Log: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

[amethyst_orbs]

Who: Hyuuga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto, Aburame Shino, Haruno Sakura, Tenten, Hyuuga Hizashi, Hyuuga Hiashi, Hyuuga Neji, one giant fucking gingerbread castle (Everybody else GTFO! No I‘m kidding I love you all)
Where: Hinata’s Apartment
What: Christmas Dinner
When: December 25, 2009 (It’s Christmas y’all!)
Why: Because Hinata would like to imagine

Comments

[bug_nerd_shino]

The blush coloring Hinata’s face brought forth the secluded smile. Shino moved closer his feet outside Hinata’s, his knee brushing against her leg. He smoothed his hand over her smaller one, thinking how wonderful the water feels. The heat spread up his shoulder and through his chest - quickening his heartbeat. He vaguely wondered if she could hear the sound of it, before the warmth spread south making him hold his breath. He released a content sigh pressing his chest to her back looking for and expecting a cold shoulder.

Shino gazed at Hinata's profile noticing how her mood seems to dip from a second before. I’m too close. To explain his closeness he reached up and adjusted the temperature cooling the water some.

“I like very hot water too but your skin is protesting,” he ran his fingers under the water touching her red skin. His own toasted almond complexion contrasting with her soft pallor, completely ignoring her body language he pressed his chin lightly against her shoulder.

It is small wonder to the Aburame she had not hit him or at least told him to back off. Was she incapable of standing up for herself; was this all a cruel joke her and that blond cooked up? See how far Shino would go. In high school and college, they had made a fool out of him. His face fell slightly a familiar pressure tightened his chest. Hinata could not be like that. She would not take pleasure hurting anyone - although there had been those that said, he was the perfect victim.

“I..i really don’t mind helping,” he mumbled lowly. His reserved smile fading he laced his fingers between hers. Why did his heart jump to the top of his throat, making it difficult to speak or even explain his actions? He knew he should move away give her space maybe even punch Naruto for dragging him here. However, thoughts of hitting the blond giant were the furthest from his mind.

Not explaining his actions Shino spoke with his eyes focused on their joined hands his voice trembled a little. “Nata if this makes you uncomfortable please tell me. I really like spending time with you.” He finally peered at the contours of her face leaning just a fraction more against her cheek until he caught her eye. “I like the way I feel when I am near you. I hope we can get to know each other a little more.”

[amethyst_orbs]

Her blush darkened a fraction when he adjusted the temperature of the faucet, the spray no longer steaming as it struck her usually pale flesh. A faint smile tugged at her lips in spite of the thudding of her heart, her pulse quickened by his closeness, her chest tightening and relaxing all at once with every lingering touch. It wasn’t often that someone was brave enough to be so close to her, or had any desire to be, and these new sensations were strange, almost frightening in their unfamiliarity. When his chin brushed her shoulder she tiled her head to keep her somewhat troublesome hair accessory from giving him an unpleasant poke, the smile still curving pouty lips as she watched him from the corner of her eye.

“If… If that’s what you really want, then I don’t mind the extra hands…”

Her fingers curled, her hands getting more comfortable within the confines of his own, her back resting against his chest for a moment as her eyes fell closed, sighing softly. It felt so strange, to be close to someone. Hinata had spend most of her life being taught not to rely on such impermanent things as affection and human contact, and for it to be offered to her so freely… Her eyes fluttered open when she spoke again, pale orbs gazing up at him.

“I don’t mind this, it’s nice…”

Her cheeks darkened, her gaze lowering shyly.

“I… I’m glad that you came… I know you aren’t interested in these things... And that Naruto dragged you... But…”

She ducked her head slightly, her voice almost inaudible in it’s softness, her cheeks dipping toward crimson.

“I’m happy that you chose to s-stay… And I look forward to getting to know you b-better as well…”

[bug_nerd_shino]

Shino blinked he could not believe what the lovely women just said. A smile stole across his lips turning quickly into a full grin. He found the slight stutter adorable and he felt it suited her personality really - a women who seemed perhaps afraid of her own shadow. He purposed himself to change that if he could. She not only welcomed him she is actually glad he is here!

“I’m glad I stayed too. Naruto didn’t really force me.” He said mimicking her blush. “I really wanted to see you, even if Christmas is not a holiday that I celebrate.”

The second Hinata set the dish aside Shino captured both her hands. Looking intently into her gentle profile he breathed in her sweet perfume, mindful of the extended hair jewelry. He pressed his mouth against her temple. While turning off the faucet. Still caging her body against the sink, he curled their forearms until her wet hands reached just under her chin. It was something of a true embrace - hugging her from behind.

He leaned over her shoulder bring her damp hands to his lips and kissed her red knuckles lightly, his lips lingering there for I little longer they trembled against her skin. Letting her hands down slowly he peered at her again. That gentle smile playing around her mouth only confirmed for the Aburame that this is something he can believe. And he decided at that moment never to let it go.

He step back allowing enough room for her to turn but not escape his close proximity. “Let me take one more look at that finger,” Shino said mildly. Since speaking with her his voice had not been so at ease. Now it felt as if all nervous energy had abandoned him; feeling confident, that he is for once on the right romantic path. He reached for a dishtowel and wrapped it around her hands. He moved carefully, patting her tiny fingers as if they were fragile, but judging by the way, she had held his hands under the hot water and at the club, he knew she is more than competent with her hands.

Her hands dry he set the towel aside looking at her bandaged finger offering a reassured smile. As he worked the sticky bandage loose, his dark eyes flicked up meeting her bright downcast gaze.

“A beautiful women should look up more, it’s a blessing to everyone else.” He grinned when her bright eyes met his. “That wasn’t so hard was it? Now let me see,” Shino said index finger pushing up his shades.

Shino smiled more than happy to play doctor for the lovely Hyuuga. He wondered if she would like to play doctor with him one day. “Have you decided on a major? I’m free from classes until March; I hope doctor Pein will go easy on me.”

He affixed a new bandage over Hinata’s finger carefully. Taking her hand in his again, he caressed wrists; stroking up her forearm to the soft sweater sleeve folded at her elbow. Watching her closely his smile wavered a little as it occurred to him what the day represented. “Thank you for making this holiday the happiest I’ve ever experienced.”

[amethyst_orbs]

Her smile brightened at his admission, the thought of someone, of anyone wanting to see her making her blush become nearly permanent.

“I… I suppose humoring a little secular celebration now and again isn’t too bad, though I probably wont be able to afford something of this caliber until next Christmas, I went a bit overboard I think…”

She thought of the pile of presents hidden in her closet, having picked up a little something for everyone she knew at work, even if it was just some candy or chocolates. The heiress set the last of the glassware on the drying rack, blinking when Shino took her hands, his breath warm on her skin as she unconsciously leaned back against him. Her eyes closed when his lips brushed her temple, the sound of running water dying out as he tightened his hold on her, his embrace making her smile. It was the kind of thing that she envied about people who were in love, that closeness, the connection, the simplicity of touch made tenfold more intimate when shared between lovers.

And then, she realized where her mind was going and the warm giggly feeling vanished as quickly as if she’d been doused with ice water. This was Shino, they worked together, she even considered him a friend, but there was certainly no way she should be entertaining thoughts headed in that direction. She didn’t know him enough to know if her attraction was genuine or a brief crush, and she certainly doubted that she should be growing attached, even if the Aburame did seem attracted in her. Being attracted to someone doesn’t mean you want a relationship, and she certainly wouldn’t make a fool of herself by walking right into that kind of humiliation, being rejected was not something Hinata enjoyed, and voluntarily putting herself through it was not something she wanted to do. Still… That didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy what she got while it lasted now did it? She smiled again when he kissed her hand, flushing crimson at his tenderness, her eyes still closed.

Hinata shivered slightly when he stepped away from her and turning around to lean against the counter’s edge, deep pools of shimmering amethyst watching his every move as she tried to figure out what he was planning to do next. She blinked when he mentioned her finger, lifting her hands to study the bandage without thinking. The heiress was mildly surprised when Shino tenderly dried her hands, his touch light as he removed the Band-Aid from her fingertip, her gaze on his hands as he gently worked apart the elastic. She glanced up when he spoke again, retuning his smile with one of her own.

“I suppose not…”

Her smile remained as she watched him, his attempt to make small talk making her smile.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine, he seems nice… I… I’m still thinking about it I suppose. It would be wise to get something in business for if I am chosen to take over the company when I‘m older, but the classes don’t really interest me. Everything I need to know my father can teach me anyway… I…”

Her gaze fell and she sighed softly.

“What I would really like to do is get my degree in music, I’ve always been attracted to music, but… I don’t know if it is something my family would approve of, doing something so… Frivolous…”

She shrugged slightly.

“I can always double my major if it comes to it I suppose, so it’s not that important…”

She watched him replace her Band-Aid with a smile, remembering the times she’d hurt herself as a child and listen to her caretakers lecture as they bandaged her up, a shiver running down her spine as he caressed her arms, her eyes fluttering closed. Hinata smiled when he thanked her, her blush, which she was beginning to think would never fade, darkening by another shade.

“I… It’s my pleasure… I think everyone should enjoy the holidays, whether they believe in them or not… Sometimes, everyone just needs a day to be happy… Thank you for allowing me the chance to spend Christmas with all my closest friends…”