Sleigh Ride - Nao/Pon - NR - Drabble(ish)
Sleigh Ride
"Pon? Are you alright? Don't you like your gifts?"
Hiroto glanced up at Nao for a moment, then dropped his gaze back to the pile of items that Nao had surprised him with this morning. Scarves and gloves to block the cold, an insulated coffee mug to keep coffee or tea warm, thermal socks and a thick, down-filled coat.
"No. I mean, yes, I like the gifts. I'm alright," he said, forcing what he hoped was cheerfulness into his voice. "Thank you."
Nao fought back a smile as he stood to gather the brightly colored paper from the floor and shove it into the garbage can in Hiroto's kitchen. Sticking his head back into the living room long enough to get an okay to make cocoa, Nao kept himself busy, running his plan through his mind a few more times.
At eight thirty that morning, he'd shown up at Hiroto's apartment, knowing full well that the youngest alice nine. member would be sleeping like the dead. Using the spare key (as he had one for all of the band's members homes) he'd quietly let himself in and set up the small three foot tall Christmas tree on Hiroto's piano. Other small decorations littered the apartment and garland hung from the curtain rods. He purposely overdid the look knowing that Hiroto would be uneasy.
At ten o'clock, Hiroto had emerged in rumpled sweatpants and T-shirt, drawn by the smell of coffee. He was mildly surprised to see Nao, but his eyes widened at the decor. Without a word, Nao had set him down and given him coffee. He ignored all of Pon's questions, even surviving the pout, before he started handing over the small pile of gifts.
Now, at eleven forty-five, Nao could take the plan to the next step.
"Come on Pon," he said cheerfully, returning from the kitchen with a thermos of hot chocolate. "It's not over yet. Get dressed and put all that stuff on."
Pon knew better than to argue, but he still grumbled as he left the living room. When he emerged a few minutes later, Nao was already at the door wearing the exact matching gloves, scarf, cap, and coat. Hiroto opened his mouth to speak but Nao only grabbed his hand and dragged him from the apartment, barely giving him time to lock the door. They emerged onto the street a few minutes later and Hiroto froze. Waiting for them was a horse drawn sleigh, complete with bells. Nao led the shocked Pon into the sleigh, settling the blanket across their knees. The driver set the horse off and they sailed over the tightly packed snow. Hiroto watched as the streets went by, realizing for the first time just how beautiful the city was this time of year. There were no cars moving and very few people out walking. The snow was crisp and mostly untouched, and it shone in the dull sunlight.
"Pon," Nao broke into his reverie, "thank you for coming out with me today."
Pon smiled, unable to speak because his heart was pounding in his ears.
"And," Nao continued, taking Hiroto's hand between his. "I've saved the best gift for last."
"You did?" Hiroto said, his smile widening. "What is it?"
"Me."
They leaned together and met in the sweetest kiss either of them had ever known. It seemed to last forever.
"Merry Christmas," Hiroto whispered when they finally parted.
"It is now."
~END~