102 [MariSaki] 12FoC #2 Collide

[macymacymacy]

Title: Collide
Author: Macy
Pairing: Nishiuchi Mariya x Takahata Misaki
Genre: Friendship, Fluff, Romance
Rating: G
Summary: That was how they'd met. Two people from different worlds. That was how their worlds collide.
AN:
-Alternative Universe
-UNBETA-ed; super-duper rushed, as in.
-songs used are not mine.
-heavily influenced by Disney movie, 'Ice Princess'






She fastened her lace and then slowly stood up, balancing... trying the ice.

It was smooth enough.

She slowly glided through the ice. She felt very content. Skating always does this to her.

She made a jump and twirled instinctively, feeling the cold wind on her face. She felt like she was flying.

She made a round through the frozen pond, speeding up, spreading her arms and closing her eyes as if embracing the wind.
She moved swaying to a silent music.

She twirled like a ballerina; round and round, going faster and faster.

She felt exhilarated.

She abruptly stops with her signature pose. And then she made a bow as if she was back in the arena. It was already a reflex.

She was surprised when she heard someone clapping.

She looked around and saw a lone guy by the edge of the pond giving her a round of applause.

She felt embarrassed that someone saw her like that- and a boy her age, even. But he was grinning wide as if he'd also enjoyed her skating.

And so, Mariya smiled sheepishly at him and made another bow.

---

He was exploring the town that day. He'd been looking for a nice place where he could play his guitar.

In his old town, he'd always play by the park. There was a park here but there were so many people there that it was noisy.

He decided he'd try by the pond. He knew only a few would choose to hang out by the frozen pond in this temperature.

He made his way towards the pond, looking in wonder at the shimmering ice. It’s as if the pond was made of crystal. He had seen other frozen body of water but this one is just beautiful.

'Must be a trick of the light.' he'd thought. It sun was already setting then and the icy pond was reflecting the different hues of the sky: blue, orange, pink, purple...

He blinked when he’d notice a silhouette. Curious, he moved closer to the pond.

He was surprised to see that someone was dancing there.

He'd taken a better look and realized that it was actually a girl skating on the ice.

She looked so happy and contented on the ice as if this was her haven.

Misaki was mesmerized.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Her movement was so elegant and graceful; he'd have a hard time distinguishing her from a deity.

She'd stop after her dance and bowed to an invisible audience.

Misaki couldn't help but applaud her.

She was startled by the sound it seems, and she looked around. She'd spotted him soon.

Their eyes met. And he felt hot even though the temperature in there was surely less than 0 degree Celsius.

She'd smiled at him and bowed once more; To him, this time.

He felt light-headed.

---

Mariya continued with her skating while Misaki took out his guitar and started playing.

After a while they were in sync.

Mariya danced to Misaki's music, and Misaki played for Mariya's dance.

They started laughing by the end of Misaki's second song. He'd started playing tango and Mariya tried to adapt tango in her figure skating but it turned out silly.

Mariya had glided to Misaki's place then.

She'd smiled at him, offering a hand and said, "Nishiuchi Mariya."

He'd return the smile and took her hand, "Takahata Misaki."

------------------------------

Mariya smiled as she saw him descend the stairs. She didn't look at him at once though; she didn't want to be too obvious.

But she was very happy he'd come to her practice again.

He'd been meeting her by the pond and even in the ice rink after they first met. It seems he was interested with figure skating.

---

He waved at Mariya, and sat by his usual place. He'd been coming to her practices for a while now. He'd always watched her while practicing his guitar on the benches.

Mariya glided towards him.

"You're here again." Mariya said when she was close enough.

Misaki smiled. "You've got yourself a new fan."

Mariya giggled and glided away to continue her practice.

---

She was looking at Misaki who was in her peripheral view.

He hadn't taken out his guitar like he usually does. He was just watching her.

Mariya felt a bit conscious with how she moved.

He'd stayed there for a long time, just watching her; occasionally clapping whenever she made a jump

Mariya would take long breaks and sit with him on the bench, just chatting together.

He'd stayed for her whole practice. Mariya hadn't expected this. He didn't even take out his guitar. It just stayed there besides him the whole time. He only watched her all day long.

And he'd even wait for her when she changed.

"You're here the whole day." Mariya told him when she saw her still sitting on the bench.

He shrugged. "We didn't have practice today. I'm free the whole day."

By 'We' Mariya knew he was talking about his band. He'd told her he had a band back in his old town. And even though his family had moved here, he'd still go back there to practice with his band.

Mariya smiled at him in thanks.

---

When Mariya first told him that she was a professional figure skater, he wasn't surprise. She was so good he'd be surprise if she wasn't. But he was surprise when he'd find out that she was the figure skater. She didn't tell him this. He'd found out over the internet and her posters around Shibuya. She was national champion for four years in a row and she'd been entitled, "the Ice Princess."

After that he'd started watching her practice. She had said there's another competition coming so she needs to keep herself in shape.

There was a sound and both of them looked at the other side of the rink.

"The Zamboni!" Mariya squealed, an idea coming to her.

"Zamboni?" Misaki asked.

"Ice resurfacer." Mariya said standing up.

"Hey, Ryouta!" she called and the Zamboni's driver looked up.

"What is it Mariya-chan?"

"Can we skate after you've finished?" she asked.

Ryouta groaned. "Mariya-chan, you know you're not allowed."

Mariya pouted cutely at him, "Pretty please? I won't tell...."

Ryouta groaned again. "Fine, fine. I'll just clean up after you."

"Thank you so much!" Mariya said.

"Hey, I'm only giving you thirty minutes okay." Ryouta grumbled but he still smiled at her.

"That's enough! We'll be quick!" Mariya said.

"Uhmm, what do you mean by 'we'?" Misaki asked Mariya, noticing the pronoun Mariya used.

"'We' as in you and me." Mariya said as if it was obvious.

It was, but Misaki was afraid of that.

"Uhmm, I don't know how to skate." Misaki said.

"Then I'll teach you." Mariya said. She opened her bag and took out her skate. Then she stood up and went inside the locker rooms again and came back holding a pair of hockey skate.

"Here, I got you one." she said, giving the pair to Misaki.

She sat back on the bench and started wearing her skates.

She looked up to Misaki when he still wasn't moving.

She smiled at him sheepishly, "Is it the wrong size? I'm sorry."

"No..." Misaki said looking at the skate. It was actually just the right size.

"Then, why are you still standing there?" Mariya asked, confused.

"Mariya, I don't think this is a good idea." Misaki said.

"Don't be silly. You'll be fine. You're with me." Mariya said.

Misaki sighed. There was no telling no to Nishiuchi Mariya. That Ryouta guy knew it, too.

Misaki sat down and started wearing his borrowed skate. He took his time doing so. He didn't really want to skate and embarrass himself in front of Mariya but Mariya was waiting for him.

He sighed inwardly and finished up. He looked at Mariya. She was already on the ice. She offered her hand. Misaki took it.

She assisted him as he step both his feet on the ice.

"Don't be stiff." Mariya giggled. Misaki didn't respond. He was concentrating on not falling.

The rink was so smooth after the resurfacer. It was slippery. But Mariya held him so he was able to balance on the ice.

Mariya started pulling him towards the middle of the rink, holding both his hands.

Misaki's legs were shaking.

Mariya giggled.

"Don't be stiff, I said. Don't be afraid to fall. If you feel you're gonna fall, try to fall on your butt." Mariya instructed.

She released one of his hands, and Misaki gripped the other one tighter. They were now moving side by side.

Misaki was getting the hang of it.

Well, he thought so, but then he fell. He'd remembered Mariya's words and fell backward.

Mariya giggled, offering her hand so he could stand up again.

He tried to balance himself again.

"If you wanna move forward, move your feet outward not inward. If you wanna stop, move them inward." Mariya said as he released his hand.

Misaki nodded. He tried to move forward, following Mariya's direction. He was slow, but he moved. He felt happy he didn't fall again.

Mariya glided to his side, taking his hand again.

"Come on, let's go round the rink." she said and she pulled him gently.

They glided towards the other side of the rink. At first they moved slowly but they speed up as they went; Mariya assisting Misaki all the while.

They'd made a round but when they tried to turn again, Misaki lost his balance and he'd grabbed at the closest thing to hold on reflexively.

He hugged Mariya accidentally.

This made him blush, but Mariya just giggled.

"Don't panic, silly." she said. She held one of Misaki's hand and twirl around him, disentangling herself from him.

"Let's go round again." She said.

They skate for a while, Misaki finally getting used to the ice.

He'd started enjoying himself and relaxing. He'd even laugh at himself whenever he fell.

But then Ryouta was back. Mariya had tried to extend their time on ice but he didn't sway this time. Mariya didn't pleaded too much, either.

They'd thank Ryouta and went on their way.

When they were outside the arena, Mariya laughed.

"Do you think I'd finally annoyed him?" she asked Misaki.

"Nah, you'd get away with it anytime." Misaki said and he laughed with her.

When they were finally calm, Misaki smiled at Mariya and said, "Come on, let's get you home. It's late."

Mariya looked at him, surprised. "You'll walk me home?"

"Can I?" Misaki asked back.

Mariya smiled, "Yes, you can."

--------------------------------------

Misaki thought he'd find her there and he was right.

Mariya was gliding through the frozen pond with her eyes closed that she didn't see him approach.

She'd turn to Misaki's direction and Misaki crouched, suddenly struck by an idea.

Misaki watched as Mariya turned to a stop and glided towards the bench.

She'd taken a seat and checked her skates. Something must have been wrong. Misaki didn't know but he took this chance.

He put down his guitar on the ground.

He approached the bench from the back soundlessly and when he was close enough he suddenly slung his arm on Mariya's shoulder, and flopped down besides her.

Mariya let out a small squeak. Misaki laughed.

"Mou, you surprised me!" Mariya pouted.

Misaki smiled at her, "Why are you so intently looking at your skate? You should have seen me coming."

Mariya shrugged, "I think I need new skates."

"Ah, let's address that later, what is your schedule today?" Misaki asked.

Mariya thought... "Practice here on the pond?" she said.

"You're free today?" Misaki asked, surprised. She was usually busy.

"My manager gave me an off." She said.

Misaki grinned.

"Perfect." he said and then he stood up. Mariya looked at him.

"Take off your skates, let's go somewhere." he said.

"Where?" Mariya asked but she seemed excited.

"Uhmmm..."

"You don't know where?" Mariya asked.

"I know where, but I'm wondering if I should surprise you or not." Misaki said.

"Don't tell me! Surprise me." Mariya said, bouncing. Misaki laughed.

She'd started taking off her skates while Misaki went and get his guitar.

Mariya looked at his guitar case. "A different guitar?" she asked. It was a different case.

"Yeah. I’ve said I had two, right?"

Mariya nodded as she wore her sneakers and placed her skates in her bag.

Misaki took her bag and they walked to the road. Misaki then hailed a cab.

They got off in front of the train station.

Mariya didn't look when Misaki bought their tickets. She really wanted to be surprised. Misaki chuckled at that.

They got on the train. Fortunately or unfortunately, there was only one seat available. Of course, Misaki let Mariya sit. He stood in front of her as the train move.

After about fifteen minutes, Misaki told Mariya they were about to get off.

Mariya looked out the train window and then she looked back at Misaki.

"Your old town?" she asked.

Misaki smiled and nodded.

The train stopped at the station and Misaki once again carried Mariya's bag. They got off the train and out the station. Then Misaki took Mariya's hand and they started walking through the snow covered street.

"It's just near the station. We'll be there soon." Misaki said. Mariya just followed him.

They turned around a corner to a busy street. They walked a bit more and then Misaki stopped in front of an old building.

"We're here." he said.

"We're where?" Mariya asked, looking at the building curiously.

"Studio." Misaki said, "I have band practice today. Since you let me in your world the other day, I figured I should let you in mine, too."

"Band practice?? I can watch you play?" Mariya asked excitedly. Really, Mariya was like a child.

"Yes. I'll let you watch. But don't laugh at me, alright?" Misaki said.

"I don't think I would." Mariya said. "Come on, I wanna meet your band!" Mariya said pulling Misaki inside the building.

---

"Mariya, this is Nakayama Yuma, Nakajima Kento and Morimoto Shintaro." Misaki said to Mariya pointing each of his band mates. "The Elysium."

"Guys, Nishiuchi Mariya."

Mariya bowed at the boys. She felt a bit uncomfortable since the three were staring at her.

Suddenly Shintaro spoke, "No way! You're really friends with her!"

Misaki sighed, "What's with the reaction, Shin? I've told you I've met her in Tokyo."

"I thought you were lying! Wow! You're really friends! That's amazing!"

Misaki laughed, "You, Morimoto Shintaro are the brother of Morimoto Ryutaro, Hey! Say! JUMP. What's with that big reaction?"

"You're friendly with all the members." Kento said in exasperation.

"Plus your brother's girlfriend is Fukuda Kanon so you're friendly with S/mileage, too." Yuma added.

"You're his brother?" Mariya asked.

"Yeah..." Shintaro said.

"Then you could definitely make it big, you have all the connection you need." Mariya said.

Kento slung an arm on Shintaro's shoulder. "Well, little Shin here doesn't want to ask his bro for favors. There's a sibling rivalry going on you see. He wants to make it big without Ryuu's help. He's actually planning on using the pseudonym, 'Fukuda Shintaro' if ever we made it." Kento said.

"Kinda stupid really," Yuma added, "since technically Ryuu and Fukuda-san isn't allowed to date each other and it would really be big if the public find out Shin is Ryuu's brother and they made the connection to Fukuda-san."

"But 'Fukuda' is a common surname..." Misaki pointed out.

"Still, there was already a paparazzi pic of the two. It was fortunate it was blurry; they could just ignore it and pretend to not know anything about it. It wouldn't be ignored if Ryuu's brother started using 'Fukuda' as his surname." Yuma said.

"But you guys wouldn't let me borrow your surnames!" Shintaro complained to the three.

"No way I'm claiming you as my brother. That would be too embarrassing." The three said at the same time that Mariya laughed. Misaki smiled at her.

"You can use my surname if you'd like." Mariya said.

Shintaro looked happy and was about to say something but then Misaki dragged him to the stage. "Let's practice, Fukuda Shintaro."

Mariya laughed once more. Even though the three were denying Shin as their brother, all of them really treat each other as such.

They started setting up and Mariya watched.

Yuma was on bass, Kento on rhythm, Shintaro on drums and Misaki on the lead.

"Misaki, you're the vocalist?" Mariya asked, stunned. Misaki hadn't told her that little detail.

Misaki just shrugged humbly. Yuma and Kento looked at each other and sniggered.

"Okay let's start." Misaki said on the mic.

Shintaro counted through his drums stick.

3, 2, 1, and then the three boys started playing and singing.



"La, la, la, la, la..."

"Boy Meets Girl." Misaki said. It must be the title of the song.

Misaki also started playing.

"With a bang, she was there..."

They were all in sync. It was perfect, they looked professional. Mariya felt like squealing and jumping. They'd had their first fan right there.

Misaki's voice was low and cold but playful; you wouldn't get tired of it. Yuma was second voice. He had a higher voice so he was perfect for the job. Shintaro rocked on the drums. You wouldn't think he's just a thirteen year old once he got a hold of his drum sticks. Kento was a born idol. He knows how and when to smile. It was really as if Mariya was watching them from a concert.

Mariya's head went blank when they got to the bridge.

Misaki was staring right at her as he sang,

"When I when I saw you... I can see...
I wanna wanna have you... lying next to me..."

Mariya didn't saw the other boys' smirks.

---

Mariya gave them a loud applause when the song ended.

Kento bowed at her, making an impression but it was ruined when both Yuma and Misaki clogged him on the head.

They'd sing more songs after that, sometimes stopping halfway when someone made a mistake. Sometimes, Yuma who seemed to lead the group would make suggestions. They take breaks but only for a while and then they would practice again. Misaki had told Mariya that there would be a battle of the bands soon and the prize was a contract with Avex.

They'd told her they already submit a CD to the Avex and that they'd contacted them but it wasn't still final so they wanted to win this battle, too. They had sung the song they submitted. It was a beautiful song. It was a bit mellow, and its lyrics were beautiful. Shintaro said Misaki composed both the lyrics and the music.

Mariya hadn't notice the time. She was having fun as well as they.

When finally Morimoto Ryutaro himself came to fetch his little brother, Yuma had announced that their practice was over.

Misaki took one look at his watch then started apologizing to Mariya.

"I kept you so late, I'm so sorry." He continued to say even after saying goodbye to Kento and Yuma.

They went to the train station but unfortunately, it was already closed. They tried the bus but the last one already left.
They were stuck there. Misaki started saying sorry again.

"I told you, it's okay. I had a great time." Mariya insisted. "But where do we go now? Do we have anywhere to stay?"

"I'll call Kento. He lives alone, maybe we can crash there." Misaki said.

"Okay." Mariya said, smiling at him. She didn't really mind. It was a new experience for Mariya. Her whole life, she didn't really have many memories outside the ice rink. Her whole life had been dedicated to figure skating.

Mariya went and sat on the bench by the bus stop as Misaki made his call. After a while he'd hang up and looked at Mariya.

She was touching her feet as if she wanted to remove her shoes and massage it.

"I've made you walk too much, too. I'm sorry." Misaki said.

Mariya looked at him and shook her head. "So, where are we staying?"

"Kento said it's okay."

They'd made their way to Kento's house. Walking again. Misaki actually offered to carry Mariya. Mariya just laughed it off but Misaki was dead serious. He could see that Mariya's feet were already aching from all their walking.

Kento had welcomed them in his pajamas. He showed them to his room and apologized cause he only had one room. He was renting a small apartment.

He said he'll stay in his living room and that the two should stay in his room. Misaki had told him he'll also sleep in the living room but then Kento said,

"I barely fit on my couch and I do not want to sleep in your arms, Misaki. My room's bigger than the living room, funnily enough. You can sleep on the floor, I have a spare cushion and Mariya-chan can take my bed. If you don't want that arrangement, you take the couch and I'll sleep on the floor in my room."

Misaki took the floor.

Mariya took off her shoes and sat on the bed. This was the first time she was sleeping in someone else's house. She'd only ever sleep in her own house or in hotels during competitions.

"I'm really sorry about this, Mariya." Misaki said once more.

Mariya sighed, "Misaki-kun, you're starting to annoy me with your apologies. I told you, it's okay. This is actually great; I get to see more of your world."

Misaki timidly smiled.

"I promise I'll make it up to you..."

Mariya laughed. "Misaki, I'm getting tired of saying it's okay!"

Misaki chuckled too, "I just couldn't believe I made Nishiuchi Mariya sleep in a second-rate apartment."

"Hey, I heard that!" Kento's voice said from outside.

Misaki and Mariya both laughed.

"We should get to sleep." Mariya said.

"Yeah, I know you're tired. Sorry." Misaki said.

"Misaki..." Mariya pouted.

"Sorry I said 'sorry'?" Misaki joked. Mariya threw a pillow at him.

"I'm sleeping now. Good night." Mariya announced. "Kento-kun, good night!" she called.

"Good night!" Kento called back.

Mariya lied down and sleep automatically came.

---

When Mariya woke the next day, Misaki was already up. He was sitting on Kento's stool, just looking at her.

He'd turn away when he realized Mariya was already awake.

He stood up and approached her.

"Do you want to go home now? Do you have practice today?" he asked.

"Good morning." Mariya said. "You sound like my manager. I'm not really in a hurry but my manager might be looking for me."

Misaki smiled, "Okay, just get ready and we'll be on our way. I'll get you some breakfast."

They were inside the train in no time. And then they were already walking towards Mariya's house.

Mariya took a look at her house and sighed. Misaki looked at her.

"My manager's here." She said. "I'm sorry Misaki-kun, but I don't think you should meet her. I'll introduce you some other time, okay?"

Mariya took her bag from Misaki.

"Are you sure? I can explain to her what happened. It was my fault." Misaki said.

"Pretty sure." Mariya answered at once. She seems to be hurrying. "Thank you for yesterday, and for today. I need to go now, bye."

She said it so fast and went away hastily that Misaki barely saw her move but one thing was sure.

Misaki touched his cheek.

Yeah, Mariya definitely kissed him on his cheek.

-------------------------------------------

Misaki sat on the bench by the pond. It was afternoon now. He just showed up to their house in the morning and then he was off again. He just didn't want to stay at home, is all. They didn't have problems at home or anything, he was just used to always going out. His mom was used to this, too. When he was younger, his mom used to always scold him and try to ground him but since it didn't work, now she just let him be. Well, not entirely, Misaki's inbox is always filled with his mom's messages.

He took out his guitar and a notebook. He was composing another song.

This was one of the reasons he didn't stay home. He just couldn't write anything whenever he's home. So he always finds a quiet place where he can think and play at peace.

His new song, he'd have the melody but still no lyrics.

He played the music once and thought.

He played it again, and an idea struck him.

'The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking...' He wrote.

He looked up when he heard footsteps.

It was Mariya.

He smiled. He was about to say hello but then he realized something was wrong.

She was crying.

He immediately stood up and went to her.

"Mariya." He called crouching down to her. She was plopped on the ground.

Mariya looked up. There were tear tracks on her face.

"Misaki-kun..." she said, and then suddenly, she hugged him and continued crying.

Misaki let her, caressing her back and saying soothing words.

After a while, Mariya was finally calmed.

"What happened?" Misaki asked.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like this." Mariya said. "It always happens. I'm just a bit emotional, is all... My mo-, My manager scolded me."

Misaki looked at her. "It's my fault. I'm so sorry."

"It's not." Mariya said. "This is a usual thing between me and my manager. I... I escaped practice yesterday. I was just too tired."

Misaki didn't know how to respond to that.

"I... All my life I've been skating. I just wanted a break. But it is a crucial time. I really do need practice. I've been making many mistakes recently... I..." Mariya babbles on. Misaki was surprise to see this Mariya. The Mariya he knew was confident and sure of herself, not this Mariya who was insecure and scared.

"You're great." Misaki said. "And you do need your break. Your manager should at least give you that. I've watched you practice. You're very dedicated to your career."

"No, I know it's not enough. There's so many who's a lot better than me." Mariya said. She was talking more to herself than to Misaki.

"Mariya." Misaki said, turning her head towards him. "Mariya, you're good. You're four times champion for goodness sake. I think you'd earn your break."

"No, no... I just got lucky. I... I'm not good..."

"Is this what's your manager been telling you? Cause she must be blind." Misaki said seriously. Why was Mariya beating herself up like this?

Mariya sighed. "No. It’s true. Mom is right..."

"Your manager is your mom?" Misaki asked. This was news.

"She's right.” Mariya said again. “I should practice more."

"Mariya, the world is a lot bigger than just ice skating. I know I don't know much about that but I know you shouldn't let ice skating control your life."

"No, ice skating is the only thing I have. I have no friends. I even lost my mom to ice skating." She said, sounding lifeless.

Misaki sighed. "Fine then." he said. "Do you want to go to the arena?"

Misaki took Mariya to the arena. But he didn't linger. He didn't watch her practice that day. He was hurt.

Didn't Mariya know she had him?

------------------------------------------

The next day Misaki was there again. Mariya was relieved. She thought Misaki was mad at her.

He wasn't really watching but practicing his guitar on the bench. That was good enough for Mariya, at least he was there.

He came every day. And they would go home together, too.

But then after a week, Misaki stopped coming. He said they had band practice. The day of the battle was nearing. Misaki had invited her to watch their practices often times but she refused. She needed her practice. The competition was nearing as well.

"Mariya, you have to get a life." Misaki had told her, chuckling a bit.

"You don't understand." Mariya said seriously. "This is my life. I can't afford to waste time. The competition is nearing."

Misaki looked at her, hurt. Mariya's eyes widen, realizing what she'd said.

"Misaki, I---"

"So I'm just a waste of your time?"

"No, I didn't mean--"

"I'm sorry if that's the case." He said and then he turned to go.

"Misaki---"

"Mariya," he cut her off, "...there's life outside the rink." he said and he was gone.

--------------------------------------------

Mariya missed Misaki.

He hadn't come to her practices since that day. And her practices weren’t doing well. She'd constantly fall.

She thought at first that it was her skate. She bought another one but nothing changed.

Something was wrong with her. She'd figure she needed more practice.

The door to the rink opened and she looked up, expecting- wanting to see Misaki.

She was so happy when she saw it really was him.

She glided towards the bench.

"Misaki-kun!" she called, gleefully. "I'm so glad you came!"

Misaki smiled at her.

"I'm sorry, but I'll be quick. We still have practice. I'm just here to give you this." He said taking out an envelope.

Mariya felt down. "What is it?" she asked.

"We got the date of the battle." he said and then he pointed at the poster in the arena. It was the poster of Mariya's competition. "Same date. December 24."

Mariya's eyes widen. Misaki handed her the envelope.

"I know it's already impossible, but I still bought you tickets. If ever you'd like to watch." He said.

"Well, that's that. Bye, Mariya." he said and hastily went towards the exit.

"Misaki!" Mariya called. She was glad and relieved when he stopped.

"I miss you." Mariya said softly.

He didn't turn back to her. Mariya felt like crying.

"I miss you, too." Misaki said. And then he was gone.

------------------------------------------

Mariya looks so beautiful tonight. She was wearing a blue skating dress. It looked like a short sleeveless kimono with silver snowflakes all over it. Her hair was curled in one side and snowflake pins were also scattered through her long hair.

It was the day of the competition and Mariya and the other contestants went on the ice to warm up. Mariya's left foot was hurting again.

She did a Lutz and then she fell. Something was really wrong with her foot. She couldn't feel it. She tried to stand. She barely could. One of the skaters, Nozomi went near her.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine." Mariya said but then she lost her balance again. Nozomi caught her and she'd help her get back on their seats.

Mariya's mom was waiting for them.

"What happened?" she asked.

Mariya wasn't saying anything.

"It's nothing." her mom answers her own question. "You're just nervous. You should relax first, do you want me to get your IPod?"

Mariya still didn't reply but her mom got her IPod anyway and gave it to her.

She stared at it for a second and then she put on her earphones.

Mariya browse through her list looking for his song.

She played it and listened. This was the song they submitted. Misaki's song. She had been listening to this whenever she misses him. He'd included a CD in the envelope when he'd invited her.

That was today. Mariya looked at the watched and realized the battle would be starting in about five minutes.



'Things go wrong, sometimes we fall.
The world turns and we move along,
And that's what makes us who we are.'

Misaki voice rang through Mariya's earphone.

Mariya felt down. Usually whenever there's a competition, she felt nothing but nervousness and excitement.

Today though, she just felt down. She felt weak. She felt numb.

Something was wrong with her feet on the day of the competition but she didn't feel it was a big thing. Her mom had brought her the most beautiful dress, but she didn't feel anything about it, either.

But now that she was hearing Misaki's voice, she's feeling a bit warm.

She had smiled.

She had remembered their times together.

'So just be strong, cause life's not long.
Before you know it, we'll all be gone.
And this would be the last today, ever.'

She didn't think of it much, but she blurted. "Mom, I'm backing out the competition."

Her mom was stunned she just looked at her for a full minute.

"W-what, Mariya, what are you saying?"

Mariya was already removing her skates.

"Mariya, what are you doing?"

"I'm backing out. I want to watch Misaki's performance. The battle is already starting."

"Mariya, don't be stupid! You are not backing out. This is it. This is your dream. Are you going to throw that all away so you could watch some guys make noise?!"

Mariya glared at the floor but her voice was calm when she said, "Mom, this isn't my dream. It's yours.”
She looked at her mom, smiling sadly. “Mom, please stop living through me. I know it was your dream to become national champion but you'd retire because you had me. I know that, but I also have my own life. I don't want to throw that away. I am not throwing that away. I love ice skating but I don't want it to control my life. I don't want you to control my life."

Her mom just looked at her, surprised. It was as if she was seeing Mariya for the first time.

"Mom, you were barely my mom all these years, you were just my manager. But I don't resent that. I did before, but I knew you were thinking it was for my own sake. Mom, I'm old enough now. I know what I'm doing." Mariya continued saying.

"Mariya..."

"I love you so much, mom. But I need this." Mariya said. "I don't wanna lose sight of who I am."

She kissed her mom and then handed her something.

"Misaki bought two tickets for me. One was for you, if you'd like to go." She said and then she ran to the exit before her mom could say anything more.

----------------------------------------------

Mariya didn't even think of changing. She just took her coat and hailed a cab outside the arena.

It was a long ride. Mariya looked at her watch every five minutes.

The streets were now filled with Christmas decorations. Mariya was surprised. She hadn't even thought of Christmas this year.

She hadn't really thought much about it even before. Christmas day was usually near competition day.

The cab slowed to a stop. Finally, she arrived at the venue.

And now she didn't know what to do. She didn't know why but she was nervous to go inside.

But she needed to compose herself, or she might miss them. She marched up her courage and got off the cab.

She went to the entrance and showed her ticket to the attendant.

There were so many people.

Mariya tried to go nearer the stage. Someone was already playing.

With a jolt, she realized it was already them.

She looked up to the stage. It was really them.

Shintaro was drumming away. Kento jumped around the stage and both Yuma and Misaki sang.

They looked like they were having fun.

Except for Misaki.

He sang the song professionally but it wasn't the usual Misaki. Mariya wasn't sure what it is but something was definitely odd.

They finished the song and the crowd cheered.

Mariya felt sad, she had missed them.

But then Misaki spoke to the mic once more, "For our last song..."

Mariya looked up. At least she'd made it to their last song.

Yuma suddenly called Misaki.

Misaki looked at him.

And then Yuma pointed at Mariya.

Misaki followed Yuma's gaze and he saw Mariya.

Their eyes met.

Misaki turned away quickly, and smiled at the crowd.

Yuma said something to the others and they nodded.

Mariya then saw Yuma placed his guitar down and took something else out.

It was an electric violin. Mariya didn't know he played violin.

"For our last song," this time it was Yuma who talked. "we'll be taking it a bit slow. Collide, written by our very own Takahata Misaki."

The crowd cheered.

Misaki took the mic and said, "This song is dedicated to a certain someone."

He was looking straight at the crowd.

The light dim, and Misaki started to play his guitar.



"The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah"

Mariya didn't know why, but she remembered their morning together. How Misaki was staring at her when he'd thought she was still sleeping.

"I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again"

She remember the day she broke in front of Misaki. Misaki was so worried then, she realized now. He kept trying to calm her down but she ignored everything he said.

"Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find"

Misaki suddenly looked at her. "You and I collide."

He turned back to his band mates as they play. Kento said something to Misaki and he laughed. He looks happy now.

And then he returned to his mic.

"I'm quiet you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind"

The crowd started to clap in tune with their rhythm.

"Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide"

Mariya realized Misaki was back to how he normally is. She'd known the difference. This time, Misaki felt the song.

"Mariya." he said. At first Mariya thought she'd just imagined it, but Misaki was looking straight at her.

"Don't stop here," he started to sing.

"I've lost my place.
I'm close behind."

Then he went down the stage as they continued playing their instruments

He made his way to her.

He was right in front of her now.

"Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind"

She looked up at him.

He smiled. "You finally find you and I collide." He didn't sing the words, he'd said it to her.

"I love you, Mariya."

The crowd whoop but Mariya and Misaki didn't notice. They were staring at each other.

Mariya blinked back tears.

"You finally find you and I collide." Yuma sang.

"I love you, too." Mariya whispered.

Misaki smiled so wide and then he hugs her.

The crowd applauded them.

"You finally find you and I collide." Misaki sang, still hugging Mariya to him.

He'd close his eyes and hug her tighter.

Yuma and the others finished playing.

The crowd cheered.

-------------------------------------------

It was awhile before the crowd calmed and then the next band started their song.

Yuma and the others also went down the stage and towards the two.

"Glad you made it." Yuma said.

"Are you together now?!" Shintaro asked, so enthusiastically.

Kento hit him on the head. "Baka."

"Yes, we are." Misaki answered anyway, holding Mariya's hand.

Kento grinned and started teasing Misaki. Shintaro joined in.

Misaki struggled not to smile at his band mates.

Misaki then slung an arm around Mariya, looking at the stage and trying to ignore his band mate’s whooping.

Mariya giggled.

Misaki turned to her but then suddenly stepped back. Mariya looked at him. He pointed to her back.

She looked and saw her mom was there. She followed her.

She first addresses Misaki. "That was a beautiful song."

"Thank you, ma'am." Misaki said.

Then she looked at Mariya.

"Mariya..."

"Mom?"

"Was I a terrible mother?"

Mariya hugged her. "No. You were the best."

Mariya's mom cried and hugged her back.

Mariya looked at Misaki, teary but smiling.

'Thank you.' Mariya mouthed to Misaki. She meant it about everything.

For her whole life, this has been the best Christmas.

END.

AN:
-Yup, this one's the 'Ice Skating'
-Avex - first agency I can think of.
-'The Elysium' -first name I can think of for the band. It's the Greek version of paradise after life.



will post link for the pdf versionof the complete 12 fics.