Disclaimer: The game this is based on belongs to Yuki Kaori and Konami.

Nearing Towards You: Chapter 6

Wilhelmine had not yet shown up by the time Erika arrived at the meeting place before the Christmas party. Marin chattered excitedly to a patiently-listening August while she twirled the pink ribbons in her curly pigtails that matched the hue of her dress. "... and so I just know this is going to be the best Christmas ever!"

The redhead's excitement caused the other two to smile. "I certainly hope so," August answered as she nodded a greeting to Erika. "We should only need to wait a few more minutes before Minna is ready."

Nodding at the explanation, Erika brushed a hair from her shoulder. During their shopping trip she had found a beautiful dress in a subdued dusty rose. The moment she tried it on Wilhelmine had insisted that she get it because the color brought out her eyes while the gentle v-neck and simple but sleek cut accented her figure. Though she wouldn't go that far, Erika did think the dress looked nice on her and had purchased it before she had time to second-guess herself.

"Eri, you look so cute!" Marin stepped up in front of her and examined Erika's hair thoughtfully. "I wonder what it would look like up..."

August reminded the redhead gently, "Marin, we only have a couple of minutes before we leave. Even if Erika wanted to change her hairstyle now it is a little late to do so."

Mock-pouting as she gave an exaggerated shrug that caused the lace and frills lining every possible hem of her dress to flutter Marin sighed, "Oh, fine..." Her eyes shone as her lips turned up in a grin. "But next time there's a fancy party I want to do your hair, okay?"

Taken by surprise Erika could only nod. "Sure, Marin, that's sweet of you." For a brief moment Erika imagined her hair done up in pigtails and ribbons as a shiver ran down her spine. Thankfully Wilhelmine arrived just then and distracted the others from noticing the reaction.

"Merry Christmas everyone, and I'm sorry I'm late! I somehow misplaced my gloves and had to turn half my closet inside out looking for them." The blond smiled apologetically as she gestured to the pale yellow fabric that ended in a diamond pattern around her wrists. "Have you all been waiting long?"

An emphatic shake of her head sent Marin's ribbons and curls flying this way and that. "Nope! Eri just got here too so you're fine."

"We should be heading to the party hall soon," August told them with a quick glance at the clock on the wall. The four girls went outside and began the short walk to the building that hosted campus events.

When they arrived a gate guard confirmed their names and allowed them into the party area. A long table had been set up on one side of the room with refreshments while several large and small tables lay spread out for people to sit and enjoy the food and drink. Erika didn't see a clear area large enough to serve as a dance floor, so even though she hadn't thought to ask if the others knew she assumed that the party was for socializing and not a dance.

"Does anyone know where Marin went?" Wilhelmine's concerned question brought Erika back to their group which had decreased in number by one when she wasn't paying attention.

August nodded with a smile toward the end of the long table that held cakes and pastries. "She scampered off as soon as we walked in the door. I'm surprised you didn't hear her little squeal."

The three laughed affectionately at the redhead's predictable nature. Wilhelmine's eyes circled the room before a smile lit her face. "I'll be going as well. There's someone I want to talk to before the night is over." She took a few steps away then turned back. "Don't forget that we're all walking back to the dorm together!" With a little wave she disappeared into the throng of students.

"I wonder who Minna's going to see," Erika asked aloud, though didn't expect an answer.

A soft chuckle from August caught her off guard. "I believe it won't be too hard to guess before the night is over." The brunette smoothed out the skirt of her navy blue dress. "Parties like this aren't really my cup of tea. However, since the opportunity has presented itself perhaps we should make the best of it, hmm?" Erika looked away from the crowd to August and noticed her gaze elsewhere across the room. Following it, Erika couldn't help but grin a little as she saw Eduard talking boisterously to a small but attentive audience. The redhead laughed and ran his fingers through his hair, after which Erika thought a tiny smile turned August's lips.

"Erika?" Both girls turned at the sound of a soft voice behind them. Camus looked relieved as Erika nodded her recognition. "I thought it was you, but I wasn't quite sure. Merry Christmas." He gave them both a pleasant smile, his eyes pausing on August. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met. I'm Camus, and you are..?" A pale hand extended toward the brunette.

"I am August," she answered calmly as she returned his smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Camus." Her gaze moved between the two of them. "I apologize, and I hate to seem rude, but I was just about to visit the refreshments. If you will excuse me..?"

Camus nodded understandingly. "Oh of course, please don't let me keep you."

"Thank you." To Erika she added, "I will see you later when it is time to return."

Erika waved a little. "Have fun, August." The brunette moved away and Erika's attention moved to Camus again. "How are you enjoying the party?"

The fair-haired boy heaved a deep sigh. "The truth is, I'm quite uncomfortable with large crowds, so parties like this make me nervous." He gave her a sheepish look. "Sometimes it's not so bad, but this place is noisy and packed, and I just can't keep calm. It helps to have someone familiar to talk to, though."

His grateful expression surprised Erika. "I'm sorry you feel that way, but if I can be of help to you then I'm glad." She smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. "I'm not exactly great with crowds myself. More often than not I tend to do something by accident that makes me look foolish."

Camus laughed a little and some of the tension Erika could sense from him ebbed away. "I'm sure that's not true. You seem perfectly at ease here, and it looks like you've made a lot of friends since the start of the school year."

At the mention of the other girls, Erika glanced around for them and finally caught sight of Wilhelmine again. She stood on the edge of a group surrounding Ludwig, which made Erika cringe inwardly until she realized Ludwig's eyes were on her as speculation crossed his face. Confused, but trying to hide it, Erika turned back to Camus. "I've been lucky to find some wonderful people here at Rosenstalz." A brief image of Naoji flitted through her mind and brought a bright smile to her face.

Once again Camus gave her an understanding look that somehow made Erika wonder if he could read her thoughts. "Yes, there are many amazing people here. I hope our years at this school continue to give us all happy memories, even though we will have to work hard through the curriculum."

"I agree," Erika answered with a firm nod. She started to say more but noticed Camus' gaze focus somewhere over her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he began, "but I believe someone is trying to get my attention. Please excuse me." His disappointed expression let Erika know he wanted to continue their chat but was needed elsewhere.

Shaking her head Erika assured him, "That's quite all right. I hope we can talk more sometime soon, Camus. It was nice to see you again."

"Likewise," he responded with a faint giggle. "Please enjoy the rest of the evening."

After he moved away Erika glanced around for any sign of Naoji but didn't see him anywhere. She went to the refreshment table and helped herself to some of the sweets and a cup of punch. A couple of girls she knew from class sat at a table nearby, and Erika joined them for some light chitchat while she ate.

Once she finished a flash of pale gray caught her eye. Before she had a chance to turn and confirm the wearer's identity a voice greeted her. "Merry Christmas, Erika."

Her heart thudded loudly and then stopped for a few seconds as Erika turned to face him with a bright smile. "Merry Christmas, Naoji. It seems like it's been a while since we last spoke. Have you been well?"

"It does feel that way, doesn't it? I have indeed been doing fine." He nodded in her direction and asked pleasantly, "And yourself? How have things been going for you?"

Erika's expression changed to a slight grimace for a second as her thoughts turned to recent schoolwork but she recovered quickly. "It's all right. I've been working hard and doing a lot of studying, so I hope that pays off when the next round of tests comes." Her optimism shone clear in her voice.

An encouraging smile answered her. "I am glad to hear that. Please continue to do your best." Naoji hesitated as if about to say something he wasn't sure would be received well. "In a week it will be New Year's Day. Do you happen to have any plans for that day, Erika?"

Surprise left her able to do no more than shake her head for a few moments. "Ah, no, I don't. School isn't back in session yet and it's a holiday." She tried not to sound overly eager as she added, "Is there something special you're doing that day?"

A faint rosy color tinged his cheeks and made Erika's breath catch. "I would not say what I had planned is all that special, no, but if you would be willing to join me I would certainly appreciate your company." He tilted his head to the side just a bit in query.

Eyes wide, Erika played back his words in her head. He really had asked her out, hadn't he? Whether it was meant as schoolmates or more was irrelevant at the moment, and Erika nodded with a smile. "Of course, I would love to join you." The importance of her word choice left Erika blushing a little as well but it didn't seem to affect Naoji, who simply nodded slowly.

"Thank you. Just in case we do not see each other again before that day, shall we meet at the school gate at midmorning? Would ten o'clock be all right for you?"

Erika felt surprised that he couldn't see her ready willingness in her expression. "That sounds fine."

A rising murmur across the hall caught their attention. Erika tried to see what caused the commotion but couldn't make out any likely candidate. Beside her she heard Naoji sigh softly. "If you will excuse me, Erika? It appears that Ed is about to get himself into trouble and someone must be there to keep him out of it."

Puzzled, Erika looked at Naoji and then across the room again. "I... don't mind. I hope everything is all right..."

Naoji's smile looked weary around the edges. "Yes, I am sure it will be. A good evening to you, and please take care when you return to the dorms." She barely had time to nod before he had disappeared into the crowd.

"Hey, was that Naoji?" Erika jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see Marin looking at her curiously. "I'd been looking for him forever, but he was over here! I should have just stayed with you, Eri!" The redhead linked arms with Erika and smiled before she continued in a pouting tone, "But there was a whole group of boys who wanted to talk and I just couldn't get away. Did he say anything about me while you were talking?"

Erika hesitated, unsure how to answer the question. "We really didn't talk that much, Marin, just said hello and a little about the party. But I was surprised when we got here. You disappeared right away. Did you have a good time?" She held her breath while waiting for the other girl's answer and hoped that the change of subject wasn't obvious.

"Lots!" Marin answered exuberantly. "Christmas has got to be the best day of the year!"

"I don't know that I would go that far, but it is quite a celebration," August commented as she joined them. An uncharacteristic faint flush colored the brunette's cheeks and made Erika wonder if she had been near Eduard when the recent commotion started.

Wilhelmine's arrival shifted the topic once again. "It's nearly time for the party hall to close. Shall we all head back to our dorm?"

"A good idea," August agreed before Marin could protest. "Best to make it back before everyone tries to leave at once and we get split up in the confusion."

Marin pouted even though she nodded at her logic. "Oh all right, let's go then. But along the way I want to tell you about this boy that I met tonight!"

As the four of them started toward the door Erika noticed August and Wilhelmine exchange a quick look before their attention turned to Marin's story. The path grew narrow once they got outside, and Wilhelmine threaded her arm through Erika's and held the both of them back a few steps. "Didn't I tell you it was nothing to worry about?" she asked softly with a smile. "Merry Christmas, Erika."

Erika grinned back at her. "Merry Christmas, Minna."


Calendar notes:
December 25th, 1935 (Wednesday) - entire chapter