Title: Our First Noel
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: T
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. Any and all unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole intent to entertain.
A/N: Well, I vowed to update on Tuesday…It's a good thing I'm not all the religious. No use crying over spilled milk, I say.
In any case: Woot! Final chapter!
"Ten stitches, huh?"
"Hn."
"When do you have to go back for check-ups?"
"Mid January."
"Oh…More coffee?"
Kai raises one brow and gives me The Look. Yeah, The Look, number 2.
"I'm not crippled, Ray."
"Just want to help. I owe you my life, after all."
"Your life, not your servitude."
I shrug and take a sip of my tea. Bleh, still not enough sugar. Pulling the jar over, I scoop out two more spoons of the crystal sweetness. This is the eight time I've done so. I'm getting dangerously close to developing spontaneous diabetes but this damn drink just won't sweeten. What type of tea is this anyway? Natural lemon flavor. Talk about false advertising. This thing isn't flavored, let alone naturally so. I've drunk water with more taste variety than this.
"It's so quiet," I muse, lazily mixing.
"Enjoy it while you can," Hiro speaks up, sitting on the countertop with a mug of coffee of his own, still wearing his sleeping clothes, as is the rule on this special time of this special day. "I give it fifteen more minutes before all hell breaks lose."
An introspective way to describe Christmas morning, but today really is December 25th. Right now, at 7.25 a.m., the place is silent and beyond the kitchen the halls and rooms are dark since everyone is still asleep. We are the only four already up. Kai and Hiro are habitually early risers, I had a bad night sleep and Tala is not letting Kai out of his sight. Oh, did I forget to mention him? He's currently seated next to Kai, holding his cup of morning goodness but not drinking it. I was surprised to find him here when I walked in ten minutes ago. Like us, he is also garbed in his sleeping shirt and pants and his hair is slightly tousled; a far cry from the usually prim and pristine redhead, but I'm not holding it against him. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas around a yawn, I had simply taken a cup of hot water and grabbed the first tea bag I could find, which I now regret. I was more eager to find out if Kai is okay.
He and Hiro hadn't returned until almost midnight. I had spent the remainder of the day re-telling our forgetful friends what had happened. I decided to just tell them the truth since I suck at lying for an extended period of time. Mariah, the opportunist that she is, offered to give me a hot sponge bath and a massage but her confident grin fell flat when I glared at the suggestion, reminding her that I was still more than a bit displeased with her for throwing out the 'slippers'. I still am, coming to think of it. She proceeded to sulk and whine to Lee all afternoon and evening. Lee, in turn, had been caught between still hating me for 'double-crossing' him and worrying that I may have had internal bleeding. The guy can give himself such a hard time. Remember the whole Ray-is-a-traitor case? It was just a matter of deprived paranoia.
By the time the real walking wounded (Kai) had returned a couple of teens had spun the story out of proportion and had been convinced that he had been rushed to the hospital in an ambulance in a state of catatonic stupor and missing both his legs. They had been a bit disappointed when it became clear that he had 'only' suffered a deep cut as well as a fracture to his lower left arm, but when Kai had removed his coat and revealed the cast on his healing limb there was a rush to sign it. Casts are meant to be signed, according to Max. Unsigned casts will never be able to mend broken and cracked bones. Before you take that seriously, keep in mind that Max is a hardcore Pokemon fan so his sense of reality is a bit pika-cuckoo. Kai had glared up a storm but in the end relented and endured half an hour of people writing everything from their names to best wishes on his arm. Tyson had started to write something but when Kai caught sight of it he had almost snapped the dragon's fingers at the knuckles. I don't know what the original message was supposed to say, but right now it simply, though sloppily, reads: "Best wishes, our fearless (scratched out) captain." Even Mariah signed, though claiming that she was signing for both herself and me since I was still too shaken from my experience to do so. Brooklyn, ever so insightful, had taken the pen from her when she had finished since I had been eyeing it temptingly. It had been one of those fancy, sharp pens…Will I ever be able to see objects the same way again? I couldn't help noticing last night that my curtains are long enough to make a decent noose.
Well, that was a time-wasting trip back in time. It is now 7.35 and, true to Hiro's words, we can hear the beginning of the stampede that will soon crush its way to the training hall. I can distinctively hear Max making his routine morning calls though a second voice not unlike Mystel's is also shouting that it is time to get up.
"This is going to be a blast," Hiro sighs, putting down his empty mug. "As long as no one injures themselves on the way down I'll be content. No insult meant, by the way," he directs off-handedly to Kai, who doesn't react verbally though the look he's giving Hiro isn't exactly filled with the Christmas spirit.
Coming to think of it, he's been a bit more antagonistic towards Hiro than usual. Neither will tell me what went on between them yesterday but I'm guessing that Kai is just ticked that he had to rely on Hiro, his tormenter/aggravator/former coach, during a moment in which he could not help himself. Kai's pride can be considered overbearing, but he has all rights to posses such a strong sense of self-dependence and confidence. This is a teen who came from a less than pleasant household, brutally trained throughout his childhood in some dank dungeon that called itself an abbey, originally used as a weapon of mass destruction by his grandfather and had to endure a sociopath freak demon. No, not Black Dranzer; Bryan. Speaking of whom, he is still missing and there are a couple hundred not so pleased search and rescue people combing the woods of Russia on Christmas day. If I had such a past and overcame as much as Kai has I'd be as big-headed as Tyson after his first world title victory. I actually think that Kai takes his accomplishments in strides really. But he is known for his lone wolf attitude and hates needing to accept help from others.
Since we're on the lone wolf topic, let's see what Tala's up to. Still nothing. This has to be a record; he has never been this silent for such a long period of time. You'd think that watching me empty over 800 grams of sugar in my tea cup would have goaded him to make at least two derogatory remarks. Instead, he passed me the artificial sweetener he had used for his coffee without a word when asked, merely sliding it over. I'm tempted to kick him under the table just to get some type of reaction out of him. And yes, I give in, I do miss Bryan. Only just a bit, but the more down Tala gets the more I want to see him smile/smirk again, something he did in abundance when Bryan was around. Not that Kai is a bad friend, but I'm thinking that it's this argument between the wolf and the falcon that has those once pretty blue eyes all clouded and dull. Maybe if I spill my still steaming tea on my lap and get third degree burns it will bring a smile to Tala's face. Oh, come on! It's Christmas and I am willing to suffer major discomfort if it means that everyone, including Tala, would be happy.
"I'm going to wake up dad and grandpa and get my presents," Hiro informs, stretching with a groan. "I'd suggest that you guys go for your gifts as well."
I nod, pushing back my chair and getting to my feet to dump my cup in the sink. I have decided to combine yesterday's ideas concerning presenting Brooklyn with It. I have placed a bow on It, though I'm not sure on which part I've put it, but I'm bringing It in the box downstairs and take it out when…Hm, how are we going to do this? Hillary said that no one is supposed to know who their Secret Santa is, but a lot of us have agreed that it will be fun to know who bought what for whom. I really want to know who got my name. Pouring the sugar (and tea) down the drain, I turn and almost collide with Kai who has walked over to deposit his mug. For a moment I freeze, not expecting to find him this close. I made a vow yesterday to make a fresh start, but I can not stop myself from remembering the last time we had stood this close face-to-face. Okay, so I remember it, but I won't let it plague me…or so I say.
"Time to see if the shopping trip was worth it," he says, stretching past me to place his mug in the sink.
"I'm sure it will be," I respond.
Hiro has long since left but I must have missed Tala's exit since his chair is now empty. Doing a double-take I realize that Kai had in fact been in possession of two mugs, not one.
"Kai, I'm worried."
"You? On Christmas?"
Obviously, my team mates know by now the extent to which I adore this holiday.
"Where is Bryan?"
"He'll show up."
"But where did he go? And why? Tala's very upset."
He gives me a deadpanned look.
"No really? Haven't noticed. It's not like I'm his best friend or anything."
Nice sarcasm, if it hadn't been directed at me. Now it sounds just mean. This is an exhausted subject and Kai has made it clear before that he is not going to talk about his friends' private lives to anyone, including me. Where's his sense of gossip? Probably on a permanent vacation to Honolulu along with his sense of pleasantry and his socializing skills, celebrating an early retirement. But how hot does Kai look right now wearing a sleeveless nightshirt and loose pants and a brightly marked cast on his left arm? Let's put it this way: physical contact with him at this moment might result in first degree burns. Sizzling. Hey! That was my first Kai-fawning moment since our ill-fated spa make-out session. Is that a sign of mental healing, or am I just getting overly sex-hungry now that I know that I will never get it on with him? Oops, that second one shouldn't be an option; I'm supposed to be living alongside him peacefully.
"We're just wondering," I answer, running my fingers through my loose ponytail, since I had been too lazy to go through my usual hair-taming ceremony last night. "Papa G, as the owner of the dojo, is in fact responsible for the well-being of those in it so he's pretty 'bummed out', as he'd say, about Bryan being gone for three days."
"He'll show up," Kai simply repeats, staring out the window as if Bryan's going to swing by the glass on a vine any minute now. Admit it, the thought is pretty funny. "This has happened before."
That is actually some relief. That doesn't change the fact that we're going to have to put up with a grim redhead during the joyous opening of our gifts, though. Well, at least I know that not even Tala's abandoned-and-starving mood will ruin the look on Brooklyn's face when he sees It. Several voices, accompanied by their owners, pass the kitchen, on their way to the training hall, loaded with gifts. Many stick their heads into the kitchen to wish the two of us a Merry Christmas, a few asking Kai how his arm is doing. He merely makes a noncommittal sound, which they accept that he is still the same old Kai and is thus doing fine.
"I'll see you with the rest," I say once the crowd has moved on. "This really has been the most interesting Christmas I've ever had so far. Don't think it can get any weirder."
Kai suddenly looks away from the window, although nothing has happened outside, and walks out ahead of me. I'm puzzledby his actions and even more so at his words, which sound something like: "It will."
"Alright, settle down everyone! Listen--Hey! I'm talking! Will you two just--Grrr…SHUT UP!"
And with that Hillary has officially welcomed Christmas to the dojo and its charming, but currently disorderly, inhabitants. Wearing a bright red sleeping gown with what looks like mold growing on it (she insists it's mistletoe and that it's the latest fashion. Uh-huh…) and standing before Woody, under which we have stuffed all the gifts, she glares us into submission and the last few well-wishers sink to the floor obediently. We have forgotten that she is still in charge and have been so rude as to waste time wishing each other Merry Christmas and swapping blessings. What ever were we thinking? Even Papa G and Bruce are sitting upright and alert in the chairs that Papa G has dragged in here; since the delivery men (and Woody) have already scuffed the floor boards the senior has decided that he might as well get a whole new floor installed, so right now he doesn't care what happens to this one. Along with Hiro, the three of them are comfortably seated behind our large group. Us teens are sprawled out on the floor, each with one present at our side.
"Now, as I was saying, it's Christmas!"
What a revelation. Give her a hand, people.
"And we all know what Christmas means…"
Sure do. It's the best time of the year when families get together and everyone wishes the best for not only relative and loved ones, but also for peace on earth. Christmas is the time to be grateful for what you have and to share it with others. To come together and remember the sacrifice of the son of God, if you're a Christian, but also a time to just give on to others what you would like to be given to you. It's a season of love and laugher, but also reflection and sympathy. Christmas is when we remember what true compassion really is…
"Christmas, naturally, means…presents!"
Yes, well, that too.
"Now, everyone has their Secret Santa presents? After much consideration, I have decided upon the following: we will first hand out the Secret Santa gifts. I'll call out the names and you have to say who you bought a gift for and personally give it to that person."
Whispers and giggles erupt but Medusa, sorry, Hillary pans us with a glare and we fall silent.
"We will start from the right side of the room and move leftwards. Meaning that you're first, Miguel."
Turning from where I am sitting right in the middle of the group along with my fellow neko-jins, I watch along with the rest as the blond shyly rises, next to him a large box wrapped in shiny purple paper. I do believe that that's the same box he was lugging around the mall's food court a couple of days ago when he and Max met up with Kai and myself. Everyone falls silent as he clears his throat. Let the ceremony begin.
"Yeah, uh, I was Daichi's Secret Santa."
"Alright!" the short redhead shouts, eagerly holding out his hands, his eyes wide as he takes in the size of the present. When Miguel hands it over to him, after some maneuvering through the throng of bladers, the box almost squashes the kid as he accepts it. It's more or less bigger than him. Is it a cage? That would be very practical.
"Open it!" Tyson urges.
Ripping away at the paper, Daichi catches a glimpse of the box and makes an unnaturally loud screech of delight. Pulling the rest off, he proudly turns it so that we can all see his brand new Cross Country kick scooter.
"Dude! Is that thing fifty bucks?" Tyson doubts.
"My uncle owns the factory that manufactures them so I got it at reduced price," Miguel answers with a shrug.
"Let's hold Miguel hostage and demand scooters in return for his safe release," Michael opts, getting many cheers of approval.
"Hey!" he laughs, holding his hands up in defense. "It was the only thing I could think of."
"This is awesome! Thanks, Miguel!" Daichi's face is out glowing Woody right now. I never knew that he wanted one of those. It makes sense, though. Now he can race down Tyson whenever the dragon makes fun of him, and actually have a chance of catching him.
"Mathilda, you're next," Hillary informs as the excitement dies down.
"Max," she says cheerfully, holding up a flat gift. "Since you told me once how much you like Pokemon…"
Oh no…Not the Pokemon card game. Anything but the Pokemon game. Tell me it's not…
"The Pokemon Trading Cards game!" he yells, jumping to his feet. "You're the best, Mathilda!"
I beg to differ. Not that she's to blame, but once she and the others are far and away and safe Max is going to lock us, the Bladebreakers, in his room and make us play that thing, I just know he will. I can't tell the difference between a Pikapoo and a Diddlysplat, or whatever they are called. I predict many long afternoons from here on in. Mathilda has no idea what she has condemned our team to. And she seemed like such a nice girl…
Once Tyson and Kenny manage to wrestled Max back down from cloud 9 we continue, now having reached Monica and Crusher. She's first. Despite her dark skin her blush is evident as she rises to her feet. She may be Crusher's little sister and an accepted member in the elite (coughcough) club of beybladers, she is soft-spoken and timid when all our attention is on her. Her past battle with cancer and her status as a non-blader makes her feel that people tend to look down on her, even though this is definitely not the case here. Still, she shifts on her feet as she holds the neatly wrapped gift.
"Kai."
Wow, this is what the detonation of an atomic bomb must feel like because that totally blew me away. I have wondered who drew Kai's name and even though the selection had been completely random she is one of the last people I suspected. Poor girl. It must have been very hard trying to buy something for one of the most reclusive guys. Kai had been a member on her brother's team but she had been in the hospital at the time and I cannot think of a single moment in which they have spoken to one another. Hillary should have made sure that one of us Bladebreakers got Kai's name since we at least have a shred of insight on what he's interested in. Not that I would have known what to buy him. I've just reminded myself that I haven't gotten him anything. And I dare call myself devoted to him…In the past, Ray. All in the past.
The bluenette, seated on the far left side of the room, raises a brow at her but smoothly rises and meets her halfway so that she doesn't have to hop over everyone, taking the gift with an appreciative nod and a soft thank you. Hey, Kai's antisocial but he can be polite when he wants to. Despite the lack of previous interaction between them he knows enough of Monica to find her a lot more tolerable than certain people in this place (for example, Tyson and Mariah). She retakes her seat next to her brother, worrying her lip as we all watch with a great amount of curiosity as Kai, having also returned to his spot (and Tala) efficiently opens the parcel, a far cry from Daichi and Max's frantic paper shredding. Even the adults are craning their necks to see it. It is a lot smaller than the first two presents but I envy her uncanny gift-selection when the crimson eyes widen in interest. A book. Not a terribly exciting gift to receive (unless you're Kenny) but by the look on Kai's face I can tell that it isn't your average cookbook or some travel guide. The cover doesn't offer any clues since it's in Russian. Damn, I hate that language. It's like it's taunting me.
"It's a collection of Dmitry Likhachev's best works," Monica informs us when we turn to her with blank looks. "I heard that he was considered the world's foremost expert in Old Russian language and literature."
Kai nods at this as he leafs through it, verifying her words. Even Tala looks impressed, given his mood.
"What made you choose it?" Garland asks.
"I had some help," she admits. "I called Mr. Dickenson for some leads and he told me that boys in the abbey are taught a lot about Russia's history and that Kai is acquainted with Mr. Likhachev's writing."
…Russian…literature. I would have never thought Kai to be a scholar. Not that I'm calling him stupid, the guy's a genius on many fields, but old scripts written in the Russian equivalent of 'thou' and 'ye' just doesn't seem to fit my image of Kai's ideal pastimes. Then again, I have seen him read books in his native language before. Quite a lot really. I used to think that he only read to have a valid excuse for telling us to shut up.
"Thank you," Kai says again, this time louder as he meets her eyes.
Perfection only deserves more perfection. But really, he must be a more avid reader than I thought. People who are honestly grateful for getting books for gifts cannot be faking it. I'm going to be raiding the bookstores in the future. Kai will be needing a library within the next year. He continues to go through the book, stopping every now and then to read a paragraph, holding it up so that Tala can read it as well…Can't resist it: Geeks! Ha ha!...sorry.
And so we continue. Crusher is Mathilda's Secret Santa, giving her a very nice jacket, no doubt bought at the approval of Monica since he is a self-confessed fashion dud. Kenny bought Michael a DVD collection of the greatest moments in sports and the American has declared the entertainment system in the living room off limit unless you are a sports fan. Daichi got Mystel this totally bizarre looking artifact that supposed to help one find water in the desert, since Mystel is from Egypt. I'm pretty sure that they have water pipes there, but he's thrilled none the less.
Now comes our second shock of the day. As if Monica buying Kai's gift wasn't enough, guess who Max got?
"This is for Tala," he says proudly, holding up a present with so many ribbons and bows that it looks like a drunken tie-dye spider spun it to preserve and eat later. He has no reservations as he bounces over, coming to stand before both Russians and holds out the madly wrapped parcel, eyes beaming. "You're gonna love it."
Unless he's managed to stuff Bryan in there I fail to see how it could be so great that he's positive that the redhead will love it. Gift unwrapping has never been this exciting, believe me. Either Tala will merely give it a briefing glance and go back to staring at Kai's book or he'll strike out at Max since the blonde is currently invading his personal space. But, for some odd reason other than it being Christmas, Tala takes the offered present from the American, even nodding faintly. The whole world seems to stand still as the pale fingers composedly tear away the tape at a speed that does not exude enthusiasm, just resigned curiosity. He unfolds the paper and freezes.
"You gave him Wolborg? Wow, how original," Rick rolls his eyes, watching as the redhead holds up his blade, turning it over and studying it at different angles.
"I gave him a total make-over," Max explains. "Kai said that it needed some modifications and new parts so he got it for me and I fixed it up with the newest and best components that dad had specially imported. Wolborg now has twice the spinning power and his defense is up by more than 75 percent. Plus I inserted a special attack ring that will withstand your Novae Rog attack a lot better. And Wolborg now has its very own Hard Metal core. Neat, huh?"
Well, damn, talk about smart thinking. I really have to start giving that kid a lot more credit. Sure, he's popping with want to play that stupid Pokemon game, but his gift has thus far been the most personal. He must have been working like a demon to get that all done in less than three days. What had also worked to his advantage is that Tala has been too distracted with other issues to notice that his blade had gone missing. Kai must have known that a major blade update would be much appreciated. And he isn't wrong. Running his fingers over the now gleaming surface of his blade, Tala is silent for a moment before he looks up, his ice blue eyes meeting Max's expectant stare. We all know that a landmark moment is about to happen, probably for the first and last time, and we all hold our breaths, not wanting to miss it.
"Thank you for your generous consideration."
The Big Bang couldn't have been more powerful than that. Tala, who spent the first four days of his visit spitting spiteful insults and the past few days in a depressed vow of silence, has just spoken his first completely positive sentence to someone other than his friends, not to mention the longest. And in English, to that!
"You really like it?" Max's aura is blinding us right now. "You're not just saying that?"
"I am truly impressed," Tala insists softly, still going over the new features on his blade. "Especially since…"
…since you once called Max a 'nuclear waste of flesh, space and oxygen'? Don't think he's holding that against ya, Tal. Aw, I like that nickname. I'm going to have to make sure that I don't call him that to his face or, dispirited or not, he'll smash my face in.
"Awesome! I knew you'd like it!"
It takes Tyson a lot longer to drag Max back to reality, and his spot on the floor, but once he has succeeded the gift giving continues. Tyson is up and he's Secret Santa to…
"Yo, bro! Got something for ya!" he shouts at Hiro, waving the gift madly above his head. "You're lucky I bought it before you blabbed out all those stories about me in the spa!"
Hiro rolls his eyes but catches the package when it goes airborne and speeds towards him. Hopefully it isn't anything valuable that can easily break. What am I saying? Tyson bought it. Either it is related to food or it will make farting sounds when you squeeze it. Have I ever told you that Tyson over there is a whoopee cushion collector? He's especially proud of one which he says was made in France just for him. He hasn't even taken it out of its box and intends to keep it in there as a rare collector's item, but he claims that when squeezed it goes like this: "Le Prrrrrffffttt!", with a genuine French accent. Luckily, this present is a whole lot more decent. It's a MP3 player, since Hiro likes to go jogging and works out a lot. His little brother has even been considerate enough to buy it in his favorite color: teal blue. Three guesses as to why that's his favorite color.
Next up is Lee, who gives Crusher two concert tickets, for him and Monica, for their favorite R&B group next month. The big guy lives up to his name by almost crippling Lee in a massive bear hug. Speaking of bruises, yesterday's brush with death has left some tender and severely darkened spots down my right side. Tyson is now opening his gift, which he has gotten from Mariah…Books? One may be able to pull that off with Kenny and Kai but I definitely know that Tyson has never opened a book in his life. Comic books don't count. I don't think that Tyson has ever owned a hard-cover book.
"'1001 Funniest Jokes In The World' and 'Hints And Tips For Practical Jokes On Your Friends'!" he reads the two titles out loud. "Neat! I'm gonna memorize them all! Thanks a lot, Mariah!"
Yeah, thanks a million. So now I'll be stuck trying to trade a Boobiesaur for a Towelnuff while listening to Tyson unsuccessfully quote jokes in the afternoons. If I can somehow manage to learn the entire Russian language within the next 48 hours I may be able to escape this horrible fate by reading along with Kai in his new book. Heeeey, those books look pretty heavy. If one should…accidentally…fall over the staircase on someone's head it could inflict some serious damage. Wow, there's an entire array of new weapons in this room. I could pin That to the floor using Max's new trading cards, drop Tyson's books on her, and make a quick getaway on Daichi's scooter.
"Ray, you're next," Hillary says, having taken a seat on the floor, Woody's lights illuminating an electric aureole around her. Figures, the only time she looks angelic is when her evilness overpowers another.
Oh, I'm up. Alright, this should be fun. I've been trying to imagine the public reaction for days. As long as no one grabs a pitchfork or a burning torch once It is unveiled…
"Brooklyn," I announce.
Though Hiro has not revealed my identity as his Secret Santa to Brooklyn the prodigy doesn't look all too surprise. Damn telekinetic, third eye, inner sanctuary senses. He patiently, and politely, let's not forget politely, waits as I open the flaps of the box, which is the only one that is not wrapped. Grinning all-knowingly at Hiro, who returns it, I reach in. A couple of gasps, at least five screams, three swears and several other exclamations later, It is shown to the whole wide world, who looks at it as if It is from outer space. The girls, having a genetic radar for all things cute, soon go goo-goo eyed as they one by one identify It as something related to an animal of the small and cuddly kind. The guys aren't as quick to pick up on the logic behind It. Hiro, Lee, Kai and Tala are the only ones who aren't trying to guess why I'm giving Brooklyn a raccoon skin cap, or asking me if they can hold it, or turning rather pale when they realize that this is 'those horrible Russian slippers' that they had tossed out with yesterday's trash. But the best reaction, as expected, is from Brooklyn, whose eyes can't get any bigger as I walk over and hold It out to him.
"An English Angora," he sighs dreamily, happily taking It. "One of the most gentle of creatures."
Hear that, Lee? So much for your Bunny Invasion conspiracy.
"Kawaii!" Nag Nag squeals, scuttling closer to pet the bow-topped head with a dainty hand.
When Brooklyn doesn't protest the remaining continent of girls move in and I, along with some of the guys, wisely get out of the way as Brooklyn is swarmed by giggling hens, all wanting to pet and hold It. Hn, as if he doesn't already have fan girls fawning and throwing themselves at him. Not that he enjoys any of it. Go Brooklyn! Go Hiro! The guys have gathered and agreed that the 'raccoon skin cap' is indeed a rabbit. None are about ready to go over for a closer look. Again, poor Garland is grounded by family honor though he looks about ready to crawl into Mystel's lap, and wouldn't that just make the little sprite's day?
"Does it have a name?" Brooklyn asks.
"It."
"Yes, it. Does it have a name."
Goddamn, but this guy can be adorable at times! Give me a hug, Brookie!
"That's its name: It. I-T. I didn't want to officially name it so we took to calling it, well, It," I explain.
"We?"
"Those of us who knew about It: myself, Lee, Hiro, Kai and eventually Tala. Trust me, Brooklyn, this bunny is going to provide you with hours of entertainment. Sure gave us a lot of laughs so far."
"So what are you going to call it now?" Hiro asks, coolly hiding his adoring smile at his boyfriend's overjoyed reaction. I can tell that deep down he just wants to tackle Brooklyn in all his innocent wide-eyed wonder. "Something a bit more…eloquent."
Brooklyn pouts softly as he thinks but he soon has the answer.
"Duchess Isabella Teresa, It for short."
I try not to burst out laughing, not only at the name, but at Kai's expression. After the majestic unveiling he had returned to his book until Brooklyn christened his pet with that title and the look he's giving the prodigy clearly shows that he is now more certain than ever that Brooklyn is a bonafied mental case. Tala seconds that opinion. I kinda like the royal name, though. It has a ring to it.
"It's a girl? How can you tell?" Mystel wonders.
Good question. I'm sure he'll have some spiritually natural encompassing explanation.
"Her aura is too calm and passive to be that of a male. In her eyes her cosmos is centered, not deviated, reflecting maternal control and family-bound dedication. And her soul speaks in a soft, feminine voice."
…cricket chirp
Told ya.
"Okaaay…who's next?" Hillary breaks the silent, slowly backing away from the prodigy. "Oh, and return to your original places or we'll get mixed up."
As the girls, and some of the guys, shift about I watch as Brooklyn delightfully studies It, who seems very happy with him. It's actually moving about, staying in its new owner's lap but sniffing at his clothes and fingers. The guy must have been abandoned in the wild and raised by an extended family of assorted friendly creatures. He is to animals what Tyson is to people, minus the annoying and pigheaded part; easily befriended. Looking down into the now empty box which had been It's temporary home in my closet I feel a bit sad. I'm going to miss having that thing in my closet, laying in bed at night and assuring Lee that I locked the doors tightly. Like Tiger, It has conquered my heart in a short space of time. I wonder if that guy has any more of these bunnies in the pet store.
The next few present swaps kinda pass me by quickly. Brooklyn bought Kenny that computer kit I had advised, as well as a bag chuck full of licorice. Emily gets something similar from Mystel: 20 dollars worth of her favorite mix of assorted sweets as well as something which use I do not comprehend, but it's technology related and is supposed to be installed onto your computer. She's pleased, that's all that matters. Nag Nag has considerately presented Miguel with some brand new (expensive) sneakers, which she insists were within the 50 dollar limit. We give in since she at least bought something for someone other than herself, which is a very noble gesture. Garland looks exceptionally proud. Coming to him brings us to shock moment number three as we discover that Garland is Bryan's Secret Santa. Kai tells him to keep it for now until Bryan shows up. He's pretty adamant that our long lost wanderer will stroll on home any moment now. Tala has nothing to say on the subject, gripping Super Wolborg's blade tightly.
Hiro comes next, handing Monica her present, for which he has to leave the room to go get from where he has hidden it in the hall. It turns out to be a gargantuan teddy bear with a heart-shaped chocolate in its paws. Even when she's holding it, it almost reaches her knees. Up next are the Americans. My personal favorite moment here is when Rick, big bad city guy that he is, hands Nag Nag her gift. He probably had the most challenging time coming up with ideas on what to get her since she most likely has everything a (bratty, rich) girl desires. Her large brown eyes do soften when she holds up a professionally made collage of her in all her different dresses, either singing or blading. Gotta admit it, Rick knows to way to a spoiled girls heart. What better gift than one that portrays how popular, perfect and pretty she is? She eagerly says that she's going to hang it up in her bedroom in her penthouse. As payment for his thoughtfulness, and since she's his Secret Santa, Emily hands Rick his personalized team jacket as well as a couple of CD's that he can play on his stereo. Michael, who has pestered Lee in the past about getting with the times, has also bought an MP3 player, but this one is customized with tiger prints.
And then we are down to two. Though we'd rather let Kai go first Hillary is determined to stick to the rules so Tala, whose spot is the next in line, is up. The surprises, and irony, just keep coming. Shock moment numero 4: Christmas is the time to forgive those who have wronged you, so that you may be forgiven in return. If ever that blessing should be given to a pair it would be Tala and…
"Garland."
Call him stuck up. Call him the King of Iciness. Call him an empty shell of the malicious bastard that he once was, and all those names would apply…on any other day. But let it never be said that Tala is a stingy or bad shopper. Garland is now the happy recipient of some kick-ass looking numchuks. No one challenges Tala on how he managed to acquire them for only 50 bucks and whether the business transaction had been legal, but those are some pretty wicked ninja weapons, though Garland surely knows how to use them since he has such an extended martial art background.
"Thank you," the silver-haired teen bows slightly, over the unwrapped sticks and chain. "To have offered me such a gift despite our past antics."
Antics is somewhat of an understatement. This guy was in a coma for weeks thanks to you, Sir Garland of Noblelot. For the same 50 dollars that could have been a poisonous cobra in your lap, blinding you with its venom as Tala looks on with smug superiority. Well, that's what he would have done during the first half of his trip. What are the odds that Tala has been exorcised without any of us knowing? I'm beginning to fear that this unsolved fight between him and Bryan the Missing will go down, down, down into history. Talk about frustrating.
My stomach is starting to growl so I'm glad that we've finally wound down to the last participant. Well, second to last. Bryan is still an active partaker, according to Kai, albeit that he could be sacrificing stray tourists in some Amazon jungle on this holy day. And then it hits me, like Mariah after she hasn't seen me for five months. I have yet to receive a present from my Secret Santa, along with aforementioned bowling ball (a.k.a. Mariah) and the two remaining Secret Santa's are Kai and Bryan…
The question is: Who's got who?
Looking over at Mariah I know she's realized the same thing too. Generally, she's isn't very thrilled since she dislikes both of them, but I am sweating bullets at the mere notion that my gift could come from the same hands that had almost disemboweled me in the restaurant's restroom. Fate, I know that you're probably still pissed because I'm not a rotting scrap of road kill right now, but even you can't be that cruel. A hand clamps down on mine but I'm just as nervous as Mariah so I don't shake her off. In fact, I squeeze it back, maybe a bit too hard since she winces, and I feel some childish satisfaction, but I'm staring Kai dead in the eyes, trying to find the truth though all I can see is my wary reflection on the surface of the crimson orbs. My eyes lower to the box he has resting next to him and I squint when I notice that, though wrapped, its top is in fact open. Since he was the last person to enter and take a seat earlier, and he kept the box close to him, no one has even thought or attempted to peek inside.
"Come on, Kai," Tyson prods, flipping through his stupid joke book as he lays on his stomach. "I'm starving. We can open the other presents after breakfast. Right, Hill?"
She's about to protest but a lot of us mumble an accord so she rolls her eyes and nods. Now all attention is back to Kai, who is looking between me and Mariah. He knows what we're thinking and he's just loving it, that much I can tell. I don't care what type of emotions and memories will resurface if that present is for me. As long as he's the giver I don't care. This does indeed mean that I am willingly leaving Mariah to the wrath and sadisms formerly known as Bryan, but since I have been unable to kill her myself I will just have to settle with having him do it for me. I'm not a naturally lazy guy, but why put off for eternity what you can have the neighborhood sociopath do for you on Christmas? Come on, Kai. Make my day. And this time I do not mean that as in I want you to bang me into the New Year. Just tell me that that curious looking box is indeed for…
"Ray."
In your face, Fate! Biaaatch! Whew, I just had to get that out.
Mariah's nails are now digging into my skin but not even that can ruin this moment. Kai's my Secret Santa! Kai's my Secret Santa! Kai's my Secret Santa! And, even better, Bryan's gonna kill Mariah! Bryan's gonna kill Mariah! Bryan's gonna kill Mariah! Fine, fine, there's no guarantee on that, but whatever wrapped horror the lavender-haired blader has in store at least I won't be the one who has to open it.
Right, now I must ground myself since Kai, accordingly to the rules, gets to his feet and brings my now even more attractive-looking gift over, easily holding it with his good hand, meaning it can't be all that heavy. Then again, Kai is very strong. Hmmm…. I'm trying to not smile like a total goofball as our eyes meet though on the inside I'm screaming, laughing and crying all at once. It's a bizarre feeling. As the relief wears off, hearth-thumping inquisitiveness sets in. Just what has Kai bought me? I've seen what he's gotten the others and the possibilities are endless since I am such an adaptable chap. How cool is it that Kai's my Secret Santa? Ha ha, I spent the entire day at the mall with him. Hey, he probably bought it in JC Penny, which is where he told me for the first time that he had bought me something. Speaking of said store, hadn't Kai gone into the cosmetic department…? If this is a make-up travel case I will not be amused, no matter how warm and fuzzy I'm feeling at the idea of my crush having bought me a secret present. Maybe it's some hair care kit. Now that I wouldn't really mind since these raven locks need a lot of maintenance.
Accepting the offered box with a nod and a pretty dazzling smile, if I do say so myself, I put it down on the floor before me and peer in. It is very light, now that I've held it. There's a lot of cloth in there. Did he buy me clothes? No, wait a moment, that's a blanket. It looks really soft and comfortable, but why on earth did Kai get me this? I'm pretty content with the one on my bed upstairs. This one is a nice shade of yellow though. It reminds me of a baby's blanket. So, is this then something personal? Whoa! Is this Kai's baby blanket? How sweet (but a bit freaky) would that be? Gosh, it even has little white sheep on it and a little grey paw.
…Paw?
Tentatively reaching in, I pull away a large fold in the blanket to reveal what turns out to be the actual present. My mouth goes dry. My palms get sweaty. My eyes begin to water. I have lost all control of my bodily functions.
"T-Tiger?"
A kitten. A full grey kitten. Just weaned if my calculations are right. Curled up in a small ball amongst the warm blanket folds, a tiny paw resting but an inch from my fingers, it raises its head when it notices its missing cover. Big blue eyes blink up at me as it yawns, exposing tiny kitty teeth. Common sense tells me that this cannot be the original Tiger, but it definitely is a dead-ringer (no pun intended) of my long-lost friend. How…? When…? But…But, I only mentioned him once to the Bladebreakers and while I had expressed some regret about no longer having him I hadn't expected any of them to give it much thought, especially after such a long time. Kai, as a matter of fact, had been ignoring us, his headphones on as he read so I didn't think that he had heard anything.
"You got a tiger?" Daichi crawls over, confused.
Gently picking up the dozing creature, I hold him before me, studying it just like Brooklyn studied It. By now the girls have taken up Round 2 in the World Championship Giddiness and the dojo is just ringing with their high…what's the highest female voice ranger? Soprano? Well, this is cracked soprano. Or soprano on crack. Take your pick.
"Aw, wook at the kitty-cat! Isn't he adowable!" Hillary coos, wriggling her finger in the sleepy face. "What a cute wittle kitty-witty!"
I think that this kitty-witty is gonna be a bit sicky-wicky. Animals don't understand human language; gibberish isn't any more comprehensible to them. Why do people become so retarded when around babies and animals?...I could comment on Kai's perception of Brooklyn and the fact that the guy is an animal lover, but I'd rather not. I like him.
"Whoa…Kai," I say softly. "I'm really…Where did you get the idea?"
With everyone, mainly the girls, fawning over the cuteness of his gift and commending him on being so sensitive Kai is not uncomfortable or embarrassed, but he's not used to this kind of attention and can only act in the way he's most comfortable with; remote indifference.
"You once told us about that pet cat of yours that you miss so much--"
I knew it!
"--And you have gotten so involved and attached with It I figured you'd want a pet for yourself."
Don't cry, Ray. For the love of Buddha, don't begin simpering like the finalists on The Bachelor reality TV show. Compose yourself. Yes, this has to be the most personal and meaningful gift you've ever gotten in your entire life, even more so than when I received Drigger, and you did get it from Kai, your crush/heartthrob/heartbreaker/hero/savior on Christmas day after having suffered through a hellacious, topsy-turvy week and three years of longing, but that doesn't really garner a shower of tears, does it?
"It means a lot to me," I admit. "He really does look like Tiger."
"Big deal. It's just a cat."
All eyes turn to Mariah, who is sulking next to Lee, looking unimpressed and unmoved, arms crossed. She doesn't know who to sneer at more, but she's got enough jealousy rolling off her to go around. Hiro rolls his eyes. Brooklyn is offended that she writes off such an adorable creature. Kai ignores her. Tala glares at her. I…hold on. Tala glared? Since when does he care about such things? Is he glaring because she insulted his friend's choice of present or because she insulted the cat? He did spend a lot of time in Kai's room after arguing with Bryan…I can just picture him sitting on the floor, in his innocent-eyed solemnity, petting this very kitten as means of comfort…So that's why he'd spend time there even when Kai wasn't around…What is it about usually cruel guys being all vulnerable that makes me go crazy about them?
"Is something wrong, Mariah?" Mathilda asks.
"I just don't see what all the fuss is about," she shrugs. "It's not all that original."
A few teens look uncomfortably between the two of us but I echo Tala's sentiments and glare right at her.
"It's the thought that counts," I say flatly, stroking the now purring animal. "It doesn't matter what it is or how much you get; what really matters is the gesture."
Hiro silently applauses, getting a funny though agreeing look from his father. Brooklyn, also cradling his pet, nods, eyes looking a bit too creepily shadowed for the world's well-being. Tis the season to be jolly, not globally destructive, Brook. Tala has resumed his I-don't-see-you-so-I-don't-care façade but his (semi-)support has boosted me enough. And Kai? He had belatedly leered at That but he now meets my eyes and for one too brief moment, he smiles. Not an easily confused tug at the corner of the mouth or a malicious reflection of amusement, but a visible and well-aware smile of the benign kind.
"So," Tyson says after a while, "you gonna call it Tiger then?"
For the fun, I decide to take a page out of Brooklyn's book.
"This is Duke Tigres II," I announce. "Tiger, for short."
Brooklyn laughs and winks. Conspiracy of the gays. Lee would weep bitter hot tears if he ever found out. Kai shakes his head with an exasperated scowl.
"Are we going to eat breakfast or what?" Mariah, near bristling, asks with a huff, getting to her feet. "It's not like we have all day, you know. There are still other presents to open. You guys keep acting as if these are the only ones that matter."
"What's with her?" Miguel asks as we watch her stump off, almost crushing poor Max's game in her way. He saves it yet ends up nursing a stepped-on pinkie.
"Aw, she's just bummed out because this means that Bryan is her Secret Santa," Tyson points out.
"That is depressing," Garland mutters, getting many nods in agreement.
"A good breakfast is all she needs," Hillary says, straightening her nightgown as she stands. "And once she sees all the presents we've gotten her she'll be as good as new."
Considering that she was never good to begin with…
"I could do with some chow," Rick yawns, rubbing his head.
"I dig ya, home boy," Papa G says as the three adults walk over. "That was all wicked touching but a brotha's gotta fuel up for a slamming day. Ya gotta get jam if ya wanna get jamming. Strike a pose!" Which he does. A bad one, and not in a wickedly good way.
"Daaaaad…" Tyson winds to his father, silently begging him to lock the senior in his room as long as our guests are here. Bruce shrugs helplessly though he looks more amused than honest.
"Let's go then," Hillary resumes command, tugging people to a standing position and marching them out of the room. "I gave everyone a placemat on the table with their names on it so there will be no shoving or arguing over chairs. And if I hear one burp during the meal…" She looks sternly at Michael and Rick, who grin widely. She thinks she's intimidating them but she's really only giving them ideas.
Excitedly talking about the gifts they have gotten so far, everyone begins to clear out. Lee is a lot more friendly towards Tiger, tickling him between the ears, but mutters that he'd better go see if Mariah's feeling alright. Following him out, however, I stop, letting him go on though he doesn't notice my sudden halt. Papa G in the lead with Hillary hovering about and herding them towards the kitchen, my friends all stop at least once to comment on the cuteness that is my new pet. Brooklyn breaks away to walk over, It comfy cozy in his arms. Hillary spots us and moves in to jab us back into line but Hiro comes to the rescue, saying that he has to talk to us about the importance of good pet care. A total sod for the guy, she believes him and with a dreamy giggle she follows the crowd, all sweetness evaporating as she yells at Tyson, who is trying out some of the jokes he's already learned. Alone with my two confidants, I sigh, rubbing Tiger's fluffy tummy as he playfully swats after my hand.
"That was very thoughtful of Kai to get you a kitten," Brooklyn acclaims, reaching out to gently take hold of a flailing paw. Tiger sniffs his fingers curiously. "I know nothing about the first Tiger, but by your expression I can tell that this means a lot to you."
"It does. Especially since…I never expected this," I say, handing Tiger over to Hiro for him to hold it for a while. "I told the guys about it when we first started out as a team and that was it." Sighing again, I lean against the wall. "If only…I'm already madly in love with Tiger, but…"
"It would have been an even more magical gift if Kai had accepted and returned your feelings," Hiro, ever the mind reader, finishes off. "Have you sorted it all out?"
Staring at Her Royal It, I make a vague shrug.
"Pretty much. I've decided to just take things one day at a time and enjoy the time I can spend with him, even if it only is as his friend."
"Forgive me for sounding like Garland, but that is a very honorable and mature decision," Brooklyn says, allowing It to climb up onto one shoulder. I have never seen so much life in that clump of tuff. Those two were really made for one another. He laughs as the fur tickles his neck. "And this one here is a wonderful gift; yet another wise choice of yours."
"Hiro gave me the idea for your present," I confess. "And he approved of It when I brought it home."
"Yes, he is a good man," the prodigy smiles, making Hiro blush. If that isn't the work of a mastermind than you've got me. "One who I am grateful and honored to have."
The older male smiles and to my surprise he gives Brooklyn a quick kiss on the lips. I've been cheering them on ever since Hiro's admission but this is the first solid proof of their relationship that I've seen. The admiring look they give each other after the kiss makes me both happy yet sad. Despite myself, I cannot help wishing that I could share the same with Kai.
"We'd better get going before breakfast is over," Brooklyn says. "I have to put It in my room. Can I get the box?"
We all laugh at the strange request.
"I got her cage and everything," I reply. "But it'll be better if you don't set her up in it until you get home."
"Right then, we'd better get going," Hiro suddenly says, handing Tiger back to me. "See you at the table."
"Why--?" I begin to question his strange behavior but another voice cuts me off.
"Ray."
"Kai?"
Sure enough, my no longer Secret Santa has returned, having managed to dodge and evade Hillary long enough to find his way back. Not too great a task, considering that this is Kai. Even if the guy was to murder a dozen people and become the most wanted convict on earth he'd easily manage to remain uncaught. He's the type who'd calmly walk through an entire building of police officers and go unnoticed. Hope he never turns to a life of crime, though. I'd hate to have to visit him in some mental prison. Besides, where would Tala be without him in such a scenario? Lost and clueless, especially without Bryan.
"Gotta talk."
"Okay."
Not since the cave man spoke his first words has communication been so simple.
Brooklyn smiles pleasantly and Hiro winks as they leave the two of us alone, the older man wrapping an arm around his boyfriend's waist since there is no on in sight, other than myself and Kai, who Hiro figured doesn't give toot about their private lives. He doesn't really care about them on a whole. It looks over her new master's shoulder as if curious as to what the first two teens she ever met are up to. I'm wondering that as well as I turn to Kai, carefully holding Tiger, who is now wide awake and trying to pull himself up the front of my t-shirt, his still too weak paws shaking with the effort. I help him up and he contently nuzzles against my cheek. This think is too cute to be legal, or at least of this world.
"I really appreciate this," I say even though he's the one who wants to speak to me. "I didn't know you remembered what I said about Tiger. Kinda got the impression that you hadn't been listening to us at the time."
"For the most part, no. I just picked it up at one point."
"I…" My cheeks heat up. "I feel really crappy about this, but I don't have any presents for you. I was going to buy one but then…something happened and I never got the chance."
I had expected his nonplused reaction. Kai may be able to buy anything he wants, but he doesn't care for material possessions like cars or the latest technological wonders. Dranzer, to him, is worth more than all his fortune times a substantially large amount. And while this could be arguable, I'm thinking that Tala comes in second, though Kai doesn't actually own him, but he has put up with redhead for so long he simply has to be very fond of him.
"I don't mind."
Tiger's soft purrs sound like roars in the silence that follows. Just like old times, excluding a little kitten on my shoulder.
"You wanted to say something?" I urge, beginning to shift on my feet, a sure sign that I am beginning to get uneasy.
He looks at me, those red eyes belying his calm face, though even then I cannot decipher the meaning behind them. Maybe he is upset that I haven't gotten him something for Christmas. It will be the first time I've done so. Hey, what did I get him the last two years? How could I have been able to buy him something back then but this year, the year in which we've been the closest we've ever been, I kept coming up short? Love sure can suck sometimes.
"Did I hurt you?"
"I told you, I only have some slight bruising," I remind him, staring at his cast enclosed lower arm.
"Not yesterday. The day before that."
Yikes, I almost dropped Tiger.
"You mean…in the spa?"
He nods, one hand stuffed casually in his pants pocket.
Where did that come from? Is this another episode of his repressed memories coming back to him? Sure didn't take long this time. And why bring it up now? Why bring it up at all? He made himself clear; there's nothing left to discuss. But that isn't his question. It's still a touchy subject for me, though. So he really didn't think that I would be devastated. Wasn't my torn expression and snappish answers evidence enough?
"I rather not talk about that. I really don't," I answer evasively. "It's in the past. You were willing to forget it and so have I so let's keep it at that, okay?"
"Answer me," he commands.
"…What do you think?"
Tiger meows and licks my chin. I half-heartedly stroke his downy fur.
"Of course it hurt, Kai," I continue even though my heart and mind are screaming at me to leave it at that. "It still does. I meant what I said in the springs. I meant what I did. And when you reacted, I thought that you meant it too. I know better now. It's not your fault and I don't think otherwise. Just…don't bring it up again."
"I won't," he promises, looking less tense. "And sorry, for doing that to you, and for not apologizing sooner."
"It's cool," I insist. Flipside time. "Merry Christmas, Kai."
He smirks at my cheerful tone.
"Merry Christmas."
We stare at each other for a while longer. Watching him, I feel the need to close a chapter in my life, but for some reason it just doesn't seem possible. Something about him refuses to let me walk away. Something will always have me wanting more. The guy is gorgeous, as I've stated on many, many occasions, and I worship his physical perfection, but it is his spirit that I love. His strange, almost eccentric, way of living and being. His manner of talking and thinking, his outlook on life, his dedication, leadership, guidance, companionship. His dual personality that existed peacefully in one body; dominating and almost ruthless when he's putting us through training, growing impatient when Max continuously forgets the technique he's trying to teach us or when Tyson breaks the neighboring house's window during a bad launch, but he would never give up until Max perfected the move and would be the one to talk Tyson out of trouble when the neighbor threatened to beat him to mush. No, no matter how hard I tell myself, how hard I try, I will always be drawn to him. He's just…Kai. That should explain everything.
"I'm going to bring Tiger to my room," I inform, lifting the kitten off my shoulder despite it's protests. "You'd better get back to breakfast before Hillary blows a gasket now that Hiro isn't with us."
"Whatever," he sighs, blowing a stray lock out of his face as he walks around me. I don't miss the friendly, or at least easy, way he said it. Things have finally been settled between us.
Yup, that's the guy I love. Cradling Tiger close to me, I smile openly once he's gone. Though my ideal Christmas morning would have been waking up in Kai's arms in either my or his bed, and then staying in said room and making it like bunnies for the rest of the day, this one hasn't been that bad. I can make it through the rest of the day, I'm sure.
Tbc…
A/N: Mwua-hahahahahahahahaaaaa!
There are a lot of very angry readers now, I'm sure. Why on earth is there a 'Tbc…' on the end there? Because, though I tend to write long chapters, this one had already hit the 10000 word mark (over 10955, in fact) and there is still so much to do that it would have been more than 20000 words in it's entirety (though I don't think that you guys would have mind that much…) but I don't like posting them that long so I will be posting the Christmas Day chapter in 2 pieces. Yeah, I should have told you guys this at the beginning of the chapter, but I couldn't resist causing frustrated outrage
evil grin
Yeah, blatant advertising on behalf of one of my other fics concerning a certain train of Ray's thoughts just before the end. I've just developed a knack for doing that so you can expect more such occurrences in my 'in progress' and future works. By the way, was I dropping hints in this mentioned paragraph? Hmm….
Rest assured that the next chapter will be the last and will cover the remainder of Christmas day. And I won't be making any vows this time but do know that I won't abandon this fic and it will be updated soon enough.
In the true final chapter: Mariah will make her move, more presents will be opened, Christmas dinner will not go down well, and where will our two protagonists stand? And will someone tell me where the hell is Bryan!
Read & Review, please.