December

By Timberwolf220

-Far away…long ago-

-Glowing dim as an ember-

-Things my heart used to know-

-Things it yearns to remember-

—'Once upon a December' Anastacia soundtrack

A/N: I thought I'd be seasonal and post this up in Christmas. But since you guys can't appreciate a good joke and would maim me, I decided not to. Still this fic is very popular for reasons unknown to me. What is it about these weird one-shots that you guys like about so much anyway?

-XX-

'Away in a manger'

'No crib for a bed'

'The Little Lord Jesus'

'Laid down his sweet head'

'The stars in the bright sky'

'Looked down where he lay'

'The Little Lord Jesus'

'Asleep on the hay'

'I love thee Lord Jesus'

'Look down form the sky'

'And stay by my side'

'Until morning is nigh'

There was some secret power in those words, in this season, that made people do things they wouldn't ordinarily be caught doing. People would give money to charity, go singing in the streets, give each other presents and stuff like that which would make a normal person gag from the sappiness.

But Kai actually enjoyed this time of the year. If he thought about it hard enough, he would receive glimpses of a forgotten past. But more importantly were the feelings that came with them. Warm, gentle feelings giving a sense of calm denied to him in this world. And perhaps if he tried hard enough, he would never forget them. It was rather pathetic of him, clinging onto a memory that lost meaning when that accident happened, but then Kai was a pathetic man, wasn't he? Always bowing down to the restraints of a past he had no control over.

Yet…this season was special and Kai appreciated special things.

So he shouldered the package he was carrying and walked onwards. It was snowing lightly that evening, like a slow rainfall down to earth. The snow was being laced in his hair as he walked down the flurry path. The snow was soft and yielding to his feet and the wind brushed against his armbands, making him shiver slightly.

Why was he doing this exactly? He stopped and looked upwards. Because he wanted to prove to Tyson that he could help him too? Was that it?

I give you everything…because I don't want you to leave again

Maybe it was the feeling behind it, Kai mused, just that… it simply felt right…how truthful that admission was. Tyson told him that feelings matter and people have to act on it. Was that the basis of Tyson's strength? Was that were Tyson drew out his infinite power, his prowess, the ability to crush anyone who dares to come in his path. Doesn't anyone ever fear Tyson, fear that invincibility?

He chuckled to himself. Lately, his thoughts not matter where they start seem to return to Tyson. As if Tyson was an enigmatic figure Kai's mind tried to comprehend. Considering that Kai spent his life with the most complex character for about five to six years (A/N: If you haven't realized, he was referring to Tala) and yet, Tyson seemed to elude him.

For some reason, it made him uneasy. He wasn't fond of things he couldn't understand. If you didn't understand, that means you didn't have control over the situation and that is usually fatal. Yet, he can't seem to grasp Tyson and Tyson understands him almost effortlessly. Tyson was holding all the cards and Kai had the feeling Tyson could pull out the royal flush whenever he wishes to.

So why doesn't he?

He stopped and looked at the streetlights. They were emitting a soft aureole around it and it was like looking at a large firefly. He shook his head and walked onwards. Maybe some things in life just defied explanation…and Tyson was one of them.

"Thinking of me?"

Kai started and turned around. There, in all his glory, was Tyson. There was a grin on his face and his eyes were dancing with the light of the aureole lamps. His hair was tied back in its usual style, but as Kai looked deeper, Tyson seemed…different. As if he was glowing, full of some unknown power that filled his body. Stronger than the light that the street lamps seemed to echo.

Tyson glanced at the package in Kai's hands and grinned, "For me?"

"Don't kid yourself," Kai retorted immediately out of instinct. He flushed and turned away, "I just…" needed to prove something to you for a change instead of you proving to me of my existence.

I need to show you that I care to.

That I can save you too.

Tyson said nothing, looking quizzically at Kai whose eyes seemed to be showing some sort of inner turmoil. He came closer, closer than most people are allowed to. You see, Kai has his 'space' and no one was allowed to come near it.

Except Tyson.

Only Tyson.

Why was it always Tyson?

Tyson was now about a foot away from Kai. Quietly he traced Kai's face with his finger, running down the smooth lines of his cheek. Kai's eyes fluttered slightly at the touch. There was no uneasiness, there was no fear, and there was no pain. Just simple acceptance and presence. They needed no words sometimes; they've passed the normal human boundaries. Now they must step pass the doubt and make way.

They were silent for a long time.

Tyson grinned, "You're worried."

"A little," Kai admitted, "I'm…new to this."

I'm new, but I will learn.

Can you teach me Tyson?

Tyson dropped his hand from Kai's cheek and Kai felt a strange sense of coldness brushing the uncovered area. Tyson looked upwards. Kai wondered why he did that so often. Were the answers lying there in the frost flecked sky? Is that where Tyson drew his wisdom from, his patience and strength?

Maybe if he looked hard enough, maybe he would also receive that divine power. Maybe his questions will be answered by the shimmer of stars in the sky.

"It's Christmas," Tyson said softly, looking at Kai, "Do you want to exchange presents?"

Kai nodded and rummaged through his package. In it was a poster of YinYang, and in the halves of the circle were a dragon and a phoenix. The dragon was smooth and fluid like a stream and it had large yellow that seemed to see past the poster. The phoenix was jagged; like mountains were made to be its wings and it had narrow white eyes. Its beak was open in a silent scream, but the dragon's jaw was closed.

Tyson held it up and smiled almost sarcastically, his lips curving. Kai spoke hurriedly as if the need of justifying the poster and his inane need to give Tyson a present, "The Yin Yang has two forces; positive and negative. I did some research and I heard that the Dragon and the Phoenix are two integral parts of Yin Yang, belonging to the Xeniq Cross (1). I don't know, but I thought," Kai looked upwards as if in awkwardness, "I thought you would like it."

"I do."

Kai looked at him. There was no pity, no compassion, just that overwhelming feeling that engulfed his chest and poured through his eyes. Tyson did like it. He liked the gift that Kai gave him. Kai stared at the dragon on the poster and smiled. A true honest smile; the kind that only Tyson had the privilege of seeing.

"Thank you."

Tyson smiled, "I suppose you want your present now?"

Kai choked, "For me?"

Tyson's eyes twinkled, "Especially for you."

And Tyson leaned forward and brushed his lips gently over Kai's own. Kai's eyes widened and he blushed slightly. The heat spilled from Tyson's breath and he shivered. It was just a touch, just a brush. Nothing strong or heated or deeply passionate like those kisses you see on romantic movies.

It was just a touch. Like lovers holding hands for the first time or someone's head laid on your shoulder. It was…beautiful, like the silent good deed of a good person done in the darkness of night. Like angels smiling down at human people, like receiving a hug from the person you love. It made him feel…happy.

Tyson opened his eyes and looked at Kai, "This is my Christmas present from me to you."

Kai smirked slightly, getting his bearings over the situation, "My best Christmas present ever."

-XX-

A/N: Kinda short. Yet kinda pretty too. (shrugs) I wonder how I'm going to keep this going, but at least you guys saw some progress. So that makes you happy fangirls now, doesn't it?

Those who believe in Yin Yang, here's some clarification. Those who don't, listen anyway. It's useful. Yin male/positive (Phoenix and Tiger), Yang female/negative (Dragon).

The thing about Yin Yang is that only Dragon/Phoenix unions are allowed (and Dragon/Tiger). Phoenix/Tiger is impossible because they are both positive, hence the Yin Yang cannot function.

And yes, I am subtly hinting something there. Be smart and figure it out.

Loveisagiftuseitwisely: All reviews are answered, so no worries. This will be updated quickly.

Serena429: I suppose, but my reviewers are worse than rabid dogs when it comes to my updates. (shudders) Mutilation is the least of my worries nowadays.

Flamable-Devil: Jen-chan! These stories are very random actually. Most of the time, I put more of my feelings in this than Kai's. Kai and I have a lot in common.

FireieGurl: Here's your next chapter. I hope you like it.

xXxAngel VxXx: Updated. This one seems to be taking priority over my other fics.

Queen Phoenix: …It wasn't meant to be perverted, you know…

Yazzy: Kai's past will have a big role in this, but I hope to put it under a different light instead of the continuous Abbey and Voltaire references. It tends to get on my nerves. Originality counts! And I love Tala too.

XZanayu: Continuing!

Yukiko-Angel: Yes, this is a progressing relationship. I don't want outright romance just yet. Things take time to work.

Dark-She-Deivl: Thank you. I'm glad my stories are appreciated.

Kaay-chan: I'm glad. I liked that one too.

Shadowy recesses OTM: December is here!

Pink Feline: TyKa will always be written by me. KaRe is a really weird pairing.

Luvyagal: No, it's not blurted out. Probably because Kai is one dense chicken.

Kai: Chicken? I dare you to repeat that.

Me: Chicken! Chicken!Chicken!Chicken!

Kai: …That was mean..

Hiyami: My God, you're good. You guessed it already!

Lady Kirei: Subtlety is my favourite way of writing. I'm glad you liked it.

-A present given with an open heart-

-And loosely wrapped-

-Is worth far more than you know-