Ryo sighed and lightly drummed his fingers on his duffel bag in time with the music emanating from his headphones. He gazed out the window at the quickly passing scenery.

            Everything was buried in layers of fallen snow. White, fluffy, cold, snow.

            He hated the cold. He didn't hate the snow itself, just the temperature of it. Ryo tugged his duffel bag back onto his knees as it started to slide forward.

            Suddenly, a small girl crawled into the empty seat next to him. She reached up and tugged his headphones off so they dangled around his neck. "Ya want one?" She giggled, holding up a few candy canes.

            Ryo smiled and reached over, taking one from her. "Thank you."

            "You're welcome!" She smiled brightly before crawling back out of the seat and skipping back the direction she came from.

            Ryo put his headphones back over his ears, opening the candy cane and putting it in his mouth. He looked back out the window, resting his chin in his hand. He was heading back to the manor for the Christmas holidays. This would be the first time in four years all five Troopers were together again.

            Shin and Seiji were the only two that still lived in the manor, and they were the two Ryo had seen the most since then. Though now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen Shuu in two and a half years. He hadn't seen Touma at all.

            Shuu was living in the city closer to the family's restaurant. He didn't own it yet, or last Ryo'd heard, but was working full time.

            Touma had an apartment just outside the city close to the University where he was a professor of Astronomy. At least that's what Seiji and Shin had told him

            Ryo looked up as the scenery began slowing down and before long, had stopped completely. He stood and slung his bag over his shoulder before exiting the train and stepping onto the platform. He began searching the crowd for the blond swordsman or the auburn haired swimmer. He sighed in slightly irritation when neither turned up. So he was stuck. In the cold. Waiting.

            After five minutes, Ryo was shivering uncontrollably. He wasn't exactly dressed as heavily as he should have been, seeing as he didn't think he was going to be waiting. He suddenly felt a coat being thrown over his shoulders, and Ryo turned to be greeted by amused violet eyes.

            "Cold Ryo?" Seiji raised an eyebrow, pulling Ryo's duffel bag from his shoulder.

            "I'm freezing!" Ryo muttered, pulling the coat tighter around him as his teeth chattered. He scrambled into the car when Seiji unlocked the doors, and he turned the heat up full blast as soon as Seiji had the car started.

            "Ryo, you're going to cook us alive." Seiji turned the heat down some, and smacked Ryo's hand away from the knob as Ryo reached for it again. "It heats up fast, just give it a second."

            Ryo gave Seiji a dubious look, and shook the few snow flurries out of his hair. "I hate the cold."

            Seiji smiled, giving Ryo a sidelong look. "Which, Rekka, is understandable."

            Ryo made a face and snuggled deeper into the seat as the car started warming up. "So why were you late? Date Seiji is never late for anything." Ryo glanced at him, eyebrows raised slightly.

            "Shin is sick." Seiji replied, stopping at a red light. "I was making sure he was okay."

            Ryo pretended to look indignant. "So you decided it was more important to take care of Shin and left me standing in the snow."

            Seiji nodded. "Yeah, basically." He grinned slightly at the look on Ryo's face.

            "And I was only joking!"

            "You know how Shin is when he's sick, Ry." Seiji murmured, stepping on the gas as the light turned green.

            Ryo made a slight noise. "Shin's a bitch when he's sick."

            "Yeah, and has been for the last two weeks." Seiji stated, resting an arm against the door.

            "Ew… So when are Shuu and Touma getting in?" Ryo asked, watching the light go from yellow to red.

            Seiji made a thoughtful noise. "Touma claims he can't get away from the University for another few days. Shuu's coming in late tomorrow night, and neither knows you're going to be here."

            Ryo laughed slightly. "Yeah, if they remember who I am… Seiji, I haven't see Touma since the last time we were all together."

            Seiji's jaw dropped." Ryo that was four years ago! When was the last time you saw Shuu?!"

            "Two and a half?" Ryo offered it more as a question than an answer.

            "Ryo!"

            "What?! It's not like I live that close."

            "Yet you still manage to come visit me and Shin at least twice a year." Seiji pointed out, and shook his head as he started driving again. "You're right, Touma probably doesn't remember you." Seiji shook his head again. "Just don't tell Shin what you just told me. He'd have your head on a stick in about 2 seconds."

            Ryo rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know. So when exactly is Touma coming in?"

            Seiji paused for a minute. "Christmas Eve, I think."

            Ryo sighed, looking out the window. "Well, spending the holidays with all of you was a nice thought anyway."

            Seiji gave Ryo a sidelong look. "What do you mean it was a nice thought?"

            "The only time I could get a ticket back was the day after Christmas, so that's what I did." Ryo murmured, and watched as Seiji turned down the heat a little.

            "Oooh, Shin's gonna kill you."

            Ryo scowled. "Thanks Seiji. I really wanted to hear that."

            "There isn't any way that you could stay later than that? I mean, I know that Touma and Shuu would want you to seeing as you haven't seen them in so long." Seiji asked, as they started up the driveway to the manor.

            "Not unless you guys want me hanging around for a week after New Years." Ryo murmured and pouted slightly when Seiji turned the car off. "Does this mean I have to get out?"

            Seiji laughed slightly, grabbing Ryo's duffel bag from the back seat. "Yes, Ryo. That means you have to get out." The blond shook his head and shut the driver's side door.

            Ryo sighed and pushed his door open before catching up with Seiji. "Shin isn’t on a complaining streak is he?"

            Seiji shook his head. "Nah, he was asleep on the couch when I left. I don’t care if you stay until after New Years. And I'm sure Shin wouldn't either. I mean, it's not like we're short on rooms or something." The blond murmured, pushing the front door open.

            Ryo made a thoughtful sound, stepping into the well-lit manor. "That's true. I dunno. We'll see." He shrugged and looked around. Not much had changed in the manor looks wise. It was just a lot quieter.

            "Hm… hi Ryo." Shin murmured, from his place sprawled across the couch, a blue comforter draped over him.

            "Hey Shin." Ryo smiled at the aquatic Trooper, patting him on the head. Ryo ignored the look Shin threw him, and sat on the couch near Shin's feet. "It's nice to be back. I'll admit that."

            Shin kicked Ryo's side lightly. "Jerk. You took my foot space." He muttered, and glared at the phone when it rang. "'Ello? Oh, hi Touma. Waddya mean you don't think you can? I swear I'm-" Shin glared at the blond when he took the phone. "Seiji, I was talking-"

            "And now you're not... Tou?" Seiji put the phone to his ear and ignored the glare from Shin. "Oh, you do? Well that seems kind of stupid. Why would they do that? Don't they think you have a life? Hn… that's probably true too. Okay. Well, we'll see you when you get here, whenever that is. Later Tou." Seiji hung up, placing the phone back on the receiver. "Anybody want anything to eat or drink while I'm in the kitchen?" Seiji asked, heading that direction.

            Ryo shook his head. "Nope, I'm good. Thanks anyway."

            "No." Shin muttered, getting comfortable again.

            "So what was that about?" Ryo poked Shin's leg, watching the auburn haired boy. When there wasn't an answer, Ryo poked him again. "Shin?" He leaned forward slightly so he could see the other boy's face, and smiled when he realized Shin had fallen asleep. He stood up and started toward the kitchen and the blond. "Hey Seiji, what did Touma call about?"

            Seiji looked up at him, taking a drink out of his bottle of water. "He said he doesn't know if he'll be able to get here on Christmas Eve... he said he might not be able to make it until Christmas morning." The blond replied, putting the cap back on the water.

            Ryo's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Why?"

            "He said they scheduled meetings and stuff for the few days before Christmas that the students have off. I don't know." Seiji shrugged a shoulder.

            Ryo sighed. "That really sucks! I'm hardly even gonna see Touma." He followed Seiji back out into the living room.

            "What time does your train leave?" Seiji asked, lifting Shin's feet so he could sit down.

            Ryo bit his lip, thinking. “Hm… One in the afternoon, I think.” He replied, watching as Seiji found interest in tickling the bottom of Shin’s foot.

            “Well if it was in the morning, you’d be walking to the train station.” Seiji pointed out and smacked Shin’s leg when the swimmer kicked him. “Don’t kick me.”

            Shin opened his eyes and looked down the length of the couch at Seiji. “Oh… Sorry Seiji… I thought you were Ryo.” He murmured through a yawn.

            Seiji shook his head, and looked down as Shin climbed into his lap, resting his head against Seiji’s shoulder, holding his blanket tightly around him. “Cold?” He asked, wrapping his arms around Shin.

            Shin nodded, closing his eyes. “Sort of.” He replied softly, and his eyes shot open as Seiji stood, picking him up. “Gah! What are you doing?!”

            Seiji laughed slightly, and started toward the stairs. “I’ll be back in a minute, Ry…” His voice trailed off, and he went up the stairs, carrying the aquatic Trooper. “I’m putting you to bed. You should just go to sleep and get well rested. I know you haven’t gotten much sleep lately.” The blond pushed the door to his and Shin’s room open, and set Shin on their bed. “Go to sleep. That’s not a suggestion, it’s an order.” Seiji kissed Shin’s forehead, and pulled the blankets on the bed over Shin before he turned and headed out of the room.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Shuu knocked on the front door to the manor, looking around as the white lights decorating the house shone brightly. He looked up when the door opened, and he smiled at Shin. “Hey, dude. You feeling better?”

            Shin nodded, taking the bag from Shuu and set it by the closet before he was enveloped in a hug from Shuu. “It’s good to see you too.” He laughed, and hugged the larger warrior back.

            “So where’d Blondie run off to?” Shuu asked, looking around the interior of the house, and pulling off his jacket. “Gah… it’s a lot warmer in here than outside.”

            “Considering there’s a foot and a half of snow outside…” Shin’s voice trailed off and he started back to the kitchen, Shuu following. “Seiji went out… I think he went to the mall…” Shin shrugged his shoulders, opening the fridge. “You want anything to drink?”

            Shuu shook his head. “No, I’m good. So when’s blue-boy coming in? He was telling me the other day he was having trouble with something or other when his cell phone went dead or something.”

            “Oh… He might not be here until Christmas morning… Apparently the University scheduled faculty meetings before the holidays.” Shin looked slightly dubious.

            “You think he’s lyin’?” Shuu raised his eyebrows slightly, pushing up the long sleeves of his shirt.

            Shin shook his head. “I don’t think he’s lying… I just think it’s rather odd that the University would do that.” Shin replied, opening a coke.

            The front door opened, and they heard the jingling of keys and rustling of a jacket being taken off. “Shin, we’re home!” Seiji’s voice carried through to the kitchen.

            Shuu’s eyebrows knit together, and Shin hid his smile behind his coke can as he pushed Shuu back through the kitchen door. Shuu’s jaw dropped when he caught site of their leader. “Ryo??”

            Ryo grinned. “Hey Shuu. Long time no see, dude.” He returned Shuu’s friendly hug. He watched Shuu do the same to Seiji before Shuu turned back to him.

            “So does Touma know you’re going to be here?” Shuu grinned when Ryo shook his head. “That’s gonna flip him out. He told me he was really disappointed you weren’t going to be here this year. He said he hasn’t seen you since the last time we were all together.”

            Ryo bit his lip and put his hand to the side of his face, blocking the look Shin shot him.

            “What?!” Shin threw his hands in the air. “How could you not-”

            Seiji shook his head, and covered Shin’s mouth. “Shin, shut up.”

            Shin glowered, but did what he was told.

            “Yeah… I haven’t seen him in awhile…” Ryo smiled nervously, glancing at Shin, who scoffed and started toward the kitchen.

            “Awhile. That’s an understatement.” Shin muttered, disappearing through the door.

            Seiji shook his head, rolling his eyes slightly. “You’ll have to excuse him. He’s still suffering from his recent sickness…” The blond murmured, running a hand through his hair.

            Shuu laughed slightly. “Man, Touma’s gonna totally flip when he sees ya.” He grinned at the black haired boy, playfully punching his shoulder.

            Ryo made a thoughtful noise and sat on the couch, going through the number index on his cell phone.

            “Who are you calling?” Seiji asked as Ryo put the phone to his ear.

            “Touma.”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Touma leaned against the podium at the front of his classroom, looking through a magazine. He jumped when his cell phone rang loudly, and he answered it, ignoring the snickering from the small group of students making up the latest test. “Hello? Oh, hey!” Touma scowled when a couple of the students started making kissing noises, and he stepped inside the little room he had dubbed his office. “Oh, I’m going to Seiji and Shin’s again as soon as I can get out of here. Are you going this year?” Touma glanced out the door at the students. He frowned, slightly disappointed at the answer. “Oh. Well that’s too bad.” He looked up when a student cleared their throat, standing in the doorway.

            “I’m done with the test… where do you want me to put it?” He asked, smirking slightly.

            “The podium’s fine… huh? Oh… sorry. I was talking to a student. No, there’s just a few making up a test. Oh, all right. I’ll talk to you later, then. Bye.” He hung up, and hooked the cell phone back to its place on his belt and wandered back toward the podium and his magazine.

            “So who was that? A girlfriend of yours?” Another student asked, bringing the test up to him.

            “No… That was a friend asking what I was doing for Christmas.” Touma replied, taking the test from the male student and putting it on the podium with the others.

            “Yeah, sure. Your secret’s safe with me.” The student laughed, winking at Touma before he left the room.

            Touma twitched slightly, before putting his chin in his hand and looking back down at the magazine.

            “So what are you doing for Christmas?” A girl asked him, setting the test on top of the others. “Anything interesting?”

            “I’m going to a friend’s house.” Touma replied, looking up from the article he was currently reading for lack of anything better to do. “I do every year.” He watched her smile and nod before she left. When the last person turned in the make up test, he sighed and put them in a folder before turning the light out. He locked the door behind him, and started for his midnight blue sports car in the parking lot. He took in a deep breath as he stepped out into the snow.

            The cold didn’t bother him like it did others. It reminded him of space.

            Touma climbed into his car and started back toward his apartment building. He shut the car door, leaving the folder of papers in the front seat. He didn’t feel like grading any of the tests, so he decided he’d just procrastinate as usual and do it in the thirty minutes he had before class tomorrow. He paused his thoughts pushing his key into the lock. “Wait… exams are tomorrow… I don’t have to grade those until tomorrow night…” Touma smiled smugly, and pushed the door open. He dropped his keys on the table next to the door, and kicked the door shut behind him. He pushed the blinking button on the answering machine and started for the kitchen.

            /“Hey Touma, I wanted to know if you would like to-”/

            Touma rolled his eyes and deleted the message before it could finish. He didn’t know why that girl wouldn’t leave him alone. He’d refused her advances several times. He started back toward the kitchen, and pulled the fridge door open. He pulled out the leftover pizza from the night before and pulled a slice out before stuffing the box back in the fridge. Touma started to eat and glanced at the calendar on the side of the fridge. “Why did they have to schedule those stupid meetings?” He shook his head, sighing.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Seiji opened his eyes and stood, getting out of the lotus position he had been in when he heard a car pull up. He lifted one of the wood slats to peek out the blinds. A small smile graced his lips as he watched the midnight blue Corvette’s lights go out. He was about to turn and walk out of the room when Touma got out of his car in jeans and… a tank top?? “Shin’s gonna kill him…” He shook his head and left the room. He got to the bottom of the stairs as the doorbell rang. The blond opened the door and yanked Touma inside before he could even say hi. “Are you totally crazy?”

            Touma blinked, dropping his duffel bag on the floor. “What?”

            “Touma, it’s snowing outside, on Christmas Eve and you’re wearing a tank top?” Seiji raised his eyebrows.

            The blue haired boy shrugged. “I guess it’s a little chilly.”

            “You’re psychotic.”

            Touma grinned. “Thanks Seiji. Love you too, man.” He looked up when Shin walked in, Shuu behind him. “Hey guys.” He returned the friendly hug from the two of them.

            “Oh, I suppose Seiji already hung your jacket up.” Shin smiled at the blond.

            Seiji nodded, smiling back at the auburn haired boy. “Yeah, I did.”

            Shin smiled, wrapping his arms around Seiji’s neck and giving the blond a light kiss on the lips. “You’re so thoughtful.”

            Seiji just smiled and glanced at Touma who hid his snicker behind his hand. “So… should we give Touma one of his presents early?”

            “Oooh! I got a present??” This announcement caught Touma’s full attention. “Where?”

            Shuu grinned, leaning against the blue haired boy. “Yeah… Shin you want me to go stuff it in a box real quick?”

            Shin smirked, glancing in the direction of the kitchen. “Sure, go ahead Shuu. Knock yourself out.”

            “Okay.” Shuu smirked evilly and pulled a box out of the closet. He unfolded it and started toward the kitchen. “Be back in a gif.” He murmured, watching the look on Touma’s face when he saw the size of the box.

            Seiji grabbed Touma’s shoulder as the archer took a step to follow Shuu into the kitchen. “That would ruin the whole point of the box, Touma.”

            “But that was a big box!” Touma protested, gesturing to where Shuu had disappeared.

            Shin nodded, smiling mischievously. “Yes, it was rather big, wasn’t it?” He asked, his head resting against Seiji’s chest.

            “There ya go, Tou.” Shuu walked back out, pushing a box in front of him, and holding it shut at the same time. “Kinda feisty. I’d watch yourself if I were you.”

            Touma raised his eyebrows. “Feisty?” He made a thoughtful sound and watched as Shuu kicked the side of the box. “So what is it?” He asked, glancing at Seiji and Shin.

            “You’re supposed to open it, Touma.” Seiji rolled his eyes.

            The archer lifted the flaps on the box and blinked, shocked.

            Ryo peered up innocently, his arms wrapped around his knees. “Uh… hi?”

            “R-Ryo…” Touma stood there staring down at the fire Trooper for another couple seconds and watched as Ryo stood up and stepped out of the cardboard box, shooting a glare at Shuu. “I… you…” The archer blinked before wrapping his arms around Ryo in a crushing hug. “Ryo, I…”

            “I missed you too, Touma.” Ryo grinned, hugging the archer back.

            Touma pulled away after a minute. “You jerk! You lied to me! You said you weren’t going anywhere.”

            Ryo grinned, shrugging his shoulders. “Oops?”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Shuu sighed, glancing at Ryo. “It could be worse…”

            Ryo glared at him, before peering around the side of their snow fort, and narrowly missed being pegged with a snowball. “How could this be worse? I can’t believe you challenged Seiji and Touma to a snowball fight. And I can’t believe you dragged me into it!”

            Shuu shrugged his shoulders. “We could always give up, you know.” He received another glare. “Or not…”

            “Shuu, I can’t believe you just said that.”

            “What? We could. You’re the one complaining about how ‘we’re screwed’. If we’re so ‘screwed’, why don’t we just give up?” The larger warrior asked, watching the fire warrior.

            Ryo sighed, giving Shuu a sidelong look. “Because giving up is the loser’s way out. If you’re gonna go down, you go down fighting. You, of all people, should know that, Shuu.”

            Shuu rolled his eyes. “So quit complaining. Sheesh. You’re either complaining that it’s too cold, complaining that there’s nothing to do, complaining that-”

            “Okay, I get the point, shut up.” Ryo scowled, and gave Shuu a snowball. “Here, your turn. I threw the last one.”

            “Yeah, and Touma almost nailed ya in the forehead.” Shuu grinned when Ryo rolled his eyes.

            “Thanks.”

            Shuu patted Ryo’s shoulder. “No problem. Why didn’t Shin come outside?” He asked the black haired boy, and looked over the top of their little fort. He chucked the snowball at the fort opposite of theirs.

            “I think he’s cooking dinner.” Ryo replied, watching him sit back down. “That and he was sick.”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Touma watched as a snowball cleared the top of the fort, landing between he and Seiji. “They still haven’t hit us, have they?” He raised his eyebrows at the blond next to him.

            “Nope.” Seiji shook his head, molding snow into a ball. “I think we ought to end this now, don’t you? It’s getting rather cold out since the sun’s going down.”

            “Yeah, that and you just want to go inside and find Shin.” The blue haired boy rolled his eyes, but picked up the shovel. “I’ll sneak into the woods.” He gestured to the line of trees about twenty yards from their right. “You distract Ryo and Shuu, and I’ll sneak up behind them.” Touma stated, mock saluting Seiji.

            Seiji gave Touma an affirmative salute back before shoving the snowball down Touma’s jacket.

            “GAH! COLD!” Touma jumped up, trying to get the snow out of his jacket. He immediately got down again when a snowball whizzed past his head. “I hate you Seiji.” The archer scowled. “I almost got pegged in the face because of you.” He glared at the blond.

            Seiji smiled and patted Touma on the head. “You’ll live, Touma dear.”

            “Right… well, as soon as I get a chance I’m going to go into the woods, then you start throwing the snowballs, okay?” Touma gave him a look. “Think you can handle that Blondie, or is it too hard for you to understand?”

            Seiji rolled his eyes, and took a snowball off the pile that was about as high as their shoulders when they were seated. “You better get outta here before I shove one down your jeans.”

            Touma twitched slightly before peering around the side of the fort. When a snowball wasn’t thrown at him, he sprinted into the woods, the shovel in hand.

            The blond watched the archer go before turning and throwing a snowball at Shuu, who had peered over the top of his fort. He watched Shuu duck before throwing one back at him. Seiji dodged it before throwing one at Ryo who had also appeared. The Kourin bearer smirked as he watched Touma quietly sneak up on them, a shovel full of snow in his hands.

            Touma held the shovel over Ryo’s head before tilting it, sending the snow falling onto the Rekka bearer. He quickly dipped the shovel into the snow and did the same to Shuu. He smirked as he watched Ryo jump up, trying to get the snow out of his many layers of clothing. “I think we win.” He glanced over at Shuu who had run his hands through his hair, getting the snow out.

            “I’m going to kill you!!” Ryo tackled Touma, sending them both into the vast icy whiteness.

            Seiji wandered over and crossed his arms, watching the two wrestle each other. He held out a hand to help Shuu to his feet before looking back toward the lit windows of the house. “I think dinner’s done.” He murmured, the light smell of food drifting through the open kitchen window. His gaze turned back to the two in the snow. The blond watched as Ryo smashed snow down Touma’s jacket, and then down Touma’s jeans.

            “SHIT THAT’S COLD!” Touma shouted, and knocked Ryo off him before returning the favor.

            Shuu shook his head, glancing at Seiji, and the two of them started back toward the house. He pushed the back door open, and followed Seiji in, shutting it behind him. “Shin, is dinner ready?”

            The auburn haired boy looked up from where he was pulling the Christmas dinner out of the oven. “Yeah, just about.” He murmured, and then realized they were two short. “Where are Touma and Ryo?” He asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

            Seiji smirked, pulling all his layers off and dropping them into an empty laundry basket next to the door that Shin had so thoughtfully laid out. “They’re still outside having a snow fight.”

            Shuu nodded in agreement before starting toward the kitchen door. “I’m gonna go get changed.” He murmured, rubbing his hands together.

            “Okay.” Shin glanced at Seiji, who was now only clad in his semi wet jeans. “You should too, or you’ll end up with a cold.” He admonished the blond.

            Seiji rolled his eyes. “Yes Mom.”

            Shin shook his head, watching the blond leave the kitchen and looked up when the back door opened again. He raised an eyebrow at Ryo and Touma as they shut the door behind them.

            “Hullo Shin.” Touma smiled, starting to pull his scarf off.

            “So who won?” Shin smirked, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.

            “I did.” The two Troopers replied simultaneously, both in the process of pulling the last of their jackets off.

            Touma rolled his eyes. “You wish, Rekka.”

            “Yeah, whatever Tenku.” Ryo smacked Touma in the back of the head before running through the kitchen door, Touma hot on his heels.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Shin smiled, leaning against Seiji as he watched the crackling fire, and Ryo.

            “God it’s freezing in here.” Ryo muttered, pulling the blanket around his shoulders tighter.

            Touma laughed, entering the room. “Why don’t you just sit in the fire, Ryo?” He grinned at the look Ryo shot him, and sipped from his wine glass.

            Seiji smiled slightly, his arms around Shin’s chest. “So when are you guys leaving?” He asked, glancing at Ryo.

            “Ya got me till New Year’s this time.” Shuu grinned, and put his hands behind his head.

            Touma nodded in agreement. “Yeah, same here.”

            Ryo blushed slightly, looking back at the fire that was no more than a foot away from him. “… Tomorrow…” He murmured, running a hand through his hair.

            “What?!” Touma’s jaw dropped, and he looked down at the black haired boy who was busy avoiding everyone’s gaze.

            “I’m leaving tomorrow afternoon around one.” Ryo replied, pulling the blanket tighter. “It was the only time I could get back.” He glanced up at Touma, frowning slightly.

            The blue haired boy sighed and finished off his wine, heading for the kitchen.

            Shuu watched Touma leave before glancing back toward Ryo, who had resumed watching the fire. “So… does anyone know if there’s anything good on tonight?” He asked, trying to be rid of the odd silence.

            Shin shrugged slightly. “Well, seeing as it’s Christmas day, I would assume there are going to be Christmas shows on.” The auburn haired boy replied sarcastically.

            Shuu rolled his eyes, and threw some of the popcorn he was eating at Ryo. “Quit pouting.”

            Ryo gave him a look. “I’m not pouting. Why would I be pouting?”

            “Because you have to leave tomorrow and you don’t want to leave Touma.”

            Ryo blushed again, and looked away. If Shuu had noticed, he must really be transparent. “That’s not true.” He muttered, watching the flames dance in the fireplace.

            Shuu raised his eyebrows. “Sure Ryo. Whatever you say, buddy.” The Kongo warrior shook his head before starting for the kitchen to get something to drink.

            “So I guess you need a ride to the station tomorrow, right?” Shin asked, watching Ryo put out the small fire that had jumped to the edge of his blanket.

            Ryo only nodded before standing up, and starting for the stairs. “I’ll see you guys in the morning. I’m kind of tired.” He murmured, and smiled at the two before disappearing up the stairs.

            Seiji rested his chin on Shin’s head, and sighed. “Are you thinking the same thing I am, Shin?”

            “More than likely…” Shin’s voice trailed off and he rested his head against Seiji’s chest.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Touma looked down at the ground, and licked his slightly dry lips. “This really sucks, Ryo.”

            Ryo frowned, running a hand through his hair. “I know…” He looked over at the train that passengers were currently boarding. “If I could have gotten a later train I would have.”

            “I know… I just thought that I’d finally get to spend time with you since we haven’t seen each other in so long. I-I really missed you, Ryo.” Touma murmured, and wrapped his arms around Ryo when the fire warrior pulled him into a hug.

            “I missed you too Touma. I’m sorry it’s been so long since we last saw each other.” He murmured, letting his eyes drift shut.

            Touma nodded, and placed a light kiss on Ryo’s neck. “You better go, or the train’s going to leave with out you.” He murmured, and pulled away from Ryo, forcing a smile. “I’ll see you later Ryo. Happy New Year.” And with that, the blue haired boy turned and started back toward the parking lot.

            Ryo watched him before picking up his duffel bag and slinging it over his shoulder. “You too, Touma.” He whispered, and turned to go toward the train. He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled his ticket out, looking down at it. He sighed and looked back up at the train before he stopped and looked back toward where he and Touma had been standing. He was moving before he realized it. “Touma, wait!”

            Touma stopped walking and turned around.

            Ryo threw his arms around the archer’s neck, and covered the other boy’s mouth with his own.

            Touma blinked, slightly surprised. He slowly kissed back, wrapping his arms around Ryo’s waist. When they broke apart, he gave Ryo a questioning look.

            “I can’t go Touma… I wouldn’t be able to stand being away from you again.” Ryo shook his head, hugging the archer tightly.

            “I’m not going to complain…” Touma grinned slightly when Ryo pulled away from him, and they started for the car. “Waddya say we go get some lunch?” He asked, opening the car door for Ryo.

            Ryo gave Touma a mischievous smirk. “Or we can skip right to dessert…” His voice trailed off suggestively.

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A really short Epilogue that probably shouldn’t be called an Epilogue

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            Seiji glanced at Shin as he waited for Touma to answer the phone. He was slightly surprised however, when it wasn’t Touma that answered. “Ryo?”

            “Seiji?”

            “What are you doing answering Touma’s phone?” The blond asked, eyebrows knit together in slight confusion.

            “Cause Touma’s… a-a little busy…”

            Seiji blinked. “Ryo, are you okay?”

            “Y-yeah, I’m f-fine. Never better.”

            Shin gave Seiji a questioning look, and the blond shrugged his shoulders. “Are you sure?”

            “Yeah. I’m-SHIT! Touma!”

            Seiji heard Touma laugh and Ryo groan before the phone was hung up. “Um… I uh… don’t think we should bother them for a few hours.” He murmured, hanging the phone up.