Hi, everyone.  The next few chapters will make up another arc centered around Christmas.  Also, I put a short author's note at the end of this chapter, enjoy!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respectful owners, this piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 18:  The Christmas Season

I look out the window during class, watching the snow collecting on the ground.  It's hard to believe winter is already here.  I look over at Mishima, and notice that she's listening attentively to the lecture, unlike myself.  I remember the trip that our club took back in August, it seems like it was a long time ago.  I wonder what Mishima did with that photo of the two of us, she never mentioned it again.  Maybe she erased it…

"Ayato!"  I look up suddenly to see Mamoru standing over me angrily.

"Oh, Mamoru."

"Sheesh, I've been saying your name for a while!"

"I'm sorry."

"Well, whatever, we're all going to lunch now."

I pick up my briefcase and get my lunch out to bring with me.  I look over and see Asahina and Mishima waiting near the door.

"Let's go to the cafeteria today, Torigai."

"Sure, Hiroko," Mamoru responds.

We go into the hallway and I find myself walking beside Mishima.  I wonder if I should ask about the picture, though I don't want to make her uncomfortable.  After some consideration, I decide it's better not to, and we walk in silence to the cafeteria.

We sit down at our usual table and, as we start, Mamoru says, "We haven't made plans yet for Christmas Eve."

The three of us look up at Mamoru.  Last year, Mamoru, Asahina, and I all had to do things with our family, but we had promised to spend Christmas Eve together this year.

"What did you have in mind, Torigai?"

I watch as Mamoru pulls out a flyer and shows it to all of us.

He points to it and says, "See, there's going to be a dance party on Christmas Eve at this club nearby."

"Don't you have to be older than we are to go?" Asahina asks.

"Ah, look closely, Hiroko," Mamoru says with a smirk that obviously annoys Asahina.

"They're having a party for adults in one area, and a second party for teenagers in another room, so we're all set."

Mishima looks at me and asks, "What do you think, Kamina-kun?"

"Hmm, I think it could be fun."

"Of course it will be, Ayato!"

"Do you want to go, Hiroko?" Mishima asks Asahina.

"Sure, I think it could be cool."

"Ok, it's settled then, everyone memorize the information, and, Hiroko, I'll meet you at your place beforehand to bring you there."

"Ok, Torigai."

"Sure," Mishima and I say in unison.

As I sit in class after lunch, I begin to wonder if I should get Mishima a Christmas gift.  I'd really like to, but what if she doesn't want one from me, or if she doesn't like it?  I've never exchanged gifts with Mamoru or Asahina before, so I can't use that as an excuse.  In the end, I decide to go for it, after all, I don't think a gift can do much damage, and she might even like it.  Now I just have to figure out what to get her.

I wake up on Sunday, remembering that I have something important to do, but what is it? I sit up in bed, trying to remember, ah yes, I'm going to buy Mishima a Christmas gift today. I quickly get ready and go downstairs.  I've woken up late again and my parents have already eaten breakfast.

"I'm going out now, Mom and Dad."

My mother looks up from reading a book and says, "Really? Where are you going?"

"Oh, I just have some stuff to do."

She gives me an unconvinced look, but says, "All right, but be back by 6, we're going out to dinner."

"Ok, see you later!" I say as I run out the door.

I find myself standing in the midst of the shopping district, at a complete loss.  Even though I thought a lot about what I want to get Mishima, I haven't been able to figure out what would be a good gift. I realize I'll have to wander aimlessly through the stores to pick something out.  I come to a store first that sells mostly collectible items.  I inspect what they have, but I don't know if Mishima collects anything, so I decide to leave.  I see a candy shop up ahead, and start to walk towards it since I know Mishima likes candy a lot.  However, I stop myself suddenly, deciding I'd rather give something that shows I put thought into the decision. I next find myself in a women's clothing store, but while there are things that I think are nice, I don't know her sizes and she might not like the styles I think would look nice on her.

After having looked in a lot of stores, I start to get tired and buy myself a drink at a burger fast food place.  I look around lazily as I sip, and suddenly stop and lean forward.  I look at the store across from the restaurant and see an item that reminds me of something. I quickly finish my drink, throw it away, and walk towards the store.  I go inside and look at the item that I had seen from the restaurant, a yellow winter scarf.  Now I know what it reminds me of, the outfit Mishima was wearing the first time we met.  I can tell yellow is Mishima's favorite color from what I've seen her wear, and I think that the color always looks nice on her.  I try to remember if Mishima has a scarf already, and realize that she doesn't. Pleased, I grab it up and bring it to the cashier.  After making my purchase, I go to another store close by and buy wrapping paper that has a green background and silver colored ornaments as its design.

When I get home, I quickly go to my room to wrap the gift, and hide it in my closet so I won't get any questions from my parents.  I really hope that Mishima will like it…

Author's Note:

In case anyone is wondering, the scarf that Ayato bought for Haruka in my story is the one she is wearing in the wallpaper of her and Ayato as junior high students that I mentioned in an earlier chapter. 

Next Chapter

An Exchange