then again, his husband was more than likely called in by his brother.
Shinya moved to properly sit up, stroking his two little loves. King perked upon the first touch, yawning before climbing onto the sniper's lap. He headbutted the man before licking his chin, purring rather loudly enough to fill the room.
" Ohhh that's my good boy! " Shinya cooed, pressing a kiss to the Maine coon's head." My big handsome boy! "
King meowed in response.
"I know, you're probably hungry. You and Kuroo both."
With that he rose to stand, sliding on a pair of slippers as he left the bedroom. Kuroo couldn't be bothered to get up, King followed in place right behind him. He raced forward, going to his food bowl where he sat patiently, looking up at Shinya.
"Well aren't you a distinguished gentleman!" Shinya laughed. "Always so polite!"
The sweet kitty was fed a moment after.
The Major General moved to make his usual morning coffee, getting down his favorite mug. He remembers that Guren got it for his birthday one year, a simple and contemporary piece that matched the aesthetic of his flat. And he's always used it ever since. Just as he reached in for the milk, a slip of paper caught his attention. It was tapped to a cute bento box with tiny little cat stickers on the lid. Shinya always swooned at Guren's cursive, pretty and elegant with his own little flair.
Made your favorite, I'll be back shortly!
And yet no indication of those two little words.
Or perhaps it's a surprise! He tried to reassure himself. He's been at headquarters all morning, he'll be home soon. Shinya took a calming breath to reorient himself. No worries. Everything will turn out okay. It's fine. He didn't forget your birthday. He never forgets. He had yet to forget an anniversary, but he hoped Guren never would.
That goes two ways, my Lord.
Byakkomaru's voice rang through Shinya's head as he reheated the pre-made breakfast. If there was one thing he loved it was Guren's cooking, combined that with a cup of good coffee and he was in heaven. Upon that first bite, he melted, Guren's cooking always soothing his soul despite there being no trouble at all.
Now it would be even better if Shinya had Guren by his side…
With the dishes finished minutes later, Shinya took to resting on the sofa, the TV on in the background. He didn't pay any attention as to what was on, having it on as background noise if anything. King had hopped up on Shinya's lap, butting his head against the sniper's chin. The sweet Maine coon got some much needed head scratchies and kisses. Shinya knew Kuroo was hogging the bed, stretching and spreading himself all over the mattress.
So the sofa it was, dragging a blanket off the back of it to cover himself and King. Shinya looked outside, watching as the snow fell elegantly with such grace. Compared to the warmth of his home, the outside air felt wonderful whenever he went outside on the balcony. The snow was soft, almost like sugar, barely enough to be compacted.
There was always something romantically haunting about winter, how quiet cities would be as the dead of night would set in. And when winter arrives, bringing with it the cold snow that characterizes the season, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sight, sounds, and smells that accompany it. The sensations that come with the snow storms of the cold season are memorable and well-known to those who have grown used to them, and are usually looked forward to during the end of summer and the midst of autumn. Whether it be a person’s first snowfall or their hundredth, however, the way in which the frozen crystals transform and crystalize the world is still just as unforgettable, despite ending nearly 8 years ago.
The usual surrounding landscape is entirely transformed when snow falls. Where there was once pale, dead grass, there is now endless, rolling hills of crystal. Trees look like thin, bare dancers, twisting up from the cold ground, and as the snow gathers on the branches, they are clothed with decadent ivory jewels. Bushes become lumps of sugar, and the lifeless power lines that dip down between the downed poles become heavy, sagging as they are laden with the weight of the flakes, eventually disappearing and taking on an appearance that suggests the snow itself is suspended between the telephone poles.
The snow mutes the sounds of everyday life or what it used to be, students bundling up as they return to a warm home from school, hushed whispers falling like snowflakes. It's the way the sir smells once the cold weather comes rolling in, crisp and fresh like a pine tree, but holding the sweet notes of hot chocolate and fresh baked goods.
With a tired sigh, Shinya snuggled against the back cushions bringing the blanket up. And it wasn't long before the warmth of King and the blanket made his world go black.
♡♡♡♡
Guren dipped inside the building quickly, holding the precious gift close to him. " Fuck it's cold! " He said as he moved to the elevator, pressing the appropriate button to go to the top floor. His raven hair was decorated with snow, looking like a checkerboard. The little life inside the box made some noise, peeking its tiny little nose out of one of twelve holes. Guren couldn't help a smile, knowing that this sweet little gift was going to love its new home.
The ride up seemed to take forever, each number going up ever so slowly. Guren already felt bad enough that he left Shinya alone, on his birthday no doubt. And to top it off he didn't even say happy birthday to him at all. By no means of the note he left, no text, no call, voice-mail, even a little surprise for the Major General to wake up to.
What a shitty husband you are! Noya laughed, practically pointing his finger at his host.
" Shut up! " Guren growled. "I'll fucking confine you, keep it up!"
Ohhh I'm so scared! Come on Guren, you've gone soft!
"We'll see about that the next time I need you! What? Going to let me die without your power? Is that your plan this entire time?"
Noya remained silent, glaring at the Ichinose. That's what I fucking thought , the Lt. Colonel thought with a smirk.
By the time he reached the top floor, Guren entered the entryway of the flat toe off his shoes, momentarily setting down the sweets and gift to remove his jacket and gloves. Then he grabbed the items before heading into the kitchen to set them down on the counter. Shinya's favorite cake from his favorite bakery, along with a small bouquet of fresh flowers sat next to the gift. Now the search for the love of his life could commence.
First, he went to their shared bedroom. Nothing. Bathroom? No. Not there either. "Shinya? Babe, I know you're here!"
Just then, King hopped up on the back of the sofa and meowed loudly. The sound alerted Guren as he headed back to the living room, finding the Maine coon right there.
"What? You know where he is?"
A big yawn, followed by a stretch.
"Come on now you little shit, where is he?"
King only turned and jumped down. A soft moan followed and Guren rounded the sofa, softening upon the sight. "There you are." Quietly, the Lt. Colonel approached the sleeping form, carefully moving his legs so that he could sit next to him. Shinya looked rather beautiful in slumber. He held no stress, no worry, nothing, not a single ounce of turmoil held onto him. And Guren wanted to keep it that way, even in the comfort of their own home.
" Perhaps a kiss could wake the sleeping beauty~! " He murmured against Shinya's lips as he tilted the sniper's head just right
Then he softly kissed him, angling his own head just right.
"Come on my love," Guren added between each kiss. "Wake up now, I have a few surprises for you~! Or do I-" Another kiss. "Have to kiss and worship you-" Another one. "Right here~?"
He trailed his lips down from Shinya's to his jaw, trailing them up to his ear nibbling on the lobe slightly with his teeth. Shinya moaned at the feeling, stirring in his sleep. He adjusted the covers, the chill of oncoming winter settling in the house. The heat had yet to be turned on in the house, the furnace remaining quiet until then. Guren backed off for a second eyeing his husband before continuing.
His lips trailed down to that slender throat, one that he loved to wrap his hand around any given chance he got. With said hand, Guren pushed the covers aside to run up Shinya's sweater. The cold clung to the appendage and caused the blond to buck into his touch, a whimper escaping him. A low laugh came from Guren as he continued further.
" Shinyaaa~! " Guren continued. " Shinya Ichinose, wake up! "
Shinya shifted to his back, his head rolling to the side. Guren took the chance to raise the covers and drape them over himself straddling the soldier. He pushed his hands further up Shinya's body, feeling up that figure and over his hips.
" You're being quite the tease here, my love! " He pressed on, that smirk plastered on his lips growing wider. " Who knew you would be into somnophilia, my dear Major General~ "
A Cheshire grin crossed the Major General's lips as he threw his arms around Guren bringing him down for a hard kiss. A laugh bubbled from his chest.
"You cheeky little shit!" Guren cried, breaking the kiss off. "Were you awake this whole time?!"
"Well, the second half yes," He roughly pushed Guren's face away. " When you put your fucking freezing hands on me! "
A boisterous laugh erupted from the Lt. Colonel, "That wakes you up?! Goddamn guess I need to up my game."
"Either way," The sniper moved to sit up. "I'm glad you're home. Finally."
One more kiss before Guren got off, extending a hand out.
"Good, now, I've got a few surprises for you."
Shinya gave a fond sigh before taking it. He was led off to the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. To say that was a good nap was an understatement, not being disturbed for quite a few hours certainly left him feeling well rested. Deep sapphires locked onto the variety of things on the counter if anything going straight to the gift on the counter.
"Guren," Shinya breathed. "You didn't have to get me anything."
Guren only smiled and opened the box that contained the cake. His favorite, red velvet with cream cheese icing. The sweeter the better as Shinya would put it. Next to that sat the bouquet of chrysanthemums and blue carnations, with a few roses mixed in.
"Happy birthday, Shinya!" Guren lovingly said, bring his husband in for a deep and passionate kiss.
"Guren-" The Major General could barely get a word out before the little gift made some noise. Shinya could only stare at it, clinging to Guren slightly. " What is that? "
With a smirk, Guren took it and placed it in Shinya's hands.
"Open it."
So he did, unraveling the bow and lifting the top. He gasped, as a fluffy white kitten poked its head out. She held a tiny silver bow around her neck, followed by a ring tied to the front.
"Oh my god!" He cried, voice shaking slightly. " Guren you didn't! "
Guren could only smile so wide. "She's a munchkin kitten, with extra toes."
Shinya's eyes widened and lifted one of her paws. Lo and behold there were extra digits on her toes. Pristine white fur covered her body, followed by those pointy little ears. Her gorgeous light blue eyes accented her fur, making her look like a princess. This tiny little polydactyl kitten butted her head up into Shinya's head. He picked her up out of the box cradling the little baby close to his chest.
"I love her, oh my god!" Tears rolled down the blonde's cheeks. Then he pulled Guren in for a loving kiss. " I love you, so much Guren! "
The Lt. Colonel could only embrace his husband. "That's not all. Look at the bow."
And he did, finding an art deco ring . The center stone is a brilliant diamond with a blue topaz on either side of it. The metal is a gorgeous silver to match the gems. An inscription was etched onto the band. Upon closer inspection, Shinya read, By fate found, by love we are bound. Shinya softened considerably, more tears welling in his eyes. Guren untied the ring and took Shinya's left hand, sliding the piece on.
"Beautiful!" He breathed in a soft tone, then pressed a kiss to it. "A perfect fit."
"You spoiled the hell out of me!"
"Well you deserve it, Shinya," Guren softly spoke, interlacing his left hand with Shinya's. Then he looked down at the kitten. "She's going to need a name."
"Duchess." The only thing the Major General said. "That's her name."
"It's perfect." Guren brought Shinya in for a kiss, cupping his cheek. "Just like you."
" Happy Birthday, Shinya!"