So, I'm a little bit of a slacker.
I've been busy writing, just not the short bits I meant to. My main story's been eating my brain and I have another I should work on, but I wanted to do these...so, since I'm posting from the 2-10th, they'll be behind a cut.
December 2: Ban, Akabane, GetBackers
Akabane walked in a self-possessed cloud that flowed with his coat, swirling around him, but never quite extending past him though he had the ability to fill a room. Ban watched him carefully, a grouse watching a snake it knew would attack. “What do you want, bastard?” Ban demanded, feigning casual indifference poorly while lighting a cigarette.
“My, my, such a cheerful greeting,” Akabane said, unaffected by the waves of hostility flowing from Ban.
“Just spit it out and get it over with,” Ban muttered, his cigarette bouncing with his words. He pulled it out from between his lips and blew a cloud of smoke. “It’s not like I have all day.”
Akabane tilted his head, his hands still in his pockets. “You do not have anything to do until after we’ve talked,” he pointed out.
Ban shoved the cigarette back in his mouth, his jaws grinding together. “Fine,” he growled after a pause.
Akabane drew his hand out of his pocket and held up two envelopes. He held them out to Ban and waited, still as a snake about to strike.
Cautiously, Ban snapped both envelopes away, moving out of Akabane’s reach, even though he knew that would be of little help since the man fought with blades that flew from his hands or with a sword rather than hand to hand, but any small advantage would be useful. He opened the first envelope and pulled out the paper within. He read over it quickly, frowned, read over it again. The words didn’t change. Their tab at the Honky Tonk was paid up and would be taken care of for a year. This wasn’t the payment they’d been offered when they took this job, though, and the writing didn’t look like HEVN’s, either. When he looked up, Akabane was gone. “Huh,” he muttered, wadding up the paper and shoving it in his pocket before opening the other envelope that held the details of a job he and Ginji were being hired to do.
December 3: Tadayasu, Kei, Moyoshimon
It was obvious that Tadayasu was still getting used to the idea that Kei, his best friend for his entire life, had, in the course of less than a semester of college, become a cross-dressing loli-goth instead of the boy who became angry when people told him was feminine. While he was glad his friend was happy, it was still a big change for him to cope with, especially since his feelings of ‘like’ for his friend were changing into ‘like’ in a very different way. He still felt very awkward around him, and wondered if he shouldn’t think of his friend as a ‘she’ instead of a ‘he,’ but Kei didn’t seem changed beyond what he wore, so was that right to do? Other than figuring out his feelings, he was just happy to have his friend back after he disappeared for a while.
Kei had asked that Tadayasu meet him at a restaurant after class. Given their limited budgets as students, even with Kei working, this was quite an extravagance to go out for anything that wasn’t ramen or fast food. The microbes swirled around him, chattering about brewing and exploring. He looked around, peering through the clouds only he could see until he saw Kei waiting for him just outside the restaurant, dressed in a black dress that ended just above his knees, the frilly white petticoat peeking beneath. On his head, a pillbox cap set at an angle. He did look good, Tadayasu had to admit. He continued, an unconscious smile on his lips as he approached. “Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” Kei said, an answering smile on his lips. He reached over and slipped his hand into Tadayasu’s, leaving behind a slip of paper when he let go. “Let’s go eat,” he said, tilting his head toward the door.
Tadayasu nodded, following Kei as he brought the paper up, unfolding it to read. His smile grew as he read. As they were sitting, he said, “Yes.” Kei rewarded him with a kiss before he took his seat. This time, it wasn’t such a shock, much more welcome. He blushed and once Kei sat, he asked, “Umm, does that mean you’re my girlfriend or boyfriend?”
“Just your lover,” Kei said, folding his hands under his chin.
Tadayasu nodded. Of course, that should have been obvious. It didn’t matter. “Yeah,” he said. They would figure things out as they went along, but they were going out now. His smile became a grin and he could hear the microbes celebrating with him.
December 4: L, Light, Death Note
They were enemies, friends, colleagues, competitors, both focused on winning, not trusting each other. But, the holidays were approaching and the conventions of society dictated that since they were friends, they should give each other gifts of a value equivalent to their esteem for each other. But, just what could he give that would give exactly the right impression as well as deliver the precise message he wanted? That was something Light had to figure out before he could begin shopping for a present.
L began looking with the same thoughts in mind. His search was conducted when everyone else was asleep; even Light slept more than he did.
When Christmas came, they both found a small package wrapped in red paper. Looking at each other then at the gifts, they bowed slightly in thanks, though it seemed more like snakes watching each other as they opened their gifts.
Inside each package was a bright red apple, polished to perfection.
December 5: Hiei, Kurama, Yu Yu Hakusho
It wasn’t a holiday of the Makai, but then, it really wasn’t a holiday of Japan, either. It was one of those thing that had been imported when Perry forced open the gates, but, like everything else, its meaning had been adapted and made more properly Japanese. It was a holiday for friends, for lovers. New Years was the time for family and spirituality, when the calendar turned, though there were still some who believed it should be celebrated in spring, but those people tended to celebrate both times.
But, Christmas was unique, and Hiei stared at the colored paper-wrapped package with suspicion. He’d only known this Kurama for a few months, but Youko’s reputation was well-known. He never gave anyone anything. Why was Kurama giving him this? Why was he even still around? It’s not like Kurama had any hold on him.
“Open it,” Kurama prompted, offering the package again. “It won’t hurt you, I promise,” he added laughing.
Hiei looked at Kurama again. His hair was longer than when they’d met. Was the kitsune trying to regain his identity through his hair? Youko did have a reputation for looks and a lot of beautiful demons had long hair. Shrugging, Hiei reached out for the package and opened it. Inside was a twisted platinum chain that, to those who knew its alphabet, contained all the lore on the Kokoryuha. To those that could not read it, it was simply a necklace with an irregular pattern along its length. Hiei looked back at Kurama. The damn fox knew exactly what he was giving him. “Thank you,” he managed, though it might have been a grunt.
Kurama smiled, pleased with Hiei’s response.
December 6: Leonard, Sheldon, Big Bang Theory
“I don’t see why you don’t just tell me where we’re going,” Sheldon protested for the fifth time since their trip began. He’d followed willingly enough; he’d been promised something for the journey. “I don’t like surprises.”
“You’ll like this one,” Leonard said for the fourth time, his attention more on the road than their conversation.
“Why don’t you just tell him?” Howard asked from the back seat.
“You just want him to say because he hasn’t told you, either,” Raj pointed out. “Though, it would be nice if you told us,” he said, something between chiding and hope in his voice.
“We’ll be there soon,” Leonard said, impatience coloring his voice. He stopped when the light turned yellow, frowning at it through the time it was red, ignoring the mass pleading that he just tell them. When the light changed, he went through it and turned down a narrow street. There were a lot of people lined up already, but there were no signs to say what it was. This gathering had been strictly word of mouth. He’d sent a message to the organizer, knowing that only a certain number of people would be invited and told where to meet. It had been a week before he heard back; he’d been on pins and needles waiting for the response. He parked in the small lot that was already more full of cars than it was designed for.
“What is this?” Sheldon asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.
“A surprise,” was all Leonard would say, wondering why he was putting himself through this torment. At least, once they got inside, everything would be Sheldon-approved, he’d checked on that.
The questions changed from ‘what is this’ to ‘what are we going to watch’ as they entered and stood in line for concessions. The questions faded into awed silence as they entered the theatre and Leonard Nemoy introduced a showing of Star Trek III. The expression on Sheldon’s face made it worth it, Leonard thought as the lights dimmed and the movie started.
December 7: Ginji, Ban, GetBackers
“Nee, Ban,” Ginji said, his voice wistful as he looked up at the sky above them through the moon roof of the ladybug. They were spending another night in the car, not having enough money to even afford a cheap hotel.
“What, Ginji?” Ban’s voice came, irritable as he faced the door, trying to get comfortable.
Ginji rummaged through the pockets of his vest. He pulled out a small object wrapped in a handkerchief. “Here,” he said, handing it over without looking at Ban.
Ban twisted then turned himself so he was on his back and took the wad of fabric from Ginji. “What is it?” he asked.
“Just open it,” Ginji said, still not looking at his friend.
Ban’s expression was irritated as he sat up. Irritation faded and was replaced with a wry smile as he revealed a keychain with the English letters G and B with a small S next to them. “The ‘s’ means we’re never alone,” he said, wrapping his hand around it.
“Yeah,” Ginji sighed, the smile in his voice.
December 8: Mello, Near, Death Note
They were rivals, competitors for the same position, yet they’d grown up together, in the same house. While there could be a lot of animosity, there was a certain degree of almost friendship that kept them together, a type of sibling-like feeling though there was no blood relationship between them. They could not simply ignore or avoid holidays and birthdays. Something had to be done. Near’s birthday was no exception, even though they were close to finally trapping that fake L. Finding each other had never been a problem; they knew how the other thought as well as they knew their own minds. Selecting a gift was a little more difficult, though. They often just purchased what they wanted when they saw it.
Finally, after searching everywhere, Mello found a production model of a particular toy that he knew Near would like but had never been produced. He obtained the model and sent it to his rival without a note or return address.
Later, when Near bothered to contact him on something related to their case, he was pleased to see that the white haired boy was playing with the toy while he spoke, though he didn’t let on. He knew Near knew and that it was his way of saying thanks.
December 9: Kusuriyuri, Kurama, Mononoke, Yu Yu Hakusho
They’d met a couple of times in his excursions to the Reikai, but the peddler always seemed to stand out in Youko’s mind. Maybe it was his demeanor, coming across as completely unflappable, always calm, skilled, but Youko was sure he was the only one who knew the truth, just how skilled the peddler was and how he could lose control. How did one reward that? Youko didn’t know exactly why he wanted to, just that he did. He went through his treasures, looking for something suitable. He finally found what seemed right, a pair of ruby earrings, small enough to be left behind without a fuss, but perfect in every respect, the color, cut, clarity of the gems, their match.
He left them in the peddler’s sleeve, not want it to be obvious; it wasn’t like him to give a gift, after all. And, it wasn’t like the peddler would notice as they had been rather engaged in what they were doing at the time.
Later, when he’d been checking on the peddler, he was pleased to see him looking well, smiling over a cat, wearing the earrings.
December 10: Kuronue, Yukimura, Yu Yu Hakusho, Samurai Deeper Kyo
Accepting gifts and giving them was something that Kuronue wasn’t used to. He would just steal what he wanted and so would anyone else he’d associated with long enough to give a rat’s ass about. But, to be around someone that he wanted to do something for was completely foreign and oddly wonderful. But, it couldn’t be just anything and somehow, it felt wrong to just steal something. This led to a problem he wasn’t quite sure how to resolve. He spent a great deal of time thinking, hanging upside down much of the time to facilitate such difficult work. Not only did he have to figure out what to get, but how to obtain it and how to present it.
Finally, he decided, a grin spreading over his features as he flipped from the branch he’d been resting on to his feet and walked away, whistling cheerfully as he shoved his hands in his pockets. He had some preparations to make if he was going to have his gift ready in time.
It took him longer than he expected and he was almost late, but still managed to be resting against the wall when Yukimura exited the dojo. The amusement in Yukimura’s eyes let him know that his effort to be there had been noticed. He made a face and fell into step with Yukimura, taking his hand just so he could slip on the bracelet he’d made. He kept Yukimura’s hand, though, not letting him look at it until they’d reached their room. It was a leather band with silver thread stitched throughout that spelled out the words ‘Mine, no touching without permission.’ Yukimura raised an eyebrow at Kuronue. “Really? Who needs to ask for permission?”
“Anyone,” Kuronue said, trying to sound cocky.
“Even you?”
Kuronue’s expression faltered. “That…uh….that’s not what I meant…”
Yukimura’s fingers went to Kuronue’s lips. “I appreciate the thought,” he said gently.
Later, while Yukimura slept, the stitching changed to say ‘I love you.’ Kuronue never admitted to altering it.
December 2: Ban, Akabane, GetBackers
Akabane walked in a self-possessed cloud that flowed with his coat, swirling around him, but never quite extending past him though he had the ability to fill a room. Ban watched him carefully, a grouse watching a snake it knew would attack. “What do you want, bastard?” Ban demanded, feigning casual indifference poorly while lighting a cigarette.
“My, my, such a cheerful greeting,” Akabane said, unaffected by the waves of hostility flowing from Ban.
“Just spit it out and get it over with,” Ban muttered, his cigarette bouncing with his words. He pulled it out from between his lips and blew a cloud of smoke. “It’s not like I have all day.”
Akabane tilted his head, his hands still in his pockets. “You do not have anything to do until after we’ve talked,” he pointed out.
Ban shoved the cigarette back in his mouth, his jaws grinding together. “Fine,” he growled after a pause.
Akabane drew his hand out of his pocket and held up two envelopes. He held them out to Ban and waited, still as a snake about to strike.
Cautiously, Ban snapped both envelopes away, moving out of Akabane’s reach, even though he knew that would be of little help since the man fought with blades that flew from his hands or with a sword rather than hand to hand, but any small advantage would be useful. He opened the first envelope and pulled out the paper within. He read over it quickly, frowned, read over it again. The words didn’t change. Their tab at the Honky Tonk was paid up and would be taken care of for a year. This wasn’t the payment they’d been offered when they took this job, though, and the writing didn’t look like HEVN’s, either. When he looked up, Akabane was gone. “Huh,” he muttered, wadding up the paper and shoving it in his pocket before opening the other envelope that held the details of a job he and Ginji were being hired to do.
December 3: Tadayasu, Kei, Moyoshimon
It was obvious that Tadayasu was still getting used to the idea that Kei, his best friend for his entire life, had, in the course of less than a semester of college, become a cross-dressing loli-goth instead of the boy who became angry when people told him was feminine. While he was glad his friend was happy, it was still a big change for him to cope with, especially since his feelings of ‘like’ for his friend were changing into ‘like’ in a very different way. He still felt very awkward around him, and wondered if he shouldn’t think of his friend as a ‘she’ instead of a ‘he,’ but Kei didn’t seem changed beyond what he wore, so was that right to do? Other than figuring out his feelings, he was just happy to have his friend back after he disappeared for a while.
Kei had asked that Tadayasu meet him at a restaurant after class. Given their limited budgets as students, even with Kei working, this was quite an extravagance to go out for anything that wasn’t ramen or fast food. The microbes swirled around him, chattering about brewing and exploring. He looked around, peering through the clouds only he could see until he saw Kei waiting for him just outside the restaurant, dressed in a black dress that ended just above his knees, the frilly white petticoat peeking beneath. On his head, a pillbox cap set at an angle. He did look good, Tadayasu had to admit. He continued, an unconscious smile on his lips as he approached. “Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” Kei said, an answering smile on his lips. He reached over and slipped his hand into Tadayasu’s, leaving behind a slip of paper when he let go. “Let’s go eat,” he said, tilting his head toward the door.
Tadayasu nodded, following Kei as he brought the paper up, unfolding it to read. His smile grew as he read. As they were sitting, he said, “Yes.” Kei rewarded him with a kiss before he took his seat. This time, it wasn’t such a shock, much more welcome. He blushed and once Kei sat, he asked, “Umm, does that mean you’re my girlfriend or boyfriend?”
“Just your lover,” Kei said, folding his hands under his chin.
Tadayasu nodded. Of course, that should have been obvious. It didn’t matter. “Yeah,” he said. They would figure things out as they went along, but they were going out now. His smile became a grin and he could hear the microbes celebrating with him.
December 4: L, Light, Death Note
They were enemies, friends, colleagues, competitors, both focused on winning, not trusting each other. But, the holidays were approaching and the conventions of society dictated that since they were friends, they should give each other gifts of a value equivalent to their esteem for each other. But, just what could he give that would give exactly the right impression as well as deliver the precise message he wanted? That was something Light had to figure out before he could begin shopping for a present.
L began looking with the same thoughts in mind. His search was conducted when everyone else was asleep; even Light slept more than he did.
When Christmas came, they both found a small package wrapped in red paper. Looking at each other then at the gifts, they bowed slightly in thanks, though it seemed more like snakes watching each other as they opened their gifts.
Inside each package was a bright red apple, polished to perfection.
December 5: Hiei, Kurama, Yu Yu Hakusho
It wasn’t a holiday of the Makai, but then, it really wasn’t a holiday of Japan, either. It was one of those thing that had been imported when Perry forced open the gates, but, like everything else, its meaning had been adapted and made more properly Japanese. It was a holiday for friends, for lovers. New Years was the time for family and spirituality, when the calendar turned, though there were still some who believed it should be celebrated in spring, but those people tended to celebrate both times.
But, Christmas was unique, and Hiei stared at the colored paper-wrapped package with suspicion. He’d only known this Kurama for a few months, but Youko’s reputation was well-known. He never gave anyone anything. Why was Kurama giving him this? Why was he even still around? It’s not like Kurama had any hold on him.
“Open it,” Kurama prompted, offering the package again. “It won’t hurt you, I promise,” he added laughing.
Hiei looked at Kurama again. His hair was longer than when they’d met. Was the kitsune trying to regain his identity through his hair? Youko did have a reputation for looks and a lot of beautiful demons had long hair. Shrugging, Hiei reached out for the package and opened it. Inside was a twisted platinum chain that, to those who knew its alphabet, contained all the lore on the Kokoryuha. To those that could not read it, it was simply a necklace with an irregular pattern along its length. Hiei looked back at Kurama. The damn fox knew exactly what he was giving him. “Thank you,” he managed, though it might have been a grunt.
Kurama smiled, pleased with Hiei’s response.
December 6: Leonard, Sheldon, Big Bang Theory
“I don’t see why you don’t just tell me where we’re going,” Sheldon protested for the fifth time since their trip began. He’d followed willingly enough; he’d been promised something for the journey. “I don’t like surprises.”
“You’ll like this one,” Leonard said for the fourth time, his attention more on the road than their conversation.
“Why don’t you just tell him?” Howard asked from the back seat.
“You just want him to say because he hasn’t told you, either,” Raj pointed out. “Though, it would be nice if you told us,” he said, something between chiding and hope in his voice.
“We’ll be there soon,” Leonard said, impatience coloring his voice. He stopped when the light turned yellow, frowning at it through the time it was red, ignoring the mass pleading that he just tell them. When the light changed, he went through it and turned down a narrow street. There were a lot of people lined up already, but there were no signs to say what it was. This gathering had been strictly word of mouth. He’d sent a message to the organizer, knowing that only a certain number of people would be invited and told where to meet. It had been a week before he heard back; he’d been on pins and needles waiting for the response. He parked in the small lot that was already more full of cars than it was designed for.
“What is this?” Sheldon asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.
“A surprise,” was all Leonard would say, wondering why he was putting himself through this torment. At least, once they got inside, everything would be Sheldon-approved, he’d checked on that.
The questions changed from ‘what is this’ to ‘what are we going to watch’ as they entered and stood in line for concessions. The questions faded into awed silence as they entered the theatre and Leonard Nemoy introduced a showing of Star Trek III. The expression on Sheldon’s face made it worth it, Leonard thought as the lights dimmed and the movie started.
December 7: Ginji, Ban, GetBackers
“Nee, Ban,” Ginji said, his voice wistful as he looked up at the sky above them through the moon roof of the ladybug. They were spending another night in the car, not having enough money to even afford a cheap hotel.
“What, Ginji?” Ban’s voice came, irritable as he faced the door, trying to get comfortable.
Ginji rummaged through the pockets of his vest. He pulled out a small object wrapped in a handkerchief. “Here,” he said, handing it over without looking at Ban.
Ban twisted then turned himself so he was on his back and took the wad of fabric from Ginji. “What is it?” he asked.
“Just open it,” Ginji said, still not looking at his friend.
Ban’s expression was irritated as he sat up. Irritation faded and was replaced with a wry smile as he revealed a keychain with the English letters G and B with a small S next to them. “The ‘s’ means we’re never alone,” he said, wrapping his hand around it.
“Yeah,” Ginji sighed, the smile in his voice.
December 8: Mello, Near, Death Note
They were rivals, competitors for the same position, yet they’d grown up together, in the same house. While there could be a lot of animosity, there was a certain degree of almost friendship that kept them together, a type of sibling-like feeling though there was no blood relationship between them. They could not simply ignore or avoid holidays and birthdays. Something had to be done. Near’s birthday was no exception, even though they were close to finally trapping that fake L. Finding each other had never been a problem; they knew how the other thought as well as they knew their own minds. Selecting a gift was a little more difficult, though. They often just purchased what they wanted when they saw it.
Finally, after searching everywhere, Mello found a production model of a particular toy that he knew Near would like but had never been produced. He obtained the model and sent it to his rival without a note or return address.
Later, when Near bothered to contact him on something related to their case, he was pleased to see that the white haired boy was playing with the toy while he spoke, though he didn’t let on. He knew Near knew and that it was his way of saying thanks.
December 9: Kusuriyuri, Kurama, Mononoke, Yu Yu Hakusho
They’d met a couple of times in his excursions to the Reikai, but the peddler always seemed to stand out in Youko’s mind. Maybe it was his demeanor, coming across as completely unflappable, always calm, skilled, but Youko was sure he was the only one who knew the truth, just how skilled the peddler was and how he could lose control. How did one reward that? Youko didn’t know exactly why he wanted to, just that he did. He went through his treasures, looking for something suitable. He finally found what seemed right, a pair of ruby earrings, small enough to be left behind without a fuss, but perfect in every respect, the color, cut, clarity of the gems, their match.
He left them in the peddler’s sleeve, not want it to be obvious; it wasn’t like him to give a gift, after all. And, it wasn’t like the peddler would notice as they had been rather engaged in what they were doing at the time.
Later, when he’d been checking on the peddler, he was pleased to see him looking well, smiling over a cat, wearing the earrings.
December 10: Kuronue, Yukimura, Yu Yu Hakusho, Samurai Deeper Kyo
Accepting gifts and giving them was something that Kuronue wasn’t used to. He would just steal what he wanted and so would anyone else he’d associated with long enough to give a rat’s ass about. But, to be around someone that he wanted to do something for was completely foreign and oddly wonderful. But, it couldn’t be just anything and somehow, it felt wrong to just steal something. This led to a problem he wasn’t quite sure how to resolve. He spent a great deal of time thinking, hanging upside down much of the time to facilitate such difficult work. Not only did he have to figure out what to get, but how to obtain it and how to present it.
Finally, he decided, a grin spreading over his features as he flipped from the branch he’d been resting on to his feet and walked away, whistling cheerfully as he shoved his hands in his pockets. He had some preparations to make if he was going to have his gift ready in time.
It took him longer than he expected and he was almost late, but still managed to be resting against the wall when Yukimura exited the dojo. The amusement in Yukimura’s eyes let him know that his effort to be there had been noticed. He made a face and fell into step with Yukimura, taking his hand just so he could slip on the bracelet he’d made. He kept Yukimura’s hand, though, not letting him look at it until they’d reached their room. It was a leather band with silver thread stitched throughout that spelled out the words ‘Mine, no touching without permission.’ Yukimura raised an eyebrow at Kuronue. “Really? Who needs to ask for permission?”
“Anyone,” Kuronue said, trying to sound cocky.
“Even you?”
Kuronue’s expression faltered. “That…uh….that’s not what I meant…”
Yukimura’s fingers went to Kuronue’s lips. “I appreciate the thought,” he said gently.
Later, while Yukimura slept, the stitching changed to say ‘I love you.’ Kuronue never admitted to altering it.