Work Text:
🎄🎄🎄
“I still don’t understand why it couldn’t just be the two of us this weekend.”
The grumble came from Sayo in back seat of the car. Snow had already begun to pile outside, forcing them to go slowly down the country roads, but it wasn’t just the delay dampening the guitarist’s mood.
“For someone grumbling so much, you still haven’t stopped petting Leon since we left Tokyo,” Chisato glanced over her shoulder with a smirk.
Sayo’s hand stopped, mid-scratch. “Well, he’s a good boy. How can I not pet him?” she huffed but even so, she couldn’t seem to pull away from the fluffy golden coat.
“Whatever you say,” Chisato laughed, “Though are you sure you don’t want to join me in the front? It’s getting a little lonely driving on my own.”
“But then who is going to sit with Leon? You’re the one who insisted on bringing him.”
“I swear you spoil him more than I do,” Chisato’s lips quirked as she watched Sayo’s hand resume it’s absentminded stroking through the rear-view mirror.
By the time they arrived at the chalet, the sun had set behind the snowy peaks, painting the rural sky in a pinkish hue. “This place is gorgeous,” Sayo admitted as she stepped out of the car, her breath clouding up in the frosty air. Beside her, Chisato shivered.
“Yes, although I prefer to admire it all from inside,” the actress chuckled as she fumbled with the front door. The cold made her fingers numb but she eventually succeeded, beckoning Sayo inside with the air of a hostess. “Welcome to my holiday escape. No press, no fans. Just the two of us till the New Year’s.”
A pointed bark made the couple laugh. “Sorry, three. I didn’t meant to forget about you, boy,” Chisato bent down to give golden retriever a scratch behind the ears.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea running away from your manager when he obviously wants you to film that Christmas special?”
“Like I said, just us,” Chisato repeated with a far too innocent smirk. “He couldn’t find me these past few years, and he won’t be finding us this year.”
Sayo dropped their bags onto the expensive fur rug in the living room. While she suspected Chisato owned a few holiday homes around the county, this was her first time actually seeing one. Or more accurately, spending the entire holidays with her usually inaccessible movie star girlfriend. Sayo took in a deep breath of pine-scented luxury. She wouldn’t be surprised if the furnishing alone costed more than her entire apartment.
However, an escape from Chisato’s fame wasn’t Sayo’s only plan for this getaway. She slipped her hand into the pocket of her coat to feel the velvet box inside. If all went to plan, this was going to be a very special week for the two of them. She had been looking for the perfect opportunity for weeks. What’s more romantic than a private chalet in the mountains? All that’s left to do was wait for the mood to be right and get down on one knee.
“This place is perfect,” Sayo murmured, already imagining cozying up with Chisato by the fire. “Now, I believe you owe me a proper tour.”
Chisato giggled as Sayo’s arm looped around her waist. Their lips just about brushed when a heavy weight barrelled into them.
“Leon!” Sayo yelped as they tumbled onto the pile of bags. Leon’s tail was a blur as he showered them with slobbery kisses, just as eager to join in on this loving moment.
“Down, boy!” Chisato cried, laughing almost too hard to speak as her hands flailed to push him off. “I think the tour will have to wait. Someone needs to burn off all this energy after the car ride.”
Leon nuzzled into her lap, his tail thumping against the floor as if in agreement.
“Traitor,” Sayo muttered under her breath as she watched her favourite spot get stolen.
“And here I thought you’re a dog lover,” Chisato smirked. “Are my two favourites going to have a problem this weekend?”
Sayo shot her a half-hearted glare. “Of course not. You know how much I love Leon.”
“Good,” Chisato gave her a peck on the cheek. “Because you’re stuck with both of us for the weekend.”
Leon barked happily, as though seconding the sentiment. But despite what she said, the sense of unease crept up quicker than Sayo anticipated.
The fire was crackling in the hearth, Chisato’s arms draped comfortably around her on the couch. Sayo let herself sink into that perfect feeling of being with her girlfriend without the usual interruption of producers or paparazzi when-
“Woof!”
Sayo froze as Leon’s curious, brown eyes appeared at their feet.
“Leon,” Chisato grinnen. She pulled away from Sayo to ruffle his ears. “What is it, boy? You need something?”
Before Sayo could react, Leon was already pulling at Chisato’s sleeve, his insistent nudges leaving no room for interpretation. “Ohhh, I see.” Chisato rolled her eyes so fondly that Sayo was tempted to start barking herself. “Did you want to play? Hold on, let me find where I packed your toys.”
And just like that, the moment was over. Sayo’s helpless gaze followed as Chisato got up and dug through their many open suitcases still sprawled around the room. After arriving late last night, they barely sat down to enjoy the dinner Sayo made before Chisato apologised for feeling tired from the travel. She’d headed to bed before Sayo could lay out the romantic leadup for her proposal. Nonetheless, Sayo reminded herself she had time. This was only their first day here after all.
Now, she watched with a forced smile as her girlfriend crouched on the floor, waving a squeaky bone in front of Leon. The golden retriever bounced about like he was having the time of his life.
At least someone was.
“Don’t let it bother you,” she told herself under her breath. “He doesn’t even know what he’s doing. He’s just a dog.”
But it did bother her.
The entire weekend seemed to follow this pattern. Leon always interrupted at the worst, most perfectly timed moments. Sayo found herself glaring at the golden retriever from across the room while Chisato rubbed his belly or fed him treats.
The first time they were disturbed during their morning cuddles, Sayo swore she felt her psyche unravel. They had just woken up, all wrapped up under the covers when a sudden bulge darted under the covers followed by a wet nose popped up between them.
“Leon, not on the bed!” Chisato laughed as he nuzzled her cheek.
Meanwhile, Sayo was left with the tail end, practically spluttering for her life as she was smothered by wagging tuff of fur. Before she could steal back Chisato’s attention, the blonde had already swung her legs out of bed.
“Well, since we’re all up, let’s give you your morning walk, shall we?”
The reaction was immediate. Leon may not be the smartest dog, but he understood the magical word ‘walk’ and sprinted straight for the front door with a clatter of nails on wooden flooring. Sayo stayed frozen in bed. Her arm tightened around Chisato’s pillow as if trying to retain its warmth even if her girlfriend had disappeared into the bathroom to get ready.
Her shoulders slumped. What was the point of a relaxing retreat if you got out of bed this early? Her irritation simmered a little higher, now realising pet care took priority over staying warm and cuddled.
Nonetheless, it only took a few deep breaths for Sayo to drag herself out of bed. While it hurt, she wasn’t going to let her girlfriend brave the cold on her own.
By the time Sayo tugged on her jacket, Chisato was already waiting by the front door with Leon clipped to his leash. She extended her hand when Sayo approached. Even at the cost of being dragged out into the snow, Sayo had to admit the warmth of Chisato’s hand felt like a small victory that day.
By the time they returned to the kitchen after what felt like hours of gettingdragged over every hill and field, Sayo tried to put on a brave face. She had tried time and time again to find the perfect scenic location to propose. The beautiful grove of fir trees, a shimmering, frozen lake they found- but of course, each time she gathered the courage to spill her heart out, she would turn to find Chisato already getting dragged halfway down the road by her over-excited pet.
Sayo glared down at the floor where Leon was sprawled. She could only hope he'd stay that way for the rest of the morning. Might finally give her some much-deserved time with Chisato.
Sayo’s arms wrapped around her girlfriend’s waist, practically daring the golden retriever to make a move as she pressed a kiss to Chisato’s neck. Chisato giggled but didn’t pull away. She continued to stir the eggs on the stove, recounting the beautiful spots they found on their walk. Everything would’ve been bliss if not for the constant third presence Sayo couldn’t ignore. The pair of large, pleading eyes at the edge of every intimate moment.
Then, came the whimpers.
“Aw, are you hungry, sweetheart?” Chisato turned at the first cry for attention, already kneeling for those puppy-dog eyes. “Sayo-chan, do you mind finishing up the eggs? I need to give Leon him his breakfast.”
Of course Sayo didn’t mind. She loved cooking for Chisato. What she did mind, was knowing that sweet tone Chisato was using wasn’t reserved for her. That her puppy dog eyes had no power against the real deal.
Sayo bristled as Chisato’s voice drifted from the living room, cooing at every little thing Leon did while she fed him. She bit her lip harder.
She loves you. She loves you.
But the little pangs of jealousy lingered. Jealousy.
Sayo was jealous of a dog. How did it come to this?
Sayo knew it wasn’t Leon’s fault. Leon wasn’t aware of this unspoken, one-sided rivalry. He wasn’t being malicious or competitive. He was just a dog being… well, a dog.
But that didn’t make the defeat sting any less.
Every kiss she tried to give, every moment she tried to steal, just felt like a competition now. Especially when Chisato would turn to pet Leon without him even having to ask. Sayo wasn’t going to beg for her attention back. Now that would be desperate.
Nonetheless, she couldn’t stop the small part of her that felt a little less special every time she caught Chisato watching Leon with an adoring smile. The ring felt heavier and heavier in her pocket as the deadline loomed closer.
🎄🎄🎄
At long last, the perfect moment came. Chisato had been in a good mood, humming all morning after Sayo surprised her with breakfast in bed. While her girlfriend was distracted, Sayo set up the living room with candles and even sprinkled about some rose petals she'd smuggled with her.
She had it all planned out in her head. She was going call Chisato into the room, get down on one knee and ask the most important quesrion of her life. Sayo didn’t used to be a romantic but after countless hours of watching her girlfriend’s heartfelt performances on screen, she liked to think she'd developed a flair for it.
Sayo’s hand trembled slightly as the pulled the ring out of her pocket. She took it out of the box, admiring the diamond one last time as it glistened in the light. Just then, she felt something nudge her leg.
Sayo glanced down to find Leon looking up with curious eyes. She gave him a soft pat. “Hey Leon, wish me luck, okay?”
Leon sniffed her hand but just then, his eyes caught the glint in Sayo’s other hand. He nuzzled her more intently, making Sayo chuckled, until a sudden shove made the guitarist lose her balance.
Everything moved in slow motion as Sayo stumbled backwards over the petals, the large weight crashing on top of her. She barely had time to cry out before the ring slipped from her finger and rolled onto the floor where it was almost immediately snatched up by a doggy tongue.
“Leon, NO!” Sayo yelled, lurching for him. A wrestling match commened on the floor as she tried to pry the choking hazard from his mouth. Leon did not like the word “no”. He immediately clenching his jaw shut, trying to squirm away as if this was a game.
“Sayo-chan, is everything alright?” Chisato’s voice called from the bedroom.
It was a miracle Sayo manged to wiggle the ring out of Leon’s mouth before he swallowed it. She shoved it back into her pocket just as Chisato entered the room.
“What’s going on here?” Chisato glanced between her flustered girlfriend on the floor and the dog sat beside her, looking far too pleased with himself.
“It’s nothing, Leon um… he tried to eat something he shouldn’t have,” Sayo mumbled, still breathless from the close call.
“Aw, have you been causing trouble again? Silly dog,” Chisato chuckled as Leon’s tongue lolled out of his mouth. “We need to be more careful though Sayo-chan, these candles can be dangerous with Leon around,” she eyed the half dozen candles scattered around the living room.
Sayo’s cheeks flushed. “Yeah, um… sorry, I’ll… I’ll be more careful.”
Chisato’s concern softened as she crossed the room to give Sayo a kiss. “It’s alright. Also, thank you for breakfast, that was so sweet of you. Almost makes me think you were buttering me up for something~”
Sayo’s gaze dropped to the floor. “It’s…. it’s nothing like that. I just wanted to do something nice because I love you.”
“I love you too. Why don’t you relax for a bit? I’ll do the dishes.”
As Chisato disappeared into the kitchen, Sayo blew out the remaining candles before slumping onto the couch. As if adding insult to injury, Leon trotted over and propped his chin on her knee.
“You know what you did,” Sayo scowled.
This only earnt herself an innocent tilt of his head. As disappointed as she was, it was near impossible to stay mad at that face for long. Sayo begrudgingly reached out to pat Leon. The gesture soothed her somewhat.
“Are you really against me and Chisato being together, Leon?”
No reply. Of course, there wouldn’t be, Leon was a dog. A goofy-smiled dog who probably had no idea how much this weekend meant to Sayo. She sighed, burying her face into his fur. At this point, she was tempted to give up.
🎄🎄🎄
Chisato was snuggled comfortably on the couch. A Christmas movie played in the background.
But was she cuddling Sayo? No- not after a certain oversized furball decided to sprawl between them, pushing the couple off to opposite sides. As always, Chisato welcomed him, enjoying this cosy moment together. Or at least until she noticed Sayo staring off into the distance. The guitarist’s lips were pressed together, a gesture Chisato recognised to mean her partner was holding something back.
“Sayo-chan,” she narrowed her eyes playfully. “I can tell somethings bothering you.”
“Nothing’s bothering me.”
“Baby.”
Receiving a stubborn grumble, Chisato softened. “Is someone a little... jealous?”
Sayo stiffened. “What? No, I’m not jealous. Don’t be ridiculous.” Her voice came out a little too defensive.
“Ohhh, you’re definitely jealous. I’ve seen you trying to hide it. Every time I spoil Leon you puff your cheeks like that... it’s cute actually.”
Sayo face heated up. “Okay, fine. Maybe a little. I know it’s silly since I also love Leon to bits.”
“Hey, it’s not silly,” Chisato turned her full attention to Sayo. “I should be the one apologising. I know I get distracted with Leon sometimes, but I should have made you the priority. Especially considering this was meant to be our holiday. Think I can make it up to you now?”
Sayo knew she was helpless against that tender look. “Fine. But not before we let our good boy know how much we love him.”
The two laughed as they scooped the dog into a hug. While Leon didn’t understand the sudden wave of affection, he was perfectly content to bask in it. After a few more minutes, Chisato stood up.
“Wait here, I think we both deserve our own little treat after the week we’ve had.” She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Sayo alone with Leon.
“You know, you’re not all that bad,” Sayo smiled as she scratched his belly. After a long moment, her voice dropped to a whisper. “To be honest, even if Chisato and I never get married… I still see us all as family.”
Before she could continue that thought, Chisato’s voice called from the kitchen. “Sayo honey, do you mind getting something off the top shelf for me?”
“Coming!” Sayo gave Leon one final pet before standing up. But as she stepped into the kitchen, Leon suddenly leapt off the couch after her. The force of the collision made Sayo lose her balance, barely managing to brace herself on one knee to avoid colliding face-first into the kitchen counter.
At that exact moment, Chisato turned around. She froze, a bottle of wine and two glasses in hand.
“Sayo, what are you-” Suddenly, her eyes widened. “Wait, are you…”
Sayo broke from her trance. While the moment couldn’t be less thought out, Sayo knew in that moment what she truly wanted. She fumbled through her pockets till she found the ring. With shaky hands, she opened the box, revealing the jewellery (now slobber-free after much vigorous washing).
“Chisato, I um… I know this holiday hasn’t gone the way I expected, but it’s also shown me that we’ve always worked through everything together. The two years we’ve been together have been incredible. I love you, and well… I’d love nothing more than to spend every holiday with you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
Chisato’s eyes brimmed with tears. For once, Sayo knew they were in no part due to her acting skills. “Sayo-chan, I love you too. So much. Yes, I’ll marry you!” She flung her arms around Sayo’s neck.
Sayo had never felt her heart leap as it did when she leaned up to kiss Chisato. Down below, Leon bounded around their feet, barking for joy. Chisato giggled as she leaned her forehead against Sayo’s.
“To be honest, I was wondering when you might ask. Never thought it’ll be here in this kitchen though~”
“I’m sorry! I know it isn’t romantic, I meant to-” Sayo stammered till a finger pressed against her lips.
“Shhh, I’m just teasing,” Chisato stroked her cheek. “You know I don’t need all that romantic stuff. It’s all just for the big screen anyways. What we have here now, this is real.” She took Sayo’s hand. “Come on, I think it’s time we celebrate with something really special. Just the two of us.”
“Like what?”
With a mischievous smile, Chisato led Sayo into the bathroom. After a bit of bustling around, the glow of scented candles revealed an entire countertop lined with festive bath salts. She’d even prepared a hamper of skincare products and a box of chocolates- little things she knew Sayo adored.
“Chisato, you prepared all this?” Sayo scanned the arrangement in awe.
“I want tonight to be perfect,” Chisato placed the wine down by the tub. “Especially now that I get to spend it with my fiancé.”
“Didn’t you just say you don’t care about romance?” Sayo’s lip quirked.
“This isn’t romance, this is pampering. Now let me enjoy my favourite thing~”
“Wouldn’t that be taking Leon for walkies?”
“Very funny. But Leon would get jealous if he knew half the ways I’m planning to spoil you tonight,” Chisato smirked, locking the bathroom door with a promising click. “Now strip. Let me show you exactly what I’ve been wanting to do all week.”
It took some time to discard all their layers due to all the flirting but before long, Sayo let herself relax into the hot water. Chisato leaned back into her arms with a content sigh.
Spoilt or not, Sayo knew she was definitely loved. Surrounded by the festive scent of sage and cinnamon, this was everything she needed this Christmas season.