Current mood:	productive
Current music:	Khachaturian - Spartacus, Act III, Scene 4: Death of Spartacus

An early Merry Christmas!
I saw Sengoku-kun yesterday after school, and he gave me an early Christmas present! There is absolutely no way to describe just how wonderful it is--a travelling chessboard with special, handmade figurines, carved into the various characters of our little D&D roleplay. I don't recognize some of the characters, but it's really amazing. Now I want to write up more on Shindo's story!

I wonder if there's anyone around that knows how to play chess. I really want to use this set! Perhaps Oshitari-senpai knows. Or maybe I can teach Hiyoshi. He seemed a little interested (I think?) when I showed him the set.

After I saw Sengoku-kun, I went to Sei-Rudolph to see Ryou-san (Ryo.u.sa.n.), about fitting for his tux. However, he found out that the ball isn't really a formal, black-tie event, and put his foot down about being put into one. Well! There goes my plan. I had really hoped to see him all decked up in formal wear. Can you imagine how it'd sit on him?

I couldn't stay long... he was busy cramming for his finals.

You know, I miss playing tennis with him. Maybe we should play again, one day.



[ What happened last night is the last thing I could ever expect from Atobe-san. In fact, some part of me is convinced it was a dream, since I don't think I could have ever witnessed it.

Atobe-san is ... not someone I would consider a friend. He is a senpai, and a buchou, but certainly not a friend. That is why I am surprised that... that I had been the one for him to reveal himself as so painfully human to.

I know it was unintentional--I had simply come upon him at the wrong time... and pressed myself upon him when I should not have. I thought I could help him... he is not my friend, but it felt wrong to see a proud leader so humbled, especially after all he's done to aid me.

My father always said that festering wounds should be lanced, before they can heal. And that is what I tried to do. Only I am not a skilled surgeon--in the end, I may have done more damage than the wound itself.

... my father also said that men should never give advice. They should lead by example, but never counsel. I think I should've heeded those words that night. I went in helping... and left harming. I also received a rather telltale bruise for my meddling.

Atobe-san is a proud man, of many talents and incredible charisma. I do not agree with some of his ethics, and I believe that some of his moral fiber is lacking... but there is no doubt that he is a great leader. Sometimes he seems unapproachable to me, not because he is awe-inspiring, but because he sets himself apart as awe-inspiring.

He talked to me about perfection.

And I suddenly had understood.

He seems greater in my eyes, now. A flawed gem, priceless in its uniqueness.

After all, isn't that why I admire Ryou-san so? ]





[
Friends/schoolmates:

• Sengoku-kun: The book of fairy tales is near completion. I spent most of lunch fashioning the cover and binding the pages together.


• Hiyoshi: It's hard getting time to work on his present when he's not around, so progress is slow.


• Atobe-san: I know exactly what to get him as my personal gift, and I'm going to have to ask Phil-san to drop it off ASAP so I can get the engravement done. Secret Santa gift still unknown...


• Oshitari-senpai: He's seen it, hated it. Might have to ask Mukahi-senpai on what to get...


• Mukahi-senpai: Feathers bought today, still have no idea how I'm going to make this...


• Akutagawa-senpai: Looking for the lamb plush tomorrow!


• Kabaji: Not sure


• Taki-senpai: Got the pink, glittery fairy wings at a toy store, and the watergun too. Even found some shiny tulle to wrap both in.


• Kantoku: ...


• Sensei-tachi: Cards gotten. Just need to fill them in, and give them out on Friday.

• Dad: Will wrap the book when I get home.


• Mom: A dance. Still have to find someone to play? Deciding on what composition...


• Nanna: Started the doll a few minutes ago.


• Pappy: Green tea gotten, will go out to get the sumi-e before I leave for home this weekend.


• Jack: Found a really lovely bracelet and ring ensemble while I was out.


• Ronnie: Bought and stained the box, just need to varnish and paint the design...


• Everyone else in Britain: Picked up the cards, found some candy shaped like sushi and pocky for the younger set, several geta sandals, and a neko-neko statue.

• Kamio-kun: ...


• Rin-chan: Got the streamers and ribbons and charms.


• Sengoku-kun's mother and father: Still compiling the book--I'll have to talk to Phil-san ASAP--and bought the mug. Humourous one.