A Lot Like Christmas
Intro: Heh, you are not alone max acorn. I've never ever seen the movie, but I've seen a Japanese comic book of it!! Does that count? Anyhoo, I'm going to be writing my little tail off tomorrow to get this story done in time for Christmas! The Epilogue, which I plan on having after the next chapter, will come most likely on the 26th (and you won't have to review for that!).
BlackGatomon: CANDY!!!! Arigato:
Rukato Fan (Oh boy!! Pinata!! Fetch me the bat LS and let's knock the stuffing out of it!)
SerpentTreize (Jelly beans? Cool!)
Max acorn
Kamehameha (heh, good luck with bluerenamon!)
Angel of Hazard
Jack of the Pelt (toffee apples? That's a new one… you have unique tastes!)
Dreaming-Nightingale (KINDER!! MINE!!!)
Disclaimer: Ok… I'm really getting tired of saying it so I won't. Btw, I don't own the song either!!!
Bold- actions, important stuff
Italics- thoughts, memories, other
***Saturday***
Takato stood staring up at the pure white sky, squinting so the little snowflakes wouldn't get in his eyes. The whole city was blanketed in a layer of powdered snow; to most it was a beautiful day.
He opened his mouth and let one drop onto his tongue, watching it melt slowly and disappear. His brown hair was frosted white with the snowflakes like the rest of his apparel. Smiling slightly, he wished he could stay forever in the abyss of the white frozen wonder. But he knew he should go, there was something important he had to do.
His hands were cold. Shoving them into his pockets he turned to the city streets to see a couple walking together, laughing as they dragged their bags to the next store. The man reminded him of himself, and the girl had red hair. Ruki…
He closed his eyes and could see her face again, every detail was perfect, even her eyes sparkled. He longed to hold her in his arms once more and for days had to refrain from bursting and telling her.
Which brought him to another subject. Lee…
His eyes shut tighter. He couldn't believe this; yesterday Lee had just popped out of the blue… ok, so Takato popped out of the blue to Lee and Lee tells him he has a crush on Juri?!
I don't know why I'm so upset about it, I should be happy for my friend. I guess a part of me still clings to Juri because… because she was my first crush, she was the first person I felt was truly for me. But then Ruki pops up and for some insane reason I kiss her…
He opened his eyes, shoving his hands in his pockets. Seriously though, I shouldn't have acted that way toward Lee… poor Lee. Takato pounded his fist against the wall, angry at himself. He leaned on the wall and sighed.
"You what?!" cried Takato, totally confused. Lee stepped back a bit, he hadn't expected Takato to act like this.
Takato put his hand to his forehead and calmed down. "Run that by me again?"
Lee hung his head and breathed, "I have a crush on Juri…"
Takato opened his mouth, thought the better of it, and closed it again. They were silent for a long time. Takato stared at Lee, which made Lee uncomfortable. "Takato… I asked you if you liked Ruki and you said yes… do you still like Juri too? I can back down… if you want me too."
"No," said Takato, much gentler now. "Gomenasai… I'm just confused. You should go for it alright?"
Lee smiled. "Arigato Takato-san. I think I'm truly in love with her…" Takato could see that easily, the way they were inches apart from one another… he was envious of Lee. Takato sighed. "Listen… I have to go…"
Lee watched Takato brush past him and watched him disappear into the night. "Takato… gomenasai…"
Takato turned. "Nani? Why?"
Lee blushed. "For taking your girl…"
Takato closed his eyes. "Gomenasai Lee… you didn't take her… I don't know why I reacted that way." He got up from the wall and headed down the street. Lee was busy today with the party, so apparently he couldn't help Takato find Mr. Makino.
Unfortunately, he had nowhere to start even with Lee's help. Not even a hint on where he could be. For all he knew her father could've dropped off the ends of the earth! He sighed and trudged down the city streets, staring up and down at the stores, hoping there was something here that could help him. He had passed the jewelry store and a small restaurant before he realized what he could do.
Breaking into a run he sprinted to his house and dug through his phonebooks. There were plenty of Makinos in the city, none of which were most likely related to Ruki but he happened upon a few guys with the last name Makino in Japan.
Numbers, names, and addresses in hand he got on the internet and started searching. Typing the name in the search box he'd hit go and it would hopefully bring up the name in an article in the news. After filing through tons of articles and pouring through hundreds of news sites he found nothing.
Takato sighed and sat back in his chair, utterly disappointed. Now what?
Then he remembered something. Makino Rumiko was a famous woman, if he looked up her history he might find Ruki's father! Getting back on the web he went through another batch of news sites, this time under her name.
But no matter how many articles he shifted through, there was no mention of the husband of Rumiko. Unfortunately, he held himself anonymous. But Takato wasn't through yet.
Pulling on his coat and boots he scrambled downstairs. "Hey mom, I'm going out! I'll be home by dinner ok? Bye!!!" He grabbed a bun off the table and took off out the door.
Ruki looked up from the kitchen as Takato rushed through. Now where's he off to this time? He wouldn't be…naw…
Mrs. Matsuki put her hands on her hips. "Takato!!!" Too late, Takato had vanished down the street. Mei sighed and shook her head. "I'll never be able to keep track of that boy…"
******
Takato dashed down the streets and came upon the police station. "Hai!" Rushing inside, he got to the receptionist's desk. The woman was reading a newspaper. "Hai… what is it dear?"
Takato smiled. "Hey Mrs. Tanuki, do you have anything on Makino Rumiko's husband?"
Tanuki Rei looked over the desk at him. She was pretty middle-aged woman with radiant brown hair and soft green eyes. "Rumiko? Let me see…"
Rei whirled around in her chair and started typing furiously away at the computer. After was seemed like an hour she turned back around. "Gomenasai Takato, but Mr. Makino left Shinjuku long ago, and I don't have tracking of him."
Takato sighed,
crestfallen. "Do you know his name?"
"That's classified," was her only
reply. She stared at the saddened boy. "Gomensai Takato-kun… that's all I can
do. Merry Christmas."
He turned away and trudged out. "Merry Christmas…"
He trudged through the snow, hands in his pockets, disappointed. He had looked most everywhere, but Mr. Makino was nowhere to be found. Takato sighed and continued to walk. Gomenasai Ruki… I tried. I guess you were right…your present is just too hard to find…
"Takato?"
Takato stopped. "Ruki? What're you doing here?"
Ruki smiled. "I should be asking you that question Gogglehead. What happened? You look so crestfallen."
He immediately perked up. The last thing he wanted Ruki to know was that he was looking for her father. "Crestfallen?"
Ruki gave him a weird look but decided not to ask. Instead, she changed the subject. "Mom still wants me to sing tonight…"
"What's wrong with that?"
"I…I'm nervous…" she stammered, looking ashamed. Oh god… I'm never going to hear the end of it…
"Really?"
Here we go… Ruki sighed, ready for the bouts of laughter and sarcasm. However, Takato kept a straight face and smiled. "It's ok to be nervous Ruki-san."
Ruki stared at him in surprise. "Oh."
He was still smiling. "Really… I'm not going to chew you out for it."
She just watched him in surprise. Blushing she spoke, "Arigato…"
As much as she hoped he didn't see her blushing, he did and as always he felt like he should just sweep her off her feet. But he restrained his pounding heart. "Why are you nervous?"
Ruki smiled. "I have to sing in front of everyone… and I doubt if I'm good enough."
He shook his head. "Momentai, you have a beautiful voice Ruki-kun. Being in front of everyone has never stopped you before."
"How do you know?"
"Nani?"
"How do you know I have a good voice?"
"I've heard you," he said happily. "It's sweet."
Ruki still looked uncomfortable. "Will you come? I'd feel more comfortable if you came. You're the only one I know other than my family that won't laugh if I screw up."
Takato's smile broadened. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
She relaxed. "Arigato Takato!" Without thinking she kissed him on the cheek once and took off down the road.
Takato waited until she was out of sight to react. He knew she had only done it out of pure gratefulness since she knew he was coming, but a boy can dream. Sinking into the park bench he was on Cloud 9. He touched his cheek and sighed. It may have been an absentminded kiss but he could hope.
Instantly he felt like someone had smacked him in the head, only it felt really good. He sat there for almost half an hour, living in total bliss. But bliss soon wore off and he was back to square one. He was snapped back to where he was, present-less with no way of knowing where the heck her father was.
I've looked everywhere… I'm never going to find him… A lump had filled his throat, a lump he couldn't swallow. He choked back tears "I'll never find him, what am I going to do?"
He allowed himself to cry a little. When he was young, and even now, he was called a crybaby. Maybe it was because he got frustrated easily, or maybe it was just because he cared so much for everyone he knew. Whatever the reason, the thought of Ruki not with her whole family on Christmas saddened him. "What am I going to do?"
"What do you mean Takato?"
Takato almost jumped two feet in the air. He whirled around and came face to face with an old enemy: Ryo. "Ryo?"
Ryo stood in front of him, hands jammed in his pockets with his face slightly red from the cold. He smiled. "I mean, what're you doing out here? You look so sad…" Ryo caught himself from saying, "Did she dump you?" Even though he was out of the race he could still stand in the sidelines and make noise.
Takato immediately rubbed his eyes to hide the fact that he was crying. It was not necessary Ryo had already seen him. "I… I was hoping to find Ruki's father."
"Nani? Why?"
Takato gulped. "I wanted to surprise Ruki."
Ryo pursed his lips and looked puzzled. "Run that by me again?"
"I wanted to find Ruki's father because I just want to make her happy…" Takato sighed. "I can't find him anywhere… I've been looking all day."
Ryo stood, thinking for a moment. He knew it would be against his feelings to help the poor kid, but he looked so unhappy. Takato truly wanted to make Ruki happy, Ryo could see it in his eyes. Ryo concentrated, and suddenly a smile curved on his lips. "Come with me."
Takato opened his mouth to protest but Ryo grabbed his arm and dragged him to Ruki's house. They disappeared for a few moments inside, came back out, Takato with an understanding of what he was going to do. They ducked into the store right next to the small restaurant. Moments later both boys came out smiling, Takato holding a small wrapped box.
He beamed. "Arigato Ryo, this is great!!!" He looked at Ryo. "How can I ever repay you?"
Ryo smiled. "Just give her a kiss for me."
The two laughed. Ryo checked his watch and gasped. "You're going to be late!!"
"Nani?!" That was the only word that escaped Takato's mouth as Ryo pushed him forward. "Remember? The party?"
Takato's eyes were wide. "Oh no!! What time is it?!"
"It's 9pm, the party started at 8!"
Takato didn't even blink. He whirled around and took off, calling over his shoulder, "Arigato Ryo! I'll never forget this!"
******
Watching the people coming in was getting boring. Ruki sat in a chair in the corner dressed in a beautiful blue dress. The material was rich blue velvet and a soft shining sash was tied around her waist. It was short, only down to her knees, the hem blue lace. She wore black shiny shoes, white socks, and a blue ribbon in her hair. I can't believe I'm doing this…
At least mom is pleased, but seriously, I hate this dress… She sighed and got up. Everyone was here now; it was time for her to sing. Everyone was here that is, except Takato. He said he'd be here tonight. Oh well, boys have the attention spans of gnats so I guess I shouldn't be too hopeful.
Following the other tamers into the dining room she gasped. Rumiko definitely had a decorator in here. Lines of pine and fir rolls were spread across the walls, bright red bows bringing them together. The couches and armchairs had green and red slipcovers tightened over them neatly. Off to the side of the room was the buffet, rows of white tables lined with decorations held platters of food.
In the center the stage had been set up with a microphone stand in the middle. Opposite that, right next to the entrance stood the biggest Christmas tree Ruki had ever seen. It was at least 9 feet tall, Christmas decorations strung all around it. The lights flickered on and off to the music playing in the room (Jingle Bells) and at the very top a white porcelain angel perched. She was gorgeous, her blond hair up in a bun, her skin a creamy white, and her dress a dazzling white with gold hem and roses. Her wings were small but lined with the same golden hem. Everything looked so beautiful.
Stunned, Ruki stood for a moment with her mouth open in a gape. Rumiko waltzed up in a white chiffon and boa that made her look like a queen. She smiled gently at her daughter. "What do you think?"
Ruki closed her mouth and looked at her mother. "It's really nice mom." Rumiko beamed, utterly satisfied, and waltzed off to greet her guests. Ruki smiled a little, her mother had really outdone herself; maybe this Christmas wouldn't be so bad…
The lights dimmed slightly, enough for her to notice. Sighing heavily she walked over to the stage and grabbed the microphone. Standing alone on the stage, looking out at all those faces, familiar and strange, her heart skipped a beat. For the first time in a very long time, she was nervous.
Her mother waved gently to her and smiled. Ruki nodded and the music began. She opened her mouth and began to sing:
Have yourself…A Merry little Christmas
Let your heart… be light…
From now on
Our troubles will be out of sight…
Dazed by the lights, she squinted out into the audience. Takato was no where to be seen. She was slightly hurt, but amazed at what voice was popping out of her mouth, singing that slow song. Surely, it wasn't her. It couldn't be…
Have yourselfA Merry Little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay…
From now on our troubles will be miles
Away…
Meanwhile, running as if his life depended on it, Takato dashed through the crowded streets, trying to make his way to the Makino household. Blinded by the snow and trying to hold on to her present he pressed on.
Hurriedly he checked his watch. An hour and 15 minutes late. He had never realized how big Shinjuku was. Forgive me Ruki-san…
Ruki closed her eyes, allowing the music to flow gently through her as her voice song the tune. Surprisingly, singing made her feel at peace, she should've tried this years ago…
Here we are, as in olden daysHappy golden days of yore…
Faithful friends who are dear to us…
Gather near to us… once more…
Boom.
Ruki's eyes shot opened as the door opened with a bang. Panting heavily with a wrapped package under one arm stood Takato, hand still pressed to the door. His hair was frosted with snow as he trudged into the room, all eyes on him.
Sheepishly Takato smiled and waved to Ruki who, as with everyone else, had abruptly stopped. Through gritted teeth Takato tried to not to embarrass himself anymore than he had already and quickly sat down.
Ruki smiled at him and he smiled back. I'm here Ruki, it took me a bit, but I'm here…
Through the years
We all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang the shining star upon the highest bough!
And have yourself…
A Merry Little Christmas…
Now…
Everyone in the audience stood slack jawed in amazement, especially Ruki's friends, when she finished. Her voice was so soothing and angelic they were amazed. Rumiko was crying silently, she was so proud of her little girl.
Ruki stood on the stage for a second, wondering why they were staring at her like that. Even Takato and Lee wore the same expression, utter amazement. It was silent for at least 5 minutes before Takato snapped back and began to clap.
Soon the applause grew louder and louder until the whole room was standing, clapping madly. Hirokazu and Kenta even whistled. Ruki, blushing furiously from her spot on the stage, was very pleased they had liked her so much.
******
Later on everyone was chatting, laughing, and raiding the buffet as the party got started. Lee shuffled through the crowd, searching for Juri. He knew she was here, he had seen her when she came inside. She wasn't too hard to miss, she was wearing an emerald green party dress that flowed to her ankles, an emerald ribbon in her hair.
Lee found her by the punch bowl. Silently he motioned for her to follow, which she did, wondering what he wanted.
Rounding the corner, still following Lee, she appeared on the porch and glanced around. Lee was nowhere to be seen, and as Juri shivered in the cold she looked hastily around, wondering where he went. The answer to her question came quietly and quickly.
Two arms wrapped around her slender waist, a body much warmer than her own suddenly right in front of her. But the best part that made her head swim was when two lips pressed against hers. She was immediately putty in his hands.
Lee could not believe he was doing something he never thought he'd do in a million years. They kissed passionately for what seemed a blissful eternity. Juri laid her head on his chest and he fingered her pretty brown hair, so neat and straight. Silent as mice they stood, there was no need for words.
Juri gazed up at him lovingly, her same look reflected back to her in his own face. Both felt warm and surprisingly comfortable in each other's arms. She felt her cheeks turn red as they kissed once more.
Juri released and broke away from him. She was met again with arms around her waist and a kiss on the neck. He would follow her to the ends of the earth and she knew it, it just took them a while to realize they had feelings for one another.
Lee took her hand and squeezed it. With soft eyes he led her back to the party, where couples were dancing. Lee released her hand and bowed. "May I have this dance?"
Juri giggled and took his hand gently. Locked into a gaze they began to waltz, easily becoming the most coordinated couple to dance. Soon all eyes were upon them, but neither noticed, they were too absorbed in each other.
Terriermon sat in a chair, watching his tamer dance with his newfound love through the twirling couples. He spun her around and again brought her closer to himself, Terriermon watching eagerly. Terriermon saw them every other second thanks to the dancers, but like a flipbook the animation ran smoothly. He watched them draw closer and closer together, all the while leaning further and further across the chair, craning to see.
Their lips met each other's again, her hand in his. There was a gasp and a crash; Terriermon had fallen off his chair.
*****
Lee and Juri weren't the only ones in love with one another. Takato had problems of his own. He shuffled through the people in the party and ran smack into Hirokazu and Kenta. They noticed he seemed distracted. "Who are you looking for Gogglehead?"
Takato blinked in surprise. "I umm… well…"
Kenta smiled. "You don't have a crush do you?"
Takato gulped. "N-no! What gave you that idea?!"
"You're staring at Ruki," said Hirokazu, and indeed he was. Takato immediately averted his eyes. "No I'm not."
"Tell us the truth Takato."
"I am telling you the truth!"
"You're still staring at her," Hirokazu remarked. Takato didn't answer; he couldn't take it anymore. He pushed past the two and made his way to Ruki. "Ruki?"
She turned around and grinned. "As usual you're late but I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
Takato blushed. "Gomenasai Ruki… I was umm…"
Her face went from happiness to seriousness. "I need to talk to you…" She glanced up, saw Hirokazu and Kenta snickering, and added, "In private."
"Nani?"
"Oh just come on!" She grabbed him and dragged him through the crowds, outside into the starry night. They stood on the patio by the pond where they had first met each other and she had helped him out. Takato looked out into the night and waited. I should tell her about that night… when I kissed her in her sleep. On the count of three I'll interrupt her in whatever she's saying and tell her… 1…
They stood in silence for a long time, staring at the moon. Ruki smiled. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
2…
"Mmmhmm…" Takato murmured.
3…! He sighed. "Ruki I…"
"I have a confession to make," she interrupted. Takato blinked in surprise. "You do?"
Ruki smiled gently at him and he suddenly felt like someone had turned the heat up. "Hai, I know about Tuesday night."
Takato's mind was blank because he was so nervous. "Nani?! Gomenasai… what happened Tuesday night?"
She stepped closer to him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "You don't remember?"
Takato gulped and it hit him. She knew?! "H-how…?!"
Ruki closed her eyes. "Silly Gogglehead, I was only pretending to be asleep."
He stood there in shock. "Oh… I… um…"
"It's alright," said Ruki, her smile had disappeared. "I was shocked at first but now… I think I understand."
Good lord… she's going to smack me for sure… Takato shut his eyes, but nothing came so he reopened them. Ruki was still standing in front of him, watching him carefully. She closed her eyes as she spoke. "Do you love me Matsuki Takato?"
Crash!
Relieved, Takato whirled around to see Terriermon had fallen off his chair and knocked over a porcelain tea set sitting on the table beside the chair. He immediately changed the subject, not daring himself to face her. "I-I'm going to see if he's alright…"
Ruki reached out to him, surprised. "Takato wait!"
He was gone, he had dashed into the house again. Ruki stood outside, watching him go, arm still outstretched. She allowed her arm to come to her side and she shook her head. Why are you running away from me Gogglehead?
Takato cursed under his breath. Why did you run you stupid Gogglehead? You could've told her the truth, curse my nervousness…
He kept running. He ran away from the party, away from her and Lee and Juri. He dashed through the streets, not noticing that Ruki was following him. He instantly felt a pang of sadness, he should've told her. He should've expressed his deep feelings for her, why had he run? What was he so afraid of?
Takato closed his eyes and soft tears ran down his cheeks as he ran. Ruki followed in pursuit, she had to know once and for all how he felt about her. But Takato was fast, too fast even for her.
He disappeared into the night, leaving her standing in the streetlight, panting and breathless. She sighed, for some reason her heart was heavy and it ached. She felt like someone had struck her in the head. Is this… this is what heartache feels like?
She stood bewildered in the middle of the park, utterly confused. Why do I feel so sad? It's almost like how I felt when my parents split up… only different somehow… could these feelings… is this love? The thing I've always dreaded; I never wanted? But… how…?
Rubbing her temples she shook her head, she was so confused. These were new emotions; she had no idea what was going on. She turned around to leave and saw the lake, shimmering brilliantly in the moonlight. It was almost as if it was trying to tell her something.
A thin smile curved her lips as she dashed to the shed and picked up the skates Takato had left in Guilmon's shed. She left only moments before Takato came rushing around the shed, crying. He had not known she was here moments ago; he was too upset for that. Tonight had been unexpected, she had just asked a simple question and now he was a nervous wreck.
He buried his head in his hands and cried. Confused and filled with heartache, he wondered why he hadn't told her. Every day beforehand he had dreamed of how the conversation might go, he'd bring up some casual topic and then ask her if she liked him. The answer he dreamed was either a smack in the face or her arms thrown around him, more the latter than the angry smack. It seemed so simple then. But he hadn't counted on her being awake when he kissed her, that glorious night. He didn't count on her asking him, not tonight. All his plans shattered like glass. It was so out of the blue, and now all that was left was confusion… and his present to her.
He stopped crying and looked up. He still had a chance, and this time he would have to face her. Rubbing his eyes he got up and pulled out her present from his coat pocket. Smiling, he sighed. I can still prove myself to you Ruki… I still have a chance. I only pray that you will understand.
******
Ummm… I thought that went rather well. How about you?
BlackGatomon: Right…
That was a long chapter wasn't it? Nine pages to be exact, I hoped you all liked it and aren't totally confused! Next chapter is the last chapter: Christmas Day! Gomenasai I couldn't drag the father in, but I know so little about him that I just brought the concept in… and a little something else. Till next time! Rukato Lee/Juri Itsumademo!!!
BlackGatomon: Bring candy!!