110 [RyuuNon] 12foc #9 A Christmas Story

[macymacymacy]

Title: A Christmas Story
Author: Macy ( macymacymacy )
Pairing: Morimoto Ryutaro x Fukuda Kanon, implied Yamashita Tomohisa x Horikita Maki
Genre: Fluff, Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life, Family
AN:
-based from a true story. :D
-rushed, AU






"We were both young when we first met. We were six then, I think.

It was during a Christmas party. My first Christmas here in Japan.

Our families were friends. My mom and his mom were best friends since their childhood so when we were finally back from the States, our whole family were invited to spend Christmas in their place.

After that it has been a tradition that every year, the two families would spend the holidays together.

We never really talked. He was a bit of a snob. He was always quiet, at least when I'm around. But I got along well with his Niichan.

He's very nice to me. They were only two children and I think Tomo-nii wanted a little sister, and there's me.

I spend almost every second of my Christmas with Tomo-nii. We had fun playing in the snow or stealing cookies.

But my Neechan would always find us.

I remembered when Tomo-nii went and took the whole cookie jar. Neechan was really mad.

"Mou! Tomo-nii! Why don't you act a bit more your age? And stop including my little sister in your mischief!" She had said.

"Maki-chan, don't be such a two-goodie shoes! Relax! It's Christmas." Tomo-nii had said then, but still, he returned the cookie jar.

Tomo-nii was a few years older than Neechan, but I knew he respects her.

For a few years, he and I.... we'd met but not talked. That was just the way we are. Sometimes, he would bring with him some of his friends to the celebration. That's the only times I see him laugh and be a kid. Other times he's like one of the older people.

Then that year when we were both ten years old; it was Christmas eve and the snow was falling hard and fast. I love snow. I'd always played in the snow during Christmas eve. When we were in America, I played with my Niichan and Neechan. When we came to Japan I played with Tomo-nii.

Niichan stayed in Utah with my aunt. He was already in college and couldn't afford coming with us. Neechan, on the other hand didn't seem to be interested in playing anymore. Tomo-nii was very fun, though.

But that Christmas, Tomo-nii wasn't around because he didn't come home from his university for the holiday. His mom said he stayed in their boarding school. I went outside anyway. I was a bit older then, I didn't think much of playing, but I'd feel unsatisfied if I didn't watch the snow on Christmas eve.

I went to Morimoto's backyard. There was a swing there and that's where I sat. I just watched the snow. I let it fall on me. I felt happy just by that.

I was too preoccupied I didn't notice him approaching. I was startled when suddenly I couldn't feel the snow on me anymore. I looked up and realized Ryutaro were standing behind me and staring right down at me, holding an umbrella for the both of us.

"You'll get sick, you know." He said.

I smiled at him and shrugged. "It's cause I love the shnow."

He looked at me then, and then burst out laughing. "Come on, let's get you inside."

I thought we'd become friends after that. But the following year, he was ignoring me again. Okay, so maybe he was with his friend, Yuto but ironically, Yuto was more friendlier to me than he was. I don't really know why he doesn't talk to me. Well, maybe there was really nothing to talk about...

The following Christmas I brought some friends, too. My best friend, Yuka-chan and her brother, Yuri. It was a little frustrating that Ryuu started talking to Yuri but not to me.

My mom told me boys were just like that. She said they were shy around girls during that age. I didn't much understand then so I still had many questions but I just nodded to my mom.

I didn't play in the snow anymore since the previous year. But I still haven't stop going out the house in the evening.

That's when I heard them arguing.

It was Tomo-nii and Neechan.

At first I was worried about them.

"Jeez Tomo-nii!" I heard my Neechan said and I knew it was just their usual disagreement.

"I told you not to call me 'Tomo-nii'... It makes me feel old." Tomo-nii groaned. They hadn't noticed me but I didn't want to eavesdrop so I stood silently from the swing and moved towards the house.

"You are older. And Kanon also calls you 'Tomo-nii.'" I heard Neechan said.

"Well, she's Kanon. She's the only one who can call me that. Even Ryuu doesn't call me 'Tomo-nii.'" I heard Tomo-nii said and I stopped in my tracks. That was really sweet of him, but I wondered how Neechan would feel. Tomo-nii is really tactless.

I peeked at my Neechan. As I thought, she was hurt. I could see she was blinking back tears. I knew she was just like me, she just wanted to be friends with Tomo-nii like I wanted to be friends with Ryuu.

"A-are you crying?" Tomo-nii said.

"No, I'm not." Maki-neechan said stubbornly but her voice cracked.

"Jeez, don't cry over something like that." Tomo-nii said.

"I told you I'm not!" Neechan said and then she ran inside the house. I only had a second to jump behind the bushes so she wouldn't see me.

I then saw Tomo-nii place his hands on his face and sat where he stood.

I tried to resume returning to the house soundlessly but then I stepped on a twig.

"Kanon?"

I groaned inwardly.

I looked back at him and smiled sheepishly.

"You saw everything." He deadpanned.

"Sorry?" I offer.

He sighed. "I didn't want you to see me like that. I wanted to hold onto my kakkoi image..." He said, I knew he was trying to lighten up the mood.

I laughed. "Don't worry. I knew all along you were a dork."

He smiled at me. "Kanyon..."

"Hmmm... Don't worry about it too much. Just give her a present or something later. Act normal" I said because I knew what he was about to say.

"Act normal?"

"Yeah, but let her know you were sorry..." I said.

"How do I do that?" He asked looking confused.

"Be more nicer to her... you know... You don't have to tell her but show her you're sorry."

He sighed again. "Okay... thanks Kanyon..."

I smiled at him.

"By the way who was that Yuri-kid? Do you like him?" he asked looking stern as we went inside the house.

"He's my best friend’s brother!"

I don't know if you'd be surprised, but on the next year, Tomo-nii and Neechan announced to the family that they were finally together. Of course, I knew about Tomo-nii's feelings to my Neechan even before but I think they had shocked dad. He didn't talk the whole evening until mom finally snapped him out of it and told him it was time for the toast.( A toast is also a tradition of the family.)

Then, just a few years after that, they'd announce they would be getting married.

Ryuu also had an announcement that day I remember, he'd said he then had a girlfriend named Momo.

I was sixteen when they got married, Neechan and Tomo-nii. I was the Maid of Honor and expectedly, Ryuu was the Best Man.

That was the first time we chatted. And I mean really talk. I realized he really wasn't such a grump. He was fun, actually. His girlfriend then, Ami-chan, was also very fun to talk to. Too bad they didn't last long.

After that, he'd sort of become my best friend. We ended up in the same High School so we were always together. We have the same group of friends and most often than not, we go to school and went home together.

On my second year, I met Makoto, my first boyfriend. He was a baseball varsity in our school. That was the time when Ryuu and I didn't talk much. He also had a girlfriend then, Miho I think.

We graduated with both our families present. My Osamu-nii came here in Japan for my graduation. I'd told him he didn't have to, it wasn't a grand occasion like the wedding but he insisted. I think the sight of him was the main reason I cried that day.

I went to university with Makoto-kun. Ryuu enrolled in a different one. That's where he met Reina. His first serious girlfriend. He was very in love with her he actually came to me for advice. Well, to my Neechan first but Neechan passed him to me.

That was a good thing cause during that time my relationship with Makoto-kun was very fragile. It was a relief that I could share my thoughts to someone. And I realized he'd never stopped being my best friend. He actually offered to bury Makoto alive but of course I didn't want that. I love Makoto very much.

But seriously, during those times, I felt like trash.

Makoto changed. He didn't have time for me anymore. I don't wanna sound like a spoiled girlfriend but I think I had the right to complain when my boyfriend is prioritizing boys' night out every time and doing trivial things over me.

Finally, on our second year in college, I broke up with him.

And he didn't even blink. He'd just say, "Alright." and went.

I cried that night to my Neechan and the next day both Tomo-nii and Ryuu were demanding Makoto's address. Of course I didn't give it to them. Call me stupid but I still feel for Makoto.

I worked hard in my studies so I could forget about him. That paid off cause I've received better marks.

The Christmas that year, during the toast, my father bragged about my grades. That turned me into a big tomato.

And then Ryuu's father announced another thing, "This coming February Ryutaro would be living for Boston to continue his studies there."

I was shocked when I heard that. Ryuu never told me.

I went out again that night, to watch the snow. He followed me to the swing. I noticed but I didn't say anything. He was still holding his glass of wine as I was holding mine. He sat on the other swing.

I looked at him and smiled. He raised his glass then, "To your grades." he teased.

I laughed and raised my own, "To your safe trip." I said, smiling.

His smile falters for a bit.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

He sighed. "I haven't told Reina."

I didn't expect that. But I said all the same, "I'm sure she'll understand."

He smiled at me then. "Yeah..."

"Ryuu..." I said, remembering something.

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember? It's exactly ten years now..."

He smiled. "The first time we talked." I was so happy he remembered. "You were being emo and trying to get sick." he teased.

"No!! I was just watching the shnow!" I said. We both laughed hard.

February came in a flash and I was hugging him and saying goodbye to him in the airport.

He told me his first few months in States were horrid. Part of the adjustments, of course. He was living in a boarding school, and some of the tenant was discriminative of Asians.

He focused on his studies because he knew his parents were sacrificing much so he could study there. He'd share he had never cut a class.

That year he didn't come home for Christmas. That was my first Christmas since Japan that I spent without him.

He told me that in the following years, his best friend who is ironically Yuri, called him. I think the call went like this:

"Hello?" Ryuu said.

"Uh... Ryuu..."

"Chii?"

"Yeah.. Uhm, how are you?"

"M'okay. Why'd you call?"

"Uhmm.. where are you exactly?"

"In my dorm, why?"

"Uh, are you standing up or seated down?"

"I'm lying on my bed, why'd you ask?"

"Okay... here's the deal, I wouldn't be saying this to you but the thing is, I lost to Keito and Yuto so as a consequence, I have to tell you." Chii said hastily.

"Tell me what?" Ryuu said a little bit impatient now.

"Uhmm. Well... We-saw-Reina-in-the-movies-with-a-guy-doing-things-a-girl-with-a-boyfriend-shouldn't-do." he said in one breath.

"..."

"Ryuu?"

"Did she see you?" Ryuu asked.

"Unfortunately, yeah. But she just ignored us. It was as if she didn't mind that we saw her... I'm really sorry Ryuu."

"...okay. Thanks for saying this to me."

He hung up after that.

I only knew about this recently. He hasn't really talked about this before. Anyway, after that, Ryuu became more focused in his studies than ever. No cuts and no girls. He must have really been hurt by that stupid Reina.

My fourth year in college rolled by and I was on OJT. My mother had contacted her good friend from the States I was invited to do my OJT in LA.

That was a great opportunity for me so I grabbed it. My dad didn't much like the idea, though. Being the youngest girl, he'd never stop thinking of me as his princess. Well, I am still his little princess.

My dad actually cried in the airport. Neechan laughed at him. My family was there including Tomo-nii and their twin Sora and Aki.

When I arrived in LA, I didn't expect someone was going to welcome me. Osamu-niichan by then already has his own family in Utah and that was very far from Los Angeles. And he is also busy with his work. And Ryuu wouldn't be able to, since Boston is even farther than Utah.

But then when I exited to the airport, there he was. Ryuu.

He didn't tell me then, but his mom had forced him to welcome me when I arrived. She had always liked me. And I like her, too. We got on very well.

Anyway Ryuu only had afternoon classes then so he'd figure it was okay. And he knew his mom wouldn't stop nagging him.

He accompanied me first to my condominium. I had rented one for the duration of my stay there LA. He told me to rest then but I wasn't really tired. Or at least, I don't feel I am. I persuaded him to show me around the city, so we went out to eat.

We chatted about everything, I think. At first, we were a bit shy to each other since we haven't talked for more than a year but when we started talking about our past experiences together, it seems we returned to how we were before. In no time we were laughing and having fun. He told me about his life there and I told him about how everyone is back in Japan.

We talked for so long but I didn't really notice the time. And the next thing I knew, it was already night. Ryuu had escorted me back to my condominium despite my protests that he should start driving back to Boston already.

He smiled at me then in my doorway. I wanted to clog him on the head. He'll be on the road so late!

"Kanon..."

"Ryuu, really. You need to get going."

"I will. I will." He chuckled. "I just realized... I never really thought I'd missed you."

I laughed at him then. "I changed my mind. I think you're sick. You want to go to the hospital?"

He laughed. "I'll get going!" he said as he waved and exit my room.

That was the first time he cut classes. He never told me this. But I realized after some time.

And then we always meet since then. At least once a week he would visit from Boston to LA. It must have been a feat since that would be a very long drive.

Then in October, Ryuu invited me to visit their friend in Canada.

"Canada? Who are you visiting?" I asked them.

"My friend, Mirai-chan." Yamada-kun, Ryuu's dorm mate said.

"I just thought I'd invite you," Ryuu said, "since it would be a bit awkward if only me and Yama-chan go. Having a girl with us would be great." Ryuu said.

I thought for a while. "Will I see shnow?" I said.

Yamada-kun looked at me as if was crazy but Ryuu laughed. "Yes, you will see lots of shnow."

The following weekend we went for Canada. Ryuu was the one driving. In the front seat was Yamada-kun and at the back was me. The entire duration of the trip Yamada-kun kept asking me questions non-stop. I felt like I was in some sort of hot seat. It was amazing how he didn't run out of questions for me. From my favorite fruit to my experiences in high school.

Ryuu then was just silently listening to us. I couldn't even imagine how Ryuu's life is in his dorm with Yamada-kun as his roommate.

"Stop!" I'd said when we were in the borderline of Canada. I didn't mean Yamada-kun's questions but the car.

Ryuu fortunately, did stop the car at my word.

"Ryuu! There's shnow!!!" I squealed and I got off the car.

Ryuu followed me and for a while we played in the snow like the kids we are. It was really fun. Yamada-kun didn't join us but he watched us, laughing all the while when I hit Ryuu with a snowball or when Ryuu tried pouring snow over me but managing to pour it on himself.

When we were finally tired, Yamada-kun urged as back in the car and he drove the rest of the way to their friend's home.

After that trip, it seems Ryuu's visits increased. I didn't complain though, I really like it when he visits.

On the last day of November, he asked me out. To celebrate his end of exams he said. We went to a fancy restaurant. I was wearing casual clothes so I protested at first but he was persuasive... and he was wearing casual clothes, too so I was a bit pacified.

We ate dinner chatting and laughing like always. It's a wonder but we never ran out of topics when we chat. But then after we ate, he started becoming fidgety. I didn't know why and I didn't care much but suddenly he gave me a paper.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Read it now." he said in a strangled voice. It seems he was struggling to look at me. That was really weird.

I unfolded the paper and saw Ryuu's handwriting.

It was a letter addressed to me. I looked at him in question.

"Just read it, please." he said.

'Kanon,

Okay, you can call me coward or whatever but I really can't say this. You know how I am with words. Anyway, I don't think I'll be able to convey all that's on my mind if I say it to your face so this way's better. I'll be straight, Kanon, you might have not noticed, but I started courting you three weeks ago. I think I like you. No, I know I like you and think I love you. Call me a cheese, too, if you'd like. God, you're really turning me to a sap. Anyway, I'd really like you to know. I've realized I like you that day you first arrived and we chatted. Then I asked Yama-chan to ask you questions so I can be sure about my feelings and now I am sure. I love you Fukuda Kanon. If it's okay with you, can we try going out? Okay, clogged me in the head if I start running.'

I blushed. Call me dense but I didn't really see that coming.

I looked at him. He was blushing, too. And he was holding onto the table as if he was really trying not to run.

I looked at my lap. I didn't really expect that. I was too startled.

But I do think I at least like him, too. And he said he just wants to try...

And so I agree.

That night I called Neechan and told her what happened. She all but squealed over the phone and said she'd seen it coming from since we were young.

"I think he had a crush on you when you were little. You know how he is with you. He's just like your Tomo-nii with me."

I giggled at that. Okay, so maybe I like him more than I thought. I felt so giddy.

We started dating. It was like nothing's really changed. But Neechan did say, "I think you two started changing the day you arrived there."

We had a great time together. He would visit me every day if he can and sometimes I would visit him. He took very good care of me. I felt like I was a princess. He cared so much.

There was a knock on my door and I knew at once it was Ryuu.

"I told you, you don't have to knock. It's not locked for one and I gave you my spare key for another." I said to the door.

The door opened, but it wasn't Ryuu. I was shocked when I saw him.

"Makoto-kun?"

"Kanon." He said.

I think I blushed then. My feelings for Makoto ran deep.

"W-what are you doing here?" I managed.

"I wanted to see you." He said.

I didn't reply so he continued.

"I... I realized I was wrong. About everything. I'm really sorry." He said.

I just nodded. I'd already forgiven him.

"Will you give me another chance?" He asked and I was too startled to even move.

He suddenly got down on one knee.

"Will you marry me?" he said taking out a diamond ring.

I stared at it in shocked.

"I... I don't..."

"Please think about it."

I sighed. I didn't really know what to do. I took the ring and he stood up.

"Okay... I'll think about it."

He smiled my favorite smile and I knew I'd start being stupid again.

I kept the ring with me. But I never wore it on my finger. I'd keep it as a pendant in my silver chain. I kept it under my clothes.

But Ryuu still noticed it after some days.

"Is that a ring?" He asked, just curious.

I didn't reply.

"Kanon..?"

"Yeah?"

"Is that a ring you're wearing as a pendant? I haven't seen you wear that before."

I inwardly sighed. I forgot about it when I removed my scarf.

"Yeah..." I felt really guilty so I told him everything.

He was quiet while I was talking.

He was quiet for a while after I talked.

"Do you still like him?" He asked after a while.

I groaned. A direct question. He knew I would answer frankly of course, that's why he asked.

I sighed. "I don't know... but he made me think." I said honestly.

He nodded silently, in thought.

Truthfully I'm confused. I know I like Makoto but I'm not sure if I still love him. And I know I like Ryuu but I don't know if it's because I truly really like him or because I'm being carried away by his feelings. I don't want to be unfair.

He was quiet for a while again. And then he said, "Are you coming home this Christmas?"

I nodded. He smiled at me. "Me too."

And that was that. Nothing was said but I knew what had just happened. He broke up with me.

After that day we didn't see each other much anymore. I told you we broke up.

I don't really know how I felt about that. That night I called Neechan again and told her what had happened. I didn't know why I did though. I don't think I felt hurt.

We came back home together. But it was awkward during the whole flight. That was the first for us after we've become friends.

Tomo-nii was there to welcome us and then he drove us to our homes.

The moment I stepped inside my house, I was engulfed with my Neechan's hug.

I think it must be the hormones, she was five months pregnant then, but she started crying saying she missed me so much.

I didn't have hormones for my excuse but I started crying to, hugging my pregnant sister very tight.

She took me to my room and I told her everything then. It was as if I always wanted to pour everything out.

I didn't think that was a good idea though.

Because for the whole duration of our stay there, Neechan ignored Ryuu and when she's not, she kept glaring daggers at him.

I watched the snow by the old swing again that year, but this time no one came to join me.

I spend the New Year with my best friend, Yuka. I've missed her so much. We had fun watching the fireworks together with her family.

And then it was time again to go back to America. I have been thinking about staying there for good. My OJT was nearing its end, but the company had offered me a position once I graduate. It was a very tempting offer but I haven't responded, I didn't want to live far away from my family and there's still Makoto's proposal to consider.

In the airport, my Neechan again, burst into tears in saying goodbye to me. And again, she glared at Ryuu who seems to shrink under her stare. Tomo-nii hugged me and told Ryuu to take care of me. I wanted to laugh at that. Not because Ryuu wouldn't take care of me, I know he would. But because it seems everyone was picking on Ryuu.

Even the twins said "Take care of Kanyon," They call me 'Kanyon' because of their dad, "or else!"

We got on the airplane and we were silent once more. I'm not really sure but I felt Ryuu glanced at me often. I wished he didn't do that, though. It made the whole trip a lot more awkward.

When we arrived in America, he accompanied me to my condominium once more and then proceeded to go back to Boston. That day I just went straight to my bed and slept. The journey was tiring.

I was surprised when I woke up the next morning to a knock.

I felt nervous then. I still didn't know what I'll say to Makoto-kun.

"In a minute!" I called to the door.

I hastily stood up and tried to arrange myself. I gave up on that after a while. I really looked horrible in the morning. Well, might as well answer.

I went to the door and opened it.

But it wasn't Makoto. It was Ryuu.

He'd never return my spare key so I was actually expecting that if he'd ever come and visit, he'll just go inside like always.

But this time, he knocked. Then, I remembered we broke up.

"Ryuu..."

"Kanon. Uhmm, can we talk?"

"Yeah... sure." I said letting him in.

He went inside and sat down on my sofa.

I followed him and sat across him.

He wasn't looking at me when he started, "I... I just want to clear some things."

I just looked at him, waiting.

"I... Tell me honestly, Kanon, how much chance do I have? How much can I hope?" he asked.

Another direct question. Both of us aren't really good with words.

I thought for a while. "About five percent, maybe..." I said softly.

And he looked at me. He smiled. A really big and idiotic smile.

"Five percent? And how about that Makoto?" he asked.

"About forty-five percent?" I guessed. His smile grew wider.

He really looks idiotic that moment that I also smiled.

"Okay. Then I'll fight for you." He said. I blushed. Really, we're both tactless.

"You.. you haven't answered him yet, right?" he asked. I just nodded, looking at my lap. I didn't see it, but I imagined he beamed at that.

"I..." I started "I wanna clear things, too..."

"Yes?"

"What happened to us?" I asked. "Did we break up?"

His smiled faltered. "I think I'd like it to be 'cool off' rather than 'break up.' If you'd agree..."

"Okay..." I said. "What about now? What's our status?"

"Well, I'd like to end the 'cool off' phase and take you back if that's cool with you." He said, seriously.

I sighed then, "I don't know Ryuu, I don't want to be unfair to you."

He smiled at me. "Don't worry, you're not being unfair. You told me clearly how you feel about the whole ordeal."

"I don't really know..." I said.

"Would you want me back?" He asked.

"I... I'd like to return to how we used to be." I shrugged.

He smiled. "That's good enough." He said, grinning stupidly again. I couldn't help but giggle this time.

"Ne, Ryuu... Why do you look so happy about the five percent?" I asked. I told you I'm tactless.

"Well, that's more than I expected. That Makoto had only forty five percent and he had five years to earn that. I only had a few months and I'd already have five percent." He said.

"I didn't think of it that way." I said, blinking.

"Not your fault, I'm just awesome that way." He said and I laughed, swatting him playfully.

We were returning to how we used to be. I was glad.

We started dating again. We don't really do much. We just generally hang out during our free time. That would already make us both happy. Every day was fun together. He'd just say one word and it'll already make me laugh. He has his way with me.

And then one day Makoto, it was really Makoto this time; he came and asked for my response.

That time, I already have an answer. Weeks ago, I've stopped clinging onto the ring.

I handed him the ring and told him I didn't love him anymore. I couldn't read his expression, but he didn't take the ring back.

"You keep it. You can have it." Were the last words he said to me.

And so I kept the ring. Don't worry, I donated it for charity. No, I'm not kidding. I gave it to an orphanage in Japan.

Anyway by that time I was perfectly clear to what I wanted and what makes me happy. And I'm sure you what-who that is.

I told him about what happened with Makoto and he all but jumped.

And then he swept me off my feet and kissed me.

That was our first kiss. Even though we'd been dating for at least four months then, we'd never really had our first kiss. We held hands, we hug, I peck him on the cheeks, he kisses me on the forehead but you know, never the real kiss.

Though he was a player back in his teens, Ryuu was very gentle and wouldn't do anything that I didn't want.

Not that I didn't want him to kiss me, he just never asked.

He said sorry immediately after that and so I initiated and kissed him full again.

And the look on his face after that. I should have taken a picture.

After that I've found out that Neechan had scolded him when we were back in Japan. About how pathetic he was giving me up without fighting and such. I'd thanked Neechan about that. Ryuu can be such a coward. But I can't really blame him, it was that stupid Reina's fault.

Anyway, we were steady for that whole year. And then winter came rolling again and we were preparing to go back to Japan.

Before we go, though, Ryuu invited me to go round San Francisco for a while. I agreed. San Francisco was a beautiful place.

We went by a hill where there was a good view. It was dawn then.

Ryuu had dragged me up the hill. It was very foggy that day so I told him we shouldn't stay too long. But he insisted.

He kept looking at his time then. And he leads me higher and higher until we arrived to the very top. There was a bench there. I think there would have been a great scene below us but we couldn't see anything because of the fog. I didn't know how Ryuu led us there, it was too foggy I couldn't see the dirt.

He persisted to wait there, though. He said, "Just until sunrise."

And so I waited.

Until light were already there. Miraculously, the fog started thinning.

When I looked at Ryuu though, he was in one knee holding a ring.

"Kanon, will you marry me?"

As he said the words, the fog cleared and behind him was an interesting scene.

It was Alcatraz Island.

I laughed. I utterly and completely laughed my head off.

He groaned. "Where are we? I meant my background to be the Golden Gate, not the prison!" he complained

I continued to laughed and when I finally calm down I said, "Yes."

He looked at me. "Huh?"

"I said 'yes,' you dork. I will marry you!" I said and I took the ring from him and wore it.

He blinked and I had another fit of giggle attacked me. He stood up and practically tackled me.

"Kanon's marrying me! Hail ol' Alcatraz!!!" He shouted to the island.

The next day we got on the airplane and head back to Japan.

We announced it during the toast on Christmas eve.

My Neechan and both our moms weren’t surprised. They said they noticed the ring.

My dad was, though. I think he nearly had a heart attack. Good thing he liked Ryuu, or it could have been worse.

The next few days Ryuu complained to me.

"Why do you have so many overprotective brothers?"

I blinked at him then. "I only have one brother."

"Yes, and he's the worse. He only talked to me over the phone but I could feel shiver ran down my spine."

I laughed at that. "What did he say?"

"That he'll kill me if I hurt you." He said.

"He's only joking." I said.

"No, I'm pretty sure he's not."

I laughed. I knew that, too. "But what do you mean many brothers?"

"Yuri said the same thing." He said. "And he's supposed to be my best friend."

"Well, since I'm his little sister's best friend I think he'd treat me like his sister as well over the years."

He nodded, "And then there's Aniki. Jeez, you even turn my own brother against me." he complained.

"Well, I'm just awesome like that." I told him.

He laughed. "Yeah, you are.""

"You guys are so cute! That was so romantic!" A girl squealed.

"No, they're not! They're yucky!" Says a boy.

"Okay, okay, stop that. Kanon, you told them the story again?" Ryuu said coming from the kitchen.

Kanon shrugged. "Miyuki-chan asked.”

Ryuu shook his head good-naturedly, chuckling a bit.

"Okay, story's done. Let's eat dinner now." he said to his family.

But then his son and daughter suddenly gasped and ran towards the window.

"Dad, Mom, look!" six years old Miyuki called.

"It's shnowing!" four years old Tatsuo said.

The couple looked at each other and laughed.

END.

AN:
-about the 'shnow' -it's just snow in baby talk... the first time kanon said it, it might have been just an accident (cause they were still young then.) but then it became an inside joke between them.
-Miyuki - means 'beautiful shnow'. xD
-Tatsuo - means 'dragon man' you know Ryuu <--dragon. /shrugs.
-Theme for this is '10 years.' the duration of the whole story is more than 10 years but there's an important scene from when they were 10 years old and 20 years old. :)