Ryo awoke the next morning to the sun shining into his room and to a warm body curled snugly, as if it were made to fit, against his side. Outside, the church bells were ringing, calling patrons for the Christmas Day services. A quick glance at his partner told him the younger man continued to sleep soundly and with a smile on his face, no less. Ryo reached over and brushed away a few strands of dark hair.
Last night had been one of the best Christmas Eves Ryo ever experienced. He had felt his heart mending in ways he never thought possible, and, though he knew no one could ever replace his parents or the family he had created with Dee, Ryo understood he belonged with Shuichi and the crazy, unusual family that came with the singer. He smiled as he gazed at Shuichi, enjoying the tranquility of the moment.
In a couple of hours, the peacefulness he was experiencing would be shattered by the arrival of Shuichi's friends and colleagues and Carol. It would be very similar to Christmases of the past, the ones he shared with Dee and Bikky and Carol. The memories of those holidays were enough to bring another smile to Ryo's face, and he kissed Shuichi lightly on his forehead, knowing the singer would be experiencing similar emotions as Ryo.
However, he could not allow the past to keep him from enjoying the day and the life revealing itself before him. New memories awaited him and Shuichi, and they would begin with Christmas.
"Merry Christmas, Ryo."
"Merry Christmas," Ryo murmured, nuzzling Shuichi as the singer slept. "And a happy new year . . ."
* * *
Eiri brought a cigarette to his lips, his eyes on the window with Ryo and Shuichi. He really did not want the vocalist to move on and forget him, something Time was bound to see done.
"He won't forget you," a male voice said. "How could he? You're an ass."
The blond turned his gaze to his partner, a dark-haired man with bright green eyes. He, too, held a lit cigarette.
"And you're not one yourself?" Eiri shot back. "I remember what you said about your chase, Dee Laytner."
"Touché," the man said, chuckling. He walked over to Eiri, and both men focused on the window once more.
"They won't forget us," Dee said, his tone full of conviction. "They can't. We were too important to them. You don't forget those who are important to you. That person lives on, in memories and in the hearts of those who loved him. As much as we may not have deserved their love, Ryo and Shuichi . . . they won't forget us. They love us. Even now. And we'll always be there to watch over them. No matter what."
"Hnnn."
Dee clasped his shoulder and smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Eiri."
"Yeah," Eiri murmured. "Merry Christmas to you, too, Dee. Merry Christmas to you, too."
