Gift Ideas For The Signs: Cancer - nostalgic photo collage, flower crowns, theatre tickets
The two of them had been invited to stay at Takao's grandparent's countryside home over their summer vacation, and they had gratefully accepted. It was always nice to have a change of scenery, and this being their last summer before graduating, they wanted to make the most of it.
Takao himself had not been able to visit since he was in third grade, what with his grandparents living quite a ways away from Tokyo. He was excited to visit though, and said as much when he animatedly told Shin-chan of his adventures there as a child.
Upon their arrival, Midorima found the place to be everything that Takao said, and more. A staggering difference from the city they resided in, Kotakamori was a small area bordering a few lakes at the base of a mountain. The stunning nature that surrounded them was unlike anything Midorima had imagined.
As they walked from the bus stop to Takao's grandparents' house, Takao pointed out the lake that was barely visible through the small pine forest, and told Midorima how he'd go there as a child, borrow a swan boat, and ride around on the lake for hours.
It took them half an hour to make it to the house what with Takao stopping and excitedly telling his friend about something or other, but when they finally arrived, they were welcomed warmly by Sumiko-san and Akio-san.
They spent the first two weeks exploring - and in Takao's case, rediscovering - Kotakamori. They took long walks together, one day following the edge of Sohara lake, and going up into the woods the next. The serene beauty put both of them in a good mood, and they even went so far as to hold hands as they strolled along.
On one of their rather aimless walks through the woods, Takao lagged behind Midorima a bit, stopping every so often to pick flowers. Midorima didn't pay it much mind, until Takao stopped entirely, forcing him to stop as well.
"Shin-chan, look at this!" Takao hummed, holding up a completed flower crown. Midorima quirked an eyebrow at him, partially amused, and partially impressed. He hadn't expected Takao to know how to make such a thing, and so beautifully, no less. Various flowers of many colors were woven together, along with some leaves to give it a nice aesthetic balance.
"It's very nice." he commented genuinely, and Takao beamed. He motioned for Midorima to bend down as he took a step closer, and Midorima complied.
The crown fit perfectly, and as Midorima righted himself, he saw the familiar look of fondness from Takao, and he felt the color rising to his cheeks.
"Happy birthday, Shin-chan." Takao murmured, stretching up to plant a chaste kiss to his boyfriend's warm cheek.
It would be a lie if Midorima said he'd forgotten his own birthday, but he hadn't exactly expected anything either. Taking into consideration Takao's personality though, it wouldn't have been odd for him to surprise him with something ridiculously embarrassing. But all in all, this was rather embarrassing too. And strangely romantic for Takao.
Fighting the urge to brush off this, dare he say, sweet gesture, Midorima leaned in and stole a kiss from Takao.
"If you're going to kiss me, kiss me properly, Takao." he muttered.