Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. Dude, I'm only getting a laptop now. So, chill, people. It's Christmas time. And you know what that means! It's time again to steal those cookies and milk your little sister made for Santa. Enjoy!

A Yin-Yang Christmas

Chapter One: Where Did Christmas Go?

POV: Kari

"Takuya?"

"Check!"

"Izumi?"

"Check!"

"JP?"

"Check!"

"The twins?"

"Double check!" Tommy chirped.

"Well, it looks like everyone's accounted for!" I exclaimed happily.

I was so exhausted. Tommy and I had spent the whole day shopping for gifts. Even as we tucked the silver boxes underneath the sparkling evergreen, it just still didn't feel like Christmas to me. Tommy noticed my teary eyes.

"I miss Mom and Dad, too," he said, climbing onto my lap. "But, Grandma's really sick and Mom just wants us to have a nice, happy Christmas."

"But… it still feels incomplete," I sighed.

"At least we have each other, right, big sister?"

"Right."

If Tommy could look on the bright side, why couldn't I?

I heard my cell phone ring.

"Hello?" I kissed Tommy quickly and let him go upstairs.

"Hey, kid," Koji's husky voice filled my ears. He sounded like he had just woken up.

"Aren't you excited? Only two more days!" I cheered.

"Of course I am! It's Christmas! How could you not be excited!" I heard another voice yell.

That definitely wasn't Koji.

"Uh… Koji? Who else is over there?" I asked him.

"JP… Unfortunately," his answer had 'despair' ringing in every syllable.

"Hey! You said you'd love to hang out!" JP was offended.

"Obviously, I lied," Koji scoffed, so silently I was sure only I could've heard it.

"Well, anyways, Kari? I wanted to see if I could take Tommy for tonight. Give you a rest for once," JP offered.

"Um… Sure. That's fine, JP. But, if you don't mind, you'll have to pick him up."

Now Tommy will be gone, too? So much for 'At least we have each other.'

"Oh! Great! No problem. I'll come over soon. Have him back by 9?"

"Just not too late, okay?"

"Sweet! I promise," I heard him run out the door.

BAM!

"I'm okay!" JP screamed in the background.

"Door?" I asked, though I already knew what happened.

You'd have to be an idiot to not see that was coming. It was JP for crying out loud.

"Yet again," Koji chuckled.

I sighed.

"Want me to come over?" his genuine concern was touching, but the disappointment was just too overpowering.

"No, thanks. I'm pretty tired. It's been a long day, so I'll just go to bed," I yawned.

Perfect timing. Wow, I guess I really am tired.

"Oh… okay. If you're sure… I'll call you tomorrow morning."

I could tell he wasn't satisfied with my earlier answer. I have to admit, it wasn't a very convincing excuse, let alone, creative.

"Bye, Koji."

"Wait! Kari?"

"Yes?" I was hopeful. Maybe he could say something that would turn my whole Christmas right side up, as usual.

"Sweet dreams."

"Thanks," I replied.

That's all? That was all he had to say to me?

"And smile. I'll be there when you wake up. You won't have to be sad anymore."

"Stalker," I accused him through tears.

"Good night."

I let reality escape me, even if it was only for one night.

Gosh, I just love short first chapters. I sure do hope that was interesting enough that you'll be willing to read the next chapter, which is currently in progress. And I'm actually writing this with a plot! Three Cheers.... for Five Years! Hahaha (: Hope this story'll put you in that Christmas spirit. Not too many gingerbread cookies, ohkay? -cough cough- I did not break SAMi's sofa, all right?

Merry Christmas!

infinite x's and o's,

Kari.♥