A/N-I'm well aware that Watanuki didn't know Doumeki wore a kimono when he was younger, but I just couldn't help write this when the idea struck me.
Disclaimer: I don't own xxxHolic, in any way, shape, or form ('cept some manga)
Watanuki crouched low behind some bushes, just inside the shrine grounds. He refused the tears that threatened to break loose fall. Not after all the tears he had shed only a year before.
He stared out the gates at a large smoky creature that had chased him relentlessly for a good fifteen minutes, before he managed to get to someplace safe. The groceries he had been carrying were half gone, having been lost while running, or thrown at the creature in hope of slowing it down.
He sighed, and leaned into the lush leaves of the bush. He knew that if he shouted out, or ran farther into the temple grounds, someone would inevitably ask him where his parents were, and that he should leave the grounds. He also knew they'd probably try to escort him home, but that wasn't an option with the creature still sitting outside, waiting.
"You shouldn't be here."
Watanuki jumped, standing up, and turning in one swift movement. He saw, or he believed he was seeing, a young girl, his age, with golden eyes, and a blank expression staring at him. The dark red kimono she wore complimented her eyes, Watanuki thought.
"Who are you?" Watanuki bent, to gather his groceries back into their bag.
"Doumeki Shizuka," the girl said, brushing hair out of her eyes.
"Watanuki Kimihiro…" Watanuki mumbled, standing back up.
"Why are you here? It's a Tuesday afternoon. People don't normally worship on a Tuesday, and especially not from behind a bush."
Watanuki glanced around, then back at Doumeki. "You wouldn't believe me, even if I told you. Plus, I think it's a little too scary to tell a girl…"
"I'm not a girl." Doumeki looked indignant, and put his hands on his hips.
Watanuki stared at Doumeki for a long moment. "Yes you are. You're wearing a kimono, and have long hair."
Doumeki brushed his hair out of his eyes again, "My hair isn't long, it's shoulder length."
"Whatever. It still doesn't prove to me you aren't a girl. You're still wearing a kimono." Watanuki huffed.
"I could prove to you I'm a boy, but my parents say it's a horrible thing to do," Doumeki said, matter of fact.
"Oh, and how's that?" Watanuki grumbled.
"I'd have to show you 'my privates', as my mother calls them," Doumeki stated, same blank look on his face.
Watanuki visibly paled, "THAT'S DISGUSTING!"
"You asked."
Watanuki growled, turning to see if the creature had gone yet, which it had.
"Whatever! I'm leaving!" Watanuki half shouted, as he stormed away.
"Bye…" Doumeki waved over his shoulder, as he walked back towards the temple.
A/N-R&R!! Pretty Please?