*cries* I'm sorry I didn't post anything in June! Please forgive my laziness and lack of motivation!
Here's the Xmas-New Year chapter (in the middle of the summer lol)
enjoy and review~
As time passed, air temperature dropped slowly approaching zero degrees. Nevertheless, people still enjoyed each other's company, talking and smiling, fully grasping the feeling of happy and holy night. But, even with those warm feelings they still held cups of tea or coffee between their hands, from time to time inhaling the steam from the cup. And while many were outside, bearing with the cold, many people were inside the shops and cafes, enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere. All the stores were packed and all the tables full, already reserved few weeks beforehand.
Another warm cloud of steam escaped her mouth as her eyes were glued to his, her whole body unable to move. She could no longer hear the chatter around them; she heard tiny jingle bells that were attached to the costume of the street Santa. In addition to that peaceful sound, she heard her small heart growing big with every thump it made in her chest. That fast beating seemed painful, but she didn't think about that pain – he was in front of her.
What is the right thing to do now? To cry quietly? To yell at him? Or to just turn and run away?
Sana couldn't do anything of that. She still stared at the boy before her, her mind blank as a piece of paper, her lips parted, breathing the cold December air. Feeling her throat getting dry, Sana gulped once, also gripping harder the silk strap on the small carton bag. Her bare fingers joined in the fist, hurting more from the cold. And that weight of the present she held pulled her back to reality, making her hear all the other sounds again. Sana was able to look away, but still couldn't move.
"W…Why are you here?" she asked the young man, staring at the ground like the old concrete was super interesting at that moment.
"Hm?" he paused, "I came to wish you a happy birthday and yet you're so cold," in his voice Sana could easily recognize a happy tone and carelessness, which only made her angrier.
"Ah, sorry…" she faked a smile, turning her head back but still not looking at him. His dark green boots were interesting now, "Thanks for the wishes but… I'm supposed to meet with a friend so…" she couldn't finish. It wasn't because she didn't want to but she just couldn't say something that would sound so rude and like she's chasing him away. Instead of finishing her sentence, Sana turned around and pulled her cell phone out of her coat pocket. It was the time when Haruna should come – ten minutes before eight – the right time for them to meet and go to arrive home as scheduled.
"It's okay… I don't mind…" he spoke up as it was the answer to Sana's previous sentence. She still didn't turn back to him but typed the text message to her friend. She didn't even finish it when the small tone followed by vibration interrupted her typing. The message came from Haruna:
"Sana-chan, I'm sorry! My Grandma from America came to the party and I can't to leave. I'm so sad about it. I really wanted to spend Christmas with a friend. I hope you're not mad, I'll make it up to you, I promise! Your present will still await you. We'll see each other on the first day of the New Year. I'm so sorry again! Have fun, Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!
Haruna "
Sana stared at the smiley face at the end of Haruna's name for quite some time – she was shocked and yet again didn't know what to do. She was standing in the middle of the town square, feeling really cold in her coat with a frilly dress underneath and with a guy she really didn't want to see at that moment standing behind her.
"Did something happen?" he asked with a trace of worry in his voice.
"Why…?" Sana said quietly, almost to herself, making the guy tilt his head in confusion, "Why must it always be you?" he didn't hear it but just as the boy took one step towards Sana, she turned, "Why must I always end up with you? Every single time… it's always you…" Sana let her head fall, clenching her fists again with the cell phone in one hand, "Tell me… why are you here, Zoro?!" she looked at him again, her a bit loud voice attracting people close to them.
Realizing Sana finished her talk, the boy took a deep breath through his nose, not averting his eyes from girl's angry face. He gripped tightly the softness in the deep pocket of his olive winter jacket, trying to preserve his wild energy and slight anger that was building up. But no matter how much he hated when people yell at him, Zoro could not start another fight with Sana; he didn't come at the square and met her for that. People gossiped and looked at them so, not wanting to make any more of a scandal, Zoro smiled.
"It's just as I said – I came to wish you a happy birthday," he repeated himself and that was one of many things he hated.
"Yes, but how did—"
"I don't reveal my sources," and just as Sana opened her mouth to speak up again, Zoro continued, "I didn't stalk you, if that's what you mean," he didn't let the smile on his face fade, he enjoyed this little game.
Sana just sighed and put a hand on her forehead, trying to calm the slowly rising headache. Many scenarios and ideas came to her mind and she needed to sort them out. The only logical out of all that mess was the idea of Sana's best friends mixing it all up for two of them to meet. Emi said that she will be spending Christmas with her family in the mountains and Haruna canceled the meeting in the last minute. And now there's Zoro: how would he know where Sana was on Christmas Eve? How would he know she was beside the large Christmas tree in the town? That idea was only planned between Sana and Haruna.
Another sigh left Sana's lips in the form of a small cloud. It evaporated before her eyes as she slowly raised her head to meet Zoro's calm face. He smiled again to her and Sana relaxed; she couldn't smile as happy as he did.
"Why are you doing this to me?" Sana asked and Zoro's smile disappeared. He notice the sadness both in her eyes and her voice, "Zoro, I'm tired…" she looked at her feet again but soon back at him, "I'm tired of Maki. I'm tired of Maki and her ruining my daily life," she paused again to calm her voice, "You could've spent your Christmas with her," a sad snickering smile formed on Sana's lips, "I bet she would've make you another delicious bento."
Zoro smiled himself, "You saw that?"
"Yes, I was in the hallway," she looked down again.
"Hmph," Sana heard a sneering sound in his voice, "I thought we cleared those things up… the two of us I mean," she looked at him again, "I thought I told you nothing is going on between me and that girl – we broke up and that's it. Why should you still feel threatened by her? Did she tell you something?" Sana slowly shook her head, "If she does, tell me right away. Because she can be really clingy…" a pause came up so Zoro decided to answer the doubts Sana had, "And I don't know how that lunch tasted; a classmate ate it. To be honest, I don't care about it," Sana still looked at him, "Though, you're right, she did ask me to celebrate the Christmas with her, saying that she'll bake the cake. I can't say that I turned her down politely but I sure hope that she finally got the full picture after I gave her the piece of my mind," Sana only stared, her expression making Zoro let out a chuckle, "So, don't worry, you're safe."
Those final words, that warm smile and sincerity in his eyes made the girl blush and step back but with it feeling reassured and, like Zoro said, finally safe. The large clock announced the right time, ringing loudly which startled Sana a bit but not pushing away that warm feeling she wanted to last forever. Just when the last ring silenced, Zoro took a step closer to Sana, pulling his hands out of the pockets.
"Merry Christmas… and Happy Birthday," Zoro smiled and Sana looked at the things he was holding for her. In his right hand was a big red wrapping that resembled a small pillow and in the left he held a small thin box, wrapped in blue paper. Sana looked back and the boy and he nodded, telling her to take the cute presents. She picked the small blue box first. It reminded her of the box people use to put pens for gifts so she didn't know if she should expect a shiny pen or something else.
What she saw took her breath and left her speechless. She heard her heart skipping a beat as her eyes trailed down the small shiny chain which divided into three even thinner chains that ended with just as shiny pieces of silver. On the ends of two of those chains were small blue jewels that Sana dared to touch and roll around the small box. A corner of her mouth curved up a bit but it went back to the straight line again as she looked at the final piece that was the end of the third and longest chain. It was a shiny silver lily flower with its curved petals all joined together with their lines connecting at the center where a same blue zircon was planted, glistering on the gathered lights of large Christmas tree behind her. Sana could feel Zoro's gaze on her so she took the shiny ornament from the silky cushion in the small box and carefully pulled it up, as if she's being careful not to break it. But that silver accessory wasn't made out of glass – it was quite heavy when she held it between her index finger and thumb. She was really amazed by that strap, not averting her eyes from it as the flower pendant slowly turned, on its shiny surface gathering many colorful lights.
"Zoro… it's beautiful…" she finally said, still looking at the spinning flower.
"I had a little help but I'm glad that you like it," Zoro smiled, "That is your birthday present," Sana finally looked at him and then at his hand that was still holding the other wrapped present.
Still holding the beautiful cell phone strap between her fingers, Sana took the other gift carefully. She first thought it was heavy due its size but when she took it in her hands, softness and light feeling spread through her fingers. What could it be that was so soft to the touch and yet so light? Without any more hesitation, Sana slowly pulled the paper and soon saw plushy white fabric nicely folded.
"Here, let me help," Zoro said and took a step forward, closer to Sana. He took the soft textile from girl's hands and slowly unfolded it. He took something else that was folded between the cloth and put it in his pocket. He came even closer, making Sana close her eyes. Cold winter air filled her nostrils, mixing with a dash of men cologne and warmth that was radiating from his body. But soon, she felt different warmth that surrounded her cheeks and touched the tip of her nose. When she finally dared to open her eyes, Sana saw Zoro away from her but could also see something white interrupting her vision.
"Oh, sorry," Zoro apologized and came to her again. His hand came closer to Sana's face but it was only there to pull down the plush from her eyes, "Now, you'll be warm," he smiled again and in that moment Sana noticed how his cheeks and the tips of his earlobes were red from the cold. But he was right – it felt really warm and Sana noticed why – he wrapped a plushy white scarf around her neck that now guarded the girl from the cold, "That's for Christmas. Oh, and also this!" Zoro seemed like he remembered something and pulled his hand out of the pocket. He came close to Sana again and offered something. She looked down at this hands where the tips of his fingers were also getting red from the frostbite, and saw that he was holding a pair of white leather gloves with a snowflake sewn onto it with a matching white thread.
"I…"
"You don't have to say anything, just take them," he said that because he noticed how Sana's pale skin turned red, assuming that she was standing there for quite some time. Sana took the gloves and carefully put them on, her fingers hurting. They were just so beautiful, "Now you look like a snowman!" Zoro laughed out loud, making Sana pout and hit him on the upper arm. That didn't stop the boy to joke around more, patting the girl on the head. It was true – she was dressed in white so he couldn't resist making a joke about it.
"At least this snowman is warm," Sana said, pushing Zoro's hand off her head for the final time, "What about you, green-head?" she looked at his open jacket and then to his reddish face. He looked up at the cloudy sky and brushed a finger under his nose.
"I'm okay. I don't intend to stay out much longer than this…" he looked down at Sana and puffed a cloud of steam, "Let's get out of here. Your friend canceled, right?"
"How did you—"
"Let's go somewhere warm," he again looked at the sky, not allowing her to finish the question.
'A-ah, they definitely worked together on this…'
Sana's thoughts had to break because Zoro already started walking away. She hurried to him, asking where they are going, but no matter how pushy she was for him to tell, Zoro's lips were sealed. He only continued smiling and Sana did notice that this was the first time Zoro smiled so much. And his relaxed face and that warm smile pushed her to smile too, which she did, not stopping to ask him about the place they are going to.
Sana passed some unfamiliar streets, closely following Zoro. Chills ran down her spine whenever they would enter some dark alley. She held onto her scarf, slowly covering her face but not too much so that she won't lose sight of Zoro. She walked really close behind him, restraining herself not to grab him by the end of his jacket. Who else walks in the dark streets in the middle of the night?!
And while being too scared and looking around that something or someone might jump out, Sana didn't notice when Zoro stopped. She bumped into his back, that hit making her step back.
"We're here," Zoro looked at the frightened girl over his shoulder. She tried to smile but that weak grin faded quickly as she went back to looking around the place for something scary; as if she just wanted something to pop out!
"Oi, are you okay?"
"Ah, yeah, yeah!" she panicked again.
"We've arrived."
"Oh, really?! Wow!" Zoro took a step so that they were finally out of the dark alley, on Sana's luck. She quickly ran out and on the open street as soon as Zoro made an opening. She again didn't pay attention to what Zoro said, she was just glad that some homeless old man didn't rob or kidnap them (her).
"Let's go," Zoro sighed and approached Sana, making her finally look at him confused. A part of her was still preoccupied with the dark alley streets and scenes that she saw in the movies. Zoro took Sana's hand and make her turn behind him. Dark alley scenes were totally pushed away – Sana was both confused and excited of Zoro's touch and the almost forgotten grip of his hand. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting her legs walk instinctively, following Zoro. She enjoyed in his touch, even though she wore warm leather gloves she still felt it. His grip was strong as always yet gentle and caring, sending a message to her heart that she's safe and protected. And even if Zoro didn't think about it that way (at all) she could feel it. After all, she is playing guitar for years and her fingers and hands are very sensitive to any touch, letting her feel so much with just a slight contact of the object. In this case, she felt Zoro's large hand protecting hers, his fingers wrapping around her small hand, closing it perfectly, warming it more than the glove he gave her.
Sana opened her eyes again when they stopped and a sound of the bell that dangled above their heads. Zoro opened a door and stepped into a room, still not letting of her hand. An immediate heat showered Sana, warming her exposed legs. She was wrapped fully with the scarf and it slowly started to bother her as the heat started to rise, suffocating her. She pulled the scarf off her face, carefully taking it off and not to dirty it by touching the floor.
"Yo, Ojisan!" Zoro's voice mixed with the overall sound of the room. Sana looked up, but was still standing behind Zoro, feeling so great because of the grip of his hand.
"Oi, Zoro! You're finally here! It took you a while," a deep man's voice overpowered the crowd noise but was quickly muted.
"Sorry about that, I had some business to do…" Zoro still stood by the door but Sana moved next to him, making the man who spoke to Zoro to notice her. Bartender looked at the blushing girl who was feeling warmer by the second and smiled.
"Oh, you're already forgiven," man looked back at Zoro, leaving the glass he was cleaning. He got out of the bar and approached the two. It surely didn't escaped him to notice their joined hands but he didn't say a word about it, "I've got you; follow me," tall muscled man said and started pushing through the people. And although everyone was sitting, the pub/restaurant was packed, just like any other store in the town. Still not letting go of her hand, Zoro pushed through the crowd, pulling Sana behind him until they stopped.
"It's saved just for you," bartender spoke up again looking at the two young ones. He approached the small table and lit the tall red candle in the middle of the nice Christmas bouquet. The man went back and disappeared in the crowd of people, leaving the two to enjoy.
Zoro, without a word, let go of Sana's hand, that move making her feel sad as her hand started cooling down and feeling empty without Zoro's large hand protecting it. But her sadness didn't last long as Zoro came to her and took off the white beret she wore. Then he slowly came behind her, meaning that she wanted to take of her coat. But Sana, remembering what she wears under the white coat, held the buttons tightly.
"Aren't you warm in that?" Zoro asked but Sana only blushed. How is she supposed to take off the coat and show the full restaurant what she's wearing? While everyone is dressed in sweaters and winter dresses Sana is…
"Ah… what I'm wearing…" Zoro came in front of her, noticing her blush and insecurity, "I put on a dress, knowing that I'll go to Haruna-chan's Christmas party but… it's too elegant for this place…" Zoro waited a moment to process what she said but then only chuckled, making Sana look at him.
"What are you saying? It's Christmas, it's only natural to be nicely dressed, it's a holiday and a party wherever you go."
Sana could always rely on Zoro and his words that reassured her. It happened many times and it worked even now. She slowly unbuttoned her coat and Zoro went back behind her to take it off. As soon as she was left without the coat, Sana felt all the stares at her. Her blush came back and she started wrinkling the end of her dress. When Zoro came back to her, he was left speechless and stared just like the other people around them. It was different seeing Sana in plaid school uniform and a fancy black dress.
"Is it… unusual?" she asked biting her lip.
"A-ah, no!" Zoro stuttered but couldn't move. He noticed every detail on Sana – all the pearls, shiny sparkles and two cute hairclips on her bangs. She wore a black dress with tulle and lace top where many black and white sequins were sewed in and glistered on the dim light of the room. Over the chest was the piece of black cloth creating a sweetheart shape and ending the top part was the white pearl sash that really showed Sana's waist. The bottom part that reached to just above her knees was satin and wavy at the end. Sana looked like a doll from any boutique – elegant, young and beautiful.
"C-can we sit?" her words stroke Zoro, pulling him back to reality. He quickly rushed, pulled the chair for her and then went back to his seat, "It's weird; I knew it. I stand out dressed like this," Sana's voice became shaky and she didn't stop staring at her lap, wrinkling the end of the dress more.
"Hey hey, that's not true. You…" Zoro stopped and Sana looked at him, tears on the corners of her eyes. He was scratching his neck, looking outside the window next to their table, "You look amazing… beautiful… And… everyone's probably really jealous," he still didn't dare to look at her, "They all stare because you're beautiful… that's all," when their eyes finally met with Zoro trying to control his blush, Sana's red cheeks only became redder.
"Okay, are you ready to order?" bartender came out of nowhere, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Both of the blushing high school students were never grateful more to someone interrupting them than now! Mr. Bartender saved them.
"Um… yeah! We'll have two Christmas specials with soda," Zoro decided, pushing the leather cover menu to the side.
"Haha, that's right, I can't serve you wine so you have to deal with soda. Any flavor is okay?" man asked and Zoro nodded in response while Sana just sat in her chair, still blushing and still wrinkling satin dress.
When the barman went back, shouting the order to the cook halfway, an uncomfortable silence and tension between two young ones rose again. They could hear older people talking about them, commenting Sana's dress and how cute both of them looked while embarrassed. There were few sighs here and there as those people admired the youth, remembering old days. And all those lovely and cute comments, whispers and chattering only made it worse for those two.
"So, you reserved this table. You were really lucky to get it," Sana spoke up first. It took her every little bit of bravery to speak and look up at Zoro. He looked back on the sound of her voice. And his eyes made her react, "A-ah, well… since it's Christmas and people are—"
"The owner is a close friend of my family so I asked him to save me a table. It's not a big deal…" Zoro said, looking in the direction where the bar was, getting nervous for the late food. He didn't realize though, that his words sounded cold and with him looking somewhere else than in the person before him, made Sana look at her knees again.
"Oh… okay…" she barely uttered, in such a quiet voice that only she heard. After few moments of constant looking around, Zoro finally noticed that the girl across the table was once again looking down at her skirt, this time having a sad face on.
"Hey—"
"Here is your order! Thank you for the wait! Enjoy your food and Merry Christmas!" tall muscular man with thick mustache came to their table and put the plates down, sliding the check carefully to the center of the table. He did break the silence between Sana and Zoro, making them both look at the food that arrived but the waiter didn't soften the atmosphere and the pressure that was dwelling over that table. Man went back to work, leaving the young ones with the food and drinks.
"This looks delicious," Zoro said and Sana looked at him. Their eyes met once again and this time Zoro smiled, "Let's enjoy," he added and started eating. The steak in front of Sana looked really delicious that she couldn't wait any longer to try it.
The pressure that they were feeling just few moments ago disappeared completely with both of them commenting the food and laughs they shared during the whole meal. They were both unexpectedly talkative and totally natural, talking about many different things. Sana couldn't wish for a better companion to spend the Christmas with. And speaking of great time…
"Here it is," Zoro said, looking above Sana's head. And just when she was about to turn to see about what was Zoro so amused, her view blocked a black apron and tight stomach muscles of the familiar mustached bartender. She heard a sizzling sound and turned back to the table, "Happy Birthday," Zoro's words filled with care and kindness made Sana look at him and then back to the sparkly cake in front of her. Waiter took their plates and set the new ones. Small fireworks sticks on the cake still burned, sending beautiful silver sparkles which died in the mid air, not staining the delicious white frosting of the cake. Between those two sticks was a cookie where a 'Happy Birthday' message was written in chocolate syrup and the whole cake was crowned by the circle of fresh strawberries that shone more on the light of the sparkles.
"Sorry, so many candles couldn't fit so there's just a number," Zoro said and only then Sana noticed that behind a cookie with a message was a two digit number candles; the number which reminded her that she's finally in the finest time of her life.
"Thank—" but Zoro stopped her, raising his hand and shaking his index finger.
"Make a wish," he winked and Sana looked at the burning candles again, not really sure what she should wish for. Zoro noticed that she's taking time to think, "Is there something you would want?"
"Ah… I don't really know…"
"Just go for it!" his wide grin and small traces of blush on his cheeks made Sana feel that pleasant warmth in her stomach. She looked at the candles, closed her eyes to think for a bit and then blew the candles out, just in the moment when the sparkles of the fireworks burned to the end, "What did you wish for?" Zoro asked.
"Not gonna tell," Sana winked and smiled, now making him feel uncomfortable.
Few neighboring tables applauded and congratulated Sana, wishing her all the best. She wasn't used to so much sudden attention so it was a bit awkward for her but Zoro sure did enjoy watching her startled and nervous like that. She was cute. He could stare forever, resting his head on his palm while a satisfied smile stayed on his face.
'Eh? What?' Zoro's own thoughts and his calm startled him, bringing him back to present time.
"Shall we eat?" he suggested. Sana calmed down and nodded; the waiter, who took a step back so that she can blow the candles, came to the table again and slowly cut the pieces. He served them one piece each and went back to the bar once again.
"It's strawberry shortcake," Sana noticed and took the first bite. Delicious and sweetness of the cake made her happy and her happy made Zoro happy.
The feeling around that table was once again positive and bright. They enjoyed the cake and each other's company. It couldn't get any better.
"Seriously, you shouldn't have done this," Sana said, rolling the whole strawberry around her plate.
"But I already did so there's nothing you can do," Zoro took the last bite and washed the sweet taste with soda, drinking it all in one go.
"But I don't deserve it!" Sana's voice was loud enough to make several tables around them look at her, surprising those people and even Zoro.
"That's not true," Zoro said after a small pause that Sana took to calm down, "You deserve it all… and more. You had it really rough this year and I think this is just a small thing I could do. But it's still one positive thing compared to what happened. It's just a meaningless excuse for me to apologize for everything. And I know all of those things can't be solved just with the Christmas dinner at the cheap pub but…"
"It's not true," Sana's bowed head and sad voice made Zoro stop with his speech, "I am the one who should apologize. I was so clingy and annoying, putting my nose in other people's business. I was talking and acting like I know everything about you and Maki, and I just…"
A loud smack on the table made everyone silence and look at the one causing the ruckus. Zoro put all of his savings on the top of the check the waiter brought them and just stood there for a few moments, gritting his teeth hard. He then rushed to Sana, grabbed her hand and with not so many protests from her took their jackets and stormed out on the cold winter night. Zoro walked fast, pulling the girl in a lovely dress but stopped soon to give her the coat and put on a jacket himself. With just a cold glare as a command, Sana put on her warm white coat and a matching beret and not having time for gloves and the scarf, once again got pulled by the green-haired boy. She tried talking to him but Zoro only walked, pulling her with him through the streets and alleys, not minding many stares they got along the way. Finally, they stopped but Zoro's hand didn't let go of Sana's. He turned to her, both panting from the fast walking.
"Can't you realize it yet?" Zoro asked through pants. Sana finally looked at him and his red face, cold and red from the frostbites, "Can't you see that this is all for you? And will you ever stop?" questions just continued to confuse the girl, "Can you stop blaming yourself for everything? It's not your fault for what happened to me, so stop worrying about it. Stop it…" his grip tightened and voice softened, "Stop worrying and just enjoy the moment," Zoro finished and looked up and in front of them.
Sana followed and realized that he brought them back to the large Christmas tree at the town's square. Decorating lights sparkled in her eyes, bringing back that warm Christmas feeling and the grip of Zoro's large hand protecting hers only made that feeling stronger and pushed tears to her eyes.
"Relax, you can breathe now. This is all for you," Zoro finally added, both of them looking at the top of the tree where the big crystal star shone, reflecting the light of the decorations.
And Sana really felt like it was time for her to stop feeling scared, worried and anxious. She held those feelings ever since the beginning of school year but now… she felt like it was the perfect and most magical time to let it all go. The proof of that were warm salty tears that slowly slid down her cheeks – those tears represented all her struggle and all that stress she's been building up until then. But with the right person, she has finally decided to start feeling happy and restart everything.
Without any words, with many tears lining up one after another, Sana gripped Zoro's hand not minding the cold of the winter, ready to accept those warm feeling and start anew.
…
"Are you sure you won't be cold like that?"
"Mom, for the last time – I'll be okay,"
"Can you stop sniffing that scarf; it's creepy and annoying,"
"Sh-shut up!"
"That sure is a lovely present,"
"Yeah…"
Sana was preparing to visit the local shrine with her family on the last day of the year. She did it every single year but her Mom was just worried that Sana will be cold by wearing the traditional kimono so she tried convincing Sana to wear her furry white scarf that most women do. Instead of that, the girl chose a different white material. She was feeling warm just by touching it, the beautiful soft white scarf Zoro gave her as a Christmas present. And not only that, but she was also sure that a multilayered floral kimono would keep her warm, although her Mom was right every year. This time, Sana felt different – there were many more things present that could keep her feeling warm and one of them was…
"It's time to go, stupid sister!" Sana's younger brother yelled, snapping her out of fantasies, "What are you doing, spacing out like that? It's really creepy…" arguing started there and continued on the street but with some words of their parents, it stopped but the people still stared.
After a long walk, the family was finally at the shrine, being pulled in the crowd immediately. Luckily, the line was made on the stairs and continued all the way down the street. The shrine was pretty popular for great fortune so many people, even those from other districts, visited, hoping for some good luck to start the year with. Few big torii archways were placed along the large and old stone stairs, leading high up to the shrine. And the line was slowly moving up so Sana and her family still stood in the shade of the first torii, Sana's brother getting impatient. She however tried to ignore him by going through last night's messages on her phone, re-reading wishes from her friends. They were all supposed to meet at the shire and draw the fortuned together so to keep herself from getting annoyed by her brother, Sana texted her friends to see if they are somewhere close to her. And after few moments she got the message from Emi, saying that she is already up at the shrine with Haruna but they still wait in the line to get their turn for ringing the bell.
'Ah, if only this line will start moving faster…' Sana thought and looked up at the mass of heads, all of them just as impatient to get their turn.
"Ah, is it Sana-chan?" a familiar girl's voice made Sana turn her head. On the empty part of the stairs, accompanied by few girls dressed in the same clothes of shrine maidens with white haori and red hakama was Sana's old friend.
"Ah! Kuina-san!" surprised, Sana looked at older girl's clothes, never before imagining that Kuina was a miko.
"Hi," Kuina greeted her and bowed to Sana's parents, "It's a huge crowd, and you're not even late."
"Kuina-san, why are you…?"
"Oh, this? It's a regular job – I do it every year but also participate in many other shire activities. Surprised?" Sana's silence was enough of an answer, "Say, would you like to come with us? The line is big so you'll have to wait so much. Ah, sorry, your family can't come, I can just take you."
"It's alright, we can wait," Sana's Mom smiled and nodded, agreeing with Kuina's idea. But little brother didn't like that.
"But Mom, I want to get there too!"
"If you are a good boy, I'll treat you," Kuina winked, making the little one blush and silence, clinging onto his mother's coat.
With her parents agreeing, Kuina pulled Sana out of the crowd, introduced her to other two girls and quickly went up the stairs, "Because there's so many people this year too, we're all assigned to help out in the shrine. There are alredy girls working there but if we want this to be a success, we need more helping hands," Kuina explained.
"Do you mean I'll have to—"
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not gonna drag you into this; I'm just breaking some rules and cutting the line for you," Kuina winked to Sana while passing people who still stood in the long line, "And there's also someone you should meet up there," she finished and jumped off the final step. She dragged Sana just a bit more to finally let go of her hand just few steps away from the bell, "There you go! Enjoy," Kuina pushed the girl right back in the crowd, "And you – take care of her!" she yelled while running off with her friends.
"You don't need to yell that much, stupid…" Sana heard a voice behind her while feeling she's leaning onto someone or something. She turned and looked straight up into the person's face, "Hey," their eyes met and Sana immediately stepped back, blushing, "You don't need to be so nervous, it's just me."
With his hands into the same green winter jacket with furry hood jacket, Zoro stood in the crowd, waiting for his turn to ring the golden bell. His jacket was again open, making Sana shiver in cold just by looking at him. And that familiar cologne evaporated from him, making Sana blush more. Zoro, however, didn't realize that and it seemed that cold didn't bother him that much, although his cheeks and nose were red.
"Hi," Sana bowed slightly and came closer, back in the line.
"Hi," Zoro's voice was steady and stern again making Sana feel nice and warm in her stomach, "Are you here with someone?"
"Yes, I came with my family but Kuina-san saw me and brought me here."
"You are fortunate, then. I won't be surprised if you draw a great fortune," the line moved by one step.
"Ah, it's not that big of a deal. I always draw half fortune or so," crowd move forward again.
"I don't believe much in that stuff but it's always interesting to see what I can get."
"Did you come here alone?"
"Yeah, my stupid cousin made me."
"I had to meet up with my friends but I guess we'll meet after I'm out of the crowd," they moved again.
"I saw them earlier. They're behind us."
"Really? Then I'll wait for them after we ring the bell."
"Are you ready?"
Sana nodded and they both threw some change into the big box in front of them. The loud sound of the large old bell ringing didn't interrupt them – they grabbed the thick rope of the small bell above their heads together, shook it a couple of times, bowed, clapped their hands and said their prays for the New Year with a final bow.
~ To be continued ~