Disclaimer: I own none of the characters except the doctors and nurses.

Okay I am sorry for the lengthy wait. I've been busy. I have 1 more project due on Tuesday but after that I'll be able to update.

Well I'm going to move the fic on now, about a week ahead.

So the chapter is going to take place on December 22.

Enjoy!


Chapter Nine – Christmas Surprise

December 22

Entering the hospital Rei noticed that Christmas decorations were put up in the halls. It made the hospital seem more cheery and less of a hospital. Rei was glad that it was almost Christmas. He always enjoyed this time of the year. Even though his family also celebrated Christmas later on, he always liked the holiday during this time.

Smiling to a few of the nurses that said hi to him as he walked down the hall, he quickly made his way up to Kai's level. Getting off the elevator he walked over to the reception desk to get the key for Kai's room.

"Hello Rei. Here to see Kai, are you? Well, he's at a session but he should be done in a few minutes. I'm sure Selene won't mind if you go and wait in the room" said Kat. Rei took the keys from the nurse. He smiled at her and gave his thanks. He then proceeded to Kai's room.

Unlocking the door he entered the empty room. He closed the door behind me and advanced into the room. It looked as it always did. Kai's bed was neatly made with his blue blanket over it. The table was littered with papers. Curiosity finally getting him, Rei put his jacket and bag on Kai's bed before walking over to the table. He picked up a few papers reading over them. His eyes widened as he read it.

'They weren't kidding when they said he had talent' Rei thought. Putting down those sheets he picked up a few more reading them over. Not knowing whether Kai would be happy with reading them without his permission Rei put the sheets down. He walked over to the window where Kai always sat. Looking out he saw quite a few people walking towards the park which was having their annual Christmas carnival. Rei smiled at the thought of the carnival.

"Why Rei, I didn't think you'd be here so early. You're usually here a bit later" said Selene who was at the door with Kai at her side. Kai smiled slightly at Rei's presence.

"Yeah, I didn't have anything to do so I thought I would come a bit earlier" answered Rei, walking away from the window. Selene nodded and pushed Kai into the room. He looked back at her and then walked over to his bed.

"So are you going to the carnival Rei?" asked Selene.

"I was thinking of it. I'm not sure though" answered Rei, walking over to Kai. Kai looked over at Selene and asked;

"What carnival?" Selene smiled and opened the door.

"It's a Christmas carnival in the park. There are shows and games. Quite a sight. Well, you boys have a nice time" said Selene before leaving the room. Rei sat down next to Kai. Kai turned to face him.

"What's it like at the carnival?" Rei pulled his legs up to sit Indian style.

"Well it's very busy, but there is so much to do. They have concerts, games, and they even set up an ice rink so you can go skating" Rei explained, watching the awe on Kai's face. Kai looked down and started to trace patterns in his blue blanket.

"Christmas seems so different then it used to be" Kai said quietly. Rei's eyes widened; Kai had never once talked about his past to Rei. Rei came back from his world.

"What were your Christmases like?" asked Rei. Kai was silent for a few moments. He looked up at Rei reading the trust and loyalty in Rei's golden eyes. Smiling a whisper of a smile Kai lifted his head.

"I don't really remember Christmas. Only the one's that are in here. But the only memory I have of Christmas with mom and dad is this" Kai gripped the blanket that they were both sitting on. Rei now understood why Kai was stuck to the blanket like glue.

"Well, at least you have something to remember rather than nothing." Said Rei smiling. Kai nodded in agreement. The two boys continued to talk throughout the day till it was time for Rei to go home. Rei's watch started beeping causing both boys to jump a bit. Looking down at his watch Rei pushed the stop button.

"Oh, I gotta go. My mom will kill me if I'm late again" said Rei. He stood up and took the coat Kai handed to him. Giving his thanks he grabbed his bag. Kai was now standing as well.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow Kai. Hopefully we can go downstairs. I heard that they're doing some activites. Might be fun. Anyway, bye" said Rei, walking over to the door. Kai nodded.

"Bye" he said, watching Rei leave. He watched Rei walk down the hall before turning a corner. Walking back to his bed his flopped down on it, gathering his blanket in his hands.

Out at the front desk Rei had stopped to talk with Selene.

"Happy that your holidays have started?" asked Selene who was going through a few files. Rei smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. Good to not have homework to do for a full two weeks" answered Rei. Selene smiled.

"Are you planning on coming here during the Christmas days?" asked Selene.

"Yeah, but I have to go to my relatives so I won't be able to spend as much time."

"Being Christmas, visiting hours are extended. So feel free to drop by. I know Kai will be happy if you do" said Selene giving the files to another doctor that was there.

"I will" answered Rei.

December 24

The day in between had gone quickly. It was now Christmas Eve and the hospital was busier than when Rei was there before even if it was the morning. He noticed that Kai's floor was less populated then the others. Shrugging it off, he walked down to Kai's room. Arriving at the door he looked through the glass and saw Kai and Selene talking at the table. Smiling he knocked on the door knowing it was locked on the outside. The two occupants of the room turned around and greeted Rei with smiles. Selene got up and walked over to the door to let Rei in.

"Good morning Rei. I'm surprised to see you here so early, not that it's a bad thing. Why don't you come in. You can take Kai off of my hands for a while, dear" said Selene, moving out of the way so Rei could come in. "Now Kai, you be good. I want no complaints about you being Mr. Grumpy or mean" said Selene, wagging her finger jokingly at Kai. He smiled shyly and a tint came over his cheeks. Laughing she closed the door and walked down to attend to her other patients.

"Hey Kai. How you doing?" asked Rei smiling with Christmas cheer.

"Okay" answered Kai. Rei was now seated beside Kai.

"That's good. Have you eaten already?" asked Rei not wanting to interrupt Kai's breakfast if he didn't have it yet. He received a nod from Kai. "That's good. I don't want to be interrupting you while you're eating. Anyway, want me to go ask if we can go walk around for a bit?" Kai nodded happily glad that he was going to get out of the room. Rei smiled and got up to leave to room to go ask Selene that they were going to go walking around. Getting the go ahead from Selene, Rei walked back to the room to get Kai. He opened the door and walked in. Kai was still sitting at the table waiting for Rei. Seeing Rei walk in, he got up and walked over to the door. Once they were out in the hall Rei led Kai down to the lower levels. The entered the second floor and Rei led Kai to the gardens.

They came to two glass doors that had acrylic on the windows, blocking out the view to the outsides. Rei pushed the doors opened and they were hit with a breeze of warm air. Kai's eyes opened in awe as he entered the room slowly, as if he was forbidden to enter. Rei took a hold of Kai's forearm pulling him into the room. Kai followed without protest.

As Rei led them down the isles of plants he pointed them out to Kai telling him which was which and where they came from. They came to a artificial outdoors area with stone benches and tables with unique cravings winding up the legs and along the border. Sitting down they both admired the garden. Rei smiled and closed his eyes at the breeze that ran across his face; artificial or not he didn't care. Kai turned his head and smiled at the expression on Rei's face. It was angelic and brought peace to him. He had seen many expression and emotions on Rei's face, and he decided he liked this one the best. He was surprised when Rei started talking.

"This reminds me of my home back in China. It was always like this, and hardly ever cold" said Rei opening his eyes. "But I've always enjoyed going new places. And this city was certainly new to me. It was funny when I first saw snow. My parents couldn't get me to come inside. I paid it by getting sick" Rei said with a laugh in his voice. Kai smiled and turned back to the view. The two boys sat there in silence just admiring the calm environment. Even with other people there, they seemed to respect the silence. After an hour or so Rei, opened his eyes. He turned to face Kai when he saw that Kai was no longer sitting beside him. Alarmed that Kai had left he stood up quickly.

"Kai?" he called out. No answer. Worried that Selene would have his head he frantically walked around the garden. Apologizing to the random guest he ran into he continued to look for Kai. Stopping for a moment he glanced around. Almost a miracle he spotted a patch of blue through the trees that loomed over in the corner of the garden. Running down the isles he made his way to the trees.

"Kai!" Hearing his named called Kai turned around and was surprised to see Rei's state. Rei breathed out a huge sign of relief.

"Gods Kai, I thought you left. I would have been in so much trouble if that happened" Rei said walking over to Kai worry in his eyes. Kai noticed this and bent his head, slate bangs covering his eyes from Rei's view. Rei's faced saddened in grief. He didn't mean to make this Kai's fault. Slowly, he touched Kai's shoulder which brought Kai's attention to him.

"I-I'm sorry Rei. I d-didn't mean to leave. I-I just..." Kai's voice faded.

"Just what?"

"I thought I heard my name being called. You looked like you were sleeping so I left you. I didn't want to wake you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it" Kai said once again, looking at the ground. Rei's brows knitted in confusion. 'Voice?' He shook his head, deciding not to worry about it. Sighing he took a hold around Kai's elbow and led him back to the entrance.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. Just let's not tell anyone that you left. Okay?" asked Rei glancing at Kai. Receiving a nod he gently squeezed Kai's arm before letting go.

The two teens made their way back up to Kai's room. Once inside Kai walked over to the window seating himself, as usual, on the ledge. Rei thought it was the best time to do what he came to do. He walked over to where he had placed his bag. Opening it carefully he took out a package that was wrapped in a soft red, completed with a gold ribbon. Placing it on the table, he closed his bag and put on his jacket. Walking over to Kai with the present in hand he stood beside Kai. Kai looked at Rei and then down at the package. Cocking his head to the side he asked Rei;

"What is it?" Rei laughed at Kai's cluelessnes. Placing the present on Kai's lap he said;

"It's a Christmas present. I thought you might like it. Selene thought it was a nice idea and it would come in handy." Kai continued to stare at it. "I thought I'd give it to you today since I won't be here for a few days. Just don't open it till tomorrow." Kai looked up at Rei and asked;

"You won't be here? Why?"

"We always go to see our relatives a while away. It won't be long. I'll be back here on the twenty-seventh. Anyway, I have to leave now, because the plane leaves in a few hours, but when I come back I'll spend the entire day here to make up for it okay?" Kai nodded, brightened by the news.

"Remember: don't open the present till tomorrow" said Rei before leaving. Now alone in the room Kai looked down at the present. He continued to stare at it wondering what could be in there. Few ideas came to mind. He was starting to get a headache. Rubbing his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater, he got up and walked over to his bed. Placing the present on the night stand he laid down on his bed pulling his blue blanket over his head in attempt to stop the pain. He soon fell into a fitful slumber.

December 25

Morning came and Kai was slowly roused by a hand on his forehead. He opened his eyes to meet Selene's. She smiled and removed her hand, straightening up.

"Well, it seems that smidge of fever you had is gone. You probably needed the rest. You slept all afternoon and straight through the night. Well, that's how it should be. Nobody should be sick on Christmas day and I see that you have gotten a present; from Rei no doubt." Kai turned his head remembering that Rei had given him the present. Selene reached for it handing it to Kai. He sat up and Selene sat on the edge of the bed.

"Go on and open it, dear." Doing as she said Kai pulled at the ribbon watching it easily come apart. Setting the ribbon aside Kai removed the ruby lid on the box. Pushing back the tissue paper he was greeted with the sight of white. Pulling the contents out, he saw that the white cloth was a long alabaster scarf. Next was a pair of blue cargo pants, with black lining; last of the clothes was a blue sweater with read trimming on the upper arms.

"Well, Rei certainly picked out a nice set of clothes for you, and he picked a good choice too" said Selene, taking the clothes while Kai admired the scarf. He loved the feeling of it. It felt like water. Smiling he looked back into the box and noticed that there were a few more things. Handing the scarf to Selene, he reached into the box and brought the folder and note. Setting the folder aside he opened the letter and started to read it.

' Merry Christmas Kai!

I hope you enjoyed the clothes I got you. I asked Selene about them so they will fit. I thought that you would need clothes for when you go on the trips Dr. Conway was planning. And yes, I will be coming too. I got permission a couple of days ago from my principal. Well, you may have noticed a folder in the box as well. Anyway in it are a few drawings that I did. I read a bit of your work. I hope you don't mind. Anyway, I hope you like them. Merry Christmas and I'll see you in a couple of days.

Rei

Kai finished reading the letter and grabbed the folder. Opening it he was greeted with beautifully coloured drawings. He flipped through them, easily telling which was from which story because of the detail.

"Oh my! Those are amazing! Did Rei draw those?" asked Selene looking with Kai at the pictures. He nodded. "Well, he's very talented. It was very thoughtful of him to get you all this."

"Yeah. I just wish I had something to give him" said Kai. Selene smiled.

"No need to worry about that, Kai. You've given him so much already. Now, why don't I go get your breakfast. I'm guessing you're hungry from missing yesterday's lunch and dinner." Selene got up and left before Kai could ask her what she meant. Sighing he went back to the drawings. He skimmed through them, one catching his eye. He pulled it on top of the others. It was a simple sketch of Kai sitting at the window. Kai looked at the window admiring how precise Rei was in the detail.

December 27

Kai sat at the table slowly eating breakfast. Today he was all alone eating. Usually he had the company of Selene or one of the other nurses. The days without Rei had seemed long and boring. Dropping his spoon on the table he leant back in his chair turning quickly when the door opened. A smile quickly graced his face at the sight. There stood Rei, early, just as he promised.

"Hey Kai. How you doing? Did you like the presents I got you?"

"Very much. Thank you. You didn't have to go through all that trouble."

"Well, what were you going to wear outside? You weren't planning on going out in those?" said Rei, laughing. He took a seat next to Kai. He eyed the food.

"Is that what they feed you? I always thought you'd get that grey-mush" Rei said, scrunching up his face. Kai let out a short laugh. "Man, you get better service then me."

The two boys decided to catch up on the days missed. They talked through out the day and decided to do a bit more exploring. At the end of the day Rei left and Kai was once again alone. Thinking over he soon started to think about his friendship with Rei. He had never met a person like Rei. He didn't think he ever would again. He didn't know what to think. No words came to mind. He just hoped he would be able to keep this friendship with Rei.


There! Finally finished.

I hope this chapter makes up for the lack of updating. My fingers are about to fall off.

Well I hope you enjoyed this. I tried to put in some yaoi hints, since its not really the beginning, but I didn't want to make any deep ones. I'm just starting with a friendship bond for now. I have the ending I just have to get there. Well I hope you liked this chapter. I know Kai's present wasn't really original but what was he going to where. I wouldn't want unwanted eyes on him.

Please Review!

Devlinn Reiko