Chapter One: A Gundam Scrooge

Snow fell upon the streets of the city. Children ran through the snow, crying out in joy. Their parents followed, smiling and talking about the holiday coming the following day. It was the best of holidays. It was Christmas.

Everyone was enjoying this time of year. The time when family and friends came together. The time when people bought gifts for each other. The time when people held parties, to celebrate the best of days. Yes, everyone was enjoying this time of year.

Everyone, except one.

Herro Yuey now sat in his apartment, typing away at his laptop. Many people saw this as strange. It had been two years since the Great War, one year since the war with Marimaya. And yet, Herro worked as if a war was still going on.

He was also trying to ignore the outside world. Herro never really liked Christmas. Maybe it was because he never understood the holiday. But who could, if they were raised to be the perfect soldier.

" A waste of time and money." He muttered. "When people could be doing something useful, like their jobs." Herro became irritated as he thought more and more about the holiday. " Everyone is getting off work for Christmas." He said. " Wufei and the other Preventors are getting off. Lucrezia and Milliardo are coming back from the Terra-Forming Project, just to celebrate on their home planet. Even that darn woman is getting off from her peace-keeping ways to celebrate Christmas." But, at that mention, Herro stopped typing. He sat still for a moment, then looked up at the ceiling. " Relena…" he sighed.

The name sent a chill up his spine, like nothing else did. He wouldn't admit it, but over the years, he had fallen in love with the Vice Foreign Minister. Her long hair, her strong will, her beautiful voice, he loved them all. But, unfortunately, he couldn't tell her. This was because of two reasons. First, he thought telling her he loved her made him look weak. And, there was the reason he would only tell a dead man. He was afraid. Afraid she wouldn't feel the same way.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on his door. He got up, walked to the door, and opened it. He was surprised. He now stood face to face with Relena. " Merry Christmas, Herro." Relena greeted. " Hello, Relena." Herro replied, making sure not to give the same greeting. " Why are you here?" " To visit." Relena said. " And to give you this." She then handed him a small, white envelope, with his name on it. " What is it?" Herro asked. " An invitation, silly!" Relena said. " You're invited to my Christmas party." Herro raised an eyebrow. " Christmas party?" Herro asked. " Yes." Relena said. " It's a private party. I'm holding it for you, the other Gundam Pilots, and their loved ones. We'd love it if you'd come." A disgusted look came over Herro's face, as he turned away. " I can't come."

Relena looked shocked. " Why ever not?" she asked. " I'm busy." Herro said. " That can't be!" Relena argued. " Surely you don't have a job that makes you work on Christmas."

By this time, Relena had walked into Herro's apartment, not letting him stop her. Then, she saw the laptop. " Herro Yuey." Relena scolded. "Two years since the Great War, one year since the war with Marimaya, and you still work like you're in a war. All of this is useless." She then closed the laptop, shutting it down, which made Herro very angry.

" Herro," Relena said, " You need to get on with your life. The wars are over. You don't need to live like this anymore."

" Don't you tell me how to live!" Herro snapped. " And for one thing, I don't want to go to a stupid party, especially if it's for celebrating such a stupid holiday! If you ask me, Christmas is a waste of time and money, when people could be doing something useful. Instead, they get off work to be with their loved ones. It's stupid! Why, I'll kiss your brother before I go to a party for such a stupid holiday, let alone celebrate it!"

For a moment, Relena was silent. Then, a look of anger came over her face. " Fine then!" she said angrily. " Stay here. Don't come to the party, or even celebrate Christmas! You can sulk in your bitterness for all I care!" She then stormed to the door. But, as she opened it, she turned around and shouted, " And if you ask me, you're no different than Ebenezer Scrooge!" She then ran out, slamming the door.

For a moment, Herro felt sorry for making Relena mad, but soon brushed it away. He then turned his laptop back on and continued typing. But, his eyes kept wondering to the invitation. But, he quickly looked back at his laptop. But, curiosity got the better of him, as he finally opened the envelope. Inside was a card. On the front was a beautiful Christmas tree. As he opened the card, he saw there was writing inside. It said, " Please come to Miss Relena Peacecraft's 'Thank You Gundams' Christmas party!" Further reading said that the party was on Christmas Day, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It consisted of a Christmas breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It would also have games, music, and dancing. Now, Herro tossed the invitation away and continued typing.

Herro worked late into the night, until about 11:30. He then shut down his laptop and took a shower. Afterward, he got on his pajamas and got into his bed. But, before he went to sleep, he mumbled, " Christmas. Baahhh!" He then went to sleep.