A/N: Hi! This clusterfuck of a fic is back!

Yeah it's been too long, right? Well, I'm sorry :P Things happened, but most of it was just cause of me procrastinating/being lazy (which im sorry for... again. ive not much other reasons. Arcvmonth is different & didnt take much of my time. yes im participating). There were times where i just felt... down, too. And that im ashamed of some mistakes i havent yet fixed.

Tho, Ive been waiting to write this chapter for months! And months did it take -_- but anyway yeah here yall go! :D

Oh, and actually find time to read this lmao. It's very long :/ (12k words ToT)


"My idea of a perfect Christmas
Is to spend it with you

In a party or dinner for two

Anywhere would do [...]

Simple pleasures are made special too
When they're shared with you [...]"

-A Perfect Christmas by Jose Mari Chan


23rd of December

"Serena! Stop. Moving. Your. Head!" Yuzu exclaimed to her sister. She was placing something on her hair. "I sometimes wonder if I'm actually the youngest."

"Why are ya taking so long, anyway?" Serena retorted, pulling away once more. "It hurts. A lot, Y'know!"

Yuzu rolled her eyes. "Because you're making me take longer!"

"Serena, please," Ruri called more quietly, doing her best to keep patient. "You're the one delaying all of us. Accept it and just… Go with the flow…?"

"Tch. Fine. I still don't understand why I couldn't bring Misty, though."

Rin gave her a bored, done-with-it-all look. "Serena."

"What."

"It's a formal BALL," Rin explained, emphasizing the ball part. "A BALL. Animals don't go to balls."

"Still!" Serena protested. "She's a cat. She won't poop or pee anywhere suddenly."

"The fact that she's a cat is more the reason why she shouldn't come—she'll jump and go everywhere! "

Ruri just ignored them. She didn't want to participate in this petty argument.

"Don't you have common sense, like at all?" Rin asked.

"I do! "

"Then act like it!"

"Alright, that's enough now," Ruri warned. They instantly shut up and just glared at each other. She remembered how much worse it was earlier, when they were putting on some light make-up. On Serena, in particular.

Nevermind. She does not want to remember that; it would just add up to her boiling anger.

"Uhm, a little help, please?" Rin asked. "Can you tie the waist ribbon to the back…?"

"Sure." Ruri went to Rin to help her.

"And my necklace after, too," she added. "I can do the earrings on my own."

"Yes, yes," Ruri muttered as she tied Rin's ribbon.

They heard a chair move a bit too sharply. "Finally!"

"Yeah, whatever."

"Girls," Ruri called to the other two—Serena and Yuzu.

The former looked at her blatantly. "What?"

" Not . Now ." Ruri's patience was depleting. Rapidly. "One more nonsensical argument I'll…!" She raised her arms in exasperation.

The three grimaced at how much anger there was in her voice. Rin let out a small squeal before holding her breath as Ruri pulled the ribbon a little too hard suddenly.

"Okay, okay…" Serena murmured, looking away.

Ruri let Rin go and breathed for a few moments to calm herself down. "Alright. Your necklace?"

"He-Here…" Rin stammered, suddenly feeling regret for the little favor.

"Okay, let's go!" Ruri clapped her hands as she finished with Rin. "Shun's waiting for us outside, now come on! Wear your shoes in the car!"

"But Ruri—" Yuzu protested.

"Shush! The car!"

"Alright, then…"

Ruri relaxed as she heard the doors of the car close. "Everyone here?"

"Yes," all others said in sync.

All the arguments paid off, Ruri realized, as they were ready as it was finally that day.

The day of the much-awaited Christmas Ball.

While she thought they had it worse, with the boys… Well… it might be just as bad.

With the Yu's

"My coat! Where's my coat!?" Yugo yelled desperately.

"You haven't even worn your coat yet!?" Yuto yelled as he put some pants on. "You went first in the bathroom for a reason!"

"Sorry! I had to contact Reiji about the drones," Yugo reasoned.

"Yuto, relax," Yuri scolded as he tied a red bandana onto his neck in a pam am scarf knot way and adjusted it to the center.

"Says you who got out just before me but is somehow almost done." Yuto tch-ed as he helped Yugo find his coat while wearing his own innerwear.

Yuri pouted. "It's called: actually being excited."

Yuya went over to him. "Yuri, help, please?" He handed him the bowtie.

"Oh, no problem!" Yuri tied the tie around his neck.

After which he looked at Yuya proudly, admiring his brother's beauty and elegance.

"Well…?" the tomato-haired boy asked.

"You look great," Yuto told him.

"Heh, thanks…"

"Is the top hat really necessary, though?" Yugo asked with a raise of his brow.

"Why, it's part of his outfit!" Yuri retorted before Yuya could say anything. "It adds up to his poshness."

"...That's a word?" Yugo meant to direct it to Yuri this time.

"It is; it means 'elegance'," Yuri explained. "Now chop chop, everybody! We've still got a party to catch, and we don't wanna be late!"

"Right," Yuto and Yugo groaned in sync.

Yugo now looked at Yuri. "And… Why are you wearing… earrings?"

"Because it'll make me look fantabulous~ :・゚✧:・゚✧," he answered in a normal tone. But even so, they almost saw small, hand-drawn hearts and sparkles appear around him as he said that. "Also, it just goes well with my outfit."

"Why are you so gay? " Yugo asked. Yuri's behavior had always baffled him.

"Hey. Just because I may act, dress, and behave like one doesn't mean I am." Yuri glared at him. He stared at himself in the mirror and commented about how he was to… Himself. "I'm more metrosexual, I think."

Yugo shook his head slowly in confusion. He really doesn't—and probably never will—understand his excuse of a brother.

"Sorry, Yugo. I really can't find it." Yuto scratched his head.

The banana-haired boy groaned. "It's fine, guess I'll have to go with a vest!"

"That wasn't his original outfit, though," Yuri muttered in disappointment. What did they go out to buy clothes for, then?

"What else can we do? And as you said, we're getting late." Yuto stood beside him as he fidgeted with his tie. "How do you even… do this!? "

"Need help?" Yuri queried, amusement all too clear in his voice.

Yuto growled. "Tch, fine. Yeah, I do."

Yuri didn't even hide his chuckle as he helped the eggplant-haired boy.

"By the way, I'm gonna go there with my runner." Yugo's words tumbled from his mouth as he descended the stairs.

" That vile thing," Yuri said in disgust as he finished Yuto's tie and let him go. "Why? Thought you were 'modifying' it or something."

"I did." Yugo gave him a bored look. "That's why."

"Suit yourself, then." Yuto shrugged and grabbed the car's keys. "Yuya, Yuri, let's go!"

"Coming!" Yuya called and ran to them.

Yugo dashed off to the garage.

And there they went.


The Ballroom

"Welcome, dear sisters and Shun," Reiji greeted. The young CEO was sporting a light-gray suit with a red tie. He led them inside, saying, "Come on now."

"Oh, Serena," he approached her, "The person later will be going to the ballrooms. You can choose any of them."

She looked at him boredly. "You can't be serious."

"I am. I already told you."

"Well, fuck you." She walked away. "'Cause I will not be meeting whoever the hell they are."

Reiji sighed. He let the convo go and saw Shun walking up to him. "Please don't tell me we have a personal introduction," he whispered to Reiji.

The gray-clad man stayed silent for a while. "Well then, I apologize in advance for that."

"Of course," Shun scoffed.

"Don't worry; they won't remember you guys."

"Hopefully." Shun rolled his eyes.

"And here we have the Akaba Siblings!" the party host announced through the wireless mic.

"From left to right, here is Yuzu, Serena, Rin, Ruri, Shun, and the CEO of the Leo Corporation, Reiji Akaba!" he went on.

Serena wanted to just disappear as the host finished. While her sisters, though in shock, waved to the audience. Reiji bowed respectfully, and Shun just stood still and let out a little huff.

They finally walked away.

"From here, you four can do whatever you want, just don't cause any trouble." He eyed Serena. She rolled her eyes. "And smile." He continued eyeing her.

He went on, "I'm off. I still have a speech to announce later, once everybody else is here. Until then, I must greet all who enter. Bye now." He walked away.

"Well, see you whenever." Serena walked away.

"I'm gonna be at the aviary outside," Ruri mentioned and walked to the backdoor.

Rin was backing away. "And I'll be on the roof."

Shun stared at Yuzu. "You gonna go somewhere too?"

She shook her head. "No, just the buffet table, see what kind of food they have."

"Alright, then. I'll be keeping an eye on…" he realized that he couldn't keep an eye on any of them. While separated, anyway.

For this night, he needed to trust them, as he did when he first let them live together alone from him and Reiji.

"Nevermind. Go have fun, I guess."

"Thank you, nii-sama." Yuzu bowed to him lightly and left.

Shun sighed. "It's gonna be a long, long night…"

With Serena

Serena silently dragged a chair and placed it beside a pillar before sitting on it. She then looked around her surroundings, observing people. There was no way in hell she was gonna meet whoever Reiji set her up with.

SNAP!

A camera snapped near her. She turned and saw Sora taking pictures of the event.

"Oh, hi, Serena!" he said, approaching her. She didn't seem to notice him. Or was she doing it on purpose?

Sora grinned, taking a lolly out of his pocket, opening it, and putting it in his mouth. He then raised his camera. "Say, can I take a pic of you?"

Serena didn't say anything and continued to stare at nothing boredly.

"Okay…" He squinted one eye and put his open one to the viewfinder. "Say cheese!" He took a snap.

He then dodged, expecting Serena to lunge at him or something, but… She didn't even flinch.

'I know you want to hit me,' Sora thought. He then remembered Yuri telling him to not anger her if she ever came around. But it was only a little fun. He had not much to do anyway, and he's not allowed to touch anything on the buffet table just yet.

And that was what he did for the meantime to enjoy himself, taking various pictures of Serena at different angles and dodging expectantly every now and then.

Serena continued to ignore him still. Deep down inside, she was fine with Sora. It amuses her to no end that he thinks she'll hit him.

Perhaps at some point, when he lets his guard down, she will.


At the Entrance Gate

"Uhh, Yuto. Yuto Sakaki. And these are my brothers: Yuri and Yuya. And the one riding the motorcycle behind us is Yugo," Yuto told the guard who was left to guard the gates and check on every person that enters.

After all, many precious and important people were here. It wouldn't be good if someone unwanted might enter.

The guard checked his checklist one more time and scanned their faces with a scanner to make sure the brothers were included before finally letting them in.

"Ah, finally," Yuto groaned as he drove to the parking area with Yugo following behind.

"You both can wait for me at the entrance," Yuri told Yuto and Yuya as they both exited the car.

Yuto wanted to protest but decided not to and just led Yuya to the entrance.

Yuri stared at Yugo. "Now, I wonder why you took that out today."

"Why shouldn't I? It's a special occasion," Yugo said and dismounted his runner. "Why're you asking, anyway? You don't usually care about anything I do."

Yuri gave a small sigh. "Mom gave that to you," he began. "You could use it to get an extra job as a delivery boy or something of the like, yet you didn't."

Anger rose from within him, though he kept his cool. "Instead of, y'know, have it lay useless in the garage, 'tinkering' with it for who knows how long—probably a few years. You could spend even the night there, yet still you can't finish? And now you just brought it out of nowhere, and I don't understand why."

They just had this job some months ago. And before that, school. They were scholars and mighty smart for their age, and that's why they have everything they do right now.

And Yugo had been working on this runner since, not even thinking about getting a job as a working student, and for what? It was all a waste in Yuri's opinion.

Yet this air-headed fool in front of him said and was convinced that everything he did—it was for something great. And that great things take time.

"Look, you know, alright? I was modifying it as you said." 'And though it's not finished yet, Rinrin has helped me a bit, making a part of this a lot easier!' he added through his thoughts.

"All the time wasted on it better be for something good, then!" Yuri said and stalked away. He remembered that he had better things to do than argue right now. "Something useful!"

Yugo just rolled his eyes at Yuri's gesture and followed.

Even if the start wasn't so good, he could tell that this night would still be great somehow.


"I'm fine already!" Yuya growled as Yuri adjusted his clothes and tidied his bow.

"Just making sure you look your best," Yuri told him. "My little brother has to look perfect."

"Yuri, stop it, we're nearing the doors already," Yugo scolded.

Yuri sneered at him. "Fine, then. And I'm only listening to you this one time." He locked his right arm to Yuya's left. Yuya didn't fight it to keep peace.

"By the way, I put on some new perfume I bought. Does it smell good?" Yuri asked.

Yuya sniffed before saying, "So far, I—"

"All I smell is bull—" Yugo interrupted but was also interrupted when Yuto pushed them forward.

"'Nuff fighting, go walking."

They finally went through the main door.

"And here we have the Sakaki Brothers!" the host declared.

Yuri stood confidently, while Yuto was stern—he never wanted to be here in the first place—and Yuya, his mouth was agape in amazement at the huge hall. Yugo was just as bewildered as the tomato was. The four took a light bow in greeting.

They were standing on higher grounds as they still had to step through stairs to get to the bottom. It's only about five–to–seven steps. And at their side, there were stairs that lead to the second floor.

"Good evening, boys," Reiji greeted and bowed. They did so too in response. "I hope you have fun tonight."

"Oh, I know I will," Yuri beamed.

"Same! I can't wait for my drone show later!" Yugo blurted. "It'll be very cool, trust me."

"I look forward to it." Reiji nodded.

"They are on the roof and ready, right?"

"They are, don't worry."

Reiji's bodyguard, Nakajima, then approached him. "Reiji-sama, it is time for your speech.

"Oh, yes." He turned to the boys. "Now, if you excuse me, I still have a speech to announce. Bye now."

They nodded and went to the stairs.

As they descended, Yuya looked around to observe the great designs.

Thick green and red garlands hung on each pillar. Every other pillar also had huge speakers for the mic and music. "I would like to thank all who came today…" Reiji's voice sounded from the speakers.

Behind the right pillars was the buffet table which was yet to be filled with food. And to the top of the pillars there was the second floor that overlooked the first. There were people there, too. Though most stayed at the bottom, either chatting or sitting on the table with other people.

And the ceiling—it was arched, and a blue and green fret pattern adorned its edges while two large chandeliers a good ten feet from the other were at the center and loomed over everyone.

Back to the ground, the center was clear and had a red carpet with sides of golden color stretching from the entrance, to the stairs, up to the front where there was a stage. And above it, four windows with an arched top; its frames were lined with thick, shining, golden garlands, a few Christmas balls hanging on it every meter or two.

And to the right corner, a massive, well-designed Christmas tree with a shining golden star on the top.

This place. He couldn't even put into words how he should describe it. Beautiful, yes, but it didn't seem right—didn't seem enough . It was much, much more than that.

Yuya stood in front of them. "Well, I'm gonna go find Yuzu—she told me she'd be here—bye!"

"And I," Yuri began, "am gonna go look for someone to talk to. Cha-cha~!" He walked away. "Wait, Yuya! I have to fix something!"

"Well, I still have to prepare my drones somewhere. Bye, guys!" Yugo ran off. "I'll catch up later."

"And I'm alone," Yuto realized. He left to find something good to do. Like finding her…

From the speakers and near the entrance he stood, Reiji said, "Thank you. Now, let the night begin!"

Everyone applauded in response and "Jingle Bell Rock" started to play in the background.


With Yugo

"Okay, I'm up and ready for later. For now, I have to find something else to do." He walked back to the hall.

'I wonder if Rin is here…' he thought. 'Welp, only one way to find out!'

He wandered around. He went to the second floor and saw her on the balcony that overlooked the dancefloor at the bottom, a small glass of white wine in hand.

"Hi, Rin!" he called. She turned to look at him.

She was wearing a glimmering silver one-shoulder choker dress that had a matching white strap at the center, as well as orange studded earrings. She also had her usual bracelet.

The way she looked now reminded him that Rin was definitely not poor as one may easily assume during normal days.

And her hair…it was well-groomed this time—not that it wasn't in the past, it just looked better.

Yugo almost felt like… This wasn't the same Rin that he knew. She seemed different, and although her bossy aura was still around, it felt more challenging than usual.

'Is this really Rin-rin?'

He frowned. Maybe it really wasn't the same Rin he knew. This wasn't his new precious friend. She was probably someone else.

"Uh-uhm…" he stuttered. Rin probably couldn't hear him, but he was too surprised. His hands sweated in uncertainty.

"Oh, hi, Yugo!" she greeted cheerfully, much like her usual self. It doesn't seem to suit her right now.

"H-hey. I wasn't really expecting to see you here," he said as she approached him. A goofy smile appeared on his face.

"That's fine," she brushed off, taking a little sip from her glass. "I should say the same for you as well, honestly."

Yugo didn't say anything. He still didn't believe this was the real Rin. "You look so beautiful," he whispered. Rin heard it, though. She was literally right there.

"Say what now."

"Nothing!" Yugo squeaked.

Rin looked at him, a glimmer of suspicion on her eyes. "You seem quite bewildered, but of what?"

'Of you,' he thought. "You look nice."

"Oh, thanks! But just nice? Anyway, you look great, too!"

"Thank you, too." He chuckled. "It was last-minute, actually."

"Didn't you have a lot of time to go before this?"

"Well, yeah. It's just that I lost my coat before getting here. Lucky me, I remembered the vest I had in my room," 'Funny I remembered that and not my new coat.' "Good thing it was there, actually."

He glanced down at his outfit—from his white innerwear and on it, a blue vest, to a yellow plaid tie and black pants. It was quite simple, unlike Yuya and Yuri's outfits.

He regained his composure. "Well, anyway, I have a drone show later, that—"

"Drone show? Cool!" Rin exclaimed albeit quietly, surprising our little pawn of fusion once again. "When? And are they the myriad on the roof?"

"Eh, later. You'll see. And they are…" he trailed off, looking away. "Though, I still have some… plans before I get there."

"Can I know?"

"It involves you, actually," he told her. Unable to keep himself calm, he started to fidget by tapping his feet in a rhythm that played only within his mind. "I wanna go ride around the city with you. On the runner."

Rin almost spat the wine out in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Remember the runner that I took to that place during my days off? The one we modified and stuff," he recalled.

"Ah, the one we tested for hovering—which didn't work, by the way."

"I know! And though all of it isn't complete, I tested the flying part a few hours ago—"

"A few hours ago? "

"Yes, but it works well!"

Rin shook her head. What is it with this dumbass…?

"So will you ride with me?"

"Can I take you to the roof first?" she asked. Other than delaying her answer, she also wanted to show him something, first, which she felt was more important now than anything else.

"Uhm, sure." He nodded. "Also, I never knew you liked wine, or liquor in general."

"I don't. I just liked the taste this time. Ruri is the one who likes it, and Serena's almost alcoholic, but she doesn't drink as much as she used to," Rin explained.

She left the half-empty glass onto a waiter's tray and gestured a "follow me" to Yugo. The latter went after her instantly.


"The drones!" Yugo shouted happily as he saw them all arranged on the roof. He could practically melt to the ground in pure joy. "They're all here… Thanks for taking me here, Rin."

"We're not here for those, actually," Rin said. "But you can go on and enjoy them, too."

This made Yugo disappointed. "Why are we here, then?"

She smiled at him. "I… want to show you something—er, some one ."

Yugo's smile disappeared and got replaced by a frown. "Oh." Was Rin about to show him a friend? A… a boyfriend? He shouldn't be worried about that, Rin should do as she likes.

Wait, what was up with him making the second assumption?

But still, why was he worrying now? They were just friends, at least that's what he believed… right? Anyways, he should be happy for her.

Though, he's been feeling more than just friends with her lately… He shrugged the thoughts off.

Rin bit her lower lip for a second. "Can you… not tell anyone, please? Even your brothers?"

The banana-head gave it a thought. He shouldn't hide anything from his brothers, but this was Rin's secret, not his, so it won't be all that important. He decided not to tell them. "Sure."

"Alright, follow me." She led him to a part that had no drones on them. She drew a breath in. As she did, an ice blue light began to shine in front of her, and her bracelet started to blink—a green light coming out every second. Yugo froze in surprise.

He then worried if it would catch someone else's attention. Should he be?

"Yugo," Rin looked at him; he turned to her, "meet—"

The flash disappeared and something—or someone, as Rin suggested?—came zooming out of it. On a, what is that, broomstick…? But it was crystalized, kinda…

"—Ice Bell," Rin finished.

"Hi!" Ice greeted, holding a hand out towards Yugo. "I'm Ice Bell, a Duel spirit. You can simply call me Ice."

Yugo just stood agape, his eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Why is he not responding?" Ice asked, a little bit of disappointment in her voice.

"Give him a minute, he's in shock." Rin went over to Yugo and gave him a light slap to one of his temples.

"AH—!" he managed to squeak. He shook his head vigorously and snapped out of his daze. "What… how…?"

"As I said, I'm a Duel spirit," Ice reiterated. "And I come whenever I want, or whenever Rin calls me; I can be invisible as a guiding voice, or physically, here in front of you."

"Cool…" Yugo trailed off, paying half-attention to what she said as part of his mind wandered off to the fact that whom Rin showed him was not her boyfriend. Just a, what was that, Duel spirit? Yeah.

That brought him back to reality fully. He was about to ask realistic questions. "Wait, can anyone else see you?"

"Just people who I choose to see me can see me," Ice explained, happy that Yugo actually noticed her for once.

"Ah, I see. And what can you do? Do you have powers, maybe shoot ice crystals of some sort?" Yugo asked. "I mean, your name is Ice Bell and all."

"I can. But you should ask Rin, too." She motioned to Rin by briefly looking at her.

Rin's eyes widened. "No. I can barely—" She remembered she was with Yugo. "Nothing."

"Barely what?" Yugo looked at her expectantly.

"Make… Ice…?" Rin went on nervously.

"Like Elsa from 'Frozen'?"

"No! Not like Elsa!" Rin snapped. She didn't like being compared to some cartoon. "Okay, nevermind, maybe like her."

"That…" Yugo wondered about something. If Rin could make ice, why, and how? How was she able to?

"Ice told me that, actually," Rin said. "In the future I could, and I wonder what it's supposed to be used for. Anyway, for now, I can only… call the wind."

"But it's already windy. Did you do so earlier?"

Rin was a bit surprised at Yugo's enthusiasm for her newly found abilities. She knew he was curious and is into many different things, but she never thought he'd be interested in her like this.

"I did," she finally answered. "But this wind isn't called by me, it just arrived here."

"Oh. I wished it wasn't windy, so you can show me how true your powers are!" Yugo beamed.

Rin blushed slightly at how cute she thought he was. His smile wide and ocean blue eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Ice Bell grinned at how they both acted towards each other. "Say, wanna ride my broom?"

Rin flashed her a questioning look while Yugo said, "Wait, really?"

"Yeah really. It'll take a bit of getting used to, though."

Yugo turned to Rin. "Can we? Can we? Can we?" he asked repeatedly as if he were a child.

"Uh," Rin looked to the ground, "Su…uure?"

"Alright then, get on. It won't be long, I'll just take you to the gardens," Ice assured.

Rin went on first. Ice Bell moved to give her space and took her left hand to help her balance on the broom and sit down beside her.

She did the same for Yugo, except she had to stand up to reach him. "So… high," Yugo muttered, doing his best not to look down. Not long, they were safe behind her, all three positioned as if they were riding a motorcycle.

When Ice was sure they were both secure, she asked, "Ready?"

They nodded nervously. "Grip the stem to keep hold," she instructed.

The broom started moving up. "Hold on!" Ice exclaimed, gripping the tip of her broom tighter.

The broom suddenly dropped.

"WAAAUUGHH…!" Yugo and Rin yelled. The former, instead of gripping the stem, clutched Rin's waist.

Rin had no idea.

Ice, though, did somehow. And she continued flying.

They passed the moon like the Windwitches do in "Windwitch Chimes."

Yugo reached out as if he wanted to touch the moon. He wanted to do this, too, but on his Runner. He was a bit disappointed, but this was a bit better.

He reached out a bit too much and slipped, outbalancing the group.

"Yugo!" Rin shouted. Yugo's two hands were the only things keeping him from falling. "Ri-Rin…!"

One finger slipped, then another.

"Ah!" Ice gasped as she realized what was going on. "Hold on, I'll try to get down." She drove her broom down as quickly as she could.

Not wasting another second, Rin loosened her right hand from the stem and reached out to him. "Grab my hand!"

"Nnggh…!" Yugo loosened his right as well and reached out to her. "Tsk…"

And their hands intertwined. Relief flushed to Rin like a flood. She smiled gratefully and pulled Yugo up.

He put his right foot to the broomstick and pushed himself up. He finally sat normally again and hugged Rin tightly, making her blush once again. "Thank you, Rinrin…"

"You're welcome…" If only she could return his embrace…


Finally, they landed on safe grounds—in a garden at the side of the hall; it was filled with many lit Christmas trees.

"I'm so sorry…" Ice sighed. She never should've taken her master and Yugo out to the sky. Sonata was bound to give her a scolding.

"In all honesty, you should be," Rin said.

"But ah, it was fine," Yugo brushed off.

Rin looked at him. "Yugo, you—"

"I know," he interrupted. "But hey, it was fun. And I plan to do something similar with my runner, anyway."

The green-haired girl looked at him awkwardly. "Almost dying?"

"What? No!" Yugo barked. "Not dying, psh, no . I'm talking about going around—in the sky."

"Oh. If it were the other, I don't think your brothers would like it."

"Yuri probably would. Anyway, don't worry too much, Ice," Yugo assured with a nod. "I'm uninjured, so I'm pretty much fine. And I don't have to tell my brothers anything."

"Thank you." Ice bowed lightly. "Well, time for me to go back to the Spirit World now." A light blue and red swirl like that of Polymerization—when summoning, not the card itself—manifested beside her. "Bye now!" she said before entering it.

"Bye," Yugo and Rin said in response.

"Big brother?" a voice called from behind them.

They turned to see Yuya and Yuzu, one hand holding the other, approaching them.

Rin gasped. Did the tomato-haired boy see anything he wasn't supposed to?

"Yuya-kun!" Yugo greeted. "What're you doing here?"

"I wanted to ask the same," Yuya said in response. "And I guess that that's Rin?"

Rin nodded. "Yes. Yuzu"—she looked at said person who was smiling nervously with eyes closed—"'s sister."

"Oh, right. Huh, your facial structures are the same," Yuya remarked.

"So are you and Yugo's," Rin added.

"Well, Rin and I were just passing," Yugo mentioned, "we're going back inside."

"Oh, okay, then." Yuya nodded. "Yuzu and I will continue our… walk."

Rin was staring at Yuzu boredly. "Hey. You haven't said anything."

"There is nothing for me to say," Yuzu retorted. Yuzu and Rin weren't as close as they each are with Serena or Ruri, in the same sense Serena is not that close to Ruri.

"Right, then. Stay safe, imouto," Rin told Yuzu.

"Will do."

"And don't let anything happen to her, Yuya," she warned coldly and sternly.

Yuya stiffened. "W-won't…"

"Well, bye now, you two!" Yugo said and stalked away at last. Rin followed but glanced back at them every now and then until they finally disappeared into the doors.


In the Hall

"Yuya looks way too kind for his own good," Rin muttered as Yugo closed the door to the hall.

"Actually, yeah. And he is," Yugo admitted as he and Rin subconsciously locked elbows together. "He got bullied too many times for helping people that he shouldn't have."

"And in my side of the family, there's Ruri: someone whose heart is so pure, she might seem dumb at times."

Yugo laughed. "That's… Also what Yuya is like…"

As Rin was about to start another conversation, a certain song played.

It was "Last Christmas ".

"I actually like this song," Rin muttered.

"Wanna sing along?" Yugo asked.

"Sure."

"While dancing," Rin added.

Yugo looked down. "I-I dunno how to dance."

The other hacker looked at him. "Trust me; you can."

"I-I'll try." Yugo made a determined smile. Rin nodded.

Yugo then led her beside the dinner tables and started to just… do a casual dance with her from there.

Last Christmas (Taylor Swift's Version is what I recommend, but its up to ya.)

(Rin) Last Christmas, I gave you my heart , she started, giving Yugo a wink, making him blush at the unexpected gesture.
But the very next day you gave it away
, Rin went on with a shake of her head.
This year, to save me from tears,
I'll give it to someone spec~ial

Once bitten and twice shy , she continued, raising her head whenever a high pitch comes.
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby, do you recognize me?
Well, it's been a year,
she shrugged, it doesn't surprise me~ she looked up to him.

"Your turn!"

"Alright…" Yugo got ready.

(Yugo) "Merry Christmas," I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I love you, " I meant it
. Deep down inside, though he is not aware, he does mean it.
Now I know what a fool I've been…
But if you kissed me now, I know you'd fool me again
. With how dumb he knows he is, probably.

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away…
This year, to save me from tears,
I'll give it to someone special

Rin signaled him to pause. "Next, together."

Yugo nodded in response.

(Yugo and Rin) Last Christmas, I gave you my heart,
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special.
Rin trailed a finger from his forehead to his nose.

Yugo felt so very much flustered and did his best to suppress his blush, but Rin still saw it, and she giggled at his efforts.

From there, they knew when they had to take over.

(Yugo) A crowded room and friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you and your soul of ice
.

He led Rin up the stairs.

(Rin) My God, I thought you were someone to rely on
(Yugo) Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on.
He shrugged

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
(Rin) A girl under cover, but you tore her apart
Maybe this year, maybe this year
I'll give it to someone special.
They finally reached the top and continued dancing from there.

(Both) 'Cause last Christmas, I gave you my heart , They pointed to each other.
But the very next day you gave it away…
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special~

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart,
But the very next day you gave it away,
They shook their heads as if they were disappointed.

They used both of their hands to grab the other's, after which they moved their shoulders to the beat.

This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special

(Yugo) And last Christmas… he trailed off, looking into her orange eyes.
(Rin) And this year
, she bore into his own ocean blue.
(Both, quietly) Won't be anything like, anything like~

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away~
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special…

They smiled at each other as the song ended.

People beside them clapped. They seemed to have gained lots of attention.

They looked at each other again. Unbeknownst to them, they had pulled each other close.

Waaayyy too close.

They blushed in realization before letting each other go. They then bowed to their audience, laughing nervously. "Thank you," they added.

Finally, the crowd separated.

"You have a good voice," Yugo commented.

"Funny, 'cause Ruri and Yuzu are better at singing than Serena and I," Rin remarked, going at the edge to the handrail that overlooked the bottom. "Though, thank you. And hey, you too."

"Thanks." Yugo followed her and placed his arms on the balcony.

He then remembered what he actually wanted them to do together. "Hey, Rin."

"Hm?"

"Wanna ride my runner now… y'know, the both of us?" 'Also, I have been thinking about telling her something for a long time now…'

Rin laughed and raised one eyebrow. She knew that the question would come again inevitably. "Are you really sure it's stable? I don't wanna repeat the incident with Icebell again."

'I'll be right behind you both, though, watching,' Ice thought. Her spirit form manifested beside them, but she made it so that she could not be seen. 'I do NOT want any more incidents. Making an excuse with Sonata is hard.'

"Yeah, I'm sure. I rode it here normally but tested its flight before my brothers and I left," Yugo assured. "Remember?"

"Hm. Alright, then."

'That does not sound reassuring. At all.' Rin and Ice thought at once.

"Great! Follow me, it's just in the parking lot." Yugo ran off with Rin following close by.


"Here's an extra helmet," Yugo said and tossed Rin a helmet.

"Oh, thanks." She put it on.

Yugo helped Rin onto the runner before getting on himself. "Starting," he muttered as he started it.

The runner let out a loud purr, signaling that it's ready for driving. "Hey, bud," Yugo greeted, giving it a little pat. It then started to move forward.

'He sure loves it,' Ice mused, getting on her broom and preparing to take flight as well.

"Let's show Rinrin your new features now, shall we?" The runner roared a bit more as if in response. "Alright, then, let's go!"

As they rode along, Rin asked, "Wait, how are we supposed to go mid-air, exactly?"

"I'll be launching the runner off a tall ramp," Yugo explained. "Or some high place."

"Oh." Rin wasn't exactly sure of what Yugo meant by the latter option, but it seems that as long as they could find a ramp, they'll be fine.

But Yugo suddenly turned the runner. "Like a cliff-like thing!" He boosted their speed as he climbed an elevated skyway.

"Wait, Yugo, don't—"

Putting all his trust on the runner not malfunctioning and their lives on the great creator, Yugo launched themselves off the skyway.

And there the runner plummeted forward.

'Oh no!' Ice went after them. 'I'm not sure if that was stupid, or brave.'

"Ahhhhhhhhhh…!" Rin screamed from the top of her lungs.

"Weeeeeeeeee!"

Were Yugo and Rin's separate reactions to the current situation.

" YUGO! "

"Alright, calm down!"

Rin pulled his ear hard before screaming, "CALM DOWN!? WHADDYA MEAN CALM DOWN!? ARE YOU Y!? "

Yugo would have covered his ears in the sheer volume of Rin's voice if he could. But that would mean their certain, actual death.

"I get it already! And don't worry." Once more doing his best to ignore Rin's shouting, he raised a finger to press a bottom on his screen. "I won't just randomly waste a life!" 'Especially if it's one as valuable as yours.'

The D-wheel's front and back wheels then divided on the center by two then turned from vertical to horizontal and propellers—which started to spin uncontrollably—seemed to appear going outwards from each of them out of nowhere. A loud bang then followed, which freaked Rin out even more.

"What was that now!? "

"You'll see!"

'Oh Ra. Ohraohraohra…!' Ice shuddered. 'Did I lose her—them!?'

"Eeeek!" Rin's shriek echoed as they continued to fall down into the everlasting darkness.

'Should I go after them…?' Ice couldn't help but think. 'Dammit I should have! I'm the one who's stupid! Fu—!'

Suddenly, they then came barreling out of it, going upwards to the night sky.

'—dge. Oh, they're alright.' She sighed nervously. She then gave them a small smile.

"WOOHOOO!" Yugo exclaimed. "It worked!"

Meanwhile, Rin leaned almost unconscious behind him whilst still clinging to Yugo as if her life depended on it.

Though, frankly, it kind of does…

"Rin! Are you there, Rin?"

There was no response. And if the runner didn't make any sounds, there would be nothing but utter silence—they're literally in the sky.

"Rin! You're getting me worried…! RIN!"

Finally, she seemed to have awoken from her unconsciousness. "Ugh…"

Yugo looked back. "Whew! I thought you died!" He then looked forward again.

"I THOUGHT WE WOULD DIE!" the green-haired girl screamed. "YOU BAKA (TL Note: Idiot) ! " She also gave him a light hit on the shoulder.

"Ow, ow… Stop yelling at my ears…" Yugo complained. "But hey, we survived!"

" Barely! " Rin emphasized. "Though, yes, we surprisingly did."

"Have you no trust in my skills!?"

"Well, yes. Especially after what just happened."

'Even I wouldn't.' Ice gave him an invisible bored stare.

"Aww…" Yugo whined. "Though that part was on purpose. Still, though, you have to—whether you like it, or not!"

"I know," Rin sighed, "so then, amaze me!" She smiled.

"That I'll do." Yugo drove away.

Ice smiled at them. She will leave for now so that they can have time for themselves. Plus, she didn't have much time as Sonata had decided to give her a time-out.

'I'll let them be now. It's gonna be up to the Egyptian Gods now whether they'll be killed by Yugo's idiocy or not.' With that, she drove her broom back to the Spirit world.


Maiami Bay

Not long after, they drove fast and far enough to reach the port.

The sea reflected the light of the moon. No stars shone, as the city's lights have blocked them all out. "Serena has always complained about light pollution," Rin mentioned, but Yugo did not hear her.

A flotilla of snow-covered ships and yachts of many shapes and sizes were docked at the coastline and shone with their own lights.

Yugo drove his runner through them, the air from his D-Wheel's propellers strong enough to move some open sails—and some snow—off of those who had them. Most, though, were closed for the night.

"Hey!" someone yelled, probably annoyed by them passing by. They couldn't help but giggle.

"Um, Yugo, will this fly over water…?" Rin asked.

Yugo grinned at her, which just made her worry even more . "We're 'bouta find out!"

Rin's blood ran cold.

Finally, they zoomed out of the many ships and onto the sea.

Rin once again clung to her idiot driver's waist for dear life, shutting her eyes tight.

Before opening them again and seeing that they were still alive.

"Haha! We're still flying!" Yugo laughed.

"We sure are…" Rin trailed off. She was distracted by her reflection on the water.

There she was, staring down to herself. She chuckled.

She then observed how the dark waters splashed, going sideways underneath them.

They then continued driving through the night.

"Let's stop for a while, yeah?" Yugo asked Rin after some moments passed. The latter nodded.

Then, Yugo just stopped in the middle of the sea.

Not expecting anything to happen, he pressed a button on the screen that turned his lights off; his headlights and the blaze from the Momentum motor fading into nothing but darkness.

But as soon as he did, nature's lights quickly took over, covering their surroundings with a faint glow of moonlight.

"Wow," Rin commented in amazement.

There was also nothing but utmost silence within miles and miles of the ocean, that is, if you don't include the soft whirring of the runner's propellers and the small splashes of the waves.

If it were not for the propellers, the sea would be still.

Some wind passed by, brushing her face and sending a chill through her body. But instead of pushing it away, she embraced it.

The cold… She has always liked it. It gave her a sense of power—of vigor.

She does better whenever she feels the cold wind pass by. She also happens to be more relaxed after a nice, cold bath, very much unlike her sisters and pretty much everyone else.

"Yeah, it's so… Peaceful," Yugo agreed. "And the wind: it's cold, but it's nice. It's also so, so… quiet ," he added. "Not a sign of life for many miles. Except, maybe, in the sea just below us."

He then just realized what he said. "Oh! Need a jacket? I don't have one but my vest could help…"

She shook her head. "No thanks. I've always liked the cold."

"Wait, seriously? Same!"

Rin looked at him. Disbelief shone in her eyes, just like on Yugo. "We have a lot in common."

"Yeah. Quite unbelievable." He laughed. Rin did so as well.

"Rin," Yugo called.

"Yes?"

He looked away. "I've been thinking, y'know…"

"About what?"

'Just say it, dammit!' he thought to himself. 'See, this is why Yuri calls you a craven—even just this I can't do!'

He looked back at her with what… seemed to be, a combination of a brave, determined, yet nervous face. "I…!"

But he lost his courage as soon as he got it when a myriad of questions flooded his mind.

Does she even like him back?

Does she find him annoying or cowardly?

Is he good enough, or at least, even just enough?

Was this the right time; the right place!?

And there he continued to overthink.

What if she didn't even want to be with him, and was just pretending to enjoy his company so he won't feel bad about himself!?

"Yugo… Are you alright?"

'AAAAHH! DON'T THINK, JUST DO!'

He suddenly leaned closer to her and accidentally grasped her hands a bit too tightly, making her gasp, before he started, "Rin, I—!"

An airplane passed above them, deafening what Yugo said and made them release each other.

They stared deep into the others eyes. And…

That was it. That was all the courage Yugo had, and now, it is all lost.

'Kuriboh!' Yugo thought, swiping his head away. He couldn't do it anymore. He missed his chance all because of a f— I mean, ducking airplane.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you, what was that again?" Rin asked with a chuckle.

"Ah, it was… Nothing." Yugo scratched the back of his head. "Why don't we…head back already?"

"Oh, sure."

As he drove away, he started to dive into his thoughts and over-thought again. I'm not sure if that was a real word.

'She pulled away fast, does that mean that she doesn't like me, maybe?'

But unbeknownst to him, Rin was thinking about something similar, plus a few more.

'Why'd he do that, earlier? What was he about to say, before he got broken off by the plane?' She glanced at him. 'He was so embarrassed… but he leaned close to me…'

Her thoughts went on, 'What could that mean…? Thing is, he also pushed me away, so… what? What could this idiot be hiding?'

Yugo looked forward. What he was about to do, if it wasn't obvious enough because I kinda suck at that, was to confess.

He had thought about it for a long time, but the thought of him not being good enough had always hindered him from actually doing so.

But when all was planned for this night—the night he thought he could, all his courage disappeared just by the passing of an airplane.

He failed—he knew.

But he will try again one day, if his discouraging thoughts won't kill that will.

Maybe now was just… Not the right time.

And that's what stuck to his mind for the meantime.


Earlier, when the Yu's separated – Yuya – 3rd POV

Yuya was walking around using his cane as support. Although, he didn't need it; it's just for show.

The classic "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano now played, and the air couldn't feel more cheerful and cool.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
From the bottom of my he~art!

He smiled gracefully and greeted every person he passed, even if he had no idea who they were.

Though, he probably should.

Not that he cared, anyway, as there was another reason for his roaming: to find his love, Yuzu, wherever she could be.

He saw Shun at the very edge.

With the detective 's threatening aura not affecting him at all—as most people were, and as a result, they moved away from him—he approached him.

"Hello!" he greeted cheerfully.

Shun huffed a barely understandable greeting in response. 'Great. It's him. '

"You're Yuzu's older brother, right?" Yuya asked.

"Why, what do you want with her?"

"Oh, not much," he shrugged, "the usual hanging out with each other, I guess? "

Shun raised a brow. "Nothing too…suspicious?"

"None, none at all!" Yuya wondered what Shun was talking about. "What suspicious thing are you talking about, anyway?"

"..." Shun didn't know what to say or how to explain what he meant to Yuya. Was he really this innocent? Or was he just trying to fool him?

But his face. It was way too convincing.

"Stuff like," Shun started. He thought to start off with something still considered innocent. "Sneaking out…? Especially to do 'stuff' you're not supposed to." We might have an idea of what Shun meant—plus we saw the quotes—but Yuya thought of something else.

In fact, he looked like he was taken aback. "No, I'd never! I'll go as far as the gardens outside, but that's it! Also, I won't ever kidnap Yuzu or vandalize stuff with her!"

Sometimes, it makes you wonder who's actually dumber: Yugo, or Yuya?

'This only gets me amused as Yuzu actually does the latter—spray painting, but mostly because she likes to go with Serena,' Shun thought, smiling. "Ok, then. She said she'd be near the buffet table, so you can try there."

"Thank you!" With that, Yuya raced off.

'These brothers sure are a weird bunch.' Shun walked off.

With Yuya

'Yuzu, where are you…' Yuya thought as he started to walk slowly through the place under the second floor and behind the pillars.

Then, he saw Yuzu at the far edge, checking out the food but did not take any as it wasn't time to eat yet.

"Yuzu!" He ran to her.

'Hm? Yuya?' She turned around and saw Yuya dashing towards her. 'Why is he running ?'

One could say Yuya looked a little bit ridiculous with his crane, top hat, and polka-dotted yellow bow.

But no matter how Yuzu thought of how gorgeous—to her he was—he was, she needed to discipline him.

So, when Yuya was at reach, Yuzu swiftly pulled her fan out of thin air and hit him with it, a loud SMACK! echoing in the room in the process.

"Ahh…" Yuya rubbed his red cheek. "What was that for?"

"You shouldn't run, especially at an occasion like this; you're not just embarrassing yourself, but me, too."

"Oh, sorry," Yuya apologized. "Anyway, watcha doing here?"

Yuzu shrugged. "I was looking for you."

"And then here I am." Yuya gave her a beaming smile.

She laughed. "Yeah… but other than that, I don't really know. Waiting for the time to eat, I guess?"

"Well uh," Yuya looked around, "wanna sing or something while waiting? It'll be fun~" Yeah. That was pretty much the only thing in his mind.

"Okay, okay. Let's sing."

"Wait, I have to leave my cane and top hat somewhere…" Yuya said then looked around.

"Why do you have those, anyway? You don't seem to need them."

Before Yuya could answer, someone already did from behind them. "Because his outfit wouldn't be complete without those, of course."

Yuya and Yuzu turned to their back to see Yuri and Serena approaching them. Yuzu was surprised to see that Serena kinda looked happy for once. Unusual.

"Oh hey, nii-san," Yuya said to Yuri. "So you finally not bored?" He took a quick glance and saw how the two had their arms locked.

He chuckled to himself. Were they aware of that, or did Yuri drag her into it?

"Yeeeaap. I found Serena hiding somewhere when I had to change because some waiter spilled some wine on me, so I forced her to come out and brought her with me," Yuri declared proudly.

"And you're happy about it?" Yuzu asked Serena. "Really weird considering you hate being dragged into something by other people."

Serena shook her head. "Ah, no. It's because we're planning to sneak out—"

Yuri elbowed her lightly, just enough for her to feel it.

"Please, it's just them," she complained. "Plus, they're the youngest in both our families."

Yuya and Yuzu stood silent. Not because of Serena's sentiment, but of what she said before.

"Does… Reiji allow it?" Yuya queried.

Yuri was about to answer when Serena interrupted him. "Of course not, but we're going anyway; what he doesn't know won't hurt him," she stated proudly, even ending it with a wink.

"Okay…" Yuya muttered. "Anyway, Yuri, can you hold my stuff? I—"

"Of course! Anything for my little brother," Yuri affirmed. "Top hat and cane, right?" he snatched them from Yuya's arm and head respectively before pushing them forward. "Go now. We'll be watching from here."

"Well uhh… Thanks…? Come on, Yuz'!" Yuya happily led Yuzu to the stage.

Yuzu's eyes widened as they got there. "You didn't tell me we were doing it on stage! "

"Oh come on, we do it on stage all the time!"

"Yeah, but not with this many people…!" she whisper-yelled and covered the mic Yuya handed her so as not to let the whole crowd hear their argument. "And this isn't like the bar!"

"Then, uhh…" Yuya looked down, then back at her. "We can just get off the stage…"

Yuzu just smiled. She should be more confident in herself, anyway… "Nevermind. It's fine, plus, I—er, we —'ll definitely be singing to a bigger audience than this one day. Now's a for practice, I guess."

Yuya nodded to her. It was their shared dream. "Right. Let's start with the next song."

A minute passed and finally, the current song ended, marking the beginning of their turn.

The instrumental started. The beat of the music struck them like lightning, igniting their limbs in an electrifying dance.

Yuzu grabbed the mic and started as soon as the lyrics played,

(Yuzu) My idea of a perfect Christmas,
Is to spend it with you…

She looked at Yuya with a smile.

In a party or dinner for two,

She started to approach him.

Anywhere would do…

She put her left hand—the one without the mic—on Yuya's shoulder.

Yuya then himself then sang the next.

(Yuya) Celebrating the Yuletide season~
Always lights up our lives

He too put his free hand on her shoulder.

Simple pleasures are made special too,
When they're sha~red with you.
He gave her a playful wink.

And with their voices perfectly in sync, they went on:

(Yuya & Yuzu) Looking through some old photographs,
Faces and friends we'll always reme~mber

They reminisced the memories that included said people—their precious friends and family.

Watching busy shoppers rushing about~
In the cool breeze of December,

Yuzu remember doing such things herself just some days ago. It was fun…

Sparkling lights all over town,
Children's carols in the ai~r…

They looked around them, in the hall they were in.

Christmas lights flickered here and there, illuminating the place with bright, colorful lights.

By the Christmas tree,

Panning to the front of Yuya's face, they looked back at each other.

A show'r of stardust on your hair…

Then to Yuzu's gleeful one.

They giggled at the thought of stardust. That'd be messy.

Yuya then took a breath and closed his eyes.

(Yuya) I can't think of a better Christmas
Than my wish coming true…

He opened them again and was met with Yuzu's cobalt blue ones.

(Yuzu) And my wish is that you'd let me spend…
My whole life with you~

(Instrumental)

Yuzu's heart fluttered. She felt overwhelmed by her own words. Could she, in the future?

But that was still in the future. For now, she slowly danced to the tunes of the music with her precious tomato-haired boyfriend, Yuya.

And they danced and danced. It was the simple one where you both just go round and round.

This one moment felt so good… And their hearts warmed at even just the fact that they were here, with each other, enjoying this duet to the fullest.

Finally, they took the mic again and turned it on.

(Both) Looking through some old photographs,
Faces and friends we'll always remember…

This was a moment they had both longed for in life.

Watching busy shoppers rushing abo~ut
In the cool breeze of December…

To be happy with their precious someone…

Sparkling lights all over town,
Children's carols in the air~

And now they were. And they both hoped it would last.

By the Christmas tree,

Oh, it hurt them to think of ever being separated.

A show~er of stardust on your hair… Yuya twirled her and caught her.

(Yuzu) I can't think of a better Christmas,
Than my wish coming true, Yuzu repeated the same words she did earlier.

And my wish is that you'd let me spend

She took a deep breath,

My whole li~fe with you…

And together, the went on with the finishing lyrics:

(Both) My idea of a perfect Christmas
Is spending it…

They stared deep into each other's eyes,

Wi~th you… They closed their eyes and put their foreheads together, basking in the comfort they brought to each other.

Song was "A Perfect Christmas" by Jose Mari Chan

Before opening them again and looking into the eyes of one another once again. "Thank you for doing this with me, Yuzu…"

"It was a pleasure." Yuzu smiled at him.

They then chuckled at each other while putting their foreheads to each other.

Before fixing their posture then, facing the crowd, they went off the stage, lots of people approached them from almost every corner of the place, applauding them with great pleasure.

"Thanks," Yuya and Yuzu would say whenever they'd receive a compliment.

Oh Ra the crowd just seemed to get even bigger—

"Alright, move on, that's my little brother," Yuri's voice could be heard from the other end, pushing people out of the way, to the point of almost falling.

Finally, after all had at least left or got shoved to the side, Yuya could see Yuri and Serena walk to him.

"Bravo, bravo! Beautiful singing as always," Yuri commented, clapping. He then pulled his brother into a hug, much to Yuya's chagrin.

"Thank you," Yuya managed to wheeze out. Yuri finally let him go. "You can go now. I'll have my stuff back—"

"No, it's fine. I'll hold them for you."

Yuya raised his eyebrow. "So… You're not leaving?"

"Well… Now I don't want to. I would like to watch you do your thing again, even just at the sidelines," Yuri declared gladly, which actually kind of made Yuya's heart drop.

"Nuh-uh. We had a deal! " Serena recalled with an exclamation. "So stick to it." She clutched his arm above the elbow.

"Yeah, Yuri, please just go with her…" Yuya pleaded. He did not want to waste his time with Yuzu, and he wanted to be with her, alone , as much as he could. "You really need to know to let go, and that I literally grew up."

"I'm not exactly sure what you mean about the last part, but fine. You both do your thing, then," he pulled Serena, "Let's go, Serena, and have our own fun."

They finally walked away.

"The way he said the last part concerned me," Yuzu commented as she watched them walk away.

"Sigh… He's always like that, all you need to do is trust him."

"I don't," Yuzu deadpanned.

"Your sister obviously does, which is her loss. Anyway, even after all that, I don't think it's dinner yet…" Yuya groaned.

"Yuya, excluding the other two's intervention, the song literally just lasted around 3-4 minutes." Yuzu shook her head disapprovingly, smiling. "You know, why don't we go outside for a bit? I heard there are some light-made Christmas trees outside. Plus, it's more peaceful than here."

"Sure!"

They then exited the huge doors which had a mosaic of a 'Stardust Dragon' and the other, a 'Number 39: Utopia' on it.

Finally, they arrived outside; it really was peaceful there.

The night sky shone with its stars while the ground was covered by a thick blanket of snow. It was extremely cold, to none's surprise, so Yuya took off his coat jacket to cover Yuzu with it when he noticed, and put his top hat on her head as an extra effort to keep her warm.

"You don't need to do this," Yuzu reassured. "I'm fine."

"As Yuri would have said, 'I insist!' and I do," Yuya argued.

Sighing amusedly, Yuzu just said thanks to him in appreciation.

As she continued to observe her surroundings, she was reminded once again that it was already late December and that, well, it has been a long time since she and Yuya here met.

"Quite weird," she muttered but loud enough for Yuya to hear, "how, about two months ago, we just met, huh?"

"Oh, yes…" Yuya agreed. "Almost two months ago when I got inspired by you to not quit. And you keep doing so, even until now."

"And I'll never stop doing so." She turned to face him, which also made him stop walking.

And before they did anything else, as they probably both expected what was gonna happen, they looked around in case anybody was there.

…their siblings knew , but it would still be weird if they caught them doing what they were about to do.

And, when they were assured, without another moment's notice, they pulled each other closer for a nice, deep kiss.

They then let go after a minute, which felt too little.

They stared deep into the other's eyes and giggled.

But before they could do it again, they heard a few muffled voices.

They immediately let the other go, and when they did, they saw a flash of bright, multicolored light, which then disappeared.

"What was that?" Yuzu whispered.

"I… I don't know…"

Warily, Yuya clutched Yuzu's hand. And with a nod of approval from her, he led the way to where the source of light came from.

They slowly hid behind some bushes. Yuya moved and peeked from it, only to see…

Yugo. And some other person… A… Girl?

"Oh, it's just my brother." Yuya sighed. "C'mon."

"I think it's better if we stay hidden."

"No, I have to greet him. It'll be fine, relax. No one saw us."

Yuzu sighed. "Alright, then."

Finally, he and Yuzu emerged from the bushes. "Big brother?"

Yugo and the girl with him turned.

Yuya gasped. She looked way too much like Yuzu. And she, too, gasped. Was she surprised by him, too?

Yuzu, too, was surprised. So that's another one of Yuya's brothers, huh.

"Yuya-kun!" Yugo greeted cheerily. "What're you doing here?"

The tomato-haired boy didn't want to answer that question. "I wanted to ask the same," he countered. He then recognized who the girl could be.

I mean, Yugo couldn't stop talking about her when he and Yuya were with each other. "And I guess that's Rin?"

"Yes. Yuzu's," she turned to the girl beside him, "sister."

Yuzu couldn't do anything but smile nervously. "Hi, nee-san."

Rin nodded at the greeting, but she didn't take her eyes off of Yuzu one bit.

"Oh, right. Huh, your facial structures are the same," Yuya remarked. His blood then ran cold as he realized that he might've intervened in something just between the two girls.

"So are you and Yugo's," Rin added.

"Well, Rin and me are just passing," Yugo mentioned. "We're going back inside."

"Oh. Okay, then. Yuzu and I will continue our… walk."

Rin continued to stare at Yuzu boredly. "Hey, you haven't said anything."

"There is nothing for me to say," Yuzu retorted. In truth, she didn't want to talk about anything and just wanted to continue her time with Yuya.

"Right, then." Rin shrugged. Yuzu was relieved that Rin didn't force her to say anything else. "Stay safe, imouto," the green-haired girl went on.

Yuzu liked that Rin cared. She usually was cold to other people. Yuzu then reassured her with a lil', "Will do."

"And don't let anything happen to her, Yuya," Rin warned coldly.

Yuya nodded nervously. "W-won't…"

"Well bye now, you two!" Yugo finally led himself and Rin away.

"Whew…" Yuya sighed as the two finally disappeared.

"So," Yuzu started, "why don't we… finish our walk?"

At that, they continued walking, relishing in each other's presence.

The trees' lights glimmered in red, green, blue, white, and gold, among others. Around them, its ornaments reflected the light, while the big, golden star shone the most atop its triangular head.

They did not leave the little forest, as Yuzu knew someone else was there, somewhere deeper near the aviary, and she wanted to leave them alone.

Small specks of snow started to fall again to the ground lightly, while the snow already there crunched beneath their feet with every step, breaking the cool silence between them.

And, every now and then, they stopped to admire the trees and its many lights and ornaments, appreciating its dazzling beauty.

"Sure, these lights are gorgeous," Yuzu started suddenly, "but I personally think that they do more harm than good for the environment—because of light pollution and all that."

Yuya sighed. "You're really quite a killjoy, aren't ya? Just admire them, plus, Christmas is coming!"

"Nah." Yuzu turned to him with a playful smirk. "I've got the perfect 'Christmas' right in front of me."

"What do you mean?" Yuya was completely oblivious to what she meant.

"Well," Yuzu began, "he has… green and red hair…"

Yuya was beginning to understand what she meant.

" Beautiful ruby eyes, and a top hat as an ornament." She placed said hat back atop his head. "His smile warms my heart, especially after putting on a lively show to the audience—be it to adults, or children," she went on. "And… for me, his presence is also the greatest gift to my life."

The aforementioned guy beamed at how she described him as some classic music started to play, replacing the Christmas songs before. It made his heart warm enough to fight the cold brought by the snow.

This time, he was the one who leaned in for a kiss, and it was gratefully given back to him.

They finally let go after a minute or two.

Yuzu then giggled, and Yuya laughed a bit, too, at their own antics.

Yuya continued to do so as he just thought of how grateful he was that she ended up with him of all people. He…

He has completely fallen over her. Everything she does, everything she says, everything she was.

She's his first thought in the morning, she's the last thought before he falls asleep, and she's almost every thought in between.

"Y'know…" Yuya said, "I'm… scared."

Yuzu's smile was quickly replaced by a frown. "Of what?"

"Of what we have—of losing you specifically," he mumbled. He then continued slowly, "For someone to… realize how truly astonishing you are…"

He pulled a strand of Yuzu's hair to the back of her hair. "For someone else to love you so much a-and to think of you the way I do; for someone else to take my place; and, for someone else to," he stammered, "to capture your heart…"

"Oh, Yuya…" Yuzu cupped his face with her right hand. Yuya held it desperately. "You… what I have with you, I won't ever want with anyone else," she assured. She then put her hand down. " Promise ."

"Yuzu..." Yuya could almost cry. He did not deserve her, he thought, even if he never did anything wrong. "Thank you, so, so much…"

Then, holding back his tears, Yuya once again held her hands. "So, uh, you wanna go inside and check the food?" he asked to distract himself.

"Oh, right! Sure." Yuzu smiled at him.

He was so grateful for this—for her . He will continue to protect that smile and cause it. If he can make other people smile whenever he sings or does his shows, then he'll do it more for her—for Yuzu, the one he will continue to cherish and love forevermore.

As… he knows that she will definitely do the same for him.

And with those thoughts in hand, Yuya led the way inside.

They were both overjoyed to know the food was allowed to be eaten, and so they ate.

"It really feels just like yesterday that I met you," Yuya muttered with a mouthful of food.

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah… That I first saw you there at the side looking at me nervously as I exited the room."

"Then I asked about what happened, so you explained."

Yuya rubbed the back of his head. "I actually felt bad having to vent out all my problems to you …" he said with a :P face.

"It's fine… You shouldn't keep your problems to yourself; it won't be good," she looked down, "I should know."

Yuya swallowed his food and looked at her with a face full of concern. "Oh…" He had little idea of Yuzu's life and her past.

He really ought to ask her more regarding such things… partners should tell each other everything. Though, he knew of her sisters and the occasional arguments, but that was all.

Yuzu did not tell him of her brothers, or the incident with her parents, or her powers, but she wasn't sure if she should tell him all that, either.

But there was also no point in hiding it; so what if he knew?

"Wait, can I ask you something?"

Yuya's question snapped Yuzu out of her thoughts. "Oh, yes."

"Is… Reiji your brother?"

This kind of caught Yuzu off-guard, and instead of answering it properly, she said a question instead. "How do you know?"

Yuya put his utensils down. "He said so a week or some ago, when he gave my brothers a car to borrow."

'New.' "How generous of him. And to give you a proper answer, yes—he is my brother."

"Wow… How, though? You both look wildly different from one another, and have different last names. Wait," Yuya thought for a bit, "are you… Step siblings?"

"What? No, no, we're blood-related. It's actually a really long story and will take hours to tell if I include… Everything ."

"Just some parts, then."

Yuzu looked at him and, sighing, started to tell an extremely cut short version of some of her life.

She started off by telling him how some of her memory now was quite vague as it was from long ago, then to the fact that her mom murdered her dad, how Serena and Rin didn't have the proper teen years they deserved, and ended at her side of the story: how she, Ruri, and Shun were raised by Shuzo.

"Wow…" Yuya trailed off when Yuzu ended her story. "That's quite a lot to take in. To think you had a past like that."

"We did, though. And we all had it bad, believe me, but Serena had it the worst."

Yuya nodded in understanding. "All the more reason Yuri shouldn't be hanging out with her."

"Yuya," Yuzu closed her eyes and shook her head before opening them again, "he should continue to do so. You're not the one with Serena… She has gotten a bit better than last month. I'm not sure if the cause is him or not, but I believe he is. Please," she begged, "don't take him away from her."

Yuya didn't understand it so well. "And you're not the one with Yuri. You don't know how dangerous he is, or what he's been through and done." He shuddered remembering that one night when he met up with the gang Yuri and his friend, Dennis, used to be part of.

If it weren't for him interrupting, he's sure Yuri would still be with them right now.

"I'm serious, Yuzu. You don't know, and I prefer that you won't ever find out."

"We'll see first," Yuzu suggested. "If nothing wrong happens, we'll let it pass—"

"That 'wrong' might be the wrongest wrong, mind you," Yuya interrupted. "But if you want it this way, then alright." He nodded at her suggestion.

"Oh, and, I'm thinking of hosting the Main Event later. It'll be fun," he went on.

"I'll go and tell Reiji later," Yuzu said, smiling. "For now, let's eat!"

"Sure!" Yuya said, taking another mouthful of delicious salad.


A/N: btw just watch cause the next chap is gon' be even longer heh...

And hey! Serena's coming near (late July) and I can't wa~it! I rlly hope she'll have some sort of a meeting when Yuri may come one day...! and i also hope they wont hit Lunas right away, tho i aint rlly sure

cya then!
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