Of Christmas And Presents

Chapter 1: The Hunt

From the Prologue…

The nine regulars milled out of the doorway, each reacting differently to what had been said. Eiji was talking a mile a minute to Fuji and Oishi, the duo patiently listening and injecting their input now and then. Momo had taken to asking Ryoma whether he wanted to eat burgers and not waiting for the first year to answer his question before dragging him off. Kaidou had stalked away almost immediately, while Inui was still busy writing in his notebook. One wondered whether he really did have that much data to note down. Tezuka, as usual, was quiet.

Ryuuzaki-sensei watched her tennis team leave, a pleased smile settled on her features. Now it was left for her to imagine what sort of gifts would turn up on Christmas Eve. She gave a chuckle. Knowing her team, most of them would be rather unorthodox.

She knew she'd miss this batch dearly. It was so much fun having them.

It was a Saturday the next day and there happened to be no classes. Surprisingly, all of the regulars were at home – busy. They were all trying to figure out what would be a good and suitable present for their recipients. Even Ryoma had turned down a game from his father, which had left Nanjirou feeling rather confused. Of course, the ex-Pro brushed it off and soon enough he could be seen buried to the nose in one of his many magazines.

To say that the process of selecting a suitable gift was not an easy task for the Seigaku Regulars was an understatement. It was downright difficult. Some of them were natural perfectionists while the others just wanted to give the best they could to their friends. All of them wanted their present to be special, even though the recipient might not be someone whom they got along well with. That, however, only applied to a certain black-haired, violet-eyed second year.

So after almost a full day of thinking up ideas for gifts, the majority of the regulars had some items in mind as gifts. The others then decided to go down to town the following morning to browse around for ideas. They still had time anyway.

On Sunday morning, after a hearty breakfast, Eiji left for town to the nearby shopping centers. After musing over it on Saturday and asking a little advice from his two elder sisters, Eiji had decided on a present for Oishi – a special album containing photos of them since Year 1, as well as some containing the other regulars. Now he was heading off to buy an empty photo album, as there was none at home, and also some wrapping paper.

Eiji hummed to himself happily as he alighted at the bus stop. Entering the shopping center, he located a shop from the directory that would most likely sell photo albums. Then he was off on the escalators, weaving expertly through the throng people, to reach the third floor at the fastest time. There was a gift shop where he could buy wrapping paper, as well as a multi-purpose bookshop that he remembered sold photo albums too.

He quickly chose and bought a wrapping paper with the design of white teddy bears wearing Santa Claus hats, before exiting to find the other shop. Eiji looked carefully at the choices of albums available. There were many to choose from, but he wanted one that was white and not too flashy. Usually he wouldn't be so picky, but this was a Christmas present for Oishi and he wanted to decorate the album cover himself. Finally he chose a plain white one, with light blue decorative print on the sides. In the center were the words, "Photo Album", but Eiji figured he would use something to cover them up when he redecorated it.

After paying for the album, Eiji happily bounced out of the shop and down the mall's walkway. He wasn't really looking at where he was going and ended up crashing headlong into someone walking out of a bookstore. Both parties landed on their backsides in a rather undignified manner.

"Ow…" Eiji muttered as he rubbed his left arm. Luckily none of the things he bought had fallen out. They were just a little jostled. He raised his gaze from his arm to look at the person he had bumped into.

And was met with a familiar green bandana. As well as a familiar hiss.

"Hoi! Kaidou!" he exclaimed in surprise, getting up to his feet quickly. "What are you doing here?'

"Ki… Kikumaru-sempai!" Kaidou answered, just as surprised to see his senior as his senior was to see him. Kaidou had not expected to bump into anyone – especially not literally – at the shopping mall. He quickly stood up before answering his senior's question, "Um… I was buying something."

"For the Secret Santa?"

Kaidou merely nodded as he eyes darted momentarily to eye the plastic bags Kikumaru-sempai was holding. He spied a roll of wrapping paper and something that looked like a thick and large white book… or perhaps a photo album? Perhaps Kikumaru-sempai was playing Santa for Fuji-sempai?

"See you next time then, Kaidou! Bye!" Eiji then said with a wave and he continued his way out.

"Aa… Bye, Sempai."

As Eiji flounced away cheerfully, he wondered whom Kaidou got. His junior had walked out of a bookstore; therefore he must have bought a book. Eiji hadn't gotten a peek at what kind of book Kaidou had bought, but he deduced that the book was probably for Tezuka, Fuji or Inui. Nobody else on the team besides them really liked to read. Oh well, he'd find out on December 24 himself. He now had to think of what to give to his other teammates.

There was no need to worry about that. Nya?

Ryoma decided that he had gotten a present suitable enough for his hyperactive, almost child-like senior. It had really been a spur of the moment thing. And it just happened to suit the situation too. He had been playing with Karupin in his room when something struck him. Hmm… was it Horio who mentioned it? Anyway, someone had mentioned something about Kikumaru-sempai being like a cat with all his acrobatic movements during his tennis matches. So Ryoma decided to act a little out of character by getting the costume cat ears and a tail for his senior.

The main problem after the decision was where he could find the items.

In the end, his cousin had kindly provided him with names and directions to several shops that sold costumes. Now all he had to do was leave the house and buy the things he needed. And perhaps in the mean time decide what else he was going to get his other seniors, considering that he knew that at least Oishi-sempai and Fuji-sempai would definitely be getting something for the whole team. It wouldn't be polite to be empty-handed.

Ryoma left his house right after lunch to head to the nearest available shop. Personally, Ryoma didn't know what to think if he was sighted going into a costume shop. Especially if it was by some of his seniors. Fuji-sempai might, no he would, tease him to no end. And that was when Ryoma disregarded the fact that Fuji-sempai would probably find out what he was going to buy. If Fuji-sempai ever found out… Ryoma didn't even want to think about it. Kikumaru-sempai would probably pester him about it non-stop… and Momo-sempai would do the same. Ryoma mentally shuddered. Not good.

When he alighted from the bus, he prayed that none of the above mentioned seniors would appear. Those seniors plus Tezuka-buchou. Buchou wouldn't tease him or anything, but Ryoma would not be able to live with it if the tennis captain saw him in such a shop. Frankly speaking, he wouldn't be able to live with it if anyone he knew saw him in that kind of shop. He probably should've tried harder to persuade Nanako-san to shop in his place. But she had stood her ground firmly, stating that the giver should choose the presents carefully. Oh well. He'd stay as low-key as possible then.

Passing a few other shops, he finally was outside one of the specified costume shops. He pushed open the glass door, cringing slightly when a bell rang in the process. So much for being low-key, he thought as he instinctively pulled his FILA cap lower to hide his face. In a matter of seconds, there was a female salesperson next to him.

"Hello! How may I help you, dear? Do you have a costume in mind?"

"I'm just taking a look," Ryoma replied as politely as he could, whilst thinking his reply was rather stupid. Who would saunter into a costume shop if they had nothing in mind?

"Oh sure! I'll be at the counter if you need any help."

He nodded, before wandering deeper into the shop. He passed many arrays of clothes. Most of them were for cosplayers as the costumes came from various popular movies and cartoons. Well, he wasn't interested in those. Where were those cat ears he was looking for? Then Ryoma spotted a display shelf where there were an assortment of masks and the likes. Perhaps that's where he would get what he was looking for.

Indeed, after looking past the second shelf from the top, Ryoma found a few different colored cat ears and tails. Remembering the incident in which a bucket of white paint had fallen onto his senior and dyed his hair white, he rather cheekily decided to get the white colored pair of ears and tail. Oh yes, perhaps he should get some whiskers to complete the look…

After paying for the set of cat ears, tail and whiskers, Ryoma gladly and hurriedly left the costume shop. The shop owner was rather annoying, commenting that he'd make a cute neko. There was no way he'd wear any of that of his own accord though. Hell no. Nonetheless, Ryoma was more than relieved that nobody he knew was in the vicinity. However, he was proved wrong.

"Echizen? Is that you?"

Ryoma paused in his steps. That sounded like Oishi-sempai… Okay, at least it was Oishi-sempai and not the others. He was also relatively far away from the costume shop. Good, he was more or less safe. Just had to try keeping the bag out of sight… if it was possible.

"Aa, Oishi-sempai," he acknowledged as he turned to see his vice captain standing outside a shop selling chocolates and candy.

"Out buying presents?" Oishi ventured a guess as he saw the bag Ryoma was seemingly trying to keep out of his sight. The first year probably wanted to keep the contents a secret. Oishi thought he vaguely saw the logo of a costume shop he had passed by earlier.

"Hai."

"Aa… me too. Well, I still have more things to get. See you later, Echizen," Oishi said as he spared a quick glance at his watch. He still had to get gifts for the other regulars now that he had bought something for Momoshiro already. Luckily, he already had something in mind.

"Bye, sempai," Ryoma replied as his senior turned to walk off in the opposite direction.

If Oishi-sempai had bought a present from a chocolate-selling shop – and a pretty expensive one at that – it probably meant that the present was for Momo-sempai, since he himself was already supposed to buy something for Kikumaru-sempai. Or it could be for Fuji-sempai… to get him something normal to eat, Ryoma supposed. Oishi-sempai was also getting something for the rest of the regulars, like he had expected.

Which brought Ryoma to the sudden knowledge that he had no idea what to get for his other teammates.

Since he was already outside, Ryoma decided that he might as well browse around to get some inspiration. Then he wouldn't need to come out to buy them another day too. It'd save him plenty of time.

"Well, well… What can I get for that Mamushi?" Momoshiro muttered under his breath as he cycled slowly down the streets, his eyes looking right and left while he was at it.

He had spent the whole of Saturday, save meal times, thinking of what to get for Kaidou. Damn. It was difficult. He had absolutely no idea what the guy would like. Sheesh. Just his luck for drawing Kaidou's name from the box. Anyone else would be much easier. Actually, Momo was quite surprised that he was making the effort to find something for Kaidou. Prior to this, he had once again spent the better half of his Sunday morning and part of the afternoon racking his brain for ideas. He was tempted to call An to brainstorm ideas with her, since girls were usually more apt at these things. But he didn't.

Finally he had decided to just cycle down to town and see if any of the shops he would pass by would give him any form of inspiration. If not, when he reached town, he could then browse around in the shopping centers. So far, his trip down town was not too successful. Nothing had caught his eye nor had he gained any new ideas. But Momo was determined not to give up. The Seigaku tennis team was reputed for their determination (some even said it was pure stubbornness) to win on court, and this trait happened to apply off court too.

About ten minutes later, Momoshiro came across a street stall selling trinkets and related accessories. He gave it a glance as he passed it and then halted his bicycle almost immediately. Wait a minute… Was it really what he saw? Momo quickly dismounted from his bicycle and secured it to a nearby railing. He then walked back to the stall to look at the array of trinkets on sale.

Yes, no doubt about it. His eyes had not deceived him.

In the midst of the other jewelry, there was a black leather collar with a large stud in the design of a snake coiling round a pole. It'd fit well with Kaidou's image. And serve as an indirect jibe at him.

Brilliant!

Momo was extremely pleased with himself. He hadn't really expected to be able to get something from today's trip round town. He thought he'd have to make several more trips before he would get inspiration. Looks like he was pretty lucky after all. Momo purchased the collar and whistled merrily as he walked to where he had chained his bicycle. His eyes lit up in surprise as he saw one of his seniors walking towards him. But it appeared that the older boy had not noticed him yet.

"Yo! Taka-san! Fancy meeting you here!" Momo called and waved to catch the other boy's attention.

"Ah? Momo, it's you!" Kawamura said, slightly surprised to see the teen.

"Buying gifts?" Momo inquired.

"Yeah. Just bought something for the Secret Santa game."

"Ooh! What is it? Can you tell me?"

"Momo, you know it's a-"

"I was just joking, sempai! Just joking!" Momo said with a teasing grin. "I'm going back home now! See you around!"

"See you around." Kawamura shook his head as he watched Momoshiro mount his bicycle and cycle away.

He had taken a quick break from helping out at his father's shop to get the Secret Santa gift for Tezuka. It had taken him quite some time to figure out a good present for the captain. Other than tennis, Tezuka did not seem to have much interest in anything else. Until Kawamura vaguely remembered somebody mentioning that Tezuka liked camping and mountain climbing. So, he had bought a guidebook that introduced the world's famous camping grounds.

Now, he had to hurry back to the sushi shop. There was bound to be too many customers for his father to handle alone.

Inui was glad that he had not limited his data collection to only his teammates' skills in tennis. The other information he had gathered on his teammates was proving useful in this game of Secret Santa. And the game had also opened his eyes on several things concerning females… Ahem. Anyway, after consulting his data on Echizen, he had decided on what to get for the youngest regular.

And it was perfectly safe too, in case anyone was worried.

So now Inui was at the shopping mall. Specifically in a shop that sold bath salts. He knew from his data that Echizen liked to try out different bath salts. That was probably the only other thing he was interested in, save tennis… and his cat, Karupin.

After looking through the selection of scented bathing salts, Inui did a quick mental calculation of the prices in relation to the net weight of the bathing salts. Hmm… individual bottles of bathing salts were roughly 65 more expensive than when buying a set of four different kinds of scented bath salts. Thus he'd be getting more worth for money if he bought the set of four… and it was within his designated budget range too. Good.

He also noted that the most popular kind of bath salts were the lavender-scented ones. Almost all the sets of bathing salts contained a bottle of lavender-scented ones. Ii data… he thought, making a mental note to write it down when he reached home. It would be extremely weird if he suddenly took out his notebook and started writing non-stop in the middle of the shop. Following that, Inui selected a set of four different kinds of bathing salts and paid for them.

Exiting the shop, Inui passed a couple of more shops when he suddenly noticed a familiar figure in a shop to his right. Fuji was inside a shop selling various kinds of ornamental weaponry, ranging from knives to antique guns. Hmm…

"Ii data," he muttered a loud this time, his curiosity aroused as he watched the honey-haired boy examine a transparent casing that housed a dagger. This would definitely make for good data. Forgetting how strange it would seem, as well as the previous mental note, Inui whipped out his notebook and flipped it open to a blank page. He quickly scribbled down the date as well as a header.

Right, it was time to enter the shop. Without Fuji's knowledge that he was there.

Inui crept stealthily into the shop, something he was rather apt with, considering the amount of data he had gathered. Of course, when it came to Fuji, he never always had all the data he wanted on the young man. Though most of the time, it concerned only tennis. Inui positioned himself behind a shelf and started to write.

Unknown to Inui however, Fuji had already spotted him. There was one good thing with his eyes almost never fully open: Nobody knew where exactly he was looking. He had already spotted Inui when he was still outside the shop, which was purely by chance. Fuji had then seen the bespectacled boy pull out his notebook and knew that Inui too had seen him.

Well, he'd let Inui collect all the 'data' he could derive from someone choosing a dagger. And then point out to Inui that he had all along known he was hiding behind the shelf. That'd startle him for sure.

So, Fuji returned his full attention to the task of choosing an ornamental dagger for Taka-san. He had sifted through quite a number of daggers and knives already, but none really seemed fitting for the intentions he had for the dagger. Fuji was planning to engrave something on the blade of the dagger. But so far, none of the daggers fit the bill.

Fifteen minutes later, after sieving through a few dozen daggers and hearing the scratching sound of pencil on paper grow louder by the minute, Fuji had finally found something to his satisfaction. As he admired the dagger, he enquired in his usual soft-spoken tone, "Hello, Inui. Are you having a nice time examining the shelf?"

There was a sudden stop in the scratching noises and Fuji's smile turned slightly sadistic.

"So you noticed, eh Fuji?" came Inui's voice as the tall boy stepped out from where he was previously hiding.

"Aa. I noticed you when you were outside the shop," Fuji replied, turning to smile at his friend. "It was a coincidence actually." He was willing to bet that Inui didn't believe his last statement.

Inui's eyebrows rose.

Fuji had once again defied his predictions.

Tezuka was fairly certain that he had sorted out what he would be getting for all his team members. Fuji included. He merely had to place an order for eight custom-made glass paperweights from a glassware shop his mother often frequented. The quality of the paperweights was very good and the price for all eight was reasonable and within his spending range. All he had to do now was to pick up the phone to call up the shop and subsequently, place his order. However, this was the least pressing matter for the moment.

Apart from the paperweights, which he was going to give to all the regulars, there was something else he had planned to surprise Fuji with. He was sure that Fuji would like that particular surprise very much. However, the surprise was going to be rather tricky to plan it right. But he'd be damned if he didn't succeed. Still, he would require some help and coordination from Ryuuzaki-sensei for everything to go smoothly.

Picking up the phone, Tezuka dialed his coach's house number. Three rings later, the call was answered. "Moshi moshi, may I speak to Ryuuzaki-sensei please?"

"Ah Tezuka-sempai. Please wait a minute."

Tezuka then distinctly heard the voice of Ryuuzaki Sakuno calling for her grandma. A moment later, his coach was on the phone. "Hello Tezuka. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Sensei, I have a special request for the Secret Santa game. With regards to my 'present'… part of it will only arrive at midnight. Is that okay with you?"

"I suppose you have your reasons. It's fine then. Anything else?"

"Ah yes, sensei. As part of the… requirement for the 'present', may I enquire the…"

When Tezuka finally hung up the phone after making another call, he had the feeling that the special surprise was going to come out perfectly well.

Thank you to all the reviewers! You really made my day. Oh, and thank you for those who reminded me that Ryoma's birthday was on the 24th of December too! Silly me...

So here's the next update. There's going to be one more chapter and then it'll be the epilogue. I'm aiming to post the epilogue on Christmas Day itself. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

carzla