krystalkatzficz | Christmas Tale part 6

Sho leaned against Masaki’s old Volvo and looked up to the heavens frowning at the snow heavy clouds that were floating above him. The air was already colder than he would have liked and was cutting through the three layers he was wearing. Common sense was asking him why he was even here in the first place while his heart gave him his answer when the door opened and the tall, slender form of his lover came into view out of the house carrying bags upon bags. Sho stubbed out his cigarette and hurried forward to help him stalling when he saw the elderly female version of Masaki following him out of the small bungalow. She didn’t look exactly like his lover but there was enough for him to have recognised her even without the hurried and breathless introduction that Masaki gave him a second or two later.

“…Sho! Um…Granny, this is Sakurai Sho…Sho…This is my granny!” Masaki said cheerfully though there was a little look in his eyes that told him that he was nervous about the meeting and Sho gave him a bright smile remembering his promise to be as charming as possible to Masaki’s family. He tugged some of the bags out of Masaki’s hands and then turned to the old woman bowing his head as saying;
“It’s very nice to meet you, Ma’am…”

“…And you, since Masaki didn’t say it my name is Akiyama Machiko…” Machiko smiled the corners of her eyes wrinkling just like Masaki’s did as her lips formed the wide toothy smile. “You’re a handsome one, aren’t you? I can see why Masaki likes you…”

“Granny!” Masaki cried flushing a bright red tomato colour and Sho chuckled bowing again as he said;

“Thank-you, Akiyama-san…”

“Aunty or Machiko will do…Since we’re going to be spending a lot of time together…” The woman smiled again and Sho felt a pulse from his vein near his eye at the reminder that he would be spending two weeks away from the office. His parents would have a fit if they knew. He didn’t respond to the reminder but turned his attention to the heavy bags in his hand saying;

“How many people are going to be at your parents’ house?”

“These aren’t all for the family…In fact, only one bag is…The rest are for the charity party...” Machiko informed him happily as they made their way down the path to Masaki’s car. Sho half-turned to look at her and Masaki and his lover was more than happy to explain.

“Granny runs a charity party each year for the kids and parents of the homeless and needy in the villages! It’s too make sure that no child is left without a present at Christmas! My grandpa used to dress as Santa!” The younger man said happily “People donate presents throughout the year and then there’s a big party Santa comes in and gives toys to the kids and hampers to the parents and guardians…”

“There’s more every year…More so with all the trouble that we have been having…” Machiko finished and all Sho could do was nod at the pair a lump settling into his throat as Masaki unlocked the car door. A glance into the bag told him that they were all signed from Santa and were all addressed to specific children.

“And how do people find out about these parties? I mean you know their names…”

“Ah numbers and addresses are posted in youth buildings and there’s always word of mouth…It’s not very big…But like Granny says there are more and more names each year…” Masaki smiled placing the bags of neatly wrapped presents into the back of the lorry. “It’s nice though, ne! You can come to the party too Sho-chan…”

“Who knows…” Machiko hummed patting him on the back “You could play Santa!”

TBC
A/N: I hope that this is okay ^_^