Hello guys! So I'm back with a new chapter! I know, total shocker, right? Hmm...So last time we had a new character and a friggin' huge plot advancement, not to mention Anna being put in her place. Ah, how I loved writing that piece. Didn't you guys love Cloud? I think I'll add a few more OC's later on in the story as well... Anyways, Frozen Galaxy, about the Mihael/Michael thing, I generally watched and liked the Japanese subtitle version better than the dubbed and it actually finished all the way through so yeah. Don't get me wrong, I like the dubbed version, but not as much as. I hope you don't mind too much.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my plot and OC.
Onto the chapter!
Yuki's POV
"So that's what happened?" Kamishiro Rio asked, raking a hand through her tangle of vivid blue and purple hair.
I nodded. What else did she want me to say? I mean we weren't exactly the type of people to gossip about others or fall into fits of giggles over boys- wait, no, maybe that one time, but that was it.
Rio paused, putting a manicured nail to her chin before speaking again, "So, uh, is that brother of yours taken?" smirking at my surprised look.
I threw her a look. She laughed at my expression and waved it off. "But what I'm wondering is that guy you were telling me about. Think you've kept me in the dark enough now, hmm?" Rio mused, a sly smile painted her pretty features.
Sometimes I really hated Rio, to the point where I was green with envy. Rio was always colorful to say the least. She had pink eyes that complimented her heart shaped face and her blue and purple hair that was always messy but was styled in such a nice way that you couldn't think badly of it.
"I guess." I wrote back to Rio. We were falling back to our old routines again whenever we had time to spare, Rio would Skype me and I would use my sketchpad to reply or I would type out my responses. She encouraged me whenever I needed and I would listen to her rant whenever she needed.
"His name's IV- I mean Thomas…" I wrote with a bit of a grimace. I still wasn't used his name yet.
"Damn," Rio replied with a smirk. "You know IV too? What a small world."
"Well, how do you know him them, huh? And you make it sound like you already knew were gonna meet at one point."
"Oh yeah, him, Mihael, Sharky, and I used to go to the same school at one point. You know how I told you how I was caught in a fire and I had to stay in the hospital for a while?" I nodded. That was the first time Rio and I met. We were roommates in our small little white walled hospital room for several months until we were discharged almost at the same time. I met Shark Attack during that time too. "Sharky wasn't home that day and one of the outlets pretty much exploded and it spread pretty quick. That's how I got my burns and IV got his scar. Shark is still extremely pissed off with Thomas for getting me hurt." Rio continued explaining.
That made a lot of sense; Shark was always an over protective brother, much like my own.
"So that's it?"
"Yep. That's it."
"Huh. I was expecting more Kamishiro."
"Hey, my life isn't always rainbows and sunshines Shiragane!"
I rolled my eyes, "Yeah I know."
"Well, anyways if you see him tell him I said, 'hi'."
"Kay." I wrote back.
"You're awfully quiet today. Anything wrong?"
"Nope. Not a problem in the world." I replied with a smile.
"Tell meee~"
"Rio, I'm always quiet. I'm mute for God's sake." My eye twitched. "Why are you so damn perky today, anyways?."
"Ah crass as always Yuki." Rio winked at me. "I'm just in a good mood as all."
"If you say so, Ms. Rainbows and Sunshine." I retorted
"You sure though? You can can tell me if you want." She trailed off with a worried tone.
"I'm not sure about anything anymore, really. Nothing seems to be making any sense and I just- Ahh forget what I said it's nothing!" I broke off hurriedly and plastered another fake smile onto my face. "Hey, didn't you say you had to do something earlier? Best get to it Ice Queen, it's getting pretty late." I wrote as I gestured to the approaching night sky outside my window.
Rio narrowed her eyes, promising later retribution. "I do have something I need to finish but this conversation isn't over little miss Demon Princess! You better be sure, I'm gonna get it out of you sooner rather than later, got it?"
I rolled eyes, but I nodded nonetheless. I'd be an idiot to mess with Rio when she's like this.
"Alrighty then," Rio sighed, pressing a hand to her temple. "Just make sure you take care of yourself, I don't want you getting hurt again...Oh and don't forget to say hi to dumbass and your brother and Hana-chan for me."
My lips formed into a thin line as I mock saluted her and quickly turned off my webcam and logged off of my Skype account.
I stifled a groan as I walked over to my bed and promptly threw myself on the mass of fluffy pillows. 'I just feel like not waking up anymore.' I thought to myself bitterly. I wanted so very much to shut myself out from the world and never come out. I didn't want anyone to see me like this.
Weak and fragile: so easily broken with a simple word or touch.
"Yuki-nee, it's dinner time." Hana came into my room. "Ah, look Mr. Penguin, a dead body!" My little sister poked at my stomach with her beloved Mr. Penguin. I really regretted winning her that stupid blue sailor suited penguin at the fair. I rolled my eyes, curse her and her too adorable puppy eyes.
"I'm not dead dummy, not yet at least." I got up and yawned into my hand. "Anyways, I'm not hungry go eat with Cloud."
"But Yuki-nee, Cloud-nii fell asleep on the couch and the only thing to eat is ice cream." Hana spoke with a carefree tone. She probably was gonna steal all my ice cream if I didn't give her food. "Oh and anyways, some stupid boy called asked you to meet him in the park for crepes and stuffs. He said his name was IV or something and said he messaged you on your phone but you never replied." Hana said. Ah so that was why my phone kept ringing while I was talking to Rio.
'To go or not to go...' I debated inside my head. I mean on one hand, I could probably get free food off of IV, but then I would have to brave the friggin cold of Japanese winters and freeze my ass off for the duration of our meeting until one of us would have to leave. I looked at Hanako whose stomach decided to growl at the same time as I was debating this.
I blinked. Well, I guess we're getting food for the both of us now. "Hey come on, you're coming with me." I signed as I threw her one of my jackets and put on my own coat and boots.
"Do I have to? It's cold outside." Hana complained, looking precariously outside the window.
"Only if you don't want food." I smirked, slipping my phone and wallet into my coat pocket and slinging my pack over my shoulder. My baby sister didn't say another word as she quickly ran down to put on her shoes and I soon followed. We opened the door to the freezing cold, leaving our brother without a single word, but with the quiet warmth of our house.
I shoved my hands into my coat pockets while Hana clung to my elbow, the both of us shivering at the cold even with our warm winter coats. Halfway through our detour to the park, I decided IV had better have had a really good reason for texting me and telling me to meet him in a friggin park at 8 in the night just for crepes. I hated the cold more than I loved sweets.
"Hey." IV called out as we approached him sitting at a nearby bench. "I almost thought you weren't gonna show."
"Fuck off," I wrote impatiently as I took out my sketchpad. "Who even has crepes at this time of night?" I glared at him.
IV rolled his eyes at me, "Apparently, you." he replied effortlessly. "Is that your little sister?"
I sighed but nodded. I nudged Hana to introduce herself but she wasn't having it as she stayed behind me. I gave her a stern look and she complied grudgingly.
"Hanako Shiragane. It is not a pleasure." my sister mumbled, glaring at the floor. My mouth tipped up a bit at my sister's usual perkiness to new people.
"Huh, I like her." IV laughed. "You can call me IV."
"So uh, our crepes?" I tapped my sketchpad to get his attention. I really needed food.
"Oh yeah," IV answered. "I'll get them right now." He started walking to the crepe truck that always stayed near the park. I was slightly amazed by the fact that it was still open at this time of night, even though it really wasn't that late. While he was getting our crepes I realized he didn't really know what kind of crepes my sister and I even wanted, but I didn't really care. Food was food and you couldn't go wrong with crepes.
IV came back with three crepes that all looked amazing and practically drool worthy. The crepes were cone shaped and had lots of ice cream and fruit topping on the inside. The ice cream was made to look like certain animals like bunnies and dogs and cats.
We walked over to one of the park benches that were made out of stone and had little circular lights on the ground. Hana was the first to take her crepe, but not before popping a few of the strawberries into her mouth. IV handed me my own crepe filled with vanilla ice cream decorated like a bunny and caramel sauce with peaches and mangoes.
"So, why did you want to bring me out for crepes again?" I wrote on my sketchpad. I had a hard time writing with basically one hand as I was busy eating my crepe while I questioned him.
"Are you busy on Christmas?" IV asked taking a bite out of his own crepe with vanilla ice cream decorated as a dog.
"Yes." I wrote placidly forking some of the fruit from my crepe. I was lying through my teeth and he probably knew. Holidays were just another reason for my stepfather to get drunk and beat me, though hardly think he'll be around with Cloud back.
"No we aren't, Yuki-nee." Hana interjected innocently still finishing off her strawberries.
I blinked. What was Hana doing? She hated strangers, particularly males, and IV probably wasn't an exception especially how her introduction with him went. And besides, Hana always had a sister complex with me and hardly ever handed me over on a silver platter to people. I mentally groaned, Hana could get so confusing sometimes.
"Really now? Then I suppose we'll be seeing you for Christmas and New Year's then." IV remarked with a final tone.
"Wait, wait, wait. I never agreed to any of this!"
He smirked, "No one cares, besides your sister has already agreed."
"I still hate you." my sister said blankly, not missing a beat.
"Right..." IV coughed awkwardly into his hand before continuing. "Anyways, I need to know what you guys like so I can get you guys stuff."
My sister and I shared a look. We had long finished our crepes and this conversation was not going where I had originally wanted it to. It was times like these where I wanted to actually state my opinion without having a filter.
"You hardly know us." Hana stated bluntly, her eyes wide with shock. It was rare for her to get presents with my meager earnings and even with the money Cloud sent us every month. Hell, it was just rare in general for us to get anything.
IV sighed as though it was something simple, but smiled after a minute. "True, but I think you guys seem like the type who deserve lots of presents from what I can tell."
My throat felt tight and it was a bit hard to breath once he said those words. It had been a very long time since anyone went out of their way to give both my sister and I something. At this point I made up my mind and I wrote slowly, "Hana likes Rilakumma plushies and penguins. You already sorta know what I like and I don't mind what you get me."
"Alright. I can deal with that. You know what to get the others right?" IV asked.
"Yeah, I guess." I had spent enough time at the Arclight's these past months that I had a decent idea of what they liked and didn't. "But don't anything over the top...You pretty much just told me to go shop for like, five people in the short span of three days until Christmas."
He chuckled, "Of course."
"Can our big brother come?" Hana commented. I had almost forgotten about Cloud until Hana brought him up.
"Yeah."
We dissolved into mindless conversation after this. It was unimportant but at the same time important filling the cold night sky with something warm as small secrets that weren't really secrets were shared. We were laughing and it seemed different. Not so black and white. It was nice.
"Oh." I wrote as I snapped my fingers, remembering something from earlier.
"Yeah?"
"Rio says hi."
"Rio as in Kamishiro Rio?" IV spluttered.
"Yep."
"Huh. Hmm... Well I guess out of anyone, you'd be the one to know Rio."
"Were you close?" I wrote. They seemed close from what Rio had told me.
"Yeah, yeah we were." He responded softly. He raked a hand through his blonde and purple hair before speaking again, "But not like that."
"I see. Did you want to be?"
IV laughed, "With Rio? Ha! Nah, she's not my type."
I hummed in response. I kinda wanted to ask what was his type, but it seemed a bit weird even though we've known each other for a while.
"Why do you ask? Jealous?" IV said with his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Nah, who would wanna date you anyways?" I responded nonchalantly while rolling my eyes.
He seemed a bit dejected at my response though I had no idea why. It was a simple answer so I didn't understand why it made him upset.
He coughed before answering. "I'll probably call her or something. Anyways," he began as he got up from the bench and stretched, "it is getting late. I should probably walk you guys home as it is the gentlemanly thing to do and well, father would kill me if I didn't."
"And people say chivalry is dead." I rolled my eyes. "But I can take care of myself and my sister perfectly fine, thanks for the offer though."
IV seemed to ponder my answer before giving me his reply. "Far enough where you won't get mugged and or raped, but close enough where you're comfortable?" He suggested.
I shrugged. That was fine. I just didn't want him to find out where we lived, it could have ended up badly if my stepfather found out about IV.
IV walked us a couple blocks to our house before stopping a block away from where we actually lived. It had gotten much more dark out than it had before as expected, but we did stay out longer than I had anticipated. We said our goodnights and respective see you laters before leaving to our respective homes and houses.
Three days went by rather grudgingly slow and my small family ended up on the porch of the Arclight home at 6 P.M. sharp, carrying loads of gifts and a few dinner delights for later. I didn't even have time to ring the doorbell before Chris swung open the door and ushered us into their warm home.
"Good evening, Yuki-chan." Chris smiled happily at me. "I'm happy you and your family could make it tonight."
I smiled in return and dropped the presents under the tree before greeting the other occupants of the Arclight home in the kitchen. My sister found herself playing with their dog, Alexander whilst Cloud chatted with Chris.
"Hey, Chris. Been awhile." my brother said amicably, shaking Chris's hand.
"Cloud! I didn't know you were Yuki's older brother."
My brother laughed, "Well, I didn't know you knew my little sister."
"She's a charmer, I can tell you that much." Chris chuckled as they moved their talk to the foyer near the warm fire place.
I was helping Mihael and their father with some last minute dinner preparations. I sighed. It was long time since I had a family dinner. The night was filled with bright laughter and smiles.
"Nice dress." IV suddenly walked into the room, taking an apple from the fruit bowl and taking a bite.
I blushed in embarrassment. I hardly wore dresses unless I had to. My brother and little sister somehow persuaded me to put on a dress for the occasion. It wasn't anything special: just a simple red dress with white fluff at the skirt and neckline of the dress paired with an old pair of old red flats I found in my closet. I let my usual straightened hair cascade in waves down my back.
"Father, is dinner almost ready yet? I want open the presents already." IV whined childishly.
"Not yet. The presents will still be there after dinner Thomas, no need to rush." Byron-san scolded IV causing him to grumble in annoyance.
At this, the idiot turned to me and smirked. I swear to god, I saw the devil's reincarnation in his eyes as he dragged me up the stairs and into a room. When he did this, I really wanted to scream bloody murder or rape, whatever came first. But then, he turned on the lights and tossed me a controller.
"Um what?" I wrote as I scrambled to comprehend what exactly gone down these past few minutes. Like what the hell? One does not simply drag another person up stairs and into an empty room. I just didn't understand what went inside his mind sometimes.
"We," the idiot gestered to each of us, "are gonna play some Mario Kart 'til the food is ready." IV said in a matter of fact tone. I shook my head but sat down anyways, my eyes burning with determination.
His smirk grew wider as he took in my expression and before long we spent an entire hour playing Mario Kart 8 and just laughing when we hit each other with red and blue shells or when we failed at drifting and fell of the ledge, especially when we were on Rainbow Road.
"I win again." I wrote happily. I practically dominated him at this game. This was like my fifth win in a row out of like our 8 tries.
IV rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "I think we should probably go down. Food's probably done by now."
I shrugged. Probably. After that win streak, I was pretty hungry and so was IV as I could tell. We decided to have a race for no apparent reason, as I found myself sliding down the banister while IV was practically taking five steps at a time to get to the food. In the end, I couldn't get enough motion to actually slide so, IV ended up winning this time.
"Ha! Take that Shiragane!" IV cheered as he paraded into the dining hall. I rolled my eyes, but calmly followed after him.
As he predicted, not only was the food finished, but the table was set and all the food was laid out as well. There was an entire ham, some roasted turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, boiled custard and persimmon pudding, pumpkin and sweet potato pie, and some apple cider all laid out around the table. Byron-san called us all into the dining room and sat us all down. We toasted to a brilliant Christmas dinner and for a many more days of happiness. I can't say I remembered my last Christmas toast as I was pretty young, but I suppose it went along those lines. Chris and Mihael complimented how good the boiled custard and persimmon pudding and how they could have practically eat forever if they could, earning a few chuckles across the table. I blushed at their praise and insisted that their home cooked meals were much better than my meager desserts. They laughed at my modestness and continued spread the Christmas joy during dinner.
After a very long, and delicious meal we were finally able to open the presents, much to IV's obvious delight, even Hana was excited which made me extremely happy for being able to come. It was rare to see her so happy; I wished she could stay like this forever. We gathered around the tree and we decided that Hana should go first as she was the youngest and a guest.
She got three rather big boxes of presents and a smaller rectangular one, probably from my brother , which she tore through in her excitement. When she opened all three of her presents, she sqealed in delight, clapping her hands together and jumping up and down. Her presents weren't so amazing, but she seemed to love them. Hana got a Rilakkuma in a penguin suit and a Rilakkuma space backpack in one box, a huge stuffed Korilakuma in another, and finally some fluffy Rilakkuma slippers with some Rilakkuma sandwich cutters in the last big box box. In the smaller box, was a pink metal tumbler with all the Rilakkuma characters etched on it. It an eight year old's drekam come true. Hana was so happy she hugged all the Arclights, including IV, and gave Cloud a big hug.
Mihael and I opened our presents next at the same time. We each had five boxes between the both of us. Since he let Hana go first, I let him open his presents first. His presents consisted an Aztec mask, a couple historic books probably from Chris, and some more books about Aztecs from IV. I gave something more different from the Aztec theme. I gave him some special imported tea since I knew how much he loved tea which he gratefully accepted. My presents were more all around ranging from a XBox bundle with Assassin's Creed from IV (I don't know why he would even spend that kind of money from me.), some Attack on Titan stuff, a bunch of pokemon plushies, some books, and some very cute winter sweaters for when I brave the cold.
The present giving went rather smoothly and pretty excitedly. Presents ranged from clothes to video games and the awesome collection of Pierce the Veil CD's and Simple Plan merchandise I got for some idiot (IV) to bundles and bundles of books (Chris and Byron-san). The night was filled with joy and happiness and I didn't want it to end. Before long though, it was getting very late and my brother decided it was best we go home as Hana was falling asleep by now. But before we left I got one final surprise from the Arclight family, or rather from IV.
It was a small package and was relatively weightless. When I opened it was like a Christmas miracle. Inside was a simple little blue music box that played a little tune from my childhood, but I never remembered the name of the song. It had a little snow bunny and inside was a little message that said, 'Secrets start small. I remembered one of your's.' When I read this, I felt immensely happy that he remembered this. It was something so small, that most people would have probably forgotten, but he actually kept it in mind.
Before I left, we shared a secret smile together. I never felt so important before, and he was right, secrets do start small. It built trust.
This Christmas was one I couldn't ever forget. The warmth didn't leave me even as the coldness of inside me returned. It gave me a little hope as I would march into a new year. And possibly the many more to come.
Happy New Year's Eve! Yeah, I just finished this like right now, so damn happy I actually made my own deadline! So, I was actually gonna be like, Happy Holidays/Christmas/Whatever-Else-You-Celebrate, but I kinda failed so yeah, Happy New Year's Eve! (Again). Guys, 2014 was an amazing year filled with ups and downs and hopefully more happiness will come to each and everyone of you. I personally dedicate this to Frozen Galaxy and MrCoolPyro for always cheering for this story. Your reviews mean the world to me and gave me the motivation needed to keep going with this story. As to any new reviewers, I wish you just as much happiness. I also want to dedicate this to the three couples that sat with me and inspired me to keep following my dreams while I was typing away at Morongo Casino in a food court and gave me such an inspirational and engaging conversation. Especially, to the guy with the crooked hat who was eating Fat Burger and kept talking nonstop while keeping me laughing.
Keep safe guys. Don't go out having too much fun tonight and stay away from white vans and people who offer you candy. And now, I bid you all a happy and wonderful start to a New Year and night.
P.S. Shout out to MrCoolPyro for saving this chapter and helping me out when I needed it. You're awesome.
-XxStarryHeavenxX
Edit: I was editing this around 3:30 in the morning trying to get this all done for you all so please forgive any of my crappy grammar mistakes, any forgotten words or text and misspelled words. I love you all.