Ta da, lived through finals and managed to finish this through the stress of the holidays. Please leave comments. They'll be the best Christmas presents I'll get his year.
Thank you to all of your comments, special thanks to Dark Rose Princess, OracionMist, CandyMe21, YGOFAN1029, kaia, and ZabuzasGirl for the suggestions. Again thank you to all those reading this story.
I don't own Charlotte or YuGiOh, but Airi is mine.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 37
The seasons changed with no major challenges. Even the high school testing seemed easy compared to saving the world. Only Joey complained about how horrible their teachers were for giving them so much work after all they had been through. The others let him rave about the scores guessing it would be easy to let him get it out of his system then tell him to be shut it.
The last week of November marked the first snow fall, and it thick and heavy. Yugi and Airi were banished to shovel the accumulation on the walkways, because for once Gramps was worried about throwing out his back. They managed to clear the front walks easily from the white snow, but it fell too fast. After a few more attempts they decided having a shorter pile of snow was enough of an indication that there was a walkway.
A snow ball connected with the back of Yugi's head. Turning they saw Tristan and Joey with a snow ball in one hand and a big grins on their faces. Airi was first to react. Scooping up a snow ball she launched it at Tristan. His complaint that he wasn't the one who hit first was remedied by Yugi getting the laughing Joey in the face.
All out war ensued. At the beginning it was the Muto's vs the former bullies, but soon it was ever man for himself. Yami appeared to see what the commotion was about, only to duck a misguided snow ball. Yugi switched with him, just in time for Yami to get a snow ball in the shoulder. Airi's eyes widened at her realization who she hit. Yami looked up from the impacted, mischief glittering in his eyes. She grinned back and chucked another one at him.
For being from a country with now snow fall Yami was good at throwing snow balls. By the time they all collapsed in cold laughing heaps in the snow he had managed to tag at least all of them half a dozen times. Tea and Charlotte arrived so after, and were the victims of an ambush. Tea protected the bag she was holding and dashed for the door while Charlotte covered the rear and threw them back at them. The barrage was short however and the cold and tired fighters followed the girls inside.
Airi pulled out the makings for hot chocolate while the others sprawled all over the living room in dripping heaps. Yami switched with Yugi and took a vantage point by the television. He couldn't help smiling at his host's blush when Tea took the seat on the couch next to him. Luckily for Yugi his nervousness was covered by Airi bringing in cookies, which caused a fast response among the supposedly tired teen boys. Most of the treats were gone by the time the warm drinks arrived.
It turned out Tea's bag had several different colors of strings, which she said she was going to use to make all of them friendship bracelets. "I can't believe I haven't thought this before." she said excitedly, showing them the different colors. "I mean we've been friends for like, several years now."
"Jewelry?" Joey said through a mouth full of cookie. "Why would we want to wear girly stuff?"
"Hey, be happy it's not a necklace." Tristan joked. "Kaiba could call you a dog without being all wrong."
"Say what!" Joey lunged for Tristan, causing the two of them to roll into the TV stand. Yami managed to keep the heavy set from falling on them.
"Don't make me throw you two out." Airi threatened. "You break that, you two are getting us a new one for Christmas."
"Sorry." they apologized in union.
"It's not sissy jewelry." Tea glared at them, face flushed from embarrassment. "It's a symbol of our friendship."
"Didn't you have that smiley face thingy?" Charlotte said.
"Yeah, but that comes off." Tea began shoving the strings back in her bag. "I should have known better then think you'd guys would be interested."
"I'm interested." Yugi put a hand on her arm. He quickly removed it, turning bright red. "I mean, I think it's nice of you to offer to make us something for Christmas. That means a lot."
"Right." Joey pushed himself up. "Sorry about the comment, Tea. I just don't like wearing jewelry."
Tea still looked sulky, but she didn't put any more stings in her bag.
"Why are you telling us about them if they're supposed to be Christmas presents?" Tristan said.
"Well, since I need your sizes anyway, I thought I'd let you pick the color." she gave Joey a look. "and they don't look like jewelry. I know too much about your pride to do that. Also, with you and Charlotte spending Christmas up with your mom and Serenity, I wanted to get them to you before you left."
Joey got up. Looking sufficiently humbled he held out his hand. "Ok, sorry Tea. I'll be proud to have a friendship bracelet."
Tea's face lit up and she began measuring out the dark green he chose.
"Speaking of pride, have you guys heard that KaibaCorp is funding the city lights this year?" Tristan said.
"You're kidding right?" Charlotte said. "He's too much of a frozen stiff to do anything for other peoples enjoyment."
"It probably makes him look good." Joey said.
"What do you think Airi?" Yugi said.
During this exchange Airi had been leaning against the door frame. She shrugged at the question. "Mokuba likes lights. He's probably doing it for him."
Tristan took his place getting measured for his friendship band. "Well if MoneyBags is funding the lights, I'm sure there will be a Blue-eyes white dragon display in the middle of it."
They were all laughing when Gramps came up with the mail. "Blue-eyes light? That's something I'd have to see."
"We should go then." Yugi said.
"Yugi, it's supported by Kaiba." Joey said.
"So, it will still look nice. And who says we have to be rivals off the playing field."
"Seto thinks so." Airi muttered, but only Yami heard her.
"You're defiantly a nicer person than me, Yuge."
"Of course he is." Tea said, giving Yugi a smile which threatened to make him go red again.
Gramps took his chair, and started sorting the mail. It was Yugi's turn for the measuring, choosing a gold color to contrast with his usual blue and black. Tea's comment about fitting for the king of games made him smile proudly at her approval. Yami and Airi shared a sly look. The proud look slipped half a notch however when Tea asked if Yami approved of that color as well, since he would wear it too. Airi shook her head as she went back to get more cookies for the depleted supply. Yami personally didn't mind the comment. It would have been ten times more awkward if she had to ask him directly in front of Yugi. Being invisible did have some benefits.
"Here's something for you Airi." Gramps called, holding up an official looking envelope.
Airi reappeared. "Does it say from whom?"
"It's postscript from America, some place in California."
She put the plate down and took the letter. Shaking slight from excitement she opened it. Everyone watched as she unfolded the letter and started to read.
Her face lit up. "It's from Professor Hawkens, and he's writing to tell me that the university funding him has some extra grant money to hire assistance." her eye widened. "I've been accepted to be part of his new research team, and it's all expenses paid."
Everyone started talking at once. Yugi tired to get up, but was jerked back by the strings still around his wrist. Tea quickly released him and he continued unhindered to give his sister a celebratory hug.
"When are you going?" Charlotte asked.
"He says he needs all his new assistance to report by new years."
"Good, I'll travel with you."
"You're going home?" Joey said. "What about your dad?"
Charlotte shrugged. "There are plenty states to choose from and I can duel in different ones. Besides, it's a long flight to do by yourself."
"Thanks Charlotte." Airi said.
"Make sure you say bye to Duke." Tristan teased.
"Shut it."
Tristan went on despite the warning in her voice. "I'm sure he'll want to be there to wave good bye."
"Watch it." Charlotte threatened. "Or I'll tell Joey about your plans."
"What plans?" Joey said. "You didn't say anything."
Tristan went red, Yugi intervene. "How long will your internship be, Airi?"
"It says they have enough to for at least four months."
"Wow, I wished I could get paid vacations like that." Tristan said, still looking embarrassed.
"It's school, far from vacation."
"Good to get a change of scenery." Gramps added.
"What plans, Tristan?" Joey insisted.
"Well," Tristan gave Charlotte a death glare. "I decided that it's been a long time since I've seen my relatives in Kyoto and so my family is going to spend the holidays up there this year."
"Isn't that near where your sister lives?" Tea said.
Airi and Yugi took several steps back out of the direct line of fire.
"YOU"RE PLANNING ON SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS WITH MY SISTER" Joey's voice nearly knocked Tristan over.
"I was going to tell you." Tristan said.
Charlotte attempted to fix her damage. "Hey Joey, at least we'll be up there for the holidays."
"Lucky for you." Joey said. "If I had thought there was anything going on behind my back…"
The situation could be seen as funny, but Yami watched with a sinking feeling. Joey was known for over reacting, but somehow Yami saw the situation reversed with Yugi saying something similar to him. He glanced around to make sure neither sibling saw his moment of staring. Airi had retreated to the kitchen and Yugi was busy trying to help calm Joey down.
Yami slipped into the kitchen. Airi stood by the sink, trying hard not to laugh.
"Sorry," she said seeing him. "It shouldn't be funny, but those two fighting looks really silly."
He managed to smile. "It is rather expected. Though I guess we can't blame Joey."
"No, not really, I think it's a sibling thing. Though I hope I don't act that crazy when Yugi finally gets around to dating."
"He might be like that for you." Yami said.
She considered. "He might, that will be scary."
There was an awkward silence.
"Congratulations on getting accepted."
"Thank you."
More silence.
"It will be a little odd, you know, being in a different country."
"Great experience for you. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
"I'm sure I will." she looked at the floor, pink rising in her cheeks. "It will be just be odd, being away from everyone."
"I don't think our link stretches over continents."
"Oh I don't want you there." her face became a deeper shade of red. "Not that I wouldn't mind you there, I would love to have you there with me, I mean not with me, but just." she shook her head. "I should just stop talking."
He smiled. "I know what you meant. I'm sure you can make calls home, and there is invisible mail."
"E-mail." she corrected giggling. "You can be sure I will expect update from home."
"I'll be sure to remind Yugi."
"I'll expect to hear from you both." her smile made his own face warm up.
"Then I will not fail you."
She went back to the living room, lightly touching his arm as she passed. The noise level from the room had gone down to its normal volume, manageable and below deafening. Yami remained a moment longer. The idea of not having Airi there was hard to contemplate. Now that he had decided he would enjoy their time together she was going to be gone for four months. And see didn't seem too happy about being separated. He shoved the warmth back to the back of his mind. Of course she would be upset about leaving her family. Spending four months apart might be good for them. It would make his eventual leaving easier.
The holiday season officially started and with it came the decorating. Airi decided she better get most of the decoration out of the way before she started worrying about packing for her trip about America. Also if she kept busy she didn't have to think about her leaving. She wanted to go, the fact she was going without major cost to her family was more then she could have ever dreamed of. It was just … she didn't really know what. Keeping busy would be a good way to distract her.
It was Saturday so Yugi was enjoying sleeping in, for as long as he could before he friends figured out what they wanted to do that day. Gramps was also having a lie in, so she wouldn't have to be bothered with his back seat decorating. Help would be appreciated, but she started getting the boxes.
The decorations were kept in a closet at the bottom of the stairs on the way to the gameshop. The top shelf had a collection of boxes, from old craft projects to puzzles to holiday decorations. Airi pulled down one of the smaller boxes, some of her dads old metal puzzles. She smiled sadly. Even after solving them Yugi couldn't bear to give them away, or keep them in his room. She put the box beside the door and picked up another. Inside was a collection of different colored spools of cords for macramé bead work and small boxes containing a large variety of beads. Picking up the circular one she lifted the lid to reveal a collection of stone and carved wood beads.
"Quite a collection." Yami's voice made her start. He caught the few beads which spilled over the edge of the box before they hit the floor.
"Careful." Airi scolded. "It's hard to find beads like those."
He looked at the carefully. "I didn't know you did bead-work."
"My grandmother did." Airi said. "Gramps said she was the best in the world. I think he still wears one of hers under his shirt. Mom did a few, but mostly she just collected beads." Airi took the carved circular dragon from him and held it up to the light so the small carved scales shone in the light from the single bulb. "She said you'd never know when you'll need something special."
"So you keep them in a box in the closet?" Yami said.
Airi smiled. "Rather wasteful huh? At least we know where they are." she looked at the rolls of macramé string. "Maybe I can offer those to Tea for the others' bracelets."
Yami frowned. "Isn't she making you one?"
"She didn't offer." she caught his disapproving look. "It's not a big deal. I mean it's not like I'm really a friend. I'm just Yugi's older sister who happens to be around a lot. Something like friendship bracelets should be for close friends."
"She shouldn't have mentioned them in front of you if she wasn't going to give you one."
"It's alright, really." Airi wasn't paying attention to what he was saying, too wrapped up in the beads. She hadn't had a reason to look in the closet for a long time. She would have if she knew about this box. She thought it got left behind when they moved out. Gramps must have put it in here, silent tribute to two special women. "I forgot about some of these. Mom used to collect beads, from random shops and places. She said each one represented some one special in her life. It was her goal to make something special for each one with their bead."
Airi gasped and pulled out a red bead. "I wondered where this went."
It was circular bead carved in the shape of a flower with a kanji character carved in the center. The carved cinnabar stone felt smooth under her fingers, the carved petals feeling more like wood than mineral.
Yami leaned in to read it better look. "Love." he read the character.
Airi nodded. "Love and Jasmine." she smiled. "It's an Ai Ri bead."
"Made for you?"
"No mom found it." she looked back down, eye growing sad. "Mom said she was lucky to find it. She said it was the last one in the shop and she was going to make me something special, when I was old enough to take care of something nice. That was before she got sick."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, I'm just glad it's not lost." she rocked it back and forth gently, reflecting the light in the petals of the flower. The red shone like sparks in the light. "It matches your eyes." she said softly.
Realizing she said it out load she looked up. He was watching her with a questioning smile. Maybe he hadn't heard, but maybe he did. She was sure her face was as red as the bead, it felt that hot anyway.
Seeing her discomfort, Yami looked down at the rest of the beads. "Does Yugi have one?"
"I think so." thankful for the distraction she started to rummage through the collection. She came up with a red bead cylinder with a small dragon intertwined. "He picked this one, after he heard I got one. He liked things to be fair."
"Some things don't change." Yami laughed.
"What doesn't change?" Yugi said coming down the stairs, still in his pajamas.
Airi dropped the bead in the box and replaced the lid. "You, sleeping in half the morning just because it's the weekend."
"Hey, be glad I decided to help." Yugi said. "And it looks like you haven't gotten started yet."
"Yeah, I got a little distracted."
Yami lifted his hands. "I had nothing to do with it."
"Well there are lots of boxes." Yugi said, coming down the rest of the stairs. "What do you need help with?"
With the three of them combined they managed to get the few boxes of decorations up to the living room in no time. Airi's comment on how it was good no one was there to see boxes flying with no one holding them caused Yami to start moving the boxes around in S shaped movements and spinning. Airi and Yugi laughed hard, nearly dropping their own boxes. In the living room the tree came out, along with the ornaments and tangled lights, which Yugi was assigned to untangle. Yami was awkward handling the ornaments, but Airi was encouraging with where they were being placed.
Grandpa woke up ten minutes before the shop was suppose to open and looked in at the decorating. "Looking good kids. Don't forget the mistletoe." he chuckled for himself. "Yugi, it's almost noon, get out of your PJs unless you're sick" he disappeared down to the shop.
"Mistletoe?" Yami said.
"I thought I told you about that." Yugi said. "You kiss under it. Though Airi doesn't like putting it up."
Airi concentrated on the star she was attempting to straighten at the top of the tree. "I just don't believe on giving kisses away because a bunch of berries told me to."
"Makes sense." Yami said, looking down at the red Christmas balls with more concentration.
"Don't worry sis." Yugi said, producing the lights in a neat loop. "If we do find wherever Grandpa shoved it from last year, will put it off center so you can say you're not standing under it."
"Thanks Yugi." Airi took the lights, then froze staring at her brother. "Yugi, your pajamas."
He looked down. "Yeah there mine, so what?"
"They're dad's?"
"Yeah, I've had them for years?"
"They've never fit before."
Yugi looked back down. Usually the bottom of pant leg was bunched up around his foot. Now there was a hint of ankle. Both pairs of violet eyes met, identical grins spreading across their faces.
Yugi was the first to react. He jumped in the air and whooped. "I'M TALLER."
Yami and Airi laughed along with him, Airi tackling him a hug when he came back down.
"Hey, don't push me back down." Yugi complained, his grin threatening to meet at the back of his head.
"Maybe they will be able to tell us apart now." Yami suggested.
Detaching himself from Airi Yugi measured himself against Yami. "Not by much." he said, his enthusiasm slipping slightly. "You still have several inches on me."
"But not as many." Airi reminded. "Yugi, this is great."
"I can't wait to see the others tonight to tell them." Yugi paused on the way out of the room. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, we're going to see the KaibaCorp Christmas display tonight. Did you want to come?"
"Oh, sure." Airi said.
After Yugi left she found Yami watching her carefully. "If you don't want to go I don't think anyone will mind."
"I do want to. It's just . . ." she trailed off. "I'm unsure about seeing Seto and Mokuba. We use to see the lights together, when we were still together." she stared blankly at the tree. "It's been several years, and it still hurts. I must be softer then I thought."
She felt his hand on her shoulder. "If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to go."
"No, I'll go." she put her hand on his. "Thanks, but I think I can face a bunch of lights."
"Even a blue-eyes?"
"Even a blue-eyes."
Everyone turned out to see the lights. Gramps even agreed not to over exert himself so he could go to. Yugi walked ahead with his friends, who were very enthusiastic with the inch in height. Joey joked the pharaoh probably had something to do with it. Airi near the back with Grandpa, mostly to make sure the older man didn't slip on the ice. They watched from a safe distance as Tristan and Joey slid all over as they attempted to show how well balanced they were. Duke stayed far away, walking awkwardly next to Charlotte who was also doing her best to act casual. During the line up Yugi and Tea ended up walking next to each other, Yugi seemed self conscious and Tea only kept on talking about some plans for the next year.
"You should start dating again." Grandpa said suddenly.
"What?" Airi stared at him.
"You're attractive and healthy. It's unnatural for girls like you to go without someone asking you out."
"Gramps, I'm kinda busy with school."
"I'm just saying, if there are any cute guys on this dig, don't scare them off."
"Scare?" Airi gave him a look. "Are you calling me scary?"
"No, I'm just saying give someone a chance. Let them know you're interested."
Airi didn't answer.
The park was glowing even from a distance. Stepping in the park they were surrounded by strong lights and extravagant arrange of lights and displays. Twinkling lights would change from one image to another on lights streamed across expanses like a movie screen. Sculptures made of a mix of light and ice stood in cold glory in multiple shapes. Unlike pictures of Christmas displays Airi had seen there wasn't many images of western Christmas. There was a Santa Claus and reindeer on one panel and a few snow men, but the majority was duel monsters.
"First one to find the blue-eye has to treat the others to hot chocolate." Charlotte said, pulling Duke off away from the group to go look at a collection of machine looking monsters.
Everyone dispersed. Grandpa slipped away to find the refreshment stand. Joey went to see if Kaiba had put a Red-eye in his dragon collection, which Tristan said was most unlikely seeing what Kaiba thought of his owner. Tea went to look at the snowmen, Yugi following her. Airi was left standing near the entrance, trying to figure out who she wanted to follow.
"Airi!" Mokuba appeared out of the sea of coats, face shining with excitement. "You made it, I knew you would. What do you think?"
"Well, I have to say KaibaCorp spared no expense." Airi said. "It's incredible, Mokuba, but I didn't think Duel Monsters was particularly festive."
He laughed. "Not really, but Seto says it will be publicity for our new Kaibaland."
"Going more commercial?" Airi said.
"It's working. But they do make cool sculptures."
"They do."
"Come one." Mokuba grabber he hand and started pulling her down one of the path ways. "I have something to show you."
They made their way down the path, passing several images of Seto's monsters, standing of platforms of lights which changed color when someone passed. Airi was expecting to see the blue-eye, but headed for a part of the park where the bushes grew up higher than most. At the entrance to a side path Airi hadn't seen before a beeping sound came from Mokuba's belt. He spoke into a two way radio, looking irritated. He looked at Airi apologetically. "Sorry, but I have to go check on some things" he pointed down the path. "Go ahead, I think you'll like it." with that he was gone.
Airi continued down the small path alone until she came to another lighted platform with a lone sculpture. When she realized what it was her mouth fell open. She stared up at a life sized Mystical Elf. The light under it changed softly from blue to green at regulated intervals. Her expression was carved so realistic to give the impression she could open her eyes at any moment.
"Amazing." she said.
"I knew you'd be impressed."
She turned to see Kaiba standing behind her. He replaced his white dueling coat for a dark gray trench coat, making him look more imposing than the Ghost of Christmas Past. Airi became aware they were alone in a part of the park where, by the smoothness of the snow, not many people visited. This was looking very much like a set up. She was going to get Mokuba for this.
"I didn't think elves were something you'd bother with." Airi said as calmly as possible.
Seto studied her with an appraising look. "You said it would good in ice, so I decided to test your views. As you can see it worked out well."
Airi turned back to the sculpture. "You did this for me?"
The crunch of snow announced his coming to stand next to her. He looked over the ice elf with a critical look. "I already had the plans from programming it into my virtual world. The grids were easy to convert into ice."
"Oh." Airi kept the disappointment out of her voice.
"I was going to have Phantom Dragon with the others in the front, but it was too hard to translate into ice."
"It probably would have scared everyone." Airi said. "It's not exactly the most attractive of dragons."
"Some might not have recognized it, you being out of public view for so long."
Airi tried to think of a way to change the subject.
"You're lack of words is disconcerting." Seto looked down at her. "Have I caught you off guard?"
"In your dreams." Airi snapped. "Can't I even admire something in silence?"
He chuckled, turning to look at the elf too.
"It is beautiful, Seto. You were always good at design."
She nearly missed his side glance. He looked up at the sky. "The inspiration deserves credit as well."
Airi felt her cheeks burn at the applied meaning. "Why down here? Not that many people can find this path."
"Like you said, I don't do elves. It might clash with my dragons."
"Oh," Talking to Seto had become difficult with the years. She looked back up at the elf's face as if it would give her some instruction, but it only smiled down at her silent.
"You're feeling better I trust?" he said.
"Yes, thank you. You covering the medical expensive was very generous."
"Having uncured patients looks bad on the KaibaCorp balance."
Airi bit back her response, saying instead. "No, that would defiantly be horrible."
There was several more moments of awkward silence.
"I better make sure no fools mess up the displays." Seto turned to go.
"Wait," Airi rummaged in her coat pocket. How deep were these pockets? Finally she retrieved the envelope. "I forgot to give this to Mokuba before he got called off." she held it out to him. "It's his and your cards from me."
There was along moment as he looked down at the red envelope. She refused to look away from his face. She didn't know what he did with them. Probably threw them away after opening. Maybe he would just tell her point blank to spare him the waist of paper.
Her eyes widened in shock as he accepted it, slipping it into his jacket pocket. "I'll see he gets it." he paused as if he wanted to say something, but then turn and started back up the path.
"Seto," she swallowed to clear her throat. "Tell Mokuba thanks for helping me find it." she met his ice blue stare. "It really means a lot to me. Thank you."
He only nodded before he disappeared into the darkness. She turned back to the sculpture. The elf's smile seemed to grow sly, as if she knew a secret.
"Don't give me that look." Airi told her. "Smile all you want, it doesn't change anything."
"I wasn't smiling at that." a voice behind her made her spin so hard she nearly fell in the snow. She was rescued and steadied. She righted herself and turned to give the spirit a punch in the arm.
"Yami, you nearly game me a heart attack."
"I caught you didn't I?" he said, unable to keep his smile down.
"Fine, I'll give you that." she pretend to brush snow off her coat. "What were you smiling about?"
He looked up at the sculpture. "Just seeing you talk to yourself."
"I wasn't talking to . . ." she looked back up at the sculpture. "It doesn't look a thing like me."
"I guess you're right." he gave her a sly glance. "Originals are much more precious"
"Steal that one from Duke?"
He pretended to pout. "That was one of my best lines"
"You can do better than that." she looked back up at the sculpture. "I'm surprised Seto had it built at all."
Yami glanced back at it. "Come on. I'm sure your family is wondering where you are."
She slipped her hand into his and they made their way up the path, leaving behind only one set of prints behind them. Despite his light comments, Airi noticed Yami glance back towards the sculpture, his expression unreadable.
Attempting to distract him from whatever he was thinking of she said. "Do you think you can slip away from Yugi tomorrow while he's at school?"
"I guess, why?"
"I got some ideas for Yugi's Christmas present, one of them anyway."
She gave him an outline of her idea, and his face lit up in a sneaky smile. "I'm in."
Though he didn't care for festivities, Kaiba couldn't deny the turnout had been good and it wasn't a complete waste. He's shown Airi that he didn't forget their past. Maybe then she would realize how much she had forgotten.
Mokuba was all smiles when they got home. He likes lights and being in charge of a lights show plus ice sculptures was a dream come true for him.
Before he got into bed Kaiba came into his brother's room to give him the Christmas card from Airi. Mokuba's face lit up. "I was wondering when that would arrive." he ripped it open and smiled at the handmade origami flower inside. He glanced up at Kaiba. "How did you two get along after I left?"
"Fine. She was impressed."
"Did you two talk?"
"We exchanged words."
"You know what I mean Seto. Did you tell her?"
"We had nothing to discus."
Mokuba sighed. "Nothing is going to change if you don't say anything."
"I did talk to her." Kaiba snapped. "I'm not doing anything more until she realizes her faults."
Seeing it was useless to argue Mokuba held out the second flower. "At least look at this before you before you get rid of it, or whatever you do with them."
Saying good night, Kaiba retreated to his own room. He sat in the office chair for a long time. Mokuba was getting pushy for him and Airi to reconcile, but he wasn't in a hurry. It hadn't been completely his fault. Once she realized her faults then they could get passed the pleasantries. It wasn't like she changed much.
He looked down at the flower in his hand. It was a poinsettia, some sort of flower from the Americas which somehow became a symbol of holiday cheer, even making it to an origami representation. Inside the center Airi had added a wish of good fortune for the coming year. It hadn't changed much from last year.
Kaiba studies the flower for several more moments before walking over to the bed side cabinet. Sliding open a thin draw near the bottom he dropped the flower inside. It rustled against the others already inside. It was a waste to throw away such well done flowers.
A week before Christmas Airi was at the kitchen table working out the list of things she would need on her trip to America. She wanted to get as much done before she showed the list to Charlotte for a second opinion. She glanced up at the clock. Yugi would be home from school any second.
As if on cue the door opened an in a few moments her brother appeared in the kitchen. One look made her take notice. He looked as if he had been dunked in cold water and been hit in the head with a two-by-four within a second of each other. Yami was close behind him, a mixture of sympathy and amusement on his face. At Airi's accusatory look he raised his hands in a plea of innocents.
"Yugi, you ok?"
He shook his head. "I'm going to die?"
"No you're not." Yami said.
"Why didn't you stop me?"
"Sit, and spill." Airi indicated the chair.
He took it, still looking like a condemned man. "Well, it started on the walk home. Tea was going on and on about this thing, this dance, that the city is putting on Christmas day. I guess it's to take advantage of some people not having much to do Christmas day after presents. Anyway, it's a dance and Tea says she wants to go, but no one in her family likes dancing, like her." he swallowed. "And that is when I offered to take her."
Airi glanced at Yami. "And she said no?"
Yami shook his head. "she said yes."
"Really! So what the problem?" Airi said. "You've been getting up the guts to ask her to something for ages."
"I know, but then after she left, I remember why I've never ask her to a dance before." Yugi looked even paler. "I don't know how to dance."
There was a moment of silence. Then Airi let out a relived sigh. "Is that all?"
"What do you mean?" Yugi gaped at her. "I'm on the brink of looking like a complete idiot in front of Tea and you have no sympathy."
"No, silly." Airi said. "You just need to learn. Look on the bright side, even if you're not perfect you won't have any of the guys watching."
This seemed to cheer Yugi up, even if it was only slightly. "But who is going to teach me?"
"Me." Gramps said, "I was quite the Fred Astaire in my day."
"Who?" Yami asked
Airi shrugged. "No clue."
Yugi had face planted on the table. "Shoot me now." came his muffled plea.
"No dying cow looks." Airi said. "I'll help too."
"When did you learn to dance?" Gramps demanded.
"KaibaCorp Dinners." Airi said. "Mainly I had to charm the delegates while Seto did work behind the scenes."
"It's going to be fine." Yami told him. "Tea's a pro, so she'll expect you to be a little shaky."
"Not encouraging." Yugi said. "Why don't you go?"
"No." Airi said firmly. "You asked her, you're taking her. Unless you want to call her up and tell her you were kidding."
"I can't do that."
"Then it's settled." Airi rose. "We'll start at once."
The dancing lessons started that afternoon. Gramps was only helpful for the first few, become he tired himself and had to sit and let Airi take over. Having his sister dancing with him seemed to help with Yugi's anxiety, if only slightly. Dancing with his sister seemed less confusing, or embarrassing, then dancing with his grandfather. Yami didn't help. He watched for the corner, trying hard not to laugh at Yugi's attempts at first try perfection.
The first lesson didn't end so well, but Yugi wasn't the king of games for nothing. He said it was a duel, one move at a time. Airi agreed, but then warned him not to compared dancing to dueling in front of his partner. Saying their time together was like a battle wouldn't go over very well.
Yugi kept up with his lessons until Christmas eve, where he was too nervous to follow any beat. Gramps kept giving advice, which it was clear he wasn't paying attention. He only seemed to snap out of his stupor when Airi handed him his early present.
"Rather large this year." he noted. Pulling off the paper he stared down at the pile of fabric in his lap. A grin spread across his face and he held up a new pair of pajamas.
"I figured if you were going to be on a growths spurt we might as well be prepared." Airi said.
"It's great sis."
Airi grinned then opened her own package. She found a new set of pajamas. She glanced over at Grandpa's smug expression.
"Great minds think alike." he said.
She ran her hand over the smooth silver fabric. "Their great, Grandpa, thank you."
"Now I get that one." Gramps pointed at an equally sized package. Yugi and Airi glanced at each other, both guessing that it contained. Yugi passed it to Gramps. Inside it was revealed to contain a set of yellow and red pock-a-dot pajamas. Airi sighed, trying not to laugh. Being invisible Yami didn't have the problem, but tried to keep it back for her sake.
"I caught a glimpse of the ones you got for Yugi, and decided it was a good for all of us to get some new sleep wear." Grandpa said, showing off his pajamas proudly.
Yami was trying not the laugh not that it made much of a difference.
She gave him a defeated look. "It was an original idea when I thought of it."
Christmas morning was clear with fresh snow and frost giving a cheerful sparkle across everything. It took a long time to grandpa awake and even longer to get him enough coffee to make him pleasant to talk to. Yugi was bubbling with excitement, mostly to distract himself from the prospect of that evening's activities. At both siblings insistence Yami was detached, but still stood near the wall out of the way. Airi wished he could be involved, but there wasn't much he could do. Still he insisted watching was good enough for him.
Airi was thrilled by the combination watch and compass she got from Gramps for her trip abroad, and the easy to carry pocket first aid kit from Yugi. Gramps was thrilled by the new cards for his deck and was soon going through his newly put together deck working out strategies.
Yugi also got cards from Gramps, and he and Yami were impressed by how much they improved his deck. Airi smiled, feeling nervous as she retrieved one more box from under the tree. She hoped he liked how her gift turned out.
"Here, Yugi." she held out the small box. "This is from me."
"Let me guess, more cards." Yugi joked, pulling off the ribbon and removing the lid. His expression changed to surprise when he saw the contents. Inside attached to a braided black cord was the black bead from their mother's bead collection. Yugi's confusion changed to recognition as he ran his finger over the bead.
"I know you don't wear jewelry often, but I tried not the making to look sissy or anything. I'm not as good as Tea but-" her rambling explanation was cut short by Yugi plowing into her with a a hug. "Hey careful, you're not as small as you used to be."
Yami smiled. Airi mouthed a thank you over Yugi's head. She's asked for his help, and he'd found some of her grandmother's old pattern books.
"It's amazing sis." Yugi pulled back, face beaming. "It's perfect."
The telephone rang.
"That's probably Joey, he'd said he call." Yugi dashed off to the phone.
"I didn't think he'd get up this early?" Yami said.
"The sooner he can start on the goodies." Airi said, gathering up the wrapping paper.
The rest of the day consisted mostly of getting phone calls from friends. The first call had come from Ryou Bakura who called from London where he was spending the holidays with his family to tell them thank you for the Christmas card he received. Both younger Mutos told him it was no trouble and hoped he was feeling better. Airi had figured after all the other boy had to deal with they could at least give him something pleasant. Though no one asked him he mentioned he hadn't found the ring yet. His relief made Airi even more grateful the spirit who had chosen her brother was a friend.
Joey called in around noon, mostly to complain to someone about how annoying it was have his best friend over flirting with his sister while Charlotte had hogged the phone calling Duke. He probably would have kept Yugi stuck listening to him all day if Airi hadn't pushed him out the door to get ready for the dance. After listening a little more Airi finally shut Joey up by saying he had a lot to be grateful for. It could be Duke going out with his sister instead. That shut Joey up long enough for her to suggest to him to call Mai and after giving him her number allowing her to finally hang up their phone.
It wasn't silent for too long with the Ishtars calling to also thank her for the card. Even though they didn't celebrate the holiday they appreciated the gesture of no hard feelings. Airi was also glad to hear things were going well for them. After hanging up she related the conversation to Yami, who was also happy to hear they family was doing well.
that evening Yami found Yugi in front of the mirror, wresting with a knot around his neck that was supposed to be his tie.
"Need some help?"
Yugi turned, frustration and nerves evident in his expression. "Whoever invented this stupid thing should be banished to the shadow realm."
"Here let my look at it." Yami untangled the knotted mess. It was a nice tie though now a bit crinkled. "How formal is this dance?"
"Enough for her to say she was going in her blue dress. I've seen that dress; it's classy." Yugi looked gloomy. "What made me think I could do this?"
Yami pitched the tie on the bed. "I don't think this thing will match anyway. It would probably choke you first." he looked Yugi over carefully. "undo the top buttons."
"Why?"
"You look too short."
"Big surprise there." Yugi undid two buttons.
"Much better, though of course I'm not an expert."
"Why can't you go?" Yugi said. "I'm sure she likes you more."
"Yugi, you asked." Yami gave him a look. "You do want to be with her right?"
"Yes, It's just I'm sure she would have more fun with you. You're taller."
"Not by much. Besides I haven't had any dancing lessons."
"She won't mind."
"Yugi."
Yugi sighed defeated. "I do want to go to the dance with her. It's just, I'm afraid of disappointing her."
Yami put a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be fine. Just be yourself and have fun."
Yugi managed to smile. He picked up the black blazer and pulled it over the white shirt. "Well what do you think?"
"You look very smart, Yugi."
"Glad you think so. I think I look like a penguin on the way to the gallows."
"You could try smiling." Yami considered his host again. "Take the puzzle off."
"What?" Yugi clasped the millennium puzzle like it was a life line. "You're not coming with me?"
"It's your date. Tea deserves to know which one of us she's spending the evening with." he gave Yugi a look. "Also, I don't want you switching me out in the middle of an awkward situation. I've already been trick on one date."
"I wish you'd stop bringing that up." Slowly Yugi removed his puzzle from around his neck and laid it on the dresser. He straightened his collar, frowning at the lack of chain around his neck.
"See you look a lot straighter now."
The doorbell rang and nearly all the color left Yugi's face. "She's here." he reached for the puzzle, but Yami steered him away so it was out of reach.
"Yugi, if you don't do this you'll regret it all your life." Yami hissed in his ear. "Now get down there and have fun." he pushed Yugi towards the stairs.
"Yugi!"Airi's voice called from the bottom of the stairs. "Tea's here."
"He's coming." Yami called back.
Taking a deep breath Yugi made his way down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs Tea and Airi stood talking, and they turned when they heard Yugi coming down. Tea did look stunning with her light blue dress with a matching barrette in her hair. She smiled up at Yugi and Yami was afraid his host was going to fall down the remaining stairs.
"Oh, Yugi you look handsome." Tea said.
"So do you." Yugi turned red at his mistake. "I mean you look beautiful, Tea."
"What time do you think you be back?" Airi asked.
"Whenever my parents have enough I guess." Tea said, pointing towards the waiting car.
"Have a great time." Airi said. She gave Yugi a one armed hug, and seemed to whisper something in his ear. Whatever it was seemed to help and Yugi looked less stressed. He offered Tea his arm and escorted her to the car where he opened her door before getting in.
Airi waved from the door way, Yami standing next to her. After the car disappeared Airi turned to him. "Why wasn't Yugi wearing the puzzle?"
"I figured it would get in the way of dancing."
"But what if something happens and he needs your help?"
"Airi, calm down." he put on hand on her shoulder. "It's only a dance. I'm sure he can take of himself."
Airi stared up at him and then started laughing. "I must be the worst sister in the world. I'm okay with him fighting lunatics who want to take over the world but I freak out when he goes on a date." she shook her head as she closed the door.
"Airi, have you seen my earmuffs?" Grandpa's voice came down the stairs
"Now, try the closet."
"Is he going out?" Yami asked.
She nodded. "There's a Christmas party at one of his card dealers. He goes because it's a chance to indulge on sweets without my supervision." she headed up the stairs to help her grandfather.
Yami followed slowly behind. He hadn't realized he would be alone with Airi in the house. He just thought he would have to find a quiet moment to give her his present. Well it might be easier with no one else around. He gave himself a shake. If Yugi could be brave, then he could too. Strangely, it was more unsettling then facing Ra.
Grandpa left soon after Yugi, leaving Airi alone in the house. She didn't mind it. Yami was there, though she figured he would want some time to himself without having to worry about looking out for Yugi. In the living room she put in a Christmas song CD in the player and curled up on couch with one of her Egyptian books.
"Anything good?" she looked up to find Yami perched on the arm of the coach, looking down at her amused.
"Well there are some poems they managed to find in a collection of scrolls in a priest's tomb. Some are pretty good." she glanced back up at him. "What are you smirking about?"
"I don't smirk."
"Ha ha." she close the book and straightened up. "What is so amusing?"
"You get the house to yourself on a holiday and you decide to read a book?"
"I'm not forgetting the holiday spirit." she motioned to the CD player. "I have on some music and I'm enjoying some peace on earth."
Yami nodded approvingly, but she could see something was on his mind.
"Alright Pharaoh, what would you suggest?"
"You could open my present."
She stared at him, feeling her face growing hot. "You didn't have to get me anything. I didn't think you could get me anything."
"I didn't get you anything, I made you something." Yami stood and walked over to the tree. Reaching inside the branches he pulled out a small box. Airi inwardly kicked herself. She'd passed that tree for weeks and didn't notice anything in there. He sat next to her and held it out. Trying to keep her hand's steady she accepted the box.
"I'm sorry if it doesn't look good. I haven't had much experience with this sort of thing."
She opened the lid and didn't hear anything else he said. The red jasmine flower cinnabar bead stood out against the woven turquoise band it was set into. She lifted it up, realizing it was a bracelet.
"You made this?" she whispered.
He nodded, eyes watching her face carefully. "After you said you were worried about being away from everything I decided the least I could do was give you something that reminded you of your family. It's probably not as good as what your mother would have done, and I don't know if you like bracelets, but I didn't want to give you a reason to replace your jade pendant." he paused. "Is there something wrong?"
Airi realized her eyes were wet. She wiped them away hurriedly, smiling to reassure his worried expression. She carefully slid it onto her wrist. It was a perfect fit. "Nothing's wrong."
"I'm sorry it's not the best work." he said, looking down at the hand crafted band.
He stopped as she put her arms around him. "It's perfect." she told him. "Thank you so much."
"Then why are you crying?"
She pulled back, smiling sadly. "Because I don't have anything for you."
"I don't need anything." he said hurriedly. "It's kind of hard for me to put anything in my puzzle anyway."
She laughed. "I know, but I just feel odd receiving something this nice and I can't give you anything as nice in return."
The song ended on the CD player and was replaced by the opening notes of another. Yami rose and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
She slipped her hand into his. "I'd be honored."
He led her to the middle of the floor. He waited for her to decide which hand position she was more comfortable with, and looked taken a back when she placed his hand on her waist. Smiling she rested her hand on his upper arm, her right hand still held gently in his left. On the correct beat he led off and they stepped into the dance.
"I didn't know you could dance?" she said honestly.
"I had a good teacher." he spun her around, returning her to his embrace.
"You were paying attention." she giggled. "And I thought you were just laughing at Yugi."
"I couldn't do that when he started improving." his eyes softened, "besides, watching you was much more enjoyable."
"Stay focused." she teased.
He grinned, giving her another twirl.
All too soon the song ended. Yami pulled away and bowed. "Do I pass?"
"Gold star." she laughed.
He turned to sit back down but she took his hand. He heart thudded uncomfortably as he turned back to face her.
"Umm." she looked down. "That dance was a two for one."
The music started again, much a much slower song then the one before. Yami's eyes never left hers and she could see him warring with himself. Maybe he couldn't dance this slowly? Maybe she had cross the boundary with him. "You don't have to." she said, looking at the floor.
His hand gently lifted her chin so she look had no choice but to look him in the eye. They were gentle and filled with emotion it stole her breath.
"It will be my honor." he said. He held out his hand again.
Airi didn't remember telling her feet to move. Yami's lead gave her no option but to follow. Their eyes didn't leave each other as he led her around the room. She wanted nothing more than for this to go on forever. She rested her had on his shoulder, to keep him from seeing any sadness.
He stopped moving. "Are you tired?"
"No, I'm fine." she closed her eyes, feeling the gentle hum of his detached form. She felt the light pressure of his head against her head and she smiled. They stood in silence enjoying the piano arrangement of O Holy Night playing in the back ground. This moment she wished would never end.
The last few notes sounded and the slight click as the CD stopped playing. Neither of them moved. Both seemed to be trying to stretch out the minuets.
"Airi.'
"Yes?"
There was a pause. "Merry Christmas."
Her hand tightened in his. "Merry Christmas."
He pulled away slowly. Airi did her best to smile.
"Thank you for the dance." Yami bowed again.
She nodded. Before she lost her nerve she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Yami."
The banging of the door made them both jump. "Airi, I'm back." grandpa's disgruntled voice called up the stairs. "That jerk went all healthy. Nothing worth eating there at all. And he had the gall to say Merry Christmas."
Airi bit her lip to keep from laughing. "I guess I better get him something."
Yami nodded. "It would probably be for the best." he looked a little dazed. She gave his hand a squeeze before heading for the kitchen.
Yugi looked much happier when he got home from the dance. Airi and Gramps got to hear the whole thing, but since Yami had retreated to his puzzle soon after his kiss he got his own personal version while Yugi was getting ready for bed. He sat on the desk while his host went on and on about how much fun they had, and he'd only stepped on her dress once.
"Best part was." Yugi beamed. "Was while trying to maneuver through the crowds we got stuck in the door way, and there was some mistletoe."
Yami stared at him. "You kissed Tea?"
"Yes." Yugi voice came out in an excited squeak. "It wasn't awkward or anything, it just happened and it was amazing." he fell on the bed, grinning like a little kid.
"That's great, Yugi." Yami gave him a look. "Did you tell Airi and your grandpa?"
"No, they'd give me a hard time." Yugi sat up, pointing a meaningful finger at him. "And don't you tell Airi"
Yami grinned, making an X over his heart. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Yugi climbed properly into bed and turned out the light. Yami sat on the desk, wondering if he should tell Yugi about his own evening. Remembering the image of Joey's reaction over Tristan's Christmas plans stopped him.
"I guess it doesn't really count." Yugi said.
"What doesn't?"
"My kiss. It was under mistletoe, so she kinda had to do it." he sounded sad at the thought.
Yami though it over. "Did she move in on her own accord?"
"Yeah."
"Did you two enjoy it?"
"She didn't say anything about not enjoying it."
"Yugi, you kissed. It counts."
Yugi smiled, closing his eyes.
Yami made sure his host was asleep before he faded into his puzzle. He slid down the wall to a sitting position. Tentatively he reached up and touched the spot where Airi had kissed him. It still tingled. There was no doubt this kiss was meant for him. He smiled. He had only asked for a dance but she had given him something more precious. The carving of name across from him didn't seem so threatening. For the first time in his existence Yami was happy to be him.
A/N: Well there it is, I hope it was good. I would love to hear about what you liked.
I hope you have a happy holiday season and I'll see you all next year. Take care and God bless.
