December 25th: Thursday

Theme: 3. Mistletoe

"Good morning, Hiro! Merry Christmas," Cass chirped.

Hiro rubbed his eyes as he stepped into the kitchen. Cass was already in the kitchen with bowls and containers spread across the counter. Tadashi was sitting at the dining table with a cup of hot coffee resting in front of him. The Christmas lights were on, casting colorful beams throughout the room. The radio was on playing 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas', twisting the cheerful melody through the air.

Hiro had to smile at the scene in front of him. He hadn't seen anything like this in a long time. His heart ached a little at the thought of last time had seen such a happy Christmas morning. It seemed like it was only yesterday that his mother was alive, standing in Cass' place in the kitchen, cooking breakfast on Christmas morning.

"Take a seat with Tadashi, Hiro," Cass said with a whisk in hand. "Pancakes will be done soon."

"Merry Christmas," Tadashi said as Hiro took a seat across from him.

"Merry -yawn- Christmas," Hiro said.

"Still trying to wake up?" Tadashi teased.

"Says the guy with the cup of coffee," Hiro grumbled.

"We're out of chocolate chips up here. I'm going to go downstairs to grab some from the cafe," Cass said. A wicked grin spread across her face. "Also, boys, look up."

Simultaneously, they both looked up. Hanging innocently from the ceiling was a branch of mistletoe. Hiro stared at Tadashi as Tadashi stared back.

"Aunt Cass is just teasing. We don't have to," Tadashi stammered out, blushing red.

Hiro felt his own cheeks burn. "That wasn't up yesterday. Why on earth would she put it up?"

"I-because, um, I, you see, Aunt Cass knows, err," Tadashi tried to string together words before blurting out, "I might be falling in love with you?" His hands flew to his mouth, disbelief at the words he had just spoken showed on his face.

Hiro stared at him, eye wide and jaw falling open in shock. His heart skipped a beat and Hiro felt a little lightheaded. He couldn't believe his own ears. Did Tadashi just say…?! Okay, first step pinch yourself, discreetly. Maybe it was a dream? Ow! Nope, this wasn't a dream. Now what? Think Hiro think!

Tadashi continued onward. "Shit, I didn't mean. I mean I did. But you don't. I-"

Hiro leaned across the table to kiss Tadashi.

It was tentative and unsure. Hiro had never kissed anyone before and once Tadashi had gotten over his shock, Tadashi kissed Hiro back. They pulled away, breathless. As Tadashi looked at Hiro with bright eyes, Hiro said, "I might be falling in love with you too. Meeting you on December 1st has been the best thing to happen to me so far."

Tadashi smiled. "Me too."

Hiro smiled back, feeling warm. His heart pounded, doing flips and Hiro thrummed with energy. This was far better than Hiro could have imagined.

Cass then came out of nowhere, squealing with happiness. "I knew it!" She grabbed Hiro, pulling him out of his chair and into a hug. "I knew it! My nephew has an adorable boyfriend. Ooo you two are so cute together!" Cass spun Hiro around, laughing brightly.

"Aunt Cass," Tadashi said. "Please let Hiro go."

Hiro stumbled into the seat next to Tadashi at the head of the table, head spinning dizzily. Where did all that strength come from?

Tadashi laughed at Hiro's reaction and reached over to squeeze Hiro's hand.

"So, so!" Cass said, sitting down in Hiro's original seat. She rested her elbows on the table as she smiled widely. "Hiro, tell me how you and Tadashi met. Tadashi has been vague about it. Just kept going on about how amazing you are."

So that was what Tadashi was talking about! "Amazing, huh?" Hiro asked, looking at Tadashi.

"Well, you are," Tadashi replied with a grin.

Hiro laughed, feeling lighter and freer than he had in years. A home that welcomed him warmly, a tentative new relationship that made Hiro's heart flutter, people who cared and Tadashi right there holding his hand. What more could he ask for? Turning back to Cass, Hiro smiled brightly.

"It started on December 1st in Frostbite at my usual table…"

The End

This story continues in Napkin Notes.

It began at a table, it ends at a table.

Just to repeat, this story continues in Napkin Notes. Yes a sequel. Sorta. Consider it a Christmas gift for all the support you guys have given me. (｡'▽'｡) Be sure to read the author's notes!

Honestly, I love you guys. I was not expecting this story to be so popular. I appreciate every review, fav, and follow that you guys give. It's worth time and effort I put into it, no matter how much I might have grumbled about it. Many of you said, this story was was your bright spot during December while you battled finals, work, weather and the chaos that Christmas. Your response, especially you reviewers, are what got me through my days. I love hearing your reactions to each chapter. Thank you so much. (*´∀｀*人*´∀｀*)

Lastly, reviewers, keep your PM open! One of you is a lucky winner. Just a small thank you for leaving a review.