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Christmas has always been a festive time for Sendou. He hated the cold, but he loved cuddling with someone on the sofa, with hot chocolate and blankets, watching the snow falling.
This Christmas would be different, though...
"Sorry, what did you say?" Sendou asked for the third time that morning.
"Jeez, talk about deaf." Bachira joked, before realization downed on him, and then, he looked guilty. "Shuuto, I'm sorry."
"It's ok." And Shuuto smiled. "It was funny."
He turned around and left after that, locking himself in the bathroom.
He had survived the kidnapping. Had survived his parents, but that had only served to make his life more difficult.
The doctors had told him he'd lose nearly half of his hearing, bordering on needing hearing aids, but not enough.
Humiliating, because Shuuto couldn't hear as well as any normal person, but he wasn't deaf enough to qualify as deaf, so he just came off as rude.
And then, his right hand.
Shuuto's dominant hand was the right one. But he had a cast over it. They said he'd most likely lose the majority of his nerves and it was a gamble if he'd ever be able to use it again.
But it didn't matter. It was Christmas. He could focus on other stuff... like presents for his friends!
...
Shuuto was the only person in blue lock allowed out of the facility, although after the incident, Snuffy had to accompany him.
That meant that while others weren't even sure what day it was, Shuuto was going to get them all Christmas gifts! (And he said it seriously. He had asked Hiori a few days ago if he knew what day it was. Hiori just said he didn't know. Maybe December).
That was what brought him to the center of Tokyo, always noisy.
Shuuto wouldn't admit it outloud, but I made him feel better. He could hear all that noise. Less, but still there. It made him feel normal.
"Where do you want to go first?" Snuffy asked loudly, but Shuuto just looked at him.
"What?!" He screamed, earning a few looks.
"Where do we go?!" Snuffy repeated, louder. Shuuto heard.
"Snacks first! Ego gave permission to eat unhealthy food on the 25th."
So they both walked into a small store. One of those selling candy and snacks. It was quieter there, for sure, but still festive.
"Do we know what to get?" Snuffy inquired, looking over the red licorice.
"I'm pretty sure I can guess most of them." Shuuto wasn't sure.
In the end, they got chips, crackers, pretzels, a few sugary drinks, licorice (Shuuto liked it, ok?), gummy bears and anything they deemed tasty enough for a celebration.
After that, they stopped by an anime store, looking over the merch, and manga. Snuffy was way more surprised than Sendou.
"There's so many manga stores here." He was commenting, picking up a Jujutsu Kaisen one.
"It's Japan." Sendou deadpanned. "I'd be more surprised if mangas were difficult to find."
"Oh, yeah." Snuffy laughed. "With the translator and all, I forget sometimes that we're not home."
Sendou froze for a moment. Right, Snuffy was stuck here, like other masters. And football players needed to travel.
But he must have been feeling homesick, and didn't tell anyone, because he was supposed to be the adult. The responsible one.
He wanted to do something for his father.
"Oh, let's look at this!"
...
Ness wasn't sure of how to proceed.
Since Shuuto came back (and he insisted on being called Shuuto) he had been different. Nothing like any of the versions of him Ness had dealt with.
He had known the insecure Shuuto hiding behind stardom. The one who got mad at anyone insinuating he wasn't a good player.
He knew the nerd Shuuto. Talking about anime, manga, Kpop, obsessed with different mythologies and always with a weird fun fact no one else knew.
He had known Shuuto the liar. The one whose catchphrase was 'I'm fine' but always had that look in his eyes that made it clear he wasn't. The one who focused too much on others to avoid focusing on himself.
This Shuuto? He was just... Shuuto. Sadder.
He had lost the energy to lie, regarding him with silence every time Ness asked him how he was. Still cared.
But Ness noticed it. Sometimes, Shuuto wouldn't hear someone talking. And when he realized there was noise, he smiled. And that smile wouldn't reach his eyes. Then he'd leave. Disappear for the rest of the day, and no one would know where he went.
He watched Shuuto try to grab something with his right hand, only to widen his eyes as he looked down at his cast, then get very still and quiet for almost a minute.
He watched everyone pretend not to look at the nasty burn he had right under his ear. The one he couldn't hear out of. And Shuuto noticed.
"What are you thinking about?" Ness looked behind him. Kaiser had just entered the training room, looking at him strangely.
"Nothing, just..."
"It's Shuuto, isn't it?" Kaiser had always prided himself in knowing Ness better than anyone, after all.
Ness sighed. "It feels like he's slowly dying alive." He confessed.
"He's learning to adjust to his new way of leaving." Kaiser shot back, walking closer, until he was holding Ness. "But I get where you're coming from. You're the same as back then."
"What are you talking about?" Ness questioned, leaning closer to his boyfriend.
"When we were younger. After we met." Kaiser contextualized. "After you got me out of that house, and told me about your dream. You have the same expression as back then, when I tried to..."
"Don't say it." Ness interrupted. "I'd rather not think about that."
"I guess Shuuto is kind of like me in that way." Kaiser sighed.
"I feel like he's hiding something." Really, there was something Shuuto wasn't telling, and it was weighing on him.
"You sound like a mother, saying they know their child best." Kaiser laughed. A low sound, almost didn't count as one.
At that moment, his phone vibrated, so after sending a glare to Kaiser, Ness opened his messages.
What a coincidence. Shuuto's name laughed at him from the screen.
'Out in Tokyo for a Christmas run. Wanna get something for his birthday?'
Ness looked at Kaiser from the corner of his eyes, and then, typed something really fast, before turning off his phone.
"Hey, what was that?" Kaiser asked.
"Don't know what you're talking about. Come, let's go train."
And Ness dragged Kaiser around, not letting him bring up the topic again. Physically.
...
Christmas morning started like any other day. For about five minutes.
"Hello, diamonds in the rough." Ego's face was on the big screen. "For the ones that don't know, today is the 25th of December-" Aiku interrupted.
"Where's Shuuto?" He asked, looking around concerned.
Ego sighed. "I'd much rather him be with you."
At that moment, Shuuto came out on the screen again, holding a water gun pointed at Ego's head.
"As you might have noticed, I'm being threatened." The project leader continued.
"It was just for dramatic effect." Shuuto laughed. "I didn't know you'd actually hate getting wet that much."
"It's December, and I know for a fact there was ice inside." Ego glared.
"Well, yeah. Christmas themed water gun." Shuuto said, like it was logical.
"Anyways." Ego decided to ignore him. "As your therapist, Shuuto decided it was a good idea to celebrate Christmas. You'll find your presents in the common rooms."
... Barcha
Lavinho stared at the pile of gifts. Most of the team had already opened theirs, so there were only four left.
Bachira jumped excitedly, opening his present. And once he did, he literally shrieked in pleasure.
"Cool!" Inside his package were two things. First, an art set, with water colors. And second, a painting from his mother, with a note attached.
'She seems like a delightful woman. Better write to her soon'.
Bachira almost cried. He had missed his mom.
Otoya opened his present with wariness. After all, Shuuto and he had a time where he refused to say Otoya's name because he flirted with the salmon head.
Inside his package he found a fake kunai. Also with a note.
'If I gave you a real one, I fear you'd use it.'
Next to the Kunai was a picture of the whole blue lock team during the U-20 match. Otoya tried not to be noticed, but they all saw him smiling with nostalgia.
Bunny was going to shake his own box, but Shuuto had apparently thought of that, if the 'warning, don't fucking shake it' sign was anything to go by.
So instead, he opened it carefully, to reveal a cage. Inside it there was, ironically, a Bunny. White, with red eyes, and a note.
'Reminded me of you. He even has your personality. I'd name him Reus, but you do you.'
Bunny laughed, and it almost sounded genuine. Well, as genuine as it could be coming from him.
He opened the cage and the animal jumped in his face. It seemed to laugh as Bunny stood there, frozen, confused.
"I met Shuuto in Reus." He explained to Bachira, who seemed confused about the name. "I guess I don't have a better name for it."
Lavinho was excited to open his present. Shuuto had been so thoughtful with everyone.
Inside the small box was a ring. A wedding ring with a small note attached.
'Not sure if Snuffy knows, but I know you know how you feel. Took the liberty of getting it beforehand.'
Lavinho could've laughed. The ring itself was gorgeous. Silver, with an inscription in Latin. Not too flashy. Something Snuffy would love.
Next to the ring box, was another one. Inside, yet another note, and a Bluetooth speaker, completely personalized. Red, white, and yellow, filled with stickers Lavinho found hilarious.
'Did you think I was only telling you to marry Snuffy? Better blast good music with this.'
Gods, Lavinho really loved that kid as his own.
... Manshine City
Chris looked at Reo opening Nagi's gift with a sigh. This really was starting to get on his nerves.
Nagi got a phone with a note saying 'keep up or you'll regret it'.
Reo got a photo of him with everyone, and a coffee mug that said 'I'm the richest bitch here' with a note attached.
'Stop being so rich. It's impossible to buy for you.'
Reo laughed. Honestly, Chris thought the same thing as Shuuto.
Chigiri opened his present carefully. He found countless creams and haircare products that blue lock didn't provide. He also got a scarf with a note.
'Extra protection for when you go see Kunigami.'
No one knew what he meant by that, but Chigiri still folded the scarf carefully.
Chris looked at his own present. Shuuto had gotten him a book on health, and a fantasy book. To expand his knowledge, he said.
That kid...
... Bastard Munchen
The first one to open his present was Isagi. And he got a thank you note. Not only that, but also a notebook, to 'keep your ideas where you can organize them'.
Hiori got a printed fic, and some binoculars. His note wasn't weird at all.
'Your fault for calling me an omega. Also, good luck on your 'bird' watching.'
Hiori laughed. Nobody got it.
Kurona got four plushies. One of them a giant shark.
'You look soft. Figured they'd help.'
Kurona loved them. He kept throwing the duck around at people, enjoying watching them try to dodge.
Kaiser looked at the two boxes for him, and his eyes widened.
One of them said 'from Ness'. He realized it was for his birthday.
The blond looked at his boyfriend, who smiled at him.
"I'd never forget." Ness said softly.
Kaiser opened Shuuto's one first. Inside was a bracelet with a crown in the middle. He laughed, looking at the note.
'Couldn't get you a real one, so pretend you're the emperor of bracelets or something.'
When he went to open Ness's gift, the Magenta haired boy stopped him.
"Later." He said.
Ness opened his own gift, looking at it with surprise.
There was a small music box made of wood, with a gorgeous illustration carved in it. It played a beautiful melody from the Nutcracker.
'It sounds delicate, but it's a strong piece. Kind of like you, if you think about it. Please, don't try to help too much.'
Ness held the little music box close to his chest.
Kunigami was surprised he even got anything. He figured since the incident with Shuuto, he would've been left empty handed.
Inside his box was a pack of proteins to make shakes, and a necklace with a small heart. Probably not for him. His note had shaky handwriting, like Shuuto had written it panicking.
'Take this as a piece offering. I really didn't mean to upset you. Also, here is something to help you apologize to Chigiri.'
So that was it. Kunigami crumpled the note, and hid it in his pocket.
Noa was the last one. He looked at his box, and then opened it. A small doll of every master, and a key.
'So you can remember this. Oh, and that's for Ego's office. I'm sure you guys want to talk.'
That little shit.
... PXG
Shidou was the first one to open his present, eager as always.
Inside, there were a few things. First, a manual on handling intrusive sexual thoughts. He laughed, Shuuto had a great sense of humor.
Then, under it, a pack of balloons. He knew how much chaos those could cause. And lastly, a few photos of Rin as a child. Adorable.
'I still don't like you with my brother, but he looks happy. Hurt him and the police will need Lego instructions to build your body back up again.'
Charming.
Nanase and Karasu got a few interesting things. Magazines, a car toy, and a pamphlet for victims of stalking (weird). Zantetsu got a dictionary and a few clothes.
Charles opened his with a giddy expression. He was the youngest, so it made sense.
There was a Nerf gun inside. Which was a very bad thing to give Charles. And then, a manga. Banana fish.
'I hate you being with Niko even more, but I'm feeling a bit bad for the gaslighting. So here it is. Get to know Niko. He needs someone who sees him, not someone who wants to play and then leave. Banana fish will be your best bet for a conversation starter.'
Rin looked at his box. It was kind of big, but didn't weigh much.
The first thing he got was a couple of owl things. A plushie, a wooden figure, and a necklace. Cool.
Then, a photo of him with Shuuto when they were younger. Behind it was a message 'best little brother I could've asked for. Never change'.
And then... First, there was a paper with a phone number on it. Sae's phone number. And also, a ticket to Madrid, to watch one of his matches right before the world cup.
'You don't have to, but sometimes confronting who hurt you is what you need to move on. And maybe you'll even get a new opportunity. Just... please, don't forget me if you do.'
Rin almost threw the phone number and the ticket away. But he decided to keep them. After all, Shuuto bought it.
Loki opened his gift to find, first, flowers with a note saying 'for dealing with Charles'. He laughed.
And after that, he got a locket, with a photo of all of PXG, and a toy car.
'You're still young. Don't pretend you're an adult. Because you'll never go back to this age. Make the most of it.'
Loki laughed. Well, that was Shuuto the therapist. Of course he knew.
...
Ubers had gathered for it. Shuuto stood aside, next to Snuffy.
The first to open his gift was Aryu, who found a lot of hair care products, next to skin care, and makeup.
'Someone needs to be the prettiest one in the room.'
Aryu looked at Shuuto. "This is all the stuff I mentioned liking so long ago."
"I have good memory." Sendou responded.
The next was Barou. Inside him was, first of all, one of those octopus plushies that could be angry and happy. He looked at Shuuto, who shrugged.
"Hard to distinguish sometimes." He said.
Apart from that, Barou got a new hairbrush, fresh red dye, and a portable cup for drinks.
Then, Niko opened his present, slowly, like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to.
A few mangas were first. Attack on titan, Haikyuu, and a few others. Then, a figurine of Sailor moon, because she was an icon, and a notebook with pencils.
'I've seen you drawing in your free time. This way you don't have to throw them away. You're not weird, Niko. You're unique. Keep being it.'
Niko hugged Shuuto, who held him for the rest of the time being.
Lorenzo opened his present with a hurry. First, a note with money.
'You're always saying you prefer money rather than actual gifts. Got you both so you can't complain.'
Under the envelope were a few puzzle games, and a signed photo of Snuffy and him, posing. Cute.
Lorenzo turned a questioning look to Shuuto.
"I asked Snuffy for the photo. And you love mind games. That's the closest thing I can give you." He explained.
"It's actually... good." Lorenzo sounded genuinely surprised.
Then, Aiku. He opened his present with a smile, and looked at his gift.
First, there was a ring. Metal ring, with a sober design. One of those that spun around.
Then, a few board games. And party games, of course. And then, two plane tickets. For Sweden. He looked at Shuuto.
"Must suck being away from home." He smiled.
"Why two?" Aiku asked, confused. And Shuuto blushed.
"Well, I thought... maybe you could show me around." He laughed lightly. "Or you can invite someone else, you know."
But Aiku laughed too, putting a hand over Shuuto's left one. "I'd really love for you to see my childhood home."
Snuffy was next. He opened his box, and gasped.
It was a framed photo of his team. Not his actual team. The one he and Mick were a part of before everything went down. They were smiling, they'd just won a tournament.
Then, a ring. Silver, with a Latin inscription and a note.
'It'd be more credible if you were legally married. Or maybe, it'd stop being fake.'
He glared at Shuuto, but then just laughed at it.
"You're really bringing families together for Christmas, eh?" He joked.
"Oh, you don't even know yet. Look more."
Right under the ring box, was a set of documents.
Official adoption documents. Signed by Shuuto. The same ones Snuffy hadn't been able to submit because they had to wait a month from the parents death.
"How..."
"Took a lot of work, but I discovered I could still claim negligence, and CPS would actually speed up the process." He said.
Snuffy hugged Shuuto. Now it was official. They were a real family. And he'd never been happier.
For today. For a little while, he could forget about the hardships and enjoy time with everyone.
So Merry Christmas, happy holidays, enjoy Yule, and never let doubts plague your heart. You're you. You matter.