The first few days were torture.
Reiko and Larten were nowhere to be found; and Kuri couldn't make it outside without major pain. After a while, the headaches calmed, and she got used to it.
She figured Darren was having the same sensory problems, but he calmed down around the same time she did, and soon they were out and about in town, enjoying the snow and exploring.
Darren taught Kuri about video games, which Grams hadn't had patience for in the shrine, and she taught him her love of reading, writing, art, and music.
"You're really talented." Darren said without thinking one day. "Maybe you'll be famous one day—"
He stopped when he saw her face.
"Vampyres can get famous." Kuri commented. "But I'm bound to the clan, which...sort of takes that away."
She sighed. "Don't worry about it. I don't have any taste for fame anyhow. Have you seen much of Larten and Reiko?"
"Hm...no..." Darren admitted. "Should we be worried?"
"No." Kuri said confidently. "Reiko can handle Larten."
Darren reached out and saved the game, then turned it off, looking at her.
"I was...thinking." Darren began.
Kuri tilted her head. It had to be important if Darren was getting serious.
"Christmas is coming." Darren hinted again.
Kuri rolled her eyes. "I'm Japanese, Darren. It's...sort of different."
Darren looked at her. "I know. I read about it. It's...a day for lovers, right? And you share Christmas Cake with that special person? Well...you and I could...?"
"You mean it?" Kuri said, impressed he had gone to such lengths to impress her; getting informed on her culture.
"Let's do it!" Kuri moved to kiss him on the cheek, but Darren cleverly moved his head, catching her lips.
The two held the kiss for what seemed like forever, and then broke free, breathing hard, holding each other.