Blue Raspberry, Marmalade and Roasted Chestnut
Author: Bitz
Title: Peppermint Mocha
Rating: Everyone
Blue Raspberry #1. keeping warm
Marmalade #4. credit card
Roasted Chestnut #7. holiday shopping
Topping/Extra: N/A
Story: Medicinal Love Series
Summary: Hikaru and Aija take a break from Christmas shopping (Part of Take Two: Chapter 31)
Characters: Aija, Hikaru
Word Count: 551
Lights from various stores illuminated the sidewalk and sounds of a Salvation Army bell ringer filled the air as Aija walked beside Hikaru. His hands were full of shopping bags, as were Aija’s, but by their smiles as they conversed with one another, they didn’t seem to mind. They had gotten quite a few gifts for Mallorie; gifts not only for Christmas, but to make up for that horrible previous holiday. It was well deserved. Aija stopped walking to situate her long coat; the brisk breeze sending chills down her back.
Seeing her shiver, Hikaru moved some of the bags to one hand so that he could move hair out of her face. “Are you cold, Koibito?”
“I’m not going to lie, it is pretty chilly. Winter is making it known that it is on the way, huh?”
“I suppose you can say that. It’s only 47 degrees-It’s a bit colder in Japan. You know, around this time of the year, my family would get the kotatsu table ready. Then my mother would make oden for dinner and we would just sit under the table and talk all night long…” Hikaru’s words faded as he looked at Aija who stared at him with wonder. “What?”
Aija shrugged saying, “I mean, it’s pretty rare that you chat about what you used to do with your family in Japan, Hikaru. I’m just interested to hear.” She had watched Hikaru’s normally stoic expression warm from just that story he told, but now she watched as Hikaru frowned, replacing that cold demeanor she was used to. He probably didn’t even know what he had done and was uncomfortable.
Aija looked around Hikaru to try to ease the upcoming tension saying, “How about a peppermint mocha?” Hikaru turned to see the Starbucks across the street. Coffee did sound pretty good right now. Aija reached for his hand and the two crossed the crowd littered street. Once inside, Aija let the welcoming heat embrace her body and she removed her beret off of her head.
Hikaru watched as she went to find her place in the already long line. If his hands weren’t full, Hikaru would have put his hands in his pockets. How could he have let himself be so vulnerable? Especially in front of Aija. With her curious mind, he’d be explaining about his past and his life all night long. He wasn’t ready for that just yet. Not when things were finally going right. When he had the woman of his dreams. Aija caught his gaze and reached for a small santa themed teddy bear. Holding on to it’s furry arms she moved it side to side as if making it dance with a huge smile on her face. She looked so silly and so endearing that he could feel his expression softening; his stance relaxing.
Putting the teddy back as Hikaru walked up to her, Aija made her way to the counter and ordered, “Um… I’d like a peppermint mocha, please.” She gave Hikaru a guarded yet questionable glance. He smiled down at her while taking his debit card out saying, “Make that two.” Affection glowed in Aija’s eyes.
There was more than one way to keep warm.
Title: Peppermint Mocha
Rating: Everyone
Blue Raspberry #1. keeping warm
Marmalade #4. credit card
Roasted Chestnut #7. holiday shopping
Topping/Extra: N/A
Story: Medicinal Love Series
Summary: Hikaru and Aija take a break from Christmas shopping (Part of Take Two: Chapter 31)
Characters: Aija, Hikaru
Word Count: 551
Lights from various stores illuminated the sidewalk and sounds of a Salvation Army bell ringer filled the air as Aija walked beside Hikaru. His hands were full of shopping bags, as were Aija’s, but by their smiles as they conversed with one another, they didn’t seem to mind. They had gotten quite a few gifts for Mallorie; gifts not only for Christmas, but to make up for that horrible previous holiday. It was well deserved. Aija stopped walking to situate her long coat; the brisk breeze sending chills down her back.
Seeing her shiver, Hikaru moved some of the bags to one hand so that he could move hair out of her face. “Are you cold, Koibito?”
“I’m not going to lie, it is pretty chilly. Winter is making it known that it is on the way, huh?”
“I suppose you can say that. It’s only 47 degrees-It’s a bit colder in Japan. You know, around this time of the year, my family would get the kotatsu table ready. Then my mother would make oden for dinner and we would just sit under the table and talk all night long…” Hikaru’s words faded as he looked at Aija who stared at him with wonder. “What?”
Aija shrugged saying, “I mean, it’s pretty rare that you chat about what you used to do with your family in Japan, Hikaru. I’m just interested to hear.” She had watched Hikaru’s normally stoic expression warm from just that story he told, but now she watched as Hikaru frowned, replacing that cold demeanor she was used to. He probably didn’t even know what he had done and was uncomfortable.
Aija looked around Hikaru to try to ease the upcoming tension saying, “How about a peppermint mocha?” Hikaru turned to see the Starbucks across the street. Coffee did sound pretty good right now. Aija reached for his hand and the two crossed the crowd littered street. Once inside, Aija let the welcoming heat embrace her body and she removed her beret off of her head.
Hikaru watched as she went to find her place in the already long line. If his hands weren’t full, Hikaru would have put his hands in his pockets. How could he have let himself be so vulnerable? Especially in front of Aija. With her curious mind, he’d be explaining about his past and his life all night long. He wasn’t ready for that just yet. Not when things were finally going right. When he had the woman of his dreams. Aija caught his gaze and reached for a small santa themed teddy bear. Holding on to it’s furry arms she moved it side to side as if making it dance with a huge smile on her face. She looked so silly and so endearing that he could feel his expression softening; his stance relaxing.
Putting the teddy back as Hikaru walked up to her, Aija made her way to the counter and ordered, “Um… I’d like a peppermint mocha, please.” She gave Hikaru a guarded yet questionable glance. He smiled down at her while taking his debit card out saying, “Make that two.” Affection glowed in Aija’s eyes.
There was more than one way to keep warm.