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Kambe Suzue never dreamt much for christmas after the horrific event, that is Kambe Sayuri's death. Though Sayuri was not her mother, Suzue felt an equal amount of pain as Sayuri's actual son, Kambe Daisuke. Suzue can't say how much more similar the grief they've felt, truth be told, considering ... she never saw the death up-close.
However, it's all in the past now. Justice has been served. Kambe Sayuri's murderer was arrested, the evil schemes beneath it was brought to light. It was very unfortunate that there are still victims fall as the case progress. But in the end, their murderer was still caught and will faces fair punishment, so Suzue could proudly say that this case was closed successfully.
Unfortunately, it became apparent to Suzue as time goes by that 19 years fixated on a murder case means : they had never attending a Christmas party.
So here Suzue is, feeling nerved as she stood in front of the kitchen—having offered a hand to bring the foods—not familiar what to do in a Christmas party.
Saeki Mahoro, the bubbly pink haired girl, is yelling and chasing out her blonde co-worker, passing by Suzue.
"Stop stealing the foods or I permanently banned you from the kitchen, Kamei Shinnosuke!"
The blonde whined. "I'm already hungry Saeki. The dinner is too long, I can't keep waiting!"
"Be patient, Kamei. It's only few minutes again." Before Saeki retorts, a voice rung out from the deeper part of kitchen. A taupe hair then pops out, and Katou Haru enters the view. He noticed Suzue standing, and immediately smile brightly.
"Suzue, glad to have you here! Could you please brought the cake there to the dining table with Saeki?"
Suzue turned to see a massive cake towering as it stood on top of counter. Though she's strong, Suzue isn't confident they could brought this cake without it falls off.
"I think I would need an extra hand if that is okay." She voiced out her concern. From the corner of her eyes, Kamei seemingly found an opportunity to lick a taste from the cake, were going to volunteered if it weren't for an interruption.
"I'll help."
Everyone seems taken aback, when Kambe Daisuke—still completed with his full suit despite it wasn't a big party—appeared and offering help. Suzue wouldn't blame them. She's shocked too. Daisuke rarely cares to help out organizing table, not because he's snobbish or anything but more because he can't. After all, her cousin has no understanding in what considered a common knowledge.
Yet here he is, confidently offering help despite Suzue was sure he would probably dropped the cake if he saw bits of cream smeared his armani.
Katou rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure. Don't drop the cake if it accidentally smeared your suit by the way." He returned to attending the stove afterward, completely ignoring Daisuke's scowl.
The three of them starts moving the cake after they tested a bit. Their foot moves slow, treading carefully. On the way to the dining room, the three passed Kiyomizu's living room and spotted him and Yumoto was busy decorating a christmas tree. Yumoto tries tinkering a bit before he managed to turn on the lights roped around the tree. Colorful lights shines joyfully the moment he did.
Saeki gasped at the tree. "Isn't it looks beautiful, Dai-chan?" She flashed a big smile to Daisuke, which he responded simply by a nod. But Suzue noticed his cerulean blue eyes lingers a bit to the tree, seeming mesmerized as well.
Suzue forget if she ever saw a Christmas tree before. Perhaps in advertisement? Or maybe around the market? But she knew for a fact she has never seen it up close. Infact, Suzue wasn't sure if she ever remembers Christmas was around. She doesn't think Daisuke ever cares if Christmas was around too.
That's what you get for being obssesed to a murder case, she guess.
They nearly bumped to Hoshino and Araki on the hall. Out of sheer luck, Hoshino barely avoided them as he and Araki carrying a box of decoration and the gifts to living room.
"Hey careful, you! Watch where you're going next time!" Araki shots a glare to those three but Hoshino waves his arm.
"It's partially our fault too Araki, no need to scold." The man nodded to them, politely smiled. "But yes, please becareful when you're walking."
"Sorry, Ryou-chan!" Saeki yells apologetic to him, while the three of them continued to the dining.
Suzue observed the gifts those two First Division was carrying in curiosity. She already bought gifts for all people coming to the party, but she wasn't sure they would like it or not. Now that she saw the gifts carried—and going to be opened publicly according to Saeki—she felt even more anxious they would disliked it.
"Are you okay, Suzue?" Daisuke seems concerned when they settled the cake down to dining table and Suzue looks troubled. Saeki already returned to kitchen in haste because she didn't trust Kamei won't try to steal more outside Katou's observation.
"It's fine." She didn't want to worried him with silly concern, so Suzue didn't say anything. Daisuke wasn't convinced but both Suzue and he knew pressing won't do good, so he leaves it at that.
After a few minutes, the main course was finished and the living room decorated. Soon everyone piling up to the dining room, chatting merrily. Aside from Modern Crimes Prevention Task Force unit, there are some from First Division comes too. Some of them invited someone too—just like Daisuke invited Suzue here. Suzue was dragged by the flow, following their talks as possible as she could.
When she tries to find Daisuke, she can't help but feeling a pang of jealousy as she spotted him with his partner, Katou, seemingly comfortable while they're bantering playfully.
It's been long since Suzue ever saw him looks this comfortable and ... open. The impact Sayuri's murder had to him, it was too huge. In all honesty, it was too huge to her too. It was too much for all of them.
Yet she wished one day it would turned back to normal. To the way it were. When they were just children, and the Kambe was just any other family, only happened to be rich.
But even when Daisuke's burden was finally lifted, things didn't return to the way it were. He still cares to her, yes. But they would never be the same as when they were children anymore.
Daisuke now has Katou, whom he trusted as much as Suzue if not more. He has co-workers who are like his second family. He's happy with his life, there is no grief or anger lurking anymore. And all of that wasn't because Suzue alone, it was both Katou and the MCPTF efforts too. In other words, he doesn't need just Suzue. And that thought hurted her even if she tries it not to.
"I feel stuffed. Man, that was delicious." Kamei's comment brought Suzue back to reality. The feast was over and now the remaining guests, aka MCPTF, Hoshino, Araki, and Suzue, were in living room, hanging out, drinking, and decide to open gifts together.
The chief finished unwrapping one of his gift, and was met by a boat replica package. He chuckles happily and checked the sender, which is Suzue.
"Thanks, dear." Kiyomizu thanked her with his goofish smile. "I never got this series before. Wasn't it expensive?"
Suzue knews better than answering yes like a snob (something that Daisuke failed to realize), so she just smiles politely. "It's not a big deal, I just managed to get it."
It seems Suzue's concern was unnecessary, because everyone enjoying her gifts. A bit of research and questioning (read: interrogating) Daisuke has proven to be fruitful. She feels more relaxed now, so she went to the roof for a bit of air.
The night's cold wind slap her the moment she stepped out. It's winter and it's unforgiving, that Suzue shivered despite wearing coat and scarf.
She was going to return quickly because of the cold, but then her eyes landed to the corner of the roof—where Daisuke and Katou was chatting drunkly. They seemed to have drank quite lot of eggnog and Suzue fear they could accidentally topple from the balcony, so she decides to lingered around. Moreover, she can't help but feeling curious as to what they're talking about.
Keeping them in a safe distance, Suzue eavesdropped carefully to make sure she heard their full conversation. It wasn't that hard since the two doesn't realize they weren't alone thus speak quite loud.
"I'm telling you, that's not what woman like Suzue like—" Suzue's ear perked up hearing her name. She pays attention even more.
"Mahoro seems to like it." Daisuke commented, seeming unconvinced to whatever Katou was trying to convinced him. In respond, Katou just throw his hands up in frustration.
"That's why I said woman like Suzue, incase you can't hear. Of course Saeki would like it, sweater is her style! No, you have better chances with jewels even if she wasn't fond of it rather than with sweater."
Daisuke shooked his head. "I don't want to give her anything too expensive."
"Why not?" Katou seems taken aback. Actually, Suzue was taken aback too. The Kambe Daisuke, unlimited-naire who do and use everything with money, no matter the price? What's going on?
Daisuke seems contemplating whether to tell him or not, and finally relented. "I don't want to give her anything expensive because," he's fondling with the end of his coat. "It doesn't seems fitting."
"I'm not following."
Daisuke sighs, and try again. "What I meant to say is, because we're rich, I feel like expensive gift would feel hollow to her."
"The more the expensive, means the more they care." Katou shrugs. "Ridiculous, I know, but it's true the more you care, the more you're willing to spend more."
Daisuke would rolled his eyes if rolling eyes was his style. "That's why I said because we're rich, incase you can't hear. It's easy to give the rest expensive things, because to them it is meaningful when it's expensive."
Daisuke sighs again and now scramble his pocket in an attempt to find cigarretes. "But to Suzue who lived in a huge mansion, with hundreds if not thousands maids and butlers, who has access to million dollars techs, receiving expensive gift would be just another Tuesday." He failed to find the cigarretes, so he just huffs upsetly while Katou chuckled at him.
"Hey don't pout, you promise me you try to stop smoking. It's been almost a day, you're making progress." He teased Daisuke, who scowled even worser.
Katou now leans even farther to the rooftop rail, enjoying the cold breeze. "Okay, I think I get it. But then what you're going to give her? You didn't pack it with the rest of the gifts before, right?"
Daisuke joins him leaning to the rail. "I'm giving something reminding the past to her. After all it's been long time since ... we slowly returns to the way it used to."
Katou nodded, understanding to what Daisuke said. Then his face suddenly brightened, and he fished out something from his pocket.
"What is it?" Daisuke's eyebrow knitted questioningly. Katou just grinned and showed his phone. Daisuke groaned, and now Suzue wonders what is in the phone because from her position she can't make it out.
"No way." Katou didn't listen and still pulled Daisuke's hand instead. "I am not dancing with you, Inspector."
Katou's laughter reverberate while Daisuke's kept frowning, almost pouting. "Listen rich boy, if you suck at dancing just admit it. I'll guide you then."
"For your information, I have received many high quality dancing lesson and mastered it, I am not 'suck at dancing' as you said it."
"Then prove it." Katou stood in front of him, challenging. "I want to see this result of your 'lesson' and if it's worth the expensive price."
Daisuke narrows his eyes. "You're trying to provoked me."
"Well, did it work?" Katou extended his hand to Daisuke, which the latter stared for a few seconds before giving in and accepted.
The music tuned in, and Suzue watched as the two starts spinning around the roof. It was quite until Daisuke burst laughing. Katou stares at him questioningly, but grinning ear to ear too. "What's so funny?"
"I just find it funny that my dancing lesson has landed me dancing not on a grand ball, but on a rooftop, and not with a prestigious woman raised by a rich family, but with a barely-kept-it-together inspector in his thirty."
Katou chuckling too now. They spun again as he replied, "Well, I barely believe I would one day danced with a billionaire either, yet here I am."
"Unlimited-naire." Daisuke corrected him as he twirled Katou around, before letting himself being twirled too.
Katou laughed freely. "Fate is indeed funny." Daisuke smiles too, as if to agree with his statement.
There is an undeniable chemistry sparks between them that Suzue always wonder how they haven't realized it yet, and it even became more visible now as Suzue watched their dance silently. Maybe they did realized, but they just didn't act on it. If that was the case, then Suzue thinks it's silly, because no one would spell everything for them.
Realizing watching their dance a bit longer would feel like breaching privacy, Suzue decides to return to the living room. She was just about to leave, but Daisuke spotted her.
"Suzue?" He called out, quickly let go of Katou—regrets too late that it makes him looks more awkward—before approaching her, trying to gathered his dignity. Katou could commented on his behaviour, if it wasn't for he looks as embarrassed as Daisuke.
"I was just getting air. It's fine, I'll return." Suzue waves her hand nonchalantly, already turning her back.
Daisuke stopped her. "Wait, um...." He looked back at Katou who prompt him to continue. "I would like to give you my present."
"You could give it later."
"It had to be now."
Suzue tilted her head, trying to guess what is this gift from the hints she eavesdropped earlier. She followed Daisuke who lead her to the edge of rooftop. From here, she could see the city's view better and the many lights that accompanying night.
"When we were young, mother took us to stargazing, remember?" Daisuke leans to the rooftop rail beside her. Katou standing behind them, not getting closer but not leaving either.
Suzue looks up to the dark sky, reminiscing their childhood. "She taught us some constellation too." Smile painted her face. "I don't understand any of it at that time, but I remember I was having so much fun."
Daisuke smiles softly at her. "Well, this isn't a real star, but I hope you'll like it as much."
Daisuke pointed to the city's lights and instantly, half of the lights turned off. Suzue blinked in surprise.
"What's going on?" She turned to Daisuke, asking, but Daisuke just bring his index finger to his mouth in a shushing motion. He gestured her to looked back at the rest of city's lights that still remained.
Suzue plays along and looked back. At a glance, the lights died out randomly, but now that she observed it better, the remaining lights starts to make a pattern. Almost like....
"Constellations!" She gaped in awe. "You're making the lights looks like stars!"
Daisuke smirked softly, in an almost a grin. "Merry Christmas, Suzue."
Tears formed in Suzue's eyes. This is it. They have changed a lot from the past, and they haven't been really close after the murder. But this is the sign of reconciliation. An asking to start over. And what else Suzue's answer be other than hugging Daisuke tightly, feeling overwhelmed with emotions.
Daisuke was dumbfounded, not expecting that reaction. Nevertheless, he awkwardly hugged her back. They stay that way for a while until Katou clears his throat.
"Okay, the bonding is nice and all, but enough with the melancholy! Time for a little happiness!" He grabbed his phone, and starts pressing before a music tuned in. Daisuke now actually rolled his eyes while Suzue laughs between tears.
Katou pulled them both and soon enough the three of them starts dancing together. It's no coordinated dance. No waltz. Just having the most of their time together. Yet Suzue wouldn't traded this moment for anything.
"There you are!" Kamei's voice echoed through the roof. The three of them halted, looked back and saw that the rest of the crew come looking for them. "You all have fun and not inviting us?"
"Let's go, I know that song's move!" Saeki giggled and pull Chief Kiyomizu, who just chuckled and joined her. Yumoto and Kamei immediately jumped in. Hoshino looks a bit hesitating, but Katou waves his arm—urged him to join—so he relents. Araki followed the moment Hoshino step in.
Despite the winter's cold, all of them dances around on the rooftop while the city's lights still formed constellations. It was really beautiful, Suzue think. She never went to Christmas party before. But now she felt glad this is her first Christmas party, because she didn't think there could be anything resembling this moment, this scene ever again.
Suzue thinks that Daisuke has received so many happiness after the murder stops haunting him. And maybe it's true. But maybe he's not the only one.
Because as Suzue stood here, she also feels tremendous amount of joy.
She turned around to find Daisuke, but is unable again. This time there is no bitter feelings though. Infact, she knew exactly where is he and what is he doing now.
Suzue decides to let them have their time alone ... for now. After all, those two need to admit their feelings to each other already. Though, if they do confess, Suzue'd better got a proper compensation for the amount of pining she had to endured.
"You lied." Daisuke turned his head to Katou whom currently drinking to drain a water glass. They currently occupy the living room to escape others. "You've said that you don't want to give her anything expensive."
"Oh, that." Daisuke flashes his trademark smirk. "I said, I don't want to give her anything too expensive. I said nothing about not spending money." Katou stick out his tongue at him, Daisuke merely laugh.
"So, where's my present?" Katou nearly choked at his question. "No, your lie that you forgot to bring it is not believable, sorry."
The taupe haired man glared at him, before sighing and reached to the back of the couch.
"Yeah, I hid it here. I do planned to give it to you this night. Just ... away from other's peer."
Daisuke accepted the neatly wrapped gift. Upon touching it, he felt soft texture. With the gift aren't really thick, he's start guessing what is it Katou give him. Carefully, Daisuke unwrapped his present, and was met by a really soft and warm sweater.
"You're saying I shouldn't give Suzue a sweater?" Daisuke cocks his eyebrow, teasing. Katou scowled.
"Yeah, well, you're not Suzue last I check."
Daisuke chuckled and touch the sweater. The wool feels very comfortable to his skin. It doesn't looks like it was made by top notch designer, but it's still very nice to wear. Without realizing, Daisuke smiled softly at his gift. Katou who noticed it, suddenly feels abashed.
"It's just a sweater. It's nothing like your gift to Suzue."
"Well, I still feel grateful to received it." Daisuke shrugs, and hold his gift carefully. "Though I wonder, what is the reason for sweater?"
Katou doesn't seem to know how to answer, so he just scratched the back of his hair. "It's just ... you don't look like you ever wore hoodie when you visited my house the first time." Daisuke reminded to the time when he's still quite new to the MCPTF. The time before he solved The Case.
"So?"
"So? So then, that must've meant you never wore sweater before, right? Those ugly Christmas sweater. Which is unfair, because everyone ever wore one at least once." Katou put his hands inside his trademark jacket's pocket as he rambled.
Daisuke immediately understand what Katou's trying to say, and had to hold back the urge to smile even wider. His partner always has the ability to brightened his day, even if the grumpy thirty years old man didn't realize it.
"Well, this makes my gift feels insignificant compared to yours."
Katou tilted his head. "Your gift? ...Oh, I haven't opened it." He searched his pocket, and managed to found the specified thing. It was indeed quite small, which makes Katou questioning why the unlimited-naire gives something so tiny.
The moment he ripped the wrapping open, he was greeted by a key. A small key that suspiciously looks like....
"YOU'RE GIVING ME A CAR!?" Daisuke wants to captured Katou's face at that moment, because the bafflement was insanely hilarious.
"I mean, you haven't bought a new car."
"The car I broke was the station car!"
Daisuke shrugged. "Still means you can't use station car to go anywhere again." Katou still looked confound.
"W-well I don't need it!"
Daisuke tilted his eyebrow. "Why not? It is easier to have your own car to go anywhere. You looks troubled kept asking aid from me."
"That's not...." Katou sighs, seems even more troubled than whenever he ask Daisuke a ride.
"The problem is that he doesn't actually felt bad asking a ride from you. In fact, it's what he's looking forward to." Suzue's voice suddenly rang out, startled both of them. She entered the living room, cocking one eyebrow seeing their embarrassed face. "What? I didn't interject anything important."
"Just ... don't surprised us like that." Daisuke sighed, and fixed his tie in an attempt to makes him looks less awkward.
Suzue getting closer to him and whispered, "Or maybe you two needs to start realized the elephant in the room before I lose my mind."
She leaves, winking to Daisuke, as if to encourage him.
"What did she said?" Katou looks at Daisuke, who quickly avoided his stares.
"Nothing." Daisuke braces for the worst, before steeled himself to gazed at Katou's golden honeyed eyes. "But I'm rather curious about the first thing she said the first time she enters this room."
Now Katou flushed, seeming confused how to answered it.
"Is it a lie?" Daisuke pressed further, hoping for his luck.
After awhile, Katou finally reply. "...No." He seemed contemplating how far he should tell. "She's right. I enjoy ... asking a ride from you."
"Why?"
"Why ? No reason. It's more economical, plus we're going to the same workplace anyway. And your driving is tolerable I guess, so why not? Also, we're partners, you will someday troubled me, it's fair I'll troubled you too, right?"
At this point Katou just rambling, so Daisuke steps closer to shush him. Katou immediately froze the moment he's nearing. They were only an arm length now, and Daisuke had to pushed himself to be bolder.
"Why did you looking forward to it?"
Katou finally stared back to his cerulean blue eyes, seems to search for something. They're just staring each other, no one makes a move nor spoke, as if enchanted in a spell. Katou is the first to broke it, looking like he found what he searched for.
"I was looking forward a ride with you because ... I like spending time with you."
Daisuke's felt as if his breath stop. "And what exactly did you like from spending time with me?"
"Everything. I like you. Like like you."
Finally admitting his feeling, Katou exhales greatly. "Well, that was easier than I expect." He laughs in a nervous manner.
Daisuke still haven't spoken, doesn't really know how he must responded. For God sake, he never thought of dating for these past 19 years! He could felt blood rushing through his face, and Daisuke feels no use to makes himself looks less shy.
"Well, what if I ask you on a date then?" Daisuke quickly said whatever in his mind now. Katou blinked, before considering it.
"Well ... sure." Suddenly something flashed in his mind. "But only if you said it first."
Daisuke tilted his head in confusion. "Said what?"
Katou has a conspiratorial grin painting his face. "That you like me."
Daisuke frown. But Katou just playfully pushed him. "Come 'on, I've already said it. This is just an insurance."
"Fine I guess." Daisuke weave a sigh. "Katou Haru, I like you. Like like you."
Suddenly he was engulfed in a hug. Daisuke astounded, but returned Katou's hug. He felt overwhelmed with the same emotion back on rooftop, when both of them dance alone. When he shows Suzue her present. When all of them spending time together in this Christmas party.
Perhaps he still could feel a sense of happiness, in this Christmas miracle.
Bonus
"So, you're still gonna give me a ride?"
"Yes."
"Sweet." Katou grinned and plays with the car key Daisuke gifted him. "What do I do with the car then?"
"Just accepted it. You'll still need it if it's urgent." Daisuke hugs the sweater very carefully, not wanting to creased it. Katou rolls his eyes, but pocketed the key anyway.
"What kind of car you gave me anyway?"
"Ferrari."
"Wait, WHAT!?"