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Ties. Seishirou hated ties. They constricted his neck movement, suffocated him. Horrible things to experience, if you asked him. Regardless, he was trying to put one on. A tie. So far, his attempts were resulting in failure.
Seishirou tried one last time. He looked at himself in the mirror, the tie on his neck a bit crooked. Not too bad if he could say so himself.
"What do you think, Choki?"
Choki, his cactus, was unresponsive. Of course it was, a cactus couldn't talk. But even so they cared about each other. Choki had been Seishirou's longest non-human companion. Thus, he could imagine its answer.
"You're right, I need to try again," said Seishirou, his heart still determined on making this tie surrender at his hands.
"Nagi? What are you doing?" Reo leaned on the door frame.
"Getting ready," Seishirou said, looking at Reo through the mirror's reflection.
"Are you sure? 'Cause it looks like that tie is trying to murder you," Reo raised one of his cute little eyebrows with a mocking smile, index finger pointing right at him.
Ah, so it was that bad.
"How the hell do you not know how to wear one by now?"
"You always do it for me," Seishirou shrugged as he left the tie to finally rest in peace and tilted his head up, just enough to leave space for Reo's warm hands to help him out. As if on cue, Reo moved and, with the practiced ease of someone who's been doing this for a while, did the tie a favor.
"You're so weird," Reo shook his head, laughing under his breath.
"You are, too," and Seishirou meant it. He didn't understand what someone like Reo saw in him. Had not it been for Reo, Seishirou doesn't think his life would have turned out the same. Seishirou had been thirsty for the longest time, not even aware of it, until Reo found him and flooded his entire world in a sea of colors.
Reo crossed the tie's wide end over the narrow end.
Seishirou kept staring at Reo. He would be forever thankful to have Reo as his partner. Not only on the field, but in life.
Reo looped and tucked the wide end of the tie through the front knot, tightening the knot. "All done, treasure."
Reo lifted his face, Seishirou's gaze fell on him. Seishirou felt the touch of soft lips against his own, sending a shiver down his spine. If he didn't want to go out before, that desire had just grown stronger.
It wouldn't be Seishirou's choice to go out on a day like this. The city was full of greens and reds, people walked the streets with bags full of (presumably) gifts for their loved ones. However, there were some mandatory events Reo had to attend. Meaning Seishirou had to as well. The events might always feel like a hassle for him. But not Reo. Never Reo.
The hotel where the Christmas charity event would be held wasn't too close nor too far, about 20 minutes in the Mikage's limousine. Seishirou had gotten used to it by now. The tires running the asphalt smoothly. Reo's voice filled the space. He was on the phone, talking to an associate. Something about raising the budget for a new Mikage Corp product.
Seishirou tapped on his phone's screen rapidly. It was all or nothing. It was an all out battle on the field. He was trying to shoot his enemies, taking them out one by one. He was close, only two more players left and he would win. If he stayed at the top of this mountain and managed to locate his enemies, he could—
Ba-ya opened the door. The car had stopped without Seishirou noticing. He sighed as he closed the game and put away his phone.
The salon was full of people. Sparkles gleamed all around—the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the precious gems on women's necks, expensive watches on people's wrists, food decorated with edible gold.
Laughter and chatter echoed through the room. Reo was playing his part. As he always did—the perfect Mikage heir. Seishirou followed him soon after. Introducing himself to people he would not remember nor care for in the near future. But he knew it was important for Reo, so he would play along as well. They talked about their trips to foreign and expensive lands, market trends and business deals in disguise.
In all honesty, he barely did anything. He just stood around Reo and tuned out the conversation. Even so, socializing was tiring him out. He had gotten better at it, but he could never get on Reo's level. It just wasn't in his system. Seishirou whispered into Reo's ear and kissed his cheek softly before walking towards his assigned table.
"So what did you ask for Christmas this time, Nagi?" Chigiri asked, grabbing a seat by his side. Reo had invited some of their friends (and not so friends). 'It could be good for networking,' Reo had told them.
"Reo," Nagi said after taking a sip of his lemon tea.
"Sorry, I don't think I heard you right."
"Reo," Nagi repeated without an ounce of shame.
Chigiri blinked once, twice.
"You're disgusting," Barou grunted.
"Why are you even here?" Seishirou bit back.
Barou went off and insulted him as usual. Seishirou didn't care. All he really wanted was Reo. Sure, Reo always gifted him something—a videogame, a watch, expensive clothes. But lately they were struggling to spend time together. Reo's schedule was busy, and December was the worst month of them all. Even if they had a break for a few weeks from football, Reo was still occupied from all the end of the year stuff Mikage Corp had to deal with on the weekdays. All their weekends were kidnapped by charity events and holiday parties left and right. Their schedule was so hectic, the only real time they spent alone and together was sleeping in the same bed.
"Busy end of the year, I take it?" Chigiri asked.
"Hm," Seishirou nodded, not offering much more on the matter.
Seishirou kept his eyes on Reo. He didn't mean to, but his eyes would naturally search for his partner. Reo had moved on from his responsibilities and was now busy talking with Kunigami. Then they locked eyes.
"Hey, handsome," Reo smirked, voice smooth as silk.
"Reo," Nagi's voice was soft, his eyes lit up.
"You've never, not even once, used a cute nickname on me," Reo's index finger was pointing at Nagi's heart. Fake and mocking annoyance filled his voice.
Reo was right. Seishirou had never done that. He didn't need to. Reo was perfect, and so was his name.
"And you never call me by my first name," said Nagi. He could imagine the sound leaving Reo's lips. Maybe that could be a great gift now that he thinks about it.
For a fraction of a second, Reo's eyes opened wide before he let out a laugh. "Touché," he said.
Without saying a word, Barou stood up and left to go somewhere else. Muttering under his breath something Seishirou didn't care enough about to pay attention.
"You're both so disgusting," if Chigiri hadn't interrupted, Seishirou would have forgotten they weren't alone.
"Jealous much, princess?" Reo teased. Kunigami's hand was resting on Chigiri's back.
Chigiri scoffed and rolled his eyes. "As if. I have the perfect match right here," Chigiri's hand rested on Kunigami's shoulder, who had already taken a sit by Chigiri's side.
"I can't believe how long it took you two to get together," Reo mocked them.
"You can't be serious," Kunigami said with an unimpressed look.
"I don't know what you mean," Reo feigning ignorance.
"You're insufferable," Chigiri said under his breath.
Their banter followed for a couple minutes. Seishirou was happy that Reo had Kunigami and Chigiri. They had been friends since their young days in Blue Lock. Seishirou might not know Kunigami much, but he was an earnest guy who was always there for Reo.
The sound of music began to fill the room. A few people began to dance, the way the rich and old ones did. Reo's gaze landed on Seishirou with a clear intention in mind.
"If you'll excuse us," Reo stood up, taking Seishirou's hand into his own and guided him to the dance floor. Seishirou didn't fight it. He let himself be swallowed whole by Reo's wants. Not that he minded. When it came to Reo, most things were easy.
The quartet of strings was playing a ballad. Ever since Seishirou became Reo's plus one for rich people events, he had learned how to dance. At least the simple stuff. Before, Reo was the one guiding Seishirou all along. With football, with dancing, with living. There was a time when Nagi didn't think he needed to put effort into anything. He was wrong. So, so wrong. Before, he couldn't keep up. Now…now things were different.
Seishirou intertwined their fingers, the warm shared between them encapsulating them in a bubble of their own. Seishirou's free hand rested on Reo's waist, the space between them so small he could feel Reo's breath on his skin.
Seishirou set the pace, their moves were natural and light, as if they were floating. His eyes were fixed on Reo. It was as if his heart had a puzzle piece missing and he was staring right at it.
"Everything alright, treasure?" Reo asked, his tone was hushed, only meant for Seishirou's ears.
"Why?" He asked instead of answering the question.
"You seem…like a beaten puppy of sorts. Did something happen?" Reo tried again, his fingers brushing Seishirou's cheek.
Reo always knew how to read him. Seishirou missed him. He missed his smile and his laughter and his teasing and selfishness. He missed the closeness. He looked straight into Reo's eyes.
Reo's lips opened for a single moment before closing them again in a tight straight line. "I'm sorry. This time of the year is always so…" his soft smile reached his eyes.
"Busy. I know," he finished for Reo. He didn't blame him. He never could. He just wished they could spend more time together again. Some days he wished they could go back to their high school days, where they spent their waking moments attached to the hip of the other.
Even with the instruments still playing, the chatter all around and the sound of heels and shoes hitting the floor, silence engulfed them. It wasn't uncomfortable. With Reo, it rarely was. And he knew. Seishirou knew Reo's gears were turning inside his head—coming up with something.
"Let's stay home together the two of us. On Christmas."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I miss you, too," Reo gave Seishirou a smile, the kind that took away his breath.
Before he knew it, Reo's lips were on his own. Soft, sweet and familiar. Seishirou felt how his world lit up again.
Seishirou didn't want to open his eyes yet, but the sunlight entering through the space left between the curtains had no mercy on him, hitting him right in the face. His eyes gave in, blinking a few times before finally opening.
Reo was still asleep, clinging to the blanket. It was unusual, this morning. Normally, Reo would be the one waking up first. Reo was beautiful even asleep, with his hair all messed up, his bags falling all over his face. He was unknowingly but unmistakably looking for Seishirou. Seishirou's hands pulled away some purple hair strands from the other's face. As if gravity pulled him in, Seishirou gave a small peck to Reo's temple, careful as to not wake him up.
His attempt had been futile, though. He could feel Choki's non-existent stare judging him for waking Reo up.
"Shh. I'll take a shower first this time," Seishirou whispered in Reo's ear. "Get some more rest," he planted a kiss on his partner's forehead. Reo groaned in response, seemingly tired enough to accept the offer.
Seishirou let the warm water run in the shower.
He had never found Christmas exciting. It was not an important holiday in his life. But this time it was different. After a month of not having time for themselves, Seishirou would finally get Reo all to himself.
He was greedy, Seishirou. He couldn't help it. It was never enough. He hoped Reo felt somewhat similar.
When Seishirou got out of the shower, Reo was nowhere near their bedroom.
"Reo?" He went towards the kitchen, his steps long and lazy.
No response.
Seishirou walked around, looking for Reo. He was nowhere to be found inside the apartment.
Reo opened the door, letting in the cool breeze from the hallway. He found his way to Seishirou and sat on a velvety couch in the living room. Seishirou followed suit.
"Here, Zantetsu sent us a post card," Reo held it between his fingers, his hand up enough so both of them could read it.
It had been a while since they had last heard from Zantetsu. He was following his football career in Europe. Barely came to visit his home country. They chatted and made video calls on special occasions, like birthdays. Maybe they could go visit him instead when they had more time.
"Is he still wearing those stupid glasses to look smart?" Reo's laughter echoed through the room.
"I guess some things never change," Seishirou shrugged, his eyes now glued to Reo as his laughter died down, the remnants of it making his Adam's apple tremble.
Reo's gaze fell on Seishirou. No words were needed between them. Seishirou placed his hand on Reo's cheek with the care of a surgeon holding a blade and kissed him. The kiss tasted of need and want. Because Seishirou needed Reo as much as Reo needed him, just like flowers needed bees as much as bees needed flowers.
The day went on as they played a few games, drank hot chocolate and exchanged gifts. To most it would sound like a boring and plain day. Most couples in Japan would go out and have dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate their love on a Christmas night. Seishirou didn't need all that. He craved Reo and his proximity. Nothing less, nothing more.
The day was coming to an end. The only light in the living room was now coming from the TV playing a Christmas movie, the voices fading in the background. Seishirou was too distracted by Reo himself to even pay attention.
"You know, I used to love this movie as a kid. I would watch it with Ba-ya every Christmas," the corner of Reo's lips turned slightly upwards at the memory. "Now, the movie seems kinda…"
"Cliché?" Seishirou offered. Reo nodded, his face twisting in sad agreement.
Reo had always been rather expressive. Seishirou loved it. He loved when Reo would stick his tongue out, his playfulness and defiance on full display. He loved the tiny wrinkles that would form around his eyes and the bridge of his nose. Seishirou lost himself in those details, drowning in a sea of amethyst he never could get enough of.
"Reo, thank you," Seishirou's voice was earnest, as it only was when he was around Reo.
"For what?" Reo raised his eyebrow.
"For this. For today," Seishirou took Reo's hands into his own. "It's fun being with you."
Seishirou remembered those words. Those words were spoken years ago. It was time he gave them back to the first person that had been genuinely interested in him and had gifted them to him.
A soft smile captured Reo's lips. His eyes lit up as he looked at Seishirou, like stars shining in the middle of a dark night.
"Are you getting sentimental now?" Reo teased with a playful smile on his face.
"Reo…" Seishirou pouted and buried his face on the crook of Reo's neck.
"Merry Christmas, Nagi," Reo ran his fingers through Seishirou's hair and kissed the top of his head.
Seishirou left out a contented sigh. A flash of a distant yet important memory played in his mind. The one of their first promise. And he would keep his promise. Their promise. They would stay together until the end.