This chapter is dedicated to Xevin as a really belated birthday present. xD
The Beauty of Silence — Chapter 19
Joy to the world…Silent night, holy night, all is calm…
Tao Ren slammed the door on his way out of the shop. As if it isn't bad enough doing Christmas shopping… As with the onset of the festive season each year, every shop, and he meant it literally, seemed to be playing Christmas carols, something he had absolutely no love for. If it had been like the last few years, he would have just volunteered to treat the whole gang to a Christmas dinner as a Christmas gift to them all. That was relatively easy to arrange, and did not involve pushing his way through the mad crowd of people attempting to do last minute shopping. The thing was, he loathed to do last minute preparations for anything at all, and the only reason he was stuck in this predicament was because he had entirely no idea of what to buy for those he had written the names of down in his Christmas shopping list. And the list had seemed so short too…
Glancing down on his short list even though he already had it memorized, Ren gave a frustrated snarl. Tao Jun had not been very helpful when he just asked her directly what she wanted, telling him simply that it is actually an easy task shopping for a girl, as well as hinting that he should get something special for Horohoro. As if I didn't know that. Brushing past yet another stranger, his eyes fell upon a battered signboard in front of a cafe. That particular eatery was not very popular, and Ren didn't know if that was entirely the fault of the food quality, for it was located in a pretty forgettable area, tucked between two abandoned shops, and looking like one too. He could not quite place a finger on what had prompted him to enter the shop then, but when he did, he suddenly knew of the perfect gift for Horohoro…
Horohoro struggled with all the packages that Pilica had handed him, earning him a sympathetic look from Kororo. So that's how Yoh feels when he totes the grocery bags to and fro for Anna. Looking around casually, he wondered what sort of presents would make someone like his team leader happy. What can you get someone who has nearly everything? He knew the cost of the gift wouldn't matter; after all, it is the thought that counts. While Pilica was busy haggling with a shopkeeper, Horohoro racked his brains for ideas. Would a handmade gift be the perfect choice? But I'm not gifted in art! He knew, like everyone else, that beneath Ren's impassive exterior was a boy who valued relationships, and though the Chinese shaman would never ever admit it, one who would treasure little homemade gifts. The mental image of Tao Ren cuddling a plush toy made by a loved one nearly made Horohoro laugh out loud; but even as he thought of it, a new plan was forming in his mind.
It was truly going to be a white Christmas. From the window, one could see snowflakes drifting gently down from the skies endlessly, even as the appetising aroma of a proper Christmas dinner came wafting out of Tamao's kitchen, causing Horohoro to lick his lips in anticipation. The logs were all blazing in the fireplace, warming everyone who just came in out of the cold. Looks like Anna's attempts to prefect the atmosphere for a traditional Christmas paid off. Though I suspect it was just so she can better promote her Christmas package for the inn. As said Shaman Queen turned, as if by instinct, to look at him, Horohoro tried to look innocent as innocent as he could. Secretly, he was slightly disappointed that Ren, once again, had paid for the dinner as a Christmas gift to the gang. I thought this year would be different. He had heard Ren going out the other day, and saw him coming back with a few packages of his own. Jeez, I was actually hoping that he would get me a present! Maybe I should give him more time; after all, Christmas shopping is probably new to Ren…
As usual, Tamao had outdone herself, loading the table with all kinds of delicious seasonal treats. A hazelnut chocolate log cake, lots of assorted cookies, a stuffed turkey and a gingerbread house were among some of the food that she had prepared, but even such tasty and traditional food could not seem to bring out the Christmas spirit, or lack thereof, in him. Ren sighed, placing his fork down on the napkin next to his plate, concluding his dinner with a sip of soda from his glass. Getting up, he excused himself from the dining room before entering his room as usual. It would be another ten hours or so before Christmas morning would arrive, so he still have time to 'practise' gift giving. Unlike the time with Horohoro's birthday present, Ren actually wanted to give the Ainu his Christmas gift personally, not just leave it lying around somewhere waiting for it to be opened. Easier said than done. Bason is of no help at all in this respect. He didn't want to let the others think that he was softening up, and he still didn't like Christmas. The holiday just didn't hold any special meaning for him. His family didn't celebrate it, he isn't used to nor adore a traditional English meal, he doesn't like buying presents, and the list was endless. It was just yet another meaningless day to him, and it would probably remain like that for the years to come.
Horohoro did his best to remain silent as he crept towards an unused storeroom. Having just finished washing the dishes for Anna, he wanted to disappear before she could slap him with another chore. It was hard, if not impossible for him to tell how much noise he was actually making, and he didn't want the rest of the gang to know where he was. It would be more than awkward if someone, say Chocolove, were to stumble upon what he was doing. It was meant to be a surprise, and Ren was the first person that he planned on revealing the surprise to. He couldn't wait for tomorrow.
Drawing his fingers across the frosted pane of his window, Hao Asakura stared dully out at the snowy scenery before him. He had stopped intruding on purpose upon the minds of the other shamans, since there was no reason to do so. It probably doesn't contribute any to trust. After all, the Shaman tournament was over ages ago, and wouldn't come for another 500 years. No point wasting this life, if it was actually possible for me to live out a normal life. Everyone was downstairs eating, giving Hao time to think through all the recent events in peace and quiet. He knew about the letter, from the last time he accidentally eavesdropped on the Ainu shaman's thoughts. If Horohoro was to respond to the letter, the time he had left to come up with an apology would be short, and that was assuming the Ainu even bothered to listen to him. Till then, I guess I would have to figure out the best plan of action…
Author's notes: I have no idea how many people can actually recall this fanfict, and I guess the fault lies with me. I really procrastinate too much, and sincerely apologise to anyone anticipating this chapter. It is probably not up to standarad, but I'll try to make up for it in the next chapter. I will post it before Christmas, to get into the seasonal mood and all. It will be presents time in the next chapter, and till then, do leave a review. Thank you!
Further note to everyone who has read my second sk fict, Remember Me Not:
The fict will be on hold till I've completed this story, sorry to everyone who has been waiting for the next chapter of RMN. I promise I will get around to finishing it eventually. xD