Noel
Part 3
Author: Nyneve
Well, here's part three of four. I guess you could arrange this story so that you can read one chapter every week until Christmas. At this time, I would like to wish you all a good whatever holiday you celebrate. Or, if you don't celebrate any holidays, I would like to say good luck to everyone out there. I'm realizing how many people out there aren't happy, and I hope that as you read this you aren't one of them. Peace my friends.
-Nyneve
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O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come, ye o come ye
To Bethlehem
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Christmas was getting closer and closer. Oddly enough, Kiyone's attitude drastically changed. Instead of staying home feeling sorry for herself, she was working insane hours, sometimes through the night. Quatre was getting worried.
"Kiyone?" he asked, glancing over at her. Her face was glued to the computer screen, but she raised her hand, showing that she realized his presence.
"What?" she responded, not looking at him. Cautiously, Quatre approached her desk.
"How long have you been working?"
"I came in last night when I couldn't sleep. I've been working since then," she answered flatly.
"On what? There haven't been any calls in about three days," he commented. Kiyone, for once, faced him. Her face had grown pale and gaunt, and her eyes were no longer large and sad, but dark and hard.
"It's a personal mission I've been working on for myself. I don't want or need your help," she snapped. He took a step back, slightly hurt at her remark.
It had only been about two or three weeks since Quatre had first met Kiyone in the cemetery by Mihoshi's grave, but he was starting to feel as though he'd known her forever. Despite the fact she hardly spoke to him, or that when she did it was usually hostile, he knew she wasn't really like that.
In truth, if Mihoshi had been alive, and Kiyone was her normal self, she probably would've gotten on quite well with Quatre. He reminded her so much of Mihoshi. He wanted to take care of her so badly, but whenever there was a confrontation between the police and the criminals, it seemed as though Quatre was always the one getting shot at.
What the Hell are you doing Makibi? Kiyone asked herself. What would Mihoshi think if she saw you like this? You need to be there for the civilians that need your protection, the police force that needs your help, and your partner that needs your guidance.
"Quatre, I…" she paused, trying to think of words. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to blow you off or anything."
"I know. You're under a lot of stress, aren't you?" Quatre asked gently. She nodded, then pointed to the screen.
"Eli Rose? Who's he?" he asked, looking at her work.
"He's the head of a ring of car thieves. A while back, my partner and I had a little face off with him," Kiyone explained grimly.
"You mean, he was the one…" who killed Mihoshi? Quatre couldn't bring himself to finish the question. However, Kiyone understood and nodded.
"I decided when I came back that I would do everything I could to make him sorry for what he did to Mihoshi," she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else. Quatre pondered his next words carefully.
"You really miss her, don't you?" he asked.
"More than anything. She was my best friend. I don't have any family or other friends, really. Without Mihoshi, I'm alone," she whispered.
"No you're not," Quatre said, taking her hand. "You still have me. I want to help you Kiyone. If not by helping you track down Mihoshi's murderer, then at least by being your friend."
She stared at him, letting his words sink into her very soul. Then, for the first time in ages, Kiyone actually smiled. She wasn't alone. The very thought gave her so much hope.
"Thank you, Quatre. Thank you so much," she grinned, standing up and hugging him tightly. "Hey, let's get lunch, okay? My treat. I'm starving!"
She pulled on her jacket, then flicked off the office light, happier than she had been in a long time.
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Two days later was Friday. Kiyone had begged and pleaded with the police chief to give Quatre and herself time away from HQ. Of course, they could be called in an emergency, but more than anything she wanted a break. Just some time to bring herself back from wherever she'd been.
Now, Kiyone had even gotten the heart back to drag Quatre to the mall to buy Christmas presents for his friends and family.
"So, remind me again how many people we have to buy for," she asked as they passed by store after store at the mall.
"Well, there's my parents, my sisters…" before he could continue, Kiyone cut him off.
"You have sisters? How many?" she asked.
"29. I come from a big family," Quatre answered.
"No kidding. Anyway, I'm sure we can find something for them. If not, gift certificates always work, right? Continue," she said.
"My men, my four friends…I told you about them, right?" he paused. Kiyone blushed.
"Probably. But I most likely didn't pay attention when you did," she mumbled. In truth, she had ignored him a lot before two days ago. He had probably told her his life story twice, and she never would have known.
"Well, anyway, maybe I can tell tonight. Would you like to come over for dinner?" Quatre asked.
"Sure, thanks," Kiyone smiled, finally glad that her inner turmoil was ending.
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Yay! Happy! J R+R every1!