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Snow drifted lazily onto Yuma’s head, the small ice crystals settling in his white hair, glinting faintly in the dim light. A brisk gust of wind sent shivers coursing through his body, but he hardly noticed. Rocking back and forth gently, his gaze remained locked onto his feet as if the answer to his unease lay somewhere in the pattern of his footprints.
His mind trudged through memories, each one clinging to his thoughts like gum on the sole of a shoe, impossible to scrape away.
Fragments of his past surfaced, weaving a bittersweet tapestry. There were sweet, fleeting memories - the small, warm moments of his childhood - and longer, clearer ones of his later years. He remembered learning to fight, traveling through strange lands, and laughing with his father. The memories of his dad stood out the most, vivid and unyielding. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the image of his father’s final moments, the way his form had crumbled into dust right before his eyes.
An empty void gnawed at him, consuming his chest with each passing memory. His breathing hitched, his body trembling as he hunched in on himself, arms wrapping tightly around his knees as though trying to disappear. Snowflakes continued their quiet descent, blanketing him in frost and dampening his clothes.
The happier memories faded, swallowed by the agony of his father’s death, the vision playing on repeat in his mind. His chest felt impossibly tight, his body cold and shaking.
The monotony of the cold was broken by the sudden warmth of a blanket draped over him. A comforting weight settled against his back, and Jin’s familiar presence wrapped around him like a shield.
“Jin-san? What are you doing?” Yuma’s voice was quiet, muffled by the fabric of the blanket.
“I could ask you the same question,” Jin replied, his tone light yet laced with concern.
Yuma shifted slightly, his small form wriggling in Jin’s grip - not trying to escape, but clearly unsure of what was happening. “What’s on your mind?” Jin asked, his voice softening to a warmth that rivaled the blanket itself.
Yuma made a small noise, hiding his face in the folds of the fabric. Jin chuckled quietly, his arms tightening around the shivering boy. Gradually, Yuma relaxed, his tense frame moulding against Jin’s. They stayed like that, Jin’s hand tracing gentle circles on Yuma’s back, the rhythm steady and soothing.
It wasn’t until the blanket was soaked through that Jin stood, guiding Yuma back into the house.
After changing into dry, warm clothes, Yuma found himself standing face to face with something unexpected - a large, decorated tree. The bright lights and shiny ornaments caught his eye, leaving him baffled. Yet the crisp, earthy scent the tree brought to the room was oddly comforting.
Jin caught sight of Yuma staring, the boy’s expression a mixture of awe and confusion. Smiling, Jin approached quietly, taking a moment to enjoy the rare innocence on Yuma’s face.
“Is that a tree?” Yuma asked bluntly.
Jin fought back laughter. “Yes. Yes, it is.”
“Why is it here?” Yuma tilted his head, his confusion deepening.
“It’s a Christmas tree,” Jin explained. “You decorate it, then put presents under it.”
Yuma’s expression didn’t waver. “Why?”
Jin stumbled, grasping for an answer. “Well… it’s a tradition here. During a holiday called Christmas, people decorate a tree and put gifts under it for each other. On Christmas Day, everyone gathers around, opens the presents, and celebrates together. Today’s Christmas Eve, so we’re celebrating by putting up the tree and watching holiday movies.”
Yuma nodded slowly, the explanation seeming to satisfy him for now. “Is that where everyone else is?”
“They’re getting ready,” Jin said. “They won’t start without us.”
Without another word, Yuma padded into the living room, Jin trailing behind him.
The living room was cozy, filled with blankets, pillows, and people. Big bowls of snacks were scattered across the room, and even Hyuse had been roped into joining, curled up beside Yotaro. Noticing their entrance, Konami waved enthusiastically, patting the floor beside her.
“We were waiting for you two! What took so long?” she teased.
Jin shrugged as he and Yuma navigated the sea of blankets, pillows, snacks, and even Raijinmaru. They settled into the spot Konami had saved for them, quickly cocooned in blankets and handed steaming cups of hot cocoa.
The TV flickered to life, and It’s a Wonderful Life began to play. Yuma burrowed deep into the blankets, wrapping himself tightly until he resembled a burrito. He nestled between Jin and Mikumo, his small form radiating contentment as the warmth of his teammates surrounded him.
As the movie played, the room grew quieter, the soft crackle of the TV blending with the occasional sound of snow tapping against the windows. One by one, the Tamakoma branch drifted off to sleep, lulled by the film’s gentle cadence.
Jin glanced down at Yuma, who had curled up in his lap sometime during the second half of the movie. The boy’s peaceful expression brought a soft smile to Jin’s face. Checking his watch, he noted the time: 00:01.
“Merry Christmas,” Jin murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of Yuma’s even breaths. As the warmth of the moment washed over him, Jin leaned back against the cushions and allowed sleep to claim him as well.