"Merry Christmas, Shin-chan!"
Shinji jolted and hurriedly turned away from his desk. "Ch-Christmas?" he asked incredulously, glancing at the date on his laptop screen. "Isn't that tomorrow?"
Continuing to smile from Shinji's doorway, Misato waved his confusion away. "No, no, not literally! What I meant was... I have a gift for you!" she sang, holding out two small pieces of paper.
"...Huh?" Shinji responded blankly.
Misato came nearer and handed him what he realized upon closer inspection were a pair of coupons. He stared at them, no less confused than before.
"They're for this cute, little cafe a couple blocks away. I've had them for a while, but they expire tonight, so I thought maybe you'd like to treat yourself!"
The short-haired boy looked back at her lamely. So, her "present" was just some old coupons she wasn't planning on using? How thoughtful.
"Oh, come on, Shin-chan, don't look at me like that; it's a really good deal! Two completely free meals!"
"...Why don't you just use them yourself? Shouldn't you be doing something with Kaji-san today?"
The encouraging smile on Misato's face slipped away, and she crossed her arms. "Actually, I'm already going out somewhere tonight." Shinji couldn't tell if her sudden cool tone was genuine, or if it was meant to mask any excitement related to Kaji. "A-And I'm only going out with him because he's paying for a nice place, and I'd never be dumb enough to waste an opportunity for food. That's all."
"Which is why you wasted these coupons," Shinji muttered at the ground.
"What?"
"Nothing," he hurried. "But why are you giving them both to me? I can't eat two meals..."
Misato giggled. "That's why you have to ask someone to come along with you."
"Eh?!" Shinji squeaked. "Misato-san! I can't go out with anyone today; it's Christmas Eve!"
When Misato just continued to smile, Shinji repeated himself, wanting to make sure she got the idea. "Christmas Eve! You know what it'll look like if I'm out with someone!"
"Oh, don't be a killjoy. It doesn't matter if it's Christmas Eve. You can still have fun."
Shinji wished he didn't blush so easily. "But I don't have anyone to ask! N-Not anyone like that anyway..."
Looking slightly exasperated, Misato said, "Then just invite a friend or something. I'm sure no one will pay attention to you anyway." She snickered. "Young couples are always so glued together they barely notice anything around them."
Even though he knew Misato was just trying to make him react, that didn't stop him from blushing even harder. "S-Seriously! I can't go out tonight! That's way too embarrassing!"
Misato groaned. "Well, if you wanna waste free food, then that's your choice, not mine." She turned then looked over her shoulder before exiting. "The sun's going down, so I'll be getting ready. I suggest you do the same; I don't know when that place closes. See ya Shin-chan!"
"Alright... Hey! Next time, remember to knock before you-!" She closed the door promptly. "Come in..." he trailed off.
Shinji leaned back in his chair, looking down at the tickets. He felt slightly somber. Of course Misato had to go and make him feel guilty for not using them... he wasn't sure if he could just throw them out. It'd definitely be better not to waste them, but who could he go with?
He could always go by himself, he realized, but honestly, being surrounded by doting couples without any company himself seemed way more embarrassing than just having a friend tag along. But who would agree to go out with him today?
He was alarmed to think what Asuka might do if Shinji asked her out with him on Christmas Eve - a slap in the face and being called a pervert were the least he could expect. Then came the issue that going out with a girl would definitely make it seem like they were dating, and Shinji really wasn't sure he wanted that. So, he supposed Rei was out...
Toji and Kensuke were always up for food, especially when it was Shinji's treat... but he only had two coupons and he couldn't just pick one of them. Maybe he could just give them the coupons to use instead... but he knew he'd feel sulky knowing his two best friends were out together without him. Curse his insecurity.
Running out of ideas, he wildly contemplated a few Nerv personnel he liked, but that would be just plain weird and awkward. More wildly still, his father came to mind, and he immediately chastised himself for even considering. "As if that would ever happen."
Shinji's stomach felt suddenly unsettled. Of course, there was someone else he could ask... someone who'd come to mind almost the moment Misato suggested he take someone with him, but really... Shinji felt like that would be far more embarrassing than asking out any girl, even though it definitely shouldn't have been. After all, Kaworu was a boy. No one would think the two of them were a couple if they were out together; he was probably the safest option.
And anyway... as much as he didn't want to think about why, he did like the idea of going out with him tonight, even if it was a flustering thought.
Shinji sighed once more, then stood up to get dressed. He supposed he'd have to pay a visit to Nerv.
...
He felt all too overheated as he stood waiting in front of Kaworu's Nerv bedroom, even though he'd already taken off his coat. The cold did make a nice contrast from the usual hot, summery weather of every other season, but if there was anything Shinji hated about winter, it was how hard it was to dress for. Although, he'd heard it used to be even colder before the Second Impact, so he figured he should appreciate the cold as it was now.
Kaworu opened the door a few moments after Shinji's knock, leaving him slightly breathless; Shinji always felt like that whenever the angel appeared before him, even if he was tousle-haired and wearing wrinkled casual clothes like he was now.
"Oh, Shinji-kun." Kaworu looked mildly surprised, though he smiled genuinely. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Uh, well-" His mouth moved before he really knew what he was going to say. What was he so nervous about? "Um, I was just going to ask, er- I got these coupons, and I was wondering if you wanted to go out-" Why did he have to blush right now...? "I mean, go there with me tonight?"
Kaworu peered curiously down at the strips of paper Shinji held out in his shaking hand. "Hmm? Ah." He tilted his head at Shinji, smiling. "You'd really like me to come along?"
Shinji shrugged. "O-Only if you want to."
Smile widening, Kaworu giggled. "Of course I would. Why don't you come inside while I get dressed? I suppose it must be very cold out," he observed, scanning Shinji's clothes.
For some reason, Shinji couldn't stop himself smiling as Kaworu let him inside. "Y-Yeah, pretty cold. It's snowing and everything." He probably shouldn't have felt this happy. After all, it wasn't like Kaworu had ever declined an invitation to hang out, so it wasn't as if he expected Kaworu to reject him. He just liked the thought that Kaworu seemed excited to go out.
As he neared his closet, Kaworu hummed. "Snowing? Really?" He picked out something Shinji couldn't exactly see, before he hurriedly turned away, realizing it was weird to watch Kaworu get dressed.
"I've never seen snow before."
"Really?" Shinji asked over his shoulder. "...I guess you haven't gotten the chance to go out in the winter?"
"No, I'm afraid not," Kaworu's voice lamented over the sound of rustling clothes. "Of course, I've heard of it. You lilin seem to love writing about winter, so I know it must be beautiful."
The younger boy picked thoughtlessly at his sleeves. "I guess it is... but it can get really annoying sometimes." Shinji sighed. "Like when Misato makes me hang up the laundry even though it's practically freezing out and I get snowed on for an hour."
Kaworu laughed. Shinji felt gratified. "No, that doesn't sound like much fun."
Shinji squeaked when a gloved hand snaked around his shoulder, prompting him to turn to Kaworu's alarmingly close-up features. "At least you'll have me to keep you warm while we're out tonight."
Blushing, Shinji shrunk out of Kaworu's touch, defensively rubbing his neck. "U-Um, right, uh..." He was passively reminded of something. "Actually, you should probably know - I mean, I'm guessing you don't already - but it's Christmas Eve..."
Kaworu tilted his head. "I'm aware. Does that pose an issue?"
Continuing to run his hand over his neck, Shinji looked away. "W-Well it's only that a lot of... couples go out today, y'know, on dates and stuff? So, if you didn't wanna go out today, I'd understand if it was uncomfortable for you..." He trailed off, unsure if he was properly getting his point across.
The angel continued to smile unabashedly, and Shinji thought he looked a little confused. "Oh, Shinji-kun, I don't see why I'd mind at all! I only ever feel at ease when I'm with you," he replied warmly. "Now, then," he continued, encouragingly resting a hand on Shinji's back. "Shall we be off?"
"O-Okay," Shinji muttered, brain too fuzzy with the pressure of Kaworu's hand to think of any other arguments.
As they waited for the elevator a few maze-like halls down from Kaworu's room, Shinji felt his friend's hand slide downwards until it was gripping his own. Only to add to his mounting nerves, Shinji recalled that Kaworu had recently developed the embarrassing habit of holding Shinji's hand whenever they walked together. Although, Shinji wasn't sure he could handle that today. Then again, holding hands with Kaworu on Christmas Eve... that idea was incredibly pleasant.
"Shinji-kun?"
"Wha-" He quickly turned his head, realizing they'd made it outside without even noticing. He involuntarily squeezed Kaworu's hand.
The action didn't seem to go unnoticed. His smile looked teasing as he tilted his head. "Would you like to lead the way?"
He smiled forcefully. "R-Right, sorry..."
Shinji consulted his coupon as they walked, and he thankfully recognized the street name listed. It was dark out, the streets illuminated with colored neon and yellow tinted lamps that made the snow covering their path look dyed.
"Oh, my..."
Looking forward again, Shinji noticed the way Kaworu was intently staring up at the sky, mouth slightly open. Although it was much too bright to see any stars, the falling flecks of snow almost looked like shifting stars in themselves. He could see them every time they walked out from beneath a lamp, a few of which were strung with holly.
"It really is beautiful, isn't it?" he breathed out, his words fogging the air. Holding out his hand in front of him, snow stuck to the dark cloth of his glove. "How odd that simply freezing rain could make such a difference in perception."
Shinji stared at Kaworu's smiling profile. He reddened. Kaworu looked pretty in the snow. All pale skin and fluffy hair... the flakes caught in it weren't even noticeable.
"Hmm?"
"A-Ah, sorry!" He looked away as Kaworu curiously turned to him. Shoot. He'd squeezed his hand again... "You're right; it is pretty..."
His snow-colored companion hummed. Shinji often felt like Kaworu could see right through him and read his mind; Shinji could never seem to hide his emotions from him. And just now, the way Kaworu was looking at him gave him the distinct impression he knew he was nervous. Which, of course, was stupid, because he still didn't have a single thing to be worried about.
Though, before Kaworu could ask the question Shinji prepared himself to hear, his red eyes slid from Shinji's face, and he stopped walking. Shinji stopped too, arm stretching to keep hold of Kaworu's hand (which he probably should've just let go of).
"What is it?"
Following his line of sight, Shinji watched a group of elementary aged kids playing messily in the snow a fair distance away.
"What's that they're doing?" Kaworu asked.
Shinji squinted. "Um, I think that's a snowman." Seeing Kaworu's still curious face, Shinji went on. "...So, when it snows, sometimes people like making... sculptures out of it. It's pretty easy to pack together."
Kaworu's smile grew. "Ah, so they're making a false lilin out of the snow? Hehe!" He laughed brightly, continuing to watch the children fondly. "That looks like fun! You don't suppose we could do that too, could we?"
Shinji contracted Kaworu's contagious smile. "Uh, well, we're a little old for that... playing in the snow is a pretty childish thing to do - most people would say it is, at least."
"Aw, really?" Kaworu crouched down, his hand slipping from Shinji's, who immediately missed the warmth of gloved fingers. That same hand dug itself into the cold fluff covering the ground a moment later, specks falling from his fingers. "There's nothing else we could do in the snow that'd be more suitable for our age, then?"
"Umm..." Shinji cast his mind. He didn't want Kaworu to be disappointed, even if it was a really silly thing to be sad over. "I guess there's snowball fights." ...Of course, it wasn't exactly mature.
Kaworu tilted his head up at him.
"You pack a little ball of snow in your hands, and then you throw it at your friends. Uh, like..." Shinji bent down and squeezed a patch of snow into a loose clump. "I'd throw this at you, and you'd throw one back."
Kaworu smiled, then stood up and held out his arms. "Ah, I see, then fire away!"
Shinji blinked. "I-I don't actually wanna hit you! I was just explaining..."
Determinedly, Kaworu kept his arms outstretched. "But I'd love a demonstration. That sounds quite intriguing!"
Shinji hesitated, then raised his arm, and gave the ball a very wimpy throw.
Kaworu looked down at the splatter of fluff on his dark coat. Shinji felt equal parts embarrassed at the weakness of his throw and guilty for throwing anything at Kaworu at all.
The pale boy smiled mischievously, swiftly bending down, and crunching together his own ball, throwing it back at Shinji before he had the time to prepare himself.
"Ah!" He flinched as it hit his chest.
Kaworu giggled. "I got you, Shinji-kun!"
"Wha-" He blinked. Was he... goading him? "Hey! That wasn't fair!"
Grinning still wider, Kaworu packed another ball, drawing his arm back. "Then, you must want to get me back for it, right?"
Shinji's lip twitched upwards. He stooped and patted at the snow, yelping when another snowball hit him, this time on the back of his neck.
A shiver running down his spine at the chill, he chucked his retaliatory snowball blindly at Kaworu, who threw his arms in front of himself, blocking his front as he laughed.
Breathing more harshly, Shinji managed to dodge the next snowball Kaworu threw, and, aiming as best he could, struck Kaworu full in the face.
He laughed triumphantly as Kaworu shook his hair free of snow like a dog, sending flecks of it every which way. "Now I got you!"
Kaworu narrowed his eyes in determination as Shinji pulled back his arm in preparation of another throw.
Unexpectedly, Kaworu caught the tightly packed snowball he threw, making Shinji falter. "Have you really got me? Or have I..." Kaworu crushed the snow in his hands and stepped forward. "Got you!" Shinji crossed his arms over his face in defense, but Kaworu threw the broken-up snow above his head instead, showering him with a dense flurry of white.
Kaworu laughed brightly, wrapping Shinji in a hug as the thrown snow hit the ground around them. Shinji opened his eyes wide, breathing heavily from all the physical activity.
"Oh, that was fun! Thank you, Shinji-kun!" Kaworu pulled back to look into Shinji's snow-covered face, holding his arms.
Shinji smiled shyly, ragged breath fogging the air between them. "Y-Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" He couldn't remember the last time he'd been involved in a snowball fight. Ironically, it was probably back when he was a little kid.
Kaworu giggled again. Shinji really did love listening to Kaworu laugh; it made him feel thoroughly warm inside.
"But I've made a mess of you, haven't I?" he observed quietly. He lightly patted Shinji's dark hair, which was clearly speckled with brilliant patches of white. Unlike Kaworu's hair, snow didn't blend in with his at all.
Shinji shivered pleasantly as Kaworu's hand glided over his head, but then, with a reality grounding realization, he looked around the street. A few people were eyeing them. They were being incredibly touchy in the middle of a public street... on Christmas Eve.
Heart twanging, Shinji pulled back. "A-Anyway, we really need to make it to that café... s-so..." He made sure to shove his hands in his coat, tucking away the desire to hold Kaworu's hand.
Kaworu blinked, but recovered his composure quickly, pressing himself close to Shinji's side as they finally neared the café. Shinji was relieved yet disappointed that Kaworu didn't try to touch him any other way.
The glow of Christmas lights wrapped around the café window illuminated their previously pale faces as Kaworu opened the door for Shinji and followed him inside. It was a cozy place, one which Shinji could picture as slightly lazy and dimly lit in the mornings, but just now, it was done up with garlands, golden lights, and tables set with candles and little mistletoe bundles near the ceiling. It was all just so... cute. Only to add to that atmosphere - and Shinji's once again mounting nerves – was how it was almost totally packed with clusters of couples.
"...Just a table for two, thank you," echoed Kaworu's voice distantly. A table for two... Shinji tried to tell himself he was only red-faced from being out in the cold so long.
As they sat down together, Shinji restlessly drummed his fingers in his lap while Kaworu rested his chin on his fingers, closing his eyes.
"Mmmh," Kaworu hummed, satisfied. "It smells delightful in here, doesn't it, Shinji-kun? That coffee is so fragrant..."
"Oh, uh, yeah..." Shinji replied dimly.
The comforting smile slipped slightly from Kaworu's face. "Shinji-kun, you've been so nervous all night. Can't you tell me what's wrong?"
Knowing he'd been caught, Shinji blinked back up at Kaworu, blushing. "It's..." He looked back down at the table. "It's really nothing important."
The look on Kaworu's face told Shinji the next thing out of his mouth would be insistence, but their waitress interrupted before he could phrase it. Shinji fumbled for his menu, muttering an apology as she waited for him to choose a drink. He read out the first thing he saw without thought.
"Ah, that sounds tasty, but I think I'll try something else... Hmm, peppermint mocha, I wonder..."
The two were left alone after that, Shinji embarrassedly picking at his sleeve. He jumped when Kaworu reached across the table for his hand.
"If there's anything I've done to make you uncomfortable, I promise you can tell me; I won't take any offense."
Kaworu was gently stroking the back of his hand with a thumb. Shinji irresistibly noticed their opposite-sex neighbors doing a similar thing beside them.
Shinji sighed, but resisted the urge to pull his hand away. "It isn't your fault, Kaworu-kun... it's mine for asking you out with me tonight."
Kaworu's face fell. Shinji started. "N-Not because I don't like being with you! That's not what I meant, I just..." He took a deep breath. "Like I said, everyone's out on a date right now, and y'know, we're just friends, so I guess I feel awkward." He shook his head. "I know that's stupid, I mean, were both guys, so it really shouldn't even cross my mind, b-but I feel like we look like we're dating or something weird like-"
"What if this was a date?"
Shinji's mouth fell shut. Kaworu had been watching him with his head in his hand, a smirk growing the longer Shinji babbled.
"What?"
Kaworu giggled. "If we were out on a date right now, you wouldn't need to feel awkward or out of place. We'd fit right in."
Shinji stared at him. He could feel his heartbeat going erratically against his chest. "Y-You want this to be a date?"
Kaworu narrowed his eyes playfully. "If you'll let it be."
Weakly, Shinji nodded his head. His date's smile widened. "Then it's a date."
He could feel himself smiling too. "Cool."
"Cool," Kaworu parroted.
Shinji started and pulled his hand back when their waitress returned, placing two whipped cream topped mugs down in front of them.
"Ah, thank you very much. Don't these look delicious, Shinji-kun?"
"Yeah, they do," Shinji responded weakly, blushing. He was still reveling in the fact that Kaworu had so easily accepted this as a date. A date! He was on a date with Kaworu!
But he shouldn't make a big deal out of it... Kaworu was as calm as ever, so there was no point in acting all excited, even if he felt like jumping up on the table and cheering.
In an attempt to distract himself from the funny fireworks erupting in his stomach, he stirred his drink, which he realized was hot chocolate from the prominent scent of it.
Across from him, Kaworu pulled the peppermint stick from his mug, mouthing it clean, then replacing it to mix together the contents of his cup. Taking his first sip, he purposely licked his lips in apparent satisfaction. Shinji reprimanded himself for staring at his mouth.
"Mmmh, tangy... this really is good. How's yours, Shinji-kun?"
Shinji stuck a straw through the foam and sipped. It was a little too hot, but it was a perfectly fine cup of cocoa. He told Kaworu as much.
"Well, I'd say mine is more than fine. Maybe you'd like a taste?" he asked innocently, sliding the mug smoothly across the table.
The younger boy stared down at the mug, at the place Kaworu's lips had touched, and at the candy stick that'd been in his mouth. Oh, wow...
"Don't be afraid, Shinji-kun, it really is quite good."
"Okay…" Shinji said, neglecting to tell Kaworu what'd really made him hesitate.
He raised the mug and pressed it to his lips, gulping down a mouthful of minty chocolate and coffee. He almost thought it tasted sweeter just because it was Kaworu's. Regardless of who's it was though, it was definitely more interesting than cocoa.
He smiled, the taste of peppermint lingering in his mouth. "Yeah, it is. Maybe I should've gotten that instead."
Kaworu hummed, then pulled Shinji's cocoa towards him. "Then I'd be glad to give it up to you."
"Huh? O-Oh, Kaworu-kun, you don't have to do that." He tried to push the mug back, but Kaworu put his hand in the way.
"Now, now, I insist. Anyway, I've never tried hot chocolate. Today is full of new experiences for me!"
"Thanks a lot..."
After a few more minutes of silence, their waitress came back again, this time to offer them a dessert menu. Kaworu took it from her, his eyes running curiously down the list. "Hmm, what's a yule log?"
"Oh!" Shinji looked up from his drink. "Those are pretty good. They're like cute, little log cakes with chocolate on them."
Kaworu handed the menu back to the waitress, his mind quickly made up. "Well then, let's have one of those, thank you."
As she walked away, Shinji tilted his head. "Only one? But we could get two things with these coupons..."
Kaworu stirred the cocoa with Shinji's straw. "Yes, I know. But to be quite honest, I think I'd prefer to share something with you than have my own." He smiled across at Shinji. "And anyway, I could always come back with you another day to try something new, couldn't I?
Shinji smiled shyly, a little glow in his stomach. "Oh... yeah, that'd be nice."
He had already gulped down most of the mocha before their waitress came back with the dessert, setting it in the center of the table. Shinji thanked her, but he noticed Kaworu looking distractedly at something behind him, his lips upturned.
His red eyes flicked back to the log. "Oh, goodness, everything here looks so appetizing. He picked up a fork and scooped off a bite, holding it up. "Here you are, Shinji-kun," he sang, stretching the fork to reach Shinji's face.
Shinji reddened, his eyes flicking up to Kaworu, who was watching him fondly. He hesitated, then took the bite into his mouth.
Kaworu hummed happily, offering Shinji a second bite. "Eh? C'mon, Kaworu-kun! You have to try some too!"
"Oh, just one more bite? You're certainly making it look enticing to me."
Shinji sighed, glancing around, but he accepted the second bite.
Kaworu giggled. "There we are. How is it, Shinji-kun?"
He nodded. "It's good. Maybe I've had too much chocolate tonight, though. It's not all that good for us."
Kaworu took his own bite, apparently luxuriating in the airy taste of chocolate and sponge cake. "Oh, but it's worth it. I can't thank you enough for bringing me here, Shinji-kun. This date was a wonderful idea!"
Flustered, Shinji shrugged. "The d-date thing was your idea... but, yeah. I'm glad I asked you out with me."
"You picked a good day for it, though. Something feels so special about tonight..."
Too embarrassed to respond, Shinji just unwrapped his own fork and continued to work on the dessert. It didn't take long for them to finish their meal, leaving Shinji to suck idly on the peppermint stick left over from his drink. The taste of chocolate and peppermint really did go well together. He idly wondered about baking something with those ingredients. The holidays would be a perfect time for it.
"You take the train back home, yes?"
Kaworu's question pulled him back from his thoughts. He was relieved that his nerves had more or less fizzled away to make room for passing ideas. He really didn't feel nervous anymore.
"Oh, yeah," he breathed out, the snowy air freezing his candy as he replaced it in his mouth.
"Well then..." Kaworu nonchalantly slipped their hands together again. "I'd be more than happy to see you to the station."
Shinji squeezed his hand back, still a little shy. "O-Only if you want to..."
"Of course. After such a nice outing it would only be courteous."
There were fewer people out on the streets now. Their walkway was much more populated now with patches of snow, but Shinji appreciated their isolation. It meant he didn't have to worry about as many people judging them.
They didn't talk much, but Kaworu filled the silence with quiet humming as they walked. Being so attached to him just now, Shinji noticed curiously that Kaworu kept looking up at light posts and storefronts as if pondering something.
It wasn't until they reached the nearest station that they stopped walking, and Kaworu continuously looked up at a rafter decorated with greenery and garland.
"Shinji-kun, what are those little plants? I keep seeing them everywhere."
Shinji looked up too, catching sight of a distinctive bundle of pines and berries. "Th-That's mistletoe."
Kaworu made an acknowledging sound in his throat, then looked back at Shinji. "I suppose they're traditional?"
Shinji could feel his face heating up. Kaworu had stopped right below it. "Y-Yeah, um..." The station was nearly empty. No one was around. Shinji felt something rebellious leap in the pit of his stomach. "They're for couples near Christmas. I-If you walk under one with someone, the two of you are supposed to... kiss."
Kaworu's eyes widened slightly. Shinji immediately felt stupid for even getting his hopes up.
"Oh, but Shinji-kun! We must've passed under at least ten of them; I had no idea we were breaking tradition!" He placed his hands on Shinji's shoulders. "We'll need to rectify that..."
And before Shinji could even think what he meant, Kaworu angled his head forward and kissed him full on the mouth.
Rooted in shock, Shinji just stood there as Kaworu's lips pressed against his limp ones. He pulled back after the longest seconds of Shinji's life to smile at him.
"Will that suffice?"
Shinji shook his head, trying to come back to himself. Kaworu just kissed him! He just got kissed by Kaworu for the first time, on their first date, on their first Christmas Eve together!
Tentatively, Shinji held Kaworu's hand and looked back into his face, blushing wildly. "Y-You said at least ten, didn't you?" He leaned forwards a little. "Maybe we should... make all of them up?"
Kaworu stared back at him, a comfortable smirk upturning his features. He slid his hands to hold the sides of Shinji's face. "Of course we should, Shinji-kun."
This time when Kaworu leaned in, Shinji's eyes fluttered shut, and he kissed him back fully. As with everything else he did, the way Kaworu kissed was so utterly graceful. His lips didn't shake, the pressure was so gentle... Shinji felt like he was melting.
When they pulled back this time, their lips stuck from the peppermint residue on Shinji's mouth. Kaworu kept his eyes closed, and slowly licked the transferred taste free from his lips.
The feel of Kaworu's pale nose brushing Shinji's cheek gave him goosebumps. "That makes two," he murmured silkily.
Shinji nodded dimly, still staring at Kaworu's mouth. He couldn't have cared about counting, not when the prospect of kissing Kaworu a million times over was so incredibly perfect.
Shinji kissed him this time, then again, then again. The mistletoe was the last thing he was worried about as they continued to kiss under the station awning, protecting each other from the chill of the air with their warmth.
Shinji quite thought he could kiss him forever.
