John wasn't lying when he said he hadn't gotten Rogue anything for Christmas, but he could've added on a yet. He couldn't figure out what to get her. He know what she wanted, there was a pair of nice leather gloves but he didn't think that was appropiate. Why the hell was he thinking so hard about a gift anyways? It didn't require this much thought. Go out, buy something nice, wrap it. Big deal. Oh God, he was going soft! There was no way she liked him like that anyways, and besides that she wasn't his type. Okay, yeah. He liked her, he could admit it. There was something challenging, sexy, about a girl who couldn't touch. Especially one that looked like that. Why did she have to look like that? It wasn't fair. Any guy would love to... Not going there. He'd either need to hit someone or a cold shower. Neither one isn't good in the middle of the school hallways. What are you supposed to do when you like a girl you can't touch, who probably doesn't like you that way, and wouldn't date you anyways 'cuz she'd feel guilty you couldn't even kiss and you just can't seem to get her out of your head or your dreams anbd you really want to get her into... Save that thought for later. He had to get her something. Something personal, platonic? Both? Too many options, that was the problem. He'd go to the mall and just look around. Maybe something would jump out.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

John was headed downstairs by himself. Bobby was 'waking up Kitty' just like he did every morning for about an hour. John had finally found something to give Rogue. Two somethings, actually. One for under the tree and one he'd give her himself, in private. The 'public' gift had probably made him more happy then it would make her but it was worth the slap he knew he'd get. He'd probably give her the other gift just after dinner, he couldn't wait to see her face when she opened it. For now he just hoped that she didn't hit him too hard when she opened the 'public' gift.

The rec room was covered in multi-colored wrapping paper and Christmas decor. People had split into small groups toi exchange presents. Bobby was making his way across the room, back to Kitty, who was conveintly standing under the mistletoe, after giving Rogue and John their gifts - A key chain that said 'Burn, Baby, Burn' and the leather gloves she asked for. Rogue and John had camped out next to the door to the kitchen. She'd gotten him a wooden box decorated with flames, to keep his lighter 'collection' in, and a gift card for Zippos. Bobby had gotten his gift from Rogue last night, a box that he closed as soon as opening and refused to show John. She wouldn't tell him what it was either. He had just handed her gift, the public one, and she lifted off the lid and tissue paper. Slowly, so slowly, she looked up at him, silently demanding an explanation or excuse.

"Well?" he asked, thinking fast, "Are you going to try it on? I already know what it'll look like on you and I think it fits perfect, but you might want to double check."

SLAP!! Oww, same cheek twice in one week.

That Night

John walked Rogue back to her room after dinner and... Well, I'm going to leave them their privacy. I'll tell you this:

They went to bed aroung midnight, very happy. Kitty and Bobby were still out, a fact John tucked away for mocking purposes later. Rogue loved the private gift and when John did head back, he was walking a little shaky. Oh, by the way: She did try on her other gift, justn after he left, and it fit just as well as he thought.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

The End.