Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King.

Freefaller: Oh, that was a coincidence. I didn't notice the date when I posted. And you're welcomed. XD

Elemental-Zero: I hope that you've received good news from the doctor. And even though I'm not a fan of carols, I'm glad they can be part of your dearest memories. Oh, as for the temple, it's a Chinese one. Taoism, to be specific. Lolx

Netami: Here's the update. Finally. XP

MeeLee: Wow, what can be more rewarding than praise from a good author? Hehe, thank you.

Lugga: I dope you'll not be disappointed by this chapter. I'm trying to make it fluff to the best of my abilities, but the results don't look so promising.

EternalSkies:1 Dec? No kidding? I'm really amazed. That's my birthday. And I'm not kidding, my friend can testify for me. While I'm being sunned to death in my sunny tropical homeland, you're freezing? That's pretty ironic. So I guess you're from some northern country? I'm still surprised that one of my readers actually shared the same birthday as me… Wow…

The Beauty of Silence — Chapter 17

The curtains fluttered lightly as Hao Asakura gazed hard out of his window. He could have helped the shamans get rid of the snow in an instant with a snap of his fingers, but too bad, they didn't ask. He had to give credit to Horohoro though. That Ainu actually had the guts to spill out his feelings towards Ren, the hard-hearted Chinese that Hao himself had wanted to invite into his army of fearsome fighters. I wonder how Ren will react if he finds out the truth behind Horohoro's motor accident. It was no coincidence that a car would just lose control and ram all the way up onto the pedestrian pathway. It was planned. By him, in fact. It was meant to kill Yoh, but his incompetent subordinate had mistaken that Ainu for his brother instead. Amazing how some people are so dim-witted that they can't tell blue from auburn hair. The driver was meant to kill the first shaman he saw walking along that pavement, for Hao knew that it was part of Yoh's track for his jogging sessions planned by Anna, and he knew that his brother would not be able to resist admiring the sunset. It was just unfortunate that some other shaman went along that way instead first. If Ren ever finds out… Hao couldn't anticipate what would happen; Ren was a truly unpredictable guy at times.

Now that the pyromaniac had decided to change for the good, Hao thought he had better make amends to the Ainu, much as he hated the thought of apologizing to anyone. Perhaps the best thing he could do would be to admit to the couple the mistake, and hope for the best, which was the two of them forgave him and strengthen the bond between them, though how it could work out he didn't know; or prepare for the worst, which would be a shaman fight. He could handle that, he supposed.

The much-anticipated day by a certain couple arrived, and it wasn't long after the date commenced that Ren began to question the Ainu's choice. Strange as it seemed, Horohoro had chosen to bring Ren to a rock concert. They had agreed upon the rule that each of them was to prepare half of the date, and it would be kept a surprise till the moment is right. The loud and deafening metal music boomed unrelentingly against his eardrums, and Ren had almost wished that he possess a pair of earmuffs at the moment to save his hearing from becoming damaged. Turning around, Ren attempted to scowl at the Ainu beside him, and discovered, to an even greater degree of surprise, that the ice shaman was enjoying the performance, bobbing his head in sync with the rhythm. Can he even hear the music? What's the point of attending a rock concert if you can't hear?

"I can tell the rhythm from the vibrations. I'm amazed the great Tao Ren hadn't figured it out yet. Guess you aren't a know-it-all after all," As if reading Ren's thoughts, or perhaps Horohoro had noticed the Chinese looking at him, the Ainu had replied in a teasing tone, though he had to shout it out rather loudly for Ren to be able to hear him through the din. Metal music really, really isn't my type. It's even affecting my thinking prowess. Closing his eyes momentarily to calm himself down despite being jostled about by the half-dancing, half-listening crowd, Ren had just came up with an almost perfect comeback before he noticed that Horohoro was once again absorbed in the noise that was classified as music. Guess this is going to be a long day…

Horohoro gazed skeptically at the place that Ren had just brought him into. A gym? Sweating people could be seen 'combating' with machines that they know they'll never win, and he almost laughed at that If he could hear, he'd have heard the grunts of men and women alike as they lifted and lowered the dumbbells, the panting and wheezing of those on the treadmill, as well as the groans of people currently wrestling with the weight machines. This is Ren's idea of a date? Horohoro could see the Chinese mouthing words slowly at him. Up for a challenge? The question was directed at mocking him, he knew that at least, and seeing Ren's triumph grin as he accepted the unknown challenge, the Ainu realized he was in for a grueling session. Time to train… again.

Halfway into the 'challenge', Horohoro understood that there was no way he could ever defeat the human dynamo. They had started with the treadmill, which was a relatively simple task for both of them, before moving on to the cycling bikes, the dumbbells, weights, used the workout benches to its full use, did exercise with the elliptical trainers etc. Ren was, in Horohoro's opinion, determined to experiment with every single piece of equipment and exhaust him. He had to admit he weren't used to all this machinery, the Ainus back home don't rely on such inventions to keep fit; they had other ways, such as climbing a mountain to gather herbs instead. On the other hand, Ren seemed at home in such a torture chamber, moving purposefully towards yet another fitness equipment the moment he was done with the one they were currently using. It was as if he enjoyed working out. No wonder he loves training sessions so much. Gritting his teeth, either as a sign of renewed determination or annoyance he did not know himself, Horohoro made his way to follow Ren into the next room, where workout mattresses were waiting for them.

Dinnertime

Eyeing Horohoro's eating habits in distaste, Ren picked up the pair of chopsticks and prepared to eat his meal, which was, not surprisingly, Chinese. In the time it took for him to chew on his piece of roasted pork ribs, the Ainu had devoured a bowl of rice and a plate of steamed chicken, and had started tucking into his second helping of everything on the table. Ren had offered to pay for this meal, in exchange for Horohoro to agree with the choice of food quietly, and the ice shaman had agreed. What's next after dinner?

Eating is one of the greatest joys in one's life. If you're Horohoro, that is. While he was gobbling all the food down at record speed, he couldn't help but wonder if this date could be even be rated as satisfying. Truth to be told, Horohoro didn't chose to bring Ren to a live band concert just to spite him, he merely wanted the Chinese to understand that despite his hearing problems, he could still enjoy music, and in one way remain normal. He wondered why Ren would choose to bring him to a gym. To whet my already big appetite? Unlikely. While he tried to guess what Ren had in store for them after dinner, he started on his third serving, and both of them hadn't realize that no one was in charge of the activities after dinner.

Author's notes: I'm sort of appalled at the standard of this chapter, and would like to sincerely apologize for these less than satisfying paragraphs. Dates and romance really isn't my cup of tea, as I supposed I've already mentioned forehand. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the Hao part isn't random; it was planned right from the start, cause I really can't don't want to write as if this was a script for a drama show, where everything seems to happen to the main characters without a reason. Apologies to anyone who don't see the point in that part. I'll update my other story within a few days of this, I guess, and do remember to review this one. XD

-Happy holidays! Merry Xmas (though it's a bit late) and Happy New Year!