For You

He doesn't really understand it - the feeling he has toward you that is.

happy new-mas friendos.

__________

Ushijima found himself rushing to the meeting point - you repeatedly mentioned how much you wanted to "enjoy the winter scenery with him".

How cute.

To be honest, Ushijima still didn't understand why his heart tightened whenever he heard sweet words from you. Over the countless amount of time you've been together, you grew out of your nervousness regarding small displays of affection and asked to kiss him on the cheek before sending him off to practice. It took some time, but you eventually stopped asking to hold his hand as he found himself gravitating for your gentle grip. There were times you had phone calls going for hours on end, even if there little to no things to say regarding current events that even went on as the two of you slept comfortably with each other on the line. Sometimes you would drop by the gym during or after practice to watch him train with the others - Tendo seemed to revel in the fact that you openly talked about Ushijima's quirks.

Just thinking of what the two of you did during the long year made his stomach flop and turn - he really didn't get why his body still felt this way about you after all these moments you shared together.

Standing alone at the center of a bustling city, Ushijima lifts his downcast gaze upward and stares at the night sky with curious thoughts. The chilly air was enough to make him miss your insanely warm hands and the thought that you'd never appear had him panicked. Though he never showed such emotions openly nor expressively as others did, there was a small fear that Ushijima had as a high school teen that you'd tire of the routine the both of you cycled through. You never complained or protested him skipping out dates to train or being unable to make some events due to team meetings; did you ever get angry?

"Waka-kun?"

Ushijima found himself turning too fast on his heel as the slight feeling of light-headedness came and faded from hearing your voice. You were wearing oversized clothes - he didn't think you'd fit so well in that sweater he got you for Christmas though it seemed a bit too big on you. The smile on your lips was as welcoming as always with words you wanted to say were conveyed through a pointed gaze: hello, how are you? His hand took yours within seconds with his fingers curling around small hand; sometimes he forgot how much smaller you were compared to his giant size.

"Did you wait too long?"

"No." Curt as always, but you weren't offended.

"Great, why don't we go grab the candles first and then head to the tree viewing?" Under the numerous lights, your eyes were sparkling. There was some weird way the shades of red and green from decorations made your hair look nicer, and that fluffy grey scarf you loved made you look quite comfortable.

He still didn't understand it at all.

"Alright, I already bought a candle so we don't have to wait in line. Here, can you sign your name on the glass?" The small container housing the wax object had your name written on it decorated with a single drawn star. You had left enough space for him to sign, but he didn't understand what you wanted him to write down on the transparent surface.

"You can just write your last name, Waka-kun."

He really liked the nickname you gave him.

"Ah, are you sure that's fine?" You gently take the candle away from Ushijima's grip as his eyes watch your lips curl up in a smile at the sight of his name. 'Waka' was short and anonymous enough, but Ushijima felt no shame in showing the world the person he loved.

"Yes."

With all small plans done, the two of you make way to the tall Christmas tree standing tall in the middle of a wide shopping area. A variety of couples ranging from age to race stood together closely as they all watched the tree with shared delight on their faces. Looking at you, you shared a similar expression with your face illuminated by Christmas lights.

"It's so bright." The smile on your face made Ushijima feel something.

'You know, with all that weird stuff that you keep describing, you should just acknowledge how much you love her.'

"________." You move your focus to Ushijima's face as he revels at your surprised expression as you watch him close distance between lips. The cold sensation felt fitting, but your embarrassed visage was even better.

"I love you."

The Christmas lights and mindless chatter around you prepared a world devoid of others, leaving the both of you to enjoy the cool winter temperature as the two of you ignored prying eyes and reveled in each other's embrace.