Deck the halls with props of holly

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

Roll the ancient aileron pedals

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

"Oh, stop it," Maru blurted out. He was trying to stack and sort cans.

"Aww, don't quiet his singing," Dipper pleaded.

Blackout replied, "Thanks. Now… what was I doing?"

"Precisely," Maru replied. "Is the tree up at the lodge?"

"It sure is," Dipper responded. "Have you seen it? It's the most lit up place in the park!"

"Um."

"Oh hey, when are we handing out our gifts? I bought something real cute for my little dust muffin…." Dipper began to talk with herself and she rolled off into the hangar.

"Where is Blade?" Dynamite asked. "He's gonna miss the party down at the lodge."

"I DON'T KNOW!" Avalanche boomed.

"Blade always goes to his own hangar for Christmas." Maru went back to sorting oil cans.

Cabbie, who was resting outside, commented, "He isn't in his hangar, Maru. I saw him go flying out to the hills. Think he's at the farthest corner of the park."

"Oh for crying out loud!" Maru said.

"Look. The party is starting," Windlifter commented. "We should head down."

Maru stayed behind and watched as the others went to the party. He wasn't quite in the mood. He picked up the gift he had wrapped and went down the hill to the park and took one of the lesser used trails. He knew where Blade had gone; there was a pretty hot pool in the west corner of the park, the farthest corner.

It was nightfall and snow was falling slightly as Maru reached his destination. His treads hurt but he knew he was nearing the area when he saw the steam rising from the hot pool. He passed several grazing tractors on his way up and smiled at them.

"Hello, Blade. Merry Christmas!" Maru approached the helicopter.

"You're not going down to the party?"

"Nah. I just wanted to give you this gift."

Blade turned around, shaking slightly. His eyes were slightly red; ice was frozen around them. He had been crying.

"Blade?"

"It's nothing, Maru."

"Come on, ol' buddy, ol' pal."

The helicopter shook and emitted a wailing gasp.

"Great taildragger, I miss him! Every Christmas without my 'partner' is only colder than the last. Even these blasted fires can't melt the cold I feel. Maru, I thought this year would be the year, where I wouldn't… wouldn't cry."

"Aww, it's okay to cry sometimes," Maru replied. "Here, I brought you a gift. Might make you feel better."

"I thought about it, Maru. I've always thought about it."

"Thought about what?"

"You know. You've always known."

Maru's expression hardened. "Yes. But none of us would be the same if something were to happen. A permanent landing for a temporary flight. You'll be okay, buddy. The pain doesn't last forever, no matter how long it may seem."

Blade was still silently weeping, but he opened the gift with his mouth. It was a little Dusty mug, one where the prop spun if you poured something hot into it. Within minutes, hot tears had the little prop going. Maru felt bad for his friend.

"You know he's up there, somewhere," Maru said. "No helipad can keep you forever."

"I feel a little better, Maru," Blade muttered. "Let's head back to the hangar."

"How about the party?"

Blade gave Maru a sharp glance.

"Sorry," the forklift replied.

Then, Blade broke out into a wide grin. "Maybe there will be hot cider to fill this mug. Let's head on down. Merry Christmas, Maru."