Work Text:
The Story of the Mistletoe Kiss
Snow doesn't stick around much in Tokyo, but Reo always acted like Christmas was this huge deal, no matter what.
He came rushing into the Blue Lock common room one day, arms full of all these shopping bags, and there were bells on his scarf that kept jingling everywhere he went.
"Nagi," he said, looking so excited it was almost too much, "They came out with these limited-edition protein bars that taste like Christmas pudding. Limited edition, seriously."
Nagi just glanced up from his phone for a second, taking it in, then blinked like he wasn't sure what to do with all that energy. "That sounds annoying. Why does everything have to be red though."
Reo froze right there. "Its Christmas, that's why. You put up decorations, eat way too much food, give each other presents, watch those movies about love and family and all that stuff."
Nagi paused, thinking it over kind of slowly. "I never really did any of that. My parents are always gone somewhere. They just wire more money around then. So its like any other day, except the allowance is a little bigger maybe."
That hit Reo hard, like a twist in his chest he didn't expect. "No way, that' s not right," he shot back, talking faster than he meant to. "You can't just ignore Christmas like it's nothing."
"The sun comes up the same", Nagi said, calm as ever, already staring at his phone again. Reo couldn't shake that off, it stuck with him longer than he wanted.
By evening, he made up his mind. If Nagi had no idea about celebrating, Reo would fix that himself.
He pulled Bachira aside first thing, and Bachira jumped right in with ideas about masks and music, plus glitter somehow. Kunigami was all about the food, but Reo already had that covered, way more than needed. Chigiri listened when Reo explained, smiling in this way that felt like he got it.
"So a party on Christmas Eve at Reos place", Chigiri said. "Then sleepover after, and spend the day together on Christmas?"
"Yeah, exactly", Reo agreed. "My parents are out of town, so no problem."
Chigiri tilted his head a bit. "Christmas is more for couples usually, you know that right?"
Reo laughed it off quick. "We're friends, thats all..."
Chigiri let it drop, just watched him go.
The party hit on Christmas Eve, all colors and noise everywhere. Reo's condo looked totally different, like some warm holiday spot. Big tree in the living room lit up, ornaments placed just so. It was over the top and pure Reo.
Friends took over the place, laughing and making a mess. Bachira kept trying to stick ornaments on people instead of the tree. Shidou grabbed cookies right off the tray and got scolded fast. Isagi tried keeping things in order but couldnt. Music blasting, paper from gifts all over, punch spilled by the couch.
Nagi stuck near Reo most of the night, sitting close, watching quietly. He takes the food when Reo offered, shoulders almost touching, that warmth sticking out to Reo.
"Its loud", Nagi mumbled at one point.
“You haven’t left,” Reo replied with a grin
Nagi looked around again. "Yeah, its okay I guess.
Things died down eventually, decorations all crooked now, house full of party mess. Friends left one after another. Bachira waved like crazy. Chigiri gave Reo this smile that twisted his stomach a little.
Door shut, and quiet settled in, soft and easy.
Reo cleared his throat. “So… sleepover.”
Nagi nodded immediately almost too eager. “You promised.”
They got into comfy clothes, started a movie they barely paid attention to, ended up asleep on the couch together, lights from the tree glowing dim on the walls.
Morning came calm on Christmas.
Reo got up first, headed to the kitchen to make breakfast, way too much of it. Smells filled the air as Nagi came in, hair all messed up, in one of Reo's hoodies like it was his.
"This feels good", Nagi said after a bit, voice quieter. "I see why you like it now, Christmas I mean."
Reo turned to say something, stopped cold...
There was mistletoe hanging in the doorway above them.
"I didnt hang that", Reo said fast, face heating up.
Nagi looked up. "Probably Bachira. Or maybe Chigiri."
They stood there under it, air feeling heavy all of a sudden.
"Oh", Nagi said slow, like it clicked. "So I guess I kiss you then."
"Wait...what?!", Reo whispered.
Nagi moved in steady, not rushing but sure, hand on Reo's sleeve light, like holding on. Warm touch. The kiss came slow, lips on Re'os with this quiet sureness.
Reo's breath caught right away. It felt like Nagi had considered it sometime, taking time, lasting enough to hit everywhere. When he shifted a little, making it deeper just a touch, Reo's hands stayed at his sides, heart loud in his head. Not rushed or sloppy, but strong, like testing if it was true. Nagi pulled back, and Reo felt off balance, lips buzzing, mind blank.
Nagi's expression changed as the silence continued. "Sorry", he said, backing off. "I..Shouldnt have."
He started packing his stuff quick, stiff. Reo grabbed his wrist, coming back to it.
"No", Reo said, out of breath.
Reo went in then, kissing back softer but with all this stuff had held onto without knowing. Nagi eased up, hands on Reo's waist, kissing steady too.
They broke apart, Nagi leaning forehead to Reo's.
"So", he said low, "Christmas isn't bad."
Reo laughed quiet, chest full. Yeah, its good.
Additional Time
Later, they sprawled together on the couch, half dozing. Reo glanced up at the doorway again, curiosity winning out.
“Hey,” he said lightly. “Be honest. Who put the mistletoe up there.”
Nagi stared at the ceiling. “Me.”
Reo blinked. “You did?”
Nagi shrugged, ears faintly pink. “I looked it up. It seemed important. And… I thought it might be useful.”
Reo laughed, warmth blooming in his chest, and leaned into him, already certain that this would not be their last Christmas together.