This was super late because of reasons; I got genuinely stuck in places and I also had been distracted by other works at the time. I know this was supposed to be out by Christmas but I completely missed my own deadline. Anyway this is a two part story with the other one being in Passion due to its M rating. Also website is have having a howler at the moment so wrong versions of stories are being uploaded and not getting updated which has made it a mess. Uploading new versions from my phone has been an absolute pain and I hope they fix this soon. We'll go back to how Naoto and Souji deals with isolation in the next chapter but until then here is something festive and happy.
Christmas Pair
"You know it's been really difficult to live without having a kitchen you know."
It was difficult for Naoto's blank expression to not be pulled into a smile at how agitated her partner got at the lack of kitchen on the run up to Christmas. It was Christmas morning and it was at this time the renovations to the kitchen were completed. It was actually finished last night but the Sleuth made sure to keep the whole thing secret until it was finished. This was her Christmas present to her beloved and she made sure to shell out extra hard after what happened this year.
"Do we even have food for today?" Internally he was still mildly annoyed at his lack of culinary foresight for the day, wanting nothing more to make the best Christmas lunch possible.
"I made sure it was well stocked to have everything you need for today."
Her words showed no clue of the surprise she had waiting for him. She saw him frown, knowing that he needed his dear kitchen area. Gently she took his hands in hers and gave them a soft tug.
"Alright, waiting is over, I'm going to take you through..." With that she led him to the kitchen door and pushed the handle down. The stiffness of the arm from being the first time it's been used by either of them was felt as the extra resistance finally gave away and the door opened slowly to the smell of newly fitted aspects of the kitchen. The slightly brighter sky blue painted walls and the newly tiled floor was something Souji instantly noticed. His feet twitched at the unfamiliar surface. He looked around at the new cupboards and shelves, taking note that food and spices were already pre-fitted. Internally he sighed in relief knowing that they will have enough for food tonight.
Naoto squeezed his hand. "What do you think Souji-kun?"
Looking around in wonder, he noticed the extra worktop space so he could go further in preparing bigger meals, and the larger fridge would be useful for storing things. Also the extractor fan with stove and oven combo would be handy...
...Wait
Looking on, Naoto noticed his eyes lock on to the new item in the middle of the worktop area as its centerpiece. Her lips resisted the urge to pull into a knowing smile.
"Notice something?" The voice came out coy when it really didn't mean too.
"I-Is that... ...an oven?" He asked slowly, totally slack jawed at the appliance almost not believing what he was seeing.
"Maybe..." This time it broke through, her lips in a small smile.
"No way... Naoto you didn't..."
Letting go of his hand, she shrugged. "I was selfish and thought 'what's the best way for me to increase your culinary productivity for my benefit?'"
"Ahhhhh! It's an oven!" Souji squealed. The noise was enough to make her blink twice; she'd never heard him sound like that before.
As giddy as a small child at Christmas, he ran up to the appliance and opened the front door for the main chamber. Looking into it, he noticed the multiple racks with adjustable heights with the large grated off fan at the back. His hands roamed around the various dials and knobs at the front, getting him familiar with the new tool in kitchen warfare.
"Naoto this is amazing." Her face visibly softens, at seeing just how excited he was.
"It was nothing that the Estate couldn't expense. Sure it was expensive but money isn't exactly an issue with us. Also Grandpa was more than happy to ok it knowing everything you've done for me. He still thinks he owes you."
The former leader shook his head, before looking at her.
"All I'm going to say is that it was nothing, I did what I could and I'll do it again. Doesn't mean I wouldn't say thanks for this though."
"Merry Christmas" Naoto said simply, a smile radiating from her as she saw Souji standing up and facing her.
A range of emotions ran through his face before his expression became unreadable. A raised eyebrow from the response from Naoto was all it took to trigger him to swoop down and plant the deepest kiss on her they've had today.
When Souji pulled away, Naoto stumbled in a small daze from the intensity. She shook her head to clear dizziness from her eyes.
"Merry Christmas." With a bright smile as his eyes danced in happiness. Naoto settled in his embrace after gathering herself then placed a soft kiss on his chest.
"You deserve it and a whole lot more." She felt his hand ruffle her hair.
"You spoil me." Letting go of Naoto he went to check the fridge and opened it. Grinning knowing that it was fully stocked and had things in there for Christmas cooking. In the meantime Naoto straightened out her pleated skirt and her blouse as she looked on to Souji investigating the fridge.
"There is everything needed in there for Christmas cooking if you want to use the oven, I made sure that you had multiple options depending on the cooking choices you want to make."
"Naoto?"
"Hmm?"
Souji turned to her with a look of determination and a smile she hadn't quite seen before.
"Get me my laptop."
"Why?"
"Recipe hunting."
...
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...
Sitting on the soft and nursing a book she recently picked up from the local library. Naoto waited patiently for whatever Souji had planned for Christmas in the living room. After quickly deciding what he went with, she was swiftly ejected from the kitchen under the gauge that what he was cooking was a surprise and it was the least he could do after introducing him to his newest favourite kitchen appliance.
Within that period of time she managed to set up the living room with a bunch of spare bed quilts they had lying around with numerous pillows to make it a makeshift laying area in front of the TV so they can comfortably watch movies on the carpeted floor. It was a sort of tradition since they moved in together. Being in the comfort of the covers in the arms of her partner is the best way she found spending Christmas evening.
He'd been in there close to three hours and the growing amount of scents and smells on the food in preparation was starting to get to her. As the crept through the apartment, invading every room she moved too, it was almost unbearable to not ask how much longer it would take before food was ready. She heard her stomach grumble causing her to frown. That was the last straw.
Picking up her phone, she looked for Souji in her contacts and opened up her message history. Just as she was about to finish the first kanji a voice boomed from the offending room.
"Food will be ready in ten Naoto!"
Sighing in relief, she leaned back against the arm of the sofa. Finally her hunger was being attended too after the smell of her food clung in the air like it was from 100 scented candles. Her ordeal would be over soon. Looking over at the bagged gifts sitting under the small tree they had at the corner she reminded herself to take them with her to dinner so they can open it at the table.
Slowly she continued with her book until Souji gave her the call to come to the table.
"It's ready! Come and get it."
Calling a quick 'Yes' in delight, Naoto hopped off the sofa, making sure to mark her save point in the book before putting it down. She grabbed the bag of presents under the sofa and briskly walked to the kitchen. She wasn't sure what he came up with but she was damn sure she was going to enjoy it.
Opening a door, she was hit with all of the sensations of his work like a hot towel to the face.
Her nose twitched as she looked on at the marvellous spread of food at the table with Souji placing the last dish down that was in the grasp of his pink heart patterned oven gloves. Naoto's mouth hung open as she eyed the small roast chicken, potatoes and a multitude of steamed vegetables.
"Oh my Souji this looks amazing!"
Souji ruffled her hair as he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks, I've enjoyed giving myself a work out with the new toy." Wiping his brow as the heat of the room from the oven being on was taking its toll. Putting the oven gloves away, he pulled out the draw of eating utensils and grabbed enough for the pair of them.
"I haven't eaten things like this since we went on a case abroad."
"That was my inspiration. Luckily we had just enough to make everything." Bringing the equipment to the table he laid them out as Naoto took a seat. "...It made me wonder if this was your intention from the beginning."
Giving a small grin of her own, "Possibly, hard to tell what went through my mind when my master plan first started."
Her eyes followed him intently as finished laying down the cutlery. Almost collapsing in his seat, he visibly relaxed as he sank into the chair.
"Tired?" It took a moment to respond, thinking carefully on his answer before shaking his head.
"No, it's just this cooking process is really new." Collecting himself and leaning forward he motioned to one of the serving spoons, giving Naoto the go ahead. "Anyway enough of my complaining please give it a try, I'm curious about your feedback."
Not needing to be told twice, Naoto started to load her plate up with the various foods on offer. Her mouth watered, her hunger easily being the decision process of what she picked out and how much. All Souji could do was look on at amusement, obvious that her hunger is getting the best of her. Once her plate was full she picked up the fork and combined some of the rice and chicken and took a bite full.
Souji blinked, his intense gaze watched for her reaction as his hand nervously flexed in anticipation.
As for Naoto, her brain stopped. Unable to comprehend what all the different tastes that were going on in her mouth her expression froze as she continued to chew then swallow. Looking on, Souji's expression turned to worry and was going to ask if something was wrong before Naoto's rebooted.
"How?"
"Eh?"
"How on earth does this taste so good? It makes no sense." She looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "You only just got the oven today."
Scratching the back of his head with embarrassment, he let go of the breath he was holding. "I guess I just have an affinity for cooking."
"You don't say..." She gleefully took another bite and swallowed before speaking again. "..You really should open up your own place. It might make more money than the Estate at this point."
Souji laughed heartedly.
"I guess that's my retirement plan." With a shake of the head Naoto continued to eat.
"It will be a lot safer than what we do now."
"Until they kick-"
"Save it..." Naoto cut him off as she served herself more food. "...We don't discuss that." Pointing to his plate with her fork, "Start taking food before I eat it all."
"Yes my Lady."
...
...
...
After the full and hearty meal Naoto leaned back and let out a sigh of satisfaction. While they couldn't get through everything they made a significant dent in the food offered. The thought of leftovers for tomorrow made her happy but her stomach grumbled in digestion as a quick reminder of just how much she ate.
"Doing ok there?" Closing her eyes she relaxed further, not wanting to get up.
"I'm content."
"Happy to hear that." He started to shift the plates to the work tops in his effort to start clearing the table.
"Oh I also brought the gifts from under the tree." Taking a moment, she lifted the bag of gifts and placed them on the table, separating them into their respective recipients.
"I didn't even see you bring these in. Sorry I guess I was too distracted in setting things up."
"Don't worry about it, these are yours." She moved two small boxes across the table as he sat back down. Smiling at the two of them Souji picked up the smaller one and held it in his hand.
"After cooking that absolutely delicious meal I think you deserve to go first."
"But the oven-"
"Open it." With a sigh Souji relented and started unwrapping the present with a small box. Pulling apart the ribbon that kept it close, the thin fabric fell away and Souji pulled apart the lid from the base.
"Woah these are so cool."
Naoto sighed. "I'm sorry I've been sticking to the theme of cooking but I saw the personalised cutting knives and I couldn't help myself." Leaning forward she rested her chin in her hand. "Getting personally engraved was my favourite bit. I figured that using these will bring better results than any other ordinary kitchen equipment.
The set of three knives were a rising set in sizes starting from small, fruit cutting to knife to a large one that was almost the size of a meat cleaver. They were all freshly polished on a razor's edge. All of them had Souji's name engraved on the side of the blade.
"I'm not complaining, these are amazing." Motioning to one of the boxes she had on her side. "Your turn."
Taking the small box in her hand, she quickly unwrapped it. She suspected that it was holding some sort of jewellery in there. She gave a half smile towards Souji.
"Souji-kun what have I said-" His grin showed that he was un-phased about her apprehension.
"Just continue. I'm sure you would like it." A quick shake of the head as she shifted the box from under its cover and flipped the lid open. Her eyes focused in before she gasped.
"Souji-kun this is beautiful." His smile only got wider. The small necklace with the kanji of both of their forenames as with small white alabaster and azure crystals embedded on the edges of the characters. Blushing, she smiled bashfully at Souji, who looked more than pleased at what he accomplished.
"You might as well open up the other one." The thin square box was in similar wrapping to her first present. Opening them the box had two pairs of cufflinks in it. One of them being a set of Yamato Sumeragi with the other being the persona of Amatsu Mikaboshi. Her eyes widened at the gift.
"These are amazing. Where did you get them from?" Souji waved his hand dismissively.
"These were a favour from a friend. It was easy to pull a few strings to make sure I got them on time. I figured that getting you something a little more subtle after the necklace would definitely help. I also figured that you probably won't wear the necklace often due to your work but the cufflinks would be a lot more practical. I know you don't own many of them so I figured it would be best."
"You know me almost too well." Closing the box she motioned to the last present on the table. "Go on, just your last one left Souji-kun."
"Alright, let's do this." The box was considerably bigger than the other presents as he pulled the wrapping off them. Lifting the lid of the box there was a set of watches in there. Colour coded and looking like severe upgrades of the ones the pair possessed now.
"Are these new watches?"
"Indeed they are. I thought after everything that happened we were in need of an upgrade." Souji picked up the silver one from the box and inspected it.
"Don't mind me asking but what is new about it?"
"Oh so now it's been made with a new metal to prevent it breaking with a bullet proof glass front cover to avoid it from shattering. It's completely waterproof with new tracking capability. It should link to our phones and bring up the GPS rather than just have basic numbers on how far apart we are."
Naoto blushed as her mind ran through the events of their first Christmas together. "But I still kept that functionality in too."
"Whoa you went all out." He turned it around before going to put it on his wrist but Naoto stopped him.
"Ah! That's actually my one." Souji looked at her confused.
"You are into silver now?" The giggle from her lips only made Souji's expression more bemused.
"Certainly, that's why you are my partner." She was met with a raised eyebrow. "Alright alright, in all seriousness I wanted us to wear each other's colour so we can carry a bit of the other with us wherever we go."
The bloom in Naoto's cheeks made Souji swoon.
"Sounds like a great idea..." Souji plucked the navy blue watch from the box while giving Naoto the silver one which she gratefully took off him. Slipping on the watch and doing up the strap the watch instantly started up.
"Seta Souji~"
Announced the watch as it started to auto sync with his phone, asking for credentials.
"This is cool. How long did it take you to make it?"
"About a month and a half." She told him as she slipped hers on as well.
"Shirogane Naoto~"
"Sourcing the materials took longer than expected but I finished well ahead of time. I just wish I was able to get them to you sooner." She heard his chair shift across the floor as she looked up to see he'd already rounded the table. A hand was offered to her who she took gracefully, lifting her out of the chair directly into his embrace.
"It's been a lovely Christmas and it's only half done." Looking up at him with her half lid expression as she relaxed into his arms.
"Indeed, your cooking could do that." The signature grin returned.
"Your presents are amazing too. Merry Christmas." He swooped down as their lips locked as they kissed passionately. Her hands grasped his arms as she pulled him closer, deepening the gesture as her brain started to float away. Feeling his tongue play with hers was enough to make her shiver as she moaned lightly into his mouth.
After what seemed like an eternity to her but may have just been a couple moments she pulled away, breathing heavily.
"Merry Christmas to you too." She told him, still having a solid grasp of his arms. "Would you mind joining me in the living for our usual Christmas activities?"
Souji's grin couldn't be any bigger.
"I thought you would never ask."
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