Hi Everyone! :)
It's been a long time that I've updated a story, and I thought I wouldn't write fanfics any more, but then I still couldn't secede from Beyblade entirely. I was even wondering why hadn't I made any Christmas TyKa story, and this year I had this very nice Christmas story in my head and decided that I'd write it for myself. Though, I only wanted to update it when it's finished and put it on complete, but the story has become so long that I think it's better if I cut it in two.
Oh, and a little info: I changed my pen name a month ago, formerly my name was Akane Yurika, but now it's Tyka's Flower. So don't get surprised. ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of the characters, just the plot.
Warning: boy/boy love, but no yaoi, just so you know.
* ~ Christmas Lights ~ *
Christmas was on the way. The world had dressed in decorations and so had Bey City where the Christmas story of the Bladebreakers began.
The snow was feathering in tiny flakes smoothly. Jingle of sleigh-bells tinkled, children were singing Christmas carols, and colourful lights shone all along the line of houses while delicious smell of fresh baked gingerbreads filled the air. At this time the streets were crowded even more with bustling people who were carrying the many boxes, filled with presents, home from their shopping. Even though the lot of bags were quite heavy, parents couldn't stand to not stop by the street vendor, who was selling fresh burnt chestnuts, and buy some for their kids, and to have a taste of it themselves, too.
The spirit of Christmas knocked on every door, but there was one which was especially special this year. The Hiwatari Mansion had never looked so glorious than now.
* ~ Ö ~ *
Once upon a time a very nice and royal family had lived here with their only little son who loved beyblading more than anything. Unfortunately, happiness didn't last long in the family's life; destiny had intervened in the most heartbreaking, ruthless way.
After the father's mysterious disappearance the mother had fallen ill because of the pain, and soon she died. Voltaire Hiwatari, who was the last holder of the Mansion and the only living relative of the boy, he took the still very young Kai to live with him as to raise him until the day came and he would become the next heir of the Hiwatari Residence.
But the Grandfather wasn't a loving person at all as Kai's parents. Voltaire Hiwatari was a big beefy man with thick, grey eyebrows and a rigid face. He was cold, covetous and had greed for power. He not only hated beyblade but he had thrown all of his influence into the scale to seize all of the bitbeasts so he could take over the world. And for that he used his own grandchild, as his greatest weapon.
He raised Kai in hatred and fed him with lust of power as well to make him become just like he was. He almost managed it, if Kai wouldn't have met the Bladebreakers.
Since then Kai's life had changed root and branch. Turning against his own grandfather's will he gave back the bitbeasts for their own masters while he himself had found his love for beyblade again. And as a plus gift from life he got friends. He'd become the captain of the Bladebreakers and in spite of his cold mask that was still hanging on him most of the times, the bond between him and his other teammates had grown stronger during the years.
Now, being in his nineteen years he was the official holder of the Hiwatari Mansion and all properties that came with. However, he wasn't so pleased when he returned, noticing how neglected the building was, and even though he was a rather lonely type of person, who more liked being alone somewhere in the quiet nature, the mansion seemed still way too big for one person. Nonetheless, he'd resettled it and had started running it, though not alone…
When he found his place again among the 'beyblade-lovers' side he didn't suspect back then that he would find more than just friends. He found love, or he rather could say that destiny had drifted it to him. And this special person was his mate now.
* ~ Ö ~ *
On the wrought iron gate hung a holly wreath. The picturesque garden was covered by thick snow. The little fountain which spurt out water the whole year was standing now empty, frozen. Also, the usually green, colourful garden had been replaced by hoar frost, made it appear like ice-flowers. To the windows stuck tiny, frosted snowflakes while from inside soft warmth filtered out.
In the living room the fire was crackling festively in the fireplace, its light filled the room. In the middle of the room Takao, Max and Kenny were busy to dress up the large room, more punctually the Christmas tree, while Rei was busy away in the kitchen backing.
Takao was standing on a ladder as he was trying to put on the star on the top of the tree since it was twice as big as him. With one hand he was hanging on the ladder while with the other he was stretching forward to place the last decoration on. Even his face tensed by the strain, and he would have managed if he hadn't been startled by the awfully false singing that came out from Max's lungs, causing him almost to fall down.
"Jingle bells jingle bells, jingle all the way…"
"Jeez Max!" snapped at him Takao indignantly, hanging on now with both hands on the ladder. His ears were buzzing. "The whole decoration will fall down by your voice!"
The blonde boy's face popped out from behind the large tree. He stuck out his tongue then grinned cheekily at his friend. "I thought you like Christmas carols."
"But not your caterwauling." Takao remarked mockingly. "Keep your voice within the bathroom door."
"You're no fun. You start to sound like Kai. He's an ill effect on you." the boy cooed.
"No, it's just something they call maturity." Takao rose his head pridefully after he'd put on the star, finally, and was now admiring his work.
Max snorted out a laugh.
"Takao Kinomiya and maturity? I'd see red snow falling first."
The dark blue haired teen's eyebrows pursed and this time it was him who stuck out his tongue. Max laughed.
"Now that's the Takao I know!"
"I think it's very nice from Kai that he invited us to celebrate the whole Christmas holiday with you guys. I would have never expected that from him." joined in the conversation Kenny who was sitting on the couch with a long line of Christmas lights laying in his lap, trying to repair it. They had the form of colourful little houses and lamps.
The decoration had run a long life in the family's generation, no wonder they weren't lighting any more. But when Takao asked Kenny nicely to try to repair it somehow, the boy couldn't say no to him. Mainly, because Kenny knew that whenever his friend had that way too adorable expression on his face it had something to do with Kai. He knew that Takao wouldn't bother so much for such an old decoration if it wasn't for the fact that he wanted to please his mate.
Even though the five friends had been stuck together ever since they had established their team, they all were totally different, both in appearance and personality.
Kenny way a brown, bushy haired boy with big, owl spectacles. Even though he was in the same age as Takao and Max, he was the shortest one in the team. Nonetheless, his sense was much bigger; he was a real genius. So, if something technical or electronic problem occurred they sure could count on him.
Max was the second youngest among them, and also the most hyperactive and cheerful one. It proved very good that he had bright yellow hair, little freckles on his cheeks, and that he always wore colourful clothes.
Kai and Rei were the two oldest in the team. With their two years ahead compared to their friends it could be said they were somewhat more mature – through this they got the nickname 'wet-blankets' from their friends, who loved to use it whenever they wanted to tease them. Of course lot of depended on Kai's and Rei's temper, if they were in the mood to see the funny side of things. If not, then Takao and Max could only hope there was an escape door in the near to make a run for it.
Kai, being in his nineteen years now and be the lord of the Hiwatari Mansion, was a tall, very handsome guy with two-toned hair – the front slate and the back side black – and crimson eyes. He also used to wear blue face paints both on his cheeks, which had the form of triangles, when he was still the captain of the Bladebreakers. But those bad-guy-looking times were over, and he had to give up on them when he started running the mansion and his grandfather's old company. Though Takao not once had mentioned him that as much enticing he found Kai with his face paints, he looked so much better without them.
Rei, Kai's best friend, was only different from him that he was the heir of a noble Chinese family. Therefore he had sharp, golden cat-eyes which matched his waist long, jet-black hair, and a red bandana he used to wear around his forehead.
Takao Kinomiya, seventeen years old now and be three times Beyblade World Champion, after he'd retired from beyblading officially, just like his other friends, he was maybe the biggest freak in the team. He was a special clasp of the team, also could say the spirit who kept the bond among them. His bitbeast, which was an ancient stormy dragon, reflected realistically his personality. With his midnight blue hair and hot temperature he really was like the wind. He was very energetic, talkative and liked joking around. No wonder that he and Max were the most closest one to each other in the group; the two trouble makers stuck together.
Takao loved making new friends, he looked always the good side of people, therefore his friends often called him naïve.
However, when the wind calmed down it brought peace and harmony; Takao, from the other side was kind and had a very sensitive soul. Friends and his family were the most important thing in his life, beside beyblading. And now he had something in his life which he'd never thought would mean so much to him before, and it made him believe that he was the luckiest guy in this world: love.
It was the ever best thing that could have happened to him since his team had win over BEGA on the last world championship.
He and Kai, the fire and the wind, maybe seemed total opposite, but they had more in common what even themselves had thought first. The day when Takao had moved with Kai to his mansion brought changes in their lives. Periodic bickering and teases weren't a new thing between them by now, but living in a house together, the closer they got to know each other the better they learnt to accept the other one with love, the way he was.
Although Takao never admitted it aloud, but he often tended to do things which surprised his friends first because he hadn't done that before, but later they'd all realized it was his own way as he tried to bring joy for Kai. But he still stayed Takao, after all.
Like for example when he'd stopped wearing his favourite baseball cap he'd gotten from his older brother as a gift when he was five years old. The cap was now laying neatly on the nightstand beside their bed. Takao still wanted to keep it close to him, just for the nice memories. He knew how much Kai liked it when he wasn't wearing it, leaving his hair just in a ponytail, and when later at bedtimes he let it down over his shoulders he couldn't deny how nice it felt as those large, pale fingers stroked through his hair gently.
Maybe Kai wasn't one of the most open-hearted persons, he rarely could show sensitiveness as a reserved person he was, but when he did when they were alone, Takao thought it was worth for the wait.
And there they were now, after one year, celebrating their ever first Christmas together as a couple with their friends.
However, Max still needed to get used to the fact that Takao wasn't that childish teenage boy any more when they'd first met. He was in a love relationship and slowly, but he was growing up, like everyone. But Max knew that whatever life would bring their friendship would always stay strong. However, that didn't mean he couldn't banter his friend when there was an occasion.
"I doubt Kai would have invited us for celebrating Christmas if it hadn't been for a certain person." the naughty grin on Max's face stretched wide as he took hinting glances to Takao's direction. The glint in his ocean blue eyes were as shiny as the Christmas lights on the tree.
Takao climbed down from the ladder while he looked with a frown at his friend. "I don't know what are you talking about." he murmured and he tried to put on an indifferent expression as if he didn't understand what was his friend getting at. But he failed because he already felt that warmth spread through his face.
He went to the other big couch where the pile of Christmas decoration boxes laid on top of each other, most of them were already empty, but he still found a few decor balls.
"You don't have to hide it, Takao." Max reassured him, but his smile was still very wicked and that gleam was there in his eyes, too. "We all know that Mr. Sourpuss used to act indifferent like he doesn't care a pin, but deep inside he is a big softie when it comes about you. He doesn't admit it but he would do anything for you."
Takao's face was starting now to take the same colour like that cherry red decor ball he placed on a branch. He tried to disappear among the tree's large branches as deep as he could.
"Max, don't tease him. Remember, we're the guests." Kenny hurried to Takao's rescue when he noticed that the midnight blue haired teen was dangerously lost inside the branches by embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to be indecent, I was only saying the truth." told back Max and he put on the last few star decorations he had in his hand. "By the way, talking about Kai, where is he?"
"In the office." Takao sighed sadly. He looked at one of the decor balls which had a glittering image of a red phoenix and his heart suddenly filled with the feeling of missing, and love. 'Kai.' he thought.
Kenny and Max exchanged looks.
"You don't want to say that he has to work today, too?" Kenny looked at him flabbergasted.
"It's Christmas holiday!" cried Max with disbelief.
"He didn't want either, believe me, but he said there was an important issue he had to arrange so that he can take a full break in the holiday." Takao sighed mournfully.
Kenny watched Takao's melancholy expression. He put right his round glasses solemnly before he said. "I guess that's understandable. Kai is a responsible working man now who has duties. He wants to ensure the creature comforts for both of you, that's why he's working so hard." he tried to console Takao nicely to make him understood.
"I guess you're right Chief." Takao murmured under his nose with a still not big enthusiasm.
"It's still unfair!" grouched further Max. "There is Christmas only once a year, he also deserves to take a break from work. Why didn't he go in and told his advisors off to leave him alone?... He is the boss after all."
Kenny rolled his eyes, though that couldn't be seen because of his shaggy locks that covered his eyes most of the time.
"Like it would be so easy Max." Takao laughed sarcastically – though for a brief moment he imagined Kai kicking his company mentor's butt, which was quite funny. "Just because Kai could do nearly everything in his life, and go anywhere till he was a beyblader, with no adult weights on his shoulders, doesn't mean it would stay like this for ever. He is the one who has to run his grandfather's company." Takao hated to say this, but it was true.
Max looked sympathetically at his best friend then stepped back a bit so he could admire their nice work. "Well, let's hope that Kai will like our surprise." he held up his thumb as if he wanted to locate by measuring that everything was in the perfect place. The decorations glinted in hundreds of colours. "I think this is the most beautiful christmas tree I've ever seen." Max declared contented.
After that he went to a table where on all kind of colourful decor papers laid. He picked up a red one, folded it many ways, then grabbed a scissors and started cutting it around.
For a while there was silence in the room. They were listening to the chirstmas melody that was being played on an old gramophone in the background. Suddenly Kenny cried up painfully when an overhanging lead from the line jolted his finger.
"Ouch!... Darn it." he cursed to himself as he shook his hurting finger. He sighed dramatically. "I'm sorry Takao, but I'm not sure if I can repair this old relic… Takao?" Hey, what's wrong?" Kenny asked when he realized the long face of the bluenette.
Max stopped cutting the paper and looked up as well.
"It's nothing." said Takao, unsure of himself. "It's just…"
"What?" urged him Max.
"That… well… that… I don't know what should I give for Kai for Christmas." he blurted out finally.
Max and Kenny looked at each other then back at him.
"You mean you didn't make anything to him?" Max looked bewilderedly at him.
Takao shook his head, his face was still lowered dejectedly.
"That's strange. Usually you're always up with ideas – leastways I'm talking about those few sensible ones. But on the other side it's Kai who we are talking about – so yeah, I can understand it's a hard nut." rubbed his jaw Kenny as he pondered.
Again, Max saw things from a total different sight.
"I don't get it why is it so hard for you to pick a present for him?" he frowned uncomprehendingly at Takao. "You've known him for many years and you managed to draw closer to him than any of us ever could – plus, he is your boyfriend which means that you know all of his inward personal things. It shouldn't be a trouble for you to just simple walk into a department store and choose some kind of fancy gift for him, like other people do."
"I don't want to do that." Takao shook his head. "I want to give him something special."
Max now looked even more baffled. "Just what special thing can you give for him? He is the richest heir in Bay City! He got the mansion and so much money that actually he could buy anything. I doubt you could ever overtop that."
"That's not what Takao meant." corrected him Kenny. "If my conclusion is correct then Takao meant by giving something special that he wants to give something that Kai could get only from him. And this something sure can't be bought in a shop." the brown haired boy looked at Takao for affirmation and the look in his mahogany eye were enough proof for him.
"We all know that he likes simple things and nature." Kenny continued. "He doesn't act like other spoilt fops used to; he is very prideful, true, but was never conceited because of his noble gentility. When he wasn't with us – and let's admit it had happened many times – then he was always away somewhere in the nature, by himself, far from noisy people. And when he popped up again he'd done it in the most unexpected occasions."
"Jeez Kenny, why didn't you become a psychologist?" Max shook his head with a snort, showing a very amazed look. But Kenny instantly knew he was being a tease and he gave him a scornful look.
Takao turned back to the tree. He was gazing at a decor ball which had a glittery image of a snowy house with trees and a landscape behind it, and from above tiny snowflakes fell. "Something nature..." he murmured to himself. "Something special what would make Kai happy... but what?"
"Hmmm..." Max put a finger on his chin as he went deep in his thoughts.
For a short time no one spoke and the only sound in the room was the christmas melody that was playing.
"I got it!" whooped Max excitedly, causing the other two look at him surprised. "I saw once that a couple gave each other a big mug and there was a cute little plushy teddy bear put into. On the mug each had engraved their beloved one's name while below there was the short text written 'I love you'. That's personal and simple, too." he grinned.
The silence which had settled in the room this time was worse. Kenny's face dropped with a heavy sweatdroop - thinking that Max obviously had no competence in giving good advices in amour. Takao's look wasn't far from indignation, either. His eyebrow twitched visibly and the dark look he had on his face was very similar to the one Kai used to wear as a threat. He was not going to buy some idiotic mushy stuff for his partner no matter what kind of stupid tradition was that by other couples. Their relationship was like a deeper sequel of what they'd had as friends, and even now they didn't need to use sloppy words to express daily how they felt toward each other.
Feelings were deeper than words ever could be, anyway, and both Takao and Kai knew that love shows itself more clearly in actions; like in small gestures and care. And that's what Takao wanted to give Kai.
"There is no way that I would buy such like that." Takao stated firmly as to make his point clear. "Then I rather would invite Boris for dinner. " he added darkly.
Max's enthusiasm dimmed only a bit under the hard gaze and he peered at the red, half-cut paper in his hand again.
"Maybe I know something he would like..." now it was Kenny's turn. Takao just hoped he would come up something better. "It's simple, personal, and still elegant..." he looked at them waiting to get the hint. "Oh come on now, what is what Kai always wear wherever he goes?" he said urging them on.
"His death-glare?" snapped Max without thinking. Takao shot him a sharp look from the corner of his eye.
"No, I was talking about a certain cloth which emphasizes his character." growled Kenny. He was slightly impatient by Max's giddiness.
"Then you must be thinking of his long scarf." made the conclusion Takao and for some reason he couldn't help but scratch the back of his neck uncomfortably as two pair of eyes landed on him. He felt his nape flush. Lucky that he was wearing a dark red turtleneck sweater which hid it.
"Exactly." nodded Kenny – which earned a triumphant 'One point for me!' grin from Takao and Max stuck out his tongue at him. "Why don't you have a new one made for him in red, and would have sewn with golden characters an image of the phoenix? He sure would like it."
Takao thought over the idea for a while, then said. "I don't know Kenny... I doubt Kai would wear such showy colour like that." tilted his head a bit.
"It was just an idea." Kenny shrugged his shoulders resignedly. "You still have some time to figure out something." with that he went back his attention to the christmas lights in his lap.
"I think the teddy bear mug was a better idea." spoke Max half aloud after some time. He had his tongue half out on the side of his mouth as he concentrated hard to cut small pieces off from the paper.
"I wish something would come to my mind." Takao looked wistfully at the now finished christmas tree. It was marvellous, and with the lot of lights and glinting decorations it looked even bigger. He had to agree what Max had said earlier: this tree was really the most beautiful one he'd ever seen. "Kai had gone through so many thing in his life. He deserves to have a wonderful Christmas."
Suddenly a loud THUD came from the kitchen's direction that followed an angry curse "Oh shit!" which was no doubt Rei's voice. Soon something white cloud flew out on the open door.
Takao marched quickly towards the kitchen with fast steps. Except for his anxious look that something was on the fire he puckered his eyebrows suspiciously as he spoke aloud warningly. "Rei! I very hope you didn't burn down my kitchen!"
Max couldn't help but chortled. "Now that's something I don't get to see often; the housewife kills the chef."
"Max, I heard that!" cried back Takao over his shoulder, holding a warning note in his voice that he would grab Max later for his cheeky comment. But right now he was more worried about the white clouds that were diffusing out.
It wouldn't be a joyful sight if Kai came home finding their kitchen look like a battlefield. Max's grin followed Takao until he heard a faint spat, then a fizz. Turning around he saw that Kenny's hair now looked like he'd stuck his fingers in a plug pocket, and his locks emitted smoke.
When Takao stepped in the kitchen he was a little relieved that the trouble was smaller than what he'd feared first. For the first sight it seemed nothing had broken, but from the ceiling to the floor everything was covered in white flour, like the winter has escaped inside. In the middle stood Rei in a white apron and with a big dose of flour on his hair while he was glaring furiously at the mixer that stood before him on the counter. Takao had figured out instantly what had caused this mess. However, he still didn't know how in the world could that happen.
"Rei. What are you doing?" he asked him as he went to his friend.
"You could ask the same from this damn machine." Rei growled irritably while he didn't take off his angry gaze from the mixer, as if he was expecting from the poor machine to feel ashamed. "Don't you have something usable that works easier?"
"The machine works fine, " Takao laughed. " maybe it's the user who doesn't know how to use it well. I thought a simple mixer would never be a trouble for a good chef like you."
"A normal one not." Rei snapped huffily. "My one is not so complicated as this."
"You mean the hand whisk?" snickered further the blue haired teen, ignoring the hard glare Rei was giving him. "I don't have one, sorry."
Rei sighed dramatically. "No, a machine would be fine, just... not this one. I don't get why did you buy the most complicated one which has at least hundreds of buttons? I really wonder how can you handle this."
At this point Takao scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, actually I haven't had much opportunity to use it yet... Kai bought it when we moved here. We needed to get many things in the house to make it liveable, same the kitchen."
Rei took a hand to his hip as he leaned half against the counter and scanned detachedly his friend. "Let me guess; Kai walked into a supermarket and bought the most expensive machine, thinking that you needed the best, but didn't think about if you can use it properly."
"Well... something like that." Takao admitted awkwardly, twiddling his thumbs. "But I managed to understand a few things from the instructions... here is the setting where you can reset the speed – see? Then you must push the green button..." just a she did so the machine gave a loud droning sound and started on a wild whirl. The two boys jumped back startled.
With a big wrestling, somehow Takao managed to turn it off. The next moment Max's face popped in the kitchen door. Presumably his curiosity to see what was going on here had taken over him. He scanned round the room and his eyes went wide with amazement.
"Uuuuuuuuuu – cool!" gushed the blonde with bright face. "You guys should keep this view, it suits to the holiday." he looked where his friends stood and giggled. "You look like two snowmen."
"Very funny Max." retorted Rei peeved, seemingly he didn't found it so funny at the moment as Max did. He brushed off another big amount of flour from himself. Max let go the comment by his ear.
"Hey, Takao! Look what I've made for you!" Max said chirpily and unfolded the red paper he'd cut and showed up. It was a long line with a form of a mini version of Takao and Kai kissing with a big heart between them.
Takao gasped in shock while his whole face turned bright red.
"You're not putting that on!" he cried dismissively.
"Oh yes I will!" Max sing-sang. " And I'm going to hang a mistletoe under it, too!" he gave a laughing dash when a very pissed off Takao was on his track.
"Max come back here!" he shouted after him as he ran out from the kitchen, leaving poor Rei alone.
* ~ Ö ~ *
By the evening Kai had arrived home and they all sat in the large dining room to have dinner. It was a very cozy feeling for Takao as they were sitting together at the table again, which was elegantly set with delicious meals, and in the middle candles lit along in line. It was almost like in the old times, though there were some changes.
Max, who was the second most talkative person after Takao, hadn't changed at all, except the fact that they'd all grown a lot. He was in his element, like always, and kept chattering at the table, telling stories or random things that came up in his mind all of a sudden, while Kenny and Rei tagged comments onto the subject from time to time. It was like music for Takao's ears who, for the first time, rather just listened the droning talk, while he was musing his eyes on the dancing candlelights. At times he joined in the talk when the others noticed that he was strangely too quiet and he assured them that he was alright.
Then again, he was more distracted by taking worried glances at Kai who was sitting beside him and ate silently by himself. Not that it was new from Kai since the young Hiwatari was never a talkative person. Actually, he only spoke when he found it necessary. This also belonged to his special personality and maturity; he always knew what to say, and when and where. However, somehow it was different now, and that's what worried Takao.
Kai did say a few words during the conversation, but he spent most of the time gazing at his plate with a distant look. Takao also could detect the dark shadows under his usually shining crimson eyes which now looked dull and empty. His mate looked very exhausted and Takao sighed mournfully. Therefore he didn't even try to urge him to join their talk, he rather let him be. As strong and hardy he knew Kai, not mention those horrible training programs Kai'd made from himself in the tundra back then just so he could get in the final match and have that awesome battle with Takao, all this couldn't be compared to the way he was looking now. Like they had suck him dry.
In Takao's opinion Kai worked way too much than it was healthy, and he had this determination in himself that once they would be alone again, and the opportunity would be right, they were gonna have to talk. Takao had never once let Kai sink into the depth of shadow in the past and he wouldn't let him to finish himself totally in his work, either. Whenever there was trouble they always managed to help the other one crawl out of it. And with this thought Takao was now more determined to find the perfect gift for Kai to make him happy.
Later, when they'd all split up to their own rooms, Kai and Takao had gone to bed as well. For a long time Takao was laying on his back, with his hands folded under his head, and he stared contemplatively at the ceiling. What should he give for Kai? He knew that it's not the gift what really mattered but that it was given by heart. But what would Kai like to have?
It was a hard question.
Takao turned his head to the side and watched as his boyfriend slept so peacefully with his back to him. Though, Takao had realized for a while now that as deep it seemed Kai was sleeping he was very alert of every little noises like a cat.
The blue haired teen turned on his side now and started admiring his mate's two-toned hair which shone mistily in the subdued light of the Moon that filtered through the window. Carefully, he slid an arm over Kai's waist as he snuggled up to him comfortably, and soon he felt another hand, which wasn't his, clasped around his as it gave him a gentle squeeze. Takao smiled softly. He nuzzled his cheek to Kai's shoulder before he fell asleep.
* ~ Ö ~ *
Next morning Takao waited until Kai left for his last day of work, he had breakfast quickly with the others who had woken up by the time, then he also set off for leave. He was glad that they were more in the house now so he could ask them to take care of things until he was away.
So, dressed up as warmly as he could be, Takao stepped through the huge iron gate and started on the long street towards the centre of the city for shopping. He still hadn't figured out what would he give for Kai; actually, he had no clear description what was it, or how did it look like – other words, it was like he was searching an invisible present. But since he had no better idea, and knowing that he wouldn't get closer to his aim if he was just sitting at home musing, wandering round the shops was still more. Maybe he would find something.
He'd roved all the stores, from the gift shops to the housekeeping stores (though, later he was pondering what was he searching there), and though the assortment was so big that one couldn't decide what to pick among the many beautiful things, for Takao none of them were enough good. Not enough special to make Kai happy.
So in the end, he had to go home with empty hands.
By the time he'd arrived home he was tired, frozen to the marrow, and his nose was running because of the cold.
"Guys, I'm home!" Takao announced overtired when he entered the warm hall. He took off his red winter jacket and pulled down his boots.
In a second Max appeared from the kitchen. "How did it go?" he asked inquiringly.
With a heavy sigh Takao dragged himself into the living room, Max followed him, and he lumped down one of the couches.
"In short? I say shopping sucks. I don't see why women like it so much. I walked through all the stores but all along I felt like I was searching in the wrong place." he growled sourly.
"Maybe you were." said Max and Takao looked at him wonderingly. "Usually, those things we really want are right before our nose, we just don't notice it." he sat across to Takao and tried to cheer him up somewhat. "Maybe the perfect gift is somewhere here, you just haven't realized yet that could be."
"You may be right, Max." Takao said as he conceded that Max had a point. He peered at the ceiling thoughtfully, one of his arms dropped loosely over his forehead. Since he wanted to give something special to Kai then it meant it couldn't be bought in a store. However, right now he was way too drained to ponder more. "Whatever, what I really would like to have now is a hot chocolate." he said moonily.
Max laughed knowingly and got up to go for it. "I'll bring two cups – and hey, after that we can watch a movie, or go out and make a big snowman like last year!" he looked ardently at him.
"I can't." shook his head Takao. "I still need to finish some stuff, but if you take over to decorate the door then we finish sooner and can put across your plan... By the way, where is Kenny and Rei?" he asked when he noticed that the house was way too quiet.
"Rei went to buy ingredients for the gingerbreads. Mostly because yesterday he mucked up the most of it." Max couldn't hold back a snicker. "And Kenny went to the technical store; he still haven't given up to repair that old christmas lights for you. Till then I'm taking care of the house." he threw out his chest pridefully.
"And of the cookies." added Takao as his lips curved to a sly smirk when he noticed a small morsel on the corner of Max mouth.
The blonde boy quickly wiped off the sneak clue with the sleeve of his pullover. "I ate only one to make sure it tastes good." he said defensively while his face was flaming red. Then he added awkwardly when he saw Takao's eyebrow raise suspiciously. "Okay, so I ate two... maybe three... or was it five?"
"You know that Rei's going to hunt you down with his rolling pin when he gets home?" Takao looked at him challengingly.
Max's jaw dropped in horror, and he paled. "Do you think he'll really count them?"
Takao couldn't hold back any more and he burst out laughing by the ridiculously panic expression Max was giving.
* ~ Ö ~ *
After circa an hour Takao was sitting in the middle of his and Kai's bedroom with a big box beside him, while around him laid in piles all of his old books, photos, memories and personal stuff he'd brought with himself from the dojo.
Diving his hand into the boy a photo came to his hand and he smiled fondly when he looked at it; it was one of his favourite pictures. It was taken in their favourite patisserie. They were all there, including Hilary, who wasn't a big beyblade player in the team but still a good friend of them. On the table, they all had a big bowl of ice-cream while they sat close together, shouldering each other.
Takao was now peering at a certain person on the photo who in his opinion had the nicest smile in the world. Kai approximately smiled as much as he talked. However, and there was no doubt, that he had a nice smile on photos – which Takao considered that it was because Kai definitely was a photo gene type. Luckily, Takao had now more and more of those sweet occasions when Kai gifted him with that smile of his own when they were alone.
His daydreaming got interrupted, however, when Max appeared in the door.
"Hey Takao, watch'a doin?" he asked.
"Just selecting some old things I still need, and what not any more." Takao answered smoothly while he still didn't manage to take his gaze off from the picture in his hand.
Max walked up to him and sitting down beside him he noticed what was his friend looking at so hard. "I remember of this! It was taken in that patisserie last summer... Hehe, Daichi made the picture while he almost knocked the poor waitress. Pft, no wonder the picture is so oblique."
Takao's eyebrows lowered softly and he smiled.
"You really wanna give up on these?" Max looked now languorously at a big pile of manga collection that Takao had put aside among those things he didn't want to put back in the box. "You loved these so much! And you've collected them for so long!" he took one from the top of the pile and dipped in.
"You can have it, if you want." Takao said, and shrugged his shoulders.
"You mean it?" Max looked at him with wide eyes. "You give all to me?... Gee, thanks!"
Takao chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm. He looked back at the photo in his hand once again and he decided that he wouldn't put it back among the others. For some reason, it was kind to him. So he stood up, went to the bed, and placed it on the nightstand beside his alarm clock.
"What's this?" asked Max as he pointed at another big box beside him.
"Some old stuff of Kai's." Takap replied when he'd returned to the carpet. One by one, he started placing back his things in the box from the 'I still want to keep them' pile while he continued. "He asked me to put it into the lumber room to the others because it's only in the way, and he's tired of bumping onto it all the time."
Max sank his hand into the box and pulled out a sheaf of photos. When he looked at the one which was on the top he laughed.
Although it was rather impropriety to fumble among other's personal stuff, the curiosity gained Takao's attention, too, and he peeped on the photo in his friend's hand. His face brightened; on the photo there was a six years old boy, which was unmistakable Kai, holding an ice cream in his small hand. Even then he had the same hairstyle as an adult now, even so, his beautiful crimson eyes shone more brightly on the photo. He looked so happy. He wasn't wearing those blue face paints on his cheeks, instead of them chocolate smear plastered around his impish smile.
Takao could now tell for sure that Kai really had a failing for chocolate. He'd been having misgivings for a long while now and he came to this conclusion by the simple fact that the household and cooking was his job.
The more he watched the photo a soft smile spread over his face. A very new feeling had overcome on him what he hadn't felt before. It was also part of love, he knew that, however, this time not a heated love, but a much deeper, affectionate feeling which was a new bond of their togetherness. Takao wished they could have met each other even back then...
However, when Max spoke he was snapped out of his daydreaming once again.
"What is this?" the blonde asked wonderingly.
Takao glanced over an other photo which was definitely taken at Christmas. He recognized instantly the garden before the mansion which looked just like back then. Here he could see Kai with his parents, but it was not all; he knew that what Max meant was that big thing in the background.
"That's a sleigh ride." Takao said.
"Cool!" Max's eyes goggled with amazement. "I never rode one like that. Ripping! Man, Kai is so lucky. I wish we would have a sleigh ride... What do you think, does he still have it?" he threw an excited look at his friend.
Takao frowned.
"I don't know." he shrugged his shoulders. "Kai never mentioned it."
* ~ Ö ~ *
In the early afternoon Rei and Kenny had returned, too, and the four friends could sit down to have lunch together so that they could continue the christmas preparations. Kenny had settled down in the living room again to proceed to revitalize the lights, and it was a reassuring sign when even after an hour and a half still hadn't filtered out any jarring noises or cry.
However, as Takao had foreseen it, Max got into big trouble because of his picking and stealing from the cakes. For an excellent, talented chef like Rei was, he didn't need to count all the cakes to realize there were missing some. But before Rei could have chased Max through the house Takao quickly rescued his blonde friend with an excuse that they rather go out snow shovelling so they wouldn't be under the feet.
Takao knew that Rei's harmony was based firmly on the kitchen which he took as his own territory, so he guessed if they let him alone for a while the sabertooth tiger in him would change back to a fluffy pussycat.
"Aaaw, why did we have to come out in this cold?" complained Max while he walked down the stairs holding a snow shovel on his shoulder languidly. "The house is much warmer."
"Thanks to your little stealing from the cookies I doubt you would get a warm welcome. In your place, I wouldn't go back for a while." replied Takao sceptical, then added. "Besides, weren't you the one who wanted to build a snowman?" with that he started to throw back a big pile of snow from the entrance along on the small path to the gate.
"A snowman, yes, but not snow shovelling." groused reluctantly Max while he followed Takao's example and set off his own snow shovel. "What's the fun of this?"
The answer for his question came sooner then he expected when a big pile of snow landed on his face from behind. Startled by the sudden coldness, he turned around and saw that Takao was having trouble to keep himself up as he was leaning on his shovel. He almost bent double, he laughed so hard. This crime couldn't be left without revenge – and with an evil grin Max thrusted his shovel deep into the snow and picked up a broad one. Takao gave a run for it but he was still giggling.
The two boys totally forgot the snow shovelling and they were now chasing each other around the house. Being in ambush on the corner of the house they waited the other one when would he turn up, then they attacked. On one occasion Takao had really come off badly; while he was in ambush and waited for his friend to pop up on the corner, he didn't notice that in the meanwhile Max had snuck behind him carefully, then threw a big pile on him.
The battle of snow had only come to an end when Max suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"What's that?" he asked as he pointed at on the corner of the garden. Beside a rugged willow stood an old wooden house.
Takao had managed just in time to stop himself in his big swing before he would have toppled over as he was about to throw another snowball on Max. He turned to the direction where his friend looked.
"That's the garden shed." he answered.
Judging by it's state it could be seen that it stood there for a long time and nobody used it, but storing garden and other tools in it was still very useful. There was only one little window on the building but even that was so dirty that it barely let through any light.
The door creaked in a piping voice as Max stepped in and he instantly fell over a lawnmower.
"Uff!"
"Max, are you alright?" Takao asked worriedly, and he helped up his friend.
"I'm okay. I just toppled over this thing."
Takao pushed aside the machine so they could have more place. Upon the whole, the building was enough big that every tools that was needful at a big house could be found here. At the same time, lot of other stuff, also could say lumber, got place here, too. Maybe that's why it was so crowded.
Though, neither of them knew what were they searching here actually, they took a look around. Suddenly Max got a sight of something very odd. Astern of the shed something big took place and it was blanketed by a grey sheet. He bent down and as he raised the corner a pair of skis emerged, above it the red painted side of the carriage with golden ornaments.
"Hey! Take a look at this!" Max cried. He pulled down the sheet with one yank and the two boys' gaped.
In front of them stood as large as life the same red sleigh ride they'd seen on Kai's childhood photos. Aside from the thick dust that had been deposited under the years, and the colour had worn off here and there, it was still in a good trim. The seat, which was coated with black velvet, was like new. They didn't use it much, thought Takao while he went around the carriage to gauge it's state. When he stroked through the velvet seat it felt like he was patting a soft plush.
Suddenly an idea had conceived in him.
"That's it!" he shrieked rapturously that Max startled.
"What is it?" Max looked at him uncomprehendingly, his heart still thumbing.
"The present! The perfect christmas present for Kai!" Takao's mahogany eyes sparkled with excitement. "Quick! Go and call the others!"
Max still didn't understand what had Takao thought up when he'd left him, but he went back to the house. It didn't take much time and soon sound of approaching steps came and in the door appeared Rei and Kenny with Max in their wake.
"Max quacked about something that you found an old sleigh?" inquired with no big enthusiasm Rei when they stepped in. The next moment, however, he shut up as his eyes went wide.
"It's not an ordinary sleigh Rei." furnished him with information Kenny who also inspected the noble family relic amazed. And just like always, he set right his glasses scholastic whenever he started on a professional explanation. "That's a winter carriage from the early years of the twentieth century."
"Aaw, Kenny, we didn't ask historical description from it." grimaced Max.
Kenny shot him an affronted look.
"But how did you find it?" asked Rei now curiously.
"First we saw it on a photo." started on the explanation Takao and told them everything how did they find the childhood photos of Kai. "I didn't know he still have it. Kai never mentioned that they had a sleigh ride. We found it accidentally when we came out snow shovelling, and... well, we just came in. Max found it."
"Right. After I fell over a lawnmower." complemented Max sourly.
Kenny chortled.
"And what are you planning to do with it?" inquired further Rei, crossing his arms.
Meanwhile Takao had climbed on the carriage. "I want to resettle it." he said. "I wanted to give something special for Kai which would be memorable, and now I know what will that be! I'll bet on my blade that Kai have totally forgotten that the sleigh ride was here all the time since his parents died. I think he would be very happy if we could use it again, because on his old pictures he looked so happy... Believe me Rei, I know him, and I know that things like souvenir doesn't mean much to him, same as me either. And what could be more memorable than a Christmas Eve journey on a jingling sleigh ride? - Besides, I already know where would I take him." he winked playfully.
Takao lumped down the velvet seat, he was curious how did it felt. At that moment big drift of dust rose in the air and he started coughing and snorting. His friends withdrew quickly from the way.
"You know, I doubt that you'll be finished with this till Christmas Eve. There is only two days left." Rei scratched his head incredulously as he made a mouth. "It's a big mess. You can find less dust under Max's bed."
"Hey!"
"It needs only a deep cleaning." corrected Takao and he got down from the sleigh ride. He brushed off the grey dust which had stuck to his clothes, during he coughed some more, then continued. "It will be finished. I can do it... if you help me, too, that is." he looked with hopeful eyes at his friends who exchanged looks.
Max cried out. "I'll help you!" he offered ardently as he held up his hand high. Though there was an other reason of his heartfelt help: he still wasn't willing to go back to the house being sure that Rei, by way of revenge, would conscript him to dish washing.
"I think here is something I can give a help, too." rubbed his chin Kenny.
"Well, beside all the cooking and baking I have to do I won't have much free time to help for you scrub off the dirt, but if it helps for you," Rei spoke to Takao. "then I can take part in the game by keeping Kai away until you guys finish it... Though, I think that won't be so hard." his lips pulled to a sly smirk. "As I know Kai, he will be happy if in his free time they leave him alone and he can be closeted with himself somewhere."
"Thanks guys." Takao smiled gratefully.
In the rest of the afternoon Takao and Max had armed themselves with cleaning supplies, and they started on to rid the sleigh from the dust, dirt, and other splatter spots that had deposited under the years. Meanwhile Kenny and Rei had gone back to the house to continue the preparations. The job didn't prove to be so easy as Takao and Max first thought, but they worked hard. They only stopped when the evening fell and Rei gave them a wolf-whistle from the window, as a sign that Kai had arrived home. Sweaty and plastered with mud, Takao and Max went back to the house.
"Where have you two been? You look like you've come from a stall." Kai scanned the two boys from top to toe with mixed critic and suspicious eyes when they appeared in the hall. He instantly pushed Takao away when he wanted to gave him a kiss on his cheek as a greeting. "Not until you've washed this mess off from yourself." he stated firmly.
Takao pouted cutely.
"We were snow shovelling. Then we played a snowball battle... and we forgot the time." Max spoke off the cuffs and all this time they both tried to look as innocent as they could.
Kai's eyebrows, however, rose in disbelief. "And you were throwing mud at each other instead of snow?"
The two boys laughed nervously.
I hope you had fun. The second part with the ending is coming up soon.
Until then, I wish a Very Merry Christmas for you! :)