I know this is monumentally late, and it's really not worth doing at this point. But, I'm gonna do it anyway, since it's totally so cute and perfect!
Disclaimer: I do not own Infinite Stratos.
It's Christmas time! Everyone's bustling about for Christmas gifts and preparing for the holidays to come! However, it comes as a shock to everyone but Elias that Cecelia's birthday is Christmas Eve! Even though he knows, Elias is still panicking.
But the reason Elias is panicking is because...
...What do you get for the girl, who already has everything?
Everyone in the IS Academy was excited.
It was Christmas!
Laura was having a moment of freaking out as she once again was thrown headfirst into a situation she'd never seen before, and Charlotte was going her best to help Laura calm down. Tatenashi was horsing around in a risque Santa costume, only to be shut down by the boys once again. Chifuyu was looking down and beginning to rethink her life's decisions as she watched everything.
It was business as usual, but Christmas-themed.
After the incident involving World Purge, Elias returned to England to be scolded by his parents for stealing and destroying a Legionary Unit. However, after a long period of waiting for his parents to finish, Elias was able to request the Knight Gunner to be modified.
Upon returning to the IS Academy, he became far more aware around Cecelia.
Ichika returned to Kuramochi to finalize the Byakushiki's upgrades. After several hours-the rest of the day, to be exact-Ichika was able to fly the new Byakushiki back to the IS Academy as a means of acclimating to the modifications. However, Ichika was still back at square 1, as he wasn't able to break the habit of using the Yukihira Nagata alone in combat.
The boys weren't able to break in their new upgrades, as the holidays were fast approaching.
Ichika was currently wondering what to get for everyone.
Thomas was conflicted on his options for a gift to Nana.
Elias was sitting in a ball in the corner, and freaking out.
"What's got him?" Said Ichika.
"You mean you don't know?!" Cried Elias.
"Seriously, what's wrong?"
"Lady Cecelia's birthday is approaching!"
"Huh?!"
"Really?"
"Yes! Her birthday is Christmas Eve!"
Thomas and Ichika stopped and gawked.
"You mean Cecelia's Jesus?!" Said Thomas.
"Holy crap!" Cried Ichika, "If I knew, I'd be taking this more seriously!"
"Exactly!" Elias bawled, "That's the issue! What can a boy get for a girl who has everything?"
"That's...That's actually a tough dilemma." Said Ichika.
"You'd be better off asking my dad about that sort of thing." Said Thomas.
"Really? Why's that?"
"Well...He's gotten married, had me, I guess he did something right. But that didn't seem to stop mom from leaving..."
"Let's shelf that for now." Said Ichika.
Elias began to consider his options.
"Boys!" Called Maya, as she came over, "We'll need your help to set up Christmas decorations. Would be so kind as to help get started, pretty please~?"
"Sure!" Said Ichika.
"Mhm." Grunted Thomas.
"R-Right." Said Elias.
The boys began working on unpacking decorations and setting them up through the halls and their classrooms. As Elias thought further upon his predicament, the more his heart went aflutter. He'd become so much more self-conscious ever since he woke up from his fantasy.
He began to think back during his time in World Purge.
Watching Cecelia's ideal version of him do such adult things to her...
...Could he really aspire to become what Cecelia wanted him to be?
The question had been in Elias's mind ever since the incident had been resolved, and he'd yet to find a proper answer of his conundrum. Cecelia's ideal Elias was simply the opposite of the real one.
Whereas Cecelia's perfect Elias was bold and dominating in the ways of love, the real Elias would die of embarrassment if he ever tried to woo a woman. The difference was simply so polar between them.
If Elias wanted Cecelia to fall in love with him...
...Would he have to change?
Seeing as this was a situation only a male could understand, Elias concluded what he'd have to do.
After he was finished with preparing everything, he'd pay Thomas's father a visit.
The best advice always came from a veteran lover.
"So," Summarized Alex, "You came to me when you couldn't think of a good gift for this girlfriend of yours?"
"S-She's not my-"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Assured Alex, "Just yankin' your chain."
It was the end of the school day, and Elias had Thomas call his dad to meet with Elias for a talk on his problem. Alex agreed, and had Elias come to his room at the IS Academy so they'd be able to talk about the issue in private.
"This is an important matter!" Whined Elias.
"Eh, c'mon," Said Alex, "You can't expect me to not take advantage."
"I suppose," Said Elias, "But...Can you teach me to do this right?"
"Why not ask your own father?"
"He's all the way in England," Explained Elias, "And by the time he'd get here, it'd probably be already to late. Besides, I doubt father will honor a request of mine after that fiasco..."
"The blackout a week or two ago? Miss Orimura told me all about it. Something about you taking an IS Unit and breaking a wall?"
Elias shifted about, silently confirming Alex's summary.
"My father's a busy man," Recounted Elias, "He doesn't have time to waste on me or my trivial concerns."
"Not with that attitude. I'd say you should at least try to call your father over the matter, at least before you go consulting someone else's dad about the problem. That's just a bit sad, thinking that way."
"But-"
"No buts!" Affirmed Alex, "Call your dad, and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, then I'll help you out, kapeesh?"
"Yes sir..."
It wasn't that Elias didn't think ill of his own father. In fact, Elias wanted to be able to bond with his father as a son almost as much as he wanted to be in love with Cecelia. However, the reason Elias was so hesitant to consult his father was due to his parents' emotional reactions to Elias's reckless stunt with the Legionary.
Would they explode at him again if he tried contacting them so soon?
Elias thought back to his parents as he returned to England with the totaled Legionary in tow.
They were furious he already destroyed their new Mass-Production model, terrified as Elias almost died in the atmosphere, furious with Elias as he risked his life in such a manner, and most angry he stole the Legionary to begin with.
They were also very reserved on honoring Elias's request to upgrade the Knight Gunner. It was only due to Elias's position at the IS Academy they eventually complied with his requests to make modifications.
Peel off the band-aid, Elias.
Elias dialed up his father's direct phone number, and held his breath as he waited for his father to take his call.
Elias felt his heart skip a beat as his dad picked up.
"Son?" Oliver said.
"F-Father...I know you...You might be quite busy..."
"Is there anything more you want? Out with it, boy!" Oliver deadpanned.
Elias paused.
What should he say? How would his father react? Elias remembered how boldly he ignored his parents' cries while he flew into orbit with the Legionary, but that very boldness simply vanished as the situation calmed down.
"Well? You called for a reason, yes?" Pressed Oliver, "Get on with it! You'll only waste both your time and mine if you simply stay silent."
Elias took a deep breath.
"Father," He pushed out, "What gift do I get for a girl I've fallen for?"
Elias waited for Oliver's response.
After a few moments of a very awkward silence, Elias considered hanging up.
But Oliver's response quickly stopped him.
"Son," Inquired Oliver, "This wouldn't have anything to do with that Cecelia Alcott girl, would it?"
"Yes Father..."
"I see...Your honesty makes this easier."
Elias flinched.
What did Oliver mean by that?
"Well, Son," Explained Oliver, "Your situation isn't at all unique. There are plenty of boys in the world struggling to be noticed by a wealthy girl...But for you, it's much more meaningful than money, isn't it? In fact, I daresay fortune is making this a lot harder on you, yes?"
"Yes..."
"Ah..." Concluded Oliver, "What gift can you buy for the girl who virtually has everything? That's a dilemma indeed."
"Would you...Teach me, Father?"
Oliver made another long pause.
Elias once again felt the urge to simply hand up the call, fearing that he was slowly making his father angry once more. Oliver was busy dealing with the mess Elias made with his little death-defying stunt in orbit...
...It just wasn't right to keep interrupting his father's work.
"Sorry for taking such long intermissions," Oliver spoke into the phone, "I was doing my best to open up enough time to talk. Part of that task was to find someplace private for this discussion."
"What?"
"Is there something wrong, Son?"
"You mean you're not mad with me? For the entire incident with your IS Unit?"
"Angry? I was at first, furious even. After I finally calmed down, some of the technicians trying to fix up the mess came to me with rather promising news. The Legionary's data was still viable! Can you believe it? On top of that, I've gotten a few new ideas for saving this troubled company..."
"What?!"
"I was mad, but your recklessness has paid off, in a way."
Elias sighed with relief.
"Now, Son." Said Oliver, "What to do for the perfect gift for a wealthy girl..."
"Yes, Father. What can I get for Cecelia so that she might...Notice me."
"Ah..." Oliver recounted, "I was in the same sort of problem at your age. And I'll tell you now Son, choosing the right gift for a girl you love isn't something that can be properly taught. Fret not though, I'll share my experiences with you on the matter to help shed light. You must ask yourself, just what sort of way do you want Cecelia to see you? That is the most defining factor in a gift."
"I..." Elias declared, "I want Cecelia to see me as a man, one caring and bold, but still kind and fair. But...I feel as though me as I am right now just isn't enough to make that happen...What sort of gifts did you get for Mother?"
"Well," Recounted Oliver, "For your Mother...I recall that I'd gotten her a teddy bear while we were younger, around your age, in fact. Young girls like more adorable things, like stuffed animals and the like. However...An adult woman is far more demanding, and would prefer things like jewelry. If you wish Cecelia to see you as a man, you'd be best in gifting her with jewelry-the higher the rarity the better, of course-but not so high that it'd take everything you have to get it. But, if you want to be seen as a boyfriend, you're better off with a toy or trinket for now, nothing too serious just yet."
"I see...Thank yo-?!"
"Hold on, I'm on the phone!" Oliver cried, "I'm sorry Son, but it seems our time is up now."
"Might I just ask one last question?"
"Be swift."
"You seem much more attentive to me so suddenly," Inquired Elias, "What's happened? You used to be solely focused upon the company."
"Ah...You were bound to ask sometime," Said Oliver, "After watching you nearly kill yourself, I've...Begun to reflect on my past failure as a neglectful father, and I wish to try and be a better one going forward in life. Farewell, Son."
Oliver hung up, and Elias finally understood.
His father had become so much more to Elias ever since World Purge. Elias risking his life as he piloted the Legionary made Oliver realize he'd taken his son for granted, and he nearly paid the price. It'd make sense for a father who cared for his children to try and improve on such a failure.
But that wouldn't give Elias the right to abuse the situation childishly, and he knew it.
As much as he wanted to call a second time, Elias didn't want to overstep his new bounds.
But now that he'd received some wisdom on his question...
...He realized he still had to find an answer to it.
But there was one problem he needed to solve before he made his decision.
How did he want Cecelia to perceive him?
December 24.
Elias paced back and forth in his room on the matter, pausing only if someone knocked upon his door.
He'd yet to find an answer to his question.
This one question wasn't one to be taken lightly, nor was there a set answer that could be determined as right or wrong. He couldn't get help, nor study this question. This was something he had to answer himself.
And that's where Elias was stuck.
It felt like a paradox, with one question being the answer to another but the question being the answer.
Eventually, Elias left his room to consult with the other boys to see what he could learn from their perspective. Although he alone was to answer his question, he could find a pattern to lead him to the answer.
"Well," Said Ichika, "The thing about this time of year is about spirit."
"Spirit?" Inquired Elias.
"Yeah!" Explained Ichika, "It's not the gift you give someone, but the meaning behind it!"
"How so?"
"Hm..." Ichika did his best to go into detail, "Think of it this way: The gift you get for someone is the method, and Christmas is the excuse. And what happens when everyone exchanges gifts is like sharing how they feel about someone."
"Ah...I see..."
"But don't overthink it though," Cautioned Ichika, "Sure, it's always nice to get something you like for Christmas, but the whole meaning of the gift is how much effort you put into it for whoever the gift is for. It doesn't have to be something like a toy or whatnot, it can also be something they can use functionally, or even treats like candy and drinks. It doesn't have to be something long-term."
"That makes a great deal of sense...But...It's not entirely part of the problem..."
"Huh?"
"Oh...Never mind, I best be off!"
Elias jogged off, leaving Ichika confused.
Elias didn't want to be rude...
...But he really didn't think that romantic advice from Ichika was sound in the slightest.
Perhaps he'd get better wisdom if he consulted Thomas.
"Thomas?"
"Hm?"
"Um...What do..."
"Shoot."
"What do I get for...A...A girl..."
"'A girl you like-like,' That's what you're saying?"
Elias blushed, embarrassed, and nodded quickly.
"Ah..." Thomas chuckled, his face putting on a sinister smile.
Elias felt him heart stop.
Thomas was going to torment him with this new discovery.
Thomas laughed, and rested his hand on Elias's shoulder.
"Chill," He chuckled, "I'm horsin' around. Anyway...I can't say I'm fluent with...All that stuff...Actually in that same rut myself."
Elias perked up.
"Really?"
"Yeah...Don't tell Nana. But...Don't worry! I think I got a perfect solution!"
"Do tell! I need examples! Something to model after!"
"Well...Don't go blabbing...But I was gonna get Nana a teddy bear. She likes fluffy stuff she can hug like that, and I felt it'd get me on better terms in...Love."
"I see..."
"So," Thomas broke the tension, "Cecelia's gonna be lucky."
"H-How'd you know?!"
"You're about as subtle as a nuke."
"Oh...Dear..."
"Just take a chill dude," Assured Thomas, "From what I've found, it's more about how much time you put into picking the gift. Sometimes people couldn't give a crap about the gift. As long as it's from the heart, you'll fall in love yet."
"...Thank you."
"Thank everyone by actually getting the girl," Thomas said, walking off, "I mean, it's just so frustrating watching it all!"
Elias grinned.
"Right back at you, chum!"
Thomas laughed as he strolled off, leaving Elias to his own devices.
Elias sighed.
He needed to get to the mainland.
Cecelia was moving ever so cautiously as she tagged along with the girls on a shopping trip at the mainland.
She'd always look around herself, making sure to round each corner by leaning and spying whatever was on the other side. She wore shades, and a winter coat and hat as she tried to remain incognito, but made herself even more easy to spot.
"What's with her?" Said Lingyin, pointing to Cecelia.
"Oh," Answered Charlotte, "She's on edge, since she doesn't want to be seen by Elias while we're shopping for Christmas presents~! Sounds to me like it's become less like Christmas and more like Valentine's~!"
"Th-That's simply not true!" Denied Cecelia, blushing.
Cecelia simply wasn't able to get Elias out of her mind since World Purge. The real Elias had come in and seen her at her most vulnerable, watching her ideal Elias play with her body as though she were some kind of doll.
As much as she wanted to believe otherwise, Elias wouldn't forget what he'd seen anytime soon.
In her deepest privacy, Cecelia longed for Elias to ravish her body like in her ideal fantasy. But, just as deep down, Cecelia longed for the Elias that she had, as he was neither cruel nor truly a coward. As much as he made himself out to be one, his actions proved otherwise.
But there was one problem Cecelia had.
Sure, Christmas Eve was her birthday, but there was still Christmas...
...And what could she get for the boy who charmed her?
Cecelia's heart beat faster as she stopped in place and dreamed of her and Elias together.
Lingyin chuckled.
"She's hopeless-" Lingyin froze as Nana walked past her.
Neither of them had talked ever since World Purge. It was obvious Nana was still pissed at Lingyin, and would most likely try to claw out the girl's face at the drop of a dime. And going on a shopping trip away from the IS Academy opened up all kinds of opportunities for Nana to do just that and leave no witnesses.
They had a long way to go if there were to be ready to talk to each other again.
Laura was currently about to have yet another outburst as the mall the girls were in was as decorated as the IS Academy. She wasn't very used to holidays, considering her experience with Halloween, and felt very unnerved by all the sudden changes to her normal routine. Charlotte was on standby in case Laura freaked out over a mall Santa or anything else.
Suddenly, Cecelia lunged and dove behind a bench nearby, startling everyone.
Sure enough, Elias was coming up to them nearby.
"Bonjour, Elias!" Called Charlotte.
"Good day to you," Said Elias, "Is...Cecelia around?"
Elias had walked right past the bench Cecelia cowered behind, allowing her to signal Charlotte behind Elias's back in the hopes Charlotte wasn't going to mess with her.
Charlotte gave Cecelia a mischievous smug look over Elias's shoulder, confusing him.
"Sadly, no, she's been a little busy..." Giggled Charlotte.
To Elias, Charlotte seemed innocuous in laughing.
In reality, it was her way of torturing Cecelia.
"Why?" Inquired Charlotte, "Could you be looking to spend some time with her?"
"N-Not quite..."
"Oh?"
"I...I need to know..." Elias leaned to whisper, "Is there anything Cecelia would like?"
Charlotte's smug grin got even more smug.
"Sorry," Apologized Charlotte, "I'm not sure what Cecelia would like as a present from you, good luck though! It's the thought that counts!"
"Thank you, good day!"
Charlotte waved Elias off as he jogged elsewhere.
Cecelia came out from behind the bench to glare at Charlotte.
"What?" Chuckled Charlotte, "I got him off your back, no?"
"Oh?" Grinned Cecelia, "And just what sort of gift are you getting Ichika? I've meant to ask..."
Cecelia's sharp tongue had turned the tables on Charlotte.
Charlotte was silent and she pouted in defeat.
Cecelia quickly turned her thoughts inward as she went back to thinking of a gift for 'd been separated for so long, and due to their lack of interaction while they attended the same school made Cecelia nervous.
She had no idea what Elias's interests were!
The girls continued their trip, with Lingyin and Nana avoiding each other, Charlotte keeping a hand on Laura at all times, Houki doing her own thing, and Cecelia going through a schoolgirl crush on Elias.
Not much had changed.
Elias went about the mall, frenzied.
He still hadn't come up with an answer to his question, nor had he come up with a gift for Cecelia.
He'd spent almost all day running about with no real idea in mind.
Not very smart, seeing as it had gotten him nowhere fast. The irony of that was he'd been almost all over the mall and still found nothing he deemed worthy of being Cecelia's present.
Nothing was coming to mind...
Had he really overthought it?
What if he wasn't even good enough for Cecelia.
The image of Cecelia's ideal Elias groping her in the bathtub once again came to Elias's mind. He couldn't but freeze a little in that moment. Why was that? Why did he hesitate like so?
Was he...Envious?
Envious of Cecelia's dreamy Elias being better than the real one?
As much as Elias tried to imagine he, himself doing such forceful things to any woman, he simply couldn't. He just didn't have to heart to be so arrogant and confident in dominating anyone, man or woman.
Anyone worth their salt could tell from a mile away that Elias was such a wet noodle, he couldn't dry out and be bold as he wanted to be. He wasn't like Thomas, who simply acted without thinking. He wasn't like Ichika, who always found a solution around the problem.
He was Elias, a victim that never got justice and couldn't even be brave enough to take something he really wanted.
He could never hope to be either of his peers.
But, thinking on the subject...
Perhaps that's because trying to be like either Thomas or Ichika wasn't possible, or even very mature. Sure, both boys were incredible in many aspects, but they were both especially flawed as they were.
As much as he looked up to both Ichika and Thomas for their strengths, it was both strengths and flaws that made a person who they were.
But...That brought Elias back to the one issue he could never solve.
How did he want Cecelia to think of him?
As a bold, dominating master who did as he pleased, whenever? Or a nervous, young boy untutored in the ways of love?
Such a question had to be answered soon.
Elias heard the mall's intercom ring.
"Attention all shoppers, please prepare to make your final purchases."
Elias cried as he panicked.
He was running down to the wire!
But he hadn't come up with an idea at all! What would he do? This was a disaster!
Elias simply couldn't choose!
He'd gotten so many tips and words of wisdom, but it wouldn't count for anything if he couldn't make a decision!
It was Christmas Eve as well! He'd wasted too many days on this subject!
He'd narrowed his options to either jewelry, or a teddy bear.
But he still couldn't think of which was best for Cecelia.
Decisions! Decisions! He was just too incapable of making a critical one like this!
But...
...What if he didn't have to?
The gears in Elias's brain began to turn. What if he didn't have to choose between them? Nobody ever said he could only get one gift, so why limit his options? It was ingenious! If he couldn't choose between two things, then choose both!
An idea so insane it just might work!
Elias rushed from one store to purchase the fluffiest teddy bear money could buy.
He then raced over to a jewelry store.
What he found was even more decisions to make.
In his hand was a shopping bag with a teddy bear, and all around him was awe-inspiring jewelry, glistening and sparkling in the light of the store. Diamonds, pearls, and all manner of expertly-crafted trinkets all laid bare for Elias to judge.
Elias began to sweat.
He may have made one decision, but now he needed another!
"Attention all shoppers," Said the intercom, "Please make your final purchases, and Happy Holidays."
Elias frantically looked about the store's displays in desperate search of something he could picture Cecelia wearing.
"Sir?" Called one of the store clerks, "It's closing time, make a purchase or go home."
"In a moment!"
In his frivolous struggle, Elias noticed something.
"Ah!" He declared, "Perfect!"
That night...Christmas Eve.
"Hey," Said Ichika, "Has anyone seen Elias?"
Everyone he asked answered with "No."
Cecelia began to look anxious.
After a bit of time, she eventually decided on a gift for Elias, but she was quite uncertain that she had gotten a gift he wanted. Elias didn't make any public wish-lists, and so Cecelia simply had no idea of what Elias's tastes were.
She could only have hope that she'd gotten the right gift on the off-chance.
Currently, everyone was exchanging gifts to others.
But Elias was nowhere to be seen.
That is, until...
Elias burst through the doors, bags in his hands, and out of breath.
"Elias?!" Cried Cecelia, her heart skipping a beat.
"Hey, there he is!" Said Thomas.
"Holy cow! You look spent!"
"I..." Elias gasped, "I'm quite alright, thank you."
Elias stood up and brushed himself.
"Good thing I wrapped them before I came..." He thought to himself.
"Oh my!" Cried Cecelia, "You're drenched in sweat, even though it's chilly outside! You must have a fever!"
"I assure you, milady," Affirmed Elias, "I'm quite fine."
Cecelia sighed.
"Merry Christmas, Elias." She smiled.
"Oh! On that note," Said Elias, "May I...Talk to you in private?"
"Eh?!" Cecelia blushed.
What would Elias do to her while they were alone?
"O...Of course."
Elias ushered Cecelia to a quiet area where no-one was in sight.
"I..." Elias breathed, "Merry Christmas."
"M-Merry Christmas to you too."
"Well...Um...I...I have a gift for you." Elias stammered.
"Y-You do?! Really?! Oh-I mean...Thank you. I...I have one as well."
"You mean it?! I-um...Thanks."
The pair blushed feverishly, the atmosphere around them completely awkward.
Elias jolted, and shut his eyes as he held out a gift box for Cecelia.
"This is for you!"
Cecelia took the gift box, ready to die of nerves at any moment.
She shut her eyes, and threw open the lid.
What had Elias gotten for her? Would her gift be able to compare?
She didn't want to know, but at the same time...
...Curiosity killed the cat.
Cecelia opened one eye, and looked inside.
What she found was a rather lovely-looking teddy bear...
...And a necklace.
Cecelia's previous anxiety had shrank away as she pulled out the items. Elias opened one eye to see what Cecelia's reaction would be. Did he get the right gift? Was it something she liked?
Cecelia's blush went from deep red to light pink.
The teddy bear was easy for her to understand. It was as big as her torso, soft, fluffy, and quite warm. But Elias's other gift was another story. Also inside the gift box was none other than a necklace.
Cecelia set down the teddy bear and gift box to study the necklace.
It was a rather simple necklace, but at the center was a sapphire, shaped like a tear.
A Blue Tear.
Cecelia couldn't help but smile.
"It's beautiful."
Elias's eyes shot open.
"Really?! You mean it?!"
"I do." Cecelia said, putting the necklace around her neck.
"Milady, I am so glad that you-"
"Please, stop."
"Come again?"
"Stop that. Calling me 'lady.' It feels as though you're holding yourself lower then me. As much as it's an affectionate name, I do understand that, I feel like you're demeaning yourself so badly. I know it'll take time to adjust, but..."
She looked him in the eyes.
"...Would you be okay with simply calling me 'Cecelia?'"
Elias was at a loss for words.
He was at a loss for everything.
"Oh! That's right!" Said Cecelia, "I have a present for you, too! Merry Christmas!"
Cecelia handed Elias a gift box.
The girl's breathing picked up a little.
Would her gift be able to compare?
Elias opened the box...
...To find a lovely scarf inside.
Elias 's face lit up as he pulled out the scarf.
It was simple white scarf, but quite long and very soft and warm.
"I..."
Cecelia held her breath.
"I love it."
Cecelia's heart skipped a beat yet again as she heard Elias say it.
Elias wrapped the scarf around his neck, and caressed to soft, pillow-like fabric.
"I thought it would look wonderful on you," Admitted Cecelia, "And looking at you really wearing it, I see that I was right."
The pair sat in silence, taking the time to grow accustomed to their gifts. Something had come over the two, as they came together for a loving, tender embrace. Elias could feel the necklace around Cecelia, and Cecelia rubbed her cheek against Elias's scarf.
Suddenly, they heard the click of a camera.
They whipped around to find Thomas and Ichika with puffed cheeks and a phone aimed right at them. Thomas held the phone and was tapping away, taking photos of the couple for whatever purpose.
Both boys were ready to burst out with laughter.
"This..." Said Thomas, "This is beautiful."
"Now kiss!" Said Ichika.
"I-Ichika!" Cried Cecelia, "That's not appropriate!"
"Delete that! I beg you!"
Elias let go of Cecelia and began to chase after Thomas.
"Delete it!"
"NEVER! This is going into history!" Thomas laughed like a madman.
Ichika ran after the two, leaving Cecelia to herself.
She sighed.
She picked up the teddy bear once more, and hugged it tightly.
It was quite lovely indeed.
This Elias...The one who'd think of her, who was so tender and kind, to everyone. The boyish young man who acted his age, and was confident enough to see himself as worthy of Cecelia's affections.
That...That was the Elias she fell in love with.
A/N: Done! This one is monumentally late, but I feel very disappointed in myself for being so late. But yet again, this is one of those "balance Thomas out due to how much I keep focusing on him" chapters.
Plus, it was the perfect time to deepen Cecelia and Elias's relationship.
Even though it's too late to say it,
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to you all, wherever you are in the world.
Things have gotten serious, dark, and it's always nice to be allowed to make a chapter with a happy ending, rather than a bittersweet one. Ichika, Thomas, and Elias's journey, despite having come so far already, is far from over.
Friends will be made, and heroes will be forged.
Happy Holidays, dear reader.
Next Time: Look both ways
It's New Year's Eve! Everyone's preparing to count down the end of the current year, and the start of the next! But the boys are stuck trying to find some way to commemorate their union.
And so, they look back, in order to face forward.
Leave a review, they're much appreciated and show that you care!