Title: Funny Things
Author: leila-blue
Wordcount: 654
Warnings: Mentions of boyxboy
Background: Shuuhei usually keeps Renji locked away, but goes out with him to visit a Christmas market
Disclaimer: Don't own BLEACH, never will...
R&R please :)
I was finally let outside again, because it was almost Christmas and Hisagi wanted to show me a Christmas market. In the late evening, we were shoving through the crowds, smells of gingerbread and anticipation all around us. I tried to keep my head down, trying to avoid eye contact and held my arms close to my body. I didn't want him to catch me touching or looking at other people.
"Renji." I flinched. "Shh, look", Hisagi ordered softly. I looked up. He was smiling warmly and had one finger pointing to the right.
And oh wonderful Christmas time. I felt like floating in nostalgia and joy when I saw the huge conifer. It had been so long...
"A Christmas tree!", I exclaimed excitedly and Hisagi chuckled as I stared in awe.
People were still shoving their way through the crowds and pushing against us, but when Hisagi tightened the arm around my waist and held me firmly against his side, I found I didn't care.
"Let's keep going", Hisagi said after a while and I was led forward again. He found an empty spot on the edge of a bridge and pulled me next to him as he sat.
"Do you want mulled wine?" He looked down at me and smiled like a real boyfriend. "You look cold."
I nodded hesitantly. He didn't want me drinking alcohol. Was this a test? But he was still smiling.
"I'll go get us some. Wait here."
Hisagi got up and was instantly swallowed by the crowd. I looked at my gloved hands. They felt a little numb. I pulled off the gloves and held the reddened fingers in front of my face, blowing against them.
I looked around. What to do until Hisagi returned? On the other side of the small river, right below the Christmas tree, a brass band unpacked their instruments. I listened to their first song and was touched.
Just when 'Silent Night' ringed out, a steaming cup was held into my face.
"There you go. Don't burn yourself." Hisagi sat down next to me.
"Thank you." I gratefully wrapped my freezing fingers around the new source of warmth. We drank in silence and although having been warned, I burnt my tongue.
Only when Hisagi took the empty cup from my hands I looked up at him. He reached out to tug a strand of hair behind my ear before he leaned in and sweetly kissed my cheek. Against my effort not to, I blushed. Hisagi didn't do romance very often.
'Silent Night' was being played for what seemed the tenth time in a row, maybe it was all the band could play.
Due to the feeling of Christmas in the air and the alcohol I hadn't tasted in a long time, I felt myself getting emotional.
It was almost Christmas and I was sitting outside at night, enjoying the lights of the festive decorated city, listening to old Christmas songs, and I was not alone. It all did funny things to my heart.
I shyly glanced at Hisagi. He looked pretty in the golden light, happy. He noticed the glance and asked worriedly: "Are you cold?"
I didn't feel very cold, but nodded and as I had hoped, Hisagi put his arm around my shoulders and pulled my close. His other hand grabbed mine. I leaned against him, closing my eyes and feeling at peace for the first time in weeks, as he gently held my hand and 'Silent Night' played for the eleventh time.
***
I didn't mind him touching me that night, I even enjoyed his kisses, that were sweeter than usual, softer than usual. I was happy when he spooned me before falling asleep. I didn't care I was going to be locked away again tomorrow. Tomorrow didn't exist in my mind, because it was almost Christmas and I was loved, and it all did funny things to my heart.