Merry Christmas minna-san! A little story of a new tradition on Christmas. "It's so pretty out," a woman with long dark hair said. "The snow really brings out the beauty of Tokyo," agreed a tall man with as equally dark hair. Together they entered a small but cozy teashop. The shop was mostly empty since it was Christmas Eve and the man and woman quickly took a seat at a table near the front window, this way they could watch the snowfall. The man took the woman's coat and scarf and placed it on a coat rack that was next to the small wooden table along with his owns scarf and coat. They sat and read their tea menu and quickly ordered their hot beverages and little snacks. While waiting for their order they sat saying nothing, but watched the snowfall. It was only when their food and drink came that they began to speak. "Another Christmas Rei ne?" asked Mamoru. "Hai. Another year another Christmas," replied Rei with a smile. "So how many years have we been doing this?" "Oh I don't know, maybe six years now," answered Mamoru nonchalantly. "Hmmm?" said Rei as she though back to how this tradition had started. "Goddamn cold," thought Mamoru as he pulled his coat tighter around himself and burrowed his head into his coat as he looked downwards at his feet. All of a sudden, his head connected with a solid object and he crashed down to the ground. Something else crashed down too with a loud "oomph." "Why don't you watch where you're GOING?" demanded Mamoru. "Why don't YOU Mamoru?" demanded a rather peeved Rei. "Sorry Rei I didn't see you," explained Mamoru as he stood up and brushed himself. "It's okay. I wasn't exactly watching where I was going either," said Rei as Mamoru helped her up. "So what are you doing running around the city on Christmas Eve?" asked Rei. "I would have thought you would have been spending it with Usagi." "Nah. She's with her family, and you know. Her father and I don't get along so hot," explained Mamoru. "Oh yeah," sighed Rei remembering that small nugget of information. "So I decided to go out and walk around and look at the city since I don't really have anyone to spend it with," finished Mamoru. " So why are you out so late, hmmm?" asked Mamoru smiling. "Well you know being Shinto and all, we really don't celebrate Christmas at home. So today is nothing big to Grandpa and Yuuichirou is back home visiting his parents actually, which is quite amazing. So I'm kind of out on my own," explained Rei. "Oh." "It's strange even though I don't celebrate it I like it well enough. The lights are so beautiful and people seem to be nicer. More cheerful. Christmas makes everyone happier it seems. That is until the last few days and everyone is rabid looking for the perfect present," said Rei giggling. Mamoru laughed aloud. "So where are you going?" asked Mamoru. "Well there's this little tea shop that has the best snacks and teas around, that just happens to be open late and on Christmas Eve. Would you like to accompany me there?" "I do believe I would," replied Mamoru as he proffered his arm to Rei. "All right then, let's be on our way," said Rei as she looped her arm through his. Together they walked arm and arm down the sidewalk towards the teashop. They took a break from sipping their tea to chat. "You know what?" announced Rei. "What?" asked Mamoru amusedly. "This is kind of like our own tradition isn't it," asked Rei. "Yeah. It is in a way isn't it," agreed Mamoru. "I have some thing for you," said Mamoru as he turned and pulled something out of his coat. "Merry Christmas Rei." "Thank you Mamoru. And if you reach into the right pocket of my coat you'll find a present for yourself." Mamoru pulled out a small box from Rei's coat. "Thank you Rei." Rei smiled and both went to task of unwrapping their presents. Rei received a small silver locket that had been engraved with flames on the front and a picture of Rei inside. Mamoru received from Rei a silver pocket watch that was engraved with a rose and ran on perfect time. "Thank you Rei." "Your welcome and thank you," Rei leaned over and gave Mamoru a quick peck on the cheek. Mamoru blushed. "Merry Christmas." It's the season of giving, so if you have anything to say e-mail me at Stransa@aol.com Oyasumi nasai! Merry Christmas to all!