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anakiddwrites) wrote2025-03-06 10:57 pm
[ShuMika] Winter Waltz Chapter 4: NATIVITY
“Kakaka! trés bien! This is art in its pure form!! My Kagehira, your siblings are truly angels walking on this damned earth! A blessing, just like you!!! ~ ♪”
Mika figured Shu would enjoy the performance of his little kids, but didn’t expect him to be so overjoyed to the point of making the whole family watch it on the living room TV. He should have noticed the shorts before… Either way, it was a bit embarrassing, but seeing everyone fawning over the children was worth it. All of them were in dire need of love, after all.
“Kagehira-kun, you need to take this old man’s bones to shake hands with these lovely angels! I had no idea you were part of such a big family! I need to meet them before I die, promise me?”
“Wahehe… o-of course, Grandfather! I’d be super happy ta take ya there! Thank ya everyone... I’ll pass yer praise to them, it’s super motivatin’ ~ ♪”
Mika giggled to himself, shaking hands with the grandpa. His wishful thinking turned into a very real possibility in the span of a few hours and he couldn’t be more grateful.
“And don’t forget to take Onee-sama here, too! It’s a promise, Mika-kun ~♪” Sara seemed as fascinated as Shu, both of them admiring the adorable choir on screen with sparkly eyes. She eventually clapped hands though, getting everyone’s attention.
“But! It’s time for Christmas dinner so we should get to that and then finally open the gifts waiting under the tree ~ I don’t mind keeping this video as background music, though ~ it’s way better than the boring TV specials ♪ ”
‘A-ah…! F-fer real?” Mika’s eyes lightened up in surprise and he smiled brightly, gazing at the video again. “Like this… feels like they’re ‘ere with’me…”
“I agree wholeheartedly.” Shu held Mika’s hand and took it to his palm, kissing it. He smiled softly seeing the boy squeaking adorably. “Now let’s eat before it gets late, hm? ♪ ”
Thanks to the song and the company, the dinner’s atmosphere was enveloped in love and comfort the whole time, even making the food easy on Mika’s stomach. He was able to laugh, talk and look in the eyes of everyone without embarrassment, almost in a euphoric state. They wanted to know about his siblings and he proudly answered questions, even some involving his life before going to Yumenosaki. Naturally, the topic landed on his birthday in two days.
“Mika-kun, you really did forget? It’s around the corner!”
“Wehehe, I mean… it’s easy ta forget when it’s around a big holiday, ne? But it makes the surprise even sweeter, weheh ~ ♪ I don’ mind about parties and such…” He paused for a moment, looking nostalgic and hesitating a bit.. he didn’t want to ruin the mood, but everyone was looking attentively to him and he decided to finish his thoughts.
“It’s not like anyone used ta get somethin’ special or anythin’... we’re too many, and they could only fund so much.” He shrugged, like it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s okie, though! The important is havin’ everyone’s smile…”
“You’re more than right, Mika-kun ~ ♪” Grandpa raised his glass, looking at him with pride as well. “We shall keep this energy this year too, that’s for sure ~ the young years pass so fast! ♪”
“Yeah… t-thank ya kindly!!” Mika was relieved he didn’t get pity reactions, exhaling a long breath and then gazing at Shu with love. “I’m jus’... happy for bein’ here. I have everythin’ I need… thank ya, really really…!”
Shu rubbed his shoulder kindly, looking back at him with the same love. Mika felt he was becoming emotional again, the surroundings seeming to slow down as if his mind was trying to record every second of such unforgettable night deep within.
He really had everything he needed and more.
And before Mika could realize the awaited hour of presents arrived, started by the Grandfather giving out his share and earning smiles and surprises from everyone.
“Oh my god. I didn’t know this 300 piece puzzle was still on the market?” Even the stern older brother couldn’t hide his excitement, staring at the big box with sparkly eyes under the victorious laugh of his grandpa.
“Kakaka! I have my ways of finding treasures, especially for my kids’ favorite hobbies! Can’t wait to see it completely done ~ ♪”
“Grandfather really didn’t lose your touch…. I’m deeply thankful.” Shu said gently, infatuated with his own gift, a brand new set of genuine victorian scissors. “You know how to make everyone happy.”
“Hmm, I guess I’m still in decent shape ~ ♪ I just pay attention to what’s best to everyone.” He looked at Mika, eyes sparkling in curiosity. “What do you think of yours, Kagehira-kun?”
“I mean…” Mika stood up timidly, hands behind his back. “It was real hard to choose… because choosin’ one thin’ feels like… usually feels like pushin’ everythin’ else aside… but… I tried my best… and followed my heart.” He brought his hands to the front, revealing the little doll Antonina in his hands.
“Thank ya so much, Grandfather… I chose to adopt Antonina-chan. Would ya entrust her ta me?”
“Ufufu… I had a feeling this would be your choice, my child. I couldn’t be more honored. I’ll leave her in your care ~ ♪”
“Kagehira…!” Shu squeaked, fascinated with the doll. “Ah, trés bien! We’ll need to dress her properly too!”
“Wehehe… I already have some ideas ~ please help me too… Shu ~” Mika winked, happy to see Shu blush at the casual first name basis. First time in front of everyone, making his boyfriend impressed with such boldness.
The present exchange kept going until only Shu and Mika were left, both feeling suddenly embarrassed about sharing his gifts with everyone else. After getting nice things like a new tablet, phone, makeup and even a suit, Mika was growing self-conscious.
“I… I’m just… Again, thank ya everyone from the gifts… I’m still new at this kinda thing, so… please forgive me if it’s… nnnhhhaa…”
“Kagehira-kun, it’s ok. We can already tell you put love on it, like everything you do. So please tell us ~”
Mom’s kind words were reassuring, just like Shu’s gaze nodding at him, so Mika smiled timidly and finally brought up a big box from under the tree, already causing an impact even to Shu.
“I’m… not good at buying things… so I asked help from friends some time ago.. not even Oshi-san knows ♪ And I did somethin’.... with my own hands and all…” He started unpacking while speaking, revealing a collection of snowdomes, one for each member of the family. Carefully he handed it to everyone, except for Shu.
“I’m glad I did it like this now… after tonight… and… I h-hope you like it…” Mika wiped a few stubborn tears, but nothing compared to the mom’s full sobs and the grandpa's fascinated gaze at its own little figure inside the dome. Sara didn’t wait to pull Mika into a hug, smothering him with praises.
“It’s so well done… I’ll take it to my desk at work. Thank you, Kagehira-kun. Real artistic gift...” The older brother also spared a genuine smile for him, admiring the little piece.
“Aah… everyone… I’m… so glad yer like it… nnnha… relief.” Mika laughed a bit nervously, but then looked at Shu with a grin. “Oshisan’s got one last year, so… I had to find somethin’ else ne? Merry Christmas… ♪”
He handed a big box carefully wrapped to Shu and he opened it immediately, eyes widening even before taking it off the package. He recognized the whole context immediately.
“Kagehira… did you… do it… all by yourself…?” He whispered, revealing the pink and gold frilly dress and corset, unable to take eyes off it and relishing in each detail.
“Hmhmh…” Mika nodded, feeling his cheeks burning and stomach pressing. “I-It was like… what yer was wearin’ when...”
“When we first met. When we were kids. When I… used to wear it more.” Shu couldn’t hold back the tears, contrasting with his brightest smile. “Goddess… it’s… it’s perfect… my Mika... ~ I love you. ♪”
Shu gazed at him deeply before standing up to kiss his lips like they were alone in the room. That was how he was feeling after all, completely head over heels - and no one dared to interrupt the moment, rather watching it attentively. Totally taken by surprise, Mika could only… make more noises.
“My turn now ~” Shu smiled proudly, caressing Mika’s cheek before reaching to the box addressed to him and handing it with a large, excited smile.
“Oshi-san got real happy real suddenly… ehe… ah… ahh??!!” At the opening of the box, Mika covered his mouth in total surprise, taking out a dark blue frilly dress with white patterns and understanding why Shu was so worked up over his own gift. He also recognized that dress… and started sobbing profusely, hugging it close to his chest.
“Yer saaaaaid… yer had forgooooot….” that daaay…”
“I finally remembered, looking at old school notebooks.” Shu smiled softly, reaching Mika’s face to wipe his tears. “The dress I gave you on that same day… well, a ten thousand better version of it. I was such an amateur, how embarras-”
It was Mika’s turn to shut him up with a kiss, quick but passionate enough to express his feelings. He felt his heart was going to explode from his chest at any moment now, emotions making him feel a very peculiar type of dizziness.
“I love ya too… so much… my Shu…”
They stared deeply at each other’s eyes for the following moments with hands intertwined, immersed in their own little world.
“Well, I guess no gift for me…” The older brother assigned himself the task of coughing and making a snarky comment to bring them back, secretly pleased to see them suddenly embarrassed. Mika just wanted to bury himself under the tree, but after some laughs Sara patted his head gently.
“We gotta find some shoes to match this beautiful dress ~ ♪ Onee-san will help you, since Shu never accepts my suggestions~”
“Onee-sama, I literally spent all morning helping you find shoes for yourself..!”
“And I didn’t find any for you, so the point stands. Unless you want to prove me wrong?” She winked at Shu and he just huffed embarrassed, crossing arms and looking away.
“Hunf! Take your chances then! I’ll be generous and evaluate your suggestions… for my dress, too.”
“It’s a promise, then ~ ♪”
After Christmas night ended on such a happy note, Mika’s heavy sleep was full of pleasant dreams of past, present and future. The reality of that happiness settled on the next day, a calm morning covered in pure snow. Shu and Mika tried their dresses, watched the white winter carpet outside, heard more stories from Grandfather and helped the brother with his new challenging mega puzzle… among many other casual, lazy activities after a long and demanding week.
And for Shu, that was a needed breather before the most important day of the year, that was arriving faster than he anticipated. The night would meet them both in comfortable nightdresses cuddling on Mika’s bed, Antonine on his lap.
“Nnnhga…..” Mika yawned, looking at the clock. “Already 11PM… I kinda spent the day all sleepy, whehe… sorry, Oshi-san…”
“We had many busy days, so it’s normal that tiredness settles in now… you should sleep early.” Shu’s hand ran through Mika’s soft hair, earning a soft noise that made his heart warm.
“Nnnha…” Mika buried himself more in Shu’s arms, pouty. “But I wanna stay more with ya… jus’ a little more…”
“... Well.” Shu took a few moments to finally speak up, as if finding the right words and trying to ignore his violently blushing cheeks. “I can stay.”
“Hm…?” Mika looked up to him, confused for a second before understanding the meaning of those simple sentences. “S...S-stay….? S-stay l-like…”
“That wouldn’t be… the first time…” Shu mumbled, looking away embarrassed despite his words. Sure, they had slept in the same bed before… in that same house.
But not as boyfriends. It was different from staying in the dorms as well.
“Unless… you aren’t comfortable…” Shu was starting to grow nervous under Mika’s big eyes staring at him, second guessing his idea. However, Mika couldn’t get over how adorable his boyfriend looked right now, almost burying himself in his puffy white nightdress and cheeks flushed like a big baby.
After staring at Shu for a little, Mika just leaned on and kissed his cheek, nestling on his chest with a soft noise and cuddling Antonina closer.
“I’m the most comfortable right now… ~ ♪ Then good night… ~ my Shu.”
“... G-good night then... my Mika ~♪” Shu could only smile softly, kissing Mika’s forehead and closing eyes to sleep with that comfortable weight on his arms.
However, when Mika woke up in the morning, he found himself alone. At first he thought he had imagined Shu staying the night there, but the warmth of his arms was still lingering on his body…
“Nnhhha…? Oshi-san…?” He rubbed his eyes and picked up Antonina, sitting on bed. Before he could stand up though, the door opened slowly.
“Ah… you are awake already.” Shu showed up carrying a meticulous breakfast, still in nightdress. Mika’s eyes sparkled and welcomed him with a large smile, relieved the night before was no dream.
“Osh… Shu, did ya make breakfast fer us?? How romantic…! ♪ It smells so good!”
“I-it’s the basic…” Shu pouted embarrassed, bringing the tray to the bed and seeing Mika’s jaw drop at the abundance. Sliced fruits, honey, jam, colorful juice, cookies, milk, toast… and as a final touch two roses crossed on the corner, one blue and one red. The boy blushed completely, feeling super spoiled - he didn’t hate it, but it was fancy for sure.
“Nnnhha… i-is it a hotel breakfast…” He smiled timidly, receiving a forehead kiss from a Shu very satisfied with the first impression.
“Happy birthday, my Mika ~ be prepared to be extra spoiled today. After all, Christmas is just a warm up for the main event.”
“Nhhaa, S..Shu… yer jestin’... wah?” Mika giggled, but then noticed something else on the tray, a red envelope that caused Shu’s eyes to sparkle in anticipation. Mika opened it without more questions, finding a CD and dropping his jaw for the second time in less than a minute.
“Waltz… of Hope..?” He read out loud the name scribbled on the CD and looked at Shu confused. “Is it.. yer new song, Oshi-san?”
“Not quite.” Shu held Mika’s hand, feeling his heart pounding. “It’s your birthday present. It’s the song… I made for you.”
Kagehira Mika felt his soul leaving his body.
“.....nnnnhhhHHHHHGGGGAAAAAAAAAAA?????”
“KAGEHIRA! You’re going to make a mess! What’s wrong now?” Shu jumped, holding the tray before a tragicomic event happened. “K-Kagehira??”
Mika had covered face with hands, trying to hide his tears and sobs. Shu left the breakfast aside, kneeling in front of the bed and holding his chin, already starting to overthink.
“I… I’m s-sorry if-”
As soon as Mika noticed him at arm's length though, he draped himself around Shu’s neck and kissed him intensely, dropping both to the floor. That didn’t stop him from keeping going until they were both out of breath and completely flushed.
When they parted, an overwhelmed Shu could only stare intensely at Mika’s messy and still sleepy figure gazing down at him with glittering eyes. Some stubborn tears insisted on rolling, so at least Shu could gently wipe it off with a thumb.
Even Shu could realize he didn’t need to ask if the gift was good.
“I wanna listen… w-with ya…” Mika finally spoke up, his mind a jumbled mess taken by emotions. He leaned down and kissed Shu again, unable to express his feelings with words. “I love ya… so so much… my Oshi-san…”
He couldn’t help but start sobbing again, just to be embraced tight by Shu’s arms. That was happening a lot in the last few days, but the older boy didn’t mind - rather the opposite. He would be there every single time Mika needed a hug, a comfort, anything.
“I love you too… my Mika, my partner.” He led Mika to sit on the floor, so they could at least look each other in the eye. “I’m sure you’ll be able to feel… all the expression I poured in that piece. That’s a language we both know, hm?”
Mika could just nod, nestled again in the comfort of Shu’s arms. It was sure overwhelming, but he wouldn’t run away from any blessing out of fear. Not anymore, nevermore. That was a compromise he was able to settle now.
“Now… we should get ready, because you can imagine I’m not the only one ready to celebrate today. Not only here at home, but at Ensemble Square as well. You know how birthdays are. Well, I don’t hate the dedication about the days their idols are born.”
“.. hmhm… I guess...” Mika mumbled, thinking about it. And about many, many other things, so obviously Shu would notice his sudden energy shift.
“Mika.. what’s up with this expression?” He brushed a hairlock out of the boy’s face. “Would you tell me…?”
“Oshi-san...”
Mika took a deep breath, closing eyes for a moment and then gazing at Shu with a calm smile and voice tone.
“To be honest… today’s not… exactly my birthday, too.”
The sentence was thrown in the air completely casually and Shu stared at Mika visibly confused, in silence for a bit.
“Kagehira…?”
“Didn’t ya figure it out, Oshi-san? Yer know I’m an orphan without any record. How are they supposed ta know my birth date ~? It’s jus’ the day I was… left at their door. A snowy Christmas night like some kinda movie… it’s super cliche though, ne? And I didn’t have any superpower or anythin’ in the end...”
Shu stared at Mika wide-eyed for almost a minute, at loss of words. Then finally his brain connected some dots to offer a reaction, his voice raising irritated and a frown taking his features.
“W-wait, weren’t you a baby? And they told you this? For what??!!”
“They never told me. I overhead some conversation at some point. Don’t be mad at that gentle people…. they don’t even know I found out. But… I wasn’t surprised, yanno? I always felt… somethin’ was out of place… mhmh.. I never talked abou’it ta anyone… didn’t wanna see the kinda face yer doin’ now...”
“M-Mika…” Shu blinked, trying to compose himself again. “Sorry, I just.. I was just caught off guard. But… thanks for telling me, then.” He squeezed Mika’s hands, the confusion turning into admiration. “Every time you never cease to amaze me…”
“Ehe… is that so…? It’s just how it is. But don’t worry, Oshi-san… Shu. I… didn’t use ta care much about it. Birthday or not. No difference. But now… even if it’s made up and all... now I love my birthday. I’ll look forward ta it every year, and I’m gonna feel like, ah, it’s really my birthday coming close! And that’s all that matters.”
It was Mika’s turn to gently wipe Shu’s tears with his thumb, offering him the brightest smile before standing up holding his hands.
“It’s our secret, okie…?”
Shu could only nod and lean for another kiss to seal their compromise, ready to do everything and anything for his partner in art and life. And knowing their bond had strengthened even more during that few days, the future never looked so promising.
They could stay lost in each other’s eyes for a long time, if the loud voice of Shu’s sister hadn't ressoed in the hallway, reminding them of the breakfast waiting and the special lunch to be prepared.
After all, Kagehira Mika’s special day was just starting.