Prologue
Christmas music blared obnoxiously down the street as the festivities of the holidays littered the storefront and lampposts in the small town. The bright colorful lights accompanied by the jingle of bells and cheerful laughter emphasized the merry spirit that oozed from every persons fibre of being as customers browsed through shops filled with decorative trees and wreaths, coupled with dressed-up Santas taking photos with hyperactive children, and even the little puppies on leashes were wearing one of those fitted infamous Ugly Christmas SweatersTM that people seemed to be so oddly fond of.
Amidst all the busy bustling of the place, there gathered a small crowd cheering for a couple who had embraced after the male had boldly proposed to his girlfriend-now-fiancée and even that was a pristine example of a picture perfect holiday love scene, albeit cheesy perhaps but perfect nonetheless.
Bokuto, watching the whole display from the distance, all but huffed a satisfied sigh before walking away with a swivel of his feet, a delighted hum in each step. “Another job well done, me.”
There’s a certain perk about being Cupid’s disciple that many would dismiss as nothing major but to Bokuto, it was his everything. Being able to witness love unfold and develop into a blossoming encompassment of passion and affection was something that made his heart do acrobatic flips and got him squealing like a teenage girl flailing over her favorite couple on TV (—he could just see Kuroo throw him one of his judgmental looks as he says so but Bokuto would be undeterred; he’s witnessed all sorts of strange things in his line of duty but love comes in all kinds of forms so). Anyways, it was the power to pull these magical elements of rainbows and butterflies and feels all together to form a wonderful and special bond between two people and undoubtedly, it was this work of pride and joy that left Bokuto happily fulfilled.
Alas, the only downside was not being able to have that for himself.
Stopping short from a park, Bokuto shifted his gaze onto the snowy field that covered the whole playground along with the pebbles and sand that once littered the surrounding ground. In a flit of impulse, he mindlessly walked to the middle of the patch before twirling around and falling backwards into the snow. His back landed with a thud and he’s buffeted with snow on his face, a lot of snow, which he promptly tried to blow away as he sputtered and coughed out some of the chunks that lodged down his throat. This was probably not one of his finer moments, but the cold touch of the white flakes of solid condensation cooled him down from the bitter thoughts that filtered through his mind.
It never made sense to him, how unfair it was to be incapable of loving someone when all he has is love to give. Kuroo would make fun of him for it, saying something about it being weird that a demigod would want to fall in love in the first place. Well you’re a human who doesn’t even want to love, Bokuto would shoot back defensively. Except, he probably wouldn’t. He knew Kuroo was extremely cautious after getting his heart broken many times in the past and Bokuto would never want to bring up something that would make his face twist into hurt. Kuroo was nice to him when he had failed one of his missions. Kuroo was the one who picked him up and took care of him when he fell ill from the negativity that surrounded the people he was assigned to – (“what kind of celestial being gets sick from something like this? How do you even get sick?!” “Hey hey hey, spare me some sympathy here!!!”). Bokuto was well aware he had annoyed the other male on multiple occasions – taking advantage of his hospitality and shamelessly freeloading at his place, eating his fridge empty and indulging on those egg tarts he always seemed to buy extras of, using all his shampoo when Bokuto doesn’t actually need to shower (he just really really likes the scent and how it smells on Kuroo), and probably a whole megawatt of things he hadn’t cared to keep track of. In the end though, Kuroo always forgave him. He was a cool human like that. He was a kind human.
Which is why Bokuto is hell bent on finding a match for Kuroo as soon as possible. He had sworn it as his life mission and would keep his promise before he leaves, even if he has to go to the ends of the earth just to find someone worthy. However, there’s only so much he could do for an unassigned human and for now, keeping his dear friend company for the holidays was the only thing he could do.
“Looks like you’re having the time of your life there.”
With a jerk, Bokuto opened his eyes to the familiar voice and sees the man in question peering down at him curiously. His vision focuses on the male with disheveled jet-black hair matted against rosy cheeks with a woolen cap pulled over his ears, his nose a little red from the chilly winter winds. His long eyelashes fluttered as he blinked and Bokuto felt oddly giddy.
Kuroo sniffled a bit before tilting his head at the lack of response. “Get up already. I’m gonna make nabe tonight.”
Without a moment’s hesitation Bokuto quickly jumped to his feet before glomping onto his companion's back with a gleeful yip.
“Urgh – hey! You’re heavy!”
“Uwah you’re the best! I love youuu~~~” Bokuto shouted cheerfully. He ignored the slight flush that crossed Kuroo’s features before he's shoved off and unceremoniously thrown into the snow again.
“Yeah no duh,” Kuroo responded flippantly after composing himself, brushing off the snow that got onto his coat from Bokuto’s exuberant bear hug. “Who else is going to take care of your annoying ass?”
“Oh wow rude! I happen to be very loveable thank you very much.”
Kuroo replied with a subdued smirk of his own. “An absolute angel,” his tone is playful despite the underlying sarcasm laced with his words. Bokuto has half a mind to pout and be totally mature about it while he boasts about his charming personality and wonderful company, but when he tilted his head up to see Kuroo look at him with these…these warm coloured eyes, Bokuto figured Kuroo was already well aware of his awesomeness. He’ll spare the guy from embarrassment then, since he's too shy to admit it out loud anyways.
Kuroo broke eye contact first and shoved his hands into his pockets, sniffling again. Bokuto hoped he wasn’t getting sick. How long was he even out for? Before Bokuto could ask, Kuroo had already turned away and started making his way back to the sidewalk. “Just hurry up already,” he shouted over his shoulder. “I’m freezin' my butt off here.”
Smiling wistfully, Bokuto watched Kuroo’s retreating back in quiet yearning. A familiar fondness tugged at his heartstrings but it didn’t feel quite right. If only, he thinks. If only, if only, if only…
“Coming, loverboy?” Without notice, Kuroo had paused in his steps to look back at the demigod still sitting in the snow, brows raised questioningly. Bokuto grinned once more before fumbling to stand up as he earnestly made his way over.
“Of course, love ~"