Work Text:
Snow was still falling in thick sheets, the flakes piling up on the ground below. It hadn't stopped at all since the sun went down hours ago. A steady stream of people were heading out of town to their homes for the night, the majority of the cars already gone. The light of the Toy store sign lit up the snow, as did a single Christmas tree that stood outside, just barely making it through the stormy night. There were only two other lights around it though. In front of it, the road was empty but the car was still parked beside the building. On top of his head sat the red and gold cap with the words ‘Toy Store’ written in black lettering underneath, with a white star.
Hanzo stood there under his coat hoodie with his hands shoved in his pockets as he gazed through the glass. There was no one behind the glass, but the shop itself appeared to be full of toys of all shapes and sizes that he'd never seen before. The lights inside glinted off of them, catching his eye and drawing him in like nothing else had ever managed to do before. His breath hitched as he stared through the glass, trying to get a glimpse of what was inside. He had no reason to go inside, he thought. He sighed, shifting slightly on his feet before looking back down at the ground where he’d been standing. His legs suddenly felt numb. He took his left hand out from its pocket. He turned and looked up into the dark sky.
A single star twinkled above him. Not wanting to disturb anyone, he slowly walked away to leave when someone else stepped into view.
He stopped.
A familiar crimson eyes met his own as he approached the door. He was wearing a jacket that covered most of his face, only showing a few strands of hair sticking out from under the edge of the hood. A large scarf hung around his neck. As he walk closer, Hanzo's breath caught in his throat.
Even with the mask covered his mouth, Hanzo knew the man in front of him smiled faintly as he glanced over at him. Hanzo could feel his face burn under the gaze.
"Hanzo, it's nice to see you here." he said quietly after several moments. His tone sounded almost shy. Hanzo blinked, unable to tear his gaze away from the person standing before him. He'd forgotten how beautiful Hayabusa actually was, even without his usual disguise. He couldn't stop staring at his features as he spoke. He didn't seem to mind however.
"Hayabusa." He managed in a raspy voice. The younger man chuckled.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
Hanzo blinked again, snapping himself out of his thoughts. "I'm just headed back home..." he replied simply. Even in the dark, he could see the confusion on Hayabusa's face. He raised an eyebrow in silent question.
"This is the longest way from your work to your home." He explained. When he received no reply, he looked behind him and chuckled. "Were you just visited the Toy store?"
Hanzo nodded, watching him from beneath his bangs "Just looking" he mumbled
Hayabusa shook his head fondly. "You really are strange, you know?" He laughed quietly, turning to face the store once more. His smile faded as he continued speaking. "Did something happen?"
Hanzo didn't respond right away. They were close now, mere inches between them. He could hear each of Hayabusa's slow inhales "Are you planning to gift someone?" He finally asked, not moving an inch. Hanzo hesitated. Hayabusa gave him another amused look, then backed away.
"Do you want to come in? I can take you home if you really want to of course."
The crimson haired man hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure." he replied simply, turning and walking back toward the main entrance with his hands stuffed in his coat pockets. Hayabusa followed close behind. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Immediately, a loud bell rang, announcing the arrival of more visitors. The store was dimly lit by the soft glow coming from the streetlights outside and various Christmas decorations hanging above their heads. Hanzo glanced around, taking everything in. Every corner held some toy, a box of ornaments, or a small display case. The entire floor was covered with wooden planks and boxes of all different sizes and patterns.
When Hanzo noticed the way Hayabusa watched him intently, his cheeks turned slightly pink. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Hayabusa tilted his head to the side. "Like what?"
"Like..." Hanzo trailed off, trying to find the right word. After a second he realised he was being ridiculous. "Never mind"
Hayabusa chuckled "Why don't you pick out anything you want while i have a talk with the cashier?" he suggested, pointing at the empty counter where the cashier should be.
Hanzo gave him a slight nod before turning on his heel and wandering across the floor towards a wall filled with shelves lined with knickknacks and plushies. He reached one end of it and began pulling items out one by one to examine them. Some of them were old, others new, and all were very similar. They were probably bought a long time ago but they were probably still loved by whoever owned them. Hanzo pulled the first White fox he came across off of the shelf and held it loosely in his hands, feeling the weight of its little body on his calloused palms. It had bright blue eyes, which reminded him of Kagura's face. Someone he close with at the work place. He gently put it back on the shelf and wandered off to a smaller section where there was less merchandise. He started pulling random things out, running his fingertips along the edges of each item.
Then, something caught his attention. He picked it up and held it up to the light. It was a carved dog, its eyes and ears made of tiny feathers dyed a deep shade of red. Its tongue hung out of the corners of its mouth like an oversized puppy's would, and Hanzo couldn’t help but smile. That was definitely one of his favorites. He set the animal carefully back onto the shelf and grabbed a few more. Before he could decide what to choose, though, a warm pair of arms wrapped themselves around him. Hanzo gasped slightly, startled by the sudden contact, but relaxed quickly when he realised who it was. He leant back against Hayabusa's chest, closing his eyes and resting his head against the man's shoulder, listening to his heartbeat. He opened his eyes and took a quick glance over at the counter where the cashier was cleaning the toy shelf behind her. Hayabusa followed his line of sight.
"Ah, she's just from the back of the store wrapping gifts for children at foster" he murmured. Hanzo nodded in acknowledgement, keeping his gaze locked on the girl.
As if sensing their stare on her, the cashier looked up, smiling as soon as she saw him. She waved excitedly, but Hanzo simply returned it with a small smile, which she returned much more enthusiastically.
Hayabusa placed his chin on Hanzo's head. "Got anything catching your eyes?" He questioned.
Hanzo shook his head lightly, glanced at the dog he held before before reaching over to grab another small carved Cat toy. This one had black fur and yellow eyes. Hanzo looked up at Hayabusa, who was gazing at him with a loving expression on his face. Hanzo let out a quiet hum. He lifted it up to show him, and immediately, the younger man grinned.
"How cute! Just like you" He remarked, taking it from Hanzo's hands to inspect it closer. Hayabusa replied, giving him a gentle squeeze. The older man smiled softly in response, blushing faintly as he hid his face in the fabric of his coat once again. A comfortable silence fell between them.
"Can we go home now?" Hanzo suddenly broke the silence, his face burning. Hayabusa nodded with a small chuckle. "Of course" he replied as they walked to the cashier to pay the cat toy.
"You can go to my car first, i'll pay for it don't worry" he insisted when Hanzo opened his mouth to protest. Hanzo narrowed his gaze at him for a moment, but eventually nodded. He walked out of the store, with the cold weather hit him as soon as he stepped outside. He shivered slightly and pulled his coat tighter around his body as he walked, walking to Hayabusa's car. The door locked so he waited, with his back pressed against it as he stared down at the ground. When he heard footsteps approaching, he glanced upwards to see Hayabusa with cardboard bag in hand.
"Sorry, just need to get another thing," Hayabusa take out his key as he unlocked the door and go to the other side, Hanzo's legs moving automatically towards the passenger seat. He opened up the door and got into the car without saying a single word. Hayabusa slipped in next to him, buckling up and starting the car with a click. "Home?" Hanzo looked at him that already take off his mask, he nodded and looked away.
The ride home was quiet. Hanzo took the opportunity to look around a bit. There wasn't much to it besides the usual Christmas decorations and lights. Hayabusa kept glancing at him during their drive home. But despite that, his gaze locked still watch out the window, watching the streets pass him by. As soon as the vehicle arrived back in the apartment complex, Hanzo get out from the car. He stopped in front of Hayabusa window, as it's slowly opened.
"Thank you for the ride,–" Hayabusa handed him the cardboard bag, smile spreading wider upon seeing Hanzo's surprised reaction "Merry Christmas, Hanzo" Hanzo peek inside the bag as he see two small boxes wrapped in shiny paper and tied with colorful string. "Open them later." Hayabusa added as he adjusting his scarf around his neck.
Hanzo was stunned for a brief moment. Then, he managed to recover. "Right. Of course. Thank you..." he muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. His cheeks tinted red, he can't tell if it's from the cold weather or the warm gesture Hayabusa always seemed to give. It was almost embarrassing how often he was thrown off guard by such simple gestures. Hanzo turned to face him once more, offering a shy smile. "Merry Christmas too, and Goodnight"
Hayabusa chuckled and smiled back. "Goodnight, Hanzo." Before Hayabusa close the window Hanzo hand holding it open. Hayabusa glanced at the hand holding onto the edge of the window car. Hayabusa raised an eyebrow and leaned forward a bit.
"Is there something you wanted to said?" Hanzo, open his mouth then it's closed again as he leaned closer.
He swallowed nervously, his heart beating faster than usual. He couldn't tell if it was because he was anxious about saying something stupid or nervous of doing something stupid. In either case, the butterflies swarming in his stomach made the decision for him. With trembling hands, Hanzo reached a hand up to place the palm against Hayabusa's cheek and lean his head closer. The kiss was short and chaste. Their lips brushed together for barely a moment before Hanzo drew back. He didn't dare look in Hayabusa's eyes. Instead, he stared straight ahead, his cheeks flushed a faint pink colour and his grip tightening around the bag paper in his grasp.
A few seconds passed in complete silence before he felt a soft brush of fingers against his cheek. Slowly he raised his gaze only to see Hayabusa staring back at him. He thought he already lost his breath, until what he just laid upon his eyes. All he felt in his lungs was air and his heart hammered against his ribcage, but no matter what, there was no escape. He was mesmerised by the way Hayabusa's eyes sparkled, how his lips twitched every now and then, how the tip of his finger traced Hanzo's jawline softly, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Hayabusa's eyes fluttered shut for a moment before opening up again, leaning forward until their foreheads touched.
"Thank you for the gift." he whispered quietly as he closed the distance between them once more, their lips touching once more. This time it lasted longer, longer than before, and Hanzo could feel himself melting. The warmth of Hayabusa's hands against his own sent tingles through his whole body, and he could sense that Hayabusa felt the same, although he didn't dare pull away yet. After a few minutes, they both pulled away slightly. Hanzo cleared his throat.
"I should..."
"Yeah you should... Probably go inside. It's getting colder." Hayabusa chuckled, nodding his head slowly and placing a small kiss on Hanzo's nose.
With a small smile on his face, Hanzo turned around and left. He walked briskly until he reached his room. Once he was inside, he shut the door firmly and sighed heavily, leaning against the cold brown wood. He buried his face in his hands, feeling his heart beat against his ribcage. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his breathing. When he finally lowered his hands, he picked up the bag that had been left forgotten by the door and carried it with him to the bed. He sat cross legged and opened it up. The cat wood carved, decorated carefully and well loved, stared up at him. Hanzo smiled fondly.
He placed a hand on top of the wooden cat, squeezing it gently before letting go. Then, after hesitating for a few moments, he reached out for the second gift, placing it on the floor beside him and carefully pulling out the ribbon tying it. As he thought it will be, it's the carved dog. His favourite amongst the rest of the toy.
Hanzo put both or the wooden animal side by side. His chest tightens at the sight of them. Maybe next Christmas he could give a better gift for Hayabusa.