Disclaimer: I don´t own Toradora or any of the characters, all rights belong to author and/or relevant companies.

Chapter One: Binding Time

Italic = Thoughts

Horizontal line = End of POV

Please, enjoy the story!

Ryuuji's POV:

Ryuuji sighed, steam rising from his mouth into cold air. He had a reason to be upset. He was practically kicked off Taiga's door, after all. But this was not a time to worry about Taiga. She had prepared such a great chance for him to finally confess, so he should use it. While sincerely hoping, that she'll make it through the night alone, as she said, he started running towards the school in order to fulfill his dreams. However, his legs were slowing down. He wasn't tired. Bad feeling was growing inside of him as he froze on the place. „Just what is happening?", he thought. „Today is the day my life will change, no matter the result of my confession. I was confident about it a few minutes ago. Did I overlook something? What could stop me now, few meters ahead of finish line?"

„It isn't Taiga, is it. She wants us together, she helped me for months. She could live on junk food in a pile of dust just to prove me she is self-sufficient. No, Taiga certainly doesn't need me now. But- do I need her? Wait, what am I, some masochist? Nonsense. But... she's hell of a klutz, so I always want to protect her- why is that? Why do I care of her this much? We are good friends, however, this doesn't describe my feelings right now. It can't be brother-like feelings also. Something just feels wrong with Taiga being my sister. So- no, no way. I love Kushieda. She's beautiful, cheerful and diligent. I- I don't know what to think right now. She's also confusing. When I listen to her, I sometimes cannot understand her at all. Her obsession with UFOs, ghosts and mysteries is just- weird."

„Compared to Kushieda, conversing with Taiga feels just natural. She also is very cute. On the other hand, she's lazy as hell and never goes far for a punch. This is just her hard shell though. She had to be tough to protect herself when her family was falling apart. Taiga is just normal person under the cover. She's emotinal, caring and lovable- Wait a second, where did THAT come from?! And why am I comparing them? Why do I hesitate right now, on the way to my ideal life? No way- I can't-"

Loud sound interrupted calm and sleepy silence in the air. Ryuuji looked in the direction it came from and saw her, the object of his newfound dilemma. Her golden hair elegantly followed her like a curtain. She was still in her black dress, with bare feet. „Why's that idiot-", muttered Ryuuji angrily as he looked her in the face. It stunned him immediately. She was crying. Taiga broke down and felt on her knees. „RYUUJIII!" She started sobbing as he felt his blood freezing. He couldn't believe his eyes- the always strong so-called Palmtop Tiger looked- vulnerable. The way she screamed his name breaked his heart. Ryuuji never told his legs to move, they seemed to have their own will. He was confused, but he decided to entrust it to his instinct. No way he was going to leave her now!

Taiga's POV:

„I've pretended to be strong. I encouraged him to go, even though I didn't want to be alone. When everybody was leaving me, Ryuuji and Minorin stayed. But tonight they'll get together and I'll be left behind again. Minorin befriended me while I avoided her. My scary personality never seemed to effect her. She became a person I can trust. And Ryuuji.. he was there when I needed him, he was patient when I bossed around and he took care of all the chores I suck at. And he crawled into my heart unnoticed." Taiga tried to chuckle, but all that came out was a painful expression. „I gave him a promise to help, and I intend to fulfill it, but I deserve at least a little selfishness. I'll cry my feelings out now and build my facade later. I want to hug someone, to be hugged, to share my feelings with someone, but this is not my destiny. Am I hated by God? What sins did I commit in previous life? I take a deep breath to share my sorrow with the street and starry sky." „RYUU-"„It's okay, Taiga. I'm here."

„I suddenly feel hands embracing me. My senses have to be fooling me. I hate myself for enjoying it. I'm betraying my best friend, dammit! Why did he have to come back! I prepared such a great chance for him - it didn't have to repeat again! What is he thinking? Is he going to bury his dreams because of my selfishness? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. I have to make him return-"

Ryuuji hugged her tighter. Taiga fought her feelings, but in her current despair she had no chance. She tried to talk, but her voice was cracked.„Why did you come back? When you go right now, you'll still have enought time-"„No. I'm not going anywhere and you won't make me." Taiga tried to respond, tried to get angry, tried to do something, but she coudln't. She started crying instead. Ryuuji felt his shoulder getting wet by her tears. He silently released his embrace, only to pick her up bridal style. Taiga quickly flushed, surprised by his action. „He looks so.. confident, so manly..." Taiga sadly looked down. This was not a sight she was allowed to admire. She had to forget these feeling, cover them and never expose. She was vulnerable now. „I have to be careful now. This night could become a disaster."

They got in front of Takasu household. Taiga considered running away, but quickly denied it. It was pointless. Evading the problem won't help, she knew this. Ryuuji wouldn't stop caring about her out of blue.

He walked inside and laid her down. She sat on a tatami mat. „I'm going to go change, Taiga. This dress is really warm, you know." She completely forgot he was still wearing the bear suit. Taiga nodded and started to think about the fun they had about half hour ago. He would always do anything to keep her happy, but what would he do if he knew the truth? He certainly wouldn't openly turn her down, he was too nice to do this. He would probably just ignore her and started avoiding her. Just the thought hurt. Of course, there was one more option, but she refused to think about it. She didn't deserve him at all, she'd just hurt herself if she thought about it. Taiga respected Ryuuji's love for Minorin. Her best friend loved him too, even if she would never admit it. No, Taiga couldn't be that selfish. She had to pay them her debts for taking care of her. She had to sacrifice her feelings for greater good. And she will have to silently watch them hold hands, marry each other and raise family - and she would be always alone, suffocating with her feelings.

Without her knowing, Taiga broke down again, tears streaming across her face. She did her best to stay quiet, hoping he'd stay in his room a little longer, trying to grab hold of herself, but she was unable to do anything now, because all she saw right now was her grey, empty future. She won't laugh, hear any scolding nor see Ryuuji look after her. Not anymore.

Ryuuji's POV:

I closed the door and started changing. I finally have time to think. „First of all- Why did Taiga call me in tears? What happened? Is- Is there any chance she experienced some similar dilemma I did? But that would mean... No, no way. Don't jump to conclusions, idiot! I'll puzzle over that some other time. Today's Christmas and we'll celebrate it together. Well, we don't have a tree, nor do we feel like singing Christmas carols, but Taiga deserves some company today, since she helped me so much with Kushieda. Oh- Kushieda. I completely forgot about her. That's strange. Today was supposed to be our day, but I didn't go there, and not only because of Taiga's breakdown. If Taiga asked me now whether I really love Kushieda, I wouldn't be able to answer. Why? What changed in me? I was confident enough to actually go confess about hour ago. What was it to stop me, if it wasn't fear of rejection?

Did I fall in love with Taiga? I always cared about her, but normal friendship obviously wasn't enough to describe it. I reasoned it with our special bond of tiger and dragon, and we really are great allies and friends, but- I'm not sure if I want more. I was always so obsessed with Kushieda all the time, so I never saw her in this light. The true is that I am comfortable with her, even though you won't see it on a first sight. Would it be the same with Kushieda? I- I don't know. My head hurts from all the confussion. Then again, Taiga loves Kitamura, right? But why would she call me then? Ahh, I'm back on the beginning! This doesn't lead anywhere. Screw it, I'll better get back. Ending my thinking session, I stand up and return to the living room.

Ryuuji opened the sliding door to face Taiga, who was currently gazing on the floor. He started talking blathely. „Would you like to eat something? We have-" Ryuuji couldn't see her face, but seeing her tears fall on the floor was enough. He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders comfortingly. „What's happened? That's not the Taiga I know. Normally you would punch me just for touching you." His voice was soft and tender, but also full of concern. „I just don't feel like it, stupid dog." She intended to be strong, to assure him everything was okay, but her voice was betraying her. Uncomfortable silence spreaded across the room. Ryuuji interrupted it first. „Why have you called me?" Taiga looked him in the eyes. They were caring, but serious. She gulped. Now was the time to convince him, now or never. „I didn't want you to go. You always helped me, but when you'll get together with Minorin, you'll be gone. I was being selfish. I won't stand in your way again..." She wanted to talk more, but this was her limit. Her resolution was falling apart. She put all of her strenght to not burst in tears again. Was it enough? Did she ensure him?

His expression was unreadable. He looked focused, as if he was thinking intensely. „Now it is time to choose. Which of them do I really love? Kushieda or Taiga? Taiga or Kushieda?" He looked at Taiga's face. Her dried tears. Her sorrowful look. Her beautiful brown eyes, insulting life from injustice... His heart was throbbing. He wanted to hug her, he wanted to be by her side, he wanted to make her smile again. He didn't have to choose. His heart did it already.

„I've made my mind, Taiga." She looked at him, awaiting his reply. „I've decided to confess before, and I will confess." She prepared herself for what had to come. Taiga closed her eyes. She had to withstand it. He'll confess to Minorin once he has another chance. She'll fall for him for sure. Then- it will end. She'll be left behind with regret and feelings buried deep inside. She shook her head, trying to empty it of these thoughts. There will be enough time for that later, when she'll be alone in her apartment to deal with her emotions. „I will confess.", he said once more. He took a deep breath, gathering all of his courage. „But not to Kushieda." She quickly opened her eyes, staring in disbelief. „When I went out, I realized our ways will have to part. I didn't want that. I also don't want us to part, you know. And when you came there, screaming my name, it ripped my heart off. I was blind all the time. The one I wanted was beside me after all." Ryuuji smiled genuinely. „You're not selfish, Taiga. What you hide behind that thick and tough shell of yours is an incredible person you've shown only to me. If only Kitamura wasn't so dense, he'd notice it and everything could be different. You've been here for me. I don't feel complete without you. We're tiger and dragon, complete set. And I think Yasuko expressed it perfectly accurate, we three are family." He smiled from ear to ear. Taiga wasn't capable of forming words for a moment. She cleared her tear traces before speaking. „You loved Minorin for a long time. Why would you want to throw it away, after all we've been through?"„I'm not throwing it away. Without it, I won't be able to meet you, befriend you and fall in love with you. I'm grateful for it. Thanks to it, I can finally say that I-"

„S-Stop right there!" Taiga interrupted him. He looked at her surprised, but all he saw on her face was embarrassment and joy. She finally found a strong voice. „You were always there for me, no matter if it were mere chores or selfish demands, you always helped me whenever I needed you. You catched me when I fell. You were beside me, even when I never thanked you. So I'm going to say it now." Taiga bashfully smiled. „Thank you."

Ryuuji couldn't believe his own eyes. „No way she is this cute!" He took her hand. „Let's say it together than." He looked at Taiga. She had watery eyes and crimson blush all over her face. „She really is lovable after all", he said to himself. Smile crept to his face once again, and his cheeks surely weren't pure alabaster too. Not that he cared. He shifted from her side in front of her. She stood up too. Their eyes locked. He hugged her, never wanting her to leave. His right hand stayed on her shoulder while left moved behind her waist. Their faces were about inch close, making them blush even more. Ryuuji was looking downwards, even while crouching. Taiga was on her fingertips. They gazed at each other passionately. Both of them spoke at once, with no nervousness in their voice. „I-I,"„Love you." Fireworks exploded in their hearts, bliss fogging their minds. Just the two of them- nothing else mattered. They moved forward, ending in a gentle kiss. It lasted just for a few moments, but to them, it seemed like eternity. Their souls have binded forever.

Taiga's POV:

I feel butterflies in my stomach. The unthinkable happened. I betrayed my best friend, so I should feel regret right? But none comes. I just can't bring myself to regret this. I just can't reject him, because he- he chose me! It's a marvelous feeling. I'll make it up for Minorin, I'll do my best. I want her to be happy too. But Ryuuji is mine. Forever. I'll never let him go.

We released the hug and ended the kiss. I can't bring myself to stop smiling. On his face is also an enormous grin. I feel like melting on the place. Ryuuji looks on the clock. (A.N.: Do they even have clock? They must have something to estimate time, right?) „Man, it's really getting late quickly." It was already 11 P.M. Time surely flows when you pour your heart off. „I should head back home now-"„But only to get your clothes, baka. It's Christmas, you should stay here. You can sleep in my room, I'll sleep here."„But it's your room, you should sleep there..."„But where you sleep then-" He stopped when he saw my face. I'm fidgeting and blush evidently reapeared on my face. „Can I sleep there with you?" He quickly blushes. W-What did I just say?! He'll misunderstand me! „You better not start getting any funny ideas, you perverted dog!" I try to sound intimidating, but I'm bright red right now. But he seems to get the point at least. „Don't worry.", he says assuringly. „I'll be leaving then. I have to bring my pajamas." I turn to balcony and jump to my window. I said that I'll bring pajamas, but- where have I left it?

Ryuuji's POV:

I prepared the futons, cleared the room and now I stare at the ceiling, left to wonder about todays events. „Our lifes really changed, huh? Before I met Taiga, I was just a scary person, who was amazed by woman I couldn't ever confess to. I'd just pile up really creepy poems and love letters I could never deliver. When I first met Taiga, I hated her. When we finally got along, she was a great ally. We got along greatly and she slowly opened her shell, letting me see the real person inside. We planned to accomplish our dreams together and then go our ways. It was supposed to be easy. But life isn't easy, and that's why it is great to live it. We became friends, then good friends and today, we fell for each other. Ugh, like from some sappy romance movie. Our dreams changed, but I think it turned out better. She's a person I wish to spend the rest of my life for. It doesn't matter how nor why it happened. Why should we care for the past, when present is so sweet and future so promising?" Smile crept to my face. „Yeah, as for our future... I'll give her all she wants. No matter what happens, I'll never let her go."

I hear the door and look there. It's Taiga in her pajama. She stands in the door hesitantly. She's bright red. I give her a warm smile. „Are you going or not?" She slowly walks in and slips in the futon. I lie on my own and put a blanket over us. I turn to see her face. She's practically next to mine. We look at each other silently. I recall everything we've said tonight. It's like a lullaby for me. I relax. Her presence is so assuring. I don't think I'll ever be able to sleep alone. I watch her slightly move to me. I move my arm, welcoming her. She rest on it as I put my hand on her belly protectively.

„Taiga, can I ask you something?", I say when something crosses my mind. „What?"„Why did you want me to be with Kushieda if you felt like that?" I can't quite see her face from this angle, but I see her hand clenching the blanket. She answers me in a low voice. „I don't deserve you. You're intelligent, caring, obsessed with cleaning all the time... And I'm just lazy and violent when I'm around you. I'm just a burden. I-"„That's not true, Taiga. Well, you might be violent a little sometimes, but you certainly aren't a burden. You're the one that pushes me forward. Do you think I would ever try to actually get together with Kushieda by myself? Without you, I'd pity myself for rest of my life, too scared to act. Don't bellitle yourself. You're a great person, Taiga." She looks at me with watery eyes. „Do you really think so?"„Of course I do." I kiss her on a forehead. She blushes, yet jumps at me, catching me unprepared. We kiss rather passionately, but I keep my mouth shut, and so does Taiga. I don't think it would be proper if I did this now, when we just got together. I certainly won't make the move. After all, we still have a lot of time. About rest of our lives. I won't hold myself for so long, though. But right now there's no need to hurry, just enjoy the ride...

We stop after a while. Once I open my eyes again, I watch Taiga as she she calmly lies on my chest. She looks just like- a kitten. Not the scary Palmtop Tiger, but little sleepy kitten. I wouldn't be surprised if she started to purr. I chuckle at the thought. „Merry Christmas, Taiga." I start to caress her amazingly soft hair. She replies in a satisfied and somewhat sleepy voice. „Merry Christmas, Ryuuji." She kisses me on last time and lies back on my arm. All I hear after a moment is her calm and slow breathing. My own eyes slowly close itself. Goodnight kiss was all I needed to fall asleep. One last thought crosses my mind before I drift to dreamland:

Santa couldn't give us a better present...

AFTERTHOUGHT: Finally, I'm satisfied. I spend 5 days trying to take it to perfection. I don't regret it in slightest though. (However, I could start if it takes an affect on my grades xD) I hope you liked reading it as much as I enjoyed writing this. I was eager to read another one of amazing fanfics about Toradora, but my appetite can't be satisfied at all. So I ended up writing my own. I got the main idea on Valentines Day night. (After watching some ecchi anime, BTW. My thinking is just incomprehensible- I admit, I used dictionary for this word. And a few others. English isn't my maternal language, so please excuse my mistakes.) As for the topic, I know you probably saw this already, but the Christmas night is a point from where the series could take a path I want to make. I want them to have a normally progressing relationship, normal problems (or not-so-normal drama twists), normally enjoy their time together - not some silly proposals right away. (As emotional as it was, it was just too quick! I wish there would be more official content with the couple.) I have a few ideas on my mind (I just need to organize them a little), but all stands and falls with the inspiration. So I can't promise any schedule, but I can promise one thing - if it ends, it will end properly, not some half-done problems left to drive you insane.

So, one last thing for me to say. Don't forget to review so I know your opinion. You can also suggest another pairings that will take place in later chapters. I'm open to your desires. (Just no yaoi, please!)

Here, I emptied my mind. 16 pages in my notepad. Phew. I better call my loyal servants (otherwise know, as parents) to bring me more cappuccino, while I start transcripting text to PC. Long night ahead... (*Sigh)

Does anyone read this BTW? Ah doesn't matter. See you some other time!

P.S: How did I manage to stuff so many errors there? And when I see how many times he can ´start smiling´, I can't help but smile myself. Mental note- do not check grammer after midnight.