Mainstreet Christmas

The night was chilly and snow had yet to fall yet, but one could tell from the starless night that it was inevitable. The blond pulled his coat further around himself, trying to conserve his warmth as much as he could. He hated that his car was still in the shop and that he had to depend on the bus to get places. His boyfriend Kiba had needed his car to get to work today. So that left the shuttle bus. Public transportation was such a hassle, especially during the holidays. They were crowded with people and whatever purchases they had. And it always seemed like there were fifty bags per person.



But the streets were decorated with lights, garland, and flags on the lamp posts and it put him in a better mood. It was a cheery view and he enjoyed it very much. It was something he hardly got to see as a child since his parents didn’t live in town. The shop windows were filled with toys, little Christmas trees, and fake snow. He smiled as he passed by children who had their noses pressed to the cold glass.



He remembered doing the same thing when he was just a kid on his first trip into town. He was awed by the colorful lights and the carolers who were out on the streets. He couldn’t contain his excitement and had ran all over the place, hopping from window to window in complete amazement at the dozen or so toys on display. He would smile at his parents and point a mitten covered hand at the toy that he wanted from Santa Clause.



The blond sighed as he dodged a couple walking hand in hand. Those had been the days when Christmas was filled with excitement and joy. He remembered the joyous feelings that bubbled up within as the holiday came closer. And his parents had indulged him in a scavenger hunt for his presents. They would always leave little hints to see if he could locate them by Christmas. While it wasn’t traditional, it was something that the family enjoyed immensely.



He stopped by a window that had a T.V. in the window for the adults Christmas wish. It was playing the classic Christmas movie ‘Jack Frost.’ It was his favorite movie as a child and he had worn the VHS out in a few years. He smiled as Jack Frost nipped the young woman on the nose. He had always like Jack and thought that it was sad that he couldn’t be with the woman he loved. But he also knew that Jack Frost had responsibilities for winter.



He felt arms wrap themselves around his middle and a cold nose nuzzle his ear. The blond smiled to himself and leaned back into the body, taking in the extra warmth. And just as he closed his eyes, he caught a quick glimpse of a snow flake. His hands found the other man’s and laced their gloved fingers together, not caring if people were staring at them.



“Naruto,” the voice was deep and gruff. “You’re running late for the party.”



“I’m sorry Kiba,” the blond answered. “I got distracted by the shops.”



The brunet laughed. “I figured that’s what happened. Come on, everyone’s waiting.”



Naruto let himself be drug away from the shop window, but an idea came to mind and he pulled on the hand intertwined with his. He smiled brightly as the other sent him a confused look. “Let’s skip the party. We know the same thing happens every year. I want to walk around town for a bit.”



Kiba returned the smile as he nodded his head to indulge Naruto. He could never say no to the blond and let himself be drug down the main street. He laughed as his blond boyfriend jumped from window to window. He looked very much like a grown kid in his excitement.



Naruto was staring into a jewelry store as Kiba came up beside him. The blond hadn’t meant to stop there, but as usual something shiny caught his attention. It was a ruby necklace in the shape of a fox. Of course it was out of his price range but it was nice to look at, plus he doubted that he would ever wear it. He felt Kiba bump into his shoulder and the blond smiled up at him.



“Whatcha looking at?” Kiba asked as he stared at the window display.



“Just that necklace,” Naruto hummed as he leaned into the shoulder next to him. “But I’d never wear it.”



Kiba chuckled. “Well what would you say if I had something you would wear for the rest of your life?”



Naruto stared at his boyfriend in disbelief. They had been dating for at least six years but they had never talked about whether or not they would take the next step. While Naruto would have loved to have a small ceremony, he didn’t know about Kiba. But it seem that he would have the answer now.



“I know we never talked about it, but I can’t see myself with anyone but you,” the brunet said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I know I’m not one for sappy moments…but fuck this…Naruto marry me?”



Naruto chuckled at Kiba’s flustered appearance. He knew it had taken a lot for him to even ask the question. He just thought it was cute the way he had spat it out. The blond let the other suffer in a few moments of silence before he hugged the other and kissed him softly.



“Of course mutt breath,” Naruto answered as the snow began to fall heavily around them.