Happy two-year anniversary, Marth x Roy 100 Theme Challenge! As a gift for the story, here's another theme!

ENJOY!

38. Mistletoe

The Pherae castle was full of cheer this Christmas; most of the maids were busy cooking the holiday dinner, though the guards were given a day off from their posts. The smell of food wafted through the castle, and the chattering of the people inside was nearly deafening.

Marth sat in his own room, reading a book. However, he wasn't concentrating on the words in the book; he was too busy thinking of his best friend, Roy.

The two had been very close for many years, and their bond grew stronger every day. After a few years of being best friends, however, Marth had developed feelings for the red-head. He was too shy to even admit his crush to Roy, worried that he would ruin their friendship. During this Christmas though, he couldn't hold in his feelings any longer, and he decided it was time to tell Roy how he felt.

Sighing, he placed the book down on the bed, and he got up to walk out of the room.

Upon exiting the room, the first person who greeted him was, of course, Roy.

"Hey Marth!" Roy greeted with a large grin.

Marth smiled slightly. "Hello, Roy," he greeted back, chuckling at how happy Roy was. "You seem very happy today."

"Of course! It's Christmas!" Roy cried before grabbing Marth's hand, making the blue-haired prince blush. "Come on, the guards and maids are making dinner tonight!"

"But Roy—"

Before Marth could protest, Roy dragged him into the dining room. Spread out on the table was a large feast, with an enormous turkey sitting in the middle. The smell of the food made the prince's mouth water.

"Let's eat!" Roy cried as he made Marth sit down. Roy sat beside him as he grabbed a fork to eat the piece of turkey on his own plate.

Marth sighed as he also picked up a fork to eat his mashed potatoes, staring at Roy the whole time.

I've never seen Roy so happy before…Marth thought as he took a bite of his piece of turkey. Perhaps the Christmas spirit is what's making him so happy…he chuckled to himself as he continued to eat his food.

On the other side of the table, Caeda and Lilina watched the two boys eating together. Caeda giggled as she whispered to Lilina, "I think those two love each other…"

Lilina nodded as she whispered back. "I agree. Marth's been acting strange around Roy lately."

"I know, right?" Caeda smiled. "But Marth appears to be scared of telling Roy. I wonder why?"

Lilina shrugged. "Perhaps we could help them get together?"

Caeda's smile grew wider from that idea. "That's a great idea! We should find a way to bring them together! But how…?"

Lilina hummed in a low tone. "…How about we use a mistletoe?"

Caeda gasped. "Oh my gosh! That sounds like a good idea! Now, listen closely…"

After the holiday dinner, Marth and Roy returned to their rooms. When Marth entered his room to head to sleep, he saw a note on his bed.

"Huh?" he wondered as he picked up the note. Reading it over, his eyes widened in surprise at what it said.

Hey Marth. Meet me in your favorite hallway of the castle. I have a surprise for you.

-Roy

Marth blushed hard, thinking about what Roy had in store for him. Is it a Christmas present? Or is it…? he shook his head at the other idea before he left his room.

When Marth arrived, he saw Roy looking around. When the red-head turned to see Marth, he smiled.

"Hey Marth," Roy greeted. "Did you have a surprise for me?"

Marth raised an eyebrow. "Huh? A surprise? I thought you had one for me?"

Roy tilted his head in confusion. "Really?"

"Yes," Marth nodded. "I got a note from you saying that."

"Huh? A note? I have a note from you saying that, too…"

Marth rubbed the back of his head. "This is strange…"

When Marth was wondering about what had happened, Roy looked up. He gasped when he saw a mistletoe hanging from the ceiling by a string.

"Marth, look," Roy said, pointing up at the ceiling.

Marth looked up, and his eyes widened when he saw the mistletoe.

"A mistletoe? Roy, what—"

"I heard that if two people happened to be under one, they have to kiss," Roy explained.

"But Roy! I—"

Roy blushed, and he gulped. "Well…I guess we should kiss?"

"Roy…I—"

"I know, it's a shock, but…" Roy's blush intensified. "I love you."

Marth was taken aback by Roy's confession. "What?!"

"I-I love you, Marth. During our time together, I…grew to love you. More than just a friend, in fact."

Marth blushed hard, and he whispered, "Roy…I love you too. I feel the same way."

Roy smiled. "R-really? I'm so glad!"

Marth then wrapped his arm around Roy's waist, pulling him closer. "Now, shall we kiss?"

Roy nodded. With that, the two kissed, their faces still red from blushing. It felt like forever to both of them, and neither of them wanted it to end. After a few seconds, Marth broke the kiss.

"Merry Christmas, Roy," Marth whispered.

"Merry Christmas to you too, Marth…"

At the corner, Caeda and Lilina watched the two, and they turned to smile at each other.

"See? I told you it'd work," Lilina said.

Caeda giggled slightly. "Of course."

The two watched as Marth and Roy held each other close, all four of them knowing that it was a successful Christmas.

Constructive criticism is welcomed!

Beta reader: h34rt1lly