Gilt Instead of Gold (Watanuki gen)

[storypaint]

Title: Gilt Instead of Gold
Fandom: xxxHOLiC
Length: 220 words
Prompt: writing_game Week 64: G+3, Gilt
Pairing: Watanuki gen
Other: Spoilers for ch186.

Excerpt: He was studying a mirror, gold paint flaking, and trying to decide why it gave him the shivers when he heard the crack of thunder.

After he spent a few days settling into the shop, Watanuki decided to clean the storeroom. He spent an afternoon of it, remembering the last time that they had brought out all of the treasures to be cleaned on the lawn. He'd thought they were junk, back then; now something humming in his blood told him that Yuuko was right. These things would belong to the people who needed them someday.

He was studying a mirror, gold paint flaking, and trying to decide why it gave him the shivers when he heard the crack of thunder. Maru and Moro darted in and out of the house like pale birds, replacing things on the shelves. He'd wanted to sweep in there when the shelves were bare, but that would have to be another day.

Watanuki set the mirror on a high shelf and wondered who would be here to get it and whatever was sealed behind the winking glass. He'd know someday, he supposed.

Then he sat out on the porch to watch the storm. He leaned back against the doorframe and sighed, shutting his eyes.

He'd clean the treasure room another day. There would be time.