C is for Christmas

~ Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

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"Look, Papa! It's snowy!" Freia sprinted excitedly to him, almost tripping herself along the way.

"It's 'snowing', Freai. Not snowy," Athrun chuckled as he heaved his daughter up, into his arms. The girl was getting too big for him to hold her like this for much longer. "I see it," he said and grinned as he looked upwards towards the breath-taking night sky.

From the corner of his eyes, he sensed Lacus stepped next to him, balancing their younger daughter, Aeryn, on one hip. Now all four pair of eyes were staring to the sky, watching the stars and falling crystal-like snow.

Athrun's heart sang in silent blissful content. He kissed Lacus's cheek lightly and wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her close against his side. Could life get any better?

"Papa," Freai's voice broke the comfortable silence. "I want a puppy for Christmas!"

His surprised coughs almost made Athrun drop the girl. "Um..." He looked at Lacus.

Lacus stared back, smiling. "Sweetie, having a puppy needs a lot of responsibility. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Tears glittered in the little one's pleading green eyes.

Athrun sighed. This was the one thing he is still learning; how to face those broken-hearted tears from one of their daughters. "Um, don't worry sweetie. Papa can help you with the puppy." he said. "But you have to promise me, you must take care of the puppy carefully so that it can grow up to be a healthy dog. All right?"

Freai nodded enthusiastically and immediately wrapped her small arms around his neck in a strangle hold.

"Athrun Zala! That girl has you wrapped around her little finger," Lacus said, but her voice sounded affectionate, not really scolding. She glanced down at little Aeryn in her arms. "Both of them do."

Athrun leaned over and kissed Lacus's cheek. "All three of them do."

"Papa?" Now Aeryn was tugging on his sleeve.

"Yes, little one?"

"I want baby," Aeryn demanded.

Lacus's groan made Athrun chuckle. "You want a puppy too?" he repeated.

Aeryn slowly shook her head.

"Then what?" For Athrun, it was often easier to understand Freia's needs and interests than that of his younger daughter. Never had he seen two siblings more different to each other.

Freai rolled her eyes. "She wants a baby sister because I think it's boring to play with her."

Heat shot up Athrun's neck and suffused his cheeks. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and sent Lacus a helpless gaze.

Now Lacus, equally red-faced, was the one who chuckled. "That's what you get for spoiling them. Now try to talk your way out of this."

"Thanks, honey." Athrun mumbled. He looked over into Aeryn's sea-blue eyes that were watching him expectantly. "Um... how about a kitten?"

Lacus laughed so loudly at her dear's husband statement.

"Papa! Mama!" Freia pointed to the sky. "Look! Shooting stars!"

"Wow…" Aeryn looked towards the direction Freia pointed at, in awe of the beautiful sight. Thankfully, she seemed to have forgotten all about her wish for a baby sister — at least for now.

Phew. Athrun wiped his brow. That was…unexpected and shocking.

"Hey," Lacus whispered into his ear. "Don't look so worried. You think either of us could survive a third little one like this two? Let's try raising these two without going crazy, all right?"

Athrun turned, pressed his lips upon hers in a short but sensual kiss, and promised, "I'll give it my best."

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(Re-titled this fic as Alphabets. It's kinda like one of those 100 fanfics challenge but instead of using fandoms...I'm using alphabets instead. Hope all you AxL fans enjoy this fic. Merry Christmas 2011. Spread the joy.)