Lee took me to the nearby park where few other people lazed in the ankle-high grass. Lee and I found a nice spot away from the other people, and we sat down on the very soft grass. I sort of laid down, leaning on my elbows, and Lee sat with his legs crossed, leaning backwards on his hands.
After 5 or 6 fireworks there was a short pause. Lee faced me and talked softly.
"Setsuki-san?"
"Mm?" I was staring at the stars that were showing from out of the clouds due to the fireworks dispersing them.
"Would you like an ice cream?"
I immediately face him with a big smile. "Yeah!"
Lee shines a smile back, then jumps to his feet within a split second. "I will go get us each one, Setsuki-san! Please do not move!" With that, he bolted away. I looked back up at the sky as a single firework went off, the explosion took the shape of 愛. I blink with a blank expression, love? I tilted my head.
Minutes later Lee came running back, an ice cream in each hand. As he approached, he stood there, and held them both out, one was chocolate ice cream coated in chocolate, the other vanilla coated in chocolate. Of course I reached up and picked the chocolate one. I sat up and smiled, thanked him. Lee smiled, nodded back then sat beside me again.
We tore the wrappers off almost in sync, then placed them between us. We continued to watch the fireworks while eating away.
I finished mine first (of course) and so I was just gnawing on the stick.
Lee still had quite a few good bites out of his left, and watching him eat it was making me hungrier, after all, that dancing really tires you out and makes you hungry. Lee noticed my staring, he looked back and forth between me and his ice cream with only his eyes, then reluctantly held it out to me, offering it. I smile and take a bite, then he quickly withdrew it while poking his tongue out.
I gave a quiet evil snicker, before leaning on my arms behind me and looking up at the sky, watching the rest of the fireworks.
It was quiet for a while, for both of us were in awe at the fireworks, then I felt Lee's hand rest on top of mine. I almost jumped, but I held it in. I felt his hand twitch, as if this wasn't intentional. But I couldn't help but smile. I kept my eyes focused on the sky, I didn't want to make eye contact, I felt kind of shy again.
Lee kind of made a really quiet surprised noise in this throat when he looked at me. I was curious. I ever so slowly turn my head to face him, he was staring at me, his cheeks pink. I try to not think of his hand on mine, but it was hopeless to ignore it, because his hand tensed. I stare into his eyes curiously, and he returned the expression. I think both our cheeks were pink at this stage. But despite the situation, I just smile at him innocently, his cheeks flushed more, and he shuffled a little closer. Slowly I lean to my side, then rest my head on his shoulder. He rested his head on my head. We didn't notice our fingers had entwined with each other.
It was really late now, and I felt sleepy, but I told myself, this time, I would stay awake, no matter what.
It was silent, I thought the fireworks had finished. I slowly pull myself to sit up, and Lee did the same, but he brought his knees to his chest and hugged them, as if he was really nervous about something.
I wondered what it was, but I wasn't going to get up, I was far too tired to even think about getting up.
"Lee.." I groan. He faced me. "I'm tired.."
Lee let out a somewhat loud yawn. "I am too Setsuki-chan.." He started to rub his eyes.
I kind of felt pleased at the way he called me chan without even thinking. He's always tried to be so formal around me, even though we're basically best friends, but I can't talk, I do the same to him. But, it's only Lee that I'm formal too, no one else.. I wonder why that is. Funny old world.
"Lee, can we just sleep out here?" I grumble. We were facing each other, he only chuckled at my remark.
"How about I carry you home Setsuki-chan." He offered with a sweet expression. I started to giggle at the wordchan.
It was even funnier because he didn't realize he was saying it. "No Lee," I stop to giggle. "I can walk."
"But-" He let out another loud yawn. "Your house is so far.. from here.." He rubbed his eyes again. I stood up slowly, but he grabbed my ankle, and pulled it, making me fall back down onto my butt.
"Ow!" I rub my butt and stare at him, mentally demanding an explanation. He only laughed, very amused. He stood up, then offered his hand. I took it, but as he was about to pull me up, I pull him down, and roll over so he would land beside me. It worked. "Nyaaouch!" He groaned as he faceplanted. I went to sit up, but immediately Lee pinned me down, holding my hands above my head, sitting on my stomach playfully, he smirked at me smugly.
I could only spit out one word under my breath - "Dammit!"
Lee laughed victoriously. "I have won this, Setsuki-san!" He announced. There, I knew he was awake now. I couldn't help but laugh. Suddenly a rather loud firework exploded, making me jump.
"WAAAH!" I break out of Lee's grip, and snap my arms around his chest very tightly, holding him as if a child would hold a bear when frightened. He choked.
"S-Setsuki-san! Look!" Lee was referring to te sky. I look up, the image left behind looked like a huge Christmas tree. I was in awe. Whoever made this are definitely talented!
Lee sat up, but I still clung to him. "S-Setsuki-san, you can let.. go now.." Lee mentioned, feeling quite nervous. I shook my head defiantly. "It's okay, Setsuki-san. I wont let anything hurt you. It is perfectly safe!"
I untense a little, allowing him to actually breathe. He inhaled deeply to catch his breath. I look up at him, we made eye contact, then started to laugh.
"Now then, shall we get ready for bed?" He asked.
I nod a few times. "Yeah, then we-"
Lee leaned down and pecked the top of my head. I blush heavily, and go silent. He smiled down at me.
"Merry Christmas Setsuki-san!" He said, he stared at my speechless expression for a few seconds then laughed himself. I didn't know what to do, I kept the same red face and wide eyes. "Ahaa.. I am sorry Setsuki-san.. I just didn't think... that I was ready.. for a full.. kiss.. with you.." He said somewhat nervously. My cheeks were on fire, my stomach burned.
I could only attempt to stutter a 'what'. He pointed to a mistletoe above our heads. I stare at it curiously.
"I-i-is it.. f-floating?" I stutter, unable to talk properly.
"I.. think so. But you know the rule, no matter what, underneath a mistletoe, two people must-"
"I know! I know!" I cut him off, embarrassed about my emotions at the moment. Lee had quite bright red cheeks himself. Then as I look closer at the mistletoe I swore I saw an invisible string holding it up. I wonder how that's even possible..
Lee stood up and helped me to my feet. I heard snickering in the nearby bush. I nudge Lee and nod my head in that direction. We both stared intently. The voices made shhh-ing, and 'shut up we've been spotted' noises. We face each other, and with the same idea, we go to investigate.
"I told you this was a bad idea." A voice whispered. I stand over the bush, and behind it, Tenten, Naruto and Gai-sensei. Gai-sensei immediately hid a long fishing pole behind his back as if nothing happened.
"GAAH! S-SETSUKI! BUSHY BROWS! WHAT'RE YOU DOING!?" Naruto shouted.
"What're you doing?" I asked.
"WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING! DATTEBAYO!"
"Then.. why are you hiding in this bush?" Lee asked.
"WE-"
Tenten cut Naruto off. "We were just-"
Gai-sensei cut Tenten off. "ENJOYING THE SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS! DIDN'T YOU SEE THEM LEE?! SETSUKI?! WERE THEY NOT THE MOST AMAZING THING YOU'VE EVER SEEN!?"
Lee squealed in happiness. "YES GAI-SENSEI! THEY WERE SO VERY VERY AMAZING!" Lee started to bounce excitedly.
Naruto and Tenten were staring with narrowed eyes towards the pair, I couldn't help but laugh. Tenten and Naruto stood up, leaning close to me with smirks. My eye twitched.
"What...?"
"Sooo~ how were the fireworks Setsuki?" Tenten asks.
Naruto sneered. "Yeeaaah~ and and how was Bushy Brows?" He made a smoochy expression. My eyes widen, my cheeks started to feel warm again.
"W-what?"
"Teehee! We saw it Setsuki! He kissed you on the head! IT WAS SO CUTE!" Tenten cried. I take a step backwards.
"Th-that was only because of the mistletoe!" I exclaim.
"Wait wait she's right! But, you two didn't kiss properly! Come on.. lets go finish this proper-"
"NO NO NO NO!" I cry. "LEE DOESN'T LIK- I DON'T- I'M NOT IN LOVE WITH-"
"Hey where'd.. Lee and Gai-sensei go..?" Tenten asked, looking around at the area. It's official. They were gone. I took the biggest sigh of relief I've ever taken in my entire life.