Managed to get it done for Christmas this year. I'm happy about this. A simple this one, all about spending Christmas with loved ones, nothing much else to say other than that.
Rated T
A Trio of Gifts
*Doorbell Rings*
The ears twitched of the silver haired man as his eyes switched to the pot that was currently boiling, making sure it didn't go over.
"Naoto, could you get that?"
He didn't wait for a replay as his hands attended to another pan that his eyes weren't currently on, multitasking his way through his ritual of cooking.
"I've got it."
Smoothing out her jumper, Naoto put down the book she was currently infused with on the living room table before getting up and headed to the door. It was Christmas day and they were expecting company. This was their first time since they've been a couple that they've ever had someone over so for the house it was a big occasion. For the first time in a while they decorated considerably, tinsel was out, the tree was more heavily decorated than usual and Souji even wore a Santa hat. The tone in house was cheerful, warm and welcoming with the collection of scents of the food currently in preparation clouding the house.
As Naoto got to the door, she peered into the peep hole to make sure it was the person she was expecting. Even now she took no precautions. Undoing several of the door latches before pulling it open, she shivered as her bare shoulders were quickly introduced to the harsh winter cold of the outside.
"Come on inside quick its freezing." Taking the invitation with a vice grip, Rise shuffled in to the apartment through the small gap the door was open for to make sure as much as the warmth stayed in. With a thumping close, the door shut, keeping out nature's brisk breeze with it. She shook off the remnant snow from her arms as one hand carried seemingly wrapped presents as the other was carrying her orange sleep over duffel bag.
"Man it was difficult as hell to get here, some of the main streets still have ice on them from this morning…" She took in Naoto's look with a combination of disbelief and shock. "…You're wearing a skirt. I've never seen you wear one."
"Hmm?" A quick blink of confusion before looking down on herself. Unsure of what she was on about. "Oh yeah..."
The redden of her cheeks put her embarrassment on display. "It's a special occasion for Christmas. It's not a big deal."
The Idol's face only brightened as she placed the bag of gifts and her duffel bag on to the ground before taking Naoto's hands in hers. "You look absolutely amazing, and that Christmas themed top with sweater leaving your shoulders open is an amazing touch." A squeeze of the hands, "For someone that doesn't delve into fashion much you look pretty spectacular. I should have tried harder."
It was one of those times where Naoto noticed just how comfortable she was with her best friend if she could even call her that any more. She wouldn't be caught dead in anything other than a pair of trousers unless she was in somewhere she was completely unrecognisable but here she was inviting Rise over for Christmas day.
"No. You look great yourself. Anyway, take off your jacket and make yourself comfortable." With a quick nod, she disengaged their hands as she quickly pulled off her jacket, placing the heavy outdoor wear on the pegs to joining the rest of the coats as well as slipping off her pink jumper.
"Man it's warm in here; it's refreshing considering how cold it is outside."
It brought a smile from the Sleuth.
"Yeah, hence why we had a better heating system installed in the apartment." Picking up the bag of gifts in hand with the other with the bundled jumper, Naoto finally got to look at her long time friend. She was sporting blue jeans with an orange flowery dress and white shirt underneath. Entirely causal but she had he hair done in a simple pony tail which was now becoming a trademark when she saw them.
"So, where is the stud?" Naoto couldn't help but grin.
"He's in the kitchen. While he doesn't mind an audience, Christmas cooking is always a tall order so I normally let him focus on what he needs to do." Shrugging, she let loose an exasperated sigh. "Not like this isn't all self inflicted of course."
"Typical."
The various smells of the food cooking played with the Idol's senses as she took a deep breath in, relishing in the preview of what was to come.
"Smells good right?" The smile on Naoto's face showed how proud she was of her very capable boyfriend's cooking.
"Yeah, I can't wait." With that Rise took Naoto's hand in hers as she pulled her further into her own apartment.
The knock on the door to the kitchen was acknowledged by hearing him only hum in response. Naoto pushed the door open, seasonal music and the smell of food hit them both like a hot flannel to the face as the wondered in.
"Ah sorry about all this, I tend to make such a mission of it all."
"Not bad Souji-Senpai. Man if it's like this every Christmas I might have to always make an appearance."
A grin masked his embarrassment but his slightly warmer looking cheeks gave it away. He could always blame it on the cooking.
"Thanks, I hope it's to you and Naoto's liking once it's done."
Mischief played in her eyes as she looked him up and down. Even with the oddly bizarre Featherman apron and the loosely hanging Santa hat hanging from his head, his form attracted her as his simple denim jeans and white polo shirt showed he somewhat made an effort.
"I'm sure it would, I'm always a fan when you go all out."
His soft laugh was as merry as the as the seasonal decorations around them.
"Again with the innuendos," He turned back to the cooking for a second. "Staying the night?"
Even though he couldn't see her as his back was turned to her form. She nodded vigorously.
"Definitely! You expect me to go back out there in that cold. I said to my label's driver that I'll call them when I needed them. I have the next week free calendar wise anyway so I'm not needed for anything urgent." She gave Naoto's hand she was holding a gentle squeeze. "Normally I do Christmas gigs because it's one of those stand out things that you need to really reach the next level. I've done it so often recently that I was easily able to get the time off. Not like I need the fame or money at the moment anyway."
She turned to Naoto who tilted her head curiously, waiting for her to finish.
"I've heard that Christmas day is more like for lovers and such but I haven't been able to experience it…" It was another squeeze of the hand. "Til now anyway."
"Aww…"
"Rise-chan…" Naoto's embarrassed tone crept through as she pulled her hand away only to scratch the back of her head emulating Souji from earlier.
"Anyway, enough of the mushy stuff." Quickly peering over Souji's shoulder she eyed hungrily the food currently in preparation. "What you cooking there Senpai?"
Her mouth hung open at the new fitting into their kitchen.
"I-Is that... An oven?" Souji couldn't help but grin.
"Yup, it was one of my Christmas presents from last year but it means I can do so much more now. I think Naoto got it so I can spend more time cooking."
"Souji-kun saw through me completely."
"Anyway, loads of things but you'll see it when it's done." The mirthful laugh accompanied the action of him intercepting her access to the in progress dinner causing her to moan in mock frustration. She heard Naoto giggle from behind her at the antics of the two. Figuring it was best to save dinner and by extension Souji, she tapped Rise on the shoulder to get her attention.
"We should let Souji-kun continue to work. I'm sure whatever he has in store will be worth the wait."
The pout Rise gave her almost made the Sleuth burst out in laughter but she kept it in, only giving something away with the small jolt of the shoulders.
"You know what he's cooking right?"
Rise got a knowing side look in return. "It's kind of hard not too when you live in the same house..."
Her pout only grew. "You guys are so not fair-"
A larger rough hand placed itself on her head and rubbed soothingly. "I'll make it worth it I promise."
That feeling of the warmth of his hand playing with her locks made her sigh in relaxation on the spot. She had to stop herself from subconsciously leaning back knowing he wasn't there to catch her. At that point Rise realised something.
She opened one eye lazily. "I haven't said Merry Christmas..."
It only caused Naoto to raise an eye brow. "It's implied now? I wouldn't expect a song and dance out of it."
Rise grinned
"If I put more of an effort in I would do." The Idol begrudgingly pulled away from Souji's comforting hand and pulled the Sleuth towards her. "Come here."
All Naoto Could do was yelp as she was hoisted forward as her face was only inches apart from her best friend. Rise's expression turned coy. "Merry Christmas,"
Naoto blinked. "Uhh Merry Chris- Mmm..."
The reply was cut short as Rise locked lips with Naoto. Her eyes widened at the sudden gesture of affection. It took a moment before she relaxes; her hands grasped Rise's elbows as she started to kiss back. The Idol hummed and deepened the kiss slightly causing the blue haired detective to grip her arms tighter.
After a moment Rise pulled back slowly, eye lids flickering dreamily.
"Definitely a Merry Christmas..."
All Naoto could do was take a deep breath in, trying to find her bearings quickly to answer.
"Y-Yeah..."
A large cough interrupted the two of them as the cook in the house snapped them out of their moment.
"If you are gonna make out, do it in the living room please. I don't really need any more distractions while I'm working here."
His reply was met with the Idol sticking her tongue out at him. "You are just jealous."
"Of course I am. All I want to do is kiss my girlfriend all day but as you can see I have things to do."
"Hey!"
All Naoto could do was giggle at their antics and softly dislodge herself from their visitor's embrace. She went to place her hand on her boyfriend's arm and rubbed it soothingly.
"I promise we won't leave you out. I'm really appreciative of your efforts today." He only shook his head.
"I know, I wouldn't want to be cooking for anyone else." She leaned to give him a small peck on his lips which he reciprocated softly. "It will only be an hour."
The soft smile from Naoto made his heart swell. "Right I'll call everyone once I'm done but it won't be long."
The ladies nodded as they strolled out of the room, leaving Souji to mull over the various assortment of dinner currently in progress.
After about an hour, the table was set and the food was laid out on the kitchen's dining table. A whole medium size roast boneless leg of lamb as the main centrepiece included with stuffing. Well done golden roasted potatoes, steamed rice with various assortment of seasoned vegetables.
Rise and Naoto's eyes glowed with excitement as bit by bit Souji loaded the table on the food. For the two of them, home cooked food was rare before Souji came into their life. However with Souji's access to an oven it took his ability to express himself to the next level.
"Oh my god Souji-Senpai! This is incredible!" All he could do was laugh as she began to drool at the food forming in front of them.
"I agree. You've really outdone yourself this time."
Wiping his brow, still a little sweaty from overseeing the hot food for a few hours smiled in triumph from his biggest undertaking of food he's ever done.
"I'm glad; I hope it tastes as good as it looks." Taking a small breath her went on to explain his choice in dishes. "I went for a western food set today since Christmas is a western tradition, not native to us in Japan so I thought we can go all out in their food. Turkeys are an absolute pain in the ass to work with so I went lamb instead. Roasted potatoes you can only do in a big enough oven..."
Turning to Naoto, "Thanks again, it was a lovely present last year."
All she could do was blush. "...And it was a lot easier for me to do now I've done some prior testing over the year. What I can say this might be their final form. And as the vegetables, they are nothing unusual; however the Brussels sprouts are quite difficult to get a hold of. "
Tucking his hand behind his back so he could undo the tie of his apron, "Alright guys dig in and let me know how it tastes."
Naoto rubbed her hands together and grabbed a knife, fork and a pair of chopsticks and started serving herself some food. Rise however quickly got her phone out and took some snapshots of the well laid table and all its contents. Once Souji sat down he dutifully cut the lamb into pieces, struggling a little with the thickest part but carved well enough so everyone could take a piece quite easily.
Once Naoto took the first bite...
"Oh my! Souji-kun has you ever considered being a professional chef?"
Rise was next...
"..."
The look Souji gave her was curious as her face cycled through multiple expressions. The one she ended on was somewhere between a frown and a pout.
"...It's absolutely unfair that you are Naoto-kun's." She told him grumpily. All the former leader could do was laugh. "It's so good that it's unfair you exist..."
"Well I do try."
Souji watched the two as the gobbled down the dinner he took so much effort in putting together. Their faces when while they relished in the taste made it all the worthwhile for him.
...
...
...
Rise leaned back and burped loudly which only got a raised eye brow from the Detective. She only laughed but sunk further into her chair knowing she probably ate too much. She could ignore that though, that's a problem for future Rise to deal with.
"My god Souji, that was insane, can I just hire you as my private cook for shows and tours?" Naoto shot her an incredulous look. Mortified that her source of good food being snatched from right under her nose.
"No! I need him hear, if you take him I won't be able to see him for weeks..." Rise only smirked knowing she hit a few buttons.
"Of course but I go weeks without seeing him anyway, come on Souji, it pays well."
Naoto shook her head, turning back to her boyfriend trying to plead her case.
"Don't listen to her I-" She was cut off with Souji raising his palm indicating he wanted to pitch in before it got too absurd.
"I'm not gonna go anywhere. I'm flattered Rise but I'm already bound to one agreement as is." Rise pouted, slinking even further into her chair.
"Aww no fun..." She shot up just remembering something however, "Since we have just finished eating, would you like to trade presents?"
The other two on the table nodded with euphuism, Souji lifting himself out of his chair to clear some of the plates so they had space to bring out the gifts. Naoto excused herself to go grab the presents that were under the tree as Rise took out the bag that sitting at the foot of the table throughout their meal. A small smile played on her lips in anticipation as she the bag quickly replaced where her plate and bowl once was. Taking a quick peak that everything in there was as it should be she nodded as she heard the water from the tap stop running signalling Souji's return to the table. As if Naoto's timing couldn't have been any more perfect, the kitchen door open with Detective Prince in appearance, several small boxes in her arms as she walked over to them. With a muted thump she carefully placed them on the table, towering compared to Rise's bag.
Rise couldn't help but glance over at the pile the Detective brought in.
"So just how much did you get?" Naoto's expression was one of minor confusion at the question acting like this was completely normal at Christmas. She half shrugged separating the boxes into small piles for each person. So they were easier to give out, and then passed along a set to Souji specifically that he could give out himself.
"Well we normally get a couple gifts each. But this time we have a guest who we had to incorporate for. A certain someone would feel really left out if we didn't get her anything, isn't that right Souji-kun?"
Souji grunted an affirmative as he organised the pile in front of him, separating them so it was easier to give them to each recipient.
"Shall I go first?"
Souji's question prompted a simple nod from Naoto and a rather enthusiastic one from Rise, curious what the former leader would have gotten them. There was a small-ish box wrapped in a deep cobalt blue wrapping paper. Taking it graciously with a blush, Rise looked on as Naoto nervously but carefully pulled the wrapping paper apart and sliding out the box keeping the covering entirely intact. Her eyes lit up as the velvet box came into view. She had a small idea what it was considering what she got last year, but it didn't quell her excitement.
"Go on, open it."
The verbal push from Souji was enough so she flicked open the small clasp at the front and the box lid popped open. She marvelled in awe at the small bracelet that was in there. What the main focus was hanging off the chain was the charm of the Shirogane family crest the same one that was a memento of her late father that Naoto's granddad carried around with him for safe keeping. Naoto instantly noticed the importance of the charm as her eyes instantly spilled tears.
"There is no way..." She couldn't blink them away quick enough before she could turn to Souji with nothing but surprise. "But how?"
All Souji could do was give her a warm smile. "I must admit I was a little lost for present ideas this year then I spoke with Yakushiji-san about possible gifts and this came up. A meeting with your Grandpa about it and he thought it was a wonderful idea. What I didn't know is that he had this and he suggested it as a last minute addition rather than the replica I was planning on getting made. Sorry if it brings back some bad memories, it didn't really consider than until now..."
Souji scratched the back of his head in frustration, not realising it could have the opposite effect.
"No... no..." Naoto wept as she shook her head, dismissing his words. "T-This is perfect..."
Using her wrist she wiped away the tears before sniffling for a moment, trying to get herself back in order.
"Naoto-kun are you ok?" Rise asked her voice full of concern.
Even through the tears Naoto gave a small smile and clutched the box tightly in her hands. "I'm happy, I'm very happy because family means so much to me. For Grandpa to pass this on means more than both of you could fathom. Souji this is an incredible gift, I'm not sure how I could repay you for this ever..."
The tears were threatening to fall again but she then felt the large but warm hand on the crown of her head, giving her hair a small ruffle.
"I'm just glad you are happy; want me to put it on?"
Naoto nodded happily, "Please do!"
The Sleuth gave Souji the box with one hand and then presented her right wrist with the other. Gently the former leader took the small bracelet from its presentation box and wrapped it around his girlfriend's wrist, noting that she was tremble slightly still from the overflow of emotion. After doing the small latch with a small clip he let go of Naoto's wrist where she flexed it instinctually. Feeling the light metal's weight with the small sound of the family's crest hitting the main chain of the piece of jewellery as it moved.
Happy with his work he turned to the Idol who was still looking on with complete interest.
"This one is for you," The words were similar but it was a considerably larger box than what Naoto got. However Rise could bet her left leg that it was nowhere near as valuable as what was given before. Considering what it meant to her best friend, that was perfectly ok.
"Sweet! Thanks love," She took the box excitedly and tore open the wrapping paper in record time. She gasped as she saw the box. "You remembered!"
Naoto peered over curiously, "What is it Rise-chan?"
The excitement is still evident as she turned to the Sleuth.
"I wanted a small tablet to start recording dates and gatherings since my old one broke and I haven't had time to replace it. The agency would have gotten me one but the tech they normally hand out is crap and I wouldn't be surprised if it had some sort of tracking software because you know how paranoid they could get." Turning back to the former leader, "This is perfect I didn't think it was a big deal, thanks so much!"
The grin on Souji's face returned. "If you think that's something take it out and check out the back."
Taking the piece of tech out of the box, she turned it over and squealed at what she saw. The back of the tablet had a custom back case of all the various pictures Rise had with the investigation group similar to the ones on the back of her phone. Her eyes lit up similar to what Naoto's did earlier before turning to him with a coy smile.
"Souji-kun, you are going all in today, I might have to give myself up to you completely at this rate if you keep this up." Turning to Naoto, "I know he's your property but still."
Naoto only shook her head but a joyful smile never left it. "I understand the feeling trust me."
Turning to said subject matter, she passed over a carefully wrapped package and slid it over to Souji, a warm blush emanating from her cheeks.
"I hope this is to your liking..."
Souji's ever loving smile never failed at putting her at ease. Using a finger to tear a hole in the side, he pulled out the box and laughed when he saw the front of it.
"Oh hey, I was really interested in one of these. That's what I get for being curious about something when you are around." The box contained glasses with camera lenses on the edge of the frame with various other digital functionality which allowed him to connect to his phone to display any information that only he could see. It's something he expressed interest in when it came to lecturing and field work when with Naoto. Due to normally being her assistant he could afford to spend a little bit of extra time to analyse thing that she would normally not be able to see.
"These are excellent, I might have to spend some time today to get these set up." Turning to his significant other where she matched his expression cheerfully with a small tint of colour in her face.
"Can I do your one last Rise-chan; it's more of a joint present..." The Idol could only raise an eye brow at the comment but couldn't help herself.
"Hoo, do you guys planning on taking me now right after food, how bold you two have gotten." It causes Naoto to cough in surprise shaking her head.
"No! Not on my mind at all!" Rise only laughed it over and pushed Naoto's present into her hands.
"Here this is yours." Rise's sudden pushiness cut off Naoto's defensive ramble for a moment as she blinked at the item shoved into her hands. Methodically she pulled at the piece of tape which completely undone the hot pink wrapping that Rise used as the paper completely fell away. Inside there was a beautiful set or burgundy winter gloves. Just from the feel of them they were insanely expensive.
"A certain assistant told me your favourite gloves got ripped at your last work assignment; I couldn't let those amazing hands of yours get cold while working right?" Naoto's best friend stuck her tongue out playfully.
"Rise-chan... How much did these costs?"
Considering the giggle that left the Idol she wasn't going to get an exact answer.
"Don't worry about that, do you like then?"
"Yeah of course I do, they are beautiful. Where did you get them from?"
Naoto subconsciously tried them on; soft yet warm feeling instantly took over her hands as she put them and marvelled at the stitch work that was done.
"I was in Shibuya recently for a photo shoot for a department store and I saw those on my way in and thought of you. Getting my agency to give me five minutes to buy them wasn't easy though, they can be such a pain in the ass sometimes."
Naoto continued to look on at the garment in wonder.
"I'm grateful for this, I'll be very careful with them."
"Good," Turning to Souji,
"And this is for you, I have a second present but you are gonna have to wait for that big guy." The former leader looked on at it noticing it was in the shape of a CD case. Tearing the tape open he slid it out figuring out he was right on the money.
"Technically it goes to both of you but when I originally recorded this I was thinking of you as bad as that sounds when I made Sapphire and the rest of the album. Figuring that how much the both of you mean to me now, I spent a couple days rewriting some of the lyrics and doing a bit of rerecording and I thought I'll make a special LP of Gemstones for you Souji-kun..." She twirled a strand of her brown locks around her finger with a bashful look on her face while blushing heavily, "I hope it's not too corny, but I'm glad if you give it a listen..."
Souji gave her one of those warm expressions that made sink into a puddle instantly to the point where her blush deepened.
"Absolutely, I'm honoured to get this present, you really didn't have too."
Naoto looked on approvingly, feeling giddy how well their Christmas together has gone. Finally for the last gift,
"Here Rise this is both from me and Souji."
It was a box shaped item covered in a deep red wrapping paper. In a burst of excitement she tore it open and the box itself wasn't decorated and was plain from the outside. Undoing the flap on the front she opened it up to see quite a sophisticated pink watch inside, a tad bit bulkier than what she would normally wear but still had a sleek design similar to what you would get by a designer brand. Even though at face value the watch seemed like it was an analogue clock face it actually had quite a large digital display front.
"Try it on..." Rise took in Naoto's words as she plucked it from the case and slid it on to her right wrists, the strap clasp tightened to her form as the sensor on the back of the watch touched her skin. The device whirled alive, booting for a second before her name appeared on it
"Kujikawa Rise 3"
Rise blinked in disbelief.
"1m"
"No way..."
"Building it took a while due to its traditional design ironically enough. I don't do fashion very well at all so I had Souji-kun sketch me a design similar to what you wore in the past. I know you always wondered what our ones were like but I figured if we are in this for the long haul you might as well get one. Also you never know when the might come in handy. Also since you are in public more often than we are and you don't really want people to know how you are its set to silent by default, I hope that helps."
This time it was Rise's turn to cry.
"You guys are the best!" She wailed as she glomped Naoto with the biggest hug, almost knocking her off the chair. Naoto slowly wrapped her arms around her best friend as she cried into her bare shoulder.
"I'm glad you like it," Naoto said warmly.
"I-it's the best!" The replied was somewhat muffled and slurred as the tears continued to come Naoto not minding her shoulder getting wet.
The Sleuth rubbed her back soothingly, knowing how much it meant to her. It took a moment before she pulled back, but still held on to Naoto,
"This means so much..."
The Idol took a tissue offered to her from Souji so she could wipe her eyes.
"Thanks..." She let out a breath, finally calmed down. "You guys will be the end of me I swear..."
Straightening herself out, she finally turned to Souji, taking a moment to cough to get her mental bearings back.
"As for your other present my old Senpai you will have to wait until later. I promise it will be worth it, I'll have good ol Naoto-kun to help me with it too." That made Souji put on a bit of a knowing smile but Naoto looked at her curiously.
"Before something gets lost in translation would you mind telling me what it is?" The sparkle in the Idol's eyes never faded as she got real close and started to whisper in her ear.
"Certainly what I was going..." Anything from there was lost on Souji as he watched in interest. As Rise continued Naoto's eyes began to widen then suddenly she went flush. But the more and more she heard the ideas, the more red she got. Somewhere during the silent explanation she turned to her Idol friend with a quick,
"Will that work?"
Rise nodded quickly and went back to explaining the rest making Naoto gasp out loud. Souji leaned on his arm, his grin never fading.
"Will I get a clue in?"
Rise shook her head and pointed at him offended.
"No you don't lover boy, you'll find out later one, once the movies I was promised are done!" To top it off Rise stuck her tongue out mockingly.
Only able to laugh, Souji pushed himself up out of the chair bundling his gifts to carry with his right arm.
"I guess we best get to those movies we promised."
Rise nodded doing the same but not before giving her new watch a quick look over.
"Definitely, coming Naoto?"
Rise's question made her snap out of fantasy land.
"Oh yeah, I'll join you."
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