#shuca

Shu adjusted the violet scarf snugly around his neck, the cold bite of December softened by the warmth in his chest. Christmas lights twinkled faintly overhead, their golden glow reflected in the soft flakes drifting from the sky. His dark ponytail swayed as he turned, his eyes settling on Luca, who stood fumbling with his gloves, cheeks flushed pink—partly from the cold, partly from the smile tugging at his lips.

"Hold still," Shu murmured, he spoken softly, voice breaking the quiet. He stepped closer, his gloved hands reaching out to cup Luca's face. Snowflakes caught in the golden strands of Luca's hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow. Gently, Shu adjusted the scarf wrapped around Luca’s neck, tugging it higher as if to shield him better from the biting wind. The gesture was so tender, so practiced, it spoke volumes of the countless times Shu had cared for him in the same way.

Luca looked up, his light purple eyes catching the soft glow of the lights above. A playful smile curved his lips, breaking through the serene moment. "You fuss over me too much," he teased, though the warmth in his gaze betrayed how much he cherished it.

Shu’s lips twitched into a small smirk. "You never dress warmly enough," he countered, his words carrying a blend of fondness and exasperation. His hands lingered for a heartbeat longer before dropping to his sides, though his gaze remained steady on Luca, as if committing every detail to memory.

Around them, the snow continued to fall in delicate swirls, children’s laughter echoing as they raced down a nearby hill with sleds. The scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider wafted through the air, mingling with the crisp chill of winter.

“Do you remember last Christmas?” Luca asked softly, slipping his gloved hand into Shu’s. His hands were big but warm enough that Shu likes it. fitting perfectly against Shu’s. “The snow wasn’t this perfect, but we still built that ridiculous snowman.”

Shu chuckled, his gentle voice resonating like a quiet melody in the stillness. “You mean the snowman that looked more like a lopsided blob? I remember. You called it modern art.” he rolled his eyes playfully.

“Because it WAS modern art!” Luca retorted with mock indignation, his laughter bubbling up and brightening the air around them. He gave Shu’s hand a playful squeeze, and Shu couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped him.

They strolled hand in hand toward the town square, their footsteps crunching in the fresh snow, leaving a trail of mismatched prints. Ahead, the towering Christmas tree stood proud, its branches adorned with shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights. Beneath it, carolers sang harmoniously, their voices weaving through the cold night like a warm embrace.

As they reached the base of the tree, Shu turned to Luca, his expression shifting into something softer, more serious. Snow clung to his dark hair, melting into tiny droplets, and his violet scarf framed his face. He reached out again, brushing a stray snowflake from Luca’s cheek with such tenderness that Luca felt his breath catch.

“You’re freezing,” Shu murmured, his voice low, almost reverent, though it wasn’t just the cold he was concerned about. It was Luca—always Luca—whose well-being meant more to him than anything.

“I’m fine,” Luca replied softly, whose smile still the brightest though his voice trembled—not from the cold, but from the overwhelming warmth Shu’s presence always brought him.

Shu leaned down, their foreheads lightly touching, and for a moment, their breaths mingled in the cold air, forming tiny clouds that dissolved into the night. His voice was a whisper, barely audible over the distant sound of bells. “Merry Christmas, Luca.”

Luca smiled, his eyes closing as he leaned into the touch, his voice a quiet echo. “Merry Christmas, Shu.”