Takara hummed a merry little holiday tune as she stood on the stepladder to hang the wreath she had the honor to do every year since she was born. Katsuya held the ladder below her while Sakura sat nearby in the chair reading. She looked up for the moment and cleared her throat.
"The wreath is a little low" she commented.
"Well you could get off your butt and help us" Kaye retorted with a slight frown as Takara adjusted it.
"Looks like you guys are doing all right on your own. Besides" she said with a grin, "I wouldn't want to mess up your creative spirit."
"Uh huh" he nodded sarcastically, "Sure."
"How's that look?" Takara asked.
"It looks good" Katsuya nodded happily this time, "Now come on down from there. We have to get ready."
"Oh goody!" Takara hopped down from the ladder expertly, "I love the Tree lighting ceremony."
"So do I kiddo. Go get dressed" he chuckled as she ran from the room and Sakura closed her book, stretched, and stood up from the chair.
"Are we going to pick her up, or is she meeting us there?" she asked as the two siblings walked to their rooms.
"No we're going to pick up her and her little sister" Kaye said, "You need to get ready as well."
"All right, I'm going" Sakura nodded, "Hey are mom and dad coming to this thing?" she asked loud enough for him to hear, for he was now in his room changing his shirt.
"I think so. But mom said they'd be going later. Enough talk. Let's get ready" he replied closing his door so he could have more privacy.
"Boy aren't we in a hurry" she muttered to herself.
(Next Scene)
Meanwhile at the Kamiya residence Sophie was putting some ornaments onto the Christmas tree, which was located in the spacious living room. On the couch Sam sat reading another one of his many novels, his glasses reflecting the lights as they came off the tree. Suddenly Sophie heard the front door open and in the next second a surly looking teenager with blue-green eyes and dark brown hair entered the room. Sam looked up from his book and eyed his older brother Stephen as he flopped onto the other couch.
"Did you have a nice walk?" Sam asked.
"As if I could have a nice walk down a street I don't know," the eighteen year old answered sourly back, "I couldn't understand half the street signs and I couldn't ask anyone for directions because no one around here speaks proper English."
"Well what do you expect? You're in a foreign country."
"Which I wouldn't have to be if dad hadn't decided to go over seas himself for vacation. Whatever" Stephen huffed as Sophie turned to him with an energetic smile.
"You ready to help with the tree yet Stephen?"
"Not really."
"But you love to put the star on top" she replied.
"Yes. But the rest of the ornaments aren't on the tree yet. You have to finish that first. I thought Stephanie was helping you? Where is she?"
"She's getting ready" Sophie said.
"Ready for what?"
"Speaking of which Sophie. You need to get ready as well don't you?" Sam spoke up a bit nervous.
"Oh you're right" Sophie nodded, "They'll be here soon."
"Hello?" Stephen replied exasperated, "Get ready for what?"
"The Tree lightening ceremony of course" Sophie answered.
"And what pre-tell is that?"
"It's supposed to be real exciting" Sophie said before Sam could answer, "We're going with some friend of ours. Oh and Stephanie's boyfriend tooof course."
"Her what?" Stephen spit out the drink he had just taken a sip from.
"Her boyfriend" Sam replied a bit warily.
"And how long has she had a boyfriend?" Stephen asked furiously standing up.
"Um. About six months" Sophie said.
"Almost a whole year?"
"Uh Soph" Sam interrupted as she nodded, "You really should go get ready" he replied his glasses falling down his nose slightly because of the sweat that was dripping from his brow.
Sophie nodded and then departed the room. Once Stephen saw that she was out of sight he walked over to his brother and hovered over him.
"And just when were you going to tell me about this?" he demanded.
"Uh well, I uh" Sam stammered, "It just happened. It's not that big of a deal. He's a real nice guy."
"Oh a nice guy" Stephen replied sarcastically, "Well I feel much better."
"Look Stephen" Sam moved his glasses back up his face, "Don't get mad. I mean she was bound to eventually end up with somebody. I mean the probability of that not happening is really slim to none."
"But a foreign guy? I counted on the fact that you would look after her."
"But I did to an extent. I mean really, she is old enough to take care of herself now. Are you going to hit me?" he asked as he winced.
"No" Stephen shook his head, "Take care of herself? She's just a kid. Don't forget what happened last time" he crossed his arms, "Oh well. I guess I have no choice. I'm gonna have to meet this guy and see for myself how great he really is."
(Next Scene)
Before leaving for the night Tohru made sure the kids were bundled up tight because the weather report had said that it was gonna get colder. Katsuya led the way down the sidewalk bundled in gloves and a green scarf as well as his favorite hunter green coat, while Sakura and Takara carrying a batch of cookies that Tohru had made followed behind in gloves, warm coats, and earmuffs. They arrived at the Kamiya residence just an hour before the ceremony was set to begin. Takara was the first one to the door and eagerly rang the doorbell. Inside the house, Sophie ran to answer the door, greeted them all as she opened it, while Sam and Stephen came into the hall and Stephanie came downstairs. She smiled when she saw Katsuya and immediately walked over to him as Sakura moved into the hall and closed the door behind her, making Sam blush a little under his glasses.
"Are you guys ready to go?" Kaye asked.
"Mhm" Stephanie nodded, "We're all set."
Stephen cleared his throat and she turned to him surprised. Sakura eyed his expression as he came forward.
"Oh right" Stephanie realized, "I haven't introduced you yet have I? Takara, Sakura, Katsuya this is my older brother Stephen from America. He's here visiting us this Christmas."
"Oh" Katsuya's eyebrows rose as the girls bowed politely.
"Stephen" Stephanie continued, "This is Sakura, Takara and Katsuya Sohma" she pointed out, "Katsuya is my boyfriend."
"It's a pleasure to meet you" Kaye bowed his head politely also while Stephen simply nodded, "Your sister has told me all about you."
"Funny she never mentioned you. In fact I didn't know anything about you until moments ago" he added rudely.
"Uh" Sakura interrupted seeing the anger in his eyes, "We'd better get going if we want to get a good view of the ceremony" she replied not taking her eyes off the older brother, "Kaye."
"Right" her brother nodded, "Let's get going" he took Stephanie's hand gently while Stephen crossed his arms and continued to frown, and Takara and Sophie ran out the door ahead of everyone, "We'll see you all later."
"No later than ten" Stephen said.
"Uh" Katsuya stopped at the command, "Actually they'll be back no later than nine. I hope that's it all right that we come back early" he said as they walked out the door.
Stephen stared at the back of Katsuya's head angrily at his response as the group walked out of the main gate.
"Smug bastard" he spat under his breath.
(Next Scene)
When they arrived at the spot it was already starting to get crowded and thesun had gone completely down. Katsuya found a nice spot in the center where they could see all the trees at once they were lit. Sakura, Takara, and Sophie spotted friends in the crowd so they went off leaving the couple all alone.
"I am so sorry about my brother" Stephanie replied, "He's worse than Sam when it comes to me having a boyfriend. I had no idea that he was going to act that badly though."
"Oh it's all right" Kaye shook it off, "I didn't mind. Besides it just shows that he cares about you."
"I guess" she nodded solemnly, "Man it's cold out here," she said wrapping her arms around her body.
"Mhm" he nodded wrapping his own arms around her, "Cold enough to snow I'd say."
"Can you smell it?" she asked.
"Smell it?"
"Well you know. You're a tiger. Maybe your sense of smell is keener than most humans."
"I guess my senses are heightened in a way. Although I never really thought about it much in that way" he chuckled.
She smiled back as her teeth chattered a little and he looked back at her lovingly. Then he saw to his left the lights starting to shine.
"They're starting," he whispered since most of the crowd had hushed as the lights lit up one at a time.
He watched her expression of pure excitement as each tree sparkled white lights all over the street. As they stood there small snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Stephanie smiled and held up her mittened hands to catch the snowflakes as they landed.
"You were right. It's snowing" she grinned, "It's so beautiful."
"Yes it is" he nodded and said softly as he looked straight at her making her look up and gaze at him directly.
They moved closer as the snow continued to fall and the other people gasped at the snow and the lights in excitement.
"I'm glad I could share this moment with you" he said caressing her cheek with his own-gloved hand.
She smiled and he leaned down, kissing her lightly on the lips for the first time. When they pulled away they both smiled and embraced each other tightly, as the snow covered their heads as well as the many-lit trees.
(Next Scene)
After the ceremony the three teenagers and the two younger girls returned to the Kamiya's home for hot chocolate and cookies. As the others sat in the living room, telling Sam about the delights of the ceremony, Sakura moved into the kitchen for another cup of hot chocolate and noticed that Stephen was in there, leaning against the counter with a sour expression onhis face. She smiled slightly and moved over next to him. He glanced at her briefly continuing to frown since he could see the interaction between his sister and Katsuya in the living room quite clearly.
"So you're from America?" Sakura spoke up speaking perfect English much to his surprise.
"Yes" Stephen nodded.
"Visiting for Christmas?"
"Mhm."
"Well welcome to our country."
"Is there something you want?" he replied rude once again.
"Actually there is" she nodded, "I've been watching you all night and I can guess what you're thinking."
He frowned at her assumption as she continued.
"Well anyway do you see those two in there?" she pointed at the couple.
"How can you not?" he snorted.
"They're very happy. How do I know you may ask? Well it's because Katsuya is my twin brother and we tell each other everything. He's also younger than me so I always look out for him. I love him very much and I have never seen him as happy as he is except when he is with your sister."
"Is there a point to all this?" he asked impatiently.
"Oh yes there is a very important point" she said seriously, "I just wanted you to know that despite what you think, they are happy. And I'll be damned if you're going to ruin it" she added sternly making his eyes wider as she moved away on the last line.
She wandered back into the living room and sat down next to Katsuya, taking a cookie. As Stephen stared at her she glanced in his direction and smiled slightly which made him turn his head and frown once more.
"What kind of girl is she?" he thought furiously, "Who does she think she is? Telling me what to do?"
(Next Scene)
The next few days passed by quickly and soon it was Christmas morning. Katsuya called Stephanie eagerly and promised to see her later in the day.
"Oh" he replied, "There was one more thing I wanted to ask you," he added.
"What is it?"
"I'll ask you when I see you this afternoon."
"Okay. Well I'll let you get back to your family. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas" he smiled as Sakura came into the hall and put on her boots, "Where are you going?" he asked as he hung up the phone.
"I'm gonna go try out my new boots" Sakura replied opening the door after putting on her coat.
"Be careful out there" he warned, "The snow's kind of deep."
"Don't worry" she grinned, "I can handle myself," she added as she closed the door.
Sakura began to walk down the covered sidewalk, taking all the scenery in. Snow was everywhere as far as she could see and there was scarcely anyone around since most people were inside for Christmas morning. But if she thought she was the only one interested in walking on such a day she was mistaken. For coming towards her was none other than Stephen. He stopped when he saw her and she bowed back politely. He stared at her for a moment in surprise and then moved forward, walking right past her.
"Are you not capable of being polite at all?" she asked irritably.
"What?"
"It's customary in my country to greet someone when you meet them on the road."
"Well I'm sorry" he said back angrily, "I am not up on your country's customs."
"But even in your country isn't it proper to greet someone when you see them?"
"Only if you know the person," he replied turning completely around and placing a hand on his hip, "Or for that matter like them."
"I see. Well then I shall trouble you no further" she turned her back on him, "It's obvious that no amount of talking to you will change your manners."
"What do you want from me? Firstyou bothered me a couple ofnights agowith a lame threat I might add and now you're going on about manners."
"Forget it," she said angrily back, "It's nothing. I don't want anything from you. Because it's quite clear to me that you don't give a damn about anyone but yourself anyway."
"Why you" he began but then he heard her cry out in pain and fall down suddenly so he moved forward slightly, "Are you all right?"
"Fine. No thanks to you" she replied with a frown trying to stand, "I guess I just have to hobble home" she stood up and moved slowly past him in the direction of her house.
"It looks like you twisted your ankle" he observed, "There's no way you can get back on your own" he said taking her arm gently in his own hand.
"I can take care of myself thanks" she replied removing her arm from his grasp but he took it quickly again.
"Geez you're stubborn" he retorted staring directly in her eyes.
Before either of them knew what was happening he leaned down and placed his lips onto hers and kissed her softly. Then he pulled away from her astonished face, and with an equally astonished look he backed off one step.
"Bye" he said the only word he could and then dashed off.
Sakura stared in his direction as he took off and felt her lips still quite surprised and hardly noticing that he had abandoned her to hobble home on her own.
(Next Scene)
When he arrived home Stephen locked himself in the guest room and flung himself onto the bed holding his head.
"Why did I just do that?" he replied out loud, "What on earth was I thinking?"
Meanwhile back in her home, all patched up by her mother, and after a quick I told you so from her brother since she had sprained her ankle, Sakura sat by her bedroom window and stared out it quietly. She felt her lips again and then smiled softly to herself as the snow once more began to fall outside.
(Next Scene)
The next couple of days flew by and soon it was the day before the New Year. Katsuya had invited Stephanie to join his family and him on their trip to the lake for the family's new years party and she had eagerly accepted. On this particular day in the Kamiya household all the residents were each doing something different while the oldest brother prepared for his departure. Stephen zipped up the last of his bags and carried them downstairs. As he moved past his sister's door he paused and knocked on it briefly.
"Stephen" Stephanie replied looking up from her bed because she was looking over some school notes, "What's the matter?"
"I uh" he said lowering his head slightly, "I'm leaving soon."
"Oh" she replied getting up from her bed and coming over to embrace him.
He lowered her arms and sighed.
"Look I" he began, "I need to apologize to you."
"For what?" she shrugged not understanding him.
"For my behavior. For behaving like such a sour puss the whole time I was here. Especially when your boyfriend was around."
"Look you don't have to" she started to say but he interrupted her again.
"I have to" he insisted, "Because the reason why I did it was not appropriate. I was taking all my anger and frustration outon all of you and that wasn't right."
"Anger and frustration?" she said really confused now as he eased his way into the room and plopped onto her bed.
"Yea. Dad's getting married. To Barbara."
"Oh" she nodded finally understanding.
"I knew you'd understand" he replied grinning halfheartedly.
"When?"
"In the spring some time. Anyway her and her two sons have been living with us ever since they got engaged. It's been absolute hell."
"Oh Stephen I am so sorry" she shook her head understandingly.
"No I am the one who should apologize. Instead of having a good time with my brother and sisters like I should have I just made things worse because of my lack of spirit."
"Well" she replied as she sat next to him, "I understand. And of course I forgive you. Is mom not going to see you off?"
"She's meeting me at the airport" he nodded; "I told her I would meet her there" he stood up from the bed and walked to the door.
"But what about the rest of us? We can come see you off too."
"No" he shook his head, "Thanks. But I just want to say my goodbyes here. My cab should be here any minute."
"Okay" she nodded as she stood up to embrace him this time successfully, "Well have a safe trip back. And you know if it really gets to be a problem you can always come live here."
"Thanks" he agreed with a smile, "I don't think I would fit in here. Besides all my friends are in Chicago. All my stuff. The only thing I would have waiting for me here that would be of value would be you guys."
"Thanks" she smiled back, "I appreciate that."
"Take care of yourself Steph," he added picking up his bag.
"I will" she nodded again as he departed downstairs and she stared after him sadly.
(Next Scene)
After saying goodbye to his brother and his younger sister at the door, Stephen walked to the cab and climbed in. The car drove away from the neighborhood and headed down the Sohma's street. As he passed several of the houses he glanced out the window and happened to see Sakura walking down the sidewalk once more, her leg all healed.
"Stop the cab!" he ordered the driver and the car came to a complete stop as Sakura paused surprised at the sight of it.
Stephen climbed out of the cab and closed the door, standing a few feet from her.
"Hello" she replied indifferently towards him.
"Hello" he said trying to catch his breath.
"You going somewhere?" she asked.
"Home. I'm going back to Chicago."
"Oh" she nodded a bit sadly, "I see. Well have a safe trip back" she turned.
"Wait" he called out to her, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" she turned back around confused, "For what?"
"I shouldn't have kissed you the way I did. It was a bit forward of me and I am sorry if I offended you in any way."
"You didn't" she smiled, "I was actually surprised more than anything but you do realize that I kissed you back don't you."
"Yea. But I thought you had no choice."
"No I had a choice. I could have easily pushed you away. But I didn't. That's saying something."
"But the other thing is. I wanted to say something before I left" he added.
"Uh huh" she nodded.
"I never meant to be so mean. I've apologized to my sister for my behavior for the way I treated your brother. I was way out of line and I was just taking my anger out on him for personal things, and I shouldn't have. It really is none of my business about my sister's love life. I just don't want you to think of me as heartless."
"I don't" she shook her head.
"But you said that I don't give a damn about anyone but myself."
"That was a bad assumption on my part."
"So you don't think I'm that way."
"I don't anymore. You've proven me wrong" she smiled, "And thank you for your apology."
"Your welcome" he nodded as the cabbie honked the horn.
"Your cab's waiting"she said.
"Yea. I got to go" he replied opening the door.
"Well it was real nice meeting you Mr. Kamiya" she bowed her head.
"Actually" he said, "It's Kolodziejski. That's their real last name" he said as her eyebrows rose a little in confusion, "It's polish."
"Kolodziejski then" she nodded with a grin, "I'll try to remember that if we ever meet again."
"I don't think I was listening when my sister said your name" he smiled handsomely back.
"Sakura" she replied, "Like Cherry blossom."
"Sakura. Sakura Sohma."
"Mhm."
"Until we meet again" he said climbing into the car.
"Until we meet again" she repeated as he closed the door and the car drove off.
She waved and he looked back over his shoulder as the cab disappeared out of sight. She smiled softly to herself and followed the pathway that led up to her front door, stopping only once to get the mail from the mailbox.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Okay guys! Since this one is so long I will write the next chapter tomorrow! Hope you liked it! It's about time Sakura got a little of romance of her own right? See you all later!
Next Chapter: A New Year's Gathering
The Sohma family heads up to the lake house for their yearly party. Along for the ride Stephanie has joined them but what will the other members of the Zodiac think of her and more importantly what will the god of the Zodiac think about his favorite latching onto someone else? Find out next time!