Get Backers International Author's Notes: This fic was started on an extremely self-indulgent whim. Seeing as I'm a musician, it's littered with song lyrics, song references and musical influences. Seeing as I've studied Japanese, it's occasionally strewn with Japanese words that fans tend to know. Seeing as I recently moved away from my home, it's an often sentimental, sometimes angsty, sometimes downright silly piece that begins on my favorite day and then takes you to one of my favorite places. There are many ideas, many thoughts, some direction and a lot of random inspiration. If you're looking for an introspective or fluffy one shot, I've got other fics you can read – not that this isn't introspective and fluffy as well – but this story is incomplete, even in my own head. If, however, you want to come along on a crazy little ride, and think you might enjoy the things I mentioned above, then please, by all means... I'd say more, but then I'd be giving surprises away. There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed Some forever, not for better; Some have gone and some remain. All these places had their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living, In my life I've loved them all. But of all these friends and lovers there is no one compares with you And these mem'ries lose their meaning when I think of love as something new Tho' I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them In my life I love you more This story, as I write it, is for anyone who still believes in magic, faith, hope and love. Thanks go out to Sakura for the artwork on the front page, a Christmas present she drew for me. *love* I owe great thanks and inspiration on many levels to my partner and personal Ban-chan, Andrea, who was the initial spark behind the car keys and actually helped me write pieces of it. So, it is to "the hearts of two who communicate without words" that I dedicate this story. I don't need to say the rest this time, do I, Ban-chan? Chapter 1 ~ Christmas Lights