By Mishi-chan
A/N: Okay everybody! Thanks for the reviews!! I didn't expect to get so many for the first part. My work music playlist for this part consists of "All I Want For Christmas (Is You)?" by Mariah Carey, "Last Christmas" by… somebody XD, and "Winter Love" by BoA. Remember: I don't own these songs or BeyBlade. I do own Tenshi, but I don't own Sakura, Hiniku, or Kaze either. They belong to my comrades in crime.
Now what's going to happen now? Only I know… until you read it! XD Now, here's part TWO!
SMACK!
"HEY! What was that for?!"
"Maybe if you weren't being such a PIG, then I wouldn't have to slap you, Tyson!"
"Well at least I'm not anorexic, Hilary!"
"Instead, you're overweight!!"
"I'm a growing boy!"
"Maybe HORIZONTALLY!!"
Tenshi released an aggravated sigh. "Yeah, yeah. That's all fine and dandy—could you pass the soy sauce?!" Her demands went unanswered as Hilary and Tyson carried on their argument. She hung her head despairingly. A snicker came from beside her and a growl escaped her lips. "This isn't funny, Kai."
The said male put down his chopsticks, reached across the table, brought the soy sauce back and poured some on his girlfriend's rice. "No, it's just amusing," Kai responded, smirking.
It was about a month after Thanksgiving; just a few days till Christmas to be precise. Hilary's return had been a shock; she'd had to move into her grandmother's house while her parents left the country on 'business'. In Tyson's opinion, they just wanted away from their perfectionist child. But that was just an opinion, albeit a reasonable one though. Tenshi's friends had had to return to the United States until the coming holiday. They were due to arrive back in the country soon. And so things were back to the way they used to be… somewhat.
"Amusing that my eardrums are bleeding internally? Your such a sadist," Tenshi retorted, stuffing another bit of rice into her mouth. Rei and Max had already finished their dinner. Smart of them, too. Kai was just waiting for Tenshi to finish.
"Maybe, but at least you were able to patch up things between you and Hilary."
There's where the 'somewhat' comes in. With Hilary being a teenage female, she couldn't stay in the same room as the boys. That left one room: Tenshi's. At first, it was apparent that Tenshi was much less than thrilled. But that changed soon after…
FLASHBACK
Tenshi grumbled incoherently under her breath as she slid the door to HER room open. Storming in, she looked back at Hilary briefly. "You'll be staying in here with me." The female BladeBreaker moved into the closet, tippy-toeing up to pull out another futon.
"Tenshi, I'm sorry."
Hilary's apology stopped Tenshi cold. Of course, the futon picked that moment to dislodge itself. Stone cold, it fell onto Tenshi. Hilary cringed. But Tenshi didn't let the hazardous futon distract her. Instead, her head popped right back up and stared.
"Spidermonkeysay WHAT?!" she spurred incredulously. Her suitcase dropped, Hilary walked over and kneeled next to Tenshi.
Flushed, she said, "I know we've never really hit it off and that you think I'm annoying. Partially it's my fault for never trying to know you. I'll admit, at first, I thought you were taking the team away from me. I had been the only girl for so long before you joined…." Hilary paused, gauging Tenshi's bewildered expression. "I was jealous and that on top of our different personalities made a rift… a rift I want to close. Will you forgive me and we'll start over?"
Tenshi's mind went blank; her tongue found no words. She found it hard to be suspicious. Hilary's tone screamed sincerity and her expression caroled one that of earnest. Was Hilary… actually being nice? The thought seemed unfathomable to Tenshi.
When Tenshi was silent with inner conflict, Hilary took the initiative to stand up and reached down to Tenshi with a genuine smile. "My name's Hilary Tatibana," she introduced.
Grinning in spite of herself due to Hilary's antics, Tenshi took her hand and pulled herself to her feet. "Name's Tenshi and yes, I think we can be friends."
END FLASHBACK
Reverie shattered by the constant bickering, Tenshi devoured the remains of her rice and stood to her feet. "Well, you two have a nice life, but I'm going outside," she told them. Kai gathered himself to his feet and started to move towards the dojo courtyard with Tenshi in tow. The door slid back to reveal streams of crystal moon. The couple stepped out onto the deck to seat themselves over the edge. Winter blew by them in a breeze. The small koi pond was utterly frozen over. Frost blued the ground, sparkling.
The two sat in a comfortable silence, nothing but the sound of rustling winds to intrude. "Kai?" Tenshi started, breaking the silence. Crimson eyes sought her face in response. "When were you planning on telling me that you've been paying for my friend's plane tickets with you expansive wealth?"
Silence answered. Tenshi gazed over at Kai inquisitively. He sighed. "Never."
"And why is that?"
Winter brushed by again in an echoing stillness. "I didn't want you to feel like you owed me anything," confessed Kai. Tenshi opened her mouth to retort when he continued. "And don't even argue with me because I know you would." That made her close her mouth sheepishly. "One thing I know about you: you value sentiments over materialistic things. A choker, for example, may make you happy," he said, eyeing the choker he got her last Christmas, "but you'd rather make memories with your friends and the team."
Tenshi's soft brown locks bounced in the breeze as she gaped at her boyfriend. The light of the moon revealed his face. A face that suddenly seemed older, wiser even. "Since when have you been so deep and mature?" Tenshi joked with tone of unadulterated awe. Kai smirked as he leaned closer and tucked one of Tenshi's blue bangs behind her ear.
"A long time; you're just finally catching on…." Kai's voice trailed and his mouth moved forward. Tenshi instinctively leaned in closer. Then—
"TENSHI!" a shrill voice called. The couple pulled apart as the dojo door flew open to reveal a grinning Hilary. A guilty expression quickly consumed her features. "Aw, man! I just interrupted something, didn't I?"
Tenshi forced a lopsided grin. "Just a little bit."
"He he he… oops?" she apologizing awkwardly. Slowly closing the door, Hilary giggled nervously. "I'll just let you two have your time… alone…." Light from the dojo vanished with the closing door.
"So, is he coming?" Tenshi queried, poking Kai in the arm. Kai smirked.
"Yes—reluctantly, I must add. It's not going to work out like you're planning."
"Maybe, but a girl can try, can't she?"
Lips to her forehead, Kai kissed her responsively. "You should get to bed; you have to pick your friends at the airport tomorrow. And then, knowing you, you'll probably start the Christmas decorations," he told her softly. Tenshi frowned.
"But aren't you picking him up in the morning?"
"Yes."
"Are you going with me to the airport?"
Kai shook his head. "Not this time; I have to do some errands in town tomorrow," he admitted. With a smirk, he added, "But I'll be there to help with the decorations; there is no way that demonic Santa is being put up without me." A giggle escaped Tenshi's throat. Dear ol' Santa: must someone always fall? The question without an answer. But hopefully this year would be different. Somehow every year was. "Now: go get some sleep," he chided softly.
With a roll of her eyes and peck to Kai's lips, Tenshi was on her feet. "Yes, Mr. Mom!" she jested. "G'night, Kai—I love you."
From his seated position, Kai nodded with a lopsided grin. "I know. I love you, too." The soft words rang like velvet. Softened, Tenshi smiled warmly at Kai and then walked another door or so down to her room. Crimson followed her retiring figure, disappearing into the warm home. A moment passed before Hilary peeked her head out of the door behind Kai, grinning form ear to ear.
"Errands? That's the best you could come up with?" she jabbed the Russian. His cold façade back, he didn't even bother to look back to the brunette.
"She believed it, didn't she?" Kai whispered to the darkness.
"True enough. So I'm guessing we're still on for tomorrow?"
Kai nodded, his blue hair being tousled about by the breath of Jack Frost himself. That being confirmation enough, Hilary slipped back into the dojo. Alone in his element, Kai remained rooted under the moonlight, hoping his decision would be the best one.
Morning came too early. Afternoon came even earlier. Clouds looming overhead, pedal to the metal, Tenshi was attempting to drive through the deadly holiday traffic. Deadly in the essence that if the idiots on the road didn't get out of her way and made her late to pick up her friends, then those idiots would not be having a happy holiday in the hospital. Her hairstyle wasn't the only thing that had changed as of late. Tenshi had started to grow more independent; Kai was rubbing off on her, she supposed. And with independence often came irritation at those who needed help with EVERYTHING. And at the moment, people needed help driving.
Serious help.
With a sigh of relief, Tenshi finally wound her way through the labyrinth of cars to park at the airport. Grabbing her keys and pulling her scarf closer to her, she strode in a flurry into the aviation facility. Wreaths, banners, and snowflakes hung in the air every which way. Families with bundles of luggage and gifts moved about in packs. But to no avail did she see any sign of her friends. Glancing at the paper in her hand, the seventeen-year old female looked up the information Sakura had given her about their flight.
"Terminal 43B. 43B," Tenshi muttered to herself, committing it to memory. Hall after hall she went, slowly climbing her way to the B terminals, and then to the forties. Being rather vacated compared to everywhere else in the airport, it was easy to see them when Tenshi moved closer. In the distance, Sakura was seemingly fighting with Hiniku yet again and Kaze just sat to the side, ignoring them with a good book in her hands. "You all ready to go to your second home?"
At the sound of Tenshi's voice, all three heads abruptly looked over. "TENSHI!" the arguing duo said in a unified exclamation. Before she could say 'beyblade', Tenshi was enveloped in a Hiniku-Sakura sandwich. Kaze slipped her book back into her bag and walked over to the reunion.
Face blue, Tenshi was able to mutter, "Air! Need. To. Breathe!" Air, being a necessity of human life, was soon available to her as Sakura and Hiniku released their grips. Grinning faces met her own. It seemed as thought it had been yesterday Angel had seen them off to the U.S.A. after Thanksgiving. But that yesterday was three weeks ago. Today they were back, same as before. "So, you all ready to go?" Tenshi checked. A chorus of affirmatives responded. They trekked through the airport rush and out to the car. The ride home was basically uneventful, aside from the familiar old lady that kept honking her horn until Tenshi let her zoom past. Upon reaching the dojo, the car was parked and the trunk was popped. Piling out of the car, the girls grabbed their suitcases and moved inside. Tenshi kept in stride with Hiniku, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Hiniku: you remember when you asked where I got Kai so you could get one?"
Hiniku responded with a curious, wary eye. "Maybe…" she said.
FLASHBACK
Tenshi slid open the door to find the futons set up neatly in the center. Each was unfolded and ready for use. Had the pilgrim leprechauns come and done this?
A chuckle came from behind. "This is what you call 'messy'? Did you get OCD in our absence or something?" Sakura jested. Tenshi's thought process was clueless. That is, until she heard the whirring of a beyblade outside.
Grinning in spite of herself, Tenshi whispered, "Kai must've laid them out when I left to answer the door." Her eyes softened.
Hiniku dropped her belongings by one of the center futons. "GEEZ! Honestly, how did you score a guy like Kai? 'Cause I need one!" she burst.
END FLASHBACK
"Okay, I do. So?"
Mischief snaked its smirk across Tenshi's lips. Unlocking the front door, she reported, "Well, I have someone I want you to meet." Eyebrows shot up, Hiniku was shocked. They all slipped off their shoes in the doorway and stepped into the home. As Hiniku was about to interrogate her friend, Tenshi yelled, "We're home!!" Her voice reverberated against wooden halls. A familiar blonde bobbed out of the kitchen.
"Hey, guys! Long time no see!" Max joked brushing flour from his hands to his jeans. Another face peered from the kitchen.
"Rei!!" Sakura cried out, rushing to him with open arms. Wiping some batter onto his apron, Rei returned the hug warmly, burying his smile into her hair. Since Kaze, at this point, was chatting animatedly with Max, Tenshi grabbed Hiniku's arm and dragged her away. As the Korean was making quite a racket, Tenshi hushed her friend with a scowl.
"Do you want to meet him or not?" she deadpanned, stopping to stare Hiniku straight in the eye. There was a brief pause of contemplation, and then Hiniku nodded. Smiling, Tenshi lead her friend outdoors. "Good, 'cause Kai brought in an old friend…" Tenshi let on. They turned the corner of the dojo deck to the backyard. Whirring and grinding of a beyblade meeting dirt reached their ears.
A young man stood tall and strong in the yard. Vibrant red hair swayed in the wind. His orange and white turtleneck seemed warm in the winter air. Tall, rigid, his back was turned to them. Hiniku was skeptic. Tenshi was smirking. "YO, RED!" she called out. The male in question stiffened and his face turned to glare at Tenshi with piercing sapphire eyes. Hiniku could've sworn his eyes were made of ice. Calling back his blade, he strode over to tower over the two, arms crossed.
"I told you to stop calling me that," he reminded her tersely. Tenshi simply grinned back uncaringly.
"And I told you I don't care because the name fits," she retorted, gesturing to his flaming hair. He glared.
"Just because you're Kai's girl—."
"Yeah, yeah, skip the death threats, would ya?" she cut him off. Looking back to Hiniku, Tenshi introduced. "Hiniku, this is Kai's friend, Tala. Tala," Tenshi swerved her gaze to meet his, "this is my friend, Hiniku."
Tala eyed Hiniku up and down silently. A pregnant stillness lingered in-between. It seemed as though he had come to a conclusion because his mouth quirked into a sneer. "You're short," he said. Tenshi held back her snicker and Hiniku's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"WHAT?!" she shrieked, flabbergasted. Tala's sneer broadened.
"And loud, too."
The insulted Korean was fuming, growling, and clenching her fists. Making a step forward, Hiniku poke him square in the chest with a scowl. "I am AVERAGE HEIGHT, I'LL HAVE YOU NOW," she defied him. Tala's sapphire eyes looked down his nose at her.
"…Right…." Smirking, he found amusement as her fury grew. Hiniku opened her mouth to retort when Tenshi wheeled her away.
"Hiniku, why don't you start gathering the others for decorating assignments?" Tenshi suggested, pushing Hiniku away from the antagonizing male. Shooting Tala a resentful glare, Hiniku stomped into the dojo. Once the Korean was gone, Tenshi sighed. She gave Tala an exasperated eye-roll. "Nice job, Red."
In reply, Tala shrugged and trained his icy gaze on Tenshi. "You only said I had to meet her; you didn't say I had to lie to her face."
"You called her short and loud."
"The truth."
"You're a tall, quiet guy—EVERYONE is short and loud to you."
"Look," Tala said, taking a step to tower over Tenshi, "I don't know what you're up to, and frankly, I don't want to know. Just leave me out of it."
The cold tone left Tenshi unfazed. Kai spoke to Tyson like that all the time; she was practically immune to it. Instead, she smirked. "Um, how about 'no', Red?" she mocked. Ice glared into her eyes.
"The only reason I haven't beaten the pulp out of you is—."
"I know, I know. 'Because I'm Kai's girlfriend'," she interrupted dismissively, "Just give it a rest and enjoy yourself for the first time in your life. Maybe you'll find you like it." Pivoting on her toes, Tenshi walked back towards the door. Then, another thought struck her. "By the way, where is Kai?" she asked.
"Still out."
Tenshi frowned. Still? It had been hours; he should've been back by then. With a wave, she appreciated, "Thanks."
When Tenshi was finally gone and out of Tala's hair, the redheaded male re-launched his blade and resumed to practice. A smirk decorated his lips.
"Kai, you definitely found the right one for you…."
Tenshi strode into the living room to find a crowd gathered. Grinning and saluting, Hiniku declared, "Ready for duty, Tyrant Tenshi!" The Korean received a deadpanned expression in return. Quickly, she took a head count. All were present and accounted for. Except for three. Tala was to be expected; he was outside and obviously not wanting any part of this. But it was the other two that worried her.
Kai.
And Hilary.
The cheerful group of merry-makers was awaiting her assignments and staring out into space wasn't helping. "Alright everybody!" Tenshi forced a grin. "First things first: who's putting up the Santa Claus?" Crickets wouldn't even have interrupted that silence. Who would dare, after the past two years' experiences? "Anyone? C'mon, someone has to…" Tenshi asked again to her friends.
There was a groan from the back of the group before Kaze came forward. "I'll do it, BUT—," Kaze pulled Hiniku over to her side with one arm and grabbed Max with the other arm, "—THESE guys will help me!"
Hiniku was incredulous. "WHAT?! Why me?!"
"Because you manage to get out of doing it every year," Kaze responded with a tone drenched in cold logic and pure amusement. Groaning, Hiniku hung her head in despair.
Contrastingly, Max was smiling from ear to ear. Sparing a glance at Hiniku, he remarked, "C'mon! Santa can't be that bad!" Several incredulous eyes gawked at him from all points in the room. Hiniku's eyes bulged.
"Are you serious?! Have you learned NOTHING from the past two years?!" she shrieked. Her reply was another sugary grin.
"Hey! Third time's the charm, right?"
As Hiniku dropped her head again, Tenshi moved on. "Okay, who's got kitchen duty?" she inquired. From the corner of her chestnut eyes, Rei and Sakura's hands were seen raised. Typical. Tenshi nodded a confirmation. Scanning the room, it was soon realized only her and Tyson were left. "So that means me and Tyson have tree duty," she announced.
"WHAT?! NO!" came the desperate plea. Eyes rolling, Tenshi marched over to Tyson and grabbed him by the collar of his jacket.
"Everybody: BREAK!" With her final command the group went their divided ways and Tenshi dragged Tyson out the door, kicking and screaming.
…
"Why are we walking?"
"Because it's not that far into town."
"But we could be warm in a car."
"Be an environmentalist: save some gas."
"I hate you."
"Just hurry up so we can pick a tree!" Tenshi growled irately, clutching her coat and scarf closer to her body. Stifling his comments, Tyson picked up the pace. The air was dry and crisp, Jack Frost blowing every which way. A cold sun shined down upon them as they reached town. Passerby rushed by them, anxious to get to their homes. Aromatic foods wafted from the shops. Evergreen trees towered in the distance. "C'mon! There we go!" she exclaimed, grabbing a hold of Tyson's wrist and dragging him through the migrating crowds. Being Christmas Eve, the abundance of trees was scarce. But, nonetheless, there was still a selection for the duo.
Right in the center of town, the trees were. Tenshi ran through the maze of trees with a childish grin. Tyson scoured the aisles, examining the trees one by one. Too tall. Too short. Too fat. Too skinny. Too many gaps. Too perfect.
Tyson froze then backtracked a tree. His eyes sought the tree again; it was indeed perfect. It was plump and feathered in all the right places, not to mention it would definitely fit in his living room with a star on top. "YO! Tenshi!" Tyson called out, hoping the female would hear him. A brunette head peered from around the corner, curious eyes.
"You rang?" she stated. Tyson grinned.
"I think I found the right tree!" he told her. Tenshi's face lit as she hopped on over to him. She mumbled to herself, scrutinizing the tree from every angle. Then she smiled again.
"You're right for once, Tyson! This one's perfect!" Tenshi waved down one of the workers and told him which one they wanted. Leaving Tyson with the man to trim some of the ends, Tenshi moved out of the green labyrinth to pay. The worker was amiable, and thus Tenshi was relieved of her money and done very quickly. Waiting for Tyson to come out with the tree, the female watched her surroundings. Couples roamed the streets. Children pressed their noses to toy store windows. Parents quickly pushed their children home. Kai was with Hilary in the jewelry store.
Tenshi's heart skipped a beat. Slipping behind a nearby tree, her chestnut eyes gazed at them. So much for Kai's 'errands'; they were in the jewelry store across the street. And Hilary was too close to Kai for Tenshi's comfort. She could only watch in horror as Kai slipped ring after ring onto Hilary's slim finger. The pure joy on Hilary's face took a stab at her heart with an arrow of betrayal. But the soft smirk that was Kai's lips—that was too much to bear. Tenshi flipped back behind the tree. She sank to her knees, speechless.
Her heart trembled. A tear may have slipped from her eye. Tenshi couldn't tell. She was numb. Hurtful memories floated through her mind. Spartan, too had done something like this to her. Tenshi thought she was funny, caring, and at least somewhat tough. But was that not ever enough?
"Tenshi?"
Her faded eyes looked up at the sound of her voice. Tyson stood over her, his own eyes reflecting concern. "You okay?" he asked, kneeling next to her. Her mouth unable to form words, she pointed behind her. His gaze following along that direction, Tyson's face soon twisted into anger and hurt.
Chuckling without emotion, Tenshi glanced at Tyson. "So much for finally asking Hilary out this year, eh?" He nodded, never tearing his eyes away. "I guess we're in the same boat." She wiped the water from her cheek. Great. Now Tyson had seen her cry: can she say 'blackmail'?
Surprisingly, he said nothing. Tyson gave her one look before he stood, swallowing his pain. Forcing a smile, he reached down for Tenshi. "C'mon: let's go home. The tree isn't going to decorate itself!" Tenshi accepted his hand and pulled herself to her feet. Without another thought, she ripped her choker off and chucked it. She wouldn't fall for his lies again. Grabbing one end of the tree, Tyson grabbing the other, Tenshi started her march down the street back to the dojo.
Tyson was left carrying the backend of the tree. Christmas just wasn't going to be the same if Tenshi didn't force the others into the merry mood. "Tenshi? I didn't see a thing," he told her. Tenshi knew what he meant and beamed softly to herself.
"Tyson, you're an idiot," she replied. But as Tyson was about to retort, Tenshi added, "But you're a great friend."
"I'm also a great party entertainer."
"That's stretching it."
The two friends laughed, continuing on their way home. What was to happen later, neither of them knew.
…
"This is absolutely perfect, Kai!" Hilary giggled, clutching the bag from the jeweler's. Kai nodded a response from half a step behind the brunette. "I mean, seriously! It's beautiful!" Evening was descending into the air. The streets were less crowded. Hues of red streaked the sky. As Hilary rambled pointlessly, Kai strode silently behind. He grunted at the appropriate moments, as to appear that he was listening. Then, a crunch was heard under his feet, followed by jingle.
Hilary stopped and looked back. Kai's crimson eyes lowered and he kneeled down. His fingers rested on a white choker with a metal band. A band that read 'Tenshi'. Kai could hardly believe his own eyes. Did they deceive him? Was it coincidence? When he turned the choker, Kai found his answer. Just as he feared, the back read 'To My Angel'. "Tenshi…" Kai muttered. A gasp overheard. Glancing upwards, Kai's gaze met Hilary's. Realization shined in her eyes.
"Oh no…"
…
"This thing is so HEAVY!!"
Kaze rolled her eyes, gripping the rope tighter within her grasp. "Just keep pulling, Hiniku," she advised her friend. That was the tenth complain in the past five minutes. "Honestly, Hiniku: if you just focus long enough for us to get it up here, we'll be done!" Responsively, the rope was pulled from behind her. Good. The duo kept pulling the coiled rope in their hands.
In order to prevent previous experiences, they were trying a different approach to putting up Santa: pulling him onto the roof. With a twist. In assistance, the girls had Max pushing Santa up the ladder on the side of the dojo. That way, less effort on the pulling side. That way, less chance of someone falling. Again.
"Almost there, guys!" Max called up. Santa's hat rose into Kaze's horizon and she let out a breath of relief. Somehow Santa seemed heavier this year than the last time she had done it. Little by little, sweat freezing in the blustery wind, Santa completely rose up. Max wedged it onto the roof top and Kaze moved forward to situate it on the shingles. Taking a step back, she grinned.
"We did it, you guys! Operation Santa has been accomplished without any casualties!"
Cheers erupted from Max below her and Hiniku on the other side of the roof. "FINALLY! It took us forEVER!" Hiniku claimed. Kaze and Max exchanged glances before both grinned.
"Right…" they mocked, unified. Hiniku fumed.
She began to stomp her way across the rooftop. "IT DID! So much pulling, and panting, and sweating—ew I probably smell—and rope burn and—AAAHHHH!" Hiniku was yielded in mid-rant as her foot slipped on the slope of the roof.
"HINIKU!" Kaze called out, reaching out for the Korean, but to no avail. First tumbling down the slope, Hiniku flew off the ledge, screaming bloody murder. Max was hastily climbing down the ladder in a desperate attempt to catch her. There was a loud THUD and an 'Oof!' followed shortly after. "Hiniku!" Kaze called out again, racing down the ladder. Her and Max dashed around the corner.
Thankfully, the Korean was fine. For the person she landed on, the same couldn't be said for. "Get the heck off of me," Tala growled from under Hiniku's weight. The Korean had literally fallen onto him, finding herself seated on his back. She jumped up with a frown.
"You know, I was gonna thank you before you decided to be so rude!" yelled Hiniku.
Piercing sapphire eyes stabbed at her rebellious gaze. Tala rose to his feet, dusting himself from the frost of the earth. "You're the one who fell on me, klutz," he retorted. Her temper only rose.
"It's not like I intended to fall. Trust me, if I had, I would've chosen a comfier landing!"
"Excuse me for not having enough body fat to satisfy your wants."
"Why, you little—!"
"Look who's talking."
"I'M AVERAGE HEIGHT!"
Kaze and Max watched awkwardly. "You wanna go see what Rei and Sakura are making?" Max asked his companion, his eyes never leaving the fight unfolding. Kaze nodded vigorously and the two were gone like a flash. All the while, the redhead and the Korean are still arguing, steadily growing louder.
"Listen here, you short—."
"Why do you insist on cracking jokes that don't even make sense, considering I'm NOT SHORT!!" Hiniku interrupted, her hands on her hips and her dark eyes narrowed.
Tala rubbed his head; this whole affair was giving him a migraine. Ice staring into Hiniku's eyes, Tala stepped toward her. She stepped back, but he continued to come toward her and soon Hiniku was backed up against a tree. A toned arm over her head, Tala leaned close to Hiniku. "If you don't shut-up right now…."
"You'll do what?!" spat Hiniku with a voice of intensity.
"This."
Tala's mouth was soon jammed like peanut butter to Hiniku's lips. Heart thumping, eyes widened, Hiniku froze. Soon, she stopped trying to fight it and melted into the kiss. Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer. It seemed like ages before they broke away for the necessity of air. Hiniku panted and Tala stared deep into her eyes.
"What… was that?" Hiniku inquired through battered breaths.
A smirk came with the reply, "Blame the hormones." Hiniku released a shaky laugh.
"But all you do is make fun of me…."
"Doesn't mean I'm not interested."
"…You're a confusing person."
"That's the way the cookie crumbles." Smirking, Tala pushed off the tree and gave Hiniku a soft flick on the forehead. "Later," he dismissed, walking away. Her gaze followed after him, her hand touching her forehead. Reminiscing, her fingers traveled down to her lips to rest. Speechless for a moment, Hiniku leaned against the tree in thought. Her brain hurt and her emotions were in hyper-drive.
"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ABOUT?!" she cried to the heavens. Little did she know of the redhead who heard her screaming voice and smirked.
…
Unable to open the door while balancing a tree in her grasp, Tenshi kicked the door open, grinning like a mad man. "We're BACK!" she sang, stomping into the threshold while carrying the tree partially and slipping off her shoes. Tyson marched after her with the back end of the tree, also grinning. Their friends filed from the kitchen. Tenshi eyed Sakura's face, as her cheeks beheld smudges of chocolate. Sakura beamed sheepishly.
"Don't ask."
"Won't," Tenshi replied frivolously. Her statement was followed by the question, "So, where're we putting the tree?"
Rei pointed to the corner they had set aside. The tree stand was already in place, dressed with red velvet. Trekking to the corner, Tyson laid the base of the tree down into the stand as Tenshi pushed up the top. She held it in place whilst Tyson twisted the screws in to support the tree. Receiving the okay from Tyson, Tenshi stepped back slowly, as if afraid it would topple upon her. But it did not. It stood, proud and strong. A murmur of approval swept through the friends.
"Nice one, Tensh!" Sakura commended, patting her friend on the back.
Tenshi rolled her eyes with a grin. "Who knew Tyson could actually do something right?" she sneered, nudging Tyson playfully. There was a slam from the front door before Hiniku thundered through, face red and fists clenched. She was gone as swiftly as she came. Brow quirked, Tenshi glanced back to her friends. "Did we miss something?" she asked. Her attention shifted to the snickering grins on Kaze and Max's faces.
"Well, you see…" Kaze started, chortling.
"Hiniku had a little 'run-in' with Tala," Max finished, stifling his own laughter. A groan escaped Tenshi's throat. What 'run-in' entailed was probably a bad thing. "Anyways, shouldn't we start decorating the tree?" the blonde pressed further. As if summoned from beyond, a box was dropped down in front of him, full of packaging peanuts and ornaments. Hiniku wiped the dust from her hands after dropping the box. The group stared at the Korean's still red cheeks. An awkward silence resumed and her eyes darted from face to face.
"Well?! What are we waiting for?" she demanded to know. Bomb-rushing the box of ornaments, everyone quickly busied themselves. String after string of lights were pulled from storage. So many that Sakura managed to get herself entangled. Bags after bags of popcorn were popped; half went to making popcorn strings—half went to Tyson's stomach.
"Tyson!!" Tenshi reprimanded, smacking him in the back of the head. A kernel stuck in his throat, his face red and arms making wild gestures. Rolling her eyes, Tenshi slapped him in the back and it popped out. "Maybe that wouldn't happen if you actually put some of the popcorn on the tree!" she pointed out. Her response being a scowl from the World Champ, Tenshi moved back to the box and pulled out a couple ornaments.
The door was heard again, followed by the trudging of feet into the house. "We're back, you guys!" Hilary pronounced, slipping her coat on to the coat rack. Sakura and Kaze exchanged disgusted glances whilst Hiniku silently gagged. Tenshi, however, was too preoccupied with the crimson eyes staring wholes into her. Her chestnut eyes registered the white choker in Kai's grip.
"Snap," she cursed to herself. Footsteps stopped behind her and a nudge to her side. Tearing her eyes from Kai's piercing gaze, Tenshi met the soft grin on Tyson's face.
"He'll get over it," Tyson mumbled under his breath and Tenshi smiled in spite of herself. Continuing her fun, the female BladeBreaker strung some more ornaments onto the tree, completely ignoring Kai's gaze.
At the same time, Kai was desperately trying to find Tenshi's eyes. He wasn't an idiot; he could tell the choker didn't just fall off. It was ripped off. And Tenshi never went anywhere without it. So what was going on? After shedding his coat, Kai walked over behind Tenshi, not oblivious to the dark stare he was getting from Tyson. What was into those two today. "Ten…" Kai said. He noted how her spine and her movements stiffened.
"Kai," she answered back, not bothering to look back. Her cold response took Kai aback. Something had to wrong.
"Can I speak to you for a moment?" he furthered, his crimson eyes scrutinizing her every move. Tenshi pursed her lips.
"You can help put up these ornaments," she stated, her face turning to meet his. Kai was startled to see how her bouncing chestnut eyes had frozen over. Moving past him, Tenshi bent to grab some ornaments. None of which were passed to Kai. For the time being, he decided to play along.
So thus the decorating continued. Instrumental Christmas cheer floated through the room and added to the atmosphere. Laughter rang as a bell in the halls. Karaoke was done, albeit poorly since it was Tyson singing a duet with Max, both high off hot cocoa. At one point, they even managed to get Tala to put up a couple ornaments. Tenshi didn't miss the tinge of pink on Hiniku's cheeks when Tala had to reach over her to fix some falling lights.
At the same time, Kai didn't miss the cold shoulder Tenshi gave him the entire afternoon. Or that her and Tyson were getting along better than usual. There even seemed to be an extra added spite to Tyson's words as him and Hilary argued. Something had happened that afternoon and now those two were mad at him and Hilary.
In that instant, all of the pieces fell into place. The trees were being sold directly across the street from the jeweler's. From the sounds of it, Sakura was with Rei in the kitchen whilst Max, Kaze, and Hiniku had set up that accursed Santa Claus. That meant Tenshi and Tyson were the ones who got the tree. Was that it? Did they see him and Hilary?
Kai strode over to where Tenshi was giggling merrily with Sakura and stopped behind her. The 'uh-oh' look on Sakura's face warned Tenshi before she even heard his voice down her neck. "Ten," he tried again, moved by his epiphany. Shoulders slumped agitatedly, the said female wheeled to face Kai, scowling. "Can I talk to you? Alone?" Kai pressed, motioning to Sakura with his eyes. Tenshi crossed her arms, defiant. But before she could even reject the offer, her hand was in his grasp and Kai was tugging her away to the hall.
Once out of earshot, Kai stepped into Tenshi's close proximity, delving into her steel brown orbs. "What's wrong?" he queried. Tenshi stepped back, her face one of anger.
"What's wrong? What's wrong?!" she repeated, disbelievingly. "Now, why would anything be wrong? After all you only lied to me and went gallivanting across town with another girl, who, of all people, was Hilary! What could possibly wrong?!"
Kai's eyes softened. "So you did see us…."
"Naw! Really?!" Tenshi spat, a fire trembling in her throat. With a blazing fury, she began to storm away when Kai brought her back, grabbing her arm. "Hiwatari, let go of me!"
"Ten, it was not what it looked like—."
"How do expect me to believe you, Kai?!" Tenshi fought to keep down her hysterics. Tears started to well in her eyes. "You told me were doing errands! You told me you would be back in time for decorations! You told me that you loved me!" she cried, panting. An awkward silence hung between them. Her icy-blue bangs hid her eyes, her brown locks toppling over her shoulders. After looking away, her eyes met his, sorrow meeting conflict. Her lips parted as she started again, softly. "And what did you do, Kai?" Tenshi whispered, afraid of the answer she already knew. "You didn't come back; you left me and the others to be with Hilary."
"Look above you, Ten."
Unwillingly, Tenshi tore her eyes from the ground to see the mistletoe dangling above her. Her eyes narrowed, glistening. "I don't believe right now is the time—."
"Do you remember what happened under mistletoe on Christmas Eve two years ago?" Kai interrupted, subtly reminding her. Like she didn't remember. Tenshi could still the tingles from the first time they had kissed. Kai stepped towards her again. "You know what I was like back then; would I have kissed anyone but you?" Crimson boring searchingly into brown pools of confusion, Kai stared at her. She didn't respond. "And last Christmas Eve," he continued, "would I have chased any other girl in the snow and wind to tell them to come back and that I was sorry?" There was no reply. He got down on one knee and looked up at her. Digging a small velvet box out of his pocket, Kai finished, "And this Christmas Eve, would I ask anyone but you to marry me?"
Tenshi's eyes widened. Her mind did cartwheels. Her heart skipped. "What?" was the only word she could form. Shock immobilized her body.
Kai's brows furrowed, serious as night and day. "Hilary was out with me helping me pick out the ring and also to make sure it would fit; she's the same ring size as you." Remaining in a silent astonishment, Tenshi's hand covered her agape mouth. "If any of the other girls had gone with me, suspicion would've arisen immediately. There was less chance this way—or if you hadn't seen us."
"Oh my gosh…" Tenshi managed to utter, the truth sinking in. "Oh my gosh…."
Opening the box to reveal the ring, Kai gazed upon Tenshi's face once more. "Ten, I love you more than anything. I didn't even know love existed before you came along. All I want for Christmas is you. I want us to spend Christmas together this year and every year after this. So, will you, Tenshi Tsukino Hikari, marry me?"
Finally, the tears spilled from her eyes. But by this time, they had changed their meaning. "Y-yes. Yes!" she answered, a grin spreading across her lips. Kai couldn't contain the small smile that snuck across his face. He slipped the silver ring onto her finger delicately. The top was a band of stars, glistening in diamond glory. Joy reflected in her eyes, Tenshi wrapped her arms around Kai's neck. Kai could feel her tears drip onto his neck. Within her grasp, he wrapped his arms around Tenshi's waist and stood, lifting her into the air. Pulling her face from Kai's neck, Tenshi's lips were soon captivated by Kai's mouth.
A thudding came from the other room. "Hey! Dinner's ready—what the heck?!" a familiar voice screeched. The surprise was evident in Sakura's voice.
Kai could feel the smile on Tenshi's lips. Her eyes never wavering from Kai, Tenshi pulled away from the lip-lock, stating with more joy than humanly possible, "I think I just got engaged!"
"Say WHAT?!" Sakura screamed again. Her yells aroused the rest of the group, as everyone came piling into the doorway to see the couple underneath the mistletoe. "YOU'RE ENGAGED?!"
Squeals and awe waved through the teens. It started in her throat and then out her mouth, Tenshi's laughter did. Kai's one-in-a-million smile was still on his face. And it was directed only at her. Then and for rest of their lives. Tenshi clung tighter to him, her bliss immeasurable.
Tyson stood at the end of the group, bewildered. "Engaged?" he repeated uncomprehendingly. Weren't they just shunning him for being out with Hilary…? For once, Tyson smacked himself. They were out at a jewelry store. There are RINGS at jewelry stores.
"Get the picture now, Tyson?" Hilary boasted, hands on her hips. The said male beamed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. It was all a misunderstanding. Kai and Tenshi had apparently made up. That left one last thing…
"Hey, Hil?" Tyson called, grabbing the brunette's attention. She gazed back at him, inquisitive. Taking a step towards her, he mumbled, "Um… I was wondering, that is, if you want to… um… would you go out with me?!" Words coming out rushed and jumbled, Tyson winced. However, Hilary's eyes widened, then softened. Taking a leap towards Tyson, Hilary seized him in a hug.
"I thought you'd never ask!"
Surprised, Tyson awkwardly wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
Meanwhile, Kai had finally let Tenshi back to her feet, though one of his hands was still interlocked with hers. The other girls had gathered around, gawking.
"I can't believe it! You're gonna get married!" Sakura exclaimed.
Kaze let out a sniffle. "Kids: they grow up so fast these days!"
Hiniku had snagged her hand and was closely examining the ring on her finger. Her brow furrowed as she looked at the engaged couple. Deadly serious, she asked, "Did he go to 'Jared's'?"
The girls couldn't help but laugh. "GASP! HE went to JARED'S!" Kaze added on, stifling another rouse of giggles.
Rolling her eyes, Tenshi said, "Oh shut-up! You guys sound like an informerical!" Just at the sound of happiness still in her tone, Kai leaned to give her a peck on the cheek. She shifted slightly so that she was leaning against him. But she wasn't oblivious to the devious grin on Sakura's lips.
"You know what this means, right?" the chocolate female asked suggestively. A brow quirked. Tenshi was wary as to where this was going.
"That I'm getting married?"
"Exactly! Which means I CALL DIBS ON PLANNING THE WEDDING!!" Sakura proclaimed.
"WHAT?!"
Sakura smirked smugly. "We should start right now! For example: when? You guys need a date!" she pointed out to the couple. Tenshi looked at Kai and Kai looked at Tenshi.
"Next Christmas Eve?"
"Next Christmas Eve," Tenshi affirmed. Girlish squeals of excitement resounded. Soon, Tenshi was dragged away by the sappy females. The rest of the group started to migrate back into the dining room for dinner. Tyson and Hilary went hand in hand. Max and Rei were harassing their teammate and his new girlfriend. Tenshi was being bombarded by her other female friends. As Kai walked back into the dining room, Tala fell in stride with him, smirking.
"Congrats. Is this what you wanted for Christmas?" the redhead queried, curious. There was no hesitation in Kai's answer.
"Yes. And much more," he replied. His crimson gaze catching Hiniku in his peripheral vision, Kai smirked. "And looks like you got your 'present', too," he snickered. Tala's sapphire orbs flickered to the Korean seating her self at the table.
"Don't get carried away now. Just because you're love-stricken, doesn't mean I am."
"Not yet anyway. But Christmas is where everything starts," Kai reminded him. With those parting words, the BladeBreaker captain pulled up a seat next to his fiancée. Tala remained rooted to the spot for a moment, watching as Kai gave Tenshi another kiss and thinking on Kai's words. It doesn't always work like the fairy tale ending for everybody.
Breaking his reverie, Hiniku called out, "Yo, Tala! You coming to eat or what?" The memory of the look on the Korean's face earlier made him smirk. Maybe the ending didn't work for everybody, but maybe it would for him.
After all, Christmastime is where it began, and where it begins again.
MERRY BELATED CHRISTMAS! Sorry I'm late again this year; at least I'm only two days off, right? XD I hope you all enjoyed this one. Due to lack of time, I couldn't put too much madness in, but I got enough I think. Once again, remember your family and friends. Trust them. Believe them. Love them. It's those ties that create futures and build lifelong bonds. The Lord works in each of us; love is one of those ways. He loved us and sent us His son, Jesus. He trusts us to make the decision to love Him back. So love Him and believe in Him; He will make your paths straight, even in your darkest hour.
Trust. Love. Believe.
Three key words of the holiday. Remember them and cherish them. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And I'll be back next year with more NSMH chappies and the wedding next December! BEWII!
Mishi-chan