"Munehiro...?"

The phone was replaced on the stand, more gently than one would think possible for someone of his size. He was feeling...nostalgic. Happy that he could do something for a friend. Very in the spirit of the season.

"Munehiro?" He looked up as his mother poked her head into the hallway. "We're opening presents now. Are you coming?"

He gave a nod, following her into the other room.

"Usu."



Two Mugs of Coco
by sailorstarsun



The fire crackled, the coco steamed, and a pair of turquoise eyes traveled back and forth over the printed pages of a book. It was quiet and peaceful, a fine way to spend Christmas Eve. It wasn't necessary to have all the traditional, trite things that are supposed to come with the holiday; not everyone needed all the music, food, loud obnoxious laughter and talking or...family...or anything at all. It was perfectly fine to spend the time alone.

He was perfectly fine.

Really.

His father was often away on business trips. This wasn't the first holiday the man had missed, and wouldn't be the last either. No siblings, and between him and his mother it felt like there wasn't much point in doing more than giving a greeting and a gift, then doing their own thing as per usual.

Quite frankly, Atobe was used to spending Christmas alone.

He didn't care. He liked the time to himself and didn't give the thought of everyone else being with their families much more than a shrug. Maybe it was a bit lonely, but then it usually is at the top.

So it was more than a little surprising when the doorbell rang, and Atobe couldn't think of anyone else who didn't have family that they should be with. Even his servants had been dismissed for the weekend, which is why he found himself answering the door.

The even greater shock was just who the visitor was; one Captain of the Seigaku tennis team. Tezuka stood there bundled in a long coat, carrying a small gift.

"Tezuka?" Only some of the suprise and...hope?...that Atobe felt was allowed to show on his face and in his voice. "Why are you here?"

"I didn't think anyone should spend Christmas alone."

Atobe half-smirked. "What made you think I was alone?"

A hint of a smile flitted over Tezuka's features. "A little bird told me."

Without retort, Atobe stepped back to let his guest in, taking his coat and the gift. He offered a cup of hot chocolate, which was accepted and retrieved, then invited the other youth to sit by the fire to warm up.

"Open your gift." Tezuka gave the light command between sips of coco, and of course Atobe was happy to comply.

He was careful with the box, removing the colored paper with graceful fingers. Inside was a small, metal, fortune cookie shaped box, and opening it revealed a glass fortune that read 'Your dearest wish will come true.'

"It's not much," Tezuka began, an unreadable expression on his face. "There's not much open at this hour."

"No, it's beautiful." Atobe flashed a smile at his guest. "Thank you." He held the other's gaze for a moment, then put the box aside as his usual smirk returned to his face. "I'm afraid I didn't have anything prepared for you, but I'm sure simply being in my company will be a sufficient gift?"

Tezuka stared with his traditional stoic face, but then slowly a more amused look came over him. With a half-smile he raised his mug. "Merry Christmas, Atobe Keigo."

"Merry Christmas to you, Tezuka Kunimitsu."


Two mugs of hot coco clinked together in cheers.



~Owari~



Whee! Merry Christmas!
Gnar! Why couldn't Tezuka show up on my doorstep!?! I was all alone too! .;_;