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It was that time of year again. Christmas Eve. The cells throughout the body had their housing units adorned with an assortment of wintery lights and decorations. The neutrophil squad was out on patrol around the body.
“Hey, isn't it yours and Red Blood Cell’s first Christmas together, 1146?” 2626 asked.
“Yeah,” he responded, curious on his point, “What about it?”
“So what're you two doing for tonight?” he asked, “You know, besides her, that is…” Everyone chuckled slyly at the snide comment as 1146 just blushed from it.
He gave it some thought. He didn't really plan on anything specific.
“I… I don't know,” he said, “I never really thought about it.”
“What?!” 4989 exclaimed, “How can you not plan on anything?! Do you think she doesn't deserve anything real special?”
“Of course I do!” 1146 hastily snapped.
“Well then you ought to do something about it,” 2048 suggested, “Like get her something. You don’t have much time left, you know. You only really have tonight to get her something really nice that she’d like.”
“Well, like what?” he asked.
4989 scoffed. “How should we know?” he retorted, “She's your girl. Unless you’re losing interest in her, then one of us could have a chance with her. At least with me.” He gave a rather cocky pose as if he really had a shot at pursuing the erythrocyte for himself.
1146 just glared at him. “Just face it already, 4989… You’ll never have her,” he promised in a protective tone. He then tried to come up with what to do.
“I need to think of something…” he thought to himself. For most of the day during work, he tried to think of what to get for AE3803. He needed something. Not just anything, but something that reflected just how amazing she was to him.
After work, the neutrophil wandered around to look at the vendors along the pulmonary vein. They sold a lot of things for red blood cells and figured he could try to find something along there.
“Maybe a new jacket?” he wondered, picking one up to look at it, “Hmm…”
“Oh, hey, White Blood Cell!” called out a familiar voice. He turned to see who it was.
“Red Blood Cell!” he exclaimed.
The erythrocyte walked up to him, pushing a cart with a box of oxygen on it.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, “I never see you here in the pulmonary vein.” She noticed him holding up the jacket. “Um… What are you doing with that?” she asked curiously, wondering why a neutrophil would be needing a jacket meant for her cell type.
“Oh, this?” he scrambled with his thoughts on what to tell her. He didn’t want to spoil any surprises. “This is nothing, Red Blood Cell,” he told her, adjusting his cap to cover up his lie, “I was just checking to see if it was up to standard. That’s all.”
“Oh…” she said, still wondering about the odd behavior as she looked over at the jacket, “I didn’t know you had that in your job description… But it looks like the jacket is fine to me.” She compared it with her own.
“Yeah, so it looks like this jacket passes…” he continued the lie, setting it back. He changed his mind on getting it anyway. She didn’t look like that she needed a new one anyway. He decided to change the topic before she could question him any further about what he was doing.
“So are you off making an oxygen delivery?” he asked her.
“Yeah,” she replied with an increasing blush on her face, “I just have a couple more for today. I… Kinda went the opposite way on my last one, so I’ll have to work a little late to catch up on these last ones.” She gave a sheepish chuckle.
“I see…” he said.
“But don’t worry, White Blood Cell!” she reassured him, “I’ll be done real soon!”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” he asked out of habit, not realizing that he’d just opened himself up for an invitation for him to possibly escort her. For once, he was hoping she didn’t need him so he could continue his personal mission.
“Yeah, I’ll be alright,” she told him, “Senpai is actually on the same route as me. At least most of it anyway. So she’s going to walk with me for now. I, um, hope you don’t mind that, White Blood Cell. I know you don’t mind walking with me when I need it, and I know you must be busy right now…”
“At least she thinks I’m still working at the moment,” he thought to himself, “That should buy me some time.”
He gave her a hug. “It’s alright, Red Blood Cell,” he said, “I don’t mind your senpai helping you this time. I can always help you next time.”
She gave a soft purr as she nuzzled him. “Okay, White Blood Cell,” she cooed, tightening the embrace, “I’ll see you later, okay?”
“Your place tonight, Red Blood Cell?” he asked in a suggestive tone with a chuckle, nuzzling her back.
“Of course, White Blood Cell…” she said softly with a coy smile.
1146 held her closer with a smirk before giving her a sweet tender kiss. It was tempting to just forget about getting her anything and simply let their moment escalate. If only she didn’t have anymore deliveries for the day.
“Hey, you two,” said a voice in a casual teasing tone, “Can’t wait until you get back home?”
“Hey, Senpai! Hey, Kohai!” she greeted. The senior red blood cell was walking up to them along with AE3803’s junior.
“The sooner you finish these deliveries, the sooner you can have the rest of the evening together, you know,” Senpai stated with her arms crossed.
“I still don’t see how you can like an immune cell,” Kohai remarked, still in disbelief of their relationship.
“Oh, he’s a total sweetheart…” she defended, “I still wish you could see just how nice neutrophils can be.”
“I doubt it,” she said, staying in her belief that immune cells were still all just ruthless killers. And 1146 was no exception to that mindset.
He could tell that she was firm in her belief.
“It’s alright, Red Blood Cell,” he told her, “As long as you think I’m good enough, that’s all I need.”
“You’re more than that, White Blood Cell,” she said softly.
The neutrophil and erythrocyte then shared another kiss before they parted from one another, each glancing back at the other with dreamy eyes.
“She really deserves the best…” he thought to himself as he watched her leave to do her job with her friends. Once she left, he regained his chance to get back to trying to figure out what to get her.
The neutrophil continued to browse through the vendors. Since AE3803 had left to elsewhere in the body, he didn’t have to worry about running into her again anytime soon in the pulmonary vein.
He continued on his search.
“Maybe a new hat?” he wondered, looking at them. He thought for a moment. “No…” he decided, “She needs something more useful.”
“She could use a new map…” he figured, “Maybe something easier for her to read.” He searched for a stall that had them in stock.
He was relieved to have finally found one, but it was short-lived. He looked through the maps, but all of them weren’t any simpler than the standard one that she had. Looking at them, he could see just how complex they looked. It was no wonder she would get constantly turned around with them.
“She would still get herself lost with these…” he uttered hopelessly, still looking through them before giving up on the idea for a new map.
He sighed as he left the cartographer’s stall, still trying to think of something else.
“She seems to have what she needs…” he analyzed, “Maybe I can get her something that she’d want?”
He continued on his way through the vein.
“But what would she like?” he wondered.
1146 knew that the erythrocyte was easy to please and would like just about anything he’d get her, but he didn’t want to just get her just anything. He had standards. He wanted to get something she’d truly like. Something that she’d know that he put in the effort into knowing exactly what she enjoys. The best thing ever for her.
Whatever it was, he figured that he wouldn’t find it in the pulmonary vein. He decided to look elsewhere.
1146 walked over to the nasal cavity. There were several shops there that sold all sorts of knick-knacks that AE3803 might like.
He looked through each of the windows. There were lots of nice things inside, but hardly anything up to his standards of wanting the best for his favorite erythrocyte.
In one of the shops, there was an ad poster of a casual outfit that cells could wear when not at work. It seemed nice enough. It was a pretty silky kimono, light blue with golden yellow accents along the collar and sleeves and speckled with pink sakura petals throughout the all-over design. The belt sash was a creamy white color. It looked perfect enough. The neutrophil smiled as he imagined her reaction for it as well as how she would look like in it.
“She would look more beautiful in that,” he thought to himself, wondering how such a concept was even possible.
He walked in the shop and looked for the vendor cell.
“Do you still have any of those in stock?” he asked, pointing over at the poster.
“The kimonos?” the cell noticed, “Yeah. They’re over here.” He led the neutrophil over to where they were. “Here you go, sir,” he said, letting him choose to his liking.
He looked through them, trying to find one in her size. But each one seemed to be too big for her.
“Do you have any more in the back that are a little smaller than these?” he requested.
“Um…” the cell uttered, “I’m not sure, but give me a couple minutes and I can go check for you.”
“Yeah, thanks,” 1146 commented, “I’d appreciate that.”
“Yeah, hey, no problem,” he said, walking off to the back end of the shop, “I’ll be right back.”
In the meantime, the neutrophil double-checked again through the available kimonos, making sure that he simply didn’t overlook it. Unfortunately, they were all still much too big for her smaller stature. He sighed, hoping that the cell would return with one that would fit her perfectly.
Sadly, he returned empty-handed.
“I’m really sorry, but all we have in stock is out here, I’m afraid,” he apologized.
“I see,” the neutrophil said, trying to hide just how disappointed he really was to hear that, “Well, thanks anyway.”
“Good luck finding something,” the cell said as 1146 left.
He stepped outside the shop and sighed in despair. Still back to nothing for AE3803. Worst of all, it was starting to get much later. Lights were beginning to go on everywhere. If he wanted to get her something, he had to do it fast before the shops closed for the night.
As late as it was getting, he was still determined to keep his standards of supplying her with only the best gift for the erythrocyte. Anything less would be just as bad as nothing in his eyes.
He continued to look through each of the windows, but could still find nothing good to settle on. He was beginning to get frustrated with himself with his inability to be able to give who he loved most something nice as a gift. One by one, each of the shops began to close.
The neutrophil then sat at a nearby bench, holding his head down, feeling like he had failed AE3803.
“She means everything to me…” he thought to himself, “But I can’t even give her anything special to reflect that…” He felt his heart shatter from feeling such a failure, imagining the disappointment she would likely face for not receiving anything, especially from him of all cells. If anyone is supposed to give her anything, he felt it was his responsibility alone to do just that. And what did he have to show for it but nothing.
“What am I going to do?” he asked himself.
Oblivious to his surroundings, he didn’t realize that AE3803 was walking up to him.
“About what, White Blood Cell?” she asked curiously. She was now off work and was on her way back to the apartment when she had noticed the neutrophil.
He jerked his head up in surprise to see her there.
“Red Blood Cell!” he exclaimed, trying to think of something to tell her. He didn’t want to expose himself of being empty-handed. “I was… Just thinking of… If you’d want… Maybe we can go get some dinner,” he stammered, “If you’re already off work, that is.” If anything, it’d help buy him more time to possibly find something in the meantime. It was a slim chance that he was willing to take.
She had a blushing smile on her face. “I am,” she coyly told him, “And I’d really love that, White Blood Cell.”
1146 couldn’t help but mirror the same blush and smile at her. His heart fluttered. He stood up from the bench and walked up to the erythrocyte, holding her close to him.
“I know a nice place then,” he said softly, his gaze lovingly at her as he gently brushed his fingers through her hair, causing her to give a cheerful smile. It brought him so much joy that he couldn’t help but give her a sweet kiss. “Should we go now, Red Blood Cell?” he asked in a soft tone.
“Yeah,” she said, giving him a hug before holding his arm, ready to have him take her to dinner. With that, he smiled and led the way down to the stomach.
On the way to the stomach, 1146 subtly glanced through each window, trying to look around on the way to see if he could find something for AE3803. But there was nothing he could do. All the shops they passed by were either not really displaying anything good enough or were closed for the night. He grew more hopeless with each step.
He turned his glance over at the erythrocyte. She was looking ahead, unaware of his gaze. She looked incredibly happy, still hugging onto his arm. The lights around them gave her a lovely glow. He felt so lucky to have her in his life, for them to be so in love with each other. And yet, he still felt he had nothing to show for it that night.
She glanced over at him in the corners of her eyes and noticed his rather disappointed expression, unaware of the reason on why he was like that.
“Hey, are you feeling okay, White Blood Cell?” she asked in concern.
“Huh? Um, yeah…” he stammered, “I’m… I’m fine, Red Blood Cell.”
“You sure?” she asked, wanting to make sure, “You looked kinda upset. What’s wrong?”
“No—nothing,” he lied, tipping his cap down, “I’m just… Getting hungry. It’s just been a long day at work today.”
“O—okay, White Blood Cell, if… If you say so…” she caved, still with a bit of doubt.
He felt terrible for lying to her, but he hoped it would be all worth it later when he would be able to supply her with the perfect gift. He guided her close and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She leaned up against his lips.
“I love you, White Blood Cell,” she cooed softly.
He smiled. “I love you too, Red Blood Cell,” he whispered.
Once the two blood cells arrived at the stomach, it was full of bustling activity. Cells off work were hanging with their companions for the evening out. To 1146’s luck, some of the shops were still open. One in particular was apparently very popular.
“Do you want to check out some of the shops, Red Blood Cell?” the neutrophil asked, hoping that she would so he could have a chance to check out if he could get something without her knowing.
“Huh? But what about dinner?” she questioned, “I thought you said you were really hungry, White Blood Cell.”
He’d forgotten he’d said that. “I am…” he said, “I just thought we could do a bit of browsing before the shops closed.”
“Well, if you really want to, White Blood Cell,” she said, “I guess we can meet back here in an hour. That should give us plenty of time, right?”
He gave a smile of relief. “Plenty,” he agreed.
The two of them shared a quick kiss before parting ways into the shops.
“At least she’s going in a different direction…” 1146 thought to himself. He then turned towards the popular shop.
There was a line through the door.
“Hey, what’s going on here?” he asked one of the cells.
“Oh, there’s apparently this really rare item that was found among the nutrients,” the cell explained, “Word is the body ingested some fancy nutrients and there’s this thing called ‘aurum.’”
“Aurum?” he asked curiously. He’d never heard of such a word before. What kind of nutrient is that even supposed to be?
“Yeah,” the cell continued, “It’s the first time the body’s ever gotten it and this is the only place to get it. I think I still have the flyer for it…” He rummaged in his pockets and took out a folded paper. He handed it over to the neutrophil.
He unfolded it and was amazed to see what this “aurum” was. The flyer was to promote the found gold, shaped into necklaces. At that instant, he knew this was the perfect gift for AE3803. He had to get one for her.
The cell noticed how eager the neutrophil wanted one. “You can have that flyer, by the way,” he said, “I’m not even in line. I was just curious on what all the commotion was about.”
“Thanks,” he said, rushing to get a spot for a chance at getting one.
He waited anxiously as he stood in line. “Something this rare and beautiful as her is perfect,” he thought to himself, “I have to get this thing!”
Time passed and the line seemed to take forever to him. He felt more uneasy as he saw the available numbers dwindling in front of him. Each time one of them was passed on to a patron cell, the more he fidgeted nervously.
“Please let me have one…” he begged to himself, keeping his eyes on the miniature boxes.
Less and less the closer he got. It was looking doubtful, but he tried his best to remain hopeful that he’d maybe be able to get even the last one.
At last, it was his turn. He sighed in relief to know that his anxiety would be put at ease once he could get one of the necklaces.
“Can I get one of these, please?” he requested.
“Sorry…” the vendor cell apologized, “Just got rid of the last one.”
The neutrophil’s heart suddenly sank. He was too late. So close to finally getting something perfect for his erythrocyte.
“Are… Are you sure?” he pleaded, “You really don’t have anymore left? You have to have at least one, right?”
“I’m really sorry, but no,” he told him, “That was the last of them.”
“Please,” 1146 begged, “Will there be any more?”
“I doubt it,” the cell said, “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen this stuff, and I’ve worked here for a long time now.”
The neutrophil felt dizzy. He couldn’t believe he’d missed it. If only he’d been there earlier that evening, he might’ve been able to get one for AE3803. He knew he’d never find anything for her now.
“Okay, thanks…” he said flatly before leaving empty-handed yet again.
He noticed that the hour was almost up. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t be able to look at anymore shops for something. He had to meet back up with the erythrocyte back at the spot they’d parted at.
The neutrophil walked in disappointment and waited for a few moments before she returned to him. With her, she was carrying a bag.
“What’s that?” he asked curiously.
“This? Oh, it’s nothing, White Blood Cell,” she explained with a blush, hiding the bag behind her, “Just something for the apartment is all.” She gave a small coy giggle before turning things back on him. “Did you check out on what you needed to see, White Blood Cell?” she asked.
“Um… Yeah… I did, Red Blood Cell,” he told her. Technically, he wasn’t lying to her since she didn’t ask if he’d gotten anything. But it still didn’t prevent him from feeling bad for not being able to get what he wanted for her.
“Great!” she exclaimed with a smile. She then looked at him with a blush. “Um, there’s one thing I kinda want to do before we continue to dinner, White Blood Cell,” she said.
“What is it?” he asked curiously.
AE3803 grabbed his sleeve cuff and began to lead him to the end of the route.
“Look what I found while I was browsing around,” she said, pointing over to a photo booth, “Can we have some taken, White Blood Cell? Please?” She gave him an irresistible face.
He glanced over at her and smiled. Her expression wasn’t necessary, but he still loved seeing her like that.
“Yeah, we can,” he agreed.
“Yay!” the erythrocyte cheered, running up to the machine with the neutrophil following after her.
Together, they walked inside.
“What do you want to do, White Blood Cell?” she asked, “Should we do a few silly faces or tell a little story?”
He chuckled at her excitement. “Whatever you want, Red Blood Cell,” he told her, letting her decide.
“Let’s do both!” she suggested, “Silly faces that tell a story!”
“Sounds cute,” he said.
She set up the booth, picking out the options.
She pretended to be scared. He made a brave face.
FLASH!
She gave him a silly hug. He gave a heroic expression.
FLASH!
She glanced over at him shyly. He gave a more confident gaze.
FLASH!
Both of them engaged in a passionate kiss.
FLASH!
For a moment, the two of them continued before realizing all the photos had already been taken. They were both just too into the intimate moment. If only they had more privacy, it certainly would’ve quickly surged in its intensity. It was only when they heard their photos being processed when they returned back to the present.
“Let’s go check them out,” AE3803 suggested. Before she could leave the booth, he wrapped an arm around her, holding her from behind.
“I want us to continue the story, Red Blood Cell…” he whispered, affectionately trailing his lips along the side of her neck, “I want to see where it goes…”
She purred, nuzzling against him. “Later tonight, we can, White Blood Cell,” she told him, kissing his cheek before she was able to get free.
1146 grinned as he watched her leave the booth before adjusting himself and stepping out as well.
Outside the booth, AE3803 was looking through the photo strip with great amusement.
“They turned out really well!” she exclaimed, handing the strip over to him, “See?”
The neutrophil took the strip and looked at them. He grew a soft loving expression as he admired each one of the pictures, specifically focusing on her in them. She looked so happy in them, like she was having some genuine fun. He then glanced over at her, still looking just as cheerful. Seeing her that way was the best feeling, and he could feel his heart race at the sight of her.
“Anything else you want to do before dinner, Red Blood Cell?” he asked, handing the photo strip back to her to hold.
“Um, well…” she said, trying to think of something as she placed the photo strip into the bag, “I don’t think so. You must be really hungry by now, so I guess we can go get something now.”
With that, the two of them continued on their way, hand in hand with each other.
As they walked, they both admired the lights that had been strung along the sides and tops of the buildings, giving the route a genuine romantic glow.
AE3803 walked closer to the neutrophil, leaning her head against him.
He smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her closer.
Up the route, they spotted a few cells that happen to be playing some music with a small crowd gathered around to watch the rare performance.
The two of them looked at each other and gave a mutual gaze of listening to the music for a moment. It was a very intimate melody. The neutrophil glanced over at her, seeing how much she was enjoying herself with the music as she hugged his arm. He had an idea that he wanted to do with her.
“Hey, Red Blood Cell,” he began to ask in a soft voice, bringing her closer to him, “Do you want to dance?”
The erythrocyte blushed heavily. She wasn’t expecting for them to dance. She figured that they would just be listening for a brief moment before continuing to dinner. But she wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea.
“Dance?” she asked, “But don’t you want to eat?”
He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close with a dreamy expression towards her.
“I can wait…” he said, beginning the lead into a slow dance to the rhythm, “I’d much rather be this close to you right now, Red Blood Cell. Wouldn’t you?”
She was following his steps, completely entranced with his charm.
“As long as it’s with you, White Blood Cell…” she cooed with a gentle gaze, leaning her head against his chest.
1146 loved hearing those words from AE3803. He nestled his head on top of hers as they continued their dance. Each step they took was complimentary to one another. They were in sync with each other, not only with their movements, but in their hearts for the other as well. The neutrophil gave her a little twirl, landing into a close and loving embrace, leaning her back under him. As both their eyes met, it felt as if they’d fallen in love with each other all over again. Without breaking their eye contact, he gently lifted her back up closer to him with their eyes slowly closed as their faces drew nearer into an ardent kiss.
They were so into one another that they were oblivious to the surrounding crowd around them, subtly cheering them on with the rare sight of a neutrophil and an erythrocyte being so in love with each other. It wasn’t until their lips parted when they noticed the other cells watching them. They both blushed as they looked at each other.
“Let the whole world see us, White Blood Cell,” she said softly, “I want them to see just how lucky I am to have you.” She gave him a fond hug.
He hugged her back with deep affection. “But I feel I’m the lucky one, Red Blood Cell,” he whispered, “You can basically have any other cell in this body, but you love me… Out of trillions…”
“Yeah, but I meet countless cells throughout the body on a daily basis,” she began to explain, “And no one can make me feel the same level of happiness I feel when I’m with you, White Blood Cell.” Her blush deepened. “You… Feel the same about me, right?” she asked.
“Of course I do, Red Blood Cell,” he reassured her with a loving nuzzle, “Exactly the same.” He gave her a tender kiss to prove it. “I only wish that…” he began to say, but managed to stop himself. The thought of not having anything to show for it for Christmas had him feeling less than worthy for her.
The erythrocyte became curious on what he was about to say.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing, Red Blood Cell,” he responded, shaking his head, “It… It doesn’t matter.”
“Um… Okay…” she said, letting the subject drop and changing on to a different one, “Would you like dinner now, White Blood Cell?”
The neutrophil gave a subtle smile. “Yeah,” he agreed, “I would if you are.”
She smiled and nodded as she picked up her bag nearby.
With his arm still around her, he guided her for the rest of the way.
“It’s actually not too far from here,” he told her.
With a turn of the corner, they reached a nice restaurant. Albeit, it was a niche type of place. Unlike the rest of the route they were on, it didn't seem all that busy, but it still had a very romantic vibe about it with string lights all cradled along it, strung down to connect to posts on the other side of the path. There were a couple tables outside the building for anyone choosing to enjoy themselves out of the restaurant.
“Not many cells know of this place,” 1146 explained, walking up to the entrance, “But I’ve heard those that do have said really great things about here. Plus, it’s not overly fancy that it’d require a reservation like others.” He plastered a grin on his face to hide the fact that going to this place was more of a spontaneous event than something he’d planned in advance. Much too short of a notice for a reservation to anywhere else.
“Is that how you found out about this restaurant?” she asked.
“In a way, yes…” he said. Without her knowing, he'd actually been looking for a nice place to take her to ever since they were together. There were plenty, but this one was the best he could find. “I've actually been wanting to take you here for a while now,” he continued, “But I wanted to when it's a special night.” He then rethought his word choices. “I mean, every night is special with you, Red Blood Cell,” he bashfully clarified, “I just meant it like holidays like tonight.”
She merely gave a slight giggle. “I know, White Blood Cell,” she said as she walked up to him. She always found it cute whenever he felt like clarifying things like that.
“Shall we?” he offered, holding out his arm for her.
She sweetly smiled and nodded as she hugged his arm.
With that, they both walked in together.
Inside, it was just as romantic, albeit more intimate as the lighting was arranged to a special dimmer glow for that night. Through the speakers, soft jazzy romantic Christmas ballads played. The decor was at a minimum to retain its refined taste while still trying to appear into the holiday. Sweet and savory aromas emanated from the kitchen, filling the entire dining area.
AE3803 was very impressed with the ambience, making her feel more affectionate towards 1146, hugging onto his arm more. He was feeling just as doting towards her., finding her more attractive than anything in their surroundings. He leaned closer to her to give her a kiss on the forehead.
“I’m guessing it’s just you two tonight?” the host cell assumed as he approached them.
“Yeah,” 1146 confirmed, holding up two fingers. The erythrocyte snuggled with his arm, fully enjoying the concept of them being there together.
“Very good!” the cell said, “Follow me, please.” He led them to a private booth.
The two of them sat as they were handed their menus.
“Would you two care for a couple enzyme drinks to start?” he asked, “We have a nice special mix going on for tonight.”
“Sure,” the neutrophil responded. The two blood cells then had subtle blushes on their faces, trying to hold in coy laughter, as they remembered when they first had enzyme drinks together. It was rather adventurous to say the least. And they both wondered if the night would later turn out with the same level of passion with each other. Both of them had hopes it would as they gave alluring gazes at each other.
“I’ll go and get those for you then,” the cell said, writing down on his notepad before leaving the two in privacy.
“You know, I just want to tell you that I’ve really been enjoying this evening with you, White Blood Cell,” the erythrocyte said softly with a fond smile, “You’re really making our first Christmas together truly special.”
He tried to hide his nervousness from her. The idea of him wanting to have gotten her something and not being able to still gnawed at him. “If only I can make it even more special…” he thought to himself.
“All just for you, Red Blood Cell,” he said aloud, causing her to blush heavily.
The cell soon returned, giving them their drinks. “Here you are,” he said, “So might I offer the Christmas Special course, which has a bit of everything served, or would you like something else in particular?”
They looked over the special, which consisted of a full-course, complete with an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert. It was tempting.
AE3803 then noticed a nice picture of a small cake with a couple strawberries on top of it, topped with a bit of powdered glucose to give it a “snowy” vibe. There was a scoop of vanilla frozen glucose next to it. Her eyes sparkled over it. “Ooo… That cake looks so delish!” she exclaimed before remembering and realizing how hungry 1146 must’ve been, “Oh, sorry, White Blood Cell. You did mention that you were really hungry earlier, didn’t you? Did you want the full thing?”
He smiled at her consideration. “It’s okay, Red Blood Cell,” he told her, “Get whatever you want. I can settle for that cake if that’s what you really want to have.” He really wasn’t that hungry, so he didn’t mind at all at letting her have full control of what to order. He also couldn’t help but give her a longing gaze as if to romantically tell her, “I’m hungry, but not for food…” This expression only became more apparent as he took a sip from his drink.
“Then… Can we have one of these cakes to share, please?” she requested.
“Of course!” the cell exclaimed, writing it down, “I’ll be back with that right away!” He then turned to leave towards the kitchen.
Once the two blood cells were alone again, she noticed the neutrophil’s expression and could sense that he wanted something more intimate later. She gave him a coy expression in response as she took a sip of her drink.
“What do you want to do after here, Red Blood Cell?” he asked her, slightly in a rhetorical sense.
The erythrocyte blushed. “We could go back to the apartment,” she suggested with a flirty smile.
He purred affirmatively, liking the idea as he took more sips of his drink.
“And maybe even exchange gifts,” she added, her blush growing a deeper shade.
Hearing that nearly caused him to cough. That, he wasn’t looking forward to. And he believed that she’d be very disappointed in him for being empty-handed on one of the most romantic evenings of the year. He grew paranoid that she might even leave him for it. However, as scared as he was, he tried not to show it in front of her, not knowing what else to do. At the very least, he could try to make the rest of their evening as best he can before that moment.
“Ye—yeah… We… We can…” he uttered, trying to plaster on a smile, “I… I can’t wait…”
“I can’t either, White Blood Cell,” she cooed. She was acting more flirtatiously towards her neutrophil as she thought about their night later.
If only he’d managed to get her something as amazing as her, he wouldn’t be as nervous. But he knew there was nothing he could really do about it anymore. By this time, just about all the shops were closing, and he knew that he likely would never have a chance at getting something like that necklace ever again. And if he did, it would be by sheer luck. The only thing that ever came close was that kimono, but if only they had even just one in her size. He imagined her with both and gave a subtle dreamy smile from his thoughts.
She noticed him, unaware of his fantasy. She gave him an alluring gaze. He watched her and projected that expression into his thoughts. There was one thing he knew about her though.
He shifted himself closer to her and leaned in close. She did as well.
“I want you to know that you’re the most beautiful cell in this entire body,” he whispered, affectionately rubbing noses together, “I truly do love you, Red Blood Cell…”
“And I love you too, White Blood Cell…” she whispered softly, “Truly, I do…”
The two of them then joined lips into a sweet passionate kiss together until their special dessert arrived.
The cell didn’t want to disturb them, but he had to give them their food. “I’m really sorry for interrupting, but here’s your cake,” he told them, setting it down on the table in front of them, “I hope you two enjoy it!” They gave their thanks and the cell left them once again.
The neutrophil cut a piece off and offered it to her. She smiled sweetly before accepting the bite.
“This is so good, White Blood Cell!” she exclaimed with the sweet taste in her mouth, “Try it!” She scooped a bit of the cake and gave him to try it.
He nodded in agreeance. “Still not as sweet as you though,” he flirted, giving her a licking kiss to where a creamy smudge was on her lips. He gave a soft purr as he did. “Yeah,” he confirmed in a soft tone, “You’re much sweeter than glucose itself.”
The erythrocyte smiled and purred from his words, keeping her face close to his. “You are too, White Blood Cell,” she cooed, giving him a kiss to prove her point.
They continued to playfully and feed each other the rest of the cake, enjoying themselves with endearing affection and flirts in-between their shared bites.
The cell soon returned to them to pick up their plate. “I hope it was to your liking?” he asked.
“Yeah, it was wonderful!” she complimented.
“That’s great to hear!” the cell said, “I hope you two enjoy the rest of your night together. Merry Christmas to the both of you!” With that, he took the empty plate back to the kitchen.
AE3803 then leaned her back against 1146. He wrapped an arm over her to keep her close and affectionately nuzzled her in response.
“Should we go back to the apartment now, White Blood Cell?” she asked softly.
He cleared his throat and sighed. “Ye—yeah,” he hesitantly agreed.
They both stood from the booth and walked out together. His arm wrapped over her waist as she leaned close against him.
Throughout the walk back, the neutrophil’s mind was full of fear that he had nothing. He discreetly glanced at the bag that she was holding, suspecting that it was really intended for him. With such a thought, he grew more guilty. His steps felt heavier as they approached the door.
The erythrocyte gave a soft sigh as she unlocked the door. She opened it and turned around to face him, pulling him close for a passionate kiss as she led him inside with their lips still locked together.
Once inside, they set their footwear, jackets, and hats aside next to the door. She brought the shopping bag over to the living room and gestured for him to follow. Time for him to face the music. He sighed and followed her. They both sat close next to each other on the couch.
“I know I told you that this was something for the apartment,” she began to explain, holding the bag, “And, in a way, it really is… But I kinda got this for you, White Blood Cell.” She blushed heavily as she handed him the bag.
He knew it. It was something for him. He accepted the bag and curiously looked in it, pulling out a rather large white hoodie. Too large in fact.
“I hope you don’t mind it being a bit big, White Blood Cell,” she shyly commented, “That was the only one close to your size. Everything else was too small.” She gave a timid chuckle.
He smiled at the gesture. “You really didn’t have to, Red Blood Cell,” he softly told her, “Though, I do love it. I can definitely wear it around here after work.” He gave a light chuckle as an idea came to mind. He unzipped it and put it on. It felt a bit baggy. Perfect. He then pulled her close against him and zipped her inside with him. “Or we both can wear it for when we want to curl up together at night…” he suggested in a rather seductive tone, “…Perfect for tonight…” He began to lovingly kiss all over his lips touched her.
“Is that what you giving me, White Blood Cell?” she playfully giggled from his affection.
The neutrophil then gave a sudden sigh and buried his head against her shoulder, embracing her to keep her close.
“I… I’m really sorry, Red Blood Cell…” he apologized in a submissive tone, “I really am…”
She became rather confused. “About what?” she asked, concerned and curious.
He held her tighter. “I… I couldn’t get you anything, Red Blood Cell,” he admitted, “I really tried… I looked everywhere for something just as special as you, but I failed each and every time.” He nuzzled her in an attempt to try to make up for his shortcoming. “I wanted this night, our first Christmas together, to be special for you,” he continued, “I wanted the best for you, but I… I couldn’t even do that…” He began to tremble in fear as he clung tightly to her, thinking that this was the end between them. “I… I understand if you… If you want me to leave…” he uttered, “You only deserve the best, Red Blood Cell… Even if I can’t give it to you…”
The erythrocyte blushed as she simply looked at him for a moment. The quiet moment was agonizing for him as he awaited her response.
“But White Blood Cell…” she began to say, gentle in her voice, “You did make this night really special for me.”
He was rather surprised. “How?” he asked, glancing at her, “I couldn’t get you anything.”
She purred as she affectionately leaned against him. “Well, I’ll admit that it would be nice if you did,” she said, “But I got to spend all this time with you, White Blood Cell.” She looked up at him. “We got to do a bunch of wonderful things together,” she reminded him, “We took those fun photos, strolled through all those pretty lights, danced together in harmony with you, and even shared a really delicious sweet cake! I couldn’t imagine experiencing any of those things without you, White Blood Cell…”
1146 reflected through the evening he had with his favorite erythrocyte, trying to focus more on the positive experiences with her… How happy he made her. Her cheerful expressions. The affection they kept as vibrant as the holiday lights. He was so focused on trying to impress her with something fancy when all she truly needed and wanted was…
“You’re all I could ever desire, White Blood Cell,” AE3803 cooed in a tender voice, straddling his legs and pulling him close in a warm embrace inside the hoodie, “What more could I ever want?”
He purred as he pulled her against him into a passionate kiss.
“Well, I did see some nice kimonos on display that I think you’d be really stunning in, even though they’d be big on you,” he suggested, keeping their lips close together, “And since you got me this oversized hoodie, maybe we can be a matching set.” He trailed his hands along her sides in a suggestive manner, causing her to shift along him to get even closer. “How about it, Red Blood Cell?” he asked in a whispery tone, “I could go back and get it… Spend New Year’s Eve with you in it… With some intimate ‘hime hajime’…” He subtly shifted her hips across him as a hint.
She grew a heavy blush from his idea. “I’d really love that, White Blood Cell,” she whispered, affectionately curling up on him.
The neutrophil smirked from her words and actions. He then pinned her on the couch. He hovered over her between her legs. “Speaking of being intimate…” he hinted, gazing down at her, “I do have something I can give you after all, Red Blood Cell…” He leaned down over her, tenderly kissing along the side of her neck as he moved his body against hers.
“Give it to me then, White Blood Cell?” she requested in a sultry tone, knowing what he was hinting at. She was anticipating it. And so was he.
“I still want to continue our little photo strip story from earlier, Red Blood Cell…” he suggested, “To see where it goes…”
He then picked her up and began to carry the erythrocyte in his arms inside the hoodie over into the bedroom.
“I love you, Red Blood Cell…” he whispered, keeping her close to him.
She had her arms around his neck and shoulders. “I love you too, White Blood Cell…” she reciprocated in a soft affectionate tone.
He then gave her a deep and passionate kiss as he realized that he always had the perfect gift for her all this time…
…His genuine love for her.
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