A Gundam Christmas

A Gundam Christmas

 

She was so excited as she watched the Maganacs put up the rather large Christmas tree in the foyer of the Winner Manor. This was going to be her first Christmas with her brother! She wanted everything to be perfect for this special day! There hadn’t been much celebration during the war, what little she had been witnessed to see, but now that it was done much cheer was needed especially when your friends are five Gundam pilots.

It was hard for them, a few of them anyway, to get back to normal life and Crys wanted to bring some of that normalcy to them. What better normal holiday to celebrate than Christmas? For the past two years Christmas for the guys was nothing but fighting and battles to survive. Now Crys could help them remember the true meaning of Christmas!

“Wow that’s huge!” Duo whistled at the tree when he walked in. “How did you manage to get that thing in here?”

Crys grinned. “Rashid helped! I wanted to go all out! And Quatre said I could!” She was so excited she was practically bursting with it! “I just hope the guys like it when it’s done…”

“Aw they ain’t going to care, Q-man maybe.” Duo grinned. “I can’t wait for the presents!”

Crys huffed at him. “Duo! You’re supposed to buy gifts for others, not expect others to get you gifts!”

He laughed. “Yeah, yeah I know.” He paused for a moment, watching as the Magunauts finally got the tree to stand up straight and tall. “So what are you getting me?”

“Duo!” She shouted then shook her head. She knew he was never going to change. When she had first met the guy she seriously thought he was a prisoner or something. No one that perky could be a deadly Gundam pilot! He helped to make sure she didn’t go insane while dealing with her brother. Next to Quatre, Duo was one of the most normal people in their group, as normal as Duo Maxwell could be.

“Do you want to help decorate the tree?” She asked though she had a good idea he had other plans…The kind that included some female somewhere.

Like she predicted, Duo placed his hands in his pockets walking away with a ‘Nah, I’ve got stuff to do’.

The Braided Pilot left to do who knew what, leaving Crys to help decorate the towering tree. It took quite a while to find a tree that towered as high as the second story of Quatre’s mansion but she found one nonetheless. The guys were going to be so excited once they saw the tree decked out in all the trimmings and lighted up!

She reached for the boxes containing decorations when Rashid grabbed it.

“Master Quatre wanted to see you, Miss Yuy.” He said. “We will deal with the tree.”

Crys frowned. She was still not used to the Maganacs and their servitude towards Quatre. Quatre told her they had been good family friends during the war and have continued to be such. They had been nothing but kind to her and other guys when they moved in, to her especially…It had to be because she was dating their um…’master’.

“Alright but I want to put on the star!” She got to put on the star while on the island. It had always been a tradition and she wasn’t about to let that one go!

Rashid smiled. “Deal.” Then he went about ordering Maganacs to help decorate the tree.

A little saddened that she wasn’t going to help with the tree, Crys headed up the stairs to Quatre’s office wondering just what he wanted. He had said he would be busy for the next few days and asked to be left alone, and everyone had granted. Still though, she wondered what was so important that he had asked for her…Maybe he needed help with something? What could she do? It wasn’t like she was an expert with business things.

Reaching the door to Quatre’s home office she gave a soft knock, hoping she hadn’t disturbed his musings. The door opened and her boyfriend of three months walked out, looking quite harried with his tie hanging around his neck and his eyes weary.

He blinked upon seeing her then those eyes turned from weary to happiness.

Again the Yuy girl frowned. “Rashid…said you wanted to see me? Is something wrong?” Oh no! Was he rethinking allowing her to put the tree up!?

The blonde male laughed at her. “No, nothing’s wrong.” He moved aside to let her in.

It had been the first time Crys had entered Quatre’s office. The large cedar desk in the middle was stacked with paperwork, a blue loveseat sat nearby with a coffee table filled with empty cups of coffee and tea.

“Geez, it looks like you’ve been living in here!” She couldn’t believe how messy the place was!

Quatre blushed in embarrassment. “Well…It’s been a while sense my father’s company had someone to run it so…I’ve been working on that for the past few days…and then there’s the party–”

Her ears perked up at the word. “Party?”

“Yes. The annual Winner Christmas ball. Though the past few years there hasn’t been one I figured we needed to celebrate.” He smiled. “I’ve been working on the arrangements and such.” He gave a long sigh. “I haven’t been able to find a location…”

Crys paused for a moment then grinned.

“Why not have it here? Doesn’t the living area turn into a ballroom? It’s big enough to be one.” She suggested. “We could decorate everything and make it look like a beautiful glittering wonderland!” Her eyes sparkled at the hope of a Christmas party at the mansion…It would be so dreamy!

Quatre saw how excited Crys was about the party. Her suggestion was a good idea…having the Winner Christmas Ball here would indeed be perfect.

He blushed, a thing he always did while around her. “Well…would you like to be the coordinator?”

She jumped with joy and hugged him. “Would I! Oh yes please! Can the guys and I go too? Please?”

Quatre laughed. “I wouldn’t be able to go without my escort…” He kissed her hand. “I wouldn’t go with anyone but you.”

This time Crys blushed. “Well…thanks…” She shook away the blush. “So how long do I have to plan this shindig?”

“Christmas Eve.” He replied, and she nodd

“Alright, so about one month. No problem there!” She sighed. “I’m going to have to work double shifts at the dance studio to buy a dress. Can’t go to a classy party without a nice one!” She tapped her finger to her cheek in thought. “Maybe I can ask the manager if I can get paid extra if I clean up the studio…”

“That won’t be necessary.” Quatre wasn’t about to let her do that. She would be taken care of without working so hard. “I will handle that.”

“But–”

“You just worry about the party…Leave everything else to me.” He smiled as he escorted her out of his office. He quelled her worries once more before she headed down the hall, down the stairs to do her task. Once she was out of sight, Quatre closed his office door and went back to his desk to get back to work. That was what one would think until he reached for an upper drawer while quickly dialing a number on his phone. The phone rang three times as he reached into the drawer, pulling out a small black box.

A voice came on the line to his ear.

“Yes…” He stared at the black box in his hand as he spoke to the person on the other line. “Yes I know you specialize in wedding dresses but I would really appreciate it if you did this one favor for me…” He smiled at the voice. “Yes, Miss Wang this is for a very special lady…I need a dress, not a wedding one…” He opened the black box to stare at the shining diamond ring within.

“I need a dress worthy for the future Misses Quatre Winner.”

*************************************************************************************************************************

It was a week until the Winner Christmas party and Crys was at her wits end. Planning this party would require high class decor as well as entertainment. There would more than likely be important people coming to this thing and she didn’t want Quatre to be embarrassed. This party needed to be a testament to the higher class that Quatre Winner’s family business was still going strong.

Duo practically wept at the thought of a party with possible supermodels roaming the place. Crys worried the hyper male would screw things up but she couldn’t help joining in his excitement even though hers was much more towards the party and not the people coming. Wufei was indifferent as was Trowa though the silent one seemed a bit more optimistic than the dragon. Heero could give a care less about the whole thing though he did state he would be there to quote ‘make sure idiots stayed away from his sister’ unquote.

With all of this, there was still the thought of the dress. Quatre had told Crys he would handle that, making Crys a bit worried. What did Quatre know about dresses? He didn’t even know her size! What exactly was he planning anyway? It was a week before the party and she hadn’t seen a seamstress or been given a dress yet! How was a girl supposed to coordinate when she didn’t have a dress to coordinate with!?

At least the mansion itself was nearly ready. The main living area’s furniture had been moved to corners of the room to make room for a place for a dance area. Entertainment was another thing Quatre stated he would accomplish as well as the catering. All Crys had to concentrate on was the decor. It took a while but the whole place was decorated with gold and white, colors that would be perfect for such a splendid place. Red poinsettias would be sent in a few days, leaving nothing more than small preparations to accomplish. Crys ran ragged throughout the entire week, making sure everything was perfect, until the day of the party came. The Maganacs practically barricaded her in her room to allow her time to get ready for the thing, an accomplishment that brought them on the good side of Heero Yuy. Even he was tired of seeing his sister running around like a chicken without a head!

It was two hours before the party and Crys had just finished taking a shower when there was a knock at her door. She was glad Quatre gave her a room with her own shower in it; it was horrible when she had to share a bathroom with Heero and Duo!

She opened her bedroom door and was greeted with Rashid carrying a red covered box with gold ribbon around it. She noticed the box was quite large as the man set it down on her bed. He gave her a smile and left her to open her present. There was a card in which she read it.

‘To my Christmas Angel’

She smiled as a blush hit her cheeks. Her gift had been from none other than Quatre. Only Quatre ever called her an angel…it was his name for her, a name he spoke with so much love that it nearly poured on her when she heard it spout from his lips.

Sighing she opened the box and nearly died in shock. Another knock on her door and Crys would discover many more surprises that were in store for her.

**************************************************************************************************************************

Being the perfect host, Quatre made it a point to stand and greet everyone who came into his home as the party went underway. He had to admit, Crys had done an amazing job at turning the first floor into a near spectacle of a white and gold Christmas. The large Christmas tree stood in the middle of the foyer, decorated and lighted in all its splendor while soft music drifted from the main party room.

Dressed in his best black coat and tie, Quatre shook the hand of the president of Kaiba Corporations as he and his little brother entered. Quatre didn’t think he would come, knowing the man he guessed the guy came for business instead of pleasure. There wasn’t a doubt in Quatre’s mind that before the night was through he would be in his office signing some partnership deal or something with Kaiba Corp.

Behind the businessman Quatre inwardly cringed at the two blonde hair women who walked in.

“Why, Quatre darling the place looks like a dream!” He didn’t want to invite Dorothy Catalonia but he had little choice, her father was the CEO of Catalonia Industries and according to business etiquette, Quatre had to invite the Catalonias, no matter how much he hated them.

“Oh…Miss Catalonia…Where is your father, Mr. Catalonia?” He asked politely.

“Oh he’ll be inside in a moment.” She smiled.

He nodded then gave a smile to the other lady next to Dorothy. “Miss Relena. I’m glad you could come.”

Heero was surely going to kill the Winner for inviting the woman but again there was little Quatre could do. It would have been quite rude to not invite the ex-Queen of the World to this grand ball.

“Thank you for inviting me Quatre.” Already her eyes were scouring the crowd for a mop of dark brown hair and steely blue eyes. “How has Heero been lately? He hasn’t returned any of my calls.”

Quatre laughed nervously. He needed to save his friend before trouble started to stir. “Yes well, he’s been quite busy lately with providing for his sister and all.”

She seemed to take that answer though he could see some suspicion within those eyes of hers.

Dorothy moved to grab Quatre’s arm before there was a stir at the stairs. Quatre was able to see the grand stair case from his location hence he turned to see what the commotion was all about. He hoped it wasn’t anything Duo related…He already asked the braided man to be a bit more…polite with the ladies than usual. Instead his eyes held a beautiful sight, one that nearly had his heart stopping.

The Yuys were the last of the mansion residence to enter the party and were now standing at the top of the stairs. Heero was in his own black coat and tie though the male wasn’t what set Quatre’s heart aflame…

It was the elegant young woman at Heero’s arm.

Quatre had chosen well the dress maker…The white gown clung to her dancer’s frame in an elegant fashion and sparkled under all the lights. Diamond jewelry, also Quatre’s doing, adorned her neck and her white gloved wrists. The gloves themselves reached the middle of her upper arms, a proper length for a lady of high breeding. She was after all a Yuy…a thing everyone who was there was talking about as the two descended the stairs. Quatre was quite shocked at how Crys was taking the attention she and her brother were getting for he knew she didn’t like crowded spaces. Her brother kept her at his side like a guard would his charge, glaring at any male that tried to come near.

When Quatre came over Crys smiled at him and let go of her brother to join him. Without a word Quatre offered his arm to her and the two walked into the main party area. The Winner male had known Dorothy was seething; he didn’t need to see the glare on her face or the grinding of her teeth as she smiled…her aura said it all. Quatre made a point to stay by Crys’ side as much as possible or at least warn Heero though the perfect solider probably was already on the lookout. He could already feel those steely eyes glaring at him as he took Crys into the main party area, a thing Quatre had gotten used to after three months of dating Crystilline Yuy. Though inside he was fearful what the weilder of those eyes would do once Quatre’s plan went into action…he hoped he would live to see the next sunrise.

“Well, Miss Yuy we all thought you had died! My, this is a blessing in disguise!”

Dorothy’s ever zealous voice brought Quatre back to reality. She had stopped in front of the two, Relena nowhere in sight though Quatre had an idea where she had gone.

“Thank you Miss Catalonia.” Crys smiled at the girl in front of her, her grip on Quatre’s arm tightening ever so slightly. She was putting up a great show but if this went on longer Quatre feared the two would end up fighting one another.

“Oh it’s my pleasure!” Dorothy was seriously putting on the charm, possibly due in part to all the stares around them. It wouldn’t look good for the daughter of a businessman to act improper, especially towards another businessman who her father had his eyes on for a partnership. “Quatre you did a wonderful job at decorating your glorious mansion! I would have never thought to have the ball here!”

Quatre laughed a little. “Yes well, it was Crys’ idea.” He smiled at the beautiful woman at his arm. “I’m not much of a decorator myself so she handled that as well.”

“Really? Well your taste has not hampered after ten years of living out of the spotlight, Miss Yuy.” Dorothy giggled though it sounded more like a snort to the two in front of her. “I would have thought you would put some rather…eccentric pieces after your…lifestyle change. This must all be daunting for you…what with growing up in poverty and all.”

“I grew up on an island, and we were well off.” Crys explained in a rather tightly way. Her patience was wearing thin.

“Oh I see…Well if you will excuse me I must find Miss Relena.” Dorothy smiled at Quatre. “I will meet you later…out in the rose garden perhaps?” She smirked. “We wouldn’t want prying eyes now would we, Mr. Winner?”

“You will end up there alone, I’m sorry…” Quatre decided it was time to leave Dorothy’s presence. “Enjoy your evening, Miss Catalonia.”

Despite the Dorothy incident, the night wore on with laughter and dancing. Crys even got Heero to dance with her, a feat greatly achieved! Quatre smiled as he watched the twins dance, glad that at least their family was safe. He was glad Heero now had a reason for being and hoped Heero would share that reason with the others. They would deny it but no one could lie to Quatre Winner, not when he was able to see your most inner person. Crys was like the little sister to them all; she was a hope for a future without war that helped them get through the raging battles. She never saw the pilots through jaded eyes, merely accepted them for who and what they were; that was quite a treasure for a mercenary, to have someone who merely saw you as a person and not a murderous being.

Quatre had planned to cut in the Yuy’s dance when a Maganac entered the room. All Quatre had to see was the smoke before people started a mad rush for the front door.

Heero pushed Crys Quatre’s way, a sign to the blonde male to get her out while the others handled the fire. Pilot mode had sunk into Heero and wouldn’t leave until his mission was completed. Holding tightly to Crys, Quatre followed the crowd outside. You had to cross the foyer to get to the front door thus as they reached the foyer, smoke greeted their eyes. Whatever was on fire was in the foyer.

Thinking quickly Quatre covered Crys’ mouth and nose with his hand while covering his own with his sleeve. The two rushed out of the mansion last. Fire trucks blazed into the snow that had started to fall when the party started. The ground was now covered in white. Those who brought their cars quickly got into them, not wanting to be around once the press got there.

Very soon the fire within had died down, smoke still billowing from open windows. Quatre entered his home cautiously, a blanket covered Crys behind him.

They saw the others, Heero, Trowa, Wufei, and Duo in the foyer around the source of the fire.

The large Christmas tree that took forever to find, took hours to decorate was nothing more now than a pile of burned ash and wood.

Quatre saw the tears already developing in Crys’ eyes.

Wufei snorted, glared at her. “This is why you do not put trees inside, baka onna!”

“Urusai, Chang.” It was a warning and it came out as a growl from Heero. Wufei heeded to the warning by turning away and leaving stating he was going to get some trash bags.

“Man…that was a nice tree too.” Duo sighed.

“What happened?” Quatre asked.

Trowa was just finishing his inspection of the debris. He spoke not a word as he held up a discarded lighter.

Someone had sabotaged the tree.

“Who…who would do such a thing!” Crys finally got her voice back, appalled that someone would stoop so low as to burn a symbol of the holidays.

“Who, indeed.” A turn of heads and they found Dorothy at the front door, her arms crossed. “My…This looks like an assassination attempt. Quatre it would probably be better if you leave the Yuys to themselves.” She shrugged. “Who knows how many Oz supporters still exist? One could have planned this to destroy the Yuys…I think it would be safer if you just erase all contact with them, Quatre. We wouldn’t want you to suddenly die because you wasted your life protecting them.”

A glare formed on Crys’ face but not just any glare. It was that one glare that told the world she and Heero were in fact related. Quatre had only seen it directed towards her brother but this time she was glaring straight at Dorothy.

“You!” She pointed an accusing finger at the woman as others began to trickle in. “YOU did this!”

Dorothy feigned innocence, Quatre knew she was clearly guilty. “Me? Why Miss Yuy it isn’t polite to accuse others without evidence!” She frowned. “Your father would be seriously disappointed!”

“I could give a rat’s ass about what my father would think!” The curse surprised even Quatre. Crys had NEVER cursed before. “You…You ruined Christmas because of your completely one sided fantasy! Quatre doesn’t love you, he loves ME!”

“Well I would say his love is quite misguided.” Dorothy frowned. “After all what businessman would want to be in the same room with a bad mouthed woman who makes accusations simply because she is jealous?”

The loud slap reverberated off the walls of the mansion. Even the crowd that gathered had grown silent.

Dorothy held a hand to her face in shock, Crys’ red handprint marked on her cheek. Dorothy glared at the woman.

“Why you completely ill-educated fool! How dare you strike me!? I do not care what breeding you are! You’re nothing more than a common whore! I should have you arrested for–”

The gun pressed to her forehead made the bleach blonde idiot freeze in her words. Now another set of deep blue eyes was glaring at her, but these eyes were promising instant death.

“Speak to my sister again, breathe on her…I will shoot you without prejudice.” Heero’s words were final and the guys knew it. If Dorothy got even two feet from Crys he would shoot her.

The crowd went home along with the fire trucks outside. The Maganacs went out the close the main gates while clean up began. Quatre went to Crys’ side, worried for the waves of sadness that were practically oozing off of her form. Her head was targeted to the marble floor, unwilling to look up at the form that approached her.

“All I wanted was for you guys to have a perfect Christmas…” She was shaking as she spoke, a sign that she was crying. “I wanted you guys to have at least one good memory of Christmas, so that maybe it would outweigh the past two Christmases where all you thought about was if you were going to live to see the next day.”

He reached for her but she backed away.

“No matter what you say, it isn’t going to fix this, Quatre. I embarrassed not only myself but you too.” Those eyes raised to greet his and Quatre literary felt his heart break. “Christmas is ruined…” She sighed and raised the wet end of her dress. “I’m going to bed.”

He watched her ascend the stairs to her room in the west hall. With a depressed sigh she took one last glance down at the charred remains of Christmas before disappearing into the west wing.

Quatre never wanted to see such a sad face on her, never again. He was going to fix this and the others were going to help, whether they wanted to or not.

“We need to fix this.” His spoke his words out to the other four Gundam pilots who were busy picking up black Christmas tree parts.

Again Wufei snorted for the second time that night. He had returned with a box of trash bags in his hand. “Why bother, Winner? This was a dumb idea anyway. No offense Yuy but your sister needed a dose of reality. Maybe now she won’t be so happy go lucky.”

“Wufei for once in your meager existence shut the hell up.”

All froze in the foyer, not used to hearing the Quatre Winner curse, better yet target his curse to one Wufei Chang. Quatre’s eyes became steely as they stared at the dragon pilot.

“Crys worked hard to make damn sure we had a memory of a nice and peaceful Christmas. You can’t fool ME Chang; you were as giddy as a school girl inside during the party.” Quatre challenged the man, dared him to say otherwise. He had known Wufei wouldn’t speak a word because he was too noble of a person to deny what had already been said. Glad that he got his point across Quatre continued his frustrations.

“Crys came to us like a breath of fresh air. She knew nothing of the horrors that we faced for two years straight. With the war gone when this Christmas came around she was so excited that we would be able to experience a true Christmas that it was all she cared about.” Quatre stared at every one of his Gundam comrades. “Don’t you get it? She did all of this for US….she worked so unselfishly that even your cruel words, Wufei, wouldn’t harm her. Now the past decided to creep up and try to ruin what she wanted to accomplish.”

“It wasn’t our damn stalkers that lit the stupid tree Winner!” Wufei shouted angrily. How dare the Winner blame this on him! Christmas was a stupid holiday anyway!

“It might as well have been.” Said Winner replied. “You know as well as I that Dorothy is probably gloating to the rest of them at how much she hurt the one person we all care about and don’t you damn dare deny it because I can see how much each of us care for Crys! You’ve all forgotten that I’m a level five empath, I can see your auras and how they change with your moods. You all wanted to murder Dorothy for what she did just as much as I wanted to!” He glared at his fellow comrades. “Now are you all going to help me bring back the one thing that made Crys happy or are all of you going to make her believe that we really are the murderous, uncaring bastards that the world and the colonies believe us to be?”

“Count me in!” Duo had already planned on helping. It would be boring otherwise.

Wufei and Trowa looked at each other before turning their sights to Heero. Heero was silent for a long moment before crossing his arms.

“Mission, accepted.”

************************************************************************************************************************

Crys had thrown off her beautiful gown, put on some pjs and practically threw herself onto her bed. In a crying heap she remained there, covered from head to toe in blankets. She didn’t want to see the sunrise; she just wanted to sleep through Christmas so it would be over and done with. Maybe when the horrible holiday was gone she would get Heero to move her as far away from the mansion as possible. She was done, done with it all.

Sleep had overtaken her form that night and well into morning until a soft knock woke her from her slumber. Crys groaned, not moving from her warm bed to greet the day.

“Go away!” She groaned out.

There was a turn of the nob and the soft creaking of the door. Mad, Crys sat up from her comfy bed to glare at the intruder.

“I said–”

“If you aren’t downstairs in five minutes I’m dragging you down myself.”

It was her brother at the door, dressed in a simple button down green shirt and tan slacks. His war aged eyes were staring her down as if to dare her to not do as he asked. He was like that for a moment before exiting, reminding her she had five minutes before he entered again.

Huffing out of bed Crys glared at the door, wondering what the hell was Heero’s problem. He never stormed in like that, not these days anyway. And what gives? Five minutes to get dressed!? Geez it was like the war all over again! Even then she had at least another two minutes!

Not wanting to anger her brother she went ahead and did as he asked, dressing as casual as he did. Putting on some slacks and a comfy pink sweater Crys opened her door to greet the dreary day. Her feet dragged her down the west wing hall towards the stairs and down to the foyer. The remains of yesterday’s fire were long gone, an empty corner without a tree for the eyes to see on Christmas morning. There were no decorations, just the normal, everyday decor met her eyes.

That is, until she reached the main living area.

Her eyes practically burst out of their sockets at the glittering eye candy that greeted them. Holly was strung over head with Christmas lights blinking within. A warm fire was lit in the hearth with candles on the mantle and stockings hung in a row. A small Christmas tree sat in the middle of the splendor, decorated with handmade ornaments and popcorn strings. Presents littered the tree skirt, each one wrapped to perfection. Her presents to the guys were there, a sign that told her someone had snuck into her room while she was asleep.

“I’d say we killed it, huh guys?”

Duo was on the couch, grinning like the lovable idiot he was, Quatre was beside him also smiling. Trowa was leaning against a wall, silent as he could be. Wufei was sitting crossed leg on the floor, glaring deeply into the fire. Heero was at the door next to her, his arms crossed.

Each of the guys had on a large red and white Santa hat on their heads.

Crys burst into laughter so loud and so hard she nearly fell over head first. Seeing such hard pressed, warrior guys in Santa hats did her over!

Tears replaced the laughter but they weren’t sad ones…they were of happiness.

“Arigatou…” She couldn’t stop crying. They had gone out of their way to fix Christmas with little sleep no less.

“Aw it was nothing.” Duo waved off her appreciation. He grinned as he rubbed his hands together. “Let’s open up some presents!”

The sound of ripping paper and happy hollers echoed down the empty halls of the mansion. Quatre had told the staff and the Maganacs to go home for the day to allow them time to spend with their families. All that was left to roam the halls were Quatre’s war family, a small group containing comrades at arms and the love of his life.

The sun was setting in the sky as Duo continued his heated battle with Wufei on the new game system that had been given as a collective present from Crys. She said it was a good tool for the guys to use when all that pent up war-era frustration was hitting them hard. Duo had already beaten Wufei to the ground twice and Wufei refused to lose to an ‘idiot of a pilot’. Quatre guessed they would be at it all night.

Trowa was content to watching Duo and Wufei’s heated gun match on the screen, possibly working up strategies to use against the winner. Heero was busy trying out his new motorcycle given to him by Quatre. The snow had melted a bit on the roads so Heero should be fine as he had promised Crys to stay near the house.

Speaking of which…where was the angel that lit up everything? Like air on a wing she had slipped out unnoticed while the boys had drifted to their own musings.

The ever watchful Trowa noticed his friend’s confusion. He knew exactly where it was centered.

“She went into the garden I think.” He told the blonde pilot. “She said she needed some air.”

Frowning Quatre grabbed his coat. Why would Crys be outside?

“Hey! Don’t forget the ring!” Duo shouted then grinned as he slaughtered Wufei’s defenses with his bombs.

Quatre froze in mid step at Duo’s words.

“Baka! Hurry up and propose before Yuy gets back!” Wufei growled out as he punched in a combination of buttons on his controller. He smirked as Duo’s shield suddenly went down. “Ha! You’re mine Maxwell!”

Duo growled, his eyes glued to the TV screen. “Dammit!”

Quatre blinked once, twice. Had he heard correctly? Did they just…

“You can’t keep secrets from us, Quatre…” Trowa gave a small smile to his friend then tossed the small black box to Quatre who caught it effortlessly. “Go on, hurry. If Heero returns we’ll keep him busy.”

Shock gone Quatre gave a smile and in silent gratitude thanked his friends. Placing on his coat he rushed in the foyer, out of the French doors to the backyard where a brisk wind disturbed snow covered rose bushes. He walked until he came to the middle of the garden where the large fountain sat silently…along with a silent Crys in her coat.

“Crys what are you doing out here?” He approached her, causing her to turn to him at the sound of his voice.

Her smile lit up the ever creeping darkness of night. “I just needed to take everything in…” She stood. “Thank you…I know you had the most influence on the guys…Otherwise this great Christmas wouldn’t have happened.”

A blush dusted Quatre’s face but he quickly willed it away. This was it…the shining moment and he wasn’t about to let embarrassment ruin it.

“Crys…sit down, please.” He asked gently. Frowning she did as he asked and standing he took her hands.

“The first time I saw you I was very scared…” He stared into those blue eyes of hers as he spoke the words that were in his heart. “I thought it would be wrong to corrupt another innocent person…So I tried to stay away from you and my horrid deeds but every time I tried to stay away I found myself wanting to be ever closer to you.” She opened her mouth to speak but he wasn’t having it. “Let me finish, please.” She nodded and went silent. “You are…like a light…A light that made me come out of my darkness. An angel that came down and saved this truly unworthy soul.” He smiled as he gazed at her. “You didn’t care about the past, only about the present…” He took a long breath. “I hope…you care about the future.”

Those gorgeous eyes of hers widened when he went to kneel in front of her. His knee cold in the deep snow, Quatre reached into his pocket and pulled out the one thing he wanted to give her for Christmas…Opening the small black box he spoke the words he had rehearsed again and again for three weeks straight.

“Will you marry me, Crystilline Heiwa Yuy?”

He found his back to the snow, a mass of crying, hugging heap on him.

“Yes! Yes!” Crys cried out over her happy tears. “I’ll marry you!”

Overjoyed Quatre hugged her for a moment before sitting up in the snow. Staring at one another, Quatre placed the symbol of their future together upon her left hand. They would more than likely be bedridden with colds in the morning but at this point the two didn’t care. They kissed under the night sky with stars popping out to see the two. Earthly stars watched as well, but through glass windows inside the warm mansion.

Wufei frowned. “Yuy is going to kill him.”

“Yep…” Duo sighed then grinned. “Pay up Chang! I won!”

Wufei glared at him. “Baka you said he would do it on Christmas Eve, it’s Christmas Day!”

“It still counts because the word Christmas is on both days! Therefore Christmas is on not one day but two!” Duo gave a triumphant whoop.

“Your logic is completely idiotic, Duo.” Trowa stated. “Besides…” The one eye that could be seen twinkled for a brief second. “You never said he would do it in the garden…at night.”

Duo groaned, realizing his mistake. “Aw man!” He handed Trowa twenty bucks before rushing back into the living area. “Come on Chang I’m still not done beating your ass!”

Wufei smirked, glad for the challenge. “Bring it on Braided Baka!”

Amused Trowa watched the two leave. His gaze went back to the two in the garden who were still kissing though this time they were sitting on the lip of the fountain. He was glad his friend could find happiness…Quatre deserved such. Hopefully Heero would see what the others could see when they saw Quatre and Crys together.

There was a future amongst those two…a future Trowa couldn’t wait to see.

And he believed Duo and Wufei were thinking the exact same thing.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May all the love in the world bring you good cheer and peace!