Monday, December 22nd, 2014 – 00:00
Hashimoto Residence
The other world had just arrived. Yuuki was in her room, staring up at the ceiling. She had spent the previous day buying everyone she knew last minute gifts for Christmas. Only one person remained, Iain. She had no idea what to get him, or what he would give her.
The problem with not telling her friends that they were a couple was now evident. She couldn't think of anyone she could talk to. Haruka wouldn't be a good idea as it might remind her of Ken and no-one else knew enough about Iain to help.
Then it came to her. There was someone she knew she could trust, her persona Jack Frost. She thought it might be a good idea to seek his advice and it had been a while since the last time she had spoken to him. Yuuki gathered her cell phone and went outside. She walked a short distance from her home to make sure her brother Daigo wouldn't overhear her. Once she arrived at an appropriate spot she called forth the round white persona.
"Hee-ho, Jack Frost is at your service, hee-ho!"
She had forgotten how cute he was. Succumbing to the irresistible urge to pat him Yuuki gently caressed the top of his head, only to find he was made of smooth frozen fur.
"Did Jack hurt mistress?" he asked seeing her hold her hand, "Jack would never do anything to harm mistress!"
"You didn't," reassured Yuuki, "I just didn't expect you to be so cold."
"Then Jack will become warmer!"
He wrapped his hands into fists and started shaking violently. His eyes were black dots but she imagined them full of determination.
"Please stop doing that," requested Yuuki, worried that he was hurting himself.
"But Jack is too cold for mistress. Does mistress not want to touch Jack?"
"It's not that, erm, it's just, erm, if you become warmer you won't be the same Jack that I love so much now!"
Her persona appeared very happy with this answer and started dancing around her. Yuuki tried to make him stop.
"I have a favour to ask."
"Jack will do anything for mistress!"
"Erm, there is a boy I like, he's my boyfriend, he reads a lot and likes quiet things, I don't know what to buy him for Christmas, could you give me any ideas."
Jack stopped moving and fell silent. After twenty seconds of careful consideration he finally responded.
"Ice cubes!"
Yuuki shook her head. Why did I think he could help me? Despite feeling this way Yuuki said thank you and pulled out her phone.
"Before mistress sends Jack home, Jack has a question for her."
"A question…sure, what is it?"
"Can mistress understand the shadows?"
"What do you mean? No, I don't understand them."
"Jack Frost doesn't either. They're too scary for Jack. Jack prefers happy things."
Yuuki returned Jack Frost to her phone. What did he mean 'do you understand the shadows?' There wasn't anything to understand. All they wanted was to kill people, nothing more, but the question continued to nag at her. Were the shadows more than they were thinking?
"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Hermit Arcana shall bless thee."
Yuuki rubbed her face. She presumed she was still tired and started walking home, however she saw someone standing in the street looking at her.
"Daigo, what are you doing here?"
"I thought you were going to fight shadows and wanted to help."
"D-did you hear anything?"
"No."
"Good."
"I think you should buy Iain some science fiction novels," said Daigo nonchalantly, "he told me he liked that kind of thing."
"You know that might actually be a good idea, he does-" Yuuki's demeanour changed instantly, "YOU SAID YOU DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING!"
"Oops?"
She chased her brother into their house and forced him to swear he would never tell anyone about her and Iain. Eventually, after much screaming and pleads for mercy, Daigo finally agreed.
aaa
Monday, December 22nd, 2014 – 17:24
Hermes Street
Yuuki looked at the calendar posted on her wall with a puzzled expression. It told her she was to see Gavin tonight but the reason why escaped her. It troubled her for a moment until the answer finally came to her.
"His school disco!"
Yuuki had promised her next door neighbour that she would go with him to his Christmas dance. She had agreed in the hope that he would become more sociable with his classmates however the event had slipped her mind. Her own school was hosting something similar tomorrow which dominated her thoughts. Now realizing why she was to see Gavin she decided to get ready.
First she found a yellow camisole, but chose to save that for tomorrow. Instead she picked a light dress she had worn to a picnic with Senga and Becky months earlier. Yuuki put on a pair of white shoes with a small heel. It wasn't as comfortable as her normal shoes or trainers, however they did look nice. Knowing that it would be cold outside, Yuuki wore a coat and her red tartan scarf. She put on some makeup before walking to her next door neighbour's house. It wasn't Gavin who answered, but his aunt Elaine.
"Goodness me Yuuki, you look beautiful!"
"T-Thanks," she replied, unused to that kind of compliment, "is Gavin home?"
"He is. Come inside and I'll get him."
Elaine skipped quickly to the upper level and knocked at a door. Yuuki stayed in the small hallway at the foot of the stairs. The McDonald house was structured in the same way as her own only inverted. The decorations were simple save for the photographs hanging on the wall. Yuuki looked at some of them. In most she saw two people who looked like Elaine standing side by side with a tall man hugging one of them tightly. Where these Gavin's parents?
"Yuuki? What are you doing here?"
She glanced upwards to the top of the stairs and saw Gavin staring at her. He was still in his grey uniform and his black hair was unkempt. Yuuki moved towards him slowly and noticed him glance at her dress and take a step back.
"Is your school disco a different night?"
"AhYuukiIdidn'tthinkyou'dwanttogosoIwasn'tgoingtogo."
"Sorry."
"It is tonight but I wasn't going to go. I thought you would have forgotten."
"How could I forget, we promised we'd go together, remember?"
"Do you…really want to?"
"Sure," replied Yuuki cheerfully, "we haven't spent time together in ages."
"Awww."
Both Yuuki and Gavin looked where the sound came from and saw a door which had been left ajar.
"Aunt Elaine, don't listen in!"
"Sorry," said Elaine as she moved from her hiding place, "but you both look so cute! Put on something nice Gavin and let me take a picture!"
"NO! You can't do something like that to Yuuki."
"Now, now she doesn't mind."
After ten minutes and a dozen photographs Yuuki and Gavin set out on their way to Oakland High School.
aaa
The school was much smaller and older than hers. The concrete building showed signs of wear and tear, and there were no green spaces to be found. Yuuki tried to see a playing field but found none. Inside wasn't much better. The corridors were dark and dingy and the rooms were smaller, despite hosting the same number of desks as Bishopmill Academy. In many ways this reminded her of her old school in Port Island, making her feel more comfortable.
The disco was being held in the assembly hall, which also doubled as an indoor gym. There were different coloured lines for various sports and basketball hoops fixed onto the walls. The music was provided from an old CD player with speakers haphazardly attached to it and placed around the sides.
Yuuki and Gavin walked in together. The room was busy with people, although most were not dancing. The boys were dressed like Gavin, a smart shirt with plain trousers, while the girls fashions were more varied.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."
"Don't say that," said Yuuki holding onto his arm, "we'll have a good time."
"Yo squeak-squeak, who's the talent?"
The voice came from behind. Yuuki turned and saw a man who was slighter taller than her eyeing her closely.
"Are you lost," said the stranger, "I ain't seen you 'round here before. Why don't I give you a tour, and we'll see what happens?"
He placed his hand on her shoulder. Yuuki batted it away.
"As repulsive as that sounds I think I'll pass."
"Don't be so hasty;" insisted the man, "we've got plenty of time."
"The answer is no."
"Playing hard to get, that's a real turn on."
"Why don't we go dance Gavin?" said Yuuki. She held his hand and pulled him towards the middle of the room. The guy who had been talking to her grabbed her arm tightly.
"If you don't let go," stated Yuuki menacingly, "you'll be carried out of here."
She gave the man an evil stare which finally managed to deter him. He muttered something under his breath and walked away. Gavin whispered in her ear.
"I didn't know you could be so scary."
"Neither did I," replied Yuuki, "a bit of Senga must have rubbed off on me."
"Sorry I should have said something."
"Don't worry about that, I know how to take care of myself. But why did he call you 'squeak-squeak'?"
Gavin started squirming. "That's what most people call me."
Yuuki felt sorry for him. It sounded as if he was being picked on by his classmates. He was a little like her friend Rebecca. She used to be bullied before she consciously decided to act outgoing. Gavin wouldn't do that. A new song started playing in the background and more people made their way to the floor. It was that year's 'Christmas number 1', which was important in this country. Yuuki smiled towards Gavin and started dancing.
There were other people who Yuuki recognised at the dance. The first was Christine, her friend who she would see at Church on Sundays. She was acting as a chaperon alongside some of the teachers. After spending some time with Gavin, Yuuki decided to talk to her in a quiet section of the hall.
"Hello Christine."
"Are you enjoying yourself Yuuki? You and your little friend look like a really nice couple."
"He's my neighbour, I actually have a boyfriend."
"Oh," responded Christine, "I'm surprised. Wasn't your boyfriend worried about you going to a box social with someone else?"
"I promised to go with Gavin before we started dating," explained Yuuki, "besides I, erm, didn't tell him."
Christine gave her a disapproving look, but her expression quickly changed. The pair watched the people around them for a while. There were two in the middle who they both knew well, Lorraine, Christine's younger sister, and Terrance Clyde. They were dancing in a more liberal manner than most, holding each other closely.
"My sister told me you visited her in hospital. I really appreciate you doing that."
"Oh, I was in the area," said Yuuki dismissively, "I'm relieved she's recovered."
"She fell over some of her 'toys'. That was God's way of telling her to stop getting involved with that sort of thing, but she chooses not to listen."
Yuuki didn't say anything. She suspected there was a 'darker' aspect to Lorraine's personality, but believed she was a good person at heart. Now that she was a persona user, Yuuki knew they would be spending a lot of time together and she would have a chance to know her better. She and Christine talked for a while.
When Terrance and Lorraine moved to the side of the room for a break Yuuki approached them. She wanted to say hello since they were at the same disco. They were both sweating from their constant dancing and had broad smiles on their faces.
"Bonsoir Yuuki! Wait you don't go to this school."
"My next door neighbour Gavin invited me."
"Gavin? Hmm…oh you mean Gavin McDonald. I've heard about him. He's in the year below so I've never talked to him."
"I thought he was the same age as us?" stated Yuuki.
"No, no, he's in fourth year."
"So you like younger guys," interrupted Terry, "does this mean you're two timing Iain?"
"No!" exclaimed Yuuki, "I wouldn't cheat on Iain! Gavin is a friend of mine and I'm just trying to help him out. And how did you know I was dating Iain?"
"I didn't, you just told me."
Yuuki growled under her breath. The smug expression on Terry's face really annoyed her. She wished she hadn't said anything.
"I thought there was something going on between you two," added Bonnie, "he kept eyeing you when you weren't looking. We should go on a double date! Oh, I've got a better idea, he-he-he."
Worried about where the conversation was going Yuuki searched for Gavin. She found him surrounded by a couple of guys but he was hunched over and appeared pensive. Yuuki said 'bye' to Terrance and Lorraine and strolled across the hall to him. When he saw her his face turned slightly red.
"I've been looking for you," she said loudly, making sure the people around them overheard her, "let's dance and you can tell me the rest of that story."
She grabbed his hand and dragged him away. 'What story?' he whispered in her ear. 'I'm trying to make you sound interesting,' answered Yuuki quietly. She spent the rest of the evening with Gavin, who seemed to enjoy her company. At the end of the night she overheard a few of his classmates asking him questions, with him giving some tentative responses. This made Yuuki happy. She hoped by going with him tonight he would make more friends at school. And she had had a good time.
Now she could look forward to her own dance with Iain.
aaa
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014 – 18:54
Bishopmill Academy
Yuuki was feeling excited.
She and Daigo arrived at the main entrance to their school and looked around. There were groups of people loitering beside a sign directing students to the assembly hall, their voices carried by the crisp winter air. Most of the central building, and all of east and west block, was lost in darkness, however where there was light the multicoloured windows produced a beautiful glow that shown onto the nearby road.
Daigo was dressed smartly. He had a red shirt which matched the streaks of colour in his hair and black trousers. Yuuki had also come prepared. She had tied a small yellow bow in her hair to compliment her camisole and wore the same white shoes as the night before. She had worked harder on her appearance tonight since she was going to be with Iain.
Even before she entered Central building she heard the DJ calling out to the crowd, relaying requests and making random statements. When the pair stepped through the doorway they were immediately recognised.
"Hiya Daigo! Hi Yuuki!" said Becky excitedly.
Rebecca was wearing a low cut emerald dress with a slot in the leg. Daigo seemed to be examining it closely so Yuuki slapped the back of his head.
"Oww, what was that for sis?"
"Her face wasn't where you were staring."
"That's alright," interrupted Becky, "my two formidable funbags are more than he's used to, especially when I squeeze them together like this."
Yuuki stepped between Rebecca and Daigo and ushered her away. She wished her friend wouldn't flirt with her little brother like that. There were three other members of the Afterschool Shadow Hunters present and Yuuki moved towards them.
Senga was clad in a slender, conservative gown which wrapped over one shoulder, Lorraine had a more outlandish multicoloured full length outfit that had a number of cuts exposing part of her waist and finally Terrance's attire was a light blue suit with an extravagant orange cravat.
"Meow foxy," crowed Terry, "I was hoping you'd wear that kimono of yours, but you're still smoking hot."
"(Cough)"
"But not as fine as you Bonbon. If she's a nine then you're a ninety nine point nine to the power nine fine."
"(Giggle) you always say the sweetest things Terr-bear."
The couple shared an Eskimo kiss before chatting amongst themselves. The conversations Terrance and Lorraine shared continually confused Yuuki. Fortunately she could talk to Senga, who was standing slightly away from their other friends.
"Are you enjoying yourself Senga?"
"(Growl) I don't like these sorts of things."
"You look really nice. That dress suits you."
Senga looked away from her. Whilst they were talking the DJ picked up his microphone and caused a reverberation around the room.
"Hello, good evening, welcome and, err, hello to the 'snow ball'! I'm you're desk jockey for this glorious night and will keep the music coming 'til you can't take no more! Or around ten thirty 'cause that's when we're supposed to finish." The DJ's rambling speech made Yuuki doubt he was a professional. He continued regardless. "If you have any requests other than 'play over the hill and far away' then come on over!"
"He's in a good mood," stated Senga "is it normal to watch how happy someone else is and all you can think of is burning the whole place down?"
Yuuki simply nodded and smiled. After a few minutes Daigo and Rebecca walked over to join them. They were both grinning madly, making her weary.
"Iain's here," squealed Becky, "aren't you excited Yuuki?"
"WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING?"
"Well if you want me to say it out loud-"
"I'mgoingtosayhellotohim," mumbled Yuuki quickly.
She couldn't help but smile when their eyes meet. Yuuki greeted Iain warmly while examining his black suit. It fit him well, she silently remarked, making his body appear more muscular than it actually was. He was still persisting with his unfashionable glasses, but she forgave him for that. His shoes were reflectively clean and he had pleasant smelling aftershave on.
"Good evening Yuuki."
"Good evening Iain," she replied half mockingly.
Yuuki heard the music in the background change and presented her arm for Iain to take. After a pause where he gave her a confused glance he seemed to understand what she was wanting and collected her hand. They walked onto the dance floor and mingled in the crowd.
Immediately Yuuki learned that Iain wasn't very good at dancing. His movements were a stiff and he didn't appear comfortable with the noise or the crowds. She tried her best not to respond, hoping that he would ease up as the night wore on. A quick scan revealed that Terry and Lorraine were performing something akin to the Lambada, Becky was rubbing close to Alistair, while Daigo was waving his arms desperately around Senga. It seemed everyone was having a good time.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a request here," said the DJ through the speakers, "this song is for Iain and Yuuki who just started dating this month, give them a big hand!"
"WHAT?"
Yuuki looked over at Becky who was giggling wildly and hiding behind her boyfriend Alistair. Daigo was doing something similar, using Senga as his shield. Only Lorraine and Terrance were smirking openly towards her. Yuuki took a deep breath as all the eyes in the room fell upon her and Iain.
When I wake each morning, and I walk from my home
I see you on the way, and my heart is free to roam
No-one else was dancing, making Yuuki believe they were waiting for her and Iain. She looked at him and noticed his feet were shuffling. Tentatively, she stretched out her hand towards him, and he slowly caressed it, barely providing any pressure.
Oh what to say
My minds went blank and I'm now lost in thought
But for a moment
I have the courage deep inside to say
From me to you
"Why did it have to be this song?" she whispered almost pathetically into his ear.
"This song…is starting to grow on me."
Yuuki giggled and leaned in close to Iain. It didn't bother her so much if people saw them like this, since their secret was out.
There's nothing wrong with our love though it's small, it grows everyday
Let others say we're standing still when we know, that this is our own way
We may not hold hands when we walk or laugh, all that often when we're together
But when we do I believe in my heart, it's more special to me
When you say 'good morning', it's like the day has just begun
And when we walk together, the sun it shines on everyone
I've forgotten
What this feels like, though we do this everyday
But for a second
In my heart I want this brand new day
To never end
"Yuuki," uttered Iain softly, "I was hoping you could join me for dinner tomorrow evening. There is a Chinese restaurant I have walked past which you may enjoy."
"Sure," replied Yuuki, "but why Chinese?"
"Ah, your younger brother informed me you liked that type of food. I realise it isn't the most appropriate choice however I wanted to be certain you would be content."
Yuuki nodded supportively towards Iain. Wanting someone to be 'content' wasn't the most romantic notion in the world, but she knew what he meant. He was thinking about her happiness, which made her feel warm inside.
There's nothing wrong with our love though it's small, it grows everyday
My friends tell me we should move when we know, that this is our own way
We may not hold hands when we walk or laugh, all that often when we're together
But when we do I believe in my heart, it's more special to me
The rest of the evening past quietly, except for Yuuki's verbal barrage at her brother, Becky, Lorraine and Terrance for embarrassing her in front of the entire school.
aaa
Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 – 19:07
Mayne Road
When Yuuki saw the restaurant her heart sank. 'The Plum in the Golden Vase', she had been here before with Daigo and embarrassed herself. Of all the curry houses in all the world Iain had to walk into this one.
The interior was the same as before with blood red décor laced with black and strikingly beautiful pictures adorning the walls. Iain and Yuuki selected a private table near the rear of the odd shaped restaurant, away from the other people present. Both of them had brought a bag each. Yuuki's contained her presents for Iain and she assumed his was for her.
"This is the first time we've eaten out together," said Yuuki, "it feels like we're really dating now."
Romantic Guqin music was playing in the background, accompanied by the small conversations taking place around them. There were a few empty seats which surprised Yuuki. She knew how important Christmas was in Europe and America and expected all the restaurants to be full. It didn't bother her, as it meant they didn't need to rush their meal.
A waiter came over to their table to take their order. Yuuki recognised him as the same one as last time and tried to hide behind her menu.
"May I take your order sir?"
"Ah, I'll be having the same as Yuuki," stated Iain.
The waiter turned his attention towards her. The measured expression on his face turned sour.
"I presume you'll be wanting tap water while I fetch a child's menu."
"No, I'm fine," answered Yuuki through gritted teeth, "I'd like king prawns and then sweet and sour pork please."
The man took down their order and walked away.
"Have you been to this restaurant before?" asked Iain.
"I thought they would have forgotten me, I'm sorry."
Yuuki stared down at the table. It would take some time for their meal to arrive and she didn't want the next ten minutes to be filled with awkward silences. Feeling the bag at her feet she placed it on the table.
"This is for you," said Yuuki, "I hope you like them."
Iain collected her gifts and looked inside. She saw his eyes grow wide for a moment as he pulled out the books in quick succession. He examined their covers before opening one and starting to read.
"They're science fiction novels."
"Thank you," replied Iain finally looking up at her, "I truly appreciate them."
He returned to reading. Yuuki was expecting him to give her a present from his bag but he didn't move. Her foot started tapping as he continued to read and pay her no attention.
"So, did you buy me anything?" asked Yuuki as innocently as she could.
"When I spoke to James regarding this topic he informed me that an expensive meal was more than sufficient as a gift."
That cheap son of a-
"However a further conversation with Agnes convinced me to provide an additional offering."
He raised his container and handed it to Yuuki. Immediately she noticed it was light, suspiciously light. When she put her hand inside she felt something soft wrapped inside paper. She pulled it out. Careful not to make too much noise Yuuki skilfully tore away the decorative packaging.
"This is…"
"It is a plush toy in the shape of your persona Jack Frost. Unfortunately it isn't exactly to scale as I had to estimate the length of the arms and legs, but I hope that will not detract away from your enjoyment."
"How…" Yuuki was finding it difficult to talk. She was genuinely taken aback by this thoughtful, unique gift. "How did you get this?"
"Ah, in Inaba Japan there is a specialist company called Tatsumi Textiles which can make plush toys from submitted designs. Strangely they had received this exact order once before. The male proprietor phoned me asking unusual questions about televisions and late night shows. I believe my insufficient understanding of Japanese may have led to the misunderstanding."
Yuuki was only half listening to Iain's story. She was hugging her Jack Frost plushie tightly against her chest. It was a sweet present that she would cherish forever. It no longer mattered how the rest of the night went as this was now the perfect date to her.