As asked, Chase had left her place of employment early to have a confiding meeting about the upcoming season. They had much to do, and so little time! The Gypo's techni-colored self walked away from the counter with her tall cup of hot cider, and a Christmas cookie. Santa hat was in tow, along with simple denim overalls with a red mid-drift exposing long sleeve shirt.

Scully was running late, it was usual when she worked so late or was up so late. Where she had used to be a night owl, going to bed and rising with Shane was taking its toll on changing her sleeping habits. This was one of those few, rare days where she had drifted to the sleep and not woke for several hours. Once she had woke; she realized this meeting was going to be late in beginning thanks to her. So when she did arrive; every inch of pink hair was stuffed beneath a beanie, a hoodie was over her body, and checker PJ pants joined the hoodie. On her feet were bright pink fuzzy slippers. It was a very important meeting.

She had done a day of hard labor. Her first since her injuries had been healed completely. She had to take it slow, even still, before going back to her normal state of constant activity. It still felt strange without a cast. Chase drink her hot cider patiently, nibbling away at that frosted sugar cookie. She's been late before, so she couldn't hold it against anyone for the same offense.

That beanie a top her head had long lengthy rabbit ears, it was one of those oddly cute features of her clothing. She padded in those slippers to Chase and flopped in a chair," Sorry... Got home late. Was working till well past closing." She nodded lightly," We had a few showings last night." A long and weary sigh fell from her lips, both eyes fixated on the cookie.

"Don'tcha worry about it, Squeaks." She grinned casually, nodding away the excuses. It wasn't a big deal. "Alright, let's get to the niddy griddy." No sooner than she said that, of course, she smirked as she looked at her hat. And slippers. "Love the outfit." Chase looked like Santa's naughty helper, but that was what working at a bar came with. Looking a tad naughty for pay.

"Thanks, it was a roll outta bed day." The whole look screamed white rabbit. Well almost. A lengthy stretch came and went, her toes curling outwards," So, Maria stopped by a few mornings ago and... dropped off papers for Shane... And since then he hasn't said one word about her, those papers, or even acted like Shaney. I'm a bit worried, so we better make this Christmas good."

"Bollocks. So things're gettin' wrapped up 'tween the two'a them.." Again a slow nod was her appropriate response. Chase was very, very, very out of the loop. "So then he's all to y'self." Yet, she was not beaming about this fact. Marriage was a disgusting thing to clean up after. Which had her all the more nauseous about being so close to that arrangement herself. "Good food, good company, annd.." She thought hard. "What's Shane's job again?"

Puff of smoke, and an unfold of his arms to high above his head. Invisible hands holding black lacy pom-poms, "Muahahahahah-haha-haaa-haaa!" He cackled, while Mr Fluffy atop of his head held a mini-version of the pom-poms taped to his paws. "From the darkness of That Evil Tower, I return!" He changed his pose to quite a girlish one, "Lord Prince Dark Doctor of Doom and Malicious Fluffy things, Guy!" The yellow eyes in the hood widen from Chase, to the rabbit eared wearing girl. "Why, hello!" He pushed right next to her, holding her hand in his own, "My name is Guy, my sweet rabbit."

"He's a Tailorrrrr----- Holy shit!" Scully was still not used to magic. When That Evil Guy appeared she found her whole body falling back. One loud thunk had made her landing on the floor quite apparent. Golden eyes were wide in pure shock. She was staring up at his hand with a bit of a baffled expression," Scully..." Ink covered fingers extended outwards and she took his hand, giving it a shake. That's when she noticed the Mr. Fluffy a top of his head, she stared.

He kissed that hand wit ha bow of his head. Odd, since there's nothing but a wall of black within that hood of his head. Amazing he had a face at all. "Pleasure to meet you, favourite 1st wife."

Chase snickered. His entrances didn't phase her. Yet, there she was, carrying on as if it were another puff in the breeze. "Evenin' Guy." And then it was onto other things. "Ain't he workin' for a retail joint? Must be gettin' loads'a business." Another set of thoughtful nods came from her. "Alright, what does a badass tailor need? New measurin' tape?" She allowed Guy to conduct his Guy-ly duties.

"Evening, favourite 2nd wife."

"So I'm second for once. I dunno how'ta feel 'bout that." Laughing jokingly, she resumed sipping away at her hot cider. The cookie sat atop of a napkin on her thigh. Chase had that usual grin on her face. "Measurin' tape? Pins? Scissors..?" She wasn't very savvy about tailoring.

"Favorite 1st wife?" Blink blink. She was still staring in awe at the man before stammering to Chase," He'll need needles, thread, everything else that goes with being a tail---." Both brows shot up," I'll get him a kit, that's not a big surprise right?" Pausing glance back to Chase before looking back to Guy.

He pulled back, while the rabbit on his head looked between the two women, and squeaked. Clasping his hands together, Guy's eyes brightened, "Torturing someone are we? Well, I know all about that!" He dragged a chair nearby and sat - on Chase's lap, putting his legs up on the chair. "Isn't that right, Blue?"

"It's practical, and thoughtful." She wasn't regarding torture, but it sure seemed that way. "And it's nothin' too crazy, schway?" Simple as that, she placed a hand on Guy's lap, yet gave a grimacing look to his face. "..Y'just sat on m'cookie.." Luckily, her other hand held her cup piping cider.

"... Was wondering what that was." He wiggles his rear a little, "Crumbly... Unfortunately," He held a hand balled in front of his hood, "Any one that stands in the way of me and my Blue's love shall be crushed under my wrathful rear area of ultimate vengeance!"

"I shall call it... That Evil Ass!" Predicatable, no?

"Does that mean y'buyin' me a cookie?" Chase asked.

He drew out a rabbit shaped one from that sleeve of his, "Here. But let it be your last. It will rot your teeth." He offered a carrot to the bunny girl, "My Lady Bunny, please accept this offer from but a humble Lord of Dark... Rabbits."

Once more Scully moved to sat, setting up the chair and observed the two. This Guy fellow was fascinating. A small snicker fell from her lips, her pink hair began to poke from under her beanie. Golden eyes mulled over everything," What are you getting B?" She looked up at Guy," And--- huh?" A carrot? It was better than nothing wasn't it? She blinked, her hand reached out for the offered carrot," Mmm.. Thank you." What?! She likes carrots!

He leant close to Chase, "Cyanide."

He grinned at Scully. "Pleasure, my bunny girl..." Mr Fluffy was... Gawking at Scully mostly. If anything, he was just sitting on Guy's head, looking more than dazed.

She eyed the cookie suspiciously. "Lined with poison, I bet." She knew better. Chase smirked. "There y'go." With a simple sip of her hot cider, she laughed into her mug. "Dear Guy.. Whatever am I gonna do with you?" Cooing this, she looked back to Scully. "Y'gonna flip when I tell you."

"A few... Things come to mind..." He inspected his nails, "Things we promised each other that one hot and heavy night a year or two ago... Ah!" He sighed lovingly, "You said you'd do this and that..." Guy eyed Scully, "Now I got a much sexier thing in mind."

The word poison made Scully pause and stare at the carrot. Slowly she broke off a piece and offered some to Mr. Fluffy. For now she was sort of just speaking soft heartedly, care free, and whatever comes with a woman at ease," What's that?" Guy's comment made her blink, both eyes turning to him," That so?"

Mr Fluffy hopped ont othe carrot, and tackled it to the ground, rolling around and consuming it, quite unharmed at that. "Perhaps..." He stroked a chin somewhere in that darkness.

"I'm gettin' him one'a those corny promise rings. Like the stupid one he gave me. Thought it'd brighten his night." Chase shrugged. "Gettin' Shane some fancy ass booze. The best." Nodnodnod. Then, she looked to Guy. "I'm gettin' Gauge somethin' too. I gotta thank him for Axel." Another set of nods.

He pointed at himself. "Your... Not getting me anything?" Disappointed frown.

"Okay then.." Scully was staring at the rabbit, breaking more of the carrot off for it. It would join the rabbit on the floor while one of her legs folded over the other. A small laugh left her lips," Uh have you met Molly yet?"

"What do you want for Christmas?" She asked this to Guy, she was still feeding the rabbit.

"I haven't." Chase smiled in anticipation for an answer to Scully's question. "Well, Guy?"

Evil grin. "You and Chase, over for dinner. Then some night time activities - like - what's that game where you spin the bottle?"

"Y'mean the one called Spin the Bottle?" Snicker.

"That's it. Spinning the bottle."

Figures that would be the answer. A flat look was shot to Chase, a bit of wonder showing on her expression," Spin th... ehh.. yeah, what she said."

"Well?" Expecting an answer. "Can I?"

"It's a shame. We got plans for Christmas." Smirking. "What fun would I be if I actually gave you what you wanted? It's been a few years, I thought you'd know this by now."

"Unless.." She gave a theatrical pause. "Plus, y'little bunny foo foo plays by the rules more'n I do. At least I play with fire."

Finally she leaned back in her chair, a small sigh leaving her lips. Both arms folded behind the ears of her beanies, flipping and flopping them for a moment. For now, she observed Chase and Guy.

"But..." He sounded serious, "I've waited for so long." He growled suddenly, "You let me have a little nibble and leave me hanging while you tuck at..." Guy paused, and looked to Mr Fluffy, "My brother is too innocent for his own good."

The last of the carrot landed on the floor, Scully frowning," Sorry little guy. No more..."

The rabbit frowned, and shook its pom-pom'd paws at her in a 'hugging' motion. Which was quite odd for a rabbit to do.

"You have." Consoling him with a pucker of her lips, she gave a wink to Scully. "Would y'rather no nibbles at all? Would y'prefer just t'eat with y'eyes?" Chase began tracing circles on his thigh. "An' all this time I thought y'were mad at li'l ol' me."

"Mad? I am infuriated with a vehement desire to destroy and pillage you and everything you are!" He paused, for a moment, and gazed at Scully, "This is a new friend of yours I haven't met. Quite yummy. She married, too?"

Awww, bunny. Scully leaned down to the hugging bunny motion and scooped the Rabbit up. A small skritch was given to the ear of the bunny. Her eyes flickered towards Chase and then to Guy and his words. Once more she managed a blush, a small grin curling upon her lips. Married? Like that would ever happen.

"No, she's not. But she's in deep with a sweet fella I know." Giving a small nod, she leaned her head against his chest. She didn't know to expect a heartbeat or not, and simply waited for her answer. "Complicated, 'n all that."

He had one. Just a slow, and thunderous one. "So she's not settled, like you? What good news. I might have a chance then?" He wrapped an arm around Chase, "Scully, was it? Do you like the types that hang out in corners, wear cowls, eat baby... Vegetables... And has a nation of rabbits?"

Mr Fluffy squeaks - odd that - to the petting.

"Might, bein' the key word. She likes the nice guys. Not the Bad guys." Play on words.

Baby... Vegetables... Nation of rabbits... A wiry grin curled upon her lips," I like what's going on right now with my fella, but I'll keep you in mind, just keep eating baby... Vegetables and that nation of rabbits." Another skritch was given to the rabbit in her lap, both eyes turned down to the little thing," Aren't you just cute."

"I can be that nice Guy?" He waits for the pun to settle before continuing... With anger to Mr Fluffy being petted more than he. "Damn it Mr Fluffy! Stop being such a rabbit-whore!" The rabbit just basked in the petting, in fact, Mr Fluffy fell asleep. "I heard you like Evil Guys, Chase."

"I think she may marry y'rabbit." Chase brought her piping mug to her lips, sipping as if it were iced water. She was accustomed to intense heat. "Who'd y'hear that from, Guy?" Playing coy was her best tease. The best part was that she failed at playing coy. She tried, and enjoyed the failure. Men seemed to enjoy that, too.

"Some Guy." Pun... Wait. And go: "Quite handsome he was... And, yes... I would allow a marriage of Mr Fluffy to Scully, but I don't think she is into... The small furry types." Snicker, snicker.

A small snicker left her at Guy's burst towards Mr. Fluffy. Golden eyes turned to Guy," You did sit on favorite wife number two." A jest and tease if there ever was one. Another small skritch was given to the bunny, nails doing a good job at skritching very well. She blinked," Umm... i like Mr. Fluffy, but not in that waaaayyy..."

Chase chuckled, taking yet another sip of hot cider. "Sure Scully. Y'don't gotta say such things just'a save face. Y'aint got nothin' to prove to me." Smiling fondly to her friend, she again looked up to Guy. "And where have you been hiding, anyway?"

"Good, because Mr Fluffy is far more evil and far more powerful than you could possibly imagine, woman - damn, is it hot in here or is it just me?" Seriously. The hood and cloak was not helping his situation being - kind of - between two beautiful women. "Me? Hiding." Quite vague for Guy. "Why?"

"Well, where have y'been?" She rephrased. "I think it's just you, Guy."

A small face was made to Scully," Hey now... Who's number one in this room?" A coy grin followed her words. She lifted up Mr. Fluffy and set him back on Guy's head before stating to her best friend," I have to get going... Sadly. I have to get cleaned up for another night at work, but this has been fun."

"Aw, alright darlin'." She nodded softly, grinning a storm. "We got the gifts pinned down, at least. I'll be sure to bring somethin' to munch on for the party. Happy workin'."

Guy frowned, "Don't go, Number 1! I haven't finished making you mine, yet!"

"Joyous workin." Scully corrected with a nod of understanding to what Chase had said. Both golden orbs fixed on Guy and she smirked," I'm sure you'll have other chances.."

"Be dog wide, dove."

Grin. "Bye, bye, Number 1 wife."

"Y'surpassed me in under a night. Y'got style. I'll see ya around."

"And moxy. I like moxy. Whatever that is!" He tilted his head.

"Less than a night, a matter of moments." A small grin was given to Chase and then to Guy," Bye bye unsuspecting evil husband o' mine." A small tease before she padded, slippers and all, for the door. Would you look at that, her PJ pants even had a fuzzy cotton puff for a tail on them.

His eyes widen, "I'm... In lust with that woman!" Guy cackled, "Haaaa haaa haaa! Fluffy bunny slippers..." One would suspect he was drooling under that hood.

"I knew y'would be. She's a good mate'a mine." Proudly, she smirked into her cider mug. "Don't you stalk her, now. She's got a sweet fella. One'a the best." Nodnod.

His smile fades, and his voice grows cold. "I talk you, and you alone. I watch you, when you don't know it, Chase. But do I ever reveal myself? Hardly." That, was kinda creepy just then. "Of course. I'm too busy these days to come visit you."

"Did you enjoy the show a few months ago, then? Or was it not enough to compel you to step in.." Her own icicles were razor shaped, and aimed wisely.

"How was that, I wonder?"

"You're not my woman." He coldly he whispered, "And it wasn't a show as much as it was a masacre of beauty."

"And you enjoy massacres. I almost forgot." Chase heaved a sigh, and sipped more of her hot cider. It was almost lukewarm.

"You wanted me to stop it?" Guy muttered.

"It would have been nice. Might've spared me some grief." She shrugged. "I may play with fire, but it's no fun if it's done that way. And I bet you're about to say that it's my consequence for preferring to play dangerously. If so, spare me." She finally set the mug down, finding no solace in the sweet contents. The subject placed her in a sour mood. "Nevermind. What's done is done."

"Did you think about me at all?" Guy questioned. He was full of thos right now. Anymore and he'd question his own sanity if he dipped into riddles next. "You could had called out my name and I would had been there." He sensed her mood, and he pulled back his hood, his eyes half lidded, looking more than pitful. "Don't presume I would lecture you."

"Back then, I thought about a lot of things. You were one of them. But, I confess, most of it was affixed on my wounds. I was scared." Chase frowned, shaking her head. The hand on his thigh went to her forehead. "So you sat. And watched.. I hope I at least kept you on the edge of your seat." Hands combed through her colored dreadlocks slowly, out of habit.

"I did not sit and watch." He growled, grasping her hand that ran through her hair quite roughly. His amber eyes, glowing a bright yellow, "Do not ever speak as if I don't care, woman!" Guy, in his rare moments, showed true anger. "Talking like I enjoyed it; don't be such a fool! I was furious!"

Her wrist was snatched, and clutched. Now, Guy had her strict attention. "And what did you do? Tell me. You're not a bottle I have to rub, nor a genie I can summon. Enlighten me. What did you do?" She spoke in a monotone, as she was subdued.

His teeth bared fangs, "How dare you speak to me like that!" The rabbit on his head squeaked in alarm, "And what of your lover?! Does he have the power to look after you like I do? No! I have no right to step in." He pulled her close.

She was made silent. Solidly, she remained quiet. Yet, her tongue could not stay bitten for too long. It was not her creed. "My life is a contract, then. Something you must sign the dotted line to protect, is it?" Not that they weren't close enough, now they were closer. "I understand." She was out of line, as was he.


(Chase, Scully, and Guy mun live rp.)

Brandon leaned over her, gently kissing the very tip of her pert nose as his hand caressed the rainbow locks onto the pillow. "Sleep well, baby."

He then got up from the bed and quietly got dressed.

It wasn't uncommon for him to tiptoe around the bedroom. There had been many pre-dawn hours spent getting ready for work while attempting to be quiet. He had it down to an art form, by now.

He had spent the next few hours out in the Market, doing the last of his Christmas shopping. The crew already had their gifts and the messages of a Merry Christmas from him two days prior. So it was for Skulls, Shane and Chase that he made his purchases. He didn't know Skulls all that well, so he bought her a simple art kit with colored pencils, markers, oil and water paints, and a thick sketch book.

If she wasn't an artist, maybe she'd make good use of it somehow. For Shane he picked up a bottle of fifty year old Irish wihskey. He knew the Irishman could drink him under the table at any given time. And good whiskey was hard to come by in Rhydin.

And for Chase, a delicate gold chain necklace with a diamond encrusted love's embrace pendant that dangled from it. His purchases were packaged in the brightest colors the present wrapper could muster, all with bright satin bows.

When he returned home, face flushed with the cold, he stowed the gifts away in the front closet before shedding his parka and slowly striding into the kitchen. The apartment was quiet, Chase was still asleep.

He sipped a cup of hot chocolate, sitting on a kitchen stool. The hour grew late and he was tired. Instead of waking her from her sleep, Brandon merely kicked off his shoes and stripped down to his boxers. Then he crawled into bed beside her. Pulling her to his chest, in a spoon like fashion, he sighed contently as eyes closed and he fell into a deep sleep.

With those massive hours of sleep and rest, she herself was an early riser. She was up before noon, which was early for her. At the meager hour of 10, she was up and happily refreshed. She realized she had slept away christmas eve.

The matter was laughable. She sat up and looked out the window. It was Christmas Morning, and she was spending it with someone special. She didn't need a single gift under any tree for her to enjoy this day. She wasn't exactly of any religion. She just was and wasn't. Like the typical Gypsy she was raised to be.

Brandon had woken when Chase did, and the excitement of Christmas morning was not lost upon him. His smile grew, and he bounded from the bed. "Merry Christmas!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs, with a ring of laughter. "Merry Christmas!"

So rarely did he allow himself the child-like part of him to show, it was a rare sight, indeed, to see him rushing from one room to the next. "Where is it? I know you've hidden it somewhere?" He rushed back into the bedroom, and plopped down onto the bed.

"Where'd you hide it? I know it's here somewhere!" He grinned, blue eyes bright with excitment and anticipation.

Chase brought an elbow to her knee, propping a palm to rest her cheek upon as he raced off. Brightly, she laughed on as she remained quiet so as not to shatter this moment of his childhood bright to bloom. "Y'can't smell it?" She teased, finally getting out of bed herself. It didn't matter that she slept in jeans. Chase was one who didn't let such trivialties rule her. It was just one with the way. She couldn't help but giggle and allow him his fun.

"What're y'lookin' for handsome?"

He sniffed the air and then shook his head. "Nope, can't smell it. Where's my present?" He bounced on the bed, grinning like a baboon. He jumped up from the bed and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Tell me, where is it?"

His head bent so that he could blow warm air across her ear. "You know you want to give it to me. You've been wanting to give it to me all along. You're just a lot stronger than I have been." He was referring to his twelve days of Christmas gifts that he'd showered upon her.

While there were no pipers piping or lords a-leaping, nor any partridges or pear trees, there had been plenty of other gifts. Some large, some tiny, but all given with the same amount of childish enthusiasm.

"Oh!" She brightened as if lightning of enlightenment. "So y'mean.." She drifted off, her hands burst open with a small box. Brandon the king of gift giving would recognize the style of box to jewelry.

Smiling broadly, there was a minor amount of composure that kept her from presenting it the way she wished to. Then again, she really didn't plan that far ahead. "It was a pain in the neck to figure out the minor details. From me to you. Santa and I are close friends."

"I mean..." his voice trailed off as hers did and he bounced on the bed once again. The small box was produced between her magical hands and his smile grew impossibly wide. "Oh, Chase." He took the box from her tiny, bird like hands, and kissed her cheek in the process.

His hands shook in anticipation and he nearly dropped the tiny box. Fumbling with it, he caught it before it hit the floor. Bringing it up, there was a tearing of paper. He abandoned the brightly colored paper to the floor and carefully opened the box with his fingertips, eyes growing wide.

She wished she had recorded his reaction. It was better than she even hoped. "Just returning the favor. A promise ring.." Shrugging a little, she peered at him as inspected the ring. "I had to borrow a few spells to figure out your ring size without having you find out.." She nodded slowly as he held the box.

"Don't think I forgot our wager. This is just a token of how I'm serious. And how I love you." Chase nodded. "I couldn't think of anything else that y'didn't already have. And it seemed right for me to even the score.." Whether he was even listening was guessable. But either way, she could tell that he liked it. It was designed for a masculine hand to wield, but had the flash of elegance that meant a promise.

As he took the ring from it's velvety resting space in the box, he held it up and inspected it closely. He heard every word she said and when she finished, he slipped it onto the fourth finger of his right hand. The wide, golden band twinkled softly in the light of the room, the dark, ebony stone within it shone dully.

He reached up, with his right hand and curled his palm along her jaw, fingers resting in her hair. He was speechless. Opening and closing his mouth like a gaping carp, no sound emerged. Instead, he moved forward, to close the gap between them, quickly. His heart raced and felt like it were about to explode.

His left hand cupped her cheek so that he held her face between his palms. Staring deeply into her eyes, his lip quivered as a tear trekked down his ruddy jaw. It got trapped in the stubble that grew there. Tenderly, softly, and with all of the restraint he could muster, he kissed her, then.

Unable to refrain from soft laughters mixed with that patient smile of adoration, she stared deep into his eyes. He was reduced to this, and it was more than she could hope for. It was better than fireworks. "I am glad y'like it."

If only he knew how many hours she went bouncing back and forth with rings. The size was easy to nab, but which? She was particular. Choosy.

A jeweler's worst nightmare.

The one she choose was one of a million. And that wasn't very far from the truth at all. "I wasn't creative enough to figure out gifts for this whole month. Or even more'n one. Forgive me?" Jokingly, she snorted, shrugging a bit.

He laughed at her words and flung his arms around her, tightly. Sliding off of the bed, he lay his head in her lap and sighed contently. "Nothing to forgive, baby, nothing at all. I couldn't be happier with anything else." He squeezed her waist tightly and pressed his ear to her thigh. "I love you, Chase. I do."

He continued to hold her tightly, and finally lifted his head to look up into her smiling face. "A promise." He grinned and held up his hand with the ring upon it. "Now I've got you where I want you!" he teased and leaned upwards to kiss her gently. "And you've got me."

All of a sudden, he reminded her of a pinpall zooming about every range of her body. Chase smiled. The boyishness didn't fade a bit, which was a relief to her. Since promise rings were pretty grown up things to have in the moment. At his kiss, she smiled and nodded afterward with a bright smile. "We're even." As her cherry on top, she smiled at him with her own soft nod. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas." his voice echoed hers and he rose from his kneel before her. "I've one more gift for you."

He took her hand, tugging gently. His ring clinked against hers and he smiled happily. Leading her through the penthouse, he finally stopped in front of the closet where he'd stowed her final present. Reaching upwards and in, he grasped the long, thin box, and held it out to her.

"Merry Christmas, baby."

She was lead like a lost child through a place she pretended not to know by the boy that could hardly contain his smiles. Upon arrival of the closet, she took the box. It was as if the box were the present, the glance she gave to him. She opened the thin box.

By the size of the box, she could tell it was jewelry. Smiling as she opened the box, fingers trailed down the impeccable chain. She was mesmerized, to say the least. "It's flawless." She nodded.

Where she would wear it, or when was it's own quiet question. Chase would cross that bridge later. Jewelry wasn't meant to be practical, but symbolic. That was taken into close note, while bringing her lips to kiss that cheek it is.

"It is tip top, my sweet!" Sincerely, she eyeballed the diamond inside with her own private awe. After, she carefully set it down on the box. How much did this sweet nothing cost? Those questions were silly to think about, but she did whenever these presents came along. Doubtlessly, it was a lovely Christmas.

It's early. Not painfully early, but early. Shane was still asleep beside her in his boxers, one arm over her and him laying on his stomache, his other hand hanging over the side of the bed. Maybe Skulls had opened the door later that night, or he had, but somehow Gauge and molly had come into the room later that night and were dead weight at the foot of the bed. Sometimes they whimpered to their little puppy dreams. Shane's dark auburn hair in messy leaves down, almost hiding his eyes. *

Nestled besides him in her own set of underwear was none other than Scully. Pink hair draped over her own face and rather messy. She had wrapped her arms around his torso, holding him tightly to her body. Her body would wriggle and wiggle from time to time so that she could keep close to his warmth. The two dead weights at the foot of the bed had one plus in the middle of the night, they kept Scully's feet warm so that Shane didn't have to suffer with icy feet. Never the less, the woman slept on, too content to do much other than that.

Women generated cold feet as a means to test their lover's conviction. It was a little known fact that womankind wouldn't openly admit to. It was in the gentle moment like this that the small shuffling of Gauge at the foot of the bed woke him up. The bed was a disorienting place in the morning, these days. It was now full of many lumps of warm flesh and where one person was and the other ended was hazy, at best. What was that? Oh, dog. Oh, another dog. Skulls. It kinda reminded him of home, with three of them piled into one bed. He adjusted to roll on his back, pulling the sheet up and looking to see if Skulls was beginning to stir on her own or if he needed to start prodding her. *

His movement had roused her, no worries at all. She stretched ever so slightly, hoping not to wake him while her body wriggled besides him. When he rolled on his back however, all bets were off. She knew he was awake, so her head simply moved to rest upon his chest. A small kiss was given there before she managed a sleepy whisper," Good morning Shane." It was little moments like this that Scully enjoyed the most out of her day. Waking with Shane was just about as high up on the list as going to bed with Shane.

"Wrong." He said with his eyes still closed, "Merry Christmas." Enforced. Lids cracked open and his smile grew on his lips and he craned his neck down to kiss her on the forehead. One of his hands rubbed at the chill on the outside of her upper arm. *

"Mmm, oh yes... Merry Christmas indeed." She giggled, her fingers began to trail along his chest a bit," Should have put the christmas presents here besides the bed and not out in the other room. It is just us after all." She turned her face up so she could give a smile filled kiss to his chin.

"Nah, you can't destroy Christmas." Shane held it very sacred. It was the major holiday his family celebrated. Birthdays weren't all that special, it was more of getting a special meal and maybe not going to work. Other than that, it was Christmas that he and his siblings got gifts and a day off to rough house and give each other trouble. So the rituals of it were important to him. He grined, gave her a one armed squeeze and rolled out of bed. Jesus if it wasn't cold! he grabbed his robe and pulled it on shortly, looking for her to join him, "I'll get a fire started, kay?" *

"Kay. I'll be out in just a sec." She answered as she moved to get her own robe on. Soon as she had done that she paused to fix her hair a bit and think, making sure she had put his presents under the tree. Ah, but there was one more thing she had maneged to space. She snapped and moved to her part of the dresser, plucking out a small wrapped book. She didn't know if it would help, but this book was for him to take notes when he was interviewing or even a diary for him to use if he wanted. She didn't care how he used it, so long as it was a gift he would enjoy.

He crossed over to the kitchen to get the coffee started and then went to the coat closet where he withdrew some wrapped gifts and smiled over at her. The tilt of his head signaled her to join him as he set the gifts under the tree and kneeled by his small fireplace to get it started up.

Bare feet pushed her along after him, a dreamy smile forming upon her lips. When she was at the couch, she slid down into it and tilted her head," Are you playing Santa today dear?" Both lips parted in a toothy smirk, because, well, Scully could make anything dirty when she wanted to and at that current point, it crossed her mind. She tilted her head to the side a little bit," What did you get Chase and Brandon for Christmas?"

"You're gonna have to wait and see about that," he warned her. What was it with people wanting to know about all the presents? He felt like a Russian spy instead of Santa. he took one of her gifts and one of his to open. The first gift for her was a fun one, a funky lime-green wig that was shoulder length and the ends of it turning up. Shane chuckled when she opened it and shrugged, "I thought it might be like... I dunno," and moved to open his gift. *

She laughed when her wig was opened, even placed it on her head. She fluffed it a bit and smiled to him," Is it my color at least?" She teased. The gift he was opening at the moment, just so happened to be the pin for his note book that she had yet to hide under the tree. It was still in her pocket awaiting the chance," It's an everlasting. Won't run out of ink and writes on anything... At least that's what the box said."

"Won't run out of ink so long as I don't vampire it up and outlast it," he chuckled, eying it and then smiling at her, "I hope I don't lose it. Wish it had one of those chain things attached to it, you know?" and he leaned over to kiss her on the cheek, "Hopefully it will last around me." and then he handed her one of the other boxes to open, Upon tearing away the red paper there was, nestled in the tissue paper, a leather collar with an engraved name, Molly, and his address underneath on a bright pink license tag. He chuckled and reached over to tap at it, "See? It's adjustable and everything for her. It's got her name sewn on the collar, too," and he was right, Molly was sewn into the collar. *

At the sight of the collar she stared in amazement. Both lips parted in what looked like a gasp to turn to glance towards him. She gave a small kiss to his cheek and chuckled softly," You spoil her and you make a fuss about her all the time." She looked over the collar again while she leaned forwards. She scooped up the present for Gauge next. It was a mobile squirl, one that would run around the house or yard to entertain him, the best part, was it never climbed up trees.
"Well, she is still part of the family," Shane wasn't ready yet to openly admit to liking Molly. He'd rather whine about her than to say that the little pup had grown on him. When he saw the squirrel for Gauge he shook his head and half grinned, "This is gonna make him act bonkers in the house!" *

Scully giggled softly, somewhat proud of her gift. Her fingers traced at his sides for a moment when she nestled into him closely," It just means he'll not be getting into trouble only outside of the house. I'm bringing the trouble into the house." A light tease was given to him at that moment.

"Yea, you have fun paying for the consequences," he chuckled, kissed the top of her head and untangled himself to lean forward, draw up one more wrapped item and grin at her, "And this one is for the Christmas party later with Chase and Brandon. Gotta save one for you to open around them." *

She nodded, pointing to two of the three remaining labled for him," Those two are for you to open now, rather than later, because I don't want Brandon and Chase seeing one of them and the other will just.. I unno... I just want you to open it since you've seen the pen already."

"Okay," he chuckled and he reached over to open up. One was the book she had got him for him to write down his interviews for. Though he wasn't sure of it, he studied the item and turned it over, gaze going back to her, "A diary?" Shane did a lot of writing but he seemed to have a knack for avoiding anything autobiographical. *

Her head shook a bit while she smiled to him," It's to log your interviews." She pointed to the package with his kinky gift for her to wear. She wasn't even sure he was into that kind of thing, but it was worth a shot to see. Scully shifted to murmur to him," It's so you can have something on hand here or out there.

"Oh yea?" He smiled at her, "My clipboard and run-away papers driving you crazy, huh?" and he leaned in to kiss her thank you on the cheek, flipping the pages to re-examine the gift with its now understood purpose. Well, the clipboard was messy, he looked half like a lunatic with the way he was losing things here or there and always hoping for good paper and wondering where some of his notes went. This would keep his mind concentrated, no doubt. The other present upon opening it he chuckled, blushing slightly before looking at her, "I certainly hope you intend to wear this." *

The kiss to her cheek had her grinning like a cheshire kitten. That grin only grew when she watched him opening the present for him. Both brows waggled while she giggled lightly," You know it hon. I was gonna wear it tonight if you wanted." She snickered softly, giving his cheek a kiss and shifting up on her feet," Do you want some coffee or tea? Anything? What about some breakfast?"

"Oh yea?" Shane chuckled and set the small thing back down in the box and kissed her one more time, "Nice." and when she got to her feet he yawned away some of the tired mornign feeling which had started to creep up, "Yea, I started coffee earlier so I'm sure it's ready now." and he twisted to check on the fireplace. *

Scully leaned down and gave a small kiss to his lips, her smile growing with his words. She started towards the fridge first, pulling out a can of soda and then filling a mug with coffee just the way Shane liked it. She turned to look over her shoulder at him." Hungry?"

"Eh, not yet. Not really. Still kinda waking up and gettin the day in order in my head. Say," he moved to sit into the corner seat of the couch to get a view of her from the livingroom, "When is it that Brandon and Chase are supposin' to come by?" *

"Some time in the afternoon." She answered on approach. Once she was besides him she offered him his coffee and smiled to him softly," Just the way you like it hon." Her body nestled into his and she opened her soda," Mmm, caffine."

"Thanks," Shane took a lot of cream with his coffee. He wasn't so much someone to pour sugar into it so much as turn it into a coffee milkshake. When she opened a soda he wrinkled his nose at her, "Yuk. Too early for that!" and after a steady swallow of his drink he set it down on the coffee table, "Thank you for this christmas gifts, they were great." *

Smiling at his complaint she mused," I'm not one for coffee... So soda is my pick me up in the morning." She teased him playfully, her body wriggling back against his and into his warmth," Welcome dear. I like mine too." Just for proof's sake she fluffed her green hair. She turned to look in his eyes," Anything for my Irish man."

He chuckled when she did so and tilted his head so that his lips traces, just so, the cresent arch of her throat. Then eyebrows arched up and he smiled, "Your next gift isn't so... I guess fluffy or anything. More of a serious gift," and he made a playfully serious look to show it.


She looked up at the face and started to laugh with mirth. Her head shook wildly and she sighed out," You always know just what to do to make me smile." Slowly an arm wrapped around him," Your last gift is a good one too."

"Smiling is you know... what it's all about." and he stretched, reached for his drink and took another swallow, "I guess we should start getting everything up and ready then, huh? I'll go ahead and take Gauge and Molly out for their business while you get to it." And he kissed her again, warmly on the lips the way a man does when he wishes there was more spare time in the morning. *

That small kiss was returned with her own, warm and fond kiss. She understood that meaning all to well and nodded to him softly," Sounds like we should. Alright then. I'll get the food started." Slowly she rose up, starting for the kitchen with a blissful hum.