Into the Night
Co-authored by avari_maethor
5 years on Earth…
“It is so cold! I don’t think I can feel my toes anymore!” Vaughn whined. He had been complaining about the cold since they had left the grocery store. Ryun had been blocking his voice out for nearly as long. It was cold but he put the blame on Vaughn for not buying a warmer coat. Ryun was about to tell Vaughn to quit complaining when something in a store window caught his attention.
Ryun stopped and stepped closer to the window. A new violin sat on the other side of the window, the dark wood shown under the light that was shining down on it. Ryun’s fingers itched to take the violin and bow in hand to play, he had always loved music.
“…un… Ryun!” Ryun snapped out of his daze and looked at Vaughn, who was watching him curiously. “What are you looking at?” Vaughn questioned. Ryun glanced at the violin again but then shook his head and turned from the window, it’s not like he could afford it anyway.
“Nothing.”
“But…”
“It’s nothing Vaughn. Let’s go home, its cold out here,” Ryun replied. Ryun walked away not caring if Vaughn was following or not.
Vaughn watched him walk away and then looked back at the window Ryun had been looking at. It was a music store… did Ryun like music? In the five years that they had lived together (and the millennia they had been in Hell) Ryun had never mentioned or even showed an inkling that he liked music. Vaughn made a mental note of the address of the store and then ran to catch up with Ryun. He smiled, Christmas was coming up soon and he now knew what to get the grumpy demon he lived with.
1 month later…
Vaughn kicked the door to their apartment; he hoped he had made it home before Ryun left for work. The Christmas tree he was carrying may have only been 4 ft. standing but it was heavy and he didn’t want to have to set it down. After a moment the door opened and Ryun stared at him then the tree and then back at Vaughn with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s a Christmas tree,” Vaughn said as he carried the tree into the apartment.
“I see that, but why?” Ryun questioned closing the door.
“Because it’s almost Christmas and everyone should have a Christmas tree,” Vaughn replied. “I still have to buy some lights and ordainments to put on it but it will be great!” Ryun snorted and went to finish getting ready for work. Vaughn turned on the radio and Christmas carols filled the apartment.
When Ryun came out of his room dressed for work Vaughn had the tree sitting in a pot of water and was tucking a white blanket around it. The smell of pine was extremely strong causing Ryun to sneeze. Vaughn looked at him wondering he maybe Ryun was allergic to pine. Ryun shook his head reading his thoughts, “It’s just strong.” Ryun grabbed his coat and pulled it on, picking up his keys he looked back at Vaughn. “Vaughn, you had better have all these pine needles cleaned up by the time I get back.”
“I will! Jeez, go to work already!” Ryun smirked and left the apartment.
Hours later when Ryun returned from work, the apartment was clean and dark, aside from the soft multicolored glow coming from the Christmas tree. Ryun smiled slightly, the tree was cute. His smile faded when he saw Vaughn asleep on the couch, he would never hear his alarm for work there. Ryun came over and was about to pick Vaughn up when he noticed a medium sized box under the tree. Ryun had never considered himself a curious person but he had to know. The medium sized box was wrapped in blue paper, the tag stuck to it read ‘To: Ryun, From: Vaughn’. Ryun’s eyes widened, Vaughn had gotten him a Christmas present? But why? Ryun looked back at Vaughn on the couch and sighed, Vaughn was a mystery.
Vaughn mumbled something incoherent as Ryun picked him up. Ryun made a mental note to tell Vaughn to lay off so many donuts in the morning as he carried him back to his room. Once Vaughn was in bed and covered Ryun made sure his alarm was set and then left the room closing the door behind himself. Going to the kitchen Ryun turned on the small radio in the corner of the counter just to fill the silence while he cooked.
After eating his breakfast and watching some TV Ryun retreated to his room. This was his sanctuary. Vaughn did not dare enter his room while the door was closed; even when the door was open Vaughn knew to knock before entering. Going to his closet Ryun pulled out a forest green coat and stared at it. He had bought it nearly a month ago after he had seen the violin. He had planned to give it to Vaughn by just leaving it lying around but now… Vaughn had gotten him a Christmas present and he felt he should return the gesture.
Searching around his room Ryun found a box and some tape but nothing to decorate the box with. He had no idea what Vaughn had done with the wrapping paper he had used. Ryun found an old newspaper and while it was not brighter expensive wrapping paper it was better than just presenting a plain box to Vaughn on Christmas morning.
Once the coat was in the box and the box was wrapped Ryun wrote Vaughn’s name on a clear part of the paper. Making sure the apartment was still quiet Ryun took the present and placed it under the tree. Ryun hoped that Vaughn’s curiosity wouldn’t become a problem and the present would remain unopened for the next few days. With the present under the tree Ryun retreated back to his room to read for a bit before going to sleep.
In the morning Vaughn continued to pound down doughnuts as he kept glancing back at the tree. The package surprised him. Never in all the time he knew Ryun or even knew OF Ryun would he have ever imagined getting a gift from him. He never seemed the gift giving type.
Vaughn was very curious as to what was in the present but he was fairly certain that Ryun would kill him if he did try to open it.
He looked at his watch and leapt up clutching his stomach from over eating, and ran out to go to work.
Ryun wasn't home when Vaughn got back that afternoon, he had no idea where the other could be but then Ryun didn't usually tell him where he was going.
Feeling very curious Vaughn decided to do a good old fashioned package shaking.
The newspaper wrapped present was actually fairly heavy but whatever was inside didn't move very much.
"Damnit! I cant tell!" Vaughn exclaimed in a childish frustrated tone. He placed the package down. He turned on the TV and put the Muppet Christmas Carol in and started to watch it. Feeling the need to stretch he exposed his wings and extended them. A feather fell in his lap. It was one of those feathers that was partly white but the rest was still black. Some of his feathers were starting to come in white altogether. He had yet to share this information with Ryun.
Vaughn quickly pulled his wings in and hid the partially white feather when he heard the key in the lock. Ryun entered moments later carrying two sacks of groceries. He was already dressed in his work uniform, like he had been unsure if he would have time to change or not.
"I see you made it up for work," Ryun commented as he sat the bags on the counter and started emptying them.
"Yeah, heh, although my stomach was hurting most of the time," Vaughn stated as he moved to help put the groceries.
"It's all those donuts you eat in the morning. You're starting to gain quite a bit of weight, you should prolly find something a bit healthier to eat in the morning."
"I am not gaining weight. I can’t gain weight... I tried. I keep weighing myself and it never changes... just like we haven’t changed in five years..." Vaughn sighed. "Although.... I guess I am changing a bit."
"Well you have gotten heavier. I almost couldn't carry you to your bed last night," Ryun told him. "Speaking of not changing in five years I think it's about time we think about moving."
"Yeah I was thinking about that at work today." Vaughn mentioned. "Where should we go?"
"Either to the other side of the city or a new city completely. We just need a change of scenery and people so they won't notice that we don't age."
"Good idea...." Vaughn started to put up the coffee grounds.
"...Vaughn... what's that?" Ryun questioned.
"What's what?"
"This." Ryun held up the partially white feather.
"Um..." Vaughn swallowed. "It’s a feather."
"I can see that, where did it come from?"
"Something that has feathers?"
"Which would be us."
"And birds."
"Do we have a white bird in the apartment?"
"I don’t see one."
"So that leaves us. This feather did not come from me so it had to come from you."
"And if it did?"
Ryun just stared at him before crushing the fragile feather in his fist. He turned on his heel and left the apartment, the door slamming behind him.
"Jeez." Vaughn was not surprised by this action. However he was confused at himself for being embarrassed about the change when it was what they came to earth to do. He didn’t want to mention that the supposed weight gain was also due to the physical changes involved in the process of redemption.
The days leading up to Christmas were very quiet between them. Normally they didn't see each other much but they always spoke; now even that was gone. Vaughn hated the silence and tried to fill it by watching TV but... and he couldn't believe he was thinking this... but he missed talking to Ryun.
When Ryun came in that morning Vaughn was waiting for him. This couldn't go on. If it did... Christmas morning wouldn't be any fun with their presents.
"Okay, what the hell is wrong with you?" Vaughn pressed as Ryun walked past him. "Just tell me." He already had a feeling of what the answer would be but he wanted to get everything out in the open. "What is wrong with my wings changing?"
"There is nothing wrong with your wings changing Vaughn," Ryun replied.
"Then why are you all pissy?" Vaughn asked with a sigh.
"This is different than how I am normally?"
"Well we normally talk. And you only started acting this way once you found my feather." As Vaughn spoke he started to realize how dumb he sounded. Perhaps he had watched too many prime time dramas
Ryun raised an eyebrow and shrugged.
"Vaughn, there is nothing wrong with you having white feathers. You are here on Earth to be redeemed and that is part of the redemption process. I guess... it just came as a shock," Ryun told him.
"Then why the constant silence?" Vaughn asked sitting down.
"You didn't talk to me either."
"True. I am curious though. How are your wings doing?" Vaughn changed the subject yes, but he wanted to know.
Ryun turned and released his wings. With his back to Vaughn, Ryun couldn't see Vaughn's expression when he saw that all the feathers were still black. He also couldn't see Ryun pick a feather out of the side he couldn't see and tuck it in his pocket.
"I'm sorry Ryun.... maybe it will change after Christmas." Vaughn said cheerily
"Yeah... maybe. Why are you up? Don't you have to be at work in a couple of hours?" Ryun questioned.
"Well, funny story about that...." Vaughn chuckled. "I kinda was terminated. Yesterday." Vaughn smiled at Ryun.
"Terminated? You mean fired," Ryun stated.
"Well, those weren’t the words used but yes." Vaughn smiled even bigger. "I told my boss to screw himself when he told me not to say merry Christmas at the work place. He was so condescending. I just had to put him in his place." Vaughn stated as twisted his hair in his fingers. "He proclaimed himself as an atheist and that there is no such thing as heaven or hell, and he just kept on saying there was no need to believe in such useless things when there is nothing of the sort." Vaughn chuckled. "Of course, his words were not so nice."
"Indeed," Ryun agreed as he went back to his room to change. "Especially when you know different. However, this does put a damper on our plans."
"How so?" Vaughn questioned. "I was nice about how I told him to screw off...."
"We were planning on looking for a new apartment Vaughn. If you don't have a job then that is money we cannot count on. Not many hire during the holidays."
"Well, I could always sue.... after all he fired me for retarded reasons.. but no." Vaughn pulled out a file. "I found a place during my free time yesterday evening. They give a discount on the apartment for someone who works in the building. I could be on the maintenance staff. I called. They aren’t interviewing until after Christmas, but I should land the job as soon as new years…at least I hope they hire me." Vaughn chuckled.
"So if you get this job then we won't have to worry about looking for an apartment since it's provided?"
"that’s right." Vaughn smiled. "And it is on the other end of the state."
"Excellent. I will put in my two week notice after you find out if you got the job or not," Ryun said as he came back into the living room dressed in a pair of sleep pants and a baggy t-shirt. He went to the kitchen to fix some breakfast; soon the sound of Christmas carols from the radio on the counter filled the apartment.
"Since when do you listen to Christmas carols?"
"Since I listen to music whenever I'm cooking," Ryun replied. "Christmas carols just seem to occupy almost all stations right now."
"Oooh." Vaughn smiled in his usual happy enigmatic way. "Well, I think I will go take a shower."
"Alright." Ryun went back to his cooking as Vaughn disappeared down the hallway.
Finally Christmas morning had come. Vaughn had been growing incredibly inpatient to find out what his present was. In fact it had been driving him crazy. He literally rolled out of bed and slunk into the living room.
The lights on their little tree blinked on and off merrily casting multi-colored spots on the floor and wall. The apartment was quiet since Ryun didn't seem to be up.
"Damn. I can’t open my gift if he isn’t here." Vaughn pouted. He tiptoed over to Ryun's door and lightly knocked on it.
After a moment the door opened and Ryun smirked at him. "Couldn't wait any longer huh?"
"No. Oh my god the suspense is killing me!" Vaughn jokingly begged.
"Alright, go on," Ryun told him. Vaughn clapped excitedly and ran back to the living room as Ryun followed him at a much calmer pace.
Sticking it in his face Vaughn offered up his present to Ryun. A huge boy like excitement on his face.
"Thank you Vaughn," Ryun said as he sat down on the couch. "Open yours first."
"YAY!!" Vaughn cheered as he tore open the paper. His eyes glowed as he saw the pretty green coat. "Cool. Thanks Ryun. Who knew you could care." he said in a friendly joking matter as he threw the coat on.
"Is it big enough?"
"Actually it is a little too big." Vaughn smiled. "But I love it. Open yours."
Ryun nodded and started to tear the paper away. He opened the box and his eyes widened. Inside the box was the violin he had been looking at in the store window a little over a month ago.
"Vaughn... how did you..." Ryun whispered running his fingers lightly over the wood.
Smiling sincerely, "I trust you like it." Vaughn said.
"Like it... I love it... but how did you know? How did you afford this?" Ryun questioned.
"That’s a secret." Vaughn winked. "Do you want doughnuts for breakfast? or would you prefer pancakes?"
"Pancakes," Ryun answered automatically. He had never taken to doughnuts the way Vaughn had. Ryun pulled the violin out of the box, the bow in his other hand; he tuned it for a moment and then stood and started to play. After a few notes Vaughn realized it was one of the Christmas carols that was always playing on the radio.
Not saying anything Vaughn began to cook as he enjoyed the music.
6 months later Ryun and Vaughn had moved to the other side of the state. Vaughn had gotten the job he had talked about at Christmas, Ryun had put in his two week notice at the coffee shop and then they had moved. Ryun had found a job answering phones for an upcoming company. He still didn't do well dealing with lots of people face to face but he did pretty well over the phone.
5 years on Earth…
“It is so cold! I don’t think I can feel my toes anymore!” Vaughn whined. He had been complaining about the cold since they had left the grocery store. Ryun had been blocking his voice out for nearly as long. It was cold but he put the blame on Vaughn for not buying a warmer coat. Ryun was about to tell Vaughn to quit complaining when something in a store window caught his attention.
Ryun stopped and stepped closer to the window. A new violin sat on the other side of the window, the dark wood shown under the light that was shining down on it. Ryun’s fingers itched to take the violin and bow in hand to play, he had always loved music.
“…un… Ryun!” Ryun snapped out of his daze and looked at Vaughn, who was watching him curiously. “What are you looking at?” Vaughn questioned. Ryun glanced at the violin again but then shook his head and turned from the window, it’s not like he could afford it anyway.
“Nothing.”
“But…”
“It’s nothing Vaughn. Let’s go home, its cold out here,” Ryun replied. Ryun walked away not caring if Vaughn was following or not.
Vaughn watched him walk away and then looked back at the window Ryun had been looking at. It was a music store… did Ryun like music? In the five years that they had lived together (and the millennia they had been in Hell) Ryun had never mentioned or even showed an inkling that he liked music. Vaughn made a mental note of the address of the store and then ran to catch up with Ryun. He smiled, Christmas was coming up soon and he now knew what to get the grumpy demon he lived with.
1 month later…
Vaughn kicked the door to their apartment; he hoped he had made it home before Ryun left for work. The Christmas tree he was carrying may have only been 4 ft. standing but it was heavy and he didn’t want to have to set it down. After a moment the door opened and Ryun stared at him then the tree and then back at Vaughn with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s a Christmas tree,” Vaughn said as he carried the tree into the apartment.
“I see that, but why?” Ryun questioned closing the door.
“Because it’s almost Christmas and everyone should have a Christmas tree,” Vaughn replied. “I still have to buy some lights and ordainments to put on it but it will be great!” Ryun snorted and went to finish getting ready for work. Vaughn turned on the radio and Christmas carols filled the apartment.
When Ryun came out of his room dressed for work Vaughn had the tree sitting in a pot of water and was tucking a white blanket around it. The smell of pine was extremely strong causing Ryun to sneeze. Vaughn looked at him wondering he maybe Ryun was allergic to pine. Ryun shook his head reading his thoughts, “It’s just strong.” Ryun grabbed his coat and pulled it on, picking up his keys he looked back at Vaughn. “Vaughn, you had better have all these pine needles cleaned up by the time I get back.”
“I will! Jeez, go to work already!” Ryun smirked and left the apartment.
Hours later when Ryun returned from work, the apartment was clean and dark, aside from the soft multicolored glow coming from the Christmas tree. Ryun smiled slightly, the tree was cute. His smile faded when he saw Vaughn asleep on the couch, he would never hear his alarm for work there. Ryun came over and was about to pick Vaughn up when he noticed a medium sized box under the tree. Ryun had never considered himself a curious person but he had to know. The medium sized box was wrapped in blue paper, the tag stuck to it read ‘To: Ryun, From: Vaughn’. Ryun’s eyes widened, Vaughn had gotten him a Christmas present? But why? Ryun looked back at Vaughn on the couch and sighed, Vaughn was a mystery.
Vaughn mumbled something incoherent as Ryun picked him up. Ryun made a mental note to tell Vaughn to lay off so many donuts in the morning as he carried him back to his room. Once Vaughn was in bed and covered Ryun made sure his alarm was set and then left the room closing the door behind himself. Going to the kitchen Ryun turned on the small radio in the corner of the counter just to fill the silence while he cooked.
After eating his breakfast and watching some TV Ryun retreated to his room. This was his sanctuary. Vaughn did not dare enter his room while the door was closed; even when the door was open Vaughn knew to knock before entering. Going to his closet Ryun pulled out a forest green coat and stared at it. He had bought it nearly a month ago after he had seen the violin. He had planned to give it to Vaughn by just leaving it lying around but now… Vaughn had gotten him a Christmas present and he felt he should return the gesture.
Searching around his room Ryun found a box and some tape but nothing to decorate the box with. He had no idea what Vaughn had done with the wrapping paper he had used. Ryun found an old newspaper and while it was not brighter expensive wrapping paper it was better than just presenting a plain box to Vaughn on Christmas morning.
Once the coat was in the box and the box was wrapped Ryun wrote Vaughn’s name on a clear part of the paper. Making sure the apartment was still quiet Ryun took the present and placed it under the tree. Ryun hoped that Vaughn’s curiosity wouldn’t become a problem and the present would remain unopened for the next few days. With the present under the tree Ryun retreated back to his room to read for a bit before going to sleep.
In the morning Vaughn continued to pound down doughnuts as he kept glancing back at the tree. The package surprised him. Never in all the time he knew Ryun or even knew OF Ryun would he have ever imagined getting a gift from him. He never seemed the gift giving type.
Vaughn was very curious as to what was in the present but he was fairly certain that Ryun would kill him if he did try to open it.
He looked at his watch and leapt up clutching his stomach from over eating, and ran out to go to work.
Ryun wasn't home when Vaughn got back that afternoon, he had no idea where the other could be but then Ryun didn't usually tell him where he was going.
Feeling very curious Vaughn decided to do a good old fashioned package shaking.
The newspaper wrapped present was actually fairly heavy but whatever was inside didn't move very much.
"Damnit! I cant tell!" Vaughn exclaimed in a childish frustrated tone. He placed the package down. He turned on the TV and put the Muppet Christmas Carol in and started to watch it. Feeling the need to stretch he exposed his wings and extended them. A feather fell in his lap. It was one of those feathers that was partly white but the rest was still black. Some of his feathers were starting to come in white altogether. He had yet to share this information with Ryun.
Vaughn quickly pulled his wings in and hid the partially white feather when he heard the key in the lock. Ryun entered moments later carrying two sacks of groceries. He was already dressed in his work uniform, like he had been unsure if he would have time to change or not.
"I see you made it up for work," Ryun commented as he sat the bags on the counter and started emptying them.
"Yeah, heh, although my stomach was hurting most of the time," Vaughn stated as he moved to help put the groceries.
"It's all those donuts you eat in the morning. You're starting to gain quite a bit of weight, you should prolly find something a bit healthier to eat in the morning."
"I am not gaining weight. I can’t gain weight... I tried. I keep weighing myself and it never changes... just like we haven’t changed in five years..." Vaughn sighed. "Although.... I guess I am changing a bit."
"Well you have gotten heavier. I almost couldn't carry you to your bed last night," Ryun told him. "Speaking of not changing in five years I think it's about time we think about moving."
"Yeah I was thinking about that at work today." Vaughn mentioned. "Where should we go?"
"Either to the other side of the city or a new city completely. We just need a change of scenery and people so they won't notice that we don't age."
"Good idea...." Vaughn started to put up the coffee grounds.
"...Vaughn... what's that?" Ryun questioned.
"What's what?"
"This." Ryun held up the partially white feather.
"Um..." Vaughn swallowed. "It’s a feather."
"I can see that, where did it come from?"
"Something that has feathers?"
"Which would be us."
"And birds."
"Do we have a white bird in the apartment?"
"I don’t see one."
"So that leaves us. This feather did not come from me so it had to come from you."
"And if it did?"
Ryun just stared at him before crushing the fragile feather in his fist. He turned on his heel and left the apartment, the door slamming behind him.
"Jeez." Vaughn was not surprised by this action. However he was confused at himself for being embarrassed about the change when it was what they came to earth to do. He didn’t want to mention that the supposed weight gain was also due to the physical changes involved in the process of redemption.
The days leading up to Christmas were very quiet between them. Normally they didn't see each other much but they always spoke; now even that was gone. Vaughn hated the silence and tried to fill it by watching TV but... and he couldn't believe he was thinking this... but he missed talking to Ryun.
When Ryun came in that morning Vaughn was waiting for him. This couldn't go on. If it did... Christmas morning wouldn't be any fun with their presents.
"Okay, what the hell is wrong with you?" Vaughn pressed as Ryun walked past him. "Just tell me." He already had a feeling of what the answer would be but he wanted to get everything out in the open. "What is wrong with my wings changing?"
"There is nothing wrong with your wings changing Vaughn," Ryun replied.
"Then why are you all pissy?" Vaughn asked with a sigh.
"This is different than how I am normally?"
"Well we normally talk. And you only started acting this way once you found my feather." As Vaughn spoke he started to realize how dumb he sounded. Perhaps he had watched too many prime time dramas
Ryun raised an eyebrow and shrugged.
"Vaughn, there is nothing wrong with you having white feathers. You are here on Earth to be redeemed and that is part of the redemption process. I guess... it just came as a shock," Ryun told him.
"Then why the constant silence?" Vaughn asked sitting down.
"You didn't talk to me either."
"True. I am curious though. How are your wings doing?" Vaughn changed the subject yes, but he wanted to know.
Ryun turned and released his wings. With his back to Vaughn, Ryun couldn't see Vaughn's expression when he saw that all the feathers were still black. He also couldn't see Ryun pick a feather out of the side he couldn't see and tuck it in his pocket.
"I'm sorry Ryun.... maybe it will change after Christmas." Vaughn said cheerily
"Yeah... maybe. Why are you up? Don't you have to be at work in a couple of hours?" Ryun questioned.
"Well, funny story about that...." Vaughn chuckled. "I kinda was terminated. Yesterday." Vaughn smiled at Ryun.
"Terminated? You mean fired," Ryun stated.
"Well, those weren’t the words used but yes." Vaughn smiled even bigger. "I told my boss to screw himself when he told me not to say merry Christmas at the work place. He was so condescending. I just had to put him in his place." Vaughn stated as twisted his hair in his fingers. "He proclaimed himself as an atheist and that there is no such thing as heaven or hell, and he just kept on saying there was no need to believe in such useless things when there is nothing of the sort." Vaughn chuckled. "Of course, his words were not so nice."
"Indeed," Ryun agreed as he went back to his room to change. "Especially when you know different. However, this does put a damper on our plans."
"How so?" Vaughn questioned. "I was nice about how I told him to screw off...."
"We were planning on looking for a new apartment Vaughn. If you don't have a job then that is money we cannot count on. Not many hire during the holidays."
"Well, I could always sue.... after all he fired me for retarded reasons.. but no." Vaughn pulled out a file. "I found a place during my free time yesterday evening. They give a discount on the apartment for someone who works in the building. I could be on the maintenance staff. I called. They aren’t interviewing until after Christmas, but I should land the job as soon as new years…at least I hope they hire me." Vaughn chuckled.
"So if you get this job then we won't have to worry about looking for an apartment since it's provided?"
"that’s right." Vaughn smiled. "And it is on the other end of the state."
"Excellent. I will put in my two week notice after you find out if you got the job or not," Ryun said as he came back into the living room dressed in a pair of sleep pants and a baggy t-shirt. He went to the kitchen to fix some breakfast; soon the sound of Christmas carols from the radio on the counter filled the apartment.
"Since when do you listen to Christmas carols?"
"Since I listen to music whenever I'm cooking," Ryun replied. "Christmas carols just seem to occupy almost all stations right now."
"Oooh." Vaughn smiled in his usual happy enigmatic way. "Well, I think I will go take a shower."
"Alright." Ryun went back to his cooking as Vaughn disappeared down the hallway.
Finally Christmas morning had come. Vaughn had been growing incredibly inpatient to find out what his present was. In fact it had been driving him crazy. He literally rolled out of bed and slunk into the living room.
The lights on their little tree blinked on and off merrily casting multi-colored spots on the floor and wall. The apartment was quiet since Ryun didn't seem to be up.
"Damn. I can’t open my gift if he isn’t here." Vaughn pouted. He tiptoed over to Ryun's door and lightly knocked on it.
After a moment the door opened and Ryun smirked at him. "Couldn't wait any longer huh?"
"No. Oh my god the suspense is killing me!" Vaughn jokingly begged.
"Alright, go on," Ryun told him. Vaughn clapped excitedly and ran back to the living room as Ryun followed him at a much calmer pace.
Sticking it in his face Vaughn offered up his present to Ryun. A huge boy like excitement on his face.
"Thank you Vaughn," Ryun said as he sat down on the couch. "Open yours first."
"YAY!!" Vaughn cheered as he tore open the paper. His eyes glowed as he saw the pretty green coat. "Cool. Thanks Ryun. Who knew you could care." he said in a friendly joking matter as he threw the coat on.
"Is it big enough?"
"Actually it is a little too big." Vaughn smiled. "But I love it. Open yours."
Ryun nodded and started to tear the paper away. He opened the box and his eyes widened. Inside the box was the violin he had been looking at in the store window a little over a month ago.
"Vaughn... how did you..." Ryun whispered running his fingers lightly over the wood.
Smiling sincerely, "I trust you like it." Vaughn said.
"Like it... I love it... but how did you know? How did you afford this?" Ryun questioned.
"That’s a secret." Vaughn winked. "Do you want doughnuts for breakfast? or would you prefer pancakes?"
"Pancakes," Ryun answered automatically. He had never taken to doughnuts the way Vaughn had. Ryun pulled the violin out of the box, the bow in his other hand; he tuned it for a moment and then stood and started to play. After a few notes Vaughn realized it was one of the Christmas carols that was always playing on the radio.
Not saying anything Vaughn began to cook as he enjoyed the music.
6 months later Ryun and Vaughn had moved to the other side of the state. Vaughn had gotten the job he had talked about at Christmas, Ryun had put in his two week notice at the coffee shop and then they had moved. Ryun had found a job answering phones for an upcoming company. He still didn't do well dealing with lots of people face to face but he did pretty well over the phone.