continuing from pt. 1...
December 24, 2010
7:31 p.m.
OUR WORLD
Toshiro's Perspective
Toshiro sighs as he gets out of the car, streching as he does. His new shoes squeak as they land on the pavement, the tops shining in the light of street lamps. He wears these with black trousers and the blue sweater Yattamori picked out for him, along with a black dress jacket.
"Tomas, move out of the way so I can get out." Yattamori says.
Toshiro blinks and turns.
"Oh, sorry." Toshiro says as he steps to the side.
Suddenly he feels Yattamori take grasp of his shoulders. He looks over to see her jumping out of the car, using his shoulders to give herself air. She lands with a light thump right in front of him, giving him a great view of her outfit.
She wears a dark green dress with long sleeves, fitted at the top, and becoming gradually looser until they reach over her wrist, looking like kimono sleeves. The bodice has an elegant lace design dressed with glitter and clear rhinestones, a white ribbon tied tight empire style to flow into a pleated satin skirt, the same lace design dancing around the bottom around her knees, open toed black heels on her feet. Her usual cross necklace is around her neck, a ribbon choker also tied, matching her green dew-drop earrings and bow headband.
It's now that he realizes he's staring at her, and blushing, causing Yattamori to stare back at him.
"Is something wrong?" she asks.
He snaps back into reality.
"Uh, n-no, I'm perfectly fine." Toshiro answers.
"Ok, then stop gawking and follow me." Yattamori says as she pulls him between cars by the wrist.
"H-Hey!" Toshiro yells.
After a few minutes, Toshiro, Yattamori, and her family are sitting in a pew in the middle of a great big room, as he knows as a chapel. In front of him are many stained glass windows with a man, a woman, and an angel. There's an alter and an organ, people in red robes sitting up front facing the pews, while a bald man, though not old, sits in a ornamented chair behind a podium, dressed in white. Toshiro looks around the chapel. The walls have been decorated with garlands and wreaths, red, gold, green, and silver bows tied to candle posts standing beside on each side of each pew. Large red and white flowers line the walls and the balcony, more garland hanging nicely from the rafters, red balls hanging from them, reflecting the light of the overhead chandeliers that glistened in the coming and going moonlight.
As he notes the masterful wood work, a nudge breaks his gaze.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Yattamori whispers.
Toshiro turns and grins.
"I must admit, whoever did this really knows how to set a mood in a room." Toshiro says.
Yattamori giggles as the organ suddenly begins to play.
"Be quiet now you two." her Father whispers to them, only on the other side of Yattamori (Tyler luckily is on the very end).
They both nod and listen to the opening.
Soon, the pastor, who Toshiro learns from Yattamori is named Patrick, starts a monolouge about Christmas time, and how many see the holiday as a day thought up by the big chain stores.
"But, as we all know, Christmas has a meaning to it much more then the grand Christmas Tree or the presents Santa Claus brings us each Christmas Eve. Christmas, is in fact, the day of which a savior, our messiah, Jesus Christ, was born of the Virgin Mary, and started his journey to save us from our sins." Patrick says, before sitting down.
As he stands with everyone else in the room, including Yattamori, the words Patrick just said sink into Toshiro's mind.
...Christmas...is based on the birth of a...savior?...
Suddenly, voices chime in his mind, singing in perfect sync with one and other. He turns and looks at Yattamori.
Though it's hard, Toshiro tries to see if he can catch the sound of Yattamori's voice as she sings to the song.
Though, his attempt is cut short when Yattamori turns towards him.
"What?" Yattamori whispers.
"Nothing." Toshiro answers.
"Then why are you leaning so close to me?" she asks.
"I wanted to see if I could hear you sing." he answers.
Her eyes widen and she blinks in surprise, before grinning.
"Don't worry, dude, you'll get the chance." Yattamori says before turning back to face the front.
He raises an eyebrow.
...What does that mean...
The night goes on with more hymns, and more questions in Toshiro's mind about this Jesus man. Again, he turns to ask her a easy question, to see her missing.
Her Father notices his puzzledness.
"Looking for Madison, Tomas?" her Father asks.
Toshiro looks up and nods.
"Yes, where did she go?" he asks.
Her Father grins.
"Look up front." her Father says.
Toshiro feels confused, but does as told.
When he turns, his eyes widen as he sees Yattamori standing up front, a microphone in her hand.
"What the...?" Toshiro trails.
"She must of wanted to surprise you." her Father says.
Toshiro turns towards him.
"What?" he asks.
"You see, Madison was asked to do this solo song in early November. She's been practicing for it all since then." her Father explains.
Toshiro looks back up at her.
"...I'm going to get you the best present ever, I promise..."
Yattamori's voice runs through his head.
"Yattamori..." he whispers, quiet enough that Yattamori's Father doesn't hear.
"Hello, and once again, thank you for being here tonight." Yattamori says into the mic, "Most of you, are usuals to this church, but I know that's there's a few out there that have never been here before, so I'd just like to welcome you all here. So, without further ado, I'm going to now sing "Oh Holy Night"."
Suddenly, a strong, but beautiful melody of a piano starts, stating note after wonderful note of grace as Yattamori breaths calmly, lifting the mic to her mouth.
"Oh, Holy Night,
The stars are brightly shin-ing,
It is the night,
Of our dear savior's birth,
Long lay the world,
In sin and error pin-ing,
Til he appeared,
And the Soul felt his worth..."
Toshiro's eyes widen as Yattamori's clear and nostalgic voice rings through his ears. Flashbacks of Yattamori singing to him and others when they were little replay themselves at once as her voice reaches each note with strength and assurance.
"A thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks,
A new and glorious morn',
Fa-ll on your knees,
Oh hear the angel voices,
Oh ni-ight, div-ine,
Oh night, when Christ was born,
Oh night,
Oh ni-ight!
O-Oh night,
Oh night divine..."
The chorus spells a type of silent ah through the room, keeping everyone's attention on every word that Yattamori allows to cross her lips in her quite angelic voice.
"Truly He taught us,
To love one another,
His law is Love,
And his gospel is Peace,
Chains shall he break,
For the slave is our Brother,
And in his name,
All opression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy,
In grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us,
Prasie His holy Name..."
Toshiro grins, feeling that her strong chorus is about to be resung. But, as he watches, the choir in the back begins to stand, confussing him.
"They're gonna back her up." her Father whispers to him.
His eyes widen.
...They're backing HER up?!...
"Fa-ll on your knees,
O hear, the angel voi-ces,
Oh ni-ight, di-vine,
Oh night, when Christ was born,
(Oh holy night: Choir)
Oh ni-ight,
DI-VINE!
Toshiro eyes widen even larger then before as Yattamori hits the highest note in the song, completing it perfectly as she holds it tough and loud.
She's still amazing.
"Oh night,
Oh night div-ine.."
(Oh night div-ine: Choir)
After holding the note long, they fall silent for a moment.
"Oh..night di-vine..."
A short melody, followed by a chord ends the piece, and the people around him just can't contain themselves any longer, jumping off their seats, shouting and clapping for Yattamori's magnificent performance.
She curtsies politly, before walking back down the middle aile, stopping right in front of him.
She grins.
"Did you like it?" she asks.
He chuckles.
"How could I not? You were excellent." Toshiro compliments.
Red comes to her cheeks as he lets her past him.
"I'm glad you liked the first part of your present." Yattamori coments as she sits.
His eyes widen as he looks down at her, to see her grinning up at him.
The urge takes over as he sits, and he smiles.
He continues to grin the rest of the night, even in his sleep, enjoying his first Christmas so far...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 25, 2010
9:11 a.m.
OUR WORLD
Madison's Perspective
Madison yawns as he walks out of her room, her sister pulling hard on her arm as she leads her to the tree in the living.
"C'mon Madison, our presents are waiting!" Abigail says, tugging on Madison's shirt sleeve.
"Shouldn't I wake up Tomas...?" Madison yawns, glad she remembered to call Toshiro by his fake name.
Abigail groans, but releases Madison's arm.
"Oh, alright, but be quick, I want to see what Santa got me!" Abigail says as she runs back towards the living room.
Madison grins as she turns towards the stairs that lead to the basement, loving that her little sister still believes in Santa, though she had already been exposed to the scheam, though she really no longer cared. Madison turns towards the window, smiling as she sees fresh fallen and still falling snow casting a white blanket over her yard, making it a beautiful White Christmas. She steps silently on the carpeted stairs, looking into the den as she approaches, and begins to chuckle as she lays her eyes on Toshiro.
He's contorted in the sheets, his right foot exposed and a bit of his left barely shadowed by the covers. She scratches her head, thinking of a way to wake him up.
She smiles as an idea comes to mind.
"Hey, Toshiro!" Madison yells as she jumps, landing stomach first on Toshiro.
His eyes pop open instantly with impact, scared to death by Madison's Christmas assalt.
"Ya-Yattamori!" He yells, irritated by Madison's actions.
"Sorry, didn't mean to do that much damage." Madison apologizes as she rolls off of him.
"Oh course you didn't, why'd you do that anyway?" he asks.
She smiles, taking his wrist.
"Why do you think? It's Christmas!" Madison says as she pulls him from the covers.
He wears dark blue sweat pants with a gray short sleeved tee shirt, perfect for opening presents. She rushes up the stairs, Toshiro stumbling behind.
She immediately drops him in the living room on a large couch.
"Happy, I hurried." Madison says as she looks towards her family.
Abigail laughs.
"Uh, Tomas still has bedhead." Abigail comments, pointing at Toshiro.
Madison blinks and looks back over, and groans as she sees Abigail is right.
"Oh my god Tomas." Madison says as she fixes his hair.
"Ma-Madison!" Toshiro yells, "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm fixing your hair."
"Ugh."
"Alright, Alright you two, calm down. It's Christmas, don't go getting into a stupid argument." her Mom says as she gives Madison a present, "Here, this is one you got from Santa."
"Hmm?" Madison says as takes it.
It's small, but heavy.
She quickly unwraps it, and smiles brightly.
"An Ipod Touch!" Madison yells, happy as can be.
Her mom and dad grin.
One, by one, gifts are opened, revealing new movies along with art supplies, and other stuff. As she looks around, she sees a bunch of presents still under the tree, which surprises her.
She pokes at her mom.
"Hey, whose are those?" Madison asks.
Her mom grins.
"Santa left them, go see who they're for." her dad says.
"Ok." she answers as she gets up from Toshiro's side.
She paces over and quickly reads the labels, her eyes widening.
"Who are they for?" Toshiro asks.
Madison smiles, taking one of the presents and walking back over to where she had been, sitting beside Toshiro.
"Well?" Toshiro ask.
She hands it to him.
"It's for you." Madison answers, "From Santa."
Toshiro eyes widen wide.
"What?" Toshiro says as he takes it.
"Don't sit there gawking, you've got six others waiting for you." Madison says as she points back at the pile.
His eyes widen even more.
"They're all for me?" Toshiro asks.
She nods.
"Yepe." Madsion answers as she smiles.
He stares at her for a moment, before he pulls her into a hug, taking her by surprise.
"Uh, Tos-Tomas." Madison starts.
"Thank you.." Toshiro whispers.
Her eyes widen.
"Really...Thank you..." Toshiro repeats.
She grins and hugs him back.
"Your welcome." Madison says as she pulls away, smiling, "Merry Christmas!"
He smiles.
"Merry Christmas." Toshiro says as Madison begins to open his present, quickly taken out by Toshiro's bigger hands.
About a half hour passes before Toshiro opens all his presents: A Sherlock Holmes book, shoes he had been looking at the last time they went shopping with her friends, a fitted black leather jacket, a $20 gift card to the restraunt he and Madison like, Olive Garden (they went the first weekend of break, to celebrate his birthday), an Ipod Touch of his own (loaded with songs Madison picked out), and a package of watermelon flavored lifesavers (he loves watermelon).
"Thank you, all of you, really." Toshiro says.
Suddenly, Madison places another gift in his hand, surprising him, and even her family.
"Honey, what's that?" her mom asks.
"Don't worry mom, I paid for it." Madison says, before turning back to face him, "This one is only from me, and is the last part of your present."
He takes and tugs the string bow off, ripping the wrapping paper off. He opens the box, stopping as he lays his eyes on the gift, smiling.
"You like it?" Madison asks.
He chuckles as he lifts it out of the box.
A new phone, connected to a chain with a blue diamond shaped charm hanging next to it.
Her family gasps.
"Of course, it's awesome." Toshiro says as he looks at it.
"You connect it to your jeans or other pants so it's always close by, I thought it fit you." Madison says, before leaning closer, whispering, "I also put in a special chip that allows you to use it in the Soul Society, and even call me if you're there and I'm here. I already put mine, and Cree's number in it, so if anything comes up, you can contact either of us."
Toshiro stares at her and phone for a moment, not believing that she did this for him.
Suddenly, he pulls her into an even bigger hug then before.
"Thanks." Toshiro says.
Madison grins.
"You're welcome." Madison answers, smiling.
"Alright you two, go get changed, family will be here in two hours." her mom says as she stands.
Toshiro and Madison nod.
"Ok." Toshiro and Madison answer at the same time, getting up and walking towards Madison's room.
As they walk, Toshiro spots something.
"Hey, what's that hanging from the ceiling?" Toshiro asks.
Madison looks up at the greenery hanging from a red ribbon in front of the patio door.
"Oh, it's mistletoe." Madison answers.
"Why is it hanging from the ceiling?" he asks as they enter her room.
"Well, it's tradition that if a boy and girl stand under the mistletoe, they kiss, but if one refuses, they won't get another kiss for a month. That's at least what superstition says, that is." Madison explains as she looks through a bag.
"Oh..." Toshiro answers, thinking of Madison's present..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:39 p.m.
Toshiro and Madison laugh as Elice, Madison's cousin, rips at her present, smiling as she spots the pink barbie.
"Oh, how cute." Madison says as she picks up another present, "This is for you Grammy."
Her grandmother smiles as she hands her the gift.
"Hey, Madison." her Aunt Amanda asks.
"Yeah?" Madison answers.
"I know that I've been rude for not asking, but who is the young man right next to you?" she asks as she points at Toshiro, who's sitting right beside her.
"Oh, I'm Tomas, a friend of Madison's." Toshiro says as he smiles.
"Nice to meet you. So, are you and Madison in the same class?" Aunt Amanda asks.
Toshiro nods.
"Yepe, we have all the same classes."
Aunt Amanda's eyes widens.
"Really? That's unusual."
"Yeah, it was a complete surprise to both of us." Madison interjects, wanting to finish the conversation before anyone got suspicious, "Grammy, what did you get."
"A new green sweater." Grammy answers as she holds it up.
Madison grins.
"Great." she comments.
"Hey, Madison, there's one for you." Toshiro says as he hands her a small, but masterly wrapped gift.
She blinks.
...I thought I opened all my presents...
She tediously works the bow off, then rips at the paper without mercy, smiling as she does.
She carefully opens the box and gasps.
Inside is silver pendant, an arrow carved into the metal, inlayed in and with opal. She turns it on the back, a cursive "Y" marked there.
Her eyes widen.
...Y...for 'Yattamori'...
She looks up at him.
"Where did you find this?" Madison asks.
Toshiro grins.
"I saw you looking at it with your friends a few days back." Toshiro explains.
"You mean you got it for her?" Aunt Estella asks.
Toshiro nods.
"Yepe." Toshiro answers.
"But this is real opal." Madison says.
He shrugs.
"It's alright." Toshiro answers.
Her dad's eyes widen.
"You bought her a real opal?" her dad asks.
"It's fine, really. I just wanted to get you a nice present is all." Toshiro reassures her.
She stares at him for a moment, before tackling him with a hug.
"Thank you!" she laughs.
"Y-Your welcome." Toshiro stutters, blushing slightly.
After an hour, all eight of the young kids (yes, she has eight cousins) are packed into cars, leaving only her grandparents, her Aunt Aubrey and her Uncle Jordan with her family and Toshiro.
She smiles as she stands outside, a fire in the outside pit burning beside her, keeping her warm around all the white world.
"Hey, why are you standing out here?" Toshiro voice calls as he walks out next to her.
"I wanted to get a good look of all the snow. We'll have to go out tomorrow." Madison says as she looks out on the world.
He grins.
"Yeah.." he agrees.
"Have you enjoyed your first Christmas?" she asks.
"It's been amazing." Toshiro answers, "Thanks for showing me your holiday."
She laughs.
"Your welcome, and thank you for this beautiful necklace." Madison says as she plays with the circle charm around her neck.
"I thought you would like it. It reminded me of the the necklace that you wear in the Soul Society, the one I gave you. I thought it fit well." Toshiro says.
Her eyes widen as she looks over the pendant.
...This does look a lot like my other necklace, the only difference is that it's silver, not lime green...
"Thanks." Madison says.
Her arm brushes his hand.
"Ack! Man, you're cold." Toshiro says.
"I am? Hmm, I don't feel cold." Madison says, not noticing cause of her usual barrier of warmth.
"C'mon, let's get inside before you catch a cold." Toshiro says as he begins to walk towards the patio door.
"Fine." Madison groans funny-like, following Toshiro.
As she approaches the door, a piece of wood covered by snow comes over Madison's foot, causing her to trip.
"Ack!" Madison grunts as she sees the ground rushing towards her.
Suddenly, she's caught by Toshiro, about a foot from hitting the ground.
She looks up, clutching his jacket as he helps her up.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to-" Madison starts.
Without warning, Toshiro kisses her forehead, causing her to shut up immediately.
When his lips leave her skin, she looks up at him, blushing and a little confused.
"Wh-Why-"
"Mistletoe." Toshiro says as he points up.
She looks up to see he's right, they're standing right underneath it, it swinging as he shuts the sliding door behind them. Madison looks around, happy to see no one saw the little moment that had just happened. Though as she thinks on, a thought pops into her mind.
...Did he want to kiss me?...
December 24, 2010
7:31 p.m.
OUR WORLD
Toshiro's Perspective
Toshiro sighs as he gets out of the car, streching as he does. His new shoes squeak as they land on the pavement, the tops shining in the light of street lamps. He wears these with black trousers and the blue sweater Yattamori picked out for him, along with a black dress jacket.
"Tomas, move out of the way so I can get out." Yattamori says.
Toshiro blinks and turns.
"Oh, sorry." Toshiro says as he steps to the side.
Suddenly he feels Yattamori take grasp of his shoulders. He looks over to see her jumping out of the car, using his shoulders to give herself air. She lands with a light thump right in front of him, giving him a great view of her outfit.
She wears a dark green dress with long sleeves, fitted at the top, and becoming gradually looser until they reach over her wrist, looking like kimono sleeves. The bodice has an elegant lace design dressed with glitter and clear rhinestones, a white ribbon tied tight empire style to flow into a pleated satin skirt, the same lace design dancing around the bottom around her knees, open toed black heels on her feet. Her usual cross necklace is around her neck, a ribbon choker also tied, matching her green dew-drop earrings and bow headband.
It's now that he realizes he's staring at her, and blushing, causing Yattamori to stare back at him.
"Is something wrong?" she asks.
He snaps back into reality.
"Uh, n-no, I'm perfectly fine." Toshiro answers.
"Ok, then stop gawking and follow me." Yattamori says as she pulls him between cars by the wrist.
"H-Hey!" Toshiro yells.
After a few minutes, Toshiro, Yattamori, and her family are sitting in a pew in the middle of a great big room, as he knows as a chapel. In front of him are many stained glass windows with a man, a woman, and an angel. There's an alter and an organ, people in red robes sitting up front facing the pews, while a bald man, though not old, sits in a ornamented chair behind a podium, dressed in white. Toshiro looks around the chapel. The walls have been decorated with garlands and wreaths, red, gold, green, and silver bows tied to candle posts standing beside on each side of each pew. Large red and white flowers line the walls and the balcony, more garland hanging nicely from the rafters, red balls hanging from them, reflecting the light of the overhead chandeliers that glistened in the coming and going moonlight.
As he notes the masterful wood work, a nudge breaks his gaze.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Yattamori whispers.
Toshiro turns and grins.
"I must admit, whoever did this really knows how to set a mood in a room." Toshiro says.
Yattamori giggles as the organ suddenly begins to play.
"Be quiet now you two." her Father whispers to them, only on the other side of Yattamori (Tyler luckily is on the very end).
They both nod and listen to the opening.
Soon, the pastor, who Toshiro learns from Yattamori is named Patrick, starts a monolouge about Christmas time, and how many see the holiday as a day thought up by the big chain stores.
"But, as we all know, Christmas has a meaning to it much more then the grand Christmas Tree or the presents Santa Claus brings us each Christmas Eve. Christmas, is in fact, the day of which a savior, our messiah, Jesus Christ, was born of the Virgin Mary, and started his journey to save us from our sins." Patrick says, before sitting down.
As he stands with everyone else in the room, including Yattamori, the words Patrick just said sink into Toshiro's mind.
...Christmas...is based on the birth of a...savior?...
Suddenly, voices chime in his mind, singing in perfect sync with one and other. He turns and looks at Yattamori.
Though it's hard, Toshiro tries to see if he can catch the sound of Yattamori's voice as she sings to the song.
Though, his attempt is cut short when Yattamori turns towards him.
"What?" Yattamori whispers.
"Nothing." Toshiro answers.
"Then why are you leaning so close to me?" she asks.
"I wanted to see if I could hear you sing." he answers.
Her eyes widen and she blinks in surprise, before grinning.
"Don't worry, dude, you'll get the chance." Yattamori says before turning back to face the front.
He raises an eyebrow.
...What does that mean...
The night goes on with more hymns, and more questions in Toshiro's mind about this Jesus man. Again, he turns to ask her a easy question, to see her missing.
Her Father notices his puzzledness.
"Looking for Madison, Tomas?" her Father asks.
Toshiro looks up and nods.
"Yes, where did she go?" he asks.
Her Father grins.
"Look up front." her Father says.
Toshiro feels confused, but does as told.
When he turns, his eyes widen as he sees Yattamori standing up front, a microphone in her hand.
"What the...?" Toshiro trails.
"She must of wanted to surprise you." her Father says.
Toshiro turns towards him.
"What?" he asks.
"You see, Madison was asked to do this solo song in early November. She's been practicing for it all since then." her Father explains.
Toshiro looks back up at her.
"...I'm going to get you the best present ever, I promise..."
Yattamori's voice runs through his head.
"Yattamori..." he whispers, quiet enough that Yattamori's Father doesn't hear.
"Hello, and once again, thank you for being here tonight." Yattamori says into the mic, "Most of you, are usuals to this church, but I know that's there's a few out there that have never been here before, so I'd just like to welcome you all here. So, without further ado, I'm going to now sing "Oh Holy Night"."
Suddenly, a strong, but beautiful melody of a piano starts, stating note after wonderful note of grace as Yattamori breaths calmly, lifting the mic to her mouth.
"Oh, Holy Night,
The stars are brightly shin-ing,
It is the night,
Of our dear savior's birth,
Long lay the world,
In sin and error pin-ing,
Til he appeared,
And the Soul felt his worth..."
Toshiro's eyes widen as Yattamori's clear and nostalgic voice rings through his ears. Flashbacks of Yattamori singing to him and others when they were little replay themselves at once as her voice reaches each note with strength and assurance.
"A thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks,
A new and glorious morn',
Fa-ll on your knees,
Oh hear the angel voices,
Oh ni-ight, div-ine,
Oh night, when Christ was born,
Oh night,
Oh ni-ight!
O-Oh night,
Oh night divine..."
The chorus spells a type of silent ah through the room, keeping everyone's attention on every word that Yattamori allows to cross her lips in her quite angelic voice.
"Truly He taught us,
To love one another,
His law is Love,
And his gospel is Peace,
Chains shall he break,
For the slave is our Brother,
And in his name,
All opression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy,
In grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us,
Prasie His holy Name..."
Toshiro grins, feeling that her strong chorus is about to be resung. But, as he watches, the choir in the back begins to stand, confussing him.
"They're gonna back her up." her Father whispers to him.
His eyes widen.
...They're backing HER up?!...
"Fa-ll on your knees,
O hear, the angel voi-ces,
Oh ni-ight, di-vine,
Oh night, when Christ was born,
(Oh holy night: Choir)
Oh ni-ight,
DI-VINE!
Toshiro eyes widen even larger then before as Yattamori hits the highest note in the song, completing it perfectly as she holds it tough and loud.
She's still amazing.
"Oh night,
Oh night div-ine.."
(Oh night div-ine: Choir)
After holding the note long, they fall silent for a moment.
"Oh..night di-vine..."
A short melody, followed by a chord ends the piece, and the people around him just can't contain themselves any longer, jumping off their seats, shouting and clapping for Yattamori's magnificent performance.
She curtsies politly, before walking back down the middle aile, stopping right in front of him.
She grins.
"Did you like it?" she asks.
He chuckles.
"How could I not? You were excellent." Toshiro compliments.
Red comes to her cheeks as he lets her past him.
"I'm glad you liked the first part of your present." Yattamori coments as she sits.
His eyes widen as he looks down at her, to see her grinning up at him.
The urge takes over as he sits, and he smiles.
He continues to grin the rest of the night, even in his sleep, enjoying his first Christmas so far...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 25, 2010
9:11 a.m.
OUR WORLD
Madison's Perspective
Madison yawns as he walks out of her room, her sister pulling hard on her arm as she leads her to the tree in the living.
"C'mon Madison, our presents are waiting!" Abigail says, tugging on Madison's shirt sleeve.
"Shouldn't I wake up Tomas...?" Madison yawns, glad she remembered to call Toshiro by his fake name.
Abigail groans, but releases Madison's arm.
"Oh, alright, but be quick, I want to see what Santa got me!" Abigail says as she runs back towards the living room.
Madison grins as she turns towards the stairs that lead to the basement, loving that her little sister still believes in Santa, though she had already been exposed to the scheam, though she really no longer cared. Madison turns towards the window, smiling as she sees fresh fallen and still falling snow casting a white blanket over her yard, making it a beautiful White Christmas. She steps silently on the carpeted stairs, looking into the den as she approaches, and begins to chuckle as she lays her eyes on Toshiro.
He's contorted in the sheets, his right foot exposed and a bit of his left barely shadowed by the covers. She scratches her head, thinking of a way to wake him up.
She smiles as an idea comes to mind.
"Hey, Toshiro!" Madison yells as she jumps, landing stomach first on Toshiro.
His eyes pop open instantly with impact, scared to death by Madison's Christmas assalt.
"Ya-Yattamori!" He yells, irritated by Madison's actions.
"Sorry, didn't mean to do that much damage." Madison apologizes as she rolls off of him.
"Oh course you didn't, why'd you do that anyway?" he asks.
She smiles, taking his wrist.
"Why do you think? It's Christmas!" Madison says as she pulls him from the covers.
He wears dark blue sweat pants with a gray short sleeved tee shirt, perfect for opening presents. She rushes up the stairs, Toshiro stumbling behind.
She immediately drops him in the living room on a large couch.
"Happy, I hurried." Madison says as she looks towards her family.
Abigail laughs.
"Uh, Tomas still has bedhead." Abigail comments, pointing at Toshiro.
Madison blinks and looks back over, and groans as she sees Abigail is right.
"Oh my god Tomas." Madison says as she fixes his hair.
"Ma-Madison!" Toshiro yells, "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm fixing your hair."
"Ugh."
"Alright, Alright you two, calm down. It's Christmas, don't go getting into a stupid argument." her Mom says as she gives Madison a present, "Here, this is one you got from Santa."
"Hmm?" Madison says as takes it.
It's small, but heavy.
She quickly unwraps it, and smiles brightly.
"An Ipod Touch!" Madison yells, happy as can be.
Her mom and dad grin.
One, by one, gifts are opened, revealing new movies along with art supplies, and other stuff. As she looks around, she sees a bunch of presents still under the tree, which surprises her.
She pokes at her mom.
"Hey, whose are those?" Madison asks.
Her mom grins.
"Santa left them, go see who they're for." her dad says.
"Ok." she answers as she gets up from Toshiro's side.
She paces over and quickly reads the labels, her eyes widening.
"Who are they for?" Toshiro asks.
Madison smiles, taking one of the presents and walking back over to where she had been, sitting beside Toshiro.
"Well?" Toshiro ask.
She hands it to him.
"It's for you." Madison answers, "From Santa."
Toshiro eyes widen wide.
"What?" Toshiro says as he takes it.
"Don't sit there gawking, you've got six others waiting for you." Madison says as she points back at the pile.
His eyes widen even more.
"They're all for me?" Toshiro asks.
She nods.
"Yepe." Madsion answers as she smiles.
He stares at her for a moment, before he pulls her into a hug, taking her by surprise.
"Uh, Tos-Tomas." Madison starts.
"Thank you.." Toshiro whispers.
Her eyes widen.
"Really...Thank you..." Toshiro repeats.
She grins and hugs him back.
"Your welcome." Madison says as she pulls away, smiling, "Merry Christmas!"
He smiles.
"Merry Christmas." Toshiro says as Madison begins to open his present, quickly taken out by Toshiro's bigger hands.
About a half hour passes before Toshiro opens all his presents: A Sherlock Holmes book, shoes he had been looking at the last time they went shopping with her friends, a fitted black leather jacket, a $20 gift card to the restraunt he and Madison like, Olive Garden (they went the first weekend of break, to celebrate his birthday), an Ipod Touch of his own (loaded with songs Madison picked out), and a package of watermelon flavored lifesavers (he loves watermelon).
"Thank you, all of you, really." Toshiro says.
Suddenly, Madison places another gift in his hand, surprising him, and even her family.
"Honey, what's that?" her mom asks.
"Don't worry mom, I paid for it." Madison says, before turning back to face him, "This one is only from me, and is the last part of your present."
He takes and tugs the string bow off, ripping the wrapping paper off. He opens the box, stopping as he lays his eyes on the gift, smiling.
"You like it?" Madison asks.
He chuckles as he lifts it out of the box.
A new phone, connected to a chain with a blue diamond shaped charm hanging next to it.
Her family gasps.
"Of course, it's awesome." Toshiro says as he looks at it.
"You connect it to your jeans or other pants so it's always close by, I thought it fit you." Madison says, before leaning closer, whispering, "I also put in a special chip that allows you to use it in the Soul Society, and even call me if you're there and I'm here. I already put mine, and Cree's number in it, so if anything comes up, you can contact either of us."
Toshiro stares at her and phone for a moment, not believing that she did this for him.
Suddenly, he pulls her into an even bigger hug then before.
"Thanks." Toshiro says.
Madison grins.
"You're welcome." Madison answers, smiling.
"Alright you two, go get changed, family will be here in two hours." her mom says as she stands.
Toshiro and Madison nod.
"Ok." Toshiro and Madison answer at the same time, getting up and walking towards Madison's room.
As they walk, Toshiro spots something.
"Hey, what's that hanging from the ceiling?" Toshiro asks.
Madison looks up at the greenery hanging from a red ribbon in front of the patio door.
"Oh, it's mistletoe." Madison answers.
"Why is it hanging from the ceiling?" he asks as they enter her room.
"Well, it's tradition that if a boy and girl stand under the mistletoe, they kiss, but if one refuses, they won't get another kiss for a month. That's at least what superstition says, that is." Madison explains as she looks through a bag.
"Oh..." Toshiro answers, thinking of Madison's present..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:39 p.m.
Toshiro and Madison laugh as Elice, Madison's cousin, rips at her present, smiling as she spots the pink barbie.
"Oh, how cute." Madison says as she picks up another present, "This is for you Grammy."
Her grandmother smiles as she hands her the gift.
"Hey, Madison." her Aunt Amanda asks.
"Yeah?" Madison answers.
"I know that I've been rude for not asking, but who is the young man right next to you?" she asks as she points at Toshiro, who's sitting right beside her.
"Oh, I'm Tomas, a friend of Madison's." Toshiro says as he smiles.
"Nice to meet you. So, are you and Madison in the same class?" Aunt Amanda asks.
Toshiro nods.
"Yepe, we have all the same classes."
Aunt Amanda's eyes widens.
"Really? That's unusual."
"Yeah, it was a complete surprise to both of us." Madison interjects, wanting to finish the conversation before anyone got suspicious, "Grammy, what did you get."
"A new green sweater." Grammy answers as she holds it up.
Madison grins.
"Great." she comments.
"Hey, Madison, there's one for you." Toshiro says as he hands her a small, but masterly wrapped gift.
She blinks.
...I thought I opened all my presents...
She tediously works the bow off, then rips at the paper without mercy, smiling as she does.
She carefully opens the box and gasps.
Inside is silver pendant, an arrow carved into the metal, inlayed in and with opal. She turns it on the back, a cursive "Y" marked there.
Her eyes widen.
...Y...for 'Yattamori'...
She looks up at him.
"Where did you find this?" Madison asks.
Toshiro grins.
"I saw you looking at it with your friends a few days back." Toshiro explains.
"You mean you got it for her?" Aunt Estella asks.
Toshiro nods.
"Yepe." Toshiro answers.
"But this is real opal." Madison says.
He shrugs.
"It's alright." Toshiro answers.
Her dad's eyes widen.
"You bought her a real opal?" her dad asks.
"It's fine, really. I just wanted to get you a nice present is all." Toshiro reassures her.
She stares at him for a moment, before tackling him with a hug.
"Thank you!" she laughs.
"Y-Your welcome." Toshiro stutters, blushing slightly.
After an hour, all eight of the young kids (yes, she has eight cousins) are packed into cars, leaving only her grandparents, her Aunt Aubrey and her Uncle Jordan with her family and Toshiro.
She smiles as she stands outside, a fire in the outside pit burning beside her, keeping her warm around all the white world.
"Hey, why are you standing out here?" Toshiro voice calls as he walks out next to her.
"I wanted to get a good look of all the snow. We'll have to go out tomorrow." Madison says as she looks out on the world.
He grins.
"Yeah.." he agrees.
"Have you enjoyed your first Christmas?" she asks.
"It's been amazing." Toshiro answers, "Thanks for showing me your holiday."
She laughs.
"Your welcome, and thank you for this beautiful necklace." Madison says as she plays with the circle charm around her neck.
"I thought you would like it. It reminded me of the the necklace that you wear in the Soul Society, the one I gave you. I thought it fit well." Toshiro says.
Her eyes widen as she looks over the pendant.
...This does look a lot like my other necklace, the only difference is that it's silver, not lime green...
"Thanks." Madison says.
Her arm brushes his hand.
"Ack! Man, you're cold." Toshiro says.
"I am? Hmm, I don't feel cold." Madison says, not noticing cause of her usual barrier of warmth.
"C'mon, let's get inside before you catch a cold." Toshiro says as he begins to walk towards the patio door.
"Fine." Madison groans funny-like, following Toshiro.
As she approaches the door, a piece of wood covered by snow comes over Madison's foot, causing her to trip.
"Ack!" Madison grunts as she sees the ground rushing towards her.
Suddenly, she's caught by Toshiro, about a foot from hitting the ground.
She looks up, clutching his jacket as he helps her up.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to-" Madison starts.
Without warning, Toshiro kisses her forehead, causing her to shut up immediately.
When his lips leave her skin, she looks up at him, blushing and a little confused.
"Wh-Why-"
"Mistletoe." Toshiro says as he points up.
She looks up to see he's right, they're standing right underneath it, it swinging as he shuts the sliding door behind them. Madison looks around, happy to see no one saw the little moment that had just happened. Though as she thinks on, a thought pops into her mind.
...Did he want to kiss me?...
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